myrrh130

8 hours ago, mrsrasco said:

Yes. I just brought with me the visa packet on the day I got my CFO sticker. 

Hi again, did you even notice on the instructions in paying the uscis immigrant fee online it stated on step 1 and 2 that we have to fill out names, birthdates, etc but when we did ours it only asked for the A number and case number. I was kinda worried if I screw it up. But there was no option there to put our names, not even the option "create a new account". Pls tell me you did the same. 

On 2/28/2017 at 10:45 AM, mrsrasco said:

Congratulations!! 

 

Based on my experience, I think once the CO got the requirement he/she asked for, it would really get fast from there. But, there are also other applicants who waits for a month or so until the visa status would be issued.

Hi mrsrasco! Did you get that cfo sticker on your passport yet? I have heard that they would need  the photocopy of the immigrant data summary? But it's inside the sealed plastic pouch, aren't we supposed to open that? I just made a little incision on the side just enough to take the passport out. Thanks 

Hi guys! Just wanna share an update about our visa journey. 

Feb 6- medical exam

Feb 8- TST result ( for cr2) and immunization for both (cr1 & cr2)

Feb 13- interview schedule with a 221g result ( joint sponsor needed)

Feb 23- embassy received our 221g docs straight from USA ( we did this to eliminate extra days in the delivery if we will use 2go)

Feb 24- case updated (AP)

Feb 27 (12nn)- ready ( cr1) and AP for my cr2

Feb 27 (5pm)- issued for both

I purposely checked twice a day only to give it time to update. That's why I didn't even see if it went back to AP for mine or if my cr2 went to ready. All in all, it ended up to be a good news. I was just surprised of how fast they process 221g cases lately or is it really case to case?I thank everybody here for all the help and advices. God bless us all. 

2 hours ago, mrsrasco said:

Sorry I cant answer your question about that because based on my experience, my petitioner filled out an i-864 while my  in laws, who is our joint sponsors and also his household members, filled out an I-864A each. Although we used the income of my mother-in-law on my husband's I-864, my step dad-in-law needs to fill out another I-864A because they file joint ITR, have joint bank accounts, etc. The latter is the requirement that the CO asked during my interview.

 

Just to be sure, I prepared both I-864 and I-864A of my mother-in-law (joint sponsor/household member) and my step dad-in-law. Especially the printed page of the signature part. They had to mail it twice here via FedEx. That's what we did to avoid getting 221g.

How are you able to use the mother-in-law's income on your petitioner's I-864? Is your husband counted a household member of your mother in law even though he doesn't physically live there? Just wondering. I googled it and found out that I-864a's is only for household members if you use their income on the I-864? Maybe I should really stick on the main I-864 form for my joint sponsor. It should work I hope.

11 hours ago, mrsrasco said:

Hi! Sorry for the late reply. How was your interview?

Hi mrsrasco! I did send a quote here about my interview. I didn't know that it didn't go through afterall. I was specifically addressing you my question, so after my interview the consular officer wanted me to provide a joint sponsor. Just for a verification, I believe that my joint sponsor will be filling out I-864 and not I-864a. He will be using his sole income so his wife doesn't have to fill out I-864a although he claims her on his tax returns. They're not filling joint income tax returns. Please advise. I do appreciate your effort of answering me all the time. 

19 hours ago, mrsrasco said:

We're done around 9am. It was supposed to be around 8am but we were told to go to the releasing section since the CO asked for an additional I-864a from my step dad, which we submitted immediately.

Do I still have to take the chest X-Ray CD on my interview?

On 1/27/2017 at 3:24 PM, mrsrasco said:

I would like to share my interview exp:

 

Arrived at 6am with my husband for my 6:40am interview sched. Then I prepared my DS-260, appointment letter and passport. then they put my passport in a ziplock.

 

1st step: Data entry

The lady just asked my name, who is my petitioner and where I'm going to live in the US.

 

2nd step: Pre-screening

The lady that was assigned to us was very nice! She asked few questions about my husband, my sponsor and personal questions. And she's very friendly!!

 

I passed my NSO birth cert, marriage cert, NBI clearance, medical results, passport, my I864 (with w2, 1040, recent pay stubs and bank statements), I864A (from my mother-in-law), DS 260 confirmation page, appointment letter and then we paid the $325 IV fee.

 

3rd: Fingerscanning

He didn't ask anything.

 

4th: Interview

We were interviewed at window 63. The CO just asked about how we met, when did our relationship start, and he asked more questions to my husband (lol) and even made jokes. He told us to go to the releasing because he asked us for a requirement but I thank God because I brought it. 

 

First 4 hours, we were on AP but after a few hours the visa status changed to issued 

Hi it's me again. What time did you finish or get out of the embassy grounds with a 6:40am interview schedule? I ask because I'm having the same time schedule on Monday. Thanks 

On 2/5/2017 at 5:38 PM, mrsrasco said:

Original 

Hi again, do we have to submit new sets of US visa photos during interview? If yes, how many pieces? The reason I asked is that I lost all my spare photos at SLEC yesterday and I could never figure out how it happened. Also i received this email from the IV Process Manila yesterday and was wondering why did it say that I submitted an incomplete I-864 when I did not. Maybe it's normal? Did you get something like that too? Thanks

On 2/2/2017 at 10:11 AM, mrsrasco said:

 

Yes! If your interview day goes smoothly, your visa will be approved and you'll get it within 3-5 working days.

 

In my I-864 form, I just left it blank.  Before the CO asked for the proof of domicile, we already included the letter of explanation of it on the pre-screening part just to be sure.  Good luck on your medical and interview! Take note also, that if you go to SLEC, make sure you dont have your period otherwise they will make you come back the week after your period.  

 

I must ask, did you have original signatures on your I-864s or scanned copy?

4 hours ago, mrsrasco said:

Thank you so much again, @DaveSana!

 

Just picked up my visa packet and passport today after 2 working days, that was fast.  next I'll be getting the CFO sticker to be stamped at my passport & book tickets! 

Is that even possible? Only 4 working days since interview. Congrats again! May I ask, in filling out the I-864 form, do we immigrants happen to have a USCIS ELIS account number? I thought it's an N/A for that. And did the consular officer ask for any proof of domicile from the petitioner? I always appreciate your answers. We're doing medical exam next week. Yes, it will be a Monday. And the following Monday will be the interview. Hope we'll make it just like yours. Thanks to Dave too. 

this is actually the first time i have heard of a DCF case that has been denied of processing due to lack of proof of relationship/marriage. we filed ours last Dec 14th, 2016. when i didnt hear anything from them until second week of January, i began to worry that maybe they (USCIS) werent satisfied of our proof of relationship because i clearly remembered in my mind when the officer (who accepted our application) told us that since we didnt have a joint bank account and a child together that it would take longer to process our application. thankfully we received notice of approval on the 18th. in your case, i would think you were fine though with what you presented. but to satisfy them, yes i think the joint bank account will help. affidavit letters? never had them and dont know how it will work but i think in my own understanding it would be a sworn statement (computer written) from anybody proving your relationship and marriage notarized from a lawyer, of course with the signatures too. i think it really should be notarized. and the pictures, yes add the description and dates. 

1 hour ago, mrsrasco said:

Thank you!!

 

That's the other form I-864A for my husband's step-dad. My mother-in-law's income meets the 125% poverty guideline, but the CO still asked for my step-dad in law's I-864A with signature because they have joint bank accounts, 1040s, etc. 

 

The CO just looked at our wedding photos. since my husband and I live together, he didn't ask much for proof of relationship. i think if you have child together, the better.

 

Yes you dont have to print the whole DS-260 because during the interview, the CO will just look your DS-260 on his computer. 

So did you bring a hard copy of your ds-260 with you in your interview? What did you have for proof of relationship?

15 minutes ago, mrsrasco said:

I would like to share my interview exp:

 

Arrived at 6am with my husband for my 6:40am interview sched. Then I prepared my DS-260, appointment letter and passport. then they put my passport in a ziplock.

 

1st step: Data entry

The lady just asked my name, who is my petitioner and where I'm going to live in the US.

 

2nd step: Pre-screening

The lady that was assigned to us was very nice! She asked few questions about my husband, my sponsor and personal questions. And she's very friendly!!

 

I passed my NSO birth cert, marriage cert, NBI clearance, medical results, passport, my I864 (with w2, 1040, recent pay stubs and bank statements), I864A (from my mother-in-law), DS 260 confirmation page, appointment letter and then we paid the $325 IV fee.

 

3rd: Fingerscanning

He didn't ask anything.

 

4th: Interview

We were interviewed at window 63. The CO just asked about how we met, when did our relationship start, and he asked more questions to my husband (lol) and even made jokes. He told us to go to the releasing because he asked us for a requirement but I thank God because I brought it. 

 

First 4 hours, we were on AP but after a few hours the visa status changed to issued 

wow just wow! very big felicitations to you both! hope us too. do you mind if i ask if what was the requirement they needed that you luckily brought? so i can prepare too. and may i know what stuff did you prepare for proof of relationship? since the husbands has been living with us, maybe we will omit the chatlogs, emails, etc. proof? and please i have read somewhere that we shouldnt print the ds-260 form because they already have a copy of that? how true is this?

bless your heart for sharing.

when we did ours. we submitted notarized contract of leases. 

On 1/20/2017 at 11:02 AM, mrsrasco said:

 

You may email them at: 

 

IVManilaReplies@state.gov

 

Put this on your subject line

 

VISA APPLICANT’S LAST NAME, First Name (10-digit case number)
(example:  DELA CRUZ, Juan (MNL1234567890)

 

Because your case is specific and they dont respond if your subject line is different from that format.

 

When I emailed my inquiry, i put my name then (inquiring about my case number) on the 10 digit mnl case number.

 

hi mrsasco, i hope you will share your interview experience with us later. right now im trying to gather docs that we would need for medical exam and interview but really im confused on what to prepare for proof of relationship during interview. should we prepare the same as what we submitted during application or maybe after you finished, i can have a better idea. thanks

and guys one more thing, i did receive my MNL case number today, it was emailed to me and my husband-petitioner, but i noticed that it was only for my cr2. i cant really do much with it though so maybe it would be a good idea if i email the consular section about my case number, i just dont know the right email address, can you mrsrasco help me? thanks

5 hours ago, mrsrasco said:

Oh, try to download the form again at USCIS page and open it in ADOBE reader. We tried that and it worked!

are you saying that if i do what you say, i would come up with the form that has the barcode in it like the one on the right? if yes, then that would be the right form, right?

5 hours ago, mrsrasco said:

I just posted my inquiry on the IR-1/CR-1 thread because its complicated. 

where you able to get any help? i know the i-864a is way more complicated than the i-864 alone.

I posted this question in one the Facebook visa groups, I never did get the right answer. 

13 hours ago, mrsrasco said:

TIP:

 

If you're planning to do the medical, dont go on Mondays. Because when I had mine, my husband and I went there around 4am and we were surprised because the line for US visa applicants is quite long. I think there were around 100+ applicants. 

 

 

I went there 4am and finished by 3pm, (supposed to be 12nn) because the RT guy on the US check out counter asked me if I can wait til 2:30pm for my xray results. and of course I said yes. Then after hours of waiting, I got the paper that says to come back at 10am the next day.

 

The requirements I submitted before I entered the building:

- DS 260 confirmation page

- 4 pcs 2x2 picture (write your name on the back and get it edited with formal attire)

- interview appointment letter

- passport and photocopy of biopage (also sign on page 3)

 

* I have photocopied everything 

 

Here's what I did during 1st day:

- data entry (ground floor) 

-paid to the cashier (3rd floor)

- immunization (2nd floor)

- chest x ray (3rd floor)

- laboratory ( 4th floor)

- weight, height, BP and visual test (i forgot where the floor is)

- physical exam (i also forgot the floor but quite the longest wait!!!!)

-USA counter (where you left your receipt with checklist then they will give it back to you and tells you to bring them on the check out counter)

 

 

Second day (8:20-10:30)

 

 

When I entered the building, I showed to the guard the paper and he stamped it for immuzation. I went there an hour advance and it's okay. Then I received 3 vaccines (MMR, Varicella, Tdap). After the vaccinations, the nurse told me to go to the ground floor for releasing. I waited again for an hour and that's it! I got my immunization record and the CD of my chest x ray which you will give at your POE, while the brown envelope will be submitted on the day of you interview. 

 

Lastly, take note when is the first and last day of your last period because majority of the nurses/doctor asked for it. And also the last sexual contact.

 

Thanks a lot for this detailed tip. Any mythical stuff you did on passing the X-Ray? Like drinking milk or juices? 

10 hours ago, kg0103 said:

Will probably sched an interview sa feb pa. Planning to leave by April or May.

It looks like I'm the only one in a hurry here to leave. My husband left yesterday and in as much as we want to travel together we couldn't because he can't extend his ticket anymore. He wanted me to follow right away after we get the  visas, but I'm in delimma whether to wait for my cr2 to finish first grade in March or let her continue there. We hate being away from each other for that long. But wouldn't it be better if she finished first grade yet? What do you think guys? Just needed some thoughts. 

Before we submitted our 1-130s at the embassy, I did renewed my passport that's why I didn't have my physical passport that day but I showed her a receipt showing that it would be released on the Dec 23rd. It made me think that not having the passport yet delayed the approval, I guess not. Does anybody of you here have a CR2/IR2 with you? I asked because I have a question on the I-864form that I've been dying to know. Thank you guys. 

9 hours ago, mrsrasco said:

TIP:

 

If you're planning to do the medical, dont go on Mondays. Because when I had mine, my husband and I went there around 4am and we were surprised because the line for US visa applicants is quite long. I think there were around 100+ applicants. 

 

 

I went there 4am and finished by 3pm, (supposed to be 12nn) because the RT guy on the US check out counter asked me if I can wait til 2:30pm for my xray results. and of course I said yes. Then after hours of waiting, I got the paper that says to come back at 10am the next day.

 

The requirements I submitted before I entered the building:

- DS 260 confirmation page

- 4 pcs 2x2 picture (write your name on the back and get it edited with formal attire)

- interview appointment letter

- passport and photocopy of biopage (also sign on page 3)

 

* I have photocopied everything 

 

Here's what I did during 1st day:

- data entry (ground floor) 

-paid to the cashier (3rd floor)

- immunization (2nd floor)

- chest x ray (3rd floor)

- laboratory ( 4th floor)

- weight, height, BP and visual test (i forgot where the floor is)

- physical exam (i also forgot the floor but quite the longest wait!!!!)

-USA counter (where you left your receipt with checklist then they will give it back to you and tells you to bring them on the check out counter)

 

 

Second day (8:20-10:30)

 

 

When I entered the building, I showed to the guard the paper and he stamped it for immuzation. I went there an hour advance and it's okay. Then I received 3 vaccines (MMR, Varicella, Tdap). After the vaccinations, the nurse told me to go to the ground floor for releasing. I waited again for an hour and that's it! I got my immunization record and the CD of my chest x ray which you will give at your POE, while the brown envelope will be submitted on the day of you interview. 

 

Lastly, take note when is the first and last day of your last period because majority of the nurses/doctor asked for it. And also the last sexual contact.

 

Thanks a lot for this detailed tip. Any mythical stuff you did on passing the X-Ray? Like drinking milk or juices? 

32 minutes ago, mrsrasco said:

Update:

 

Just finished my SLEC medical yesterday.

 

Now it's time for me to prepare my documents for the interview 

Can we schedule the medical exam right away after getting the Case number? And how does the scheduling of interview works? Thanks 

Hi guys I just can't content my happiness and had to share about our approval notice just today. Question, will they send the case number to the beneficiary and not to the petitioner or both?