biggish data

Finally! NOA2!

Robert and Sun

Male

South Korea

2009-12-06 17:11:00

I received a text and e-mail from USCIS in Vermont. It reads, in part:

"Current Status: Response to request for evidence received, and case processing has resumed.

On November 12, 2009, we received your response to our request for evidence. This case is being processed at our VERMONT SERVICE CENTER location."

Excellent. As it was merely a box I forgot to check, maybe they'll be done quite quickly. Sadly, from the trends on this site it looks like I might have at least a month to go until NOA2. Hopefully not, though.

Robert and Sun

Male

South Korea

2009-11-12 23:05:00

Okay, so I received my RFE letter today. The text and email claims it went out on the 3rd of Novemeber, but I'm just receiving it on the 9th. I guess even the mail moves more slowly when it's official government business. Alas. So back to the RFE. I feel really stupid. Apparently I forgot to answer Page 3 Part C. Other Information Question 2 of Form I-129F. All I had to do was indicate "no" and sign it. Wow. I checked my copy and sure enough - I didn't mark it. If they are able to end texts and emails I wish they'd sent me this letter as an attachment. I could've printed it out and mailed it the same day as opposed to having to wait a full week to get it in the mail. In other kick-myself-in-the-#### news, if I'd checked that box I would probably be receiving my NOA2 in the mail today instead of a freaking RFE. I did it to myself. I guess it's possible to be so caught up in the details that you actually miss one. At least it was an easy fix. I've updated my timeline to show that I mailed my RFE back today. The letter says I can expect to wait 14 days AFTER they receive it. Perhaps as long as 60 days. That doesn't seem to be the trend, but I am not known for my luck. ONWARD AND HOPEFULLY UPWARD!

Robert and Sun

Male

South Korea

2009-11-09 18:33:00

QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Nov 3 2009, 05:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Robert and Sun @ Nov 2 2009, 05:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I didn't receive any texts or e-mails notifying me of the "touches"...

HOWEVER -

I did receive a text this morning telling me my case had been updated and it instructed me to get online for details. I was excited because I was certain it was NOA2 time. Guess what? IT WAS A FUGGIN' RFE!!! I packed that thing with everything they asked for and more. It makes no sense. Ugh. Now I have to wait for at least 3 to 4 days to get the notification in the mail so I can see what they mistakenly believe I'm missing. Fab. Oh well, even with the likely month-long delay this will cause I suppose I shouldn't complain. It seems to be going very fast. Neverthless, I call BUGGERY!!!

I am guessing it is not a mistake. It is very easy to supply what you think they want, but in fact be in error. Unless dealing with a known difficult consulate where frontloading can offer some advantage at the consulate level (South Korea is not) I am a minimalist at heart. "Everything they asked for and more" often results in "more of everything except what they ask for". More of anything has absolutely no benefit at USCIS and focusing attention on unneeded things can take attention away from what is needed. Also, no amount of unneeded documents papers, emails, phone bills, photos, etc. will make up for one missing document which is required.

Let us know what happens. Good luck

I suppose I was unclear. I sent them only what they asked for, I just sent a lot of it. For example, when it says I can send a copy of my BC or a copy of every page of my passport, I sent both. That's what I meant by "more". I was so amazingly ####### about the details. I'm sure they are not mistaken, but i cannot imagine what the problem could be. I'll certainly supply an update. Perhaps tomorrow I'll receive the letter. Good luck, indeed.

Robert and Sun

Male

South Korea

2009-11-04 18:00:00

Robert and Sun

Male

South Korea

2009-11-02 17:54:00

Wow. I got a "touch" on 10-30-09 AND 11-01-09. Touched on a Sunday? I thought they didn't work on the weekends. At any rate, I hope these are good touches as opposed to bad touches, (giggles). I filed in September and it looks like Igor's list is claiming that about 70% of us have been approved. Crazy. Me next, please?

Attached Files

Silly_John.jpg 31.02KB 9 downloads

Robert and Sun

Male

South Korea

2009-11-01 23:58:00

photos for initial i-129

thank you jay kay. that's what i was looking for.

ambmb

Male

Australia

2013-04-01 20:42:00

photos for initial i-129

sorry, let me clarify. i'm the american who will be sending in the petition. i'm wondering if my fiance in australia needs to post her passport photos in the mail to me so i can include them in the i-129f? thanks

ambmb

Male

Australia

2013-04-01 17:23:00

photos for initial i-129

hello everyone. just getting started here with the whole process. my question is in all your experiences do i need my foreign fiance to send me original files of photos, proof of relationship evidence, G-325, etc... so i can put them in the i-129 or can i print out copies? i imagine she needs to send them by overseas snail-mail. Thanks for any info anyone has

Edited by ambmb, 01 April 2013 - 04:47 PM.

ambmb

Male

Australia

2013-04-01 16:46:00

I-134

Thank you for the responses and the peace of mind. Package will be in the mail in the next couple of days and a timeline will be started. Really nice to have a community of support!

ambmb

Male

Australia

2013-04-23 14:27:00

I-134

Hey all. I'm about to send in my initial I-129f and just wanted to make absolutely sure that I don't need the I-134 in the initial package and that it is for the second package after the NOA2. My understanding of this is from the K-1 Visa Guide Checklist here on VJ. A simple confirmation for my peace of mind would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

ambmb

Male

Australia

2013-04-23 13:59:00

Affidavit of Support - Can my parents (both) co-sponsor or can it only be one?

okay, thank you for the answer.

ambmb

Male

Australia

2013-09-07 20:12:00

Affidavit of Support - Can my parents (both) co-sponsor or can it only be one?

Hi!

My fiance and I have had our NOA2 and we are compiling the Packet 3. I am the petitioner and am making well below the poverty level. However, my mother and step-father have graciously offered to be my co-sponsor.

The question is can only one of them be the sponsor or can they fill out the form together with their combined income and assets?

Any help would be very welcome.

Thanks

ambmb

Male

Australia

2013-09-07 19:30:00

Entering US on K1 missing Immigrant Data Summary paper

this is the part of the email that is confusing

Permanent & Conditional Residents must pay USCIS Immigrant Fee:

Foreign nationals who seek permanent residence in the United States and receive an immigrant visa will need to pay a USCIS Immigrant Fee beginning February 1, 2013. Please read through the attached information before paying the fee to ensure that you are not exempt. You will require the following information to complete this payment.

Follow these steps to submit payment online:

1. Fill in all fields completely and accurately. If an item is not applicable type ?N/A?.

2. You will find your Alien Number and Case I.D. Number attached to the front of your Visa Package which is being mailed to you. If you are unsure where to look for these numbers please refer to the attached guidance. If your Alien Number only contains 8 digits you will be required to add a 0 after the A ie. A012345678

3. Click on Make Payment.

4. Enter your payment information and click on Continue with Payment.

5. Double check that the information presented is correct.

6. Enter your email address to receive confirmation of the transaction.

7. Check the Authorization Box and click on Submit Payment.

8.Keep a copy of the receipt for your records (Print a copy of the receipt and take with you to the United States as evidence of payment.)

so I guess that Permanent and Conditional Residents doesn't apply to K-1 visa holders.

The confusing part is why would they put that in the email then?????? Stupid US Embassy

Can anyone confirm this?

ambmb

Male

Australia

2013-11-20 18:45:00

Entering US on K1 missing Immigrant Data Summary paper

follow up to my post above.

I just researched a bit more online here and as of 3 years ago the K-1 was not receiving an IDS. Is this still true? And if so where are we to find the A# so we can pay the Immigrant Visa Fee?

ambmb

Male

Australia

2013-11-20 18:28:00

Entering US on K1 missing Immigrant Data Summary paper

Hi,

We are 2 days out from my fiancé's flight from Sydney to the US (woohoo!!). She has yet to pay the Immigrant Visa Fee and we just realized she never received the Immigrant Data Summary which has her A# and Case ID# which she must have in order to pay the fee online.

She has emailed the embassy but is worried that their typical response time is more than 2 days and she won't receive any information before she departs.

I guess there are 2 parts to this question. If she doesn't receive her Immigrant Data Summary paper before she embarks will she still be allowed in the US without it (she has her Visa and passport)? And if she is unable to pay the Immigrant Visa Fee before she departs will she be able to pay that upon arrival in the US or will that inhibit her entry?

If anyone has any experience with this please respond as we are in the dark here.

Thanks, Ben

ambmb

Male

Australia

2013-11-20 18:23:00

Name change for petitioner

I am egyptian married to american she didnt change her name till now and we got married and i got the green card already. i would say it better to wait till u get done with the AOS process when u change your name get his last name in his passport if its the third or the forth whatever is in his passport. then u gonna have to change everything not just your passport your social security number and everything.

I also am an American married to an Egyptian. I do not plan to take his last name legally until everything is completed ( him living here in the US with greencard in Hand) We will take Aref as our last name, as it is on his passport. I like Saleh better, but he preferes Aref. Another of my friends whom married an Egyptian took 1 of the 3 last names that was not on his passport, but I'm not sure how they did that. I will have to check and get back with you on that one. Sorry, this was meant for the Original poster..

Edited by AnitAnMohamed, 12 March 2013 - 12:40 PM.

AnitAnMohamed

Female

Egypt

2013-03-12 12:38:00

Help With Poverty Guidelines

Changing your interview date I would call the Embassy to see the steps to take for that. Best wishes sent to you

Abena & Kofi

Female

Ghana

2013-08-16 08:36:00

INCOME TAX

You have to submit tax information from 3 yrs prior so they would still be apart of your income for your filing requirements for 2013 so you will still have to include them. Make sure to get a co sponsor. Best wishes sent to you

Abena & Kofi

Female

Ghana

2013-08-16 08:39:00

Marriage plans need to be included in K1 application?

We did not include marriage plans and ring receipt information until the visa interview

Abena & Kofi

Female

Ghana

2013-08-16 08:30:00

To answer the first part - you can get married anywhere in the USA or Canada. What she cannot do is plan to go down to the USA, get married and STAY. A person can visit the USA for up to 180 days a year. But they may not be allowed that much time at the border. The customs and border patrol have the right to deny anyone who is not a US citizen, so it's a good idea to make trips shorter and to bring proof of ties to your home country (in this case, Canada.)

I do not live in the USA, yet.

There are two places in Canada in which visas are issued. One is in Vancouver and only non-immigrant visas are issued there. The other is Montreal and both immigrant and non-immigrant visas are issued there.

Because I'm trying to immigrate to the USA, I have to fly to Montreal from either Calgary or Edmonton, to have my interview.

Start here: http://www.visajourn...content/compare Ignore the K3 visa - it's obsolete and very rarely issued.

Also ignore the visiting issue with the CR1 visa. This is not generally an issue with a Canadian spouse.

It is very personal. We decided to go for K-1 when I was in the US. We could just have got married and go with CR-1 at the time. But I didn't want to call my parents and friends and tell them: hey, we are getting married in a courthouse tomorrow, so we can file the I-130.

Of course I could have not told them, and get our ceremony later, but I didn't want to lie to my parents, and they wouldn't have understood... I didn't want to tell people we were engaged when really, we were married. And we needed to spend some time just being engaged ourselves.

Now I think maybe we should have gone the CR1 way... But we didn't...

Sorry to hear that. It's just that the whole Montreal thing is a bit much for my fiance. She's in Alberta also.

David13

Not Telling

2013-02-26 14:19:00

Proof that she has a job, an appartment, etc., bank statements can be usefull as well.

I think you should read this: http://www.visajourn...-you-can-visit/

Office in montreal would probably be a consulate.

Alright, now what's the advantage and disadvantages of a K1?

David13

Not Telling

2013-02-26 13:55:00

Border patrol has the right to turn away anyone but US citizens. It shouldn't be too concerning honestly, she just just say she's visiting, have a return ticket, and some proof that she has a life in Canada she can't just up and leave. Short trips are better than long ones, many of us visit all the time with no problems at all. I've visited my husband 3 times since we were married and only once have they even stamped my passport. They've never asked for evidence but I always say when my return ticket is when they ask. I've also never gone for more than 10 days at a time, but other people have without any problems. If they deny her entry, she turns around and goes home. She could try the next day and get through, who knows. A denied entry is not a huge concern. She isn't banned, just denied entry and it won't affect the CR1.

The CR1 interviews are handled in Montreal ONLY.

"and some proof that she has a life in Canada". What would that entail? What documents needed? And what's the office called in Montreal?

Edited by David13, 26 February 2013 - 01:21 PM.

David13

Not Telling

2013-02-26 13:19:00

Simplistically: Yes to both.

She may have to show proof of ties to Canada though. She should not lie to the customs and border patrol agent but should be as general and brief as possible in her answers. They still have the right to deny her entry if they think she's trying to immigrate.

You may ask her what she wants to do for a wedding? LOL Unless you both think that eloping is fantastic (which IMHO it pretty much is.)

I'm a little concerned on the "they have the right to deny her entry if they think she's trying to immigrate" thing. What IF that happens? Are the CR1's handled through interviews in the states or in Canada? And how could that affect our CR1?

David13

Not Telling

2013-02-26 11:27:00

To answer the first part - you can get married anywhere in the USA or Canada. What she cannot do is plan to go down to the USA, get married and STAY. A person can visit the USA for up to 180 days a year. But they may not be allowed that much time at the border. The customs and border patrol have the right to deny anyone who is not a US citizen, so it's a good idea to make trips shorter and to bring proof of ties to your home country (in this case, Canada.)

I do not live in the USA, yet.

There are two places in Canada in which visas are issued. One is in Vancouver and only non-immigrant visas are issued there. The other is Montreal and both immigrant and non-immigrant visas are issued there.

Because I'm trying to immigrate to the USA, I have to fly to Montreal from either Calgary or Edmonton, to have my interview.

Start here: Ignore the K3 visa - it's obsolete and very rarely issued.

Also ignore the visiting issue with the CR1 visa. This is not generally an issue with a Canadian spouse.

Ok, so just to clarify, I can have her come here, marry me - and all is good? And then she can visit whenever but the 180 day thing still applies even IF she's married to me, correct?

David13

Not Telling

2013-02-26 10:55:00

It is a lot of paper work and a long process. The process itself is not that complicated, but requires a minimum of involvment and research. Lawers are kind of an expensive service for what they actually do most of the time (most of what you have to do in the process is gather things and fill forms. they can't do this for you. They can just advise you on what to gather. But you can get really good advice on here too. for free.)

You have two routes you could take:
- choose the fiancé visa (K-1) route: you'll have to wait until your fiancé gets her visa before getting married. There is no official timeframe on how long it could take for your fiancé to get the visa. So the general advice is not to make any plans for the wedding before the foreign fiancé has the visa in hand. (It usually takes between 6 months and a year... but anything could happen. There is no way to know exactly how long it will take). You have to get married in the US (not in canada), 90 days max after your fiancé gets in the country with the K-1 visa. Once she enters on K-1, your fiancé won't be able to leave the country before she has Advance Parole (She can have that document 2 to 3 months after you guys get married (if you fill for it of course)
- choose the CR1 route: You guys get married, where and when you want. After you are married, you fill for CR1. It is about as long to get as K1. But it has its advantages (I think the GC comes kind of faster than with a K-1 for exemple, no need of Advance parole etc)

For more info please read this:
don't pay attention to K-3. They just get denied most of the time and they you'd have to fill for CR1... no interest at all.

Edit to add: and then read the guides:

As far as CR1 goes, how can we marry? Does she go to the U.S. with a passport at an appointed time and then marry? Or what's up? I'm a little confused on the passport ordeal as well. I figured you could be here for a long time with the passport. I thought blissfully though, because I saw on a married forum that there was an issue with that and I'm not sure of it. Something about "it (the marriage in the U.S.) not being planned." So they had a hassle with government officials on it. Excuse me if the above confusing.

K1 visa is NOT the only option. There are a lot of advantages and disadvantages to both visa types but you and your fiancee should decide which are pros and cons for you, and what doesn't matter.

We decides on the cr1 route. I wanted to travel and work as soon as I moved and it was cheaper overall. But I have to have my interview in Montreal (I am in Alberta). We didn't mind not living apart and I had certain plans for a wedding that did not include waiting 8 months or getting married in the USA. Lol. But those were OUR choices and yours may be different. Take the time to discuss with your fiancee and then come on back for help with the route you decide. You do not need a lawyer to do either process as long as you can read, fill out paperwork, and acquire the items needed on your own.

So wait, do you live in the US? Or why did you have an interview in Montreal?

Edited by David13, 25 February 2013 - 10:03 PM.

David13

Not Telling

2013-02-25 21:59:00

K-1 Fiancee Visa

Thanks.

Why is there a forum for this? Is it that complicated to marry someone overseas? Are lawyers not friendly?

David13

Not Telling

2013-02-25 19:27:00

I don't know much about all these letters you guys use and I'm sorry if this is not the right forum for it but it's the closest I could get. What would be my best option if I were to marry a Canadian girl to bring her to the US as a legal resident? We're not yet married.

Edited by David13, 25 February 2013 - 06:55 PM.

David13

Not Telling

2013-02-25 18:54:00

How much time does the process take?

Hello all,

Me and my fiance are getting ready to send the application very soon as we get everything together. We were just wondering how much time the overall process time has taken on average in dealing with Costa Rica specifically?

Would appreciate as many responses as possible! We just want to know how long we will have to be away from each other after our current visit...

Edited by andrea.deleon25, 27 April 2013 - 08:40 PM.

andrea.deleon25

Female

Costa Rica

2013-04-27 20:39:00

PROOF OF ONGOING RELATIONSHIP: FACEBOOK?

In Facebook, go to your Settings. Under General Account Settings there is an option to "Download a copy of your Facebook data"

This takes some time to run but creates an entire archive of your Facebook account that you can save to your computer.

In the folder that is downloaded, there will be a document that contains ALL of your Facebook messages organized by the person that the conversation was with.

THANK YOU SO MUCH I THOUGHT THIS WAS IMPOSSIBLE!

andrea.deleon25

Female

Costa Rica

2013-04-30 21:38:00

PROOF OF ONGOING RELATIONSHIP: FACEBOOK?

I used FB messages but I couldn't find an easy way to print them. I ended up using copy and paste. It took a long time but it was worth it!!!

Cool! We thought about that but we werent sure if we needed to show that it was facebook...did the dates come up and were you approved? THANKS!

andrea.deleon25

Female

Costa Rica

2013-04-30 20:58:00

PROOF OF ONGOING RELATIONSHIP: FACEBOOK?

Hello everyone,

Quick question. For anyone who has used facebook messages as proof of ongoing relationship, how, if anyway, did you print the messages? We have TONS of messages from this past year we would like to use but now sure how to actually print these messages in an efficient way.

HELP

THANKS!

andrea.deleon25

Female

Costa Rica

2013-04-30 20:38:00

Stay with fiance during process??

You as the USC can stay wherever you like--would be great to stay in CR until everything is ready !!

Of course you have to meet all the financial requirements, so be sure that you do before you head to CR for an extended period.

Thanks for your response! I just feel like I cant do the distance. Its so hard! Now when you say meet the financial requirements before I go, what would that have to be?

THanks for your help!!

andrea.deleon25

Female

Costa Rica

2013-05-04 23:11:00

Stay with fiance during process??

Hello friends!

Question:

Say we send the application to be processed. Would it be ilegal/possible for me to stay with my fiance in his country during the process; in other words, wait for the interview together?

andrea.deleon25

Female

Costa Rica

2013-05-03 17:31:00

So i was also wondering if my roomate could be my co-sponsor
..there is a twist though

So doesnt work and recently had a baby but her husband works in Afghanastan on a contracting job...

So could I put my roommate down as the sponsor or her husband? and if i do, do they just fill out the i-134 or do they also have to give proof on income and a letter from their employer?

Ktackett09

Not Telling

2013-08-29 21:05:00

I was afraid of this...lol

but thank you for this, at least we can do this the right way, the first time around so there are no delays.

Ktackett09

Not Telling

2013-08-29 17:18:00

His interview is in the Czech Republic

Ktackett09

Not Telling

2013-08-29 16:54:00

My fiance just set his interview date for September 19th. While he is getting ready over there I am getting all of the info i need ready to send to him, I would be ready to send it to him tomorrow but while i was filling in my income I started to get worried.

I am a 22 year old student working at starbucks right now. As you can imagin my income isn't sky high. However I am going to get a second job here soon and my fiance is getting a job when he comes over here and he is obviously bringing money with him. So while I am confident we are able to support ourselves I am not sure how immigration is going to feel about it.

WE have thought about a co-sponsor but believe it or not I am sure I dont have one over here...lets just say my family isnt very supportive, though we have been dating for three years. My fiance has even thought about putting down his father as a co- sponsor but Im not even sure if that is allowed.

Does anyone know how strict they are with income?

Has anyone had any experience with the interview and had trouble with that part?

Thanks!

Ktackett09

Not Telling

2013-08-29 16:42:00

IR or K-1 visa which one works fastest?

I have read through all the replies..and i thank you guys.
I think we will do the marriage. I mentioned that we won't make the states our permanent residency but i have student loans to pay before I leave so we will living here for a while before doing the move.
I will keep reading more and I will y'all updated.Thanks for the help...

Ayisi&Phyllis

Female

Ghana

2012-06-21 09:45:00