Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Sent Letter to Senator (Hawaii)	Hello Takeo, Really thought I replied to this thread, but it didn't show up...so here it goes again... I'm thinking of contacting Senator Hirono's office soon, about the hold up at CSC. Was wondering if you've heard anything else from her office recently? What type of things did you put into your letter? When did you receive NOA1? I know your pain with bringing the dog over as well. I'm currently living in Sweden with my SO, and will be moving back to Hawaii next week, and waiting out the rest of the visa process, with our large dog. We spent the money and months waiting, so that we can clear Hawaii's quarantine. Due to the quarantine laws, NO animals (except guide dogs) are allowed to fly in the cabin, on any airline into any place in Hawaii. Good luck to you and your fiancé, and the animals! As glad as I am that Hawaii is protected, it sure can be a pain in the "okole"... I wish I had contacted the Senator's office earlier, never expected to be waiting over 8 months for NOA2. NOA1 date 8/7/12. I emailed from Senator Hirono's website, and after not hearing from them, I called. Staff is Marvin who handles immigration maters. He quickly sent me the consent form which I filled out, scanned, and emailed back with a one page summary. I told him about how I met my fiance, how many times we have met, the history of CSC delays, common responses from CSC when inquiries are made, etc. I just don't want the Senator's office to be given a "generic" answer. I am hoping that Marvin is experienced enough and persistent, to get a valid response from CSC. Good thing is, I see more August filers being processed, so I am hopeful! The quarantine is so strict, but we too have done all the testing and will then need to do the eval 14 days before, tick treatment, and mail the documents no less than 10 day before arrival. So strict on timelines it can drive one nuts....in addition to all the visa requirements, pain in the okole for sure! Whew! PM me if you want any more details. Mahalo! Aloha!	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-04-18 15:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Sent Letter to Senator (Hawaii)	Hi, I was looking up for airlines that could carry a dog from Narita to the US in cargo in the summertime. As for me, Singapore Airlines operates direct flights to Los Angeles and seems admitting dogs in summer as they recommend owners to choose flights in early mornings or evenings when it's hot. Your fiancee might be able to?check up direct flights to Honolulu once you get NOA2. Skygate is handy to search one-way tickets: http://www.skygate.co.jp/ Thank you very much! We were checking other airlines, but of course most important is the safety of the dog. My fiance's dog is a Pomeranian and not restricted from the summer flights as I first thought, and we will still plan morning or evening flights, which needs to coordinate with Honolulu Quarantine because dog needs to be inspected and meet strict testing and paperwork requirements. She also has a rabbit, which has to go through an examination also and cannot fly on Hawaiian Airlines from Honolulu to Hilo where I live. So we have to book another flight and I have to go get the rabbit for transport on another airline.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-04-15 22:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Sent Letter to Senator (Hawaii)	After waiting 24 days since my email to Senator Hirono's office, I decided to give them a call, and I'm glad I did. Spoke to the staff assigned to my request and he quickly emailed me a consent form. I filled out, scalled, and faxed the form and attached a one page summary of my situation along with some info on CSC delays, DACA, generic responses from USCIS, stagnant timelines, and the "black hole" petitions. The staff said and inquiry will be sent, we'll see what CSC does or says.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-04-15 20:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Sent Letter to Senator (Hawaii)	Thats silly!! Fly with another company like US airlines or Delta? wait I read just now that in the cabin under your fiance's chair (the front chair) can fit the animal and they can fly but not in the luggage cabin because that's where the big animals are carried. ANA does not allow pets to fly in the cabin, at least not for International flights. I just read that certain short nosed dogs are restricted July to September, or when the runway is hot in Japan. My fiance's dog is a Pomeranian, so not a short nosed dog. We also face strict quarantine rules in Honolulu for the prevention of rabies. We have done all the testing and paperwork already. My fiance also has a rabbit, that's a whole other challenge.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-04-11 14:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Sent Letter to Senator (Hawaii)	If its a small dog she can take it in the cabin like me with my cat! ANA says all International flights animals need to be in cargo	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-04-10 23:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Sent Letter to Senator (Hawaii)	Even if you received your NOA2 today, it is very unlikely you will have your visa in hand before the end of June. Sorry, you're going to have to accept this... If you are anything like me, you will only accept it after you have exausted all options up until June 30... You'll be on the phone with somebody trying to get it done. This can-do attitude won't get you anywhere in the visa process. If you do get approved on July 1, then you need to travel within 90 days to the US, so hope for July 15 so you can travel with her dog on October 1. Are you sure it's 90 days from visa issuance? From what I've read, it's up to 6 months. Some say it's 6 months from the medical evaluation date. So, if my fiance gets her eval 2 months before the interview, then we would have another 4 months to travel and then 90 days to marry after arriving.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-04-10 21:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Sent Letter to Senator (Hawaii)	Well first question, why can't she travel from June to September? Secondly, when did you file the I129F petition? good luck My Fiance cannot travel with her dog July thru September because it is their summer months and the airlines prohibits it. We spent months going thru the pre-quarantine process, which took months but in comparison to the visa process, it's a cake walk! My NOA2 date is 8/7/12.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-04-10 19:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Sent Letter to Senator (Hawaii)	Three weeks ago, I sent an email to one of my State Senators. After not hearing from her for over 2 weeks, I sent an email to the second State Senator. Today, a friend of mine who use to work for the first Senator, called the office and found out that they had received my email, but it had been sitting to be addressed. Turns out there is a staff person who handles Immigration Issues, but he had not gotten to my request for assistance yet. With the phone call from my friend, lets see if there is any progress. My Fiance is flying in from Japan with her dog, if the K1 is not approved by June, she will have to postpone her flight to the end of the year because pets cannot fly from Japan in July-September.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-04-10 19:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	RFE	i did and it was 3 days apart when i got first txt and second and after the second txt i got my hard copy in 10 days Wow 10 days from the second text, that's pretty slow! Well, I better start some new projects for the next two weeks to keep me busy	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-04-26 20:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	RFE	I got my first text/email on 4/23 for RFE. Today 4/26 got my second text/email, so I'm hoping that the hard copy left CSC today. Did you folks get the second text/email indicating the hard copy was mailed, if so, on what date?	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-04-26 20:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	RFE question	At least its something easy! Yes! You'll be approved soon.  Make a copy before you mail it back.  I would mail it with "delivery confirmation" or "certified" to make sure they get it.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-04-28 05:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	RFE question	ok I will do that. But I am confused now, they send us the section from I-129F with the conviction etc because my fiance forgot to check "NO" so now in front of the  questions there are spaces and they ask if he has been convicted etc etc. Do we put "N/A" "NONE" or "NO" I am confused I think my RFE is for the same question, section C question 2.  I failed to check the "no" box.  I don't see any place to fill in anything else.  Question 1. has empty boxes for the question on serving overseas in the military, that box should be "N/A" if your fiance did not serve.  I'm glad you got the hard copy of the RFE, hope mine arrives soon.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-04-28 05:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Black Hole Filers Intensive therapy group	OK think enough other threads have been hi-jacked so if we need a great big rant or a consolation hug then this is the thread we should be in. It's not fair on the lucky ones that have got their NOA2 for us to gripe all over their happy threads. Yea I am sick to the back teeth of waiting, it hurts everytime I see someone else getting approved even though I am happy for them. Just praying it will soon be my turn. Hopefuly fiance is calling his Senator later today August 7 CSC filer here. Back in August when I filed, I was hopeful because timelines were pretty quick for CSC. I kept thinking how lucky I was to be sending my petition to CSC. I tentatively began planning my fiance's travel, location for wedding, quarantine paperwork for her dog, etc, etc, etc. At 5 months, I thought about contacting my State Senator but was still hopeful things would speed up. As I wrote in another thread, I contacted my State Senator 3 weeks ago by email, called them yesterday, and signed the consent form. Hopeful that this will at least get my petition on the desk of someone for adjudication.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-04-16 13:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	APPROVED!!!	Congratulations!!!	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-05-07 02:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	CSC August 2012 filer for K1	Received NOA1 August 9, still waiting on NOA2.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-01-12 18:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	YAY! NOA2!!!!!!!!!	Congrats!! I always check Igor's list before jumping on the forum and saw your name there! Happy for you!  That was a quick turnaround from your RFE reply!  It's been a long wait, I feel your excitement!!	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-05-10 13:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	RFE Letter Problem	Thanks for the tips, I really appreciate both of your responses.  Since I can't call them until Monday and Tuesday is the 15th day since they sent my RFE letter, I may just wait for that day to call them.  Do you think that is OK to do?     Sorry that you are still waiting, what a bummer.  My guess is like yours, that either they didn't mail it when they noticed you that they did, or it went to the lawyer's address.  You did say you received the NOA1 so hopefully you also get the RFE.  Others who have lawyers should chime in.  I have heard of others who have received their RFE hardcopy two weeks later, who knows why it took so long.  We all know that the USCIS is not a fair and efficient system.  I have heard from a few members who's representatives have been able to get the info on their RFE, I asked mine and got rejected.     If you don't get it by Tuesday, you better make that call, and like the others said, be polite, but firm and persistent.  Keep us updated.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-05-11 19:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	RFE answered	May 6 here! We are all in the same boat! Let's pray for approvals this week!	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-05-08 13:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	How long did you wait for your RFE hardcopy?	First email 4/19. Second email 4/23. Hard Copy 5/2. Mailed 5/3 overnight. Arrived 5/6. NOA2 5/13.   Unfortunately, there are others who have waited two weeks or longer for the hard copy.  One can only guess why it took so long.  My guess is that it was not mailed on the second email notice date.  After 15 days of the second notice, a service request can be filed, but that is still no guarantee you'll get a real answer.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-05-14 15:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Two RFEs??	These forums are so helpful. I just got home and on to my PC (my original post was typed in a panic on my phone, ha) so I've been looking through the site and found that 2 emails is standard. I hadn't read or heard about it before though. It doesn't make sense at all that they send two identical emails, but oh well! I agree, it should be pinned to save a lot of confusion.    I have endless questions about what we need to do after we receive the NOA2... specifically about what exactly my fiance needs to send to me. I thought I finally had it cracked but browsing the forums seems to throw up more and more things. I'm trying to put together a simplified step-by-step checklist so we don't miss anything out, but it seems the more I look, the more confused I get. Haha. But anyway! Thanks for your reply, it is much appreciated I just got NOA2 yesterday, been waiting over 9 months so I had to refresh my memory on what I need to do next.  Here is a great checklist to follow: http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide   The forum is great to get real life experiences, especially related to the embassy in your fiancee's country.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-05-14 16:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Two RFEs??	Our case status says the same as the email I received today - that an RFE was mailed today. I hope they actually mailed it this time and that we're not going to get another email in a week saying the same thing! This is so frustrating! Thank you for replying     When the system is working right, everyone gets two notification, and unfortunately, they say the same thing.  Why USCIS couldn't be more specific on the wording such as "We will be mailing an RFE" for the first notice is beyond me.  It confuses so many, just do an "RFE" search and you'll see that your question has been asked every few days on the forum.  The topic should be pinned on this forum.   Hope your hard copy arrives soon, the wait can be agonizing.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-05-14 15:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	RFE Part C question 3	I got my RFE for this issue. I left it blank because it says "Check all that apply". Since none of them applied to me, I didnt check any!   That gave me an RFE and they told me to write in N/A, which I did but still havnt gotten a response to my case since 4/29! You did have a "yes" in question #2 though right? Because you answered in the affirmative, the reviewer needs to see an answer in #3.  You explained that none applied to your situation, probably a unique case.  Did you write a letter explaining why the question 3 answers were "NA"?	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-05-16 21:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	We got it.	Happy for you! Congrats!	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-05-20 04:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	I-129F Petition NOA2 Approved Aug 20th Filer at CSC	9 months, I know the feeling, congrats!!!	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-05-21 01:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	RFE response time	Response time varies, some folks get approved in a few days, others have waited weeks.  Unfortunately, there is no consistency.  The 60 day response just gives them time to not have to explain why they are taking so long.  You can read other threads on RFE response times, or go to Igor's list and check approved I129Fs to see how long others waited for their RFE.  Hope you are one of the lucky ones and gets your RFE soon, the wait can be a bit stressful, so close yet so far.  Good luck!	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-05-29 13:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	How long does it take to get response for RFE in average?	Mine took 9 or 10 days, but it was a simple one, missed a question.  Others have waited weeks, sometimes longer than a month unfortunately.  There really isn't any consistency.  It's generally less than 2 weeks, but there have been exceptions.  I started an April RFE thread, there are still a few member there still waiting.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-05-29 20:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	RFE - I129F - Request for primary evidence of meeting in person	For the I129f process, the petitioner has to prove with "primary" evidence that he/she has met the beneficiary in person.  Pictures, emails, facebook messages are not considered "primary" evidence of meeting in person.  They really can't confirm that the people in the pictures are who you say they are.  If you don't have plane or train stubs to prove you two met in person, submit proof that you were in Canada like receipts, ATM withdawals with your name on it, bank statements showing transactions in Canada.  You can also submit evidence that your fiancee came to US by submitting similar evidence.  Good luck on your journey, you should be approved very soon!	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-06-06 15:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	how long after RFE is approved	Nobody can tell you exactly how long an RFE to approval will take, but if you look at Igor's list, you can see the time between RFE and NOA2.  You can also click on the timelines of individuals who had RFE and check their dates to see how long it took between RFE Reply and NOA2, it's a good gauge, but not a totally accurate predicator as every case is unique.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-06-06 15:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	RFE :-/	My photos didn't have a date stamp, but I made sure that I listed who was in the photo and exactly where it was taken.  The photos coincided with airline boarding stubs and passport stamps.  If you feel it may help, here is the link on how to add dates to your photos.  I used the Photoscape becaues it takes he file info and then allows you to stamp the date, it's not faking, just printing exactly when the photo was taken. I will use this for the embassy interview evidence.  http://www.ehow.com/...ital-photo.html	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-06-06 19:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	RFE :-/	Well that's kind of of  stupid lol.does this happen to everyone?.and how long from when they first say they have mailed it out,do  they actually Decide to mail it? It is very stupid, it confuses people every single week.  Try do a search for "Two RFEs" and you'll see that this topic is posted all the time.  I guess it would be too much to ask the USCIS to have a first notice saying, "We have decided to mail you an RFE" and another one which says, "Your RFE has been mailed" and "here is your tracking number".  Who knows how long it is before it actually gets placed in mailbox.  Someone here had stated that his friend worked for the USCIS and said that it all depends when the "assistant" gets the actual RFE mailed, how's that for efficiency? What if the assistant is sick or on vacation?  Some people get their hard copy in a few days from the second notice, I have seen others wait over a week.  Pray that you are one of the lucky ones and don't waste time sending it back if you want it processed quicker.  Many send it back Express Mail or FedEx/UPS overnight.  I tracked mine to make sure they got it, even if it cost me $$$.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-06-06 15:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	RFE :-/	There are usually two notices of RFE, one when they decide to do an RFE, and one when they actually mail it.  They both say the same thing, that it "has been mailed", but the first one really doesn't mean it was actually mailed.  Lots of people get confused because they get two notices or their RFE dates change, this is why.   As for the average time to get NOA2 after the RFE is received, it varies from a few days to even over a month.  There have been some members who got it in two days, I would guess the average that I have seen by reviewing Igor's list is about 2 weeks.  Good luck with your RFE!	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-06-06 15:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	We Got an RFE	I got an RFE also today! Hoping that those of you who got your before me will helps shed light on what type of information they ask for and how long this process will take. I'm happy my petition is finally touched, but disappointed that I didn't get an NOA2.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-04-23 16:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	I can't believe it! We just received our NOA2!	I called the CSC today and they said that leaving out the consulate was an error on their part.  They said that they will send me a new copy in at least 15 days~  Easy peasy~ Yay!	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-05-21 21:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	I can't believe it! We just received our NOA2!	MNL is the case file prefix for the Manila embassy. Unless your fiancé)e) is having their interview in Manila, it is unlikely that your case file number will have a "MNL" prefix.  Congrats!!! Ooops! I read so many threads regarding the Philippines embassy that I thought all case numbers were MNL, haha! Thanks for the clarification, I would of felt like an idiot asking for my MNL number for Tokyo	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-05-21 13:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	I can't believe it! We just received our NOA2!	Thanks!!! Yeah, I thought that was strange.  It does say: Notice Type: Valid from 05/16/2013 - 09/15/2013.  But the rest of the box is empty.  Guess I will have to call them. I adjusted my timeline right away, maybe in my excitement I forgot to click save!  Haa haa!  I'll check it again! I haven't called NVC yet for the MNL#.  I wonder if when you call there, if they can tell you which Embassy it will be forwarded to.  I'm assuming on your I129F you indicated Tokyo.  Happy to hear your fiancee is visiting, did you read the whole thread about traveling during K1 process?  My fiancee didn't believe me when I told her she could visit.  Tell your fiancee to be honest, maybe even bring a copy of the NOA2 or the packet, shows that you are going about it the legal way.  When the NOA2 process was slow, I decided to visit my fiancee, flying to Japan in a few weeks.  Will work on the rest  of the K1 after our trip together.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-05-21 01:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	I can't believe it! We just received our NOA2!	Congratulations!! I just checked your status today and it was still no NOA2 on your timeline.  Good to hear you have been approved! On my NOA there is a box that says "Notice Type: Approval Notice Valid from 05/13/2013 to 09/12/2013 Consulate: TOKYO".  I wonder why yours doesn't say which consulate.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-05-21 00:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	K1 RFE after 6 months	that could be, because I got two update text messages on the same day. I hope they did mail on 2nd May. Thank you.   Sadly, the notices are "generic" in that the first one say's the same as the second one, but the second notice is usually when it's mailed.  Of course we never know with 100% certainty if they mailed it because there is no tracking number.  I would pay extra to have a tracking number option.  When I mailed my RFE reply, it cost me $19.95, and still took a few days Express because I am in Hawaii, but the cost was minimal for the reduced stress knowing I could track my letter and guaranteed delivery date.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-05-09 18:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	K1 RFE after 6 months	I got RFE after little more than 6.5 months. "On May 2, 2013, we mailed a notice requesting evidence/information for this case to you or your representative. Please follow the instructions on the notice to submit the material requested. This case will be held in suspense until we either receive the evidence/information or the opportunity to submit it expires. A new processing period will begin when we receive your response. You or your representative will be notified by that office of a decision or if any further information or action is needed from you. If you move, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address" It?s been more than 6 days I have not received notice. How long does USPS take to deliver the notice?   Does anybody have experience that how long does CSC take to process your evidence requested in RFE and approve the case? Does it really start as a new case after you submit the REF? I am so restless...   If you receive an RFE, there are usually two notices, the first one seem to be when they decide you are getting an RFE, and the second notice when they are mailing the notice.  You will receive the hard copy in the mail, sometimes in just a few days, sometimes over a week or two later.  When you send back the information you will receive another notice, informing you that it has been received and that your case is in review.  Time for approval for NOA2 varies, again few days to weeks.   To limit the wait, be ready for the RFE.  Perhaps, review your I129F packet to see what possibly the RFE could be about.  In my case, I missed a question so it was a quick fix.  In other cases, USCIS is asking for more "primary" evidence of meeting, this would mean providing passport stamps, airline boarding stubs, preferbly with date and names on them, ATM or credit card bills showing couple was together, etc.    I sent my response overnight so that it was guaranteed delivery and had tracking.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-05-09 16:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Another milestone....Case Number assigned	Congrats on the next milestone! We have such similar timelines.  Got my NOA2 on 5/13 and will be calling this week.  I'm not in a huge rush anymore because my fiancee will probably fly in September due to flight availability.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-05-20 04:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	What happens at the NVC step?	We received our NOA2 yesteday, just wondering what exactly happens when the NVC receives the package from the service center.  Do they just forward it on to the embassy?  Do they set up the interview date?  Just curious what goes on at this step.       Thanks! Your petition will be assigned a case number.  You can call the NVC number, make sure you have your receipt number and your fiancee's birthdate.  By the time I called, my case number had been assigned and was mailed out to the embassy that day.  With that date, I was able to go to the DHL website and track the case using tricks that others figured out.  There is a thread about it.  I found my case by the ship date from NVC and knew when it arrived at the embassy, two days later my fiancee got her Packet 3.	Takeo	Not Telling	Japan	2013-06-05 23:55:00