CR-1 Interview Experience in US Embassy-Manila

[NKrishMT 17]

First off, I would like to thank each and everyone here for all the help and support. Here's my experience, I hope it provides useful info for those who are not yet done with their interviews.

My CR-1 Interview Experience (MNL,Philippines) December 1, 2014

<2:30am>: Woke up. Snoozed for 15 mins. Then woke up for real. Took a bath, dressed up, grabbed breakfast.

<4:15am>: Long Lines!! ? Thought I was one of the earliest to arrive, but there were already about 49-50 people in the IV line before me. Knowing my hubby is with me lessened my nervousness and boredom. Lol. ? Tip: Make sure you are on the right line.

Met new friends along the line, both are seniors. They're pretty cool and nice to me and my hubby. One of them even shared her big umbrella with us when it drizzled a bit. So it is advisable that you bring your umbrella just in case it pours.

<6am>: Handed out FIRST PAGE of Appointment Letter/P4 and PASSPORT to an Embassy staff. Then the lady gave back my ziplocked passport and handed me a 2go shipping info slip.

Then we went inside and had our bags checked. **Tip: Don't bring any gadgets, Flashdrives, Powerbanks, and even bottled water. I was advised to dispose my bottled water in a trashcan inside the Embassy premises.

<6:20am>: Was able to obtain my lucky number. Was advised to enter another building through DOOR 2 (baggage check again). And then one of the Embassy assistants (they look like interns to me) collected Appointment Letters/P4 from applicants and dropped it in Window 39.

<Approx. 6:30am>: My number was flashed on the screen.

*Even though my husband accompanied me inside, I went to all the Windows alone.

Window 42: American Consul- Very nice and pleasant-looking. Asked my name and date of birth.

Finger Scan> Left Four Fingers. Right four fingers. Then two thumbs together. And I was asked to go back to my seat and wait for my number on the queue board.

<Approx. 7am>:

Window 56: My name was called out over their speaker system by a Filipina consul. I think she is between nice and strict. Asked me these questions:

*Name

*Birthday

*Date of Marriage

*When and where did we meet?

*Who introduced us?

*When did our relationship start?

*When is the last time I was with my husband?

-- Here, I told the Filipina consul that my husband is with me, sitting in the waiting area.

***Of all the documents I carefully prepared, tabbed, and labeled, she only asked for my CEMAR and our pictures. Since my photo album didn't fit the hole where you drop documents through, I gave our new pictures (Nov 2014) that are not in my short and stocky album. And then she told me, with a surprised face, "magkamukha kayo ha!"?? And ofcourse I smiled and giggled a bit coz we often get that comment from people! Haha. ?

<Approx. 8:20am>

Window 64: American consul. Very friendly. > Oath-taking in English. Finger scan> Right four fingers.

<Approx. 8:30 am>:

Window 61: American consul. Final Interview. I was a bit jittery at this point. But he's nice, so that calmed me down a bit.. Asked me these questions:

*Name

*Date of Birth

*Date of Marriage

*When and how did we meet?

*My husband's name

*His present work position

And then he said: Okay, everything looks good. Wait for your number to appear in the queue board for further instructions.

And of course, I would want to make sure what's going on. So I bravely asked while smiling, "Thank you sir, so what would I tell my husband about my application?"

He said the magic words: "Oh it's APPROVED!" And then recited the 7-10 working days spiel. Hehe. ???

He didn't even bother to look at the additional evidences I prepared. Argh. ?

Window 72: Finale!

I was a bit nervous coz the old man before me was given a 221g. But then luckily, the woman told me everything's perfect so I may now drop my shiping info slip to Window 69. I requested for pickup in a 2go branch nearest my area.

TIPS:

1. Eat breakfast.

2. Arrive 2-3 hours before your schedule.

3. Bring umbrella in case it rains.

4. Make sure you brought all needed documents.

5. Smile!!!! And be confident!

6. Bring loads of patience for the long lines and queue.

7. Glue your attention on the queue board. Listen to the intercom. coz sometimes stub number is announced thru speaker and doesn't appear on the queue board (like what happened to me in Window 56).

8. Be audible and clear. Make sure the interviewer can hear and understand you.

9. Above all, PRAY and TRUST IN GOD!! ?

Seeing my husband's sleepy yet happy face when I told him the good news is just priceless!

Thank you VJ family for your help and support. Goodluck to all the upcoming interviews! ??

Edited December 2, 2014 by NKrishMT

[amora3714 1]

Congrats Girl!

[@UrtheOne 0]

many Congratulations!! What are all the requirements to go this process?? is this guarantee if you go this route? how much money do you spent from beginning till you finish the process? and so you receive your visa for just 6 months? did somebody help you to do the process?

[@UrtheOne 0]

8 months rather..

[Keithshun 7]

Wow, you didnt get to wait for 60 days ibstead only 35 days..

[Keithshun 7]

You are so lucky they didnt let you wait for 60 days like many of us.. You only waited 35 dats for case complete.