ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Uling, congrats my man. I can't imagine the weight that must be off your shoulders now. Hope the rest of your life together is all sweetness and devoid of any such stress as applied by this immigration process.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-11-14 07:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Must have been a slow day at St. Lukes. Jen was in and done with all her exams by 11:00 AM. She said she may even be able to complete her vaccinations today and NOT have to return for them tomorrow. Somehow I thought this was supposed to be a day-long ordeal of waiting around watching the paint dry excercise in patience. Hopefully her ease in the medical is a positive sign of things to come.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-11-13 22:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Good luck to Uling. May the big guy in the sky be looking down upon you and yours fondly. My gal is now up early and preparing for the St. Lukes experience.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-11-13 15:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
I'm helping Jenalyn mark-up her forms: DS-156, DS-156K, and DS-157. I notice on the example forms linked on this site the answers are in ALL CAPS. Is this proper? Because when I did the I-129F months ago, the example given was NOT in all caps.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-11-11 08:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Hi everyone,
I have a question regarding my Birth Certificate, I was born Dec 1972 but my BC was registered and received by the local civil registrar on Aug 1973, does it mean that my BC was late registered? if so, will it cause any problem when I submit it during my visa interview? or will it be a reason to be put under A.R. bcoz of BC's late registration? I already got my authenticated BC at NSO. Just want to make sure if I need other certification from NSO regarding my BC's late registration to avoid problems during my visa interview.
Any ideas would be much appreciated. Thanks.


It's my understanding that a "late registered" BC will be two pages long, with the second-page being the affidavit for delayed registration. At least that's what Jenalyn's NSO BC is like. If late registered, then you need to provide other ID to "proove" who you are, such as a baptismal certificate.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-11-10 12:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

What is this PRISM thing? I have looked back and it kind of looks like something started in PM's then moved to the board because it just suddenly came up.

Is that the seminar where they try to scare the beneficiary by saying to look out for spousal abuse, etc? Eg. the one that can only be done in Manila or Cebu?

Or is this something else?

The PRISM thing is reference to the company that provides the Guidence and Counseling sessions required by CFO before a filipina spouse or fiancee can leave the country. PRISM is locate in Malate. Check out the link for details and address. There is another outfit that runs the sessions in Quezon City, and in Cebu.

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/fs_manila.htm

And yes, there was a component of scare tactics involved when my girl went yesterday.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-11-09 15:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

BJZags - Jhen did not need a her passport and she didn't have it anyway... SLEC has it. They looked at her NBI clearance and took a copy of her SSS ID along with a copy of her BC. She said the experience there was fun. There is nothing like having to fulfill a requirement but to have fun while doing it is definitely a bonus. Was your fiancee there? Jhen did not remember hearing anyone call your fiancee's first name although she did talk to everyone there.


Yeah, she was there. Jen thought it was too crazy. The interviewer was all negative and asking her if she planned to "follow-through" with the marriage once she got to the USA, etc. But at least one more step completed.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-11-09 10:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

It is a bit confusing. Please see the procedure that I made based from my experience. I hope this helps.

Thanks sillygirl, that helps a lot.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-11-08 16:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Funny that you mentioned the SSN because I have already printed out the regulations and highlighted the appropriate sections due to the problems that I've read from others members.


The reason I mentioned the SS# is my buddy who has just brought his fiancee over and recently married her is having a nightmare of a time. Seems like the workers at the local office don't understand the law, and tell him requirments that are just not present.

Anyway, I hope this is the last stupid qustion about CFO seminar, but on the web site, it says one of the requirments is a: "Duly completed guidance and counseling form". Is this something completed while at the interview, or must it be completed beforehand?
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-11-08 12:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

My baby is going to PRISM tomorrow.


What time is she going? Maybe my girl will see your girl and they can do some bonding over the frustrations of the immigration progress. Good luck on the passport situation, but I doubt it will be a problem what with all the other ID's you have to show.

I agree, it is VERY frustrating this process. It is difficult enough, but then you throw government officals (both ours and theirs) into the mix who don't even know the proper procedures. (just wait until you try to get her a SS# in the states).
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-11-08 11:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Sillygirl, thanks for the help. And I've visited that web page but its a bit confusing. Does she attend the seminar on the link you posted? or according to the schedule on this link?

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/fs_manila.htm

It looks like they have two sorts of seminars, depending on why your going overseas.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-11-08 10:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

My Baby is done with the vaccination... Tomorrow she is headed for PRISM to participate in the Guidance and Counseling Session. It's been a busy week for her, and now we are one more step closer to the big dance. Cheers!!!


When my girl called CFO office to inquire about the seminar, a lady told her that she would have to go all the way to Quezon City to attend the seminar. But according to the web page, it says that PRISM also offers the seminar in Malate at the same times Mon-Fri. Is that correct, and the CFO secretary is dumber then a stump? Also, does anyone know if they require the passport as a peace of ID for the CFO seminar? Because after the medical, the passport will be in transit to the embassy.

Thanks.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-11-08 09:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

i have a question on the DS-157 for my fiance daughter. her father died before she was born. he is not listed on her birth certificate. where it asks for father's name. leave blank or put none?


I must be blind, because I don't see where on DS-157 that it asks for the name of a child's parents or even list the child. On DS-156K it requires the child to be listed and indicate if they are coming with or if they will follow later.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-11-07 23:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Just checkin in.

Delbros is delivering the Visa today!!

Airline tickets purchased. Jenn is on her way :thumbs:

Gomez


Wow, congrats, that is quick turn-around from approval to delivery. Jenn must live in the metro-Manila area for it to be so quick?
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-11-07 20:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Today, Jhen (Wilma) goes to SLEC for the medical exam.

You have day 1 of medical and day 2. What days of the week are for day 1 and what days for day 2? Or does it matter. Just show-up early as possible to be one of the first 100 in-line?
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-11-06 14:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Just trying to save a little money here.


LOL -- If I was trying to do that, I would have stayed single. It seems like immigration is like just about anything else in American, it costs money, and more money. Sometimes I feel as if there are fees on-top-of fees and I will be swallowed alive. Thankfully the ATM network is alive 24-7. But I suppose it has been a good lesson as well. It has sure taught us that it will take more than a single-income (at least in my case) to get ahead in America.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-11-02 16:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Just trying to dot my "eyes" here so to speak. Manila embassy instructions for K1 tell the beneficiary to fill out multiple copies of DS-156 and DS-157 and one copy DS-156K, but NOT DS-230. BUT, under the guides tab of VJ, DS-230 is included as a K1 form, and 9 FAM 41.81-Procedural Notes, found on the Dept. of State web site says: upon receipt of K1 visa petition, the CO should promptly send applicant form DS-230. So, is DS-230 required or not? With all this obsessing on details, its a wonder we all don't end up in therapy!
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-11-01 16:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Why don't you just kick me in ang mga bayag ko!!! It would hurt less than you busting my bubble… LOL!!! I'm just joking. I purchased the ticket because the flight was cheap, I was afraid the price would skyrocket, it's refundable, and the re-booking fee is a marginal cost. Life is full of risks and uncertainties and sometimes we step out on a wing and a prayer hoping to land softly if we fall (or at least minimize the risks if we do). I walk by faith that my desires will be met and surpassed with his grace and mercy. Please forgive my bad humor in the first two lines... I'm not perfect. LOL!!!


Sorry, didn't mean to burst your bubble, just wondering if maybe you had some "inside" info that prompted such positive thoughts. I'm glad you still have faith that is so strong. If success was up to God only, then I would still have it too, but when my fate is left up to the devices of mere mortals, I tend to see the glass half-empty. In regards to your ticket, what agency or web-site did you book through? I thought all "refundable" tickets were extremely expensive.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-11-01 12:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

My fiancee's flight is on 21 November as well.


Not meaning to be negative, but due to your own admitted uncertainty because our "fate" lies in the subjective and often retarded judgment of a CO, why did you decide to go ahead a book a flight for your girl before her visa is in hand? While I too am confident that our paperwork is perfect, I cannot bring myself to pre-purchase the "freedom ride." I suppose that I'm so used to being passed-over by the "system" or being lost in the shuffle of life that I don't want to tempt fate. Also, I am being very careful about getting our hopes up for the Dec. 5 interview. While it "should" be fine, if I tell her it is a slam-dunk, an AR would just crush her (and me).
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-10-31 19:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Is it November yet? Dahamn I am anxious to get this over with...


Hell, I'm a month after you, and I'm already feeling that way. They say that going to the gym is a stress-buster. I wonder if watching a Daisy Fuentes work-out video from my couch also works?
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-10-29 22:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Marlene and I set up a separate account at our bank with an ATM card. We will leave the card with her mother when we visit in December/January. Whenever we want to give them some money, we can transfer the amount to this account from our main account online and the funds are available immediately at an ATM there.


That's a good idea. When Jenalyn leaves end of Demember (hopefully) she can leave her debit-card with her parents. They couldn't use it at a store, but they could withdraw money from an ATM with it. Because we all know that it is not "if" you send a filipino wife's family some cash, its "how much." (and "how often")
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-10-26 13:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

BJ, Not sure if your bank will allow it, but I acquired an ATM card for my Fiancee from my bank. I tis much like a Teen Pre-paid card where I decide how much is on the card and add money when I want or need to. My fiancee just goes to the ATM when she needs money and there are no transfer fees because the card is in my bank and it is an internal bank transfer which I do online. Much less pain and no fees. Depending n what state and city you are in, if there is a BPI near you, that works too. Good luck, Payato


Actually I've a VisaBuxx account set-up for my fiancee which is much like a teen pre-paid card. But the rub on this account is that only $100 per week can be withdrawn at ATMs. For times when she needs "bigger" chunks of cash, I'm forced to take another approach.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-10-25 21:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

hi PW is right you have to pay in PHP. sigh one piece of advice, maybe try to find another place to exchange your dollars... banks usually buy the dollars at a way lower rate than other places. my fiance took $100 to BPI, they converted his dollars to pesos.. then he goes to the window for the visa fee and gave what he received from the prior window. the lady said it wasnt enough so he had to add more ... i guess theyre just trying to make business.

nuninu...


I just send cash through Remithome.com directly into her Phil. bank account. She will be able to withdraw the money from any ATM and pay in PHP. Only reason I asked about the credit card is that it is a cheaper transaction fee for me to send money that way.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-10-25 16:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Does anyone know about methods of payment for St. Lukes Medical, do they accept credit card or is it cash only? And I'm assuming that since the visa fee is paid at the BPI bank, it can be paid by credit card or cash?
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-10-24 20:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Legally speaking, even if she is the biological mother, the child is not hers and should not have been mentioned in the petition since your fiancee's name is nowhere to be found in the BC. The proof of having given birth could have been explained away ~ the child was given up for adoption.

But since the child was already mentioned in the petition, telling the truth about the circumstances of its existence during the interview and being supported by a notarized letter (Affidavit?) should suffice but that is just my opinion and I am not a lawyer.

I assume you have consulted a lawyer already that's why you have a notarized letter? I would assume that what your fiance has is a notarized Affidavit, is that correct? If the lawyer said that the notarized affidavit should suffice, then she should be okay. Bear in mind, however, that there's a big possibility that her case would be scrutinized more by the embassy people.


"Explained away with Adoption" is why we decided to tell the truth, since there is no RECORD of adoption to provide to back up that statement also. The reason I provided the notorized statement was to bolster the TRUTH of the situation. An affidavit is just a fancy name for notorized letter, another reason for lawyers "needing" to charge $300 an hour. As far as seeing a lawyer, I decided that me being one myself was good enough at this point. If we were petitioning the child to come with then I definitely would have employed an immigration lawyer. But right now, we will have supplied all documentation required under the law and procedures and I'm not sure what more a lawyer could tell us until there as been a finding by the embassy.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-10-23 09:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
On the instructions in the K1 packet, the embassy calls for the fiancee's BC as well as BC of children even if NOT coming to America. My concern is that my fiancee's name is NOT on her child's BC.

Because a family friend accepted the child of my fiancee as her own in the first week of its life and registered herself and her husband on the child's BC, my fiancee is NOT named on her child's BC. Nor was there an adoption. Wanting to tell the truth, we revealed the child on the 1-129F, since the St. Luke's would most probably reveal her giving birth.

Though we have obtained the child's BC, will my wife's name NOT being on the BC cause a problem? The child will NOT follow her to America, and we have generated a notorized letter explaining this situation. What might we do to resolve this situation?

Thanks.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-10-22 20:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Jenalyn receive her packet on Friday afternoon. That was really quick, considering it was Wednesday that the posting was made on the web page. I suppose metro-manila is much quicker than other places in Phil.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-10-21 10:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Yet another concern. The NOA2 approval was dated Aug. 4 and is valid for 120 days. In our case, the interview will be ONE day longer than 120. Do I need to contact the Manila embassy to have them extend this time, or will this be automatically done? When dealing with the govt. and the letter of the law, ONE day can be the same as 100 days.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-10-20 09:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
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.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-10-18 11:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Checked the web link, and you betcha!
Medical: November 28
Interview: Dec. 5
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-10-17 19:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Yeah, I can't even get through to find out if my Petion is physically there or not. :unsure:


Try call right at 7:30 AM Manila time, or even a few minutes before, when they first open the office. Thats when I was finally able to get thru to someone.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-10-16 21:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

How long does it usualy take until you find out when your interview will be?


In our case, file received Aug. 17th, and still no interview date almost two months later. BUT, the embassy gal said I should check website sometime in the 3rd week of the month for the December schedule. Unfortunately, the 120 days from arrival of packet at embassy to interview is NOT just them (embassy folk) being conservative, but looks like its the truth.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-10-16 09:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview



Packet 4 question?

We have not received the packet from the embassy. It has not held us back because I was able to download all of the packet files from Ulings link (Thank Uling!)

My question is should we be concerned about them not sending us the packet. I am trying to make our travel arrangements and I sure you are all aware of the hassle of making flight arrangements ahead of time. I am concerned because she has had a history of delivery problems to her address.


What travel arrangements are you making? I'm not sure its wise to be doing any travel planning until successful approval and actual delivery of the visa. As for the no packet situation, I believe that you should call the embassy and let them know that no packet has been received, and that you would prefer to pick it up at St. Lukes.

I agree. Please call the Manila Embassy and let them know. The good thing is that whether you are able to acquire an appointment letter or not... you will make it through this process just fine. Cheers!!!


Visa Applicants Must Use Electronic Application Form as of November 1

To speed the application process for a non-immigrant visa to the United States, the U.S. Embassy will require all visa applicants after November 1, 2006, to use an electronic application form available for free on the Internet. This form must be completed and presented to the Embassy on the date of your visa interview.

For the full story (Manila Embassy Website) - CLICK HERE


That's interesting. You click the link and the electronic form available is ONLY the DS-156, but NOT the DS-156K or 157. You suppose the other two forms will be coming in electronic format a little later?

I am speculating the plan is to make the DS-156K and DS-157 accessible in the electronic format as well. This would actually save them money with reproducing the forms with updated versions. Especially with the DS-157 because BPI is validating an older version than provided on the Manila Embassy website. Cheers!!!



On the BPI validating an older version. Is the bank forcing the beneficiary to fill out the old forms that are at the bank, rather than validating a more current form that has been downloaded from wherever and brought in already filled-out?
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-10-04 18:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Packet 4 question?

We have not received the packet from the embassy. It has not held us back because I was able to download all of the packet files from Ulings link (Thank Uling!)

My question is should we be concerned about them not sending us the packet. I am trying to make our travel arrangements and I sure you are all aware of the hassle of making flight arrangements ahead of time. I am concerned because she has had a history of delivery problems to her address.


What travel arrangements are you making? I'm not sure its wise to be doing any travel planning until successful approval and actual delivery of the visa. As for the no packet situation, I believe that you should call the embassy and let them know that no packet has been received, and that you would prefer to pick it up at St. Lukes.


Visa Applicants Must Use Electronic Application Form as of November 1

To speed the application process for a non-immigrant visa to the United States, the U.S. Embassy will require all visa applicants after November 1, 2006, to use an electronic application form available for free on the Internet. This form must be completed and presented to the Embassy on the date of your visa interview.

For the full story (Manila Embassy Website) - CLICK HERE


That's interesting. You click the link and the electronic form available is ONLY the DS-156, but NOT the DS-156K or 157. You suppose the other two forms will be coming in electronic format a little later?
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-10-04 15:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview



I just got off the phone with csc and they say my petition is in the staging area to be sent out to the embassy.....
Damn its been approved since 9/7 and they are just now about to send it out to manila, she said they send the petitions out in a batch and sometimes it takes a while for them to get the appropriate amount of petitions together to send them.
Question? When they finally send it to the embassy who will be notified of the petition arriving in manila will it be me (petitioner) or my fiancee (Benificiary).
And at that time how will we know the case number assigned to the petition?
I am so glad i found a way to call csc directly instead of going through the nightmare of uscis misinformation line.

CSC doesn't send your paperwork to the embassy in Manila. They send it to NVC in New Hampshire. NVC in turn puts their stamp on it and sends it to the Embassy in Manila. They send an electronic version and a hard copy version. Once NVC forwards your file to Manila, they will send you a letter stating that it has been sent to Manila and give you the case number. You can get more information about NVC in the NVC forum. I hope this helps. The petitioner in the US gets the letter with the case number.


yes i am aware of that but csc just informed me they are about to send the batch with my case to the nvc thats what i have been waiting for so we can get on to the next phase of waiting i just left out the part about sending to nvc ....my bad for the confusion



When the embassy receives the file, they are now sending a letter the the beneficiary stating the date they received the petition from NVC, and that an interview should be coming within 120 days of the date they received the file. In our case, she received the letter from the embassy almost 3-weeks after the paperwork arrived in Manila.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-09-25 17:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Fellow Manila VJ'ers (especially those with late July/early August NOA2), please read my post "HELP - I'm so confused!" in the Foreign Embassy and Consulate General Discussion. I just put it there and I am so confused. In a nutshell, the Dept. of State just informed me that whomever entered my fiancee's address into the computer left out her city!!!! So, they told me to e-mail the embassy the full address (which is clearly listed in her package) and request that they send Packet 3 ASAP (yep, Packet 3...I thought we didn't get that, only Packet 4, but she says otherwise). The specialist told me that she won't get an appointment date until she gets Packet 3 and mails the embassy her DS-230!!!! (YIKES) That means instead of the November appt we were expecting, we're going to be pushed back who knows how long! :huh:

Anyway, I'm really confused and could really use your knowledge and experience. Please post here are check my other thread for more details.

Oh, and congratulations to all of you who are now receiving appointment dates for October and November - good on ya! :thumbs:


A DS-230 needed, #######? That is an immigrant visa application. The K1 Visa packet says to use 156 and 156K and 157, since it's for fiancee. That makes no sense. I'm as confused as you are.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-09-19 12:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
I think the problem now is that the Manila embassy used to generate a pdf file of upcoming interview dates, but they have appeared to change this course of action and instead I have been told to consult a website and plug in my case # to see if the interview date has been scheduled. So, from the outside, it appears that the interview dates are taking longer than before. But from the few people that I know that have gone through this process, it took six-weeks or two-months after NVC before they knew the interview date as well. Historically I think it has been around 4-months from NOA2 until interview. So I don't things have changed all that much, just the manner of giving out the information.

My question is, since Jenalyn has received a letter from the Manila embassy stating they have received the petition, is it from that "received" date mentioned in the letter that we can begin "counting" the days?
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-09-18 18:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSt.Luke Medical Appointment

Helooh everyone,

May i have your helping hand pleasssee??Can i have my medical appointment in advance though my appointment date will be late April next month?Let me hear a couple of answer plz???

Not only is it OK, but it would be adviseable to have your medical at least a few weeks early. If there is some "little something" wrong that is noticed during the exam, it would give you time to address this problem, return to St. Lukes and get cleared, all in time to meet your scheduled interview at the USE.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-03-21 10:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussioncontract-to-hire a bad idea?

Contract-to-Hire?

An assassin? ^_^

Assassin? Isn't that a "contract-FOR-hire"?
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-04-24 16:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK1 VISA SUBJECT TO ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW in MANILA EMBASSY.

There is only one solution is to get married in Philippines as there are very few selected for AR after being married.

I'm not sure where you get your data from, but I'd disagree with this statement (though I don't have the numbers to back up my belief). I would think it would be logical that the immigration folks would take a much more aggressive look at those that claim to be married already rather than those applying for a fiancee visa. Maybe the "AR" would come at the USCIS or NVC level, and BEFORE it reaches the embassy. Which is why these visas tend to take longer for approval.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-05-06 14:07:00