ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Can someone explain why the Consulate upon completion of the interview will not come out and say, "Your Visa is approved?" :unsure:


I've read several posts of people who weren't quite sure whether they actually got approved or not. Do they blow fire out from their mouths if you dare to ask them?
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-01 12:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Can someone explain why the Consulate upon completion of the interview will not come out and say, "Your Visa is approved?" :unsure:


I've read several posts of people who weren't quite sure whether they actually got approved or not. Do they blow fire out from their mouths if you dare to ask them?



You will not hear any word from the CO that you are already approved but you can see the PINK slip that says K APPROVED attached to your application forms.

After the interview with the CO you will then sit and wait for your number to be flash on the query board. You will then be given a pink slip and it is VISA DELIVERY FEE PAYMENT.

There is a reminder in the pink slip that says:

REMINDER: NO EMBASSY REPRESENTATIVE IS AUTHORIZED TO TELL APPLICANTS OR PETITIONERS THAT A VISA HAS BEEN APPROVED UNTIL A CONSULAR OFFICER AUTHORIZES PRINTING OF THE VISA. WE ARE UNABLE TO PREDICT WHEN AN APPLICANT WOULD QUALIFY FOR VISA ISSUANCE. DO NOT FINALIZE TRAVEL PLANS, DISPOSE OF PROPERTIES, OR RESIGN FROM YOUR JOBS UNTIL THE VISA IS ACTUALLY ISSUEd AND DELIVERED TO YOU.


In correction to my post. Sorry wasn't reading it right. duh! I was wondering the same thing and to my curiousity, I asked the lady at the immigrant visa call center and she said that eventhough you see a pink slip attached to your application forms the supervisor is still going to review it and sign it again for the authorization of visa to be printed and released.



Ah, ok. I was thinking that a final review was the reason but it seemed that nobody posting their interview experiences were explaining this and then many have had to deal with uncertainty as they await for the delivery of their Visas. What a gut wrenching experience to put us through! I understand that need to be thorough, but leave people in the dark the way the seem to do with some is barbaric.
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-01 15:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

So the supervisor is reviewing it while you are waiting for them to call your number?

I would speculate that you are absolutely correct, and, at the least, the supervisor signs off on the COs recommendation of each case. However, the COs know whether they are going to recommend that the beneficiary's case is going to be approved, goes on AR, or flat out denied during the interview process. It would be nice for them to at least inform the beneficiaries at the conclusion of the interview of their recommendation. I pressume there are some cases, far and few between, that the supervisions may override the CO's recommendation. However, this is all speculation on my part.



:yes: well said!
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-01 16:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

I may have seen someone mentioned this before but i've having a difficult time in booking a one-way ticket through PAL. The error message that I received is "Sorry. We are having difficulty in validating your credit card. You may wish to enter details of an alternative card and try again. (M009)." Has anyone experienced this situation and if so successfully how did you get around this (besides using another card)? I used my VISA card. Aloha.


I have 4 different credit cards and none of them work on the PAL website. Apparently it's due to the Mastercard SecureCode and Verified by VISA they are using.

I have emailed them numerous times about this and all I get is a worthless canned response. I don't think they care if they sell tickets on their own website.

You can book PAL on Expedia for $5 more, that's what I did.


Just a follow up. Apparently the PAL website is broken and credit cards just don't work at all. I just got a report from a friend that even a SecureCode card will not work.



Can't you just call the airline up by phone? Most airlines have booking agents that can make the transition over the phone. Just a thought. :star:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-01 18:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Hi. I think today is my lucky day. I was able to get a ticket for tonight! (via continental airlines) We are going to the airport soon.




Best Wishes and have a safe journey! :star:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-02 14:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Jinky and her son Job flew out of Cebu this morning to Manila where she will go to St. Luke's on Thursday for her medical exam. They'll be staying in Manila until the interview on Feb. 16th! :star:

After all the preparation, we've both have tried to just think positive and not let any negative thoughts cross our minds - trusting that everything will work out fine. :star:


Almost there!
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-06 21:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Jinky and her son Job flew out of Cebu this morning to Manila where she will go to St. Luke's on Thursday for her medical exam. They'll be staying in Manila until the interview on Feb. 16th! :star:

After all the preparation, we've both have tried to just think positive and not let any negative thoughts cross our minds - trusting that everything will work out fine. :star:


Almost there!


Steve.....good luck my friend. I am sure it will go well.



Thank you! I know a lot of us are getting the 11th hour jitters, but you do the best you can with preparation and then trust that the process will go smoothly from there. To those who are approaching your interviews - keep your chin up and think positive! :star:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-06 21:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Jinky and her son Job flew out of Cebu this morning to Manila where she will go to St. Luke's on Thursday for her medical exam. They'll be staying in Manila until the interview on Feb. 16th! :star:

After all the preparation, we've both have tried to just think positive and not let any negative thoughts cross our minds - trusting that everything will work out fine. :star:


Almost there!


Hi Steven! Eric and me are wishing Jinky and Job's smooth medical exam and interview. Will sure met them during the interview next week. I'll be in Manila on the 15th, will just SMS her when im there already. Jinky s very sweet and bubbly :D and i really love to meet her in person.

Goodluck to you!



hehehe...and she calls her Job, her 'minnie me,' because his personality is like his mom's. :star:

She's looking forward to meeting everyone at the hot pot restaurant on the 15th as well! If anyone needs her cell phone number, just PM me. :star:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-07 13:35:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
I apologize if this has already been talked about before, but I'd like to know who here was able to have the beneficiary purchase their plane tickets in the Philippines?

I am hoping to have Jinky purchase her plane ticket through a travel agent the day after her interview.

I remember someone posted earlier that if your fiancee purchases the tickets, the travel agent will ask to see her Visa.

If that is the case, how are we able to purchase plan tickets far enough in advance to get the cheapest tickets available?
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-07 14:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

I apologize if this has already been talked about before, but I'd like to know who here was able to have the beneficiary purchase their plane tickets in the Philippines?

I am hoping to have Jinky purchase her plane ticket through a travel agent the day after her interview.

I remember someone posted earlier that if your fiancee purchases the tickets, the travel agent will ask to see her Visa.

If that is the case, how are we able to purchase plan tickets far enough in advance to get the cheapest tickets available?

In our case, I purchased the plane ticket in advance thru PAL and Jhen picked it up from the Ticketing Office (where she paid the travel tax). However, she could only pick up the ticket after receipt of the visa. I am not aware of how the travel agencies handle ticket purchases in the Phil.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling


Thanks, Sheriff! I was hoping to save from paying the extra tax. :)
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-07 15:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Hey guys Philips interview is today (feb 8th) Need all ur prayers! thanks again always to my VJ friends for all ur help and support so far! I hope he remembers to wake up....last time I s/w him it was like 11 pm manila time and he was out drinking and karaoke-ing with his friendz??? um is this normal ! shudnt he be nervous? LOL! Thanks again for ur prayers! will fill u in when he finishes up later...................................................



I'll be keeping my finger's crossed for him! I'm sure he'll do fine! :star:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-07 16:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

I apologize if this has already been talked about before, but I'd like to know who here was able to have the beneficiary purchase their plane tickets in the Philippines?

I am hoping to have Jinky purchase her plane ticket through a travel agent the day after her interview.

I remember someone posted earlier that if your fiancee purchases the tickets, the travel agent will ask to see her Visa.

If that is the case, how are we able to purchase plan tickets far enough in advance to get the cheapest tickets available?

In our case, I purchased the plane ticket in advance thru PAL and Jhen picked it up from the Ticketing Office (where she paid the travel tax). However, she could only pick up the ticket after receipt of the visa. I am not aware of how the travel agencies handle ticket purchases in the Phil.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling

Thanks, Sheriff! I was hoping to save from paying the extra tax. :)

There are two unavoidable taxes. The travel tax of 1620 PHP for domestic and business flights, and the airport tax/fee of 520 PHP that is paid before the traveler reaches customs at the airport.

Hello,
My wife is buying her ticket Friday so I'll let you know what happens. She already reserved the ticket at Northwest without a visa, so I'm not sure but we will see if they sell it to her Friday. Thanks,
Gary
PS-Good luck today Jello Shot Girl!



If I buy the ticket, there is a US Tax of about $107 USD per ticket, whereas if Jinky were to purchase the ticket, she would only have to pay the Philippine taxes (1650 and 200 pesos) - am I understanding this correctly?
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-07 17:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Jinky just called me - she is in the last part of her medical and it's only 9:30am there! :star: I think she got there around 6am. Thank you, Sheriff Uling for your tips with St. Luke's!

And to those that are about to go, best of luck! Don't stress out unnecessarily! :star:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-07 20:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

...Thank you, Sheriff Uling for your tips with St. Luke's! ...

No problem! Can't wait for your baby to arrive and for you guys to get settled so we can hang out. YEAH!!!



Well, Jinky was finished by about 11:30am on her Thursday. She will return at 9:00am, her Friday to get her vaccinations and then she is through with St. Luke's. She said she arrived at about 6am Thursday morning and was number 78, but said the process went smoothly.

Just want to emphasize to everyone who is about to get their medical - refer to Sheriff Uling's tips - it will help you tremendously! :star:


...and for sure, Sheriff! :star:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-08 14:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

YAY! Passed d interview.........................Philip said that he had old lady American interviewer, like only 2 questions, request to look at pics and emails wanted to see tax return and affadavit of support, nothing else..... Pilipina pre-screener, very strict apparently..........otherwise he said very easy no pressure! thanks again everyone for ur support, I will be going over there March to spend one month of summer there and then coming back to NY ! i am gonna pass out! :dance: :dance: LOL! can't believe it is true!



Congratulations! :star: :star: :star: :star: :star: Whoohooo!
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-08 14:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
I just got an 11th hour jitter... I just read in the Regional Discussion Forum - someone giving advice regarding Visa approvals through the US Embassy in Vietnam. He says that if the two of you met online and then only one time in person, that is a surefire way to have your Visa denied.

I realize that each embassy has their own quirks, but has anyone heard of someone going through the Manila Embassy with those two factors get denied?

Edited by Steven_and_Jinky, 08 February 2007 - 08:29 PM.

one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-08 20:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

I just got an 11th hour jitter... I just read in the Regional Discussion Forum - someone giving advice regarding Visa approvals through the US Embassy in Vietnam. He says that if the two of you met online and then only one time in person, that is a surefire way to have your Visa denied.

I realize that each embassy has their own quirks, but has anyone heard of someone going through the Manila Embassy with those two factors get denied?

I can't talk about anyone specific but from what I read it's not a killer. They may want more proof that you have a real relationship than someone that has been there 6 or 7 times but as long as you can show that you should be fine. I understand that the VN embassy is one of the toughest because of the high rate of organized scams run from there. Don't worry Steve, just show your evidence and things will be OK.




Thanks, Gary. I've been doing a pretty good job of not letting any negative thoughts enter my mind as we approach the interview, but that one caught me off guard. I don't know if you read the post, but the guy basically says it's a 'surefire' way to get a denial. I HATE when people give that kind of advice.

Edited by Steven_and_Jinky, 08 February 2007 - 09:39 PM.

one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-08 21:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

hey guys, just wanted to say God has blessed us with everything going so smoothly! Just wanted to fill you all in... Philip told me interview was very short, theold (LOL) American lady asked to see tax return, affadavit of support, thumbed through some emails and wanted to see our pictures. She asked if we want to have kids , how many,how did we meet(thru mutual friends/family ) LOL and what my religion was. We are 2 different religions(no big deal here! )THe interview took a really long 4 minutes LOL! However, the Pre-interview screener Filipina lady, apparently gave him HELL !! she wanted to read lots of the emails etc, well anyway I guess that is her job, just wanted to give all of you a heads up. We did go prepared with just about everthing we had just in case, bank stmts, tons of emails, fone cards etc etc for evidence of relationship. thanks again and GOd BLess !



Congratulations again JelloShotGirl! Have you receieved word from Delbros that your fiance's Visa is in route?

Thanks for the heads up! I'm just curious if you are ethnically Filipina and if that had any bearing on the Pre-interviewer's treatment of your fiance?
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-09 12:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Gary, Driver license are state and sometimes county specific. You will have to find out the local requirements for Florida and go from there. Congrat and have fun, ken & Maria

Yahoo! Rosemarie is here now in Florida. Her POE experience in Florida was fast, friendly and very simple. Does anyone know the procedure for her applying for a "drivers license here?" I assume that she will have to get the learners permit first, and that is okay. I am just wondering what information that she must present to get the permit issued? Thanks to everyone in this forum for all of your help and support. You all are the best!



If I may chime in here - Jinky has a Philippine Driver's License and our plan is to have her get an International DL before she leaves for the states so that she can legally drive here right away. That might be a preferable route to take considering all the other hoops one has to go through once they have arrived in the US.
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-09 12:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Gary, Driver license are state and sometimes county specific. You will have to find out the local requirements for Florida and go from there. Congrat and have fun, ken & Maria

Yahoo! Rosemarie is here now in Florida. Her POE experience in Florida was fast, friendly and very simple. Does anyone know the procedure for her applying for a "drivers license here?" I assume that she will have to get the learners permit first, and that is okay. I am just wondering what information that she must present to get the permit issued? Thanks to everyone in this forum for all of your help and support. You all are the best!



If I may chime in here - Jinky has a Philippine Driver's License and our plan is to have her get an International DL before she leaves for the states so that she can legally drive here right away. That might be a preferable route to take considering all the other hoops one has to go through once they have arrived in the US.



Hi Steven,

Regarding about driver's license are depends on your county or directly State jurisdiction. Try to research online your state Department of Driver Services or DDS. In my area which is Lawrenceville, ATL. they accepted my Philippine driver's license when i arrived here, but before i tried driving around the area, I see to it that I clearly study all the laws that I've read in Georgia driver's manual for references. Then when at the time I've got my Greencard (resident card), I applied for my state driver's license by taking the written exams (laws & road signs) & driving exams in DDS office on my area.

When I passed the exams, i surrender my Philippines driver license to them because I'm not allowed carrying that anymore since, I've got a new name by using my husband last name and/or I'm already a US resident.

So, I guess it doesn't matter if you have an International driver's license, since Jinky will be your wife, a US resident & a US Citizen someday. Also, by applying for international driving license in Phils. is just an added payment to do, practically its more useful to people who are just visiting US or non-immigrant.

Hope it helps. You could always go for online research in your area. God bless!

-rebelheart-



Thank you. :) The problem is going to be the time between Jinky first arrives up to the time she gets her Green Card. From what I've read from people on here is that it's difficult to get a driver's license in the state of California with just your passport and marriage license. I hope I'm wrong because I would like for her to get a DL for California soon after we are married, but if they will make her wait until she has her Green Card, I want her to be able to drive legally, especially since the Green Card to take up to 6 months.

But for sure, after reading Cal. State requirements - she won't need to get an international license because they will recognize her Philippine License as valid. :star:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-09 15:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

hi all! just need help asap about getting an SSN "before" getting married... if i applied for an SSN, what should i typically bring??? (what kind of docs/proofs)... in their application form, page 2, stated:

if you check "legal alien not allowed to work" you must provide from a US Federal, State, or local govt agency that explains why you need a SSN...

im not really sure with that statement...just confused here... and how long should i wait after applying for one...

thanks all!!!

We took:

1. SSN Application
2. Passport/Visa

That's all...

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling

NOTE: The SSA requires two forms of ID from the beneficiary. So show them your passport and visa pages. By law, those are two different IDs and that is what we did. In order to play the game, you must either know the rules or get the handbook. Yeah Baby Yeah!!!

I already checked into what we have to do. If she puts her PI address down on the license we can get married without a SSN. Just show her passport and visa. If we put my address down then she would need a SSN.


Gary, really? If that is the case, and we can get married before getting her a SSN, we may do that as well. Although I see no reason to delay getting her a SS card ASAP as well. :thumbs:

You will not need a SSN in order to get married. The married license nor the married certificate require a SSN. However, I recommend applying for the SSN anytime after 10 days after the beneficiary arrives in the US.

Hope this helps...

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling



I remember reading here on VJ somewhere that it was recommend that the foreign fiancee apply for SSN before getting married because it is easier to change your name with Social Security after you've initially applied with maiden name vs. applying for it with your married name. Does anybody have any experience with this directly?
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-12 13:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

philip will be travelling to NY on K1 visa with me in April, someone told me he needs to have a round trip ticket???"(even though he doesnt have plans to travel till he gets his advance parole...) is this true????



No...that is just some unfounded rumor that seems to pop up on VJ from time to time! However's spreading that rumor ought to be slapped by the Sheriff! :P

Edited by Steven_and_Jinky, 12 February 2007 - 01:16 PM.

one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-12 13:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Busy week for VJ's this week. I count 15 listed. Here's praying for 15 OK's. :thumbs: Good luck to you all. Richard & Maria, garya505 and Amerikano we are wishing you the very best today. :thumbs: Mira is at day 2 of her med 9am. ok so far. Its our day next week and Im leaving Friday for Manila. :dance: :dance: :dancing: It's hard to believe that after all these months we are almost there. :dance: Thanks God.



I second that! Best wishes to all interviews this week! May we all have good news afterwards! :star:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-12 16:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

I remember reading here on VJ somewhere that it was recommend that the foreign fiancee apply for SSN before getting married because it is easier to change your name with Social Security after you've initially applied with maiden name vs. applying for it with your married name. Does anybody have any experience with this directly?

Well, my wife (then fiancee) applied for her SSN two weeks after she arrived (maiden name). It took one week for her to receive her SS card. She applied for her SS card after we were married and it arrived in about five days. Conversely, my wife's friend who applied for her SS card after she was married has been waiting for three weeks now and still does not have her card. This may either be a coincidence or what I call blind irony. The only problem is the SSN, at least here in California, is not given at the point the beneficiary applies. SS cards are free of charge so the only thing that is spent is time in applying. Either way, your beloved will eventually receive her SS card. Just make sure that you get it done before the I-94 expires or your wife will have to wait until the AOS is approve to have the SS card updated to her married name.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling


:thumbs: Sound advice, right there! Thank you, Sheriff! :star:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-12 18:38:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Woo Hoo!!!

Visa is in her hand, ticket is purchased......We will be together in 95 hours. It seems like this has taken forever.


Also, Lebby. It appears you were talking to my fiancee there at the embassy.

Good luck to all!

S&T



Congratulations, Steven and Terry! :star:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-13 12:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Interview complete. VISA approved!!!




Congratulations, Gary! :star:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-13 12:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Happy Valentines Day to all! (L) (L) (L) and esp to myEric! I love you my bb, your love makes my life beautiful. Miss u!

Getting excited now as I will be flying to Manila tomrw for my interview on Feb 16. Nervous and shaking at the same time too.

Really hoping here for a smooth interview and quick delivery of visa, not just for me but to all!

Wish us the best of luck! Thanks.

See you gurls tomorrow!

(L) Mari (L)



Hang in there, Mari! :star: Just keep thinking positive thoughts only! :star: Jinky is looking forward to seeing you at the restaurant and then at the Embassy! Best wishes all around! :yes:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-13 19:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE PHYSICAL.....

My wife will go next week to Manila for her physical at St. Lukes....IF...

She receives the interview notice that I sent her that I received from NSO.

My question is.....

Did you only need to bring the actual interview notice only to your physical?
I'm thinking if she doesn't receive the package I sent her by Monday, I will just fax her a copy of the notice. Unless she also needs the other papers that came with the notice.

Is the interview notice all she needs from that packet 4?
Thanks, and congrats to you all who are done with all of this...:-)
Mike


Hey Mike!

Your wife should've received the interview letter with packet 4. From what I understand, they require the actual letter. I would call the Embassy to find out where it is and what she should do. Since the embassy is close to St. Luke's, you could request a copy of the letter and then see if the embassy would let her pick it up in person. In any case, call them. :star:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-13 21:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Well it is about 5:30am, Feb. 15th in Manila and Gary and Luz are heading for their interview! Our thoughts and prayers are with you! :star:


Congratulations to everyone who's had the interview this week! :star:



...and of course to all of you who are meeting at the restaurant in about 12 hours...best wishes for a memorable evening! :star:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-14 17:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Good to hear from you again Danoco, rebel and sillygirl. Can’t break the VJ addiction eh?

I noticed that there are many members with similar names:

Gary – Iniibig ko si Luz
Gary – Garya505
Gary – StarProg

Mike – dims1
Mike – Michael&Milahjean
Mike – Mike and Jennie

Dean – DeanIWait
Dean – Dean/Gra

Steve – Steve n Ana
Steven – Steven and Jinky

Gen – Kismet
Jen – Burrito
Jhen – Sheriff Uling’s other half
Jen - BJZags' other half

Maria – Ken_Maria
Maria – Richard&Maria



Don't forget my JEN!!!



Good luck with your upcoming interview! :star: I'm trying not to be a nervous wreck as Jinky is 1 1/2 hours into her interview right now. :wacko:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-15 19:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Jinky just called me...I'm bawling my eyes out here at my work...the visa was approved!!! (F) (L)
:crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying:


Thank you everyone for all your help, comraderie and support!

Edited by Steven_and_Jinky, 15 February 2007 - 08:36 PM.

one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-15 20:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Jinky just called me...I'm bawling my eyes out here at my work...the visa was approved!!! (F) (L)
:crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying:


Thank you everyone for all your help, comraderie and support!

Great news Steven congratulations to the three of you. Bawling is ok, its been a long road :thumbs: :dance: :dancing:



Amen, brother, AMEN!
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-15 21:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!! :star: :dance: :dance: :star:

I heard from Mari and we are approved! In fact ALL the VJers were approved today! Seems like February is "Clear The Backlog!" month. :lol:

Congrats to all the new Visa holders!!

Mari said her interview was very easy. The final interviewer was nice and friendly. He even allowed her to arrange for Visa pick-up at the embassy. Sometimes things can go just as you hope.

Also, Mari had a great time at the dinner the night before. She really enjoyed being in such a warm and friendly group!! I wish I could have been there and lifted a glass with all of you. Thanks Gary for hosting!! I'm looking forward to seeing the pics.

Mari and I are so grateful for this site and the great contributions from so many people. We couldn't have done this without ya!!

Eric :D



Congratulations, Eric and Mari!!!! Whooohooo! :star: Mari, Anna and Fel came by to Jinky's hotel yesterday and they all had a good visit. She says Mari is so beautiful with her dimples and smile! I hope if you guys are ever in the area down here, we can all visit. :star:

I'm so happy for all of us and what a great idea it was for the meetup! Special thanks to Gary and Luz and PW (Cora) for making it unforgettable! :star:

Many many thanks to everyone here for being here during this journey. We sometimes butt heads when it comes to differences of opinions, but it always felt like I could count on you guys whenever I needed advice or encouragement with this process. Just a few names I feel I need to mention that have been invaluable with that regard - PW (You are the bread and butter of this thread!), Sherif Uling (without your guidance, we'd all be outlaws! :P) - can't wait for us to get together, Gary and Luz (your early charts of NOA's kept us all from going completely insane and helped us make our cases when we had to resort to contacting our congressman or senator), Annie (for always being upbeat and encouraging). There are many more who've been generous with their kindness and support - Thank you, thank you, thank you!

And to those of you who are coming up with your NOA2's and interviews - I'm here for you! :star:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-16 04:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Laguna Beach is a nice city, i have been there many times! Not far from me also!



Hi Vic! Hope your AR gets lifted soon! Any word on what they need from you?
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-16 05:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Dont worry too much guys, just relax. God Bless!
-TeSsA-

CONGRATS!! to all the VJers that got approved this week! That is wonderful news!

Any details about the interview process that you can share with the rest of us? We are on pins and needles wondering if we are ready. Thersch, I know you had every single supporting document they could ever think to ask you for! How much of it was needed for your interview?

I'm very happy for all of you, but... DETAILS, PLEASE!!! :help:



Hi Wes!

Jinky had her interview at 7am. She could provide more details, but she told me she was given a number and there were a lot of people already waiting. She was the second one called, however (she thinks they give priority to those with children). The Filipino pre-interviewer was male and very nice. He asked a series of questions and he asked for some of the photos of us together. Her CO officer was also very nice - he asked her how we met and when we first met in person, asked about what type of work I do just trying to get a sense of our relationship. She showed him a photo album she put together and inside with the pictures she had placed my boarding passes, receipts, etc. She said she just went in there with confidence and it ran very smoothly - she was out of there within 2 hours or less, but she did say that most everyone else was still there when she left.

We did fret over the preparation and I do think that it is extremely important that you go in prepared with all the necessary documentation, but beyond that, just be yourselves and you'll be fine! :star:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-16 19:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Hi all. I read so many "visa picked up" comments on approvals that I would be grateful if the approvals who picked up their visa could tell me how you requested it and to whom you requested pick up from instead of Delbros delivery? How does the Embassy notify you that the visa is ready for pick-up? If pick-up from embassy is granted do you still pay Delbors fee? Thanks for your responses


We were able to pick it up but I had to argue with the guy at the Releasing window. They don't like to do it I think because it results in a lot of people coming back to the embassy.

You can write a formal letter requestiing pick-up and explain why you want to pick it up (I had one). Give this to the CO at the end of the interview (I forgot that). They may allow it, maybe not. If they do, they will ask for a number to call when it's ready. Ours took 2 days. No Delbros fee.



I'm glad you were able to pick it up, Gary. :yes:


I would ask though to the many who keep talking about wanting to pick up the Visa in person - is it because you don't trust Delbros to deliver it in a timely manner?
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-17 08:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Well, for me it was because Florenda lives in Cagayan de Oro and waiting for delivery would have been risky given that we are leaving on 2/23. I small delay in the delivery would mean rescheduling flights.


Hi Gary and Florenda! How are you guys? I will be flying to SFO too on 2/23 via PAL as ive been granted visa pickup and hoping to receive a call on tuesday from the USE. Wheres your POE?

It was very nice meeting you both in person.

Regards,
Mari



Congratulations Mari on booking your flight! :star: Jinky needs to sell her clinic and then she'll be ready to go - we're hoping by March 4 or sooner! :star:

BTW, if you haven't seen the photos from the get together - you all look so beautiful! Jinky really enjoyed meeting with you, Anna and Fel beforehand. Cheers and keep us posted once you have arrived there in Northern California! :thumbs:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-18 11:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Posted Image


Here's one of the photos from the Feb. 15th dinner at Mega Star in Manila! :star:

What a beautiful group of people!
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-18 11:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview


Here's one of the photos from the Feb. 15th dinner at Mega Star in Manila! :star:

My board settings allow me to view images but I don't see the photo. Can someone please tell me what I should do with my settings (I'm computer dummy :blush: <blush, blush>



Cora, you can go directly to where the pic is...

http://viewmorepics....imageID=5973493

If that doesn't work, PM me your email address and I'll forward you the photos that Ate Luz sent to me (that goes for anyone who wants copies). :star:

BTW, Cora, you look so elegant and beautiful in the photos! :star:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-19 02:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Is the embassy closed today because of the Presidents day holiday? If they are does anyone think they will still be proccessing visas today? I really want to see Luz's visa before I go home this sunday. (Feb 25) I don't want to buy her ticket until I have visa in hand but I also don't want to wait until I get home because I think it will be cheaper to buy it here. Kind of a catch 22.



Hi Gary,

Yes, the embassy is closed because it is a US holiday. Where also hoping to hear something from Delbros tomorrow - that it is at least in route. :star:
one...two...treeMalePhilippines2007-02-19 02:28:00