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| Manila, Philippines |  Review on January 20, 2010: |
GuardianAngel
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
I arrived in USEM at around 6AM. There were already variety of people lining up for each of their intentions. I saw seafarers, old people wanting to get visa applications, kids brought my their parents during the interview.. The irony was,even despite the gesture of browsing through each of my documents pretty much every night before the interview, I still overlooked one of the important documents I should have brought, my APPOINTMENT LETTER. Thanks to all the considerate guards in USEM, they let me in when they saw that my name is listed in the paper that they were holding.
First things first, I was told to line up at the X-RAY machine to have my bag scanned for electronic devices, even liquids are NOT allowed inside the premises. Then I was guided to sit in one of the blue chairs and was asked to wait for further instructions. I tried my best to entertain myself by talking to my seat mates in each of the processes but sad to say, NONE of them are from VJ. 
After 5 mins, few of us seated were asked to fall in line and prepare the documents they will be needing.
1) DS 157 (2 copies)
2) DS 157K (2 copies), one with the validation of the bank at the back
3) DS-156 (1 copy)
---- you will be asked to ensure that all blank lines should be indicated with "NONE" and that you have paid the 131$ fee for the visa application. There was a couple who was supposed to be interviewed but wasn't allowed to proceed because of the bank receipt. They were asked to return at 10AM when BDO (one who gets the payment) will only open at 10AM, I feel bad for them. Her fiance was so pissed that he was murmuring about incurring a huge amount of money for the application only to find out, one thing is still missing.
After my papers were verified, I was then given a number (mine was 7017). I waited for my number and name to be called for the initial interview. It was awkward because those applicants assigned to the screener's situated in front of the blue chairs were scrutinized and people who were waiting for their turns could hear it. I was glad to be assigned at the right part of the cubicles where theres a little bit of privacy so I felt even more confident. The pre-screener asked for my birth certificate, cernomar, NBI Clearance, 1040, W2s, and Affidavit of Support (I134). The following questions were asked to me:
1) My name
2) My Fiance's Name
3) His age and mine
4) How did we meet? Where? When?
After answering those questions, he asked for my pictures. I told him he can choose if he wants both folders or just have one, he said he will take the two.
I was surprised that he didn't get my fiance's letter of employment, hotel receipts, chat logs, cards... I told him I still have lots of files in my bag, so if he needs more proofs of relationship, I can provide more. He just told me to keep it.
Next was the finger scanning procedure. The lady whom I was assigned smiled and asked me few questions, she praised how I look, I just smiled. This process should be done in three consecutive ways (rub both hands first) place on the machine four fingers left side first, four fingers right side next, and finally, both thumbs. We were told never to leave the finger scanning thingy if not told to do so. There were lots of applicants who were reprimanded because of how they scanned their fingers.
I waited in line again for the final interview. I kept asking my seat mates about how they felt, they were all panicking and trembling. After 30 minutes, my name was called. The one who interviewed me was an American guy who looked so strict. He was browsing at my documents then asked me to raise my right hand and swear blah blah blah. Then I asked him if I can take a seat, he said "certainly." Then he asked:
1) My name and my fiance's name
2) My birthdate
3) How am I related to the petitioner
4) He asked about my fiance's job
I didn't want to have gaps during the conversation because I don't want him to ask questions about the affidavit of support specially so that my fiance just started his job and we didn't have paystubs to show him. I was the one volunteering information whenever he would browse into my documents. I wanted him to be pre-occupied with the things I say so he won't be able to formulate questions in his head. I told him about our love story, about how my fiance proposed, and so on. He was pretty much impressed and said "Congratulations your visa is approved."
Thank you VJ for your support and prayers. I owe this experience to you and my fiance.
Keep shining members!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #5577