Interview notice question

[Peter Lee]

Is there a notice before the K3 Interview package that asks if you have all your papers or is there just one K3 package with all that in it?  The Notice I got from the NVC says that:  

Your spouse will soon receive a packet with instruction from the consular section at this post on how to apply for the K3 visa at the post and what documents will be required.

How long does it take to get this notice?  What does SOON mean?

The original address is her aunt in Cebu but she is now waiting in Mindanao in Kapatagan

As it is now when any notice comes to Cebu her aunt has to call my wife’s sisters neighbor in Mindanao her sister has a 2 hour bus ride to give her the message LOL unbelievable.  Then my wife has to go to Cebu to pick it up 2 ferries and 24 hrs trips.

[my wife’s parents live in a no coverage area they have no land line and the sister miles away has a neighbor who has a phone aayyyeeeeee]   Truth is stranger than fiction.

This came about coz my wife was going to Collage in Cebu and staying with her aunt.  When we processed the papers we gave her aunts address.  Meanwhile we decided to have her wait with her parents in Mindanao coz she felt comfortable there and was less expensive.

I was thinking of calling the US Embassy in Manila and on the phone changing my wife's mailing address from Cebu to Mindanao where she is now.   It would be more efficient and practical for them to mail any notices direct.

I did not want to do that before as it could slow the process down or confuse the office who handles sending out the notices.  

Now that it will be in the Embassy soon they are the ones who handle sending our the packages.

Is it a good idea to try to have the address changed or let sleeping dogs lie not to confuse any govt. worker and have my wife go on endless ferry rides?
Later
Peter Lee

[HaroldC]

... in response to Interview notice question, posted by Peter Lee on Jan 29, 2004

The ferries accept freight as well as passengers.

It's a straight shot from Cebu to Ozamis.

http://www.cebuferries.com/

[Ray]

... in response to Interview notice question, posted by Peter Lee on Jan 29, 2004

Peter,

I believe that you are referring to the old system that Feb mentioned in her post below. In the past, the embassy first sent out a “Packet 3” that included a checklist, Form OF-169, of documents and evidence you will need for the interview. After checking the applicable items to acknowledge that you are ready for the interview and signing the form, it was sent back to the embassy in Manila. Then they sent out a “Packet 4”, which included the appointment letter, visa application forms, fee payment instructions, etc.  A few years ago they eliminated the OF-169 step and now just send out one visa packet.

What does “soon” mean? Who knows? Usually 1-2 months.

I wouldn’t bother trying to change her mailing address at this stage. You made that decision already, so I would just go with the original plan. Endless ferry rides are all part of the game :-)

Ray

[Peter Lee]

... in response to Re: Interview notice question, posted by Ray on Jan 30, 2004

Again Ray you make it seem so clear.  I guess they didn't change the format of their letters it is probably still in the format for the OF-169.  Now that it is cleared up I can give my wife better directions.  About the ferry rides, it could keep em busy like when they pump endlessly for water.