Time from Interview to Visa Issued

[Travelpro 3]

Hi VJ,

I'd like to ask, generally speaking, when does the visa get approved? I have read some are informed at the interview. Is this the majority? If not, how many days on average would we be notified from the interview date that the visa is approved?

Also, how many days on average could we expect the visa to be available for pick up (we will chose this option) from the interview date.

Oct 23rd Our Sputum test results

Oct 24th finishes the medical

Oct 25th she gives her 2 week notice at work (yes, this is a calculated risk we are taking)

Nov 7th I arrive in Manila

Nov 12th Interview date (we already scheduled)

Nov 13th I fly back to US and she will fly to Zamboanga to be with her parents and other family

Nov 25th she will fly back to Manila and pick up her Visa assuming its available

Nov 27th she fly's to US

Are these dates too ambutious?

Thanks!

[Hank_ 9,174]

No one is approved at the interview, all files are reviewed a 2nd time before actual approval. Embassy states it can take up to two weeks for the visa to be delivered after issuance.... of course issuance comes after approval. Ever seen the movie "Catch 22"?

Everyone on here can give you different experiences for receiving their package from 2GO.

I think two weeks between interview and flying is pushing things.

Did you fiancee complete CFO already?

[Travelpro 3]

No one is approved at the interview, all files are reviewed a 2nd time before actual approval. Embassy states it can take up to two weeks for the visa to be delivered after issuance.... of course issuance comes after approval.

Thank you Hank. I have read that some were told in the interview they are approved. I'm sure you have read the same in this forum. Do you know what they were referring to?

So in your opinion, how long does it take to get notified of being approved after the interview?

Yes, she has done her CFO.

I'm using miles for her flight to US and I can change the date without penalty. So I guess we can shoot for Nov 27th but push it out if needed.

[Ronn63 41]

For us, it was 9 days between interview and visa in hand. She then had to attend the CFO seminar in Cebu. It was just shy of a month between interview and POE in Detroit. I agree with Hank. 2 weeks is pretty quick between everything that still has to be done, including the embassy moving on what they had to do. I've read some people have waited 3 weeks or more for visa issue from the USEM. But, saying that, it is possible...

Good luck and congrats!!

[Miss Niss 0]

I was told at the time of the interview that it was approved. That was on a Monday and by Thursday the visa package arrived at my local loomis office. I have my flight booked for this Thursday! Very excited, and happy with how quick it all went.

[Hank_ 9,174]

Thank you Hank. I have read that some were told in the interview they are approved. I'm sure you have read the same in this forum. Do you know what they were referring to?

So in your opinion, how long does it take to get notified of being approved after the interview?

Yes, she has done her CFO.

I'm using miles for her flight to US and I can change the date without penalty. So I guess we can shoot for Nov 27th but push it out if needed.

One of the most common questions popping up here on VJ after the interview is: "We were not told we were approved at the interview, is that normal?" . Now some ask at the last window before leaving if they were approved and that person has been know to say yes, but that is not FINAL approval. Until the application is reviewed and approved the 2nd time... nothing is in writing.

Many who track their visa progress after the interview all will tell you there was a time where the status showed that they were in AP... that is the 2nd review, if everything is fine it may last a couple hours, if not it can last a very long time, but normally its the couple hour thing.

You may just luck out and get the visa quickly, it happens, I have read of some getting theirs in 3 days, my wife and I had to wait a full two weeks. Being you can easily change the flight, I don't see any issues.

All the BEST!

[Travelpro 3]

I was told at the time of the interview that it was approved. That was on a Monday and by Thursday the visa package arrived at my local loomis office. I have my flight booked for this Thursday! Very excited, and happy with how quick it all went.

Thank you. I can reference many posts stating they were told in the interview they are approved.

Anyway, its seems possible to get the visa in 2 weeks and its not going to have any negative impact having to change the flight and wait another 1-2 weeks; other than the fact she is just sitting around and waiting.

[Travelpro 3]

One of the most common questions popping up here on VJ after the interview is: "We were not told we were approved at the interview, is that normal?" . Now some ask at the last window before leaving if they were approved and that person has been know to say yes, but that is not FINAL approval. Until the application is reviewed and approved the 2nd time... nothing is in writing.

Thanks again Hank. I got your point and is exactly what I wanted to confirm. Cheers!

[Hank_ 9,174]

Thanks again Hank. I got your point and is exactly what I wanted to confirm. Cheers!

San Jose huh? You ever eat at Alice's? We stopped there for breakfast when up visiting a buddy of mine in San Jose, very cool place, then it was off to the Golden Gate Bridge and the coast highway.

[Travelpro 3]

Yes, Alice's is famous. Hope you enjoyed your trip.

[jace5869 9]

We were told that we were approved during the interview. Interview was on Tuesday, CEAC said ISSUED on Wednesday and it was ready for pickup by Friday.

[Travelpro 3]

We were told that we were approved during the interview. Interview was on Tuesday, CEAC said ISSUED on Wednesday and it was ready for pickup by Friday.

Thanks for the info