ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesUSEM Interview on March 10 at 7aM - APPROVED!
Here's the experience, as promised: MARCH 10, 2009 Tuesday

No cellphones, electronic gadgets, USB memory, laptops, and any similar items NOT ALLOWED inside the embassy.

Arrival and security checks:
Arrived US Embassy at 545am with daughter. Had to stay at the waiting area until we are instructed to fall in line at Gate 2.

615am came and we were then instructed to fall in line for the K1 and K3 interview schedule for 7am.

Went through the checker - showed them the appointment letter along with one valid ID with photo.

Went through the security check and scanning area for our stuff. This is similar to what you'll see at the airport security gates.

Inside the Immigration Unit:
<1>SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION FORMS:
We were instructed to take our seats and wait until our turn for the application documents check. This will be areas where the blue chairs are. All K1 will be seated together.

We were then instructed to bring out our Visa appointment email printout, DS Forms (DS 156 (2 sets), DS 157 (2 sets), DS 156K (1)), along with the passport (if you have it in your possession) and 2 pcs (2x2 photos) with your full name wrtitten at the back. In my case, I brought our passports as I just completed our medical last March 6th and I informed St. Lukes that I rescheduled the interview to an earlier date, so they went ahead and gave the passport to me. The lady checkers would be checking these documents for completeness. They would then take the documents and give you a number printed on a piece of paper that you have to hang on to the whole time as your numbers will be called in random for the next steps. Time stamped on number: 6:55am

<2> Fingerprinting
Be wary of this step. They will call you by the last name and NOT YOUR NUMBER. They will scan all ten fingers. You will then be asked to go back to your seat and wait for your number to be flashed on the queueing board for the pre-screener interviews. Time check 7:45am

<3> Pre-screening interview and submission of documents
Your number will be flashed on the queueing board along with which window you will go to for the pre-screening interview and submission of documents.
This is the part where you will be asked to sign the DS forms, and fill out the parts that were not filled out properly. They will also ask for your BC, CENOMAR, Police and NBI Clearance, I134, employment letter, pay stubs, letters, emails, chat logs, pictures, phone bills, remittances, etc.
Then comes the questions:
For me:
What is the name of the petitioner?
How did you meet?
What did you do in the States?
When was the last time you met?
How many times did he come here? What dates?
Have you ever been married?
Any kids? Ages?
Any contact with the father?
Has your petitioner been married? How many times?
What does he do for a living?
Your ages?
For my daughter:
Who is this? (shows her a pic of the three of us and pointing at fiance)
Are you going to the US too?
What are you going to do there?
What will you bring Daddy **** when you go there?

After this step, you will then be instructed to go back at the waiting area for the interview with the consular officer.
Time check: 845AM

<4> Interview with the Consular Officer
Again, wait for your number to be flashed on the queue board. Unlike the non-immigrant visa interview, where you won't have any privacy at all, the interview rooms all have doors so it's very comfortable.
Before the CO asks you any questions, you will be asked to raise your right hand and swear under oath that you have provided only true and correct information about yourself.

I have to say this. My CO was the hottest one in that area. I honestly have to remind myself to stop drooling and keep hoping i won't change my mind and marry him instead. LOL *just kidding*

Questions: The whole interview took about 10 minutes
Who's your petitioner? They meant that you state a name.
How did you meet?
Where is he now?
When did you go to the states?
When was the last time you were together?
So you worked together?
Have you ever been married?
Do you have any children? Ages (my daughter answered this part)?
Has he ever been married? How many times?
What does he do? (he means his job and title)
What did you do in the states?

He then checked our pics and did a double take on our pic in front of the Mammoth Cave sign. He asked me how it was and if it was worth it and I said yes! He relaxed at this point and smiled at me. He said he was taking a vacation in the summer and thinking about places to go to... (Oh my that melted my heart! He was HOT!!!)

He then told me that he needed to cancel my B1/B2 visa as I am not qualified for it when i become an immigrant. So... Goodbye 10 years multiple entry that everybody wants. The funny part is the stamp said: CANCELLED WITHOUT PREJUDICE... Right!

He then said: Ok Ma'am, your visas are now approved. You may now go back to the waiting area for your name to be called for further instructions. You have a great day.

At this point, I was walking on cloud nine!

Time check 930AM

<5> Releasing of documents:
Windows 37 and 38 are doing this step. They will call you by last name so you would have to sit in front of that area (RED Chairs). The guy gave me back the documents presented to the pre-screener and of course the PINK SLIP that you will present to the Air21 counter for the visa delivery fee.
Tiem Check: 935AM

<6> Visa Delivery Fee payment:
Another line but you won't feel the pain of waiting anymore. After this you are ready to hit the road and sleep.
Time check: 945AM

Edited by HappyDancer, 11 March 2009 - 02:28 PM.

HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-11 14:26:00
PhilippinesPrayer for all those who will be having interview on April 14
Good luck and God bless!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-13 09:50:00
PhilippinesPrayer for all those who will be having interview on April 15
Cheering for you sis!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-14 06:01:00
PhilippinesPrayer for all those who will be having interview on April 15
Amen again! smile.gif
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-14 05:58:00
PhilippinesThank God I got an earlier slot for interview, Apr. 20, 2009 :)
Good luck!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-14 08:57:00
PhilippinesMy Visa is approved for Printing
YAY!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-14 05:57:00
PhilippinesPrayer for all those who will be having interview on April 16
April 15 interviews... We need news!

God bless tomorrow's interviewees. smile.gif
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-15 00:20:00
Philippinesi passed the culture test:)
Wooohoo!!! thank God!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-15 00:08:00
Philippinesincorrect middle name
Call the USEM and let them know your problem. They should have you send the visa back so they can re print it.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-16 05:46:00
Philippinesreceive visa today april 15
CONGRATS!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-15 11:17:00
PhilippinesSOOO HAPPY
WOW!!! happy for you!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-15 09:07:00
PhilippinesGod is good
Congrats Mae! CFO na!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-15 23:37:00
PhilippinesPrayer for all those who will be having interview on April 17
Heheheh... What has TCO done this time? For real he needs to have himself checked. Coocoo...
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-17 17:13:00
PhilippinesPrayer for all those who will be having interview on April 17
Amen...
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-16 09:43:00
PhilippinesA Mothers Plea...
You are in my thoughts and prayers...
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-18 21:38:00
PhilippinesIN THE NAME OF LOVE...
QUOTE (Michael_and_Julie @ Apr 15 2009, 10:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi! Sali ako....

I think there is nothing crazier than preparing a wedding in the Philippines....kaloka talaga.....pero super happy and exciting.... good.gif kicking.gif

Julie star_smile.gif


Hi Julie,

Where in Pasig are you from? I used to live there in Kapitolyo.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-15 12:00:00
PhilippinesIN THE NAME OF LOVE...
Hmmm... Nag iisip pako. My fiance's always been the kind of guy who's full of surprises.

Craziest thing was probably the fact that he's given up everything just to be free to marry me. He was married when we met and I was in a relationship with my ex-fiance then.

The best surprise was when he sent me the soft copy of our chat transcripts since day 1. I had no idea he was saving all our conversations since we met at work and we had a professional relationship. Now it's probably at least 4000 pages.

wub.gif luv.gif
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-09 14:26:00
PhilippinesPrayer for all those who will be having interview on April 20
WOOOHOOOO!!! CONGRATS!!!

QUOTE (steve&eden @ Apr 19 2009, 11:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (HappyDancer @ Apr 19 2009, 11:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Need news on the interviews today!


had my interview this morning and i passed..thank you for including us in your prayer..goodluck to all who will have their interview soon...


HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-19 22:44:00
PhilippinesPrayer for all those who will be having interview on April 20
Need news on the interviews today!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-19 22:20:00
PhilippinesPrayer for all those who will be having interview on April 20
AMEN!!!

Haterz go to hell!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-18 22:07:00
PhilippinesPrayer for all those who will be having interview on April 21
We need news!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-20 20:56:00
PhilippinesPrayer for all those who will be having interview on April 21
And may the force be with you! God bless you all! smile.gif
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-19 22:21:00
PhilippinesPOE: Detroit Experience
QUOTE (Michael and Milahjean @ Apr 20 2009, 12:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (HappyDancer @ Apr 20 2009, 12:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Michael and Milahjean @ Apr 20 2009, 12:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (HappyDancer @ Apr 19 2009, 11:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Waaaahhhh!!! Iniiwan niyo na ako... WAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!

But anyway, OHIO people, I will be in Dublin for the Irish Festival 09 with my hubby by then and my daughter. Wanna meet up? Tara!!!


There's a huge Asian Festival in Columbus Ohio every Memorial Day weekend - this year May 23-24. We'll be there Saturday if the weather is good. See link below.

M&M

http://asian-festival.org/index.do


OOOOHHHH!!! I wanna go! You going?


Yes, my asawa (from Leyte) and I and our little one are planning to attend on Saturday May 23. I know it's quite a drive, but it could be a good meet up place for many familar VJers here. It'll be our regular Filipino grocery stockup trip as well as there are many good Asian markets in the metro Columbus area, with the best being in the Dublin region. The Asian festival is just east of downtown in Franklin Park, east of I-71. Anyone interested in a IN-OH-MI-KY group meeting?

M&M


Mike and Mila,

I would go for this meet-up! lemme know!

HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-20 20:55:00
PhilippinesPOE: Detroit Experience
QUOTE (Michael and Milahjean @ Apr 20 2009, 12:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (HappyDancer @ Apr 19 2009, 11:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Waaaahhhh!!! Iniiwan niyo na ako... WAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!

But anyway, OHIO people, I will be in Dublin for the Irish Festival 09 with my hubby by then and my daughter. Wanna meet up? Tara!!!


There's a huge Asian Festival in Columbus Ohio every Memorial Day weekend - this year May 23-24. We'll be there Saturday if the weather is good. See link below.

M&M

http://asian-festival.org/index.do


OOOOHHHH!!! I wanna go! You going?

HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-20 11:31:00
PhilippinesPOE: Detroit Experience
Waaaahhhh!!! Iniiwan niyo na ako... WAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!

But anyway, OHIO people, I will be in Dublin for the Irish Festival 09 with my hubby by then and my daughter. Wanna meet up? Tara!!!

Edited by HappyDancer, 19 April 2009 - 10:32 PM.

HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-19 22:32:00
PhilippinesPOE: Detroit Experience
That's a smart move. smile.gif
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-17 17:10:00
PhilippinesPOE: Detroit Experience
Kelan ba kasal SJ?
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-17 17:00:00
PhilippinesPOE: Detroit Experience
Oh yeah!!! Way to go sis! CONGRATS!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-17 11:32:00
PhilippinesPrayer for all those who will be having interview on April 22
It's your turn guys. smile.gif

God bless and bring home that approval!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-20 20:57:00
PhilippinesVISA APPROVED
CONGRATS sis!!!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-20 20:51:00
Philippinesam i prepared for interview?? k1 phil
QUOTE (tanging-mahal @ Apr 20 2009, 12:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
interview date april 22, 2009. after the long wait finally!!

am i prepared??? these are my documents:
bunch of cards
Appointment Letter and valid ID
DS Forms
Identification papers and police clearances
evidence of support including co-sponsor
pictures
proof of relationship like yahoo calls chat etc
nso nbi cenomar police clearance

is this all? i got alot of cards!


evidence of support - bank accounts, pay stubs, etc???

HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-20 11:30:00
PhilippinesNew member in the family
CONGRATS!!! Pics!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-16 05:29:00
PhilippinesPrayer for all those who will be having interview on April 23
YOu can do it! YOu can make it. Bring home that visa!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-22 09:46:00
Philippinesverification of docs...?
I second that edp.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-29 10:32:00
PhilippinesWe just got our Visa!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank goodness!!! That's long overdue. Congrats!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-30 10:02:00
PhilippinesSo before you say "I Do"
Aww... Thanks Lalaine. I am greatly honored that you found my post helpful. biggrin.gif
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-30 11:34:00
PhilippinesSo before you say "I Do"
I know sis. It's just funny that I generate that much reaction from him. LOL Isn't that funny? I am too hot for him to ignore.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-30 10:39:00
PhilippinesSo before you say "I Do"
Ok.... So spell PIG!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-30 10:16:00
PhilippinesSo before you say "I Do"
tallcoolone - Oh by the way,i f you think this post is nonsense, then that's fine. You are very much free to express your thoughts. Nevertheless, I don't need your approval on this one. So hate me and my posts all you want. I love attention and you hate that. Hahaha! So... DUH!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-30 10:12:00
PhilippinesSo before you say "I Do"
Oh wow! How could I have missed posting the source! I am terribly sorry. It's an article that was just forwarded to me.

And Tallcoolone - Didn't you get any from last night? Why are you so cranky? I bet you are miserable you got nothing better to do. I pity your poor unhappy soul.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-30 10:05:00