Kinda Crazy Consulate Experience

[Maxx121 14]

Thought i would post a write up of my consulate experience cause to me it seems a bit out of the ordinary.

First, everything up to the interview approval was fine with the one small exception of the consulate officer telling my CO that her visa would print the next day and be sent to 2GO the day after, thats when things got crazy.

I called the next day to see if it had printed, it had not and i was told that it takes 7 to 10 working days to recieve the visa. I explained thats not what i was told and all the woman would tell me was "sorry sir" (it seems that is the philipino way of saying screw off in a nice way). Now when i call the next day i called early in the morning allowing enough time for it to be printed but also allowing me time to react if it was not.

To make a long story short it wasnt printed when i called and i spent the entire night pissing people off till finally i was put in contact with a gentleman who who said he was the assistant to the cheif something or other (cant remember the guys exact title) and asked me to explain what my issue was. He then put me on hold for a while and came back and told me my visa had been printed (oh what a suprise) and that it would take an additional 2 days to process for clearances. I then asked him when it would be at 2go and he said teusday, i said fine i will reschedule my flight from saturday to wednesday and have my fiance in manila on teusday. he assured me their would be no further issue as he would see to it that it was sent.

I then called the next day for a status and could not get through to immigrant visa's, the receptionist could not do anything as all she would say all night was the lines were busy and there are only two extensions to call. I was then put through to her supervisor and after about 10 minutes she found the gentleman that i spoke to the night before. He asked if i was calling for a status update and i said yes.

after a few minutes he came back and said that they are currently working on my SO's visa and would have it picked up and delivered to 2GO by noon on monday, I asked him if he was sure as i have already lost a large sum of money for missing my saturday flight and do not wish to do the same again on my wednesday flight. he assured me that he would go down on monday himself and see to it that it is sent out on monday and that he had a conversation with the CO about my case and his level of clarity.

CFO - Done

CFO - Sticker - will get teusday

Flight - Midnight Wed

I tip my hate the the Gentleman at the embassy who helped me out. The CO's friendly assurance's to my SO cost me a pretty penny. The funny thing is i think he is from my area in new york which is the only reason i can guess that he was overly nice to my SO. He knew things about New York only a new yorker would know, specifically a new yorker from queens, which is where i am from.

It was nice of him, but if you are going to tell someone something is going to happen and we should be fine to marry on valentines day, please make it happen. Being a nice guy is one thing, but you gotta follow through on your promises or its an empty gesture that should never have been made.

[sjr09 155]

Promises or not, this is something that should have never been made on your part. It has been well documented on this site ‘don’t’ make any travel planes until your visa is in hand, and in my personal view with the CFO completed as well .

[Maxx121 14]

Promises or not, this is something that should have never been made on your part. It has been well documented on this site ‘don’t’ make any travel planes until your visa is in hand, and in my personal view with the CFO completed as well .

Everyone makes choices in their life that they feel are best for them. You do it your way i do it mine.

Risk vs. Reward. Im fine with the way it worked out, and honestly im not stressing losing a couple hundred bucks in order to see someone i miss very much one week after her interview instead of a month.

If i could have taken more time off work then i would have just been their waiting with her. But being that i just got back from spending 2 weeks over there working from my laptop in the phils wasnt an option.

[sjr09 155]

It's not a question of my way, or yours, but an account of facts for others to read. The right facts for a better outcome and less consequence.

Important Visa Interview Notices You should be aware of the following information

http://travel.state..../info_3743.html

DO NOT make arrangements to travel to the U.S., to dispose of property, or to resign employment until the visa has been issued.

[Richie Rich 70]

Everyone makes choices in their life that they feel are best for them. You do it your way i do it mine.

Risk vs. Reward. Im fine with the way it worked out, and honestly im not stressing losing a couple hundred bucks in order to see someone i miss very much one week after her interview instead of a month.

If i could have taken more time off work then i would have just been their waiting with her. But being that i just got back from spending 2 weeks over there working from my laptop in the phils wasnt an option.

SroJ was just pointing out the risk that the State Dept issued about not making plans and disposing of property before you are granted the visa (have it in hand ) .

Maxx --stop bitching about loosing money then . A few days more cannot hurt --everything works out for the good Congrats and best of luck .

[Maxx121 14]

True enough, i wouldnt suggest anyone doing the same. In any event we are both very pleased with the outcome and the hardest part of our journey comes to an end in 3 days.