Immigrant Visas
Welcome to the Immigrant Visas page of VISAtisfied Voyager, U.S. Embassy Manila’s visa blog! Here you will find useful information about applying for an immigrant visa to the United States. Immigrant visas are for people who want to move permanently to the U.S. Immigrant visas require petitions, often from family members already living in the U.S. or from American employers. Some examples of immigrant visa types are IR1 (spouse of an American citizen), F2B (unmarried son or daughter of a legal permanent resident), and E3 (skilled workers). The immigrant visa unit also processes K1 (fiancé) visas.
Immigrant visa posts appear on the home page along with nonimmigrant visa posts. You can click on the “Immigrant Visas” category tab on the right side of the home page to read only immigrant visa posts.
We have four recurring columns for immigrant visa posts. “The Adventures of Bong Voyage” chronicles Bong Voyage, our perpetual immigrant visa applicant, as he navigates the complicated world of immigrant visas.
“Vizard’s Corner” features VISAtisfied Voyager’s resident immigration wizard, who protects visa applicants from the evils of wrong information. Applicants write letters to Vizard, which are sometimes apprehended by Lord Visamort—who always gives wrong information! Luckily, Vizard swoops in with the correct information every time.
“The K Packet” discusses K1 fiancé(e) visas. Learn everything you always wanted to know about marrying an American citizen!
Finally, “Quick Questions” is a column featuring short answers to your most frequent questions.
VISAtisfied Voyager is intended to give helpful information about applying for visas. For complete instructions or to schedule an appointment, visit our official U.S. Embassy website.
Please also post comments or questions. While we cannot respond to specific cases, your comment or question could be a featured topic of a blog post in the future!
I just got my visa passport yesterday, and i noticed my petitioner last name which is annotation was incorrect it should be there DEWITT but in my passport visa they put DEWETT.. Do i might have a caused any problem when i get on plane ? Do i need to correct .. ? My flight is on July 20,2012 .please give me some advice.. thank you
To make the necessary correction, may we request you to return the visa packet as soon as possible to the Embassy’s Immigrant Visa Check-in Counter (Window 38) on any workday between 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Thank you.
I was done with the interview , we are approved for the immigrant visa already.After 3 days they called me and told me to submit the 1-864 because our documents is incomplete.I already submitted the documents they need and my question is How long will I wait for the visa to be issued? or is there a chance that we are not going to be approved?
Good day!
My fiancé filed a petition for K1 visa for me, I’m 4 months pregnant now I just wanna know if there’s a possibility that I get approved because we really wanted our baby to be born in US. I’m worried that the process will take time and cant make it on December which is my due date.
Thanks and more power!
Congratulations on your engagement and pregnancy! You mentioned that your fiance has already filed a petition for you with USCIS. You are eligible to schedule an interview once we have received the USCIS-approved petition at the Embassy in Manila. Your visa can be issued only once the interviewing consular officer is satisfied that you have met the requirements for the visa. Some applicants will have their visas approved the day of the interview. If the consular officer requires more information, you may submit requested documents after the interview. There is no way to guarantee when a visa will be issued. For information about K1 fiance(e) visas, please see our website at http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3204.html.
Hello sir/madam!
I’am E3 category immigrant visa.I have already interviewed and my immigrant status was pending because the consul want me to submit proof of extension of my work form I-797 the problem is that I cannot produce it because my employer did not file a I-797 for me. My plan is to write the consul stating that I cannot produce the I-797 and asking for forgiveness for over staying at the u.s for more that 1 year. Do you think that it can affect for granting my immigrant visa? and what is the best way I can do so that my immigrant visa will grant. Is there’s another remedy I can do when my immigrant visa is denied? Please help me. Thank you and more power. Im hoping for your immediate response.
Thank you for your interest in the VISAtisfied Voyager. For specific information regarding your case, please send an email to IVManilaReplies@state.gov, with the applicant’s complete name, case number and current contact information clearly indicated.
my daughter is a U.S. citizen and will be 21 years old on 1 sep 2013. when can she apply for my green card? is there any law that she can apply before that date i.e. 1 sep 2013. thanks
The Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (DHS/USCIS) has sole authority regarding the filing and approval of visa petitions.
You may wish to visit the following websites:
(1) http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3202.html
(2)http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=a16066e7d9fd4210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=4c2515d27cf73210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD
(3) http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1326.html
which provide comprehensive information on immigrant visa petition procedures and the multi-step process to become an immigrant based on family.
Future inquiries regarding the matter may be directed to the DHS/USCIS. The agency can be contacted by telephone at (632) 301-2000 extension 2224, or by fax at (632) 301-2208 (Attention: Field Office Director). Their e-mail address is mphinquiry.cis@dhs.gov.
I was petitioned by my US citizen fiance last 2010. I was interviewed last June 2010 but was refused a visa due to public charge due to my fiance’s tax return. The releasing officer told me that this refusal could be overcome, however, it has been 2 years already now since my interview because we tried to wait for my fiance’s tax papers to be good for the visa application.
Now, we would like to continue with the application and submit more documents to overcome this visa refusal using the same petition. Is it still possible to do this and how do we proceed?
Thank you
Thank you for your interest in the VISAtisfied Voyager. For specific information regarding your case, please send an email to IVManilaReplies@state.gov, with the applicant’s complete name, case number and current contact information clearly indicated.
hi! im a fiance applicant.. my visa was approved last june 6,2012. im a little worry about the visa issuance, until now i have no update about my passport. my fiance is a navy and will be deploy next week and will be back on january 2012, that time my visa is already expired. we just wish that my passport will be pull out before the deployment. is there any way to make it fast or expdite it? we already have a letter from my fiance’s commender about his deployment.
Thank you for your interest in the VISAtisfied Voyager. For specific information regarding your case, please send an email to IVManilaReplies@state.gov, with the
applicant’s complete name, case number and current contact information clearly indicated.
my husband is a u.s citizen his planning to petition me and our baby what are the documents need to file in u.s embassy manila thnx
In order for a spouse and child of a U.S. citizen to qualify for immigration benefits, an I-130 immigrant visa petition must be filed on the alien spouse’s behalf with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. citizen’s place of residence. The USCIS must approve the visa petition before the alien spouse can apply for an immigrant visa.
For more information regarding the immigrant visa process, you may visit the following websites:
1. http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3204.html
2. http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=a16066e7d9fd4210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=4c2515d27cf73210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD
3. http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=fcf75b836ea73210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=3d7fa6c515083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD
4. http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1326.html.
i have received letter from my fiance sent to him by the NVC and when i was about to call for interview schedule they said that i can get a schedule but my daughter is not yet included coz they said they couldnt find anything that she is included to our application. i am confused because when we filled up the app form we wrote her name that she’s gonna be with me too with k2 visa. m fiance called the NVC and they confirmed she is on their list. but the agent in manila was telling me she’s not and is she is her name should be there on those letter from USIS and NVC but only my name was there.. i dnt know if we have to do that derivative registering? coz NVC said she’s there. but if we have to do that derivative registering is it only through fax? and how long should we wait again?
All unmarried children of a fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen under the age of 21 years old is eligible to apply for a derivative K2 nonimmigrant visa.
A child’s eligibility for a K2 derivative visa is dependent on his/her relationship with the principal applicant (K1). As long as the K2 visa applicant meets the definition of child under Section 101(b)(1)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended, the child is eligible to apply for a K2 nonimmigrant visa.
My priority dates is around jul 2007 and the visa bulletin (immigration numbers) is really slow since it was retrogress and i don’t when it will be current. so it will be advisable to apply for F1 student.
I’m from Gambia, the west africa.
Sanusi, we cannot advise you about whether you should apply for any other visas. If your intent is to immigrate to the United States, you will need to wait for your immigrant visa petition to become current.
Good Day!
I’m E3 category immigrant visa. I’ve been already interviewed by the consul and my immigrant visa is pending because I need to submit form I-797 proof of approval on extension on my work, my problem is that I cannot produce it because I found that my employer did not file a I-797 for me. My plan is to write the consul saying honestly that I do not have a I-797 and I will also ask for a forgiveness for overstaying more than 1year in the U.S. My question is that do you think that it can affect my application for my immigrant visa? And what are the remedy that I can do to approved my immigrant visa. Please help me. I’m much eager to migrate in U.S to work. Thank you and more power!
Thank you for your interest in the VISAtisfied Voyager. For specific information regarding your case, please send an email to IVManilaReplies@state.gov, with the applicant’s complete name, case number and current contact information clearly indicated.
my husband is already a green card holder when we got married but his address in our marriage contract is in the Philippines and my mother in-law’s citizenship is filipino instead of american. He will file a petition for me, is it ok despite the wrong entry in our marriage contract or do we need to change it? it’s too expensive if we’ll change it coz we still have to file petition in the court.
The Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (DHS/USCIS) has sole authority regarding the filing and approval of visa petitions.
You may wish to visit the following websites:
(1) http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3202.html
(2)http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=a16066e7d9fd4210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=4c2515d27cf73210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD
(3) http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1326.html
which provide comprehensive information on immigrant visa petition procedures and the multi-step process to become an immigrant based on family.
Future inquiries regarding the matter may be directed to the DHS/USCIS. The agency can be contacted by telephone at (632) 301-2000 extension 2224, or by fax at (632) 301-2208 (Attention: Field Office Director). Their e-mail address is mphinquiry.cis@dhs.gov
My sister is Already a American Citizen and a Green card holder, she applied a I-130 form for my parents and I since I’m still 20 years old and I will be turning 21 this May 2013 but the problem is I have a 1 year old daughter. My parents form are already approved but my case is still on initial review. my question is:
1.) do I have the chance to be approved on visa?
2.) if ever i will be approved what to do with my daughter? is she getting a visa too?
NOTE: I’m not married.
We cannot give you any sort of guarantee about whether your visa will be approved. The consular officer will make a determination upon your interview and review of your documents. Regarding your daughter, unfortunately since you would be immigrating as a derivative child on your parents’ petition, your daughter (as the derivative of a derivative) is not entitled to immigrant status.
Thank you for posting a comment on VISAtisfied Voyager, U.S. Embassy Manila’s visa blog.
We suggest you to send your inquiry to IVManilaReplies@state.gov with your complete name and case number clearly indicated so we can be more responsive to your concern.
Hi! I was interviewed last July 12, 2012 under E2 category. I was given a 221g form requesting for Form I-134 Affidavit of Support, ITR and W2 of my husband. I already mailed the documents last July 19, 2012. When I checked the 2Go e-trace, it is still in transit. When will the embassy receive the documents and how many days will it take for them to review my application?
Thank you for posting a comment on VISAtisfied Voyager, U.S. Embassy Manila’s visa blog.
In order for us to be more responsive to your case specific inquiry, we request you to send an email to IVManilaReplies@state.gov. Your complete name and case number should be clearly indicated in your inquiry.
Thank you for posting a comment on VISAtisfied Voyager, U.S. Embassy Manila’s visa blog.
You may wish to send your inquiry to IVManilaReplies@state.gov with your complete name and case number clearly indicated so we can be more responsive to your concerns.
Hello,
i worked in UAE for 4 years and sometime in 2006..i had a financial problem ..leading to credit card debts…to the point that i can’t pay them anymore..
the bank filed a case to the police…they said that they will not pursue the case if i’m going to pay my debts..and the case will be erased from the police file records…fortunately some of my friends and co workers helped me get through it and settled payments on them..luckily i was cleared of the charges against me..i continue to work…then after few months, my employer cancelled our visa and sent us back to our home country…leaving unpaid credit cards and a loan fron a bank…as much as i want to go back and pay my debts…i can’t because i don’t have money and the capacity to pay…
now i’m married to a Green card holder and soon to be a US citizen and he will file a petition for me and our child to join him in USA…
my worries and questions are:
1. do i need to declare the settled filed case before even though i was cleared of it?
2. will i be refused of an immigrant visa if i declare it?
3. will they know of my unpaid debts in UAE? can it affect my application?
4. what are the chances of me for getting an immigrant visa?
5. what will be my status?
i really do need an advice…i am hoping for your utmost and favorable response…
thank you
Immigrant visa applicants are required to present a police certificate from any place or places of residence for more than one year since attaining the age of 16. As with NBI clearances, foreign police certificates should be obtained in any maiden names, names indicated on civil documents, married names, aliases or nicknames ever used while in the country in question, including different spellings of all names ever used.
For specific instructions on how to obtain a police clearance from UAE, you or the applicant may visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/fees/fees_5455.html?cid=9666
i just filed CRBA and US passport for my daughter and it was approved. My Husband plans to petition for my visa but he is unemployed and he only have the benefits from its deployment. Would it be okay? Also I’d like to ask if everything will be approved, will my daughter need to have a philippine passort?
Thank you for posting a comment on VISAtisfied Voyager, U.S. Embassy Manila’s visa blog.
To ensure that intending immigrants are not likely to become public charges, petitioners should be able to demonstrate their ability to maintain an income at or above the prescribed Federal poverty guidelines for their prospective household sizes. If your husband’s income does not surpass the poverty guidelines, you may submit a joint sponsor whose income does surpass the guidelines.
For detailed information about the Affidavit of Support requirement and financial sponsorship guidelines, you may visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website at: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis. You may also wish to contact USCIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC) toll-free at 1-800-375-5283 regarding this matter.
If a U.S. passport has been issued to your daughter, she does not need a visa to enter the U.S.
Hi. Our request for expeditious processing have been approved and NVC recently forwarded our file to the consulate in Manila. What should be our next step? How long does it take for the Consulate in Manila to schedule an interview once they receive our file from NVC? Our category is f2a. Priority is current and case has been completed by NVC. Thanks!
As soon as we receive the I-130 petition from NVC, the applicant will be notified regarding the interview schedule.
Is there any way that we can check if our case has been received by the Embassy? Thanks
Ryan, to check on your case, you may send an email to IVManilaReplies@state.gov with your complete name, case number and contact information clearly indicated. You can also reach us by phone at (632) 301-2000, extension 5184 or 5185.
good day! i just want to know why is it taking too long for US embassy in manila to deliver to us our passport with visa because our medical exam expiration date is already gravely nearing.. our visa category is F4, my father and i took our 2nd medical exam last may 18,2012 (our 1st medical exam expired due to the delay of the additional requirements that is the affidavit of support and w2 forms and our medical exam was shortened into 3 months because of my father’s suspected tb) took our visa immigrant interview last dec. 15, 2011 and i believe that we satisfactorily accomplished all the required documents needed for us to be issued with visa, and yes it is, the consul already took our passport, but it is making us uncertain and anxious for all the waiting months we have had and our 2nd and latest medical will soon expire this august 10,2012 and we don’t wish for another medical exam to transpire. i hope u could help me with this. i already emailed the embassy about this matter yesterday and still positively waiting for the reply. And we all know that we had a very bad weather this week. .
Thank you for your interest in VISAtisfied Voyager.
In order for us to be more responsive to your inquiry, we request you to send an email to IVManilaReplies@state.gov with your complete name, case number and contact information clearly indicated. You may also reach us by phone at (632) 301-2000, extension 5184 or 5185.
hello.just want to ask about the status of your visa stamping?you and my family have the same situation.thank you!
good day to all! i will be setting my interview sometime next month and i got all the necessary documents that i will be needed however i was confused in one of the requirement regarding to seek a police clearance from the other country, ive been in singapore last december 15,2009 to february 10, 2010, do i need to get a police clearance from that country since i only stayed there for almost 2 months to visit my siblings?
Emmy, police clearances are only needed from countries in which you have lived for more than 1 year (or 6 months if you are a K-1 applicant).
Hi, after passing all the requirements, how long is the waiting time before im scheduled for an embassy appointment. Im a type E3 applicant. Thanks
Thank you for your interest in the VISAtisfied Voyager. For privacy reasons, the Embassy does not address specific case concerns publicly on this blog. For specific information regarding your visa case, please send an email to IVManilaReplies@state.gov, with your complete name, date and place of birth, and the 10-digit visa case number, clearly indicated.
My mom is a retired teacher ( US citizen). She petitioned me way back 1997. US Immigration send me a letter with the case number on it. Unfortunately, letter got wet during the flood. Please let me know how can I retrive my case number. Thank you.
Thank you for your interest in the VISAtisfied Voyager. For privacy reasons, the Embassy does not address specific case concerns publicly on this blog. To assist us in locating your record, please send an email to IVManilaReplies@state.gov, with your complete name and the petitioner’s, your respective date and place of birth, and other pertinent information, clearly indicated.
Hi! I received my visa packet,and it was stappled on one side along wit the yellow envelope,so I thought it was one whole packet,and I tore the envelop open ,and pulled it out,only then I saw the word do not open.but I haven’t read any of the content.what do I do.please help me out with this.I’m very nervous about it . Thanks !
Immigrant visa packets may only be opened for inspection by an immigration or health officer at the U.S. port of entry. Please return the visa packet to have it resealed at the Embassy’s Immigrant Visa Check-in Counter (Window 38) on any workday between 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Hi!me,my sister and my father interviewed last July 19,2012 under F1-unmarried sons/daughters of US citizens.My father was given 221g form requesting for another affidavit of support(because we only have one affidavit of support).My father already mailed the documents last Aug.2,2012 and when we checked the 2GO e-trace we see that it is already receive by MANUEL MANALAYSAY(one of the consul in US Embassy).
Now,my question is how long we will wait to have our visa?
PS;US Embassy took our passports.
Thank you for your interest in the VISAtisfied Voyager. For privacy reasons, the Embassy does not address specific case concerns publicly on this blog. For specific information regarding your father’s visa case, please send an email to IVManilaReplies@state.gov, with the applicant’s complete name, date and place of birth, and the 10-digit visa case number, clearly indicated.
Since many factors may affect visa issuance, we are simply unable to predict if or when an applicant would qualify for a visa.
Hi! I just want to ask about ds230 II,do i have to download it in pdf or it will be provided in USEM Manila in time of our interview? And also i want to ask how do i organize my documents to bring in my interview?Do i have to folder it and make labels or just put it in anyway i like?Thanks&More power
The Biographic Data Form or Application For
Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (Form DS-230I) may be downloaded from our website at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_1342.html.
The required documents to be submitted in support of the visa application may be presented in any order.
Hello, we applied crba and us passport for my son last month of july 23 2012 at us embassy manila and the consul need my expired passport for additional document. i sent the document that was july 28 2012 to embassy and it was arrived to embassy july 31 2012 but its because of flooded the embassy close for few days and that’s why is delayed and just found out today augost 10 2012 that my document i sent via air21 is already at the embassy. my question is how long will it takes to process crba and us passport? i lived in province of surigao how many days total before i receive crba and us passport via air21? I am worried because we already bought a ticket to US and our flight is first week of september. what should i do to have my son us passport sooner?
Thank you for your interest in VISAtistfied Voyager.
You may contact the Embassy’s American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit by email at ACSInfoManila@state.gov regarding your concerns.
When i send an email they always reply :
In the meantime, you should be able to find answers to many of your questions about the immigrant visa process on this website: Immigrant Visas . We suggest that you read the information and click the links below for the following questions:
They not answering my question!!!!
Hi! I just want to ask if the yaya of my kids will be allowed to accompany inside the embassy for our interview this coming September! I have 4 kids aging 8,6,5,2..
Myla, when you arrive at the Embassy, please make a request for your yaya to accompany you inside.
I have About To Marry my Finace soon in the this month in phillppines.need some help on what to do.do we have to make an appoiment for me to File the I 130.Also Could i get my wife a touriest visa.and bring her back and file it there and do an adjust of status in the US i dindt want her to travel byherself shes never been out of the country is why.because On The I 864.I will need my mom to sponsor for the support part i dont have my tax returns or my moms i am not working right now..or can i set up a appoint at embassy in Manila.find someone who can go over the application with me and make sure everything is right and help me file this.
Chris, if you would like to petition for your wife, you will need to file an I-130 petition for her. If you are having trouble filing it, you may wish to enlist the services of a qualified immigration attorney. If your wife plans to immigrate to the United States, she will need an immigrant visa; a tourist visa is not appropriate for someone who is an intending immigrant.
Is it true that medical exam must still be valid (within 6months since the medical result was released) when you enter the port of entry in the US?
Eva, your immigrant visa will expire on the date that your medical exam expires. If your visa is expired, you will not be able to use it to enter the United States.
Thank you for the answer. Now, I know that the visa expiry is dependent on the medical exam result expiration which is 6months only.
I’m an EB3 applicant. I had my embassy interview last June 13, 2012 but sadly visa was not issued because I don’t have an updated Job Offer Letter from my employer. My employer don’t have a job for me & they are not going to continue with my case. Fortunately I was able to find a new employer to recapture my case and right now my case is already at the NVC stage and they already paid my visa bill.
My question is..Can I still use my medical exam result done last June 8, 2012 from my previous employer? Or do I have to do my medical exam again for this new petition? I might attend the embassy interview for this new petition w/in the validity of my medical exam result. What is the process for this? Thank you!
Thank you for your interest in the VISAtisfied Voyager. For privacy reasons, the Embassy does not address specific case concerns publicly on this blog. For specific information regarding your visa case, please send an email to IVManilaReplies@state.gov, with your complete name, date and place of birth, and the 10-digit visa case number.
im K1 visa applicant and will have interview this week.. my problem is my moms name on my birth certificate is incorrect.. can i still be granted a K1 visa? when i have a correct name on my BC?
Your eligibility for a fiancee (K1) visa can only be determined by the adjudicating consular officer once you have been interviewed and the supporting documentation have been reviewed. You will be advised if additional documents or further action would be required to process the case to completion.
my mom just got married to an american however he want’s us all to migrate to the us as a family she’s getting her citizenship however i’m 18 will she still be able to apply for me?
Your mother and/or step-father may file a visa petition on your behalf with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office which has jurisdiction over their residence. Information regarding the requirements and procedures are available from the USCIS website at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis.
I’m under EB3 and had my embassy interview last June 13,2012 but was not granted a visa because I don’t have a JOb Offer letter from my employer & they don’t want to continue their petition. Luckily,my case was recaptured by another petitioner. Right now,my case is already at the NVC & visa has been paid already. I had my medical exam at SLEC last June 8,2012 and I might have my next embassy appointment on Oct or Nov this year,my medical result will still be valid by that time. My question.. Can I still use my medical exam result from my previous petition/case? What is the process for this? Or do I need to have my medical exam again for this new petition?
For specific information regarding your case, please send an email to IVManilaReplies@state.gov, with the your complete name, case number, and current contact information clearly indicated.
hi! i was interviewed last last Aug.3,2012 and the consul requested for a co sponsor which i don’t have i received the 221g stating all the additional docs that i need to be submitted. Aug.13 the USEM-MANILA forwarded n received the said docs. i would like to ask if how many weeks or months will i wait for the visa? im under spousal visa of usc. thank you so much.
The time required to process a visa application varies by case and depends on its complexity and the number and intricacy of other cases awaiting review. Since many factors may affect visa issuance, we are unable to predict if and when an applicant would qualify for visa issuance. For specific information regarding your visa case, we suggest you send an email to IVManilaReplies@state.gov, with your complete name, date and place of birth, and 10-digit visa case number, clearly indicated.
I want to ask what will be the disadvantage of putting my
dependents on the option to follow on a later date instead of to follow you now?
how long will they get their chance to be interviewed?
Can I still include my dependents in the embassy interview if i opted them to “follow on a later date” in my DS230 and want to have them on “accompany now”? Thanks
Thank you for your interest in the VISAtisfied Voyager.
The spouse and children of a principal applicant are entitled to derive immigration benefits from their principal’s approved visa petition and may travel to the United States at a later date. Under no circumstance will the derivative spouse or child be allowed to travel to the U.S. ahead of the principal applicant.
Following-to-join applicants may derive immigration benefits only if:
1. The spouse or children were acquired before the principal applicant’s admission into the United States; and
2. The principal applicant gained lawful permanent resident (LPR) status or was issued an immigrant visa under the family-preference (F) or employment-based (E) visa categories or was issued a non-immigrant K or V visa. Foreign nationals who immigrated to the U.S. under an immediate relative (IR) visa category need to file a separate Form I-130 visa petition on behalf of their spouses and children.
3. The principal applicant has not naturalized. Once the principal applicant becomes a U.S. citizen, a separate visa petition needs to be filed on behalf of the spouse and/or children to qualify for immigration benefits again.
Following-to-join derivative beneficiaries must present documentation establishing the principal applicant’s immigration status in the United States and their relationship to their principal. These include:
• A copy of the child’s birth certificate issued by the National Statistics Office;
• A copy of the marriage certificate issued by the National Statistics Office;
• A copy of the principal alien’s registration receipt card or I-551 or a copy of the principal alien’s passport pages indicating admission to the U.S. as an immigrant; and
• If applicable, Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition.
It is important to remember that a child is only eligible for following-to-join benefits if he or she is a child, step-child or adopted child in accordance with U.S. immigration law.
There is no need for you to bring your children during the interview if you want them to follow on a later date.
I’m a Premanent Resident Card holder since 1992 but it expired 2008. I been in the Phil. for 14 yrs. I was 9 yrs old when we came here I was hopeless to get back to US. Now my step-father and I are planning to get me back to US. What type of visa should I get? SB-1? Can my Green Card be useful? Could my step-father qualify as my petitioner/sponsor?
Thank you for posting a comment on VISAtisfied Voyager, U.S. Embassy Manila’s visa blog.
For specific information regarding your visa case, please send an email to IVManilaReplies@state.gov, with your complete name, case number and current contact information, clearly indicated.
Good day….
Just want to know how long does it take to have an interview date from Case Completed in NVC? I already email US Embassy and its been more than a week now didn’t get any response.
Just want to seek help from your good office for my interview date.
Thank you and have a great day…
All case processing for Manila is generally done at the State Department’s National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC is responsible for the collection of visa processing fees and documentation including interview scheduling.
You should contact NVC to ascertain the status of the petition. NVC’s mailing address is 32 Rochester Avenue, Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801-2909, telephone number (603) 334-0700. Public inquiries can also be sent by email at NVCInquiry@state.gov.
Future written inquiries regarding immigrant visas may be sent by email at IVManilaReplies@state.gov.
We hope this information is helpful to you.
How can I retrieve my passport including original documents submitted (nclex pass letter & visa screen certificate)? I will no longer continue my visa application because I was not able to provide job offer letter from my employer. I will still be using them for my new petition. I’m under E3. Thanks.
You may come and retrieve your documents and passport from the Embassy’s Immigrant Visa Check-in Counter (Window 38) on any workday (except Friday) between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Im planning to petition my fiance in the philippines but the problem is i dont have income right now because im pregnant.but my family is willing to help me out (affidavit of support).can i still petition my fiance?
Petitioners in fiancé(e) (K1) nonimmigrant visa cases are generally expected to provide the adequacy of their own financial resources to ensure that an alien, after admission into the United States, will not become primarily dependent on the U.S. Government for subsistence. They should be able to demonstrate their ability to maintain an income at or above the prescribed Federal poverty guidelines for their prospective household sizes.
For detailed information about the Affidavit of Support requirement and financial sponsorship guidelines, you may visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website at: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis. Your representative in the U.S. may also contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC) toll-free at 1-800-375-5283 regarding this matter.
Good Day, Sir!
I have been out of US for the more than 2 years now without re-entry permit. I want to go back in the US, but I am not sure how, because of what I have read that being absence for a year or two may consider abandonment of status. My question is:
1. Is there a possibility that I could apply for a SB1 visa? If not,
2. Should I legally surrender my GC and try to re-apply a Family Based F1 visa? If so,
3. The petitioner is retired and can a close friend be a joint sponsor for filing AOS? How long is the processing ’til the visa is approve?
Sorry for asking too many questions, but I hope I could get an answers, so I have an idea on what to do. Thanks!
When a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States remains abroad for more than one year without permission from the U.S. Immigration Service, the person is generally considered to have abandoned U.S. residency and is subject to loss of LPR status.
In some circumstances, the individual may find relief as a “returning resident” as defined in Section 101(a)(27)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This section of the law defines a “special immigrant” (also known as a returning resident) as any immigrant lawfully admitted for permanent residence who is returning from a temporary visit abroad. You may visit a link to our website at http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3023/general-information/returning-resident.html? for more information about returning resident visas.
Should you be petitioned for under the F1 visa category, please be aware that Philippine F1 immigrant visa numbers are presently available only for applicants with priority dates before November 8, 1994. There is no way we can reliably predict the movement of the cutoff dates, which can advance, remain at a standstill, regress or even become completely unavailable from month to month.
For detailed information about the Affidavit of Support requirement and financial sponsorship guidelines, you may visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website at: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis. Your representative in the U.S. may also contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283 regarding this matter.
When a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States remains abroad for more than one year without permission from the U.S. Immigration Service, the person is generally considered to have abandoned U.S. residency and is subject to loss of LPR status.
In some circumstances, the individual may find relief as a “returning resident” as defined in Section 101(a)(27)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This section of the law defines a “special immigrant” (also known as a returning resident) as any immigrant lawfully admitted for permanent residence who is returning from a temporary visit abroad.
You may visit a link to our website at http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3023/general-information/returning-resident.html? for more information about returning resident visas.
Our petition will already expired this september 2012, can we still have our interview at the embassy on october 2, 2012? because i check the apply for a US visa in the philippines there is no available appoinment on the month of september.. please reply. thanks!
Thank you for posting a comment on VISAtisfied Voyager, U.S. Embassy Manila’s visa blog. For specific questions related to your case, please send an e-mail to IVManilaReplies@state.gov with your complete name and case number clearly indicated.
My daughter who is U.S citizen and 21 years old already is planning to get me here in the philippines. Is there any possibilty that my child here in the philippines can come too? What we should do?
You will be petitioned for under the immediate relative immigrant visa category (IR5), the parent of a U.S. citizen. Unfortunately, your child in the Philippines cannot derive immigration benefits from your IR5 visa petition. U.S. immigration law does not accord derivative status for family members of immediate relatives. In order for your child to qualify for immigration benefits, she must be named as the principal beneficiary of approved immigrant visa petition (Form I-130).
I have interview last august 17, until now i don’t received yet my passport and my visa what will happen, why that take to long according to person I talk true phone in US embassy manila still i have to wait how long does take to process a Immigrant visa, what was the main problem cost delay. please advice thanks and Godbless..
Thank you for posting a comment on VISAtisfied Voyager, U.S. Embassy Manila’s visa blog. For specific questions related to your case, please send an e-mail to IVManilaReplies@state.gov with your complete name and case number clearly indicated
Christian Greetings! I am under IR-1 visa. I had my interview last August 13, 2012. But after it, I was handed a letter for submission of another required document, specifically the NBI with AKA since my hubby had used MARIA a part of my name instead of MA. Fortunately, I was able to process right away and send back the letter with required doc last Aug. 15, 2012. I already sent queery to IVManilaReplies@state.gov on how long would it take to review again my papers before I would be issued an approved visa. But until now I got no reply. Hope I could get idea here so I and my husband would be comforted anyhow. We are willing to wait as long as everything is okay. Thank you and more power!:)
Thank you for your interest in the VISAtisfied Voyager.
For privacy reasons, the Embassy does not address specific case concerns on this blog.
To enable us to be more responsive to your inquiry, please send an e-mail to IVManilaReplies@state.gov with your complete name and case number clearly indicated. You may also reach us by phone at (632) 301-2000, extension 5184 or 5185.
Hi goodday! I am Jennyfer from California and I am planning to go to the Philippines to get married on march 2013. Just wanted to ask if i can make a wedding appointment at the embassy? If so, when can i see the available dates for march 2013. Thank you.
Jen, the Embassy does not perform wedding ceremonies.
Hi, I have a really big problem regarding my Visa. When I receive my Visa I noticed that there’s incorrect in spelling on my name. Instead of JANN REZZI it was written as JAN REZZI, with a single N. will it be a big problem? What can i do about it?
I already booked my flight to the United States before I got my Visa so I’m running out of time to work for it. Can I still do something about it when I got to United States?
To make the necessary correction, may we request you to return the visa packet as soon as possible to the Embassy’s Immigrant Visa Check-in Counter (Window 38) on any workday between 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Thank you.
Hi, Im a K1 beneficiary and as per USCIS, the petition filed for me is already approved. I have already called the embassy in Manila and ask for guidance. He said that i should wait till the packet arrives. My question is how long do i have to wait till the said “packet” arrive here in Masbate? What is the official courier of visa packages? How can i trace that package?
Thank you very much.
Thank you for your interest in the VISAtisfied Voyager. For specific information regarding your case, please send an email to IVManilaReplies@state.gov, with the applicant’s complete name, case number and current contact information clearly indicated.
Hi, I had my interview last May 2012 and is still waiting for the visa since I was on hold under 221(g), My question is that the address of my fiance at the DS forms were not in use anymore since he already gave up the apartment and now uses his parent’s address as hjis home address, will it affect or be an issue at the point of entry? What do I need to do? shall I call and notify the embbassy about it? hope you can give me input about this. Thanks a lot….
Thank you for your interest in VISAtisfied Voyager.
In order for us to be more responsive to your inquiry, we request you to send an email to IVManilaReplies@state.gov with your complete name, case number and contact information clearly indicated. You may also reach us by phone at (632) 301-2000, extension 5184 or 5185.
Hi, I and my whole family got our IV in Dublin, Ireland but we’re here in the Philippines now and will also exit here.
My problem is the Immigrant Data Summary on the Visa Packet. It was secured with only one staple on the upper right corner. Due to fear of it being detached, I put another staple on the upper left hand corner. Is this acceptable? Also one of the visa packet and Immigrant data summary has tiny holes on it where the attempts to staple it failed. Are these okay? Will these cause problems with the immigration? Please advise. Thank you.
The applicant should bring the visa packets and passports to the Embassy’s Immigrant Visa Unit (Window 38) on any workday, between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Hi!
My sister was Interviewed last August 28, 2012. After 2 days US embassy emailed me that the passport of my sister will be deliver. I just want to ask how long will it take to get the VISA of my sister?
Thank You!
Once a visa is approved for issuance, it will take the courier service 7 to 10 working days to deliver the visa packet to the applicant’s designated address.
my sister who was petitioned by my immigrant mother had interview yesterday. basically they took her passport and said she needs to submit a new NBI clearance. does it mean she is apporved or denied? how long is the wait. she will turn 22 this december. thank you.
She was refused a visa under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), pending submittal of her NBI clearance.
As soon as we receive the requested documentation and a consular officer is able to review the information, we will resume processing the visa application.