Case shows Ready status online, do I need to wait for invitation letter (Manila)

[anotheralex 0]

Hello, I received the K-1 FTP letter and my status online shows "Case Ready". Do I still need to wait for the embassy invitation letter or can I book my interview appointment without it? And do I need to bring it to the Interview or is just the K-1 FTP letter enough? This is for the embassy in Manila, Philippines.

 

Thanks

[Edward and Jaycel 934]

You do not need to wait. Manila sometimes does send the invitation letter, sometimes does not. You will need to bring the appointment confirmation letter to get into the embassy for your interview. Jaycel brought her K1-FTP letter with her just in case but was never asked for it. You will now have to book a separate biometrics appointment at the Visa Application Center (VAC) in Parañaque City to be done before your visa interview appointment. Schedule the medical exam for a couple of weeks before the interview

[anotheralex 0]

On 2/14/2025 at 11:58 AM, Edward and Jaycel said:

You do not need to wait. Manila sometimes does send the invitation letter, sometimes does not. You will need to bring the appointment confirmation letter to get into the embassy for your interview. Jaycel brought her K1-FTP letter with her just in case but was never asked for it. You will now have to book a separate biometrics appointment at the Visa Application Center (VAC) in Parañaque City to be done before your visa interview appointment. Schedule the medical exam for a couple of weeks before the interview

 

Thank you so much for your reply. This is very helpful. My lawyer was saying we need to wait but people were posting on social media that you do not.

 

In your experience, do you feel a lawyer is necessary for Adjustment of Status? Is it very complicated and are there any gotchas to be careful about? What are their primary concerns when reviewing an Adjustment of Status application?

 

Thanks again

[Edward and Jaycel 934]

11 minutes ago, anotheralex said:

 

Thank you so much for your reply. This is very helpful. My lawyer was saying we need to wait but people were posting on social media that you do not.

 

In your experience, do you feel a lawyer is necessary for Adjustment of Status? Is it very complicated and are there any gotchas to be careful about? What are their primary concerns when reviewing an Adjustment of Status application?

 

Thanks again

 

I'm glad to see you thinking about the AOS process now instead of waiting until after you guys get married here - It's good to prepare ahead for sure. I will say this though, right at this moment, I would devote your energies preparing for the interview. Make sure you have the I-134 ready, the proof of relationship evidence to bring as well as the civil documents needed. Once you get verbally approved for the visa and while waiting for it to be issued, then I would start to get ready for the AOS. At least that's the way Jaycel and I did it and we seem to be on a good path. We got her SSN issued, got married and filed the AOS all within about 80 days from when she arrived. We got her EAD approved 51 days from when we applied - So far so good