Visa Approved-Manila Embassy

So I emailed the Embassy yesterday for the second time to get an update on my Mom's visa. This was my second time contacting them through email. On the first one, they told me that it's under review and was forwarded to the CO on 9/29. When I called them last week I got the same answer but was told to call back again on two weeks. But I could not wait. That's why I emailed them yesterday 10/6/11 US time and 10/7/11 Phil time. Anyways, I got an answer back the following day informing me that a visa has been issued for my mom on the same day which was 10/7. I was surprised because I did not expect for them to issue the visa right away. But I guess calling, emailing them does really help. As of this moment we are waiting for her visa packet to be delivered in the province.

My Mom's journey is almost over but not quite finish yet. She has to attend the PDOS or the pre-departure seminar which is required to all Filipino who will immigrate or work abroad.

Called USEmbassy-Papers Under Review

I called US Embassy around 1:30am EST today using their contact # (632) 301-2000 extension 5184 or 5185. The lady that I spoke to was very polite. I gave her the case # and my name for security verification. I was told that the additional documents was received and was forwarded to the CO on 9/29 for review. She added that the review usually could take 3-4 weeks and I was advised to call in 2 weeks. But, I might give them a call again next week around this time of the day for an update of my mom's visa.

221g Documents Submitted -Manila Consulate

On Sept 22nd the US Embassy received the additional documents that was asked after my Mom's interview. It was the I-864a which is the qualified co-sponsors form which is my husband. I also sent an updated I-864 with our last 3 years of tax transcript. I also included my husbands pay stubs and employment. Hopefully the CO would be satisfied of the papers that we sent. I might call them next week to follow up. I expect more delay because of the typhoons that just hit Luzon. As far as I know the embassy were closed for 2 days because of the typhoon. A friend with the same situation told me that it could take 6 weeks before the visa will be issued because it has to be reviewed.

Update: I learned that if you and your husband filed jointly on your latest tax return and you are sponsoring someone using Affidavit of Support Form I-864. If you are combining your income on I-864, you expect to have your spouse sign form I-864a for co-sponsors.

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