Sila ulo ko. I just booked a flight to PI, for next week. I leave next week thursday from Honolulu. I take PAL 101 direct to Manila. Oh well they say more than one trip is good.

Sure joemaria, I still have like half a bottle left

Chad I been keeping in touch with Lira, she said she'll be in Manila on the 24th for her 25th flight, I would want to meet up with her again so I can give my gift<edible undies> for the honeymoon hihihi

when you attend the K-3 interview, you are not giving up the CR-1. As PW earlier pointed out, the processing of a CR-1 Visa was running 3-5 months behind that of a K Visa. That is why many married couples pursue the K-3 Visa. It allows the couple to be together sooner in the USA. Recently it seems the CR-1 processing has been catching up to the K-3 Visa. that is why you now see many with K-3 interviews having their CR-1 interview only a couple of weeks after their K- interview.

Happy Mother's Day PW and the rest of the moms here and of coarse to my mom and Yazi.
[/quote]

In our case the K-3 interview was scheduled 5 weeks AFTER the CR-1 interview. This could shoot down the theory that the CR-1 will also override the K-3 petition when it arrives at the embassy, but in our case the K-3 petition arrived at the embassy after the CR-1 interview was scheduled and the K-3 interview was scheduled anyway. (We canceled it of course.) Could be an anomoly, I suppose.

Many have told us that we were very fortunate to get the CR-1 so quickly (9 months from application to interview). I agree. The opportunity to marry my beautiful asawa in the presence of her large family and her many friends in her home place was priceless, and then to have her here in supersonic time was amazing.

Our visa journey is complete, but we still check in from time to time. Good luck to all!!

Michael and Milah Jean

Hey Sheriff Uling, how are things in your neck of the woods? Thank you for your K1 updates. We should invite newcomers to our Manila thread to read your guide first. I will be looking at Deputy Sheriff's AOS guide when I'm ready to do my own AOS.


Gracy, I apologize for my oversight. I have PM for you.


Good for you Psoas. Your fiancee will have more confidence during her interview if you made more than one trip to see her. More brownie points too for the bona fides of the relationship from embassy's point of view.

Enjoy your trip but the PI is so hot, hot, hot now! I think our temperature is in the mid-90s. You will feel the heat as soon as you step out of the plane! Aaarrggghhh!!!!


Hi M&M, I was just wondering about the two of you because of this CR-1/K3 discussion. Good to hear from you.

Updating list to congratulate dims who just got out of AR. To AnneiyandJackie, try to get a co-sponsor like dims did. Embassy released the visa for dims' wife 6 days after they submitted co-sponsor's Affidavit of Support. This is according to dims' post in another thread.

Legend:
OK - Visa approved
AR - Admin Review/Add'l Docs Required
ME - Military Expedite
AO - Age-Out (Derivative approaching age 21)

Name..................NOA2....MNL REC'D..PACKET...INTERVIEW..MNL CASE#..STATUS..DELIVERED/#OF DAYS/PLACE DLVRD
K1 LIST
01..Wes.............11-02-06..11-17-06..12-29-06..03-20-07..2006-818xxx..OK..May 01/42 days/Dumaguete

02..DeaniWait.......11-28-06..12-19-06..02-27-07..04-04-07..2006-842xxx..OK..Apr 11/07 days/Picked up
03..wthornton.......11-28-06..12-19-06..02-26-07..04-04-07..2006-842xxx..OK..Apr 14/10 days/
04..DocMay..........11-15-06..12-12-06..02-26-07..04-10-07..2006-845xxx..AR..
05..George&Jenny....11-27-06..12-12-06..xx-xx-xx..04-10-07..2006-845xxx..OK..Apr 13/03 days/Cagayan de Oro
06..genlramos.......11-17-06..12-19-06..xx-xx-xx..04-11-07..2006-845xxx..OK..Apr 17/06 days/Pasay City
07..DaveandFleur....10-17-06..12-19-06..02-28-07..04-11-07..2006-845xxx..OK
08..PatientlyWait...12-04-06..12-27-06..02-26-07..04-13-07..2006-852xxx..OK..Apr 26/13 days/Las Pinas
09..Kayz............12-14-06..12-27-06..02-26-07..04-16-07..2006-854xxx..OK..Apr 24/08 days/Manila
10..sanfrancisco....xx-xx-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..04-17-07..2006-8xxxxx..OK..Apr 26/09 days/??
11..supra...........12-07-06..01-08-07..03-03-07..04-18-07..2006-860xxx..OK..Apr 23/05 days/Cebu
12..elmasguapo......12-15-06..01-08-07..xx-xx-xx..04-24-07..2006-xxxxxx......Interview postponed
13..Dean/Gra........12-26-06..01-04-07..02-27-06..04-23-07..2007-503xxx..OK..May 04/11 days/Pick up
14..Mike Marivic....01-04-07..01-20-07..02-26-07..04-24-07..2007-508xxx..OK..May 01/07 days/Ermita
15..CocoPuff........12-29-06..01-16.07..03-03-07..04-25-07..2007-5xxxxx..OK..May 04/09 days/Bacolod
16..MarieandBryan...01-10-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..04-27-07..2007-52xxxx..OK..May 04/07 days/Cebu

17..Skeeter211......01-17-07..02-27-07..04-02-07..05-03-07..2007-52xxxx..OK..May 11/08 days/Davao
18..chadandlira.....01-25-07..xx-xx-xx..04-02-07..05-09-07..2007-536xxx..OK..
19..Honeysweet......02-01-07..02-20-07..xx-xx-xx..05-10-07..2007-540xxx..OK
20..chadmides.......02-12-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..05-17-07..2007-547xxx..??
21..gracy_byron.....02-08-07..02-28-07..xx-xx-xx..05-18-07..2007-xxxxxx
22..joemaria........02-12-07..02-28-07..xx-xx-xx..05-22-07..2007-55xxx
23..Jeng............02-13-07..02-28-07..03-31-07..05-22-07..2007-554xxx
24..imaskin.........02-21-07..xx-xx-xx..03-30-07..05-24-07..2007-xxxxxx

25..orion44.........02-22-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..06-05-07..2007-xxxxxx
26..David-MaeForev..02-27-07..03-14-07..xx-xx-xx..06-07-07..2007-564xxx
27..JeffK...........03-08-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..06-18-07..2007-573xxx

28..CountryBoy......03-29-07..04-23-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-608xxx
29..trakon2002......04-05-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx
30..happyinlove.....04-14-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx
31..rea.............05-01-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx

K3 LIST
01..AnneiyandJacky..11-28-06..xx-xx-xx..02-27-07..04-17-07..2006-685xxx..AR..Co-sponsor
02..dj2004..........11-16-06..12-12-06..02-27-07..04-03-07..2006-839xxx..OK
03..luvbugs4ever....12-14-06..12-21-06..03-02-07..04-16-07..2006-8xxxxx..Interview postponed
04..M&M.............11-20-06..xx-xx-xx..03-02-07..04-16-07..2007-503xxx..CR visa approved.
05..Jeff&Boo........12-26-06..01-12-07..02-26-07..04-23-07..2007-5xxxxx..Apr 25/02 days/??

07..CherylandMike...02-05-07..02-26-07..xx-xx-xx..05-16-07..2007-546xxx
08..Robor007........02-06-07..02-26-07..03-30-07..05-16-07..2007-546xxx

IR-1/CR-1
Name.................NOA2.....CASE CMPLT..PACKET..INTERVIEW...MNL CASE#..STATUS
01..dims1...........09-20-06..12-01-06..02-06-07..03-19-07..2006-775xxx..OK..May 14/8 weeks/??

02..vsmtqhdy........09-25-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..04-20-07..2006-xxxxxx..OK..Apr 27/07 days/Laguna
03..randynrose......09-29-06..02-06-07..03-06-07..04-20-07..2006-xxxxxx..AR

05..Gobruins........12-20-06..04-03-07..xx-xx-xx..05-23-07..2007-50xxxx
06..StarProg........12-28-06..05-10-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-508xxx

The embassy actually prefers a copy of your tax return NOT the transcript. If you show up with only transcripts you may be very disappointed. All they asked from me is 2006 tax return and from what I've seen on this thread from other members here is they want the copy of your most recent return.

We used the transcript without any disappointment.

We gave them both. Hehehe They didn't even complain either!

Ate Cora...

Things are lovely and progressing nicely. I have one (at the most two) more update to make before I can go final (that's why I have not been redlining the changes on the Manila Embassy K1 Visa Guide). Oh, I have been using the "Portal" to identify new K1 Visa members and PMing them the Manila Embassy K1 Visa Guide (so indirectly linking them up with the Manila Embassy Thread).

Like I've written before, the AOS stage is a lot smoother and more defined than the Visa stage of the immigration process. You should breeze through it with ease.

Cheers po!!!

Sheriff Uling

we used transcripts also. no problem.

Well the crazy part about me taking that trip, is i have to quit my job. So I am jobless and flying to see my fiance. One thing good is that it is an employee market here. I can get a job the day I come back, I hope. Oh well, love makes you do crazy things sometimes. Guess I will be at netopia looking for jobs,hehe.

OH MY GOSH!!!! You did not just say that!

Hello there fellow VJers, I have a question regarding DS-156 Q#15 Address - upon reading the USEM website it stated to include permanent address. I'm using my apartment address since the start of the petition. Should I input both my current and permanent address here?

Next for DS-157 question#3 Name in Native alphabet- Shall I write down my complete name or put N/A or NONE?

Thanks A Lot for your help.

Only if the undies are low in sugar

According to delbros, the visa is out for delivery. Lira is stressing about it. She won't relax until it's in her hands.

That's great news Jeng! Congrats! Good luck on your upcoming interview. About the long year gap (2004 to 2006), just answer them with confidence and justification and try to look them "eye to eye". They are mostly busy typing and looking at their computer (the CO), so when the CO looks at you, have an "eye to eye contact" and smile. You will do just great!

Who needs edible undies...they just get in the way!

Congratulations are in order for a lot of folks here!

Chad&Lira, skeeter, starprog, jelloshot.... i know i probably missed a few.

Pasensya na po, lulubog-lilitaw ako dito. Parang pimple, pasulpot sulpot everynow and then. I try to keep up with what's happening here... not doing a very good job though. napapag iwanan ako ng balita.

Ooops! Sorry PW!

I forgot to post in this thread, hehehe! Going crazy now! :-)

Yes we finally got our visa after being refused at the interview cuz of my small income. Don't need much to live on here in Oregon and I had plenty of assets that NVC accepted.

Anyway, the CO told Lorna I needed a co-sponsor.

Yes, the papers got to the CO only 6 days after getting to the Embassy. I was shocked cuz it was so fast.

And actually it took 5 biz days for delbros to deliver to CEBU(lapu-Lapu)

Anyway Its been so great having this site to learn from and ask questions and read about other's adventures. But especially to keep me company while I went through the visa process without my wife.

Thanks everyone. Bought the tickets (NWA $850.00 to Medford Oregon)
Lorna will be here June 6 after she spends a week in Basilan visiting her family and saying goodbye!

Love you guys.... God bless and I pray for everyone's happiness and success.
Mike & Lorna

To ALL:

The CFO requirement can be accomplished in Cebu or Manila (depending on whichever is closer or more convenient for the beneficiary) and consists of two parts:

Part 1. Guidance and Counseling Seminar (a certificate of completion is given at the conclusion)
Part 2. CFO Sticker placed inside of the passport/visa (requires the Guidance and Couseling Certificate)

In Cebu, the Guidance and Counceling Seminar and the CFO Sticker are both administered and handled at the CFO in Cebu. Conversely, in Manila, the Guidance and Counceling Seminar is admistered at PRISM (on Taft Ave in Manila) and the CFO Sticker is given at the CFO in Manila. For both locations, the CFO Sticker can only be applied to the passport/visa once the beneficiary receives the Guidance and Counseling Certificate and visa from the USE.

NOTE: The Guidance and Counceling Seminar can be completed at any time.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling
[/quote]
Is there any exemptions for the CFO? I'm pilipino.does that matter?

Thanks thanks a lot Helen...you were a big help for me! together with the other guys here...btw, where does the interview actually takes place? is it in a small room? just you and the CO? or is it happens over the counter with mirror?

Uploading files in preparation for the final update to the Manila Embassy K1 Visa Guide...

Is there any possibility that I-130 will be adjudicated earlier than I-129F? As you can see in my timeline, my I-130 (June 5) is near to being approved as compared with my I-129F (June 23). If in case, what should I do? We have not submitted my child's I-130 yet, since we plan to doing so during AOS. Definitely, I will not leave my child here in the Philippines. Please advise.

thank you all for the replies, i have talked to my fiance and we decided to use his tax return for the past 3 years...if some of you are saying that either transcript or tax return did not post any problems then we can opt to just settle with the tax return only..watchutink?

PW, Lira received her visa on 5-16-07--- 7 days.

nyquil knocks me out like a champ
want some?


my husband and i are pursuing the K3 process
but at the rate things are going with the NOA1 (still none to this date), feelicks and i have been contemplating on sending my child's I-130 already
there's no way i'm leaving the country without my child as well

Updating list to congratulate Chad and Lira on visa delivery. Thanks for the update Dims.

Legend:
OK - Visa approved
AR - Admin Review/Add'l Docs Required
ME - Military Expedite
AO - Age-Out (Derivative approaching age 21)

Name..................NOA2....MNL REC'D..PACKET...INTERVIEW..MNL CASE#..STATUS..DELIVERED/#OF DAYS/PLACE DLVRD
K1 LIST
01..Wes.............11-02-06..11-17-06..12-29-06..03-20-07..2006-818xxx..OK..May 01/42 days/Dumaguete

02..DeaniWait.......11-28-06..12-19-06..02-27-07..04-04-07..2006-842xxx..OK..Apr 11/07 days/Picked up
03..wthornton.......11-28-06..12-19-06..02-26-07..04-04-07..2006-842xxx..OK..Apr 14/10 days/
04..DocMay..........11-15-06..12-12-06..02-26-07..04-10-07..2006-845xxx..AR..
05..George&Jenny....11-27-06..12-12-06..xx-xx-xx..04-10-07..2006-845xxx..OK..Apr 13/03 days/Cagayan de Oro
06..genlramos.......11-17-06..12-19-06..xx-xx-xx..04-11-07..2006-845xxx..OK..Apr 17/06 days/Pasay City
07..DaveandFleur....10-17-06..12-19-06..02-28-07..04-11-07..2006-845xxx..OK
08..PatientlyWait...12-04-06..12-27-06..02-26-07..04-13-07..2006-852xxx..OK..Apr 26/13 days/Las Pinas
09..Kayz............12-14-06..12-27-06..02-26-07..04-16-07..2006-854xxx..OK..Apr 24/08 days/Manila
10..sanfrancisco....xx-xx-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..04-17-07..2006-8xxxxx..OK..Apr 26/09 days/??
11..supra...........12-07-06..01-08-07..03-03-07..04-18-07..2006-860xxx..OK..Apr 23/05 days/Cebu
12..elmasguapo......12-15-06..01-08-07..xx-xx-xx..04-24-07..2006-xxxxxx......Interview postponed
13..Dean/Gra........12-26-06..01-04-07..02-27-06..04-23-07..2007-503xxx..OK..May 04/11 days/Pick up
14..Mike Marivic....01-04-07..01-20-07..02-26-07..04-24-07..2007-508xxx..OK..May 01/07 days/Ermita
15..CocoPuff........12-29-06..01-16.07..03-03-07..04-25-07..2007-5xxxxx..OK..May 04/09 days/Bacolod
16..MarieandBryan...01-10-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..04-27-07..2007-52xxxx..OK..May 04/07 days/Cebu

17..Skeeter211......01-17-07..02-27-07..04-02-07..05-03-07..2007-52xxxx..OK..May 11/08 days/Davao
18..chadandlira.....01-25-07..xx-xx-xx..04-02-07..05-09-07..2007-536xxx..OK..May 16/07 days/??
19..Honeysweet......02-01-07..02-20-07..xx-xx-xx..05-10-07..2007-540xxx..OK
20..chadmides.......02-12-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..05-17-07..2007-547xxx..??
21..gracy_byron.....02-08-07..02-28-07..xx-xx-xx..05-18-07..2007-xxxxxx
22..joemaria........02-12-07..02-28-07..xx-xx-xx..05-22-07..2007-55xxx
23..Jeng............02-13-07..02-28-07..03-31-07..05-22-07..2007-554xxx
24..imaskin.........02-21-07..xx-xx-xx..03-30-07..05-24-07..2007-xxxxxx

25..orion44.........02-22-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..06-05-07..2007-xxxxxx
26..David-MaeForev..02-27-07..03-14-07..xx-xx-xx..06-07-07..2007-564xxx
27..JeffK...........03-08-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..06-18-07..2007-573xxx

28..CountryBoy......03-29-07..04-23-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-608xxx
29..trakon2002......04-05-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx
30..happyinlove.....04-14-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx
31..rea.............05-01-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx

K3 LIST
01..AnneiyandJacky..11-28-06..xx-xx-xx..02-27-07..04-17-07..2006-685xxx..AR..Co-sponsor
02..dj2004..........11-16-06..12-12-06..02-27-07..04-03-07..2006-839xxx..OK
03..luvbugs4ever....12-14-06..12-21-06..03-02-07..04-16-07..2006-8xxxxx..Interview postponed
04..M&M.............11-20-06..xx-xx-xx..03-02-07..04-16-07..2007-503xxx..CR visa approved.
05..Jeff&Boo........12-26-06..01-12-07..02-26-07..04-23-07..2007-5xxxxx..Apr 25/02 days/??

07..CherylandMike...02-05-07..02-26-07..xx-xx-xx..05-16-07..2007-546xxx
08..Robor007........02-06-07..02-26-07..03-30-07..05-16-07..2007-546xxx

IR-1/CR-1
Name.................NOA2.....CASE CMPLT..PACKET..INTERVIEW...MNL CASE#..STATUS
01..dims1...........09-20-06..12-01-06..02-06-07..03-19-07..2006-775xxx..OK..May 14/8 weeks/Cebu

02..vsmtqhdy........09-25-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..04-20-07..2006-xxxxxx..OK..Apr 27/07 days/Laguna
03..randynrose......09-29-06..02-06-07..03-06-07..04-20-07..2006-xxxxxx..AR

05..Gobruins........12-20-06..04-03-07..xx-xx-xx..05-23-07..2007-50xxxx
06..StarProg........12-28-06..05-10-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-508xxx

K visa holders are required to get CFO stamp even if they are marrying former Filipino citizens.

Both with the pre-interviewer and the CO-> it will be a counter with window. With the pre-interviewer, there's no seats, so you will be standing, but with the CO, there are 2 seats per counter so it is more or less relaxing... (maski mangatog tuhod, naka-upo naman)...




Congrats to Lira!!! Start packing now and have a safe journey!!!

I'm sorry PW, she lives in GenSan, it was delivered to her house.

To add a little....the Consul window with seats is in a small room with a door opening to enter inside the room, but no door. You are separated from the Consul in the room by a wall with a window in it and a pass-through slot for handing over documents. If you wonder if its private....ummm....nope. The applicant that is next up after you will sit in the chairs outside the open doorway and can hear what is said inside. Not that we listened or anything.

Scott (and Mirasol)

A big congrats to you both there Chad and Lira!


Scott (and Mirasol)

WOW!!!! So happy for you two. I know that must be a big relief to have that weight lifted off yer shoulders. Good luck in your new married life in the USA!

Scott (and Mirasol)

LINA had her interview May 16 and she's APPROVED!!!! CONGRATS LINA!

Looks like either copies of tax returns or transcripts are just fine. You will probably only need most recent filed (2006) tax return, however no harm in having last 3 years just in case, we did.

Thanx Scott!

A big congrats to Lina!!

Congrats Lira and Lina ....................

To Lira, Lina,skeeter211, dims1...ChEeRs!!!
Gracy goodluck on your interview tomorrow, im sure u can make it too!

Hey Guys, and Gals.
Congrats on all the good news, it's nice to see people approved without that nasty little AR to follow up. And the same to all those yet to come, may the approvals and Visas keep on coming.
With all our best wishes..
Randy N Rose

I think the best way to go would be with the K-3 since your child would be able to obtain a k-4. that way you'll be able to come here at the same time. hopefully your child was listed in the 129f. if not, I would contact the Embassy when the 129f arrives at the Embassy and request your child be added to it.

Manila Embassy K1 Visa Guide… (Final Version)

Starting Line

(K1 Introduction) - If you are just starting your K1 visa journey, please check out this information provided by the Department of State (DOS) on the K1 visa experience [CLICK HERE]. I found this information very insightful when I first started. Please note that the "How to Apply for a Social Security Number Card" section is INCORRECT because K1 visa beneficiaries may ONLY apply for a SSN card upon arriving into the United States. Please also review VJ's K1 guide [CLICK HERE]

(K1 Visa Immigration Stages) - A simplified and theoretical overview of the five (5) stages involved in the K1 Visa process, according to Sheriff Uling [CLICK HERE].

Post NOA1 (Receipt Notice) Information

(Case Status) - Once you have filed the petition (I-129F) and received a "receipt number" (listed on the NOA1), please register on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website using the Case Status Online Tool [CLICK HERE] to receive emailed updates concerning your petition. NOTE: If you want emailed updates to multiple addresses then you must create multiple customer portfolio accounts. When your petition is approval (NOA2), the USCIS forwards your package to the National Visa Center normally within 14 days. The Case Status Online Tool is of no further use to you until after the beneficiary arrives in the United States, get's married, applies for the Adjustment of Status (AOS), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and/or Advance Parole (AP) because this tool does not track the activity being performed at the National Visa Center (NVC) or the Manila Embassy.

Post NOA2 (Approval Notice) Information

(1). The National Visa Center (NVC) number is within my signature. NVC assigns a case number after a preliminary backgroud/name check has cleared, then forwards your case files electronic and via snail mail to the Manila Embassy. This normally takes approximately 14 - 30 days to complete. Have the USC (petitioner) call (the number is within my signature) or email your inquiry to NVCINQUIRY@state.gov (be sure to include the beneficiary's name, date of birth, place of birth, and receipt number). A NVC Processing Letter [SAMPLE HERE] (a.k.a. Bureau of Consular Affairs (BCA) letter) may or may not be sent to the USC (petitioner), which indicates the case number and approximate time when the case files will be sent to the Manila Embassy. This complimentary NVC Processing Letter (a.k.a. Bureau of Consular Affairs (BCA) letter) is not required for any stage in the immigration process.

(2). The Manila Embassy (USE) number is within my signature. Please review this instructional visa interview and layout information [CLICK HERE] (Thx Sillygirl). The average visa interview appointment/medical exam are scheduled by the USE approximately 90 – 120 days after the receipt of your package sent by the NVC. Even though the USE has received you package electronically, the process will not begin until the paper copy is received via snail mail.

The beneficiary may or may not received a Letter of Receipt [SAMPLE HERE] (Thx PW) accompanied by a Document Preparation Letter [SAMPLE HERE] (Thx PW) from the USE once their physical files are delivered to the USE from the NVC via snail mail. Don't be mistakened, this is NOT Packet 3 because the USE ONLY issues Packet 4. At times, the USE fails to send the beneficiary the Letter of Receipt and Document Preparation Letter, which is of no real consequence and may arrive in approximately 30 - 60 days.

However, the beneficiary SHOULD and NEEDS to receive an Appointment Letter [SAMPLE HERE] accompanied by the infamous Packet 4 [MODIFIED SAMPLE HERE], which should arrive approximately 60 - 90 days after the receipt of the hard-copy case file sent by the NVC to the USE. The Packet 4 currently sent from the USE to the beneficiaries INCORRECTLY states that the DS-156 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application) is validated by the banks upon paying the visa application fee. The pdf file for the Packet 4 link (above) is modified to CORRECTLY read that the DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Application is the form validated by the bank upon paying the visa application fee.

As of 01 November 2006, ALL nonimmigrant visa applicants MUST use the online Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF) to complete the DS-156 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application) at http://evisaforms.state.gov. You may complete the DS-156K (Nonimmigrant Fiancé(e) Visa Application), and the DS-157 (Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application) and the I-134 (Affidavit of Support) via computer (recommended), type-writer (just as good), or handwritten (last resort). To review the K1 Visa Forms (DS-156, DS-156K, DS-157, & I-134) most Frequently Asked Questions [CLICK HERE]. To review the Manila Embassy Thread's recommendations on what to bring (which directly corresponds to the document preparation letter and Packet 4 sent by the USE) and sample questions asked by the Consular Officer during the visa interview [CLICK HERE]. If you need to call the USE, dial 0 for the operator, and ask for the Immigrant Visa Unit (even though the K1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa, they are handled like immigrant visa because of the intent to migrate to the United States). The best time to call is between 7:30am – 8:30am Manila time or you run the risk of not getting through because they are constantly on the phone. Effective 01 March 2007, cellphones and other electronic devices will NOT be permitted into the US Embassy and applicants who bring such devices will be DENIED entry.

Be advised once the beneficiary reaches the pre-screeners, the majority of them are very direct, rude, and mean, so don't be alarmed or discouraged by them.

(3).The Department of State (DOS) number is within my signature. After your case is approved (NOA2) and reaches the Manila Embassy, you may call DOS instead on the Manila Embassy to obtain status of your case and make inquiries concerning your interview date. NOTE: DOS has no direct participation in the K1 process.

(4). The Visa Interview Appointments website is within my signature (the beneficiary's interview appointment and medical exam will be scheduled by the USE). NOTE: Please do NOT press enter after the case number is entered because that will not yield a result. Please click on the "Check Appointment" tab. If the appointments have been scheduled, the following will be available: Case Number, Visa Classification, St. Luke's appointment Date, and Embassy Appointment Date, but if the appointments are NOT scheduled yet, the result will be "Case Number Not Found on Appointment List."

(5). St. Luke's Extension Clinic (SLEC) information is within my signature. SLEC is where the beneficiary goes to take the medical exam and receive vaccination shots.

The process takes two days:

Day 1 is the medical exam (the beneficiary's passport will be taken and sent to the USE along with the medical exam results) and;
Day 2 is the vaccination (the beneficiary will be given the x-ray film and the vaccination worksheet/record).

NOTE: If the Manila Embassy does not mail the beneficiary the K1 Visa Packet 4 and the Appointment Letter, then call SLEC in order to pick them up at SLEC and take a copy of the NOA2, a copy of the NVC letter (which should have the beneficiary's Manila case number on it), and a print-out of the scheduled appointment dates from the Visa Interview Appointments website. Be advised, the beneficiary's medical exam will be scheduled one week before the visa interview by the USE. Per the Manila Embassy Thread, we recommend that the beneficiary takes the medical exam anywhere from 2 weeks to a month before the interview to ensure the results are available for the Consular Officer and to prepare in the unfortunate event of unfavorable medical results. If the medical exam is taken anytime over a month before the visa interview, there is a risk that the results could be invalid, which means the beneficiary will have to take another medical exam before the visa can be approved. The beneficiary may reschedule the medical exam appointment with SLEC after the medical exam and visa interview dates are assigned by calling SLEC. Please don't forget to bring your passport, appointment letter (if received), passport photos (the size of the photos should be 2 inches by 2 inches [see Packet 4, page 8]), and the medical exam fee to your appointment. The beneficiary also needs to have the sponsors contact information (address, phone number, and ssn #) for the SLEC forms. To review the Manila Embassy Thread's recommendations on what to bring and sample questions asked [CLICK HERE], but most importantly, please also review this instructional and layout information [CLICK HERE] (Thx Sillygirl).

Post Visa Approval / Delivery Information

(6). The DELBROS website is within my signature. DELBROS is the company responsible for delivering the beneficiary's Visa and POE information. The DELBROS delivery fee is paid subsequent to the beneficiary's visa interview at the Manila Embassy. The only way to correspond with Delbros is via text, which can be extremely frustrating if you visa delivery is delayed. Per the Manila Embassy website, the current delivery fee/time is as follows:

* Metro Manila Areas, 135 Philippine Pesos, Delivered one (1) to three (3) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier
* Provincial Key Cities (ex. Cebu City, Davao City, etc.) 165 Philippine Pesos; Delivered three (3) to five (5) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier
* Outside Provincial Key Cities, (ex. Capiz, Leyte, Bukidnon, etc.), Cost depends on area/location, Delivered five (5) to seven (7) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier

NOTE: Per the DELBROS staff, the Manila Embassy can take as much as three (3) business days to release the visa and POE package, which is NOT included in the deliver times above. You may also call the Manila Embassy, dial 0 for the operator, and ask for Delbros, after the visa is approve, to acquire about the status of your visa delivery. The only other way to contact DELBROS is via text message (that's right... text message).

(7). Beneficiaries are required to attend a CFO Guidance and Counseling Seminar that are held in Manila and Cebu, whichever is more convenient, before traveling abroad (the corresponding links within my signature). Attending the CFO Guidance and Counseling Seminar is a Philippine government requirement which states, "Per Republic Act 8239 and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Order 28-94, Filipinos proceeding abroad as fiancé(e)s and spouses of foreign nationals are required to attend the CFO's guidance and counseling programs... " For more info [CLICK HERE]. The Guidance and Counseling Seminar can be completed at any time and the certificate does not expire.

The CFO requirement consists of two parts:

Part 1, Guidance and Counseling Seminar (a certificate of completion is given at the conclusion); and
Part 2, a CFO Sticker placed inside of the passport/visa (requires the Guidance and Counseling Certificate).

In Cebu, the Guidance and Counseling Seminar and the CFO Sticker are both administered and handled at the CFO in Cebu. Conversely, in Manila, the Guidance and Counseling Seminar is administered at PRISM (on Taft Ave in Manila) and the CFO Sticker is given at the CFO in Manila. For both locations, the CFO Sticker can only be applied to the passport/visa once the beneficiary receives the Guidance and Counseling Certificate and visa from the USE.

NOTE: The CFO Guidance and Counseling Seminar is not stated as a requirement within the Packet 4 instructions. However, after the visa is approved, instructions on attending the CFO Guidance and Counseling seminar are included in the visa and Port of Entry (POE) package received by the beneficiary. If the beneficiary takes the seminar before receiving the visa, then the beneficiary will have to return to the CFO in order to receive the CFO sticker anytime after the visa is received. Travel abroad is prohibited without the CFO sticker within the beneficiary's passport (the visa is within the passport). Please check out this instructional information on the PRISM Guidance and Counceling Seminar experience [CLICK HERE] (Thx Sillygirl).

(8). The I-94 Arrival / Departure Record form is within my signature. Foreigners (beneficiaries) complete the I-94 and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer stamps the applicant's visa as well as the arrival / departure portions of the I-94 at the Port of Entry (POE) when entering the United States. The CBP Officer will keep the arrival portion and staple the departure portion of the I-94 to your visa where they stamped the beneficiaries arrival date. You will need this for the Adjustment of Status process. NOTE: Even though it's simple, I have supplied this so you will know what it looks like and what is required to be filled out. Have a great flight!

FINAL NOTES: Please let me know if there are any suggestions/errors/updates. I have correlated the numbers above to my signature below.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling

p.s. - Please review the signature and story tab of my wife's VJ profile [Deputy Uling] for information on the Adjustment of Status (AOS) stage that occurs after the beneficiary arrives in the United States.

Congrats to you all that have gotten your visa after us. April and May.

To give you all further hope, it seems like our adjustment for status is proceeding well ahead of my expectations, so maybe you all can expect better times than what we got used to previously.

Updating list to congratulate Docmay for getting out of AR. It will be randynrose's turn to get out of AR soon!

Thanks for the add'l info Chad (my youngest brother is also called Chad, I was the one who gave him his name ).

Good luck Gracy!

Legend:
OK - Visa approved
AR - Admin Review/Add'l Docs Required
ME - Military Expedite
AO - Age-Out (Derivative approaching age 21)

Name..................NOA2....MNL REC'D..PACKET...INTERVIEW..MNL CASE#..STATUS..DELIVERED/#OF DAYS/PLACE DLVRD
K1 LIST
01..Wes.............11-02-06..11-17-06..12-29-06..03-20-07..2006-818xxx..OK..May 01/42 days/Dumaguete

02..DeaniWait.......11-28-06..12-19-06..02-27-07..04-04-07..2006-842xxx..OK..Apr 11/07 days/Picked up
03..wthornton.......11-28-06..12-19-06..02-26-07..04-04-07..2006-842xxx..OK..Apr 14/10 days/
04..DocMay..........11-15-06..12-12-06..02-26-07..04-10-07..2006-845xxx..OK..May 11/31 days/Manila
05..George&Jenny....11-27-06..12-12-06..xx-xx-xx..04-10-07..2006-845xxx..OK..Apr 13/03 days/Cagayan de Oro
06..genlramos.......11-17-06..12-19-06..xx-xx-xx..04-11-07..2006-845xxx..OK..Apr 17/06 days/Pasay City
07..DaveandFleur....10-17-06..12-19-06..02-28-07..04-11-07..2006-845xxx..OK
08..PatientlyWait...12-04-06..12-27-06..02-26-07..04-13-07..2006-852xxx..OK..Apr 26/13 days/Las Pinas
09..Kayz............12-14-06..12-27-06..02-26-07..04-16-07..2006-854xxx..OK..Apr 24/08 days/Manila
10..sanfrancisco....xx-xx-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..04-17-07..2006-8xxxxx..OK..Apr 26/09 days/??
11..supra...........12-07-06..01-08-07..03-03-07..04-18-07..2006-860xxx..OK..Apr 23/05 days/Cebu
12..elmasguapo......12-15-06..01-08-07..xx-xx-xx..04-24-07..2006-xxxxxx......Interview postponed
13..Dean/Gra........12-26-06..01-04-07..02-27-06..04-23-07..2007-503xxx..OK..May 04/11 days/Pick up
14..Mike Marivic....01-04-07..01-20-07..02-26-07..04-24-07..2007-508xxx..OK..May 01/07 days/Ermita
15..CocoPuff........12-29-06..01-16.07..03-03-07..04-25-07..2007-5xxxxx..OK..May 04/09 days/Bacolod
16..MarieandBryan...01-10-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..04-27-07..2007-52xxxx..OK..May 04/07 days/Cebu

17..Skeeter211......01-17-07..02-27-07..04-02-07..05-03-07..2007-52xxxx..OK..May 11/08 days/Davao
18..chadandlira.....01-25-07..xx-xx-xx..04-02-07..05-09-07..2007-536xxx..OK..May 16/07 days/Gen. Santos
19..Honeysweet......02-01-07..02-20-07..xx-xx-xx..05-10-07..2007-540xxx..OK..
20..chadmides.......02-12-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..05-17-07..2007-547xxx..Waiting to hear from you
21..gracy_byron.....02-08-07..02-28-07..xx-xx-xx..05-18-07..2007-xxxxxx
22..joemaria........02-12-07..02-28-07..xx-xx-xx..05-22-07..2007-55xxx
23..Jeng............02-13-07..02-28-07..03-31-07..05-22-07..2007-554xxx
24..imaskin.........02-21-07..xx-xx-xx..03-30-07..05-24-07..2007-xxxxxx

25..orion44.........02-22-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..06-05-07..2007-xxxxxx
26..David-MaeForev..02-27-07..03-14-07..xx-xx-xx..06-07-07..2007-564xxx
27..JeffK...........03-08-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..06-18-07..2007-573xxx

28..CountryBoy......03-29-07..04-23-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-608xxx
29..trakon2002......04-05-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx
30..happyinlove.....04-14-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx
31..rea.............05-01-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx

K3 LIST
01..AnneiyandJacky..11-28-06..xx-xx-xx..02-27-07..04-17-07..2006-685xxx..AR..Co-sponsor
02..dj2004..........11-16-06..12-12-06..02-27-07..04-03-07..2006-839xxx..OK
03..luvbugs4ever....12-14-06..12-21-06..03-02-07..04-16-07..2006-8xxxxx..Interview postponed
04..M&M.............11-20-06..xx-xx-xx..03-02-07..04-16-07..2007-503xxx..CR visa approved.
05..Jeff&Boo........12-26-06..01-12-07..02-26-07..04-23-07..2007-5xxxxx..Apr 25/02 days/??

07..CherylandMike...02-05-07..02-26-07..xx-xx-xx..05-16-07..2007-546xxx..Waiting to hear from you
08..Robor007........02-06-07..02-26-07..03-30-07..05-16-07..2007-546xxx..OK

IR-1/CR-1
Name.................NOA2.....CASE CMPLT..PACKET..INTERVIEW...MNL CASE#..STATUS
01..dims1...........09-20-06..12-01-06..02-06-07..03-19-07..2006-775xxx..OK..May 14/8 weeks/Cebu

02..vsmtqhdy........09-25-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..04-20-07..2006-xxxxxx..OK..Apr 27/07 days/Laguna
03..randynrose......09-29-06..02-06-07..03-06-07..04-20-07..2006-xxxxxx..AR

05..Gobruins........12-20-06..04-03-07..xx-xx-xx..05-23-07..2007-50xxxx
06..StarProg........12-28-06..05-10-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-508xxx

I'm done with my 1st day medical exam today and they hand me out my receipt and i will have to come back tomorrow for the releasing and vaccination. Does that mean i am okay with my medical exam?
Which BPI accepts $100? Because i wanted to pay in dollar.

PW,

The interview was ok. From the CO, we got was the "everything looks fine" line. There have been so many AR's ... I'll believe it's approved when they release it. BTW, Cheryl received packet 4 on May 3. I suspect they sent (another) one when she requested to pick it up at SLEC.

Mike

chadmides interview approved.

Awesome!

Hello to everyone! I have been reading this thread for almost 5 months now, infact I was still in the Philippines when I learned about this. I also did K1 visa and is happily married for 2 months now. We're about to do mine and my daughter's adjustment of status but my husband and I don't know how to do it. I told him about this site and the helpful informations I read from it but he just won't buy it saying this is not a legitimate site. I have learned from previous posters that adjustment of status requires a particular form with the vaccination record on it signed by the civil surgeon, but my husband said I don't need that since the government site didn't require anything of such.. I tried explaining to my husband that all here is based on real people doing the AOS but hard-headed as he is (although I adore him being like that), said different forms are needed in different situations.. I don't want to argue with him, but I also want to do the AOS the right way saving my husband all kinds of headaches if ever we miss something important. Pls if it's not too much to ask, can I get some info in what are the requirements for AOS and if you could advise me on how to explain to my husband that sometimes, government site don't always tell all that you need to send to them.. Thank you and pardon me for this long post.. God bless

Please check out my wife's profile at the bottom of my signature block to read up on some information concerning the AOS process.

Cheers and good luck...

Sheriff Uling

p.s. - Sometimes we miss out on some of the best things in life being closed-minded, and believe me this site is a REAL as it gets. Well, they say that a hard head makes for a soft behind, which would explain why you adore him. By the by, what's your husbands solution for learning about the requirements for the AOS process? How did you accomplish the Visa stage of the process... (lawyer, friends, VJ, other research...)?

In closing, I'm glad that at least one of you are a sweet angel...

Have him look at the "official instructions" that come with the I-485. Look at page 3 of the instructions about half way down on the right side where it says you only have to have the vaccinations supplement rather than an entire medical exam if your visa medical is less than 1 year old.

But don't worry, if he doesn't include it, they will put the application on hold while they send you an RFE (Request for Evidence) asking that you supply it, or they will ask for it at the interview.

The interview letter will specifically request that you bring it to the interview if you haven't already submitted it.