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| Manila, Philippines |  Review on June 21, 2009: |
ellmvl
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
I had my interview appointment on June 20th, 2009 at 8:30AM but I decided to come to the embassy as early as 6AM. When I got there, there were many people waiting outside already. Here are the steps I took during my interview which I want to share to all of you so you will have an idea of the whole process:
STEP 1: Gate - Get ready of your appointment letter. There were three lines at the main gate before you can enter the embassy which is according to your visa classification. STRICTLY NO cellphones, camera, mp3/ipod, usb flash or any electronic devices and liquid are allowed inside the embassy, so I suggest not to bring all these stuff except for your documents, pen and wallet. When entering the embassy, submit all your stuff and yourself for inspection. Then you enter another door and follow the blue arrows to get to the waiting area.
STEP 2: Priority Number - When I entered the embassy the guard lead me to our respective seats according to the time of your appointment. Even if I got there early still I have to wait until 8:30AM before we can get our priority number. Then after 2.5 hours of waiting they finally called us to to get our priority number. This time they will get your appointment letter and ask you a few questions and then give you a priority number which you are going to use until the end of your interview and a form for air21 courier to be filled after you pass your interview. Back to your seat and wait for your name to be called for finger scan.
STEP 3: Finger Scan - At this stage they will be calling your name and not your number to go to Window 33 for finger scanning. Read the instruction on the wall..well someone will guide you through this. When you're done, back to the seat and wait for your number to flash on the screen.
STEP 4: Pre-screening - When you see your number on the screen, next to it is the number of the cubicle or room to where you will have your pre-screening. I was called in number 20 and had a male pre-screener. First he asked me to sign the DS-230 Part II, then the interrogation started LOL I'm jk! Here are the things he asked me: Is this your first time to apply for US visa? What is your name? When is your birthday? When and where did you meet your husband? He also asked me if my husband is aware of my health condition (i am currently under chemotherapy). He also took our photos, letters and emails. Then he told me to go back to my seat and wait for my number to flash again.
STEP 5: Final Interview with the Consul - This is the time that I\'ve been waiting for. My number flashed again and this time I was called to go to Window 27 for my interview with the consul. I had to wait a little while at the chair outside the room since someone is still being interviewed. While waiting I was literally shaking not because I am nervous (well i was a little) but it is because the A/C is just too high. I was thinking, gosh this is just an A/C, what more if i\'m already in the US and it\'s snowing? Anyway, my consul was a black african-american, i think in her 30\'s, too bad I forgot to ask her name. She look kinda serious but she\'s nice. She asked me to raise my right hand and swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth (so help me God) Then she started asking me questions: First she asked me about my previous petition which is withdrawn already. What is your name? Who is your petitioner? What is your relationship with the petitioner? Do you have kids? When did you get married? What kind of wedding did you have? Did he meet your family? How did you meet your husband? What made you think to marry your husband? Where is this picture taken from? Then the rest of the questions she asked are pertaining to my health condition. At the end of the interview she wish me to get well soon and advice me to tell my husband to find a good doctor when i get in the US. Then, she finally says...Your visa is approved! I cannot explain the happiness I felt that time. I got so excited that I stood up right away and thank her and then walked out the room. Only outside I realized she might not be finish yet and I might still have to sign something or whatever...so I asked the lady outside if that was it and she said yes (whew then she told me to go back to the waiting area and wait for my name to be called at Window 37.
STEP 6: Final - After a few minutes they called me at Window 37 where they gave me back my photos, letters, emails and my appointment letter with an attached pink slip. She directed me to go to the Air21 booth to pay for visa delivery. At the back of my mind i keep saying Oh my God,this is it! haha...I paid P260 for visa delivery to Davao City. Finally, the waiting is over!
While I was walking back to the hotel I just cant help myself not to smile and when I got in my room I was jumping for joy hahaha...i know i am silly but you cannot blame me. Well on the next day afternoon, while I was waiting for my flight back to my city I got a text message from the Air21 informing me that they already received my visa and is in transit. That was FAST! When I got home that night I received another text message saying the package has reached the final destination and is ready for delivery. The next morning, the visa arrived! Wooohooo! Praise God!!! We were sooo happy 
(updated on November 19, 2011)
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #4615