biggish data

After NOA2 Japan questions

We just finished this process. After the NOA2 you just wait until they send you the packet. It has details on everything you need to do. It sounds like she is already ahead of the game with some of the paperwork. If she has questions she can call the embassy and ask. If she chooses the Japanese language option when she calls she can get an operator immediately. I tried to get an english speaking operator when I called and had a 25 minute wait, then the call was dropped :/

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2013-09-07 10:21:00

Well, I joined this page as a fiance visa filer around new years 2013, now we FINALLY have our green card in hand! 10 months after filing AOS papers. It came in the mail on Friday. Hang in there, everybody!

:joy:

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2014-08-26 13:43:00

Huh, just got a letter saying that we likely won't need an interview for the Green-card, but that it will be up to 6 more months until we can expect a decision. Just when I thought we were about done. What a disappointment. Anyone else gotten this letter?

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2014-03-19 17:35:00

Welcome.

We are almost "done." Hoping to get the green card next month. Lots of waiting, but you know that. I wish you a smooth journey.

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2014-02-20 10:04:00

I will start looking around. Did you try to get a refund or at least credit towards another ticket for the return ticket that you did not use? I have been reading that it may be possible to get a credit towards future ticket even if the original ticket was "non refundable".

Hah, yeah I think you can change it to another date for some fee like $300 (I really can't remember the number.) But think about it... then you get stuck in a cycle of buying Round trip tickets (JPN to USA to JPN) with a return date which you'll probably need to change (and pay the fee) b/c you're not sure when you'll be going back to Japan. It's better just to toss it and forget it.

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2013-09-27 14:52:00

I was over there late last month and got stuck with that $100 for my extra bag on my way back. Ouch!! I flew with United on the new "Dreamliner" 787. Nice plane. Not much more room unless you upgrade to Economy Plus. Where do you generally find your cheapest tickets? Also, I assume that when she flies over here I am better off buying a round trip ticket and just not use the return as opposed to trying to find a reasonably priced one way ticket? And have you shipped any of her things fromn Japan to US yet? Did you just use regular Japan Post?

Thanks

I've found that expedia gives good rates, and also Google flights is a new service which is great. Check them both out.

I got her a round trip ticket and we just won't use the return ticket. If I had bought 1 way it was around 3 times the price!!

She shipped 16 boxes. I'm not certain which service she used and I'm at work so I can't ask right now. Her mother paid for it though, which was nice. I'm thinking it was Japan Post, though.

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2013-09-27 14:25:00

Wish I could be of more help. My fiance had been visiting me over the past year, and brought her maxium 3 baggage at 32kg allowed as a frequent flier on ANA. I also visited Japan twice and brought back some of her things. Extra luggage on the airlines is very expensive but probably cheaper than sending it by air mail. She went with the maximum size and maxium weight. Some of her family are visiting for our wedding next week, they will also be bringing some of my fiance's things.

We flew last week on United (operated by ANA). It was one checked bag each, I had to pay $100 for her 1 extra bag. They said the rules had changed just a couple months ago about that. You may find shipping to be cheaper.

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2013-09-27 06:56:00

Congrats on your journey. My fiance will be moving here (USA) from Japan also. I have not found many choices for shipping companies that offer door to door or door to port service. We are not moving any of her furniture or big things, but she still has a considerable amount of "stuff". I have found Nippon Express, Econo Move Japan, and Eagle Net. I am interested in shipping by boat since air would be way too costly.

Any help is appreciated.

Heh, my fiancee shipped 16 boxes, purses and sweaters and boots and such (Japanese women love their boots, don't they?) I still have 4 left to pick up since they didn't all come in at once and the post office didn't try to deliver them to our door, only left a note (I guess because we live in a condo complex with a mail-box room).

I think she just got a bunch of boxes and sent them by regular Japanese mail.

Today marks an end to her 1st week living in America.

Edited by Holman come down, 26 September 2013 - 06:10 AM.

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2013-09-26 06:06:00

Well, it's been 8 months, but we finally got our K-1 visa! I'm off to Japan on Thursday. We're going to do a party in Japan and a typical wedding couple photo session, going to have lunch with her whole family, etc etc. Then we'll be back here in a week and wedding next month!

What a relief.

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2013-09-07 10:07:00

Wow, guys, she already got her interview date, and it's for August 26th! That's much faster than the norm I've been seeing on other timelines. She said the lady at the embassy told her over the phone that they have a staff member working solely with K-1 visas, so they are moving pretty quickly. I'm going to have to talk to my boss about taking time off to get over there. (We're going to have a little party in Japan with friends and dinner with her family before I steal her away.)

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2013-08-12 21:18:00

Is this the page she scheduled the visa from as per the instructions?
http://japan2.usemba...pptrequest.html

It sounds to me like she scheduled through the dashboard which wasn't the procedure outlined for Fiancé in Tokyo.

hm, I'm not sure. Before I was doing everything, but now that the process has gone over to Japan it's mostly up to her and out of my hands. She's following the embassy's instructions, though. I know she called them a couple times to sort out stuff with the dashboard. Hopefully we'll hear when the interview date will be early this week.

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2013-08-12 06:43:00

Well, we are waiting to get an interview date. My fiancee paid the money on Aug 9th, got a medical scheduled for Aug 13th, and was able to go online to select the week of her interview today. She said she was able to select the week of Aug 19th to the 23rd. That doesn't seem right to me, isn't the wait for an interview usually more like 4 or 5 weeks? Did anyone else request a certain week for an interview and get a date within that week? Or is it always much later than what you request?

Things are moving along quickly now , it's much nicer than waiting for NOA 2.

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2013-08-11 23:42:00

Got the NOA2 e-mail just moments ago! WooHoo!!!

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2013-07-15 20:56:00

Sure... but if the embassy doesn't know I'm coming and I'm not on a list, I won't get past security.
I also have questions about the I-134 and if theynare looking for anything specific. Lastly, a Petitioner's address change/update. I suppose the support-japan email address is my best bet.

Has anyone ever done Skype chat? Is there a fee to call the 050 or the 703 phone numbers?

I went to the US embassy in Tokyo last year without making an appointment or being on any list, I just walked in and went through the metal detector. You're the petitioner so obviously you are a US citizen, right? There should be no reason for them to not let you in.

I use Skype all the time, if you want to call land lines you have to pay, but the rates are quite good.

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2013-07-05 16:09:00

Question:
What is the best way to notify the Embassy that the Petitioner will also be attending the interview?

From what I've read about the interview. You will both be waiting and she will get called up to the window to do her interview right there. She has to be alone at the window.

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2013-07-04 09:35:00

For me it is going to be about a month after they received the packet from NVC til the interview.

The average I saw was about 70 days. How did you get it to be ~1 month? Any tips are appreciated. We're hoping the NOA2 comes in about 3 weeks from now and a 1 month wait for an interview would be a blessing.

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2013-06-27 15:22:00

It's around 70 days. You can go up to the Timelines link at the top of this page and search for other people's timelines to get an idea. That's how I got this number.

Hey guys,

I was just wondering how much wait time there is between Tokyo embassy receiving the visa paperwork from NVC and an interview.

Thanks.

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2013-06-26 23:08:00

Seeing as this is under "General Discussion Area" I think this is the right place to ask this question:
After I get married, what is the best way to find new friends in America for my new Japanese wife? She will be new here and only knows me. Specifically, I think it would be nice to find her some other Japanese females because they have that language and culture in common. I want her to also make American female friends of course, to improve her English (it's "very good" now, but not "great" or "excellent" I'd say.)

Are there any Japanese people in your area? Look on meetup or something. Can you introduce her to people through your work?

I saw a couple Japanese people at the local Hibachi Japanese restaurant the other night and I practiced some Japanese with them. Other than that I don't think there's a lot in my area (South Carolina.) I'm currently job-hunting, so I'll likely be moving this winter anyway. I suppose colleges may have some kinds of Japanese groups, but I'm 30 now and don't have quite as much in common with college students any more.

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2013-01-15 21:15:00

Seeing as this is under "General Discussion Area" I think this is the right place to ask this question:
After I get married, what is the best way to find new friends in America for my new Japanese wife? She will be new here and only knows me. Specifically, I think it would be nice to find her some other Japanese females because they have that language and culture in common. I want her to also make American female friends of course, to improve her English (it's "very good" now, but not "great" or "excellent" I'd say.)

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2013-01-15 15:22:00

Texas Service Center does not process I-129f. You sent your files to the Dallas Lockbox, which probably redirected it to Vermont for you. Vermont is known for its slowness in regards to I-129f processing. Your NOA2 would arrive somewhere around 6-7 months after it has been mailed. Your NOA1 will tell you where it was sent, either California or Vermont. If sent to the California Service Center, expect to receive NOA2 around 5 months after it has been mailed.

Hate to burst your bubble, but I figure it would be to your benefit to have accurate expectations.

Yeah, total bummer. I just re-read the e-mail they sent for NOA1 and I see they sent it to Vermont. Thanks for pointing that out. I sure hope it's faster than 6-7 months, but I know the realities of this process.

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2013-01-10 22:03:00

Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)

???????????
I must be the newest member to this K-1 visa club. I mailed the package off on New Years Eve. It's pretty exciting, and it seems when I look at the timeline statistics that Japan K-1's move pretty quickly (knock on wood.) Especially for the Texas Service Center which is where I sent mine. A lot of people seem to get their NOA2 after just 30 days. Amazing. We hope she can get the visa by mid-June. Then I'll go back to Japan, ask her father for permission, officially get engaged, then move her stuff here. Wish us luck! If anyone else is still waiting on their K-1 visa please Friend me or send me a message, it will be good to keep track and compare our progress.

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2013-01-10 12:22:00

Africa: Sub-Saharan

Need your advice please

Thanks I will take this to heart and yes you are right. It is just hard to believe anyways thanks again and good luck to you and your other half on your visa journey.

Yeah, sorry I don't want to sound rough or rude, but I just wanted to be honest with my view on the matter. Most people on here are excited and counting the days for their NOA2 to come. He can't even be bothered to give you a couple required documents to do the initial filing. But I wish good luck to you and love with someone who will love you back the same.

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2013-01-21 23:08:00

Africa: Sub-Saharan

Need your advice please

Hi Vj'ers,

I am the USC that is trying to petition for my fiance who is in W. Africa. I have two children from different relationship which he accepts and has no problems with my children. When we met, things were great so we both decided to go ahead with the K1 visa. He introduced me to his family and everything was great between us. Well, when I came back to the U.S., he was supposed to send me the docs like the G325A, letter of intent, and some receipts that he is supposed to mail to me. We met November and I returned back to the U.S. beginning of December. Fiance has a full-time job which he is like the ceo for two companies that look up to him. Also, he attends school full time Mon-Friday.

Here is where I need your input. Since, November, he hasn't even tried to put together the documents. I sent him all the links and all he has to do is fill the forms, sign and mail it to me. He works around computers all day. I understand he is busy and so am I. But I have gathered all the docs that I will need on my part. The thing is, when I ask him, he tells me that he will mail them sooner. Other times he tells me he'll do it on weekends which he has been stuck on for nearly two months now. he said that he will0/ do it but he never touches the form. So I decided to call him and ask him specific question if he interested in coming to be with us at all. He sounded surprise that I even asked him such question. He was disappointed that I was thinking negative. So I said because he is taking longer to mail me the docs. Then last week, he told me that he will definitely put together the docs before the week ended. Now we are in a new week. So I called him up today again and asked him if will ever send me the docs. He said that I am being inconsiderate because he was sick for a week (week of New Years) and (2weeks ago) but he always went to work. So he said that today he promised to put together the docs but he never did send the docs today because he hasn't told me he sent them. I am growing tired of asking him if he wants us to do this or not. I have asked and he assured me he wants to be with me but not doing the things he out to do to be with us in the U.S.

Also, we are facing other problems. We don't communicate as often as we used to because he said our conversation is very long. I do most of the calling. When I ask him if he is seeing someone else, he was again disappointed that I am thinking negative. When he calls me, we only speak for 5 to ten minutes and mostly we communicate for 2mins (sad). We talk for FREE!!! He told my friend that he is so glad he met me and I am the best thing that could happen to him but he isn't making me happy. He is a great guy and I love him so very much. If I try to think negative and bring the negative thoughts out by telling him, he tells me I am making him feel like a failure. I don't know what else to do. He has not told me anything that he isn't interested in me because when I don't call him he gets concern. He is putting money together to send me to complete the filing. I am not sure it is because of the money issue or not. I have told him to just send me the docs and we can find the money after I have put together the petition.

He doesn't communicate about his day to me at all. I don't know anything about how he spends his day. He stays quiet on the phone and will talk about other non interested stuff about the news in America and stuff. He said he loves me very much. I admit he doesn't like talking alot on the phone even when I was there, he rarely spoke on the phone too long. We sometimes chat but only when he is in the mood. I am going to pray and hope God reveals if he is the one for me. I need your advice because of his delays on the docs not sure if he wants to come here or not. Or does it have to do with the money he is trying to find to send me? Please help! I have nowhere else to turn for advice.

Thanks much!

When I sent my fiance a list of the documents I needed from her, I got them back in about 12 hours. She doesn't even have a printer or scanner in her house. If you want my opinion, I'd say he is lying to you. Stalling since November is not procrastination or "Africa time," it's "I don't actually care about you." He has another woman, I'd bet $100 on it. Why would you want to marry someone you have so many doubts about anyway? We all have some little minor doubts or worries, but your situation is pretty bad, IMO.

Holman come down

Male

Japan

2013-01-21 22:35:00

Scandinavians

Hej. Någon svensk som kan hjälpa mig....jag ska beställa ett birth certificate, vilket jag fått till mig då är samma som personbevis, men det behöver ju vara på engelska, vad ska jag välja om jag beställer ett från nätet?? Det finns ju där det står : Utdrag om folkbokföringsuppgifter - engelsk text , men finns alla uppgifter de behöver där då? Och vilken rubrik väljer jag , Utdrag om folkbokföringsuppgifter, eller personbevis för ändamål?

Hej!

Jag ringde till skatteverket och forklarade situationen att jag behovde ett stamplat personbevis pa engelska for visum ansokan. Eftersom jag ar i USA, sa kan ju inte bara ga till skatteverket sadar, men de skickade gratis till Honolulu och jag hade det i postladan inom nagra dagar. All info som behovdes var dar, foraldrars information osv. Valdigt lattsamt!

mimmil

Female

Sweden

2013-10-31 18:15:00

USCIS Service Centers

K-1 Visa Processing Times: 2nd NOA: 5 months, really?

We received the hard copy of NOA1 in the post on May 23rd 2013, we're still waiting for the approval. We sent everything they asked for, but still haven't heard anything from them.

In just over 1 week it will do 5 months since the NOA1, we will call straight away and try to find out why one of our friend who applied for the K1 visa in July, they got the approval and NOA2 4 weeks ago.

We've been in a long distance relationship (Hawaii-UK) for 3 years. I can't wait any longer, I need to move on with my life.

Thanks guys for all your feedbacks and commentaries.

javidial

Male

United Kingdom

2013-10-13 07:33:00

You´re all very very helpful. I can´t thank you enough for all your support and help.

javidial

Male

United Kingdom

2014-01-07 05:47:00

I have done the ds-160 and booked an appoitment for the medical exam.

I also have all the other documents (criminal records, birth certificate, my history of vaccines, the i-134 and proof of U.S. federal income tax returns of my partner).

I have 2 questions.

What´s the readiness thing mean? Is is a form that I need to complete? I have no idea what that readiness mean. I´m sorry.

Also, my appoitment is for next thursday 16th of january, can I call the embassy and book an appoitment and pay the visa fee now? Or do I need to wait until the embassy gets my medical exam result and they will call me or let me know to book an appoitment after that?

Thank you so much. This forum is saving my life at the moment.

javidial

Male

United Kingdom

2014-01-06 07:21:00

Thank you so much for the link. In that letter they wrote the "case number", so I guess I can start filling all those forms.

javidial

Male

United Kingdom

2014-01-05 06:06:00

Last Tuesday 31st I received a letter from the U.S. Embassy London saying:

"...As of this date we have had no reply from you. Please inform us within sixty days whether you intend to preceed with the visa to marry application..."

Reply to what?
On the 17th of December the NVC sent the approved application to the London Embassy, and I was supposed to receive a package in the mail with the instruction and forms than I need to complete. I haven't received anything. And instead, the only letter I've received it's this one saying that "I have had no reply to them".

I've been waiting over 8 months for this application, far longer than the average time, and me and my partner are waiting to be together. And right now we don't know what to do next. We have called the embassy and send emails to "weeac_contactus+gb+info+en@visaops.net" and "nvcinquiry@state.gov", and nobody seems to be able to give us any advice of what do we need to do.

I've collected different paperwork the last month to prepare for this step, like the criminal records or my birth certification.

Can anybody help us please?
We supposed to receive a letter "package 1" with instructions of what's next. How can we let them know that I haven't received anything and that they need to send it again?
I'm thinking that maybe I should do the d-160 form and call the embassy for an appointment and pay the fee, so I can go to the embassy and give them the documents they need on hand and hopefully get everything approved and done.
What do u think?

Many thanks for your help.

javidial

Male

United Kingdom

2014-01-04 14:25:00

Interview date - Anyone received theirs recently?

Sorry for the delay, but after my interview last wednesday 5th of March I've been in bed with almost 40 degrees of fever, I felt sick right after the interview (thank god!)

Fortunately I got approved my case. A few hours ago I received an email from the embassy giving me the tracking number for the delivery, and after checking the DX website, it seems that it's due for delivery tomorrow 11/03/14 I'm so happy.

I'm now packing my stuff and getting ready to buy my flight ticket for next friday or saturday.

After 3 years fighting to be together, and finally after same sex marriage became legal last June, the whole wait is coming to an end in a few days.

Here I go Hawaii.

Thanks everyone in this forum.

javidial

Male

United Kingdom

2014-03-10 13:11:00

Interview date - Anyone received theirs recently?

OMG! I'm so jealous right now, and happy for you.

Thanks for the link. I'm going to write them right now. I would love to have the interview date around the same day as you. I would like to move to Hawaii before the 6th of March.

You just gave me a lot of hope. I would love to receive the letter within the next 3-4 days, maybe tomorrow? ... I can't wait...

javidial

Male

United Kingdom

2014-02-09 20:58:00

Interview date - Anyone received theirs recently?

Hi guys,

I'd like to join to this conversation.

I submited the ds-160 on the 7th of January, and the Readiness the 10th of January. Then I had the medical appointment last 16th of January, but I had some complicated problems that took 2 weeks to sort out. So I finally got the medical done last Monday 3rd of February and they sent it to the embassy straight away that day. The CEAC online status got updated on the 5th of February (assuming they received the medical result).

Can somebody tell me link to that email contact form? I would like to email them next week to see if I've got an appointment date assigned.

i've called NVC today, and they said to me that they can't access to that information, that I need to contact the London Embassy directly, but the phone number is an automated machine.

Thanks guys. I've been in this journey since the 8th of May 2013, so as you can imagine I've been waiting a long long time.

javidial

Male

United Kingdom

2014-02-07 14:23:00