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| Manila, Philippines |  Review on May 13, 2011: |
Purple Turtle
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
My husband and I headed off to the Embassy from the Hotel looking like zombies in need of hibernation.
As many other reviewers have mentioned, the groups were divided into their specific category, 6 AM we march in. Immigrant visa applicants will have to line up at the ticket booth for their numbers. Got ours, instructed to drop off the interview schedule at Window 39 (not window 38, as opposed to what others were told by the booth lady) and waited for the Biometrics at Window 40.
After that, we took our seat and waited for the next step: Pre-screening. I'm very happy that the pre-screener was accommodating and friendly. I made 3 AOS to be safe and he said it's better to have 2 extras than all 3 forms wrong. He asked me basic questions like where and when my hubby and I met, how long he has been here, what's his current work, etc. After that, he said it's best if I gave him the AOS from my in-laws even if my husband's assignment covered for the both of us. Then he was pretty encouraging when he said he's positive I'd be confirmed. Gave him the visa receipt and took our seat again.
So we waited for 20-25 minutes (felt like forever) and I was freaking out already since there's a CO who's a bit of a terror. I thank God because I was assigned to be interviewed by a very kind CO. He mostly asked my husband and only asked me twice...However, after he was done with his line of questions, I started freaking out, with a very calm exterior, when he said "I don't know how you'll interpret what I'm going to say to you..." and the rest was blank. Turns out he just wanted my husband to write a letter then and there saying he's going back to the US before this month ends and that he has always considered US as his permanent Domicile. After that, he said he approved my petition! We waited for our name to be called for the visa delivery form. After that, went outside very hungry and ate a Sabrett. :P
The whole process lasted for about 4 hours. 
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #7591