Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	US & Mexican Couples - K-3/CR-1/IR-1 Group, Juarez experiences, comments	So, I guess I'm going to the interview after all... I just couldn't stand taking any chances that they'll delay the paperwork any longer or that something might go wrong. I leave Wednesday already! But no return ticket as of yet, even the day-of prices I've found seem to be the same as any for so few days in advance, so I guess I'll wait in hopes my husband and I can travel together! Just wanted to say good luck. I am very anxious to hear all of the details considering I will be going a few days later	tabta	Male	Mexico	2006-01-31 21:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Waiting for fiancee at consulate CDJ	congrats!!!!	tabta	Male	Mexico	2006-06-06 09:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	k1 Approved April 26 in Juarez Mexico! (sorry for the delay!)	Congratulations	tabta	Male	Mexico	2006-06-09 14:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Evidence for Juarez	we took tons of stuff, I mean tons. The thing that impressed them the most was the prganization and also our pictures. we only took about 30 pictures and they said we had tons and were very impressed.	tabta	Male	Mexico	2006-06-17 20:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	London Interview Tomorrow!!!	I was fortunate enough to get to be there for the interview, but remember well going over the information a gazillionth time just to be sure. Can't imagine the torture of waiting if I hadn't gotten to go! I'm sure all will be well for you and you'll soon get a joyous call saying that the visa has been approved.	Itsmeitsmeitsree!	Female	Wales	2006-04-05 14:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	WE HAVE A VISA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!	Congratulations!!!!!	Itsmeitsmeitsree!	Female	Wales	2006-04-06 07:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	CR-1 Interview Success	Way to go, and congratulations...as if there was ever any doubt...welcome to America!!!!!!!!!!	Itsmeitsmeitsree!	Female	Wales	2006-06-05 22:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Intimate Examinations at Medical??	How many people die each year of breast, cervical, prostate and colon cancer because God forbid someone see the plumbing??? Not to mention the people who don't get diagnosed with and treated for STD's that become bigger problems AND are spread on to others. An attitude like this toward medical exams cuts the survival rate of millions of people. They can turn me upside down and shake me like a christmas tree for all I care. Get over what's basically just another patch of flesh. Human Rights issue...oh brother... Quite well said!	Itsmeitsmeitsree!	Female	Wales	2006-07-29 17:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Sertich Family Visa Announcement	Congrats and best wishes for a wonderful new life together!!!	Itsmeitsmeitsree!	Female	Wales	2006-09-04 18:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Passport Stamped	Congrats CONGRATULATIONS!!!	soul_encounter	Not Telling	Morocco	2006-08-01 05:53:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Details Of Our K-1 Interview 7/20/06	Our interview was on July 20, 2006. Our interview time was 8:30am. Our lawyer told us to get there 3 hours early because it could take hours to get through security to get into the embassy. We got there at 6am. What a waste of time because there was no line and the security guard told us to come back at 8:15am! So we went and had breakfast! The guards didn't start letting us in until 8:45am. They were very nice. Before we went through security, outside the doors a man was checking everyone's letters. Then he asked us for Resul's medical report and his 2 passport pictures, then he put it in a file, gave us a number/ticket and let us in the doors. It took us 2 mins. to get through security. We had a bottle of water and they had us drink it in front of them to make sure it was water and nothing harmful. Then they let us into the room. It reminded me of a big bank! There were 4 or 5 big windows on the left side of the room with a counter under the windows. The blinds were all shut closed. The rest of the room was set up with chairs in rows of 2. In the back of the room there was a UPS table and 2 workers. While sitting there, we heard a sound like a door bell! That signals you to look up at the digital board to see what number they are calling and what window you are to go to. We waited about 30 minuets before we were called. Prior to going into the embassy the man asked Resul if he wanted his interview in Turkish or English. Resul didn't want to risk anything so he told them Turkish. But when we started the interview the woman was American and was asking him questions in English. I could tell he didn't quite understand her totally, plus he was so nervous. So I tried to intervine and explain it to him. She stopped me because she said she wanted to see how much he could understand and how much help he would need. So I backed off from there. At times she would talk Turkish to him when she saw he clearly wasn't understanding her, but majority of the interview was in English. The woman was behind the glass window and had a microphone built into the window. And there was a microphone on the counter on our side of the window. There was an opening under the window where you slide papers in to her, just like a bank. These are some of the questions she asked Resul: -How did you both meet? -What was the date you met? -Were you looking to marry someone? -Where and when did you meet in person? -Where did you stay when you met? -What does your fiancee do for a living? -Then she named my place of employment and asked him what this name was. -She asked him what his occupation was? -What kind of work does he plan to do in the USA? She said she had enough information, and I asked if she wanted to see any evidence that I had brought, i.e. more phone bills, emails to each other, cards/letters, pictures... She said no that's ok I have all of that here (but it was old evidence from Feb. when we first applied for the K-1. She didn't want to see any of our on going evidence). She started writing something and then she said we could take this over to the desk in the back and I asked her does this mean we got the visa? And she said YES!!! We were so shocked!!! Then we went to the UPS table and Resul gave them his address of where to send the visa. The whole interview took about 20 mins. In my opinion this has been the easiest part of this whole K-1 process so far! The woman interviewing us was nice, not overly friendly, but fair. It took about 7 days for Resul to get the UPS package with the visa in it. Sorry to go on and on, but I tried to remember every detail so that I can possible help any other couple going for their interview through Ankara. Good luck to all of you! ~Debbie Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!	soul_encounter	Not Telling	Morocco	2006-08-02 05:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Interviews?	Usually they will conduct the interview in either language...which ever you prefer and which ever is easiest for you to communicate in.	minha_raposa	Male	Brazil	2006-03-17 20:59:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	File I-130 CR1-IR1 CAN I FILE A K-3 NOW ALSO	I filed a I-130 for CR1-IR1 but now can I send in fora K-3 To the service center that has my case since it was only May 19th and received May 25 my NOA 1........ Want to be able to get my husband here the fastest I can. So would appreciate any help with this I can get. Is there extra fees for filing that form as well. If I could get some help in figuring out what to do. I'd apprecaite it. Thanks and God Bless	Heather Rae	Female	Ghana	2010-06-17 23:12:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	still waiting on my NOA2	Hi....if your checking the web page at USCIS they haven't been updating it I have had my NOA2 and got my case number for NVC and my case on USCIS still hasn't changed from initial review..... When I called them before recieving my NOA2 in the mail....they told me they didn't know nothing and actually I received the NOA2 the next day from California so I don't think they updating their systems very well or something and I know they haven't updated the webpage.... Hope the info helps...Just call them and see what they say.....	Heather Rae	Female	Ghana	2010-10-28 21:59:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	NOA 2 WHEN ARE YOU COMMING	I filed mine in May and Got my NOA 2 in Oct...	Heather Rae	Female	Ghana	2010-11-17 18:07:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Denied, asking for 2nd interview	I don't know what your circumstances are but my husband was just approved Dec 5th...I am older than he and of a different race as well.. I was there on the first interview and it didn't make any difference ...the Embassy in Ghana I have found to be quite rude and unhelpful....I don't know why they reason they gave for the denial either but I don't believe it has anything to do with age or race....as there have been many of us get approved with age difference and our races not being the same.... You need to find out why you were denied to start with and then see what it takes to correct that and then contact Embassy requesting new interview.... If it was based mainly on K3 those are obsolete and I believe get denials you need the I-130 for a immigrating spouse and all that entails...they are very hard on the I-864 on people but see what the reasoning was and and go from there...I just went through all of this with my husband...Hope the info helps.. +- How can we request a new interview pls am the husband. This is really eating me up so much.	Heather Rae	Female	Ghana	2011-12-28 02:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	GOT IT!!!!!!!	CONGRATULATIONS BORIS!!! great news!	javaman	Not Telling	Kazakhstan	2006-05-15 16:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	US Embassy Tashkent Uzbekistan	good news, wish you good luck, Alma	javaman	Not Telling	Kazakhstan	2006-05-22 11:10:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	negotiating plane tickets	Congrats to you, and I think good luck to the rest of us trying to strike that kind of connection with a rep. Does any one have any secrets for upgrades that use points but don't keep one waiting until the last minute? Or better yet, a way around the baggage, fuel, airport, etc. surcharges? Edited by Travelforever, 30 June 2008 - 05:02 PM.	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2008-06-30 17:01:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	employment letter	I think the instructions say original, and maybe more than one copy. I am not sure how recent they need to be.	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2008-07-01 22:28:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	K3/i130?	QUOTE (fwaguy @ Jul 15 2008, 10:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (tommymac @ Jul 15 2008, 09:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My wife entered the US legally as a J1 student,She has overstayed her visa for 20months now. She is still currently here are we applying for K3 or just change of status through i130. I'm a bit confussed. Please help thank you!!! does the J-1 have the two year HRR? Since she is already here why a visa? Do you really want her to go home and interview at the consualte? Besides upon her departure she will incur a re-entry ban. Best bet is I-130, I-485, I-765... and she does not leave the states until her greencard is in hand! Can she even leave and re-enter while her status adjustment is in progress? Or does she risk a ban if she leaves? Will the status adjustment case contunue if she leaves?	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2008-07-16 21:25:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	What does it mean??	I agree. it is just too soon. Stay calm, and check it daily. Before you know it your status will be updated on the system?	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2008-07-19 00:40:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	What's happening at Vermont?	Hang in there everybody! I hate the length of time between activity too. VSC is still moving, even if it has slowed down some. It won't be long before we wish each other congratulations on an NOA2.	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2008-07-16 21:17:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	VSC filers, listen up...	Let's all hope that helps the other visas processing times. Edited by Brad and Vika, 19 July 2008 - 03:22 PM.	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2008-07-19 15:22:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	VSC filers, listen up...	QUOTE (Michael 007 @ Jul 16 2008, 08:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello everyone. I am a long time lurker on this site. I know how much we have all been through thanks to the wonderful USCIS, especially for those at VSC. I have been on the verge of insanity for the last 5 months wondering when I will ever get that golden NOA2. Actually it was the beginning of this very week when I hit rock bottom and thought seriously about giving it all up and starting over but then 3 very important things happened... 1) A mentor at work made a very poignant reminder to me that all things happen in life for a reason and that God never fails to overcome anything (I really needed to hear that, somehow my co-worker just came out of the blue and said it) 2) If you are like me, I have begun to notice a small trickle of NOA2s being posted to this site. So far I've noticed a couple of Jan/Feb approvals. 3) Most importantly, I found out some very big news that I do not think most VJers are aware of regarding the VSC. I work for a major American manufacturing corporation and like many of my fellow freshmen co-workers, we all started our jobs after getting MBAs this spring. It was by chance today at lunch I started mentioning all the drama I was having with the USCIS regarding getting wife and 2 week old daughter home. Needless to say, my co-workers were very understanding and sympathetic to my plot giving the fact they are foreign nationals trying to stay here and work after business school. It was then that one guy piped up and began telling me how the USCIS was putting him through the wringer regarding his H1B visa. I have to admit for someone who has spent many sleepless nights over the last 3 months studying immigration law and the USCIS, I was painfully unaware of how the H1B works. Now here is an eye-opener for everyone... If I recalled correctly, someone posted on this site within the last few weeks stating that they spoke to a Congressman regarding the USCIS's slow processing. He stated that the VSC was allocating resources to process other visas, I-130s taking the back-burner of course! Well, what my co-worker told me today blew my mind. We all know that the VSC has been at a virtual stand-still since April. Well, April 1 is when the USCIS begins to process H1Bs (I am not sure, but I think the VSC is the only service center that processes these visas). Out of the hundreds of thousands of international students in the American university system every year, only 60,000 H1Bs are available for post-grad employment authorization. Now here is how this touches us. According to my co-worker, regardless of whether or not your H1B petition was filed on time, come July 31, the USCIS puts all H1Bs aside and will not process nor even look at a single H1B until next April. According to my calendar, it is July 15, only 16 more days for H1Bs to be processed. I am taking a guess here, but I would imagine that the H1Bs have been taking up over 80% of the officers at the VSC and come Aug 1, I suspect to see a massive realignment of work priorities and with a little luck, those I-130s/K3s will start getting pushed on out the door. Just my two cents. I a pray for each and everyone of us every day. From your lips to God's ear!!!	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2008-07-16 22:18:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Finally approved @VSC	Congratulations and well done	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2008-08-11 19:00:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	VISA	Congratulations and best wishes!! Lots of approvals and notices posted today!! Good to see	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2008-07-17 21:11:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	USCSIS PHONE!	I think that luck is a MAJOR factor in getting meaningful help. Also working to the correct point in the phone menu. If you opt out at the wrong place, the reps seem to have a script geared to their set of issues.	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2008-08-21 23:02:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Other questions about divorce.... His and Hers	Based on what I have heard about Ukrainian law, you may be better off doing it there Brent. If you have any disagreement here at all, the property division alone can kill you (assuming of course no prenup). Pay a few extra bucks and find some attorney that is connected there. I have heard that you can settle out for a reasonable amount that way.	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2008-09-18 22:15:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Has anyone contacted VSC recently?	QUOTE (gogo @ Sep 19 2008, 05:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Here's my little "info" for you guys: http://thevoice.name/?page_id=10698 How's that? I'm SURE you can find a number you like in there.. These are the BIG 4 you are looking for... UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP & IMMIGRATION SERVICES (USCIS) SERVICE CENTERS CALIFORNIA SERVICE CENTER (CSC) Director: Christina Poulos Deputy Director: Bret Gregg Chief of Staff: Jerry McMahon 24000 Avila Rd; Rm 2117 Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 Phone: (949) 389-3003 Fax: (949) 389-3251 NEBRASKA SERVICE CENTER (NSC) Director: Jerry Heinauer Deputy Director: Marilyn Wiles Chief of Staff: Neil Jacobson 850 S. Street Lincoln, NE 68508-2521 Phone: (402) 323-6031 Fax: (402) 219-6050 TEXAS SERVICE CENTER (TSC) Director: David Roark Deputy Director: Angela “Kristi” Barrows Chief of Staff: Marnie Drumheller 4141 N. St. Augustine Dallas, TX 75227 Phone: (214) 962-2626 Fax: (214) 962-1451 VERMONT SERVICE CENTER (VSC) Acting Director: Bret Gregg Deputy Director: Mark J. Hazuda Chief of Staff: Todd Reader 75 Lower Welden St St Albans, VT 05479 Phone: (802) 527-4700 Fax: (802) 527-4862	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2008-09-20 09:47:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	VSC - New Processing times	QUOTE (cjgator @ Oct 20 2008, 11:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Actually, you can't do squat with regards to taking any action with USCIS until you are at 7 months. You have to wait 30 days beyond the six-month window before USCIS will take a request to follow up on your case. Trust me, I just tried. The idiots at national customer service just told me 45 minutes ago I had to wait until 11/4 (which is 7 months from my NOA1 on the I-129F) before they could submit the request. I then proceeded to call VSC directly, and the officer said there was no activity on my case, and yes, there was a huge backlog, they have received many calls today, and the agents were not taking any action on these calls made directly to VSC. They would only report on whether anything has happened with the case. So, while today's posting is better than nothing I suppose, it really changes little to nothing of the reality, except that for those who are now at 7 (not 6) months, at least you can file an inquiry on your case, which basically will do little or nothing to get it done more quickly. I mean, take a look at Igor's list and see how many people with K-3 applications in Early april, march, february, and even january are still waiting! The whole thing is pathetic. -CJ QUOTE (msnoob @ Oct 20 2008, 10:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> The six months only refers to the I-129 NOA Date. This means that if your I-129 date is before April 20th, you are outside the processing time. Or if your I130 date is before the posted February 26th date. I called the USCIS hotline using the options listed in a previous post which connects you to Vermont Service Center. I was connected to a lady who identified herself as "Officer Norma". She looked up my information and confirmed that my case was 30 days outside of the processing window (it's actually 25, but she said that was close enough). She also confirmed that I hadn't received an RFE and that there was no activity on the case in the last 60 days. Because of these things, she told me to call back and file an expedite. Didn't make any sense to me... but at this point, if someone told me to do the hokey pokey I would try it. So I called back to the 1-800 number and pressed some options that indicated I believed I was outside of the normal processing time. I was connected with Agent Jeff who again looked up my information. I told him what "Officer Norma" told me and he rattled off a list of reasons for an expedite. He took my information and filed a service request for the expedite. He told me that I should hear something within 5 days. From the other end, I spoke with the representative at my Congresswomans office. She tells me that the processing time for the I-129 is Feb 1st. I have to literally beg her to open a web browser and see that the processing date was updated. She then tells me that ... they just updated the date so give them some time! #######!!! Seven months isn't enough time?? She said that they told her that my case was assigned to someone and to call back within a week. Some of this should make me feel better... but I simply feel deflated at this point. Sorry to vent... It is indeed pathetic.	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2008-10-20 10:38:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Is the Vermont Service Center's website down?	Hang in there everybody. I got our NOA2 some time ago (see below), and the web site still says received and pending. Both Vika and I are set up for email from USCIS, and we still haven't been notified of anything. The file is now in Kiev. Even if you can't see it, there is work being done at VSC.	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2008-11-18 19:41:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Is the Vermont Service Center's website down?	QUOTE (Y_habibitk @ Nov 13 2008, 11:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Everyday I come home and think...maybe, just maybe we will have the NOA2 in the mail and be like the others who got no "updates" online and no email! heee God! that would rock! congrats on your approval B & V Lisa Hang in there Lisa - your case will be approved soon. It is your turn!!	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2008-11-14 00:25:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Is the Vermont Service Center's website down?	QUOTE (mkg265 @ Nov 13 2008, 10:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Please god, through a computer glitch let everyone get their approvals tomorrow! I know the site has been having problems not showing people's NO2 (even after they got them in the mail) but it has never gone down. That is what happened to us - NOA2 dated the 5th - website still says received and pending.	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2008-11-13 23:33:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Leave the US or not?	Things are always more difficult financially when you are young. It sounds like you put the relationship first, and you are right - it isn't all about money, etc. Proceed slowly, carefully, and above all together. You are both young enough to ignore the financial mess - it will pass in time. Good Luck!	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2008-11-23 23:26:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	K-1 and K-3	Seems to be just government work No logic or sense to it.	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2008-12-15 02:50:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	how do we find out?	Our interview in Kiev is scheduled for January 12. You can see the timing of events in the signature below, and I NEVER received a CRIS email. Call the number and ask.	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2008-12-24 22:51:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Well, now that I have read most of this site I am freaking out	The time will go faster than you think.	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2008-12-04 20:36:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	approval	It took us about the same time as posts above - see the timeline. Hang in there!	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2009-01-28 10:06:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I hate it!!! I hate it!!! I am so mad!!!	QUOTE (CaNdiD wiTcH @ Jan 27 2009, 11:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Sinergy @ Jan 27 2009, 11:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (L179 @ Jan 27 2009, 11:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> once you are close to crossing the processing times...contact your local congressman or senator it usually helps.... wrong......once you are PASSED the processing times, contact your local congressman or senator I agree.. Because USCIS would just say "YOU ARE NOT YET OUT OF PROCESSING TIMES".. Your turn is coming soon! Just around the corner	Brad and Vika	Male	Ukraine	2009-01-28 09:54:00