Ryan&Bea

i'm really relieved someone has posted this experience. thanks. do you happen to know til what time they operate in T3? how many days ahead did u made the call?

Typically this is what happens after the interview:

The visa processing steps after visa interview are as follows:

The first AP is the immigration unit doing the paperwork for approving the visa

The first ready is a notice that they are finished and the paperwork is being sent for visa issuance

The second AP is the visa issuance people doing their own paperwork

The second ready is that the visa has been issued and is currently being processed for delivery

Upon the second ready, it will be sent out within a few days.

No one can tell anyone when they will get there visa. There has been some who received in two days and others more than three months. Yes, normal delivery is around 3 weeks if the sun, moon and mars are lined up so don’t run out and buy any airline tickets till your visa is in your hands.

Continue to have patience you'll soon have your visa in hand and on your way. Congrats BTW.

Thanks that's really helpful. i hope we get it in days and not months. The good people of American Airlines allowed us to reserved seats but we can't purchase them until we sent a scanned copy of the visa page.

Hoping it will be a white Christmas for us! I can't wait for my son to make snow angels xx

If you looked through the search for previous topics you would have found that AP is NORMAL.

Almost everyone's status changes from ready(for interview) to AP and then issued.

AP is just the final step before they issue your visa (putting it in the passport).

Not sure why you are worrying. You weren't told denied and you weren't asked for extra documents and were told everything was okay.

High chances are you were approved and now are in AP because they are finalising everything.

Just take a step back. Be patient and wait. You're almost there.

Yes i'm fully aware that AP is normal.. But if you read thoroughly some 2013 AP statuses, they were in AP limbo for months. Some got verbal approval from the consul. most, NO 221g but still ended up in AP for MONTHS. They tried to get a hold of USEM but people there cant give them definite answers more than what's available in the CEAC site. That's why I was asking for fellow VJyers here who just had their interviews recently for their inputs, if they experienced the same thing.

I'm trying to be patient. God knows I do but I'm really hoping to fly out with my USC fiance on Dec 10. It will be a memorable family experience for my son, too.

Anyhow, thanks for all the replies and well wishes. Im grateful to this site cos nobody understands me better than the people who went through/ going through the same process. Thanks again xx

hello VJyers xx

we have completed our interview last nov 14 (friday). everything was a breeze. I was accompanied by my USC fiance. They let us "cut some queues" because we have a 19month old K2 with us. Our appointment was at 7:30am, reached there at 7 am and got out at 9:38 am. It felt like everything was in place after the interview and i shouldn't worry a tad. The american consul didn't asked me a lot of questions. He just clarified that my fiance isn't my son's biological father (my son is half italian- features look caucasian). CO asked if i know where the bio dad is, I replied " i don't." (with conviction). My son's birth certificate has NO father's name on it so i thought there shouldn't be a problem. He went on browsing my fiance's financial docs then he established eye contact with my fiance. i get that the consul wants him to answer, not me. We didn't have the courage to ask if we're approved but on the last window, the guy told us everything is ok. He just verified our mailing address. No 221g.

Exactly after a week, nov 21, our CEAC status was changed to "ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING" from "READY". I was carefree the whole week thinking we're already at the finish line then this happened. I read some forums here, some outdated, sharing that some AP can go from 6hrs to months of indefinite wait.

I just wanna ask fellow VJyers who have had their interview recently if you experienced the same thing.

Any input will be highly appreciated... I am a worry-er. that's my weakness according to my fiance but i'd rather worry knowing the possibilities than be dumbfounded once struck by a bad news.

thanks again for any reply. xx

Congrats. I am about to file for a k1 visa for my pinay girlfriend. Your timeline and quick approval gives me hope. I live in Nevada so I will be using the Texas service center as well

My USC fiance is from NV too but we were assigned in CSC. it took us a little longer to get approved, mainly because of the volume of petitions during MAY-AUG and extra background checks made on my end (since I stayed In DUbai and Abu DHabi in 4 of the 5 years they needed residence history of).

Keep the hopes up! Im checking, approvals for Filipinos this time averages 21 days. some even get approved 8days after NOA1. Good luck on your journey!

Hello!

Has anyone RECENTLY attended the CFO seminar but opted to pick up the sticker at the CFO desk in NAIA? this applies to people who got their CFO certificate prior to going to the USEM interview or visa issuance. I think it's more convenient specially for those people like me who's from the province trying to maximise the time and resources being spent in the stay in Manila.

Is picking up the CFO sticker in the CFO desk in NAIA still an option?

THanks in advance for any insights/experiences being shared!

this is what my USC fiance wrote. we didn't receive any RFE.

_________________________

Question 34.a of Part 2

I planned a vacation in March of 2014 to visit the Philippines for duration of 2 months. I also joined a dating website, xxxxxxxxx.com, during that month. While on the site, I met Bea XXXXXXXX and began a friendship via e-mail, text message and video chat. We met the night of May 6 in her hometown in Davao City, Philippines. By May 17, our relationship became more than friendship and I spent the remainder of my time in the Philippines (until June 24, 2014) with her.

__________________________

as you can see in our signature timeline below, we got engaged after 6days of being an 'official' couple. Our application got approved and didn't have any problem so far. We'll have our interview next week but I really feel confident (but i'm already expecting they might grill me on the whirlwind romance part). anyhow, just back up your application with photos when you spent time personally. Good luck on your journey!

It is great that everything went so well.

It seems that the rest of us were being led around like cattle to get there early, just so we could end up in the cattle cars and wait several hours. I never imagined that getting there late would make it so much easier.

Soon you will interview and have your visas.

Congratulations to you.

P.S. One thing I have been telling people about, and you proved it to be right, is that there is no need to look your best. Nobody cares what you look like for this event. Wear clothes that are easy to change in and out of, first and foremost.

i couldn't agree more about intentionally looking like you're going to a marathon. if i went to SLEC with full make up on, i could have smeared my mascara twice. 1- when I had my 3 shots of vaccines and 2- when my son was having his 3 shots.

I'll reserve 'cleaning up well' during the USEM interview. I should at least look decent and neat in front of the consul. My fiance is tagging along for support (a.k.a. babysitting our K2, lol), more reasons to look my best since we haven't seen each other (personally) for 4months.

I'm excited! Praying for an easy and speedy process to those who will still undergo any of the steps in this journey! God bless us xx

we're done with the medicals (or almost). We were asked to come back tomorrow at 1pm onwards for the immunizations. We're getting 3shots each. Doctor decided that my son doesn't need the TUberculin skin test (that takes 72 hours for the results) because of his age (19 months) and the risk factors are very low. I guess you should just be honest and know your child's medical history. my son was admitted dec 2013 and july 2014 both for pneumonia. we also travelled to kuala lumpur for 10days when he was still 4months old. After those queries were answered and all other medical history questions, doc cleared him and sent us for immunization. So we have an extra day in Manila to do whatever. YEY! thanks for all your help fellow VJyers!

btw, a 45 minute SLEC medicals is feasible. we started at 2:14pm and finished at 3:49pm. i timed it well to make sure i can share my experience accurately. i bumped into another K1 beneficiary as she was leaving the premise the time i came in. she said she started at 5:30am. took her almost 9hours as compared to my less than 2hrs (considering i have a K2 who also undergoes half the process). I could have finished earlier but I got a 40minute wait on physical exam. the mom and daughter who came prior me didnt make the doc's job easier. i assumed the mom is begging for the doc to process her daughter even if she still has her period. while the doc is already rushing out the exam room with their papers, i overheard the mom insisting in tagalog that the flow is very light and it should be fine. she even asked for the docs full name (maybe to file a complaint) after she knew she wont get her way. But its the clinic's rule for doc's names to remain anonymous to avoid biases.

TIPS: have your docs ready and separated if you have a K2. wear clothes and shoes that are easy to remove. you dont need to wear those strappy heels where u have to run up and down 5floors of SLEC. bring a stroller if you're with a kid. it'll help tremendously moving around. bring anything like an IPAD or a toy that will steal his attention while you're doing some of the test. dress comfortably. i was in my gym clothes and rubber shoes. it will take 15mins less to undress and put back on compared to skinny jeans. follow directions. the people in SLEC will assist you and tell you where exactly to go and what to do next.

reading forums here in VJ has helped me a lot. I went to SLEC with a K2 and zero nanny or assistant but everything was easy breezy. be overly prepared! it makes you a lot more confident in pursuing this journey! good luck everyone!

OFF to CFO tomorrow! xx

The doctor does not have to do TST on a 19 month old baby but he can if he deems it necessary.

As for you, SLEC x-ray is mandatory, and they must order sputum if x-ray cannot clear you.

Despite the horror stories, most people do clear all these tests. The reason it seems from this board that most people don't is because the ones who fail post much more frequently than the ones who pass.

And if they find confirmed TB, look at it this way: Untreated TB will kill you. So be glad they found it and will cure you.

thanks again! we're done with the medicals (or almost). We were asked to come back tomorrow at 1pm onwards for the immunizations. We're getting 3shots each. Doctor decided that my son doesn't need the TST because of his age and the risk factors are very low. I guess you should just be honest and know your child's medical history. my son got admitted dec 2013 and july 2014 both for pneumonia. we also travelled to kuala lumpur for 10days when he was still 4months old. After those queries were answered doc cleared him and sent us for immunization instead of TST. So we have an extra day in Manila to do whatever. YEY! thanks for all your help fellow VJyers!

btw, a 45 minute SLEC medicals is feasible. we started at 2:14pm and finished at 3:49pm. i timed it well to make sure i can share my experience accurately. i bumped into another K1 beneficiary as she was leaving the premise the time i came in. she said she started at 5:30am. took her almost 9hours as compared to my less than 2hrs (considering i have a K2 who also undergoes half the process). I could have finished earlier but I got a 40minute wait on physical exam. the mom and daughter who came prior me made the doc's job harder. i assumed the mom is begging for the doc to process her daughter even if she still has her period. while the doc is already rushing out the exam room with their papers, i overheard the mom insisting in tagalog that the flow is very light and it should be fine. she even asked for the docs full name (maybe to file a complaint) after she knew she wont get her way. But its the clinic's rule for doc's names to remain anonymous to avoid biases.

reading forums here in VJ has helped me a lot. I went to SLEC with a K2 and zero nanny or assistant but everything was easy breezy. be overly prepared! it makes you a lot more confident in pursuing this journey! good luck everyone!

OFF to CFO tomorrow! xx

THanks for all your insights. I will update you soonest if they require my son to have a TST even if he is not yet 2yrs old.

We will be having our medical examination tomorrow. I hope everything goes smoothly. I'm, more often than not, paranoid with this sorta stuff. I just don't wanna mess up the things that I can personally control. ... but I accept those that I can't. I'm overly prepared and I feel better going to SLEC and CFO this week.

Good luck to everyone.

Hello VJyers!

Has anyone tried requesting for a second X-ray in case the first one shows up 'suspicion of TB'.

I'll be having my medicals with my 19month old son tomorrow and I dread having to deal with the whole process again as I am from the province. (not to mention the added airfare and hotel cost). I called SLEC about my son having to undergo Tuberculin skin test as it was stated in their site that 2-14yrs old are required to do so). The person I talked to from SLEC said the doctor seeing us will decide whether my son needs it or not. I have no qualms with that even if my son is 5months short of being 2yrs old.

NOw my questions is: Has anyone experienced DEMANDING for a second Xray before agreeing to settle with the 2month sputum test. Is this even an option cos I read somewhere in the SLEC site that additional Xray costs $7. or is it their prerogative to order one for you when they deem necessary?

ANy response will be highly appreciated.. Thanks

Hi...i've been trying to access that link you provided but when the website opens its just a picture of a canoe and some text on the center nothing to click on...is there any trick to this?..lol..i just can't seem to get it right..XD

yeah, happened to me, too. I'm using a MAC OS. i can only actually access this site on my mobile phone. Maybe try a different laptop or OS or browser. Im not really techie but I hope it works.

Bea, beneficiary

I sent my fiancée (the Beneficiary) a packet (I-134, and such) within few days of getting the NOA2,

I spent a little time yesterday updating our consulate packet with bank account screen shots, Proof of employment and such, plus letter of intent and cover sheet. I will send her new fresh (current dates and $$ figures) tomorrow or Monday latest, I want to make sure everything is put together just like the cover sheet says it is and each section has cover sheet.

A little over board but when the interviewer asks her for something or if they look at the packet, I want them to be able to go right to an item.

that's really impressive. You are very keen to details and well-organized in this whole process. My fiance (petitioner) is procrastinating since he will be hand-carrying his end of the requirements the day before my interview. Not that I need it, but he wants to be in the interview to help me out with keeping our son company during the interview. I wish USEM would allow nannies to tag along when beneficiaries come in with K2s. For security reasons, I understand that they will never do.

Just wondering how you guys dp the payment. Thru where? And is it safe to pay right away when you got the case number or wait for instructions?

all you need to know is here darling : http://visaconnection-philippines.com

it's very comprehensive. just follow the links and read thoroughly and you're all set!

Yes, I did. as soon as I got the MNL#. Got everything scheduled and booked.

I think that's the upside of USEM. i think NVC sends out cases by batches and since there's a considerable volume of Phil beneficiaries, they get to send it on 3-4x per week basis. (disclaimer: just my hypothesis. not actually a fact)

Dan&Yvette (Phil beneficiary) has exactly the same NVC-USEM timeline as ours.

NoW, getting busy obtaining proofs that my fiance can afford a wife and a rascal ( just kidding )

-Bea , beneficiary

Noa2 dated oct 7, still no NVC case number.. Is this still normal?

Our NOA2 was Oct 1st and it wasn't until Oct 20th when we got our MNL#. Just hang on. You will be assigned a number soonest and when you do, it will be a lot to process if you haven't started with the requirements yet. It only took 3 days for our case from NVC to USEM.

so spend this time collating docs (or let fiancee do most of the scrambling like my soon-to-be-husband did, ). USEM, CFO, SLEC, each have separate lists of what they need from you.

Good luck! I hope it all goes well. We're almost at the finish line

Bea- beneficiary

this thread answered almost all the possible questions I have re: SLEC, CFO and USEM except one.

I read from some old forum that SLEC has SPECIFIC days for beneficiaries with kids doing the medicals on the same day (K1/K2). I wanna know if this is still the case.

I'm a 2hour plane ride from Manila and I wanna go through the process in a week or less-to save some time and money. Do SLEC on Monday and Tuesday. CFO on Wednesday and USEM on Friday.

Thanks. I highly appreciate any response.

U.S. Department of State

IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION

In Transit

Immigrant Visa Case Number: JRS**********

Your case is in transit to the Consular Section. Your interview date was provided to you by the National Visa Center.

يتم تحويل معاملتك الى القسم القنصلي. لقد تم تحديد موعد مقابلتك وتزويدك به من NVC

התיק שלך בתהליך העברה למחלקה הקונסולרית. מועד הראיון שלך סופק עבורך על ידי מרכז האשרות הלאומי.

It seems we're on the same timeline. Have you tried looking at available interview slots at USEM site?

Today's NVC report:

28 redials

23 minutes on hold

4 minute conversation

0 NVC case number

0 need to lie

42 days to wait I was told

My NOA-2 date was Sept. 25. I hope this information helps someone or saves you some time/dollars on hold. I don't work (don't need to) so my time is spent waiting, writing, reading, running and raising my puppy.

thanks for this helpful update. i can now stop bugging my man from calling NVC this week. we should just divert our resources and energy towards planning our Christmas break in the Phil...

Keep the hope up!

- Bea , beneficiary

Using a black pen should not and would not being the reason of an RFE. Best of luck, at least this means they are looking at your petition !!

my point exactly since we got approved 1st of Oct

We got an RFE. So frustrating considering it took us 3 days of checking, double checking, triple checking to make sure we didn't miss anything. I think the problem is because I used a sign-pen and black ink to sign our letter of intent to marry.

Anyhow, just waiting for the letter and we'll hopefully be able to move.

Does anyone know how long it takes for them to give us an update after we've sent our required evidence?

Thanks

we also used a black sign pen when we signed our 'separate' intent to marry letters.

I hope it's an easy RFE. Hang on there. Every day that passes gets us closer to reuniting with our loved ones.

GOT OURS TODAY!!!!

"Your I-129f was approved in 83 days from your NOA1 date."- updated my timeline as well

Wishing everyone will get there's soon, too.

---------

we started as friends 04-06-14

we personally met 05-06-14

he proposed and i said YES 05-23-14

whirlwind romances do exist, ours is one!

the best timeline i'm keeping track by far Xx

Thanks Hopeful 4 Xmas

i guess we're on the same boat then. I got most of my information from this site. I was able to save my brother that trip to the police station since he's based in Abu dHabi, too. I'm actually relieved that they changed the procedure FROM getting a fingerprint sundry in a local NBI or district police station then having it authenticated in DFA Manila, afterwards UAE Embassy in Manila and then finally forwarding to any UAE police station (which gets lost in the mail half of the time) TO simply not asking for it (if the person is not presently in the emirate).

I hope everything falls to places before December as we are also "hopeful for Christmas". I wish you the best in the rest of the K1 process xx

hopeful 4 XMas

Posted Today, 12:59 AM

You may or may not it depends on the consulate, reviewer and what does come up.

If you have not been on here take a look it says recommend waived. http://travel.state....country/AE.html

___________________________________________

I already did my research. Police Clearance (or Good Moral Certificate as what they call it in U.A.E.) is not required unless the beneficiary still resides there and has an active residence or work visa. Thanks for the link though...

At this point, all my docs/requirements for the interview are neatly collated and filed in an envelope. All I'm waiting for is that nerve-wracking approval and a scheduled/reserved interview date in USEM.

I can bear with the wait but my son misses his dad so much. I just want them to spend their 1st Christmas together as they already missed last year's.

-Bea, beneficiary