Consulate Review: Manila, Philippines
Review Topic: K1 Visa
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| Event |
Description |
| Review Date : |
March 25, 2011 |
| Embassy Review : |
We left our hotel a few blocks away from the Embassy around 5 am. When we got there, there was 3 lines for entering the Embassy. The one closest to the embassy (furthest from the street) is the one for the Immigrant visas (K1) and CR-1's. I would estimate that there was already about 100 people ahead of us in line (and even though we had a 6:15 appointment, we had to go to the end of the line. We figured out that the appointment time is nothing more than a block time (queue time) for entering the embassy. Having the 615 appointment only meant that we will be allowed to enter the embassy during the first group. The locals outside are pestering you to buy pens, take a better photo or glue your picture on the 156 form. NONE of that is needed. We did not staple our photo on the 156, and either did our friends, Angeli and Mark. We met them in line after talking on here. About 0605, they opened the embassy to allow us in. We went through the first security checkpoint, showing her appointment letter and her picture ID from Bahrain, as that is all she has as an ID since they have the passport. They did not ask for my passport or ID at all (USC) and they let us through, telling us to go to door 3. We fell in queue to go through the next security checkpoint, where you have to take all metal off and have EVERYTHING go through x-ray. Note, do NOT take cellphones, bottles of water, or anything. We only had our photo album, 2 pens, and some change. I had my passport and she had her paperwork. She didn't even bring a purse. Just easier to get through security (personal preference). Once through (oh, and USC's can go through different doors if you want, NO line, but I stood by Ann's side the whole time going through the securities with her. No issues.) we then fell into queue in the middle outside area, where they take their appointment letter and write what type of visa you are there for. We were given a ticket number (7004) and guided inside the embassy area. Once again, you have to go through security again and another metal detector. We made it inside around 0616 (time stamped on our number ticket). We took our seats and waited. Around 0745, our number was flashed on the board. We went to the window 52, for initial review. There was a Filipino guy, who first asked her name, then my name. He asked us how we met. (note: try and just give simple answers not an elaborate story. They are writing everything down, and will ask you to repeat it again and again until they get it all down.) He asked for her paperwork, specifically her CENOMAR, NBI,156, 157, 134 and tax return, and birth certificate. He then asked us if she had been to US, how many times we have met, how many times I have been to Phils to visit. Also asked if she had any issues with immigration or customs in US. Then asked when we got engaged. He then asked us why we had taken so long to get married (we met in 2008 and filed in July 2010). He said it was unusual and wanted to know why. We told him our story (though I was worried, as since USCIS had lost our first app in Feb 2010, they assigned us new stuff in July, we did not bring any of our info supporting it). He wrote everything down. Told us to go sit down and wait. And wait we did. It was about 915 and our number flashed again, to go to window 41. That is for fingerprinting. Very easy and no issues. And wait some more we did. And wait, and wait. Our friends, Angeli and Mark had already finished, around 1000, and we were still waiting. Of course, through this entire time, I WAS freaking out about the question from the Filipino about why we took so long. I thought it strange, and bothered me for we had no evidence with us. FINALLY, around 1030, our number was flashed for window 59. We knew this was the final interview, as you notice which windows have the consular. We waited in queue behind someone else there at the window, and listened to his story and process. Luckily, we had a CO that was cheerful and VERY polite. He approved the guy ahead of us (K1 also) and then our turn. He greeted us, and we greeted back. He was a middle aged white man, thin and married. He verified our names, and then had us raise our hands and swear that the application and anything we tell him is the truth. He asked us how we met (gave shorter version this time). Then asked her birth date. Then asked how long she worked overseas in Bahrain. Then when we met. He asked me if I was military (once mentioned I was stationed in Bahrain), what branch and then what rank. He was confused and thought we worked together, but clarified for him that we met through common friend. Then asked me again what my rank transferred to in common title name. He then asked if she had a visa issued to US, when you went, why only a short time of issue for the visa (consular was being nice in Bahrain (even he said so)), when she left US, if we flew together to Phils. He then asked if there was any issues with customs or immigration again, like being pulled for secondary interview. Also asked if she planned on marrying me within 90 days of going to US. Everything else was small talk, about how he met his wife, his time in the Army, how we were lucky to meet, we both looked so young. Never asked for our photos, emails or anything. He thought he lost our visa application page, but we told him that we had it, as it was never asked for by the Filipino guy. We gave it to him, and he signed it, said our visa was approved. He wished us luck and well wishes in our life together. Told us to go sit and wait for the number to be called for how to pick our visa. We asked him if we could pick up our visa here at the embassy (we knew most likely not, but worth asking) and he said no, unless it is literally life or death situation) He stated that our visa would be printed that afternoon, and that it will go to 2GO Friday or at the VERY latest, Monday. We sat down and waited. About 15 minutes later, our number flashed on the screen. We went to window 71, was asked her name, and she pulled her file. We were given the 2GO form and told to fill it out and give it to window 43. We filled it out, but left delivery address blank, as we wanted to see if we could have it sent locally since we wanted to get the CFO stuff done before heading down to Legaspi. We went to window 43, and it is manned by 2GO staff. They looked up the local 2GO office address, filled it out on our form for us, and said that we will get a text message when it was ready to pick up in a few days. |
| Rating : |
Good |
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ver 5.0