biggish data

Approval Notice Sent!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are approved together within minutes

Yes, like you I cannot wipe the smile off my face! I don't know how long this permagrin will last, but it is the best feeling in the world!

Good Luck with the next step- for me- it will be challenging. He has an enormous amount of work to do for the Ankara Embassy, and unfortunately, the downside of this early approval, is that I can not be with him for the interview. My understanding is that the NOA2 expires in three months (June 15), and I do not arrive in Turkey until the 20th.

Will you be able to be present for the interview?

Yes, my fiance also has a lot of work to do for the embassy in Bogota. They require some very strange things. But I'm estimating his interview will be in May, all going well. Since I'm a student and that's about when my semester ends, I am planning to fly there for his interview, and to help him get everything in order. Sorry you can't be there for yours

But I'm sure that, with this website to help you, things will go smoothly regardless.

olafgypsy

Not Telling

Colombia

2007-03-15 17:49:00

Approval Notice Sent!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations!!!!

Not wishing to rain on your parade, but.....darn it, that's it, I'm moving to Vermont!!!! All of these February filers getting approved, and CSC still hasn't approved all its November filers! Thinking that I'm so far down the queue as a Feb. filer at CSC makes me just want to

-P

I know, I know. Being a Vermont filer I feel a little guilty exulting in my quick approval. Even just those two weeks of waiting were excruciating, so I can't imagine what it must be like for all you folks at other service centers :wacko:

Hang in there. I'll be sending you good vibes.

olafgypsy

Not Telling

Colombia

2007-03-15 16:27:00

Approval Notice Sent!!!!!!!!!

Hey everyone! My petition was just approved today!! I can't believe it -- that was so fast! And I didn't even get an RFE, which I was almost certain was going to happen due to various mistakes I discovered after I sent the petition. Looks like somebody up there likes me, after all :lol:

SO excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks everyone on VJ for your invaluable help in this process.

olafgypsy

Not Telling

Colombia

2007-03-15 16:14:00

WOOOWWWW!!! NOA2!!!

Yayyyyyy! I was just approved minutes ago, as well. We must have been in the same box

CONGRATULATIONS! If you're like me, you can't stop grinning right about now.

olafgypsy

Not Telling

Colombia

2007-03-15 16:24:00

It's Our Turn!!

Congratulations and good luck with the next step!

And yeah, there was a rash of INSANELY fast approvals in VT (within 1 - 3 days) that made being a VT filer both a euphoric and CONFUSING experience. ("Why did they approve this guy who applied only yesterday and I'm still waiting? Thank God I'm a VT filer!" etc. etc.)

But, CONGRATULATIONS :thumbs:

olafgypsy

Not Telling

Colombia

2007-03-18 02:36:00

An interesting "why" question...

I'm ridiculously jealous of VSC filers.

Me too.

Grass is always greener. I'm a VT filer and I was ridiculously jealous of people who got their approvals in 3 days. There are other VT filers who had to wait a month and a half, and nobody can figure out why. It's such a weird system. Ah, the US government. And don't even get me started on the IRS . . .

olafgypsy

Not Telling

Colombia

2007-03-18 02:41:00

More Ambiguity, The New I-129F, WHAT About the Mandatory Beneficiary Disclosures?

I am not a lawyer, but I think everyone should probably just read the actual Act regarding IMBRA:

http://frwebgate.acc...3402enr.txt.pdf

The IMBRA section starts on page 107. From what I have read, there is nothing here that says if the "Marriage Broker" does not comply with IMBRA the petitioners will be denied a visa. All it states is that if the "Marriage Broker" doesn't comply with the law, they (the "Marriage Broker") may be fined up to $25,000 or imprisoned up to 5 years. While not stated, I'm sure if a "Marriage Broker" repeatedly doesn't comply they will be prohibited from doing business inside the United States.

That being said, an immigration lawyer I spoke with a couple months ago indicated that for those that met through a "Marriage Broker" prior to March 6 will be "grandfathered in" as the law was enacted on March 6, 2006 and is not retroactive.

Of course, we won't ever really know for sure until someone goes through the process, but I am confident that for those of us who met through a "Marriage Broker" prior to March 6, 2006, we will not be affected. Will we need to answer the question? Yes, of course. But I think if it is clearly stated (repeatedly throughout the petition where appropriate) that you met prior to March 6, 2006, you should be fine.

Jello

Male

Russia

2006-06-14 01:31:00

passport photo

Same thing happened to me as well. I received her passport photos today and they are 49mm instead of 51. I was trying to figure out how to resize them first even though they are dimensionally perfect. Unless anyone has had a specific problem with this, I think I'm going to go ahead and send them rather than delay this. I wonder if this is the common size of passport photos in other countries.

OjosAzules

Male

Colombia

2006-11-21 23:09:00

Full Time Student and G-325A

hi! my fiance is a graduate student at Cornell.she put student in all documents and our petition was approved with no problems.

THANK YOU! I'm going ahead with STUDENT in all forms

OjosAzules

Male

Colombia

2006-11-24 12:44:00

Full Time Student and G-325A

Hi, I'm putting the finishing touches on the petition for my Fiancee in Colombia. I'm running into a bit of a wall for the G325A and can't seem to find this question addressed on any of the previous posts. She is a full time student in Colombia finishing her bachelors degree in Biology this semester. She had one documented job at pizza hut for a year, but other than that only works a few nights a week as a bartender and it was under the table. She's nervous about putting the bar job on a government document. Can we put full time student on the employment section? Is it just better to put the pizza hut job for the one year and nothing else? If anyone has had any experience with this, I'd be very much appreciative.

OjosAzules

Male

Colombia

2006-11-21 23:32:00

I recently mailed our I295f. The package was recv'd by VSC today as per USPS tracking information. Will I recv noa1 notification via e-mail? I did enter my e-mail address on page 3 of the I295f form.

Looks like we're pretty much in the same boat as you guys. Filing in Vermont and Fiancee from Colombia. We recently filed the I-129F and the NOA1 came back pretty quickly, we then set up the account on the USCIS site. All has been pretty straightforward so far.

OjosAzules

Male

Colombia

2006-12-06 19:45:00

Colombia experience with a child for k2

The child will need "notarizado"permisson - in writing from the father each time the child leaves the country, otherwise DAS will not allow the child to board the plane. If you think you will have trouble securing permission in writing I would suggest calling DAS. You may look into notifying "BienEstar Familiar" in case the father decides to play hardball.

FMore

Not Telling

Colombia

2006-12-02 15:30:00

Glad I could help. If you have any other questions send me a message.

FMore

Not Telling

Colombia

2006-12-02 22:42:00

http://www.visajourn...m/faq/k1faq.htm
This link is extremely helpful and informative.

4.3)...What type of paperwork does the fiance(e) receive from the Consulate?
A...Exactly what gets sent will vary depending on the Consulate, but the first packet to arrive will most likely contain the following:

DS-2001 (or OF-169 or UK/85) -- This is your main set of instructions. It is also a checklist of items required for the interview.
OF-167 -- information sheet about financial responsibility. You may also receive an I-134 Affidavit of Support form.
DS-230 or OF-230 Part 1 -- biographical data sheet.
DS-156 -- Nonimmigrant visa application form
DS-156K -- Nonimmigrant fiance(e) visa application
DS-157 -- Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (for all males between ages of 16 and 45)
You may, at this time, receive medical exam information, and a list of required immunizations.
DSL-1083 -- An information sheet about police certificates, military records and more.
In December, 2001, the State Department announced a change in the name of Packets 3 and 4, which were the instructions, forms and appointment information. They are now referred to as "Instruction Package" and "Appointment Package". Some of the forms are renamed slightly as well, so if the exact form numbers are different, just follow the instructions.
Sometimes, the Consulate may forget to send extra copies of these application forms for the children for whom a K2 visa is intended. If so, contact the Consulate to obtain the forms.
back

FMore

Not Telling

Colombia

2006-12-02 18:29:00

When your fiancee recvs packet #3 "Instruction Package" you must ensure there is a k2 application enclosed for the child. If not enclosed, call the consulate to request one.
I'm not sure if it was necessary but I also enclosed a pic of the child with my my I295F/G-325A package. Dont forget to a list the child on page 2 of the I295F form.

FMore

Not Telling

Colombia

2006-12-02 18:11:00

You can ask the Consulate what they recommend, but your problem is not with the US authorities when it comes to the child leaving Colombia, nor entering the US(providing she has a valid visa of course). The problem is with the Colombian authorities, specifically DAS (Departamento Administrativo de Sugurad). I never had any problems with US authorities with my stepdaughter. If she travelled, left Colombia, without her mother she would have to produce a letter from a NOTARIA from BOTH parents. When she travelled with her mother she had to produce a letter from the father only. To travel TO Colombia she needed permission from NEITHER parent.
If you can not secure permission from the father, assuming he is alive and uncooperative, BIEN ESTAR FAMILIAR, the Colombian child welfare/social workers will help you.
Been there, done that.

FMore

Not Telling

Colombia

2006-12-02 17:42:00

The child will need "notarizado"permisson - in writing from the father EACH time the child leaves the Colombia, otherwise DAS will not allow the child to board the plane. (We had to do this for 15 years) If you think you will have trouble securing permission in writing I would suggest calling DAS and explaining the situation. You may look into notifying "BienEstar Familiar" in case the father decides to play hardball, or if you can not locate the father.

FMore

Not Telling

Colombia

2006-12-02 17:16:00

Fiance has 2 last names

I've already been through this with my first wife if 17 years, and now again with my fiancee. First name is her GIVEN name, middle name is (NONE) or (NMN), and family name is her FATHER'S last name. Ignore the second last name which is her mother's maiden name, just as we ignore it here in the US. If you do it any differently you are just causing alot of confusion. US authorities are not interested in the SECOND last name(mother's maiden name)unless they specifically ask for it , as they do in the first box of the third line of the G-325A form. So if your fiance's name is Jane (no middle name) Doe Smith... Family name = Doe First name = Jane Middle name= (none) or (nmn) Forget about Smith

FMore

Not Telling

Colombia

2006-12-03 03:45:00

Thanks to ALL!!! Without this community I don't know what I would have done... Maybe OVERpaid some greedy lawyer to be in the dark the whole time. Its great to have an understanding of how this process works and actually have some control after having read the great advice on this site. I'll be sure to put the shortcuts I have learned to good use and then pass on what I have learned and experienced to those coming up after me.
I wish you all the luck I seem to have.
Fernando

FMore

Not Telling

Colombia

2006-12-15 17:12:00

Is this The NOA2? Can it be? I just sent my app 2 weeks ago!!!

Case Status
Receipt Number: EACXXXXXXXXXXXX

Application Type: I129F, PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On December 14, 2006, 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.

FMore

Not Telling

Colombia

2006-12-15 12:53:00

Thanks YuAndDan and good luck on your "journey"

FMore

Not Telling

Colombia

2006-12-02 16:20:00

I recently mailed our I295f. The package was recv'd by VSC today as per USPS tracking information. Will I recv noa1 notification via e-mail? I did enter my e-mail address on page 3 of the I295f form.

FMore

Not Telling

Colombia

2006-12-02 15:53:00

VSC ON SPEED?

FMore

Not Telling

Colombia

2006-12-15 17:17:00

VSC ON SPEED?

THANKS TO YOU ALL!!!

FMore

Not Telling

Colombia

2006-12-15 15:02:00

VSC ON SPEED?

FMore

Not Telling

Colombia

2006-12-15 12:54:00

Bora,
Whar is the email address? Thanks for the info.

FMore

Not Telling

Colombia

2006-12-16 03:08:00

Here is a link with the answer to my question if anyone is interested.

http://www.visajourn...showtopic=16687

FMore

Not Telling

Colombia

2006-12-15 22:12:00

Thanks Joe,
What do I do with the case number? How do I track after that? How do I get the DHL tracking number once the petition is on the way to the consulate?
Fernando

FMore

Not Telling

Colombia

2006-12-15 19:55:00

Now that my petition has been approved by VSC, how do I track the status of my case? From what I understand one only recvs updates from USCIS-CSSO@dhs.gov and on the website https://egov.immigration.gov until NOA2 - fiancee petition approval.
Fernando

FMore

Not Telling

Colombia

2006-12-15 19:26:00

Is the NOA2 the last notification one recieves from DHS before transferring petition to NVC?

FMore

Not Telling

Colombia

2006-12-17 13:04:00

Question about prior petition

Hi everyone,

I am filing a K1 visa for my fiancee who I met in Bombay this month. This is the first time I will be filing a K1 visa since I became a US citizen this year.

In Aug 2001, I had filed Form I-824 to process my wife (also from Bombay) as "Following To Join" based on my I-485 approval a few months earlier. The process was abandoned soon after due to marital troubles and we got divorced in Feb 2004. She even ignored the letter sent by the Consulate to submit her paperwork (DS-156 etc). No consular interview was ever scheduled.

I just called NVC to see if they have any record of the case. They ask for USCIS receipt# which I have. Their automated system shows no such case exists. So I am assuming that this case was purged since it is over 5 years old.

Should I bother sending either NVC or USCIS anything in writing about officially closing the case before I file the K1 for my fiancee?

Any help gladly appreciated.

Regards,
RaRe

RaRe

Male

India

2007-05-16 17:00:00

Fiancee name is different on Birth Certificate

I would provide it anyways. It shouldn't hurt your application, and can possibly deflect an RFE.

Thanks. I will send in the birth cert.

bszoom42, are you going through Mumbai consulate? My fiancee & I are from Mumbai.

RaRe

Male

India

2007-06-06 17:01:00

Fiancee name is different on Birth Certificate

In the VJ Step-By-Step Guide for K1 Visa, it is mentioned if you/fiancee is using a name different from the relevant docs, you must provide USCIS copies of docs that made the change like marriage cert, adoption decree or court order.

My fiancee's birth cert has a name that she never used after her birth. All her official docs like driving license, passport, degree certificates etc are using her new name. As a result I had to make a court affidavit to explain this which I will be enclosing with the I-129F petition and also mention her old name in "Other Names Used" field.

My question is, is it necessary to include the doc containing her old name (i.e. her birth cert) so USCIS can see where that old name was used?

The I-129F instructions do not ask for this but I am trying to prevent a RFE based on this. :help:

RaRe

Male

India

2007-06-06 10:12:00

Birth certificate name does not match used name; what can I do?

Hi JackUK,

I am in the exact same situation as you are. My fiancee was given a certain name at birth which appears on her birth certificate. However this name was never used anywhere else since her family gave her a new name within a few months (old name was too boring!). As a result, all her documents like passport, degree certifcate, tax records use her new name. So I did some research to see how the USCIS and ConOff would like this situation to be remedied and I found the answers in the I-129F and Packet 3 instructions.

Basically you will need a sworn affidavit made by someone who was present at the time of your birth (your parents of course) stating that you were born with a certain name as stated on the birth certificate and then you came to be known by a different name which you adopted as your new name and furthermore that both the names refer to the same person. This affidavit will have to be notarized as well. Hire a lawyer to do this, it is worth it.

Attach this affidavit and your birth cert to the I-129F application.

Cheers,
RaRe

RaRe

Male

India

2007-08-15 15:35:00

Getting info about our case...

Mine has not been touched since they received it in June'07 at the VSC and when I tried getting the status of the case from their automated system, it told me the same thing you were told. I am going to wait it out for a few days more before I talk to a USCIS representative. Maybe it is already assigned to an officer. If so no point in calling at such a late stage and complicating matters.

RaRe

Male

India

2007-11-15 14:46:00

Latest version of DS-156 form released

A heads-up for those folks who are ready to fill out the paperwork for the visa interview. The latest DS-156 form has just been released. This one expires on 11/30/2010. It is available at http://evisaforms.state.gov/

The previous one was expired for a long time already and I could see VJ'ers asking if they could use an expired form.

Cheers!

Edited by RaRe, 14 December 2007 - 12:08 PM.

RaRe

Male

India

2007-12-14 12:07:00

India Police Certificates

Below I have outlined the process for obtaining the PCC from Police Commissioner in Mumbai. If you can get it any other way in a shorter time, try it by all means. There seems to be no standardization in this process.

TO OBTAIN PCC THROUGH POLICE COMMISSIONERS OFFICE IN MUMBAI

Visit the Victoria Terminus Crime Branch Police Commissioner’s Office. They accept the completed form along with supporting documents. The turnaround time for this is 1 month. A constable from your local police precinct (from all addresses in past 5 years) personally visits you at home to verify your details.

Here is the checklist of things to take to Police Commissioner’s Office:
a. Passport
b. 2 ATTESTED photocopies of passport
c. Rs. 100 Fees (DD only)
d. Completed PCC Form
e. Photo 3.5 X 3.5 cm (to be affixed to PCC form)
f. Ration Card (original)
g. Most Recent Pay Stub
h. Neighbor’s Reference

The address & phone numbers of the Regional Passport Office:
Office of the Commissioner of Police
D.N.Road, Mumbai 400001
Telephone No- 22641261

RaRe

Male

India

2008-01-03 14:18:00

problem with USCIS website

I noticed that as well. Started over the weekend.

Could be something to do with the forest fires in Linda Yorba which is only 20 miles away from our service center in Laguna Niguel.

RaRe

Male

India

2008-11-17 16:17:00

VFS Mumbai - Packet 4 Submission

cuteprince, thanks for your feedback. My fiancee did insist on them accepting the 'Evidence of Relationship' but they told her not to worry and to just bring it with her on the day of the interview. So she had no choice. Anyway, I am not going to worry too much about it.

However I did find a post from someone who also went through Mumbai (and was approved) whose 'Evidence of Relationship' and 'Affidavit of Support' was not accepted by VFS and they had to carry it with them on interview day. So it seems like Mumbai VFS might work differently from New Delhi VFS.

http://www.visajourn...showtopic=69665

Wishing you best of luck for your interview.

Edited by RaRe, 21 February 2008 - 10:17 PM.

RaRe

Male

India

2008-02-21 22:15:00