VISA Approved? and some questions after the interview at USEM

[DC-Jackal 0]

finally made it to the interview today and with the first interview with the Filipino staff, he was friendly and he checked all my documents and had a little conversation about our life before and after haiyan and the situation now with hagupit. He said to prepare my pictures and proof on my final interview and wished me good luck. On my final interview with a US male consul, he asked me about the name of my petitioner, how long we've known each other, where does she lives, and that's all. He didn't even bother to check my pictures and proof of relationship. He just said " Applicatione done! just wait for your number to flash and be called at the releasing area." He didn't say anything if I was approved or denied. When my number was called on the releasing window, the Filipino officer told me to drop the passport mail for at the 2go window. I said I didn't get any form. he checked my papers and said that no need already and they'll mail the passport to me. I asked if am I approved? he said again that they will be mailing the visa to me. and I can leave the embassy already.

1. Am I approved at this point? or what? so I can tell my fiancé about what happened today. They didn't ask any additional documents from me by the way.

2. Checked with the CEAC website already and it changed date but the Status is still ready and will have to wait after 1-2 business days on my Status.

3. So on the CEAC, what are the next status from this point after ready?

Thanks everybody. positive vibes.

[Al422 221]

Yes you are approved.

The CEAC can take a few days to update as it requires a person to type in the info, which does not always happen as soon as the actual event happens. So don't worry there.

CEAC can state a few different things, among them READY, ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING, and ISSUED. ISSUED is the one you want to see because that is the finish line. But until you get to ISSUED, which can be anywhere from3 days to 3 weeks post interview, you may see several READY or ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING indications. Don't worry if it changes between the two a few times; in fact that is good news because it shows someone is working on your file.

Please bear in mind that USEM issues 1500 visas a day, so your file may sit in a pile somewhere for a week or more without being touched. I know it is frustrating, but if that happens, it is normal and no need to worry. Just sit tight and watch CEAC for that all important ISSUED. Once you see ISSUED, you are a week or so away (maybe less) from your visa.

[newbieUS 4]

Congratulations to you! l was wondering if you submitted an additional 2x2 id visa pic in the USEM. l no longer have extra copies to bring with me because l gave 4pcs of my 2x2 id visa pic at SLEC. Thank you.

[clairegie 265]

Yes, approved. Congratulations

[Greenbaum 12,258]

Congratulations to you! l was wondering if you submitted an additional 2x2 id visa pic in the USEM. l no longer have extra copies to bring with me because l gave 4pcs of my 2x2 id visa pic at SLEC. Thank you.

No need for more pictures as the pictures you gave at SLEC the Embassy will use. Good luck. You will need more pictures once you arrive in USA.

[DC-Jackal 0]

Congratulations to you! l was wondering if you submitted an additional 2x2 id visa pic in the USEM. l no longer have extra copies to bring with me because l gave 4pcs of my 2x2 id visa pic at SLEC. Thank you.

nope, they didn't ask me for one.....

thanks everybody.... got me really worried at the embassy after the interview as I see some consuls congratulating other applicants and as well as saying sorry

[newbieUS 4]

@Greenbaum hello there! thank you for wishing me good luck because l will surely need that for my upcoming interview. So help me God.

[Hank_ 9,173]

finally made it to the interview today and with the first interview with the Filipino staff, he was friendly and he checked all my documents and had a little conversation about our life before and after haiyan and the situation now with hagupit. He said to prepare my pictures and proof on my final interview and wished me good luck. On my final interview with a US male consul, he asked me about the name of my petitioner, how long we've known each other, where does she lives, and that's all. He didn't even bother to check my pictures and proof of relationship. He just said " Application done! just wait for your number to flash and be called at the releasing area." He didn't say anything if I was approved or denied. When my number was called on the releasing window, the Filipino officer told me to drop the passport mail for at the 2go window. I said I didn't get any form. he checked my papers and said that no need already and they'll mail the passport to me. I asked if am I approved? he said again that they will be mailing the visa to me. and I can leave the embassy already.

1. Am I approved at this point? or what? so I can tell my fiancé about what happened today. They didn't ask any additional documents from me by the way.

2. Checked with the CEAC website already and it changed date but the Status is still ready and will have to wait after 1-2 business days on my Status.

3. So on the CEAC, what are the next status from this point after ready?

Thanks everybody. positive vibes.

Sort of, kind of... yes. Congrats!

You are not "officially" approved until you see ISSUED on the CEAC website, which is why they avoid telling you APPROVED during the interview, there actually is info regarding this on the embassy website - I tripped over it one time, they hide it well.

On the CEAC website it will go READY, then AP, then maybe READY again before going to ISSUED.

It is amazing how often they don't ask to see pictures of the two of you together, my thinking is it relates to how well you answer all the questions.

Edited December 9, 2014 by Hank_

[clairegie 265]

nope, they didn't ask me for one.....

thanks everybody.... got me really worried at the embassy after the interview as I see some consuls congratulating other applicants and as well as saying sorry

Did you actually try asking the interviewer if you were approved? I did because I didn't want uncertainty. It will just drive me nuts. I wanted to hear the word APPROVED before I believed the whole thing went well LOL.

[Dan&Yvette 15]

Congrats!!!!

[Al422 221]

CO told my wife she was approved. But yes, Hank, I understand your technical point 100%. "Approval" by the CO simply means he recommends issuance of the visa, but the final decision is not his to make.

[DC-Jackal 0]

Just checked my statu on CEAC website and it said ISSUED!!!!!!! Yeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!! Thank ya'll

[mrszorak44 7]

Did you actually try asking the interviewer if you were approved? I did because I didn't want uncertainty. It will just drive me nuts. I wanted to hear the word APPROVED before I believed the whole thing went well LOL.

Lol I had to ask as well. I need definite answers if they approved me or not. After she said I was approved, I literally jumped up and down

It's funny how it was only last May when I had my interview, now it feels as if years had gone by.

God bless on your journey!