biggish data

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Just keeping ya'll updated.

René had his interview today and was approved

Mel and Rene

Female

Netherlands

2008-02-11 15:48:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

It's been a LONG time since I've posted here, but I just wanted to let everyone know we got approved today!

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***
The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: EACXXXXXXXXXX

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On November 28, 2007, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.

Mel and Rene

Female

Netherlands

2007-11-28 14:15:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

JULY K1 FILERS TIMELINE

ScreenName-------received**---NOA1***----NOA2***-----NVC-------Embassy-----Medical------Interview----Visa
CSC *
Weedebz-----------07/06/07----07/11/07----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**
Samby--------------07/06/07----07/17/07----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**
niceguy26----------07/18/07----07/21/07----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**
chris4gretchen-----07/18/07----07/23/07----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**
Jeraly---------------07/20/07----07/25/07----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**
Rick and Dixie-----07/27/07----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**
VSC *
Babybluesusie-----07/03/07----07/10/07----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**
English Muffin-------07/05/07----07/10/07----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**
Mel and Rene -----07/17/07----07/20/07----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**
thejoz---------------07/18/07----07/27/07----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**
StillThePrettiest----07/19/07----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**
julezabelle----------07/23/07----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**
Bill y Bella ----------07/27/07----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**
Please Move To Correct Service Center
tess590-------------07/16/07----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**----**/**/**

* If your application was transferred, please enter your data in the section for the 2nd service center.
* * Received date should be the date the application arrived at the service center where it will be adjudicated.
* * * A NOA1 & NOA2 date should be the date it was issued, not the date that you received a hard copy.

To add or update your data, simply reply to the latest post that contains the timelines and then edit the quote.
Data should be sorted by service center, then by date received.

Added myself to the timeline

Mel and Rene

Female

Netherlands

2007-07-29 15:12:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Thanks

I'm so happy I found this site lol, it's packed full of information! I was spazzing out before I found this site, ready to call a lawyer. I'm still spazzing out about getting accepted, but hey, who isn't from time to time?

Mel and Rene

Female

Netherlands

2007-07-26 17:04:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

We got our NOA-1 hardcopy in the mail today.

Mel and Rene

Female

Netherlands

2007-07-26 16:14:00

As of today USCIS now says they are working on January I-129F's

They don't "lie" per se - they just cover. They give the longer-side approximation of things to give themselves room to process and to try to stem the tide of panicked phone calls. . . . .

Okay, a lie is when you don't tell the truth. What they give is a half-truth; same thing in my opinion.
If you ask me when my birthday is and I say "September", I'm not really lying. How old am I?
Sorry, couldn't leave well enough alone. I work for the feds so I know all the tricks and loop-holes. Complacency kills.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-07-24 21:35:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

As of today USCIS now says they are working on January I-129F's

They lie. The timelines on VJ are more accurate.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-07-24 18:22:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

What is the news bszoom42

Congratulations. I wish you both all the best.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-09-12 05:34:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill B @ Sep 26 2007, 11:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>It sure does seem like some of these posters either work for USCIS, or maybe they just say good things about them; kissing their...think that in some way USCIS will help them personally. Pick me, help me, I stuck up for you, blah blah blah...

It also must be nice to have your significant other from one of the 27 countries on the VISA Waiver Program so your loved one can come here and visit for 90 days without a VISA. http://travel.state....thout_1990.html Oh wait, I am sure the compasionate ones who are here to "help" us will say something like, "nobody told you to fall in love with someone from a country that is not on the list..."or something else real intelligent, helpful, and caring.

So here you go to all of you "I just try to help people...but they don't want to listen to me (us)" people. Fresh blood here...time for you to feast and tell each other how right you are and how the newer members are just whiners...or call in the reinforcements and close the thread, delete the post, etc. Sure wish those reinforcements would cancel accounts for those of you who have nothing better to do than come on this board and in more than half of your posts in a week just throw sarcasm and attempted superiority at those you disagree with. I can't wait to read the words of wisdom those of you write after this post because it is burning so bad in you that you just have to reply to feel better about yourself and show everyone how smart you are.[/quote]

Guess I went to bed too early last night. Bill, very nice post indeed; I agree with you 100%.

I just wish my SO was here and then I'd have the opportunity to worry about all the other 'stuff'.
I won't be on here asking for any marriage counseling from anyone without a license.

Edited by U.S. Wendy, 27 September 2007 - 06:50 AM.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-09-27 06:46:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

QUOTE (StillThePrettiest @ Sep 26 2007, 02:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I haven't been around for long, but long enough to already be heartily sick of the #######-for-tat of 'who waited longer' and 'who feels the separation the most'; I'm sure those who have seen it go round ten thousand times are ten thousand times more sick of it than I am

however, what I DON'T understand is why so many threads end up rehashing the same old argument?! I've attempted to steer clear of those sorts of points, and there's a post of mine back on the previous page that hasn't had a single response... ok, maybe no one had anything to say to my points, but in that case why would you rather say the same things you've said so many times before? I don't get it

If you look at the threads you will see who the 'ring-leaders' are who start making attacks on this site. It's the same few people and they usually 'hang' together AND I bet are having quite a chuckle at getting everyone all 'riled-up'. I know who they are and I don't respond to them anymore. They can't goad me into some ridiculous battle.....whereby they 'think' they are displaying some superior intelligence or talking about something that is deeply relevant and introspective. Please!!!

I believe what I believe and if you don't, OH WELL. I am not losing ANY sleep over it.
Rather than attack you, I just bring things to your attention. It doesn't help me feel better to tear you down.....but, some people really do get off on it.

Amen to that!!!!

QUOTE (Sen and Neil @ Sep 26 2007, 03:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If people really want to see an improvement in their cases, all they need do is contact their congressman for the state in which they live and they will take action...more action than you think! Here is the address to determine who your congressman is depending on what state you are from.

http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/

It will also tell you how to contact them by phone, email, and snail mail! So instead of just complaining here on Visa Journey, take action that will not only help your case, but the many thousands of others who are going through the same painful process!

The more complaints and requests they get the more that can be done, and the more that will get done!

Thanks,
Neil

QUOTE (whitteds @ Sep 22 2007, 09:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have a friend that works for the Department of Home Land Security. I have been trying and trying to make contact with him for the last three months. I finally got through. This is what was said to me about what is going on. This is a fact i would not say anything else in less i knew for sure. This news is some what relief but frustrating. I'm writing a letter now to my congress to put the pressure on the USCIS. The problem is I need more people to step up too?

USCIS was holding a gun at the head of Congress to get the fee hikes approved. Either pass the fee hikes or we'll sit on our duffs! So Congress approved the fee hike (under serious protest). The first attempt by USCIS failed.

In preparation for this, USCIS published document called "Transformation." This was a clever ploy to be able to pass out excuses for delays. And implementing, whatever they are doing, had caused the delays, not to mention, building their bureaucracy and power!

There are 5 regional service centers (or were). In the last six or so months, they've passed on the K and Relative visa case load from 4 of the service centers to California. Imagine the added work load and training that had to be done by the California Center. They've been running 6 months or so in just approving the petitions.

In shuffling the cases from Texas, Nebraska, then Missouri and eventually Vermont, to California, has caused longer and longer delays and even in simply getting to a case to cash the checks and send out receipts!!

Just recently, they assigned Vermont to take some of the backlog off California's back. More transition delays in cashing checks and sending out receipts! I have yet to see any improvement in processing time.

If you'll look at the USCIS reports, you'll notice they are ignoring the I-129F stats on the K3 visa. You'll also notice the I-130 reports indicate nothing since they include 2nd., and 3rd., preference cases filed by Permanent Residents (not U.S. Citizens). In other words, they are hiding their information!

These shuffled and reshuffled cases are eventually making it to an adjudicator's desk as we see. But it's scary meanwhile since no one is talking. But keep in mind, they are in fact, under the gun, and eventually they have to get to each case. They are in effect, shooting themselves in the foot while justifying a greater empire. The public is slooowly waking up and screaming! That's one thing the killed the Amnesty Bill.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-09-26 16:11:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

QUOTE (nyblubird @ Sep 24 2007, 09:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (U.S. Wendy @ Sep 23 2007, 11:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Surprise, surprise.....more games and more lies.
We simply CAN NOT sit by idle and let this continue!!!!

More good news for us (being sarcastic)--> http://www.uscis.gov...aFS_19Sep07.pdf
If I'm reading this correctly, yet again, VSC has been designated as the dumping site for more applications that will take priority over our K-1's and K-3's. If I'm wrong (and I hope I am) somebody please tell me.

Really, the more I think about it, the more I just want to leave this country to be with my SO until this is all over. Everyday that passes is one more day that has been STOLEN from us!!!!...and at this point, I am more than angry.

The way I see it, there are two choices:
1.) Let the anger eat at you until you explode -or-
2.) Harness that anger and turn it into positive action to force some change

Yes, you misread this, it clearly states on the top of page 2 there is no application or registration required. This decision will have no bearing on the K1 application process.

Thanks NYBird, but did you see this small section?

"Persons who did not request an EAD under TPS who now wish to receive one, or who wish to apply for a replacement of a lost, stolen, or mutilated EAD, must file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization). Follow the instructions to the form carefully. However, please submit that form, and all supporting documentation, to the Vermont Service Center, 75 Lower Welden Street, St. Albans, Vermont 05479-0001."

This is what caught my attention, so while it may not be many, there are some who will be sending their documents into VSC. They already have enough to do.

What do you think?

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-09-24 12:52:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-09-23 22:15:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

I contacted the Washington Post about the article they had on the front page about 4 weeks ago about K1 Visas and aske about any follow up they would be doing....in fact that was how I found VJ.....and they said they had little response to the article even though they ran it front page......I was disappointed

The above quote is not accurate? Who told you this? The reporter, Karin, sent me an e-mail saying that she had a HUGE response to the article. So, don't buy that line for ONE minute. I can not imagine she would lie to me.

Edited by U.S. Wendy, 17 November 2007 - 07:17 AM.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-11-17 07:16:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Hey all,
Just checking in. There is NO way I can read all the posts made here since I left the US, so someone please send me a PM and tell me what has been going on here. I can only get to the net once a week or so.....and naturally, as a result my sleeping pattern has returned to normal.
Hope you all are well and things are moving a little faster for you.
I'm still in Albania where I await some response from USCIS about either one of our cases.
My congressional liasion found that they will reveiw our first case and issue a letter that will allow me to provide a rebuttal, but that was two weeks ago and, as you know, they have NOT done what they promised. So, we wait.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-11-15 05:03:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Really, I'm practically speechless, and that's rare.

I can NOT believe the outpouring of support from you guys-->I'm moved to tears.

I read some of those hurtful comments at WP before I went back to work and although I really don't care....... no one wants to have bad things said about them and have people jumping to conclusions.....but,

YOU REALLY HAD MY BACK!!!!!

And Jason/Sasha-->a real ego boost with the Demi Moore comment, I'm flattered. I try.

You just can't please everyone, so if some are upset about the press getting this story, oh well, it's not meant to hurt anyone, only help. Still, there are always going to be paranoid people out there...but the fact of the matter is that this is an open forum and trolls come in here all the time.

The VJ creator was contacted, but I don't know why his name or comments never made the article, maybe he requested to remain anonymous, I don't know. I felt like I had to take this chance though.

This is a group of people (WE) who can do GREAT things, and don't forget that........and don't forget the struggle long after your SO arrives, we may need each other for a long, long, long time.

Thanks again, wonderful people.....Really!!!!

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-29 18:12:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

QUOTE (julezabelle @ Oct 29 2007, 10:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was really saddened to see how many readers left such negative, hurtful comments about the article.

I fully expected the backlash......that's what haters do, hate. So let them do their job.
I've heard it all before; I'm not moved.

Whatever bad things that might 'happen' to us as a result of these relationships we have with foreigners could very well happen right here in the good 'ole USA, by an American Citizen. It's a chance we all take, no matter who we marry.

Edited by U.S. Wendy, 29 October 2007 - 10:11 AM.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-29 10:08:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

I'm so glad you all liked the article!!!!! And thank you all for the kind words, I was really nervous about all of this.
I CAN NOT take all the credit myself...there are many HERE who contributed to the article, directly and indirectly.
Mostly, I'd like to thank the Reporter whose writing was right 'on point'...she DID NOT let us down.

Keep up the fight!!!!!! All it takes is reaching out and making your voice heard!!!!! Don't ever think-->"oh, I'm just one
person, no one is going to listen to me, I can't make them change." The key is persistence and dedication to doing the RIGHT thing. I'm no more special than any of you here.

Praying also helps; I did a lot of that!!!

I'll contribute in any way I can-->although I'll be relegated to an internet cafe computer until I return to the U.S., if I return.
THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL THE UNWAVERING SUPPORT!!!!!

I gotta go to work now and finish some things.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-29 10:00:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

It's out!!!!
I don't know about impact for the CAUSE, but it's out!!!.....OMG!!!Immigration DebateFull Coverage

Pursuit of Fiance Visas Leads Lovelorn to Bond Online

By Karin Brulliard
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, October 29, 2007; Page A01

This is what love has done to Wendy Brown: She's lost weight, resumed smoking and all but decided to move to the Balkans to be with her Albanian fiance. And each night, she spends hours in her cozy Baltimore apartment mingling online with strangers who are equally fixated on the same topic: getting their soul mates through the U.S. immigration system.

"We are both devastated," Brown, 38, wrote last spring on VisaJourney.com, reporting that the U.S. Embassy in Albania had denied her fiance a visa. She also posted a list of the questions the fiance was asked at his interview. "I'm going to keep fighting and fighting until we get what we both want more than anything in the world. . . . and that is to be together." Many people are frustrated with the immigration process and its long lines and opaque applications that, if misinterpreted, can send a case back to square one. Perhaps none are more ardent than the growing ranks of U.S. citizens applying for fiance and spouse visas, who say their passion is driven by a sense that their own government is fighting them and by the fear that delays or denials might spell the end of a romance.

the rest at:
http://www.washingto...02801706_2.html

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-28 22:27:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

THE STORY COMES OUT TOMORROW!!!!

This is my disclaimer:
OBVIOUSLY, I HAVEN'T READ IT AND I'M TRYING TO REMAIN POSITIVE....BUT, I'M PRAYING IT'S FAVORABLE-->STILL IN LIGHT OF EVERYTHING I'VE BEEN THROUGH, I AM ALSO A BIT PESSIMISTIC.................PLEASE REMEMBER I DIDN'T WRITE IT SO BEAR THAT IN MIND WHILE YOU ARE READING IT.

I'M FLYING OUT TO ALBANIA WEDNESDAY NIGHT BUT I AM HOPING THAT THIS ARTICLE SHEDS A LITTLE LIGHT ON OUR SUFFERING. I TOTALLY EXPOSED MYSELF, IDENTITY AND PERSONAL INFORMATION (as have a few of you here) FOR THIS ARTICLE SOLELY IN THE HOPES THAT EVERYONE HERE, INCLUDING MYSELF, CAN EXPECT SOME SMALL POSITIVE CHANGE BY BRINGING OUR STORY TO THE PUBLIC.....

I'M TOLD THAT THE FOCUS OF THE ARTICLE IS ON VJ AND THE NEED FOR A FORUM LIKE THIS DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY OF THE FAMILY-VISA PROCESS. REMEMBER, REPORTERS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE FAIR AND BALANCED, SO THERE IS LITTLE DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT USCIS TOLD 'THEIR' SIDE OF THE STORY. JUST WANT TO COVER ALL THE BASES HERE SO THAT YOU AREN'T DISAPPOINTED IF THE STORY IS TOLD FROM PERSPECTIVE DIFFERENT FROM WHAT WE WANT.

THOSE OF YOU WITH OTHER MEDIA CONTACTS SHOULD PURSUE THEM AND GET AS MANY STORIES PUBLISHED AS POSSIBLE.

BEST OF LUCK TO YOU ALL....I'LL BE STOPPING IN FROM TIME TO TIME.
--WENDY

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-28 19:35:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

QUOTE (Bob & Kim @ Oct 25 2007, 08:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (U.S. Wendy @ Oct 25 2007, 08:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Bob & Kim @ Oct 25 2007, 05:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (toshtishtash @ Oct 25 2007, 05:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Bob & Kim @ Oct 25 2007, 08:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Totally agree Bill y Bella. Their service sucks, period! I am so tired of coming on here and seeing zero approvals, zero! I have been saying for a long time now that we will most likely wait about 6 months and many just sat back and did nothing. I cannot believe every K-1/K3 filer who isn't approved yet has not written their elected officials and media. This is sickening and mark my words, those that did nothing will regret it some day. Sure, the day will come some day and you will be happy when it does, but think of the time together with your loved one that they took away and you can never get back, and God forbid if one of them dies while waiting these unreasonable times. As usual, I see today they are too busy processing work visas, refugee visas, receipting issues, etc. above ours...I never said they aren't working. I have always said the system sucks and they work too much ###### above us--tax paying US individual citizens.

Jesus christ.... Do you not think that's going a LITTLE too far? I know I said the other day that people need to rant occasionally to let of steam etc and that everyone handles things differently, but ffs! Get a grip!

How dare you say that those who did nothing will regret it one day. Who the HELL do you think you are?

Yes, this is a public forum and people can express their opinion in any which way they see fit, but you are really beginning to piss me off

Sorry you took it personal. I hope it got you fired up to write a letter or some more if you already haven't. As US Wendy said, "Get angry..." take action. I agree and I know there are many who wished they would have written their letters a lot earlier. My post was a call to action, a call to wake those up who have done nothing. If after reading this you don't agree, so be it. Then you and I have different sides on this issue.

Yep

I can't say how many letters or e-mails I've written, too many to count, but I feel like whatever efforts WE have made HAS helped....even in a small way to push USCIS to answer as to WHY things are such a mess with their agency. Complaining to the Ombudsman was a GOOD thing...for all of us.

As for me, he's investigating my case, formally, and I just noticed today my first 'returned' petition was 'touched'. It hasn't been touched since June 26, 2007, the day AFTER it made it back to the U.S. for 'review', so probably by the time they review the first, the second one will finally be approved. I was told there are 85,000 cases waiting for 'review' and they are even LESS of a priority than the K-1's and K-3's are. It's really silly, but I don't make the rules.

As for my Elected Officials, only one has really stepped up to the plate for me, a Democratic House Rep. His Aide is AWESOME!!!! I do believe that her calls to USCIS/VSC played a BIG part in them FINALLY dusting off my case to take a look at the injustice my fiance and I have suffered. There is no doubt in my mind that IF enough of us start hassling them, they will FORCE USCIS to do something more than they are doing now.....which is just to make lame excuses.

About the 6 month timeframe to approve our petitions....well, I hate to say I told you so. It's not nice to rub salt in the wounds of those of you sitting in the same boat with me, but I couldn't help but feel that only a small number of you believed me. For those of you who have been persistent in your efforts, I would bet you will see some kind of payoff.... if nothing more than finally getting accurate information about your case....and that's a rarity around here as you can see.

It's not too late to act....and although I may come off as a bit bitter and serious here, it's not meant to hurt or anger anyone here beyond getting you all to DO something tangible to effect change.
What about the press release for the 'chocolate drop'? Has that effort fizzled out?

P.S.- the reporter from Washington Post did contact USCIS and they told her that the processing of K-1's in 30 days (earlier this year and last year) was not true, so you see what I'm saying?

Peace, W

Yo, welcome back US Wendy and thanks for always adding something informative about what the hell is going on! So they even lie to the reporter too...they never cease to amaze me. Hell, I suppose this NOA2 in less than 30 days never happened either? Carly & Evan Canada Vermont Service Center 2007-10-01 2007-10-22

They are pathetic. I knew their system was f'd, but I never thought they would stoop to lying to a reporter. US Wendy: Please tell the reporter to file under the Freedom of Information Act to get the real story. We will let the truth be known, http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

FOIA

USCIS Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) Contact:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
National Records Center, FOIA/PA Office
P. O. Box 648010
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064-8010
(816) 350-5570
Fax (816) 350-5785
uscis.foia@dhs.gov

Making a FOIA or PA request:

1. To Request USCIS Records: Unless otherwise noted below, mail or fax all requests for USCIS records, including alien files and procurement information, to the National Records Center at the address listed above. Please note: ALL FOIA REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING. Form G-639 (available at www.uscis.gov) may be used for this purpose, but is not required. Please see “How to make a FOIA or PA request” for detailed information necessary to process your request. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept FOIA or PA requests by e-mail at this time.

2. To Request Human Resources Information: Mail requests for this information to: Customs and Border Protection, Burlington Human Resources Office, 70 Kimball Avenue, South Burlington, Vermont 05403-6813.

3. To Request Certifications: Certification of Nonexistence of a Record involves an agency decision. The USCIS Office of Records Management prepares this documentation. Requests for this service should be addressed to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, ATTN: Records Service Branch, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, 4th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20529.

4. To Request Customs and Border Patrol records: Effective October 1, 2007, mail all requests for non-Alien file Customs and Border Patrol records to U.S.Customs and Border Protection, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Attn: Mint Annex Building, FOIA Division, Washington, D.C. 20229.

Reading Rooms:

1. Conventional Reading Room:
The USCIS Public Reading Room is located at 111 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. 1st Floor, Washington, D.C. 20529. The hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Reading Room is closed on Federal holidays. Please contact the Freedom of Information Office at (202) 272-8280 to make arrangements to view information in the Reading Room. At this on-site location you can review information that has been placed in binders and shelved, or you can take advantage of two computers made ready for electronic viewing of information maintained in our Electronic Reading Room.

The majority of information in our public reading room is made up of Administrative Decisions. The numerous Decisions have been indexed and categorized to assist you in navigating to your desired document.

2. Electronic Reading Room (ERR):
The ERR includes frequently requested records, opinions, policy statements, and staff manuals/instructions to staff, created after November 1, 1996.

Multitrack Processing:

USCIS uses a three-track system to process FOIA requests.

Track One: Routine requests;
Track Two: Complex inquiries that normally necessitate additional search and review time; and
Track Three: Requests by individuals scheduled for a hearing before an immigration judge.
Track Three became effective March 30, 2007. It consists of FOIA requests of individuals who are scheduled to appear before an immigration judge. The new track allows for accelerated access to A-files requested through the FOIA process, provided an individual or the individual’s representative includes at least one of the following documents with the FOIA request:

Notice to Appear (Form I-862);
Order to Show Cause (Form I-122);
Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge (Form I-863); or
A written request of continuation of a scheduled hearing before the immigration judge.
Requesters wishing to move a pending FOIA request to this new Track Three for processing must resubmit the request and comply with the above requirements.

Notice of this new track was published in the Federal Register February 28, 2007. A link to the Federal Register Notice is located under "Related Links" on this page.

FOIA Requester Service Center:

The National Records Center operates a call center to answer questions about filing a request, provide status updates of pending requests, and otherwise provide assistance in obtaining records from USCIS. The call center operates from 7:00 AM to 2:15 PM Central Time. The phone number to reach a call center representative is (816) 350-5570. You may also fax inquiries to the National Records Center at (816) 350-5785, or e-mail your questions to uscis.foia@dhs.gov.

I will. Thanks for all the detail so I just have to cut and paste and shoot her an e-mail.
Only thing is this:
1-I sent a FOIA on my case in April, 2007 and I still don't have anything from them. Maybe, as a reporter she can get a faster response, I don't know.
2-OUR site tracks only our petition averages, and yes, VSC was averaging 30 days at one time, however USCIS may try and present the average of ALL K-1's or K-3's or lump them together and have come up with a different average....or they just lied. I don't know.
Anyhoo, I'll let her know about the FOIA

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-25 20:25:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

QUOTE (Bob & Kim @ Oct 25 2007, 05:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (toshtishtash @ Oct 25 2007, 05:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Bob & Kim @ Oct 25 2007, 08:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yep

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-25 19:34:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Bob and Kim,
I couldn't have said it better myself. I swallow hard and cruise past all the cheering every time I log on because I really didn't understand WHY..... but dared not say anything because I know we all share this board (and I usually only try and post when it's relevant to the topic at hand).....and we all have the same desire, ultimately.
I don't think there is anything wrong with being positive, but I just don't feel that way right now and 'there ain't no faking it'. I feel positive and motivated by this board when we are all pulling together and fighting the system, when someone gets an approval and when I see people like 'Zee', who already has her approval, still hanging in here and supporting the rest of us.
There are probably quite a few of us who have thought about leaving here and never coming back. I say if you feel that way, take a couple of days off and return when you are ready; no one is going to deprive me of this valuable resource because I'll probably need this site and all your support for at least the next three years.

As for the "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus" thing.....I don't know, I'm quite demanding and I want results, NOW!!!

Edited by U.S. Wendy, 18 October 2007 - 06:32 PM.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-18 18:29:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

B)-->

QUOTE(Bill B @ Oct 12 2007, 08:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hello all:
Well, I sat in on the teleconference like some others here and I took some notes to pass on to those of you who could not make it. Please understand there were many times when although they were focused on receipting issues, you could hear the nuances of the effects on us.

1. The ombudsman had a USCIS guest there from USCIS. Her name was Debra Rogers and she was the Division Chief of Information and Customer Service and claimed she had over 20 years of experience. She had what appeared to be a script of things that she just read from, most defending USCIS and addressing receipting. She would not entertain questions from teleconference participants...of course appologizing for that.

2. One of them said USCIS received over 1.2 million types of cases/applications this summer and they are proud that they are down to a backlog of "just" 480,000. They also said all I-485s were caught up. They said this "frontlog" of cases has affected many applicants (us being some of them of course, without directly commenting on us).

3. She said the receipting delay is their highest priority and they are working overtime and weekends on them.

4. She said they will continue to apply all available resources to receipting (of course I interpreted this as more delays to us).

5. She said they work things First In, First Out, but there are a small percentage that require a "little" more attention and get sent to another more specialized set of staff members to look at.

6. The ombudsman said USCIS uses the Received Date and not the Notice Date to prioritize their work.

7. The ombudsman said each time you call the USCIS you should note the date, time, operator or employee #, and where you called from. If you feel you received erroneous information he wants to know about it and for you to email him the information you noted to help them in identifying the person you spoke to. I also believe he meant poor customer service in general as USCIS leadership seems to believe the cutomer service reps are being very professional now.

8. The ombudsman openly and strongly expressed that he has a lot of frustration with USCIS and even he has trouble getting information he asks for. He said even what he considers as simple statistics USCIS seemingly cannot get them for him. He said after waiting way too long (weeks) USCIS sent him a page of information that did not even answer his request.

9. He said too many excuses are being put on the fact that USCIS received many more applications/cases than they expected before the announcement of the fee increase.

10. He appologized for not taking any questions during the teleconference (other than some that were emailed to him during it). He asked those of us in the teleconference with questions/issues to please reply to the email he sent us for the teleconference. I already did this and sent him what I posted a couple of times here for those of you being interviewed by the Post. I did add an opening paragraph to tie it somewhat to the receipting issues since that was the topic of the teleconference.

Couple of things about the Ombudsman I would like you to know, if you don't already. You will notice here that he does not work under the USCIS Director, which is good. It gives him some autonomy. This is his website http://www.dhs.gov/x...orial_0482.shtm and this is the link to send him recommendations:
http://www.dhs.gov/x...orial_0501.shtm

The Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) provides recommendations for resolving individual and employer problems with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As mandated by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 § 452, CISOMB is an independent DHS office that reports directly to the DHS Deputy Secretary. The CIS Ombudsman:

Assists individuals and employers in resolving problems with USCIS;
Identifies areas in which individuals and employers have problems in dealing with USCIS; and
Proposes changes to mitigate identified problems.

In closing, he said it was obvious that there would probably be a teleconference focused on USCIS exceeding their processing times. He said he just came back from Los Angeles and got an earful there and that USCIS has been breaking a lot of processing timelines.

In the beginning of the teleconference, he did give us his office phone number for I believe his secretary. It is (202) 357-8100.

So, in a nutshell, things are still very gloomy for us considering USCIS is focusing so many resources on so many other areas. As US Wendy said, we need to keep writing and keep voicing our opinions on how the service is unacceptable and negatively affecting our lives (US citizens) in so many ways. Please chime in if you were in on the call and want to further elaborate on anything I pointed out or missed. Good luck to everyone.[/quote]

Yes, yes....GREAT Bill!!!! Excellent synopsis of what happened today. Thank you.

NOA 2: 04-02-2008-->SECOND Petition approved
07-31-08- Entered the U.S.
09-17-08- Married
10-29-08: File AOS, EAD, AP
01-15-09: EAD Approved
02-26-09: Biometrics Appt.
03-07-09: EAD card received via mail
03-20-09: AOS approved
03-28-09: Greencard arrives via mail

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-12 20:16:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

This is why I wanted you all there on this call. The employment Visa people have the power right now AND the ear of USCIS, why do you think their petitions are taking priority?
If we kick up enough of a fuss, we might get a small slice of their attention-->hence the e-mails to the Ombudsman, Senators, etc. Don't you think they (H1-B visa folks) are worrying him (Ombudsman) to death with their concerns? We have the same right to demand answers.

Don't give up, GET MORE frustrated than you already are and keep up the pressure on these people. If we say nothing and do nothing, this situation is only going to get worse and we'll continue to get dumped on. As long as we stick together and keep getting articles written, write to our elected officials, USCIS, the Ombudsman, Oprah, whoever and whatever, someone knows that we are NOT happy and they need to address OUR concerns also-->not just Employers and their employees, you know?

Really, I hoped we might get a chance to speak today, but as I said, they didn't want this. Sort of like a press conference with the President...do you think he just goes out there unprepared? No!! Reporters submit their questions beforehand so he doesn't look anymore stupid than he already does. My point is, it's all BS and YES, we are more informed about what is going on than their top level executives at USCIS because these things are affecting our REAL lives and we are doing our homework.

If you are angry, great....if you are disgusted, great. I'm glad you got to hear, first hand, how this agency has negatively affected our lives, our plans and our happiness.....now you see why I didn't want to be quiet, from the start, about it. I just could NOT wait and hope and pray.

Let me tell you something, there is A LOT that goes on in middle-management in government agencies that the top officials have NO idea about, trust me on this. Does that excuse their ignorance? No, but when your paycheck is on the line, you learn to keep quiet and TRY to clean up the mess without ANY of the blame coming back on you. It's all politics and shady business.
By continuing to raise our voices, they have got to know what is going on and they can't say they didn't.

So, please don't see this as a waste of time, it's just another cruel wake-up call that this thing is NOT over and we have a LONG fight ahead of us.

Quote by Pkewl--> "Amen to that...I couldn't agree more...

It was ALL(I think 100%) EMPLOYMENT VISA and the related receipt DELAYS and NOT even a minor mention of EXTENSIVE K1/K3 PROCESSING delays that we have been facing for weeks/months now.. aarrgghhhh... "

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-12 17:48:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Well, don't consider it a waste of time because you probably did get some valuable information.

My experience with the first teleconference I sat in on month or so ago was much better.
I got to actually ask questions.

The problem NOW is they are scared, really scared and they know people are mad as h*ll!!!! They didn't want anyone to say ANTHING to USCIS because it would get out of control real quick!!!

On other calls there were probably 15-20 people.....this time 200.
Just like with the applications, once the numbers start to increase and get unmanagable, they 'dummy-up' and say very little.

Keep sending your e-mails to the Ombudsman, at least he got them (USCIS) into a room to hear our complaints first hand. No doubt, he's going to forward this on to them.....and like he said, they need to ACT now!!! There is no excuse for this mess they got themselves into. They don't even know what their employees are doing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-12 14:40:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Just to let you know, I think the interview with the reporter went very well. I think we talked for about 1.5 hours or so.
I covered most all of the points I felt are important and took your suggestions. She is sharp and I'm sure she will do a fine article, it might not have EVERYTHING we want in it, but I think it will give an overall picture of this VJ community and the battles we are facing with USCIS.
If you get a chance to speak with her, give her some stats and concrete examples. She is going to do some 'fact checking' and I believe, as you already suggested, giving her links to important sites where she can research is good. We can all speak to our own experience with USCIS, but, you know, I have never personally called and had them give me conflicting information because I gave up on calling them ages ago, they only ever told me to wait.......but I know some of you have had them tell you one thing one day and another thing the next, so.....this is the type of thing I think she might be looking to hear to substantiate our claims.
I'm going to bed; if I can sleep...................

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-11 23:20:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

I REALLY appreciate the simple "Thank you" from each and everyone who gave it to me. That's really ALL I need. I have ALWAYS cheered for the 'underdog' and I always believed that persistence and challenging the system (status quo) is ALWAYS a good thing. I absolutely DESPISE complacency!!!!<--Did I spell those right? Anyway..................
I remember reading some post on another thread where some ******* said that this was NOT the forum to create or generate any type of activism.....and that it was inappropriate or whatever. I had to laugh. What is the right forum? I think we have done some GREAT things here and I, for one, feel terrific!!!!
Never, ever, ever give up and never, ever, ever accept what seems to be unfair just because some high-level official or agency says it's so.
This nation was built by people who refused to live under the 'thumb' of tyranny.....and while we might not be fighting here to end hunger or bring about world-peace, this issue is an important one and I hope that through our efforts WE, and those who come behind us, will not be subjected to this kind of BS any longer.
Okay, off the soap box.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-11 17:30:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Just for a chuckle today-->
http://www.dailybull...ders/ci_4359160

Some people are getting their petitions approved and obtaining greencards......but you gotta know someone in power to get it and they only take cash.

Just kidding.
I know, corruption is everywhere, but I thought I would throw this out there for you......

AND

Please sign up for the teleconference, it's filling up fast. I haven't even gotten MY confirmation yet,

so those of you who do sign up and are confirmed to attend--> REALLY, REALLY try and listen in.......I was there for the last one and learned a GREAT deal!!!!

Edited by U.S. Wendy, 11 October 2007 - 02:10 PM.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-11 14:09:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ATTENTION: PLEASE PARTICIPATE IN THIS OMBUDSMAN TELECONFERENCE!!!!

Have your voices heard. Go and register. I'll be there.

http://www.visajourn...showtopic=91449

Edited by U.S. Wendy, 11 October 2007 - 07:37 AM.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-11 07:35:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

[/quote]

Hi, question about the reporter US Wendy - is the last name Brulliard? Got a message thru VJ that a post reporter wanted to talk to Washington area filers, like me. Am talking with her trw. Any suggestions?

[/quote]

Yes, I sent you a PM.

and Mrssnowangel, thank you for the suggestions and support.

Edited by U.S. Wendy, 10 October 2007 - 08:22 PM.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-10 20:18:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

[/quote]

Mirla, what does your lawyer say?
[/quote]

He told me that everything seems fine with my case but they are delayed due to the fee increased and to be patient cause I'm almost there.....I told him to stick his info....you know were....still the same BS...
[/quote]

I went to the Dentist this morning, always fun....then I arrive home to find all this depressing information. Just when I was about to throw myself off the balcony, I see this post by Mirla. I know it wasn't mean to be funny, but it's the only thing that has made me laugh today, so thank you!!!

Anyhoo, the reporter from Washington Post is coming to interview me for a second time tomorrow night and when the article hits the press, I'll let you all know. I am hoping it comes out good and there is some MORE publicity for our cause.

Just keep writing EVERYONE with any kind of political or media power whatsoever-->AGAIN, Congress COULD give the Ombudsman more power to effect change. Right now he can only rattle a few cages, but he can not change the outcome of our petitions or make them work any faster, really. Still, if we keep the heat up on EVERYONE something is going to break, eventually.

What about the chocolates? Have we abandoned that idea? I think we should definitely move forward with that.

If there is anything, in particular, you want me to be sure to tell the reporter tomorrow, send me messages. My head is a bit foggy at the moment and I'm sure as soon as she leaves I'll be saying, "why didn't I say this or that....."

Thanks everyone.

P.S.--I have some more depressing information from and 'inside' source about VSC, but I'll post that later.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-10 18:23:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

"There is essentially only one action that the applicant can take to force the agency to act – filing a lawsuit. This type of lawsuit, known as a "writ of mandamus," is designed to compel the government to perform a duty owed to the plaintiff, namely, take action on the pending application."

This can be filed in Federal Court and the government must answer within 60 days. Usually, these lawsuits force the government to finally take action and are resolved before the issue gets to court. Now, this could probably work if cases are not processed within the 6-month timeframe and I'm sure, USCIS doesn't want 100's of these types of cases filed against them so they are going to try and stick to that time they have quoted. HOWEVER, should they get themselves in a position that they can not get out of and change the 6 months to 8 or 12, those of you with the means to hire an attorney, need to find a good one and take some action-->or you may collectively decide to do pursue something like this.

I'm NOT an attorney, just putting this information out there for anyone wanting to take this to the level.

QUOTE (thejoz @ Oct 7 2007, 11:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A class-action suit is going to be expensive, and what exactly are we suing for?

I guess if it worked for the workers it might work for us too, but I don't know.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-08 07:42:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Sorry for my absence....I've been back and forth to my parents this weekend packing up my apartment and preparing to leave the U.S. at the end of this month.

About the protest/march-->
http://www.ehow.com/...washington.html
and
http://www.ehow.com/...hington-dc.html

This is just a glimpse at what we'd need to do to organize in Washington DC. Of course, we'd need to follow-up and make sure this information is current, but if this is accurate, it wouldn't be impossible-->but it is a lot of work.

There are other organizations supporting family-reunification who we could solicit to make a bigger impact IF we chose to go this route. Even though we may not need thousands to get our message across, we do need a substantial number and if only 20-30 people downloaded the most recent letters to send out, I don't think we have enough support (from just our thread) to do this alone. I believe amrssnowangel already made that point.

I say we continue with this second round of letters, an appeal to Oprah and the chocolates. Organizing a protest/march could be a last desperate resort...................-or- we could go a step further.....*sigh*; there is always the option of a class action lawsuit against USCIS. Just some food for thought.

Anyway, with me leaving the country at the month-end, I'm hoping to have one of my cases settled within the next 6 months-->Long Story.........but the point I want to make is that if we are serious about a march, regardless of the disposition of my petition(s), I will be joining you all in whatever you choose to do.

I think someone posed a question to me, but I can't find the post.........please ask again.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-07 21:09:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Wow, I just woke up from a much needed nap, albiet on the couch. I haven't had a full 8 hours at one time in months!!!!!....so, any sleep is welcome.

Anyway, I have both letter drafts, thanks and I'll get those out tomorrow. As for the chocolates or kisses, GREAT!!! Just let me know how and when and I'll be certain to join in on this as well.

About a protest/march in Washington D.C., I'll look into that tomorrow as well. My only concern is that we have more than a handful of people, but I'll get all the specifics in case we decide this is worthwhile and we can make an impact.

See you all tomorrow!!

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-04 23:39:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

YES, YES, YES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's get busy. So far:
-Letters to Oprah. Everyone go to OPRAH.COM and ask her to do a story.
-Someone to get Immigration Attorney names who might back our cause
-Start a website

ALL GREAT IDEAS!!!!!!!!!!!! I love it!!!!

As for responses to our first letters, so far I have:
-An e-mail from the Ombudsman acknowledging the 'issues' at USCIS and saying they will look into it.
-Returned letter from Aguilar
-My Representative is looking into my case and contacted VSC
-One reporter who is going to write a story-->I'll let you know when and IF it goes to print

So, our efforts are not wasted. We just need to get - "BIG one" and we are better of than we were before we started.

Keep the ideas coming.................and, of course, you know I'm on board!!

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-10-04 19:51:00