ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMust you change your name?
I'm happy to see this topic, as I was wondering the same thing! I want to keep my name, mostly because I don’t want the hassle of changing it on a zillion places (plus keeping the name as a sense of individuality and independence is important to me).

When I mentioned it to my guy he said, “What? Why should you change your name? I was planning to change to your name.” I was like WHAT, that’s really weird! I guess he thinks it would be a good way to blend into America?!! I was like no way, that’s not gonna happen. We can just keep our own names. :thumbs:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-04 12:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThank you VSC!
WOW Amazing! Congrats to both of you!! :dance: :dance:

Now time to get the rest of that pesky paperwork together for the interview! :thumbs:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-05 17:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 Visa in hand
:D BIG CONGRATS Yu and Dan! :dance: :dance:

I missed Garfield all these days - and all the helpful and knowledgeable posts!

Looking forward to more helpful hints from you once the AOS process is started!

Best wishes for a smooth transition to USA and speedy rest of the process here! :thumbs:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-01 23:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI'VE GOT IT
YEA! Together at last! :dance: :dance:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-02-28 23:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGreat news!! NOA2 Approval for December Filer
Yea, that's great! :dance: :dance: Wish you speedy rest of the journey! :thumbs:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-02-22 12:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEmbassy got k1 visa
:thumbs: Congrats! Isn't a great surprise when we suddenly find out it's at the Consulate and interview date is right around the corner! :D :dance: :dance:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-07 17:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTOUCHED!!!!
Yea! What a relief! Really hoping your NOA2 comes immediately!! :thumbs:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-07 18:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresApproved!!!!!! NOA2! :)
Congratulations! NOA2 - the thrill of a lifetime! :D Best of luck for continued speedy rest of the process! :thumbs:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-07 17:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWe got approved!!!
Yea! Congratulations!! :dance: :dance: Soo happy for both of you & wishing speedy rest of the journey! :thumbs:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-08 09:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS Case Status

How do you know when the consulate/embassy receives the case? Is this found out by that DHL method? Or does NVC let you know if it has been received?


HOORAY! NVC received your case!

Now, you keep calling NVC until they tell you “we sent your case to the Embassy on such and such a date.” Then you put the date on the DHL tracking site and you can see when the package is received at the Embassy. HOWEVER, you don’t know if it is really yours or not! NVC will never tell you when the file was received at the Embassy.

Take my case in point! NVC told me TWICE that my case was sent to the Embassy on Feb 23rd. That was a Friday and DHL tracking site said no package went out on Friday – one only went to my Consulate on the next Monday the 26th. So I tracked that package and saw it arrived at the Consulate on March 5th.

But lo and behold! I wrote an email to my Consulate on the 5th and they answered that they had received our file days ago and sent out Packet (3 or 4?) already on February 28th!

So what’s the mystery?

Moral of story: can never be 100% sure, I guess! :wacko:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-06 14:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS Case Status

So when we call they will give us our NVC Case number?

When you call the NVC, you give them the USCIS number (it's on the NOA2 approval email/snail mail letter). If they say no, we don't have any record of that case yet, keep calling (this is the obsessive compulsive part of it :yes:).Once NVC receives your case and it is entered into the system (might take 1-3 weeks after your NOA2), they will tell you what the new case number is, and the day they sent it to the foreign Embassy.

Ah, that was a great help ELW Mine seems to have fallen behind a filing cabinet or something and after nearly 40 days of waiting I was trying to figure out what I needed to do to check on it at NVC. You are a life saver.

:) Ahh thanks, glad to help...I feel all warm & fuzzy... :luv:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-03 19:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS Case Status

How do we know when our package is received by NVC and sent off to the consulates?
Will we have the ability to access a status page sort of thing with the NVC like we did our I-129Fs with the USCIS?

Sorry, no status page at NVC like at USCIS.

NVC Info (to find out when your case arrives/leaves there and to get NVC Case number):
Call (603) 334-0700 - press "1" for English then "5" to speak to a rep on the phone. Be ready with USCIS case number, beneficiary name and birthdate. K1 visas are NOT entered into the automatic system. Reps are available 7:30 AM - 12 midnight Eastern time. Call right after they open or right before they close for best results - during the day lines are always busy.

Tracking your file via DHL from NVC to Embassy:

1. Go to http://www.dhl-usa.com/home/home.asp
2. Click on "Track"
3. Click on "Track by Reference"
4. A "Track it by reference" form will come up. Next to "Reference" type in "CORRESPONDENCE"
5. In the "Shipment pickup date range" put in the date the NVC said they mailed off your package.
6. In the box "Origin Postal Code" type in "03801"
7. Press on the red "Track" button
8. Several pages of results will come up. Look through the "Receiver's Name" for your Embassy. There might be several packages going to your embassy - but you won't know which one is yours. Anyway, most sent on the same day will arrive the same day. Press on the red "Tracking number" of any package going to your Embassy and up will come a page showing where it is now.
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-03 18:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS Case Status

I thought they automatically put the case status online, but if you can delete it, then do you have to add it?

Yes, you need to register your case online. You can only do this once you have your case number (after you send in your petition and they send you NOA1 via snail mail). Go to “Case Status Service Online” on the USCIS site. (https://egov.immigra.../jsps/index.jsp) Click on “Create/Edit customer portfolio account” and put in the case number. Then put it in your Favorites folder so you can obsessively click on it numerous times a day and check the status. :P

Once the case is approved, that is the end with USCIS. There are no more updates. Only reason to keep it is for the sake of old memories!

That's what I thought. :yes: But I'm afraid if I delete it, I might run back and put it up again cuz I would miss it toooo much! :lol:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-03 13:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS Case Status

I haven't deleted the site, however, I haven't been to it in a long time. :)

I still visit once a day or once every couple of days (date and status has remained the same - DUH!). Habits die hard! :P
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-03 12:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS Case Status
So now that we have received our NOA2 and I have graduated from obsessive compulsive checking the USCIS online case status numerous times a day (and am now checking DHL courier site in the same way), should I just delete the petition on the USCIS site? Is there any reason to keep it up there?

What has everyone else done? :unsure:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-03 12:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCorrect birth certificate?
I was born in Pennsylvania, live in California, tried for over 3 months to get the so-called "long version" but only ended up with a small form, blank on the back, like hers. I had a topic up asking about it and one member answered that after a certain age, they only issue the short form. It will be ok (as fwaguy said) :thumbs: - they asked for a copy, she will give a copy of what she has.

Edited by ELW, 08 March 2007 - 06:11 PM.

ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-08 18:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew job 2 weeks before Interview
I’ve been seriously looking for a new job and could be in your situation any day now. I would say you don’t have to say anything, because there just isn’t time enough to work a few days at least, get the letter and then send it in via snail mail to arrive before the interview. All documents are already in your fiancé’s hands and the proof they want is that you are earning enough. New job could be put on the AOS application and any other necessary docs in the future.

Anyone else with more learned advice? :unsure:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-08 09:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures3 touches in 3 days.........and we're approved!!
Yea! Congratulations! :dance: :dance: It will go MUCH faster now. What a relief is right. Now you can start compulsively calling up the NVC and then compulsively checking the DHL tracking site (I'm at that stage now). :yes:

Good luck for a super fast rest of the journey! And Great Luck for everyone else waiting for the NOA2!! :thumbs:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-01 22:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresObservation about people getting NOA2's

I guess my case throws this whole topic off...

CONGRATS to you, tonyeck!

It's official: NO TIMING CONSISTANCY REGARDING EMAILS, TOUCHES, APPROVALS FROM USCIS. :yes:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-09 14:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresObservation about people getting NOA2's

Does this then mean that if you area warded an NOA2 it will be updated online first, then the email is generated at the end of the day?

Or both at the end of the day!?

I think both (online & email) at the same time. :yes: Once I got a touch at 8 AM! So only a touch (no change of status) I guess is possible at any time. But emails (for me at least) always came after business hours.

Edited by ELW, 08 March 2007 - 05:52 PM.

ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-08 17:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresObservation about people getting NOA2's
Yes, the approvals and other notices via email are computer-generated. In another forum we were sharing what time we got our approvals. I got mine at 7:15 PM, others got them at 5 PM, midnight, 3 AM, etc! There was absolutely no consistency.
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-08 13:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2
CONGRATS! :dance: :dance: Finally, finally! Boy I was crossing my fingers for you guys! But how sweet, sweet it is! :thumbs:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-11 19:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE???

short form birth certificate has the american citizens' parents name on it, right? My fiance sent me a copy of his short form bc and that was also what he included in our packet but he attached the copy of his passport too.. Would this add up delays for us?

I guess it is different in different states of USA. I ordered my birth certificate (my mom can't find mine :angry:) and they only sent the short form, without my parent’s names. I complained and they said no problem (I had to return the BC with a written request for the long form with my parent's names) and 6 weeks later I received in the mail the EXACT SAME SHORT FORM, except now my parent’s names were typed onto the bottom of the form! I gave up and didn’t complain further. One poster here said that after a certain age, they do not issue the “long form” but maybe that is only in certain states? Dunno. :unsure:

Anyway I had my passport so didn’t send the BC in at all, and I got my I-129F approved fine, with no mention of it. I'm sure the BC won't be needed at the Consulate interview, but I sent it just in case.
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-11 10:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE???
Thanks for the nice words JODO. :)

I got an RFE wanting more evidence of us meeting. I thought sending in copies of my passport (with stamps showing I was in India) was enough. While waiting for the snail mail RFE to come, I gathered up copies of my old plane ticket & itinerary, encashment certificates, hotel bills, and visa extension papers. I sent in the packet the day after I received the RFE via snail mail and got my NOA2 soon afterwards.

I'm sure all will be well for you, Udella&Wiz and MDR! :thumbs:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-06 13:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGood Luck to Bora Bora
Bora Bora, wish you great luck at the interview!! :thumbs:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-12 23:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBad News I-129 Watch the Dates
Your petition has probably been accepted. :thumbs:

I sent in an expired form in October, and they did NOT send me a NOA1. They returned my entire file (now secured with two holes punched in the top and secured with the metal thingy) with request for me to send in the updated form. I re-sent it in that very day and they immediately sent my NOA1.
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-14 16:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Approved in Jakarta!!! Yippeeee!!
CONGRATULATIONS to both of you! Whoohoo! Finally! :dance: :dance:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-02-22 12:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures2 week since NOA2 from CSC and still no record at NVC
Are you only listening to the recording? K1 visas are NOT put into the auto-recording system. Press "5" and speak with a live rep. (Lines are usually busy, timings of the NVC phone line are 7:30 AM - 12 midnight Eastern. Call immediately when they open or right before they close for best luck with getting through to a live rep).

Good luck! Your case is probably off to the Embassy already!! :thumbs:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-14 17:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIt is true!!!

Wow, you're now like an urban immigration legend: "this one time, there was this one couple, and they got their NOA2 in like 4 days and it wasn't even through Vermont. Yeah, huh! I saw the post myself!"

:lol: That's soo true! :lol:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-08 13:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIt is true!!!
:dance: :dance: That's AMAZING!! Super! :D

Good luck with speedy rest of the journey! :thumbs:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-08 13:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures2 questions

thanks Yodrak! so that's the temporary and then he needs to apply for the EAD again right?

Yes, the EAD stamp at the POE is only valid for 90 days. We have to apply for an extension EAD when filing for AOS.
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-17 14:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureslost paperwork or slow people?
:o Awful! Do your fiancée have any proof of delivery receipt? Any copies of the MO? It was sent to the right address? (Anyone out there know if this is a basis to contact a congressman, because they sent TWO mailings with original docs!)

If you have to file again, this time do not send in any original documents (except the applications & letters of intent with signatures), and be sure to make a copy of EVERY piece of paper sent in, and post it with return receipt.
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-19 16:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureslost paperwork or slow people?
I am also confused whether your fiancée received the NO1 (“Receipt Notice”) or not. Are you just waiting for NOA2 (“Approval Notice”)? I also paid with a Money Order, there is no worry with that. Many of our approvals took 3-4 months, so no, you should NOT file again and no, there is not another way to go about filing.

You wrote that your fiancée was told more evidence was needed – did she receive the written RFE (Request for Evidence) notice by regular post from the USCIS? When she mailed in the evidence, did she put a cover sheet with large writing showing all info like the case number, her name, your name, etc.? Not labeling additional evidence slows things down too.

Good luck to both of you! :thumbs:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-19 16:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOur RFE

The want MY birthcertificate in german and in english

Ok, so this is a classic case in point about how each adjudicator is different. When I sent in my I-129F, I did NOT include copies of my guys passport OR birth certificate. Why? Well, DUH, because it was not asked for! (I found VJ only after sending the I-129F, so only went by instructions on the USCIS site). I got an RFE only for “further evidence of meeting.” Besides re-sending in stuff I already sent, I also sent in some extra stuff like plane ticket stubs (didn’t send them before, because, again, they were not asked for and I didn’t have VJ to guide me).

Anyway, after you send in the evidence (all copies of course – DON’T send any original because they are NOT required and you might need them for the interview), you will probably get the NOA2 immediately, like we did. Good luck!
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-17 09:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures45 days delay, because of wrong spelling?
Sorry about the dumb standard answer of the USCIS, but I agree with a few others here. Their standard response is to give a large time-frame cushion just in case. I gave them an address change over the phone on November 2, was told it could take awhile to process, and by November 12 had a letter in my mail confirming the new address. It is possible the name change will be done just as fast. Just be sure to carefully check any written correspondence from them when it comes, and inform them immediately of any incorrect info.

Edited by ELW, 20 March 2007 - 09:27 AM.

ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-20 09:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIt's been awhile...
CONGRATULATIONS! Really happy for both of you and for your smooooth process! Yea! :dancing: :dance:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-19 09:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTracyTN prayer thread
Yea Tracy! Come on NOA2, any moment!! :yes: Am wishing it for you REALLY sooon!

A big CONGRATS to fwaguy too! :thumbs:

And patiently_waiting, you're a sweetie pie. Thanks for starting such nice threads! :luv:
ELWFemaleIndia2007-02-26 23:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE timing
Sorry, no “safe feeling” point, until NOA2 (approval of the petition). The petitions stay stacked on the shelve until an employee gets to it, at which point they may send out the RFE. Because the file is on top of their desk, as soon as the RFE reply comes in, usually the approval is soon after that.
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-24 15:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOriginal copies
Sol-de-Verano is right. You need to keep the original documents (naturalization certificates, hotel bills etc.) because they are required to show at the interview in the foreign consulate.
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-24 09:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSo surreal...

So, my baby's comin home tomorrow... after 15 months of being apart it just doesn't feel real.

I'm getting excited and feel most of the things you do! I'm just wishing the visa will be granted... then onto expecting him here... It is nearly 20 months seperated so far... hope it will end soon...

Big Congrats for the wonderful reunion tomorrow!! :D
ELWFemaleIndia2007-03-22 20:51:00