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Flying to Manila for Fiance Interview

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline

I plan on flying down to Be with my fiance for her interview...anybody else doing the same?

I have one question...if I Fly down on a round trip ticket how do I make sure I am able to fly back with my fiance on the trip back?

K-1 Visa

Event Date

Service Center : Vermont Service Center

Consulate : Manilla, Philipines

I-129F Sent : 2007-09-29

I-129F NOA1 : 2007-10-01

I-129F RFE(s) :

RFE Reply(s) :

I-129F NOA2 : 2008-01-07

NVC Received : 2008-01-14

Payment Made to Delbros 2008-02-04

Forwarded to USEM 2008-02-11

Request made to NSO 2008-02-27

Medical Exam: 2008-03-04

Interview Date : 2008-03-11 PASSED!

Second Request to NSO 2008-03-11

Found out why we are on AR 2008-04-15

Doc request forwarded to NSO on 2008-04-21

Visa APPROVED AND PRINTED on 2008-05-09

RELEASED FOR DELIVERY on 2008-05-12(13)

Out for delivery on 2008-05-16

Visa in Hand 2008-06-03-2008

Arrived 2008-06-17

Married 2008-09-01

Submitted AOS and EAD 2008-09-17

Biometrics appointment 2008-10-16

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Have fun on the trip. Do you have an open ended ticket? You could wait until you have the visa and CFO stamp and then try to book your flights together. Good luck :thumbs:

usa_fl_sm_nwm.gifphilippines_fl_md_clr.gif

United States & Republic of the Philippines

"Life is hard; it's harder if you're stupid." John Wayne

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline
Have fun on the trip. Do you have an open ended ticket? You could wait until you have the visa and CFO stamp and then try to book your flights together. Good luck :thumbs:

I've heard about the open ended ticket...I've also heard they can be expensive too. but in any case, I'm just not sure how to go about getting one...

K-1 Visa

Event Date

Service Center : Vermont Service Center

Consulate : Manilla, Philipines

I-129F Sent : 2007-09-29

I-129F NOA1 : 2007-10-01

I-129F RFE(s) :

RFE Reply(s) :

I-129F NOA2 : 2008-01-07

NVC Received : 2008-01-14

Payment Made to Delbros 2008-02-04

Forwarded to USEM 2008-02-11

Request made to NSO 2008-02-27

Medical Exam: 2008-03-04

Interview Date : 2008-03-11 PASSED!

Second Request to NSO 2008-03-11

Found out why we are on AR 2008-04-15

Doc request forwarded to NSO on 2008-04-21

Visa APPROVED AND PRINTED on 2008-05-09

RELEASED FOR DELIVERY on 2008-05-12(13)

Out for delivery on 2008-05-16

Visa in Hand 2008-06-03-2008

Arrived 2008-06-17

Married 2008-09-01

Submitted AOS and EAD 2008-09-17

Biometrics appointment 2008-10-16

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Share on other sites

Have fun on the trip. Do you have an open ended ticket? You could wait until you have the visa and CFO stamp and then try to book your flights together. Good luck :thumbs:

I've heard about the open ended ticket...I've also heard they can be expensive too. but in any case, I'm just not sure how to go about getting one...

Unless you stay for a couple of months there is no telling how long Manila will take to release the visa. Do you have a local travel agent? Some times they can make you a better deal than all these online services and can give you more info on an open ended ticket.

Good luck :thumbs:

usa_fl_sm_nwm.gifphilippines_fl_md_clr.gif

United States & Republic of the Philippines

"Life is hard; it's harder if you're stupid." John Wayne

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline
I plan on flying down to Be with my fiance for her interview...anybody else doing the same?

I have one question...if I Fly down on a round trip ticket how do I make sure I am able to fly back with my fiance on the trip back?

Hi,

I am flying out next week to be with my fiancee for her interview and, if everything goes as planned, she will be flying back with me a week after her interview.

I "bit the bullet" and purchased Joy's ticket ahead of time to ensure that she would be booked on my flight. I bought my tickets on Northwest, all through their website. I'm sure I could have saved a few bucks by getting Joy's ticket in Manila, but there was no way to be sure that I could get her on my return flight or that the cost, on such short notice, would be reasonable.

We will be requesting approval to pick up Joy's visa at the embassy and, if granted, we should have enough time to get the CFO stamp and make the flight. Obviously there can be no guarantees. If there are any delays, I will need to return to the US without Joy, and she will have to fly alone to the US on a later date. So, this is all a calculated risk, but I think our chances are good and it is a worthwhile gamble.

:unsure:

Marc

u]TIMELINE[/u]

Fiancee Visa

May 25 thru June 2, 2007- Marc and Joy meet and spend time in person in Davao, Philippines

June 12, 2007- I-129F mailed to TSC

June 25, 2007- Check cashed

June 25, 2007- NOA1 Receipt date (at CSC)

July 6. 2007- NOA1 hard copy received from CSC

November 6, 2007- NOA2 (Notice date, per website) YES!!!

November 9, 2007- NOA2 Hard copy received

November 29, 2007- Received NVC letter

December 3, 2007- I-129F package received by embassy

Jan. 15-16, 2008 - Early medical at St. Luke's

January 30, 2008- Medical appointment date

February 7, 2008- Embassy interview date

February 11, 2008 - Pick up visa at embassy

February 15, 2008 - Joy and I fly to US together

AOS

March 17, 2008 - Joy and I are married! (YES!!!)

March 18, 2008 - I-485 and I-765 mailed to Chicago

April 2, 2008 - Receipt date for I-485 and I-765

April 24, 2008 - Biometrics appointment

April 24, 2008 - I-485 transferred to California Service Center

May 2, 2008 - Received notice of transfer to CSC

May 18, 2008 - I-485 touched

June 4, 2008 - Received CRIS e-mail: EAD card production ordered

June 9, 2008 - Received 2nd Notice from CRIS: EAD card production ordered

June 11, 2008 - Received 3rd Notice from CRIS: EAD card production ordered

June 14, 2008 - Received EAD card in mail

July 22, 2008 - Received CRIS e-mail: Letter mailed welcoming new permanent resident

July 26, 2008 - Received letter weloming new permanent residence in mail

July 28, 2008 - Green Card received in mail!!!

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Good Luck with the gamble Marc..

I will be going to my wife's interview too.. But to me its just too risky.. So I canceled their reservations...

I rather adjust my flight going back to the US when she gets her visa, rather than adjusting 3 Flights for a $50 fee on each one..

I know its just $150 and I'm not trying to be cheap.. Its just that I'm not rich.. I go barely above the P-Line.. As a matter of fact I went below the P-Line for the 07 ITR. :(

Good Luck to all..

IR-1 Visa for Wife

NVC Case Complete = January 2, 2008

Received Packet 4 here in the US (Interview Packet) = January 18, 2008

Case Left NVC Forwarded to USEM Manila = January 23, 2008

SLEC Medical = Jan 31 and Feb 1, 2008 (2 days)

USEM Manila Interview = February 20, 2008 @ 8:30am = DONE! (Status: 2 Months wait is over APPROVED)

CFO Guidance & Counseling = April 17, 2008

Visa in Hand = April 18, 2008 (Our Wedding Anniversary)

Arrival in the US and POE = April 23, 2008 JFK Intl. Airport New York City

Social Security Card = May 2, 2008

Green Card in Hand = August 18,2008

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Have fun on the trip. Do you have an open ended ticket? You could wait until you have the visa and CFO stamp and then try to book your flights together. Good luck :thumbs:

I've heard about the open ended ticket...I've also heard they can be expensive too. but in any case, I'm just not sure how to go about getting one...

Just tell em.. That you want your return flight to have an open date..

Meaning you will book your flight in return when you decide to go.. (Restrictions Apply)

You just have to go to the Airlines Office in Manila Philippines..

IR-1 Visa for Wife

NVC Case Complete = January 2, 2008

Received Packet 4 here in the US (Interview Packet) = January 18, 2008

Case Left NVC Forwarded to USEM Manila = January 23, 2008

SLEC Medical = Jan 31 and Feb 1, 2008 (2 days)

USEM Manila Interview = February 20, 2008 @ 8:30am = DONE! (Status: 2 Months wait is over APPROVED)

CFO Guidance & Counseling = April 17, 2008

Visa in Hand = April 18, 2008 (Our Wedding Anniversary)

Arrival in the US and POE = April 23, 2008 JFK Intl. Airport New York City

Social Security Card = May 2, 2008

Green Card in Hand = August 18,2008

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline

Right now I'm Contacting a travel agent here to see what they have to offer. May as well hear those options as well.

K-1 Visa

Event Date

Service Center : Vermont Service Center

Consulate : Manilla, Philipines

I-129F Sent : 2007-09-29

I-129F NOA1 : 2007-10-01

I-129F RFE(s) :

RFE Reply(s) :

I-129F NOA2 : 2008-01-07

NVC Received : 2008-01-14

Payment Made to Delbros 2008-02-04

Forwarded to USEM 2008-02-11

Request made to NSO 2008-02-27

Medical Exam: 2008-03-04

Interview Date : 2008-03-11 PASSED!

Second Request to NSO 2008-03-11

Found out why we are on AR 2008-04-15

Doc request forwarded to NSO on 2008-04-21

Visa APPROVED AND PRINTED on 2008-05-09

RELEASED FOR DELIVERY on 2008-05-12(13)

Out for delivery on 2008-05-16

Visa in Hand 2008-06-03-2008

Arrived 2008-06-17

Married 2008-09-01

Submitted AOS and EAD 2008-09-17

Biometrics appointment 2008-10-16

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Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline

Base on experience, If the consul will refuse to accept your letter requesting for visa pick up..Try to ask the lady/guy at window37/38(releasing window)..Pinktulips tried that and for a couple of minutes waiting, The consul who refused at first finally granted her request! She got her visa after 2-3 days!Good luck guys!!!

Cherry&John

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Base on experience, If the consul will refuse to accept your letter requesting for visa pick up..Try to ask the lady/guy at window37/38(releasing window)..Pinktulips tried that and for a couple of minutes waiting, The consul who refused at first finally granted her request! She got her visa after 2-3 days!Good luck guys!!!

Cherry&John

Ok Question.. If the consul refuse the letter for Visa Pickup, and you decide to give it to Window 37/38, Don't they do the same and show the letter to the Consul that just refused the letter?

IR-1 Visa for Wife

NVC Case Complete = January 2, 2008

Received Packet 4 here in the US (Interview Packet) = January 18, 2008

Case Left NVC Forwarded to USEM Manila = January 23, 2008

SLEC Medical = Jan 31 and Feb 1, 2008 (2 days)

USEM Manila Interview = February 20, 2008 @ 8:30am = DONE! (Status: 2 Months wait is over APPROVED)

CFO Guidance & Counseling = April 17, 2008

Visa in Hand = April 18, 2008 (Our Wedding Anniversary)

Arrival in the US and POE = April 23, 2008 JFK Intl. Airport New York City

Social Security Card = May 2, 2008

Green Card in Hand = August 18,2008

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Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline
Base on experience, If the consul will refuse to accept your letter requesting for visa pick up..Try to ask the lady/guy at window37/38(releasing window)..Pinktulips tried that and for a couple of minutes waiting, The consul who refused at first finally granted her request! She got her visa after 2-3 days!Good luck guys!!!

Cherry&John

Ok Question.. If the consul refuse the letter for Visa Pickup, and you decide to give it to Window 37/38, Don't they do the same and show the letter to the Consul that just refused the letter?

Thats what the guy did at window 38..He brought that letter back to the consul who previously interviewed Pinktulips, and He approved it! No one knows why he refused it at first! :)

Edited by Longwait2
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Thats what the guy did at window 38..He brought that letter back to the consul who previously interviewed her, and He approved it! No one knows why he refused it at first! :)

Maybe the consul thought it was a soliciting letter.. :))

If the consul refuse the letter.. Why can't you just ask the consul to re-consider his decision..

Its the same thing by giving it to Window 37/38.. Your risk of getting to more trouble by the consul for doing that (Not meaning Denial) Just saying that your not honoring the consul's decision..

Its like if a judge sentence you guilty on charges.. You ask the clerks to reconsider the case.. To me that's a slap in the face if I'm the judge.

Also one more thing.. Of all does people who got Visa pickup refusal.. I haven't heard them ask the consul the reason for refusal.. I mean you have the guts to re-request the Visa Pickup but don't have the guts to question the reason for refusal? WHY?

Edited by Roserick

IR-1 Visa for Wife

NVC Case Complete = January 2, 2008

Received Packet 4 here in the US (Interview Packet) = January 18, 2008

Case Left NVC Forwarded to USEM Manila = January 23, 2008

SLEC Medical = Jan 31 and Feb 1, 2008 (2 days)

USEM Manila Interview = February 20, 2008 @ 8:30am = DONE! (Status: 2 Months wait is over APPROVED)

CFO Guidance & Counseling = April 17, 2008

Visa in Hand = April 18, 2008 (Our Wedding Anniversary)

Arrival in the US and POE = April 23, 2008 JFK Intl. Airport New York City

Social Security Card = May 2, 2008

Green Card in Hand = August 18,2008

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Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline
Base on experience, If the consul will refuse to accept your letter requesting for visa pick up..Try to ask the lady/guy at window37/38(releasing window)..Pinktulips tried that and for a couple of minutes waiting, The consul who refused at first finally granted her request! She got her visa after 2-3 days!Good luck guys!!!

Cherry&John

From everything I have heard, they are much more likely to approve visa pickup if the US citizen accompanies his fiancee to the interview. In fact, I have not heard of one instance when the USC was with the fiancee and the CO refused a request to pickup the visa. Correct me if I am wrong.

Marc

u]TIMELINE[/u]

Fiancee Visa

May 25 thru June 2, 2007- Marc and Joy meet and spend time in person in Davao, Philippines

June 12, 2007- I-129F mailed to TSC

June 25, 2007- Check cashed

June 25, 2007- NOA1 Receipt date (at CSC)

July 6. 2007- NOA1 hard copy received from CSC

November 6, 2007- NOA2 (Notice date, per website) YES!!!

November 9, 2007- NOA2 Hard copy received

November 29, 2007- Received NVC letter

December 3, 2007- I-129F package received by embassy

Jan. 15-16, 2008 - Early medical at St. Luke's

January 30, 2008- Medical appointment date

February 7, 2008- Embassy interview date

February 11, 2008 - Pick up visa at embassy

February 15, 2008 - Joy and I fly to US together

AOS

March 17, 2008 - Joy and I are married! (YES!!!)

March 18, 2008 - I-485 and I-765 mailed to Chicago

April 2, 2008 - Receipt date for I-485 and I-765

April 24, 2008 - Biometrics appointment

April 24, 2008 - I-485 transferred to California Service Center

May 2, 2008 - Received notice of transfer to CSC

May 18, 2008 - I-485 touched

June 4, 2008 - Received CRIS e-mail: EAD card production ordered

June 9, 2008 - Received 2nd Notice from CRIS: EAD card production ordered

June 11, 2008 - Received 3rd Notice from CRIS: EAD card production ordered

June 14, 2008 - Received EAD card in mail

July 22, 2008 - Received CRIS e-mail: Letter mailed welcoming new permanent resident

July 26, 2008 - Received letter weloming new permanent residence in mail

July 28, 2008 - Green Card received in mail!!!

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Filed: AOS (pnd) Country: Philippines
Timeline
I plan on flying down to Be with my fiance for her interview...anybody else doing the same?

I have one question...if I Fly down on a round trip ticket how do I make sure I am able to fly back with my fiance on the trip back?

Hi,

I am flying out next week to be with my fiancee for her interview and, if everything goes as planned, she will be flying back with me a week after her interview.

I "bit the bullet" and purchased Joy's ticket ahead of time to ensure that she would be booked on my flight. I bought my tickets on Northwest, all through their website. I'm sure I could have saved a few bucks by getting Joy's ticket in Manila, but there was no way to be sure that I could get her on my return flight or that the cost, on such short notice, would be reasonable.

We will be requesting approval to pick up Joy's visa at the embassy and, if granted, we should have enough time to get the CFO stamp and make the flight. Obviously there can be no guarantees. If there are any delays, I will need to return to the US without Joy, and she will have to fly alone to the US on a later date. So, this is all a calculated risk, but I think our chances are good and it is a worthwhile gamble.

:unsure:

Marc

We will be doing the same. I already have the written request letter done.

Chris

I plan on flying down to Be with my fiance for her interview...anybody else doing the same?

I have one question...if I Fly down on a round trip ticket how do I make sure I am able to fly back with my fiance on the trip back?

Your interview is the same day as ours. I also will be going to manila.

Chris

Edited by chris4gretchen

1_948852256l.jpg

Gretchen montage

Davao July 07

our friendster

08/12/08 AOS sent

08/13/08 AOS received

08/15/08 NOA1 received EAD

08/15/08 NOA1 received AOS

08/19/08 Checks cashed

08/23/08 biometrics appt letter

09/09/08 biometrics

10/27/08 EAD approved

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline
I plan on flying down to Be with my fiance for her interview...anybody else doing the same?

I have one question...if I Fly down on a round trip ticket how do I make sure I am able to fly back with my fiance on the trip back?

I went in February and bought one-way tickets for everything so the return flights could be booked together. We allowed about 11 days after the interview for VISA delivery, but then were able to pick it up in 2 days. Of course if you try something like I did and she gets put on AR you are screwed.

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