biggish data

What group are you referring to TeyaValentina?

MARCH GROUP... I think... Yes its a good day!!! But no Touchy feely since the first which I try not to think about. It is getting closer and I am not ready yet anyway. I have made progress with the Wife so that is BIG for me..haha I had a link I was going to put on here from Youtube but then though better of it as it could offend some of the more sensitive members.

So I will go KAYAKING instead. Have a good day All...

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-05-17 16:22:00

Hey everyone - I just stumbled across this thread. I am also a March filer.
Glad I found y'all!

Welcome aboard... where the heck have you been?

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-05-11 23:04:00

I just hope that during the lull I dont forget the information I have learned so far by reading and seeing the experiances of other. It seems its already happening. :blink:

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-05-11 15:51:00

kapad .. my case NOA1 was March 2nd, touched March 4th, and nothing else so far ..
So, it seems normal that neither of our cases have been touched.

Good luck.

Wow this is exactly why they say idle minds are not good for people in general. We tend to start thinking too much. My NOA1 date was March 23 and I am to date like a virgin (untouched) which like others have said on this forum means nothing really. Dont worry about this touched thing! We will be notified soon enough and then we will have something to do and possibly worry about. So reduce your time spent looking for touches and focus on reviewing your data and re-reading both the short-cut and Govnmt instructions to ensure you have all your ducks in a row. Dont start to second guess yourself. Once you are sure about what you have done todate is good, just sit back and enjoy the ride because you have done all you can do. JMHO :thumbs:

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-05-10 15:35:00

To me it seems like she is not all that interessted in getting this visa?

Yeah I know what you're saying. I dont really think thats the case and maybe I am not explaining it right. I think she just has poor skills in dealing with stress. She has told me in the past how stressed she gets at work. I has made me go hummmm though. I am just trying hard not to get angry myself. I know I can be difficult or strict as some may say and I know she often misunderstands my meanings. However if things dont change things will change.

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-05-10 12:52:00

Wow another day in Cyber Paradise... Its almost the middle of May and within a few weeks we should start seeing people getting good news. Well I hope that's the case. I have most of my stuff together but my wife seems to be struggling with work and my demands to get her paperwork to me by June 1. She sent me her DS 3032 and 230 and I commented or found many areas needing correction. I dont know why she is taking this so negatively. Maybe I am not being gentle enough. Or maybe she is shooting the messenger. I dont even know if she is signed on to VJ although I have ask her to several time. Well I guess I will just have to sit back and see what develops. :unsure:

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-05-10 12:04:00

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY LADIES
HOWS THAT FOR BEING TOUCHED !!! :whistle:

ENJOY YOUR DAY

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-05-09 15:21:00

I agree with you completely. We have nothing in our hands and if we just keep looking at the timeline, we will drive ourselves insane. So rather than doing that, just talk to your loved one everyday (if u can) and just enjoy the SUMMER weather

Okay then everyone in the pool!!! :dance:

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-05-07 23:27:00

If you have signed up for email alerts, then you should get an email from USCIS, when you application gets approved. Once you get the approval, have your spouse in US call NVC to have them send you the DS3032 via email. This way, you have it and send it back to NVC within a day or two.

Hope everything goes well with your friend.

I am signed up for Email alert already and hope they are early notifications. Faster than Snail mail if sent at the same time. I just have so little faith.

My spouse is in the Philippines so I am having her send me the original signed copy so that I can send it from here. She can also email it from her location if she chooses to. Guess I just am nervious and dont want to delay anything. Because this process is so long it seems to keep getting into the way of my being able to live my life.

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-05-07 12:33:00

Based on timeline data, your I130 may be adjudicated between June 17, 2010 and July 21, 2010

Just keeps getting worse.

I have a friend who is having major heart surgery on June 4th and I was planning on staying with him for a week or two once he was released from the hospital. He is not married and I am sure he will need some help for a while and his sibblings will enjoy the break also. How ever my doing this would mean I would be away from my home from June 14 thru June 28. Will I recieve notice via email on my NOA 2 Approval or only via mail. Any advice how best to handle this from afar. I should be able to have internet access while I am away. I was thinking I could take the DS 3032 with me for mailing. I know the timing is not the greatest but life doesnt follow our individual plan...THX

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-05-07 09:40:00

Hey Tom, I am sorry this is hard on you and your wife.
Too bad she does not realize how important it is to be picky.

Well she is about too... At some point she will start to realize that arguing with me is like wrestling with a pig in mud. Sooner or later your start to realize the pig likes it... :whistle:

Yeah going through this process is like basic training. I gives us all a sense of brother hood having fought with a common foe...
We all just need to realize this to will pass and we will have some good stories to share. Maybe you should have a 10 year reunion or something....

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-05-05 22:26:00

Yes we all know the out come of this we just dont know when the end will come. The worst part of this for me is the friction created between me and my wife. I am trying to get her to be 100% accurate and she is thinking I am picky...

Well I dont mind the waiting as life seems to bring up all sorts of things to distract me, I just hope they dont stop making beer or vodka during this process. haha :whistle:

some times ignorance is bliss... Just do your best and the rest will follow...

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-05-05 17:35:00

I don't think it is all that bad..USCIS timeline is 5months...So I don't think having to wait for a couple of months without getting any kind of notice is all that bad...5months - that would be Aug/September. So the 86 days processing time really aren't depressing but uplifting (at least in my opinion).

I just get so angry sometimes. I understand that the US have to make sure that the marriages are bona fide and all that, but there are way more humane ways to do so.
I just do not get it. I am sick but that is not a reason to expedite just because I am not the USC.Don't I have some rights, too?
But no, that's alright, what do the US care about a foreigner that needs their husband/wife?

This whole immigration process is so messed up, it is unbelievable. And the ones that have to pay are (as always I guess) the ones that havent done anything wrong. I am sitting here, well aware of the fact that I just have limited time to live my life/have children and all that. That I should live every day. Then I wonder how many of my dreams I will have to give up because of this long long long journey. 8 months is a lot of life - and we all are missing out on that time.

Sorry, had to vent a little...I am sure some of you understand.

Its not just the US Government. I was born in Germany and a few years back I tried to get info from the government office in the town I was born and well let me say I was not received with open arms...Funny how nobody speaks English when it you who wants something.

But what are you going to do...

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-05-04 20:01:00

I used my wifes maiden name for the I-130 but she wanted to change her passport to her married name. So i was concerned and asked a member here who went through it. This was their reply and is what i plan on doing.

"
Since this is the name she is now using I would use the married name on the DS-230 you will submit to NVC. The DS-230 asks for the current family name (which would be her married name) and there is also a box for other names used where she would put her maiden name. That would clear up any discrepancies between the I-130 petition and the DS-230."

Jesal,
Yeah I think at this point that is what I will do. She is renewing her passport and I on ewould hope reasonalbe minds would .....lol what and I thinkin :bonk:

lol

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-05-04 00:37:00

Hi All,
When I submitted our I-130 package I used what I though was my wifes new name. First Middle Last. Now she wants to use First Maiden Last. She will be getting her passport renewed using the latter name and I will use that name on future paperwork submitted. Is it going to be a problem because I used a slightly different name in the I-130 Package? Can I do or submit something now to provide clarification the the USCIS or NVC? Or should I not worry about this as long as her passport and remaining paperwork match. :unsure:

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-05-03 05:52:00

Wow
Good to hear your house is in better condition than others. Hope there is not much cleanup work for you.

Not really that much the water washed most of the stuff away haha. I am just pumping out the water that I have under the house and will have to rake up the trash that didnt was away. I am really lucky all things considered

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-05-02 23:41:00

My guess would be the following order:

1. TeyaValentina
2. TheJesal
3. TomD
4. Junefirst
5. Myself (hopefully)

I doubt i will get the interview on the same day as Thejesal. Very unlikely. But never know

WOW I am #3 I hope I am ready for it. My SO is my biggest concern but I think we still have time to get her to send me something signed... I think I have my stuff in order.

Right now I am more concerned about the flood waters here in the Nashville area! Looks like the worst is over for me now but the clean up will take a few days. :unsure:

I escaped the worst as I only had water suround my house while others lost there homes I am sure. Never seen rain like this before. 15+ inches in 2 days...

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-05-02 22:27:00

Anyone have a NOA2 estimated date around May 12th?

My VJ estimate for NOA2 is early to late June. This seems about right although I dont know what I base that comment on. I am thinking July for me really.

WOW JD if its dependent on me then I am in bigger trouble than I though. :blush:

Well I am going Kayaking in the morning so its off to bed alone for me... Night all

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-04-29 21:58:00

I just saw her in march so dont want to go back without having a reason to go back. Not that I need a reason but would like to have one

Good luck with not worrying about this. My wife is just a little different i guess. She knows that she is going to come to US if not within 7 months, then in 9 months. As long as she has me, she doesn't care.

Enjoy the time with Your Everything.

WOW can you provide me with the school you sent her to. I think I will send my wife there for some charm training... :rofl:

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-04-29 19:55:00

Do you happen to know what country did that person belong to? Reason I am asking is because for some reason some countries application are accepted sooner than others. Hoping ours comes soon too

I was wondering where they saw it? Certainly not on this thread.. If it is infact true I would guess Canada...

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-04-28 22:31:00

impatiently waiting

It is a beautiful summer day, 30°C and I so wish I could spend this day with my Everything...

I guess the trick is to keep that though 15 years from now... lol I know you can do it GIRL..!!! :dance:

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-04-28 12:04:00

TomD - I guess we will have to wait for that month or two. Most of the members in this topic have applied before me, so you all will be receiving the good news ahead of me. Will wait for that day eagerly for all of us.

Good luck.

JD look at it positively... You will have the luxury of get our reports on our mistakes and can make any necessary corrections prior to submittal...lol
Yes Patients is a virtue. :whistle:

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-04-27 12:39:00

TomD - wow that's late. I was hoping early june but there is nothing in our hand right now. So just have to wait for it.

JD,

Well hope springs eternal... I hope you're right :thumbs:

but we will know in a month or two...

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-04-26 21:39:00

Does anyone know if USCIS looks at the application based on when they receive it or they just open files randomly? The reason I am asking is because I saw people who submitted their application in march getting their NOA2 before people who applied for in January/february. Trying to figure out why that is the case. If it is random, then we wont know for sure when we will get our NOA2s.

This waiting thing is really painful as we have to stay away from our loved ones.

Take care everyone and hoping that we get our NOA2 soon. Please do update your timeline and notify us all once you receive it

JD I would think its FIFO... but those who are running behind may have had more difficult packages or had RFE associated with their package. Those running ahead may be from countries that are more favored by the US because of their past practices. I am just guessing and I am sure there are time when something gets misplaced or something gets put on top. Remember these are government workers and they historically are not know for efficency...

With regards to anyone recieving a NOA 2 I would not expect that to happen until late June at the soonest for those who sent there I-130 in during March.

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-04-26 19:42:00

I'm pretty sure I have all of you beat for the last time I saw my husband. July 6th (so going on 10 months. That is also the last time that he saw our baby girl in person (who was almost 3 1/2 months when we left...is now 13 months. Not to discredit anyone else's waiting time but a month is not suppppeeeeer long in the grand scheme of things. I have no chance of seeing him either before he steps foot on my turf this time. . Waiting does suck for sure.

Teya,
Well they say what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger... But I dont believe it! Its a full time job you have with the child and I hope you have help. My days of that are over I think but My wife doesn't think so haha... We all need to keep our sense of humor or we are lost. I am sure after all this, immigration jokes with have a whole new meaning... :star:

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-04-26 18:52:00

No touches here.

It really is helpful to read comments from those who came before us. I sent my I-130 form in on March 15 and got my NOA1 on 26.
I have just been reading past forum comments and I am not worried about the touched. I am worried about getting the smacked! I had a few questionable items in my I-130 package and will probably hear about it. I am expecting a RFE and hope these dont slow the process down to much. I got some good advice from one of the Guardian Angels who monitor the site and help us with direction and answers. Use the Shortcut guide but remember they were written a while back so dont forget to read the government instructions very carefully. The Short cuts are a tool but the Gov Instructions Rule the day. Some time the use of one word changes the meaning of things and I have missed it on several occasions. Dyslexia... I also see where there is conflict or I get different interpretations so we should use our time now to become subject matter experts(as best as we can).

My wife is going nuts over all of this really. She is just trying to do this and her real job. She also wants to do everything right now and I told her she needs to take a graded approach to all of this. Do the things that take the longest to do and those that will be needed first then work down the line.

I know one thing I sure will be glad when all this is over and done!!! Cheers!!! Then maybe she will speak with me again :whistle:

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-04-26 14:49:00

Oh man.......correct me if I am wrong.......when you log in to your USCIS account under your portfolio, you will see the cases you have added.

The date that you will see will change when ever you last log in. For ex. if you log in on 30th April 2010 than it will changed to last updated on 30th april 2010.

Those are not the touches.......which you think is due to touches on your case by USCIS. Try it yourself and tell me.

I was wrong in what I said earlier. The March 23 date is my Notice date and that will never change. The touch date shown where it shows the box checked Y OR N for email notification. Where you sign in for your status. The date in the update box changes with each touch. That's how I think it is... Hope thats clear to you.

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-04-23 23:16:00

Here is a helpful link about touches: http://www.visajourn...dex.php/Touched

To have your time line show when you post something, you have to put it in your "signature". Go into your profile and edit the profile. Then find "change signature" and enter your time line there.

Thank you for the info Teya. I dont think I have been touched as I dont see any changed date or anything after my WAC # only the March 23 date in the text.

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-04-23 17:37:00

No touches here.

I dont think I have been touched but How can I tell? I looked at my case update in USCIS web page and it looks the same to me. Initial review is the button highlighted. I also have put my timeline in but mine doesn't show like others do I need to do something else to have it show on my message page?

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-04-23 15:28:00

QUOTE (DouglasFiel @ Jul 25 2009, 12:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My case is fairly complex and I did it without a lawyer and no RFEs.

It will take a minimum of 2 weeks to get married in the Philippines due to the 10 day waiting period.

There is quite a few benefits to getting married in the PI... A couple are... First, your fiancee can invite her friends and relatives...
Second, She will not have to put her life on hold for a promise,,, that can be a long time,,, and there is no guarantee that you
will marry her,,, even after she travels to the USA...

So,,, I know in my situation is was the right one.. To marry in the PI and file for the I-130 CR1.

Costs are about $1100.00

Regards,

THanks Doug, I have a few more questions for you if you dont mind. I will try to ask them off line as I dont think they are need to be on the forum.

TomD

Male

Philippines

2009-07-25 11:11:00

QUOTE (Haole @ Jul 24 2009, 01:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Cheapest, easiest and BEST by far visa at this time is The CR-1.

Mahalo Haole... Now I need to look at this CR-1 and figure out what it is. Sure miss my time of living in Hawaii but that was back in the mid 80s

TomD

Male

Philippines

2009-07-24 13:23:00

http://www.visajourn...amp;page=guides

http://www.visajourn.....nited_States?

http://www.visajourn...he_NVC_ShortCut

http://www.visajourn.....s's_Shortcuts

QUOTE (Chris and Ani @ Jul 24 2009, 01:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (TomD @ Jul 24 2009, 07:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi All,
I am new with all of this and still a little shocked at the difficulty, time and expense that is required to have someone get a visa to the USA. I will be soon playing this game and was wondering what you recomentd based on your past experiances. I am not married yet and I have not filed anything with anyone.
Here are a few questions that I have

- Do I need an Attorney to get a visa for my lady in the Philippines or is it straight forward enough to do myself.

No, you don't need an attorney, VJ is a better adviser than an attorney would be to you in most of the cases. It's pretty straight forward, just follow all the instructions you'll get in the process from either USCIS or NVC.

- Is the fee charged by the Attorney usually a flat rate or do they add cost as the process moves forward.

Fees could be different, an attorney could always find something else to charge you more!

- Should I get married in PI and file for a K-3 or go the K-1 route.

As of what I see on timelines here on VJ, K-1 is just a little bit shorter than the CR-1. Do not do the K-3, it's taking nowadays as long as the CR-1. K-3 is not good anymore, plus it cost more money. Save it (from attorney and K-3/K-1). So, yes, go ahead and marry in PI

- What is the typle cost for the entire process once your completed the process.

Prices vary.

Thanks Chris From what I am reading I think I can do it myself without much pain. Also as some have said I need to do all the gathering of documents anyway so all thats left is filling in the blanks.

The wedding would be cheaper in PI and her family could attend which would be much better for her. My family is pretty much non existant. Okay now I need to work on finding those darn divorce papers from 1978... haha that should be a snap...probably better off not even bringing it up...

TomD

Male

Philippines

2009-07-24 13:20:00

QUOTE (GregwedsAngel @ Jul 24 2009, 12:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The definition of straightforward case for any petition would mean IF you do not have the following blocks(for both petitioner and beneficiary):

1. previous marriages still NOT legally severed.
2. paternity/maternity issues
3. criminal history issues
4. "domicility" issues hence security verified identity papers can not be had
5. those with no employment affecting the proof of financial support for the one being petitioned (in which case the US Embassy in the Philippines is very "snob-nosed" on co-sponsorships on that regard)
6. prior entry bans to United States

Those are the major concerns that make your cause NOT straightforward. Personally, I would suggest you and your lady love do the paperwork together. Besides, whatever USCIS/NVC/US Embassy Manila ask about your petition, it is you and her that hold the answer and not your lawyer.

Thanks I dont see any concern other than my finding divorce papers that are 30 yrs old. Even the IRS only requires documentation up to 7 yrs...Thanks

TomD

Male

Philippines

2009-07-24 13:13:00

QUOTE (donnastl @ Jul 23 2009, 11:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (TomD @ Jul 23 2009, 11:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi All,
I am new with all of this and still a little shocked at the difficulty, time and expense that is required to have someone get a visa to the USA. I will be soon playing this game and was wondering what you recomentd based on your past experiances. I am not married yet and I have not filed anything with anyone.
Here are a few questions that I have

- Do I need an Attorney to get a visa for my lady in the Philippines or is it straight forward enough to do myself.
- Is the fee charged by the Attorney usually a flat rate or do they add cost as the process moves forward.
- Should I get married in PI and file for a K-3 or go the K-1 route.
- What is the typle cost for the entire process once your completed the process.

I know these are broad questions and I dont expect exact answers but any information you can provide would help.

Thanks.

Hi Tom!!

You can process it yourself. With my case we hired Cherry Blossoms but we also asked help from other people who had undegone the same process. I would say, you can save more money if you wont hire lawyers. In most cases, lawyers dont even make the process faster:)

Thanks Donna I am leaning in that direction.

TomD

Male

Philippines

2009-07-24 13:08:00

Hi All,
I am new with all of this and still a little shocked at the difficulty, time and expense that is required to have someone get a visa to the USA. I will be soon playing this game and was wondering what you recomentd based on your past experiances. I am not married yet and I have not filed anything with anyone.
Here are a few questions that I have

- Do I need an Attorney to get a visa for my lady in the Philippines or is it straight forward enough to do myself.
- Is the fee charged by the Attorney usually a flat rate or do they add cost as the process moves forward.
- Should I get married in PI and file for a K-3 or go the K-1 route.
- What is the typle cost for the entire process once your completed the process.

I know these are broad questions and I dont expect exact answers but any information you can provide would help.

Thanks.

TomD

Male

Philippines

2009-07-23 23:22:00

K3 vs IR-1 / CR-1

Yes there's been a lot of confusion including some in the above post. USCIS hasn't changed anything regarding K3 for more than three years. What's new came from NVC, part of the Dept. of State. The result is the same though. K3 hasn't saved any appreciable time in three years and now K3 is dead with only an obscure obituary. As a result the K3 ghost is still reaching out from the grave to slow down the CR1 process for anybody who hasn't read or heeded the obscure obituary.

Well Dead is dead I dont care if its with a gun or a knife. Thanks again for the direction and clarification.

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-03-31 22:58:00

K3 vs IR-1 / CR-1

THEBEARS,

Thanks for the quick and detailed response. I like the less paperwork part the best

. We dont call each other but email alot so I have those records for the past 2 yrs if push comes to shove. Also tons of pictures of us at various places including our wedding pics. I was over in her country twice for a total of 8 months with in the past 2 years. I haven't done my taxes and I am not working by choice but have the financials available when needed. I also opened a joint account with her on my last trip after we married. Your right I should and will complete the forms in advance as nothing should change and I can review them several times prior to their submission. I will see what the short cuts can offer as well again thanks for the great guidance.
Tom

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-03-31 22:55:00

K3 vs IR-1 / CR-1

Hi to all and thanks in advance for your help on this as I am a bit confused. I sent in the I-130 package with payment and received a I-797C(NOA)and a tracking number. This happened about 2 weeks ago. My wife and I were married before I sent this in to the USCIS. So am I applying for a K3 or a IR-1 / CR-1? When, where and by who is this decided? Additionally I am hearing that I should now file a I-129 after submission of the I-130. I dont get it. Seems like there is lots of duplication and redundancy here.
Should I be doing something or wait until I receive instructions from someone in the Immigration Service? I know that I have to put together a Affidavit of support but was under the impression that I dont do this until ask. I have that deer in the headlights feeling about all this like I am leaving something undone.
Tom

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-03-31 22:30:00

Advice for Waiting Game after NOA 2 is received

I am just trying to figure out what the time lines are for this Visa process and frankly they dont look good. I realize there is nothing I can do to change it so my question is this. I am living in the US and filed the I-130 from my home here. My wife is in the Philippines and continues to work at her job which she has had for the past 16 yrs. I received the NOA1 in a relatively short period of time after submitting the I-130. Now it looks like they are taking 4-6 months to Issue a NOA2. I can wait for that but after that do I need to stay in my home state to answer and respond to State Department questions or can I leave the US and go back to my wife's country and hang out there until she is approved to enter the US. When I was in PI I called the Embassy and they said I needed to file in the US and I could not get things rolling until I returned home. I dont work and dont have any reason to stay in the US during the Winter months as the grass doesn't grow and Its cold. Is it best that I stay at my home awaiting during the finally stages of this long journey? Is it possible for me now to deal with the remaining BS from out of the country. Myself I would rather be with my wife than sitting at my home alone for no good reason other that well you know...
THanks for any comments you may have.

TomD

Male

Philippines

2010-04-14 02:09:00