Kudos to this wonderful website! I think it is very helpful to all of us immigrant hopefuls.

My husband and I applied under the independent category here in the Philippines last November 2000. In February 2001, we received a letter from the Embassy advising us that the waiting period for the interview notice "may be up to 24 months". This month marks our 24th month since submission. We have been so excited to receive the interview notice but numerous friends and acquaintances have informed us that the Embassy is currently interviewing applicants who applied in 1999. These applicants have also been advised of a 24 month waiting period but it appears that this has been extended for 12 months. Should we expect the same to happen to our application? The information posted in the bulletin board in the Embassy states that their processing standards for the independent category is "36 months from paper screening."

Thank you and best regards.