harble

12 hours ago, jskibo said:

Once you clear immigration you're free to go anywhere you wish

 

6 hours ago, Hank_ said:

No issue.   Only requirement is being married within 90 days.    

Thanks so much!!

6 hours ago, Hank_ said:

No issue.   Only requirement is being married within 90 days.    

Thanks so much!!

14 hours ago, Hank_ said:

You were born in the USA ...  NO you don't need the CENOMAR

Thanks! One more question Hank if it's ok.

Would you know if there would be any issue if I don't head straight to my fiance when I fly to the US first? To prepare for the wedding ahead hopefully. Or should I just go straight to fiance upon flying just so there'd be no issue. Thank you!

On 1/8/2019 at 6:31 AM, Hank_ said:

 

The requirement for a Naturalized USC to need a CENOMAR is they must of lived in the Philippines for one year or more after age 18.    < If you fit that and the embassy didn't catch it .. no big deal, it is their option to ask or not ask for any documents.

Question regarding this.

If the petitioner was born in the US but lived here for 1 year after 18... do I still need to get his CENOMAR? Thanks.

Hello! 

Updating this thread as promised from someone with a limited, annotated visa with a bunch of red flags. At the POE, the officer was very nice. Only asked me a few things:

1. Purpose of travel

2. What the exam was

3. How long I was staying 

4. If I brought money greater than $10000 

He wished me luck on the exam and granted me 6 months. I came back home in 2 weeks.  Thanks again to everyone who helped me here.

I did not expect people to be fighting over this. Thank you to the admin who regulated the thread. 

I appreciate everyone's feedback including those that have accused me of things here. I assure you, I am not intending to deceive. I have a B1/B2 visa and told the consul that I will be visiting family. I have shown him an itinerary where we will be touring after the exam.   

I have taken everyone's comments into consideration. I guess I should have expected the polarity of responses because that is what I am arguing about to myself too, this vs that. So thank you for the discussion. It is why I posted in the first place, to ask if it would be alright to do. If it isn't, then I won't do it. There's no need for rudeness, I believe. 

I find that it is, indeed, too risky to add as much as 2 weeks to my trip on the mere defense of having more time with family (despite not being with them for several years). I have a lot to lose that I am too scared to risk. But at the same time, I am merely a child missing family, but I guess some people don't understand this. It seems like the consul officer I spoke with was more lenient than some people here lol. I even mentioned to him that if family would be a problem, then he can just give me a visa for the time period of the exam (which would've been shorter than 2 weeks). He said that that isn't the problem. I also did not hide the fact of meeting my family because they all know my family is there. It wouldn't be believable that I will only go to the USA for just the exam while I stay alone for the whole 2 weeks. They already expect that I am meeting with family, and I respectfully believe it is not illegal to do so while I am under petition and granted a visa disclosing all these facts. 

Thank you @Teemo, I feel like you were spot on on this: "There has been no insinuation/advice he should be anything less than 100% truthful at the PoE. He is scrutinized with good reason - he is an intending immigrant (in 7 years) asking for a non-immigrant visa. Staying in the country for 2 weeks more than he originally intended to, for tourism purposes, with his family who the consulate KNOWS about, while being entirely honest at PoE, will pass even the most severe of scrutiny, in my opinion...". I have decided against the additional 2 weeks though.

Yes, @SusieQQQ, I will try to update this thread on how it goes. Wish me luck. Thank you again to everyone for the discussion.  

On ‎6‎/‎6‎/‎2018 at 7:45 AM, Boiler said:

If you need a visa for a longer differents purpose best to go back and get one.

Thanks Boiler!

On ‎6‎/‎6‎/‎2018 at 1:23 PM, Teemo said:

 

Everyone here is being conservative, which I understand. But a 3 month validity means you have 3 months to ENTER the country before it expires, not length of stay in the country. Your length of stay will be granted at PoE and will be in your I-94. It is likely to be several months. You can stay up until the very last date on your I-94 with no problem at all, you are not doing anything wrong or unlawful by staying up to the time granted to you. Of course, general rule of thumb is you spend 1-2x more time outside the country than in it, so if you stay for 2 months, you should not try and come back for at least 2-4 months afterward, or they may presume you are using a visitor visa to live in the US. 

 

Staying 2 weeks more than you originally planned for, if within the time lawfully given you on your I-94, is perfectly lawful, acceptable, and normal. It's good to be conservative but also to know the facts. This is not a "loophole" it is the entire point of granting a lawful period on your I-94. 

 

If you are telling them you want to stay 2 weeks for an exam and you really want and intent to stay and live in the US, then yes you should have been denied the visa and you may be denied entry. But nothing OP said here indicates that. It is perfectly lawful, normal, and acceptable to tack on 2 weeks vacation to a 2 week exam period, even if that idea develops after the interview.  Unless the I-94 says you must leave at the end of the 2 week period (unlikely). 

Thank you Teemo! I have no intention of overstaying/ change of status/ doing anything illegal. I want to be sure that it is something that will be acceptable. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain. Also, just to add, in the interview, the consul is aware of my family's presence in the US so I have told him honestly that I want to visit them (even showed my itinerary which included touring with them, so I am not hiding this fact at all). I just wish to spend a little more time with them for 1-2 more weeks. I put this discussion up because I need you guys' opinions on whether it would be too risky or something forgivable. I also need to buy the tickets soon so I appreciate the feedback.

On ‎6‎/‎6‎/‎2018 at 3:26 PM, SusieQQQ said:

Personally I would usually think adding 2 weeks on to a short trip is not a problem, and usually I wouldn't think twice about it.

In this case, the person has a short duration visa and wants to go back again to visit at some point, which means another visit to the embassy, where they will probably look at the previous interview and then the length of stay, and ask about it. I would still usually think two weeks wouldn't be a problem. But if I was very risk averse and would rather have the chance of another visit down the line than an extra couple of weeks on this one, then I might not risk it. 

 

OP, what petition are you under/what is the expected wait time for your priority date, if there is one?

 

Also, is there any annotation on your visa about the exam specifically?

Thanks for your thoughts. It is really scary, I agree. F2B with about 7 years to go probably. Yes there's an annotation about the exam. 

On ‎6‎/‎6‎/‎2018 at 4:17 PM, Coco8 said:

I think you could get a ticket for 2 weeks and then, if they grant you more time, you can change the ticket for extra 15 days. You will have to pay a penalty of possibly 200 dollars and the price different with the new ticket. You can also get a ticket that allows you to change the return day, but they are usually more expensive. 

 

I think that if your petition has a long long wait and you ever want to go back to the US, you better stick to your story. Also, at POE, they could get information that you are there for an exam and you don't want to be suspicious adding days and saying you will be on vacation with family that lives in the US (and you have a petition and a short visa). There are a lot of suspicious elements here (from a POE perspective).

 

 

This seems like a very safe move. Thanks Coco8!

On ‎6‎/‎6‎/‎2018 at 4:30 PM, 201 said:

if you are given 3 months tourist visa it is valid for 3 months only. its okay to stay 1 week to 3 months as long as you dont over stay within 3 months entry, if you wish to extend you have to file for an extension had to be done i guess months before your visa expires. But mind you they still have the power to deny you depends on the reason why you have to extend. 

I don't plan on going over the 3 month visa validity. I am concerned about the difference between the embassy interview (I said 2 weeks) vs going there and staying for 3-4 weeks. I wonder if the 1-2 weeks added will be an issue (assuming they will grant me more than 2 weeks at the POE). 

2 minutes ago, Roel said:

They are already suspicious of your motives. That's exactly why you receive only 3 months visa. 

 

If you'll be asked at the POE showing you're staying they might ask you why your plans changed. But they might also just give you 2 weeks. 

 

Not to mention you might have more scruinity if you ever will want to travel to the US again. 

 

If I were you, I'd only stay 2 weeks like you first planned. 

Yeah, I really am afraid of screwing things up and hurting my chances for future visa. So you think adding 1 or 2 weeks will still cause harm huh? Thanks for this!

1 minute ago, Cyberfx1024 said:

Yes, they will give your max duration at the POE. You will be asked some questions about why you are coming here to the USA, and probably why your visa is only good for 30 months. So they may stamp it for the entire 3 months or they may only stamp it until the exam date, but that is all determined at the POE. So you want to stay 2 weeks longer than the 3 months and requesting that 2 week extension?

 

I would be truthful at the POE and just hope they allow you the 3 month day at the POE then go from there.

Sorry for being confusing. I meant that I told the consul at the visa interview that I was only staying for 2 weeks. I wish to add 2 more weeks to bring it to 1 month total stay. I was hoping it won't be a big deal. I do not intend to finish the 3 months of visa validity. 

Thanks @Cyberfx1024!

7 minutes ago, Cyberfx1024 said:

If you try to get an extension and it is denied then you will be forced to leave ASAP and you will only find out if you are approved/denied for a extension until after your visa time is up. Do you have a multiple entry visa or a single entry visa?

Don't I find out my max duration at the port of entry when they stamp my passport? Which means I have to buy my round trip ticket in advance. Correct me if I'm wrong but that's how I understood it. So it's not really asking for an extension rather than pushing my luck. It's a limited visa for 3 months that says multiple entry... but that's basically like a single entry. 

I really wonder if it's forgivable to add just 2 weeks to my actual stay.  Or is it something I shouldn't risk?

I was given a limited B1/B2 visa for 3 months validity. In the interview at the embassy, I told the consul that I will be staying for 2 weeks only to take an exam. He was hesitant to grant me because I am under petition. I was wondering if anyone can advise me on this. I wish to extend my stay to 1 month so I can spend more time with family/ touring. Is that acceptable? Will it hurt my chances when I reapply for a visa? Or should I stick to 2 weeks to be safe, then just reapply? Thank you.

11 hours ago, javadown2 said:

Just curious, is this exam for a Medical License, Doctoral? From what I understand it's not the fact that you can pass the boards to get a medical license, the main roadblock is the US accepting your schooling. I've read many cases where the person had to start over in school. But maybe I'm just not understanding what this "test" is that your talking about. Anyways, good luck on your trip and congrats on your perseverance in getting your visa!

The exam is for pursuing graduate medical education which is basically for hospital based training in the US. Yes, only certain international medical schools can participate so they have to be certified in some way first. Thanks a lot @javadown2!

2 hours ago, Hank_ said:

 

Glad you got your visa.   

 

You changed everything as this time you presented the documents during your interview ...   last time .. not so much.   

Thanks a lot, Hank! Yes you are right, I did not present ANY documents at all at my first interview. This time, I asked if I could show him some documents when he asked certain questions related to them. 

On 5/21/2018 at 7:16 PM, AndreaPerkins said:

You are in the right visa category.

 

We've had match applicants from the Philippines who were granted 6-month (validity) B1/B2 visa to take the USMLE Step 2CS and attend interviews. 

 

I would suggest you apply for residency in your chosen specialty in the Philippines while awaiting the results/decision on your Immigrant Visa petition. That way, you'll stand a greater chance on getting matched once you get to take Step 2 CS and pass Steps 1, 2 CK and 3. 

 

 

Thank you Dr Andrea for this.

I am once again updating this thread to say that I have been granted a visa after 3 weeks. I was lucky enough to get a consul who took the time to examine my situation despite the numerous red flags. I made use of letters and documents this time around. There were more questions I had to answer. I had not changed anything else otherwise. It was a very long interview but in the end, I was given a single entry visa to take the exam. Nothing is impossible. Thank God for guiding me.

If anyone is in a similar predicament, I am reachable via PM. Thank you to everyone who helped.

11 hours ago, Boiler said:

I took my Professional Exams in my Country, I think the only English speaking country you could not take them in was the US. Amusingly.

 

Presumably the only reason you want to do these is that they would help you work in the US, which is a bit contradictory when you are seeking a visitor visa.

 

 

That is really odd. 

I'm applying for a B1/B2 not just B2. Everyone else gets this visa too to take the exam so I'm not in the wrong category unless the consul misinterprets it. Like I said on my first post, some of them don't even reveal the exam and just mention touristy things to avoid confusion/problems.

7 hours ago, Hank_ said:

He is in the processing for an immigrant visa.   

I just wish things were easier since I'm already lining up for the immigrant visa. I'm not about to sabotage that.

18 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Why would somebody who lives outside the US need to take an exam only available inside the US, seems odd.

They conduct a practical exam to test your skills in patient care which is why that exam has to be taken only in the US. The other written exams can be taken outside of the US.

2 hours ago, Hank_ said:

 

I don't think you are being difficult.  I understand your desire to get this exam completed.   But it is something you can complete later also, and I am sure USEM looks at this also.

Yes I understand. Thank you Hank.

1 hour ago, arken said:

Btw, for your first interview, had you registered for the exam and did you take the letter from ECMFG confirming your exam that is done only in US?

Yes I'm already registered. I completely forgot about presenting my documents even though it was all in my folder. I regret not doing so especially since he asked about USMLE twice. 

Ohh. Yes I did.

I don't mean to be difficult but I can't help but feel like giving it one more shot. It's just really disheartening. Sorry. Anyway, thank you for your help, really appreciate all the replies. 

47 minutes ago, arken said:

You definitely got nothing to lose apart from money so feel free to apply soon as planned but don’t expect to tell your story the way you are planning. COs don’t listen to the stories, they ask questions based on what they think are relevant, not based on what you think is relevant. So you might get zero chance of describing anything that you are planning to.

That is true. So do you think giving a gap of a few months will improve my chances? Would that really change anything? I don't think I can change much in that time anyway.

10 hours ago, NuestraUnion said:

OK, but you do realize that the same thing will happen at your next interview. This is usually how visitor visa interviews go. You can go to the visitor visa section of this board and see the experiences people had. The interviewing officer almost never look at supporting documents. The interview for visitor visas usually last no more than 5 minutes. If you apply again, they will look at your evidence beforehand and make the decision. You can't force them to look at you evidence or hear your explanation if they don't want it. 

 

So you turning around and applying immediately after a denial will make it look like you are desperate. And this will give the next officer even less reason to look or hear your evidence.

 

We are simply trying to inform you that sometimes it just doesn't happen. There are some people in the world who never get a visitor visa to the US. There are some people that it takes many years for them to get a visitor visa. I read one case of a man who apply 7 times in 10 years. It is a harsh truth that many don't understand. It is nothing personal against you.

 

The point is, if you it doesn't happen, you can't force it, plead for it, or explain it for an approval.

I see what you're saying. But since you are technically saying that it is next to impossible to get one in my case, what else do I have to lose if I try again (aside from money)? I won't force things on the consul, but I am expecting to redirect their focus to my ties to home country since they will likely ask me what changed or why did I reapply so soon. But I will still continue to think about it carefully. Thank you very much for your input, NuestraUnion.

10 hours ago, Boiler said:

Did you not disclose your jobs last time?

No. I was waiting for the question about it but was not even asked.  I know that will be my only defense.

2 hours ago, Hank_ said:

 

That is very typical for the tourist visa from the Philippines.

 

The embassy wants to see very strong ties to keep you in the Philippines .. with your immigrant visa in process I don't think they are seeing this.  

 

Job, real estate holdings are the big ones they look for.    They want to see documentation.

 

 

Yeah I was actually waiting for the question regarding work or plans after so that I can say that I need to be back because of work. Despite the fact that the same consul asked the ones before me those questions, he didn't even bother with me.  I hope on my second try I can tell them about it to let them know I really just need to take the exam. 

2 hours ago, Boiler said:

Well you implied in your first post you did not have much in the way of ties, so what are they?

I apologize for not clarifying that. I made the first post more than a year ago I believe. I've acquired 2 new jobs since then. So I have 3 basically. 
 

59 minutes ago, NuestraUnion said:

I don't see why you are reapplying so soon. Everything has been recorded and you will likely get denied again. We understand this is a big career boost but you have to understand that this is a huge risk of you using the visa to come and work. For example, say you take the exam and pass and get licensed. Then you would qualify for very good jobs in the US. Also, you have family that are established in the US that you can use to live with and help get you on your feet.

 

Don't take it personal. You have already read that it is very difficult for many young people from the Philippines to get a tourist visa. The blame goes to all of the Filipinos  who abuse a tourist visa by going to the US and living and working and never returning. They are the ones who make it difficult for you. I am sure you are aware how things are with your country with fraud, crime, and drugs. Sometimes bad people make it difficult for good people.

The reason why I plan to reapply soon is because I feel like I didn't get to present myself the way I was supposed to. My profile was dangerous enough as it is and yet, I wasn't able to show the official letters from the USMLE, proof of the exam, explain what it was for, and most importantly, I wasn't able to establish my ties to my home country. I feel like I need to clarify things better since that would be my only fighting chance. Thank you though. I understand what you mean but I don't think I can change much before I reapply again especially since I wasn't even able to try to defend myself in the first interview. And yes, I come from a country with many cases such as those. Unfortunately, that's what I have to work with.

1 hour ago, Boiler said:

Can you take the exam locally?

For this particular exam, no. It has to be in the US

1 hour ago, CDN(ON)-USA(VT) said:

I would not go soon as that would make you look desperate to get to the US and they will see the previous attempt and deny you again. I would say that the fact you have family in the US and that you have a pending F2B petition are your nail in the coffin. It is almost impossible to get a tourist/business visa with a pending immigrant visa from the Philippines. 

Is there really no other way?  I was planning on telling them of my ties and shortening the trip. I don't even have to see family. Just need to take the exam.

Just to update this thread, I applied for a visa already... and got denied.  They only asked me these questions:

1. US Travel plans - exam + visit family

2. What is the exam - USMLE Step 2 CS with a little explanation that it is for training

3. Who are in the US - family

4. What is the exam for - everyone who wants to apply or medical training needs to undergo this process

5. How long am I staying - 1 month

THAT'S IT. No opportunity to let them know of my ties to my home country. I feel that I was judged solely on my family's presence (LPRs) and the exam (possible work?). I didn't even get to show any documents. It's so sad.

If anyone has suggestions on how to improve for my next attempt, please help. I'm planning to go as soon as possible.

On 5/8/2018 at 4:20 PM, Hank_ said:

Thanks for the update.

 

Did you get your tourist visa?  It is almost a year later.

Not yet I'm just about to apply for it this month. 

On 5/9/2018 at 12:28 AM, AndreaPerkins said:

You could take Steps 1 and 2 CK in the Philippines.

 

You have no choice for Step 2 CS but to take it in the U.S. and you have to secure an examination slot at your chosen test center a year early.

 

I know 3 people who were denied B1/B2 Visa to take the Step 2 CS because of pending family petitions. I also know another 2 people with pending family petitions who were denied B1/B2 visa to attend an interview invite for the match despite having the appropriate documents and letters of invitations from U.S. hospitals.

 

We had a co-resident from the Philippines who had a pending family petition but was granted a B1/B2 to take the Step 2 CS. With proper timing and schedule, she applied for the match after passing Step 2 CS and applied for an extension beyond the 6 months stay granted to her after she was pre-matched during one of the interviews.

I already have my Step 2 CS schedule for July so I was hoping to fly to the US by then. Yeah that's really scary. I'm afraid of getting denied because of all my red flags. But there's no other way in but to try, right? I'm hoping what I have is enough for them to grant me a visa.  That one case of your co-resident still gave me hope, thank you.

On 5/10/2018 at 1:24 PM, RichCzech said:

I was given a B1/B2 visa evethough I have a pending petition last 2013, now i am back in the US as an immigrant. Just answer with all honesty that you have a petition. 

Thank you for the advise! And I hope to be granted the same as you.