Just excited

[easterlilly]

September 12, 2008 is a BIG DAY for me. I finally recieved my interview date. I heard a lot of denials news here in Manila consulate that it is one of the most hard consulate who gives waiver. but I also heard some successful stories.
I am nervouse and at the same time very excited, I am hoping I am one of the lucky one who gets approve because it has been 23 months now since my voluntary departure and I am every anxious to get back to my family. My grandaughter (10 yrs.old) has been asking me of when I am coming back, afte 23 months I am running out of alibi.
My petition is under category of IR5 and we also have a waiver ready on hand. Ms.Kitkat mentioned on one of my thread that I can only present my waiver I-601 after my interview denial.
In the other Forum section I also posted this and am asking some help and tips, on what to do , bring, and expect on my interview.. Can anyone have a helpful tips? ksmile::ksmile:

[simply-heartfelt]

No tips...... just wanted to wish you good luck!!!!!!

[JMRJ]

Manila Embassy changes their processing requirements constantly. For instance, St. Luke's Medical Clinic used to gather most of your immigration documents and submit it to the Embassy themselves, but not anymore. The closest tips you can get is through their own website. Just follow through. They are very strict on documentations. Make sure you are armed with everything. You will be seated and taken into a room for some basic questions, probably they will scrutinize you with questions regarding your inadmissibility ground. Just relax and get technical with them. The embassy is very busy, be prepared arrive early and to stand in line for looong hours. You should take your medical exam a week prior to the interview. Have you gotten your NBI clearance yet?

If you have any questions regarding your specific case: (Probably you can ask them pertaining to your I-601. I can't speak in behalf of this, I never needed one.)

Public Information Window
USCIS Manila maintains a public information window (Window 35) in the Immigrant Visa Section of the
U.S. Embassy, Manila. We are open to the public Monday – Friday (except U.S. and Philippine holidays)
from 8:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Arrive early to ensure a place in line. Take a number (one number per family)
and have a seat in the waiting room. Inquiries are answered in the order received.
Contact Information
Street and Courier Address:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Department of Homeland Security
Embassy of the United States
1201 Roxas Boulevard

Ermita, Manila, 1000 Philippines



Telephone:
(63-2) 301-2000 Ext. 2224
Facsimile: (63-2) 301-2208
E-mail: mphinquiry.cis@dhs.gov


Very detailed information of their local procedures:

Documentation (http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3217.html)

Medical Examination (http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3218.html)

Preparing for the Visa Interview (http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3219.html)

Immigrant Visa Appointment (http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3238.html)

Rescheduling Appointments (http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3235.html)

Visa Application Fees (http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3220.html)


Goodluck!

[easterlilly]

Thank you very much for an update and tip. I am sure its going to be very stressful. I know they are going to touch my overstaying issues. And I cannot think of better answer than the processing of my papers took that long and the first lawyer I hired was taking his sweet time to take care of my issues. I dont know if this is enough. But like you said I should be techinical.I am just hoping that I will get this thing over with flying colors. I am praying so hard... thank you.
Edit:
i forgot, Yes I have my NBI clearance taken already. Is it necessary to take the medical exam a week before? or should I take it now? can I also pay all the necessary fees, visa, processing fee right now rather than wait for next month?

[JMRJ]

You're welcome, easterlilly.
Pagbutihin mo!
Edit:
Yeah, you can pay in advance. Look at the instructions of your interview letter. The amounts of visa app. fee and Document verification fee should be stated there.

Medical exam has to be a week before interview. I would pay the medical fee at Saint Luke's though. Their website states that their are anticipations of price increases in the coming months. You just don't know when.

[easterlilly]

The fees for immigrant visas may be paid either in cash, travelers check or U.S. Postal Order at the Embassy’s Consular Cashier if these have not been paid to the National Visa Center.

Salamat I really appreciate your help. but one more question regarding the visa fee, I understand that I have to pay my visa at the Manila Embassy( correct?). My papers was processed in chicago and was forwarded here in Manila, do you think it may have a chance that my petitioner paid the visa or else it wont be process? please help me understand this. thanks

[christytorres]

congrats and good luck..

[easterlilly]

[QUOTE=JMRJ;287351](Make sure you are armed with everything. You will be seated and taken into a room for some basic questions, probably they will scrutinize you with questions regarding your inadmissibility ground.)

I completed my medical exam yesterday at St. Lukes Clinic. They took my passport, sealed them along with the results of my laboratory works and told me they are going to send it to Manila Embassy, and would only see it on my interview. I went home with the film x-ray only does it mean my med ex are okay?. My question, is when NVC forwarded my papers here in Manila, do they already have decision made on whether I get visa or not?and the interview is just for appearance and formalization only,is it true that when they ask you that you need to pay your visa handling fee right after your interview does it mean you get the Visa? I have not paid my visa handling fee, I paid my visa application and visa fee already.
My lawyer said she is preparing 2 waivers, I212 and I601 in case the consuls will ask for both of them. Is it true that I will no long longer be ask question because of my case as overstaying they already know I would need a waiver. I need some advice on how to prepare I212, I researched so much on I601, do I need to make an apology letter? please help me.

[JMRJ]

No. NVC's role is to process an approved visa petition, collects visa application documentations and retains the application until your case is ready for adjudication at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. The approved petition just established that you fit into the classes of individuals permitted to legally immigrate to the U.S.

The purpose of your interview is to evaluate your eligibility for an immigrant visa. The consular officer will confirm that all required documents have been presented. The consular officer must also review your file for any legal ineligibility you may have that would prevent you from receiving a visa. This will include your previous immigration violation. Your case will be decided based on what they have on file and based on the information on the documentations and the oral statements you will provide. At the end of the interview, you will most likely be instructed on how to file both (I-601 and I-212.) I would think that the I-212 is just an additional form to fill out and additional fee to pay. If the I-601 is approved, your I-212 is next to be approved, too. But wait for your interview for specific answers and instructions regarding your case. Nevertheless, you should pay all the visa fees listed on your pre-interview instruction sheet.

[y14gemini]

Good Luck! Everything will be fine! :)

[easterlilly]

I just recieved the waiver folders of I 601 and I212 mylawyer prepared in Chicago, they are almost 1 inch thick, I also prepared some documents for additional information, to support the waivers, like photos from my preivious marriage who had part of my petition, emails, cards, medical records,my husband's financial informations, parents medical records and they 1 inch thick. I put them in one plastic folder. On the left side of the folder are the waiver applications my lawyer prepared and on the other side of the folder are the ones I prepared,tabs and index them so it would be easy for the consul to find what they are looking, the folder are
now 2 inches thick. Should I submitt them all together or just the ones my lawyer made?Is it true that one base of approval of the waiver is the thickness of folder for it shows there are generous informations inside?I am really nervouse about this, I dont really know how to answer the question why I overstayed. What about a statement ( not apology) should I make one? How long they process the waiver.