ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAoS RFE
the NVC lost our AoS documents first time we sent it. so my husband mailed them another set, this time copies of the originals. when we called the NVC-AVR today, lo and behold! they mailed an RFE for missing or incomplete information on our financial documents...Geez! and we can't get hold of the operators to check what they found missing....so i guess we can only wait for that mail to arrive.....ho-hum! whistling.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-10-30 20:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresReceived interview date!
QUOTE (MargotDarko @ Oct 31 2007, 05:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We received the interview date this past Monday, 29 October, and the interview is this coming Monday, 5 November! It was postmarked 26 October, so they actually arranged it with very little time in between! We sent the DS-230 and DS-2001 to the embassy in London on 12 October, so it's just barely over 3 weeks between sending the application and having the actual interview! Normally for London, when you receive the interview letter, the interview is about three or four weeks later from then. Thankfully we were able to get the day off work at short notice. I'm getting a bit nervous!

(I'm the USC, and the hubby is English. We're both in England, so we applied for the CR1 directly through London USCIS and the embassy)


Congratulations! and goodluck on the interview.. good.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-10-31 05:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCongrats!! Geist and Stabu visa approved!
QUOTE (Stabu @ Nov 1 2007, 12:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrats!!!

...no wait a minute... this thread is a bout me, so embarrasing blush.gif.



Congats to you both! Cheers!
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-11-01 09:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFinally got hold of a live operator last night...
hi everyone,

thanks for the pep talk.smile.gif hubby got the RFE last friday, he didnt fail to sign the signature page of the AoS after all. what the NVC wanted him to sign was the copy of the tax return he filed electronically. which he now did and mailed it back saturday morning. hope the NVC enters it into their system soon, and we can finally get to hear the much awaited case complete when we call again. whistling.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-11-04 00:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFinally got hold of a live operator last night...
...and guess what our AoS-RFE was all about?????


blush.gif my hubby failed to append his signature. mehn! in his haste to send out the 2nd copy he forgot to sign the signature page...oh well. blush.gif

since i was already on the line with an operator i took the chance and asked how our DS230 was doing. he said everything was perfect with it, and the only thing we need to do is sign the sent AoS and we are good to go. good.gif

since we started this journey without using the shortcuts, to be consistent, we're continuing with the same path. we will just wait for the mail to arrive, and use the very same documents contained therein.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-11-01 09:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Case Complete
QUOTE (pc_whisperer @ Nov 22 2007, 12:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I can't believe I'm at last posting this message with the words Case Complete... Geez, I don't even know how to react - cry, laugh, sing.... It doesn't matter I guess, as of now we are now on another hurdle - the interview date. God Help us all.
crying.gif kicking.gif whistling.gif



Congratulations! i sure hope ours will follow soon....
Goodluck on your interview!
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-11-23 20:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFinally some good news!!
Congratulations! Goodluck on your interview! We will pray for the healing of your sick daughter.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-11-26 03:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYay! Case Complete Finally!
QUOTE (MR2nice @ Nov 29 2007, 04:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations! good.gif


Thanks! Hope you get yours soon!
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-11-29 05:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYay! Case Complete Finally!
QUOTE (DEECEE @ Nov 28 2007, 02:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
CONGRATS good.gif

Thanks! good.gif

QUOTE (chakaas @ Nov 28 2007, 05:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrats! Always good to hear when people's cases move forward.

Good luck at the interview (hopefully it is soon)

Many Thanks! We are hoping for a january sked smile.gif

QUOTE (vsmtghdy @ Nov 28 2007, 08:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
CONGRATS! good.gif And good luck on your medical and Interview!

Thanks! keeping fingers crossed that both will be a breeze... yes.gif

QUOTE (ze22 @ Nov 28 2007, 09:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
gr8 news congrats!

thanks!

QUOTE (rjp44 @ Nov 29 2007, 08:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We should find out in a couple of weeks.

yey! a fellow january hopeful. keep me informed on your sked as well. goodluck to us on the medicals and interview good.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-11-29 02:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYay! Case Complete Finally!
QUOTE (ThaiStyleUSA @ Nov 26 2007, 11:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations and good luck along the way! good.gif

Thanks! Thai. Goodluck on your journey too!

QUOTE (radsr2002 @ Nov 26 2007, 11:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrats: goodluck to you both!! kicking.gif

Thank you. Thank You. kicking.gif

QUOTE (? QaSiM--aIsHa @ Nov 27 2007, 01:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations!!!! good.gif

Thanks! I hope you finally get your NOA2 soon. smile.gif

QUOTE (RandyandRina @ Nov 27 2007, 03:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations! That's a definite January interview at USEM. kicking.gif

Thanks Rina! i really hope so. star_smile.gif

QUOTE (trailmix @ Nov 26 2007, 12:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey that's great, congrats!! Hope you get a really quick interview good.gif

Thanks trailmix. I hope you get your case complete in the next few days too! yes.gif

QUOTE (simple_male @ Nov 27 2007, 03:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations!

Thanks!

QUOTE (lheeanne @ Nov 27 2007, 11:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrats and your almost there! BEst of Luck!

Thank you so much.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-11-27 05:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYay! Case Complete Finally!
Called the NVC just now, we got our case completed Nov. 23. Whew! kicking.gif

...now to prepare for the medicals and interview...keeping fingers crossed that we make it to the January interview sked.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-11-26 10:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase Complete Finally!!!!!
QUOTE (maja @ Nov 27 2007, 10:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
kicking.gif I called nvc this morning and was informed that my case was completed on November 24th. I would like to take this time to thank this forum for being so helpful during the process with the nvc; I enjoyed reading your very interesting threads which helped a whole lot.

To all those who are still waiting at nvc, I encourage you to keep the faith and wish you good luck.

Thanks again. good.gif
Henry!

Congratulations! your approval came a day after ours. good.gif Goodluck on your medicals and interview!
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-11-29 05:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 January Interviews
QUOTE (lheeanne @ Dec 3 2007, 08:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wow! a big congratulations!


Thankies. good.gif

QUOTE (ace3 @ Dec 3 2007, 02:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi....just be there in the US embassy bef0re your schedule time because it will be a long line to wait. when you are in, someone will assist you to get a #, there will be time for you to wait until your number will be called (flash on the screen) for the biometrics (finger print, and photo). after that, you will wait again and that is for the pre-interview, you have to prepare the proof of your marriage, like the oldest picture you and your (bf) husband (now) together, your wedding photos and your authenticated marriage certificate, there might be a few questions like where and when did you met? how long u know each other?after the pre-interview you will wait for a few minutes again and til you will be called, the final interview is very easy, no need to worry, those proof of your marriage during the pre interview will be return to you by the consul and the questions to you by the pre interviwer might be ask again to you by the consul for the second time...during my interview, i did not feel any worries at all.. they did not asked me even one question...instead they asked my husband... very good thing that he was with me during that time. so goodluck....and God bless you!


Thanks for the advice. Will keep everything you said in mind and ensure that all my documentation is complete for the interview date. yes.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-12-03 05:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 January Interviews
QUOTE (rjp44 @ Dec 2 2007, 05:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
CONGRATULATIONS. Haven't gotten the interview date yet but expect it soon since our case was forwarded to the embassy on 11/30.

I did a search for interview experience manila and found an old thread which said they let people start lining up outside the gate at 5:30 and start going thru the gate at 6:30. It said that if your appointment is at 6:30, you get to go into the building right away. Don't forget no cell phones allowed anymore and they won't let you in the gate if you have one.


Hi! thanks you so much. Congratulations go to you as well. Our case was transmitted to the Embassy on Nov. 30 too. I am guessing you'd have a january interview date earlier than ours since you had your case completed a week earlier than we did.

Thanks for the heads up on what time i ought to be at the embassy grounds...i will have to wake up waaaay too early than my usual time. =) will keep the no cellphone policy in mind.

keep us posted on your interview date too.



any CR1/IR1 January interviewees in our midst as well???
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-12-02 08:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 January Interviews
QUOTE (raymaga @ Dec 2 2007, 03:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrats and good luck at the interview!!

What a great New Year's gift!!!

Thank you for your congratulations. It sure is a great way to start a new year. yes.gif

QUOTE (myangel2 @ Dec 2 2007, 05:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations... I am so happy for you... God Bless

Thank you so much. I hope and pray that you get your interview date soon as well. God Bless you too!

QUOTE (djturbo @ Dec 2 2007, 05:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrats!!!! good.gif

Thanks! Goodluck on your journey too! It won't be long now.

QUOTE (jessel chris @ Dec 2 2007, 11:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
congratulations

Thank you!

QUOTE (Dylan @ Dec 2 2007, 11:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yay. Congratulations.

Thanks a lot.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-12-02 08:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 January Interviews
Hubby got a packet today, which states:

An immigrant visa interview has been scheduled for the applicant at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate
in MANILA on January 30,2008 at 06:30 am.

yahoo! we finally got our date kicking.gif

just wondering though, do they really hold the interview at 6:30? unsure.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-12-01 13:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLength of Stay
QUOTE
Thanks

So many people have told me that it is from 90 gays to 180 days, but I have read that it could be 30 days. I need at least 60 days I have evidence to prove the event that we will be attending so I don't think it will be a problem.

The disembarkation card that is attached to the passport is given to us at the port of entry, Right?


its the form they usually hand out on the plane to fill up and which we show the CBP officer at the POE together with our passport. vbtbmrt is right, its officially called the I-94.

hope that helped. smile.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-12-03 19:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLength of Stay
QUOTE (KIMF @ Dec 1 2007, 05:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi

Can someone please tell me what the standard length of stay in the US a tourist visa is good for ? I read a lot about the Port of Entry and some sites say from 90 days. Others say 6 months. I am a little confused.

Is there a standard time that you are permitted to stay?

Thanks


Hi please refer to the date stamped on the disemberkation card attached to the passport. The length of stay varies, with a minimum of 30 days to a maximum of 180 days. smile.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-11-30 23:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion for newlyweds not living in the same country
QUOTE (vbtbmrt @ Dec 6 2007, 05:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
you basicly need marriage lic. to prove marriage that was all i sent beside the other forms g-325 and passport photos and copy of both birth certificates and copy of divorce papers from last mariage


I agree! good.gif these were the only documentary evidences we sent in together with our I130.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-12-06 02:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase Complete
Congratulations!
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-12-10 00:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCongressional Inquiry
QUOTE (Germanchick2502 @ Dec 9 2007, 03:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
@rebeccajo: the thing is: It is ONLY the I-130s that have been held back by USCIS. How many times do we have to explain this. I think no one here would complain if they thought we had been treated fairly. But I-130s have been the petitions that have been held on hold for MONTHS now. I mean its all dandy for the people who are still being processed. But to tell us to just wait patiently and everybody had to wait just like us: NOT true. How long did you wait for notification? A week, maybe two? Or maybe even 3? I don't think you waited as my husband and I have been for over 16 weeks now. And still: nothing. The only hope is that Chicago will have the capacities needed. But thats guess-work. How can you say everybody has waited like this? Yes, they will count from the day they received the petitions initially. But who cares? They are never ever going to make the usual time frame. Never ever. So, I don't care if they start counting with the issuing date of the NOA1 or the original date they received it. It doesn't matter. They are not going to make the 6 months. And seriously: all I care about is not even the time this whole fricking process is going to take (my estimate is 18-24months) all I care about is that they finally start doing something, anything. And if it is hiring people all over the world to call the petitioners to inform them. But just waiting without knowing what will happen. If anything will happen. You can't tell me that's normal. Sorry, if you do I am not going to believe you. This is not normal. Stop criticizing us for something that is natural. All we want is that someone pays attention not only to part of the filed petitions but also to the I-130 petitions. And probably now you will say that everyone has been affected equally by the backlog. Not true! Everything has been moving for months. Everything but the I-130s. You can believe us or not. But please respect our feelings and don't say this is normal. I know you can't understand what we're going through because you have never been in the situation and also you are with your loved ones (and I am happy for you). But I think I and the others who have been waiting more or less patiently have a right to be with our loved ones too.


i can emphatize with everyone stuck in the waiting game. our case was in limbo with the VSC for 8 months with nary a notice nor an explanation. at least this time around you guys know the reason why and that's its being encoded in Chicago.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-12-08 20:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 or IR-1 ??
QUOTE (Shamim @ Jan 11 2008, 03:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello,

My wife received packet 3 for K3 visa and at the same time we are waiting for our IR-1 case to be completed at NVC. Obviously we want to pursue IR-1. If my wife responds to the K3, she might get an interview date at end of this month, meanwhile, IR-1 case can be completed. Question is, can we then request to Embassy to reserve the K3 interview date for IR-1?

Please advise....



Im not sure how it goes in Bangladesh, but NessandKeith had a similar situation as yours. Upon receipt of their K3 documents, Ness proceeded to go for her medicals in Manila but requested that their Embassy interview be rescheduled to a later date (the USEM site had an online request form for appointment rescheduling), on the hope that their CR1 approval would catch up, which it did. Her K3 rescheduled appointment came a few days ahead of her CR1 date, she went to the new K3 date and just requested for a CR1 interview instead, which the USEManila graciously granted. She's now with her husband and was able to celebrate her first Christmas in the US. Goodluck!
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-01-11 11:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescase pending for i-130 since june 8 2006
QUOTE (lostGurl18 @ Jan 14 2008, 01:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i have a friend who's parents are in california and filed there daughter's visa way back in 2006 and yet there is no results on USCIS... any suggestions for my friend?


your friend would have to wait for several years more. they're still processing applications filed january 2003, you can check it out at this link: https://egov.uscis.g...eviceCenter=CSC
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-01-14 11:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures7 months with no response.
QUOTE (Angie Y Shane @ Jan 10 2008, 02:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
All right here we go. I got the Senator to help me. I contacted them with this letter I have in my prior post to the Senate. The Senator him self wrote me back in two business days. This is what they said in my attachment above. “I'm happy my letter did something. “

Now here is the very strange thing that has happened. My case was touched for the first time in 8 months since I received my original receipt. It was last updated today very strange. But the information is still the same? So does this mean they did something and it's just not posted yet?

When I spoke to the Senators secretary she was very much understanding about my situation and almost seemed more bothered by the fact that USCIS was behind with my case. Please guys keep me in your prayers I'm praying for good news here. good.gif


hi! hang in there. stay calm and exercise lots of patience. our case was no different from yours, we filed for our I-130 with VSC in September 2006 and didn't get our NOA2 until after 8 months, and only because our case was transferred to CSC. It took a total of 15 months to finally get to where we are now--waiting for the interview date at the end of the month. hopefully, i get to reunite with my hubby soon, as it has been 9 months now since we last saw each other. the visajourney is such a long and ardous process, it can make or break a relationship. our only consolation is it further strengthened ours and made us more committed with each other, as we appreciated and recognized our respective strengths and weaknesses during this crazy roller coaster ride. the experience will surely make us think not just twice but a hundred times before we entertain the thought of breaking up, as we wont want all our efforts, sacrifices and investments to come to naught.

as everyone has said before me, do take a break and visit your wife. it will definitely be good for your relationship in the long term.

God Bless!
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-01-10 02:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresE-Mail DS-3032 is it worth trying
QUOTE (dbzman @ Oct 11 2007, 02:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Mononoke28 @ Oct 10 2007, 01:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Try posting this topic in the National Visa Center Forum, a lot of people going for CR1/IR1 visas pots these types of questions there.


Diana


I would like to know this also. I am hoping that my wife and I will be approved soon. The ability to e-mail in the 3032 would be very handy.

Signed: exasperated

wacko.gif


hi! we took the email route for the DS3032 and got a response within a week....but that was still in July. My recent email with the NVC hasnt been read yet per my email tracking advisory, hence, sending via email at this time might not make much difference. sad.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-10-11 02:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSuccess
big congratulations to you rjp! enjoy your vacation! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-01-23 03:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWife to visit the United States while waiting for visa
QUOTE (Roserick @ Jan 29 2008, 01:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (mikeandlani @ Jan 28 2008, 03:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A return ticket with just a month's stay would be a good start. It isn't a guarantee however that she will be allowed entry, considering the circumstances that you have mentioned. Goodluck!


Plane Ticket? I don't think a plane ticket could guarantee anything..

Anyone could buy a plane ticket.. I can buy one right now and can choose to opt the flight for no reason..


well, that's what they asked from me when i flew in December of 2006. i got admitted without incident. wink.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-01-29 03:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWife to visit the United States while waiting for visa
A return ticket with just a month's stay would be a good start. It isn't a guarantee however that she will be allowed entry, considering the circumstances that you have mentioned. Goodluck!
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-01-28 03:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPICS TO SEND AS PROOF OF MARRIAGE
hi! it would help if you fill your timeline, as other VJers can help you more if they know at what stage of the visa process you are in now.

for proof of marriage, we only submitted our Marriage Certificate in NSO Security Paper and my CENOMAR secured prior to our wedding. in your case it would be a CEMAR. the pictures, i just brought it along during my interview.
as to issuing affidavits, i dont think they would hold much weight vs. official government records.

just my two cents....
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-02-01 04:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy USEM Jan 30 CR1 Visa Interview Experience. APPROVED!!!
QUOTE (ruby_jade @ Feb 1 2008, 10:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
when we got married, cenomar was not required to me,,, we havent filed yet but were almost 2 years married on july.. i want to file for an IRvisa.. do u know how long an IR visa to get approved? my husband is deployed in iraq right now...


it turned out it wasnt required by our city registrar as well, but i read that there are several local civil registrars who require it, so i got one just in case. the usual period takes 6-8 months, but delays have been known to happen (ours took 16 months from filing to interview date plus theres a backlog now). i just dont know if those in the active service gets expedited processing.

Edited by mikeandlani, 01 February 2008 - 11:16 AM.

mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-02-01 11:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy USEM Jan 30 CR1 Visa Interview Experience. APPROVED!!!
QUOTE (crys @ Feb 1 2008, 09:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Did you actually get one yourself? Did you pass one? or is it the embassy who got it for you with their own investigation?


yes i did previously, as i thought it was a pre-requisite to securing a Marriage License in my city of residence. we had that CENOMAR submitted to the NVC as part of the accompanying documents to the DS230.

fast forward. after we received our case complete, i again applied for a new CENOMAR in the event that it would be necessary during my interview. this time around, i got the CEMAR--since as of the date of search, i had already been married to my husband for a year and a half.

during the interview however, they didnt ask for a copy of my CEMAR, in fact they returned to me the old CENOMAR, as they were already able to secure copies of my NSO documents resulting from the payment of the document verifcation fee a month and a half from the interview date.

my take, when you file the DS230, submit all documents that would prove that there is an existing bona fide relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. however, for purposes of the interview with the new requirement of paying the document verification fee prior to one's interview, it is no longer necessary for the intending immigrant to bring along NSO documents on the date of the interview, as the USEM already got that particular aspect covered.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-02-01 09:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy USEM Jan 30 CR1 Visa Interview Experience. APPROVED!!!
QUOTE (crys @ Feb 1 2008, 02:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Do we have to get a CEMAR and pass it to NVC? Is CEMAR different from Marriage Certificate?


yup! its a different form from your Marriage Certificate, CEMAR somehow compliments your MC, as prior to the issuance of the CEMAR the NSO searches its marriage database for possible hits with your full name on it.
among the documents covered by the document verification being conducted by the USEM prior to or after one's interview (depends when you pay the document verification fee.) is the CEMAR. i saw it stapled in my case file, together with my and my hubby's BC and MC during the interview process. smile.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-02-01 03:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy USEM Jan 30 CR1 Visa Interview Experience. APPROVED!!!
QUOTE (ruby_jade @ Feb 1 2008, 11:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hello, CONGRATS!!!
did u submitted a CENOMAR? hmm how can i get it if we are married now... huh.gif


yes we did. it was from the documents we collated during our marriage license application. i dunno which stage you are now, as you have not filled in your timeline. anyway, since you are already married, what the NSO will issue at this time will be your CEMAR (Certification of Marriage) when you try to apply for one using the CENOMAR form.

timeline.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-02-01 00:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy USEM Jan 30 CR1 Visa Interview Experience. APPROVED!!!
QUOTE (Roserick @ Feb 1 2008, 12:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How I wish we had lots of photos.. sad.gif

We are not that photo galore.. We take pictures more of our daughter..


wedding pictures will do...
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-01-31 11:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy USEM Jan 30 CR1 Visa Interview Experience. APPROVED!!!
QUOTE (albden @ Jan 30 2008, 10:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I wish my husband's interview is this easy

don't fret, i'm sure it will be. good.gif

QUOTE (docjazzie @ Jan 30 2008, 10:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
WoW!!!!! dancin5hr.gif congratulations, attorney Lani! biggrin.gif
that was very detailed. Thank you for sharing us your experience. I'm certain it will help a lot of us who are waiting to be interviewed smile.gif

Congratulations again! so happy and excited for you smile.gif

PS...the minialbum you showed the consul is like the minialbum we get from the wedding photographer we hired? smile.gif am planning to bring mine too.

Thank you again!

mwah! good.gif


QUOTE (mgk @ Jan 30 2008, 11:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations!!!


QUOTE (tamztamztamztamz @ Jan 31 2008, 03:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
congratssss kicking.gif


thanks guys!
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-01-31 03:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy USEM Jan 30 CR1 Visa Interview Experience. APPROVED!!!
QUOTE (shanleybelle07 @ Jan 30 2008, 08:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
CONGRATULATIONS

QUOTE (albden @ Jan 30 2008, 09:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
CONGRATULATIONS smile.gif

QUOTE (djturbo @ Jan 30 2008, 09:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratz! kicking.gif


Thanks guys!
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-01-30 09:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy USEM Jan 30 CR1 Visa Interview Experience. APPROVED!!!
QUOTE (crys @ Jan 30 2008, 09:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Question....did you pass police clearance with NVC or you just brought the original at the interview?


we submitted everything to the NVC - Police, NBI. i guess thats why the pre-screener returned my Police Clearance, since i didnt live in any other town but my birthplace, it wasnt necessary....oh yeah! forgot to include that question, she asked if i have lived anywhere else othen than my current city, i replied in the negative. Goodluck on your visa process!
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-01-30 09:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy USEM Jan 30 CR1 Visa Interview Experience. APPROVED!!!
Posted this earlier at the Philippines sub-forum, reposting it here for the benefit of all CR1/IR1 applicants'.

Arrival.

my sked was at 6:30am. i arrived around 6:20am. one of the guards at the entrance told me 9am interviewees are to wait at the waiting area. i told him i had a 630 sked and he looked surprised (i guess they were so used to applicant's qeueing up 2 or 3 hours before the appointed time and couldn't believe what he just heard from me. hehehehe! heck! i'm not the late lani for nothing. laughing.gif ) after presenting my appointment letter and an identification card, i was let in. i got into the immigrant visa section at exactly 630am, after the xray and the security checks

Immigrant Visa Section.

from the security check, you exit and turn left to enter the main building. then you make 2 more right turns to get to the Immigrant Visa Section.

as i stepped into the room, i was ushered into the blue seats to wait for my number to be issued. 15 mins after, it was our row's turn to line up for the number--i got my number 2 mins after. got back to my seat and waited for my number to flash on the board. it was about an hour after, around 740am that i heard my name called to approach window 16 for fingerscanning (biometrics), after 2 tries, i went back to my seat again to wait for the pre-screening.

Pre-Screening and Consular Interview.

15 minutes after, i saw my number flashing on the board to take window 18. almost missed it, since i was enjoying my chat with a lola who was being petitioned by her children. laughing.gif

Here's a transcript of my interview with the pre-screener:
Pre-Screener: Who is your petitioner?
Me : My Husband......(gave my mike's name)
PS : What is your name?
Me : Leilani.........(gave my complete name)
PS : Would you know how long your husband has been in the US? (during this exchange she had me sign the Part II of DS230--signed it in my maiden signature)
Me : He was 18 when he got there, so that would be around 198x
PS : Have you known your husband since then?
Me : No. We met later on.
PS : How did you meet?
Me : A mutual friend introduced us
PS : Is this mutual friend in America?
Me : No, she lives in Manila
PS : How did she and your husband meet?
Me : They were classmates in High School.
PS : How about you, how did you get to be friends with her?
Me : She's the wife of a good friend of mine.
PS : When did you get married?
Me : Civil ceremony was April 2006, while our Church rites was April 2007.
PS : Is this the first marriage for both of you?
Me : For me, yes. My husband has been married before.
PS : How did his past marriage end? Death? Divorce?
Me : He was divorced from his first wife.
PS : (while going over the documents in my packet, handed me the CENOMAR we previously submitted to the USCIS. As well as the Police Clearance we submitted in the DS230 application, she was going over my NBI Clearance when...)
Is this the most recent clearance you have? Its dated May 29, 2007.
Me : (i saw that Delbros already did their document verification as i could see they already have a copy of the CEMAR, and another copy in secpa of my birth certificate as well as our marriage certificate)
Yes, it is. Its said to be effective for a year.
PS : If in case your visa isn't issued by May 29, 2008, please submit to us a new one.
Me : Hmmm....i sure hope i have the visa way before May 29, 2008.
PS : I do too. As this would be less work for us...(smiles)
PS : Where have you travelled? I meant to the US. You went to the US twice? How long did you stay?
Me : Yes. The longest i've stayed was a month.
PS : Is your US visa in this passport?
Me : Yes it is.
PS : When was the last time you saw your husband.
Me : Last April. although, i was supposed to visit him last Christmas, we had to forego the plan once we received the approval and opted to save the airfare for the after visa release.
PS : Do you have pictures together?
Me : (i brought out an album......)
PS : Oh, that wouldn't fit in the slot, you might want to remove some pictures from the album, as the consul will ask
for it later. That will be all for now. Please wait for your number to be called again for the Consular Interview.
Me : Ok then. Have a Good Day!

got back to my seat again and chatted right back with lola....good thing i was talking to her and her companions, as i was really getting sleepy with all the waiting... cool.gif about an hour and a half later, around 940am, long after lola and her companions had gone, i finally saw my number on the board again to proceed to room 29. i sat at the seat near the door and waited for the applicants inside to finish. since the sliding door was about two inches open, i peeped in to check how my consular officer conducts his interviews....hmmm...looked tough. he was a burly, curly and colored guy, and doesnt smile much...about 10 minutes later, the interviewees stepped out and i got in. the CO greeted me good morning and i greeted him right back. he excused himself for a moment to finish encoding his notes and comments on the applicants before me, i told him it was alright. i got my puzzlebook from my bag, and started filling it out. after about 7 minutes he was ready to interview me...:

"CO : Thank you for your patience. Who is your petitioner?
Me : My Husband x x x
CO : When did you get married?
Me : We married twice. Civil was last April 2006 and Church was April 2007
CO : You last saw your husband April last year?
Me : Yes.
CO : What does your husband do?
Me : He's a system administrator.
CO : What about you?
Me : Im a lawyer.
CO : Did you bring pictures of you together?
Me : Yes, but its our wedding album, i dont think it will fit in the slot.
CO : Its okay, you can just flip the album there so i can see.
(i got the mini album from my briefcase and started flipping it for him to see the photos inside)
CO : Where is this church?
Me : its in x x x.
CO : that's a pretty elaborate dress you have there...ok. that's about it. i wish you well and goodluck. you can go back outside and wait for your number to be called again.
Me : thank you so much and have a good day."

it took all 7 minutes for the interview. i went back to the seats and 10 minutes after, i heard my name over the PA to go to window 37. went there and a Filipino post interviewer was there. he handed me my appointment letter with a pink slip stapled on it. as i was about to leave, he asked me about my work and my husband's work. he got into a couple more chit chats and told me to proceed to the delbros counter and pay for the visa delivery fee and after which i can leave. paid delbros and took my leave. was out of the embassy 1015am.

that's about it. my interview experience turned SONA. hahaha! laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif

now i am praying and keeping my fingers crossed that i can get the visa in hand soon...next review will be the POE.

thank you so much VJ! i have learned so much from this site. to Rina, Ness and Keith and to everyone who have been so good in replying to my queries, my special thanks to you. Goodluck to all who are still to have their interview. special holler to docjazzie, i hope this SONA jest.gif of mine will help you prepare for your interview. And to those who have yet to receive their visas as well as their approvals, including case complete, don't fret, we will soon receive what we ask for. let's continue to pray for one another. good.gif

God is good all the time. God bless everyone!

lani
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-01-30 07:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures4 months or 6?
i got my visa today and its valid for more or less 6 months--from 30 Jan 2008 until 27 Jun 2008.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-02-02 12:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR-1 visa Interview questions???
here's what i learned during my interview, the COs would want to establish the following:

1. identity;
2. relationship; and
3. eligibility/authenticity

so expect questions pertinent to above. Goodluck on your interview!
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-02-05 04:45:00