ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesK1 Visa Interview Schedule

Hi VJ!

I just finished my medical today after waiting for the result of my Sputum Culture. I was calling the USEM to schedule for my interview but i cant go through it because of the fact that i did cancel K1 Visa interview schedule 3 times. The call center agent said that she needs to make a report regarding my case to the USEM and wait for the result.

Please help me on this matter. Im here now in Manila just to wait for my interview but i cant go through it. What would be the possible effect for cancelling 3 times the interview. Would it affect my K1 Visa?

What happened was for first 2 cancellations i applied online and i mistakenly click the date for 2 times and the third cancellation was because of my medical that i need to go a Sputum Test.

Would this mean disqualification or do i need to pay another at BPI sot hat i can make a schedule?

Please i need your thoughts on this. Thank you!

"Applicants are only allowed to reschedule twice (not including the initial appointment) without penalty. If the second rescheduling attempt is canceled, an applicant will only be allowed to reschedule a new date after a waiting period of 90 days." Read Restrictions to Changing Appointments

At this point you have no choice but to wait and see what the USEM will do in your case. Keep us updated. Good Luck
six7oneMalePhilippines2013-04-04 21:13:00
PhilippinesIf North Korean war erupts
I may get vaporized

Edited by six7one, 04 April 2013 - 09:51 PM.

six7oneMalePhilippines2013-04-04 21:51:00
PhilippinesMedical Result
If there was something noted in the culture, they would have contacted you sooner. Since it is 2 months to the day and they said bring those items, it most likely means Culture results ready and they will be re-scheduling your interview at the USEM.
six7oneMalePhilippines2013-04-22 02:02:00
PhilippinesParent's advice

Don't forget to get a photocopy of the parents IDs.  CFO has been known to ask for those as well as the Parental Advice.


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-06-03 21:43:00
PhilippinesRFE - What Do I Send the USCIS?

Thank you all for your responses.

 

I will send a letter explaining our physical address and our mailing address.  In retrospect we should have sent an attachment when I submitted the forms for the AOS, EAD and the AP.


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-06-03 20:21:00
PhilippinesRFE - What Do I Send the USCIS?

Got RFE indicating "Please provide the physical address of your residence.  If it is impossible for you to receive mail at your physical address, you may also provide an explanation and request, alomng with the address of your physical residence requesting the USCIS to use an alternative mailing address such as a P.O. BOX or other mailing address."

 

What do I send them?  Do I just send the request in a letter?  Should I re-send the Application Form with an attachment and explanation?

 

Just an FYI, I receive my mail at a P.O. Box.  Are there guides for dealing with RFEs here on VJ?

 

Thanks in advance.


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-06-02 22:56:00
PhilippinesSt Lukes after sputum, reschedule interview?

 

1)  You can call, but don't know that it will speed anything up, can't hurt.

 

2)  You can reschedule (twice without having to pay another visa fee) now, but what if the results is positive and 6 months of treatment is required?  Yes... we all hope for a negative result... just saying.   But like said, you can reschedule twice without issue.

 

3)  7 - 10 days is what the embassy recommends.

 

4)  I would suggest you notify SLEC if you rescheduled the interview so they know they don't need to.

 

Agree with Hank on ALL points.

 

We let SLEC schedule interviews after our culture results.  They were able to schedule interviews within 4 weeks of my wife's final exam/culture results.


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-07-01 20:40:00
PhilippinesHow long for a green card ??

Once you are married to your fiancé, how long does it typically take to get a "Green Card" so you can leave the US ??

 

Thanks for any help with this.

 

cjmc

 

We filed our AOS in March and got the Green Card in hand by June.  You'll want to apply for Advance Parole when you file for the AOS just in case there are any delays in the GC process.  Travel will be allowed with the AP in hand.


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-07-08 21:23:00
PhilippinesTotally Confused by Social Security??

Wife had no issue when she applied for her SSN.  Went in with her Passport, Visa, I-94, Marriage Certificate, and Birth Certificate.  Card received in the mail in about 10 days.

 

Regarding the AOS...

 

You send in the required I-693 form.  The trick is trying to find a Civil Surgeon who will transcribe the Immunizations onto the 693 form.  For us this was impossible!  All the Civil Surgeons in our area said a Medical Exam was required and did not have knowledge of just the immunization section. Even after showing them the I-693 instructions indicating new medicals are not required!  My wife and step-daughter had to do medical exams all over again which of course costs so much more than a simple transcription.  Just a heads up for you.


Edited by six7one, 09 July 2013 - 09:44 PM.

six7oneMalePhilippines2013-07-09 21:43:00
PhilippinesPLEASE HELP with K1 Visa Forms

 

The DS-160 is not used.  Toss it.  Not sure where you got that from

 

Relax, read slowly, then read the instructions letter again.   All the required forms and documents are listed in the letter.

 

I remember when I called the USEM Call Center late last year the voice prompt message for Non-Immigrant Visas asks the caller to select YES or NO if they have completed the DS-160.  Perhaps this is the source of some of the confusion because its not the first time the subject has come up.


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-07-09 21:32:00
PhilippinesPLEASE HELP with K1 Visa Forms

Scroll to the bottom of that page in your link and read the K1 Interview Preparation.  You'lll need everything in that list such as the DS-156, DS-157, DS-156K and the DS-230.  DS-160 is not required for K1 applicants.


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-07-08 21:30:00
PhilippinesWhat percentage end up having to take sputum?

I heard somewhere that about 25% get sent through for sputum tests due to the xray looking suspicious but end up ok.  Many more end up having the TB virus which I read 2 years ago is about 35-40%  All you can do is have your fiancée do a local xray of her chest and lungs.  Send it out for a 3rd party evaluation then let the chips fall where they may.  Send her to a good hospital for her xrays if you go this route.   I do know that I was up nervous the day my now wife went to St Lukes.  It will be a nerve racking night for you here as well.  As Hank mentioned the TB virus is very big in countries like Philippines where they sleep and live so close to each other.  Good luck on your journey and have faith...

 

IMHO this is the BEST advice and the one that we took.  If you suspect exposure, have history, or are just being cautious this is a good thing to do.  Here's why (in our case)...

 

I sent my fiancee to do a full medical inclusive of a CXR a couple months before the SLEC medical.  The pre-SLEC medicals and CXR by a private doctor revealed a spot and she immediately started medication.  When she was seen by SLEC we already knew they would see the same spot and do the sputum and culture tests.  We anticipated this and changed schedules for everything around her having to do DOT.  SLEC credited the time/medication prescribed by her private doctor and my fiancee's total DOT at SLEC was 4 months plus the two from her private doctor.  In other words, we knew going into the SLEC exams that the probability of passing first time out was slim to none.

 

This route isn't for everyone, but it will take some of the "I wonder if I will pass the SLEC chest x-ray" anxiety away.  Purely my opinion, but if you are like me and HATE surprises, this may help.


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-07-13 05:59:00
PhilippinesSafety in Ermita area??

Looking at hotels near St. Luke?s in Ermita area and trying to make plans for Anne?s medical toward the end of this month. A recurring theme in the hotel reviews is how bad the area is and how careful you must be. This is not a comforting thought for me since she will be required to leave early in the A.M. in order to secure a place in line. I was considering Hotel Soriente since they are close by and reasonably priced. Also considering getting her a hotel in Makati and just have her take a taxi to the medical.

 

Any thoughts or experiences you have to share? Would especially like to hear from the ladies who have already gone through this if they can comment on the safety of the area, especially in the early morning hours.

 

Thanks.

 

In addition to the ones already mentioned, Ralph Anthony Suites is another to consider.  Its a stones throw away from SLEC, and they have long term rates if needed.

 

The area is not all that bad (I've been to the clinic during my fiancee's DOT), but I understand your concern.  Bocobo street is actually pretty active with other immigrants trying to queue up at SLEC in the early morning so its relatively safe.  If your concern is having her queue up that early, then just have her go later in the morning.  She she may not complete the medicals in one day, but you'll have some peace of mind.


Edited by six7one, 13 July 2013 - 05:26 AM.

six7oneMalePhilippines2013-07-13 05:24:00
PhilippinesWhat are the chances? Petitioner going to interview with benificiary vs only benificiary going to interview?

Necessary? NO.  Benefitial? ABSOLUTELY

 

When I accompanied my family to their interviews the CO did not even ask for a single piece of proof of relationship other than looking at some photos.  Our Interview lasted about 3 minutes.  We observed benefitiaries who were there alone and were interviewed for up to 15 minutes!  They were and asked tons of questions and asked to provide lots of evidence.

 

The other benefit is to alleviate some of the stress your loved one will have being alone on such an important day.  I know not everyone can afford to accompany their other half to the USEM, but there are many benefits to doing it.


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-07-21 17:53:00
PhilippinesMy Story and How I meet my Filipina.....The Love of My Life !!

Great story!


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-07-21 17:39:00
Philippinesgud news,,,,, visa in hand!!!

Congratulations!  Safe travels and advance welcome to the USA


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-07-29 17:33:00
PhilippinesQuestion about DS-156

On section 2, Place of Issuance, all my finacee's passport says is DFA Pampanga. What am I supposed to put here for city, country and State/Province. The Manila Embassy only gives directions for passports issued from Manila. My fiancee said she applied for it in Angeles City so I do I put that for city or just leave it blank. I'm confused and there are not any specific directions from the embassy and my search here on visa journey didn't help either. Thanks in advance.

 

You shouldn't have any issues using Angeles City as the City on the form and Pampanga as the province.  My wife's passport was not issued in Manila and we used the city where it was issued and the province where her DFA was located.


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-08-12 17:18:00
Philippinesk2 A# or file number

When we adjusted from K2 we left my step-daughter's A# blank on the 485 and 131 forms.  It was not until she got the notice to appear for biometrics after filing that she finally was issued an A#.


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-08-16 01:03:00
PhilippinesDEPARTURE

She shouldn't have any problems on United or paying the tax.  I actually checked my wife and step daughter in online 24 hours ahead of time, but that's because I was travelling with them and their tickets were tied to mine.  She (or you) could possibly do the same.  She can get the Boarding Pass at the airport.

 

Just a heads up when travelling United.  In addition to NAIA's screening, US Bound passengers (next stop is Guam) have to do a secondary security screening at the gate (carry on baggage check, metal detector wand, pat-down, shoe check).


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-08-20 22:48:00
PhilippinesUS Embassy Manila & Scheduling Interview (K1 & K2 together)

just wondering what will be the questions for K2... what are the necessary docs for K2,.. like school records, medical records?


For the Interview at the US Embassy the required documents are all listed on the packet instructions.
six7oneMalePhilippines2013-03-28 21:42:00
PhilippinesUS Embassy Manila & Scheduling Interview (K1 & K2 together)

Do they also do enterview with the K2, i mean ask questions,.. my son is 12 years old.?


My step-daughter is 4. The Screener did not ask her any questions. However, the Consulate Officer did ask her a couple of simple questions (name and age). For a 12 year old, they may ask more.
six7oneMalePhilippines2013-03-28 21:39:00
PhilippinesUS Embassy Manila & Scheduling Interview (K1 & K2 together)

Hi Everyone,

I'm hoping someone with some experience can clear this up for me as I've searched all over the internet and cannot find a direct answer of how it's done...

Once a petition is approved by the USCIS and has passed through the NVC and it's time to pay the Visa Fees and schedule the interview for a K1 Beneficiary and his/her child (K2). When scheduling the interview online, how does the Beneficiary make it so that both he/she are scheduled for the same date & time??? I'm believe the US Embassy will not allow anyone into the Embassy without an appointment letter?

Any advise on this matter would be greatly appreciated...

Rgds
Sahs


I know exactly what you are going through. Not much information on how to do these things for BOTH a K1 and K2 at the same time. In a nutshell, here's what we did once we got the Case Number..

- Paid for 2 Interviews at BPI.

- Scheduled 2 Interviews at the US Embassy. You must schedule 2 separate interviews. Just ensure that both are on the same date and at the same time. The embassy knows how to handle this once they get there. I called the US phone numbers that connect to the embassy on behalf of my Fiancee. This was easier for me to do rather than doing it online for BOTH the K1 and K2 at the same time. You can do it online, but just be prepared with two separate e-mail addresses to use/register. The system cannot combine both under one log in. This was my experience.

- Printed the K1's interview schedule. Printed the K2's interview schedule. These have the Bar Code printed on them. These are the "Appointment Letter" you refer to.

- Medical Exams at SLEC for both my K1 and K2.

- Take all required Docs to the interview with the printed K1 schedule and printed K2 schedule. Visas Approved.

- CFO Seminar for my K1. She brought K2's passport to CFO. Got stamps in BOTH passports.

Hope this helps.
six7oneMalePhilippines2013-03-28 21:12:00
PhilippinesHank_ appreciation thread

I'm on the bandwagon.  Much appreciation to you HANK!


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-08-16 01:06:00
PhilippinesK2 application troubled

if my k2 is schedule on a different date he still needs to appear and thats the only time they will process for his visa too right?

 

Assuming your son is to accompany you to the US, here's what I recommend.  Schedule your son's K2 on the same date/time as your K1 interview.  If not, then a date after yours.  Both of you show up on the date/time of your K1 interview.  You will be processed and interviewed together.  No need for him to show up on a date/time after both of you have already been interviewed.  Don't forget you will need two sets of every documentation required for both yourself and your derivative K2.


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-09-05 22:44:00
PhilippinesK2 application troubled

Hi everybody, who among you here are done with the K1 and K2 visa interview and had their interview approved together with their kids. I have a question:
Do I need to schedule an appointment date for my K2 or all I need to do is pay the visa fee and he will be alright? (and I'm aware that he needs to undergo medical exam as well)I called USEM earlier and said i need to look for an appointment date for him. I am VERY confuse since K1 and K2 visa are joint application. HELP!!!

 

Pay for two different interviews, and then schedule two different interviews one for you and one for your K2.  When you schedule the interviews you can try to make them at the same date and time if you can.  That helps but is not necessary.  When you go for your scheduled interview, bring your child with as he/she is the derivative and the USEM will actually accept both of you for the same date/time.  Scheduling the K2 is more of a formality.


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-09-05 20:34:00
PhilippinesRice

First choice: Short grain Japanese Nishiki variety.  Second choice: Medium grain Calrose variety.  Third Choice: Thai Jasmine rice.

 

Rice Cooker: Tiger 10 Cup capacity (made in Japan).


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-09-10 23:59:00
PhilippinesUndergoing DOT at SLEC?

 

Awww... thank you! These words are very helpful on me now.

I can do it! smile.png

 

We did it, and so can you! :)


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-09-05 22:33:00
PhilippinesUndergoing DOT at SLEC?

Does anyone here who are also undergoing DOT at SLEC? sad.png

Is it really 6 months medication? I heard there are some who were cleared after 3 months, how true?

I am kinda stress with this medication but I have no choice sad.png

 

Yes, 6 months.  SLEC will allow transfers in crediting treatment already started elsewhere.  This may be what you are referring to as "cleared after 3 months."


TB kills, be glad it was caught and is now going to be cured.  good.gif

 

Absolutely.  I have no regrets my then fiancee did her DOT.


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-09-05 20:22:00
PhilippinesPhilippine NBI clearance for AOS?

For those who have sent in or has already finished their AOS, do I need to include my personal copy (or a photocopy) of my NBI clearance when we send our AOS in? Just curious, and that I just want to make sure we would have everything in the package before we send it out.

 

An NBI Clearance is not a required document for the Adjustment of Status process.


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-09-30 01:34:00
PhilippinesBest airlines to fly to Manila now that Hawaiian airlines is done?

I used PAL, and the flight was fine. Also PAL also has first time one way immigrant fare. But PAL has a history of being on PI time or plane always late. It is the only direct flight na. Continental was good too, with only one stop in Guam. United still has this route, so that is good too. Not to sure about discounted one way fares, though. JAL and Korean Air have good reputation, but fly to their respective countries first.

 

United has two routes from Guam to Manila.  One is the direct flight, and the other makes one stop in Palau then onward to Manila.  The Houston/Honolulu flight lands and passengers disembark the 777 then get on all the connecting flights (usually 737s).


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-10-02 19:34:00
PhilippinesFlying to Manila for the Big Day

Got the visa in hand, and so everything is officially done with now.  All she needs to do is get the sticker. Thanks for all the support and well wishes guys. It was a wonderful two week visit too. I'll be flying back home this Sunday.  She will be coming December.  We are both very excited and already doing wedding planning/reservations. Our marriage is set for January 1st.  smile.png

 

Awesome!! New Years Day wedding is fantastic to boot!
 


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-10-03 19:42:00
PhilippinesFlying to Manila for the Big Day

Yes, it seemed to definitely help make the process go much smoother since I was there.  They never asked to see any relationship proof (even pictures), since I was the standing in-person proof lol.  Our interview went for a mere 2 minutes, after which we were approved. smile.png Thanks for all the support guys.  Now we can spend the rest of my visit celebrating. 

 

Congratulations!  Celebrate! Woo Hoo!!  Our favorite thing we did to celebrate was to go to Bluewave on Magapagal Avenue in the evenings.  Watch the live bands and eat drink with friends.  Thursdays with Firtst Five Banda was our favorite.


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-09-25 17:39:00
PhilippinesFlying to Manila for the Big Day

Good Luck and have an awesome trip.  Accompanying your fiancee to the interview is a good experience and increases the chance of approval.  Go in armed with all your evidence/documentation, but don't be surprised if they only take a minimal amount.  Tip: Don't  destroy the unsubmitted evidence, keep it.  You may need it for an AOS interview later.


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-09-22 21:02:00
PhilippinesMy Fiancée is on her way!

Congratulations!


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-10-02 19:35:00
PhilippinesAny Issues for Fiance and Kids flying to USA thru Guam?

Guam airport is small, and not much traffic.  She will most likely be the only person needing to POE, and there probably won't be TOO many folks going thru customs other than regular baggage screening.  I am sure 1.5 hours will be plenty.  30 minutes is a normal POE in the US at a large airport, but I think I recall some Guam POEs talking about it taking just a few minutes in the past.  I am sure the officials have done it many times, and are aware of the time constraints, and will do their best to move her right along.  

 

Check your bags to your final destination.  Clear USCIS, then on through the transiting passengers doors, then clear TSA, then on to the Honolulu/Houston flight.  Do not go down to Guam Customs. Customs is only if Guam is your final destination.


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-10-07 23:45:00
PhilippinesAny Guam POE experience to say if 1hr 26Min is enough time?

You should have enough time.  USCIS agents have seen many K1/K2 visa holders and it will only take them a few minutes to process the POE.   The longest wait will be the queue for the next available agent, but there will be a good number of them due several flights from other International originating flights that land around the same time.  Its hard to say how quickly/slowly this will be but there are many other VJ members who have made Guam their POE without missing a flight.

 

Be sure to check your bags all the way to your final destination.  After USCIS do not go down to the lower level which is Guam Customs.  Customs is only if your final destination is Guam.  You can proceed to directly through the transiting passengers door and you will be required to clear TSA Screening at this point.  The gate for the Honolulu/Houston filght is almost directly across the TSA Screening area.  What's important here is you must go to a US destination after Guam.  Do not book a Manila-Guam-Tokyo-US ticket otherwise you will have a problem.


Edited by six7one, 07 October 2013 - 11:39 PM.

six7oneMalePhilippines2013-10-07 23:36:00
PhilippinesSEPT. 25, 2013 USEM INTERVIEW EXPERIENCE

Congratulations and Great Review!


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-09-25 17:58:00
PhilippinesOriginal and Photocopy of Visa for CFO? But it is sealed!

As Hank said, Visa is afixed to a page in the passport.  You can take the passport out of the plastic 2GO bag.  The brown paper folder with "Do Not Open" is the one not to touch and can be left at home.  Just a heads up, its standard that the corner will be cut off that brown envelope if I remember correctly.


Edited by six7one, 05 November 2013 - 06:44 PM.

six7oneMalePhilippines2013-11-05 18:43:00
PhilippinesAnyone here ever live in Guam?

I'm from Guam, and living here now.  What would you like to know?


six7oneMalePhilippines2013-11-05 23:13:00
PhilippinesDoes Fiance need to take 3 year old son to K-1 interview?

Although it hasn't been asked for in all cases, my opinion is you should be prepared to present an I-134 to the CO in the case of a K2.  The Embassy's instructions does not indicate a 134 is not needed for the K2, but why take an uncessary risk.  I agree with Hank 100%.  It's not hard to make an extra copy and sign it for your K2.  Just my 2 cents.


Edited by six7one, 05 November 2013 - 05:30 PM.

six7oneMalePhilippines2013-11-05 17:29:00