K1 and K2 (Fiancee and daughter) Interview Experience
Appointment: May 21, 2005 ~ 6:30am
3:25am
Arrived at the waiting shed where there were already 13 applicants. So Gilda and I were 14th and 15th in place.
5am
We were ushered to the embassy. Marching in line. To get inside the embassy premises, they required us to present original appointment letter and a valid ID. I was then the 13th. It seemed like some people had to step aside for some reasons in every step.
6:15am
The embassy started to let us in the embassy building. Again, a guard inspected our appointment letter and a valid ID. Once inside, all belongings had to go thru their x-ray machine. Then at the same time, they told us to leave electronic devices. I left my cell phone and digicam.
6:30am
Inside the embassy building, still falling in line. The guard inside instructed those accompanying the applicants (fiancés/ees, wives/husbands, children) to get inside ahead and wait. He said only the ones with the documents fall in line. So my daughter was seated inside ahead. A young guy seated behind a small table inspected and took our validated DS157 and DS156. An applicant before Gilda had to step aside for something she missed filling up.
I thought I got a slight problem while standing in line. A very nice lady inspected our papers one by one before the guy started calling us in. She checked if the forms were properly filled up. She said we better get it perfect to avoid delays or maybe having to step aside for anything lacking. It was so nice of her to have done so, otherwise I would have not known that my DS156k download form lacked some text at the back. Under the “do not write anything beyond this line”. I guess my puter thought that she too should not write there! She examined it closely then decided that my form seems to look the same and it should be fine. Oh no, I want it exactly the right thing. I was relieved when I found my packet in my bag and found my forms still intact there (coz I used download forms). So I detached DS156k from the packet and started filling it up so that by the time the guy called for my turn, I was ready! He then told us to take a seat and wait for our names to be called.
6:45am
I was already inside sitting next to Gilda. We sat at the center. 2 sides of the room are cubicles. In front of us was the queue board.
7:05am
A batch of names were called for window X. I think we belong to the second batch. Gilda and I walked fast to window X so that we were 1st and 2nd to get to the window . My daughter didn’t have to go with me. Window X took a set of DS156 and 157 (the other set already taken by the first guy) and DS156k. Gave me my number. I was number 8! I was so happy because 8 is a lucky number. Many rich people have to pay LTO to get 888 license plate number! I got mine for free! I was happy for gilda's number too, 7. Then told to return to my seat and wait for my number to be flashed on the queue board.
7:15am
My number flashed for cubicle Nr (I forgot). This is the first interview. Same interviewer takes and inspect supporting documents. I proceeded with my daughter. We got a lady interviewer waiting for us. She’s very businesslike. She asked me the following questions at the same time looking thru the docs and scribbled some on a piece of paper:
• Who is petitioning you?
• How old is he?
• Where does he live?
• How did you meet?
• When was the last time he visited you?
• When was the last time you last saw him in person? I made a little mistake in answering this. I answered: Last year ma’am, October 2003, when I sent him off at the airport. She had to look up and repeated the year with question mark . I said: Oh I’m sorry ma’am, I mean 2004.
She looked at the pictures closely, ONE BY ONE.
She then asked for the following:
• BC
• NBI
• Affidavit of Support
I paper clipped, with tabbings on each, the following:
? I-134
? A Special Letter of Intent from Jim which I asked him to fax me a couple of days before my interview stating therein his intentions of petitioning and adopting my daughter. Jim wrote a very sweet letter. I made sure the embassy gets the message so I put it next to the I-134. I got this idea from Gilda.
? 1040 forms for the years 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 (she gave me back 2001 to 2003!)
? W2 forms. Jim sent me 2004, 2003 and 2002. She took everything.
? Letter from employer stating salary and length of service with the company.
? Paystubs. Jim sent me 7.
? Letter from the bank. Letter just said “in good standing since (year)". No figure given.
• Proofs of Genuine Relationship. She asked for the following two only:
? Pictures. Pictures I think got the most weight in determining genuineness. She examined every picture closely. One by one.
? Snail mails. I got a little bit worried. I only have one snail mail from Jim. A 3-fold card that says very sweet things and he just signed his name, not even did Jim write the date! Second mail Jim tried to send me didn’t get to me so Jim stopped sending So what Jim did was send back the envelopes of the 3 cards I have sent him. So I stapled the card from Jim followed by the envelopes to include the envelope of Jim’s card.
The lady then told us to return to our seats and wait for our number to be called again.
7:55am
My number flashed again for the fingerprinting. We’re called in batches again. We were so amazed, It was Gilda, Joy (Gilda and mine new found friend) and I. So we rushed together to that window. It was fun. Went back to our seats and waited for the most awaited consul interview!
8:15am
My number flashed for Rm 27. I noticed Gilda, Joy and I take turns on who goes first . This time, my turn. On our way to Rm 27, my buddies Gilda, Joy, Len and Randy, Carol and Cielo wished us the best. Consul cubicles are like small rooms with no door. However, cubicle 27 and 28 are in one room! Two cubicles in one room! A couple of minutes after I got inside, Joy joined me in that room. She’s at 28.
Gosh, her male consul have a very loud voice. Sometimes I get tempted to eavesdrop. Jim said it means I was relaxed enough to listen to others. I had to snap myself out of it coz I started to lost focus and missed my consuls question twice! I had to make the consul repeat the questions. Of course i asked her politely. "I'm sorry ma'am/I beg your pardon ma'am?" My consul speaks very softly. It’s hard to hear her when Joy and her consul started their interview. I have prayed for a nice and sweet consul and indeed my prayers were heard. She’s tooooooo nice. God made an exaggeration there.
Consul ~ Weng and Daughter Convo:
I greeted the consul: Good morning ma’am. She greeted me back. Krista and I took our seats across each other.
Consul asked us to raise our right hand for the oath. Krista didn’t raise so consul told her to raise too. I was tempted to stand because I have never heard or seen an oath being said sitting, however, she started saying the oath already.
1. What’s the name of your petitioner? Slimjim3599 ma’am.
2. What is your name? Weng ma’am
3. Where does he live? _______ ma’am.
4. How old is he? Jim is 40. He will turn 41 next month.
5. And you? I’m 36 ma’am.
6. How did you meet? We met online. (I guess there is no need to elaborate unless a follow up question follows. Besides, I gave the website already during the first interview. My consul nodded)
7. How do you communicate? We chat everyday ma’am. He calls me too.
8. When do you intend to get married? mmm very good question Next month ma’am, June 2th.
9. Was he married before? Yes ma’am he was married and divorced twice. (Consul looked up and caught my eyes while I was talking)
10. Does he have any children? Yes ma’am, he has a 7-year old son, Mason. (Pause) He has the custody of Mason. (Reason I fed info because I wanted her to make follow up questions about Mason! Mason, my favorite subject )
The consul was busy going thru/reviewing our documents as she asked questions. Every now and then checked her computer in front of her. She looked at me from time to time when I answer her questions.
11. (A question about my job)
12. What is the name of the father of your daughter? _______ ma’am. (Special thanks to Ray Bacon for this one)
13. Have you ever filed for a visa? Yes ma’am.
14. What visa was it? Tourist visa ma’am.
15. When was it? Last year ma’am.
16. Was your purpose to visit him? No ma’am. (My answer made sense. That happened just a few months after i've met Jim. I was glad she made no follow up question. This was not in my Q and A list. Anyways, it would have been: I wanted to see your beautiful country! )
17. Do you have relatives in the US? Yes, ma’am. A sister, niece and brother-in-law.
18. What is their address? ________ ma’am.
Consul started inspecting the album. I used one of those 5R size albums Kodak gives you free. Everything I brought for the embassy, to include myself and the answers I have prepared, I made sure it’s strategically set. Everything should make a good impression. Example: I got 2 of these kind of albums, a red one with star fish picture on the cover while the other was a picture of blue skies with white clouds and 6 flying balloons colors yellow blue and violet. I chose the latter coz it’s light-spirited-looking. I put a picture right next to the front cover so that when the cover is opened, consul sees 2 pictures. A picture of Jim and Krista and a picture of Jim and me (Jim on his knees, asking me to marry him infront of my friends!) I presented 29 pictures which the consul looked closely, ONE BY ONE.
19. What is this? (picture) That is Jim and my boss ma’am, in our office. (Consul smiled and exclaimed a sweet oooooooohhhhh
20. Who is this? (2 pictures, again next to each other to make sure consul sees both at the same time. Jim on the drums, brother on keyboards, both with microphones doing the “Rosanna” ) That’s Jim with my brother, jamming ma’am.
21. When do you plan to get married? very good question. Next month ma’am, June 25th.
22. What is his job? He works with ______ ma’am (pause) He is a _______. (She was checking at the same time what the I-134 says) Consul said: okay.
Paused for a few seconds then surprised Krista, who also had divided attention, listening to Joy’s interview as well, with a question:
23. Is this lady your mom? (She said it in a slightly teasing manner. I had to repeat the question for Krista. Then Krista smiled and said yes. I have briefed my daughter to always address consul sir/ma’am when answering questions. Jim said her sweet smile did it.
My answers were brief and precise, however, in a graceful manner so that the consul won’t think I’m hurrying interview up.
It seemed to me that the consul was in such light-spirit that day. All the time her eyes were smiling and kept my spirits high with her sweet smiles in between.
Consul’s parting words: “Alright, everything seems to be in order, you may go back to your seats and wait for your number to be called”
Whenever the consul paused and got busy examining our docs, I got busy too looking around for those stickers. I couldn’t find one. Because Joy sat a little bit longer after told to go back to her seat, to fix things, she saw her consul picked up a sticker which was placed against the window. White back side of the sticker facing her side so that she didn’t know they’re stickers until the consul got one. Joy read the word APPROVED. When Krista and I started to leave the room, I was actually slowing down movements hoping I’d see my consul pick up a sticker, however, she appeared busy with her computer. Length of interview for both Joy’s and mine are about the same. A couple of minutes after we stepped out, Joy followed.
On our way back to our seats we were greeted by Randy and Len, we hugged (Randy and Len are such a sweet couple!). I was so happy. I was crying already when Gilda and I hugged! Oops, Gilda’s number flashed so I wished her the best too.
8:35
My number flashed for window (?). This time Joy went first, I followed then Gilda. The lady in the window returned our snail mails and pictures and asked me if I was given a paper where I write delivery address “in case I’d be given a visa”. I said no and she gave me one. The paper asks for your name, case number, address where you want the visa delivered and telephone number. I resisted the temptation of asking the lady if I was approved. She seemed very discreet. I didn’t wanna ruin the great feeling I have should I get a sarcastic reply from her. So far I knew I did a great job already, everyone at the embassy are friendly and accommodating. However, the lady gave me a bonus, prolly for not bugging her , she tried to close and open my folder real quick that gave me the chance to see the green and white sticker on the cover. It was too quick I couldn’t read what was written on it.
8:45
Gilda, Joy and I walked our way out together. Picked up or cellphones and cams.
Hurriedly turned my cellphone on. It was almost 9am. I didn’t want Jim to worry coz I promised him I’d give him a call between 8:30 to 9am for the good news. I was talking to Jim on the phone while we were walking, crossing the street heading back to the hotel. Joy and Gilda warned me about using telephone, for snatchers. Uh uh, they couldn’t stop me from calling.
Tips (that worked for me):
1. Make a good impression by being one of the early birds and dressing appropriately. Smart casual attire is about right.
2. If all the required documents are complete and genuine, Affidavit of Support (with 1040, W-2s, etc) and proofs of genuine relationship all covered, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO BE NERVOUS ABOUT during the interview.
3. Arrange your documents according to the order they are needed at the embassy:
First ~ Original appointment letter and ID. These are presented twice. First before you enter the embassy premises, second before you enter the embassy building.
Second ~ 2 copies of DS156 and DS157 and 1 copy of DS156k. I stapled a copy of DS156 and DS157 together. So I made 2 sets. I have not read from previous experiences about a staff (the guy) collecting a set ahead and the rest for window X (or Y). However, that was their procedure that day of my interview.
Third ~ Birth Certificate, NBI, Affidavit of Support (I paperclipped Affidavit of Support, Special Letter of Intent from Jim for my daughter, Forms 1040, W2s, Letter from Employer, paystubs, letter from the bank), divorce papers, Proofs of genuine relationship (pictures, snailmails, phonebills, chats/emails, money receipts, wedding gown and entourage dresses receipt and sketches, proofs of Jims travel to the Philippines consisting of boarding passes, hotel folio and receipts of restaurants. The papers are in order however I suggest the use of tabbings for added comfort and easiness. I pasted each tabbing right at the exact document. I was asked only for pictures and snail mails.
I inserted all these documents in just one folder which I safely put inside a shoulder bag, so that I was handsfree. There is a waiting period in between steps so that gave me enough time to pull out necessary docs needed for a particular step (I carefully studied the steps the ladies here shared, especially cris_cely’s experience). I did not have to take the folder out from my bag until the first interview where they took most of the documents. The shoulder of the windows are wide enough to hold folders and documents so during the first interview, I just laid my folder open there, ready to pull out anything I am asked for.
I had a separate folder for the following documents:
a) NOA2 (Approval Notice) and NVC. Reason: My appointment letter misspelled my name. NVC made the typo. NOA2 bears the correct spelling.
b) CENOMAR
c) My daughter and mine Baptismal certificates.
d) Transcript of Records
e) Clearances. Mine was an overkill. 3 Police Clearances (city, town, regional) Barangay clearance, city, municipal and regional trial court clearances lol I advise ladies not to punish yourselves this much
f) Original copies of money recipts, paystubs, phonebills, divorce papers, W-2.
This separate folder proved its use only during my last phase which was filling up the piece of paper for delivery address. The paper asked for my case number. I found it in my NVC letter
4) During the interview, answer with a little bit of excitement. It was easy for me because I was really excited. More excited than nervous.
5) Choose pictures that speak well of the relationship.
6) Write down possible questions and your answers. What I did was copy and pasted all the Q & As of the ladies' interview experience and answered them all! Jim approved all my answers
7) Pray pray pray. God knows what our hearts desire. However, be specific with your prayers. I prayed for a sweet consul and smooth Q & A. Just to share how I did mine:
• Talked with God everyday, telling Him how much I love Jim and how much Jim and I wished for a happy family together with our children.
• Visited the Carmelites Church in Mabolo, Cebu. My first time there ssssshhhhh The priests and nuns there pray for you! I wrote my petition and the time and date of my interview between 6:30 to 9:30am. Aint it a great feeling being inside the embassy, doing your part, while at the same time they say your prayers in chorus. Angels all around you while at the embassy!
• I did the same thing with “Our Lady of Frechuo” in Chicago. My friend (my maid-of-honor) gave me the site. I found a link for petitions. So I wrote them. It’s cool, they replied! My friend actually visited that church too for me!
• And of course the prayers made by my friends and by the members in this wonderful forum.
• Went to Sto Niño church with my daughter. Lighted candles. Had 3 “sinulog “dancers, dancing saying prayers while my daughter and I watched and prayed at the same time. (Gilda, can you imagine me teasing Krista that the way the two dancers looked, the message isn’t gonna reach God! )
I hope my experience (and tips) prove helpful for others too as I have found all of the ladies’ experiences here helpful for me.
Thank you very much. God Bless us all. ………. And world peace!
(Duece, if there’s anything I missed sharing and remembers it, will let you know - Thanks)
Back to Top |
|
