ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly 2009 Filers
QUOTE (RUSSandRACHEL @ Nov 6 2009, 02:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone! good.gif Hope you're all doing well. Haven't heard any news from Itt. We hope they get their NOA2 soon. It is so great that we all recieved our NOA2 on the same night on the 4th! It makes the experience even better! Thanks to everyone for their continued support. We were starting to go a bit crazy towards the end.

About starting a new thread, I think we should stay on this thread and stick it out to the end. Wow, we're going to be together for a while. yes.gif Aww its nice to have a VJ family star_smile.gif

Ahhh... so anyway, we have kind of calmed down now after being super, super excited for a couple of days and now to the next step...

What do we do now? Can anyone give us a bit of advice?

Aren't we supposed to call NVC to check on our case? When should we do this? What are we supposed to find out from them and what happens after then? Also what info do they need from us when we call?

We have been so focused on getting the NOA2, we didnt even think to look up the next step.


I waited about 2 weeks before I called NVC (603-334-0700) to see if they had recieved my case and had forwarded it onto the consulate. When I first called I was told that we had been put into AP )administrative processing) and there was no timeframe for that. I called about 4 days later and was told my case had been forwarded!! I think that because there were so many petitions being processed at that time AP may have been used as a holding area. There have been several people who have been held up for a couple of months in AP, so just be aware of that. Once it has been forwarded to the consulate you can start to call the DoS (202-663-1225) to see if the consulate has recieved it. I waited about a week or so before I called DoS. About a week after that I called again to see if my packet 3 had been sent out which it had. It took about a week in the mail, so in the mean time I had prepared all the forms I was required to send back. I found this information in the regional fourms. I have also already requested any documents that I will be needing for the interview (long form Birth Certificate, Police check etc). I was able to send my packet 3 back the same day. Now I am just waiting for the consulate to log my packet 3 and schedule the interview. Unfortunately, the consulate in Monteal is quite backed up (although they seem to be on an interview biltz the past month) so I am doubtful for getting and interview and my visa before christmas sad.gif

ColleensFemaleCanada2009-11-06 14:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly 2009 Filers
QUOTE (Kadrin&Robert @ Nov 6 2009, 12:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Confused about POLICE CLEARANCE. I lived in the US for over 6 months. Do i need to get a police clearance from US too, or just my homecountry? Havent lived in any other foreign country.


I am pretty sure that you need to have police clearance for every place you have lived for more than 6 months since you were 16. But check out your regional forum as well. You will find a lot of info there for the next steps of the process. Each consulate is different and some may ask for more documentation than others, so you will get more accurate info there.
ColleensFemaleCanada2009-11-06 13:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly 2009 Filers
QUOTE (kitty23 @ Oct 19 2009, 03:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good morning everyone! Let's hear about some NOA2's approved today!!!

My medical went ok, I have the envelope now. All I need is the file to be sent to the embassy. My hubbie called NVC last week and he was told that it may take 4 to 6 weeks!!! But she advised him to call again this week. blink.gif I guess this is the timeline for the files getting an AP. It doesn't have to be ours though, right? We'll see what happens when he calls again today.

My prayers go for those still waiting for NOA2. Hurry up VSC!


Our petition was put into AP at NVC a few weeks ago. I called about 4 days later and it had been forwarded to the Consulate that day....so it isn't always a long drawn out process. Fingers crossed that yours moves to the consulate as quick as mine did!!
ColleensFemaleCanada2009-10-19 09:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly 2009 Filers
I am sure you guys will all get NOA2 soon!!!

If it is any consulation....eventhough I have my NOA2 it is still going to be at least another 4 months before I get an interview because the Montreal consulate is so backed up. So I can sympathize with your waiting!!

Good luck to all those waiting for an approval this week!!!!
ColleensFemaleCanada2009-10-11 22:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly 2009 Filers
I just called NVC and our case is out of AP (Thank god!!) and has been forwarded to the consulate!!!!! Unfortunatlely the consulate in Montreal is very backed up and is taking up to 90 day just to schedule an appt mad.gif BUT at least we are well on our way.

Good luck to those who are still waiting on NOA2's....hopefully this week and next there will be lots of approvals!!!
ColleensFemaleCanada2009-10-06 13:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly 2009 Filers
I was so excited that VSC started moving so fast and that we got approved much earlier than anticipated. But I called the NVC tonight and found out we have been put into AP mad.gif I hope that won't hold up the process too much
ColleensFemaleCanada2009-10-02 20:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly 2009 Filers
We got our NOA2 today as well!! Hopefully Montreal will pick up the pace for the interviews as well!!
ColleensFemaleCanada2009-09-25 19:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly 2009 Filers
QUOTE (ScottThuy @ Sep 22 2009, 12:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Colleens @ Sep 18 2009, 03:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It looks like VSC slowed down slightly this week.....lets hope the pick the pace up again next week with lots of approvals!!



Slow? blink.gif 50 for the week was slow? That included 2 July's.... Keep rollin VSC!!!! good.gif good.gif good.gif


I had looked early on Friday afternoon and there were only 34 or so at that point. I guess people updated their status later in the day!!
ColleensFemaleCanada2009-09-22 10:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly 2009 Filers
It looks like VSC slowed down slightly this week.....lets hope the pick the pace up again next week with lots of approvals!!
ColleensFemaleCanada2009-09-18 14:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly 2009 Filers
I am going to be optimistic and say Nov19th!!!!
ColleensFemaleCanada2009-09-11 14:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly 2009 Filers
I actually hope to go down there as a tourist before I get my visa. I am being laid off from my job at the beginning of Oct, so I hope to be able to go down to wait for my visa.....not sure if I will get across the border or not. I have pretty much always had the same border agent whenever I cross, so he has seen me go back and forth several times and knows we have applied for the K1 and such. So maybe having established a bit of a rapport with him will help me. If not I will head west and hang out with my family while I wait. I am selling my house, since I won't have a job to pay for it, and don't really want to put the effort into finding a job when I may be moving withing a couple of months. If I do get refused at the border.....I will be going ASAP when I get the visa.
ColleensFemaleCanada2009-08-21 10:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly 2009 Filers
Unfortunately our first application was never received, and we had to re-submit sad.gif Our 2nd I-129f was sent in July 2nd. My fiance has been up in Canada visiting me, so not sure if it has been received this time. I hope that was our one and only glitch!!
ColleensFemaleCanada2009-07-15 09:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

 

Many congrats on your approval!!

 

Did you get an alien registration number changed notice or something before the approval?

 

I received an email two days before I received my approval stating "your name was updated."  I have seen others receive the alien registration number change email as well, while the rest receive no such notifications.  So much like everything else with the USCIS, it is a massive ####### shoot! 
 


BlueDevilMaleIndia2013-12-12 08:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

CCONGRATS!!!!!!! Pl.Fill your Time Line for IR1/CR1 and the spread sheet.

 

My case is not following the typical IR1/CR1 route so unfortunately the timeline format does not work for my situation.  All the details of my case are listed in my signature below.  The spreadsheet has been updated.


BlueDevilMaleIndia2013-12-10 08:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

Thank you all!!  My next step will not be the NVC since I am already in the U.S. on an H1-B visa.  I have an I-485 already filed from an employer sponsored application so I will be sending the USCIS a letter this week to interfile my approved I-130 with my I-485.  Once merged, the next step will be an interview!  The end is near smile.png


Approved!!!

 

Post Decision Activity

On December 9, 2013, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

For approved applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include USCIS sending notification of the approved application/petition to the National Visa Center or the Department of State. For denied applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include the processing of an appeal and/or motions to reopen or reconsider and revocations.

 

 

Congrats!!  Best wishes for the journey ahead.
 


BlueDevilMaleIndia2013-12-10 07:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

APPROVED!!!!!  WOOT!! WOOT!!

 

Just received the text and email message!  It has been a long and arduous wait but step one is in the books!  I am going to sleep well tonight! 

 

My case was approved at TSC today so fellow Texas transferees, have faith!  Things are starting to move along.  Thanks to my VJ family!  Sharing our frustrations and celebrations is what has made this process slightly bearable. 

 

Best wishes to all those that are still awaiting approvals.  I will update the spreadsheet in the morning. 

 

Your Case Status: Post Decision Activity
On December 9, 2013, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

 

dancin5hr.gifdancin5hr.gifdancin5hr.gifdancin5hr.gif


BlueDevilMaleIndia2013-12-09 22:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

So we sent back our RFE via priority mail on Saturday. According to the tracking number it was delivered today. How long after they receive the RFE response do you usually hear something


If there's one thing accurate about the USCIS it is their uncertainty! There's no definite timeline on when you can expect a decision but if past history suggests and your RFE is fairly straightforward, it should not take too long. They are obviously at a point where they are reviewing your case for a decision so with them receiving the missing piece of information I would imagine they should be able to make a decision fairly quickly. As far as I know you do not lose your place in the line due to an RFE so they should review your case immediately upon receiving the missing information.

Best wishes to you!



BlueDevilMaleIndia2013-12-09 19:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

My file is at TSC and I received an update this past Saturday.  So, maybe they are operational, in spite of the weather?  We can hope right? unsure.png


BlueDevilMaleIndia2013-12-09 10:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

I just received the following email notification:

 

"Your Case Status: Initial Review
On December 7, 2013, your name was updated relating to your I130, IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN.  Please check our website at www.uscis.gov for further updates on your case.  Please wait until the end of normal processing time before calling customer service at 1-800-375-5283 for live assistance."

 

I don't believe I have seen anyone else receiving a "name update" notification here before.  Anyone else seen such notifications?  It is rather odd since my name has been correct from the start so I'm not sure what prompted this.  Or is it just a "touch?"  Sort of like the A# being changed?

 

In any case, I will take this as good news that my case is being actively reviewed.

 

One last thing - the date on the notification is today!  Surely the TSC staff isn't working on Saturday??!


BlueDevilMaleIndia2013-12-07 17:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers


On December 3, 2013, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.


For approved applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include USCIS sending notification of the approved application/petition to the National Visa Center or the Department of State. For denied applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include the processing of an appeal and/or motions to reopen or reconsider and revocations.


 
I checked the USCIS site today and this was on there!! I am an April 9 PD. Transferred to CSC on 19 Nov. Things are starting to happen people. Good luck to all :))
dancin5hr.gif



Congrats!! Looks like CSC is really chugging long! Wish the other centers would get on it as well!

BlueDevilMaleIndia2013-12-04 18:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

never receive the tthird email that says being processed in a uscis office .but got hardcopy.anything wrong with that

 

I don't think there's anything wrong with that.  The hard copy is the important notice and as long as you have that, you should be fine.


BlueDevilMaleIndia2013-12-03 09:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

I received 2 emails from USCIS couple of days ago and hard copy of the transfer notice in mail today. It went to Texas according to the hard copy. I wonder what the time line is at texas.......

 

Procession times at all the service centers are quite a crapshoot and don't necessarily follow any definite pattern/timeframe. A rough estimate from other members has been somewhere around one month after transfer.  The letter does give a 60-day processing window but we all know that we cannot rely on any estimates the USCIS spits out. 

 

Keep an eye on the April spreadsheet for some real data from fellow members. That might be the best estimate. 


BlueDevilMaleIndia2013-12-02 21:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

 Us too. So confused why only two emails, and that it says local USCIS. Most others received all three emails pretty quickly if I recall correct.

 

I received the first email on 11/15/13 - "transferred to another office."  Then on 11/19/13 I received two emails within the space of an hour, the first was the "local office" email and the second was a "transferred and is now being processed at a USCIS office" email.  Finally, on 11/20/13 I finally received the hard copy notice (dated 11/18) that my case was transferred to TSC.
 


BlueDevilMaleIndia2013-12-02 15:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

[font=consolas]FINALLY ! ! ! ! ! !
 
 


CONGRATS!! Welcome to the club ;-)

BlueDevilMaleIndia2013-11-27 20:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

 
 So you are NOT beyond the Posted Processing time?..I thought the Posted Processing time is 7.4 Months now..that is what i see on USCIS Web site...

 

I wonder if the posted processing time the rep was referring to might have been the 60 days that they have on the transfer notice.


BlueDevilMaleIndia2013-11-27 15:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

Even though I'm in a different filing category, I thought I might post in here since my case was transferred to Texas as well.  A brief summary of my case: I have been on an H1-B visa since 2001.  Employer filed an EB petition in 2003 but that has gone nowhere due to retrogression.  I got married last year to a USC and filed my I-130 in April of this year (receipt date 4/8/13).  Once the 130 is approved, it will be merged with my EB I-485 filing.  So for all practical purposes, my I-130 is a standalone filing at this point.

 

The 130 was sent to Chicago and then was sent to NBC.  I received multiple emails on 11/19 about transferring to a USCIS office, then local office.  I then received a hard copy notice in the mail on 11/21 that my case was being transferred to the Texas Service Center.

 

I will keep you posted on the progress...

 

Cheers!


BlueDevilMaleIndia2013-11-27 08:19:00
PhilippinesMedical exam did not pass and I-129F is going to expire.

Just wanted to say I'm really sorry to hear that your fiancee didn't pass. There are few things as disappointing as having the start of your life delayed. Praying that she gets a clean bill of health soon and they do her next appointment quickly!


JeannaFemaleJamaica2013-11-13 20:51:00
PhilippinesVisa Interview Experience

Congratulations for you both!


JeannaFemaleJamaica2013-11-14 10:21:00
PhilippinesVISA APPROVED

That's awesome! Very few things that feel as good as that phone call/text saying "We got it baby!"


JeannaFemaleJamaica2013-11-13 23:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsLink to DS-157?

Wow. NOW they just emailed and said, yeah, go ahead and fill out the DS-260 online. WTH? This is super-annoying as I have emailed back and forth with them for a while. Thankfully they did respond quickly but seriously? At any rate, my fiance is worth it but boy is he gonna need to do something realllly sweet for me! ;)


JeannaFemaleJamaica2013-10-10 12:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsLink to DS-157?

Thanks ya'll! I just found it but I had googled the heck out of it and nothing would come up. Hopefully this will take care of it but I won't be surprised if they come back and want the DS-160 as well now!


JeannaFemaleJamaica2013-10-10 11:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsLink to DS-157?

Hey ya'll, my fiance has his appointment on Nov. 1st (yay!) but I am having an issue with forms. We were told to NOT do the new online (and easier!) DS-160 but instead to do the DS-156, 156K, and 157. Now those forms are no longer available on the Kingston embassy website and I cannot find them anywhere else! I happened upon a link here for a DS-156K so I filled it out but cannot find the 157.

 

Anyone have a link? I've emailed the embassy but we really wanna get this thing finished. His appointment is so close and we do not want ANY more delays. :)

 

Thanks for your help.


JeannaFemaleJamaica2013-10-10 11:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVISA APPROVED!!

That is AWESOME! My fiance is scheduled for his appointment on Nov. 1st. After waiting almost 2 years it seems unreal. I totally cried and I'm feeling really confident that it will be approved, God willing. :)


JeannaFemaleJamaica2013-10-10 11:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVisa was approved on Sept 25th but no passport yet - scarred!

You should never purchase tickets until your passport is in your hands. Also you should contact the embassy and ask about the status of your visa if you can contact them. Our embassy we must contact via email, no phone calls or personal visits are allowed. See if you can get a refund on your tickets; I wouldn't wait until it's closer to your departure date as there are often restrictions on refunds. Insha'Allah khair!


JeannaFemaleJamaica2013-10-12 08:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSame Sex I-129F NOA2!!!!! Approved!!!!

Wow, I'm really surprised. I know it's supposed to be legal but so many states are still giving couples problems. I'm really happy for you both; it's so hard being apart from the one you love. Congratulations!


JeannaFemaleJamaica2013-10-11 21:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMedical exam report???

My fiance had his initial medical then had to go back a day before the interview for his immunizations! I was really stressed but apparently that is how they do it there. :) He went back in and got the shots and his medical packet. He should call them ASAP to find otu when he needs to return. Best wishes!


JeannaFemaleJamaica2013-11-09 10:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAfter temporary denial, approval!!!

Thanks ya'll! It's been a huge blessing and we are just so ready to be a family! :) Not to mention I think about how much money we will save without all of the long distance phone calls, plane tickets, and hotel rooms! Mama could have had a new car by now! ;) lol


JeannaFemaleJamaica2013-11-08 22:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAfter temporary denial, approval!!!

I am so happy I don't know where to start! My fiance had his appointment on Nov. 1st and we were so excited! All of our paperwork was in order but they decided now (after USCIS approved it all) that my foreign divorce decree was not sufficient. Talk about stress! It's been 2 long years of being apart and I was so disappointed!

 

I sent the embassy an email explaining the situation and that my divorce paper (from an Islamic court in Mumbai) was legally binding in India and that the USCIS had obviously accepted my petition for a fiance visa as they had forwarded it on to the NVC and finally, the embassy.

 

Then a few days later I found a blurb on the State Dept. website which said they recognize foreign divorces. I emailed that info to them, very respectfully of course, along with my gratitude for their taking this into consideration.

 

My fiance told me the lady at his interview was very kind and really seemed upset she could not just issue his stamp that day. She told him to be patient and have me email them but to be ready to bring his passport back. She did give him a paper with a request for more proof that said "temporarily denied".

 

So imagine our utter delight when they called him today and told him to bring his (and his son's) passport into the embassy on Nov. 12, which just happens to be my birthday! So, God willing. he will receive it a week or two after that.

 

Has anything like this happened to anyone else? Just curious. :)


JeannaFemaleJamaica2013-11-08 17:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsLeaving for US

Be sure you scheduled enough time to get through immigration and customs before your connecting flight, if any. It can take a few hours and sometimes planes are late. Of course, it's not that you can't get on another flight but it's confusing enough coming to a new country. Also be sure you bring some snacks for you because you might not like the food that's offered in the airports, especially if you have religious or cultural considerations. You also might want to ask your fiance to provide you with a calling card or some way you can get in touch with him once you land in the US in the event there is any kind of delay. My phone was stolen last time I traveled and let me tell you, nobody would lend me a phone to use and my wallet was also stolen so I had no credit card for the pay phones. The airport I was in did not have free wi-fi and without my credit card... well it was stressful so see if ya'll can figure out a way to communicate before you have the need for it! Best wishes!


JeannaFemaleJamaica2013-11-10 20:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWord of warning on foreign divorces:

Salaam and hi all. My fiance was thankfully approved but I wanted to give a word of warning to anyone else with a foreign divorce. My divorce was done in India; since there are several religious groups in India the government recognizes the right of each religion to handle their own affairs such as marriages, divorces, etc. Now they have to be registered at the appropriate government office but they are legal and binding.

 

I had a divorce from Mumbai, India in 2009. I was not present as the woman is not required to be present in an Islamic divorce proceeding. My paper was stamped by the head Qazi's office (Islamic judge) in Mumbai and on letterhead but was hand-written. I simply had it translated per USCIS requirements and didn't think anything of it.

 

When my fiance went for his interview he was temporarily denied based on this divorce. They were saying it was not proof of divorce and I needed a paper from the US as well. Understandably we were crushed! I sent the embassy an email showing that on the State Dept website they said they accept foreign divorce decrees but it took the embassy a week to accept it.

 

my thoughts to you is to contact a lawyer in your home state and make sure your foreign divorce is accepted there. Had I know it was a potential problem I would have paid to have it adjudicated here in the states. I know sometimes one little thing can tip the scale the wrong way and I don't want anyone to be apart longer than they have to. Just be sure you double check with an attorney that your state accepts the foreign decree and if, like mine, it is an Islamic court divorce and you were not present or it is in a different format than a "typical" American divorce decree, you might want to consider getting it adjudicated or whatever your local attorney suggests.

 

We were really afraid he would be denied and I just shudder to think what could have happened had the CO not been in a good mood that day or didn't like us for some reason. :(

 

Hopefully my fiance will get his visa within a week or two and he'll be on his way!


JeannaFemaleJamaica2013-11-12 14:51:00