Milmauka

Case ready since January. Had two cancelled interviews (March and April)

We did an expedite K1 interview today and was granted the visa.  The expedite was asked for in September and in October was scheduled for December 3rd.  It was given based off myself having a son in the Philippines.  
 
On February 24th, the letter from USEM was received to schedule the original interview but we never were able to do this since the pandemic came.  I think you are looking at a back up of cases since February/March as none of those or very few have completed interviews. 

I live in Hawaii and have 2 LBC's close by.

We have been lucky with Atlas but my wife tapes it so shut I doubt is anyone would want to deal with that.  Clear packing tape, then brown packing tape then brown paper then another layer of clear packing tape...LOL  Completely covered the box 4 times.  If the ship went down that stuff would stay clean and dry for 100 years.
 

My (Filipina) fiancée told me that some workers at the facilities are thieves and will sometimes steal the items. Especially during the holidays. She told me before not to send anything expensive or valuable. 
 
Not saying all boxes get stolen out of, just something to be cautious about. 

I arrived on my flight the morning of November 29th around 7am.  We sat on the plane for about 45 minutes for an explanation by the Coast Guard on the procedure when we got off.  It was actually information overload if you had not read or prepared before the flight as there are alot of steps.  I had prepaid for my COVID test with the Philippine Red Cross the day before the flight from NYC.  
 
After filling out a bunch of forms on the plane, you then disembark and go to a waiting area for the COVID test.  I actually went to the wrong area but there were no signs.  I waited about 30 minutes for my COVID test until I showed someone my QR code and they told me I had to go another gate.  So if you do arrive with a prepaid COVID test, do not follow the masses (98% of the plane).  Go to the Red Cross area (someone will direct you) and you will get your test within 5 minutes.
 
After this part you go to Immigration.  After Immigration is baggage collection which by this time its already waiting for you.  You then need to have the Affidavit sheet checked multiple times and someone will double check your pre-booked accommodation that it is on the list.  Then you will get your transportation to your hotel from a separate booth.  I took the yellow taxi option and was already expecting problems.  Once all this is done, a Coast guard guy will take your affidavit and then your free to leave the terminal.  You can exchange money outside the door if you need or get a sim card.
 
Taking Grab is not an option and I already knew the taxis were going to give me problems.  As soon as I got in the "metered" yellow airport taxi, the guy asked for the slip of paper thats given at the taxi booth.  Never give them this paper.  They only want it so when you have problems you dont have the number to complain.  Yellow taxi meters start at 70p and before we had gone 100 meters, my meter was well over 100p.  I told the guy to turn off the meter and that I was giving him 250p.  I didnt get any pushback.  My quarantine hotel is walking distance to my condo so I know the rates down to the peso.  
 
Once at the hotel, you check in and they gave me the option to run over to 7-11 to buy anything I may need as that would be my only chance to go outside my room until my test results arrived.  I loaded up at the 7-11 and was proceeded to be overcharged on multiple items.  The lady and her colleague would scan items twice which inflated my bill 30%.  Once I paid, I asked for the receipt and then went line item by line item with them pulling the items out of my bag showing all of the things they overcharged me on.  I got a "sorry sir" but it was clearly done on purpose.  
 
In the hotel I just waited for the test results which came almost exactly 24 hours from taking the test.  I forwarded the email to the front desk and they printed out my certification that I was negative.  I was then basically free to do whatever.
 
Just FYI, the flight on PAL from NYC to Manila was jam packed.  Not a seat was available.  They have reduced this route to one flight a week.  It was 17 hours sitting in a petri dish of potential disease.  Face masks and shields required at all times.  The PAL employees made the flight as comfortable as possible.  They actually did a fine job given the circumstances.  
 
Ive been just going into the office each day but in a separate room and not around the rest of the people just in case I develop symptoms later on.  There is a reason why tourists are not allowed at this time.  All hotels only cater to quarantining.  Ive talked to some Airbnb owners to get the latest scoop and some buildings will rent short term, but many buildings have a requirement of 6 months or more lease required.  If a building allows short term rentals, a COVID test within 72 hours is needed.  For transportation within the city, grab is available, taxis, some jeepneys and buses.  Provincial travel is nearly impossible and travel permits are needed from multiple government agencies.  Renting a car will help get around some of the nonsense.  
 
Many restaurants, convenience stores, etc etc are closed or out of business.  However there is no shortage of places to eat, etc.  Masks must be wore at all times outside and in malls masks and face shields are required.  I cant complain too much on that.  They do a pretty good job and are concerned for the safety of others.  You actually get the feeling people are looking out for each other, unlike in the US where the pandemic has become a sad comedy.  Where I have the problem on requirements is on inter-province travel and not allowing children outside.  You really see NO children and in the Philippines with one of the youngest average ages in the world, its a strange feeling to not hear them running around.  Inter provincial travel would be OK if you could show a recent negative COVID test but for me to see my son, I would need to spend 2 weeks in an elementary school as my quarantine center.  I have heard the conditions are atrocious.  I have plans to meet my son in the middle of the sea in a few weeks since its easier to get him there and bring him with me.  

I wonder how long before you can purchase verification of getting the vaccine through the black market?

The OP is talking about buying a car in the Philippines and NOT IMPORTING it. 

On November 3 my fiancée completed her 2nd physical and returned her passport, updated NBI and Cenomar to the embassy.  On the 5th I sent an email to the embassy and they acknowledged that they had received the passport,  and all other documents to include the new physical from SLEC,  Now today,  10 November 2020, the Embassy returned her passport and with a 221g  stating that she must  take a physical.  There has been no end to the problems we have had in processing  this K1Visa.  We interviewed in February 2020.  Problems with the initial document, lost physical, lost NBI, finally approved by consulate.  Visa issued on 26 February 2020 and withheld on the 27th of February the problems go on an on, I have previously documented all of that here on Visa Journey.    Original physical allowed to expire by Embassy.  Made to comply with Sputum protocol despite two previous negative test.  By the way this most resent test was also negative.  What more can we do.  The money and stress this mess has inflicted upon us is unreal.    How do I get this visa issued?

You can request a review by the Consulate General.

It really doesn't matter how slow the USCIS processing times are- almost every consulate in the world is currently NOT processing K-1's. 
 
Getting an NOA2 is anti-climatic because you will just be placed in another backlogged line (this time a line that isn't moving AT ALL).
 
I have been waiting for my NOA2 for 230 days. Yes, I want it- but getting it just puts me in an even longer line (currently a 1+ year line at Casablanca for k1). 
 
* If your waiting for one of the few lucky embassies that are processing k-1's (I think theres only 2-3) then disregard above. 

Its been almost one year since this thread was started and most of us here filed...alot has happened including Bans, Covid, elections....some have been privileged to have their petition approved while others even obtained the highly sorted K1 visa and are presently with their spouses....If there is someone here that has not been approved...I hope you get your approval soon...and those of us still waiting, I hope January 20th brings us new beginnings and finally we can be with our fiancé/fiancée.

Considering Manila has not done any routine k1 interviews since March and likely won't until sometime in 2021, you will be lucky to get an interview by summer 

Got an email today, packets are on the way to Tokyo.

Did you actually see the fare was available?  I get these every once in a while and can never find the advertised fare when I try to look

Just got a TripAdvisor email...$428 RT Chicago-Manila in February 

So damned if they don't and damned if they do. 

NVC says they shipped my case to Chile. I used the tips and tricks to try and track it. I think I found it! Says it’s estimated to be here by the 20th of October! I’m so excited!! 

Or London (England)   I'm waiting for a renewal of my k1 visa; I couldn't get out in time when the bans happened so it expired. I honestly don't see anything changing anytime soon,  let alone this year. 

Nothing In India so far.   

Our K1 visa was approved today!!!!! She’s finally coming home!!!

Or how about September 2019 applicants who have already received their NOA2 in January but are still sitting in limbo because of the embassies not taking interviews. It’s infuriating.

Same complaint I have heard for almost 15 years.

Even scarier; why so long? It's not fair and it's so stressing to see others filing same dates or earlier getting approved before you. I know it's gold holder is the winner, but still.

You forgot to ask about those in December,  January and February who are still waiting for their NIA2.  Just saying.