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| Manila, Philippines |  Review on November 7, 2011: |
krungkrung
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Overall, I spent 6 hours at the embassy. The first 3 hours was spent on fingerprinting and pre-interview. The last 3 was mostly about waiting for the final interview.
I arrived at the embassy at 6:20 am for my 630 interview. The line was already long but there are separate lines for immigrants, non-immigrants, and others. I prepared my passport and appointment letter at the gate. Aside from electronic devices, USB, food and drinks are not allowed inside. It is best to eat beforehand and for smokers to leave your precious pack and lighter with your companion or at home.
The electronic queue board updates quickly. I brought a book with me but had no chance to open it for fear of missing out on my number. Numbers were randomly appearing on the screen.
I was called early on because my medical results apparently was yet to be forwarded by St. Luke's. I panicked a bit but the officer assured me that they will follow up and they will proceed with my visa processing. They didnt ask for my X-ray results in CD format nor for my vaccination copy. They took my passport and asked me to sit and wait. For those waiting for interviews, you might want to check with the hospital and ensure they have forwarded your medical results.
Fingerprinting
- only your name and birthday will be asked
- fingerprinting was a no-brainer but I pity for those who are new to biometric system because some impatient officers could not help but be sarcastic about it. I wish for Filipino officers to be more customer service oriented with how they communicate. Their tone can be improved.
Pre-interview
- the officer was Filipino and very nice
- asked about my name, brithday, petitioner, marriage history
- she took note of all my answers (probably why my CEMAR was never asked from me, in fact no document was ever asked)
- I signed the DS 230
Consul interview
- he looked Asian, spunky
- questions he asked are:
Whats your name and birthdate?
Who petitioned you?
Have you been out of the country? Where did you go? How long and what did you do there?
What does he do? Where does he work?
Where does he live now?
When did you meet?
When did you start dating?
When did you get married?
Why did it take awhile before you got married? (I immediately answered, "That's a good question." my husband and I prepared for this but thought it was too personal. Good thing we prepared.)
When was the last time you saw him?
Do you communicate daily or weekly?
Have you applied for any type of visa before? Did you get approved?
May I see your pictures?
With that, he approved my visa. He sent me to wait for either Window 70 or 73 for my visa delivery arrangement.
It feels good to finally hear the word Approved!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #8658