I am a matchmaker and founded http://www.heartofasiaonline.com A lot of Filipino – American couples first met at my dating service. And I am often asked to provide them with advice. I am happy to help you too.
The consulate in Manila is probably the busiest US consulate anywhere in the world. The good news is that they have worked extremely hard, and WELL to make the process there smooth and efficient.
The way the Fiance K-1 visa process works, is USCIS (Homeland Security) takes a few months to process your case. They conduct a background check on your Fiance. Once that is accomplished, they send the case to the US State Department’s offices in Vermont called the National Visa Center (NVC). Just as soon as NVC gets your case, they send a letter to your American Fiance, confirming that they have the case, and telling him what case number (for the Manila consulate) has been assigned to your case. This is a case number that starts with “MNL”
Just as soon as your fiance receives the case number, he or you can IMMEDIATELY call the consulate directly and make an appointment for your interview. Once your appointment is scheduled, the consulate sends your name to St. Lukes, and they expect you to take your medical about a week prior to the appointment.
Sometimes, 1 in 100, when St. Lukes takes your X-rays, they find “a spot” on your lungs. When that happens, they will contact the consulate, and your case will be put on hold, until about a month later, when you can take the X-rays again, and hopefully then have a clean bill of health. Whenever a delay is caused by issues with the medical, that is when St. Lukes gets involved with the scheduling of your interview.
I have put together a collection of about 100 questions that may be asked at the consulate interview, to get a copy go to http://www.fianceandmarriagevisas.com and sign up for the newsletter.
Best of luck with your interview.
Fred Wahl
Matchmaker
