Don't Schedule Anything

[Removed-02242014 19]

I have read and witnessed so many people trying to "guess" their arrival dates into the United States based on other people's timelines. I even did it at one time. I even saw a girl that set a date and planned her entire wedding around a projected date of arrival (to which she missed and lost hundreds of dollars in deposits). My advise --- There is a saying in America that goes: "Never count your chickens until they are hatched" and in this process it is oh, so true!

The visa process is extremely frustrating and requires patience. My advice, Don't book anything until that visa is in her hand!! You will only get disappointed. I saw in one post where the girl actually chewed-out people trying to help her saying "don't tell me to just be patient because that doesn't help and it doesn't do me any good." As if anyone here can tell her when her NOA2 was going to get to her.

Just be nice ... this process is different for everyone and every country --- There is nothing more that we want than to have our loved one in our arms.

[Joseyjava 1]

I have read and witnessed so many people trying to "guess" their arrival dates into the United States based on other people's timelines. I even did it at one time. I even saw a girl that set a date and planned her entire wedding around a projected date of arrival (to which she missed and lost hundreds of dollars in deposits). My advise --- There is a saying in America that goes: "Never count your chickens until they are hatched" and in this process it is oh, so true!

The visa process is extremely frustrating and requires patience. My advice, Don't book anything until that visa is in her hand!! You will only get disappointed. I saw in one post where the girl actually chewed-out people trying to help her saying "don't tell me to just be patient because that doesn't help and it doesn't do me any good." As if anyone here can tell her when her NOA2 was going to get to her.

Just be nice ... this process is different for everyone and every country --- There is nothing more that we want than to have our loved one in our arms.

I was reading your timeline, I noticed you already did your medical examination without an interview date? how did you do that?

[Hank_ 9,173]

I have read and witnessed so many people trying to "guess" their arrival dates into the United States based on other people's timelines. I even did it at one time. I even saw a girl that set a date and planned her entire wedding around a projected date of arrival (to which she missed and lost hundreds of dollars in deposits). My advise --- There is a saying in America that goes: "Never count your chickens until they are hatched" and in this process it is oh, so true!

The visa process is extremely frustrating and requires patience. My advice, Don't book anything until that visa is in her hand!! You will only get disappointed. I saw in one post where the girl actually chewed-out people trying to help her saying "don't tell me to just be patient because that doesn't help and it doesn't do me any good." As if anyone here can tell her when her NOA2 was going to get to her.

Just be nice ... this process is different for everyone and every country --- There is nothing more that we want than to have our loved one in our arms.

Your timeline shows you are "rushing things" , it shows you are married yet applying for the K-1 visa, maybe your timeline needs updating...

[Indykittykeilah 18]

Good advice. That is part of what is frustrating - waiting and I had heard some Consulate officials asked when the wedding date is - well, how can I schedule anything without knowing for sure he's coming and when? So I advised my fiance' not even to send stuff ahead until the Visa is in hand because I'd hate him to have to do without stuff like his bikes that he uses almost everyday and then have delays put in the way.

[Sweetheart75 0]

absolutely correct!

[Brandon+Roslyn 4]

Cheers! Im also from HB! Also, I agree with your post. Its kind of ignorant to make plans based on a hunch..

[Scott and Mhay 57]

I was reading your timeline, I noticed you already did your medical examination without an interview date? how did you do that?

You just need you MNL case number and go to St. Lukes Medical Extension. There is a thread that is a sticky in this section on the early medical. Just don't do it too early as for some (like my wife) the visa will be valid for a shorter period of time. She had no issues with her medical, but only had about 4 months instead of the normal 6 months of validity. For most it doesn't matter as they usually leave right after getting the visa.

[X Factor 1,110]

You just need you MNL case number and go to St. Lukes Medical Extension. There is a thread that is a sticky in this section on the early medical. Just don't do it too early as for some (like my wife) the visa will be valid for a shorter period of time. She had no issues with her medical, but only had about 4 months instead of the normal 6 months of validity. For most it doesn't matter as they usually leave right after getting the visa.

[Mogambi 96]

I think you also need a confirmation printout of your interview appointment, not JUST the MNL case number right? You can't take the medical before you have at least 'scehduled' the interview I thought.

Could be wrong.

Either way, with the MNL case number you can pay the fee at BPI, then sign up for an interview, so either way you can move forward.

[Joseyjava 1]

I think you also need a confirmation printout of your interview appointment, not JUST the MNL case number right? You can't take the medical before you have at least 'scehduled' the interview I thought.

Could be wrong.

Either way, with the MNL case number you can pay the fee at BPI, then sign up for an interview, so either way you can move forward.

taht was i thought too, i remember when i did my medical examination they took a copy of my appouintment letter. so maybe the system has changed?

[Hank_ 9,173]

I have read of a couple getting the medical done before they had their interview scheduled, but they had the letter from NVC with the MNL number, not just the MNL# scribbled on a piece of paper. Not sure why they didn't want to have their interview scheduled, seemed odd to me.

[Rob&Ema 12]

After all this waiting for the noas to arrive, medical, interview and everything. Once the visas in hand, 1 week or so is a piece of cake.

[Messybrownhair 251]

I agree with this wholeheartedly but didnt obey it.

Planned my wedding with just my noa2, no medical and interview yet. Gave myself some time to spare but if something had gone wrong then it might have been bad. Luckily it all worked out for me goodluck everyone!

[Scott and Mhay 57]

I think you also need a confirmation printout of your interview appointment, not JUST the MNL case number right? You can't take the medical before you have at least 'scehduled' the interview I thought.

Could be wrong.

Either way, with the MNL case number you can pay the fee at BPI, then sign up for an interview, so either way you can move forward.

The appointment letter was not needed for my wife back over 2 years ago...we just brought the NOA2 to St. Lukes. If we would have waited for the interview letter, the medical would not have been done until a couple days before the interview as she didn't get the interview letter until one week exactly prior to her interview. While, yes it is a good idea to have the interview printout if you can get it, but it has not been necessary as many members here can tell you.

[Removed-02242014 19]

Your timeline shows you are "rushing things" , it shows you are married yet applying for the K-1 visa, maybe your timeline needs updating...

NO ... were good ... everything is cooool and just moving with the process.

I think you also need a confirmation printout of your interview appointment, not JUST the MNL case number right? You can't take the medical before you have at least 'scehduled' the interview I thought.

Could be wrong.

Either way, with the MNL case number you can pay the fee at BPI, then sign up for an interview, so either way you can move forward.

You just need the MNL when you make the appointment ... and of course the receipt number from BPI