biggish data

Medical without interview letter

Hey guys! I'm just wondering, is it true that St. Luke's do medicals even without the interview letter from NVC/Embassy? How soon can my husband go for his medical? I paid the AOS and IV fee bill, and still waiting for them to be cleared. So technically, they haven't reviewed AOS and DS-230 (IV) documents yet. Can he go do his medical now? What does he need to bring with him?

Thanks!

Details what is needed at the Medical. http://manila.usemba...v/wwwh3218.html Clearly states you need the appointment letter from the NVC.

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-09-10 15:32:00

Scheduling K1 appointments

All,

When is the best time to call the 1888 service to schedule my fiancées interview? I have called in three times since last week, and each time, I am told that the Embassy has not released any dates yet for November or December for k1 interviews. Does anyone know when/they do this? Is there a certain date the Embassy notifies the call center that they can schedule interviews? Frustrating to keep calling in, and being told Check back in a few days....

Thanks!

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-11-14 20:15:00

Thanks Idaho. Good luck on your reschedule date bro! Still hoping to get Dec 16th or 17th. Hey by the way, I also read that BPI will now be in charge of the Visa Fee Payment. Is this true? Just want to make sure because I'll most likely pay for this when I arrive (before the interview). Thanks again.

According to the USEM website...yep its true, after Dec 1st, BPI will be handling the payment. Cool if we get 16th or 17th, lunch and San Mig light is on me, after we get the pink!

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-11-26 00:01:00

Thanks for the update guys. I just called myself and the operator told me to call back 1st week of December. Just to confirm, the phone number we should be dialing to reschedule (for after Dec 8th) appointments is 214-571-1600 (if in U.S) right? I really hope we can be successful in this. Anyone know about the fee? I'm assuming our PIN will be "dead" by the 1st. Good luck guys....

Hey bro thats it, not sure on the fee, and yep the pin will be dead.

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-11-25 23:08:00

Hello VJ'ers

I just read below from USEM Manila website..

This is a user paid service for people wishing to travel to the United States of America.

Special Notice for certain Visa Applicants: IV Applicants, K, A3 and G5 Visa applicants cannot make their visa appointments on this website. You must contact the Live Service operator by calling 1-909-101-7878 from the Philippines or 1-888-877-9888 toll-free from the United States.

Effective May 24, 2010, all nonimmigrant visa applicants will be REQUIRED to complete and submit an online visa application form known as the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application. The DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application will replace the current nonimmigrant visa paper application, Forms DS-156/157/158, and other related paper forms. For more information about DS-160, please click here.

Yes, its always been this way. This is the old site(Visa Point). As of Dec 1st 2010 USEM is switching to a new contractor to handle appt scheduling for non immigrant visas, including k1;s even though they are handled through the Immigrant Visa unit. I do not know if K1's will be able to schedule through the new website as of 1 Dec or not, I doubt it. Most likely we will still need to call into to the call center using the NEW number. The number that was posted before (214..) is the new number to call in on 1 Dec.

The U.S.

https://philippines....ms/default.aspx

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-11-25 21:10:00

just called the visa hotline. I was advised to check the website for a new number to call if I want to reschedule my date of interview later than Dec 8. He said to call back on Dec and dial the new number.

Good luck guys!

http://manila.usemba...v/wwwh3024.html

Scheduling of visa appointments (through call center number 982-5555 or online appointment website http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph; from mainland U.S. call 214-571-1600)

Thanks! I was thinking that would be the way it is. I will call next week to schedule for a mid/late December interview.

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-11-25 20:04:00

The Manila Embassy is closed today right? I haven't tried today. I'm going to try to reschedule tomorrow.

Hey bro, the embassy is closed, but the call center is OPEN. I asked them this last week when I called in, so give it a shot yet today if you want!

I also have a question for you, chazzie et. al. I received the letter from the NVC today dated the 19th.

Dear Petitioner,

The State Department's NVC has recently recieved an approved I-129f filed on behalf of your fiance. This letter is to let you know that within a week the petition will be forwarded to the appropriate visa-issuing post where your visa interview will take place.

then it has her name
recipet number
case number

etc etc.

Now my question is...did your letter look like this??? When I was in AP a lot of other people got one, two or even THREE copies of a letter like this, even though there case WAS STILL IN AP! I have called the NVC twice last week and they told be it was out of AP and going to Manila, however ever reading this letter and hearing others stories I am a bit paranoid! So did eveyone's letter from the NVC say...'within a week'??? :bonk:

thanks~

Edited by idaho_and_surigao, 25 November 2010 - 12:51 AM.

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-11-25 00:51:00

Is the USEM accepting appointments for January at this time or are they only doing December ? My fiancee lives in Mindanao and will not have everything to make the trip until that time. I am wondering if it is worthwhile to buy a pin now and schedule an appointment for Jan. 18. If they are not accepting appointments for Jan. then it is useless for me to buy a pin. Thanks to all !

No. If you need a Jan appt, I would wait to buy the pin until they switch over to the new call center number and system (supposedly 12/1) and then start calling every day until you can get a Jan in appt. Where in Mindanao? My Fiancee' is from Tagbina, Surigao Del Sur. We/she lived in Cavite though. Always good to go back to Mindanao....She is from way back in the Jungle...

Edited by idaho_and_surigao, 24 November 2010 - 05:03 PM.

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-11-24 17:02:00

Chinook never received a letter from the Embassy telling her that she was eligible to schedule an interview. I'm glad we didn't wait for that letter, because we would still be waiting!!!

Instead of waiting for the Embassy to send a letter that may never arrive, it's better to simply keep calling the call center until the Embassy has entered your packet into their system and the call center allows you to book an appointment.

Best wishes to everyone...I hope you get the dates that you want...and the best of luck with bringing home THE PINK!!!

Great advice. I have heard about 50% of the K1's never get the letter!

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-11-24 16:59:00

Bring the Appointment letter as TAHOMA sugguested....

yep thats one of the docs listed in the instructions.

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-11-24 14:00:00

idaho, any luck with Manila Embassy yet? Did you try calling today? Keep me informed when the Dec 13th to 17th slots open up. I'm going to try calling again tomorrow......

Took the day off from calling, figured I would give them a day or two to receive the packet I am going to start calling Thursday US Friday Manila

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-11-23 23:17:00

my fiance's interview scheduled on Dec. 9th!..yipee

how did the Medical go?

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-11-23 21:24:00

Do you need the USEM Notification Letter to be admitted into the Embassy to go toyour interview ?

Here is the letter they send out, http://photos.state.... Packet_001.pdf
as far as I have head, they do not ask for this, just all the othe documents listed here-in

Edited by idaho_and_surigao, 23 November 2010 - 08:50 PM.

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-11-23 20:50:00

@BB & MJ and mcdsnight...Congratz on scheduling an interview. I hope you can still get the date you want.

Idaho_and_surigao...You're next! Remember...don't listen to the script readers at the call center if they tell you to call back in two weeks...instead...call every day. If they ask you whether your fiancée has received a notification from the Embassy that she is eligible to schedule an interview...tell them "yes." Good luck!

Thanks Tahoma. I hope so. Bhebe is 5 months pregnant with our 2nd, and we really need to come to the US before Feb 1. I am ok if the interview is pushed to early Jan, but thats pretty much the latest. Did you ever here back from USEM in re. your email?

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-11-23 12:22:00

Thanks for the heads up. After spending more than 15 minutes just to verify my identity and my fiancee's (seriously it was such a hassle and I was almost denied my request after I had told her that I did receive approval to schedule; she basically gave me a hard time about it) I was able to schedule my fiancee's interview for Friday Dec. 10th at 7:00AM. Here's my dilemma though, I won't arrive theere (Philippines until Sunday Dec. 12th) and I really want to accompany her. The operator said that I can call on or before Dec. 8th to reschedule and hopefully they will have slots available. For those who have been through this, have any of you had to reschedule. I WILL reschedule because this is NOT the date I want. Can't wait to hear your stories. I will be trying again next week and hopefully the 3rd week slots will be available...Good luck everyone!!

Good luck, I dont think it will be a big deal to re-schedule, as long as slots are available. Yeah it was a head ache for me too. However, my operator was pretty good about it, checked against case number and my fiancées name. I do believe her that its not in the system. It just left NVC last Thurs. Was a long shot, did you try to explain your situation and get a later appointment??? I am hoping for anything after the 15th myself.

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-11-22 21:57:00

Guys, just called...slots are available. Unfortunately my case is not in the system yet...Just left NVC late last week,,,BUT if your CASE is there CALL IN.

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-11-22 21:10:00

Hi all!

An update! Have been sooo busy with all the work over the last month..no time for VJ! Floricel and Abigail (our daughter) arrived in the US on January 12. We POE'd in Seattle after flying Manila>Taipei>Seattle. The flight was great (EVA airlines is great BTW) The POE was fairly quick, The officer asked Floricel all the regular interview type questions, and she was admitted to the USA. The next day we flew to Minneapolis, and I brought my girls home! They were both freezing in the cold weather here! We had to go out and invest a lot in cold weather gear. We then went about getting Floricel set up with a Doctor here, appointments, SSN, insurance, id card more clothes shopping, setting up our daughters room, more clothes shopping, meeting a lot of local Filipinas, etc.! We have been crazy busy over the last month! We were married in a small (very small) civil ceremony on Friday, February 11! We plan on having a big ceremony and party this summer after we get further settled in, the weather gets better, and our 2nd baby is born on March 21st. So far so good here in the US, the girls are adjusting and we have not had too much trouble!

I will be filing AOS soon....so will bee a lot more active here on VJ.

Take care all!

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2011-02-14 17:21:00

Doing some last minute reviewing, of all paperwork I had concerning this K-1 Process. In her Interview at the US Embassy, does Meg need a local police clearance from her current place of residence, I guess barangay level to city level, or is the NBI Clearance enough ? She has never lived away from Cagayan de Oro on Mindanao since she was 16. I just came accross a post that suggests this. Thank you for any help.

NBI is sufficient. You only need to provide Police Clearances from other countries if you have lived there for more then 6 months. She will just need a NBI clearance dated within the last six months.

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2011-01-06 00:54:00

Hi All an update.

Floricel's Visa was delivered on the 3rd, the first attempt was the 29th, but we were not home, so they delivered on the 3rd. IMHO a very quick and easy process, I feel bad for those still waiting for delivery. We are going to the CFO office today to get the departure stamp, we will leave Manila for the US on 1/12.

Take care all!

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2011-01-04 20:50:00

Update...Hi All, sorry some of you seem to be waiting long for Delivery. Floricel's interview was 12/20. 2Go attempted to deliver her passport today, unfortunately we were not home! We called 2go, and guess what...They gave us the wrong tracking number! so I am really hoping it come tomorrow!

I will keep everyone posted.

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-12-30 07:53:00

Visa....APPROVED! Saw Messybrownhair at the embassy but didn't know it was her!

Our interview was so easy as to be almost comical. Litterly no more then 5 minutes. They very nice and kind consular officer asked almsot no questions, he asked Floricel why she went to Japan (to visit me) and how long she stayed, he asked me a few questions...mostly about my divorce, and also asked about a few things on my credit report(?!?!?!) He asked us when we we plan to get married, and one question about our daughter. The pre-screener asked more questions! Very very easy and pleasant experience. He asked to see NOTHING. no pictures, no evidence, no certified divorce copy, no notorrized letter saying I know Floricel is pregnant...I prepared a lot of stuff and they asked for none of it. a few question...and "Your Visa is approved" :dance:

We then went to PRISM for the CFO seminar...and the BS...started. A very unpleasant time....They grilled Floricel...it was like they were interviewing her, asked for pictures, my diviorce copy etc, etc...I dont know why/how they think they can ask that stuff but they did!!!! Luckily we had just come from the Interview and had ALL of our documents!!! If you attend CFO at PRISM be prepared to show all your supporting documents! Even though there is NO Mention of needing this on the CFO web site! :bonk:

Interview YAY!!!!

CFO...BOO!

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-12-20 05:59:00

Hi Guys, greetings from Cavite. Its nice to be here with my family! Barely made it out of MSP! Dont know if you saw the weather last Saturday when I departed but it was a huge blizzard, they actually shut down the Airport! Any way, I am here, and enjoying the warm weather and of course being with my family. Our interview is on the 20th, everything is prepared just need to go and bring home the APPROVAL! I hope we can get Floricel's Visa by Jan 6th, We are planning on returning to the US on the 11th! We are going to Mindanao over new years to say goodbye to her Family. Take care all, Merry Christmas! wish us luck on the Interview...its almost here!

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-12-15 20:58:00

Hi Idaho!
I am also experiencing same problem with you but mine is having error either on passport number or date of payment. I am sure it is correct though.
I hope everything will be alright. I need to have my appointment soon! I am very worried and devastated!

Keeping trying, call everyday, try the web site non-stop. You will get it eventually.

Good luck!

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-12-10 11:41:00

need your advise/inputs/comments please.....

thank you .....

Ok I will try to help.

Are you sure its only 3 months?? that would be odd, and I have no idea why. Mine is four months. Maybe post a question here, or call the NVC, but in any case you do still have plenty of time.

Ok, on the Embassy, keep calling back until they tell you its in the system. This does take some time from the time it leaves NVC. Chazzie's took 12 days, and I think BB&Mj's took about 15. I guess they took pity on me cuz I was in AP at the NVC, but mine only took 6 days. Just keep calling, they will get it into the system soon.

You can pay at BPI anytime, however you will not be able to make an appointment until your case is uploaded to the system. Once the embassy verifies your case (MNL CASE NUMBER) has been uploaded into the System call/go online etc to make an appointment, DO NOT GIVE UP it sucks...keep calling until you confirm your appointment. It took me 6 days, and hours on hold etc etc but eventually it go squared away. Remember you do have to pay the fee before you can schedule.

Medical, marimi people go before they schedule their appointment. As long as you have your Manila case number from NVC you can go to the medical. We waited until the appointment was scheduled, but you dont have to. As long as you have your MNL case number you can go. Do keep in mind that after your medical they will keep your passport.

Good luck! you are getting close!

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-12-08 13:23:00

Congratz on passing the medical!!!

The interview is easy compared to the medical...less than five minutes with the consular officer and done!

Thanks Tahoma! I was really stressed about, Bhebe had malaria when she was small, (Incidentally I had malaria too..lol, army days, Africa) and I was really worried that the malaria might have scarred her lungs...but we are good to go! next step the big Interview!

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-12-07 23:05:00

Much relief! Floricel passed her Medical! Thank you Lord. On to the next step.

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-12-07 21:26:00

Guys, quick question. Floricel completed the first day of her Medical, they did not keep her passport? When do they collect the passport? on the 2nd day? when they give the results?

thanks

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-12-07 00:04:00

Idaho,

Are CC statements not really needed ?

I have almost no savings because of a divorce that I had to deal with earlier in the year.

That scares me a little.

But my salary and investments are in extremely good shape.

Still you think I should leave the CC Statements out ?

Thanks

I too, went through a financially devastating divorce. As far as I know, no. They dont really care about your credit, or how much you have in the bank. As long as you can show that you are above the guidelines (25% above the poverty line depending on family size) and have a job that is stable, that is all they look at. I plan to bring my last 3 pay statements, three years of w'2,s three years of tax returns, and a letter from my employer stating my position and salary. I believe this is enough. They dont look at credit scores, (which is good, because mine is dismal (the divorce). Is all they are trying to determine is that you have the income to support her once she arrives. As far as I know bank balances are only important if you are self employed, have a short employment history, or are marginal on the income. I too have a good salary, just minimal in the bank, and bad credit. I think in our case, the last three pay statements and letter from the employer will be the most critical documents.

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-12-06 20:33:00

The Case Type Number is the MNL number correct? when typing it in, what is the format? MNLXXXXXXXXXX or XXXXXXXXXX, with no MNL prefix
Also the appointment is made under her Passport number and DOB, correct? not mine?

you need the MNL prefix, and its her passport and DOB. Good luck

Well despite all the horror stories, I was able to secure an Interview appointment. I am grateful that the new system went smoothly, because contacting the Call Center does take hours of waiting on the phone. I placed a call to the call center when I started, and was answered about 2 hours later. The e-mail and live chat that USEM offers is not working yet, but it is a good idea for the future.

Meg paid her MRV Fee on Monday Dec 6 at 9 AM Philippine time, (6 PM Sunday night where I am), she immediately PDFed me the receipt, and I went online on the Immigrant site 9 hours later, (at 3 AM my time). I think the later you call, the less congestion there is on the USEM system. When I looked at Dec, there were only about 5 days available, there was an arrow in the upper right hand corner to go to the month of Jan 2011. I clicked on the arrow, and noticed that Jan 18 was the first available day in January. For all the trouble everyone is having, there are sure a lot of days gone. If you want anything in Dec. I would advise you to do it very soon.

So we were able to get the date of our choice, but still it was pretty stressful. Next, I will get out all the papers that Meg will need for her interview, which stands at 201 pages right now, I think I am a little heavy in the Evidence of Support area. I would really like to blank out the first seven digits of my social security number on my income tax forms and my W2’s but it makes the documents look altered and unprofessional. The same thing with my Credit Card Statements. I am thinking of leaving out the Credit card Statements all together.

I bought a 7 pocket envelope and arranged all the papers in there with a list on the front for easy retrieval. I expect to get all that out by Wednesday my time, 3.25 lbs, $128.15 FEDEX Priority. They told me at FEDEX that it will take 5 business days to get there. Thanks to all the advice of the Group.

Great news. Why would you include your CC statements?

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-12-06 17:53:00

do you have her cellphone number? if yes, and if you don't mind, can i have it by message? it would be nice to go with someone, but i would understand if she wants to go ahead or go alone

sent it to you in a message.

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-12-06 02:26:00

AHHH WE HAVE THE SAME SCHEDULE!!! ANY CHANCE YOU WANT TO GO FOR MEDICAL THURS/FRI INSTEAD SO WE CAN GO TOGETHER? I cant go yet I still have my period, so Thurs/Fri it is! We are also dec 20 645am!!!

I dont know you can ask my Fiancee' her name is Floricel she goes by Bhebe. you can chat with her at bhebegirl_182000@yahoo.com You can check with her. She lives in Cavite.

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-12-06 02:14:00

Visa Interview Scheduled.....December 20th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You dont even want to know the pain.. and the hours on hold and every other bit of nonsense BUT....its done. I have the confirmation letter. Dec 20th, 6:45 am.

for those still trying, when I called they had the 17th still open and 20th, 21,st 22nd and that was all. Wbchucko....I asked about January...nothing released yet..

Thank Lord....the interview is scheduled Floricel will go to her Medical Tomorrow....

Thanks guys, dont know what I would have done without your support and words of encouragement.

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-12-06 02:01:00

GOOD FOR YOU!

I envy you... My fiance is still having trouble getting here on the 9th even though he already has ticket and all... SOmetimes I hate how military works. They don't have heart for their employees.

At least you got an appointment. I have been trying for three days. The BS continues. I called the Embassy this morning, they wouldnt help. I told them about my issues, and they said, sorry sir, lots of people are having trouble with the new system. They did confirm they have Floricel's case, and she is eligible to schedule an interview. I'm sorry sir, please call back in 24 hours....

I'm getting really really frustrated......Im calling my senator's immigration liaison tomorrow. Dont know if it will help, but we will see....

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-12-06 00:09:00

Somewhere, God knows where, I read something about people having trouble with the on line scheduling when using Firefox as the browser,
they recommended using Internet Explorer instead. Anyone else heard anything like this, was it on this thread earlier?

Browser must support 128 bit encryption. I have tried it with IE 7 and 8 an Google Chrome. all appear to work fine. Dont know about FF.

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-12-04 22:29:00

I don't know about all of your questions, but my impression also was that the UID is given when the fee is paid.
regarding DS-160 go to this link bottom of the page "Visa Categories Not Using the DS-160" http://travel.state....visa_categories

So CEAC barcode does not apply.

UID is generated when you make an appoitment online.
Correct the Barcode does not apply you enter your MNL case number on the screen. Make sure you are using the K1 schedule screen not the non-immigrant schedule screen

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-12-04 21:35:00

$350 USD is the flat fee, but must be convert to Peso's. Dec. 3 Last trade P43.7150 to the US dollar.
But they won't give you that, there will be a spread. I trade currency.

BPI is charging a flat fee of 15,750 pesos for the month of December, independent of the exchange rate

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-12-04 21:32:00

So what is the latest news on this? Is the on line "K-Visa Appointment Scheduling" system up and working? Inquiring minds want to know.

Not for me... Have heard some have had luck

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-12-04 16:34:00

Hello Idaho,

Are you done with scheduling your appointment? or is anyone here successfully made their appointment thru online? because i have a friend who were able to schedule her appointment online and she was able to receive email too. Also the download confirmation sheet shows like this; Anyways, she's K1 but she click under immigrant visa "schedule appointment"

(1 page only)
Immigration Address Confirmation Sheet
MANILA

Applicant's name : xxx
Passport Number : xxx
Interview Appointment Date: December 17, 2010 ==> you will choose calendar they highlighted available dates.
UID Number : xxx ==> system will generate UID#
Your Passport will be couried to: xxx
Hold for Collection: = blank=
Instructions
. Instructions
[/quote]

No,

not yet, when I try to enter my CASE Type number in the system, it tells me my case type number (which is my MNL number) is invalid I talked to several people in the call center last night, and they said it is a problem with their system. They told me that they are working on the problem and will send me an email when its resolved.

I will call back on Monday to follow-up. Thats good news that your friend was able to schedule. Do you know when her case was recieved in Manila?

Thanks.

Idaho

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-12-03 11:05:00

The call CENTER IS WORTHLESS. They just use the online system to book your appt. DO NOT BOTHER TO CALL unless you are having issues with the website. They know nothing. Try to schedule on line, and MAKE SURE YOU you use the immigrate K1 appointment screen. I am there now, but still having issues, its finding Floricels passport, but it has a section called CASE TYPE NUMBER which I assume is her MNLXXXXXXXXXX NVC number....but its not working.

This is a nightmare. Stay tuned...I will soon have it all figured and can post the best way to do it....

Dont even bother trying to schedule an appointment in the new system yet..

I will write a longer post later describing everything happening...but I would seriously give this thing another week or two weeks before trying...

I have been on hold talking to the agents for about 7 hours now... The bottom line is, the online system is the only way to schedule an appt. Even if you call, they just use the exact same system. And, it does not work. There are 100's of bugs. I am now dealing with their tech support team.....its a mess.

Wish me luck. The consolation I do have...I will soon be with my Family.

idaho_and_surigao

Male

Philippines

2010-12-03 01:16:00