The interview was the easiest part of the process

[Classicrider 3]

I read that so many ladies are afraid of everything in the long process to the interview. Some tell others that letters have to be the original with a "wet" signature while others talk of how difficult the interview is. Some of the documents do have to be original but those are usually important things and it is well stated if that is the case. I wish I could remember some of the many things my fiancee has told me that others told her. If I could remember I would post them here to help others ignore those statements.

We had some problems prior to our appointment date. I posted here in early June that we received an email saying our appointment was moved from 6/26 to 6/6. Now, most would be thrilled but it just wasn't that easy. Going from Davao to Manila isn't a short drive down the street. The plane tickets were already booked as was the room for 9 days. I wrote to a number of places within the embassy hoping to find a real person who just might understand what that change would do to us in many different ways. We did receive an email stating that we could keep our date. Once in Manila and at St. Lukes they decided that there would be the need for a psychological evaluation and at first it wouldn't happen until the day before the interview. Of course, my fiancee was upset and when she told me that wanted 1000 pesos more... that when I got angry. St. Lukes does not put any additional fees on their page. At the time, buried in one sentence under the fees was a statement, "neuro-developmental pediatrician, psychologist, dermatologist, interventional cardiologist and radiologist, ophthalmologist, etc.) shall be charged separately, with expenses to be paid by the applicant." Nowhere is there one mention of the fee. Between being ripped off by an un-metered cab (I told her not to get in those cars) and now this extra fee, I had to send more money.

I wrote an email the the embassy voicing my opinion and how wrong St. Lukes was in their way of trying to make some extra money. The psychological interview/evaluation was less than 5 minutes. Do the math! So many told me I shouldn't have done that and that it could mess up her interview. Since my letter was respectful, I was fortunate enough to have an American write me, sign the email with a contact email address. He also called me the next night to get a better understanding of the things that I found difficult and/or wrong. A very kind gentleman who truly cared that things should be easier and that St. Lukes needs to put any additional fees on their fee page. He also was going to look into the so called evaluation since there is little anyone can learn in under 5 minutes.

The interview went forward, everyone was very nice to her and made her feel comfortable. The gentleman I was emailing and spoke to interviewed her and asked her about St. Lukes. I received one more email from him stating that he will be following up on St. Lukes.

Edited June 28, 2014 by Classicrider

[Emanettes 11]

What is the psychological evaluation and other medical services for?

[Girl from Celebes 588]

Yes, my interview went very easy. The hardest part was to bring my cats to the US, lol.

Congrats!

[Hank_ 9,174]

I read that so many ladies are afraid of everything in the long process to the interview. Some tell others that letters have to be the original with a "wet" signature while others talk of how difficult the interview is. Some of the documents do have to be original but those are usually important things and it is well stated if that is the case. I wish I could remember some of the many things my fiancee has told me that others told her. If I could remember I would post them here to help others ignore those statements.

We had some problems prior to our appointment date. I posted here in early June that we received an email saying our appointment was moved from 6/26 to 6/6. Now, most would be thrilled but it just wasn't that easy. Going from Davao to Manila isn't a short drive down the street. The plane tickets were already booked as was the room for 9 days. I wrote to a number of places within the embassy hoping to find a real person who just might understand what that change would do to us in many different ways. We did receive an email stating that we could keep our date. Once in Manila and at St. Lukes they decided that there would be the need for a psychological evaluation and at first it wouldn't happen until the day before the interview. Of course, my fiancee was upset and when she told me that wanted 1000 pesos more... that when I got angry. St. Lukes does not put any additional fees on their page. At the time, buried in one sentence under the fees was a statement, "neuro-developmental pediatrician, psychologist, dermatologist, interventional cardiologist and radiologist, ophthalmologist, etc.) shall be charged separately, with expenses to be paid by the applicant." Nowhere is there one mention of the fee. Between being ripped off by an un-metered cab (I told her not to get in those cars) and now this extra fee, I had to send more money.

I wrote an email the the embassy voicing my opinion and how wrong St. Lukes was in their way of trying to make some extra money. The psychological interview/evaluation was less than 5 minutes. Do the math! So many told me I shouldn't have done that and that it could mess up her interview. Since my letter was respectful, I was fortunate enough to have an American write me, sign the email with a contact email address. He also called me the next night to get a better understanding of the things that I found difficult and/or wrong. A very kind gentleman who truly cared that things should be easier and that St. Lukes needs to put any additional fees on their fee page. He also was going to look into the so called evaluation since there is little anyone can learn in under 5 minutes.

The interview went forward, everyone was very nice to her and made her feel comfortable. The gentleman I was emailing and spoke to interviewed her and asked her about St. Lukes. I received one more email from him stating that he will be following up on St. Lukes.

The phychological evaluation is SOP for anyone with an annulment (most of the time), visible scaring from "cutting" or attempted suicide. Normal fee is about P1000. Just a formality that is required by the embassy and St. Luke's meets that requirement.

Being "ripped off" is the norm for the Phils when it comes to taxis... gotta watch them guys like a hawk.

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Moved from K-1 Process to Phil. Regional Forum~

~Commentary is country-specific~

[Classicrider 3]

The phychological evaluation is SOP for anyone with an annulment (most of the time), visible scaring from "cutting" or attempted suicide. Normal fee is about P1000. Just a formality that is required by the embassy and St. Luke's meets that requirement.

Being "ripped off" is the norm for the Phils when it comes to taxis... gotta watch them guys like a hawk.

I understand now that the psychological evaluation is SOP as you state and also if someone mentions having experimented with any drug in their past. Bill Clinton & Barack Obama didn't have to get an evaluation! Anyway, my reason for mentioning and posting is because they do not state on the St. Lukes website that this will happen for reasons stated and they DO NOT mention what the fee is. To me, 10,000 + pesos an hour is a pretty good money maker for St. Lukes so why not get as many as they can!?!?

Also, the counseling interview... (CFO) does not state anything but "Payment of P400.00 registration fee ". I had no clue it would be 800 more for the kids.

Manila cab drivers... one of their tricks is they can't make change so they can keep the large bill and make 20 - 40 extra on the fare. Since I already had planned on tipping, he got a lesser amount than the meter showed because no one had the proper change. One of the white "cabs" tried to get me my first trip, I gave him more than was fair and invited him to get security if he didn't like it. My fiancee got in a cab and noticed the meter wasn't running. The driver had a lame excuse. She paid him what she thought was fair although he wanted more. She told him if he had turned on his meter then he might have gotten more.

This process is almost over. It will be a bit easier once here in the US.

[Greenbaum 12,260]

Classicrider, on 29 Jun 2014 - 06:39 AM, said:

I understand now that the psychological evaluation is SOP as you state and also if someone mentions having experimented with any drug in their past. Bill Clinton & Barack Obama didn't have to get an evaluation! Anyway, my reason for mentioning and posting is because they do not state on the St. Lukes website that this will happen for reasons stated and they DO NOT mention what the fee is. To me, 10,000 + pesos an hour is a pretty good money maker for St. Lukes so why not get as many as they can!?!?

Also, the counseling interview... (CFO) does not state anything but "Payment of P400.00 registration fee ". I had no clue it would be 800 more for the kids.

Manila cab drivers... one of their tricks is they can't make change so they can keep the large bill and make 20 - 40 extra on the fare. Since I already had planned on tipping, he got a lesser amount than the meter showed because no one had the proper change. One of the white "cabs" tried to get me my first trip, I gave him more than was fair and invited him to get security if he didn't like it. My fiancee got in a cab and noticed the meter wasn't running. The driver had a lame excuse. She paid him what she thought was fair although he wanted more. She told him if he had turned on his meter then he might have gotten more.

This process is almost over. It will be a bit easier once here in the US.

It's called Kano Dollars. The meter always is not working or I don't have change etc. etc. If at all possible stay in the background and let your fiancé handle the negotiations and what not when it comes to money. She knows all the tricks and understands what is fair. She will not cheat someone what is rightfully their earnings.

I have to agree with you that "they" do a poor job of writing their instructions and fees on the websites that are used during the process. I hope word gets back to someone and they see to it that the websites are updated to reflect the true and not hidden fees. But, I am not holding my breath.

I have to hand it to you as you did a yeoman's job with USEM to point out so that others would understand those fees.

Good luck with the rest of your journey and Congrats!

[Stangs18 0]

Congrats that you surpassed everything! The interview was the easiest for some ahha mine took 10mins but hey, its all good!

[Hank_ 9,174]

I understand now that the psychological evaluation is SOP as you state and also if someone mentions having experimented with any drug in their past. Bill Clinton & Barack Obama didn't have to get an evaluation! Anyway, my reason for mentioning and posting is because they do not state on the St. Lukes website that this will happen for reasons stated and they DO NOT mention what the fee is. To me, 10,000 + pesos an hour is a pretty good money maker for St. Lukes so why not get as many as they can!?!?

Also, the counseling interview... (CFO) does not state anything but "Payment of P400.00 registration fee ". I had no clue it would be 800 more for the kids.

Manila cab drivers... one of their tricks is they can't make change so they can keep the large bill and make 20 - 40 extra on the fare. Since I already had planned on tipping, he got a lesser amount than the meter showed because no one had the proper change. One of the white "cabs" tried to get me my first trip, I gave him more than was fair and invited him to get security if he didn't like it. My fiancee got in a cab and noticed the meter wasn't running. The driver had a lame excuse. She paid him what she thought was fair although he wanted more. She told him if he had turned on his meter then he might have gotten more.

This process is almost over. It will be a bit easier once here in the US.

Nope all the fees are not clear, I agree. As for CFO that is the Philippines.

We on the Philippines forum try to keep everyone informed and up to speed... sorry you showed up late.

You only hope it will be easier once in the U.S. ....