logisticamente

@logisticamente thanks for sharing your insight, I'll be sure to tell my fiance and @SHIQUILO thanks for asking all the right quetions, haha!

Hey Guys! I just went to my medical yesterday and I wanted to share my experience with my fellow Dominicans.
I went to Consultorios  de Visa because they send the results to Santiago for free and the other place doesnt. There is no official parking but I did park at the informal parking service right next to the building for $200 pesos.
It is first come first served, I got there at 7:00 am and there was at least 10 people in line ahead of me.. It took me about an hour (maybe more) in line to get a number (not sure why) while we ere in line we had fill out a form with basic info and hand out the email from the embassy and the appointment confirmation page. after I was assigned a number it was about 50 mins to have my number called in to pay (I was #51) after that the medical part was very fast and smooth. Xrays, labs, medical exams, and vaccines. I was allowed to go out of the facility to go get some extra cash for my vaccines. And they have lockers to put in your cellphones as they are not allowed in the building.
I noticed that after 9 almost none one came in.. so people coming at this time didnt have to stand in line.. they would just go right in and get a number.
I was out by 11 am and headed to get some lunch, VAC appt, and then back home.
The vaccines did make me ill (tiredness, headaches, light fever, and my right arm still hurts) but i am very sensitive to that kind of stuff.
 
Hope this helps someone!
my suggestion is do the VAC appt first and then go to the medical when the line is shorter.
 
Buena Suerte!!

Hey Guys! I just went to my medical yesterday and I wanted to share my experience with my fellow Dominicans.
I went to Consultorios  de Visa because they send the results to Santiago for free and the other place doesnt. There is no official parking but I did park at the informal parking service right next to the building for $200 pesos.
It is first come first served, I got there at 7:00 am and there was at least 10 people in line ahead of me.. It took me about an hour (maybe more) in line to get a number (not sure why) while we ere in line we had fill out a form with basic info and hand out the email from the embassy and the appointment confirmation page. after I was assigned a number it was about 50 mins to have my number called in to pay (I was #51) after that the medical part was very fast and smooth. Xrays, labs, medical exams, and vaccines. I was allowed to go out of the facility to go get some extra cash for my vaccines. And they have lockers to put in your cellphones as they are not allowed in the building.
I noticed that after 9 almost none one came in.. so people coming at this time didnt have to stand in line.. they would just go right in and get a number.
I was out by 11 am and headed to get some lunch, VAC appt, and then back home.
The vaccines did make me ill (tiredness, headaches, light fever, and my right arm still hurts) but i am very sensitive to that kind of stuff.
 
Hope this helps someone!
my suggestion is do the VAC appt first and then go to the medical when the line is shorter.
 
Buena Suerte!!

Hey, you are welcome!
 
the VAC is the place where you go to put in your finger prints and they take a photo of you, it is located at galeria 360. You will have to make an appointment there after you fill the ds160
 
for adults the cost is 275 dollars + 150 dollars for the vaccines.
 
they only take cash, but yoy can pay in dollars or pesos
 
good luck!

Hey Guys! I just went to my medical yesterday and I wanted to share my experience with my fellow Dominicans.
I went to Consultorios  de Visa because they send the results to Santiago for free and the other place doesnt. There is no official parking but I did park at the informal parking service right next to the building for $200 pesos.
It is first come first served, I got there at 7:00 am and there was at least 10 people in line ahead of me.. It took me about an hour (maybe more) in line to get a number (not sure why) while we ere in line we had fill out a form with basic info and hand out the email from the embassy and the appointment confirmation page. after I was assigned a number it was about 50 mins to have my number called in to pay (I was #51) after that the medical part was very fast and smooth. Xrays, labs, medical exams, and vaccines. I was allowed to go out of the facility to go get some extra cash for my vaccines. And they have lockers to put in your cellphones as they are not allowed in the building.
I noticed that after 9 almost none one came in.. so people coming at this time didnt have to stand in line.. they would just go right in and get a number.
I was out by 11 am and headed to get some lunch, VAC appt, and then back home.
The vaccines did make me ill (tiredness, headaches, light fever, and my right arm still hurts) but i am very sensitive to that kind of stuff.
 
Hope this helps someone!
my suggestion is do the VAC appt first and then go to the medical when the line is shorter.
 
Buena Suerte!!

Hey Guys! I just went to my medical yesterday and I wanted to share my experience with my fellow Dominicans.
I went to Consultorios  de Visa because they send the results to Santiago for free and the other place doesnt. There is no official parking but I did park at the informal parking service right next to the building for $200 pesos.
It is first come first served, I got there at 7:00 am and there was at least 10 people in line ahead of me.. It took me about an hour (maybe more) in line to get a number (not sure why) while we ere in line we had fill out a form with basic info and hand out the email from the embassy and the appointment confirmation page. after I was assigned a number it was about 50 mins to have my number called in to pay (I was #51) after that the medical part was very fast and smooth. Xrays, labs, medical exams, and vaccines. I was allowed to go out of the facility to go get some extra cash for my vaccines. And they have lockers to put in your cellphones as they are not allowed in the building.
I noticed that after 9 almost none one came in.. so people coming at this time didnt have to stand in line.. they would just go right in and get a number.
I was out by 11 am and headed to get some lunch, VAC appt, and then back home.
The vaccines did make me ill (tiredness, headaches, light fever, and my right arm still hurts) but i am very sensitive to that kind of stuff.
 
Hope this helps someone!
my suggestion is do the VAC appt first and then go to the medical when the line is shorter.
 
Buena Suerte!!

Hey Guys! I just went to my medical yesterday and I wanted to share my experience with my fellow Dominicans.
I went to Consultorios  de Visa because they send the results to Santiago for free and the other place doesnt. There is no official parking but I did park at the informal parking service right next to the building for $200 pesos.
It is first come first served, I got there at 7:00 am and there was at least 10 people in line ahead of me.. It took me about an hour (maybe more) in line to get a number (not sure why) while we ere in line we had fill out a form with basic info and hand out the email from the embassy and the appointment confirmation page. after I was assigned a number it was about 50 mins to have my number called in to pay (I was #51) after that the medical part was very fast and smooth. Xrays, labs, medical exams, and vaccines. I was allowed to go out of the facility to go get some extra cash for my vaccines. And they have lockers to put in your cellphones as they are not allowed in the building.
I noticed that after 9 almost none one came in.. so people coming at this time didnt have to stand in line.. they would just go right in and get a number.
I was out by 11 am and headed to get some lunch, VAC appt, and then back home.
The vaccines did make me ill (tiredness, headaches, light fever, and my right arm still hurts) but i am very sensitive to that kind of stuff.
 
Hope this helps someone!
my suggestion is do the VAC appt first and then go to the medical when the line is shorter.
 
Buena Suerte!!

Here’s the promised review for US Embassy Manila. Sorry for the delay.
 
October 24, 2017 6:40am
 
I arrived there by 6:20am and the guard checked my Appointment Confirmation letter and my bag. Make sure no phone with you nor flash drive nor powerbank. Gave my DS-160 confirmation page and passport to the lady afterwards, she then put my passport inside a sealed plastic bag and my DS-160 was stamped with a sticker. Was ushered inside. Thorough screening again especially my bag when I entered the building.
 
Pre-Screening (Filipino Consul Window 49)
Was asked to submit the following documents:
•DS-160
•NBI clearance
•UK police certificate
•CENOMAR
•PSA birth certificate
•MRV slip
•SLEC brown envelope
She then asked me my name and birthday, petitioner’s name, birthday and address, how long did he stay on his visits and she looked at our pictures together on my scrapbook, asked how long I stayed in England and my fiancé in Japan, told her we were both volunteers for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in those countries. Was asked to proceed to Window 51 for my 2x2 US visa photo scanning and then went back to Window 49, she then instructed me to proceed to finger scanning for the biometrics. And then waited for about few minutes for the CO’s to open their windows for the interview. I was assigned to a Filipina consul on Window 59. She was really nice! She just asked my name and birthday, fiance’s name, birthday and address in the US, when did he visit me and for how long, and our wedding plans, so I showed her my scrap book for the details of our wedding including the invitations and wedding dress, cakes and every little stuff involving our wedding. Hehe. She then said, “Congratulations and welcome to America! If ever you’ll encounter domestic violence, I’m giving you these pamphlets so you know what to do. Expect your visa in 1 to 2 weeks.”
CO didn’t ask any document from me aside from the pre-screening documents. I was out of the embassy by 8:10am. Tip: Just relax, be confident and smile. 🙂
 
 

Hey Guys!! after a long wait I finally received my approval notice!!  I just wanted to share my timeline with you all..
also I must note that I had so many issues with receiving my letters/notices from USCIS due to the fact that when I filled my application with the DOS I wrote my Dominican Address as my current address (and mail here sucks) thinking that mail would be sent to the address I wrote  on the mailing address field.. It turns out USCIS sends mail only the the address stated as current...  I hope info this helps someone else not to make this mistake.  I still dont know why they couldn't find me in the system whenever I called even after I was approved...
 
J1 Waiver Journey
April 07 2017:   Requested NOS from government agency
April 09 2017: Mailed form DS-3035 to DOS
April 20 2017: DOS received documents
June 15 2017: DOS received NOS from embassy
July 04 2017: Sent email to DOS requesting to expedite case
July 11 2017: DOS replied case is with a waiver officer for processing
August 1st 2017: Favorable Recommendation Sent
August 12 2017: Received letter from DOS
August 14 2017: Called USCIS to get receipt  number - They don't have a case yet...
September 1st 2017: Called USCIS to get receipt number - No case Yet - officer placed a service request to the VSC asking for info.
September 15 2017: Called USCIS again asking about my inquiry - Still no case in the system - Tier 2 placed another service request because he noticed the first one had my name wrong...
September 29 2017: Called USCIS again asking about my inquiry - Still no case in the system (Tier 2 was a Jerk) - 1.5 hours later I received an email with my receipt number (USCIS received on August 7 2017)
October 2 2017: Went into an InfoPass appointment and was informed that my waiver has been APPROVED on AUGUST 21 2017 I couldn't update my address to receive hardcopy though...
October 4 2017: Updated address and requested a copy of the approval notice using the online tools.
October 11 2017: received email notification that case was approved on October 6 2017 (WTH?) app also updated to approved.
October 20 2017: Requested approval notice again.. using online tools
October 28 2017: (FINALLY!) Received Approval Notice in mail

Hey Guys!! after a long wait I finally received my approval notice!!  I just wanted to share my timeline with you all..
also I must note that I had so many issues with receiving my letters/notices from USCIS due to the fact that when I filled my application with the DOS I wrote my Dominican Address as my current address (and mail here sucks) thinking that mail would be sent to the address I wrote  on the mailing address field.. It turns out USCIS sends mail only the the address stated as current...  I hope info this helps someone else not to make this mistake.  I still dont know why they couldn't find me in the system whenever I called even after I was approved...
 
J1 Waiver Journey
April 07 2017:   Requested NOS from government agency
April 09 2017: Mailed form DS-3035 to DOS
April 20 2017: DOS received documents
June 15 2017: DOS received NOS from embassy
July 04 2017: Sent email to DOS requesting to expedite case
July 11 2017: DOS replied case is with a waiver officer for processing
August 1st 2017: Favorable Recommendation Sent
August 12 2017: Received letter from DOS
August 14 2017: Called USCIS to get receipt  number - They don't have a case yet...
September 1st 2017: Called USCIS to get receipt number - No case Yet - officer placed a service request to the VSC asking for info.
September 15 2017: Called USCIS again asking about my inquiry - Still no case in the system - Tier 2 placed another service request because he noticed the first one had my name wrong...
September 29 2017: Called USCIS again asking about my inquiry - Still no case in the system (Tier 2 was a Jerk) - 1.5 hours later I received an email with my receipt number (USCIS received on August 7 2017)
October 2 2017: Went into an InfoPass appointment and was informed that my waiver has been APPROVED on AUGUST 21 2017 I couldn't update my address to receive hardcopy though...
October 4 2017: Updated address and requested a copy of the approval notice using the online tools.
October 11 2017: received email notification that case was approved on October 6 2017 (WTH?) app also updated to approved.
October 20 2017: Requested approval notice again.. using online tools
October 28 2017: (FINALLY!) Received Approval Notice in mail

Well first of all it appears as you didnt apply for the waiver, you applied for “Advisory Opinion” which is when you ask the DOS if you are subject to the 2 years or not.
Second, Congrats!! It appears that you are not required to fullfill the 2 years, therefore do not require a waiver.
This doesnt affect your AOS, though including the letter you will receive from the DOS saying you are not subject in the application would be a good idea.
If you want to be extra sure you can consult with a lawyer after you receive the letter.

Called NVC again today. Received Case number.. Status  at NVC
exactly 2 weeks post NOA2
THIS  IS SO EXCITING!!

Called NVC again today. Received Case number.. Status  at NVC
exactly 2 weeks post NOA2
THIS  IS SO EXCITING!!

Called NVC again today. Received Case number.. Status  at NVC
exactly 2 weeks post NOA2
THIS  IS SO EXCITING!!

Called NVC again today. Received Case number.. Status  at NVC
exactly 2 weeks post NOA2
THIS  IS SO EXCITING!!

Called NVC again today. Received Case number.. Status  at NVC
exactly 2 weeks post NOA2
THIS  IS SO EXCITING!!

Done with the interview! VISA APPROVED!!!!!! Will post the details soon!

If it makes you feel better is not the same person that answers the phone.. so you are "bothering" 3 different people instead of the same person 3 times

OMG finally got approved guys!! just checked online 
 

3 calls a day applied to me lolol aftee 24 days waiting! 

yeah.. they probably place the request on your behalf.. so they can find out what is the hold up 

a service request is when you ask USCIS to look into something regarding you case.. if you do it by phone the officer should give you a reference number and then USCIS sends you a letter or an email answering your question.. you can also do it online using the online tools I believe.

Whew! Just a few more deep breaths for May 10 received date! Keep 'em coming! Stay positive guys and we'll have our turn in God's time!

yeah that doesnt sound bad at all!! Thanks
Good luck on your journey!

My first post....this is for everyone who's still waiting on their NOA2....
 
I'm not sure what's going on at USCIS but my NOA2 approval just arrived in the mail today and it was dated 10/10/2017,  the USCIS website still shows it was received and hasn't been updated since 5/5/2017.
 
After all this I'm not sure how much I would rely on the USCIS web site.  I even filled out the form to be notified by email and text message and I only received a response for my NOA1 and nothing for my NOA2.
 
I wish everyone luck on getting their NOA2 soon, I know 154 days seemed like an eternity to me....LOL!