Miz_Suzy

16 hours ago, RangerNomad415 said:

CONGRATS!! How was the interview and was your petitioner also not allowed to be with you but made to sit down? Relatively EASY interview and they didn't look at most of the stuff we had with us, in fact we were definitely overprepared. Glad it worked out for you as it worked out for us that day as well, hope to never come back to that shitty part of Manila again btw. 

The interview was very easy and fast. It's such a great experience. My petitioner was not allowed during the interview, they let him sit at Row E together with other Americans. lol. As for my case, they were very detailed (both female interviewer) coz they look all of the papers but there's nothing to worry about as I complied with everything. But they didn't even ask for the pictures. lol. I am so happy to finally get it over with. And happy for you guys too. Bye Philippines and Hello USA soon. 👍😊😇

On 9/14/2019 at 4:09 AM, RangerNomad415 said:

Another big update...... WE JUST RECEIVED HER US VISA EARLIER THIS MORNING! Mission accomplished. Came exactly 7 days after the visa interview. So we are very excited to finally and officially know our fate back to the First World. 

 

My only concern would be her CFO. She completed it back in 2017 while pregnant with my son, yes we didn't need it back then but she did it as we were traveling all over Asia and they allowed her to get a CFO seminar certificate back then, way before we even filed for this IR1 visa. Now, does it expire? Does she have to do that CFO again? I'm 

To God be the Glory. I got approved today. The interview process was very organized. The interviewer was strict on checking the paperworks but they are just doing their job. Questions were all basic and personal, as long as you know about your petitioner there is nothing to worry about. Waiting of the actual visa starts today as my visa status online is changed to ISSUED👍👍👍😇😇😇

The CFO certificate doesn't expire (the one that looks like a cheque) as what they told me when I got mine last May. But she needs to get the CFO sticker before she travel to US, no need appointment just walk in there and present her passport and the visa.

16 hours ago, RangerNomad415 said:

Will write a summary about my Visa Appointment experience about this morning. Immigrate Visa appointment at 645am. We got up at 5am to shower and put on our best attire (custom business suit from Thailand), swig of coffee and out the door of Bayview Park with ALL possible documents in two bags. Lined up at 6am and got through screening. The earlier the appointment, the faster and easier it is to get out of there as I seen the whole place fill up quickly. Thinking back, I was probably WAY overdressed since they didn't even bother to interview me, but they did ask my wife where I was, if I was present at all. 

 

Crossed the bridge to the Embassy and there was already a crowd of people at 6am. Manila Bay is such an UGLY pile of polluted water with tons of litter. Ermita, in all honesty of the word, is a complete ZOMBIE dump of a place that looks like it's falling apart, the total opposite of BGC and even Makati. We ignored the people asking if they could carry your phone as we left our phones in the room on purpose. Figured out where the 645am appointment people are supposed to line up. One beggar was singing some Filipino songs out loud in hopes of a tip. It's the Embassy but no matter how hard they try, you can't hide the obvious chronic poverty of the Philippines ever. We can't wait to get out of here basically lol. 

 

Apparently there's a 640am appointment slot and that's the earliest group before our 645am slot. We showed them our appointment slip from USTravelDocs as well as our DS260 printouts, which everybody had. Lady also gave our plastic bags to place your Filipino passports in with the first biographic page open. We got let in and went through security. Then the second building inside, where I eventually found out that the Petitioner is NOT allowed to be with the Beneficiary during the whole process apparently.

 

The US Embassy volunteers ushered me and another white guy to a different section where we had to sit, eventually talked to the guy and he's doing CR1 visa as well but just flew in from the States to do this. Expressed our frustration that why didn't we, the Petitioners, who gathered and worked so hard to put together all this mountain of paperwork, are not allowed to accompany our wives. Anyway, without any phones or anything, it was like jail in a way so talked for a while while our wives went through the whole process.

 

From my wife's first pre-screening interview, it was with a Filipino guy. At first, being Asian and mistaken for being "FIlipino" as always, he talked to me in Tagalog. Once I told him that I only knew English, he told me that I was not allowed to be there and to sit at a different section while he went over documents with my wife and conducted the prescreening. The prescreening interview contained the following questions (according to my wife) in no particular order:

 

-What's my name?

-How old are you? 27 years old

-How long have you been married? 3 years

-How old is your husband? 36 years old

-Have you been out of the country? Yes, we have been to Hong Kong, Macau, China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan in the last four years.

-Do you have kids with any others? None Divorce? Nope

-What does your husband do? Stay-at-home father to my two year old son, Carson

-Who supports you and your family? His family is helping us out.

-How long did your husband live here in the Philippines? Since 2015

-How old is your son? Two years old

-Your son has a US passport and CRBA? Yes

-When are you planning to come to America and how many would be in your household? Around February 2020 and three in our household

 

The first pre-screening interview with the Filipino guy also involved giving all documents. Wife gave the interviewer her birth certificate, marriage certificate, both I-864 forms with my Mom's sponsor letter and my sponsor letter, etc. However, no pictures of any kind were given. Then she came to me to have me pay the $325 visa fee upstairs and give it back to the Filipino interviewer downstairs.

 

Next, came the biometrics. Just scanning fingerprints with both hands. 

 

Finally, the second interview was with a white American guy and asked basically the exact same questions as above in no particular order.

 

Then they told her about anti-violence against women, that you have to dial 911, blah blah blah. Then they said you're approved, have a nice day. Wife came to my section and excitedly told me that she got approved. Me and the white guy exchanged FB contact via ball point pen so I could see about his status after our long talk. Couldn't believe it was that easy and boiled down to that "you're approved" moment. We were done by 830am, had breakfast at Bayview at 9am and called my Mom on Skype in California to inform her of the good news. 

 

You're given a slip about anti violence to women and a contact info of all websites we know, USTravelDocs and Ceac and a number to call. Now the wait begins for the visa, which should be mailed to our place in Angeles City.

 

 

 

omg i am happy to hear good news for your family. I can't wait for mine and can't wait for US😇👌😊

13 hours ago, RangerNomad415 said:

Hi there, YES the interview is on Friday September 6th at 6:45am. We are leaving tomorrow and checking in at Bayview Park Hotel. Think we got everything in terms of paperwork, DS260 print outs, I-864 forms filled out by me and by my Mom, Mom's sponsor letter and financial supporting documents, my letter of domicile and non filing of tax, etc. Such a headache to organize this, but determined to get this over and done with. 

 

Medical wasn't so bad? Just a lot of waiting, it seems, and chismis with the other applicants. Lots of K1 filers from online dating sites lol. Update here on your upcoming interview.

 

Lots of pressure as it seems this is the most important date... the interview. We didn't really practice as we just gonna tell the truth, there's honestly nothing to hide about our situation. 

Yeah, best of luck. I got everything ready as well. It wasn't so bad coz i talked to other applicants as well. Just the immunization that really takes long time to wait. Lol. I arrived in the clinic 5:18 am on my 1st day and finished 11 am the same time with the people arrived early like 1-2 am. Then my 2nd day I went there 8.30 am but finished 12nn.

I'm pressured also but to think about it, its the most important day that we all waiting for. So I can't wait for mine as well this coming Sept.17 @ 07:15am. Hoping for good days ahead of us and Godbless for tomorrow's interview.

Hi, your wife interview is coming soon. Best of luck!👍 My medical went well last week, so now waiting for my interview too. 😊

23 minutes ago, RangerNomad415 said:

Yup, prepare for the medical lol. Interesting that you're the one being screened yet my wifey has not done ANY research at all on Visa Journey. We have pressure to go back to the US since my folks there are getting older and they definitely want my two year old son (who already has a US passport but was born here in Angeles) to grow up there. 

 

I don't have any tax transcripts lol. Left completely back in 2009. I still don't know how to explain it but I hear if you got a solid joint sponsor (my Mom and she wrote a cover letter along with her tax transcripts), I hope they would understand. I was just going to say I live in the Philippines to raise my son, which is definitely true. 

 

Why don't you provide the embassy with his dad's tax documents and his assets and all? That's part of I-864. More worried about the Visa Interview now and how to explain myself.

 

 

 

 

Yeah, better for me doing it so I will know everything since I will be the one to be interviewed. lol

Much better for your son to grow up there. Just tell them the reason why you're here I guess if they ask. I have dad in law as a qualified joint sponsor and he gave us his tax transcript and w2 as well & cert. of citizenship so I hope it will be enough.

6 hours ago, RangerNomad415 said:

Yup, so glad it was over with. Tired of waking up SUPER early to walk her through the GHETTO to that Clinic. The irony of America is taking a medical exam in the middle of an area fulled with homelessness and open poverty. Love it lol.

 

Day Two was easy. She finished by 130pm (got there at like 830am). There were some folks who didn't get their medical exams handed back, one of whom had a tattoo (another no no, I guess). A few simply didn't pass the exam and had to wait and come back. Wifey had her shots that day and it made her feel weak the rest of the day. I checked out, picked her up from that aweful clinic, lunch at Robinson Place before driving back in HEAVY Friday traffic back to Pampanga. 

 

Now she has to get our new cenomar. First is a stop at the NBI in San Fernando tomorrow morning. I still have to figure out how to claim dolicile in the US. I main a US bank account and credit cards though. No job offer or anything. Still need to figure out how to explain this, but Mom is supporting the whole petition and is the co-sponsor. 

 

I also learned the this stupid Medical Exam is good for "six months" only, meaning she has to enter the US within six months of this medical exam, completed August 23rd. If that's correct, she has to enter the USA by February 23, 2020? Kind of nerve racking as I still have cars, house, everything here. Should have delayed it but wifey said it was a terrible LONG boring experience. Lots of waiting and playing on her phone, mostly wait time apparently. Sounds like torture! The layers of hurdles is so insane, glad to be born there instead of going through all this bullshit.

 

When do you plan to schedule your medical?  

 

 

 

I'm going this Aug. 29-30 to get it over with. I got my powerbank ready for the long wait. lol That's what I read too, its only valid for 6 months. My hubby can't wait to go back to US already so I'm a bit pressured. He stays with me til now coz if he go first I will be alone in the house. lol

As for the domicile requirement, its still a problem. No banks, job offerings, etc. Lucky you maintain your banks and credit cards, I think its good. Just get the latest statement or billings and it must show your address there too. We only have his tax transcript the he filed for 2015 that was requested last April of this year and it shows his address on it. As for 2016-2018, no taxes files since he didn't work here in ph so will just provide explanation for it. Same as yours, his dad is the joint sponsor and taking care of everything we need for our petition. Dad said to just go to the interview and if they need more docs then will comply. But it would be nicer if we have it ready for the interview.

On 8/23/2019 at 12:05 AM, RangerNomad415 said:

Thanks for the help. Wifey didn't sleep AT ALL last night as we had our alarms set at 430am. Walked her to Clinic and she was already like number 36 at 5:10am. Obviously she wasn't in her right mind and thinking clearly without any damn sleep (slept all day) for Day One of this insane robotic medical exam. That screenshot that she sent me from another applicant must have been on a Fiance K1 visa to have a "Invoice ID Number" that we fellow Philippine DCFers obviously don't have. They probably had to choose an agent online and pay fees online, that's what I'm guessing.

 

Wifey clocked in there at 5:10am and finished around 9:45am. Said around 200 people today there and Day Two starts at 930am. Had her Xray along with a blood sample test, then physical examination, then urine test. 

 

Day Two will include the immunization apparently. She will submit what she totally forgot. Besides, I'm the one that did literally EVERYTHING, scheduling this medical and printing out all documents and filing DS260 and all. You're amazing to figure this all out. 

 

What I loved about staying at Bayview Park Hotel was that there's an Anytime Fitness Gym right around the corner on UN Avenue, so spent the day there along with lunch at Robinson Place. Ermita is such a dirty cesspool of a third world DUMP lol, still can't believe the irony of setting up a "medical exam" for the first world when there are COUNTLESS drug addicts, homeless and shady looking families living and sleeping on the streets openly without any enforcement. Such irony that most Fil-Am immigrants had to pass through these dirty ### streets, was wondering why the Embassy wasn't built in BGC in the first place (the only place besides Clark & SBMA that remotely reassembles the "US" with traffic rules and no trikes allowed). 

 

Will update this thread again with results of Day Two. 

Good to hear your wife is done with her medical. I know its gonna be tiring also but have to be patient to it.

Thanks for the overview on your first day, it gives me idea what will I expect for mine.

Good to hear also you enjoyed your stay at the hotel and found a pass time at the gym. lol

13 minutes ago, geowrian said:

Agreed - that's why my now-wife did.

Nice. That's the only letter I can show them too later on for my medical..👌😊

9 hours ago, RangerNomad415 said:

Need some help....

 

Wifey is at the Saint Luke's Medical Clinic Extension. I thought I printed out everything but they want this initial email from "National_Visa_Center" when you created your account. I don't have that. Or never received it in my email. Sample attached from what she sent me from another applicant there. I do not have this email or can't find it. Guess it's when you created your CEAC account, not sure. 

Hi, show them the scheduling instruction that they emailed you from Manila IV Info. It shows the MNL Case No. there..

On 8/19/2019 at 1:05 AM, RangerNomad415 said:

Definitely lucky enough to be born in the States and not deal with this. But every step... Everything is just so unclear lol. I'm dealing with this more than my wife as I had to fill out all forms and figure it out. 

 

What hotels do you recommend near the Clinic and or US Embassy? 

 

Will try to do the Medical this week. Gotta book two nights and hope the medical goes well. 

As for my case, I am the one dealing everything. lol

Goodluck. I am also looking for hotels right now. You can try visit @ booking.com so you can see the price and hotel at your preference.

My friend tried the Red Planet, its near the embassy she said. You can go check it👌..

On 8/16/2019 at 11:09 PM, RangerNomad415 said:

Ok I scheduled the Medical already. Just have to do that STUPID damn 17,025 peso deposit at Security Bank. The Philippines is truly a corrupt cash society lol. So used to putting it on the credit card. Will do that first and do the medical at Saint Luke Extension in dirty Ermita. Just the irony of a medical exam on the streets of Ermita, where you see end less homeless families living and camping on the streets. Irony of it all.

 

Will also have to book a hotel nearby and stay for two days since that's how long it says it might take. What else should we expect? We will do this medical step sometime next week. Thanks again for letting us know since it wasn't really clear to do this before or after the interview. 

 

Do I need to accompany her for the medical at all? Or she can just do the medical on her own while I stay in the hotel? Thank my stars everyday being born in a first world country and don't have to mess with immigration, used to take that for granted but not anymore since living in the Philippines. Gives you a bigger appreciation of things.

You're welcome. I will do mine this end of August. Its good idea to book a nearby hotel. I don't know what else to expect but lets hope and pray everything will go well and finish early. And tell your wife not to forget the requirements before going there as mention on the link.

Not necessary for you to go there, I read on some blogs they only let the applicants inside.

P.S. Yes, you are lucky enough. No need for you to deal with this kind of stuff. Only us the immigrants. lol😊

10 hours ago, RangerNomad415 said:

Wait... Medical has to be done BEFORE the interview?! Had no damn idea. Hate how so unclear this whole immigration process is. Really? How do I do this medical then? Did you already do it? 

 

Thought medical was for after the interview. Not before... Our interview is coming up very soon. 

check this link to guide you for the medical:

https://www.visaconnection-philippines.com/medical---slec.html

i didn't undergo medical yet but it should be done before the interview for immigrant visa applicants.

1 hour ago, RangerNomad415 said:

Oh nice, we are the same. "New cenomar?" Is that really necessary?

 

My wife also has the CFO seminar certificate that they give to women married to Americans leaving the PI, she got that when she was pregnant two years ago even though we were not doing a US Visa like now at that time. 

 

Are we supposed to do the Medical after the interview? I agree it's all so confusing, hence this post on what the hell to do after DS260 since it's not very clear on their crappy website. 

 

Does your husband also live here in the Philippines? We got a lot of things here under my name that can help prove I'm a resident, including auto loan, apartment, wifi bills, etc.

Yes, cenomar will show bride and groom names on there as well as date of marriage. Just getting one to be sure.

I already have cfo certificate also and it doesn't have expiration. All we have to do is go back to cfo office to get the sticker once the visa is on hand.

Medical is one of the requirements for interview. Have to get it prior to the interview. Your wife can register online and no appointment is necessary.

Yes he's living here since 2015. He's a dual passport holder. How about you? I guess no need to prove you're a resident here in ph, have to prove only that you are domiciled in the US.

5 hours ago, RangerNomad415 said:

Hi there, thanks for your reply. You're in the same exact position as my wife. I'm the petitioner who happens to also live here for a bit.

 

So confused after DS-260, then that long wait of what to do. Am I even doing DCF? Navigated through that terrible USTravelDocs site to finally see an appointment slot available. 

 

How are you preparing for the interview? You will both be staying nearby Roxas (such a shitty area with so many homeless families sleeping and begging on the street)? We will be booked at a hotel around the corner. 

Yes, we are a DCF Filer also. Our petition got approved last April 17 & received MNL case no. on April 23. I finished my DS-260 last May 15 but because I got confused on the next step to do, I waited long for nothing...I later called the embassy and found out I am eligible to schedule an interview.

I've been reading some interview questions online just to guide me and for some tips as well. I'm gonna request new cenomar and nbi so it will be fresh during the interview. When will you do the medical for your wife? And yes, I am planning to book for a hotel for convenience and so we wont be late during the interview.

22 hours ago, RangerNomad415 said:

Hi everybody! Was finally able to use Ustraveldocs.com and somehow managed to schedule an appointment for September 7th at US Embassy in Manila. 

 

Armed with I864 form and tax returns of my sponsor (mother), what can I expect for this interview? Anybody else going through this as well? 

 

Got a tailor made suit made in Thailand just for this occasion. 

 

Feedback appreciated. 

Hi, got the same situation as you. I was confused after DS-260 but managed to get appointment already for Sept. 17. I am the beneficiary and my petitioner is here in Ph also. I prepared civil docs for me and i-864 from my petitioner and dad in law as co-sponsor and i guess its good to go. Goodluck for the upcoming interview. We going California also🙏🙏🙏

7 hours ago, Cyberfx1024 said:

https://www.visaconnection-philippines.com/us-embassy-usem.html

Thank you for the link. It will help me a lot.

56 minutes ago, Lil bear said:

The above process is for Consular processing .. not Direct Consular Filing ... which has very specific Consular -specific processes 

Thank you for the helpful information. I will look for Direct Consular Filing processes.

9 minutes ago, JFH said:

Not for cases that are handled entirely overseas. Is the US citizen living in the Philippines? 

Yes he is a dual citizen and living currently in PH. Does the consular immigration branch in the embassy supposed to review my documents prior to interview instead of NVC?

4 minutes ago, Lil bear said:

DCF bypasses all US based processes. The Consulate has specific instructions that are only for DCF applications.  Nothing gets  sent to NVC. Go back and reread all the information you have received from the Consulate 

I didn't know that coz the scheduling instructions they sent me in the email are not really specific. The email contains some website to view like ustraveldocs and immgrant visa process. So i just follow whatever applicable to me.

5 hours ago, JFH said:

*~*~*moved from “K-1 fiancé visa” to “DCF” as not a fiancé visa but a spousal visa through DCF*~*~*

 I send documents to NVC coz when i got the ds260 confirmation it says step 2: your case is sent to nvc however they will not review your case until they receive the civil and financial documents needed. I thought NVC has the important role for pre-processing visa applications andscheduling appointment interview?

I send documents to NVC coz when i got the ds260 confirmation it says step 2: your case is sent to nvc however they will not review your case until they receive the civil and financial documents needed. I thought NVC has the important role for pre-processing visa applications and scheduling appointment interview.

Hello everyone,

I need help.

My I-130 petition was approved last Apr. 17, 2019 (direct filing at US Embassy Manila). Got scheduling instructions and case number thru email last Apr. 23 from IVManilaInfo Consular Immigration Branch (update delivery address, sign up for ds260 and follow steps online for visa applications). Then I completed my DS-260 last May 15 and submitted documents to NVC same month. Last week July 4 I got a letter from them (but was dated June 5) saying they can't locate my petition so I emailed them my approval notice and now waiting for their feedback. When i check my case status it says "Ready" and when i log-in to my CEAC account it says my case is currently in Manila. What does it mean? I am so confused right now, should my case be at NVC? and what does "Ready" means? Hope you can give me some advices. Thank you.