K1 & K2 Interviews in Manila Scheduled!

[six7one 17]

Because we are doing a K1 and K2 Visa, we decided the best way to do this was for me (the Petitioner) to call the U.S. Embassy in Manila. Would have been too expensive for her to call using her mobile phone. We just felt better about doing it via phone rather than online. If you choose to call, here are some things you should know (not in any particular order)...

1. If you call the numbers listed here under Embassy Info, you will get their Call Center in Manila. I called 011-63-2982-5555. If you are in the U.S. you can call 1-888-877-9888 but you will pay $18 via credit card for 3 calls. It was actually cheaper for me to call Manila Internationally than pay the $18. I just bought a $10 calling card and used about $6 for a 27 minute call to set 2 Interviews.

2. Have your Case Number ready. They will ask for it up front.

3. Before you call, be sure to contact the NVC to find out when your packet was sent to Manila. They will ask you if you received notification from the Embassy that the packet was received. We didn't receive any notification. I told the agent that the NVC sent it to Manila the previous week (which the NVC did). I suppose the agent looked it up and saw that it was on system.

4. Have your payment information ready...

• How it was paid (in my case BPI)
  
• Amount in Pesos
  
• Time it was paid
  

TIP: I had my fiancee take a picture of the receipts and had her email the pic to me so that I could see them.

The Agent only asked for one reference of payment even though we paid for a K1 and a K2. I suppose she looked it up on system also.

5. Have the K1/K2 Passport Information Ready. Here are the things they will ask...

• Full Name on Passports
  
• Passport Numbers (also the BPI Receipt Numbers)
  
• Date Passports Issued
  
• Date Passports Expire
  
• Place Passports Were Issued (DFA Location)
  
• Holder's Nationality and Residency
  

6. Have your K1's and K2's Information Ready. They will ask for...

• Dates of Birth
  
• Phone Numbers
  
• Addresses
  
• Email Addresses
  

The email address you provide is for the Embassy to email the Appointment Letter.

7. The Agent will tell you the next available date. If you have a preference, be ready to let the agent know. I want to be there for the interviews so I had a date in mind so that I can fly to Manila.

If you are setting appointments for a K1 and a K2, be very clear to them you are setting 2 appointments. Since my fiancee's daughter is 3 I set Interviews for the same date and time. Chances are their interviews will be combined although I can't confirm this here and now.

You will also be asked if the Visa(s) will be delivered or picked up. We chose delivery so be sure to double check the Address you give them letter by letter if it brings peace to mind. Same goes with the email address for the Appointment Letter.

Finally, you will have the option to create the online account regardless if you set the interviews via telephone. I chose to do so in the event we want to change the schedules. The Agent will setup the online account for you and email you the link and credentials. Setting up the online account is entirely up to you. Note that after the 3rd change of schedule you will have to pay the fee again or something like that. They'll read the script to you so just pay attention.

Overall, calling and setting the Interviews was very easy. My biggest advice if you call is to have your information readily available when they ask for it. Time = $ on an International Call. Hope the information helps anyone who needs it.

[six7one 17]

Forgot one thing...

If you call the Manila numbers, select "Non-Immigrant" and Just choose YES when prompted if you've completed a DS-160. I didn't do a DS-160 because it is not required for a K1/K2 and I was never asked about it by the Agent.

[Ryan H 3,856]

Moved from K1 Process & Procedures to Philippines regional forum; topic is Embassy specific.

[CristiFur 15]

Six! thanks for the info, I really appreciate it. Good luck!

[Hank_ 9,174]

For most doing it online is quite simple and free. I understand having a K-1 & K-2 is more involved.

Embassy:

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/19452/public/Revised%20K1%20Instruction%20Packet%20_3__rtf2_003.pdf

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/

[six7one 17]

For most doing it online is quite simple and free. I understand having a K-1 & K-2 is more involved.

Embassy:

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/19452/public/Revised%20K1%20Instruction%20Packet%20_3__rtf2_003.pdf

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/

Agree its is probably pretty simple to do online. However, I couldn't chance messing anything up in regard to my beautiful future step-daughter. How do you explain to a mother on the day of her Interview that her daughter is not scheduled? I could only imagine the emotion of the moment and decided, nope I don't want to live through that. Peace of mind and assurance is the reason for my call and easily worth the $6 is spent on LD charges. I'm sure I'm not the only to have this cross their mind. Glad and Relieved that's behind me now because I was stressing about it since receiving the NOA2.

[six7one 17]

Six! thanks for the info, I really appreciate it. Good luck!

No problem at all. If I remember correctly you will be going through a K1 and K2 process soon. Good luck to you with your Journey also.

One thing I forgot to mention. If you give them the same address for the K1 and K2 to send the Appointments, note that you will only be able to see/reschedule the K1 online. They will explain that to you if/when they setup your online account.

[Hank_ 9,174]

Agree its is probably pretty simple to do online. However, I couldn't chance messing anything up in regard to my beautiful future step-daughter. How do you explain to a mother on the day of her Interview that her daughter is not scheduled? I could only imagine the emotion of the moment and decided, nope I don't want to live through that. Peace of mind and assurance is the reason for my call and easily worth the $6 is spent on LD charges. I'm sure I'm not the only to have this cross their mind. Glad and Relieved that's behind me now because I was stressing about it since receiving the NOA2.

It can be done online for both. vacrimefighter just did it with his Fiancee and step-daughter. But I do understand your need to handle it and peace of mind.