I AM SO EXCITED to share with you guys that my visa application was APPROVED! (Ye-hey!)
Okay I’m going
to start writing now but don’t know where to start. Phew it’s really hard to
write a story. Anyway, if you have read my previous blogs, you already know
that I was being delayed for two months because I
failed, oops not the right term…well because they saw something on my X-ray during
my medical exam at Saint Luke last January 22, 2014 and I need to undergo
Sputum Exam and Culture Test for 2 months. I thanked God that the result was
NEGATIVE.
NOTE:
**This is spousal visa experience (CR1) and MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE**
My interview Date Schedule:
May 08, 2014, Thursday at 6:30 AMREAD THIS FIRST! (SPOUSE VISA FEES ONLY)
AS OF 2016 ALL FEES GONE UP!
FILING FEE
Affidavit of Support Review (only when reviewed domestically) AOS FEE
NVC PROCESSING FEE (IV PACKET)
MEDICAL EXAM FEE
USCIS IMMIGRANT FEE
DOCUMENTS that I had prepared:
- MY PASSPORT AND APPOINTMENT LETTER
- BIRTH CERTIFICATE
- MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
- CEMAR NSO
- NBI CLEARANCE
- I-864 FORM
- EXPLANATION LETTER & ACCOMPANYING EVIDENCE (Co-sponsor)
- I-864A FORMS (Co-sponsor)
- 1040 ITRs FOR 2011-2013 (Co-sponsor)
- W-2s FOR 2011-2013 (Co-sponsor)
- PAY STUBS (Co-sponsor)
- EMPLOYMENT LETTER (Co-sponsor)
- HUSBAND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS (BOARDING PASSES, FLIGHT ITINERARIES)
- RECEIPTS
- MONEY TRANSFERS (WESTERN UNION)
- HOTEL VOUCHERS
- FACEBOOK CONVERSATIONS
- SKYPE CHAT LOGS
- WEDDING PHOTOS
- NOA1
- NOA2
- DS-260 CONFIRMATION
- 2X2 VISA PHOTO (They did not ask for it)
(courtesy of google.com)
*click for ENLARGE PHOTO*
*click for ENLARGE PHOTO*
Preview of inside the US Embassy:
REMINDERS ONLY: Just like in visa process, speed range varies on case to case basis so remember that every interview is different. We REALLY don't know what documents they will going to ask you but its better to be prepared than sorry so make sure that all your documents is ready.
Alright, Are you now ready to continue reading the details of my interview experience??? if so, well let me thank you first for your time spent reading. Okay you can go further. ^___*
WHAT TO DO:
GET A POPCORN, ITS A NOVEL Moment by Moment (LOL)
The day before my interview I headed to Bayview Park Hotel for check in. (My reservations was made by my husband via expedia online a few weeks ago). I was not alone at Hotel, Maricel Lara was with me because I told her that she can share the room with me. She's a fiance visa applicant and we're the same date of interview. As as arrived I was so disappointed with the Hotel. (I wont go on further because its not the main thing of this story but I can say that hotel for me was less enjoyable but I can assured that their FOOD was GREAT! I'm not saying this to create bad review but I am just being honest and THIS IS MY OPINION ONLY)
Anyway, When there, we went to the deck of hotel for swimming just to relax a bit.(There's a swimming pool inside the hotel that free to use and a gym). After that we went outside to McDonald's for dinner. And when we got back at hotel, its about around 11 pm. I reviewed my docs first and putting away some docs that I thought was not needed. (because folder was so heavy for me to carry). Then I headed to bed to get some sleep. BUT, I CANT SLEEP! Not because I was so nervous and excited... (of course I am nervous in some way that's normal feeling) but because I've experiencing an extreme pain inside my left ear and headache. (A few days ago I cleaned my ear using metal then afterwards I felt unbearable pain,my fault!). I tried to sleep but hell, not even a single second succeed. I was so sleepy but pain was so intense that made me cried for awhile. When I cant take it anymore... I called the front desk and asked some medicines and then they delivered it to me after a few minutes. (oh, good thing that hotel has available medicines and on call duty doctor, not bad at all) I took 3 Advil ibuprofen tablets altogether.(I paid 60 pesos for 3 tablets). Then a few minutes I felt that medicines was effective, pain was less. Finally I can sleep but for just one hour because it was already 3 am and my alarm clock was set at 4 am.
THE BIG DAY! Can you imagine how sleepy and tired I am that I was feeling so lazy to get up when my alarm clock rang. But, I need to, I have to, its for the one you love. (yay!) So at 4 am I was like a robot lol and I just had a half bath because I knew its not healthy to do that for a person that was lack of sleep or should I say no sleep. Haha!
The hotel where I was stayed not far from US Embassy, in fact just across the street but really need to walk a few steps to the place where applicants forming a line. (When you go there and will see a tent that's where the starting point for the line) I arrived there around 5:30 am. (My preparations for myself was time consumed because I was so really slow.) I was wearing a simple blue dress. (See the pic below)
I rented chair for 30 pesos because I was felt so weak due to lack of sleep. Then one fixer asked me if I have a ball pen, I actually had but she mentioned that sign pen wasn't allowed. Oh that's my pen so just to be safe I bought a ball pen for 20 pesos (but I did not even used it there, no need unless your appointment was made online and you need to sign a form where to ship the visa package and for the note, sign pen is allowed)
REMEMBER NOT TO BRING:
ANY ELECTRONIC DEVICES LIKE IPOD, CELLPHONE
BIG BOTTLE PERFUME
FOOD ARE NOT ALLOWED (There is food stand inside)
MEMORY CARD, USB, CAMERA ETC.
Then after awhile of sitting in the rented chair, I heard one guard shouting... he said, We will not honor the line in that chair! So I have no choice but to stand and wait for their instructions. Finally, the guard called the immigrant applicants to form a line. It was a long line.. I was so fascinated that many were applying to go in the USA. So while in the line you need to prepare your PASSPORT and APPOINTMENT LETTER. The USEM staff will get it before you get inside. They will put your passport in a plastic bag also put a sticker on it and will check your appointment letter then afterwards will get it back to you. After that you can go inside and you will be asked to drop your things to scanner and you will be checked by the security guard first. Inside there are 3 windows. Give your appointment letter in any windows then the staff will give you number and will return your appointment letter but don't worry you will be instructed where to go. At 6:41 am, I was inside USEM.
*PHOTO above was the given number to me*
*****NOTE:NUMBERS ARE CALLED RANDOMLY (NOT IN ORDER)*****
I got number 6176. (don't lose the number or better memorize it because it will be your number to be flashed on screen) I was instructed to go to door 2 and give the appointment letter to window 39 (don't forget that you need to give the appointment letter first to that window because if not,you wont be called). I don't know where the door 2 is I just followed other applicants but was attentive to what door number and window. The interview inquiry staff got my appointment letter before I can go through and I was instructed to wait for my number to be flashed on screen. As the number flashed, I need to go back inside, door no. 2 then I need to be checked by the guard and headed to the assigned window.
While waiting I felt that it is my longest wait i had in my life... so be prepared because you will be test how patience you are in waiting. haha! I think its almost one hour before my number flashed on screen. When I saw that my number flashed, I immediately run inside. (As usual you will be checked by the guard first inside and you will ask to give your bag for security purposes). Step 1, was finger scanning. You need to state your name and birthday. My assigned window was 42. It was American Screener.
*NOTE: STEP 1 FINGER SCANNING, STEP 2 PRE SCREENING BUT KNOW THAT STEP 2 CAN BE DONE FIRST AND STEP 1 CAN BE DONE SECONDLY*
ME: Good morning sir
American S: What number?
ME: 6176
American S: What's your name?
ME: Dhazzel D. Silvaroli
American S: When is your birthday?
ME: (Was freeze a moment,trying to remember my birthday, the consul was just smiled at me) September 02, 1985
American S: Place your left four finger at scanner
ME: (put five fingers lol I didn't hear him say four, I was so tensed!)
American S: (Laughed) Place your left four finger at scanner
ME: (now I HEARD him lol) I put the left four finger at scanner.
American S: Place your right four finger at scanner
ME: I put the right four finger at scanner.
American S: Place your left and right thumb at scanner
ME: I put my left and right thumb but having hard time doing it
American S: (He laughed again) Okay, you can have a seat and wait again for your number to be called.
ME: Thank you Sir.
I went outside because the chairs inside USEM was all occupied. (Oh outside waiting area has big fans to help a bit comfortable while sitting and don't forget you can always sit down in any vacant chair) I saw Maricel Lara and I seated next to her. After 20 minutes, my number showed up on screen "6176 47" (6176 was my number and 42 was the assigned window) Step 2, was Pre Screening. The Pre Screener was a young filipina (I guess she's 19-23 age range) She was actually friendly. She asked for my Passport, Birth Certificate,Marriage Certificate, NBI and Affidavit of Support documents like I-864, I-864a Forms, 1040 ITR's 2011-2013, W-2s for 2011-2013, Pay Stubs, Employment Letter and Explanation Letter & accompanying evidences. But she returned the Pay Stubs, 1040 ITR's 2013, Employment Letter and Explanation Letter. I thought to myself, Did she knows what she's doing...I was panicking why she's returning the most important documents of my cosponsor. But I remained silent and kept following her. Then she asked me few questions:
Pre Screener: When did you got married?
ME: March 16,2013
Pre Screener: Have you ever been out of country?
ME: No
Pre Screener: Did you meet in person?
ME: haha funny because she already knows we're married but then I responded to her question, I said YES.
Pre Screener: How many times he visited you?
ME: twice
ME: haha funny because she already knows we're married but then I responded to her question, I said YES.
Pre Screener: How many times he visited you?
ME: twice
Pre Screener: How many live in household?
ME: Including me, 4 persons
ME: Including me, 4 persons
Pre Screener: Okay, you may have a seat and wait at the waiting area for your number to be called
ME: Thank you.
ME: Thank you.
REMINDERS AGAIN: Just answers what necessary questions.
I went outside again for same reason that chairs inside USEM are all occupied. But when I reached the chair my number suddenly flashed on screen I was wondering why but still not moving. It flashed over and over that my number was the only visible number on screen. Until I heard a voice calling my attention and mentioned my name on speaker. I run fast as I could and was worrying what's the problem. The young Filipina Pre Screneer said, Oh sorry but you need to pay the Visa Fee of 230$ (10, 350 php) in the second floor window 15. As I heard her, I was relieved. (I need to exit then enter the door 1 and get inside the elevator to bring me where the cashier is, 2nd floor.) After I paid the Visa Fee, I was seated in waiting area.
If you are wondering why I had payment made at USEM, its because my case was expedited and we SKIP NVC means OUR CASE was NO LONGER IN NVC (No need to submit the necessary documents and no need to make payments at NVC)
I had butterflies in my stomach. I was felt uneasy knowing some of my affidavit of support was returned to me. I was so nervous and I was whispering a prayer to God. After I prayed, I was a bit calmed knowing that God won't let me down and my confidence in God helps me felt better because I am assured that His favor was already given to me. I have met a lady there while waiting. (I forgot her name) She's a spousal visa applicant like me and her case was over a year now. She's undergone sputum/culture tests too. We had a short conversation that kills a bit the boredom. Finally, My number flashed again "6176 66". Step 3, Interview with American Consul. I thought to myself, This is it. The Moment of truth. (I was so nervous of all sudden) As I walked towards the window I was saying a prayers again. I reached window 66 where American Consul was waiting for me. He was handsome and looks the same age with my husband. (But my husband more handsome, lol)
American Consul: Good morning (smiling)
ME: Good Morning Sir (smiling back at him)
American Consul: What's your name?
ME: Dhazzel D. Silvaroli
American Consul: Raise your right hand and read the oath that posted on the right side of the window
ME: (I raised my hand then put it on the finger scanner)
American Consul: Raise your right hand and read the oath that posted on the right side of the window
ME: (This time, I heard him clear hahaha what a shame! Once again I raised my right hand and read the oaths posted)
After that he asked few questions:
American Consul: What's your husband do for a living?
ME: he's on SSI
American Consul: What is the disability?
ME: he has migraine, 15-20 days attacked but he's getting well lately
American Consul: Who will support you?
ME: My father-in-law and my mother-in-law
American Consul: What if they gone, who will support you?
ME: I can support myself. I can get a job!
American Consul: Okay place your right four finger on scanner.
ME: I put my right four fingers on scanner
American Consul: Okay. "For me all your documents are fine". I am giving this pamphlet to you, this is the information on the Legal Rights as immigrant once you come to US. You can have a seat and you will be called in different window.
ME: Thank you Sir.
I went outside again for same reason that chairs inside USEM are all occupied. But when I reached the chair my number suddenly flashed on screen I was wondering why but still not moving. It flashed over and over that my number was the only visible number on screen. Until I heard a voice calling my attention and mentioned my name on speaker. I run fast as I could and was worrying what's the problem. The young Filipina Pre Screneer said, Oh sorry but you need to pay the Visa Fee of 230$ (10, 350 php) in the second floor window 15. As I heard her, I was relieved. (I need to exit then enter the door 1 and get inside the elevator to bring me where the cashier is, 2nd floor.) After I paid the Visa Fee, I was seated in waiting area.
If you are wondering why I had payment made at USEM, its because my case was expedited and we SKIP NVC means OUR CASE was NO LONGER IN NVC (No need to submit the necessary documents and no need to make payments at NVC)
I had butterflies in my stomach. I was felt uneasy knowing some of my affidavit of support was returned to me. I was so nervous and I was whispering a prayer to God. After I prayed, I was a bit calmed knowing that God won't let me down and my confidence in God helps me felt better because I am assured that His favor was already given to me. I have met a lady there while waiting. (I forgot her name) She's a spousal visa applicant like me and her case was over a year now. She's undergone sputum/culture tests too. We had a short conversation that kills a bit the boredom. Finally, My number flashed again "6176 66". Step 3, Interview with American Consul. I thought to myself, This is it. The Moment of truth. (I was so nervous of all sudden) As I walked towards the window I was saying a prayers again. I reached window 66 where American Consul was waiting for me. He was handsome and looks the same age with my husband. (But my husband more handsome, lol)
American Consul: Good morning (smiling)
ME: Good Morning Sir (smiling back at him)
American Consul: What's your name?
ME: Dhazzel D. Silvaroli
American Consul: Raise your right hand and read the oath that posted on the right side of the window
ME: (I raised my hand then put it on the finger scanner)
American Consul: Raise your right hand and read the oath that posted on the right side of the window
ME: (This time, I heard him clear hahaha what a shame! Once again I raised my right hand and read the oaths posted)
After that he asked few questions:
American Consul: What's your husband do for a living?
ME: he's on SSI
American Consul: What is the disability?
ME: he has migraine, 15-20 days attacked but he's getting well lately
American Consul: Who will support you?
ME: My father-in-law and my mother-in-law
American Consul: What if they gone, who will support you?
ME: I can support myself. I can get a job!
American Consul: Okay place your right four finger on scanner.
ME: I put my right four fingers on scanner
American Consul: Okay. "For me all your documents are fine". I am giving this pamphlet to you, this is the information on the Legal Rights as immigrant once you come to US. You can have a seat and you will be called in different window.
ME: Thank you Sir.
*PHOTO above was the given pamphlet to me*
I got back at waiting area. I can't believed consul was didn't ask for any evidences or any documents and I was so shy to ask him if I was approved. So while sitting I was so nervous that I'll be getting 221g but at the same time feeling hopeful by the consul statement that according for him all my documents was okay. Another waiting time, it seems forever... At last my number was called at window 72 for releasing. As I approached the window I was a bit tensed. I get in line and I was in the last position. Then when its my turned the guy at the window 72 said, its break time! I thought he was joking but I noticed windows starting to closed. Then I showed him my number. He checked the folder and asked my name then wrote something on green small paper and said to me, Okay you can go now. I was so surprised. Is that all? Yes. I can't believed so I asked him again, you have nothing to give me? a piece of paper? how can I know when to pick up? He said 2go will send you a text message. Okay, that's all I want to hear. Then I heard the voice on speaker said that the operation will be resumed after lunch time at 1 o clock. Wow. I made it before the break time!
I WAS SO HAPPY going back to hotel. But I dropped by first at my agency office, RAPID VISA to delivered the good news. They asked If I wanted to call my husband in the US, I nodded and they called my husband and I was so excited to tell him the wonderful news. We had short conversation then RV took a picture of me to be posted on their page before I left. (See the pic below hehe)
When I got back in the hotel, I checked my visa status and it was ISSUED!
PRAISE GOD!I WAS SO HAPPY going back to hotel. But I dropped by first at my agency office, RAPID VISA to delivered the good news. They asked If I wanted to call my husband in the US, I nodded and they called my husband and I was so excited to tell him the wonderful news. We had short conversation then RV took a picture of me to be posted on their page before I left. (See the pic below hehe)
*click for ENLARGE PHOTO*
