Jump to content

R. Lee

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    24

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Posts posted by R. Lee

    More Than Grateful: Visa Approved! Thank God!

    in Philippines

    Posted

    Appointment time for the interview: 7:30AM. I arrived at 6:15 at the US Embassy. It was November 9, a Friday. There was some gentle rain (but stopped after a few minutes I got there). I sort of considered the area and saw lots of people already waiting outside. There were also guards walking around and assisting people.

    First step was done outside the gate, lining up until we got to the women in blue shirts who checked for the appointment confirmation and passport. They put a sticker with the name of the applicant on the passport before placing it inside a ziplock plastic bag. Please remember to keep the passport in there. ;)

    Next, joining another line to get to the security check facility. All items go through the x-ray machine. Other than the typical items that are not allowed like cellphones or cameras, once detected, lighters, food and even flash drives are also confiscated. That's what happened to the 2 persons who went ahead of me. :oops:

    After that step, there was yet another seemingly secured door leading to the internal grounds of the embassy. I got in line again to get my number stub, it's 6154. ^_^

    Apparently, specific sets of numbers are assigned to particular visa application categories. So just because one gets that number doesn't mean the interview will happen after you've fallen asleep or have lost vitality and enthusiasm due to dullness out of endless waiting. :clock:

    As I was getting the number, the woman at the window was asking me 'Is it on CD?' and I got confused as to what it was that's supposed to be on CD. When I overheard another that's it's about the medical exam and since I got the CD for that as well, I answered yes and she handed me the stub and I was told to sit at the back part of the waiting area.

    This waiting area has roof but no walls, it's got ceiling fans and there's a food vendor to be found in the middle part. Guys and some women who got handheld radios with them, also in blue shirts, were there to give instructions like where we should be seated as it's according, again, to the visa category. They also tell you when to get inside that building where interviews take place and some other instructions. There are LED queuing boards that give the numbers being served with the corresponding windows. Just a reminder, there really is a need to persistently look at the boards as the numbers are in fact, randomly flashed. :rolleyes:

    It was about 8:30, when a woman called our numbers to get inside the building to submit the DS forms, i.e., DS-156, DS-156K, and DS-157. As one enters the door, there is another walk through metal detector and guards check the bags again, and yes, no food again.

    After submitting the forms, we had to go back at the waiting area outside as the waiting area chairs inside the building were all occupied. I needed to wait again and tried to read a book. I was not feeling well at the time and so I did not talk much with other people around me when it’s the usual thing that I do, like when I was at St. Luke’s that I got to meet and was able to get my new friends’ (6 women) addresses even. Then I saw my number flashed on the board and so I went inside. This is why you really need to keep up with the queuing board because most of the time your number or your name will not be called out. This experience gave my primary sense a real work out. :goofy:

    At the window, I found out that the purpose of this next step was the fingerprint scanning. True as the instructions being shown on the queuing board, one has to place the "first four fingers" of the left hand on the scanner, followed by the "four fingers" of the right, and lastly, both thumbs. For sure, they will ask you about a few questions like your full name and date of birth before all that.

    When the scanning was over, I decided to just sit at the waiting area inside the building as I saw there were already seats available. While seated, one can see queuing boards on the walls and there are flat screen TVs that are tuned into some news or kiddie show but are muted so as most likely to avoid interfering with the announcements made by the embassy people.

    Time and again, the guys in the blue shirts would ask questions like "Who are the ones who haven't accomplished the fingerprint scanning or interview with the Filipino consul or haven't gone through any of the steps at all?" I must say they can be very helpful because it can be easy to lose track of your number on the queuing board. So in case you need help, they are the persons who can attend to you. :help:

    I probably waited for 2 hours until I saw my number again on the board. It's the interview by the Filipino consul I thought. He was a bit stern when he asked me to bring out all the certificates like birth, NBI, police clearance. Afterwards, he made sure I filled in correctly some parts of the DS-156. Remember that part on the DS-156K that tells you not to sign yet? That's the guy's job to tell you it's time you put your signature there. ^_^

    While he was checking the forms that I returned to him, he was, at the same time, asking me questions. For instance, "Have you been married?" That question was nevertheless brought up even with the CENOMAR or Certificate of No Marriage that was already in his possession. But then even being asked "Do you have children?" when it's clearly stated in the form that I don't have any did not come as a surprise anymore. "Where do you teach?", "What do you teach?", "How long did you stay in Japan?" were the other questions.

    Then he came to the fiancé part. He asked how I and Richard met.

    "When?"

    "How many times he got divorced?"

    "Does he have children?"

    "When did he come here?"

    "How long did he stay?"

    "May I see your photos?" I showed him our photobook sent by Richard. When he saw the picture of the engagement ring he asked me of it so I showed him my ring, my beautiful ring to be exact. ^_^

    He looked into the photobook further and so even the picture of the fresh fish taken at a market in Zambales did not elude his interest. That's what transpired during that interview. I did not forget to thank him and with a more relaxed tone, he responded, "You're welcome...teacher!" :)

    At about 10:50, I was somewhat amazed that I was called to go to the next window after the interview with the Filipino officer as I thought I needed to wait longer again. But it was a welcome surprise indeed. I knew it was the last interview. The American consul's initial words apart from the ‘good morning’ pleasantries were "How are you today?"

    "I'm fine, quite nervous!" was my response.

    She smiled and asked me to raise my right hand as she did the same and stated "Do you swear that everything here (she was looking at our documents right in front of her) is true?"

    With my right hand raised, I answered "Yes, everything is true."

    The American consul's questions were mostly about my fiancé Richard and these were generally the same questions asked by the Filipino officer. She asked me of the pictures and so I showed her the photobook. While going through the pictures, I told her of my bracelet given by Richard. "Oh yes, and I see your engagement ring too" as she took notice of it. Her final question was, "So he's the one for you?" It’s a question that required no thinking. I answered as naturally as the beat of the heart, "Yes, definitely!" I knew it came with a vibrant smile when I said that, despite my not feeling well. :D(L)(L)(L)

    She was smiling as she closed the folder that contained our documents and told me "Well, your case has been approved, please be seated and wait for the last instruction, have a good day!"

    "Thank you so much!" I told her. I was more than grateful! :wow:

    I returned to the waiting area and about 20 minutes later, names were called out that included mine and so we got in line for the last step. The woman asked me which BPI branch I paid the visa fee at and then said, "Everything is okay now, please wait for your passport to be delivered."

    It obviously rained while I was inside the building but at 11:20AM, the sky was clear and there was sunshine as I stepped out of the embassy. ^_^

    My fiancé, Richard, was the first person to know of the great news. :wub:

    Thank God for answered prayers! May your applications be approved as well! (F)(F)(F)

    Medical Examinations at St. Luke's: A Recounting

    in Philippines

    Posted

    horrible :crying::crying:

    I went there around 4am, my number was 12 for online applicant.

    For the convenience of those who come early, the guards may allow applicants to enter St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic premises as early as 4:30 AM but the schedule of operation of each working area will be observed

    ---not true! exactly 5:00am when the guard started checking the documents of applicants and let us in.

    6am - registration window K // the guy was masungit! Finger scanning was nice but when he took a picture he just said "look" and held the camera. He asked for NVC letter I told him I don't have it, we just called NVC to get the mnlcase# , he said I should bring it when I get back. So maybe this is the reason why I have 2days medical.

    7am - payment

    7:15 - vital signs

    7:25 - eye test / height / weight

    7:40 - X-ray ***the tech just gave my passport and didn't tell me where to go but I heard she said to other go to 5th floor

    7:50 - 5th flr USA counter was told to take a break and go back at 8:30am. I went outside the building to eat, one of the applicant asked me if I'm done with blood and urine test. Yes, I missed that stage, it should be right after the X-ray test.lol

    9:20 - physical exam room5 Dr.Mela 20mins // a loooootttt of questions haha ***they said that the doctor in room10 is very strict and "Mataray" lol

    9:45 - laboratory / blood and urine sample

    9:55 - immunization interview // *the doctor was kinda surprised bec there was a number "2" written on my paper she said "just ask the receptionist"

    10 - heartbreaking part... Was told to go back tomorrow for the result :crying::crying: // #2 stands for batch 2 or 2nd day :bonk:

    I'd rather stay the whole day to get it done but the decision is final... I'll be back tomorrow. :(:wacko:

    Sorry to hear your medical exam expectations were not met... but cheer up! :D you're done with that, now the only thing you have to look forward to is the interview, I bet it's a yes! :D

    Medical Examinations at St. Luke's: A Recounting

    in Philippines

    Posted

    Congrats! My fiancee was there yesterday having her medical as well - and also completed it in one day.

    Thanks Starflyer! Glad to hear your fiancee completed it in a day too- without much wait. St Luke's is not so busy these days :thumbs: Hoping to get the Japanese police clearance soon for me and then I will be seeing Richard again. :D

    Medical Examinations at St. Luke's: A Recounting

    in Philippines

    Posted

    R.Lee congrats for passing medexam! :) thanks for sharing your experience, I'll print this.lol

    Btw, u said USEM letter? i don't have that yet :(

    I thought they will ask u to go back the next day for the results?

    Hi CatSam, you're welcome! We're glad you find this helpful. :) If everything goes well or if there aren't lots of applicants, you could also get the results on the same day. ;) The USEM letter yes, or that one they send through email, you have to print that.. Or you may call SLEC if that's really a must, I'm sorry I missed asking this when I was at St. Luke's. These are the required documents I copied from SLEC website:

    Regular Immigrants and K-Visa Applicants

    a. Valid passport

    b. Photocopy of Passport Biographic/Data Page, the page in the passport that contains the applicant's photo and information

    c. 3 pieces recent 2x2 visa photos (2 for submission to the U.S. Embassy, 1 for clinic file)

    The US Embassy requires you to bring the 2x2 photos for your visa issuance. We regret not to release the medical report until such time that you can provide this requirement.

    d. Appointment letter from the Embassy or Instruction letter from the National Visa Center (NVC), if available,

    e. 2 photocopies of your Appointment Letter/ Instruction Letter

    f. Applicants are also required to provide the name, address and contact number of their petitioner in the U.S.A.

    Medical Examinations at St. Luke's: A Recounting

    in Philippines

    Posted

    October 5, 2012

    I did not wait for the alarm to set off, I was awake 4 minutes before 3AM. Must go to St. Luke's Extension Clinic in Manila soon. It's medical examinations day for me. :unsure:

    I was able to eat a bit, shower and go over the things needed for the exam. The taxi was waiting even before 4:30 (our set time) so we arrived at St. Luke's earlier. I was there a few minutes before 5, about an hour before the opening. The waiting line (for U.S.) was short! :thumbs:

    At 6, we were attended by the guard, checked all the things they required (passport, letter from the US Embassy, photocopies of that letter and the passport's biographic page, 3 photos), stamped our hand just so if we wanted to go out, they could let us in again. Of course there’s also the biometric authentication. They have that so no unidentified person could just get inside the building. The device is also present at all counters where tests are given.

    They let us in after the verification and we got seated to wait a bit. -_-

    After a few minutes, the guard started calling us to get in line in front of the windows. I was number 4, window ‘online’, meaning, since I registered online (on SLEC website), I did not have to fill-out the patient data sheet (PDS). One less task from all the rest. :)

    At the window, they got the requirements again as presented to the guard and also the index fingerprint through biometrics and took a picture of us. Then we were told to be seated again and waited for them to call us for the payment step which was done on the 5th floor. Vital signs were taken (still on 5th floor) after payment.

    Occurring after that was the chest X-ray (3rd floor). All our upper clothes were removed and we wore a gown for cover. All people who have long hair must tie it way up on the head so that it would not interfere in the image. It was a cool X-ray they got there. I guess they should have that as we paid so much and the U.S. is really strict with the tuberculosis issue and other matters concerning diseases. :dead:

    Next tests were for the blood and urine (Laboratory, 4th floor). I didn’t think it would be tough getting the blood that time. The medical technologist had a minor difficulty getting it from me. Therefore, I had experienced more pain in that instance. :(

    It was 9:40 when I had the physical exam. "All clothes must be removed" was one of the instructions on the door of the examination room. When I was called, the doctor told me to do that and that I should wear the gown provided there. :blush:

    While unclothing behind the curtain she asked me of the past illnesses and pertinent matters. Then I was instructed to lie down on the examination bed and she did her routine.

    A little less than 10 minutes after, it was over. I thought, that was not so frightening. :energy:

    Well, then, I and my new friend Joy (I met her there) went to the immunization floor, 2nd. There, we had to wait more. When it was our turn, we were just interviewed by the doctor regarding our previous vaccines. She looked for the polio shot scar and for the chicken pox marks too. Then she recommended for the urine test and MMR and tetanus vaccines.

    During the urine test, the nurse made sure my bag was outside the toilet when I was getting the sample and that she was standing closely by the door. You know what that means. :protest:

    When that was over, we went to the 3rd floor and there a nurse told us we needed to come back at 1PM for the results.

    So we had our lunch at Robinson's Mall. It's near St. Luke's and we just walked to get there.

    We got back at 1PM. At the counter on the 3rd floor, the same nurse told us we had to go back to the immunization floor and get the vaccines. Comparing the blood extraction with the immunizations, I say I had a tougher time with the extraction. :(

    The immunization was the last for us and then we went to the ground floor finally to wait for the results. :clock: It was not a short wait so I had time again to read the drafts of my students (for their community service project). :idea:

    The time was 3:24PM when I finally got the results! The nurse at the checkout counter asked some final questions for confirmation, gave some instructions and then handed me the immunization record and chest radiograph CD. I texted Richard right after that. (L)

    It was a day like no other. :star: We’re so grateful I passed the medical exams! I'm getting close to my reunion with Richard. :wub:(L) I hope the same for everyone here! God bless you all! (F) (F) (F):)

    The Lengths We Go To (for a police clearance)

    in Philippines

    Posted

    For those who need a police clearance from the Japanese Embassy in Manila. :)

    This is essentially the letter I sent to my fiancé, Richard, on the same day I applied for my Japanese Police Clearance. :innocent:

    Sep 3, 2012: At 8AM, I started calling the US Embassy just that all I could hear from the 301-2000 ext. 5184/5185 was recorded instructions that were played over and over until it bade goodbye. :P After that, I decided to go to the Japanese Embassy not US Embassy as the Japanese Embassy is nearer (for me). I just tried that because some people say there is this certain letter from the US Embassy that we need to present to the Japanese Embassy so we could acquire the clearance.

    At the Embassy (that is not so far from Mall of Asia), guests go through this metal detector or something and so I did the same. It’s right in front of the gate by the way, not really inside the embassy grounds. Next, I deposited my cellphone and ID at the gate and they gave me a visitor's pass and application number. I went inside and was called after a few minutes. I told the Japanese officer at the window that I was requesting for a police clearance and he just asked for my passport, yup- no letter needed. :) He then gave me an application form and explained the things needed to be written down and gave me a sample form that's been filled out so I had a pattern to follow.

    After filling out the form I returned it to the officer. I was instructed to go to Camp Crame in Quezon City. He handed me a paper for finger printing and a slip of paper that had illustrations on how to get to the Camp. :)

    Going to the camp, I was texting Richard for updates, unfortunately, my attempts always failed. :(

    At Camp Crame (which is considerably vast), I went straight to the Crime Laboratory building. Inside the office, a police officer told me I needed to pay first 200 Pesos at the Landbank which was a block away from the building.

    So I went to the bank and got a number, it was 65 and the number being served at the time was like 9 and 10. I knew I'd be waiting forever so I snacked a bit. If Richard were with me, he would be asking for water, I know him. :wub:

    After a little more than an hour, my number was finally called. I got up and paid the 200 Pesos at the window. I went back to the laboratory and there a finger printing ritual took place. :)

    The examiner was a middle-aged woman and when I asked her why I had to do the finger printing there (which is kind of far from the Japanese Embassy), she told me I can express my complaints at the Japanese embassy. Hmmm, ok, I asked her politely, like I always do. Anyway, after hearing what she had to say, I just reciprocated it with my thinking out loud opinion that 'maybe they want the Philippine Government to have a record as well.' :thumbs:

    When finger printing was over, the examiner asked me if I had something to wipe my hands with. I said no and she took out a box of like 'Wet Ones' in sachets and told me it's 5Pesos each. I was not surprised at all. People in this other agency did that in the past. Not now though as they have upgraded to using biometrics.

    It was raining hard at the time my finger prints were taken. When I got out, there was just light raining, so the folder that I brought was sufficient protection for my noggin. :) I know.. I should've had an umbrella! But I knew I would have a lot of walking to do so a heavy bag wasn’t recommended . Besides, I am a self-proclaimed weather specialist :) I knew it would rain but it would stop anyway. :)

    I got to the Japanese Embassy again and returned the paper with finger prints. They gave me this 'exchange slip for police clearance.' :)

    And in case you didn't know, the Japanese Embassy itself doesn't charge for this clearance. :)

    Mission accomplished! :)

    What we do now is wait for about a month , then call the embassy and hopefully the police clearance will have arrived by then. :) What an experience! We're so grateful nothing so unfavorable occurred along the way. Thank God indeed! :wow:(F) (F) (F)

    Embassy receipt of petition from NVC

    in K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures

    Posted

    Hi all. I received the NOA2 and the NVC said the petition was forwarded to the Manila embassy on 8/24/12. I called the embassy to see if they received it. They told me they do not have that information and that the beneficiary would have to wait for the notice to arrive. My question is, how do people obtain the dates they are posting on their timelines for the embassy receipt?

    Thanks much

    R. Lee

×
×
  • Create New...