ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Bah! I am such a dumb-azz! I told Luz to print out the filled out DS 157 to take to the bank. When she came back she told me that they would not stamp the back of her form I asked what she got for the $200 and she said a receipt and a piece of paper with a stamp on it. Here is where I screwed up. I didn't ask her what was on the other side of the paper. Its a blank DS-157! Sorry guys, I'm going a bit nuts here trying to get it all in one sock.
GaryCMalePhilippines2007-02-06 15:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

GaryC & LucyC

The DS-157 (Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application) is the form the bank validates when you pay the visa application fee. In some cases, the bank will not valdate your completed DS-157 form. It is adviced that you contact the bank beforehand to inquire if they will validate the back of your completed DS-157 form. The bank will also give the beneficiary a pink 4x5 receipt. Unfortunately the USE was careless with this oversight in the Packet 4 information, which is why someone requested that I correct it and post our own Packet 4 here on VJ (if you click on the one in my signature you will not see this error). Most lawyers will not be aware of this error, which is why this forum is so great. As a collective body, we know more than the professionals via experience and research.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling

What happens if her bank will not validate her form? I am sure they will not refund the money so she can go to another branch. Also, should there be a seperate DS-157 form for her and another one for her son?
Yes, I am getting very stressed and nervous over all this. One week away from her interview and I can't even get how to pay the fees right.
GaryCMalePhilippines2007-02-06 13:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

What do we do now? The bank refused to do anything with the DS-157 that she took with her. Am I out the $200 for her and Robin?

I wouldn't think your out the $200. The instructions in the K1 packet has always said the bank will "validate" the DS-156 form, but the Bank has always validated the incorrect DS-157 form anyway. I believe the embassy looks for the receipt instead of the validated form due to that confusion. (something lost in translation I suspect)

Someone has their wires crossed. I did a little more digging. Here is another page from the Embassy web site.

DS-157 Form – Applicants should also complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Supplemental Application DS-157 Form. The form is provided at the bank where fees are paid. Applicants must ensure that the back of the DS-157 Form is machine-validated with check-rite. The U.S. Embassy does not validate DS-157 Forms.

Applicants whose DS-157 Form is not machine-validated with check-rite will NOT be allowed to enter the Embassy premises. The applicant will then have to book another interview appointment. Re-bookings do not require another application fee.
http://usembassy.sta...a/wwwhniv1.html

Is this just out of date info on the embassy web site or is it current policy?

Maybe I was wrong before. Jenalyn said that during her interview last month that one lady was sent packing when her DS-157 wasn't stamped. They told her to go back to bank and get the stamp. So it sounds like current policy.

I just get more and more confused now. I sent my lawyer an email about this. He said it's the DS-156 that needs to be validated. (this makes sense because its the one with the bar code and there is one for each her and her son. The DS-157 isn't done for each of them) He said that the DS-157 is not the form that needs stamped. Jeeez! Why can't anything be easy! Anyone know what is right here?????
GaryCMalePhilippines2007-02-06 13:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

What do we do now? The bank refused to do anything with the DS-157 that she took with her. Am I out the $200 for her and Robin?

I wouldn't think your out the $200. The instructions in the K1 packet has always said the bank will "validate" the DS-156 form, but the Bank has always validated the incorrect DS-157 form anyway. I believe the embassy looks for the receipt instead of the validated form due to that confusion. (something lost in translation I suspect)

Someone has their wires crossed. I did a little more digging. Here is another page from the Embassy web site.

DS-157 Form – Applicants should also complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Supplemental Application DS-157 Form. The form is provided at the bank where fees are paid. Applicants must ensure that the back of the DS-157 Form is machine-validated with check-rite. The U.S. Embassy does not validate DS-157 Forms.

Applicants whose DS-157 Form is not machine-validated with check-rite will NOT be allowed to enter the Embassy premises. The applicant will then have to book another interview appointment. Re-bookings do not require another application fee.
http://usembassy.sta...a/wwwhniv1.html

Is this just out of date info on the embassy web site or is it current policy?
GaryCMalePhilippines2007-02-06 12:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Ok, I just found the answer to my question.
http://usembassy.sta...a/wwwhniv3.html

The fee can be paid during normal business hours (Mondays to Fridays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at any of the designated banks listed below. The Form DS-157 will be machine-validated by the bank at the back of the form to reflect payment.

What do we do now? The bank refused to do anything with the DS-157 that she took with her. Am I out the $200 for her and Robin?
GaryCMalePhilippines2007-02-06 11:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
This is really starting to bug me. I sent Luz to pay for the interview. She took with her the DS-156 and the DS-157. The bank said the it was no longer necessary to stamp the forms. They only gave her a signed receipt with some sort of stamp on it. I asked my lawyer about it and he also said that the DS forms don't need any kind of a stamp from the bank. Now which is it? The DS forms stamped or not stamped?

Edited by Iniibig ko si Luz forever, 06 February 2007 - 11:26 AM.

GaryCMalePhilippines2007-02-06 11:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

(oh, and the waiver is the 2nd petition waiver).


S&T

Second petition waiver? Why would you need that at the interview? Didn't the USCIS already cover that with the IMBRA form? Once they approve you I thought it was no longer any issue.
GaryCMalePhilippines2007-02-05 16:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

PW, I saw RigerAf today (all 3 of them)... I think the beaches in the Philippines are prettier and better scuba diving there alos... Just my opinion. 10 day I will be there and 11 will be the interview and VJ gathering. I am beginning to scourer through the packages and second guessing myself LOL... Who want Valentines treats for the dinner LOL. Ken & Maria

Aloha, RiggerAF! Happy landing in beautiful Hawaii. Mas maganda ba ang beach nila kesa Boracay natin?

Yes, I am also looking forward to getting there and having our little visa celebration! It's been 8 months since I have seen Luz and it is so appropriate that we will be together on Valentines Day!
We should arrange for a place to meet on the 15th. We could get to know each other while we wait for the interviews.
GaryCMalePhilippines2007-02-04 22:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

the DS-156 is the one done online. the third page contains the barcode. print out two sets. bring those to the interview.

Ok, I am totally confused now. Luz will be paying for the interview later today. She has: 2 copies of the DS156, 2 copies of the DS 157 and 2 copies of a DS 156-K from her packet 4.
Keeping in mind she has her 15 YO son that is going with her, what forms need filled out, how many copies, and do both do exactly the same paperwork?
GaryCMalePhilippines2007-01-28 21:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Well, Luz and her son FINALLY finished their medical. It took a whole WEEK! Let me explain. They went to Manila on monday. Since Robin is 15 they separated them and had him go through with the men. Everything seemed to go OK at first. Then they told Luz that they wanted the psyc report from her annulment. So she had to have her sister go back to Olongapo and fax it to her. No big deal really. But with Robin it was a problem. During the interview part of the exam they started asking him questions like have you ever had this or that illness. When they asked him if he ever had "hepa" (hepatitis) he didn't know what they were talking about. He got confused and said yes. :( So they stopped his exam right there and told him to go to an outside hospital and have some blood tests done and come back with the results. The next day they went to the hospital and had the blood taken from Robin. Luz also got her papers that they wanted. They would not have the results from the test until wed. So on wed they got the results (negative of course) and went back to St. Lukes. Luz finished her exam, got her vaccinations and was OK. Robin was another story. They came up to Luz and said they had found something "suspicious" on his x-ray. They wanted to do more x-rays. So they had to go back the next day and have more pictures. On friday they went back and Robin finished the exam and the vaccinations. There was nothing wrong with his x-rays. So a 2 day exam turned out to be a week!!! What an ordeal for them. I am just glad it's over.
GaryCMalePhilippines2007-01-26 07:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

*** I have a wedding band from Paul my fiance (is it ok?)

Question : Do I need to fill-up and show the Visa Application Forms at St. Lukes? Do I need to complete the Documents in the Appointment Packet before they proceed on my Medical check-ups?

A wedding band can get you into trouble as Gary has indicated in his earlier post so keep your ring at home. You are a K1 and should not show up with a wedding band.

You don't need to fill up the DS forms and complete the documents in the appointment packet. Those are for your interview. St. Lukes will provide you with the forms that they would need for the medical. Bring your old x-rays if available.



What if the band is an engagement ring?

A wedding ring is great for if you’re married sure, but we both wear a ring for our engagement.

If even read: if you have a ring receipt too bring it with you for proof of engagement. True or untrue!

It depends on what the ring looks like. If your wearing a diamond ring then you can say it's an engagement ring. Luz has that and it's OK. If you are wearing a gold band then they might look at it and demand you prove your not married. If this happens at St.Lukes a week before your interview then you can count on your interview getting changed. If it happens at the interview then an AR is assured. Luz and I both wear gold bands but they will be no where to be seen at the interview. No need for any unnecessary chances.


So wear no ring too the medical or interview, what is your proof of engagement?

If your on a K-1 an engagement ring is OK at the interview and medical. A wedding ring is asking for trouble.
GaryCMalePhilippines2007-01-23 14:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

My wife and I are both very nervous today. Her interview is Thursday. I am usually very optimistic about everything in general, but this has me worried. I am thinking of anything that might cause a problem with her Visa approval. I am now wondering if they do a background check on the petitioner also? When I was in college I was married 2 weeks. I had went to Las Vegas with a girlfriend and we got a speedy wedding there. Two weeks later it was annulled, as we both realized we made the decision from the influence of alcohol. I didn't add this information to my petition. I am praying that this will not come back to cause a problem.

My question is this: Do they perform a background check on the petitioner that would divulge this information? We are applying for K3, as we are in fact already married. God know, I so much pray that this will not be a problem. I feel that they should easily see that we are married, so there is no problems in that fact.

While you should have put that on your petition I am not aware of a check on the petitioner.
GaryCMalePhilippines2007-01-23 10:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

*** I have a wedding band from Paul my fiance (is it ok?)

Question : Do I need to fill-up and show the Visa Application Forms at St. Lukes? Do I need to complete the Documents in the Appointment Packet before they proceed on my Medical check-ups?

A wedding band can get you into trouble as Gary has indicated in his earlier post so keep your ring at home. You are a K1 and should not show up with a wedding band.

You don't need to fill up the DS forms and complete the documents in the appointment packet. Those are for your interview. St. Lukes will provide you with the forms that they would need for the medical. Bring your old x-rays if available.



What if the band is an engagement ring?

A wedding ring is great for if you’re married sure, but we both wear a ring for our engagement.

If even read: if you have a ring receipt too bring it with you for proof of engagement. True or untrue!

It depends on what the ring looks like. If your wearing a diamond ring then you can say it's an engagement ring. Luz has that and it's OK. If you are wearing a gold band then they might look at it and demand you prove your not married. If this happens at St.Lukes a week before your interview then you can count on your interview getting changed. If it happens at the interview then an AR is assured. Luz and I both wear gold bands but they will be no where to be seen at the interview. No need for any unnecessary chances.
GaryCMalePhilippines2007-01-23 09:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

I thought I would update what is going on with Luz at her medical. It hasn't really gone as planned. We have learned a few things that I want to fill you all in on.
1. Ladies, if you have had any abdominal surgery take with you the diagnosis from your doctor. For some reason any scar on the abdomen is a suspected abortion scar.
2 If you have an annulment be sure to take with you the psychiatrist report. Since an annulment implies that one party has a mental problem they want to be sure it isn't you.
3. If you wear a wedding ring TAKE IT OFF! There was a lady in front of Luz that had a wedding ring on and they are forcing her to get a new CENOMAR.
4. You can't bring anything to eat and drink in with you. They took her water and crackers away.

I thought I would pass on these things to help out others about to go to the medical. It's going to take an extra day for Luz because she needs the other paperwork before it's all finished.

I assume that it is okay to wear a wedding ring if you are already married?

Yes, this was for a K-1 visa.
GaryCMalePhilippines2007-01-22 23:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
I thought I would update what is going on with Luz at her medical. It hasn't really gone as planned. We have learned a few things that I want to fill you all in on.
1. Ladies, if you have had any abdominal surgery take with you the diagnosis from your doctor. For some reason any scar on the abdomen is a suspected abortion scar.
2 If you have an annulment be sure to take with you the psychiatrist report. Since an annulment implies that one party has a mental problem they want to be sure it isn't you.
3. If you wear a wedding ring TAKE IT OFF! There was a lady in front of Luz that had a wedding ring on and they are forcing her to get a new CENOMAR.
4. You can't bring anything to eat and drink in with you. They took her water and crackers away.

I thought I would pass on these things to help out others about to go to the medical. It's going to take an extra day for Luz because she needs the other paperwork before it's all finished.

Edited by Iniibig ko si Luz forever, 22 January 2007 - 10:58 PM.

GaryCMalePhilippines2007-01-22 22:57:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanMy sweetie is getting his medical done now
Good Luck
Lover89MaleMorocco2009-12-21 14:28:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)K1 NOA2 received I'm Making a call to NVC
it's wht my fiancee doing too right now ,,, let's hope some good news !! in ché lah
Lover89MaleMorocco2010-03-01 09:18:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshey some advise please
well me too i think it was bcz of short visit ,,
but it's good to learn from mistakes ,,
and the lady didnt look on the evidence at all , she did denial alot bcz she think they already marry here
but oh well i need someone to tell me wht papers does my fiancee need to take with her so we can marry here
and thank u
Lover89MaleMorocco2010-04-09 13:17:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshey some advise please
well i did the interview everythugnwas good but i didnt answerd about 3 question tht i never tought they owould be important all r names of schools lol
Lover89MaleMorocco2010-04-06 08:22:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshey some advise please
hey everyone
we got a K-1 refused ,, and we want to marry in morocco ,,
any advises and which is better CR1 or K3 and plz someone tell me how long it take
Lover89MaleMorocco2010-04-06 07:37:00
IMBRA Special TopicsCalifornia Service Center RFEs have been sent out

I'm definitely not an expert on any of this, and maybe I'm just trying to be optimistic here...but I'm thinking the reason none of the NSC transfers have received their RFE's are because geographically, we're all in the Midwest. It makes sense to me that everyone who had originally filed with Nebraska are quite a bit further away from California than the people who originally filed there. Like I said, maybe it's just optimism, but I'm hoping mine is in the mailbox today. If not today or tomorrow, my theory isn't right! Good luck everyone!

I have been told twice by my Senator that my RFE was sent out last friday. He said he got the info straight from the CSC specifically about my case number. Unless it was a bald face lie by the USCIS or the Senator then mine should be here soon.
GaryCMalePhilippines2006-06-29 10:22:00
IMBRA Special TopicsCalifornia Service Center RFEs have been sent out
On another post it seems that someone FINALLY got a RFE email yesterday from the CSC.
http://www.visajourn...mp;#entry278895
Look at the third post down.
I got a email from my senator stating that my RFE was mailed on June 23 but as yet my status online hasn't changed. He said he would call them again and confirm that I really do have a RFE coming.
GaryCMalePhilippines2006-06-28 13:26:00
IMBRA Special TopicsCalifornia Service Center RFEs have been sent out

I am not trying to slam Gary because I am grateful for all that he has done but not all consulates/embassy's take 4-6 months to get an interview date. In my mind, it doesn't wash out. If I would have filed before this damn IMBRA came into affect, I would right now been approved through Nebraska. This is how the timeline was going when I filed. Vancouver only takes 2-4 weeks to get an interview so in essence I am lucky that I don't have the backlog that some people have with getting an interview but as it stands now with CSC I will be lucky to be approved by September or October.

Sorry I am beyond the point of frustration!


I understand. It is all so frustrating!!! It's hard to deal with the pain of separation from the one person you really want to be with. I left from visiting Luz a week and a half ago. She has just now stopped crying because she misses me. I wish there were something we can do to make it all go faster but we are at the mercy of a government that just doesn't care who it hurts. ANY wait hurts and the longer it goes the more it hurts. I was just trying to look on the bright side for my own sanity sake.
GaryCMalePhilippines2006-06-28 09:00:00
IMBRA Special TopicsCalifornia Service Center RFEs have been sent out
Well, here is something to consider then. There have been no NAO2's come out of the USCIS since the begining of May. In that time the respective embassies are still doing the interviews for the pre-March 6 NOA2's. So it only stands to reason that they are getting caught up. So to use the Manila embasy for an example: Before this mess started it took between 4-6 months to get an interview. The embassy is still doing interviews for the NOA'2 they have. So if the USCIS starts sending out NOA'2 again on Aug 6 they should have cleared 3 months worth of backlog. When they start getting our petitions instead of a 4-6 month wait we should have a 1-3 month wait. It will all even out in the end.
GaryCMalePhilippines2006-06-28 03:23:00
IMBRA Special TopicsCalifornia Service Center RFEs have been sent out
Calm down now!! The 87 days isn't to start doing them, it is to FINISH doing them. We have been told many times that the CSC will honor our original NOA1 dates. They will take them in order. The 87 days is to get to the NOA1 dates of June 6. The March 6 NOA1's will be done first. The RFE paper itself says it takes 14 days to proccess.
GaryCMalePhilippines2006-06-28 00:09:00
IMBRA Special TopicsCalifornia Service Center RFEs have been sent out
I really don't know what to make of this. I just got an email from my senator (his immigration aid really). My status hasn't changed online and my lawyer hasn't gotten anything yet. Do I dare get excited?????

Mr. Cornelius,

Below is the response I received from USCIS in California . Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks. Tim




A Request for Evidence was sent to the petitioner on 06/23/2006. Once the response has been received from the petitioner, processing will continue.
GaryCMalePhilippines2006-06-27 17:42:00
IMBRA Special TopicsCalifornia Service Center RFEs have been sent out

** singing to the tune of "Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone?" **


Oh where, oh where is my RFE?

Oh where, oh where can it be?

I check my case twenty times a day...

Oh where, oh where can it be?


** end singing **

Have to pass the time somehow.



Haha!! Good one!! :P
GaryCMalePhilippines2006-06-27 09:30:00
IMBRA Special TopicsCalifornia Service Center RFEs have been sent out
Ok, we now have 2 senators stating that RFE's are either coming or already on the way. Either CSC is moving or they are pulling our senators chain. I am hoping for moving. Still no touch or RFE yet though.
GaryCMalePhilippines2006-06-26 19:52:00
IMBRA Special TopicsTouched July 4th CSC
Well, in Vermonts case it took between 10 and 12 days after they got the RFE's back until they started sending the NOA2's out. So around monday or so we COULD see some action if CSC follows suit.
GaryCMalePhilippines2006-07-05 15:10:00
IMBRA Special TopicsTouched July 4th CSC
Maybe their "touch machine" has gone crazy!!!!!
GaryCMalePhilippines2006-07-05 10:47:00
IMBRA Special TopicsTouched July 4th CSC
Touched again today!!!! What the h#ll are they doing to me????? I know they got my RFE on Saturday!!
GaryCMalePhilippines2006-07-05 10:36:00
IMBRA Special TopicsTouched July 4th CSC
They have touched me so much I have US Governmet fingerprints all over me!!!! I think I may hold the record!!!!
GaryCMalePhilippines2006-07-04 21:23:00
IMBRA Special TopicsTouched July 4th CSC
I got touched today also!!
GaryCMalePhilippines2006-07-04 20:31:00
IMBRA Special TopicsQUESTION ON REF.
The RFE I got didn't ask a "question" about prior K-1 apps. It only said that if you had more than 2 in your lifetime or one in the last 2 years then you were to get a waiver.
Maybe a K-3 RFE is different. But I would explain what happend in detail and send it in. When in doubt ask a lawyer.

Edited by GaryC, 06 July 2006 - 05:19 AM.

GaryCMalePhilippines2006-07-06 05:18:00
IMBRA Special TopicsCalifornia RFE Rcvd Email
I got my email today stating that they got my RFE. Don't worry about the timeline they talk about. Remember that the ones in Vermont have already started getting NOA2's about a week after getting this email. The way I read it is that they already looked at all the other things in our petition and they were just waiting for the RFE to finish it. Now they will look at the RFE and if everything is cool we will get our NOA2!!
GaryCMalePhilippines2006-07-06 18:30:00
IMBRA Special TopicsNOA 2 Extension
Look in the example forms link. There is a letter requesting an extension of your petition. Just put your info in there and send it. From what I understand they are usually extended automatically but I guess it's better to be safe than sorry.
GaryCMalePhilippines2006-07-07 04:50:00
IMBRA Special TopicsRFE on the way quick question

ok so i cheked the USCIS and my RFE was "sent" today...my question is...anyone who has hired a lawyer and gotten the RFE...was it sent to you OR to your lawyer just so i know what to expect..

thanks

My lawyer got two copies and they also sent me one. Overkill if you ask me!
GaryCMalePhilippines2006-07-07 04:52:00
IMBRA Special TopicsIMBRA Letter

I don't see anywhere on my RFE any mention of "the processing had already been done". Did we get different emails?

Here is the email I received:
****************************************
The following is the latest information on your case status

Receipt Number: xxxxxxxxxxx
Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status:

On June 23, 2006, we mailed a notice requesting additional evidence or information in this case. The notice explains in detail what additional material is needed. If you have questions about the notice, what is required, or if 30 days have passed and you have not received the notice. Please contact the service center where you submitted your application during business hours.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision or advice from USCIS within the projected processing time frame*, please contact the National Customer Service Center.

National Customer Service Center (800) 375-5283.

*The projected processing time frame can be found on the receipt notice that you received from the USCIS.
*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.


Sincerely,


The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
*******************************************


I have been told by my lawyer that they do all processing on the form first before sending out the RFE in case they need something more than just the IMBRA info. The email I got said that the processing had already been done so it bears that out.

When they get your RFE and have it in their system you will get another email like this:


Receipt Number: LINxxxxxxxxx

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status:

On July 6, 2006, we received your response to our request for evidence
or information. However because preliminary processing was complete,
the remaining processing time will be less than the maximum stated in
this message. You will receive a written decision on this case. You can
use our processing dates to estimate when this case will be done.
Follow the the link below for current processing dates.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case
status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision or
advice from USCIS within the projected processing time frame*, please
contact the National Customer Service Center.

National Customer Service Center (800) 375-5283.

*The projected processing time frame can be found on the receipt notice
that you received from the USCIS.
*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.


Sincerely,


The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

That is when they tell you they have already done some processing.
GaryCMalePhilippines2006-07-08 09:57:00
IMBRA Special TopicsIMBRA Letter
I have been told by my lawyer that they do all processing on the form first before sending out the RFE in case they need something more than just the IMBRA info. The email I got said that the processing had already been done so it bears that out.
GaryCMalePhilippines2006-07-07 03:40:00
IMBRA Special TopicsIMBRA WAIVERS
Unfortunately there are no guidelines for the waivers yet. It could just be a rubber stamp for approval or very strict guidelines they must follow. I haven't seen any guidance on that part of it yet. Maybe a call to the USCIS or a lawyer is in order here.
GaryCMalePhilippines2006-07-08 10:09:00