ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDress for success
When I had my interview in Manila US Embassy I saw a USC wearing "Barong", which is a traditional Filipino clothing. I thought it was funny but cute at the same time. I wore a dress which is a little above my knee, some would think it's inappropriate but since the interview was in a window where the interviewer won't see what you're wearing from waist down, I don't think attire is a big deal.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-11-04 11:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSingle or double sided

I send some documents early when I did not have to send them express service. Things like full chat logs. If printed single sided it would have been over 400 pages. I printed them 1/2 size and double sided. That put 4 on one sheet of paper. Still over 100 pages. When I compared the cost for me to print and ship -vs- email and have her print at a café. It was cheaper for me to print because I could do the double sided printing.
When it came to the last few items that need quick delivery (and / or) original signed documents I used a shipper. But most things were sent email or as a shared document in gmail then have her print them.
The CO never asked for the chat logs so I do not know what they would have done with them.

But as I said at the top, I did not mean to cover the best way to ship / send. But was there any experience with double sided vs single sided documents.


What I noticed with the interviewers in Manila (there were 2, Filipino and American consul) they flip through pages and don't look at the back page of a document. They will look if something caught their eyes.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-11-04 11:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance backed out from interview
It hurts but you get the last laugh!
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-11-03 12:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGetting married in California

Do you guys know if my fiancee's International Passport would be accepted? Thats all she has pretty much. We couldn't get a state ID =(


Yeah. They only need at least one ID and for myself, I used my passport. Can't really get a State ID yet coz she just got here. Congratulations to you both!

Edited by paul_kay, 03 November 2011 - 12:49 PM.

paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-11-03 12:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPassport Style Picture
Should be 2x2. Anything you submit to USCIS should be 2x2. :)
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-11-09 17:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Expiration
oh wow! congratulations! that was pretty intense!
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-11-16 11:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat needs to carry/bring before Travel?
Bring a pen so you won't have to borrow one in the airplane when you have to fill up the I-94 and Customs Declaration Form. :)
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-11-19 10:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressputum culture result

yey! Good news my sputum culture was negative i'll be going in st. lukes on tuesday for my immunization


Alright! All good things now!
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-11-18 10:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressputum culture result

Is there a case that after a full 8weeks and you call to your given schedule result is POSITIVE?.


Usually you will find out you are Positive before that 8 week culture ends. I haven't seen anybody here on VJ who received a late notice about their results.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-11-16 12:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressputum culture result
I just ran across several forums that discuss this never ending Sputum issue such as:
http://coconuter.blo...ion-clinic.html scroll down for the complaints
http://www.pinoyexch...ad.php?t=482355

I am not trying to say that SLEC manipulates the xray results because it is improbable to do so. I am just expressing a mere curiosity regarding this topic.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-11-16 12:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressputum culture result

I very much doubt it. Why would they care about when you get your visa?


I read somewhere that his family is migrating to the US then all of them passed the medical except for his dad so they had to wait for his culture. Then it also happened to another family, this time a son. Then to a fiancee with K1/K2 applications, the son passed it but the mom did not. And now to the OP. Some people think it's a delaying tactic of SLEC.

I must be losing my mind LOL oh well.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-11-16 11:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressputum culture result

Yes, you will reschedule your interview. St. Lukes used to be the one who rescheduled interviews, but they seem to have changed their policy this year. Now you must reschedule your own interview.

Good luck with your culture results! :star:


Yeah! I think it's better to do it online so you can see the available dates.

Is it true that when a family applies for a visa, one of em sometimes gets held up for sputum culture as a delaying tactic? Lol Coz I saw a lot of cases like this.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-11-16 11:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPOE and flights
I had a 45 minute layover in Japan which didn't cause me any issues. Stop overs in other countries aside from the US won't take long since you are only going to do some security stuff and no documentations (because you're not going to that country).

Stop over in the US where you needed to submit documentations and do biometrics takes about 10 minutes. Sometimes it would take to an hour if there are long queues and another hour to get your bags so all in all about 2-3 hours. But you can tell an airport staff that you have a flight to catch and maybe they will prioritize you.

Edited by paul_kay, 10 December 2011 - 01:05 PM.

paul_kayFemalePhilippines2011-12-10 13:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMoney transfers
Financial support in the visa process is helpful and I've used some of the money transfers in my interview although the consul never asked for them.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2012-04-07 16:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresissues about calling your fiance "hubby" on emails.

Hi, i'm the benificiary and i'm from the Philippines as well. We actually call each other "dad" and "mom" and it never got us into thinking that this would be a problem in our petition. we had an RFE but they never asked us about this and instead they just asked for an ongoing relationship from the last 2 years. I'm just worried since the letters we provided stated "mom" and "dad" in it and we're still waiting for their reply on our case. :wacko: Will this lead to bigger problems? :blink: Although my Fiance mentioned in his statement that it's just our endearment and before we we're in a relationship, we were already teasing each other mom and dad and that's how it lead us to that name calling. Will this cause denial even though my Fiance stated this on his statement? They never mentioned this on our RFE but it just scares me. :(


You know what? I wouldn't worry about it because people use pet names a lot and during my interview they never asked for emails or chat logs. I don't know how this pet name issue started but there's your CENOMAR to prove that you are not married as well as background checks :)

Edited by paul_kay, 07 April 2012 - 04:28 PM.

paul_kayFemalePhilippines2012-04-07 16:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresissues about calling your fiance "hubby" on emails.
I wouldn't worry about pet names at all. They barely read emails.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2012-04-07 14:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDiscrepancy On Fiance Birth Certificate
It's not your fiancee's name that has a problem, it's her mother's. I don't think it will be an issue. And besides, it's not even the first and last names but her maiden name.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2012-04-19 16:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBooking Flight To USA
You do not need to specifically inform the airlines that your fiance is on a K1 visa. They only care if the ticket is paid.

If she has a connecting flight in other countries other than USA, she only needs to present her ticket/boarding pass and passport. Her documents/paperworks will be submitted to the officer at the POE which will be the first state in the USA where she will land.
paul_kayFemalePhilippines2012-04-19 16:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEstimated Adjudication Date

It was not accurate at all for us.

It is an estimate time of everyones personal input VJ timelines. Some people don't update their timelines and some people don't even fill them in. It also does not include any of the 1000s of others going through the process not on VJ.


In the back of my head I'm thinking the date provided might be accurate for the NoA2, based on the 3-5 month wait and data I've seen elsewhere. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone knew specifically when their application would be reviewed? Hehe oh well, back to waiting!

Thanks for your input Inky
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-05-26 14:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEstimated Adjudication Date
Hello everyone, this is our first official post here :)

I noticed under "view my timeline," it gives an an estimated date for the process:

"Based on timeline data, your I129f may be adjudicated between *x and x*".

For those who have been approved already, did you notice if this date was anywhere near accurate? I'd hate to keep getting our hopes up each day I see the date get closer and closer. *keeps fingers crossed*

Thanks, and best of luck to all!
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-05-26 14:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFor people in Manila
Filed mine in an SM Business Center. Took 2 weeks. Am going to get mine tomorrow.
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-07-19 21:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOriginal Documents during interview
Follow-up question related to this.

Can't you bring copies of these documents and bring the original for them to compare?

I think you can submit the copies as long as they can compare it with the originals. Then they'll keep the photocopies in your file.

I read a thread similar to this...

...here it is! :)
http://www.visajourn...ew-usem-manila/
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-07-30 10:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPriority Date for K1 Visa?

It is your NOA1 date. :) The date written on the NOA1 hard copy.


I see. :)

Which one? Notice Date or Received Date?

Thank you very much!
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-08-15 05:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPriority Date for K1 Visa?
Hi. I was filling up the form to schedule an appointment in ustraveldocs website. I understand that the Case ID is the number that starts with MNL (for Manila, Philippines) right?

How about the Priority Date? I included a screenshot of the form I was doing:
Posted Image

It's a required field. It won't let me proceed to the next step.
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-08-15 05:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPaid in BPI, Error in Scheduling Appointment

You should enter your passport number as the receipt number. Anyways,was my prob too but then at the end I just called them and instructed them of when will I want my interview and then after talking about 8 minutes, they sent the appointment letter through email.


I just tried the passport number and I'm now in! :thumbs:

If only they tell this to you upon payment, it would have saved me almost a day wasted on waiting.

Thanks a lot! :dance:
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-08-16 22:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPaid in BPI, Error in Scheduling Appointment

i pay my visa in BPI last august 2, @12pm like P 15,050 the same with you. and they just took my passport too, they didnt ask my MNL case number too. and i scan the receiptand send to my fiance. he schedule me the US Embassy for my interview through phone not online. around 6pm and i receive the appointment letter through email that time. No problem at all. i think they have problem in online scheduling. good luck to your interview..


Thank goodness! I was starting to worry that there was something wrong. Whew!

Okay, if this online scheduling won't work within the next hours, we would call the US Embassy as you did. Thanks a lot! :)
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-08-16 07:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPaid in BPI, Error in Scheduling Appointment
Hi. I went and paid at the BPI Branch near us 11:30AM. I tried scheduling an appointment now (almost 6pm) and it shows me this error message:

No service fee can be found for the entered request number. Please validate your request number is correct and you have paid the correct amount for the visa you are applying. [873XXXXX]


I have the copies of the receipts (I paid for my sister's tourist visa P6,020; and my K1 visa P15,050 fees).

The branch I went to is using the new system--computerized queue system--wherein you input data on a computer before being given a customer number.

The teller didn't even ask for my Case number (MNLxxxxxx) and just took my passport. I asked about that since that's what I read from the instructions and he said it's okay and that's all he needed.
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-08-16 04:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPreparing for med exam at St Lukes

Thanks for that. Have you done your medical? What time did you arrive?

Anyway, regarding setting an appointment, I did mine yesterday and it took more than 6-8hours (I think) before I could schedule myself. I called an operator earlier that day and she said I should just schedule it the next day as it takes time for the system to input the payment. But I badly wanted to make an appointment ASAP so I just kept trying until it finally came in. That was already night time hehe. I hope you get to schedule yours today! =)


You're welcome! :) Not yet! I'm hoping I could schedule it within the next week or two. :( I'm planning to be there maybe by 5am or 6am so I can hopefully get an early number and have plenty of time in the day for possible problems!

:wow: 6-8 hours?! Anyway, what is 6-8 hours after waiting months for this to come, right?

i arrived 7:30 am. since Thursday and Friday don't have much people. they said its not good if your going there monday.. coz too much people. but if you come early they allowed you to go inside of the building for your safety.. goodluck to your medical.. drink sterilized milk.. it will big help..


Thanks for the day tip! Maybe I should get Tuesday or Wednesday then. Was it fast when you did yours? Will it really take 2 days?

What's the sterilized milk for? :blink: I'm thinking Bear Brand here. :P
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-08-16 07:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPreparing for med exam at St Lukes

Hi guys! We (me and my 5-month-old) are having our medical exam done this week! Most likely 2 days from now. Any last advice?

What time should we arrive St. Lukes Ermita (Manila, Philippines)? I called in earlier and they say they open at 6am. Should we still come in earlier tho? I am so nervous cause it's not easy bringing a baby along especially when you're expecting a long wait / long day ahead.


I think you will find this thread helpful:
http://www.visajourn...am-walkthrough/

GOOD LUCK! :thumbs:
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-08-16 05:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresnbi clearence

Hello! I'm also from Cebu. I have a question. My baptismal certificate 'GIVEN NAME' has a "MARY" in it so it's slightly different from my 'BIRTH CERTIFICATE' name, which is without the "MARY." Does this have any bearing? Do I need to get a separate NBI clearance for this? I never used my baptismal name in any legal documents though. Thank you!


You could probably get hold of an Affidavit of Discrepancy that the 2 names refer to the same person which is you just to be safe.

A similar problem with names somehow caused delays on my cousin's processing when he was petitioned. An affidavit was requested from us.
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-08-21 06:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSt Lukes appointment
If you pre-register online, you don't need to fill up the forms anymore on-site.

There are 2 variations of this: with appointment letter or without appointment. I'm the latter and was pre-registered online. The guard will give you a colored tag (I got a red one) and will redirect you to the corresponding window for those with tags (I'm guessing that's for without appointment letters).

You will then be asked go to the 5th floor and pay the fee in cash...Php 9,174.00. Depending on the volume of the applicants, they will triage (prioritize, sort you to an area with less applicants queued in) you.

Check this out, this will help you:
http://www.visajourn...am-walkthrough/

Although, I will probably post a shorter updated one tomorrow. Just done with my medical yesterday! :)
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-08-24 21:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresScheduling for a USEM interview online
Also, when asked for the Reference No. when you schedule online, if your Receipt Number doesn't work, type in your passport number.
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-08-24 21:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230

Do K1 visa applicants need to fill in DS=230 and take it to the US Embassy on the day of the of the interview?


No, we don't. DS-230 is a form intended for immigrants. K1 visa is considered a non-immigrant visa.

K1 visa applicants only need:
  • 2 copies of DS-156
  • 2 copies of DS-157
  • 1 copy of DS-156K (you will only sign this in front of the consul)
  • 2 pcs Visa conforming photos
  • Form I-134 Affidavit of Support (from Petitioner)
  • latest W2 (from Petitioner)
  • latest Income Tax Return / Form 1040 (from Petitioner)
  • NBI Clearance for Travel to USA
  • Police Clearance
  • CENOMAR (if Single) or any papers to prove eligibility to remarry if married before
  • NSO Birth Certificate
  • proof of genuine relationship with petitioner

Edited by Deren & Yamy, 02 September 2011 - 07:55 PM.

Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-09-02 19:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlease help. Got our NVC Case Number today, so what's next?

NOA2 Approval was last Aug 10. I called the NVC today and got our NVC / MNL Case Number. Yay! What are the next steps?

Are these steps correct:

1. Pay the Visa Fee of 350 USD at BPI
2. Schedule for an interview.

Questions are:
1. What form(s) should I accomplish so I could book for an interview? Do I need to accomplish / submit DS-160 online?
2. What's the best way to book, via call center or online?
3. Do I need to wait for the Packet from US Embassy before booking for an interview?

Please help. Thank you so much guys :)


Hehehehe. Funny story. The packet from the US Embassy arrived when I came home from my interview! :lol:

We don't need DS-160. The basic forms (they could ask you more docs for evidential support) they require from you are:
  • 2 copies DS-156
  • 2 copies DS 157
  • 1 copy DS 156K (need to sign this only in front of the consul)
  • 2 pieces Visa photos
  • NBI Clearance
  • Police Clearance (although they didn't ask this from me)
  • CENOMAR (if single) or papers to prove eligibility to remarry (if married before)
  • I-134 - Affidavit of Support from Petitioner
  • Form 1040 - Tax Return from Petitioner
  • W2 forms from Petitioner (they didn't ask this from me)
  • Photos with petitioner

Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-09-03 05:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI have questions after our NOA2 on the medical and interview PLEASE.

1. Is there a current way to pay the $213.35 for the medical online or does she pay at the time of the medical?



She has to pay this in cash (pesos equivalent) when she goes to St. Luke's Extension Clinic. It's a hassle I know. I hope they would implement a safer and more convenient way for applicants to pay. Walking with almost P10,000 in your pocket isn't too reassuring.

2. Do I need to set a date for the medical after registering or can she show up anytime with the printed registration?


No. It's a first come, first serve basis. Pre-registering online will help her skip or expedite the 1st steps.

You may want to look at this guide to have an idea of what happens during the medical exam:
http://www.visajourn...am-walkthrough/

1. What is the best and safest way to pay online the $350 required to schedule the interview: a. BPI or Bancnet and b. what link using my credit card?

In my opinion, a BPI Branch if you have one near you or her. You have to pay Php 15,050.00 (peso equivalent).

But to help you decide, in this page are the link to the payment methods and the comparison among them:
http://www.ustraveld...entoptions.html

2. How many days out from the medical is safe to schedule the interview and which is usually a good day during the week for the interview?

I scheduled mine a week ahead of the interview. Even so, the results from the medical will be valid for 6 months from its release (which is why the visa when issued is valid for 6 months or depending on when you had your medical).

An early start is always advisable for me. A Monday and if she could the earliest appointment time (6AM). Just so they have working/business days after your interview. I had mine on a Thursday and the long weekend was killing me (Labor Day weekend). There are 3 options: 6:15am, 6:30am and 7am. Either of these, you would still be there earlier than your appointment, so why wait and prolong the agony? I had mine at 6:30am and was done at 11:30am.

The long wait is because consular interviews start at 8:30am. The 3 slots above will help you get in earlier than the other applicants. I was there 5:30am and there are a lot of people in line already. They sort you out per appointment time. :)

Even so, it would boil down to how prepared you are for your interview. Good luck! :thumbs:

Edited by Deren & Yamy, 08 September 2011 - 05:30 AM.

Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-09-08 05:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresst.luke requirement confusion.
I received the NVC appointment letter the day I went home from my interview. You can still go to the medical exam without it. A lot of time will be wasted if you will wait for it just to have things done. So long as you know the case number, you're good.

For ease of mind, you can email IVManilaReplies@state.gov and ask if they received your file from NVC.

Include these in your email so they could reply to you immediately: (1-2 days)

MNL Case Number
Petitioner's Name
-- First
-- Middle
-- Last Name
Beneficiary's Name
-- First
-- Middle
-- Last Name

You can then print out their email response and show to St. Luke's.
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-09-09 08:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa is taking too long

so how many working days did it took?


It arrived on the morning of the 9th business day (not including the day of the interview)

Approved 9/2
Received 9/14

:dance:
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-09-14 22:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa is taking too long
Well... I guess we can't have anything else to complain about now. Speak of the devil, Her visa arrived this morning. Ha! What a worthless tracking system 2go has :bonk:
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-09-14 22:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa is taking too long

For what it's worth, we haven't been able to track our visa online. But she called 2go and they were able to let her know where her visa is. They weren't able to find it by the MNL number but they found it for her using her name. You might want to give that a try.

Hope that helps.


Yeah, neither can we. 2GO tried searching for my name in their database earlier, still not in the system. Although, there were other visas that just came in then. Still not there. :wacko:

Thanks for the suggestion! :)
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-09-14 09:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa is taking too long

That is why people here on VJ will advise that you do not purchase plane tickets or make solid plans before you have your Visa in hand.


(Deren here)

We took that advice, in fact we still have no ticket purchased at all... Obviously we are just getting very frustrated with the attitude of "wait longer." If the embassy knows it won't be ten days from the interview, they should just tell us to wait a month.

I feel like we are horses being lured by a carrot on a stick. Just feeling frustrated and very trapped. Trying to vent here and looking for similar experiences.

Thanks for your input(s).
Deren & YamyMalePhilippines2011-09-14 08:24:00