Recent Medical and Interview

[Markieboy 104]

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to share my stepdaughter's experience with the medical at SLEC and the interview at USEM Manila.

On December 9th, I was able to schedule her interview online for January 10th. The online system was very buggy at first. The techs on the phone were not yet fully familiar with the online scheduling. However, through patience and persistence, I was finally able to schedule an interview date. The key here is to wait till the USEM physically, not electronically, has your case file.

After arriving in the Philippines, the first issue to sort out was the menstrual period. I let my wife handle this. It is imperative that the applicant is not menstruating. On the Dept of State website, it states that the medical exam can be performed even if the applicant is menstruating. This is not true for USEM Manila. Urinalysis will be performed. If the applicant is menstruating, even just spotting, she will be asked to return at a later date. So, be aware of this.

The medical is a two-day ordeal. The first day was history collection and physical exam. My wife and stepdaughter arrived at about 9AM. There was a short line, nothing major. (Thanks Tahoma for your advice of going later in the morning!) They were there until noon, and asked to return after lunch (1PM). They returned and were there until 4PM. They were given a receipt and asked to return the following day for immunization. The next day, after breakfast, we returned to SLEC. It took about an 1 1/2 hours to receive her immunizations. All in all, it wasn't such a bad experience.

We then returned to Manila for her interview. We arrived at USEM Manila at 5AM. There were quite a few people waiting. I thought it wouldn't matter...as we had a scheduled interview for 6:45AM. I was wrong. They opened the front door at 6AM and started allowing people in. We finally made it inside at about 6:20AM. We were then told to take a number. It seemed as if they were calling numbers in the order. Our number was called at 8:30AM for prescreening. The interviewer verified some information that was placed on the applications. He then told us to have a seat and wait for our number to be called. Our number was then called at 9:15AM for fingerprinting. After, we were told to sit and wait for our number. Finally, at about 9:50AM...we were called for our interview. The CO swore us in, and asked a few questions. How did I meet the beneficiary's mother? How long have we dated? What's your occupation? I was somewhat surprised that the questions were more focused on my wife and I...rather than the my stepdaughter, the beneficiary. After the questions, the CO said that he has all he needed. He then instructed us to wait outside for our number to be called. No word of a decision...not even a smile!

When our number was called, we went up to the windows. The person had our file in hand. He detached my stepdaughter's passport and placed it in a plastic bag. He gave my a courier's (2go) application to fill in my mailing address. So it was then that I knew we were approved! What a relief!

So here's my advice for future applicants. If and when you schedule your interview online, it really does not matter what time you choose. I chose 6:45AM as opposed to 7:15AM. And yet, I was not interviewed at the scheduled time. Don't worry though, you will have your interview. Also, remember to bring original NSO documents and copies of ALL your USCIS/NVC applications. They will ask for a completed DS-230 from you. Bring at least 10-12 photos, showing the petitioner and beneficiary together.

Other than that, everything went very smooth. I hope that my experience will be of some help to future applicants. Thank you guys for being such a help to me, too! I have you all and Visajourney to thank for my family's success with their immigration process!

[marriedtomrg 140]

Congratulations

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to share my stepdaughter's experience with the medical at SLEC and the interview at USEM Manila.

On December 9th, I was able to schedule her interview online for January 10th. The online system was very buggy at first. The techs on the phone were not yet fully familiar with the online scheduling. However, through patience and persistence, I was finally able to schedule an interview date. The key here is to wait till the USEM physically, not electronically, has your case file.

After arriving in the Philippines, the first issue to sort out was the menstrual period. I let my wife handle this. It is imperative that the applicant is not menstruating. On the Dept of State website, it states that the medical exam can be performed even if the applicant is menstruating. This is not true for USEM Manila. Urinalysis will be performed. If the applicant is menstruating, even just spotting, she will be asked to return at a later date. So, be aware of this.

The medical is a two-day ordeal. The first day was history collection and physical exam. My wife and stepdaughter arrived at about 9AM. There was a short line, nothing major. (Thanks Tahoma for your advice of going later in the morning!) They were there until noon, and asked to return after lunch (1PM). They returned and were there until 4PM. They were given a receipt and asked to return the following day for immunization. The next day, after breakfast, we returned to SLEC. It took about an 1 1/2 hours to receive her immunizations. All in all, it wasn't such a bad experience.

We then returned to Manila for her interview. We arrived at USEM Manila at 5AM. There were quite a few people waiting. I thought it wouldn't matter...as we had a scheduled interview for 6:45AM. I was wrong. They opened the front door at 6AM and started allowing people in. We finally made it inside at about 6:20AM. We were then told to take a number. It seemed as if they were calling numbers in the order. Our number was called at 8:30AM for prescreening. The interviewer verified some information that was placed on the applications. He then told us to have a seat and wait for our number to be called. Our number was then called at 9:15AM for fingerprinting. After, we were told to sit and wait for our number. Finally, at about 9:50AM...we were called for our interview. The CO swore us in, and asked a few questions. How did I meet the beneficiary's mother? How long have we dated? What's your occupation? I was somewhat surprised that the questions were more focused on my wife and I...rather than the my stepdaughter, the beneficiary. After the questions, the CO said that he has all he needed. He then instructed us to wait outside for our number to be called. No word of a decision...not even a smile!

When our number was called, we went up to the windows. The person had our file in hand. He detached my stepdaughter's passport and placed it in a plastic bag. He gave my a courier's (2go) application to fill in my mailing address. So it was then that I knew we were approved! What a relief!

So here's my advice for future applicants. If and when you schedule your interview online, it really does not matter what time you choose. I chose 6:45AM as opposed to 7:15AM. And yet, I was not interviewed at the scheduled time. Don't worry though, you will have your interview. Also, remember to bring original NSO documents and copies of ALL your USCIS/NVC applications. They will ask for a completed DS-230 from you. Bring at least 10-12 photos, showing the petitioner and beneficiary together.

Other than that, everything went very smooth. I hope that my experience will be of some help to future applicants. Thank you guys for being such a help to me, too! I have you all and Visajourney to thank for my family's success with their immigration process!

[marklovetina 52]

tnx for sharing... and congratulations!!!! :dance:

[~happyndinlove~ 540]

Congratulations!!!

[Angeli 5]

Congratulations Markieboy! Thanks a lot for sharing your experience and for the tips. I'm happy for you! Well done!

[happyme'11 3]

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to share my stepdaughter's experience with the medical at SLEC and the interview at USEM Manila.

On December 9th, I was able to schedule her interview online for January 10th. The online system was very buggy at first. The techs on the phone were not yet fully familiar with the online scheduling. However, through patience and persistence, I was finally able to schedule an interview date. The key here is to wait till the USEM physically, not electronically, has your case file.

After arriving in the Philippines, the first issue to sort out was the menstrual period. I let my wife handle this. It is imperative that the applicant is not menstruating. On the Dept of State website, it states that the medical exam can be performed even if the applicant is menstruating. This is not true for USEM Manila. Urinalysis will be performed. If the applicant is menstruating, even just spotting, she will be asked to return at a later date. So, be aware of this.

The medical is a two-day ordeal. The first day was history collection and physical exam. My wife and stepdaughter arrived at about 9AM. There was a short line, nothing major. (Thanks Tahoma for your advice of going later in the morning!) They were there until noon, and asked to return after lunch (1PM). They returned and were there until 4PM. They were given a receipt and asked to return the following day for immunization. The next day, after breakfast, we returned to SLEC. It took about an 1 1/2 hours to receive her immunizations. All in all, it wasn't such a bad experience.

We then returned to Manila for her interview. We arrived at USEM Manila at 5AM. There were quite a few people waiting. I thought it wouldn't matter...as we had a scheduled interview for 6:45AM. I was wrong. They opened the front door at 6AM and started allowing people in. We finally made it inside at about 6:20AM. We were then told to take a number. It seemed as if they were calling numbers in the order. Our number was called at 8:30AM for prescreening. The interviewer verified some information that was placed on the applications. He then told us to have a seat and wait for our number to be called. Our number was then called at 9:15AM for fingerprinting. After, we were told to sit and wait for our number. Finally, at about 9:50AM...we were called for our interview. The CO swore us in, and asked a few questions. How did I meet the beneficiary's mother? How long have we dated? What's your occupation? I was somewhat surprised that the questions were more focused on my wife and I...rather than the my stepdaughter, the beneficiary. After the questions, the CO said that he has all he needed. He then instructed us to wait outside for our number to be called. No word of a decision...not even a smile!

When our number was called, we went up to the windows. The person had our file in hand. He detached my stepdaughter's passport and placed it in a plastic bag. He gave my a courier's (2go) application to fill in my mailing address. So it was then that I knew we were approved! What a relief!

So here's my advice for future applicants. If and when you schedule your interview online, it really does not matter what time you choose. I chose 6:45AM as opposed to 7:15AM. And yet, I was not interviewed at the scheduled time. Don't worry though, you will have your interview. Also, remember to bring original NSO documents and copies of ALL your USCIS/NVC applications. They will ask for a completed DS-230 from you. Bring at least 10-12 photos, showing the petitioner and beneficiary together.

Other than that, everything went very smooth. I hope that my experience will be of some help to future applicants. Thank you guys for being such a help to me, too! I have you all and Visajourney to thank for my family's success with their immigration process!

Congratulations! My 2 kids just got here 2 months ago and without Visajourney i wouldn't have made it. VJ is a great help so it won't hurt if we will also help fellow members who are just starting on their journey. Good luck to y'all.

[happyme'11 3]

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to share my stepdaughter's experience with the medical at SLEC and the interview at USEM Manila.

On December 9th, I was able to schedule her interview online for January 10th. The online system was very buggy at first. The techs on the phone were not yet fully familiar with the online scheduling. However, through patience and persistence, I was finally able to schedule an interview date. The key here is to wait till the USEM physically, not electronically, has your case file.

After arriving in the Philippines, the first issue to sort out was the menstrual period. I let my wife handle this. It is imperative that the applicant is not menstruating. On the Dept of State website, it states that the medical exam can be performed even if the applicant is menstruating. This is not true for USEM Manila. Urinalysis will be performed. If the applicant is menstruating, even just spotting, she will be asked to return at a later date. So, be aware of this.

The medical is a two-day ordeal. The first day was history collection and physical exam. My wife and stepdaughter arrived at about 9AM. There was a short line, nothing major. (Thanks Tahoma for your advice of going later in the morning!) They were there until noon, and asked to return after lunch (1PM). They returned and were there until 4PM. They were given a receipt and asked to return the following day for immunization. The next day, after breakfast, we returned to SLEC. It took about an 1 1/2 hours to receive her immunizations. All in all, it wasn't such a bad experience.

We then returned to Manila for her interview. We arrived at USEM Manila at 5AM. There were quite a few people waiting. I thought it wouldn't matter...as we had a scheduled interview for 6:45AM. I was wrong. They opened the front door at 6AM and started allowing people in. We finally made it inside at about 6:20AM. We were then told to take a number. It seemed as if they were calling numbers in the order. Our number was called at 8:30AM for prescreening. The interviewer verified some information that was placed on the applications. He then told us to have a seat and wait for our number to be called. Our number was then called at 9:15AM for fingerprinting. After, we were told to sit and wait for our number. Finally, at about 9:50AM...we were called for our interview. The CO swore us in, and asked a few questions. How did I meet the beneficiary's mother? How long have we dated? What's your occupation? I was somewhat surprised that the questions were more focused on my wife and I...rather than the my stepdaughter, the beneficiary. After the questions, the CO said that he has all he needed. He then instructed us to wait outside for our number to be called. No word of a decision...not even a smile!

When our number was called, we went up to the windows. The person had our file in hand. He detached my stepdaughter's passport and placed it in a plastic bag. He gave my a courier's (2go) application to fill in my mailing address. So it was then that I knew we were approved! What a relief!

So here's my advice for future applicants. If and when you schedule your interview online, it really does not matter what time you choose. I chose 6:45AM as opposed to 7:15AM. And yet, I was not interviewed at the scheduled time. Don't worry though, you will have your interview. Also, remember to bring original NSO documents and copies of ALL your USCIS/NVC applications. They will ask for a completed DS-230 from you. Bring at least 10-12 photos, showing the petitioner and beneficiary together.

Other than that, everything went very smooth. I hope that my experience will be of some help to future applicants. Thank you guys for being such a help to me, too! I have you all and Visajourney to thank for my family's success with their immigration process!

Congratulations! My 2 kids just got here 2 months ago and without Visajourney i wouldn't have made it. VJ is a great help so it won't hurt if we will also help fellow members who are just starting on their journey. Good luck to y'all.

[Tahoma 2,291]

Congratulations Marc!!!

Thanks for sharing the medical and the interview experience.

[J.W. 4]

Thanks for sharing, I'll let my parents read this. Their interview is fast approaching.

[Maxx121 14]

DS 230? hmm, sucks cause i dont remember reading that one in their instructions.

Thanks

[Markieboy 104]

Congratulations

Thanks, marriedtomrg!

tnx for sharing... and congratulations!!!! :dance:

Thanks, godsgift!

Congratulations!!!

Thank you, happyndinlove~!

Congratulations Markieboy! Thanks a lot for sharing your experience and for the tips. I'm happy for you! Well done!

Thanks, Angeli! We feel very lucky.

Congratulations! My 2 kids just got here 2 months ago and without Visajourney i wouldn't have made it. VJ is a great help so it won't hurt if we will also help fellow members who are just starting on their journey. Good luck to y'all.

Thanks, happyme'11'! I agree with you 100%! Congratulations also with getting your family here! What a blessing!

Congratulations Marc!!!

Thanks for sharing the medical and the interview experience.

Thanks, Tahoma! Your advice was spot-on correct!

Thanks for sharing, I'll let my parents read this. Their interview is fast approaching.

You're very welcome, J.W.! Good luck with the interview!

DS 230? hmm, sucks cause i dont remember reading that one in their instructions.

Thanks

Yes, the DS-230 application. I don't remember the instructions stating that, either. But I was asked to submit a completed copy during the prescreening. Luckily, I have OCD...and printed copies of EVERYTHING. So, I had a copy ready to sign and submit.