Hello this is my first time to post in this group.
I have a H-1B petition approval by the INS last month. I received all the documents needed to file for a visa at the London US embassy. I had my interview the other day and unfortunately the consul denied my visa eventhough I had all the documents the interviewer asked for. The reason was: Re-apply in Manila where academic qualifications can be evaluated. I am a german national (because my dad is german) but I finished my degree in the Philippines. All my documents were genuine but unfortunately, my lawyer in the US said, they might have doubted the authenticity of my diploma and transcript of records. I think they might have doubted my diploma because it was a photocopy BUT it had the Unversity emboss stamp on it with a colored stamp and signature of the university registrar saying that this is an official copy. I never had any problems with it applying for a job here in the UK. My lawyer said that the 'authenticated' copy of my diploma should have sufficed. That's even the copy he sent to the body who evaluated my school records for US compliance. And I have a letter signed by an International Education Consultant saying that my degree is equivalent to the same US degree. I am reluctant to go apply in Manila considering I am already based here in London, UK and been working here for 4yrs now.
My question would be, wouldn't it be even more of an uphill battle to prove to the Manila Consul about my case, considering that I am not a resident of the Philippines anymore but live here in the UK? I wouldn't mind flying back but the thought of the possibility of being denied again and me just spending more time and money on it and going to waste is just dreadful. Could I actually re-apply here in London again and just hoping I won't get interviewed by this old lady who just kept denying applicants before my turn?
Is there any time span I would have to wait till I can re-apply here in London or in Manila. Would anyone know how long my papers are still valid till I forfeit my H-1B slot? The company asked for a starting date of 1 March for my visa and it's already passed the starting date. Does anyone know what my options would be? Everything is just so frustrating! Any help to shed some light into this would be very much appreciated.
I have a H-1B petition approval by the INS last month. I received all the documents needed to file for a visa at the London US embassy. I had my interview the other day and unfortunately the consul denied my visa eventhough I had all the documents the interviewer asked for. The reason was: Re-apply in Manila where academic qualifications can be evaluated. I am a german national (because my dad is german) but I finished my degree in the Philippines. All my documents were genuine but unfortunately, my lawyer in the US said, they might have doubted the authenticity of my diploma and transcript of records. I think they might have doubted my diploma because it was a photocopy BUT it had the Unversity emboss stamp on it with a colored stamp and signature of the university registrar saying that this is an official copy. I never had any problems with it applying for a job here in the UK. My lawyer said that the 'authenticated' copy of my diploma should have sufficed. That's even the copy he sent to the body who evaluated my school records for US compliance. And I have a letter signed by an International Education Consultant saying that my degree is equivalent to the same US degree. I am reluctant to go apply in Manila considering I am already based here in London, UK and been working here for 4yrs now.
My question would be, wouldn't it be even more of an uphill battle to prove to the Manila Consul about my case, considering that I am not a resident of the Philippines anymore but live here in the UK? I wouldn't mind flying back but the thought of the possibility of being denied again and me just spending more time and money on it and going to waste is just dreadful. Could I actually re-apply here in London again and just hoping I won't get interviewed by this old lady who just kept denying applicants before my turn?
Is there any time span I would have to wait till I can re-apply here in London or in Manila. Would anyone know how long my papers are still valid till I forfeit my H-1B slot? The company asked for a starting date of 1 March for my visa and it's already passed the starting date. Does anyone know what my options would be? Everything is just so frustrating! Any help to shed some light into this would be very much appreciated.