after the approval, it will then be forwarded to nvc? and then what's next? to embassy and then what? CAn anyone tell me the step by step process? Forgive my ignorance. Is it ok to get a passport and police clearance before having the packet 3? and when will the affidavit of support needed? What is the packet 3 and packet 4?

Once the service center approves the petition it is forwarded to the NVC for case assignment. As example for Manila the number would be something like this:

MNL2007830015. MNL is for Manila, and 2007 is the year the case was assigned. The 830 (for K-1) would be 500 plus the julian date. The 015 would be the case count of cases assigned to Manila on that date.

The file shouldn't stay at the NVC very long, maybe just a few days and then it is forwarded to Manila. Manila will process the petition and schedule the medical and interview for the beneficiary.

Do you need any more?

There is no packet 3. you may receive a letter from the Embassy when they receive your physical petition.
you receive packect 4, the Fiance Visa Appointment Packet, after you have been scheduled an interview.
you will need the I-134 Affidavit of support for your interview.

Is the process same in the K1 and K3? Coz I'm in the K3 visa. Is it okay to get a passport now and a police clearance?, even without having the packet 3?

After your approval and your documents are forwarded to Manila the benificiary and petitioner will receive :

1.) a Letter of Receipt and Instruction Sheet on what documents to prepare (They said this not a packet 3 because theres no packet 3 in the Philippines and some people didn't get this)

2.) Your Appointment letter (for interview and medical) and Packet 4 ( you can download a sample packet here:http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3023.html

After you receive (1.) using the given case number you can check your interview schedule online at USCIS site:http://203.177.135.10/ivappointment/login.asp

The affidavit of support are needed on the interview

And yes you can get your passport anytime and also the NBI clearance
http://www.gov.ph/faqs/passport.asp

Sure.. I don't see a problem why not..

As a matter of fact its better now than later..

Like on my wife's case.. I should have told her to get her NBI clearance from the start..

She just got hers today, and I just got my Packet 3 today also.. So it will still take time for her to send it to me..

How I would love to rush this and send it tomorrow ASAP.. But not.. Since I have to wait for her docs.

sorry didn't notice you are K-3. here's a link to what the K-3 packet will be:
http://usembassy.state.gov/manila/wwwfivk3.pdf

Sometimes I just don't pay attention to detail. Yes, there is a difference between the K-1 and K-3. Have you looked at the guide here on VJ?

Thanks everyone!!!! Vj's really a big help!!!!

YES, my wife has already done both, and she changed her passport righ after we were married.
Like what was already said......sooner is better than later, just incase something comes up. You will still have time to solve the problem.

why u still dont have ur passport , i heard passport now takes longer than the usual coz of the new passport , u should gather ur documents now coz ur alredy approved and soon u will have ur interview, and u can hav advance medical and advance pick of the packet 4 in the SLEC coz thats what i did .U can call the SLEC to request for advance pick up of the packet 4 GOODLUCK

thanks guys!!!! sure I will!!!!