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B1/B2 application - Interview (Manila) [merged threads]

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I originally posted this in my blog https://randomengineerblog.wordpress.com/

WARNING: This is not endorse by US Embassy in Manila, any applicant should still refer to the US Embassy website on what documents to bring and how to schedule the interview. The sole purpose of this blog is to share our experience.

Just recently my mom and younger brother applied for US visa, it has always been my dream for them to come here, have a vacation with my little one and experience life here.

We followed the 5 steps that is indicated in the website (http://manila.usembassy.gov/) and added some stuff on what we did to complete each process.

Here’s the process:

  1. Payment of Application fee
    • I got confuse here and that’s why it is important to read the instructions in the website. My mom has to print 2 U.S. visa application payment slip before heading to the bank. I didn’t know this and if I didn’t read the instructions carefully my mom will be making 2 trips to the bank because of my ignorance. The fee was $165/person. Fees varies for each type of visa application. The bank receipt is very important, keep it to a safe place as you will need it when booking your appointment. My mom went to BPI to pay the application fee and you can also pay online thru Bancnet or BPI online website.
  1. Required documents
    • This includes the application form, the passport, your 2” x 2” colored photo and other documents that is needed (I will share the documents that my mom & brother prepared in a separate blog)
  2. Schedule an interview
    • There are 2 ways that you can do to schedule an appointment, (1) is by calling these numbers (02)976-8500 to 02 if you are calling from the Philippines and if you are calling from the United States you can call (703) 520-2235. The call center is open from Monday to Friday Manila time from 8am to 8pm, they are close on US and Philippines holiday. (2) Book your appointment online throughhttp://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph.
    • If you do it online, you will be ask to create a profile which will be use to access appointment dates and edit applicant information before the interview date. If you are approve for a US visa, you can indicate here in your profile if you want your passport to be delivered to your home address or pick them up in authorized courier location that is near you.
  1. Go for the interview
  • Go to the US Embassy on your scheduled interview and bring all your documents and passport
  1. If issued a visa
    • After the interview the officer will inform you if you are approved for a US Visa. The delivery of your passport will depend on what you have indicated when you made your appointment.

Good luck and if you get your visa… Happy trip!!!!

~ Cutie Bear

https://randomengineerblog.wordpress.com/

K1 application filed: 08/2010

NOA1: 08/2010

NOA2: 02/2011

Entered USA: 05/2011

Married: 06/2011

EAD received: 09/2011

Conditional GC received: 10/2011 (transferred to CSC without interviews)
10 year GC received: 10/2013 (Approved without interviews)
N-400: mailed to the Phoenix Lockbox 7/8 and received 7/9 by R. Magadan

N-400 Checked: cashed 7/11

Biometrics: 8/7

Interview: 11/6

Oath-Taking: 12/2

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This post is part of my blog check it out: https://randomengineerblog.wordpress.com/

WARNING: The list below is not endorsed by the US Embassy in Manila. We came up with this list with the assumption that they (US Embassy officer) will ask for these. The sole purpose of this blog is to share our experience.

Now that we have filled up the US application form and scheduled the interview, our next task was to make sure we have the right documents.

I made a checklist for mom to follow and cross-out once they have it, here’s the list that I made:

1. Appointment confirmation

2. Receipt from BPI

3. DS-160 confirmation

4. Passports

5. Marriage certificate

6. My brother’s birth certificate

7. My birth certificate

8. 2”x 2” color photo

9. Bank statement

10. Certificate of employment

11. Income tax return

12. Pay-slip (for at least 6mos)

13. Properties / receipt of properties

14. My brother’s school diploma

15. Letter from my brother’s school that he’s enrolled in this school year

16. School receipt (tuition fees)

17. Family pictures

18. Police and NBI clearance

Not a lot right?

But for my mom who is doing this for the first time, it is overwhelming.

The #18 was not originally part of the list that I created but my mom ask if that is something that she needs to get.I told her to get one and see if she can expedite it, I am not a 100% sure if it is needed but there’s no harm in getting one. She was able to get it a day before their interview!

Some people think that an invitation letter or income tax return coming from your relatives in the US would help increase the chances of you getting a visa but actually I don’t (this is my opinion) think it is needed. Even my brother and his wife who applied their US visa in Singapore didn’t ask for this. The main point that you need to show the officer who will interview you is the your ties to your native country. The things that will prove that you will come back and will not be an illegal immigrant here in the US.

Our next task is prepare them for the questions that the officer will ask. I will share that in my next blog.

Edited by cutie bear

~ Cutie Bear

https://randomengineerblog.wordpress.com/

K1 application filed: 08/2010

NOA1: 08/2010

NOA2: 02/2011

Entered USA: 05/2011

Married: 06/2011

EAD received: 09/2011

Conditional GC received: 10/2011 (transferred to CSC without interviews)
10 year GC received: 10/2013 (Approved without interviews)
N-400: mailed to the Phoenix Lockbox 7/8 and received 7/9 by R. Magadan

N-400 Checked: cashed 7/11

Biometrics: 8/7

Interview: 11/6

Oath-Taking: 12/2

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This is originally posted in my blog, check it out: https://randomengineerblog.wordpress.com/



WARNING: The list below is not endorsed by the US Embassy in Manila. We came up with this list with the assumption that they (US Embassy officer) will ask for these. The sole purpose of this blog is to share our experience.


I prepared the following questions base on my experience when I applied B1/B2 visa back in 2008. I was with a group back then and 2 of us were engineers. We both got different questions and I made a mental note that I will write those questions down if in case a family member will apply for a tourist visa. Fast forward to 2011, I was reading a newspaper clippings and it outlined the person’s experience in the US Embassy. She/he (I cannot remember anymore) outlined a couple of questions that was asked, the purpose of the visit was to attend the wedding of a relative in the US. The writer pass the interview, got the US tourist visa and attended the wedding. I figured this is a good reference and it will help a lot of people. The only mistake that I made was I didn’t keep the newspaper clipping. I will not make another mistake as I decided to share our experience from filling-up the application to interview day.


I figured, the officers will be asking simple questions and it’s not like they are going for a job interview or they are being investigated. I came up with 30 questions and my mom knows the answer to everything except for our home address. She said “I will memorize it”


Be honest and don’t be scared. That’s what I told my mom. Easier said than done but really… that’s all she needs to do. Answer the questions truthfully and they will be good. Out of the 30 questions that I have created, the officer asked 4 questions (question 11-13-16-30) to my mom and that’s it. He didn’t ask for any bank statement or other documents. (My mom even brought my huge college diploma if in case they asked for it). After reading their application and asking the 4 questions they were told that the application was approved and they will get their passport by next week. They were there from 5:30am (they are #2292 in line) and the interview concluded around 9:40am Manila time. I was so happy and relieve, my brother who was in the office that time called and told me the good news! Now it’s time for ticket shopping!!!


Hopefully whoever will read this can help them with the application process. Then again, it is not always the same case. When my mom was in the embassy there are people who were denied and was asking for another chance to review their application. Some would not leave and will remain seated in the waiting area to the extent that security people will approach them and ask them to leave. My mom said she was so heart-broken seeing those people who lined up as early as 3am only to find-out that their application was denied. Here’s the questions that I prepared for my mom:


  1. Where are you traveling?
  2. What will you do in the U.S.?
  3. Where will you stay in the US?
  4. Who do you know in the U.S.?
  5. How long will you be in the US?
  6. When do you plan to travel?
  7. Have you booked your tickets?
  8. Is this your first time applying for a US Visa?
  9. Is this your first visit to the US?
  10. What are your ties to your home country that require you to return?
  11. Why do you want to go to the USA?
  12. Do you have any relatives in the US?
  13. Who are your relatives in the US?
  14. Who will pay the expenses for your trip? Who will sponsor your trip?
  15. Do you need an interpreter?
  16. Have you ever visit any other country?
  17. What are those countries?
  18. What do you do?
  19. Where will you stay in the US?
  20. Where does your daughter work?
  21. Where does your son-in-law work?
  22. How long has your daughter been in the US?
  23. What is the visa of your daughter when she came to the US?
  24. Who petition her?
  25. Is your daughter married?
  26. When did she get married?
  27. Is your daughter pregnant?
  28. When is your son-in-law’s birthday?
  29. When is your granddaughter’s birthday?
  30. How many children do you have and what do they do?

~ Cutie Bear

https://randomengineerblog.wordpress.com/

K1 application filed: 08/2010

NOA1: 08/2010

NOA2: 02/2011

Entered USA: 05/2011

Married: 06/2011

EAD received: 09/2011

Conditional GC received: 10/2011 (transferred to CSC without interviews)
10 year GC received: 10/2013 (Approved without interviews)
N-400: mailed to the Phoenix Lockbox 7/8 and received 7/9 by R. Magadan

N-400 Checked: cashed 7/11

Biometrics: 8/7

Interview: 11/6

Oath-Taking: 12/2

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
Timeline

What were your Mother's answers?

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

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What were your Mother's answers?

her answers to each question was:

  1. Why do you want to go to the USA? --> visit my daughter and my granddaughter
  2. Who are your relatives in the US? --> just my daughter and her family
  3. Have you ever visit any other country? --> yes (she didn't get any follow-up question to this because they have indicated already in their application that they have traveled to other countries in the previous years)
  4. How many children do you have and what do they do? --> I have 4 children, 3 are already married and all are engineers by profession. My youngest is still in high school.
Edited by cutie bear

~ Cutie Bear

https://randomengineerblog.wordpress.com/

K1 application filed: 08/2010

NOA1: 08/2010

NOA2: 02/2011

Entered USA: 05/2011

Married: 06/2011

EAD received: 09/2011

Conditional GC received: 10/2011 (transferred to CSC without interviews)
10 year GC received: 10/2013 (Approved without interviews)
N-400: mailed to the Phoenix Lockbox 7/8 and received 7/9 by R. Magadan

N-400 Checked: cashed 7/11

Biometrics: 8/7

Interview: 11/6

Oath-Taking: 12/2

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
Timeline

Basically they ask questions that they have the answers to anyway.

Sort of surprised that those who were not approved had to be escorted out? For a holiday visa?

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

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Basically they ask questions that they have the answers to anyway.

Sort of surprised that those who were not approved had to be escorted out? For a holiday visa?

That's what I told my mom. whoever will interview them knows the answer to the questions since they have read their application already. All that they need to do is answer it truthfully and not be scared.

Some that was escorted out was applying for a different visa. the person ahead of them was denied too and was applying for B1/B2 visa. he didn't want to leave the interview window so security have to intervene and asked him to leave.

~ Cutie Bear

https://randomengineerblog.wordpress.com/

K1 application filed: 08/2010

NOA1: 08/2010

NOA2: 02/2011

Entered USA: 05/2011

Married: 06/2011

EAD received: 09/2011

Conditional GC received: 10/2011 (transferred to CSC without interviews)
10 year GC received: 10/2013 (Approved without interviews)
N-400: mailed to the Phoenix Lockbox 7/8 and received 7/9 by R. Magadan

N-400 Checked: cashed 7/11

Biometrics: 8/7

Interview: 11/6

Oath-Taking: 12/2

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
Timeline

Some that was escorted out was applying for a different visa. the person ahead of them was denied too and was applying for B1/B2 visa. he didn't want to leave the interview window so security have to intervene and asked him to leave.

There have been some comments on other threads about those refused visa's been given a bullshit story that suggests they can come back with proper documentation whatever, explains a bit why it happens.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

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Filed: Timeline

One thing to learn from this review (which was quite good) is that there is no such thing as asking for a 'review' or 'reconsideration' of a denial...once the decision is made, the interview is over. An applicant can re-apply (however early they can get an apt), but otherwise there are no appeals nor reconsideration....as those who tried found out, all that will happen is that they will (eventually) be escorted from the embassy.

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There have been some comments on other threads about those refused visa's been given a bullshit story that suggests they can come back with proper documentation whatever, explains a bit why it happens.

My mom said that the questions asked to the man who was ahead of them was (the reason why she heard was the officer was using a microphone and they are separated by a thick glass. she was also seated in the very front of the sitting area):

Do you have any relatives in the US? --> His answer: none

Who will pay for your ticket and hotel? --> his answer: I will pay for it

The officer then asked for bank statements and he gave him a piece of paper.

that was all my mom heard and saw, after that next thing she heard was the man was asking for another chance to review his application. the scene made her so nervous and scared as it was happening right in front of her. She was happy and relieved that officer's mood changed when they were called in.

Edited by cutie bear

~ Cutie Bear

https://randomengineerblog.wordpress.com/

K1 application filed: 08/2010

NOA1: 08/2010

NOA2: 02/2011

Entered USA: 05/2011

Married: 06/2011

EAD received: 09/2011

Conditional GC received: 10/2011 (transferred to CSC without interviews)
10 year GC received: 10/2013 (Approved without interviews)
N-400: mailed to the Phoenix Lockbox 7/8 and received 7/9 by R. Magadan

N-400 Checked: cashed 7/11

Biometrics: 8/7

Interview: 11/6

Oath-Taking: 12/2

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One thing to learn from this review (which was quite good) is that there is no such thing as asking for a 'review' or 'reconsideration' of a denial...once the decision is made, the interview is over. An applicant can re-apply (however early they can get an apt), but otherwise there are no appeals nor reconsideration....as those who tried found out, all that will happen is that they will (eventually) be escorted from the embassy.

Thank you HFM181818!

It's my time to give back to this site! A lot of people/post here helped us with our K1 process up to the naturalization process. Any experiences or thoughts that I can share I will post it here.

As for your statement above, yes you can re-apply and pay another $165 but there will be no guarantee that the 2nd try or 3rd try will mean an approved visa application.

~ Cutie Bear

https://randomengineerblog.wordpress.com/

K1 application filed: 08/2010

NOA1: 08/2010

NOA2: 02/2011

Entered USA: 05/2011

Married: 06/2011

EAD received: 09/2011

Conditional GC received: 10/2011 (transferred to CSC without interviews)
10 year GC received: 10/2013 (Approved without interviews)
N-400: mailed to the Phoenix Lockbox 7/8 and received 7/9 by R. Magadan

N-400 Checked: cashed 7/11

Biometrics: 8/7

Interview: 11/6

Oath-Taking: 12/2

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Filed: Timeline

Likely the man in front of your mom presented questionable bank documents - after all, a trip to the US, including airfare, hotel, meals and entertainment would easily cost thousands, which is probably 5 times the average annual income of the majority of the population in the PI....the question to be answered (credibly) is why someone would want to spend 5 years income for a 2-3 week visit in the US? usually the answer is to find work - otherwise the request makes little sense.

Or he showed a bank document in which some gigantic deposit of thousands of dollars was made two weeks prior to his interview...and thus his claim to having a bunch of money was not believable...(a relative might have made such a large deposit, and will have taken it back after the visa interview (no matter what the outcome)...

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Filed: IR-2 Country: Philippines
Timeline

My mother was denied thrice and she had valid reasons for applying. On her first try, she was invited to attend a wedding, while on her second attempt it was due to our Lolo's (her Father) burial and her last try was to take care of their ailing mother. Her first and third interviews were done in Manila while the second was in Saipan while she was working there (with our Father). The denial on her second try was heartbreaking for her. Her family had to delay the funeral almost a month after our Lolo passed away for he to see him (even just his dead body) before he will be laid to rest. Our Lolo left in 1978 and visited home just once in 1985. He died (I think) last 1999. Our mom is the only one left in the Philippines. Our grandparents tried petitioning her (us) but (they said) they were duped by someone. Next year, I will be filing my N400 and getting her is my top priority this despite her non-interest (out of frustration I guess) of going here anymore.

In her case, I guess LUCK was never on her side.

Thanks for sharing your blog though and I hope it will help a lot of people who would want to see Disney and Hollywood (LOL).

N-400 process

03/03/16 Submitted N-400 application and docs
03/09/16 USCIS ackn rcpt (txt, email, and NOA1) and chk cashed
03/29/16 Biometrics (walked in - orig date 04/05/16)
04/04/16 In Line for an Interview (txt, email, and checked case status)

05/16/16 Scheduled for an Interview (Case Status Online)

05/20/16 Received I/L
06/24/16 Interview date (PASSED)
07/20/16 Oath-taking at LACC ( I AM NOW A US CITIZEN!!!)

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
Timeline

Luck usually is not a factor.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

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There are many genuine applicants in every country who wish to come visit the US for real reasons and then return home.

It's the man who claims to want to spend 5 years' income on a 2-3 week US visit, or the gent with gigantic bank deposits two weeks before his interview who screw things up for others after them.

USCIS

January 16, 2015 I-130 Mailed, Chi lockbox January 20, 2015 Priority Date, January 21, 2015 NOA1 notice date, Assigned VSC, January 23, 2015 Check Cashed, electronically March 5, 2015 NOA2

NVC

March 27, 2015 NVC received April 6, 2015 Case#, IIN# assigned April 8, 2015 Paid AOS + IV fee Invoices May 5, 2015 AOS + IV package submitted May 11, 2015 Scan Date

June 11, 2015 DS-260 submitted June 25, 2015 False checklist (for ds260).. hello? June 30, 2015 Answered checklist Aug 5, 2015 Escalated to Supervisor review Aug 13, 2015 Case Complete

Consular

Sept 10, 2015 Interview Scheduled Sept 11, 2015 P4 Letter received Sept 21, 2015 file In transit from NVC Sept 23, 2015 file at Embassy

Sept 28, 2015 Medical Oct 14, 2015 Biometrics Oct 15, 2015 Interview (Approved) Oct 19, 2015 IV visa Issued Oct 23, 2015 Passport Pickup

POE

Nov 2, 2015 Entered the US Nov 16, 2015 Applied for SSN, walk-in Nov 20, 2015 Social Security Card recd Jan 15, 2016 GC received

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