biggish data

I-129F delivery methods

Just curious, how did you send your petitions? Express mail, Priority mail, FedEx? Also, in my delivery confirmation for Express mail it says that the item was signed for by M S - is this the only person who signs for the packages at Texas Service Center? Seems like few others were also signed for by M S. For some strange reason the Address of Recipient on the delivery confirmation is a wrong P.O. box number - I sent it to a different P.O. box! Is this normal?

How ever you choose to send your stuff, make sure you have a return receipt and a way to track it, cashed check etc. The secret to successis a detailed paper trail and many copies. I sent mine Fed-Ex.
Good Luck

DavidEvgeniya

Male

Russia

2007-04-19 20:31:00

Just Starting....Reading All The Info....

Hi Everyone,

I have been on this site now for over an hour and I am thrilled with the information I'm reading. My fiance (the US Citizen) and I just got engaged and boy, was I feeling overwhelmed about all the forms that I will have to fill out and the procedure....I'm glad that a lot of you have not used a lawyer, I contacted one and she stated me over $7000, that is almost the budget for our entire wedding!!!!

I would appreciate it if anyone has any advise that you can give to someone who is about to embark on what appears to be a frustrating journey at times.

Thank you all,

B

Hello,
As for advice.. It is all about the details. Be as organised as possible. Make and keep copies of everything. {\Pay with a check, use Fed Ex to tack your mailings. This site has all the example forms you could need. Oh and you will need to be patient, otherwise good luck and if I can help let me know. You will find between all the people on this site, you will find all the helpand guidance you cold ask for, and it does not cost a penny.
David

DavidEvgeniya

Male

Russia

2007-04-23 19:27:00

Proof of relationship

This site has been so very helpful. I plan on filing my K1 visa next week for my fiance in Nigeria. I'm very nervous about it because everybody tells you different things to do. But honestly, coming to this site has equipped me with good information and the information from everyone seems to be consistant. One of my concerns is the proof of relationship part. We met back in 2003 and lost contact with each other but re-united through a friend in 2006. I went to see him again in 2007 and that's when he proposed to me. I obviously said "yes" and was ready to start filing when I got back to the US. My concern with the proof of relationship is that I only have a couple of e-mails from 2006 when we added each other to our yahoo IM and I have some e-mails dating from the beginning of Jan. 2007 and no e-mails from 2003. I failed to save everything. And as far as the phone calls, I ALWAYS used calling cards.....so I don't have phone bills. Does anyone think that will be sufficient enough to establish the relationship? I also have about 50-60 pictures of us. PLEASE HELP LOVELY COMMUNITY....THANKS!!!

Hello,
as far as the calling cards, keep those and keep a copy of the phone bill. It will show the access number you use to get on to the calling card network. All I did was underline the acces number so they could see it. And as for proof, you can never have too much.
Keep the e-mails, any travel documents, letters with envelopes you have sent, records of packages and so on. Any recipts with expences you have incurred, tickets, travel tags etc. It all adds up.
Good luck.

DavidEvgeniya

Male

Russia

2007-05-25 14:17:00

Question about getting documents notarized

As mentioned the only thing that should be is the Affadavit of support.
As for all the other forms, do make copies of all forms and documents. They will be needed later.
Good luck.

DavidEvgeniya

Male

Russia

2007-05-30 15:37:00

K-1 Filing Requirement

Hello,
I believe one of the forms that needs to be filled out requests proof of divorce. You may want to check it out before you file
David

DavidEvgeniya

Male

Russia

2007-05-30 19:58:00

Translation of Documents

THe form usually needs to be notarised

DavidEvgeniya

Male

Russia

2007-06-15 20:29:00

the I-134 & I-864

hello all,
need some advice on these two forms concerning affidavit of support. during the K1 process, which form is necessary for me, the petitioner to fill out? Also, I will have a co-sponsor ... what form must he fill out? Must we send them in together? Since i am out of the USA currently, do I have to get my form noterized at any particular place? thanks ... Ali(&)jef

You have to fill out the affadavit and have it notarised. Usually most banks have a notary.
I sent mine with my fiance so that she had it for her interview at the embassy.
All the affadavits are filled out by the person sponsoring or planning to support the non US.

DavidEvgeniya

Male

Russia

2007-06-15 20:35:00

Question about G325 Forms...

Hello,
It is supposed to be the original signature not a copy.

DavidEvgeniya

Male

Russia

2007-06-16 20:59:00

Paperwork for Interview

Hello,
I was in sort of the same situation. This si how aI solved it. I went to my in box, and put the screen in view mode so I could see the e-mail that was hi-lighted on the right. But on the left it showed the e-mail, date and whom it was from.
I printed that. It was still 20-30 sheets, but each page had a sample of an e-mail. There they can see a date, whom it was from, and a sample.
Good luck.
'David

DavidEvgeniya

Male

Russia

2007-06-23 20:33:00

Who submits the additional evidence at the interview?

Hi,
Once the USC has submitted the application, you then have to make sure that the fiance has the info. for the interview. At the interview, they will need to providethe medical, police report, etc, as well as all the eveidence. Reciepts, letters, photos, e-mails etc. That will be requested during the interview.
And you can never have too much evidence.
Good luck
David

DavidEvgeniya

Male

Russia

2007-06-30 12:04:00

Fiance's weird mailing address

Hello,
Moscow has the sameaddress situation. When i sent stuff i switched it round. And it still got there
David

DavidEvgeniya

Male

Russia

2007-07-04 04:02:00

Cancelling Petition

What happened? :huh:

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2006-12-03 18:50:00

Approved!!

It's a great feeling isn't it? Try and chill for the rest of the process. Hopefully things will come together quickly for you here on out. :thumbs:

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2006-12-05 22:55:00

Need HELP with your opinions!!!!!!

I, too, concur with the other VJers. This is just the beginning. If you start the K-1 process with this woman, you will most definitely find yourself regretting it and kicking yourself to boot!! Cut your losses and bail NOW because this may end up costing you A LOT more of money down the road, not to mention heart-ache. Please go google 'mail order bride russian scams' and do some research before you put anymore effort into this 'relationship'. :no:

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-03-15 17:17:00

Will age difference matter?

quote-->"Okay, if they look at the difference in ages differently when it is the woman who is older, I am in a lot of trouble with this process. My hubby was born the same year I graduated from High School! Okay, so call me a cradle robber." :end quote

Me too!!!! I just hope it does NOT affect the outcome of our K-1 interview...The interviewer should realize that ours is an authentic relationship; age is secondary...an afterthought. We certainly weren't thinking age when our eyes locked for the first time.

When you truly love someone, you just don't care what other people think, or you shouldn't. I'm totally prepared to block ALL the negatives from our relationship to preserve it. I've waited far too long to let any naysayers get a word in edge-wise.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-03-24 22:49:00

Help...please

Does anyone have any ideas for proof of meeting during the 2 years prior to filing the papers? i sent in photos with dates and wrote that we met because we lived in the same area. but i still got a RFE. im running out of ideas. the only thing i can send in is letters from people saying they were there when we were together, along with more dated pictures.
I dont have anything like a hotel recpit, or plane tickets. i also stated that he lived in the same city, which i dont understand why they would assum that we would have things like that. I stressing so much about this!

Send in EVERYTHING you can, particularly if you have any 'red flags' in your case such as age, religious, cultural, or language differences, etc. That Embassy in Albania has put my fiance and I through hell.....and there is nothing your Senator or NVC or DOS will do for you if they decide to revoke your petition.
You need to find some plane ticket receipts if you flew ANYWHERE to see him, e-mails, chat log if you use any MSN or Yahoo Chat programs to communicate, phone bills, video, if you charged anything on a credit card while traveling, copy and attach that. ANYTHING!!!
Looks like Albania is going to be the next 'high fraud' post so they are on the lookout for any type of fraud because the economy is so bad over there.....and government corruption is the norm so everyone is suspect. Gone are the days when you could say you want to marry someone and they can just go get their visa. Be ready for an inquisition.
I'm telling you.....if there is anything they can find to use to deny you, they will so put it all out there RIGHT now or you could be sent into the 221g abyss and you don't want that. We'll be there for the next 6-12 months.
Good luck and if you can afford it, you might go an hire an experienced immigration attorney NOW. Heavy emphasis on 'experienced'-->with gathering the appropriate evidence to avoid recommendation for revocation finding.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-04-26 15:24:00

Contact your representatives!!!

Ditto.
Go here:http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=74459&st=1380
to the last page. We are organizing.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-09-12 22:53:00

I apologize for the double post but just wanted to make sure you see this-->

This is from the Ombudsman today-->and I quote "Under the Homeland Security Act of 2002, it is my office’s statutory mission to assist USCIS customers, to identify problem areas in the immigration process, and to propose changes to the administrative practices of USCIS. I believe that process change recommendations from individuals like you are the best source for identifying systemic problems in the immigration benefits process. My office will consider your suggestions as we develop recommendations to improve USCIS’ practices and procedures."

....and another BUMP.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-09-19 21:50:00

QUOTE (BillyB @ Sep 19 2007, 10:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Sep 19 2007, 02:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

And when it does, will you still be as 'interested' in stirring the troops - or in helping others get what they need? Or will you fade off into the immigration sunset until your own next personal situation crops up? It might be a harsh question, but self-examination is never easy.

Who cares if Wendy is still around or not after her fiance gets a visa. Do you help to help or do you want recognition and payback to the forum? Some newbies should never give advice anyway. Wendy is doing something constructive that benefits not only her but all in this endeavor. USCIS has high levels of incompetence and they have been trying to adjust but they wouldn't have done it without people like Wendy speaking out.

I wished enough people spoke out against IMBRA to prevent that feminist agenda #######.

I've been participating on forums since 2004, mostly RussianWomenDiscussion.com and help where I can without the need for respect. If a guy doesn't take advice well, then that's his problem. I get enough satifaction from people who do succeed and not marry insincere people or get scammed. From what I've seen this place is gentler and kindler to newbies who don't listen. Isee no valid reasons to lock this thread or for people to have hurt feelings.

For those experienced members who have still more to learn, It's "newbie", not "noobie".

Thanks Bill, you understand my motivations perfectly.

Before I go to bed I wanted to share this and give the topic a BUMP

This is from the Ombudsman today-->and I quote "Under the Homeland Security Act of 2002, it is my office’s statutory mission to assist USCIS customers, to identify problem areas in the immigration process, and to propose changes to the administrative practices of USCIS. I believe that process change recommendations from individuals like you are the best source for identifying systemic problems in the immigration benefits process. My office will consider your suggestions as we develop recommendations to improve USCIS’ practices and procedures."

That's good enough for me!!!!

Ahhhhhhhhh, I feel better already.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-09-19 21:19:00

QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Sep 19 2007, 07:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (U.S. Wendy @ Sep 19 2007, 07:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (devilette @ Sep 19 2007, 07:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Sep 19 2007, 04:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (U.S. Wendy @ Sep 19 2007, 07:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I work with disabled Veterans everyday so I know all about 'bigger' issues. I have thirteen years of experience in working with 'disadvantaged' individuals of all sorts. So, yes, I'll be here for the long haul. Thank you for your comments.

That's really good to know.

So.....how would you rate what those disabled Vets experience everyday compared to your situation?

Are their problems permanent or temporary?

Not to mention how working with Vets that has NOTHING to do with the (original) topic.

True, it's been 'off topic' for a while now-->although not my doing. Sorry about that.
Let's get things BACK on track.......shall we?
How are those approvals coming?

Yeah, working with Veterans may not be the topic, but it's good for introspection.

Wendy, how do those poor dudes and the stuff you see each day - how does that compare with your immigration challenges?

PS- For the record I see in your timeline you have experienced a difficult situation.

....trying to stay on topic here.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-09-19 18:26:00

QUOTE (devilette @ Sep 19 2007, 07:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (U.S. Wendy @ Sep 19 2007, 04:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

True, it's been 'off topic' for a while now-->although not my doing. Sorry about that.
Let's get things BACK on track.......shall we?
How are those approvals coming?

The topic is fighting back against THE MAN....? Or so your post says?

I don't remember using those exact words....but whatev.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-09-19 18:23:00

QUOTE (devilette @ Sep 19 2007, 07:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Sep 19 2007, 04:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (U.S. Wendy @ Sep 19 2007, 07:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's really good to know.

So.....how would you rate what those disabled Vets experience everyday compared to your situation?

Are their problems permanent or temporary?

Not to mention how working with Vets that has NOTHING to do with the (original) topic.

True, it's been 'off topic' for a while now-->although not my doing. Sorry about that.
Let's get things BACK on track.......shall we?
How are those approvals coming?

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-09-19 18:19:00

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-09-19 18:09:00

Since the other threads were locked, though I'd give this one a BUMP.

Those of you still willing to fight-->trudge on!!!!!

I appreciate your support.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-09-19 16:29:00

Thanks for having my back-->especially Chris4Gretchen, ZeeNusah, Jamie, afterforever!!!!

Now back to the task at hand.

Let's get those letters, faxes and e-mails out TODAY and keep the campaign going for the next 7 days or so-->If you are doing it, let me know by posting HERE so we can let everyone else on here KNOW there is strength in numbers.

I think some of our neighbors on the CSC side need to be convinced. This thread originated with the VSC'ers, so this is were the bulk of the letters are coming from. If you are struggling with CSC and have an credibility with the rest of the folks there, please try talking to some of about joining our campaign.

And about the naysayers and 'trolls'....I know it's hard, we have to educate them sometimes...... but, remember even their negative comments bump our topic us so everyone can see it.

I'll let you know what the reporter from the Washington Times says tonight.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-09-19 06:55:00

AND USCIS IS FUNDED BY OUR FEES, NOT YOUR TAX DOLLARS!!!!! Sheesh. I'm calling it a night. I hope to find more intelligent life when I return. I'm out!

QUOTE (moxcamel @ Sep 18 2007, 08:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, speaking as someone who has just begun the process (they haven't even cashed my check yet) I have to say that while I'm really discouraged by the wait I'm faced with to be with my fiancé again, I've worked for the government and I know when you can fight city hall and when you can't. And I'm sorry to say Wendy, this is just one of those times when we have to grit our teeth and bear it. Just for starters, there is absolutely no political will to increase staffing/funding to make it (seemingly) easier for immigrants to come in to this country. A handful of visajourney peeps isn't going to change that.

The government usually staffs based on an average need (which was probably determined a few years ago). And if you look at it objectively, I don't think the average taxpayer really wants to be paying for a dream team staff of USCIS clerks who are just waiting for your application to reach their hot little hands.

They're operating with a certain number of employees, and those employees are working 8 hours a day on our petitions. When you have a fixed number of resources faced with an increase in workload a bottleneck is inevitable. It's just how government works.

And let me just say that I'm glad to be working within the USCIS system instead of the kind of system I had to work through just to get a ticket changed by Aeroflot at Sheremetyevo. An hour wait in line to take care of the 4 people in front of me, then 20 more minutes to be helped by a disgruntled "customer service" rep, who needed 2 supervisors approval and a phone call. And no, I'm not making a case of "hey at least it's not Russia!" it's just that I'm still really annoyed at my whole Sheremetyevo experience and had to share.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-09-18 20:06:00

I really wish people would do their homework. USCIS has hired and has advertised for a lot more adjudicators-->go to www.usajobs.com if you don't believe me. They are understaffed and always have been, still, explain to me why (honestly) many petitions at VSC were approved in under 30 days and now they are NOT. You know why? Because USCIS has made a big mess with the H1-B visas AND the fee increases (that should ease the process, not make it worse) AND NOW they are dealing with the refugee process.
I, too, work for the government and I KNOW the only thing that moves an agency like USCIS is media attention and pressure from our congress. Read the news please.
I'll be sure to check back and see how your case is progressing.........................6 months from now. Good luck to you!! AND please, don't apologize.

QUOTE (moxcamel @ Sep 18 2007, 08:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-09-18 20:01:00

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-09-18 18:42:00

QUOTE (john_and_marlene @ Sep 18 2007, 07:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think the current timelines and delays are acceptable considering the massive and daunting task facing the USCIS, DOS, DHS, and FBI. I hope few people will fight to lower overall security and soverignty for a one-time temporal gain.

I guess you didn't read this part-->"And, if you are against this, please do us a favor and keep that to yourself. This process is painful enough without the negatively I all too often see here at VJ."

1.) No one is asking to lower security.
2.) It's easy to take that position when your case has been approved.
3.) Thanks for the support!!! God, I love this site.

U.S. Wendy

Female

Albania

2007-09-18 18:36:00

WARNING VJ has EXPIRED I-129F forms (2/18/07)

I am a complete newbie to this site.
I went to USCIS to get all forms! No offense but I really didn't want to screw anything up at all, so I went to the source for up to the minute things I needed.
I have searched and searched and searched the net (thanks to the all knowing google) for a self help/support site to get me through this very trying time and that's exactly what I'm finding here.

Scold yourself noone else if you snagged out dated forms that are most likly just there to use as a guide! :blink:

craigandkym

Female

United Kingdom

2007-02-24 08:30:00

Overseas Travel while in K1 Process

Wow! You guys rock, thanks so much

I've already got my passport, I've had it for years now. I don't need anything else to get to the UK. But that is such a relief to know at least I can go that way

I can't wait to see him again!!

craigandkym

Female

United Kingdom

2007-03-02 23:36:00

Overseas Travel while in K1 Process

Hiya!

I read a topic about my fiance not coming here (the US) during our processing of the K1 visa, but I'm do to go to the UK in April, as his parents are throwing us an engagement party. Does anyone know if there's any problems I should be made aware of?
It's not advisable for him to come here, but what about me going there?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks,

Kim

craigandkym

Female

United Kingdom

2007-03-02 23:22:00

NOA2

Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!! We seem to be following a similar path...I just got my email yesterday as well.

Anyone what next??

craigandkym

Female

United Kingdom

2007-03-02 07:46:00

Observation about people getting NOA2's

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! :energetic:

craigandkym

Female

United Kingdom

2007-03-09 10:48:00

OMG!

You rock so much!!

I can't thank you enough :thumbs:

craigandkym

Female

United Kingdom

2007-03-11 07:55:00

Visajourney is freaking amazing. I'd be going out of my mind right now if I couldn't come here regularly and read/vent. Whatever.

And you are right ...the freaking acronyms on here drive me f**** crazy!! At least it gives me something else to learn.

=)

*still no touches and no clue what's going on now*

craigandkym

Female

United Kingdom

2007-03-11 00:02:00

Again thanks for all the help! I did find the NVC using Google (all hail google) and I get it now!!

This site is really the best thing I've ever found.........

:wub:

craigandkym

Female

United Kingdom

2007-03-09 10:45:00

Thanks so much guys!!

So I just wait. Well aside from working on the I-134.

Now I'm going to go figure out what the NVC is LOL!!

craigandkym

Female

United Kingdom

2007-03-09 10:26:00

Heya!

Ok so I've got my happy little NOA 2 in my hand. I know there is still months more of waiting. But I'm unsure of something. In the pre-email I got before I actually got my NOA 2 it said to follow the instructions in the letter. Well there aren't any.

I assume (correct me if I'm wrong) I now just wait. Wait for VSC to mail to the London Consulate and for him to get packet 3. Is that where I am in the process or am I missing something?

Thanks so much for your help!!

~Kim

craigandkym

Female

United Kingdom

2007-03-08 22:57:00