ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

hi roy, i want to say just book it for the third day to be on the safer side. getting out at 4PM is not guaranteed because it depends what time they let you come back the second day. my fiance will have his medical on monday. im stressed out as can be (yeech it's a bad habit) but if anything (if it helps) i can post what time he got done on the second day.

just my 2cents. maybe someone who has taken their medical already can give a clear idea :)


thanks! that's the way i was leaning, since she's not that familar with Manila. I'm starting to get a little stressed out. when first mailed the petition, everything was months away, now it's weeks. and soon it will be days...
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-11-03 19:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
My fiance will be flying up from Davao for the medical and interview. she will be returning to Davao after medical since planning on taking it earlier than scheduled date. I know you have to allow two days for the medical. On the second day, are you usaully doe by noontime? trying to plan whether she could take 4pm back flight to Davao or best to wait till the next morning. any thoughts appreciated.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-11-03 19:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
only four days to go for Gomez and Angelmae. you must be looking forward to Monday with great anticipation. good luck again to the soon to be first two approvals in November.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-11-02 01:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

YYB - LOL! I actually called SLEC the other day to find out when the medical exam would be delivered to the USE since we are holding to the 7th of Nov medical exam (they will deliver the information on the 9th of Nov). I was just attempting to ease my now troubled and idle mind since Veteran's Day is the 10th of Nov I became concerned... So today I called USE (Lorraine) to inquire if there would be a problem filing the information so that it would be available for the Consular Officer. She emphatically assured me that it would not be a problem.

EVERYONE - Please Note... Do yourselves a favor and take the medical exam at least two weeks before your interview but no more than a month before... In hindsight that's what I should have worked out for and with my Baby.


that's what we're considering. my fiance would prefer not to spend 8 to 10 days in Manila. She's coming from Davao. so if she flys back to Davao after the medical, suggested she take it earlier. her sister has a wedding two weeks before the interview, so we are considering her going to the medical 3 weeks before the interview.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-11-02 01:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
[quote name='roymcn3rd' post='542445' date='Nov 1 2006, 11:52 AM']
...Uling, did you book online or call PAL reservations to book flight?
[/quote]
I personally went to the PAL LA Ticketing Office...
[/quote]

Thanks! I'll check out the PAL Ticket Office at SFO.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-11-01 23:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
when I went to Philippines i flew PAL. I booked thru LBC and saved $100 from the price quoted on PAL's website. probably do the same for my fiance's. Uling, did you book online or call PAL reservations to book flight?
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-11-01 14:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Why was Uling's Post NOA2 thread moved from the Embassy Forum?
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-31 18:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview


November is almost here. good luck to Gomez, Angelmae, keith88, YnaYeBa0808. Uling, JimGem, Goodman, Ara & Ken with their upcoming interviews. :thumbs:

roymcn3rd

Thank you so very much for thinking of us. I can honestly write that I have already gone through my nervous breakdown so it will be smooth sailing from here on out. Gomez, Angelmae, keith88, YnaYeBa0808, JimGem, Goodman, and Ara & Ken need to get theirs nervous breakdowns out the way now while there is still time. Trust me you will feel better afterwards and save yourselves the heartache in experiencing it later.

I have a $10 bet with PW that YnaYeBa0808 is going to faint during the interview. LOL!!!

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling


can we all get in on that action? :lol: YnaYabe, relax. take nice, slow and easy deep breaths. i'm sure you'll do fine. easy for me to say since those of us with Dec interviews will be having the panic attacks next month. :yes: seeing all the approvals in November will ease our tension, knowing we're all going to get thru it. we'll all reach that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. VISA APPROVALS!!!
best of luck to everyone. :thumbs:
as far as the bottom of the DS-156k, to me that looks like something we leave blank. looks like the CO will witness the signature. hopefully someone will let us know if otherwise.

Edited by roymcn3rd, 30 October 2006 - 10:05 PM.

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-30 22:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
November is almost here. good luck to Gomez, Angelmae, keith88, YnaYeBa0808. Uling, JimGem, Goodman, Ara & Ken with their upcoming interviews. :thumbs:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-30 16:38:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
DHL must be cutting corners to make more money from the fee they're paid to deliver the package. DHL called my Fiance, asked her to come to their office to pick up her package. they said didn't have her address. she was at her office in downtown Davao. she asked if they would deliver it there. they said couldn't do it. so, she went to the DHL Office to pick it up and gee, guess what, her correct home address was on the package. remember earlier in this thread someone said they were asked 1000p to have it delivered to their home or to come to their office to pick it up. hope others aren't having similar experiences.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-26 19:53:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
update please. fiance visa appointment package received Oct 25.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-26 00:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Per the USCIS website (CLICK HERE):

Coming Soon: A New USCIS.gov.

A new look and feel is coming to USCIS. gov. The Agency will launch a new and improved web portal for its customers soon. This new portal will allow customers to interact with USCIS with greater ease. Keep an eye out for USCIS' new web presence.

NOTE: This is a small blurb on the top left off center. I'm betting this will not resolve the huge communication gap that obviously exist.


efficiency and govt are two things that don't seem to be able to coexist. :lol:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-24 17:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Hey Everybody!
To those waiting for an interview date.....
Good news. My Fiance just got her Medical/ Interview date for Nov 27th & Dec 4th. The Embassy only recieved our Paperwork on Sept. 20th. So I would catagorize this as pretty quick service! :dance:


Congrats on the interview date!
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-24 00:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview


You don’t need to show BPI anything to pay the visa fee so don’t worry about it. Just tell them you are paying the US visa fee.

Where are you located that you have to pay the courier to have the packet delivered to you? Malayo ba? (is it far from the city?) I don’t think LBC is accredited by the embassy to deliver for them.

It would be less expensive if your fiance calls the embassy from the US to request for the packet to be sent to St. Lukes. The number to call is 011-632-528-6300 local 5184 (call between 7:30 am ~ 8:00 am Philippine time). Have him call a few days before your medical exam then you should confirm with St. Lukes after two days if the packet is there.

You may also request for the packet by using the Call Center 1-909-101-7878. Note that calls made to this number cost Pesos 53 per minute plus applicable provincial charges. Very expensive since you will be put on hold a minimum of 15 minutes.

To the newcomers in our thread, please take the time to read all the useful information which you will find within Uling's signature. All the tips you need to know about the Manila K1 process is there. Di ba, Uling? :yes:



Yes PW im far from the city, thats why they charge me over a thousand if they will deliver it to me, i live kasi sa bukid,hehehe. Anyway, THANK YOU SO MUCH for your infos, it really helps!!! Im OK now also to shimmy and elizabeth...Thanks!!! God bless us ALL!!!...:)

Jen


you'll be paying the visa fee of $100 USD at the main branch of BPI in Davao unless there's another closer to you. you can download the fiance visa applicants appointment package and forms from the Embassy website. Uling also has a link in his signature. package has a list of BPI branches in Southern Mindanao where you can pay the visa fee.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-23 18:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview


i'm trying to find hotel close to the Embassy and St Lukes. anyone have experience with Cherry Blossoms, Bayview, or Lotus Garden Hotel? or can you suggest another.


I found this link. At the bottom it has some hotels http://www.visajourn...e...&cty=Manila

Hotels near US EMBASSY

Bayview Park Hotel - Just in front of the Embassy.
Hotel La Corona Manila, Manila City
The Corporate Inn Manila Hotel, Manila City
Mabini Mansion Manila, Manila City
Manila Hotel, Manila City- need to take a cab to go to the embassy .
Miramar Hotel, Manila City - In front of the Embassy but good enough to stay overnite

Palm Plaza Hotel, Manila City - around 1km away from the embassy
Lotus Garden Hotel, Manila City - around 1km away from the embassy
City Garden Hotel, Manila City - around 1km away from the embassy
Or check at www.asiatravel.com to reserve
Garden Plaza Hotel Manila, Manila City - around 1km away from the embassy






i'm trying to find hotel close to the Embassy and St Lukes. anyone have experience with Cherry Blossoms, Bayview, or Lotus Garden Hotel? or can you suggest another.

Luz and I stayed at the Lotus Garden on my first trip there. It's OK and within a 10 minute walk to the embassy. You might also check out the Best Western Hotel La Corona hotel that is close also. $60/night and I like it much better.

I read recommendations on Bayview since it's across from the Manila Embassy, and I have also read that Best Western is pretty cool as well. Cheers!!!


We stayed at Best Western and Bayview. Both are nice but we found it really odd that Bayview's Housekeeping doesn't have ironing services and they don't allow any flat iron in the room. They have outside service for it but you can't get your ironed clothes back until after 24hrs. That was really a bummer for us because we travelled, so naturally all our clothes were all wrinkled from being packed. We got there the afternoon before our interview day and we had no choice but to go the embassy wearing wrinkled clothes. Good thing (at least from wrinkled clothes' perspective) our interview was postponed.

I liked Best Western more and their suite room is really nice and spacious. And if you stay there for your interview, you get to go to your interview looking smart (no wrinkled clothes!) ;) :)


thanks shimmy and sillygirl.

call off the troops! Ara and Ken have reported in. Congrats on the interview date. saved a :dance: for you.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-22 13:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview



i'm trying to find hotel close to the Embassy and St Lukes. anyone have experience with Cherry Blossoms, Bayview, or Lotus Garden Hotel? or can you suggest another.

Luz and I stayed at the Lotus Garden on my first trip there. It's OK and within a 10 minute walk to the embassy. You might also check out the Best Western Hotel La Corona hotel that is close also. $60/night and I like it much better.

I read recommendations on Bayview since it's across from the Manila Embassy, and I have also read that Best Western is pretty cool as well. Cheers!!!


thanks Gary and Uling.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-22 00:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
i'm trying to find hotel close to the Embassy and St Lukes. anyone have experience with Cherry Blossoms, Bayview, or Lotus Garden Hotel? or can you suggest another.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-21 17:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

DHL dropped off packet 4 today. :dance: 10-20-06
I would like to give a reminder of the importance to have your contact information updated with the embassy. The embassy really messed up Dhonn's address and thus DHL could not find her house. Thankfully, we updated the embassy awhile ago with Dhonn's new # and they were able to txt her.


i learn something here thanks for the great post here!


lebby


YUp lebby, always great info @ VJ :thumbs:

David


nice that you already received the package. hopefully my fiance will receive it soon.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-20 21:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview


Thanks for bringing this to my attention and others attention. I did not have a clue about this. I hope they mention it in the packet they send so others are not caught off guard.

I have also been wondering if and when are they going to update Packet 4 to identify this new policy. Especially since they "claim" that the beneficiary will be required to reschedule the interview without having completed the DS-156 eform with the barcode. Thank God for this website and I feel really sorry for those who do not have a support group or informed immigration lawyer. I will continue to check the Packet 4 that is available through the Manila Embassy website to see if they make this update. Please keep us informed on whether your Packet 4 indicates that you must complete the DS-156 online. Oh, if the Packet 4 that you receive does not indicate that you must complete the eform for the DS-156. I suggest that you do it anyway. Better safe than sorry! Cheers!!!


we'll see when we receive the package. i'm guessing there will be a notice to use EVAF instead of the
DS-156 paper form.

Edited by roymcn3rd, 18 October 2006 - 10:52 PM.

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-18 22:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

hi friends,

God is good...I have my interview date too! Kindly update my timeline.

Medical Appointment: December 04, 2006
Interview Appointment: December 11, 2006

Praise The Lord!!! YAHOOOOO!! YEHEYYYY!!!

tamara

congrats to those who had their interview recently!


Congrats tamara! that good news

While I'm very happy about the interview date in December. I am also a little concerned about the medical being only one week before. That seems to be cutting it a little close, not allowing for contingencies such as her being sick on that day, or whatever. I have read that it is possible to attend the medical earlier than "scheduled" by the embassy. Can anyone advise me on how to make that happen?

Thanks.


yes, you can go to the medical earlier than the scheduled date, but not more than one month from the interview date. that's what I was told by the Embassy. bring the appointment letter with you.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-18 18:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview




Thanks for this info ellmoi and uling... we did call (John called this morning)....and followed up our request for expedition and early appointment interview...we were told to get our packet at St. Lukes...fortunately, I am in Manila (I arrived Manila thursday evening) and I got the packet with our appointment schedule:

**ANY WORKDAY 0700AM**

I will fly back to Iloilo Sunday and will be consolidating all the needed documents for me and 2 kids. Hopefully, will be able to have the medical examinations, seminars and interview next week, God willing.

PW please put received petition in Manila: 10/06/2006
appointment schedule: **ANY WORKDAY 0700AM**

God bless everyone,

(F)






I know it's been a few days already but i jst want to say CONGRATULATIONS! :thumbs:


Interviewed today: 10/18/2006 - APPROVED K1 AND K2s....kindly add this pls PW

(F)


Congrats Jo&John! hope you have a very happy life together.

Edited by roymcn3rd, 18 October 2006 - 02:01 PM.

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-18 14:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
i see fmerz and forgvi have updates coming. Congrats! hopefully more have received their interview dates, but were too busy celebrating to log on to VJ. :D
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-17 23:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
still see some black xxx-xx-xxxx for interview date for those whose petition arrived at the Embassy in August. hope you can come join the :dance: :dance: :dance:
of coarse September arrivals are welcome to join also :yes: hope to see interview dates keep rolling in...
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-17 22:38:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
congrats shimmy, elizabeth, BJZags. hope to see many more posting their interview date. lets get the Dec, interviews Rockin. :dance: now that i've settled down, time to log out and call my honey.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-17 19:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!! :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: YAHOOOOOOOO :D

We got our interview date for December 11th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :dance: :dance: and St. Lukes St. Luke's December 04.


Both Dhonn and I checked the IV schedule everyday and finally we got it! I hope that the rest of you get your interviews sooon.


thanks for the heads up shimmy. i just went and checked the appointment link and oh yeah....
can now ask for update please interview date Dec 13. medical Dec 6 :dance: :yes: :dance:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-17 19:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Im so tired waiting for this december appointments as in!! super duper!!!! as in a thunder grrrrrrr...I hope you guys dont mind me,i cannot stop myself. i just need to vent this here cuz you guys know the feeling of how to wait, its really an agony..huhuhu...by the way. Any idea when the next appointments will come out? I keep looking all the forums and thread but not even other countries consulate give out december appointments yet. I dont anymore call the embassy yet and just check this thread all the time for the latest news from members here cuz my temperature will just rise by the answers of the operators, and im hypertensive prone for heart attack,lol (knock3 times) ..Ahhh Goodluck to us all!

Jen


i went back and checked in this thread and it was the 19th last month when people were posting they received an interview date. hopefully we will not have to wait any longer than two more days.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-17 18:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

hi PW,

count me in your timeline lists. i kept reading this thread but its only now i come out and join you guys, I hope december appointments will be given out sooon!!! grrrrrrr... embassy said they receive our package august 23.Thanks and more power to you!!! :)


looks like we have similar timelines. hope the Dec. dates come out in next couple of days. i must have checked 10 times today.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-16 23:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview


My fiance attended CFO in Cebu last Feb when her coz was visiting from US. does anyone know if the certificate has an expiration?



From what I know it doesn't have an expiry date, I got mine I think last October 2004. According to the CFO counsellor it's for a lifetime ( the CFO Certicate).

Hope that helps:-)


Elizbeth


thanks Elizbeth. one less thing to think about.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-16 14:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
My fiance attended CFO in Cebu last Feb when her coz was visiting from US. does anyone know if the certificate has an expiration?

Edited by roymcn3rd, 15 October 2006 - 10:35 PM.

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-15 22:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview


does anyone know if Manila is using 100% or 125% of the poverty guideline for the
I-134.

As far as I know, the 100% poverty level can only be applied if US petitioner is in the military.


thanks. i always assumed it was 125%. in another thread a member pointed that was for the I-864. she gave a link to the State dept website where for the I-134 it's 100% of the poverty level, unless Embassy is requiring 125%. still, it's best to meet the 125% requirement so you don't have that worry when doing the
I-864 when you AOS.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-12 01:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
just checked the appointment link. nada. the day the date will appear is getting close. i can feel it. :yes:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-12 00:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
does anyone know if Manila is using 100% or 125% of the poverty guideline for the
I-134.

Edited by roymcn3rd, 12 October 2006 - 12:18 AM.

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-12 00:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Fedex works with delbros. I have sent many things to Bohol, and as long as delbros goes to Davao, you are fine.


ok, thanks zethris. i'll check out both FedEx and DHL.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-11 23:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview


next month i'll be sending my fiance the I-134. i've been using LBC when sending anything to the Philippines. the LBC office i go to said the SSN, on tax transcript and W2's would have to be blacked out.
would that cause a problem with the Embassy? do original W2's have to be sent or can they be copies? i'd hate to black out SSN on my original.

Can you imagine a consular officer looking at a tax return or W2 with the SSN blacked out??? You can just as easily write him a letter and request Administrative Review. DON'T black out your SSN. Send it FedEX. LBC has no right to review each and every paper you send. Don't use them if they persist. Saving $10 isn't worth it. My Office Depot store refused to make copies of my I-134 and all other documents. I went somewhere else. I am not being flippant. I don't want to see anyone get AR.


thanks Rob. i don't know if FedEx delivers directly to Davao. i'm going to check with DHL . i know they have an office in Davao.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-11 23:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
next month i'll be sending my fiance the I-134. i've been using LBC when sending anything to the Philippines. the LBC office i go to said the SSN, on tax transcript and W2's would have to be blacked out.
would that cause a problem with the Embassy? do original W2's have to be sent or can they be copies? i'd hate to black out SSN on my original.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-11 17:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview


wishing Gary and Luz all the best and a most happy life together in the Philippines. link to their decision,
http://www.visajourn...showtopic=36204



Hi guys,

I just wanna give a little update on our case, I did try to call through my pldt 1-909-101-7878 the lady who answered me is Candy, she asked my case number , fullname and address. Then she got information of my case is now in USE no other information she can give me other than my priority date is March 6 I assume it is the day when we filed our petition in CSC. It's still a relief to know it's there and I do believe sooner I will get my packet 3. She asked if I receive my packet 3 already and I said no I just got my Manila Case from my fiance which is from NVC.

SO, now the rest of sept. 7 approval cases must be in USE also, then maybe a week later of us.


God Speed!


Lebby


hi libby,

you won't rceive the fiance visa appintment package ( no package 3 in Manila ) until after you are assigned an interview date. your were put on the waiting list when your petition arrived at the Embassy. it's a 3 to 4 month wait for the interview. use the appointment check link, it's in Ulings signature, to check for appointment. enter you case number, cross your fingers and click. for me, so far just " case number not found on appointment list". i'm hoping the Dec. interviews will be released in a week to ten days. my fiance is also in Davao. good luck!

Roy
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-10 22:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
wishing Gary and Luz all the best and a most happy life together in the Philippines. link to their decision,
http://www.visajourn...showtopic=36204
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-09 22:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

"Expedited due to age-out" What does that mean?


it has to do with the parent petitioning an unmarried child under age 21. like a spouse or parent of a USC, there is no waiting list. if the child reaches age 21, could then then have to wait years to receive a visa.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-09 22:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

I have some questions to make sure my fiancée and I understand all this stuff.

I have the letter that says "The State Department's National Visa Center has recently received an approved I-129F petition filed on behalf of your fiancée......"

She is still waiting for the packet and all that on her end. She already has the documents completed that she is going to need and her police records and such. Once she receives the packet in the mail does she call to schedule the medical exam or will it have a date already assigned? Does she have to wait for the packet to actually get there to schedule it or since the Case number is on the paper I have can she go ahead and schedule it? I would think she would wait to do the exam in Manila around the time of her interview so she doesn't have to travel twice. I guess my question is at this point do we just wait to hear what date they give for the interview and then schedule the exam a few days prior or do we need to initiate things to let them know she is ready for the interview and then they will issue a date?

Thanks


the Embassy says not to have the medical closer than one week from the interview date.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-07 23:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

WOOOOOOHOOOOO! YEHEYYYYY! AFTER 4 YEARS OF WAITING I FNALLY I GOT MY INTERVIEW APPOINTMENT DATE! this coming nov. 20. im from the visayas how many days before nov 20 should i go there before my medical?


congrats stormy! :D glad to hear your wait for the interview date is over. your medical can be anytime 1 to 4 weeks before the interview date.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2006-10-06 00:08:00