DCF filing option closing in Manila (merged)

[George & Richelle 5]

Today was our interview in Manila. In the preliminary interview the screener said that USCIS was leaving Manilla. I didn't ask for a timeline, but he said we were fortunate to have filed when we did. It sounded as if they were in the process of leaving now. Not certain how this will effect future DCF there, even if it will be possible. For certain if you are close to filing. Now might be the time to speed up a little.

[millefleur 5,052]

15 minutes ago, George & Richelle said:

Today was our interview in Manila. In the preliminary interview the screener said that USCIS was leaving Manilla. I didn't ask for a timeline, but he said we were fortunate to have filed when we did. It sounded as if they were in the process of leaving now. Not certain how this will effect future DCF there, even if it will be possible. For certain if you are close to filing. Now might be the time to speed up a little.

USCIS closed their field office in Moscow this past March. So seems like Manila will be the next to close based on this info.

 

I am sure they will post an official announcement soon if this is the case.

[geowrian 22,339]

Media reports - nothing official - claim it to be in early July. https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/hamedaleaziz/trump-administration-overseas-immigration-offices

 

This is the first I've heard about the closing from somebody who would presumably be in the know. I'm not sure if they were commenting based on reports or if they actually heard something, though.

Edited April 29, 2019 by geowrian

[George & Richelle 5]

Looking into it further. This is known. What is unknown is the timeframe. By the sound of it today it is very close.

 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/20/19/citizenship-applications-to-continue-despite-planned-uscis-manila-office-shutdown

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

3 hours ago, George & Richelle said:

Looking into it further. This is known. What is unknown is the timeframe. By the sound of it today it is very close.

 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/20/19/citizenship-applications-to-continue-despite-planned-uscis-manila-office-shutdown

This has been known for a couple months now that USCIS are closing all offices OCONUS. 

[George & Richelle 5]

Maybe I overlooked it, but I didn't remember ever seeing a post about it on this forum. What I posted, was informational for those considering the option before the opportunity is gone. As it is by far the quickest option if already living abroad.

Edited April 29, 2019 by George & Richelle

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

3 minutes ago, George & Richelle said:

Maybe I overlooked it, but I didn't remember ever seeing a post about it on this forum. What I posted, was informational for those considering the option before the opportunity is gone. As it is by far the quickest option if already living abroad.

 

[George & Richelle 5]

How about putting it in the forum where it is relevant. You know the one where people might actually look if they are interested in filing when living abroad....... You know like the DCF forum. We had no idea this was happening, as immigration to the USA is just a part of our life. We don't have time to peruse every sub-forum.

[millefleur 5,052]

5 hours ago, George & Richelle said:

How about putting it in the forum where it is relevant. You know the one where people might actually look if they are interested in filing when living abroad....... You know like the DCF forum. We had no idea this was happening, as immigration to the USA is just a part of our life. We don't have time to peruse every sub-forum.

It's fine, we can leave your thread here.

 

USCIS will eventually post official closing dates and deadlines for when international field offices will close. When those official dates get posted, I'm sure someone will post about it here in the DCF forum. 

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

6 hours ago, George & Richelle said:

How about putting it in the forum where it is relevant. You know the one where people might actually look if they are interested in filing when living abroad....... You know like the DCF forum. We had no idea this was happening, as immigration to the USA is just a part of our life. We don't have time to peruse every sub-forum.

Because it pertains to all USCIS activities at the consulates not just DCF. Also it was Immigration News that is why it was in that forum. 

[user555 196]

So if I want to file DCF in Manila, and file before June 30, does that mean once I get past USCIS, I can still do the NVF application and interview in Manila? Aren't there 3 parts to the process? 

[payxibka 10,048]

2 minutes ago, user555 said:

So if I want to file DCF in Manila, and file before June 30, does that mean once I get past USCIS, I can still do the NVF application and interview in Manila? Aren't there 3 parts to the process? 

Tbe USCIS field office is closing,  the embassy and consulate activities remain open 

[George & Richelle 5]

They have not left yet. I would think that they would process whatever they have in hand at that time before fully leaving. Not to say that I would not do it sooner rather than later.

 

To answer your question. There are two portions, if not counting medical. The USCIS will do the initial approval (their eta was 60-90 days, but it seems most don't take that long), that will then be passed to the state department for the actual visa approval-stamping etc...(This is much quicker. We got our MNL number on the 23rd of may. We then scheduled medical for the 25th-26th, and actual interview on the 29th)

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

2 hours ago, user555 said:

So if I want to file DCF in Manila, and file before June 30, does that mean once I get past USCIS, I can still do the NVF application and interview in Manila? Aren't there 3 parts to the process? 

The embassy and consulates are remaining open so it does not affect their ability to handle all other activities such as medical or visa interviews. So you will be good in this regard in that part of the process. 

[coa24 69]

Per a poster in the Philippines forum the option to file has officially closed as of today. As per Skye1202 (last post on page 1) they received confirmation of this today. Not sure how true this is.

 

Edited May 6, 2019 by coa24