biggish data

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Had my interview yesterday August 5 and was APPROVED...my interrviews were done in 2-3 minutes and they never asked to see chat logs, photos and etc...plus within a few hours, I checked the visa status on their site...it now shows ISSUED!

You can find blow by blow experience in Manila below:

P.S. Can't seem to figure out how to add an embassy review

http://www.visajourn...ick-interviews/

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-08-05 17:32:00

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Ditto on the P4 letter...woohoo!

I just got my P4 letter too! Yeah...its official..now I can set up the medical appointment. Thank you God!

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-07-15 16:04:00

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Thank you dwheels...by the way my interview is Aug 5 not Aug 6. I think you had too much coffee...hehe

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-07-15 15:31:00

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Thank you as well, if weren't for your list and the folks who are in my country who chimed in with their interview dates, I doubt I'd have the ballz to call em. The thing is, I haven't gotten my interview letter yet since they were saying they still have to prepare and send it. Personally knowing early is important considering I only have roughly two weeks to prepare for the medical and also for the interview itself. A day lost not knowing may cost more in terms of airfare etc and not to mention getting into the proper mindset and other preparations for documents and etc....

Congratulations.Awesome news. Will update in a minute think there will be a few one.

We are continuing the goodness and joy.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-07-15 10:51:00

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Yippeee!!!!! Just got off the phone with NVC...wait for it....... *dancin' to Ren & Stimpy "Happy Happy Joy Joy song".... Aug 5 will be my interview date.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-07-15 10:21:00

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Something is definitely up since not one yet has gotten an interview date. I find it hard to believe all the embassies worldwide are busy at the start of next month to at least to slot in one of us for an interview. Hang in there guys.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-07-10 10:58:00

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Thank you...now it makes much more sense....sigh so near yet so far...our journey so far had hit delays nearly in every step. Delay with USCIS...from 6 months it ballooned to nearly 9 months...NVC also took a while to give us a case complete no thanks to them being a bit cryptic about our i-130...and now this...just keep on rollin' I guess and look on the bright side...

The AOS fiasco is the new I-864 form. Those who submitted the new form way ahead of the june 23rd date got stopped and NVC didn't have the capability (software) to review.

So only old forms were being reviewed and its taking about 4 to 6 weeks to get your AOS package reviewed now.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-07-09 21:55:00

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Errr can someone please fill me in on the story behind the AOS fiasco...thank you. =)

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-07-09 21:33:00

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Hang in their guys...my case complete was last June 14...at least we're almost there.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-07-09 10:01:00

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

I called NVC earlier and was told that our case is being queued to be sent to the embassy but still no interview schedule though. I'm thinking anyday this week or the next we should have it since based on the other folks from the same embassy and approval dates, so far they have yet to get their schedule as well.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-07-02 17:43:00

I 130 July 2012 Filers

Been a lurker for quite sometime....our NOA1 was on July 2, 2012. Got our approval on March 4, 2013. the weird thing was it initially said "alien registration number was changed" then two days later it showed it was approved on March 04....when I saw that man...I felt so light....it was a long wait hopefully the rest of the way won't take much longer. Yeah VSC is really backlogged, my wifey and I kept on fighting the urge to call then boom we saw the approval.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-03-14 00:41:00

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

I actually got 2 checklists. Prior to that NVc received our AOS dox on May 1, then our IV dox on May 08.

The first checklist on May 14 stated that they want the Financial Evidence and Part 1 of the DS 230...I was thinking "nah standard checklist, nothin to worry about"

The second checklist on May 22 stated that they want Part 1 of the DS 230 which was the same as checklist 1 and nothing out of the ordinary...At this point I was thinking "another standard checklist" I made a follow up call 2 days after since I was expecting a "case complete" the rep said they received all other requirements except ds 230 which i find odd since it was included in the iv package. Prior to sending, I inspected the form several times and was sure nothing was missing. I was thinking they needed more time to review it and etc...after a week my wife and I decided to send another DS 230 which was received on June 1.

My wife and I assumed maybe something was wrong with the initial ds 230 sent on may 8 since I remember the bottom portion was slightly faded due to tne printer but the reps keep on saying they dont have it which i find hard to believe since I know we included it with our civil dox on May 08

What exactly did the checklist say?

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-06-16 01:58:00

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Thanks Saylin, your info was right on the money...

On the side note I wish NVC was really specific and straightforward with the DS 230 we had to resend...they (representatives ) coudn't really tell what's wrong with it. Even their email checklist wasn't much help...could have gotten an earlier approval but oh well...

I can only surmise that the initial ds 230 we sent with the IV package was

1. Missing

Or

2. Something's wrong with it...

Congrats!

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-06-16 01:13:00

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Finally got the case complete after calling NVC today!! Now awaiting an interview date and medical exam....

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-06-14 16:19:00

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

On my case...I sent the AOS package on April 30 then sent the IV package on May 7 which included my civl dox and Ds 230...on May 14 we received the first checklist which was for the financial evidence for aos and the ds 230 part1 which i ignored since I know its a checklist. On May 22, I got another checklist for the DS 230 only...i thought this was just their standard checklist...however after several calls, they said they got everything else except the DS 230 which I find odd since I know and my wife knows she sent it along with the IV packet on May 7. Rsent Ds 230 on May 30 and was just received by NVC. All this got me thinking there must be something wrong with the DS 230 form i sent or they lost it...hmmm hoping for a case complete by next week...sigh

Edited by Cha n Nel, 31 May 2013 - 10:52 PM.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-05-31 22:51:00

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Thank you for the reply. Well I didn't have to call, My wife and I just got two emails about sending the affidavit of support and how to pay and contacting them regarding the choice of agent. So roughly it takes about 10-15 biz days for you to get a case #, after NVC receives it. Our NOA was March 4. Received by NVC on March 11, Got the email on March 28 but on March 27 I think our case # was already available since I called and NVC started to ask our details before proceeding with the call. Updating my timeline now lolz....

Yes call back tomorrow and get your numbers!

Edited by Cha n Nel, 28 March 2013 - 05:20 PM.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-03-28 17:19:00

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Called NVC again earlier and got a hold of someone way earlier than normal. Our NOA2 was on March 4 and it was received by NVC on March 11. During my previous calls, the rep would normally say "it is not in the system yet and wait for 20 business days". This time the rep asked for names of the petitioner and beneficiary and birthdates and verified our email addresses and was able to change our mailing address. I was so excited about this development that I forgot to ask if we had a case # already...My question is I suppose if they did all that then logic follows that we do have a case # already ? Thank you.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-03-28 00:20:00

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Got off the phone with NVC, Our NOA2 was Mar 4. When I called last week and even yesterday, they said they received our case last March 11 with no case # yet. A while ago they said it was received on March 13..say wha??? Lolz did our case just timewarped, I just hope the lady I spoke to just pulled up the wrong case # hehe.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-03-26 12:09:00

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Called NVC earlier, after 13 minutes, a nice lady picked up and told us that they got our case and will be sending out instructions within the next couple of days...didn't bother to ask if we have a case # since I was just happy she said our case is moving...

ANyone from March approved NOA2 that has case number already?

Instead of calling NVC, I just send them an email and they havent replied yet.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-03-15 14:42:00

my NOA2 was last March 4 after a long wait....hopefully this stage won't take too long.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-03-14 00:45:00

vaccines

^^ thank you...appreciate it :thumbs:

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-03-19 20:44:00

vaccines

^^ Thank you, appreciate it. I suppose the vaccinations are not covered by the medical exam fee that was paid? How much amount you think should we prepare if that's the case? Sorry about the questions, I just like to be prepared and anticipate possible curveballs in the process.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-03-19 13:43:00

vaccines

What are the required shots for travel , I saw the ones in the embassy document but I didn't know there are ones that is "really required". My problem is, I have my immunization records showing vaccination for DPT (Diptheria, Pertussis and Tetanus) and OPV(Polio). But my records doesn't show for Measles, Chicken Pox and etc (which I know I had but no more documentation about them) Since for those records, they were kept by my mom's company clinic and unfortunately that clinic is gone....I'm worried about the lack of documentation may delay us. Can anyone shed light on this or did someone have a similar dilemma? Thank you.

You have the required shots for travel to the USA it that is all that St. Luke's gave you, anything else would be noted on the 3025.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-03-19 08:09:00

Sending balikbayan box to US

Need to know the costs too. I have 3-5 oversized boxes I need to send to the US once everything is taken cared of here.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-03-19 13:50:00

Passport Renewal for CR1 or IR1

Thank you. Appreciate it. :thumbs:

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-03-24 20:52:00

Passport Renewal for CR1 or IR1

This may be a silly question but I just realized my passport will expire on February next year. I know the best option would be to renew now and go for expedite process and use that new passport moving forward in our CR1/IR1 process but due to work demands, I cant go on leave to take care of the renewal (no online appointment available in my area plus folks line up as early as 3-4am).. Can I use my current passport on the forms and present the renewed one during the interview along with the old one without creating an issue? Anyone who was in this situation? Our application is in the NVC stage by the way and awaiting a case # since March 11. thank you.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-03-24 18:22:00

Philippines Passport Validity..?

Apply for a passport to avoid delays. Although the DFA site says 7 biz days for Express processing and 15 days for regular, I had a rude awakening when I renewed in Cebu, it actually takes 10-15 biz days for Express and 20-25 for regular. Make sure to bring all the requirements for passport as it is a pain to be turned away after lining up for hours just for a missing document. Cebu by the way does not have yet the luxury of an online passport renewal appointment. For CENOMAR/CEMAR, get one now since this takes roughly two weeks or 15 days. Birth on the otherhand can be obtained the following day that is if you line up at NSO. You can do online application via E-cencus http://www.e-census.com.ph/ , however bear in mind, the cost in E-census is double than just lining up at the NSO office. I opted to line up since I wanted to request 3 CENOMARS, 3 Marriage cert, 3 4 births (2 for me, 1 for wifey, 1 for my kid whose birth was reported in NYC.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-07-04 12:28:00

American Consulate in Cebu calling regarding I-129F visa petitions?

I wish I can help you with this since I am from Cebu but I have not experienced dealing with an embassy affiliate but bear in mind the embassy does operate a consular agency in Waterfront hotel in Lahug as stated http://manila.usemba...ov/service.html. I suppose this is the case since historically Cebu does have an embassy years ago. I hope this helps

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-07-04 16:02:00

Asiana Crash

Guess I was wrong about the part where there are no Filipinos in this flight. There was someone from Cebu in that flight who was naturalized years ago and her kids...thank goodness no serious injuries

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-07-09 17:46:00

Asiana Crash

Agreed...pilot really F'd up, and to think it's one of their vets according to the reports.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-07-07 17:38:00

Asiana Crash

From the looks of it, this flight originated from Shanghai then to Incheon then SFO. Based on the reports, no Filipinos are on the flight. What's encouragingnis that so far only 2 fatalities, 1 unaccounted for and the rest were sent to the hospital or in the terminal. Although these are the current numbers, it may change and I'm not sure how accurate they are. If this is the case, it's a miracle considering how the wreckage looks like....

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-07-06 20:11:00

Communication Proof

I suppose they do allow (for you to enter the embassy) considering that your Medical results from St. Luke's will be in CD form. As far as the CO reviewing your CD of your files for the proof of communication is entirely up to that person. I'd prolly bring it when my time comes just in case, no harm in being thorough.

Well yes, I was just thinking of keeping it on personal storage, so it's handy in case the embassy wants more proof is all then I can get it off of there. I assumed that is what the person above kept it on CDs for, unless they allow CDs as part of proof, then I'll put it on a CD and bring it. Do they allow CDs?

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-07-04 15:55:00

Communication Proof

Not a good idea if you plan to bring those as added proof to the embassy. I remember someone saying that they don't allow USB sticks during my last visit in the embassy. But if its for personal storage then yeah good idea.

That's a good idea, although I will use a USB stick instead of a CD, as CDs are a bit outdated at this point lol.

Edited by Cha n Nel, 04 July 2013 - 03:43 PM.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-07-04 15:42:00

Communication Proof

Agreed on sampling, it's more practical plus CO's don't have time to sift all those.

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-07-04 12:58:00

Bringing cellphone to embassy

Any electronic devices are a no-no.Even USB sticks, leave them at the hotel. Last time I was there nearly 2 years ago, the guards won't keep these devices temorarily with them since they don't operate a courtesy booth. There are folks who you can leave your stuff with but for a fee but I don't trust them at all....hope this helps.

Just wondering if i can bring cellphone to embassy then have it safekeep by guards then get it after interview. Does anyone know what is the protocol of bringing cellphone to Embassy! Please help interview tom...

Cha n Nel

Not Telling

Philippines

2013-07-09 20:21:00