Filipino applicants?

[Sasan 1]

Do we have to wait for the letter of eligibilty before you can start filing a visa? How long would it take since you get your NOA2?

[bimmer883 0]

Please explain what you mean "Letter of Eligibility"? You and your UC fiance(e) know outright if you are eligible or free to marry... It is advisable to file for an i-129f asap following engagement since it is a long and tedious process. As for NOA2, mine took 6mos and 2weeks from NOA1 but it varies depending on specific locations. Mostly, between 3-10mos i suppose.

[Sasan 1]

The letter of eligibility is a notice for you to officially start the application. You cant proceed to the interview without it. We already got our NOA2 and as of now were still waiting for that letter.

[julitathomas0810 30]

Please explain in detail what this letter is and how to obtain it . I never heard about this and we are waiting for our NA02 .

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

Do you mean like Packet 3?

[Sasan 1]

Do you mean like Packet 3?

Yeah! I guess thats it. Is that an instructions on what to do after you get NOA2?

[Sasan 1]

@Penguin_ie can we already pay the visa application and make an appointment without that letter from the USEM?

[RnL 3]

Hi Sasan.

You don't have to wait for the letter from USEM because sometimes, it doesn't even get delivered (I should know because I still don't have that letter BUT I already have my visa). You can proceed with the visa application and appointment even without it so long as you know your MNL case number.

[Hank_ 9,174]

Do we have to wait for the letter of eligibilty before you can start filing a visa? How long would it take since you get your NOA2?

There is a link in my signature for the complete K-1 process in Manila

No you do not need to wait.

[Tahoma 2,292]

When the U.S. Embassy receives a K-1 case from the National Visa Center (NVC), the Embassy sometimes sends a letter via PhilPost to the beneficiary informing the beneficiary that they are eligible to pay the visa fee at BPI and then schedule an interview. The letter also gives the beneficiary instructions on how to prepare for the interview. However, the Embassy does not always send the letter. Some people never receive it. You don't need the letter.

About a week or two after their petition is approved by the USCIS, many Manila K-1ers take a shortcut by calling the NVC and getting their MNL case number. Once you have your MNL case number, the beneficiary can pay the visa application fee at BPI and schedule an interview appointment.

By the way, if you want to read the Embassy's eligibility letter, click here: http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/19452/public/Revised%20K1%20Instruction_rtf2_005.pdf

[Glenn1234 0]

Yes, you don't have to wait. Our packet just got mailed on the 23rd of may and she is already done with the medical and the Interview on june 5th.

[JL_Cristina 2]

Do they send your visa or they release it the same day as your interview.

[Sasan 1]

Hi Sasan.

You don't have to wait for the letter from USEM because sometimes, it doesn't even get delivered (I should know because I still don't have that letter BUT I already have my visa). You can proceed with the visa application and appointment even without it so long as you know your MNL case number.

Thank you so much. If that would be the case will the embassy wont ask anything from you like an evidence that you are eligible for the interview? No confirmation letter to show?

There is a link in my signature for the complete K-1 process in Manila

No you do not need to wait.

Where could i find that link sir?

[Hank_ 9,174]

I believe I posted this to you before, but here it is once more... the list:

For the NVC:

Check on your embassy case number:

Give them 7 - 10 days after you receive the NOA2 before calling. Call after 4:45 PM eastern time for shorter wait times K1's are not tracked through the AVR, ever. They are processed like an immigrant visa, but they are NOT immigrant visas, so they fall into a completely different class of their own. Therefore you need an operator. To get there:

1-603-334-0700 Operator assistance is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 12:00 AM (Eastern Time)

Press 1 for English
Press 5 for an operator

NVC CONTACT INFORMATION:

Website: www.immigrantvisas.state.govwww.immigrantvisas.state.gov

E-mail: NVCInquiry@state.gov (I found NVC to be very quick responding to emails)

REQUIRED SECURITY INFORMATION:

You are required to provide the following security information with each inquiry to receive a case specific response:

* NVC Case Number or USCIS Receipt Number (Place in the subject line of the e-mail).
* Petitioner's name and date of birth.
( NOTE: If the visa petition is employment-based, include the employer's company/organization name instead of the petitioner's name and date of birth. )
* Principal Applicant's name and date of birth.

LETTER FROM NVC WITH MANILA NUMBER

When you get the letter from NVC stating the MNL # , scan and email a copy to your fiancee to bring to St. Luke's

Manila Embassy:

NOW THAT YOU HAVE YOUR MNL # (don't need to wait for the letter from the embassy )

(NOTE: When getting NSO certified copies of your Birth Certificate get a few extra copies for bringing to the States with you. You will need them from time to time)

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3023.html

Once you have your MNL # :

You can pay your nonimmigrant visa application fee with cash or debit card at any Bank of Philippine Islands. Before going to the bank, you must print the applicable U.S. visa application deposit slip available below on this page. Take the printed deposit slip with you to pay your fee. If you print a deposit slip in advance of the day in which you plan to make your payment, please take note of the expiration date on the deposit slip. If the expiration date passes prior to using the slip to make your payment, simply return to this site and re-click the appropriate link below to generate a new deposit slip. Bank agents will NOT accept payments based on expired deposit slips. Upon receiving of your payment, bank will issue you a receipt. Save your receipt. It cannot be replaced if it is lost. You will not be able to schedule an appointment without your receipt number.

http://ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-paymentinfo.asp

Select the deposit slip that matches your visa application fee from the list below. Values are shown in U.S. dollars and native currency. This page has more information about the different visa application fees. (you may have to change the border from .75 to .25 for printing for it all to print on one page, also some have been asked at BPI for three copies of the deposit receipt, why I don't know)

http://ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-visafeeinfo.asp

For K-1 the fee is $240

After you have paid the visa application fee, keep the BANK receipt for your records. It cannot be replaced if it is lost. You will not be able to schedule an appointment without your receipt number.

If you have an account with either Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI) or BancNet you may choose to pay your visa application fee online using their online bill pay services. Click on either of the links below if you are a BPI or BancNet customer and wish to make an online payment.

If you are paying for more than one applicant, please DO NOT make a lump sum payment for all the applicants. A UID/receipt number is required for each visa application fee payment for EACH applicant for scheduling an appointment. After you have paid the visa application fee, please keep the fee receipt for your records.

Receipt Format

Note: If you have a Bank of Philippine Islands receipt, your fee receipt number should be your passport number. If something other than your passport number appears in the circled area on the graphic, use that information as your receipt number. This receipt number verifies your payment and allows you to schedule your visa interview When scheduling online with the embassy you need to use the receipt number as shown on the payment receipt from BPI. You can schedule the interview online or by calling the numbers listed below.

Once you have registered you can then schedule the interview. https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/

Priorty Date; this is the date the NOA 1 was received. You will not find the priority date entered on the NOA2, you will only find it on the email/letter from NVC when you get your MNL #.

Make sure to print three copies of the interview confirmation letter/page (if you scheduled online) as you will need two for St. Luke's and the other for the embassy.

(open all of these links then save them to your bookmarks so you have them for easy access)

Embassy Letter: (This is the Instruction Letter from the Embassy - you need to complete everything listed here)

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3224.html

In English: http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/19452/public/Revised%20K1%20Instruction_rtf2_rtf2_001.pdf

In Tagalog: http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/19452/public/K1instructionTag%20rtf3%20_2__rtf2_013.pdf

(The DS-156 can be difficult to complete sometimes, if you have issues try a different browser.)

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

Information for meeting the Poverty Guidelines and using additional assets (it may be referring to the I-864 but its valid for the I-134 also):

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3183.html#22

Poverty Guidelines: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-864p.pdf

Embassy (Manila) Phone Number (and email)

(632) 301-2000, extension 5184 or 5185 (local number: USEM 301-2000 loc 5184/5185 call them around 3-4:30pm)

** (214) 571-1600 or (646) 254-3546 (these are USA numbers)

NEW EMAIL ADDRESS

In order to serve our visa applicants more efficiently, we have created this new e-mail address: IVMNLAppointments@state.gov , for early appointment requests and visa scheduling issues. Please note, however, that early appointment requests will be approved on a case to case basis (i.e., aging out cases, or in cases involving personal or medical emergencies), and only if visa interview slots are available.

For other immigrant and K visa concerns, please send an e-mail to IVManilaReplies@state.gov
.
To enable us to electronically sort the messages and provide better, more timely responses, you should follow the instructions below.
The subject line of your email should indicate the visa applicant’s last name, first and middle name (ex. DOE, John James), case number/USCIS receipt number, visa category and priority date.

Messages should be limited to 500 characters or less. The mail size should not be more than 15 KB.
Do not submit documentation or attachments with your message as our system is unable to receive inquiries with attachments.
Do not send your inquiry more than once as duplicate inquiries will congest our system and delay our response time.

IN A HURRY? Pick up your visa at MOA! -> -> http://blogs.usembassy.gov/philippines/?p=1533

******** INTERVIEW DAY: Remember no electronics are allowed in the embassy; no cell phones, no cameras, no memory stiks. And no food. **********

***

St. Luke's:

(GUYS if you are in the Phils with your Fiancee before the medical NO "personal" contact until AFTER St. Luke's is completed - as in KEEP IT IN YOUR PANTS)

http://www.slec.ph/us-visa-applicants.shtml#required-docs

Have copies of passport bio page, copy of NVC letter when MNL# is assigned (I added this as SLEC has been asking for this letter or a letter from the embassy that lists the assigned MNL #) confirmation page from scheduling interview online at embassy (or if the embassy mails a confirmation letter bring a copy of that) (NVC Instructions Letter is for IR/CR-1 visa), and of course the 2X2 photos. (copy of annulment is asked for at times)

PREREGISTER at St. Luke's website, it saves time when you arrive. http://www.slec.ph/us/registration/

Information from the embassy about the medical: http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3218.html

***

CFO:

ALL exiting required to attend. There have been changes regarding CFO so for sure read through their website.

Update: Please check the schedule of the counseling session before proceeding to CFO because it is country-specific and the slots are limited only to 15 per session (two sessions per day) for Manila and 12 per session (only one session a day) for Cebu. It is on a first-come-first-serve basis.

CFO Online Registration Form: http://www.cfo.gov.ph/pdf/downloadable%20forms/registrationform.pdf Complete this and print a couple copies to bring to the CFO seminar, it will save you time.

http://www.philembassy.no/sites/default/files/downloads/new_gcp_flyer.pdf

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1348:fiancee-spouses-and-other-partners-of-foreign-nationals&catid=140

Required documents & "OTHER DOCUMENTS" they ask for at CFO: originals & copies of; CENOMAR (CEMAR and marriage certificate if married), certified birth certificate. Passport and copies of bio page of passport, visa page from passport, pictures together. From USC (copies of) - bio page of passport, birth certificate, divorce decree (if been married before) are the most common requests. The "other documents" clause can be ANYTHING with those nit-wits at CFO.

** From the Family Code of the Philippines: it's 21-25 years old for advice and 18-21 years old for consent. (Some are posted on VJ that they were not asked for this, yet others have been asked, so be prepared)

Art. 14. In case either or both of the contracting parties, not having been emancipated by a previous marriage, are between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one, they shall, in addition to the requirements of the preceding articles, exhibit to the local civil registrar, the consent to their marriage of their father, mother, surviving parent or guardian, or persons having legal charge of them, in the order mentioned. Such consent shall be manifested in writing by the interested party, who personally appears before the proper local civil registrar, or in the form of an affidavit made in the presence of two witnesses and attested before any official authorized by law to administer oaths. The personal manifestation shall be recorded in both applications for marriage license, and the affidavit, if one is executed instead, shall be attached to said applications. (61a)

Art. 15. Any contracting party between the age of twenty-one and twenty-five shall be obliged to ask their parents or guardian for advice upon the intended marriage. If they do not obtain such advice, or if it be unfavorable, the marriage license shall not be issued till after three months following the completion of the publication of the application therefor.A sworn statement by the contracting parties to the effect that such advice has been sought,together with the written advice given, if any, shall be attached to the application for marriage license. Should the parents or guardian refuse to give any advice, this fact shall be stated in the sworn statement.

Examples (from Quezon City):

Advice of Parents: http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/images/stories/downloadables/forms/parentadvice.pdf

Consent to Marry: http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/images/stories/downloadables/forms/consenttomarriage.pdf

TRACK YOUR VISA/PASSPORT AT THE EMBASSY

State Dept. visa tracking: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx? (not updated or as accurate as the USEM website)

Here is a link for requirements for receiving your passport with the visa, there are also options for tracking the status of your visa/passport is currently. You can also change delivery options.

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-passportretrieve.asp#trackingoptions

If your application was temporarily refused under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, you can now check the status of your application online.

http://manila.usembassy.gov/adminprocessing2.html

2GO CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR CHECKING DELIVERY

2Go customer service hotline (+632) 5287-136 is available Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

TRACK YOUR PASSPORT/VISA THROUGH 2GO

http://supplychain.2go.com.ph/CustomerSupport/etrace/index.asp Enter your MNL number or passport number or UID number off the embassy confirmation letter (online confirmation page by bar code).

**

Travel Fees:

Exit Fee for all those immigrating: 1620 Php (currently) Can be paid at the airport if its not included with the purchase of your airline ticket.

Airport Fee: 550 Php (currently)

*****

[Matt & Freche 2]

Questions & comment=Great information here =Thanx a bunch !!I am curious about getting the medical & the embassy interviews done within the same few days or week? is this possible usually - as my fiancee lives in cebu & takes travel back & forth if isnt done about same times?? Thanx.