Mother of a USC visa approved and some quick advice

[ibyang 0]

Hello everyone! First of all, thank you so much for this site and for all of you who took the time to share your personal journey and also answered questions. I was diligent in reading a number of posts here in VJ and it really helped us be prepared in facing the medical exam and the visa interview.

For those who are still in this process, my advice is to keep reading on blogs as it is very helpful to know what you should be expecting once you get to Manila. For your physical exam, it pays to be there 2 hours before the gates even open! St. Lukes website has a printable map of their clinic and it is advisable to print those as it will help you navigate the building more efficiently. I suggest paying extra for a hotel nearby (My mom stayed at soriente) rather than pay the extra for a taxi cab or risk travelling in Manila at wee hours of the morning.

Finally, the visa interview. It's better to bring as much photocopies and the originals than lack in requirements. Also, my mom told me that cellphones, water bottle, umbrella,etc aren't allowed to be inside the embassy premises so she had to pay $400 just to leave those in the reception area (They charge more if your cellphone is more expensive!). Dont forget to print your DS260 and your confirmation letter! Incase you do though, someone is ready to do it for you but of course for a price! maybe 100-200 pesos! My mom said that she tried reasoning that she didn't have the money for cellphones to be stored and they actually told her that it's either that or she has to throw her belongings in the trashcan! wow! anyway, these were the questions asked:

1. petitioner's full name, work, how many kids, when did he leave for the states, where does he live

2. how did petitioner become a USC

Also always remember to only answer what you're being asked! if the question only requires a Yes or a No then leave it at that. Do not give unwarranted long narratives of an answer!

Good luck!

[Gregory&Dyn 113]

Excellent advice. Can't wait until we can put it to action. Thank you for sharing.

Gregory & Dyn

[ibyang 0]

Excellent advice. Can't wait until we can put it to action. Thank you for sharing.

Gregory & Dyn

Thank you! Just trying to pay it forward as I don't think we could've done it as smoothly as we did without the help of everyone here in VJ.

CHEERS!

[ibyang 0]

Oops! I meant 400 Pesos not $$$

[Darnell 8,478]

are you the Mom or the USCitizen?

[ibyang 0]

are you the Mom or the US citizen?

I'm the US citizen

[Prettywoman 3]

Hi.. i would like to ask how long or many months it takes to petition your parents? Without any problem in medical and docs.

[ibyang 0]

Hi.. i would like to ask how long or many months it takes to petition your parents? Without any problem in medical and docs.

Hello! My mom's process went smoothly and all that took roughly around 8 months.

[Anaglenn247 0]

Hello everyone! First of all, thank you so much for this site and for all of you who took the time to share your personal journey and also answered questions. I was diligent in reading a number of posts here in VJ and it really helped us be prepared in facing the medical exam and the visa interview.

For those who are still in this process, my advice is to keep reading on blogs as it is very helpful to know what you should be expecting once you get to Manila. For your physical exam, it pays to be there 2 hours before the gates even open! St. Lukes website has a printable map of their clinic and it is advisable to print those as it will help you navigate the building more efficiently. I suggest paying extra for a hotel nearby (My mom stayed at soriente) rather than pay the extra for a taxi cab or risk travelling in Manila at wee hours of the morning.

Finally, the visa interview. It's better to bring as much photocopies and the originals than lack in requirements. Also, my mom told me that cellphones, water bottle, umbrella,etc aren't allowed to be inside the embassy premises so she had to pay $400 just to leave those in the reception area (They charge more if your cellphone is more expensive!). Dont forget to print your DS260 and your confirmation letter! Incase you do though, someone is ready to do it for you but of course for a price! maybe 100-200 pesos! My mom said that she tried reasoning that she didn't have the money for cellphones to be stored and they actually told her that it's either that or she has to throw her belongings in the trashcan! wow! anyway, these were the questions asked:

1. petitioner's full name, work, how many kids, when did he leave for the states, where does he live

2. how did petitioner become a USC

Also always remember to only answer what you're being asked! if the question only requires a Yes or a No then leave it at that. Do not give unwarranted long narratives of an answer!

Good luck!

Hi, can I ask you if your Mom was being asked to bring pictures of you together on her Interview? Thank you !

[ibyang 0]

Hi, can I ask you if your Mom was being asked to bring pictures of you together on her Interview? Thank you !

Hello! I had her bring some of our photos (since I've read someone here say that it might be requested) but it were never asked of her. On the email, they had her bring a list of requirements and at the interview,only one was asked and that was the confirmation letter. it's a case to case basis,though. Better to bring extra requirements than be lacking.

[TJMax 0]

Thank you Ibyang for that awesome advice

I still have a looong way to go as i've just sent my petition but i still wanna ask, does ST. Lukes allow somebody besides the person taking the physical exam inside the exam venue? My mom walks with a cane and will have a hard time bringing a lot of immig docs without anybody to asssist her. Same question goes to USEM.

Thank you so much.

[ibyang 0]

Thank you Ibyang for that awesome advice

I still have a looong way to go as i've just sent my petition but i still wanna ask, does ST. Lukes allow somebody besides the person taking the physical exam inside the exam venue? My mom walks with a cane and will have a hard time bringing a lot of immig docs without anybody to asssist her. Same question goes to USEM.

Thank you so much.

My pleasure! It's costly and it takes awhile but it's worth it! Honestly, I never thought about that. At St. Lukes, i think there might be a chance. You do have to proceed from one floor to the other,but the good news is they have an elevator. As for the embassy, i highly doubt it. My mother said they were really strict. Best is to just call and ask. sorry i can't give a specific answer!

Best of Luck!

[apple21 953]

Thank you Ibyang for that awesome advice

I still have a looong way to go as i've just sent my petition but i still wanna ask, does ST. Lukes allow somebody besides the person taking the physical exam inside the exam venue? My mom walks with a cane and will have a hard time bringing a lot of immig docs without anybody to asssist her. Same question goes to USEM.

Thank you so much.

Yes she can bring a companion to SLEC and USEM.

Edited July 18, 2015 by apple21

[Darnell 8,478]

I'm the US citizen

Cool ! Which blogs were you referring to, back at post #1? I ask, 'cause the blog feature has been disabled here.

[TJMax 0]

Yes she can bring a companion to SLEC and USEM.

Thank you Apple21.