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| Manila, Philippines |  Review on February 26, 2019: |
Cindy and Jean
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
I have been waiting since the beginning to be able to leave a review of my own, so here I go. 
My interview was on February 14th, 2019 at 8:40 am
I came to the gate at 8:00 am, not knowing I would be starting the process right away. i assumed I would have to wait until 8:40 am to begin.
As I showed the guard my appointment confirmation, he told me to go on lane 3 (This was still outside the building) I'm not exactly sure why but I assume the other lane was for a different visa and in I go..
The first door I came through it was only a bag inspection, like the ones at the airport where your things go through an xray machine and then I went out the other side..
I walked through an open space where there were chairs and what looked like a waiting area, there were about two food stalls as well selling sandwiches and drinks.
I asked a person where to go and was told to go through 'Door 2', another building different from the first one that I was just in. (I was surprised because I assumed it was only going to be one big building)
I went inside another building through Door 2 and again another bag inspection and then, I asked the guard where to go.. The lady guard pointed me to a man in a green shirt who seemed to be the person assisting and guiding people on where to go..
So, I asked and he told me to stand in line right away in front of the Filipino consuls windows. I was the only one standing in line so, I just waited for someone else to finish.
I have been waiting a long time for this so, I was really curious and watched others have their interview. One window caught my attention because there were two (2 Filipino women) of them speaking to the Filipino consul and the Filipino consul sounded a bit mad or annoyed. This worried me a little because they might be in a bad mood and it might make it harder for me unnecessarily.
Lo and behold, that Filipino consul was the one who was going to interview me because they were the ones who finished first among all. Funnily, the two women left their wallet at the counter so, I had to run and find them before I started my interview. Fortunately, The Filipino consul was very kind. I guess he was just doing his job but knows how to compartmentalize. We were even making jokes and laughing during the interview.
Questions:
* When was the last time you saw each other?
* How long was he here?
* How did you meet?
* What is your job?
* What is his job?
* Have you ever been abroad?
He only asked for the basic requirements. NO picture, NO Affidavit of Support, NO proof of relationship. It took longer because there was a lot of small talk in between which was really nice because based on the reviews I've read they were the ones harder to please. He even joked about approving my visa right away, if only it were that easy. Lol. Pre-screening interview done.
I was told to go to another window to get my fingerprints scanned and the person doing them was an American woman. Moving onto the second interview..
I was happy there was a line of about 30 people before me because I really wanted to savor the moment of being finally at the Embassy for my interview. We've been waiting a very LONG time.
I could talk about the people on my left and right whilst in line but, this would take longer. Lol. I just know that the lines are separated according to what kind of visa you are there for, so our line was for K1 or K2 visas (K2 is the child/children being petitioned with the K1 applicant) I watched and listened as much as I could to the people being interviewed. It was kinda hard to do, unless they talked really loud. When all the windows are filled, the next 5 or 6 people would stand to be able to fill up the next open window right away and that was the only time I could hear the interviews more clearly. I noticed that the average time for the interviews lasted around 15-30 minutes. So, I was READY to answer.
But, I'm very proud to say that mine lasted only 5 minutes. Maybe, less.
It began with a short oath taking with your right hand up.
Questions asked very quickly:
*When was the last time you saw each other?
*How many times has he been to the Philippines?
*How did you guys meet?
*When did you guys meet?
*Have you ever been married?
*Has he ever been married?
*Kids?
*Have you ever been abroad?
and then he said, "Alright.." (That's how I knew because it felt like the end already.) Btw, he was very kind too. We even laughed at one point.
"I'm going to approve your visa."
Best words I've heard during this whole process.
Good luck to you reading this wherever you are in the process right now. Time moves forward, you'll be able to post your own review here, too. Everything will be okay, like it has for me.
I received my visa via 2go pick up in Megamall on February 23rd.
God Bless!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #25675