ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

Al-hamdulillah I received my visa today from AMEX. After 7 months of AP/AR. I called the DOS on the 17th of July and they told me my processing was finished and today received the call from AMEX.
I am updating my name in the list as well as Maranello who received his wifes visa June 20th


Congrats.
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-07-20 10:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

How long does it take AMEX to receive the visa? During the interview, they told her one to two weeks?? My impatient butt went and brought tickets already.


From what I have seen with other folks times on this forum, its been taking anywhere from 1-2 weeks, before it is delivered by the courier folks. So by your interview date, 2 weeks would be 24th july, hopefully you got tickets for at least after that date.

Edited by waiting4s, 20 July 2007 - 12:42 AM.

waiting4sMalePakistan2007-07-20 00:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

hi guys
I have been busy getting things ready for my husband before I send him the final packet.

Does anyone know if it makes a difference if I go with my husband for his interview in Islamabad? I really want to so I can at least see him again but ive been checking out the airfares and they are expensive.

I dont know how but I have question for ladies who are in the same situation as I'am: how are you dealing with the fact that there spouse is not here with you?
im in a big delimma becuase inshallah if my husband's visa is approved then no prob but, if not then my husband would like for me to come back. I dont know but its very difficult to do this. I know guys in our culture dont get asked alot when their spouse is comming but with ladies is a diff situation unfortunately. as my husband's days are comming near for the interview Im getting very nervous due to the fact that things still have not calmed down in ISB. I'am praying to Alah everything goes smoothly not just for me but everyone else who is in the same situation

I was also thiinking maybe he should extend the date of the interview but I have already done that and I would like to get eveyrthing finsihed asap.

well takecare everyone
now I think ill go to sleep
Allah Hafiz
Farah
Thanks in Advance


You might get better airfare through a travel agent as thats who I am using. Compared to the big online sites, like orbitz, travelocity, etc, the agent came in about 400 bucks cheaper, albeit it is a slighty longer travel time and more airplane changes, but 400 bucks is 400 bucks. Also the earlier you buy the tickets the cheaper they are going to be.
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-07-19 10:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

I have been just informed from a freind of mine that his wife's interview for K-3 was done yesterday. The consular officer has given him form 194 that indicates that he needs to provide I-864( Joint Sponsor)with all the supporting documents and after that further consideration will be given to his application. However, the embassy has kept his wife's passport and given them a list of courier agents. He has told me that he has been told by the embassy that once the embassy has 1-864 the visa will be in hand in 2-3 days. He is wondering that he can be on AP or not becasue he has not received any paperwork that says his wife will be on AP, however, the emabssy has taken her fingerprints for both hands. Please share any experience that his wife still can be on AP or not.

Thanks,
ALI


No personal experience, but from what I have read in these forums, If you do not get a paper specifically stating AP/AR processing will need to be done on your case, then you are not on AP/AR. Your friend needs to provide the stuff requested by the embassy asap and then his wife should be issued the visa.




It now appears they are taking full set of fingerprints AP or not. So number of fingerprints taken may no longer be a valid way to determine AP/AR. I think it is required by law that they provide the AP/AR paper if they put someone on it. In this forum people get hung up on the color of the paper instead of reading the text on the paper. In all cases that I have seen, it quite clearly states AP/AR. If your friend did not get a paper (whatever color) clearly stating his wifes on AP then she is not, no two ways about it.
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-07-18 14:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

I have been just informed from a freind of mine that his wife's interview for K-3 was done yesterday. The consular officer has given him form 194 that indicates that he needs to provide I-864( Joint Sponsor)with all the supporting documents and after that further consideration will be given to his application. However, the embassy has kept his wife's passport and given them a list of courier agents. He has told me that he has been told by the embassy that once the embassy has 1-864 the visa will be in hand in 2-3 days. He is wondering that he can be on AP or not becasue he has not received any paperwork that says his wife will be on AP, however, the emabssy has taken her fingerprints for both hands. Please share any experience that his wife still can be on AP or not.

Thanks,
ALI


No personal experience, but from what I have read in these forums, If you do not get a paper specifically stating AP/AR processing will need to be done on your case, then you are not on AP/AR. Your friend needs to provide the stuff requested by the embassy asap and then his wife should be issued the visa.

Edited by waiting4s, 18 July 2007 - 02:21 PM.

waiting4sMalePakistan2007-07-18 14:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

Another good news!! We got our visa!!! My fiance got his visa on the 12th ... the AMEX people called him on the 11th and asked him to come pick his stuff from their office =) Inshallah he is gonna be here soon!!

Thanks to all VJers for their help and support and alot of prayers for all the others in the waiting mode. The good news is that ISL embassy has seem to pick up the slack :D Inshallah all of you will hear good news soon too!

Anddddd ... I will need some more support in the coming months regarding AOS etc ... soooo thanks in advance for that =) :dance:


Congratulations!

Edited by waiting4s, 16 July 2007 - 08:29 PM.

waiting4sMalePakistan2007-07-16 20:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

Thank you for congratulating me and replying my questions.

Now i would like that some minute questions must be asked to make the things clear to myself

1) Can my POE be only Houston? Can it be NY? or any other?

2) is it necessary that i reach USA by PIA only? Can i take some other carrier?
No you can't. you must not. first visit to USA must be experienced through PIA. or else they won't let you land at USA.


Thanks

-Dude




Is it required to use PIA for entering USA with K3 for the first time? or can one use Emirates or any other airline?


Thanks


He is just kidding....

Edited by waiting4s, 16 July 2007 - 12:07 PM.

waiting4sMalePakistan2007-07-16 12:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

Hi Everyone,

I got an email from embassy that my wife's visa has been sent out today. Thanks everyone for their support and sharing the information. It took 20 days from interview to the mailing of visa.

Thanks


Congrats!
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-07-16 11:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

All praises for Almighty Allah for His great great blessings.

After more than 14 months AP/AR, i got my visa today via Speedex.


I must mention that VJ has helped a lop otherwise there would have been big surprises for me after each passing day.


Few Questions:

1) On my visa, it is written "upon endorsement serves as temporary i 551 evidence permamnent residence for 1 year". What does its mean?

2) What about my education certificates? do i have to get it verfiied by some govt organization so that it become valid there in USA?

3) What if i change my address in USA? which form is to be used by me? What are the quick guidence from you people on this topic?

Thanks
-Dude

(ohhh baygummmm, maiin aa reyaan waaan! :blush: )


CONGRATULATION....!
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-07-14 20:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

Praise to Almighty GOD

:P

At last i got visa today. I collect Visa and brown envelope from American Express office lahore. Thank God and all of you who helped me alot.

It is valid upto 15th Janurary.


Thanks

Zaki



Congrats.
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-07-13 09:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

I got married in Feb 2004. When I file my tax return for 2004, I told the accountant that I am married in Pakistan, but my wife is not here/has never been here and obviously, she does not have SSN. he said that for IRS purposes, your are Single, so I filed as an single. I also met with another accountant just to verify and he said the same thing. For 2005 and 2006, I had another (new) accountant and she told me that it's up to me to file either Single or Married filing separately. To make a long story short, I have been filing single. Now, I was just reading on the forum somewhere that I should have filed "Married filing separately".

I got married in January 2004 and have always filed single as thats what my cousins who run Liberty tax advised me to do and didn't have any problems at the embassy or in my paper work.
I got married in 2003 and when I filed my tax return in 2004, I called IRS, they told me I need to apply for my wife's ITIN number and file as "Married filing Jointly". I have done that ever since without any issue with IRS or during Naturalization

I applied for my citizenship in Oct 2004 and put married on it, my cert says says I am married as well - again had no problems with that

Also, I applied for citizenship after my marriage and I put it "married" in my N-400 application and my Naturalization Certificate also says "Married"...again no problem.
You must write Married in your N-400 application form

My whole concern (I am very worried), as u know, is that is it going to be a problem when she has her interview. Do I need to amend my Tax returns?? and do I need to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for my wife from IRS.

ITIN is for people who are in the US
If you are already in US, as LPR you can apply for SSN. ITIN is for those who are in US and can not get SSN or spouses of USC or LPR living outside USA. Also if your kids are Canadian or Mexican citizen, you can apply ITIN for them and also claim them dependent in your tax return


Right on the money jaxguy! You guys are married as far as the IRS is concerned. Couple of the guys here should think about filing ammended returns, as uncle sam owes you money. Also at the same time look for better tax advice.
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-07-12 23:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

Wow this is so awsome Congratulations everyone. and thanks again for your prayer.


Sorry I missed you, with all the good news today.
Best wishes on a successful interview and an enjoyable trip to pakistan.
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-07-10 17:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

Hello People! I guess today IS a day for celebration!! I called DOS this morning and they said that our security clearance has completed!! since the 27th of June! So, according to that its already been a lil more than a week since the clearance was done. How long should be wait before calling Isl embassy? Andddd ... when should we expect our passport to arrive? We are soooo excited and scared at the same time, hoping keh we DO get our visa soon!

BTW ... Congrats to Zaki, KJO, and Zayed!!! Inshallah all of us will get our visas in hand soon!!

:dance:


Congrats.
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-07-10 14:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

I have a good news from my side today. I sent email to US embassy yesterday and receive reply

"Please contact with American Express after three days for collection of your passport and visa packets."

At last the process is going to end. Thanks for all of your help especially Marry.


Zaki


congrats

I have a good news from my side today. I sent email to US embassy yesterday and receive reply

"Please contact with American Express after three days for collection of your passport and visa packets."

At last the process is going to end. Thanks for all of your help especially Marry.


Zaki


Zaki Congrats!!!! :thumbs: I really think all this is because they got a new Ambassador in March. It seemed like before then, things were moving at a snail's pace or not at all.

I have some good news too. Looks things are really moving!!! We got this from the Embassy today. We knew that we still had these things pending. We are just excited that they are asking him to bring the passport. :dance:

"Dear Applicant,

Please be informed that we are ready to continue processing your case. However, as we go ahead with this, we would like you to submit a new Police Clearance certificate from Peshawar, a new medical report and your passport.

You can come to our office any working Monday, between 08:00 to 10:00 am with these items and a copy of this message and submit them. We look forward to seeing you come to our office with these documents.

Yours truly,

Immigrant Visa Unit"



Congrats
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-07-10 09:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

Hey everyone, my wife had her interview this morning and sounds like everything went smooth. After a few general questions about me, what I do, where I live, hobbies, favorites, etc. The forms were collected and she was given a pink slip to hand over when she picks up her passport. They told her congratulations, she's approved. They did not mention any AR/AP, but did take all of her fingerprints. They also told her that she should recieve her passport within a week or two. I'm verrrry happy yet a little confused, cause based on what I read, everyone got the pink slip and fingerprints even the AR/AP ones????? Well, I hope she will get her passport & visa soon.

Again, I'd like to thank everyone on this board for their support, feedback, and continuious updates.

If anyone who has went through this, and can answer the whole pink slip question, while stating that she will recieve her passport in a week or two...., I'd appreciate it.


Congrats. If they did not give her any paper specifically stating AP/AR, then I think you are good.
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-07-10 09:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

I received an email, my wife's IR-1 interview is scheduled for end of November (!!). Good God! That is almost four months from now.

:(


Hang in there man.
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-07-06 13:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0


Hey everyone,

My husbands IR-1 interview is coming up soon (july 25,2007)... and I AM SCARED.. I just realized something... I was reading some of the old posts and now im VERY CONFUSED..

In the I-130... we wrote or NIKAH date as the Marriage date... which was Nov. 19,2003.. My "Shadi" "ruksati" was on october 12,2004.. WILL THIS BE A PROBLEM??? or am i jus panicking for no reason.. according to Islam NIKAH=marriage but desi culture dosnt consider u married unless you have the whole ruksati thing... will this be a problem at the interiew???

ANY THOUGHTS......??????????

Thanks in advance!!!


My nikah was in November 2001 and rukhsati was December 2004. Long gap between Nikah and rukhsati. CO did not ask me about nikah or rukhsati but i told him that nikah was in 2001 and rukhsati was in 2004. He asked why wait for so long and asked for pictures of both functions also he asked me that tell me something interesting about your wife in this gap.

At the end he approved and congratulated but said need to do AP. Nothing to worry about Nikah or rukhsati gap.



Zaki


you are on AP, do you think your AP has anything to do with this huge Gap? In some cases it could be good thing because CO may take this 3 years Gap as successful marriage. but not every CO think like that?


You are on a roll man. All the points you made are very good!
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-07-02 14:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0


Hey everyone,

My husbands IR-1 interview is coming up soon (july 25,2007)... and I AM SCARED.. I just realized something... I was reading some of the old posts and now im VERY CONFUSED..

In the I-130... we wrote or NIKAH date as the Marriage date... which was Nov. 19,2003.. My "Shadi" "ruksati" was on october 12,2004.. WILL THIS BE A PROBLEM??? or am i jus panicking for no reason.. according to Islam NIKAH=marriage but desi culture dosnt consider u married unless you have the whole ruksati thing... will this be a problem at the interiew???

ANY THOUGHTS......??????????



Thanks in advance!!!


Islamically and legally the Nikah date is the marriage date, as the nikah nama is the official document establishing that fact. My nikah was two days before the rukhsati, not as extreme as yours, but same deal. You did the right thing. The delayed rukhsati is just cultural.

Edited by waiting4s, 30 June 2007 - 08:25 PM.

waiting4sMalePakistan2007-06-30 20:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

Department Of State


DOS is in Washington, can you call them to find the status of your AP case? what is their telephone no?

I am far away from this AP thing yet but might need it one day.

Data Sheet


I guess we will both need to worry about it if our wives get put on AP/AR.

My wife had the interview on Tuesday, I called DOS today and the lady told that all the processing at Washington is done, and I should be hearing from Embasssy sooon. Alhamdulillah. Is this all that needs to be done here, or is there any thing else what is done here.

Thanks all for your help

Congrats... that was QUICK.

Edited by waiting4s, 29 June 2007 - 02:41 PM.

waiting4sMalePakistan2007-06-29 14:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

Congrautulation chicago, hopefully that is it and then you BOTH will be unite.
BTW - what is DOS stands for?

Data Sheet


Disk Operating System.... just kidding.

US Department of State.

The NVC is a bureau (branch) of it.
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-06-29 14:38:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

Thats all there it is, these days getting through immigration process= being lucky.

Always look down on those who have been denied or are not able to go through this process. There is something call "luck" and denying it could be a leading to Kufar.


How could denying "luck" lead to kufar? Are you thinking of "fate" i.e. kismat?

There are some who think that everything positive in life is a direct result of hard work/intelligence/etc. I may not agree with it, but it's hard to rule that out as well.


Ditto.
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-06-28 13:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

...
Yes, I am aware of the fact about this Dr. that is why I called my Sister (She is Gynachologist gratuated from Fatima Jinnah) and have her talk to Dr. Romana. ...


Which city is this Dr. Roman in?


Lahore.
Have'nt heard any bad things about the ones in Karachi, so lets see what happens when my wife goes to one of them sometime in july.
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-06-28 11:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

I have sent all the documents to my wife via DHL (just in case if emabssy re-schedule our interview), they said it will take 3 to 4 business days before documents will get there.
I am praying the documents gets there safely since there are not only docs in the envelope but the efforts of 7 months and hope for future and happiness for us and relaxation from HANGING in there..... :dance:

Data Sheet


The embassy replied to my request for an earlier date, by saying something to the effect, that they are understaffed and busy. At least I tried. HANGING in there.... though.
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-06-28 09:35:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

My wife's interview was this week. The interview went fine. They returned all the originals, but kept the passport. They said they will send the passport via courier once they are done with processing. Took fingerprints - all fingers. Didn't give any pink sheet. All she received was a white paper stating that the visa officer has reviewed your case and has determined that additional administrative processing is required and once thats complete, they will send the passport back. The visa officer lady told that the maximum time will be 2 months, but most of the time it doesn't take that long. Hope that she is telling the truth. I have read people getting pink papers, she didnt get that. Is this AP/AR also?

Thanks all for your help

Congratulations. Hang in there.... :innocent:
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-06-27 13:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

Hello Dude and glad to see you posting again. I know in the past LADIES interviews have been successfully moved up but new security checks have implemented since last fall and they are having to stay in que. Also, I just had a thought that it is time for STUDENT VISAS to be issued for studying in the states. This may be the main reason since they would have to be approved and here in the states end of July or first of August for classes. Hang in there everyone and DATASHEET I am praying that your wife is here for the birth of your child.

Mary


Thanks for the concern, I am waiting but I am worry being HANGED forever :crying: ...............
I am worry about her riding to Islamabad from Gujranwala, it is so frustrating that embassy will give NON-IMMIGRANT (H1-B, J1, etc) interview date sooon but for US CITIZENS.......HANG IN THERE....how long they want us to HANG?
I will see if they accomodate us, if not I am planning to go Pakistan and spend couple of weeks there. I want our First Anniversery together :dance:

Data Sheet


Hanging in there too. Plus planning on being there for her interview whether they change the date or not.

Thanks mary, for reminding me about the student visa processing, now the longer date makes a little bit of sense.

Edited by waiting4s, 27 June 2007 - 10:33 AM.

waiting4sMalePakistan2007-06-27 10:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

Hi datasheet, did you ask the embassy for an earlier date on the interview or are you letting it ride?

Yes, I asked embassy for earlier date but did not get co-operative response. I called them twice and talk to the same person, I think she is Pakistani-American and does not have control over anything, she told me that some officer has to look into my case and decide, when to decide, she does not know and told to call back after one week.

Data Sheet


I just sent them an email request for an earlier date, lets see what happens. I'll keep you posted.


Good Luck. Once US embassy assigns the interview date, they usually don't change the interview dates. But you can def try. You may have to call them and request over the phone.



There is no such thing as LUCK.
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-06-27 10:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

Hi datasheet, did you ask the embassy for an earlier date on the interview or are you letting it ride?

Yes, I asked embassy for earlier date but did not get co-operative response. I called them twice and talk to the same person, I think she is Pakistani-American and does not have control over anything, she told me that some officer has to look into my case and decide, when to decide, she does not know and told to call back after one week.

Data Sheet


I just sent them an email request for an earlier date, lets see what happens. I'll keep you posted.
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-06-26 12:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

What is the expiration period for medical test? My wife's interview is on September 26 so when the earliest she can go for medical exam?

Thanks,
Data Sheet


Hi datasheet, did you ask the embassy for an earlier date on the interview or are you letting it ride?
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-06-25 12:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

What is the expiration period for medical test? My wife's interview is on September 26 so when the earliest she can go for medical exam?

Thanks,
Data Sheet


Good question. I am having my wife get hers done in the second week of july also.
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-06-25 12:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

Ladies usually have a short AP, however I have been on AP for six months now with no visa in sight


Don't see any timeline which makes it hard to get a real average of the time it's taking for females.


To underscore the point.... TIMELINE people! Thats the way this site works.
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-06-25 11:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

I guess I'll be crying too, as they have set my wifes K-3 interview for September 11th. I do not get the way out there dates. On monday their email reply said they were still waiting on the physical file, so I called and told my wife this may not be the week to watch out for the delivery man, but keep an eye out anyways. Today they deliver packet 3.... Apparently folks at ISL do not have a clue as to what is going on in their own embassy. Plus the september date is a real bummer.




Hi waiting4s, I am sorry to hear that, I thought they would do this to me only since I kept bugging them but apparantly they are sooooooo much busy.

Data Sheet

Hi man, not much we can do. I had been following the interview dates that had been posted here, and (some people still need to post their dates, as it helps others, thats what this site is all about; people helping each other :whistle: ) islamabad was giving dates in august so it was a downer when I got my text message at 3:00 AM this morning about the date. I'll talk to my wife, but I probably wont ask them to change the date (assuming they can) as they appear quite cluless at islamabad. Nothing to do but wait, and wait some more. At least now I have a date to count down to, so I thank Allah for that.
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-06-20 13:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCalling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

I donot know should I cry or smile on Islamabad consulate.
they send interview letter K-3 packet for September 26.

they should have just told me to "leave us alone" , "come back in Pakistan and live here" or forget about bringing your wife in US.

Data Sheet


I guess I'll be crying too, as they have set my wifes K-3 interview for September 11th. I do not get the way out there dates. On monday their email reply said they were still waiting on the physical file, so I called and told my wife this may not be the week to watch out for the delivery man, but keep an eye out anyways. Today they deliver packet 3.... Apparently folks at ISL do not have a clue as to what is going on in their own embassy. Plus the september date is a real bummer.
waiting4sMalePakistan2007-06-20 09:17:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarrying this summer
Hi anyone? everyone? I'm new on this forum. Just registered this weekend. I wish I had known this forum existed before because I would have consulted it sooner. I don't even know how to get started. I want to do the timeline, etc, but don't know where everything is located yet on the site. I posted this in the I 601 forum as well but thought maybe someone out there in the K-1 forum and K-3 forum had some experience with my questions.

My name obviously is Rhonda and my fiance is French. He had visited me several times in the US in 2005 but in March 2006 after returning to the US from a trip together he was stopped at O'hare and sent back. In July of 2006 he started the paperwork for his K-1 fiance visa. In November of 2007 we received his approval and in February 2007 he was called for his interview in Paris. He was told to expect his visa in two weeks. Then a call from the embassy asked for additional paperwork which we supplied. At that second appointment in Paris he was told he was denied and would have to fill out I 601 and I212. He was judged "unlawful presence" in the US--not for overstaying in the US, but we had made a trip to Canada and they said he was attempting to immigrate without the correct visa. Now our 70 page document for I 601 has been received in Rome and the waiting game continues. Does it really take 180 days????? What is the approval rate for Rome? I do have "hardships" that I hope that I have well documented. At least I hope they think they are acceptable hardships.

I have a question--and my lawyer (who is dumbfounded about the "unlawful presence" thing--that he never anticipated) has not been able to answer for me. I am going to France this June to spend time with my "cheri". We put in all the paperwork to marry there this June, because WE WANT TO GET MARRIED and had already thought we would be. But I'm afraid if we marry it will jeopardize the K-1 visa if his waiver is approved. But if the unthinkable happens and it isn't approved, I think marrying there is a good idea so we can restart a different visa.

Does anyone have an experience with this? How do you all get through the rollercoaster of emtions involved in waiting? I'm going crazy or at least I think I am. I've traveled to france last June, October, this March and again in one month. IT is so hard to be separated.

Thanks for reading my post and for any help you may be able to give me.
RhondaMFemale02007-05-14 06:38:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures129f Approved
Felicitations!!!
GOOD DAY FOR US TOO! Much luck in your continued "journey"
RhondaMFemale02007-05-18 09:55:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLast in the slow line... boo :(
I know the waiting seems forever. My fiance was ripped from my arms in March of 2006 when an immigration official at the airport determined he was a risk to immigrant illegally. He was sent back on the same plane that we had just flown on, on our our return trip from France. We were treated like criminals when in fact that wasn't the case.

Each day we watched the website for updates on our k-1 and each day was like a limbo of waiting. Our approval came in November of 2006 and his interview was for February. I was starting to make plans for his homecoming when the rug was pulled from us again. This time someone wrongly accused him of being "unlawfully present" in the US and we started the waiver process. During that time I felt half alive...waking, eating, working, sleeping. I lived for our time by phone or with the web cam. The time zone differences were so frustrating. I could talk to him before he went to sleep, but it was heart wrenching because I knew again that we would each be going to bed alone. I miss him so much. All of the little simple daily things that one can do together...morning coffee, walking hand in hand. I'm almost 50 years old and I have never felt so young in all my life as I do when I am with this wonderful man. Now we are 15 months later and I'm still waiting for him!

But the good news he is coming on Monday. His visa is approved--his ticket purchased. All this came very quickly in the last 2 weeks. I have to tell you once this occurs even if your SO isn't here yet, you'll have a totally different point of view. I can't stop smiling. It is like these terrible 15 months are almost forgotten. I know we still have lots of steps to do, more hoops to jump through, to get him to be here permanently....but it is all worth it. The only thing that this separation has done, is that it has strengthened our bond. And if there were ever any doubts about the depths of one's feelings for the other, this time erases those doubts.

Keep the chin up....it will come and it will be worth the effort.
RhondaMFemale02007-05-31 08:53:00
Australia and New ZealandWhere about is everyone moving to in the US? Just curious!
Chicago , Illinois
But leaving the first chance i get
Money is here but the cost of living is bad and getting worse

Edited by Ironman140, 25 August 2011 - 09:03 AM.

Ironman140MaleIreland2011-08-25 09:01:00
USCIS Service CentersUSCIS national average

actually the national avg has been 13.6 for a very long time...since I started checking back in dec...i'm not quite sure how that is possible though if both centers are at "5" months...dotn worry about it too much though!


Just a amateur here , but I would say its alll Visa avg not just K1s
Ironman140MaleIreland2011-05-16 09:40:00
USCIS Service CentersProcessing time VSC vs CSC
Plan to file this Monday and if what I hear Ca is where we will go. ;-). Fingers crossed as I say that
Ironman140MaleIreland2011-04-14 11:53:00
USCIS Service CentersCanceling Issued USCIS
I second that !

Sorry to say this, but is is your job to make sure the person you are sponsoring to live in the US is a good person. When you say "I want to bring a relative to live in the US" by going through the immigration process, you have more information than the rest of US who are living in the US. By signing the I-864, you say that the person is a good person and not likely to be a public charge, and that you would guarantee to repay the US taxpayers for any means tested benefit the immigrant may receive. When you bring a relative to live in the US and you sign the I-864, you do so to protect the rest of us. It's your responsibility to protect yourself. You should not have petition a relative who was going to be lazy and try to take advantage of the situation.

You should have understood that once the immigrant enters the US, you are fully responsible for any means based benefits that the person would receive. That is explicit in the I-864 that you signed.

It is inherently unfair to give the sponsor an "out" by claiming fraud in case of arguments between the sponsor and immigrant. It is unfair to give the sponsor the power to "return" the immigrant to his/her home country because of fights. If people could do this, then people would not give serious though when signing the I-864 because there would be an "out." This would also allow the sponsor to manipulate the immigrant with threats of losing his/her status.

Sorry about your situation, but you created it by bringing this person to the US. You are now responsible.


Ironman140MaleIreland2011-06-24 11:21:00
United KingdomWiring Money, UK to USA

Ok, so i have to pay for something upfront in part, before i collect on when i travel to the us in a couple of weeks.They company have asked me to wire the money to them and have passed me their account details. Is this just a bank transfer that i can do from my online banking???




Need more info here. .. you sure about who your dealing with ???? I send no money in advance unless I'm darn sure where its going can you really trust them ??
Ironman140MaleIreland2011-03-27 08:17:00