K1 Visa Part2: Result & Requirements

August 2018, I received a message from Keith, telling me he got a mail from USCIS. It was the I-797 Notice of Action we were waiting for. After six months of waiting, we are APPROVED!

I-797 Letter Notice of Action (NOA2) from USCIS

The letter basically inform us that USCIS reviewed and approved our petition. Original papers will be processed by National Visa Center (NVC).

National Visa Center (NVC)

A center that is part of the U.S. Department of State that plays the role of holding United States immigrant visa petitions (Wikipedia). NVC will create the case number (usually starts with MNLcode). They will also notify the petitioner once the petition is already submitted to US Embassy of beneficiary’s country; in my case, Philippine US Embassy.

True enough, 4 weeks later, while Keith and I were on a trip we received an NVC letter. Then 8 days went by, US embassy mailed us a congratulatory message and instructions on what to bring for the interview! Everything happened so fast!

Take Note: Visa interview date will be chosen by you! Yes you! You get to pick the date of your interview. Just be mindful on your I-797 validity date. Mine was only valid until November 20 so I decided to get an interview before the expiry of my NOA. I’m quite unsure if the liberty to choose interview date is only in Philippines. An acquaintance in Hongkong told me the letter from USCIS/NVC picked the date of her interview. Create a profile at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph. This is where you can pick, reschedule or cancel your interview date.

While waiting for the interview day, I gathered all requirements.

VISA INTERVIEW REQUIREMENTS

1. Application Fee: Yep you heard it right. Aside from paying $535 to USCIS, petitioner/beneficiary need to pay $265 for K1 VISA to the Embassy. Payment can only be done through BPI. Make sure to print an MRV slip and present it to the bank. They won’t process your payment if you don’t have it.

2. Birth Certificate: You have the option to do it online or collect it from the NSO office near you. Online – 350php and will be received within 2-3 days while PSA Office – 115 php. Just an hour processing, depending on how early you went there

3. Certificate of No Marriage

4. Confirmation page of D160

5. NBI Clearance

6. Medical examination –  Must be done with St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic.

7. Valid passport and all expired passports

Medical Requirements

1. Valid passport: You will be using the passport on every station that will process your medical for identity confirmation.

2. Visa interview appointment confirmation: Print the mail from US Travel docs indicating your appointment confirmation.

3. 4pieces of 2×2 ID picture: 1 for SLEC and 3 will be provided for US Embassy

4. 1 photo copy of your valid passport: Make sure its the same size as the original.

5. Letter with Case number: Print the mail from NVC

6. 1 copy of SLEC confirmation page: Although you can go in their and fill in forms, registering online makes the application easier. Your information is already in their system. Visit SLEC website for registration.

Note: Medical is valid for 1 month. Make sure your interview date is within that month.

Whew, that is overwhelming to do but trust me – YOU CAN! I decided to complete my medical requirements first since I can not appear on my visa interview without it.

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Writing my medical experience with St. Luke’s – which was super easy by the way. You can follow my blog to keep you updated!