ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSo excited
Congrats! I remember all the paperwork we had to get together to legally marry in Costa Rica too. Not sure if this permission is in written form, but, if so, file it in your 'evidence for the interview' file!

Hope you have a beautiful wedding and good luck on your journey!
Married2aTicoFemaleCosta Rica2009-11-08 13:54:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWill I EVER get to USA?
QUOTE (mrsB @ Apr 29 2009, 11:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, apparently our congressman's representatives can only "send an inquiry every 30 days".

Maybe that is the policy of your Congressman's office, but, if they are willing, they can call for you often. That has been my experience so far. If you can't get anywhere with your Congressman, go to your Senator. If nothing there, recruit out of state relatives to contact their politicians. At this point, write to the President and/or First Lady. Nothing can hurt!
Married2aTicoFemaleCosta Rica2009-04-29 11:12:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPLEASE PLEASE HELP!
Are you applying for a K3 or CR1? Did you file both an I-130 & I-129F?

I ask because there is no financial information required for the K3. It is suggested that you take tax transcripts, a letter of employment and W2's to your K3 interview. In your case, I would also take a sworn affidavit and tax transcript from the intending sponsor that he/she is aware of the commitment and has the income to support it. With the visa, you do not have to have the I-864 ready until AOS, which you can push out for quite a while after your spouse is admitted to the country.
Married2aTicoFemaleCosta Rica2010-03-30 23:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNOA2 Questions for other Costa Rican filers
QUOTE (delaney @ Dec 19 2008, 01:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello everyone!

We are gathering all our paperwork (medical exams, hojas de delinquencia, etc) for our interview, and I have a couple of questions for people who have filed in Costa Rica and are a bit farther along in this process than we are...

1. They directed us to the embassy's website for the DS-156 form, where it appears in Spanish. Also, the entire packet arrived in only Spanish. I am assuming this means that we don't have to have spanish documents translated into English. Am I correct?

2. To call for the appointement we don't need to buy a PIN in Banco Nacional, right?

3. What is the interview like? Is it in an office or is it through a plexiglass window like the tourist visa interview?

4. Were there any problems/snags that you hit in the process? Advice specific to Costa Rica?

Thanks so much!!!

Delaney


Have you had your interview yet? My husband and I were advised against the K1, so we married in Costa in May. However, the CR gov't. took over 4 months to release our marriage certificate. So now, we are only a few months into the I-130 / K3 process. I have to say in retrospect, the K1 was probably the way to go...

I wish you all the best and please report on your interview!
Married2aTicoFemaleCosta Rica2009-01-13 22:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionFees for DS-156 Embassy Interview
QUOTE (Ning @ Oct 20 2009, 07:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (keithNvaleria @ Oct 21 2009, 05:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I can find no specifics in the instructions or in a site search. Fiance and two K2's at interview. Does that mean 3 x $131 = $393 ?

Yes. Each visa has its own fee.

Expensive, but true. Good luck!

QUOTE (Married2aTico @ Oct 21 2009, 11:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Ning @ Oct 20 2009, 07:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (keithNvaleria @ Oct 21 2009, 05:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I can find no specifics in the instructions or in a site search. Fiance and two K2's at interview. Does that mean 3 x $131 = $393 ?

Yes. Each visa has its own fee.

Expensive, but true. Good luck!

Just a thought, and not sure on your timeline, but maybe it might be best to only schedule the K1 interview first. That way, (god forbid) you get turned down, you are not out a ton of dough. The embassy is very quick at scheduling minor interviews, so you can probably get those within a week.
Married2aTicoFemaleCosta Rica2009-10-21 22:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionRequesting Tourist Visa while waiting on I-130
You can try, but I am 99% certain you will be denied.

Before we filed our I-130 (after we were married, but waiting on marriage cert. from CR), my husband filed for a student visa. He had been accepted by UConn and everything was in order. However, once the Embassy saw that he was married to a USC, they informed him that he did nout qualify. They stated that he did not meet the no intent to immigrate requirement due to having USC spouse.

The requirement is the same for the tourist visa, so I doubt you can get one.
Married2aTicoFemaleCosta Rica2010-04-19 23:52:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionCASE STATUS ON LINE NOT WORKING?
I just spoke with someone from USCIS about my case not showing up at all online. I was told that the website is maintained by a third party contractor and that USCIS has no control over when things do or do not appear. The USCIS agent told me anytime I would like a status update, I should call them, as they have the current information.
Married2aTicoFemaleCosta Rica2008-11-20 14:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNotarized Copy of Tax Return
Any specific reason for using tax return for evidence of support? The instructions for the I-134 form say its only needed if you are self employed, otherwise have your company provide a letter of employment on business stationary. No where in the instructions does it state that any document has to be notarized. It even specifies that it is not necessary to have the I-134 form itself notarized because you are to sign it under penalty of perjury.
MangoAveMalePhilippines2012-03-26 07:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionChennai - Racism?
Hello all.

My wife and I are God believing people. She wears a "hijab", the traditional head covering, as required in our religion. I've heard rumors surface about people in the Chennai consulate are giving a hard time to Muslims. Has anyone experienced or heard of this? Should I be concerned?

If so - is it possible to change the consulate option (instead of Chennai, Delhi)?

Thanks all.

Naveed.
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-03-05 01:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSteps After NOA2
Okay. I'm retarded.

I realized I didn't use the words IN LIEU correctly. In lieu means - to replace.

What I meant was - considering the fact that God willing I'm getting an NOA2 soon, what should I tell my wife (foreign spouse) to begin to gather so that we can quickly move on to the next step?

What are the next steps (specificall and in plain English)?

I'll use grammar check next time too.
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-03-18 18:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSteps After NOA2
Hello! The guide doesn't explain this thoroughly. Please explain exactly which documents I should have my foreign spouse gather in lieu of the NOA2 which should be coming soon, God willing. Exactly which documents should I gather myself? Thanks in advance guys...
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-03-18 13:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionChennai Help!
Package to Chennai?? I got an answer via emailing Chennai. They say they won't "record" anything until 30 days after receiving from NVC. So if your package is shipped out from NVC, wait 30 days before sweating.
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-05-03 11:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionChennai Help!
Yes a case number was assigned, as per the letter received from NVS stating the pkg will be sent to Chennai. I'll try calling that number.
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-05-01 13:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionChennai Help!
Hello!!

My K3 after approval was shipped from NVC to Chennai on April 11, 15 days ago. Chennai as of last night has no record of it arriving. How long does this normally take? Should I panic? If so, how do I rectify??

THANK YOU!
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-05-01 11:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWE HAD INTERVIEW
Ras-

That really bothers me. Sometimes these forms aren't even clear, most of our actions we take are based on people on this site! Not from these forms.

But what others are saying is correct - you were not denied. You've made it this many months, you're getting close.

There's always prayer.
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-05-03 11:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWaiting for Packet 3/4 over 30 Days
Hi. I posted about this three weeks ago. Now I'm beginning to worry. It's been over a month since the package was shipped out from the NVC to Chennai consulate in India, and my spouse in India has not received anything yet. What do I do?
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-05-14 13:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIndia - Police Cert Requires Interview Letter
That's the problem. There is no system! We need structure!



My husband got his PCC from both police offices and passport office WITHOUT the interview letter and he had no problem.

I guess it differs from state to state.


djveedNot TellingIndia2007-05-03 11:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIndia - Police Cert Requires Interview Letter

Hello VJ patient ones.

If you're interested in India information, I just found something out from my wife (who is far far away from me in India). We tried to speed up the process a bit by getting the police certificate done ahead of time. Chennai will be sending her the interview letter shortly, but haven't yet. Just so you know - they need to see the letter from the consulate asking for the interview in order to issue a police certificate.

Hopefully this will save you from wasting the time running around trying to get the police cert. Good luck!

Thank you for the info.


It seems that most people are more familiar with Mumbai rules as opposed to Chennai. If anyone has Chennai details, please post accordingly. Including the Packet 3 or Packet 4 process that us lucky VJ users can speed up (if only we knew what they needed).
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-05-01 11:35:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIndia - Police Cert Requires Interview Letter
Hello VJ patient ones.

If you're interested in India information, I just found something out from my wife (who is far far away from me in India). We tried to speed up the process a bit by getting the police certificate done ahead of time. Chennai will be sending her the interview letter shortly, but haven't yet. Just so you know - they need to see the letter from the consulate asking for the interview in order to issue a police certificate.

Hopefully this will save you from wasting the time running around trying to get the police cert. Good luck!
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-04-19 11:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhich Documents To Bring to Interview?
oh.

Wow.

Keep your head up.

So just the medical documents and nothing else needs to be presented at the interview?
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-06-10 12:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhich Documents To Bring to Interview?
Do you think so? It took 36 days for reception of package, and another 28 after that for the interview date. I think that sounds sort of standard, may be a bit on the fast end. Thank God!!
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-06-10 02:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhich Documents To Bring to Interview?
In regards to my wife's K-3 visa, the Chennai consulate in India sent her the package requesting all that she needed to send back. She completed the checklist, and the VFS (Visa Service Office) checked off everything on the checklist and stamped the checklist. However, no copies were made when she shipped this to Chennai. What, if anything, does she need to bring with her to the interview in Chennai?

Considering she sent everything out and VFS signed off, is it required to bring anything at all?
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-06-09 02:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPhone Verification on Income?
They never verified income by phone, FYI.
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-06-15 17:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPhone Verification on Income?
Well that makes me feel better then. My last two years tax returns show income between 30k and 40k (kind of depressing when you compare it to your gross income). And I did have a letter submitted as well. It seems like tax returns, bank statements, a letter from your employer, Affidavit form, and paystubs are all enough to verify income without them actually calling your employer.
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-05-22 11:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPhone Verification on Income?
Okay now I'm panicked. But thank you regardless.
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-05-22 08:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPhone Verification on Income?
Okay excellent. Nobody has ever heard of a case where in an I-130 or K3 situation they have called the employer (from the letter from employer submission) and verify income?? I just ran into a major snag at work.
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-05-22 08:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPhone Verification on Income?
Hi! Does the Consulate (in my case Chennai, India) call your employer and verify your employment, start date, and salary?
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-05-22 07:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview Date!
PKEWL!

Thank you thank you! ALL PRAISE TO GOD. Seriously - these things can take between 6 months and 2 years. So just pray for the best.

1 - From what I know of VSC versus others, VSC is definitely the fastest in the country. So I do humbly think I was processed faster because the package started out at VSC. But I suggest you don't worry about this - as you can't do anything about it. The chances of yours getting shippped to Vermont were just as likely as mine leaving Vermont for California. You can't control this. But if you do get a notice that it's going to VSC, then this may mean it'll be sooner than later (but still a while).

2 - Evidence?? I went crazy man. Homeland Security has every evidence I can think of. Pictures of our engagement, the wedding, original wedding invitation cards, ONE YEAR of call logs (and i diligently highlighted every phone call to her phone number), flight itineraries, tickets, boarding passes, hotel booking receipts, marriage certificate, even Western Union receipts I suppose (although i didn't do this one). Put it this way - if they even dared ask me for an RFE - I would have nothing else to show!!

3 - My biggest advice is this fantastic website. Spend a lot of time on here. Ask a lot of questions. USE THE TIMELINES! I was able to tell my wife an approximate date of her interview from using statistics here. I pulled five people that applied for K3s and went through Chennai in the last two years. And I was the sixth - right in line with everyone else. This gives you a bit of clarity. Use the timelines, look at everyone else's. Find people that are two to three months ahead of you and they would serve as good timeline guides. Use the forums as well. It's shocking as to how many people post so frequently here. The hardest part of the process is not knowing what next, or not knowing how long. So the biggest advice I can give you is RESEARCH. Stay organized!! Make copies of everything. If possible make electronic copies of everything too. I have a cover letter for I-130 which itemizes everything sent, and the same for K-3, and even the same for what I sent to my wife after NOA2!!

The more you research, the more you know, the more you relax. Does this help?
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-06-17 23:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview Date!
Thank you all!!

Okay let me see what I can do to help. This post will be what to expect from here on out. I'll post a later one answering some questions asked of me.

Regarding the time lag in between NOA2 and Interview Date, as far as Chennai goes, this delay is quite normal. It takes about a month for Chennai to send a letter out, and then the interview scheduled a month later.

Within a few days of receiving the NOA2, the NVC will receive your package. They then will send it out to Chennai. From that point on, Chennai will take about 30 days for reception. Once you get your NOA2, send to your SO copies of the original K3 package right away. Include in the package a copy of the I130 package as well. Also - copy of NOA2 letter, letter from NVC stating package being shipped to Chennai Consulate, I-134 Affidavit of Support showing proof of income, 6 months bank statements, letter of employment stating position title, start date, and salary, copy of recent paystubs, 2006 tax returns, 2005 tax returns, and any necessary certificates such as marriage or divorce certificates. Take a look around to VJ for any other docs they suggest. Send this all to SO.

Within five days of NOA2, NVC will ship to Chennai. 30 days from then, SO will receive a letter (no phone call). This letter will state the interview date and ask for several documents. They ask to quickly gather these documents and ship back to Chennai ten days before the interview date. My wife's interview date was 30 days after the letter was received. The consulate asks for a bunch of stuff - copies of the original package, passport size photos, police certificates, birth certificates, demand draft fee, etc. All that stuff. So the sooner SO starts preparing it, the better.

NOA2 + 5 days to send out + 30 days for reception + 30 days for interview.

Anything can change in this process! Please don't get your hopes up too quick! You only have two months left. But they reserve the right to delay your case for further docs, proof, etc. Good luck everyone!

Edited by djveed, 17 June 2007 - 11:45 PM.

djveedNot TellingIndia2007-06-17 23:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview Date!
APPROVED!!
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-06-15 17:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview Date!
HELLO!

The K-3 packages are sent electronically from the NVC to the Consulate. Chennai doesn't record or acknowledge this for at least a month. But after a long 36 days of waiting, my wife received a package for a mid-June interview! With the help of God she'll be here by the end of June.

Note to Chennai or India visa applicants. We never received a packet 3 nor 4. After 36 days we received a package saying we need x and y and z (police clearance, photos, original K3 package, etc)., and they assigned a day for the interview. She has to send back the package 10 days before the interview date. Hope this helps people.
djveedNot TellingIndia2007-05-22 17:05:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBreak Out the Champagne!!!!!!!!!!!!
QUOTE (waithatter @ Mar 18 2009, 04:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (joseph loves wife @ Mar 18 2009, 12:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you all My family I love you All," cris just mail Me and I have been sitting at My pc like A bird waiting, GOD is Great, Now Its Time For NVC, lets Go,



*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: EAC#########

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On March 18, 2009, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.

*Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Case Status and Processing Dates.
*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.


Sincerely,


The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)



*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: EAC#########

Application Type: I130 , IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On March 18, 2009, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.

*Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Case Status and Processing Dates.
*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.


Sincerely,


The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)


I thank you all for the love that has been keeping me going for a long 7 months


COngrats!


congraaat, enjoy it.
ArminMale02009-03-18 15:33:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurestimeline has been updated....
5 months for K3... It was the same a month ago and I don't think it's accurate. Mine is 5 months and 19 days!
ArminMale02009-07-15 18:54:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIf you know sbd in embassy....
QUOTE (Otto und Karin @ Jul 15 2009, 07:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Armin @ Jul 15 2009, 06:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Otto und Karin @ Jul 15 2009, 07:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does 'sbd' mean 'somebody' ? blink.gif

Yes smile.gif

Ok... pbly wnt hlp thn.. no0pb.gif

Y ? smile.gif that's sad
ArminMale02009-07-16 08:29:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIf you know sbd in embassy....
QUOTE (Otto und Karin @ Jul 15 2009, 07:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does 'sbd' mean 'somebody' ? blink.gif

Yes smile.gif
ArminMale02009-07-15 18:55:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIf you know sbd in embassy....
This question is just for future planning:
I know NVC schedule your interview in embassy right?
So... then... if you know sbd in embassy,... is there a chance of getting earlier date?
Is NVC scheduling a done deal?

ArminMale02009-07-15 18:49:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFirst contact with USCIS
Well, I called them anyway. It's 5 months and 20 days right now and I'm over the timeline.
the rep told me to wait for 6 months - at least ! - and then explaining why it says 5 months and not 6 months, he read from a paper for almost 5 minutes that each case is different, it is based on number of cases they get each month, 3-...., 4-...., 5-....., 6-.....
I will wait for 10 more days but I really hope things go well on their own. I doubt I can get alot out of these "machinary reps. "
ArminMale02009-07-17 11:57:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYes Yes Yes Yes Yes!
QUOTE (Armin @ Jul 18 2009, 11:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I can't believe it! Yesterday I called USCIS and they told me to wait for 10-14 more days! Today I woke up and checked my email and "status update" !
Approval was sent for both I129 and I130 on July 17. smile.gif Hoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooray! Hoooooooooooooooooray!

Couple questions:

1- I'm out of town right now, unfortunately! I won't be back till end of the month! Should I ask one of my friends to get NOA2 from my mailbox? or the file will be delivered "automatically" to NVC (in two weeks approximately, right?) ?

2- I want to go through K3. Due to circumstances in Iran, leaving one week earlier is of great value. How should I notify NVC that I'm going for K3 not IR?

3- If I want to go through K3, the only thing is NVC will send packages to my wife and I, we will complete it and send some of it through mail and some of it we will take to embassy? there is no need for pocket II, III, IV as in IR?

Sorry , I'm very excited right now. I have read guidelines many times but want to double check that I'm underestanding them compeletly.

Best and wish your NOA2 comes VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY soon.


Hummmm ..... reading again posts and guidelines.... maybe we should take a risk and go for CR1.... K3 seems like a crazy option! AOS now takes more than 3 years?? (2006?) that's going to be a long long long time! We should balance the risks and benefits!

ArminMale02009-07-18 10:26:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYes Yes Yes Yes Yes!
I can't believe it! Yesterday I called USCIS and they told me to wait for 10-14 more days! Today I woke up and checked my email and "status update" !
Approval was sent for both I129 and I130 on July 17. smile.gif Hoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooray! Hoooooooooooooooooray!

Couple questions:

1- I'm out of town right now, unfortunately! I won't be back till end of the month! Should I ask one of my friends to get NOA2 from my mailbox? or the file will be delivered "automatically" to NVC (in two weeks approximately, right?) ?

2- I want to go through K3. Due to circumstances in Iran, leaving one week earlier is of great value. How should I notify NVC that I'm going for K3 not IR?

3- If I want to go through K3, the only thing is NVC will send packages to my wife and I, we will complete it and send some of it through mail and some of it we will take to embassy? there is no need for pocket II, III, IV as in IR?

Sorry , I'm very excited right now. I have read guidelines many times but want to double check that I'm underestanding them compeletly.

Best and wish your NOA2 comes VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY soon.

ArminMale02009-07-18 10:00:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnkara or Abu Dhabi? (for Immigrant visa applicants from Iran)
Abu Dhabi hasn't been treating us well so far! they are busy or short in number of staffs, I don't know. But our file was completed in Sep. Nothing even for Nov. I'm not even sure we can get into Dec list or not.
I have K3 interview in Dec. So if nothing happens by then, we will go for K3. USCIS and NVC were pretty ok, (on time) but after NVC it's just stupid delay! for unknown reason!
I have no idea abt Ankara.
ghorbanat
ArminMale02009-10-28 16:33:00