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| Manila, Philippines |  Review on June 17, 2019: |
MarryMe987654
Rating:  | Review Topic: General Review
• Visa Type: K1
• Date and Time: May 30, 2019 / 6:45 AM
• Time start/end: 6:30 AM to 8:20 AM
• Accommodation: Red Planet Manila Bay
• Outfit: Collared t-shirt, denim jeans, white converse sneakers
• Documents: One blue binder with our documents (i-129F copy, tax transcripts, tax returns, W2, updated letter of intent, appointment schedule, DS-160, BPI receipt, NBI, CENOMAR, medical from SLEC, proof of relationship, extra 2x2 photos, Birth certificate, Affidavit of support, letter from employer, paystubs)
• I did not bring a bag. Just my blue binder and a pen.
Everything is smooth and organized.
The ushers are a big help.
People are not necessarily friendly but they are professional (it's a plus).
The waiting time makes up most of the 2 hours (Line up outside=20 mins; 1st screening=10 mins; fingerprint=5 mins; Interview=5 mins)
Questions asked on first screening includes:
• If I was married
• If I have children
• If I served the military
Questions asked on CO interview includes:
• How we met
• When did we meet
• For how long (When I sensed that he was not really happy with the frequency and length of visit, I proactively said, "it's the only time we can get off of work". He understood and nodded in agreement.)
• Do you have photos together ("Yes, I do" and gave the CO about 3 pages of regular white paper with 2 photos each. He looked at them and I asked, "would you need more?" he said it's fine)
Then he told me that my visa is approved and told me that it will take 2-4 weeks for the visa to be issued.
I said, "Awesome! Thank you and have a great day!"
Tips:
- While waiting in line, stand up properly and don't hunch. It adds to the confidence. It's like exuding positive and pleasant control of your emotions.
- Don't be too obvious when looking around. It's going to make you more nervous when you see people's faces and situations and might accidentally absorb someone else's negativity.
- Pace your walk, look at signs and warnings and posters. It helps you condition your mind on what you are supposed to do when it's your turn.
- When talking to the person behind the window, use common pleasantries (Good morning, How are you? Thank you. Pardon me? I am sorry? Have a good day!)
- When I feel like my sentence kind of ended awkwardly or abruptly, I say "That's all." and then I smile.
- When I am not sure of the answer, I say, "I am not sure... but..." offer a fact that you know that is related to the question. Example: " Do you have your fiance's divorce papers?" Say, "I am not sure but I can take a look at my documents." or "I am not sure but I will get a copy of it if it's necessary."
- While waiting in line, think about how your personality output is going to be like. Think about a person in your life that you want the other person to be like. Pick someone that you don't necessarily want to engage in so much conversation with but you want to be casual and factual with anyway because he/she might play an important role in your life someday. You don't want to be overly chummy with this person but you want to make sure that when this person ask you something, he/she will be impressed.
- Be spontaneous. CO said something, confirm it by saying, "Got it!" or "Noted!". You're talking to a human being that reads gestures, studies your body language and listens carefully on your words so own it.
- Do not argue or look argumentative or opinionated. Be a sponge. Be a little kid that answers honestly when asked. If something upsets you, shake it off immediately. You don't need your ego at this moment. This is your life together with the love of your life. He/she is worth it so suck it up!
When everything's said and done and you are at least 50 meter from the embassy, start pouring all your emotions, give yourself a treat, do not dwell on the past anymore, continue to move forward with plans.
Remember, if it were easy, everyone would do it.... and succeed on it.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #26457