US Immigration from Philippines

Title says it all. My wife and I believe we are going to get our I-130 approved in the very near future and I don't expect (more like hope) the DQ phase will take much time because we are all ready for it. So I am wondering how long a wait it currently is for an appointment in Manila?

I also see people trying to schedule their own appointments, but I thought that once you are DQ'd the Embassy is the one who sends your appointment? Is this an expedited method?

we just got our nvc number on July 24th and starts with MNL, but not yet showing in transit. we went ahead and submitted our ds-160. should we go ahead and pay our mrv fee now or wait until our nvc number is in transit?

Mabuhay!

Sorry this is a "late" review. Joan and I visited family and to check on the progress of our house (many of you know that we are planning a move in early to mid-2024) in June. This note is late is because unfortunately, despite being extremely careful for the past 3 1/2 years, I tested positive for COVID the day after we returned to Hawaii. Many of you also know that I have Cerebral Palsy and I am on the list of people at high risk for a severe respiratory outcome--or worse--from COVID. In fact, it has now been a month and while I am thankfully alive, I am still congested with an annoying cough. So, no editorial intent here, but this junk is still out there (always will be), so be cautious. I can now say that this is not a fun virus to deal with. Oh, for what it is worth, I was only around people I did not know without a mask for 5 minutes maximum. Anyway...

Things are moving along beautifully. The house looks amazing! There were some questions about eTravel before we left and I had some questions about Joan traveling as a dual citizen. I know that this information is a month old (so things could have changed plenty by now!), but our experience was very easy and smooth (relatively!) First: eTravel. VERY simple. Fill out the form online and download and/or receive a scan code by email. Save the the scan code (sorry, I'm old and don't know the actual name for those thingys (NO laughing @RO_AH!). To be honest, I am not sure that anyone actually looked for the code. I know that we passed a quarantine section in the airport and we both had our phones out. There were two lanes--one for those who had the code and one for those who still needed to register. Remember, I was receiving wheelchair assistance, so perhaps the assistant "nodded" us along. I don't know, but we were never stopped for a check. We were also "required" to register for eTravel for the return trip to the US and I am sure that no one checked it at the airport. The hardest part was getting the information registered on the website with the hotel wifi (I think we just used the data part of our phone plan instead). Nothing to it. No vaccine card check. No questions. Nothing.

The information stated here about traveling as a dual citizen was spot on. US Passport in the US. Both passports in the Phils. Done. The only "funny" incident was returning. I had the "balikbayan" extension marked in my passport. I was asked if I had extended my stay and then the immigration officer noticed Joan and put two and two together. Done. Easy...for now!

Salamat again to all of you for your support! I hope this helps those traveling soon. Safe travels...and don't forget...it is HOT in the Philippines!

Hello. My mom arrived here in the US last month. She has a tourist visa. How soon can I apply for her i-130 and i-485?
do i have to wait for 90 days before filing?

thank you

Hi, my question is can a u.s citizen family member go with a student visa holder (over 18) also go up to same the point of entry window and talk to the officer?

My wife niece is coming back with us from the Philippines on a F visa for the first time can one of us or both all go together up to the window and which line should we use?

Thanks for the help