Budget Considerations: Medical and Interview in Manila Soon

[debi361 2]

Hello everyone. My husband called to NVC yesterday and we found out that my schedule is October 8, 2015 and thats 3 weeks away. We are now calculating for the budget for Manila expenses, medical fees and interview fees, etc...etc... I was hoping the old-timers and those who just went through the medical and interview could help me figure this out. I don't know if i forgot any important items or fees, so please help.

By the way, just a little background. I am IR1 applicant and we already paid the I-130 petition fee (USCIS). AOS fee of $120 and the IV fee of $325 at the NVC.

Other than these, I am not sure what else to pay, other than what I considered below:

Airfare: Bohol-Manila-Bohol

Medical Fee: $245

Interview Fee: ???

Green card process fee? ---Is this different from interview fee? $165???

Hotel stay: (Any suggestions?) Im considering Go Hotels @ Robinsons Otis they were only 900 a night, decent, clean and close to Embassy. But takes a taxi ride to Embassy and St. Lukes.

Daily food and travel allowance: I know this depends. But if you have ideas, please throw some in to make it more worth the budget.

Other than these, I dont know what else to pay. Please let me know if you think I missed any important fees and expense considerations.

We would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

[j&ana 363]

There is no interview fee for the IR-1/CR-1 visa. Yes there is a $165 dollar green card processing fee. It can be paid after visa is approved. You will paid it online thru ELIS on the USCIS Website. It can be paid before you come to U.S.A or up till a year after you arrive

the medical fee is right $245. Airfare i am not sure how much that is from bohol to manila now

Edited September 13, 2015 by j&ana

[Kathy and Jesse 16]

Hi, we have IR-2 for my daughter and still waiting for interview date. We have atty involved. You do not have to pay for interview. Medical is about 11,000 pesos something for an adult. You also need to do a CFO seminar as an adult. When I did my k1 i stayed at casa bocobo hotel near saint lukes. Same as my interview.

[bowens44 213]

My fiance stayed at the Lotus Garden. Very nice hotel about a 5 minute walk from SLEC. I dont remember the price but think it was around 2000.

[debi361 2]

There is no interview fee for the IR-1/CR-1 visa. Yes there is a $165 dollar green card processing fee. It can be paid after visa is approved. You will paid it online thru ELIS on the USCIS Website. It can be paid before you come to U.S.A or up till a year after you arrive

the medical fee is right $245. Airfare i am not sure how much that is from bohol to manila now

Thank you all including Kathy and Jesse and Bowen44 for your replies. Noted all your suggestions. And thanks j&ana for clarifying that interview fee and the green card fee...thats what kinda confused me.

Thanks a lot guys!

[j&ana 363]

One other thing in case you did not know It is not listed on the documents to bring. However you will need to bring the advisory to marriage letter (aka as cemar). The embassy will not issue your visa after your approval untill you bring that to them.

To get the letter you will fill out a form for the cenomar instead of getting a letter stating you are single. You will get the advisory to marriage letter showing your marriage

good luck on your interview

Edited September 13, 2015 by j&ana

[Kathy and Jesse 16]

When are you planning to do your medical? Do you know when was your case completed at NVC?