Mafel

I have submitted all the papers and medical at the embassy. Can
anyone tell me what the next step is? How long? Do you have to send
them you Phil. passport for the visa? Please tell me your
experiences. Thanks!!

jenyapching

Since you applied under the family category, you'll have to wait for the embassy to inform you whether you get an interview waiver or not. If not, you'll have to attend an interview. I don't know how long is the interview queue for the family category. Probably shorter than the independent/skilled worker which is taking 3 years now.

If you do get a waiver, I think the next step is a request to send your passport to the embassy so they can stamp your immigrant visa.