ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Since it is a "slow news day" in the Manila forum, I'll share that last night Jenalyn and I got married. We were married by the Camp Hill Mayor at the Cornerstone Coffee House (and wedding chapel) and then everybody walked down the street to the Lebanese restaurant for a feast (complete with belly dancers) prepared by Mike the owner. Not exactly a "traditional" wedding night, but it was a blast, and everybody and a great time (some more then others based upon the number of wine bottles we went through).



Congratulations!!!
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-01-20 18:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Whoa, slow day...
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-01-20 18:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

the article by Mr Ellis is meant to cover all embassies, If you'll look at the letter or P3 letter from the manila embassy it says we want to ASSURE you...blah blah AS LONG AS YOU BOTH REMAIN LEGALLY FREE TO MARRY AND INTEND TO DO SO blah blah...

SO what would they be assuring us of if it were not that as long as you still intend to marry that they will revalidate???????

Jazzys right, its automatic

but hey send all the faxes letters telegrams candygrams you want, but for crying out loud
LET IT GO!


We did not received any letter with that wording. Where did you see that?



Interesting indeed Gary where DID I see that....


Quick question, Manila received my packet on Dec. 27th. Is it still possible to track any further activity after that and what is the best way to track it? How long does it usually takes before my fiance & I will receive a letter from them stating that they have my packet and it's in good hands (hopefully :lol: ) .

Thanks


You may receive a letter (sometimes referred to as packet 3) from the Embassy, but many do not. They didn't send my fiancee anything so I emailed them and they replied after a while. Here's the text of the email, which I understand is similar or the sane as what is in the letter if (you get it).

"We received the fiancé(e) visa petition (I-129F) from the State Department's National Visa Center (NVC) on October 17, 2006. No appointment has been scheduled as yet, but we have already included the applicant on the list of qualified applicants awaiting an interview schedule. Because of our heavy volume of fiancé(e) visa applications, the waiting time for a visa interview at present is approximately between 120 - 150 days from receipt of the petition in Manila.

We will inform the applicant of the interview date as soon as it is scheduled. We will mail the applicant an appointment packet with information and instructions to apply for a visa about 30 days before the scheduled interview. We will also send you a copy of the appointment letter.

We want to assure you that while an approved fiancé(e) petition is originally valid for four months from the date of its approval, a consular officer may revalidate it for an additional four months. This revalidation is routine as long as you and the beneficiary remain legally free to marry and continue to intend to do so within 90 days after the beneficiary is admitted into the United States.

A list of immigrant and fiancé(e) visa cases that have been scheduled for an interview is available at our web site at http://philippines.u...v/wwwh3023.html. You or the applicant may check the interview date at this Internet address, where appointments scheduled for the current month and the following month are listed according to case numbers. The list is updated in the middle of each month.

If the applicant would like to inquire further about the status of the visa case, she may contact the Embassy's Visa Call Center at telephone 1-909-101-7878. This number is for subscribers of PLDT and Smart telephone touchtone landlines with national and international distance dialing features (NDD or IDD access). Callers in the USA can contact the Call Center at 1-888-877-9888. The Call Center is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Manila time). There is a fee assessed to callers by the Call Center for its services"


Edit to say I posted this before I saw the other posts I was not intending to hammer a
nail thats already been driven...pardon me please

Edited by Alanlvsjudy, 11 January 2007 - 07:58 PM.

AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-01-11 19:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
the article by Mr Ellis is meant to cover all embassies, If you'll look at the letter or P3 letter from the manila embassy it says we want to ASSURE you...blah blah AS LONG AS YOU BOTH REMAIN LEGALLY FREE TO MARRY AND INTEND TO DO SO blah blah...

SO what would they be assuring us of if it were not that as long as you still intend to marry that they will revalidate???????

Jazzys right, its automatic

but hey send all the faxes letters telegrams candygrams you want, but for crying out loud
LET IT GO!
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-01-11 13:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Thank God we have dates now
Feb 16th medical
Feb 26th interview

Thank you Mother Mary



hey congrats!, how did you find out? was the website updated or did you call or get a letter?
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2006-12-19 21:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Could you add us to your list please?, NOA2 6 november case number MNL2006824XXX

Thanks!
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2006-12-12 05:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionone question plsss...

It was discussed during the CFO seminar not to open the Brown Envelope and I understand your excitement. Better call Manila Embassy and inform about it. Im not sure if they are open on Monday since it's holiday. It was also mentioned in the seminar that it takes 3 business days to send you another packet. But, im sure this is a case to case basis maybe you can call them and get an appointment that you need to pick up on the same day. Give it a shot just be positive.

Good Luck and Have a safe trip!


They will just reseal the packet you have, as I said you are not the first to open it, dont worry, just get yourself to the USE ASAP
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-05 13:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionone question plsss...
Since I've been a member here I have seen quite a few posters that opened the magic envelope, its not secret or classified, but you do need to go back to the embassy and get it resealed. I too believe that if you explain it you can walk in and get it done same day. GOOD LUCK!
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-05 06:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCo-sponsor & NOA2 question.

I didn't think so, either. He just has very odd notions about how things work and it's hard to get him to change his ideas. Naturally, when I call him "lazy and stubborn" I mean it in the most loving way possible. ;)

I think I settled on him to co-sponsor because he makes the most money out of everyone that would be willing to help sponsor. But if he's too hesitant about it, I'll ask around. I'm not in an immediate hurry, but I thought that maybe some of the answers on this forum might help me persuade him to just collect the I-134 information.

Thanks!


Also 15k in the bank will probably be looked upon the same manner as assets, so it would be equivalent to having only 3000 more dollars to your annual income, assets are "prorated" (for lack of a better term) their value is spread over 5 years so 15k divided over 5 years=3k. Good luck.
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-06 09:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Just Received Packet From NVC
Yes, the pre appointment letter is what some of the Manila people are calling packet 3.
I dont think they are mistaking it for a packet 3, they simply include it as a milestone.

YMMV
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-23 07:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy and St. Lukes area Hotels

That's good info about the Pearl Garden.

I stayed at the Heritage once. Yes they have a safe in the room but it wasn't attached to anything! The breakfast was very good, but I paid about $80US.


Dude, the safes in my rooms have ALWAYS been anchored rock solid. did you actually try to move it?...they are perched on a feeble looking shelf, but anchored solidly through the back. I regularly lift unassisted, a 325 pound machine onto and off of a service truck...and I cant even wiggle the safes, I ALWAYS try because, its a valid point that if someone can carry it away its useless. I feel sure if in fact it was loose, a call to the desk would either get another room or a prompt repair. and yes the rate runs from about 64-84USD per night, depending on season.
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-01-03 19:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy and St. Lukes area Hotels
I always stay at the Heritage on the corner of EDSA and Roxas, location is perfect for me and Security is top notch. Private safe in room, and my guests are treated respectfully, I would however go down to the lobby and meet them. Free breakfast (really good), if you gamble theres a casino (i do not), a bank in the casino (good exchange rate) room service rocks and many other amenities. all around pretty good hotel. I always book through precision reservations, prices seem to be p3250 in the off season and p4250 in season.
Ymmv
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-01-03 18:42:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

ako din just started. But every journey starts somewhere. But about how long the does the NOA1 take? I live in Hawaii, so I know it takes longer for mail to get to CA. I have been busy at my new job, but it has been two weeks now. So i am worried a bit.



Don't worry, it will come, ours took just over two weeks.

Best of luck!
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-29 06:42:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

Congratulations to Helen and Ate Cora for receiving their visa, happy for u gurls!
You deserve trully the best...God bless!



Joemaria, I noticed your avatar says "my Alabama" will you live in Alabama?

We are very close to the Alabama state line. PM us and let us know where you will be, maybe we will be near enough to visit.

Good Luck!
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-27 11:22:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

Cora (PW)...

Having a get together in Cali would be a very cool thing. :thumbs:

As some of you know, we've been hanging out with Steven and Jinky (Steven & Jinky) as well as Paul and Annie (YnaYeBa0808). Unfortunately Mychelle's husband is not interested in kicking it and does not see why she still hangs out on VJ since his AOS is approved. :bonk: Whatever! :diablo: Some of the Pinoys, I just don't get. Anywho, it would be nice to have a get together with more of the folks here in Cali. Hell, if we're in any state that you live in, we're gonna look you up.

Cheers!!!

Ahmari (Sheriff Uling) & Jhen (Deputy Uling)

p.s. - If anyone in Cali is interested in getting together, please let us know. The more the merrier... :dance:



Hey! Judy and I would like to attend, can we wrap a cable around California and drag it over to where Alabama is now? it would make it much easier for us Georgians!
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-22 19:08:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

My home has never been so clean, Nor my heart so happy. Sweet Judy is in the bed with the flu, she refuses to go to the doctor. If she is not better within the next day or two...well, I am bigger than her.

Aha, threatening her already! :lol:

Oh and Gents, be aware of the cultural differences that you will face...I caught Judy a fresh fish which she promptly cooked...Then I watched in near horror as the beautiful, delicate flower of a woman that I love deeply...ate its head. :blink:


YUMMY!!! It would have been priceless to see the look on your face when she ate the head :lol:

Have you tried barbequed chicken feet (fondly called Adidas), and barbequed chicken intestines (called IUD). Exotic food with American-sounding names. Careful what you order in the restaurants here next time.

I've always wondered why the fishes and prawns in the US were headless. Can someone please explain?


Judy seems much better, so no more threats... :innocent:

I'm sure the look on my face can be duplicated simply by kicking me in the "pebbles"

And NO, I have not tried any such things (adidas, iud) as I am a vegetarian, I will on occasion eat a little fish but when it comes to the head, my policy is "just say NO!"
It really does not bother me, I do understand it is simply a cultural difference. Watching her eat a fishes butt with its head inside would still be a tiny price to pay for the incomparable happiness she has brought.

Don't tell her, but for her I would give a hungry alligator a root canal with a paperclip!

Peace and congrats Cora!

PS. PM us your number in the states and Judy will call you.
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-19 05:52:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

Please bless Vic as he cleans the house, the toilet, the garage, the cupboards, the oven, the dishwasher, the basement, and the yard before El arrives. :devil:

Have a happy reunion, Vic, and may God bless your union.


Ha..I thought my house was clean...then Judy arrived.
I told her good thing we do not have mice (cats) she would just chase them down and shampoo them.
My home has never been so clean, Nor my heart so happy.
Sweet Judy is in the bed with the flu, she refuses to go to the doctor. If she is not better within the next day or two...well, I am bigger than her.

Oh and Gents, be aware of the cultural differences that you will face...I caught Judy a fresh fish which she promptly cooked...Then I watched in near horror as the beautiful, delicate flower of a woman that I love deeply...ate its head. :blink:

Peace, Alan
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-18 04:58:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
HELLO!!!! CONGRATS ate Cora, sabi kona nga ba eh you will approved, were very sorry hindi na kami nakapag email sayo, were very been busy.


For all those hardship that we have experience sa paghi-hintay ng mahabang pila sa St. Luke's sa interview and gatherings some papers we have made it, were very happy to you and some more days you will be with your loving fiance' already, ingat lagi dyan and HAPPY TRIP...
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-15 09:06:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

Can anyone tell me how to use the Delbros site for tracking the progress of the visa? I have been on the their site, but I don't see how to register to use their tracking system. Thanks in advance!!!

-- General Fidel Ramos



No need to register, just input your tracking number into the box labeled tracking.
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-11 05:33:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

hello.. jas wanna is it ok if i purchase only a one way ticket? i called up a one travel agency then i asked her about the price of a certain airline for a one way ticket only. However, she said i should take a roundtrip ticket even if i am on fiancee visa because the immigration will not allow me to leave the country holding a one way ticket only...i need your help. i was about to pay the one way ticket today but then this travel agent told me to purchase the round trip ticket. thanks.



Jackie, I responded to your PM but I'll say it again here. The travel agent lied or just does not know better. You CAN use a one way ticket. A good friend of mine came on a one way ticket in March. (she was K-1)
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-10 04:37:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

right after I posted this morning my main computer died on a restart...i think the magic smoke leaked out of the power supply...I'll fix it soon...but first I'm off to go get JUDY!!! YAY yay YAY!!!



I am so happy for you Allan and Judy. When I get there tell to Judy I will call her up and as we continue our communication. God bless you!!


Shes asleep now Jackie, but she will be very glad to hear from you. I will show her your post.
also just send her your phone number here, we have Vonage she can call you free.


In case anyones interested I am back on the main PC it was indeed a lack of magic smoke in the power supply. (i just happened to have a brand new one laying around, what are the odds?)

ALan (snicker)
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-06 09:21:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
bump
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-06 06:03:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
right after I posted this morning my main computer died on a restart...i think the magic smoke leaked out of the power supply...I'll fix it soon...but first I'm off to go get JUDY!!! YAY yay YAY!!!
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-05 13:04:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

QUOTE(Alanlvsjudy @ Apr 4 2007, 11:05 AM) *
I do not know the solution to your problem but, there has in the recent past been posted about someone not using a CO sponsor but rather a surrogate (i think it was the posters mother or father) and having been successful. careful research will pay off. Good Luck

Hey, what are you doing posting here Alan? You should be twiddling your thumb waiting for Judy to arrive! laughing.gif Say hi to her for me. And have a happy reunion, my friend.


Well looks like I get to be the new first...lol I dont know the BBcode so you get a raw quote.
Yes PW, I am going nutz. Trying to remain occupied until time to go get my sweetie.
and I will tell her, expect a post from her soon, well within a few days soon...lol
Thanks and have a great day!!!
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-05 05:56:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
QUOTE(Alanlvsjudy @ Apr 4 2007, 11:05 AM) *
I do not know the solution to your problem but, there has in the recent past been posted about someone not using a CO sponsor but rather a surrogate (i think it was the posters mother or father) and having been successful. careful research will pay off. Good Luck

Hey, what are you doing posting here Alan? You should be twiddling your thumb waiting for Judy to arrive! laughing.gif Say hi to her for me. And have a happy reunion, my friend.


Well looks like I get to be the new first...lol I dont know the BBcode so you get a raw quote.
Yes PW, I am going nutz. Trying to remain occupied until time to go get my sweetie.
and I will tell her, expect a post from her soon, well within a few days soon...lol
Thanks and have a great day!!!
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-05 05:49:00
Middle East and North AfricaFriday! Friday! Friday!

Posted Image

Falafel, that's a favorite!

Alan, my friend. Are you back to pick up something for dinner?


No, I had to read a few pages to catch up tho...
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-01-26 17:04:00
Middle East and North AfricaFriday! Friday! Friday!

Alan, my man! Give me a high five!

George and Jeeny too, hey, ya'll!

Eat up!



Heh, hi gEg, just stopped in while on MY lunch break...

Oh I didnt mean FOOD pictures...silly...hehe have a nice day!
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2007-01-26 13:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew Processing Times Dated July 19
Hmmm...TSC is updated today also AND their site is showing I-129F petitions again-March 6 06

Could this mean anything?...hmmmm
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2006-07-19 17:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMedical

I will fly to manila tomorrow at 1pm and have my medical on the 19th.. I'm scared of the injections and vaccinations so i dont know how i'll get through it without humiliating myself and acting like a baby! (i'm sorry but i'm just a scardy cat and have low tolerance with pain... but anything to be with my dj :( ) I am glad that i've reached this part so i'll have 1 more thing to think about and that is the interview. Please wish me luck and I need your prayers that we wouldn't find anything serious/bad on my medical not just to pass the test, but also for my health's sake.. Thank you all, you've been a great help! (F)


I was military So I got used to shots...lots of them its not a big deal really but heres what I used to tell the Macho men who were afraid of the needles....

Ever go to get a spoon and inadvertantly close the drawer on your hand? (the typical answer being "yes)
Well that hurts a lot worse so now are you afraid of silverware?...

The moral is...its really a mental thing, just beat the dread and the rest is easy and relatively painless.

Good Luck, Our prayers are with you.
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2006-07-17 18:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 vs K3 visa - Fiance in Philippines

Hi, am glad i found this page. I've been researching re: both K1 or K3 visas and it seems like K1 would be the best option for me and my fiance who is in the Philippines. My questin I guess is if there have been anyone else here that dealt with Philippine US Consulate and can tell me how long it took you from your fiance receiving the first packet to an interview being scheduled. Would a petition and applying for K3 visa be faster? Philippine US Consulate by the way doesn't allow DCF (fast track) like some other countries.

Background: We've been communicating since November (met online chat) and became friends. I travelled to Philippines (where I am originally from) for holidays and we've been calling and texting each other until we finally met in April. We've dated since and have fallen in love and I have talked to her parents and guardians regarding our plans on getting married. It's now close to August and I'm still in Philippines. But as soon as I get back to US I will staring the filing of K1 visa. I'm just wondering now if K3 is faster, I can stay longer and get married here to petition her later on and get a K3 visa.

Thanks for any help given.

Arnold & Joan


My Fiancee is also in the PI, I cannot present any hard evidence but from what I understand the K-1 is generally faster than the K-3. I think the Manila embassy's web site even says so...Best of luck
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2006-07-21 04:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNothing heard from NSC yet! and it makes me worry!!

Dear Friends, My Fiancee mailed the Petition on July 11, 2006, its 10 days now and we didnt hear anything from Nebraska Service Center yet, I and my Fiancee worry if something wrong with this situtation. Someone please tell me how could we contact to Nebraska Service Center?

Thanks.

July 11, 2006 Petition mailed to NSC
10 days now and nothing heard yet!!!



I would wait at least 3 weeks before stressing over it, none of us like to wait but they are handling an incredible amount of paperwork.

good luck

PS. Im waiting on a NOA1 also
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2006-07-21 05:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPetition amendment
If you filed an old form, I expect you'll be getting an RFE or your whole petition back, at this point I would wait for either to happen...I know thats not what you want to hear, But I highly suspect if you send additional documents It will be treated as correspondance by the mail room and subsequently zip off into the twilight zone.
Hang in there
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2006-07-23 06:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI'm so angry I just want to fight!!!
Dont get me wrong, I know there are some people that give MORE than 110% EVERY day but I am talking averages too, not exceptions...no offense intended...Also I understand your frustration for waiting 5 months ...its a LONG time to be without someone you love, I wish my fiancee were here yesterday but I have resolved myself to waiting as long as it takes, be that 5 months or 12. My sympathy and prayers are with you... It WILL happen have faith!
Kind regards and best wishes
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2006-07-22 09:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI'm so angry I just want to fight!!!
Of course I dont KNOW, but it seems highly likely that each individual petiotio is as unique as the persons listed. I strongly suspect that the caseworkers start the process in order of the dates rec'vd...but some things just happen faster than others, for example the caseworker may order a name search on petition A and while waiting strart reviewing petition B.

I dont expect the workers are "putting out the fire" everyday but lets be honest, Do we all give 110% EVERY day on our own jobs? I have faith that these people are doing their best, I am in a hurry as well but try to comprehend the MASSIVE amount of requests that come in every day...
Best of luck to all
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2006-07-22 09:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Certificate- Petitioner

and THAT is why I trust google more than a lawyer




HUH?
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2006-07-24 11:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Certificate- Petitioner
Does not make sense to me, they can just run the NCIC, it only takes a few minutes why request an additional document?

Smells funny to me....
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2006-07-21 20:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhile waiting for K1...
Its not legal, if you file for a K-1 visa you MUST marry in the United States, if you want to marry in the Philippines you need to marry then file for a K-3 visa.
Good Luck
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2006-07-26 04:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSpecific $$$ amount I must have in the bank

Well, out of what I heard from a lawyer here, in US. If your fiancee is from Ukraine, you can just go there, marry her, and within weeks or one month I think, she will have a visa to get into US. It is only in Ukraine you can do this. My fiancee is from Russia, so close, yet not possible for me.

Mike.



Im pretty sure your lawyer has bumped his head.
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2006-07-26 13:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan we coordinate a call? How many of us are there? (CSC)
Good Idea, lets give them a lot more stuff to do other than processing petitions....
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2006-07-27 20:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWeekends?

and yes! they do work on the weedends. I just got touched! and so have others.


Thanks that truly is creative...I bet you dont get many speeding tickets do you?...LOL
AlanlvsjudyNot TellingPhilippines2006-07-29 08:58:00