Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

[Psoas10 17]

Wow I sorry to hear about that. Glenn. I don't what I would do. But I have the recourse of going to her cousin and aunty house and ask for explanation. All i can do is pray for you and hope for the best.

[gracy_byron 0]

I don't know what happened here? I am in shock and a little intoxicated. My wife went for a bike ride this morning at 9:30am and never came back. All she took was her money, jewels and passport. I received an email from her cousin in the Philippines 8 hours later that said my wife is safe and for me to move on with my life. I am in shock. I married her in the Phils 18 months ago, she was here 1 day short of two months and she is gone. Day after day she said she was depressed and homesick. The only disagreement we had was yesterday. It was about her $1028.00 cell phone bill where she had been calling the Philippines at $3.00 a minute instead of using our landline international service.

I don't know if I have been used or what. I am just in shock and have nobody to talk with.

Glenn

Im sorry to hear your situation. Maybe she's just cooling off right now and will eventually come back home. You'll be in our prayers

[sbgwolf1 0]

Glenn,

I don't even know what to say. It sounds like since she got there, her focus has been back home. Unfortunately, it is hard to move forward when you look backwards. I wish I could give a magical solution, but I'm afraid this is something that is beyond my fixing.

What I would say, I don't believe that this is related to the phone bill. The fact that she is on the phone so much shows that there was a deep missing of or tie to home. I also wonder if the other end of those calls was 'influence' or 'pressure' because of a disapproval. I do not know and dont want to assume anything. If you get the chance, you two definately need to open up your communication. Running off isn't the answer. Often, it seems that filipinas can bottle up feelings and what you here is not the true problem. One of those situations where one thing is really hurting/upsetting them, and they don't open completely, so it causes other issues to appear bigger than they are. All you could ever do is be there for her.

Here is how WE handle home. I am not close to your situation, but I hope this helps. 1st, I get calling cards for her as needed. (no, not every day). I figure it comes to about $5 for 20-30 minutes and I get a few at a time. Another thing is she is sometimes on the cam with her sister (who goes to a cafe). The other thing that helps a lot is accessability. We had her brother/sisters use yahoo to register and log in the messenger for their phone. This way, they can text much cheaper because it is not an international text. The same for us, its local on our phones also. It isn't perfect, but at least the accessability is there...Plus you know they are used to everyone being a text message away. I know this doesn't help after the fact, but it MAY help if the situation changes.

For what its worth, I do not feel this is your fault at all. All we can do is give our all. It takes two people to make things work, with lots of patience and understanding.

As for the cousin, is she someone that will open up to you and share whats going on, or is she someone that is just a messenger that you are not close to? Did she in some way instigate this?

Just thoughts, not trying to make accusations.

Take care. You will be in our prayers.

S & T

[49BSTREET 0]

I don't know what happened here? I am in shock and a little intoxicated. My wife went for a bike ride this morning at 9:30am and never came back. All she took was her money, jewels and passport. I received an email from her cousin in the Philippines 8 hours later that said my wife is safe and for me to move on with my life. I am in shock. I married her in the Phils 18 months ago, she was here 1 day short of two months and she is gone. Day after day she said she was depressed and homesick. The only disagreement we had was yesterday. It was about her $1028.00 cell phone bill where she had been calling the Philippines at $3.00 a minute instead of using our landline international service.

I don't know if I have been used or what. I am just in shock and have nobody to talk with.

Glenn

Glenn, I'm so sorry to hear such bad news. I wish I was near you to give you a ear to talk to. Hang in there and things will get better. I'm praying for you to pull thru this strong and find your wife. I hope you can work this out and she comes back.

[joemaria 0]

I don't know what happened here? I am in shock and a little intoxicated. My wife went for a bike ride this morning at 9:30am and never came back. All she took was her money, jewels and passport. I received an email from her cousin in the Philippines 8 hours later that said my wife is safe and for me to move on with my life. I am in shock. I married her in the Phils 18 months ago, she was here 1 day short of two months and she is gone. Day after day she said she was depressed and homesick. The only disagreement we had was yesterday. It was about her $1028.00 cell phone bill where she had been calling the Philippines at $3.00 a minute instead of using our landline international service.

I don't know if I have been used or what. I am just in shock and have nobody to talk with.

Glenn

We are so sorry for what happened Glen.

Homesickness is sometimes hard to overcome especially when its your first time being away from your "home". She'll come back to you, dont worry. Hang on there,gradually she'll be emotionally and physically adjusted to her new environment and being a wifey to you. When she's back try to talk to her as much as possible it will also help her to feel secured and lessen the longiness she has. You will always be in our prayers

[Dean iWait 0]

Ok Ok! Tell me this is good. Like it means the embassy is almost ready to give the visa to Delbros. I think that's what it means. Looks like we won't need to try and ask for expedited visa or try to pick up after all. We just need it by 4/13 and enough time to get to CFO and we are on our way.

INFO DATE INFO DESCRIPTION

4/4/2007 1:02:05 PM SHIPMENT PROCESS IN THE EMBASSY

[sbgwolf1 0]

Dean,

Here is ours....It was recieved on the 13th......Very similar timelines, and my baby was in manila...Hope this gives you an idea.

2/12/2007 9:32:21 PM SHIPMENT RETURNED FOR POD

2/12/2007 7:30:38 AM SHIPMENT OUT FOR DELIVERY

2/12/2007 7:27:00 AM SHIPMENT BEING PREPARED FOR DELIVERY

2/9/2007 6:17:43 PM SHIPMENT RECEIVED AT DISTRIBUTION CENTER

2/9/2007 5:42:02 PM SHIPMENT IN PROCESS

2/9/2007 11:38:36 AM SHIPMENT RELEASED BY THE EMBASSY

2/5/2007 3:49:08 PM SHIPMENT PROCESS IN THE EMBASSY

Edited April 7, 2007 by sbgwolf1

[Robor007 0]

I replied with updated info regarding our case but I don't see it in the running list. It's in the old thread but everything is in my sig.

[jackieadam 0]

I don't know what happened here? I am in shock and a little intoxicated. My wife went for a bike ride this morning at 9:30am and never came back. All she took was her money, jewels and passport. I received an email from her cousin in the Philippines 8 hours later that said my wife is safe and for me to move on with my life. I am in shock. I married her in the Phils 18 months ago, she was here 1 day short of two months and she is gone. Day after day she said she was depressed and homesick. The only disagreement we had was yesterday. It was about her $1028.00 cell phone bill where she had been calling the Philippines at $3.00 a minute instead of using our landline international service.

I don't know if I have been used or what. I am just in shock and have nobody to talk with.

Glenn

Be strong Glenn. Probably Rosemarie just need time to reflect to the new life where she have chosen, in spending her life with you. It is really difficult to be away from what we used to be especially without the presence of our whole family by our side, adjustment disorder is what we usually experiencing.

There are some people who has a hard time to speak out to what he/she intend to express when all that she need is space for a moment.When she have that courage enough to patch up her difficulties, she will probably tell you honestly whatever such things she plans for your relationship. We hope the happiness for you both on your relationship. Raise everything to God, whatever you are going through by now. God bless you.

[AnneiyAndJacky 0]

Hi Anne!!I miss you in the chatroom.heheheh. goodluck sister we know you can make it. Your faith to God will grant you strength as well as confident to pass the interview. Goodluck sister.

I there Jackie How are u?! Did you get ur visa yet?! So when are u leaving?! Thank you sis hope we could chat soon!

[Jeff and Boo 0]

I don't know what happened here? I am in shock and a little intoxicated. My wife went for a bike ride this morning at 9:30am and never came back. All she took was her money, jewels and passport. I received an email from her cousin in the Philippines 8 hours later that said my wife is safe and for me to move on with my life. I am in shock. I married her in the Phils 18 months ago, she was here 1 day short of two months and she is gone. Day after day she said she was depressed and homesick. The only disagreement we had was yesterday. It was about her $1028.00 cell phone bill where she had been calling the Philippines at $3.00 a minute instead of using our landline international service.

I don't know if I have been used or what. I am just in shock and have nobody to talk with.

Glenn

Im sorry hear that Glen. I hope you will get a chance to talk again with rose and maybe try to open up and sort it out all the misunderstandings .. I suggest that you email also her cousin and find a way to talk to rose it shouldnt be that way. Running away is not an option to solve problem..Goodluck!

Boo

[Sheriff Uling 3]

Most frequently asked questions on the DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application:

Question # 22

Q. When do you intend to arrive in the U.S?

A. You may leave this blank (Specific travel plans should not be made until the visa is approved)

Question # 26

Q. How long do you intend to stay in the US?

A. (We answered…) INDIFINITELY

Question # 27

Q. What is the purpose of your trip?

A. (We answered…) To marry [petitioner's full name], fiancé(e), via a K1 Fiancée Visa within 90 day of arriving into the United States.

Question # 32

Q. Do you intend to Work in the US? (check box) Yes (check box) No

A. We checked... NO and wrote "NONE" in the available space below

Question # 33

Q. Do you intend to Study in the US? (check box) Yes (check box) No

A. We checked... NO and wrote "NONE" in the available space below

Question # 39

Q. Was your application prepared by another person on your behalf? (check box) Yes (check box) No

A. (We checked… NO) This question is for those who have legal representation.

Question # 40

Q. Application Prepared by:

A. (We wrote... NONE by Name, Relationship to Applicant, and Address) You may leave this section blank. This question is for those who have legal representation.

Most frequently asked questions on the DS-156K Nonimmigrant Finace(e) Visa Application:

There are no FAQs, but the bottom portion of this form is reserved for the Consular Officer (CO). DO NOT WRITE IN THAT SECTION UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO. NOTE: The pre-screeners at the U.S. Embassy (USE) will instruct the beneficiary to sign right before they meet with the CO for the visa interview. And that's OK. So don't worry.

Most frequently asked questions on the DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application:

Question # 18

Q. Have you make specific travel arrangements? (check box) Yes (check box) No

A. You should not have specific arrangments because it's not recommended to make your travel plans until the visa is issued. Check no and leave the space below blank.

Most frequently asked question on the I-134 Affidavit of Support form:

Question # 11

Q. That I (check box) intend (check box) do not intend to make specific contributions to the support of the person(s) named in item #3.

A: (We checked intend and wrote…) This affidavit of support accompanies a K1 Fiancée Visa application. (in the space below)

NOTE: It is my assessment that all of the questions dealing with arival/departure dates, stay questions, and work/study questions above are actually designed for the other nonimmigrant categories. Therefore a yes/no/none/blank responses are of no consequence.

Edited April 7, 2007 by Sheriff Uling

[Sheriff Uling 3]

Phil-Am K1 Information…

Pre NOA2

(K1 Introduction) - If you are just starting your K1 visa journey, please check out this information provided by the Department of State (DOS) on the K1 visa experience (CLICK HERE). I found this information very insightful when I first started. Please note that the "How to Apply for a Social Security Number Card" section is INCORRECT because K1 visa beneficiaries may ONLY apply for a SSN card upon arriving into the United States. Please also review VJ's K1 guide (CLICK HERE)

(Case Status) - Once you have filed your case and received your case number, please register on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website using the Case Status Online Tool to receive emailed updates concerning your case (CLICK HERE). NOTE: If you want emailed updates to multiple addresses then you must create multiple customer portfolio accounts. When your petition is approval (NOA2), this tool is of no further use to you until after the beneficiary arrives in the states, get's married, applies for the Adjustment of Status (AOS), Employment Authorization Document, (EAD), and/or Advance Parole (AP) because this tool does not track the activity being performed at the National Visa Center (NVC) or the Manila Embassy.

Post NOA2

(1). The National Visa Center (NVC) number is within my signature. NVC assigns your case number once your case is approved (NOA2). They also may perform a preliminary background check from what I've read then forwards your package/case to the Manila Embassy. This process usually takes anywhere from 14 – 30 days.

(2). The Manila Embassy (USE) Packet 4, the phone number, a visa interview testimony, along with a sample Appointment Letter are within my signature block. NOTE: Packet 4 can be acquired from the Manila Embassy website which gives directions on what documents are required by the beneficiary for the visa interview. Starting 01 November 2006, ALL nonimmigrant visa applicants must use the online Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF) to complete the DS-156 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application). To date, only the DS-156 has the barcode (on the first and last page) and is the ONLY form available online at http://evisaforms.state.gov. However, the USE is now including the form DS-156 with the barcodes as part of Packet 4. You may complete the DS-156K (Nonimmigrant Fiancé(e) Visa Application), and the DS-157 (Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application) (The bank validates DS-157 form when you pay the visa application fee. The Packet 4 that is available in my signature is modified to read that the DS-157 is validated by the banks upon payment of the visa application fee. Unfortunately, the Packet 4 issued by the USE INCORRECTLY states that the DS-156 is validated by the banks upon paying the visa application fee) and the I-134 (Affidavit of Support) via the computer, type-writer, or handwritten. See the Most Frequently Asked Questions for the K1 visa forms (CLICK HERE). If you need to call the USE, dial 0 for the operator, and ask for the Immigrant Visa Unit. The average interview appointment is assigned approximately 100 – 150 days from the receipt of your package from the NVC. Beneficiaries are now sent a letter of receipt (CLICK HERE) (Thx PW and GaryC) accompanied by a document preparation letter (CLICK HERE) (Thx PW and GaryC) from the USE once their physical files are received by the USE. However, this is NOT Packet 3 because the USE ONLY issues Packet 4, and the letter of receipt is not always sent to the beneficiaries. Effective 01 March 2007, cellphones and other electronic devices will not be permitted into the US Embassy and applicants who bring such devices will be denied entry. Be advised once the beneficiary reaches the pre-screeners, the majority of them are very direct, rude, and mean, so don't be alarmed or discouraged by them. Please review this instructional visa interview information (CLICK HERE) (Thx Sillygirl).

(3).The Department of State (DOS) number is within my signature. After your case is approved (NOA2) and reaches the Manila Embassy, you may call DOS instead on the Manila Embassy to obtain status of your case and make inquiries concerning your interview date. NOTE: DOS has no direct participation in the K1 process.

(4). The Visa Interview Appointments website is within my signature (the beneficiary's interview appointment and medical exam will be scheduled by the USE). NOTE: Please do NOT press enter after the case number is entered because that will not yield a result. Please click on the "Check Appointment" tab. If the appointments have been scheduled, the following will be available: Case Number, Visa Classification, St. Luke's appointment Date, and Embassy Appointment Date, but if the appointments are NOT scheduled yet, the result will be "Case Number Not Found on Appointment List."

(5). St. Luke's Extension Clinic (SLEC) information is within my signature. SLEC is where the beneficiary goes to take the medical exam and vaccination. The process takes two days: Day 1 is the medical exam (the beneficiary's passport will be taken and sent to the USE along with the medical exam results) and; Day 2 is the vaccination (the beneficiary will be given the x-ray film and the vaccination worksheet/record). NOTE: If the Manila Embassy does not mail the beneficiary the K1 Visa Packet 4 and the Appointment Letter, then call SLEC in order to pick them up at SLEC and take a copy of the NOA2, a copy of the NVC letter (a.k.a. Bureau of Consular Affairs (BCA) letter) (which should have the beneficiary's Manila case number on it), and a print-out of the scheduled appointment dates from the Visa Interview Appointments website. Be advised, the beneficiary's medical exam will be scheduled one week before the visa interview by the USE. Per the Manila Embassy Thread, we recommend that the beneficiary takes the medical exam anywhere from 2 weeks to a month before the interview to ensure the results are available for the Consular Officer and to prepare in the unfortunate event of unfavorable medical results. If the medical exam is taken anytime over a month before the visa interview, there is a risk that the results could be invalid, which means the beneficiary will have to take another medical exam before the visa can be approved. The beneficiary may reschedule the medical exam appointment with SLEC after the medical exam and visa interview dates are assigned by calling SLEC. Please don't forget to bring your passport, appointment letter (if received), passport photos (the size of the photos should be 2 inches by 2 inches [see Packet 4, page 8]), and the medical exam fee to your appointment. The beneficiary also needs to have the sponsors contact information (address, phone number, and ssn #) for the SLEC forms.

(6). The DELBROS website is within my signature. DELBROS is the company responsible for delivering the beneficiary's Visa and POE information. The DELBROS delivery fee is paid subsequent to the beneficiary's visa interview at the Manila Embassy. Per the Manila Embassy website, the current delivery fee/time is as follows:

* Metro Manila Areas, 135 Philippine Pesos, Delivered one (1) to three (3) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier

* Provincial Key Cities (ex. Cebu City, Davao City, etc.) 165 Philippine Pesos; Delivered three (3) to five (5) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier

* Outside Provincial Key Cities, (ex. Capiz, Leyte, Bukidnon, etc.), Cost depends on area/location, Delivered five (5) to seven (7) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier

NOTE: Per the DELBROS staff, the Manila Embassy can take as much as three (3) business days to release the visa and POE package, which is NOT included in the deliver times above. You may also call the Manila Embassy, dial 0 for the operator, and ask for Delbros, after the visa is approve, to acquire about the status of your visa delivery.

(7). Beneficiaries are required to attend a CFO Guidance and Counseling Seminar that are held in Manila and Cebu, whichever is more convenient, before traveling abroad (the corresponding links within my signature). Attending the CFO Guidance and Counseling Seminar is a Philippine government requirement which states, "Per Republic Act 8239 and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Order 28-94, Filipinos proceeding abroad as fiancé(e)s and spouses of foreign nationals are required to attend the CFO's guidance and counseling programs... " For more info (CLICK HERE). NOTE: The CFO Guidance and Counseling Seminar is not stated as a requirement within the Packet 4 instructions. However, after the visa is approved, instructions on attending the CFO Guidance and Counseling seminar are included in the visa and Port of Entry (POE) package received by the beneficiary. If the beneficiary takes the seminar before receiving the visa, then the beneficiary will have to return to the CFO in order to receive the CFO sticker anytime after the visa is received. Travel abroad is prohibited without the CFO sticker within the beneficiary's passport (the visa is within the passport). Please check out this instructional information on the PRISM Guidance and Counceling Seminar experience (CLICK HERE) (Thx Sillygirl).

(8). The I-94 Arrival / Departure Record form is within my signature. Foreigners (beneficiaries) complete the I-94 and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer stamps the applicant's visa and the arrival and departure portions of the I-94 at the Port of Entry (POE) when entering the States. The CBP Officer will keep the arrival portion and staple the departure portion of the I-94 to your visa where they stamped the beneficiaries arrival date. You will need this for the Adjustment of Status process. NOTE: Even though it's simple, I have supplied this so you will know what it looks like and what is required to be filled out.

I have correlated the numbers above to my signature below.

FINAL NOTE: Red text indicates the recent updates/changes. Please let me know if there are any suggestions/errors/updates. Please review my wife's profile [Deputy Uling] for information on the Adjustment of Status (AOS) process once your visa's are approved.

Edited April 7, 2007 by Sheriff Uling

[Dean iWait 0]

I don't know what happened here? I am in shock and a little intoxicated. My wife went for a bike ride this morning at 9:30am and never came back. All she took was her money, jewels and passport. I received an email from her cousin in the Philippines 8 hours later that said my wife is safe and for me to move on with my life. I am in shock. I married her in the Phils 18 months ago, she was here 1 day short of two months and she is gone. Day after day she said she was depressed and homesick. The only disagreement we had was yesterday. It was about her $1028.00 cell phone bill where she had been calling the Philippines at $3.00 a minute instead of using our landline international service.

I don't know if I have been used or what. I am just in shock and have nobody to talk with.

Glenn

So sorry to hear this Glenn. Sheryl and I will say a prayer for the both of you. God bless.

[StarProg 0]

I just called the NVC and found out I have an RFE coming. They said there was information missing in my I-864 submission. Of course I have no clue what I left out. I'm still waiting for the DS-230 documents from Fely, so hopefully this won't slow our case down any more than it already is.