K-1 Visa Interview Process After NOA2

Complete Checklist, Fees, and What to Expect at the U.S. Embassy Manila

Receiving your NOA2 approval from USCIS is exciting — but it is only the middle of the K-1 journey.

After NOA2, your case moves through the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the U.S. Embassy in Manila for the final stage: the visa interview.

This guide walks you step-by-step through what happens next, what to pay, what to prepare, and how to avoid delays.

Step 1: Case Arrives at the National Visa Center (NVC)

About 2–4 weeks after NOA2, your case is sent to NVC.

NVC will:

  • Assign a Manila case number (MNL########)
  • Forward the case to the U.S. Embassy Manila

You do not submit documents to NVC for a K-1. You wait for the case number.

Step 2: Complete the DS-160 Online

As soon as you have the MNL case number:

  • Complete the DS-160 at the CEAC website
  • Print the confirmation page with barcode

This is required to schedule the interview.

Step 3: Pay the K-1 Visa Fee

Create an account at the U.S. Visa Scheduling website and pay the K-1 visa fee (MRV fee).

After payment posts, you can schedule:

  • Your medical exam at St. Luke’s (SLEC)
  • Your Embassy interview appointment

Step 4: Schedule and Complete the Medical at St. Luke’s

Do this 7–14 days before the interview.

Bring:

  • Passport
  • DS-160 confirmation
  • Interview letter
  • Visa photos
  • Vaccination records (if any)

SLEC sends results directly to the Embassy.

Step 5: Prepare Your Interview Documents

Required Documents

  • Passport
  • DS-160 confirmation
  • Interview appointment letter
  • Birth certificate (PSA)
  • CENOMAR (PSA)
  • NBI clearance
  • Divorce/annulment papers (if applicable)
  • Proof of relationship
  • Proof of petitioner’s income (I-134, tax transcript, W-2, pay stubs)
  • 2 visa photos

Proof of Relationship (bring originals)

Step 6: Attend the Embassy Interview

Arrive early. Dress simple and neat.

The officer will ask about:

  • Your relationship
  • Your visits together
  • Your plans to marry
  • Your petitioner’s job
  • Your history

Most interviews are 3–10 minutes.

If approved, they keep your passport for visa printing.

K-1 Fees Summary

ItemApproximate Cost
K-1 Visa Fee (MRV)$265
St. Luke’s MedicalVaries with vaccines
PSA documentsMinimal
NBI clearanceMinimal

After Approval

You receive:

  • Passport with K-1 visa
  • Sealed packet (sometimes electronic now)
  • CFO guidance before departure

You must enter the U.S. before the visa expiration date (usually tied to medical date).

Common Reasons Interviews Get Delayed

  • Medical not cleared by SLEC
  • Missing PSA documents
  • Weak proof of relationship
  • Incomplete I-134 financial evidence
  • Errors on DS-160

What Happens After You Arrive in the U.S.

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