Planning for IR1 interview in Manila

[HalfWayMark 8]

My Filipina wife is up for an IR-1 visa, the application is currently in NVC and we don't have the embassy interview scheduled yet. But I like -- no, I REALLY REALLY LIKE -- to be prepared.

 

So, if anyone can help:

  1) We don't live in Manila, so we'll need to fly (or 2GO ferry) into Manila for this. How long, typically, does the whole thing take: medical exam and interview? This is so, when the time comes, I can make a (semi-accurate) hotel booking.

 

   2) From what I can find on St. Luke's website, the medical exam takes at least 2 days, maybe 3 to get results sent. Should we schedule her medical exam 3 days before the embassy interview? Or longer?

 

   3) I read several users' comments that the USC spouse is allowed in the embassy for the interview. Of course, I'd like to be there. Will I be allowed to accompany her to the interview desk? Or am I restricted to sitting in the "waiting room"?

 

   4) We have a 1-year-old daughter (she's a USC, with CRBA and US passport). Obviously, her presence could be a positive influence on the interview outcome (she's cute ) Will we be allowed to bring her in to the interview? Can we bring a small bag with baby essentials in with her? Might the embassy staff give us a bit of priority so we don't exceed her attention span?

 

   5) We were married more than 2 years ago in the Philippines. Do I, the USC, need a CEMAR? (My wife has one in her name.) I've heard conflicting opinions on this.

 

I appreciate any insights....

[Hank_ 9,171]

11 minutes ago, HalfWayMark said:

My Filipina wife is up for an IR-1 visa, the application is currently in NVC and we don't have the embassy interview scheduled yet. But I like -- no, I REALLY REALLY LIKE -- to be prepared.

 

So, if anyone can help:

  1) We don't live in Manila, so we'll need to fly (or 2GO ferry) into Manila for this. How long, typically, does the whole thing take: medical exam and interview? This is so, when the time comes, I can make a (semi-accurate) hotel booking.

 

   2) From what I can find on St. Luke's website, the medical exam takes at least 2 days, maybe 3 to get results sent. Should we schedule her medical exam 3 days before the embassy interview? Or longer?

 

   3) I read several users' comments that the USC spouse is allowed in the embassy for the interview. Of course, I'd like to be there. Will I be allowed to accompany her to the interview desk? Or am I restricted to sitting in the "waiting room"?

 

   4) We have a 1-year-old daughter (she's a USC, with CRBA and US passport). Obviously, her presence could be a positive influence on the interview outcome (she's cute ) Will we be allowed to bring her in to the interview? Can we bring a small bag with baby essentials in with her? Might the embassy staff give us a bit of priority so we don't exceed her attention span?

 

   5) We were married more than 2 years ago in the Philippines. Do I, the USC, need a CEMAR? (My wife has one in her name.) I've heard conflicting opinions on this.

 

I appreciate any insights....

 

Interview process is only a couple hours, actual interview is 3-5 minutes   

 

Medical is a 2 day process, if there are not issues.    Medical is walk-in, first come - first served.   Do complete the online pre-registration to save time the 1st morning.

 

Yes you can attend the interview with your wife.  Your daughter should be allowed to attend also.   No you will not be given priority because of the child.   

 

Did you get a Pilipinas Passport for your daughter?   I would suggest getting this to avoid EEC issues $$$$ .. this can be done fairly quick at DFA with their current system, no appointment needed because of the child's age.

 

If you are NOT a naturalized USC, then you do not need a CEMAR ( your wife will need a current one .. less than 6 months old)

 

 

DO READ through STEP 5 for what is required at the interview   https://ph.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/family-based-immigration/the-interview/

 

 

 

http://www.visaconnection-philippines.com/immigrant-visa-application.html

Edited November 7, 2018 by Hank_

[HalfWayMark 8]

Thanks for the reply, and the links. We do have all the listed documents ready, assuming our interview gets scheduled within the next 4 months.

 

Yep, our daughter got her Philippines passport at 5 months of age. She's already an international traveler

 

Just waiting on NVC now...... Thanks!

[Hank_ 9,171]

1 hour ago, HalfWayMark said:

Thanks for the reply, and the links. We do have all the listed documents ready, assuming our interview gets scheduled within the next 4 months.

 

Yep, our daughter got her Philippines passport at 5 months of age. She's already an international traveler

 

Just waiting on NVC now...... Thanks!

Excellent regarding your daughter!

 

Yes NVC can be slow.   Do take note of the info in the link I gave you regarding scheduling the interview to an early date