Manila Embassy Interview

[Dean/Gra 0]

I'm here in Manila with Sheryl and we had her interview today and from what we can tell we are approved. The CO wouldn't say one way or another. After the CO interview we were told to step out and have a seat and wait for Sheryl's name to be called. We went to the window picked up a the pink slip and were told to pay Delbros. So God willing no AR or name checks and we'll have the visa next week and Sheryl can fly home with me on the 14th. We are on the way back to her home on Midanao to spend the rest of Holy Week with her family. Then back to Manila on the 10th to see if we could pick up the visa (even though we could not convince Delbros to allow pick up). We are hoping to go to the embassy next week or call and ask for pick up.

CONGRATULATIONS Dean and Sheryl!

Hello Manila listers, will keep this short...I arrived in Manila to meet my beautiful asawa Milah Jean on March 25 and have had an INCREDIBLE experience here while she survived the CFO seminars followed by a very wonderful week with her family in Leyte province. At Manila today ready to head to America tomorrow. We can't wait to arrive and begin our new lives together. The day has finally come!!! Thanks all to the huge VJ family and to the Manila Embassy thread in particular. More later when we settle in. Good luck all!!!

Michael and Milah Jean

CONGRATULATIONS! Michael and Milahjean,

[GaryC 7]

Well, Luz and Robin are leaving for Manila now. Tomorrow morning their time (8AM) their airplane leaves. It's hard to believe that it will soon be over.

[soulm8z0928 0]

Well, Luz and Robin are leaving for Manila now. Tomorrow morning their time (8AM) their airplane leaves. It's hard to believe that it will soon be over.

Congrats Gary and Luz and Robin!! it's finally here for you guys!

[Alanlvsjudy 0]

Well, Luz and Robin are leaving for Manila now. Tomorrow morning their time (8AM) their airplane leaves. It's hard to believe that it will soon be over.

Gary, if Judy had flown a day later or Luz a day sooner they would have been on the same flight, Judy is airborne now. I'm assuming Luz is flying Northwest 20, its the only thing I know of headed this way at 8 am. Good Luck!

[Pinay Wife 47]

That is not what was told to EmilyRugBurn by the Montreal CO. Please see THIS post. Also, I have someone assisting me with the process. I asked them and was told answering 'Yes' with a reference to the I-130 petition filed by me is the accepted procedure. I'm going to answer 'Yes' and include an addendum explaining the I-130 filed by me now sitting in the CSC is the only petition filed for my wife.

I tend to agree with Robor on this one.

My humble opinion are:

1) If applying K1 (even if applying a second time), the answer would be NO since K1 is non-immigrant

2) If applying CR1/IR1, the answer would be NO

3) If applying K3 after sending in the I-130, the answer would be YES because you cannot file K3 (which is a separate petition) without filing the I-130 first which is an immigrant petition

However, I am not a lawyer but careful thought would tend to support the above “hypotheses”

Patiently Waiting....I did not update, but I did call the embassy the other day. Not sure if I got a clear answer though. I had called to check on my Fiance's Packet 4 status, which by the way was just received on April 2nd after calling. The lady started talking to me about my Fiance's daughter needing to complete the physical as she was included in the original petition because we were not sure what to do at that point about bringing her right away. Anyways, I informed her that were we not intending for her daughter to come to the US till later and wondered if I should check the "follow-to-join" in the DS-156K. I got the impression that she did not know the answer either or did not want to offer up advice what to do as her response was basically non-responsive to the question. She just said, "That's okay...just let us know when she is ready to travel." She seemed unsure herself of how to answer the question, so I did not pursue it further.

This has really been a tough decision for my Fiance anyway. I have told her that I cannot make that decision for her and I will support whatever she wants to do. She seems to think it will be okay as long as we maintain internet and telephone contact regularly and we make it a priority to bring her here as soon as she is settled. We agreed 1-2 years maximum.

Maybe no one knows, but do you all think this decision will have a negative impact on the Consul's decision to issue my Fiance a visa? I hear of other women leaving their children behind and still getting a visa, but just wonder if they would deny her because they wonder why she wants to come here to the USA and can leave her child there. I guess she looks at it as a temorary thing....only until she is settled and working. She also wants to have her daughter get more schooling to advance her English before coming to the USA schools where help for a Tagalog speaking 6 year old will be next to none. Most of the bilingual classes are geared for Spanish here in California. Her feeling is a tutor in English in the PI will cost much less than here in the USA. Anyways...as always, any comments appreciated.

Scott,

Right now, it is probably very stressful for Mirasol to make a decision because of the limited time she has to make that decision. If it was me in Mirasol's shoes and I'm undecided if I should bring my child or not, I will decide to grab that one chance for my daughter to have the option of "following to join", then I'll have my child undergo medical and bring her with me to the interview. Having done that, I will have one year (enough breathing space) to make a decision whether to bring her over or wait two years. Knowing that I have the option to let my child follow me at any time within one year will take away some of the stress. If Mirasol eventually decides to let her daughter stay one more year, then you can file a separate petition.

Not bringing a child should not have a negative impact on Mirasol's visa as people have reasons why they have to leave a child behind. But she will probably be asked her reasons during the interview. About the child learning English, I assure you, let a child play with the neighborhood kids in the US for a month or so and she will learn more English than what a classroom can teach her in a year. You’d be surprised that in probably 6 months, her daughter will speak English like a native-born American.

Is it true that Manila no longer accepts co-sponsors for the K1 Visa? I had one of the lawyers I contacted tell me this. I averaged only $14,000 the past 3 years. Anyone know about this? Thanks so much!!!

Your current earnings are more important than an average. Do you currently meet guidelines? If not, you can expect you will be denied the visa based on insufficient support. I have not heard of a single successful attempt to use a cosponsor for a K1 in Manila. I have heard of denials followed by a marriage in the Philippines and a new CR1/IR1 petition. They are willing to entertain the use of a cosponsor for the immigrant visa.

I agree with John, your current income is what the embassy is interested in. If you are earning more than enough the past 6 months, you should be okay if you can present pay stubs and employment letter.

Embassy accepts co-sponsors but that does not necessarily mean that one will be approved. Visa denial for insufficient income is very high. Only a few would get approved. It's case-to-case basis. I've heard of one case where the Filipina fiancee is a nurse or is in a profession that is in high demand in the US, and they got approved with a co-sponsor. By the way, for Manila, co-sponsor has to be a close relative.

Suggestion is to work on finding a higher-paying job to minimize chances of denial.

[Pinay Wife 47]

Will one trip be enough to prove a bonafide relationship? I heard 2 or more is the norm.

One trip is enough to get USCIS to approve the petition but it would be better if you can visit her again prior to embassy interview to make it two visits. Consul almost always asks "how many times did he visit you?" "when was the last time he visited you?"

I do not know the solution to your problem but, there has in the recent past been posted about someone not using a CO sponsor but rather a surrogate (i think it was the posters mother or father) and having been successful. careful research will pay off. Good Luck

Hey, what are you doing posting here Alan? You should be twiddling your thumb waiting for Judy to arrive! Say hi to her for me. And have a happy reunion, my friend.

Hello Manila listers, will keep this short...I arrived in Manila to meet my beautiful asawa Milah Jean on March 25 and have had an INCREDIBLE experience here while she survived the CFO seminars followed by a very wonderful week with her family in Leyte province. At Manila today ready to head to America tomorrow. We can't wait to arrive and begin our new lives together. The day has finally come!!! Thanks all to the huge VJ family and to the Manila Embassy thread in particular. More later when we settle in. Good luck all!!!

Have a safe journey and a happy life together!!!

I'm here in Manila with Sheryl and we had her interview today and from what we can tell we are approved. The CO wouldn't say one way or another.

If the CO would'nt say it, I say CONGRATULATIONS!!!! :dance:

I'm about to head to the airport so this will be my last post for a week. Good luck to everyone who has upcoming interviews! Godbless!

Enjoy your trip!

I'm not sure about the co-sponsor thing for the USE in Manila, but with your current salary now, I would think a leter from your employer and at least 3-months pay-stubs would indicate you are over the 125-percent poverty line. So, even if they don't accept co-sponsers, you should be able to pass-muster on your own. But it might be good to have a co-sponsor to further bolster your cause.

Hi BJ, Glad to see you're still posting. How's everything?

Updating list…

K1 LIST

01..gobdogman.......09-07-06..10-20-06..xx-xx-xx..02-26-07..2006-789xxx..AR..Baby's DNA on its way to embassy

02..patrick808......10-18-06..10-30-06..01-24-07..03-08-07..2006-800xxx..OK..Date and place delivered please

03..Joone745........10-20-06..11-01-06..xx-xx-xx..03-09-07..2006-800xxx..OK..Mar 16/07 days/Bacolod

04..Wes.............11-02-06..11-17-06..12-29-06..03-20-07..2006-818xxx..AR..Pending result of add’l tests

05..49bstreet.......09-29-06..11-21-06..01-23-07..03-21-07..2006-820xxx..OK

06..maylet29........10-27-06..11-21-06..xx-xx-xx..03-22-07..2006-820xxx..OK..Mar 27/05 days/Quezon City

07..kismet..........11-02-06..11-20-06..01-26-07..03-22-07..2006-820xxx..OK..Mar 28/06 days/Cainta

08..iya.............11-02-06..11-20-06..02-02-07..03-23-07..2006-820xxx..OK..Mar 29/06 days/Quezon City

09..boch............11-08-06..11-29-06..01-05-07..03-23-07..2006-820xxx..OK

10..B&N.............11-03-06..11-29-06..01-24-07..03-26-07..2006-824xxx..OK

11..Alanlvsjudy.....11-06-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..03-27-07..2006-824xxx..OK..Apr 02/06 days/Pasay

12..EllaJosh........11-14-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..03-23-07..2006-834xxx..OK

13..jackieadam......11-20-06..12-28-06..xx-xx-xx..03-23-07..2006-xxxxxx..OK..Mar 28/05 days/Makati

14..DeaniWait.......11-28-06..12-19-06..02-27-07..04-04-07..2006-842xxx..OK

15..wthornton.......11-28-06..12-19-06..02-26-07..04-04-07..2006-842xxx..??

16..DocMay..........11-15-06..12-12-06..02-26-07..04-10-07..2006-845xxx

17..genlramos.......11-17-06..12-19-06..xx-xx-xx..04-11-07..2006-845xxx

18..DaveandFleur....10-17-06..12-19-06..02-28-07..04-11-07..2006-845xxx

19..George&Jenny....11-27-06..12-12-06..xx-xx-xx..04-10-07..2006-845xxx

20..PatientlyWait...12-04-06..12-27-06..02-26-07..04-13-07..2006-852xxx

21..Kayz............12-14-06..12-27-06..02-26-07..04-16-07..2006-854xxx

22..sanfrancisco....xx-xx-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..04-17-07..2006-8xxxxx

23..supra...........12-07-06..01-08-07..03-03-07..04-18-07..2006-860xxx

24..elmasguapo......12-15-06..01-08-07..xx-xx-xx..04-24-07..2006-xxxxxx

25..Dean/Gra........12-26-06..01-04-07..02-27-06..04-23-07..2007-503xxx

26..CocoPuff........12-29-06..01-16.07..03-03-07..04-25-07..2007-5xxxxx

27..Mike Marivic....01-04-07..01-20-07..02-26-07..04-24-07..2007-508xxx

28..MarieandBryan...01-10-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..04-27-07..2007-52xxxx

29..Skeeter211......01-17-07..02-27-07..04-02-07..05-03-07..2007-52xxxx

30..chadandlira.....01-25-07..xx-xx-xx..04-02-07..05-09-07..2007-536xxx

31..Honeysweet......02-01-07..02-20-07..xx-xx-xx..05-10-07..2007-540xxx

32..imaskin.........02-07-07..xx-xx-xx..03-30-07..05-24-07..2007-xxxxxx

33..gracy_byron.....02-08-07..02-28-07..xx-xx-xx..05-18-07..2007-xxxxxx

34..chadmides.......02-12-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..05-10-07..2007-547xxx

35..joemaria........02-12-07..02-28-07..xx-xx-xx..05-22-07..2007-55xxx

36..orion44.........02-22-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx

37..David-MaeForev..02-27-07..03-14-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-564xxx

K3 LIST

01..KimTung.........10-06-06..10-26-06..12-21-06..02-16-07..2006-792xxx..OK

02..Archie07........10-16-06..10-24-06..xx-xx-xx..02-16-07..2006-xxxxxx..OK..Feb 26/10 days/??

03..dj2004..........11-16-06..12-12-06..02-27-07..04-03-07..2006-839xxx..OK

04..M&M.............11-20-06..xx-xx-xx..03-02-07..04-16-07..2007-503xxx

05..Jeff&Boo........12-26-06..01-12-07..02-26-07..04-26-07..2007-5xxxxx

06..CherylandMike...02-05-07..02-26-07..xx-xx-xx..05-16-07..2007-546xxx

07..Robor007........02-06-07..02-26-07..03-30-07..05-15-07..2007-546xxx

IR-1/CR-1

Name.................NOA2.....CASE CMPLT..PACKET..INTERVIEW...MNL CASE#..STATUS

01..Jazzy...........08-03-06..10-17-06..12-30-06..02-08-07..2006-729xxx..OK..Mar 09/31 days/Cebu

02..w1n78...........09-05-06..11-16-06..02-05-07..03-02-07..2006-764xxx..AR..Mar 23/21 days/Makati

03..soulm8z0928.....09-06-06..11-16-06..02-05-07..03-14-07..2006-76xxxx..OK..Mar 20/06 days/Metro Manila

04..M&M.............09-07-06..11-15-06..02-05-07..03-15-07..2006-765xxx..OK..Mar 19/4days/Taguig

05..dims1...........09-20-06..12-01-06..02-06-07..03-19-07..2006-775xxx..AR..hang in there!

06..KimTung.........09-26-06..12-21-06..xx-xx-xx..03-22-07..2006-779xxx..AR

07..randynrose......09-29-06..02-06-07..03-06-07..04-20-07..2006-xxxxxx

08..StarProg........12-28-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-508xxx

09..Robor007........02-06-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx

[gracy_byron 0]

Well, Luz and Robin are leaving for Manila now. Tomorrow morning their time (8AM) their airplane leaves. It's hard to believe that it will soon be over.

Congrats Gary God is really good

[Captain Ewok 1,857]

Hey guys. This thread has gotten a bit big so we need to restart it (large threads slow the server down ). Anyhow please restart it with the same thread name and link to this thread so people can find it!

Btw, GREAT thread (lots of great info!)