Additional Documents During Interview

Sept. 9, 2011- My Mom had her interview at the Manila USEmbassy this day. Her appointment was 6:30am. She was interviewed by an interpreter with the presence of American Consul. Couple questions were asked but mostly about me and my husband, e.i.

What is your daughter's name and birthday?
Where does she work, the nature of job and how long is she on that job?
How long she's been in the US?
Her address in the US.
What is your daughter's husband's name?
Where does he work? and how long?
Where does he live?
Do they live together?
Do they have kids?
Does her husband live in any States except where they live.

My Mom was able to answer all of those questions. But she was given a form asking my husbands affidavit of support which is the I-864A. I was surprised on the documents they are asking because I did not expect to provide my husband's affidavit of support since my income alone is above the poverty line of 125%. I wish I knew that I had to submit I-864A. But, I just realized that since I came here in the US through my husband, they wanna make sure that we are still together and not using him for immigration benefit.

So right now, we are working on the affidavit of support of my husband. As soon as we get his employment letter we would send these to my Mom. Then, my Mm would send all the documents with her passport to the US EMBASSY using their commercial courier which is 2GO.

Shopping for Hotel near US Embassy Manila

My Mom's interview is about a month from today. I have been searching for an affordable hotels near US Embassy. She does not know Manila very well so she has to have a company. So far I found one that like which is walking distant to the embassy.
Bayview Park Hotel is the name of the hotel. Their cheapest room rate is $52 per night. Six years ago when I had my interview at the embassy I stayed at the Miramar hotel in Ermita. For me it's a 2-3 stars hotel located in front of the US Embassy. Miramar is a little bit cheaper with few dollars but I think Bayview's superior room is more spacious compared with Miramar. That's why I picked Bayview Park Hotel for my Mom to stay on her interview day.

Mom's Immigrant Visa Interview Appointment

Aug 2, 2011- I called Dept. of State earlier today right after they opened. I was told that it's the best time to call if you wanted to speak to a live person. As expected, my Mom's Immigrant Visa interview is on Sept 9, 2011 at 6:30am, exactly 11 months from the time I filed the petition. It would've been earlier but the approval was delayed. But, at last , the 2nd chapter of my family's immigration journey is almost over :)

Adjustment of Status (AOS) Timeline

Adjustment of Status (AOS)

Date Filed : 2006-03-23
NOA Date : 2006-03-29
Bio. Appt. : 2006-04-18
Interview Date : 2006-08-10
Approval : 2006-08-10

Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Timeline

EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION DOCUMENT (EAD)
Date Filed : 2006-03-23
NOA Date : 2006-03-29
Bio. Appt. : 2006-04-18
Approved Date : 2006-06-09
Date Card Received : 2006-06-14

IR5-Mom's Case Completed

July 15, 2011- According to the AVR, my mom's case was completed on this date which is exactly 2 business days from the time I got a sign in failed status at nvc website.

Next step is interview appointment date which would be around September since August is fully booked.


IR5- Mother Timeline 
***USCIS STAGE***
10-25-10- Mailed I-130
10-27-10- NOA1 receipt
04-04-11- First Touched-Initial review
05-09-11- received USCIS noticed saying it is under extensive background check and will wait for another 6months.
05-10-11- Contacted our Senators' Office thru fax
05-12-11- I was informed thru the Senates office that the petition is currently in transit to an adjudications officer for review. 
05-16-11- CASE STATUS APPROVED!! Finally after 6 months and 16 days.

***NVC***
05-24-11- NVC Case Number Assigned. email addresses verified
05-26-11- Emailed DS-3032
05-27-11- called NVC for IIN
05-28-11- PAID AOS $88( IN PROCESS)
05-31-11- received email confirmation fron NVC for DS-3032
06-01-11- IV Payment $404
06-02-11- IV Fee Payment "IN PROCESS"
06-03-11- AOS Package Sent
06-04-11- IV Fees shows "PAID"-printed document cover sheet
06-06-11-AOS Packet Delivered
06-10-11- IV Packet Sent(Priority Mail)
06-13-11-IV Packet Delivered to NVC
06-14-11- Advanced Medical (PASSED)
06-18-11-AOS PACKET ACCEPTED
06-18-11-NVC Checklist Received for DS-230(email)
06-24-11-DS-230(IV) Packet Accepted per AVR (allow 6-8weeks)
06-30-11-RFE Beneficiary's Marriage Certificate
06-30-11- RFE Sent (Priority Mail w/ confirmation )
07-05-11- RFE Delivered
07-15-11- SIF
07-15-11- RFE checklist received
07-19-11- Case Completed
Sep 9, 2011- Interview Date ( Additional Documents needed -I-864a)
Sept 22,2011- Additional Documents received
**delayed due typhoon Pedring**
Oct 7, 2011- Visa issued per embassy
Oct 15,2011- VISA ARRIVED(PICKED UP AT 2GO)
Nov 17- POE USA

Sign In Failed (SIF) for IR5

July 15, 2001- The same day NVC received the checklist of response on my parents marriage certificate I also was not able to signed in at the NVC Payment Portal. People on visajourney call it sign in failed or sif. This means that NVC has almost completed it's case and on the process on final review. SIF was exactly 8 business days from the time RFE was delivered to NVC.