ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

Manila Embassy K1 Visa Guide…

Starting Line

(K1 Introduction) - If you are just starting your K1 visa journey, please check out this information provided by the Department of State (DOS) on the K1 visa experience [CLICK HERE]. I found this information very insightful when I first started. Please note that the "How to Apply for a Social Security Number Card" section is INCORRECT because K1 visa beneficiaries may ONLY apply for a SSN card upon arriving into the United States. Please also review VJ's K1 guide [CLICK HERE]

(K1 Visa Immigration Stages) - A simplified and theoretical overview of the five (5) stages involved in the K1 Visa process, according to Sheriff Uling [CLICK HERE].

Post NOA1 (Receipt Notice) Information

(Case Status) - Once you have filed the petition (I-129F) and received a "receipt number" (listed on the NOA1), please register on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website using the Case Status Online Tool [CLICK HERE] to receive emailed updates concerning your petition. NOTE: If you want emailed updates to multiple addresses then you must create multiple customer portfolio accounts. When your petition is approval (NOA2), the USCIS forwards your package to the National Visa Center normally within 14 days. The Case Status Online Tool is of no further use to you until after the beneficiary arrives in the United States, get's married, applies for the Adjustment of Status (AOS), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and/or Advance Parole (AP) because this tool does not track the activity being performed at the National Visa Center (NVC) or the Manila Embassy.

Post NOA2 (Approval Notice) Information

(1). The National Visa Center (NVC) number is within my signature. NVC assigns a case number after a preliminary backgroud/name check has cleared, then forwards your case files electronic and via snail mail to the Manila Embassy. This normally takes approximately 14 - 30 days to complete. Have the USC (petitioner) call (the number is within my signature) or email your inquiry to NVCINQUIRY@state.gov (be sure to include the beneficiary's name, date of birth, place of birth, and receipt number). A NVC Processing Letter [SAMPLE HERE] may or may not be sent to the USC (petitioner), which indicates the case number and approximate time when the case files will be sent to the Manila Embassy. This complimentary NVC Processing Letter (a.k.a. Bureau of Consular Affairs (BCA) letter) is not required for any stage in the immigration process.

(2). The Manila Embassy (USE) number is within my signature. Please review this instructional visa interview information [CLICK HERE] (Thx Sillygirl). The average visa interview appointment/medical exam are scheduled by the USE approximately 90 – 120 days after the receipt of your case files sent by the NVC. Even though the USE has received you case files electronically, the process will not begin until the paper copy is received via snail mail.

The beneficiary may or may not received a Letter of Receipt [SAMPLE HERE] (Thx PW and GaryC) accompanied by a Document Preparation Letter [SAMPLE HERE] (Thx PW and GaryC) from the USE once their physical case files are delivered to the USE via snail mail from the NVC. Don't be mistakened, this is NOT Packet 3 because the USE ONLY issues Packet 4. At times, the USE fails to send the beneficiary the Letter of Receipt and Document Preparation Letter, which is of no real consequence. The beneficiary can expect to potentially receive the Letter of Receipt and Document Preparation Letter in approximately 30 - 60 days after the files are deliverved via snail mail by the NVC to the USE.

However, the beneficiary SHOULD and NEEDS to receive an Appointment Letter [SAMPLE HERE] accompanied by the infamous Packet 4 [MODIFIED SAMPLE HERE], which should arrive approximately 60 - 90 days after the receipt of the hard-copy case file sent by the NVC to the USE. The Packet 4 currently sent from the USE to the beneficiaries INCORRECTLY states that the DS-156 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application) is validated by the banks upon paying the visa application fee. The pdf file for the Packet 4 link (above) is modified to CORRECTLY read that the DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Application is the form validated by the bank upon paying the visa application fee.

As of 01 November 2006, ALL nonimmigrant visa applicants MUST use the online Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF) to complete the DS-156 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application) at http://evisaforms.state.gov. You may complete the DS-156K (Nonimmigrant Fiancé(e) Visa Application), and the DS-157 (Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application) and the I-134 (Affidavit of Support) via computer (recommended), type-writer (just as good), or handwritten (last resort). To review the K1 Visa Forms (DS-156, DS-156K, DS-157, & I-134) most Frequently Asked Questions [CLICK HERE]. To review the Manila Embassy Thread's recommendations on what to bring (which directly corresponds to the document preparation letter and Packet 4 sent by the USE) and sample questions asked by the Consular Officer during the visa interview [CLICK HERE]. If you need to call the USE, dial 0 for the operator, and ask for the Immigrant Visa Unit (even though the K1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa, they are handled like immigrant visa because of the intent to migrate to the United States). Effective 01 March 2007, cellphones and other electronic devices will NOT be permitted into the US Embassy and applicants who bring such devices will be DENIED entry.

Be advised once the beneficiary reaches the pre-screeners, the majority of them are very direct, rude, and mean, so don't be alarmed or discouraged by them.

(3).The Department of State (DOS) number is within my signature. After your case is approved (NOA2) and reaches the Manila Embassy, you may call DOS instead on the Manila Embassy to obtain status of your case and make inquiries concerning your interview date. NOTE: DOS has no direct participation in the K1 process.

(4). The Visa Interview Appointments website is within my signature (the beneficiary's interview appointment and medical exam will be scheduled by the USE). NOTE: Please do NOT press enter after the case number is entered because that will not yield a result. Please click on the "Check Appointment" tab. If the appointments have been scheduled, the following will be available: Case Number, Visa Classification, St. Luke's appointment Date, and Embassy Appointment Date, but if the appointments are NOT scheduled yet, the result will be "Case Number Not Found on Appointment List."

(5). St. Luke's Extension Clinic (SLEC) information is within my signature. SLEC is where the beneficiary goes to take the medical exam and vaccination. The process takes two days: Day 1 is the medical exam (the beneficiary's passport will be taken and sent to the USE along with the medical exam results) and; Day 2 is the vaccination (the beneficiary will be given the x-ray film and the vaccination worksheet/record). NOTE: If the Manila Embassy does not mail the beneficiary the K1 Visa Packet 4 and the Appointment Letter, then call SLEC in order to pick them up at SLEC and take a copy of the NOA2, a copy of the NVC letter (which should have the beneficiary's Manila case number on it), and a print-out of the scheduled appointment dates from the Visa Interview Appointments website. Be advised, the beneficiary's medical exam will be scheduled one week before the visa interview by the USE. Per the Manila Embassy Thread, we recommend that the beneficiary takes the medical exam anywhere from 2 weeks to a month before the interview to ensure the results are available for the Consular Officer and to prepare in the unfortunate event of unfavorable medical results. If the medical exam is taken anytime over a month before the visa interview, there is a risk that the results could be invalid, which means the beneficiary will have to take another medical exam before the visa can be approved. The beneficiary may reschedule the medical exam appointment with SLEC after the medical exam and visa interview dates are assigned by calling SLEC. Please don't forget to bring your passport, appointment letter (if received), passport photos (the size of the photos should be 2 inches by 2 inches [see Packet 4, page 8]), and the medical exam fee to your appointment. The beneficiary also needs to have the sponsors contact information (address, phone number, and ssn #) for the SLEC forms. To review the Manila Embassy Thread's recommendations on what to bring and sample questions asked [CLICK HERE].

(6). The DELBROS website is within my signature. DELBROS is the company responsible for delivering the beneficiary's Visa and POE information. The DELBROS delivery fee is paid subsequent to the beneficiary's visa interview at the Manila Embassy. The only way to correspond with Delbros is via text, which can be extremely frustrating if you visa delivery is delayed. Per the Manila Embassy website, the current delivery fee/time is as follows:

* Metro Manila Areas, 135 Philippine Pesos, Delivered one (1) to three (3) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier
* Provincial Key Cities (ex. Cebu City, Davao City, etc.) 165 Philippine Pesos; Delivered three (3) to five (5) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier
* Outside Provincial Key Cities, (ex. Capiz, Leyte, Bukidnon, etc.), Cost depends on area/location, Delivered five (5) to seven (7) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier

NOTE: Per the DELBROS staff, the Manila Embassy can take as much as three (3) business days to release the visa and POE package, which is NOT included in the deliver times above. You may also call the Manila Embassy, dial 0 for the operator, and ask for Delbros, after the visa is approve, to acquire about the status of your visa delivery. The only other way to contact DELBROS is via text message (that's right... text message).

(7). Beneficiaries are required to attend a CFO Guidance and Counseling Seminar that are held in Manila and Cebu, whichever is more convenient, before traveling abroad (the corresponding links within my signature). Attending the CFO Guidance and Counseling Seminar is a Philippine government requirement which states, "Per Republic Act 8239 and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Order 28-94, Filipinos proceeding abroad as fiancé(e)s and spouses of foreign nationals are required to attend the CFO's guidance and counseling programs... " For more info [CLICK HERE]. NOTE: The CFO Guidance and Counseling Seminar is not stated as a requirement within the Packet 4 instructions. However, after the visa is approved, instructions on attending the CFO Guidance and Counseling seminar are included in the visa and Port of Entry (POE) package received by the beneficiary. If the beneficiary takes the seminar before receiving the visa, then the beneficiary will have to return to the CFO in order to receive the CFO sticker anytime after the visa is received. Travel abroad is prohibited without the CFO sticker within the beneficiary's passport (the visa is within the passport). Please check out this instructional information on the PRISM Guidance and Counceling Seminar experience [CLICK HERE] (Thx Sillygirl).

(8). The I-94 Arrival / Departure Record form is within my signature. Foreigners (beneficiaries) complete the I-94 and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer stamps the applicant's visa as well as the arrival / departure portions of the I-94 at the Port of Entry (POE) when entering the United States. The CBP Officer will keep the arrival portion and staple the departure portion of the I-94 to your visa where they stamped the beneficiaries arrival date. You will need this for the Adjustment of Status process. NOTE: Even though it's simple, I have supplied this so you will know what it looks like and what is required to be filled out. Have a great flight!

FINAL NOTE: Please let me know if there are any suggestions/errors/updates.

I have correlated the numbers above to my signature below.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling

p.s. - Please review the signature and story tab of my wife's VJ profile [Deputy Uling] for information on the Adjustment of Status (AOS) stage that occurs after the beneficiary arrives in the United States.

anyone registered their interview date with VisaPoint ™ ?
crambajoyNot TellingPhilippines2007-05-14 00:54:00
PhilippinesAge difference between Filipinas and americans (Poll)
:devil: i'm 38
:innocent: she's 29
crambajoyNot TellingPhilippines2007-05-30 21:42:00
Philippinesphils calling card quality
http://www.alosmart.com
crambajoyNot TellingPhilippines2007-07-01 15:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswrecked when put on AR even i am an IR applicant


Hi everyone!

I just want to share the unexpected outcome of my interview this morning. I arrived at USEM around 430 am from Bayview Park Hotel. Everything went fine and the CO told me that my papers were organized and complete but they still need to verify some information in NSO regarding our status before we get married (if we have previous marriages) since we were both PINOY the time of our wedding coz my hubby wasn’t naturalize yet only last 2005 although he have been in the US for almost 15 years.

During my pre-screening (Filipino lady) only our pictures, emails, cards and snail mails were asked, I asked her if she needs to see my CENOMAR and my hubby’s 2006 ITR she said those are all fine…my money transfer receipts for the last 4 yrs were not even asked also the bank statement. Yeah, I pretty much covered everything that can served as a proof prior to our marriage but seems not enough knowing everything were organized and all originals and recent.

I feel wrecked after my moment wid the CO, I never expected it that I’ll be put on A/R. I answered all questions consistently & directly to the point with all my heart and gave some additional information like on the pictures (although it has captions already). Smiled even nerve wrecking. I don’t know where I came short. I saw some applicant weren’t even ready what to submit and present to them but end up having what they really wanted. I feel that my readings with all these visa things didn’t paid off …I still end up at the darker part of the journey. I was hoping to be reunited wid my honey in 2 weeks but I am disappointed. I strive harder but it didn’t work out. I insisted twice to present my CENOMAR to the Pre-screener and to the CO both refused to accept.

I am just wondering if I am just the only IR visa applicant here that went thru the same situation. Did I really screw up? How long am I going to be doomed?:roll:

I don’t wanna lose hope even I’ve been thru a lot of RFE’s (not our fault tho) coz I am almost there. Please..please enlighten me everyone. I don’t know when to cheer up now.

PS. They let me pay delbros and was given a paper wid “wait till u here from us” words. I brought a 3 kilos of proof but was't enough.

I am in total despair.

Same story with my wife "but they still need to verify some information in NSO regarding our status before we get married (if we have previous marriages)" and got the paper “wait till u here from us” also. Hope it takes just 8 days like you.
crambajoyNot TellingPhilippines2007-06-23 20:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion for those who have Filipino Fiance/Wife

Hello,

I'm specifically asking for information about how to find out if our packet has gotten to the Manila consulate yet. I tried 011/63 25286300 that another poster responded in a previous post with as a telephone, but for some reason my cell phone will not allow me to connect to this number. I know I have wide open service, and I can receive calls from my fiancée. I can't even call her number. Anyway, I know there is an 888 number where you can connect to the Manila consulate office and pay a service charge for each call, but I was wondering if there is a number in the USA that is toll free or even long distance (like the NVC #) or an email address I could write to to inquire as to whether or not our packet has been received. I tried the interview appointments web site and it's obviously still too early for our interview to have been put into the system yet. We just left the NVC on June 26. Anybody have any pointers for the Manila Embassy?

PS- I only have my cell phone. No landline at home. International calls are HIGHLY discouraged at my work...so dunno what to do from here. I don't want to have to pay a service fee for an 888 number where I run the risk of being told that the petition isn't even there yet. Looking at some timelines online, it looks like it could have arrived by now. Thoughts anyone? Thanks-

Also, anyone who did the K1/K3 route and your fiancee is about to come here to USA or is already here...do you have any pointers or suggestions that might help with easing the pain of my fiancee having to leave her family and living in a new and yes, strange place with a strange person like me? As you well know, the Filipino culture is much more family centered than here in USA, and it's obviously very tough for someone to have to leave their family and friends for one person. Anything that might help us, especially my fiancee, in this very difficult and real situation, please post or PM me and I will pass along your messages to Jacki. Jacki has already tried to reach out to Filipinos on here, specifically those speaking her native Visayan, in NC or at least nearby, and she hasn't gotten a lot of responses. We would greatly appreciate any and all help/advice in these matters. Thank you.

use a calling card like http://www.alosmart.com, you call an 800 no. enter a pin then dial the no. 01163...
crambajoyNot TellingPhilippines2007-07-14 21:15:00
Philippinesinterview today
My wife just got back from her interview and was told by the consul if she had prior marriages and said she will check nso. She did not have a CENOMAR- is that required for a cr-1 visa?They gave her a paper saying, "if there are documents (affv of sup, passport, a long list, etc. ) if checked, they will send you a letter to come back & "wait till you hear from us" the problem is there was nothing checked. They also said notify her if there are needed documents if not the visa will be sent.
crambajoyNot TellingPhilippines2007-06-20 02:24:00
Philippinespapers U RECIEVED AFTER INTERVIEW

hello VJ's
i just want to ask if the last window officer who called ur name for releasing did u received pink slip for delbros the slip staple in appointment letter with stamp bio done...
let me here from u there
jarl

yes i received just like that :)


wow u got ur visa in 3 days, was ur interview on the 6/26/07?
crambajoyNot TellingPhilippines2007-07-01 15:37:00
Philippinespending visa....

[b]after my interview the consul smiled and said congratulations and i was given that famous pink slip and paid delbros. they never give nor said anything about 221g or whatsoever. it has been 13 working days already and we have not received the visa yet so me and my fiance called the manila embassy only to be told that it is still at the consul's desk. then we called the department of state and we got to speak to a visa specialist an she told us that it is just pending nothing more(hope she is telling the truth).

any idea you can share with us??? does anybody here had similar case in the past and how long did it take for you to wait the visa???

any idea is greatly appreciated. i know this website is very rich in infos and i am glad i found this.

"I just called the embassy and I asked the status of my wife's visa,(she got the 221g paper but nothing was checked) and they said everything was confirmed(paperwork) today and was sent back to the person(consul) handling the case.They said it might take a week or so to get to her case.... oh well, I guess I could wait." That was Jul 1 and my wife's interview was on the same date as yours. We are in the same waiting boat :clock:
crambajoyNot TellingPhilippines2007-07-08 01:18:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
:dancing: I'm leaving on a jet plane now I know when I'll be back again coz my wife got her visa today!! Just like 30 min ago.It ONLY took 3weeks exactly for her to receive her visa.Thanks to all the VJs for your support. and to all still waiting..have patience your time will come.I booked my flight on the July 18. :dance:
crambajoyNot TellingPhilippines2007-07-10 23:46:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
Update...I just called the embassy and I asked the status of my wife's visa,(she got the 221g paper but nothing was checked) and they said everything was confirmed(paperwork) today and was sent back to the person(consul) handling the case.They said it might take a week or so to get to her case.... oh well, I guess I could wait. She's still waiting for her Nursing Board Exam Results, so she could get her license(anybody got info on that?when the results will come out) :hehe:
crambajoyNot TellingPhilippines2007-07-02 00:47:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
is delbros.com tracking working?
crambajoyNot TellingPhilippines2007-06-28 15:52:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

i know this is off topic but im desperate. :crying: lol

where to find Phil Mango in the US. and if i could buy it online. although i doubt but who knows... thanks!



i think costco had b4
crambajoyNot TellingPhilippines2007-06-26 17:45:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status


Hi everyone!

I just want to share the unexpected outcome of my interview this morning. I arrived at USEM around 430 am from Bayview Park Hotel. Everything went fine and the CO told me that my papers were organized and complete but they still need to verify some information in NSO regarding our status before we get married (if we have previous marriages) since we were both PINOY the time of our wedding coz my hubby wasn’t naturalize yet only last 2005 although he have been in the US for almost 15 years.

During my pre-screening (Filipino lady) only our pictures, emails, cards and snail mails were asked, I asked her if she needs to see my CENOMAR and my hubby’s 2006 ITR she said those are all fine…my money transfer receipts for the last 4 yrs were not even asked also the bank statement. Yeah, I pretty much covered everything that can served as a proof prior to our marriage but seems not enough knowing everything were organized and all originals and recent.

I feel wrecked after my moment wid the CO, I never expected it that I’ll be put on A/R. I answered all questions consistently & directly to the point with all my heart and gave some additional information like on the pictures (although it has captions already). Smiled even nerve wrecking. I don’t know where I came short. I saw some applicant weren’t even ready what to submit and present to them but end up having what they really wanted. I feel that my readings with all these visa things didn’t paid off …I still end up at the darker part of the journey. I was hoping to be reunited wid my honey in 2 weeks but I am disappointed. I strive harder but it didn’t work out. I insisted twice to present my CENOMAR to the Pre-screener and to the CO both refused to accept.

I am just wondering if I am just the only IR visa applicant here that went thru the same situation. Did I really screw up? How long am I going to be doomed?:roll:

I don’t wanna lose hope even I’ve been thru a lot of RFE’s (not our fault tho) coz I am almost there. Please..please enlighten me everyone. I don’t know when to cheer up now.

PS. They let me pay delbros and was given a paper wid “wait till u here from us” words. I brought a 3 kilos of proof but was't enough.

I am in total despair.

Same story with my wife "but they still need to verify some information in NSO regarding our status before we get married (if we have previous marriages)" and got the paper “wait till u here from us” also. Hope it takes just 8 days like you.
crambajoyNot TellingPhilippines2007-06-23 20:06:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
QUOTE(soulm8z0928 @ Sep 13 2006, 07:53 AM) *

hey fellow Philippine VJ'ers, another quick q as we get all our docs ready to submit. we are doing the IR1/CR1. will my wife be asked to submit a CENOMAR? we r thinking no based on what we read on the manila embassy site, but don't want to assume anything and avoid any unnecessary delays. thx, bernie and sherwin


If the embassy thinks it's necessary they will make their own request to the NSO and normally that holds things up.


Actually this policy has changed. They now ask K-1s to bring the CENOMAR with them to the interview. It's on their new instructions letter.

Since the CENOMAR doesn't apply for the OP, they won't be asked for it.


So you are saying the embassy no longer puts people on admin review while they check with the NSO for any unended or unreported marriages?


That's not what I said. I said they changed their policy. When we went for the interview, the consulate would not accept a CENOMAR submitted by us and sent for their own. Now the CENOMAR is accepted at the interview and is even on the list of documents to bring. I'm also saying the consulate won't be looking for a CENOMAR for a married person--it wouldn't make any sense. They may request evidence that any former marriages have been terminated and may put people on admin review while they check for unended or unreported marriages.

The OP asked specifically about CENOMAR. For them, it is N/A because they are married.
crambajoyNot TellingPhilippines2007-06-21 21:28:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
My wife just got back from her interview and was told by the consul if she had prior marriages and said she will check nso. She did not have a CENOMAR- is that required for a cr-1 visa?They gave her a paper saying, "if there are documents (affv of sup, passport, a long list, etc. ) if checked, they will send you a letter to come back & "wait till you hear from us" the problem is there was nothing checked. They also said notify her if there are needed documents if not the visa will be sent.So whats the deal? :huh:
crambajoyNot TellingPhilippines2007-06-20 09:50:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
Case Number: mnl2006******
Visa Classification: CR1
St. Luke's Appointment Date: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 (12:00:00 AM)
Embassy Appointment Date: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 (8:30:00 AM)

This is what what i got from the visa interview appointment website.Is that right?or do i have to call them to make the appointment?
crambajoyNot TellingPhilippines2007-05-23 00:52:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
To ALL:

The CFO requirement can be accomplished in Cebu or Manila (depending on whichever is closer or more convenient for the beneficiary) and consists of two parts:

Part 1. Guidance and Counseling Seminar (a certificate of completion is given at the conclusion)
Part 2. CFO Sticker placed inside of the passport/visa (requires the Guidance and Couseling Certificate)

In Cebu, the Guidance and Counceling Seminar and the CFO Sticker are both administered and handled at the CFO in Cebu. Conversely, in Manila, the Guidance and Counceling Seminar is admistered at PRISM (on Taft Ave in Manila) and the CFO Sticker is given at the CFO in Manila. For both locations, the CFO Sticker can only be applied to the passport/visa once the beneficiary receives the Guidance and Counseling Certificate and visa from the USE.

NOTE: The Guidance and Counceling Seminar can be completed at any time.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling
[/quote]
Is there any exemptions for the CFO? I'm pilipino.does that matter?
crambajoyNot TellingPhilippines2007-05-16 00:58:00