Thank you again Snipee for having the kind heart to share to us what you've undergone. Your experiences gave us some good tips.
I also agree with Babynurse that it's no big deal to have the medical before or after the consular interview, so long as you know you are healthy and free from any health problems. But I personally suggest to have it done prior to the consular inteview if there is sufficient time to do so to avoid hassles.
In Saudi Arabia, one of the documents that you need to send a week in advance (A week before the consular interview) to the US Embassy Riyadh is the Medical Exam result so there is really no way in here that you could have your medicals done after the interview. Unlike in the Philippines, documents are being hand carry by the applicants during the time of interview. Here, they require an applicant to send to them the documents via courier in advance for review and as said, one of these docs is the medical exam result.
There are plenty of cases before and even at present that applicants in MANILA have gotten their appointment letter too late for some technical reasons. Some of them even did not received any appointment letter. Good in Snipee's case, He got it not just very late. That is why it is good somehow to check at ManilaUS EMbassy Website once in awhile for an interview and medical schedule. Schedules on that online database are updated every 15th of the month for interview schedules for the following month or two. In case your interview and medical schedule is already on that site, and the appointment letter has not yet arrived, you can always have it print, then call and or present it to SLMC should you wish to have your medicals done earlier.
I have a friend who totally did not received his packet 4. He just learned that he is scheduled for medical and interview through the ONline site of Manila US Embassy. He just printed it, then proceeded to SLMC to have his medical exam earlier. The SLMC extension clinic embassy counter has a copy of anyones appointment letter. In the case of my friend, he got a copy of the appointment letter from the SLMC. His actual appointment letter arrived in his mailbox when he was already done with almost everything and was just waiting for his visa.
God Bless everybody
thanks
hi snipee , how did u know your case number?it is the same number in receipt number we have in our approval(packet 2?)please share some lights. thanks
-guest
no sir' that is your notice from USCIS,you can check it through their website. You will have your separate case number,but this time from the National visa center, it will start from MNL if your case is from manila,.and when your case is already current and have a scheduled interview, thats the only time you can check your case at the Us embasy manila website by just typing your number.Just always check the monthly visa bulletin to know the stand of your prority date. good day to you and God bless.
hi everyone..this is the most informative nurses blog ive ever seen..ive been reading ur post for 2 weeks now and im really glad to discover some stories that may serve as impt tips for me too.So i decided to join and this is my 1st time actually..
My PD - Jan.23,2006
EB3 Phils.
Status - Case complete Nov 2008
- No appointment letter yet.
Retrogression - 3x or more...
depressed, waiting for the visa bulletin to move forwrd...
Hi Lonelynurse,
1st and foremost, you are not alone. I'm in the same boat as you are, among with about 40+ of my friend nurses in the same agency with me. Case complete June 25, 2008-- waiting for our appointment interview date.
Me and my family have been waiting for almost 3 years now but we are not loosing hope that one day, our American Dream will come through. We are not loosing faith.
Just hang on and I believe that God is just preparing us for a better and brighter life ahead.
Keep smiling!
Yang
hi everyone..this is the most informative nurses blog ive ever seen..ive been reading ur post for 2 weeks now and im really glad to discover some stories that may serve as impt tips for me too.So i decided to join and this is my 1st time actually..
My PD - Jan.23,2006EB3 Phils.Status - Case complete Nov 2008 - No appointment letter yet.Retrogression - 3x or more...
depressed, waiting for the visa bulletin to move forwrd...
-lonelynurse
Hello Lonelynurse. Welcome to the family. I would like to believe that you've been lonely all this time not because of the retro thingy, but because of some other non-retro related matters. 
Thanks for sharing to us your case. As what our YANG says, yes, you are not alone. There are plenty of us waiting in line.
This coming August 2009 is my 4th year anniversary being trapped with this game. But I hope I'll be current by then. I am not losing any hope though sometimes it is very disappointing especially if VB reveals no changes in cut-off dates.
We have all the reasons to believe in our dreams and aspirations, same as we have all the reasons to live.
God Bless
good day to all ,Just what ive said to our founder T-cell,on updating my case..
EB3 Visa
PD- June 2004Case
DS230 updated-March 2008
Completed June 2008
Interview date-Oct 9 2008
Medical at st lukes-same day 12 am
Visa printed- jan 28,2009
Visa delivered- feb 3,2009(courier Del bros) now its Air 21
It was a Motorcycle guy who delivered two Packets sealed and 2 Passports inside.I was expecting a closed van with a Del Bros logo on its body, but to my surprised its disguised to a Rider Man for protection.
To date its now Air 21 the official courier of the embassy since Feb '09.
After opening my passport i saw two immigrant visas on 2 pages.,one has a Cancelled without prejudice,(meaning simple error on their part) but the other one is Valid with an expiration date of 3 mos.
Hoping for the fast forwad movement of Visa bulletin.So that my collegues would not experience the long agony of waiting like mine..
Answered prayer,.San agustin church, Pink sisters
With the support of my agency through thick and thin, Loyalty pays.thanks
good day to all ,Just what ive said to our founder T-cell,on updating my case..[image]
EB3 Visa
PD- June 2004Case
DS230 updated-March 2008
Completed June 2008
Interview date-Oct 9 2008
Medical at st lukes-same day 12 am
Visa printed- jan 28,2009
Visa delivered- feb 3,2009(courier Del bros) now its Air 21
It was a Motorcycle guy who delivered two Packets sealed and 2 Passports inside.I was expecting a closed van with a Del Bros logo on its body, but to my surprised its disguised to a Rider Man for protection.
To date its now Air 21 the official courier of the embassy since Feb '09.
After opening my passport i saw two immigrant visas on 2 pages.,one has a Cancelled without prejudice,(meaning simple error on their part) but the other one is Valid with an expiration date of 3 mos.
Hoping for the fast forwad movement of Visa bulletin.So that my collegues would not experience the long agony of waiting like mine..
Answered prayer,.San agustin church, Pink sisters
With the support of my agency through thick and thin, Loyalty pays.thanks[image]
-snipee
Thanks for the update and congrats !!! 
Just a few questions for clarifications since I am seeing something new compared from before. Hope you don't mind.
How about the passport of your Spouse? Did she have an error as well or only yours had one? Both of you have the 3 mos. expiry? It's usually 6 mos. This 3 mos. is something new.
How about the almost 4 mos. wait? Do you know the reasons why the long wait or did they explained?
I just asked this because I have not seen from cases before that it took this long for their passports to be returned except if there were medical problems that needs to be taken cared of first (usually PTB cases who needed to start PTB therapy).
Again, congrats to you and your wife. Be sure to still visit us here, ok? There are still lots of sharing to be done, esp. for those who will be leaving soon.
I'm thinking maybe you could share, what needs to be done from the airport in Manila (such as attending a seminar for new immigrants, what documents are needed to fill-up in the airport for new immigrants, etc...) to upon arrival in the port of entry, the first few days/weeks and months, etc...
The above information, were being regularly shared by new immigrants before but it may need some updating for any new procedures. Your case in particular seems to be laden with new procedures and even a new courier.
good day to all ,Just what ive said to our founder T-cell,on updating my case..[image]
EB3 Visa
PD- June 2004Case
DS230 updated-March 2008
Completed June 2008
Interview date-Oct 9 2008
Medical at st lukes-same day 12 am
Visa printed- jan 28,2009
Visa delivered- feb 3,2009(courier Del bros) now its Air 21
It was a Motorcycle guy who delivered two Packets sealed and 2 Passports inside.I was expecting a closed van with a Del Bros logo on its body, but to my surprised its disguised to a Rider Man for protection.
To date its now Air 21 the official courier of the embassy since Feb '09.
After opening my passport i saw two immigrant visas on 2 pages.,one has a Cancelled without prejudice,(meaning simple error on their part) but the other one is Valid with an expiration date of 3 mos.
Hoping for the fast forwad movement of Visa bulletin.So that my collegues would not experience the long agony of waiting like mine..
Answered prayer,.San agustin church, Pink sisters
With the support of my agency through thick and thin, Loyalty pays.thanks[image]
-snipee
Snipee,
We are happy for you... At last, after the long wait your visa is in your hand... Goodluck to you and your wife.
and to all : snipee is very generous to give us all the necessary information that we need (supposed to be not to be posted in public forum like this) so lets us stop at questioning him about some other infos.. the infos hes posting here may be used against him. ( well we dont know)..
The above information is very helpful to everybody.. thanks again snipee....
snipee, congrats!
and to all : snipee is very generous to give us all the necessary information that we need (supposed to be not to be posted in public forum like this) so lets us stop at questioning him about some other infos.. the infos hes posting here may be used against him. ( well we dont know)..
The above information is very helpful to everybody.. thanks again snipee....- cutenurse (guest)
Hi and welcome. Pls. consider registering for the free membership. Yes, snipee is very generous.
However, I don't think there is nothing to be worried about. Nothing can be taken against him nor point to anything like identifying him in anyway or compromise his anonymity as long as he does not post his actual case number. 
He is also not obliged to answer anymore questions nor share more info. that he does not like to share.
The purpose of forums is to voluntarily share info. and for other members to be able to ask for further clarifications, to discuss, sometimes go to friendly, civil and constructive debates or exchange of opinions. Also, to identify new trends, procedures, updates and such.
If we as members cannot do these then there is not much use for a forum, I think.
Hope you understand. 
Many here are veterans of diff. forums already and very well know what can be shared and at the same time not giving too much information a.k.a. TMI that would result in identifying them.
Thanks for the update and congrats !!! [image] Just a few questions for clarifications since I am seeing something new compared from before. Hope you don't mind. How about the passport of your Spouse? Did she have an error as well or only yours had one? Both of you have the 3 mos. expiry? It's usually 6 mos. This 3 mos. is something new. How about the almost 4 mos. wait? Do you know the reasons why the long wait or did they explained? I just asked this because I have not seen from cases before that it took this long for their passports to be returned except if there were medical problems that needs to be taken cared of first (usually PTB cases who needed to start PTB therapy).
Again, congrats to you and your wife. [image] Be sure to still visit us here, ok? There are still lots of sharing to be done, esp. for those who will be leaving soon.
I'm thinking maybe you could share, what needs to be done from the airport in Manila (such as attending a seminar for new immigrants, what documents are needed to fill-up in the airport for new immigrants, etc...) to upon arrival in the port of entry, the first few days/weeks and months, etc...
The above information, were being regularly shared by new immigrants before but it may need some updating for any new procedures. Your case in particular seems to be laden with new procedures and even a new courier. [image]
hi t-cell good day to all the members and guest..i've decided to share some of your clarification,first,always remember that in US law medical are valid only for 6 months no less no more.. the Validity of your Visa will be based on your Medical, if you had your medical let say example Jan. it will absolutely expire on june, or else you need to repeat it, pay the 200$ plus medical fee to be issued a visa. let say you had your medical one month before your interview and you passed. your visa will probably have an expiration of 5 months.Bec it will be based on your medical exam date, and let say you did not leave before your visa validity date,its mandatory to repeat your medical to be able be issued visa again plus valid reason.
And if your had any delay of what ever reason your visa will always be based on your medical. The 6 months validity always apply.In my case if you observed from my medical date to the issuance its still total of 6 months.We did not repeat our medical and did not undergo any Medical theraphy.Its purely part of the process,bec St Lukes has also long backlogs during that time.
And we both have same error 2 visas one has cancled without prejudice.If one found out to be positive PTB, absolutely it will delay a beneficairy for a total of more or less 9-10 months. Bec the rule is, need to take 6 mos PTB meds plus, another diagnostic exam.
And need to report every Morning at St Lukes to take your Oral medicine for 6 months,Yes! you read it right", for 6 months need to go and travel to St Lukes everyday just to take meds.Thats the rule.As ive said form previous post,Consular officer is the only authorized person on the issuance of your visa without any appeal, we can not know the reasons of delay if such thing happened.
Well just have to patiently wait after our interview or submit needed documents if instructed to.But usually Consular officer give you hint if your visa is approved.like if instructed to pay the courier fee the famous "Pink Slip".thats a positive clue.If visa is issued, Immigrants are mandatory to attend Commission on Filipino Overseas Seminar,if not, immigration officer will not allow you to leave the airport.they must see the sticker attached to your passport.thanks
congrats in having your visa. goodluck to your next endeavor
Hi and welcome. Pls. consider registering for the free membership. Yes, snipee is very generous. However, I don't think there is nothing to be worried about. Nothing can be taken against him nor point to anything like identifying him in anyway or compromise his anonymity as long as he does not post his actual case number. [image] He is also not obliged to answer anymore questions nor share more info. that he does not like to share. The purpose of forums is to voluntarily share info. and for other members to be able to ask for further clarifications, to discuss, sometimes go to friendly, civil and constructive debates or exchange of opinions. Also, to identify new trends, procedures, updates and such. If we as members cannot do these then there is not much use for a forum, I think. Hope you understand. [image] Many here are veterans of diff. forums already and very well know what can be shared and at the same time not giving too much information a.k.a. TMI that would result in identifying them.
-t-cell
Very well said t-cell.
Forum is a good medium for sharing infos, ideas, opinions and experiences. Forumers that are actively sharing their part in here are mostly if not all, has the pure intention to be of help to others.
The principle is SHARING VOLUNTARILY. No one is ever force to share something that is below his/her willing power. Once joined in forum like this, it is expected that questions be it sensible or not, may anytime be raised, it is all then up to the forumer if he'll be going to adress the question or not, in any way, nothing to lose.
A forum is like an ecosystem. We are so much likely composed of interdependent organisms. We are dependent, we share, we help, and we cling to each other. This is our Habitat, let us continue to grow and be of great help to others.
God Bless
snipee!!!
thanks much! You deserve it! God bless and may your journey be as smooth as ever..hope you still find time to keep in touch with all of us here in lefora...
congratulations..its good to hear that at last you and your family made it after a very long journey.I do hope our turn will also come .GOOD LUCK
i joined this forum because the founder doesnt allowed anymore guest to post ( i guess because of me.. hehehe).. i understand that this is a public forum. but what im trying to say is let us avoid asking TOO MUCH to everybody. We are only prolonging our agony of waiting.... if you cant accept what i've said i have no problem with that. This is all spoonfeeding to all of us as far as i know.you're asking every details, every move, and everything. i guess if you are in his position you will not answer every little question that we ask. at first all of you doesnt agree to what he was saying...but now you are all full of questions. never ending questions...i salute snipee and everyone here who can answer all of our inquiries.and we are all entitled to our own opinion. so let us respect that.
Again, I stand with that fact that a forum like this is existing to be of great help to others who are in need of valuable ideas, opinions and reliable informations.
If questions are being raised every now and then, it is all because we want to learn more on what is new and on what is the latest trend @ the embassy level. We are not trying to point out that anybody is saying the wrong thing.NOT TRUE. It is all just because of what we've been reading are somehow new to us, and that is precisely the reason why we are raising questions so by the time that our TURN will come, we know how to go with the process already. I hope fellow members understands this.
And again, adrdessing the questions raised all depends upon the willingness of the member to share. I salute and I have a high regard with Snipee for being generous enough in providing answers to all our queries. I hope all members in here has a big heart to share, just like what Snipee has.
I guess if I am in the position of Snipee, I'll do what exactly he's doing to us now, providing us with answers to every question being asked except if my privacy will be compromised, otherwise, nothing to lose.
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