ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Philippinesvisa delivery

do you know what number to call from the US? cause i heard it would be much cheaper from here. i tried to call the number we found at USem site but it seems not the right one.


I couldn't find a U.S. number for the embassy. However, I was able to get someone by dialing 011-632-301-2000, extension 5184 or 5185. If you're worried about the price, just sign up on www.rebtel.com. I signed up with my mobile phone number, added the embassy as one of my contacts, and it gave me a local number for them. It's about $0.12 per min, so the $10 got me more than one hour.
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-02-04 10:08:00
PhilippinesLetter from embassy and UID number and shipping.
Go ahead and pay it now. The payment is good for a year anyway, and if you know your case is on its way to the embassy, it doesn't hurt to go ahead and get a head start. Then, you should be able to schedule once the embassy enters your case in their system (no need to wait for the letter). If you want more details, refer to this post I wrote a while back.

http://www.visajourn...tailed-summary/
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-02-16 15:37:00
PhilippinesYellow envelope from Embassy

Yep, my wife had the same questions. She actually called the Embassy and asked where the Visa was. The lady laughed at her and told her to look in the middle of the passport book, she had only looked at the first few pages.


LOL! I could see that happening to me. Thankfully, I posted here first, and my fiancee found it in her passport :) It still baffles me why they have an envelope that says in bold letters DO NOT OPEN, yet several people (including my fiancee) noticed a tear on the edge of their envelope before they even touched it :wacko:
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-02-16 17:10:00
PhilippinesYellow envelope from Embassy

Yup.

Congratz guyz! :star:


Thanks, Tahoma. I'll tell her to check it when I talk to her tonight. I just wanted to go ahead and post the question in case anyone else had the same question =).
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-02-14 12:43:00
PhilippinesYellow envelope from Embassy
I just want to verify something about the K1 visa; is it printed inside the passport? I’m just wondering since my fiancée said the only thing she can access is the passport since the instructions say not to open the yellow envelope. I also know that she needs the visa in order to take it to the CFO seminar.

Thank you
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-02-14 12:35:00
Philippinesrecent interviews for k-1

Hey everyone,

I am curious as to how recent K-1 applicants who had their visa's approved interviews went. Anything specific did the CO ask? I know most people have different things that the CO asks but I'm just looking for some experiences because me and my fiance are a little nervous about the interview. Don't know what they will ask or how they will judge us, so anything would be helpful. Thanks ^_^


My fiancée had her interview a few weeks ago, and it wasn't bad at all. She said the pre-screener looked at the documents, so the consul didn't even ask her many questions. She had a middle-aged, married woman as her consul, and she was very friendly and made the interview more like a conversation. I wasn't there, but my fiancée told me all the details, and the consul made her feel very relaxed. She really focused more on the personal side instead of the technical details since the pre-screener already examined those documents. She asked things like what's my name, how we met, when was the last time we met, and where do I work. She seemed to enjoy reading our story (and emails lol) from the original file I submitted to USCIS, and she even asked her questions like "Does your fiancée know Cebuano"? and "When did you go to Bohol? I've been there with my family", etc. It really made me smile when my fiancée said the consul told her we make a good team =).
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-02-16 15:30:00
PhilippinesHow was it the first time you meet him/her personally?
Wow, I love this thread! It makes me reminisce on my first meeting with my pinangga =). After reading others' experiences, I'm glad we chose not to meet at the airport lol. I got there in the morning, and the hotel had a shuttle that was picking me up, so we decided to meet later because we wanted our first meeting to be private so it would be more special and we would both feel more comfortable. I got to the airport around 10:00 a.m. and went to the hotel, which gave me a chance to put my things up, get settled, and buy a sim card to call my fiancée and let her know that I am in the Philippines. Then, we decided we would just meet up later that afternoon in a park where we could have some peace and quiet and when it wasn’t quite so hot. I can remember just how nervous and excited I was waiting on the appointed time to meet!!! I tried to sit down, but I found myself pacing because I was just so excited! I decided to pick up the Psalms and read to make me relaxed before our meeting, but it was more excitement than nervousness. As the time approached and I knew my fiancée was on her way to the park, I couldn’t believe that finally I would see her face to face instead of just on the computer. I felt like I was in a dream or a movie lol, and sometimes I had to pinch myself to realize that it was real =). I finally got the text from her saying she was there and then responded to tell her I was on my way (it was about a 30 min drive from my hotel). When I got there, I decided not to send her a text to let her know I was there because I know my pinangga, and it might just make her more nervous if she knew I was going to be there any moment lol. Besides, I thought it was more romantic to have the element of surprise when I just showed up one moment. As I got out of the taxi, my heart was pounding as I breathed a silent prayer and walked to the corner of the park at the bench where we were supposed to meet. As I turned the corner, I could see through the bushes that someone was sitting there, but I know she could not see me because I deliberately took the route so that she couldn’t see me coming =). As I later found out, my fiancée was really surprised because she had just seen another American behind me, but the bushes were blocking her view of me. Finally, when I arrived, she looked up and saw me there and stood up to meet me. Finally, I gave her the hug I promised and the one I’d been waiting so long for, but it was just a short one since it was the first time we’d ever hugged and we were still in a public setting. I remember that I could rest my chin on her head lol, but it was really sweet. Before, I had wondered how it would be since we’re so used to just talking online, but as we sat there on the bench talking, I grew more comfortable with her. I put my arm around her for the first time, and she immediately leaned against me and rested her head on my shoulder. That’s when I felt as if I’d known her all my life. She was still the same woman (but even prettier!) We talked for over an hour, said a prayer of thanks, took a stroll around the park, and then went out to eat for the first time. That was the beginning of the best week in my life, and the second hug (this time a long one in private) was even 10 times better than the first!!! I spent the week there, and we got engaged toward the end of the trip, and the rest is history. Now, the woman I love will be in my arms soon to spend the rest of our lives together =). Thank God for this wonderful blessing in my life!!!
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-02-23 15:36:00
PhilippinesAppointment Confirmation Letter

Greetings again all!

I just finished scheduling the interview appointment for my fiancee. I did it online. Went to immigrant visa section and then scheduled appointment from there. When I downloaded the appointment confirmation letter at the end, it was kind of weird. I was wondering if this was the same letter that everyone else got. The letter is more of a table that has 2 columns. The first column had rows that were titled: Name of applicant; Passport number; Appointment date; Appointment interview time; UID number; addressed courriered to and Hold for collection. and that's it. The 2nd row had the answers from the previous rows.


My question is this the right confirmation letter that everyone received? Will she get another confirmation letter? and lastly, the letter doesn't show her middle name because when I filled out the blanks for the scheduling, it never asked for her middle name, is it ok if her middle name is left out?

Thanks guys.


That sounds just like the one I received. I don't remember about the middle name, but I don't think you have anything to worry about :)
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-02-17 09:57:00
PhilippinesHotels near NAIA: Mabuhay Manor?
Been so busy with the wedding that I'm just now getting a chance to post my review. I stayed at Mabuhay when I went to get my fiancee (now wife). Overall, I'd say it's not bad for an overnight stay. The staff were friendly, had a nice free bfast, and the location is very close to the airport so you can catch your flight in the morning. The airport pick-up is free, and you can pay 250PHP to have them drop you off the next morning. The thing I didn't like was that it was kinda noisy in the room (I guess people were at the swimming pool during the night) and the beds were very hard. I can't complain, though, because of the low price and since it was only for one night. I also didn't like the fact that the only lock on the door was a chain. Most motels have a regular lock in addition to the chain. Not a big deal except that the rooms are accessible from the outside, so if you're willing to pay the extra money to stay at a hotel that has rooms inside the building like the Marriott, it might be a better choice. Just depends on your preference.
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-06-17 09:07:00
PhilippinesHotels near NAIA: Mabuhay Manor?

Hello,

The neighborhood is not that bad compared to other places in Pasay, it's on a main road that vehicles usually passes on its way to the airport. You did mention that it's just an overnight thing, so this is a good choice.


Do you remember if the individual rooms are accessible from the outside streets? I think I am going to give Mabuhay Manor a try, but I just want to make sure it's not in a location where people can easily break in your room. Most motels I stay at have all of the rooms inside so that you have to go through the front door to access them. It looks like in this one, you can get to an individual room without the guards ever seeing you.

Thanks for the response!
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-02-10 13:26:00
PhilippinesHotels near NAIA: Mabuhay Manor?
I forgot to add that while I appreciate everyone's suggestions, I really just need advice from people who have stayed at the Mabuhay Manor or know the Baclaran area. I've already done a lot of research and decided that I will stay at Mabuhay or the place I stayed last time; just trying to save a little money and add convenience b/c of their airport shuttle.

Thanks
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-02-08 12:39:00
PhilippinesHotels near NAIA: Mabuhay Manor?
I am going to the Philippines to get my fiancée soon, and I need a place to stay overnight while I wait for my flight out of Manila the next morning. Does anyone know the Baclaran area in Manila? I read recommendations from several people for the Mabuhay Manor, which is in that area on the corner of Ortigas St. and F.B. Harrison in Pasay. I am an American traveling alone, and I am just staying overnight until my flight in the morning, but I didn't want to stay in an area that is too risky. However, I also don't want to pay $100 extra to stay in a large hotel like the Manila Marriott if the neighborhood is no different. I read a lot of good reviews about Mabuhay Manor, but every reviewer, even the Filipinos, mentioned that it was in a bad area. I'm just wondering if that is all of Manila or just that neighborhood. Any advice is appreciated!
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-02-08 12:14:00
Philippineshotel ideas

if your looking for a hotel nearby the st.lukes medical center and us embassy..i may suggest casa bocobo hotel.my daughter and i stayed there for 2 weeks..for our medical and us embassy interview.its clean,cool and safe too.

but when my fiancee came here to visit me and my family..we stayed 7 nights in holiday inn ortigas then in taclobn we stay at hotel alejandro for a week and had our engagement on that same hotel too with my family and close friends:)


My wife also stayed there with her sister. It's on the same street as St. Luke's Medical, and it's on a side street, so it's a good option if you don't want to stay right in the middle of the nightlife. They also had a security guard and taxis right outside, so my wife felt pretty safe. The rooms are simple, but it's affordable and has a great location.
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-06-17 08:52:00
PhilippinesCFO seminar in Cebu

Hi Andz and Faith,

Please give my regards to Faith. I also took my CFO seminar last February 16, 2011. First of all, I want to say that you have a beautiful fiancee and "wife to be Andz".:) The 4 of us (Roselyn, April, the other girl and me) waited for Faith to be done with her interview because we were planning to go together to CFO office to pick up the CFO certificate. And you are right, she needed to go back the next day to pick up the certificate because she forgot a copy of your passport, birth certificate, etc. While we were waiting for her outside the room, the rest of us were exchanging email addresses and cellphone number. I feel bad, we didn't get FAith's contact because we were on a hurry that the CFO might close sooner. But no worries at all. Faith, live in cebu and she can go to the CFO office anytime she wanted too. :thumbs:


Thanks for the compliment, and I'll send your regards to Faith today! I'm sure she'll be glad to hear from you =).
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-06-16 11:59:00
PhilippinesCFO seminar in Cebu

so Cebu wasn't bad? It would take 2 days if my fiancee doesn't have all the documents? We're deciding where to go for her seminar. How long does it take to finish in Manila? We figure that if it doesn't take too long in Manila, then maybe she can go to Manila days before leaving for her flight.


She said it wasn't too bad. Just make sure you bring a copy of the U.S. citizen's birth certificate, passport, & some kind of proof that he's single (tax return, etc.) You can mark out his social security number so they can't read it. She got there at 9 am cause she had some trouble finding it, so she was one of the last ones. She said the seminar was 2 hours, and then she had to go back for her one on one interview later that afternoon after lunch. I think she ended up staying until 3 pm or something like that.
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-02-18 23:31:00
PhilippinesCFO seminar in Cebu
Well, we decided to choose convenience and go to the Cebu seminar. My fiancée (Faith) just went to the CFO seminar in Cebu yesterday, so I'm just gonna write a short review. This is a second-hand review since I wasn't there, but I'll give as many details as I can. I've been told that Cebu only accepts 15 for a seminar, but Faith said there were more than 20 there in all, although there were only 8 of them in the American seminar (for those traveling to U.S.) I've heard many horror stories about the seminar in Cebu, but I think it's mainly for those people who are very young, especially if they're marrying someone a lot older than them. There was even one 19-year old there with her mother, so I think they're just concerned about the young ones making sure they are prepared. I've also heard that they give divorced people a hard time, but I can't verify that since my fiancée and I are both young and never been married. They watched a video of women who have been abused when they married someone outside of the country, and they gave tips for how to contact someone if you get into trouble. But, I think that really only applies to people who don't know their fiancé very well; if you're close and you know he is a good person, you've got nothing to worry about. They also talked a little about language and culture in the U.S. and how Americans have different attitudes, concepts of being on time, etc. The nun seemed a little strict and seemed like she was trying to convince people not to go, but I think she's just testing to see how sure you are about your fiancé. If you're confident about your relationship, you won't have any problems =). After the seminar (I think it lasted 2 hours), you have your one-on-one interview. Faith was fortunate enough to get a young lady (25 years old) rather than the nun, and her interview was more like a casual conversation, whereas the nun's interviews were kinda long. The interviewer just talked to her like a friend and asked her how we met, how long we'd known each other, and other simple questions like they asked at the embassy. She also asked a few personal questions like what are some good and bad qualities about me. On a side note, the one that interviewed Faith actually has an American boyfriend lol, so that's a plus! Anyway, they just wanted to make sure we really love each other, so there was no problem with ours. However, Faith didn't get the sticker the first day because she didn't have a copy of my passport, birth certificate, and the infamous proof of singleness (that doesn't exist in the U.S.). Thankfully, she just went back the next day and showed them a copy of my tax return that shows my filing status as single and got her sticker! Now, we're ready to fly when I go back to get her! Well, that's my review based on all the details my fiancée gave me. I hope it helps! Maybe Faith can answer any questions or give more details once she gets to the U.S. since right now, she's usually talking to me when she's at the café =).
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-02-17 09:54:00
PhilippinesCFO seminar in Cebu
I appreciate all the responses. Just for clarification, I've never been divorced (obviously since I've never married lol). I think I may have confused some people when I asked about the age difference. I was just curious if the people with bad experiences were far apart in age or had been divorced. I'm assuming they won't give us any problems since we are both in our early 20s and have never been married before. I'm not worried about it; I'm just trying to diminish the stress for my fiancée.

P.S. I can't do the one-stop at St. Mary's since my fiancée would have to fly back to Manila to get her sticker after they send her the visa. She lives in Cebu, so we're leaning towards doing it all at once there.

Thanks again and any Cebu seminar reviews are welcome =)
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-01-26 09:50:00
PhilippinesCFO seminar in Cebu
I've recently been reading a lot of posts about the 3 CFO seminar locations since my fiancée's interview is coming up soon. I've read about bad experiences in Cebu but haven't found any detailed good ones. Has anyone been to the CFO seminar in Cebu recently? I'm trying to decide whether it would be better for my fiancée to go there since she lives there or Manila since it is faster. I've also heard that PRISM is less stressful than the two that are run by the nuns. If she goes to PRISM, she'll go while she waits for her interview and then get the CFO sticker once she gets back to Cebu. It would be easier to do it all at once in Cebu and not have to face the stress of attending a seminar prior to the interview; however, if the Cebu seminar is really as bad as some people made it sound (interrogation, additional documents required, all day seminar), then I'll send her to the one in Manila. Any advice is appreciated.

I should add that neither of us have ever been married and are only a year apart in age. I'm wondering if they ask people more questions if one of them has been divorced or if there is a large age difference.

Thanks and God bless

Edited by Faith & Andz, 25 January 2011 - 05:27 PM.

Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-01-25 17:23:00
PhilippinesMail to Philippines
Agreed...wouldn't use anyone else!
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-06-22 09:27:00
PhilippinesWhere and why?

Where to? $600 dollars seems to good to be true. The lowest prices that I've seen are around $850 to various locations on the east coast and some folks here even doubted that I'd found those.

The Airlines websites tend to offer the best fares. You'll also find lower fares if you have flexible travel dates and don't have to leave on a particular day.

I tend to fly Continental myself because I live on Guam. Check out Philippines Airlines and Delta also. BTW, Guam is a great place for someone from Phils. to do their POE. A large number of the immigration/customs folks are of Filipino descent.

George


I agree with this post. We flew Continental, so we went through Manila, Guam, and Hawaii to get back to the U.S. Her POE was Guam, and the officer was young and very friendly. Our flight was early in the morning, too, so she got out pretty fast. There were only 2 or 3 other K1 visa holders there, and I think she was only in his office for about 5 minutes. I imagine it would be worse going through a big city like L.A. Of course, it's going to cost you more than $1,000 to fly Continental, but we couldn't find anything cheaper, even through the discount places like Orbitz and Priceline. We booked 5 months in advance, and it was about $1400 per person. Next time, I think I'll fly Philippine Airlines since I don't have to worry about meeeting with an immigration officer and since they have a direct flight from LA to Manila, and they have more leg room than Continental. But, I would choose to go through Guam for a first-time entry into the U.S. because of the POE.
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-06-20 10:34:00
PhilippinesMail to Philippines
Johnny Air Cargo

http://www.johnnyair.com/
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-02-16 16:56:00
Philippineshelp with port of entry
I'd change my route if I were you and do the Guam, Hawaii, Houston route. That's the route we took. Guam was our POE and Hawaii was where we went through customs. It was really easy and quick even though we only had 2 hours. The officer was friendly, and my wife was there for probably 5 minutes since it was so early in the morning. I agree with the others; I would be concerned about entering U.S. territory, leaving, and then re-entering.
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-09-12 15:08:00
PhilippinesSending Package - Fed Ex What a rip off !

I suggest "Johnny Air". They are Philippinos, they have offices in New York and california. I shipped a camera and separately a telephone with no problem. You mail it to their office then they call you

and tell you what the price is based on weight. I think like the balikbayan boxes, they have connections so you don't get nailed by customs. Filling up a whole balikbayan box is a pain in the butt and expensive especially if you are putting new stuff in it. As the name implies Johnny air ships by air. Estimate maybe 2 days for package to get to them by US mail , then 8 days for them to get it to PI.

they can deliver to the house for maybe $5 xtra. I think they said the electronics were a couple xtra dollars because of customs. I think I paid the US mail plus about $15 to Johnny air for a small camera.
I also recommend it for documents


Agreed! It's only $8 per pound as of the last time I sent a package. Last time I sent a package, it cost me more to send a package FedEx within the U.S. than it did to send a package by Johnny Air to the Philippines. They do have connections because when my wife was in the Philippines, her package was still wrapped and taped when she received it, meaning customs did not examine it.
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-11-22 10:36:00
PhilippinesAfter NOA2: Detailed Summary

The DS-156, DS-156K, and DS-157 are filled out by you.

He's going to need to send you a copy of the info he sent in with the I-129F packet. Also, he needs to send the proof that you still have a relationship. Copies of letters, emails, skype conversations, phone logs; things like that. Also, make sure to get more passport photos of yourself.


He'll also need to send you his form I-134 to show evidence of financial support and divorce certificates if he is divorced. Just a side note, I'm not sure how up-to-date the info is in my original post since from what I've read on VJ, they changed the online appointment scheduling system.
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-06-21 11:35:00
PhilippinesAfter NOA2: Detailed Summary

Very nice write up but just a heads up that my fiancee did the medical before trying to schedule the interview because if any abnormal sign on the xray or sputnum culture test then there is a 3 month wait for the results...in our case we had to wait 6 months total cuz they had to redo the all the test again bacause of a spot on the xray. So I would suggest do the medical after she has the passport in hand then if the medical is clear then schedule the interview.


That's good advice. The reason we had to schedule them so close together was because I didn't want her to have to go to Manila twice, and everything went so fast after the NOA2 that she wouldn't have had time anyway. I thought she had to have the appt letter before the medical; that's good info to know for others who haven't done it yet!
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-02-08 12:29:00
PhilippinesAfter NOA2: Detailed Summary
Wow, thank you Lord!!! My fiancee was approved yesterday! Aside from getting the NOA2 after a long wait, this is the happiest day of my life! Now, I can buy my plane tickets to go get my pinangga =).

God is good!
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-02-04 09:35:00
PhilippinesAfter NOA2: Detailed Summary

Nice post Faith and Andz very helpful indeed. Good luck on your interview.

I would like to know if the beneficiary of the K1 visa can do the interview scheduling here in the USEM or should the USC have to do that for the beneficiary? Many thanks everyone for whatever info you can give on this one.


Either one can do it. You can do it online at the website I mentioned in the post or on the phone. There's a phone number for you to call if you're in the Philippines and one for the U.S.
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-02-04 09:33:00
PhilippinesAfter NOA2: Detailed Summary
I forgot one thing in my post; don't forget about the CFO seminar, which is necessary to attend prior to leaving the Philippines. There are plenty of detailed posts on that elsewhere. Does anyone know if there is a way to edit my original post to include this info? I was able to edit it yesterday, but for some reason, I can't find the button to edit it today =/.

Does the girl need 4 copies of their Birth Certificate? Do they all have to be certified or can they be copies of the original? Very expensive for them if they need 4.


I agree with the most recent poster. It's better to have several copies. You'll definitely need it for the interview as well as a copy of it for the CFO seminar.
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-02-03 19:21:00
PhilippinesAfter NOA2: Detailed Summary
In response to a few messages from people asking me what I did after I got my NOA2, I am posting a thread for everyone to see. I’m nearing the end of the process, and several VJ members have helped me (a special thanks to Beth & Chard), so I just want to put all of the knowledge of these members into one thread so that people don’t have to research so many different threads. I hope this post will help people in the process after the NOA2 and most importantly, scheduling the interview. More advanced VJ members—feel free to add or edit any information in this post!

Now, I’m assuming that everyone already has their NBI, Cenomar, Birth Certificate, passport, and other required documents, and there are several posts and links with the list of requirements, so I’ll save you the trouble and skip over that section. I do recommend getting all of that done ahead of time, except for the I-134 since you want your bank account to be up-to-date. Once I got my NOA2, I had to rush and get all of my evidence together to send to my fiancée, so it’s better if you already have this done. I also have another post http://www.visajourn...ines/explaining why I think Johnny Air is the best carrier for shipping your documents to your fiancée. So, here we go!

After receiving the NOA2 and sending all the necessary documents to your fiancée in the Philippines, the first thing to do is to find out your case number from the NVC. By the time I received my NOA2, my case had already left the NVC and was on its way to the embassy. I called the NVC at 603-334-0700 to find out if the NVC had received my case. Note: be patient because it’s busy half of the time; you just have to dial it over and over until you get through. When you get the automated recording, you can follow the instructions to enter your USCIS case number by using your phone keypad (this is your receipt number, which begins with something like EAC followed by numbers). Or, you can do like I did and talk to the operator, who can give you your embassy case number and tell you when your case left the NVC. When I used the automated system, no record was found on my case. It was at that point that I discovered that my NOA2 said my case had been forwarded to the consulate, not the NVC, so I decided to speak to an operator instead of using the automated system. The recording will tell you which number to press for the operator (I think it’s #5), and then you’ll give them your USCIS receipt number and answer a few general questions about you and your fiancé. I’m not sure how long it takes to get to the NVC, but the general estimate I’ve got from most people is a week (sometimes more, sometimes less) from the day you got your NOA2. In my case, since I was actually approved a week before I received my NOA2, my case was already on its way to the embassy, so when I asked the operator, he told me that my case had already left on Jan. 7 and gave me the number to call the embassy to see if it had been received. He also gave me my case number to reference when calling the embassy (Mine started with MNL plus 10 numbers). Make sure you get 1) your case number and 2) the day it left the NVC. At this point, you can track your case through DHL by following the instructions in this thread. When you read it, you will see why you need the day your case left the NVC.

http://www.visajourn...nvc-to-embassy/

Once you have your case number, you can go ahead and pay the visa fee at BPI since you know your case is on its way to the embassy. You’ll just need to bring your passport w/ you plus $350 (to be paid in PHP). After payment, make sure they give you your receipt because you will need to take this with you to your interview. Then comes the fun part--you get to be on the phone or online every afternoon trying to schedule your interview! Of course, you can wait for the embassy to send you further instructions, but as many VJ members warned me, some people wait a long time before they receive the letter from the embassy and others never receive it at all. That’s why I recommend calling the embassy to find out when they received your case. After I tracked my case on DHL, I saw that it left on January 10 and that the embassy received in on January 12. After they have your case, you’re ready to schedule the interview.

Even though the embassy physically has your case, it may take a week for them to enter it into their system. It is important to know this to save you some frustration when you try to schedule your interview online. The first thing I did after my fiancée paid her visa fee at the Bank of the Philippines Islands (BPI) was try to schedule online. Go to this link:

http://www.ustraveld...ppointment.html

and click on “K-Visa Appointment Scheduling.” You will need the passport number of the applicant, the day your visa fee was paid (or validated), the applicant’s birthday, and you will have to create a password that you will need to log in. As I mentioned, it gave me all kinds of problems. First, it said that I should check the fee payment date. After trying several times and calling the call center to no avail, one call center agent realized that the fee payment date should be Jan. 18, even though my fiancée paid it on Jan. 17. So, if you’re receiving an error that tells you to check your fee payment date, try the day after. Once you have that date right and all of your info entered correctly, you’ll probably get an error that says “Case Number is not valid.” This is because, as I mentioned above, the embassy has either not put your case in their system or not sent the info to the call center so that you can schedule. I called the embassy after I finally received the error “Case Number is not valid,” and the operator told me that the instructions were mailed to my fiancée on Jan. 18 (6 days after the embassy received my case). She told me I was ready to schedule, but after trying again online and calling the call center without success, I realized that I needed to call the embassy again to get them to set me up in their system. You can reach the embassy at 632-301-2000. When the operator comes on, press 7 and enter the extension 5184# or 5185#. You may have to call back several times before you finally get someone on the line, but it’s worth the wait =). Anyway, I told the operator the problem, and she said she would enter my information so that I could be scheduled for the interview. The next day, I checked online, and I was able to schedule!!! After you enter the basic info on the first page, it will take you to another page where you can specify where the visa should be delivered. I entered my fiancée’s address, but I’ve been told by others that there is an option to select for a visa pickup at a 2GO branch. I didn’t see it, though, perhaps because I was in a rush. The system will automatically generate a UID number, which you need to PRINT. If you leave the page without writing down your UID number, I do not think you will be able to schedule since it will ask you for your UID and password. After printing the page with your UID number, you will be brought to a page with a calendar to select the interview date. Just a warning: when you schedule online, avoid the mistake I made. Before you ever log in, decide which date you want because you only have a short time. When I looked at the calendar to select the interview date, I had to think about it, and my session timed out after being idle for only about 30 seconds (I read of other VJ members that had the same experience). Once it times out, there’s nothing you can do to get back in and schedule it, so you’ll have to call the call center to get them to finish it for you. It’s not a big deal, but it was frustrating since I made the mistake in the day (U.S. time) and was unable to fix it until that night. The call center phone number is 214-571-1600 for U.S. callers.

Your interview is now scheduled, and you’re ready to go! You just need to fill out your DS-156, DS-156K, and DS157, print 2 copies of each, and bring them with you to your interview along with your other documents. For your info on what is needed for the medical, refer to this excellent post http://www.visajourn...m-walkthrough/. I’ve been told it’s not required, but the guard at St. Luke’s asked my fiancée for her official letter from the embassy (the one I mentioned that some never receive). Thankfully, she received it the day before she left for her medical, but I’m pretty sure you can bring any documentation that has your MNL case number on it. You might even be able to give it to them verbally, but you’d have to ask someone with that experience, since I’m not sure. One helpful tip I got from another VJ member was to email the embassy at IVManilaReplies@state.gov to find out if your case has been received. That way, if your letter does not arrive in time, you will have some documentation with your case number on it. To ensure a prompt response, include the applicant’s last, first & middle name, MNL case number, and visa class (K1 visa). I got a response in about 3 business days. Then, you can print the email showing your case number and take it with you to the medical and interview.

Well, once you’ve got all of that, you’re ready for the medical and the interview! I think 3 business days is plenty to allow for St. Luke’s to send your results to the embassy. My fiancée went to her medical on a Monday, completed it on Tuesday, and has her interview schedule for this Friday, and St. Luke’s indicated that it wouldn’t be a problem since they knew her interview date.

Anyway, I hope this helps, and thanks to VJ for all the help I’ve got during this long process =).

Summary:
1) Send documents to applicant in Philippines
2) Obtain case number from NVC
3) Track through DHL
4) Pay visa fee at BPI
5) Schedule Interview

Edited by Faith & Andz, 02 February 2011 - 10:58 AM.

Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-02-02 10:57:00
PhilippinesShipping Documents to the Philippines

I Searched the website. They are not near where I live. :(


Do you mean they're not near where you live in the U.S.? If so, they don't have to be. You can mail the package to them or FedEx it to one of their offices. For instance, I FedExed it to their office in New York and they sent it to the Philippines. However, if your fiancee doesn't live near an office in the Philippines, I'm afraid you'll have to pay extra to have them deliver it to her house, although I'm unsure what the fee is. I've attached a file that lists their rates as of last year.

Attached Files


Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-02-20 20:23:00
PhilippinesShipping Documents to the Philippines

:thumbs: :thumbs: when i sent the interview packet to my husband i used USPS. it cost $30 3-5 days delivery. unfortunately i took 7 days to reach my husband so he missed the interview on jan 11. we had to wait 9 days to reschedule another interview, and thats after calling the embassy everyday to bug them about our case. anyway, we have a new schedule on jan27. i guess if u send it through USPS, after it reaches the foreign country (philippines) it sits there for a few days before it gets delivered. the package arrived in manila on jan 6. my husband lives in cavite, 30-40 minutes drive from manila without traffic, and the documents didnt arrive until jan 11. it actually didn't get delivered to his house. it was sent to the municipal hall and a messenger from the office went to my husband's house to let them know he has to pick up the package. plus there's a 200 pesos fee for it to be picked up..yes i know, ridiculous. so definitely if there's an office in san diego i'll try using johnny :)


Here's a list of their branches in the U.S. and Philippines. http://johnnyair.com/?page=85 There's not one in San Diego, but you can mail or FedEx it to their office in LA or San Francisco.
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-01-21 23:35:00
PhilippinesShipping Documents to the Philippines

Sounds almost to good to be true, but I will sure give it a try! Thank you so much!! Lee


Haha, that's what I thought at first, too, but it was worth a try to me b/c of the price, and I wasn't disappointed!!!
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-01-21 19:51:00
PhilippinesShipping Documents to the Philippines
As an American with a fiancée in the Philippines, I know all of you probably ship things often like I do, whether it is birthday gifts, documents for the interview, etc.). I did a lot of research because FedEx and DHL are so expensive, but I finally found a reliable, inexpensive alternative, so I thought I would share my experience with fellow VJ members. (I promise I'm not getting any commission off of this; I just want to save everyone else some money and the time I spent on researching). If you need to ship something, give Johnny Air Cargo (www.johnnyair.com) a try. I was nervous about using them at first because I'd never heard of them, but I tried it because it was so inexpensive, and it was just as fast as DHL/FedEx. You just have to send it to one of their offices in the U.S. (I recommend their office in Queens, New York). You can email Analyn Diego at analynd@aol.com or a.diego@johnnyair.com, and she will contact you once you receive it so that you can pay by credit card on the phone. Then, Johnny Air forwards it to Manila and to your fiancee's place. It usually takes about 3 to 5 business days to get to Manila and 5 to 7 to get to another island. I've sent 3 or 4 packages through them to my fiancée over the last year, and all of them got there quickly. In fact, I just shipped the documents for the interview to my fiancée on Tuesday, and it should be in Manila by Monday of next week. You have the option for your fiancée to pick it up at one of their locations (listed on their website--most of them are in a mall) or you can forward it to her house for an extra fee. I've never done that, though, since my fiancée lives close to a pickup place. I think the cost was about $6.50 (or $7.50/lb), so for sending something light such as documents, you can't beat the price. I just sent my package last week, and my total was $12.98 to send it to Cebu. Anyway, I hope this can help save some money for someone because it's just as quick as FedEx =).
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-01-20 12:48:00
PhilippinesSt. Luke’s Medical Exam Walkthrough

This is just my opinion, but I think the most important thing is to have an interview date to give them when you have the Medical.
I would think that 5 days would easily be enough time for them to process your medical exam information and get it to the Embassy.


That sounds good; I'm hoping to get a Friday interview and have her do the medical on Monday of that week so she doesn't have to stay the weekend with nothing to do since St. Luke's is closed on the weekend anyway. Thanks!
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-01-17 17:16:00
PhilippinesSt. Luke’s Medical Exam Walkthrough
How far apart did everyone schedule their interview day from the day of the medical exam? My fiancee is coming from another island, so I don't want her to have to stay longer than necessary. Does she really need to have the medical a full week in advance (7 days) or would 5 business days (Mon-Fri) be enough?

Thanks
Faith & AndzMalePhilippines2011-01-17 12:45:00
PhilippinesIs Marriage a GAMBLE or a BUSINESS CONTRACT?
I think its both and can't be either one. It's a gamble because there are risks involve.It's a business contract coz it needs commitment, and each party somehow invests something on it and of course wants something good out of it.
filipinawifeFemalePhilippines2009-10-13 23:54:00
PhilippinesDidn't take daughters passport at St. Luke's Medical
Ok, a quick update !!!!

We were right; Mylene left before they called Ashleys name for the releasing of the immunization records.

I couldn't get thru to SLEC right away so I called the embassy. The lady on the other end said that I would have to call SLEC because in her words, "No medical, no interview." She gave me 2 numbers to call and the new number worked right away.

I called SLEC at 8:00 a.m. Manila time and talked to Rose (a very helpful and polite filipina employee) that told me to give her some time to find out the information on Mylene's case. I called back 1.5 hours later and Rose told me Mylene should come back right away because she "left before we had a chance to call her daughters name".

Mylene went back to SLEC .. they took Ashley's Passport (and showed Mylene that it in fact HAD been stamped) and passport photo, they gave her Ashleys immunization records and showed her that the doctor indicated that the immunizations will be completed in the US.

Thanks for all of your help and concern; Mylene is so relieved (and probably embarassed) but now everything is fine again. :thumbs:

CB
CountryBoyMalePhilippines2007-06-18 05:26:00
PhilippinesDidn't take daughters passport at St. Luke's Medical
This was my opinion too. I think that Mylene may have left too soon and should have waited on Ashleys results to be completed .. probably just a lack of communications.

Hopefully we can get it resolved on Monday morning.

CB

It sound to me that SLEC may not have finish yet the processing of Mylene's daughter's medical results. Did Mylene ask where is her daughter's results or when are they going to release it? Sometimes, they don't release the K1/K2 med results at the same time. Like for us, they called my daughters' names first and after 10 minutes my name was called by a different SLEC officer. Maybe the medical result of her daughter is not yet finish. But then, they should have told Mylene when they will release it so she will be able to come back for it.

It is also odd that they didn't give her daughter all the shots she need to complete her vaccination record. usually they will advise us to take all the necessary shots here and take only the shots in the US for those that are not available here in the Philippines, like the TD shots and the booster shots.


CountryBoyMalePhilippines2007-06-16 11:11:00
PhilippinesDidn't take daughters passport at St. Luke's Medical
Ok, now I'm worried due to your replies .. I will call St. Lukes on Monday (phil time) and ask the following questions.

Why didn't SLEC take Ashleys passport?

Why were't Ashleys medical records results released to Mylene?

Why doesn't Ashleys passport have an SLEC Validation Stamp in it? Will the embassy take the passport without this stamp included?

The nurse said that Ashleys vaccinations are incomplete and that she can have them done in U.S.; but when Mylene offered to let Ashley take the vaccinations at SLEC, the nurse said no problem, just finish them in the US. Why would she do this when the cost of vaccinations are supposed to be included in the money that Mylene paid to St. Lukes.

Why did they not return Ashleys receipt for releasing of the medical records after the immunizations, administer the immunizations, give the x-rays, take Ashleys passport or at least stamp it, take Ashley's passport photo, or give Ashleys receipt back?

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
CB

Edited by CountryBoy, 16 June 2007 - 07:08 AM.

CountryBoyMalePhilippines2007-06-16 07:07:00
PhilippinesDidn't take daughters passport at St. Luke's Medical
Mylene and Ashley went for their medical on the 14th and 15th and they took Mylene's passport but didn't take her daughter's passport, now she is worried.

The nurse said that Ashley's vaccinations are incomplete and since she is going on a K-2 Visa that she can complete her vaccinations in the U.S..

Anyone with experience with the K-2 process in Philippines care to share experiences to ease Mylene's worries?

Thanks,
CB
CountryBoyMalePhilippines2007-06-15 23:21:00