Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	DS156 Address Problem ('/' character not allowed)	I working on the DS156 and I can't fill in the same address (question 15) as I did on the I129F. The new automated DS156 form won't allow it because it contains a '/' character. My fiancee lives in a boarding house and they use the owner's name in the address because tha owner is known to the postal carriers. For example: JANE DOE c/o JOHN SMITH 1234 MAIN ST CAGAYAN DE ORO PHILIPPINES 9000 The "c/o" is not allowed on the new automated DS156 form because of the '/' character. I could probably just drop that line, but then it won't match the I-129F form where I had no problem with the "c/o" line. Or instead of "c/o JOHN SMITH" I could just use "(in care of) JOHN SMITH" or "c o JOHN SMITH" or "c.o. JOHN SMITH". Does the DS156 address need to match the I129F form address exactly? What is this address on the DS156 used for? Has anyone run into this before? What did you do? Got any other ideas?	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-01-28 22:38:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Any Motel suggestions for my wife stay at in Manila during medical and interview?	If you book through Precison reservations, they will email you and you fiancee a hotel voucher paid in full. She will only need to present the voucher and put down the deposit for the mini bar or have them remove all the items. Ken How can I get my fiancée a room without a credit card to present at check-in? Does anyone have experience with this situation? I think I would rather return to the Philippines to fly back with her rather than go for the interview and or medical. What is the best way to get her a room for her physical and interview without being physically present in Philippines and with out a credit card to present at check in. Thanks in advance! If you pay in advance for, let's say, 5 days and check out after 4 days what happens. Do they just keep the payment anyway?	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-03 22:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Any Motel suggestions for my wife stay at in Manila during medical and interview?	My fiance stayed at the Lotus Garden Hotel last week for medical and CFO and she said she liked it. About $50/night. The upper floors are quieter.	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-01-17 13:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	I-134 Supporting Documents in Duplicate?	The instructions for the I-134 say that the supporting documents are to be submitted in duplicate. Does that mean everything, employer letter, bank statements, bank letter, tax returns, etc.? My Fiancee has 3 of every document that will be submitted at the Interview. It's easy to make copies now! You'll need the original and at least 1 copy of the docs you submit at the Interview. The DS-156, I believe the Consulate wants 2 copies. I really wish instructions for forms and documents were more specific so we didn't have to guess about this stuff. For example, for the DS-156 they want 2 copies. Does that mean 1 signed original and 1 photocopy of the signed original, or does that mean two signed originals? For the letter of employment its a similar problem. This needs to be "in duplicate", so is this two signed and notarized originals, or 1 signed and notarized original plus a copy of the signed and notarized original?	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-05 12:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	I-134 Supporting Documents in Duplicate?	The instructions for the I-134 say that the supporting documents are to be submitted in duplicate. Does that mean everything, employer letter, bank statements, bank letter, tax returns, etc.?	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-05 04:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	K Visa Interviews - All consulates	I think it's important to note that this is a "marriage broker" as defined as an "International Marriage Broker" under IMBRA, not necessarily what WE would consider to be a marriage broker. Correct?	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2006-09-18 13:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	I had to pay the travel / airport tax when I was there last month. It is equilvant to $11.25 dollars. So it is for everyone using Manila airport... You're confusing the fees and taxes. Terminal Fee (everyone pays): P550 (this is the $11.25 you paid) Security Fee (everyone pays): P200 Travel Tax (only Filipinos pay): P1620	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-03-01 17:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	[quote][quote name='Iniibig ko si Luz forever' post='752328' date='Mar 1 2007, 08:57 AM'][quote name='Ken_Maria' post='752199' date='Mar 1 2007, 09:13 AM']Gary, if you piurchased the tickets online and through a U.S. agent/online, they will have to pay an additional 1620peso at the airport for each ticket. It is easy, there is a desk that actually has a sign stating "Travel Tax" in each of the terminals. No, I never noticed them before either until we left on 24 Feb and I actually looked for them. If Luz had purchased the tickets from an agency in the PI, the tax would be included already. Good luck, and Happy Easter, Kan & Maria [quote]Luz and Robin just finished their CFO. I guess everything is ready for an April 6 reunion! Question- What is this travel tax? I bought her ticket directly from NorthWest. Is there more she has to pay? I know the airport fee is now 750php but is there something else?[/quote]I bought the tickets directly from NW. It's the same arrangement that I always use when I go there. Is this just for Filipinos traveling or anyone that leaves PI? She said they mentioned that at her CFO to be sure the tax is paid.[/quote] [/quote] Thats weird. I have never paid that tax. Is this something that only Filipinos have to pay? What happens if they don't pay it? I just called NW and they said that all taxes have been included except the airport tax (750php tax). What is right? [/quote][/quote] Yes it's a Travel Tax for Filipinos only, P1620. We paid it at the airport. Apparently you can get a one-time waiver but we couldn't figure out how to get it so we just paid the tax. This is in addition to the P550 terminal fee and P200 security fee that everyone must pay. Edited by garya505, 01 March 2007 - 11:37 AM.	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-03-01 11:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Just came through the Honolulu POE today and Hawaii does require the X-ray. Not many questions and if you are traveling with your finacee, they will process both of you together. If your x-ray is in the check luggage like ours, they will go to the baggage claim with you and get it. As far as Visa delivery, interview was on 15 Feb and received Visa on 22 Feb, 7 days total or 4 working days. Delbros text me on the 21st and the Visa was delivered on the 22nd. Ken & Maria someone posted in another thread to hand carry the X Ray coz they asked for it at the at their POE in Hawaii. everything I've read or heard is you don't need to hand carry the X ray. I told Yazi to put it her in checked in. I just want to check to be sure, do you need to hand carry the X-ray? That's just weird. I can't imagine why they would need to see the X-ray. Was the officer a doctor who can read an X-ray?	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-27 16:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Just came through the Honolulu POE today and Hawaii does require the X-ray. Not many questions and if you are traveling with your finacee, they will process both of you together. If your x-ray is in the check luggage like ours, they will go to the baggage claim with you and get it. As far as Visa delivery, interview was on 15 Feb and received Visa on 22 Feb, 7 days total or 4 working days. Delbros text me on the 21st and the Visa was delivered on the 22nd. Ken & Maria someone posted in another thread to hand carry the X Ray coz they asked for it at the at their POE in Hawaii. everything I've read or heard is you don't need to hand carry the X ray. I told Yazi to put it her in checked in. I just want to check to be sure, do you need to hand carry the X-ray? That's just weird. I can't imagine why they would need to see the X-ray. Was the officer a doctor who can read an X-ray?	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-27 16:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Just a little update while we wait for our flight from HNL to LAX (flight 4 of 5 today): We entered the US today in Guam. It took a about 10 minutes. Oh, and if anyone is still asking about the xrays, don't bring your xrays to Immigration. They only want the passport and SEALED envelope. We put Florenda's xrays in the suitcase with her wedding dress.	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-24 01:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	I know this has been covered before but I have no idea what page it might be on. Sheryl will go for her CFO seminar on March 5 and then medical after that. For the CFO counseling she will go to PRISM or SMECOW. Correct? And then once she has visa she will go to CFO building with her certificate to get the CFO sticker on her visa? My fiancee did it that way and it was just a lot more work for us and I wouldn't do it that way again. I think it's a lot easier to just do the CFO after receiving the VISA.	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-21 04:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	I apologize if this has been asked before but does it matter if Jinky answered on her forms that her POE would be LAX if in fact her plane does a stop over in a US Territory such as Hawaii? Anyone? Her POE will be the first landing on US territory.	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-21 03:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Just a question for those who have just received their visas...how many months is the validity of the visa? Is it less than 4 months or ... ? Congratulations to all of you who just got the visas Coco Puff 6 months	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-21 03:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Here's one of the photos from the Feb. 15th dinner at Mega Star in Manila! What a beautiful group of people! Of course the most beautiful woman is right in the middle!	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-21 03:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Well, for me it was because Florenda lives in Cagayan de Oro and waiting for delivery would have been risky given that we are leaving on 2/23. I small delay in the delivery would mean rescheduling flights. Hi Gary and Florenda! How are you guys? I will be flying to SFO too on 2/23 via PAL as ive been granted visa pickup and hoping to receive a call on tuesday from the USE. Wheres your POE? It was very nice meeting you both in person. Regards, Mari Yes it was meeting you too. Maybe we will see you at the airport. We're on CO a 11:10PM to LAX.	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-21 03:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Hi all. I read so many "visa picked up" comments on approvals that I would be grateful if the approvals who picked up their visa could tell me how you requested it and to whom you requested pick up from instead of Delbros delivery? How does the Embassy notify you that the visa is ready for pick-up? If pick-up from embassy is granted do you still pay Delbors fee? Thanks for your responses We were able to pick it up but I had to argue with the guy at the Releasing window. They don't like to do it I think because it results in a lot of people coming back to the embassy. You can write a formal letter requestiing pick-up and explain why you want to pick it up (I had one). Give this to the CO at the end of the interview (I forgot that). They may allow it, maybe not. If they do, they will ask for a number to call when it's ready. Ours took 2 days. No Delbros fee. I'm glad you were able to pick it up, Gary. I would ask though to the many who keep talking about wanting to pick up the Visa in person - is it because you don't trust Delbros to deliver it in a timely manner? Well, for me it was because Florenda lives in Cagayan de Oro and waiting for delivery would have been risky given that we are leaving on 2/23. I small delay in the delivery would mean rescheduling flights. Edited by garya505, 18 February 2007 - 03:49 AM.	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-18 03:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Hi all. I read so many "visa picked up" comments on approvals that I would be grateful if the approvals who picked up their visa could tell me how you requested it and to whom you requested pick up from instead of Delbros delivery? How does the Embassy notify you that the visa is ready for pick-up? If pick-up from embassy is granted do you still pay Delbors fee? Thanks for your responses We were able to pick it up but I had to argue with the guy at the Releasing window. They don't like to do it I think because it results in a lot of people coming back to the embassy. You can write a formal letter requestiing pick-up and explain why you want to pick it up (I had one). Give this to the CO at the end of the interview (I forgot that). They may allow it, maybe not. If they do, they will ask for a number to call when it's ready. Ours took 2 days. No Delbros fee.	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-17 03:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Interview complete. VISA approved!!! Oops I forgot I wanted to ask one more thing and it wouldn't let me edit my post. I will attend Sheryl's interview. What questions did the CO have for you specifically? Nothing at all. He allowed me to enter the room then ignored me. But my fiancee is way better looking then me so maybe thats why.	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-17 03:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Interview complete. VISA approved!!!	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-13 00:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Did anyone ever hear of them asking for the petitioner's BC at interview time? I never heard anyone mention them asking for that. That's about the only thing we didn't bring with me to Manila is my original BC, and we have a lot of stuff here. Gary, USC's BC is required at submission of petition to prove citizenship. Not required anymore at interview but I did bring original of my fiance's BC and certified copy of his passport. Embassy did not ask for it though. Since you are in the Philippines and your passport is with you, that proves citizenship so you are okay even without your BC. You can breath easy now PW Thanks for the info, that's what I thought.	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-11 21:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Glen and Rosemarie - Break a leg and bring us back an approval. By the by, it's cool to keep your information organized in folders. However, the USE staff is going to demand that you take the applications out from the folders. Don't be discourage by the rudeness of the people working there (of course, not everyone is rude, but enough of them to make you want to slap the taste out of their mouths... LOL). One of my Pinoy friends at work said they're jealous because they can't go to America with you, but he's crazy like that... LOL! Erichu - Glad to see your time has come... Congrats!!! Garya505 - I sent an original and copy of my BC to Jhen as well (Just in case). However, it's not required, but it's one of those things just to have in your back pocket (Just in case). But, I'm more than certain that you will not need the petitioner's BC. Only the beneficiary's BC is collected during the pre-interview. Thanks for the reassurance. I have everything else except the kitchen sink!!!	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-11 21:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	We are in Manila now getting ready for interview Tuesday!!! Goodluck to you two..I include you both to my prayers..See you at our get together party! Hehe, I almost have Florenda convinced to go to the party. Now she just says "it's up to you", which of course can mean many different things.	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-11 21:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Did anyone ever hear of them asking for the petitioner's BC at interview time? I never heard anyone mention them asking for that. That's about the only thing we didn't bring with me to Manila is my original BC, and we have a lot of stuff here.	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-11 05:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	We are in Manila now getting ready for interview Tuesday!!!	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-11 05:35:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	now my interview is next week and im getting nervous...worried about a few things: my fiance is self-employed, he gave me his 3yrs ITR and 3 yrs W-2 plus letter with the letterhead and his position in his own office. He sent his bank statements and a letter also, but in his last 12months statement (up to Dec.), his remaining bal is not that much. He has spent his savings for some important things. Would this affect my interview? also, age gap would really contribute to AR? worried huhu fel I don't an age gap would contribute to AR unless they have other some reason to suspect a sham. It's not unusual to see 20-30 year gaps in Fil-Am couples, but I suspect 30-40 years might cause some additional scrutiny. I think a gap of say, 50-60 years would cause some real investigation!	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-07 12:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	hi.. ds-156k - there should be a signature below "do not write below this line" part..(its a must!) On the DS-156K it says "DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE" and then "the consular office will assist you in answering this part". I take this to mean it needs to be signed in front of the officer, no? I'm not sure what other beneficiaries did but I followed instructions in the DS forms so I did not write below the line as instructed and waited until the consul told me to sign it. I agree that the signature "is a must" but I think you need to wait until the consul asks you to sign. before getting a number, there's a guy there who will instruct or orient everybody to sign everything..even the signature in ds-156k..if the person who will check the papers will find out that there's no signature in the ds-156k., then you have to go out of the line and just come back if youre done with it... godbless! Sheesh. They have a form that says to wait for the consular officer before you sign it, then they tell you to sign it before you get to the officer. I have a feeling this interview experience is going to be something to remember. Edited by garya505, 07 February 2007 - 12:29 PM.	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-07 12:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	I was wondering if the embassy keeps Lorna's passport, how will she fly back to cebu with no photo id? I'm pretty sure she has no ID with a photo except for her passport. She has: postal id voters id Nbi clearnance birth certificate marriage certificate baptismal cert. and maybe a college id from when she was in college a couple of years ago. Will any of these work at the airport? Thanks, Mike My fiancee used her NBI clearance after they took her passport at her medical exam.	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-07 12:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	No, since you are doing K1. You're almost at the finish line, Gary! I'm freakin' out here! Same here!! ..can't sleep much ..food tasteless.. Getting closer woohoo.. GaryC sounded kinda freaky on the phone today too!	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-06 23:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	No, since you are doing K1. You're almost at the finish line, Gary! I'm freakin' out here!	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-06 23:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	DS230 Part 1 required for Manila Embassy interview? -YES- or -NO-	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-06 23:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Jinky and her son Job flew out of Cebu this morning to Manila where she will go to St. Luke's on Thursday for her medical exam. They'll be staying in Manila until the interview on Feb. 16th! After all the preparation, we've both have tried to just think positive and not let any negative thoughts cross our minds - trusting that everything will work out fine. Almost there! I really feel for you because there is no greater stress than this part of the process, but I'm sure that all will go well. The best is yet to come!!! You know if I had known the stress this was going to cost me when I started, I might have been scared off. Now that I have seen that my fiance Florenda is the most wonderful gift I have ever received, I feel truly blessed and nothing else matters.	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-06 22:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Bah! I am such a dumb-azz! I told Luz to print out the filled out DS 157 to take to the bank. When she came back she told me that they would not stamp the back of her form I asked what she got for the $200 and she said a receipt and a piece of paper with a stamp on it. Here is where I screwed up. I didn't ask her what was on the other side of the paper. Its a blank DS-157! Sorry guys, I'm going a bit nuts here trying to get it all in one sock. Well that's good then, the panic is over (until the next one)!	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-06 15:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Ok, I just found the answer to my question. http://usembassy.sta...a/wwwhniv3.html The fee can be paid during normal business hours (Mondays to Fridays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at any of the designated banks listed below. The Form DS-157 will be machine-validated by the bank at the back of the form to reflect payment. What do we do now? The bank refused to do anything with the DS-157 that she took with her. Am I out the $200 for her and Robin? I think she should have gotten a stamped blank DS-157 from the bank. Apparently they don't like to stamp the filled-up form they bring, though nobody knows why.	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-06 13:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	This is really starting to bug me. I sent Luz to pay for the interview. She took with her the DS-156 and the DS-157. The bank said the it was no longer necessary to stamp the forms. They only gave her a signed receipt with some sort of stamp on it. I asked my lawyer about it and he also said that the DS forms don't need any kind of a stamp from the bank. Now which is it? The DS forms stamped or not stamped? I suppose the procedure could have changed, but my fiancee paid BPI yesterday and got a blank DS-157 form from them, stamped on the back.	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-06 13:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Hey can you check out my interview checklist. This is what we will have with us. Interview Appointment Letter original and 1 copy. Valid photo ID (NBI badge) and 1 copy. Passport copy (St. Luke’s took the original during the medical and sent to the Embassy). Original NSO Birth Certificate, original and 1 copy. CENOMAR original and 1 copy. NBI Clearance with "For US Travel" or "For Travel Abroad" stamp and thumbprint, original and 1 copy. Passport-sized photos (2 in addition to those on the DS-156 forms). VISA Application Forms - DS-156 (2 completed and signed forms with photos glued on, and 1 copy). - DS-156K (2 completed and signed forms, and 1 copy). DO NOT SIGN BEFORE INTERVIEW! - DS-157 (2 completed and signed form – 1 must be stamped with BPI payment, and 1 copy). - DS-230, part 1 (2 completed and signed forms, and 1 copy). I-134F Affidavit of Support form (notarized), 2 originals with copies. Supporting documentation for I-134F (affidavit of support folder) - Fiancé employment letter (2 originals with copies). - Fiancé last 3 years income tax forms (copies of 1040 form). - Copies of last 3 years W-2 forms. - Bank statements for last 3 months. (NOT REQUIRED) - SIX (6) MONTHS OF PAYSTUBS (MISSING) - Bank letter showing date account opened, deposits for last year and current balance. USCIS I-797C Notice of Approval original and 1 copy. NVC letter original and 1 copy (this will show spelling error too). New letter of intent from each of me, signed and dated. Copy of original I-129F packet with original receipts, etc. Evidence of ongoing relationship - Pictures - Snail mail cards and letters - Chat logs - Emails - Phone records - Engagement ring receipt - Receipts and ticket stubs from second trip in October - Records of Western Union and XOOM money transfers. Did I leave anything out ??????????????????? Gary505: 1. You are not required to submit any bank statements. 2. However, we did submit six (6) months of paystubs for which you are missing from your list. 3. Please be sure that your pictures are not copies. The USE only accept original pictures. For example, my wife and I made copies of our online photo album on paper for which the USE did not accept. Lucking we also brought our photo album that was accepted and reviewed by the CO and returned subsequent to the interview. 4. I also noticed that you stated the NVC letter has a typo. Did the USE mis-spell your fiancee's name on any of the corespondence with your fiancee? If so, please have your fiancee address that with the CO, and/or call the USE at your earliest convenience to ensure that error is not translated onto the Visa. If this is the case, it's imperative that your fiancee's name on the Visa is correct. Traveling with a misprint on a Visa will endeed cause you unnecessary heartache that you will not need. Hope this helps... Cheers!!! Sheriff Uling p.s. - The USE will take one complete copy of your I-134 Affidavit of Support and back-up because only one is required per visa applicant, but do take both copies. 1. I got the bank statements and bank letter just in case they ask!!! 2. Did they ask for the pay stubs? 3. How many pictures do they want? 4. Yes NVC had my fiancee's first name spelled wrong (Frorenda vs Florenda) but I sent a fax to them requesting a correction and it was correct in all correspondence from the Embassy. I know I have way more than they will ask for but out interview is 2/13 and I bought return tickets for 2/23 so I don't want any delays!	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-06 13:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	hi.. we just got approved today..and hoping to pick up the visa on friday..as of now, we're here in DIAMOND hotel.. i may not be as informative like others, but these are the things that i remembered so far..please bear with me.. documents that we're asked to get a number.: ds-156k - there should be a signature below "do not write below this line" part..(its a must!) 2 ds-157 2 ds-156- with pictures pasted not stapled on it (2x2 white background/visa background) ***the people outside the embassy whose taking care of the line with all the rented chairs for 10pesos each, they will really try their very best to tell you that your picture is too big, too small,you needed another 4 pcs of pictures, etc.etc.etc...NEVER BELIEVE THEM.. just make sure to paste 2 pictures on ds-156, then youre fine, the other 2 pictures were already forwarded to the embassy FROM ST. LUKES.. filipina interviewer: NBI BC CENOMAR --she didnt asked for it but i volunteered to give it to her and she said "oh, good for you, thanks" PICTURES I-134 2005 ITR consul: didnt ask for additional documents just asked me and larry about the number of times he visited me.. im really thankful for all the informations i got from this forum,...some girls which we met there, thought im very smart, coz i know what to do next, what to expect next,.....GRRR...im not...i told them, i just read alot in the forums.. thank u once again.. and goodluck to all incoming interviews. Godbless... On the DS-156K it says "DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE" and then "the consular office will assist you in answering this part". I take this to mean it needs to be signed in front of the officer, no?	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-06 13:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Correct, the DS-230 is for the immigrant visa (CR-1,IR-1), not the K1/K3 which are non-immigrant. Oh #######, no DS-230 required for K1? Where did I get that idea from?	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-06 03:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Hey can you check out my interview checklist. This is what we will have with us. Interview Appointment Letter original and 1 copy. Valid photo ID (NBI badge) and 1 copy. Passport copy (St. Luke’s took the original during the medical and sent to the Embassy). Original NSO Birth Certificate, original and 1 copy. CENOMAR original and 1 copy. NBI Clearance with "For US Travel" or "For Travel Abroad" stamp and thumbprint, original and 1 copy. Passport-sized photos (2 in addition to those on the DS-156 forms). VISA Application Forms - DS-156 (2 completed and signed forms with photos glued on, and 1 copy). - DS-156K (2 completed and signed forms, and 1 copy). DO NOT SIGN BEFORE INTERVIEW! - DS-157 (2 completed and signed form – 1 must be stamped with BPI payment, and 1 copy). - DS-230, part 1 (2 completed and signed forms, and 1 copy). I-134F Affidavit of Support form (notarized), 2 originals with copies. Supporting documentation for I-134F (affidavit of support folder) - Fiancé employment letter (2 originals with copies). - Fiancé last 3 years income tax forms (copies of 1040 form). - Copies of last 3 years W-2 forms. - Bank statements for last 3 months. - Bank letter showing date account opened, deposits for last year and current balance. USCIS I-797C Notice of Approval original and 1 copy. NVC letter original and 1 copy (this will show spelling error too). New letter of intent from each of me, signed and dated. Copy of original I-129F packet with original receipts, etc. Evidence of ongoing relationship - Pictures - Snail mail cards and letters - Chat logs - Emails - Phone records - Engagement ring receipt - Receipts and ticket stubs from second trip in October - Records of Western Union and XOOM money transfers. *Passport sized or 2x2 pictures? is Visa picture the same with 2x2? *DS 230? - On the instruction packet, it doesnt say DS 230. I dont have this To those who just got approved, did u bring DS 230? *Will a 1 year ITR (last year) and 1 W2 (last year) be fine? My Fiance will be sending me the remaining docs that i need and id really appreciate if you guys help me with these questions.. Thanks alot, this thread is really helpful and thanks to PW for answering my question earlier and thanks Garya for the list- this also helps me.. God Bless guys! Aren't passport-sized photos 2x2 ??? I thought they were. Now that I look again, I don't see the DS-230 in the Manila Embassy interview instructions, but I know I saw that somewhere. I think tax returns or ITR will only be required for the self-employed, but I'm bringing them anyway. I also don't need a bank letter because my income is well above poverty level but I got that too. I know my list is overkill, but since I'm going to be there and we have tickets to return to the US 10 days after interview , I'm making sure I don't miss anything and they don't throw any curves at us that we can't handle.	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-06 02:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Hey can you check out my interview checklist. This is what we will have with us. Interview Appointment Letter original and 1 copy. Valid photo ID (NBI badge) and 1 copy. Passport copy (St. Luke’s took the original during the medical and sent to the Embassy). Original NSO Birth Certificate, original and 1 copy. CENOMAR original and 1 copy. NBI Clearance with "For US Travel" or "For Travel Abroad" stamp and thumbprint, original and 1 copy. Passport-sized photos (2 in addition to those on the DS-156 forms). VISA Application Forms - DS-156 (2 completed and signed forms with photos glued on, and 1 copy). - DS-156K (2 completed and signed forms, and 1 copy). DO NOT SIGN BEFORE INTERVIEW! - DS-157 (2 completed and signed form – 1 must be stamped with BPI payment, and 1 copy). - DS-230, part 1 (2 completed and signed forms, and 1 copy). I-134F Affidavit of Support form (notarized), 2 originals with copies. Supporting documentation for I-134F (affidavit of support folder) - Fiancé employment letter (2 originals with copies). - Fiancé last 3 years income tax forms (copies of 1040 form). - Copies of last 3 years W-2 forms. - Bank statements for last 3 months. - Bank letter showing date account opened, deposits for last year and current balance. USCIS I-797C Notice of Approval original and 1 copy. NVC letter original and 1 copy (this will show spelling error too). New letter of intent from each of me, signed and dated. Copy of original I-129F packet with original receipts, etc. Evidence of ongoing relationship - Pictures - Snail mail cards and letters - Chat logs - Emails - Phone records - Engagement ring receipt - Receipts and ticket stubs from second trip in October - Records of Western Union and XOOM money transfers. Did I leave anything out ??????????????????? Edited by garya505, 06 February 2007 - 02:20 AM.	garya505	Not Telling	Philippines	2007-02-06 02:17:00