biggish data

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

Ann,

Thank you for sharing your Tbilisi experience.

After you got married, did your husband file a I-130? How long did it take you to get your second interview (your first being based on the K-1 application) at the consulate?

NatashaW

NatashaW

Female

Georgia

2009-03-29 11:46:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

UPDATE 2: We just spoke to an immigration attorney experienced with K-1 denials/revocations. After hearing our story, he thought that one possible red flag to the CO was that my fiance applied, in the year before meeting me, for tourist visas twice to the US and was denied (this is not unusual for youngish unmarrieds in his country). The attorney suggested we get married and then I submit an I-130. He was careful to warn us to be sure to still respond to all inquiries based on our original K-1. In fact, he suggested that, once my congressman confirms with Vermont that they've received our application (bounced back by the CO based on 221g), I should submit a package of materials to Vermont with our version of events at the CO interview plus tons of our supporting evidence (photos of us, alone and together with friends; chats transcripts (1 for each week), postcards, cards, letters, phone bills, etc.). He also explained that we could let the K-1 process continue without marrying, but that it would take significantly longer. Either way, he was optimistic that we'd be successful.

I thank all for their suggestions and words of support.

NatashaW

NatashaW

Female

Georgia

2009-03-29 11:07:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

UPDATE: I just got off the phone with the latest attorney I've contacted. He recommended that we don't hire an attorney right now. Instead, he said to have my congressman contact DHS/USCIS (to ask for them to pay attention to it, so it doesn't die a natural death; it seems if a congressman inquires about a case, they have to respond with at least a status report within 48 hours AND that requesting a status report will shorten the typically 6-month wait). He also recommended that I contact the Vermont office in St. Albans, let them know that our application is on its way back to them from the Tbilisi embassy; it seems there's a special department that deals with rejects (and rejects are lowest on the totem pole for processing, because the office doesn't get credit for re-processing them). The attorney said to contact him after trying through my congressman.

Personally, I like this advice best so far. I am convinced that no matter who calls them or emails them, the Consul/Vice Consul is NOT going to review or re-interview anyone they don't have to, nor are they going to even give us a hint as to the basis for their denial. I think we'll have better luck getting folks in the US to pay attention and act professionally, actually look at our supporting evidence of a continuing relationship, reaffirm our application, and send it back to the Tbilisi embassy with attitude.

Edited by NatashaW, 25 March 2009 - 01:00 PM.

NatashaW

Female

Georgia

2009-03-25 12:59:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Mar 25 2009, 10:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (NatashaW @ Mar 20 2009, 06:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Anh map @ Mar 20 2009, 06:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So there were no specific documents requested? You inserted "...." in your response when talking about the blue slip. Nothing else was requested. Just the paragraph addressing "Administrative Processing?" Typically the blue slip asks the petitioner and/or the applicant to submit additional info (in our case it was 2 items: more correspondence and info about my ex-wife) for review.

What Homeland Security issues could there be with you or your fiance? Clearly this has nothing to do with age so don't dwell on that issue. Something set off a red flag.

I ask again, what are the "weak spots" in your love story that would bring questions to the mind of an experienced Consular Officer? He told you at the 1st interview that he didn't "feel right." What could he doubt in the bona fides of your relationship? That is where you ought to focus your attention when attempting to turn this situation around.

No documents were requested. We offered, but they didn't take our evidence of continuing relationship or the local Department of Justice's certificate about my fiance's address history, although it is specifically asked for in the instructions the embassy gave us beforehand.

USCIS is a "child agency" of DHS. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizenship_and_Immigration_Services) The embassy says its forwarding to DHS; I think they mean USCIS (of DHS). Neither of us has any security issues, other than a speeding ticket I got 11 years ago.

I too believe that age is not THE issue/cause but I'm guessing the Vice Consul is adding it to her report as another factor as a reason to deny, since she thinks our relationship is fake (I'm guessing).

Other than the vice consul refusing to accept our evidence and making a wacko comment about our three-year age difference, the only other possible weak spot is that she didn't allow us to explain her perceived discrepancy in our answers to one question ( I said we were introduced by Americans, my fiance said we were introduced to each other by a Georgian. In fact, the Georgian and the Americans got together to play matchmaker for us and encourage us to at least meet each other. The vice consul claimed she didn't understand our answer but then moved on to the next question without a follow-up question.)

Having said that, I'm not sure how to fight things at this point. Other than wait for a letter from DHS/USCIS/ NVC, and respond immediately with whatever info they ask for, if our application doesn't expire in the meantime.

Do not underestimate the implications of this age difference in some parts of the world. In the FSU (and more so as you go farther into central asia) the concept of the wife being older is very suspicious. In Ukraine it is mildly scandalous and makes tongues wag and calls into question the mental capability of the woman and the, well, "manhood" capability of the man. Though I cannot imagine the Kiev consulate finding another reason to reject the visa for "reverse" age differences, they would only talk about you at lunch. In Georgia, it may raise enough suspicions for them to want to look for other reasons to reject this application. At any rate, whether they are right or wrong, you are stuck with the problem. They just threw a stick in your spokes and now what will you do? If you sort it out, then maybe they will believe you were sincere and grant the visa.

And no, the same things will not be implied with Canadian/American situations, our cultures do not care about this, but it is bid time bad medicine in many countries, and if I am not mistaken the woman in this case is the USC, correct? So you have an older American woman, wanting to marry a younger Georgian man? Very strange. Beleive em, I am not commenting on your situation for which I have no concerns (Hey, marry who you want, I am very libertarian about that) but to THEM it is very strange. Very strange indeed.

So, in short, you were not denied because of the age difference, you were denied because in this part of the world such an age difference creates such strong suspicions you simply were not able to overwhelm the suspicions and therefore "not clearly eligible"

I agree with your comments in general. Just to be clear, I, the USC, am 39 and my fiance is 36. (This is NOT a big difference.) I think the Vice Consul doesn't know anything about local culture. It is she herself who thinks our age difference is strange. In Georgia, we have met more than a few happy Georgian couples who have even greater age differences, wife being older.

Please, to other "older" women reading this, do NOT freak out; I think the Vice Consul just didn't want to give us a visa and was looking for ANY tiny little hook to hang her suspicions on. YOU ("older" woman) will most likely get a much more reasonable interviewer, so just stay calm and make sure your have your papers in order and that you follow all the tips on websites like this one. You'll most likely be fine.

NatashaW

Female

Georgia

2009-03-25 09:18:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Mar 25 2009, 09:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It is a good lesson for all of us. What was done here is possibly wrong but now the petitioner and beneficiary have to deal with it. See, if YOU make a mistake, it is YOUR problem...if THEY make a mistake, it is YOUR problem. Your fault, their fault, ANYONE's fault, and it is YOUR problem. That is why it is best to go to the interview with evidence that makes you "clearly eligilble" It is why I also believe the USC should attend the interview unless the consulate does not allow it, the USC should complete all forms and only ONE person should be in charge of the whole process.

I agree completely. In our case, however, it WAS the USC who prepared all the docs, and I WAS there for the interview, and I DID bring TONS of evidence with us-- the vice consul just didn't accept it. Literally. Would not take possession of any of our letters, chat transcripts, phone bills, photos, etc.

By the way, according to the embassy website, USCs are not allowed to be present for interviews. I gave my fiance my passport and waited outside the building. When the receptionist heard that I was outside, she told my fiance to get me and called the guards to let me in. (Unfortunately, it didn't help.)

Anyway, my advice is for the USC to be there for the interview and if they don't let you in, give your fiance your passport so s/he can show that you care enough about this to be there anyway.

NatashaW

Female

Georgia

2009-03-25 09:03:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Mar 21 2009, 09:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It's important to understand that even though they are under the thumb of the US and certain standards are suppose to apply .... we know that not every Embassy/Country is created equally. When a visa is denied at the Embassy it's most important to do everything you can to keep the case in that Country and deal with it that way. Otherwise, it seems you are stuck in an endless pit of red tape.

If the case was already sent back to the USCIS and you have no 'clear' reason or request for further info, there is likely nothing you can do at this point. The suggestion early in this thread to marry and file cr-1 is probably your best option. However, if you do find there was a real reason for the denial, this will need to be addressed before another visa is applied for.

good luck!

Thank you for your good wishes!

NatashaW

Female

Georgia

2009-03-25 08:12:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

QUOTE (Anh map @ Mar 20 2009, 10:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Differing answers to the "how you met" question has tripped up folks at many different embassies/consulates. Did you have a short "courtship before filing the K1?" That can be a flag as well.

I don't know. Is 7 months short?

NatashaW

Female

Georgia

2009-03-21 04:06:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

QUOTE (Anh map @ Mar 20 2009, 06:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

NatashaW

Female

Georgia

2009-03-20 17:54:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

QUOTE (NatashaW @ Mar 20 2009, 12:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (steveee @ Mar 20 2009, 12:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (NatashaW @ Mar 20 2009, 08:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Minya's wife @ Mar 19 2009, 02:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (NatashaW @ Mar 19 2009, 01:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Minya's wife @ Mar 19 2009, 01:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What else, besides "not clearly eligible" does your 221g refusal say? Reverse age difference is not a valid refusal to issue the K-1....and the consul is not allowed to re-adjudicate the initial I129F, which is where the eligibility question was dealt with. So since they aren't allowed to refuse based on reverse age-difference prejudices, they have to refuse for a 'valid' reason...therefore taht 'not clearly eligible' bs. Find out what they mean, what ineligibility?
You need to immediately contact the consulate (e-mail, or phone) and make sure the case stays at the consulate and not sent back. Ask for an explanation of what is the 'ineligibility'? Its good that you contacted your senator....perhaps a call to the NVC may give you more information as to the what the ineligibility finding is.

-P

It doesn't say anything. Just "not clearly eligible". A friend recommended I file a request to see the vice-consul's report under the Freedom of Information Act; I'll do that after the Senator and Congressman have tried their best to get the consul to take it out of diplomatic pouch. When I email, they don't answer questions, they just refer me to USCIS.

A FOIA request is for after the file has been returned stateside...and it can take weeks, and may not give you any further information that what you have in front of you. Not to harp on details, but go back and search your mind for anything that was said during the initial interview and now this second one....said by both your fiance, you (if you were there) and by the CO. As I said before,....age-discrimination is not a valid reason, so if that is the case and they want to refuse you they must write a valid reason for the refusal. NOW, an eligibility issue is valid...but must be stated....what is the ineligibility.
When did the interview (this second one occur)? Have you contacted both your Sendator and congressman?
What worries me, is if they're refering you to USCIS, it means they've already diplomatic pouched the file back to the US. Have you tried contacting the NVC....they may be able to offer more insignt into this ineligibility that is quoted on your 221g.

The 221g notice was just given to us last week; do you think the NVC would have any info already?
I've contacted my senator and an aide promised to call yesterday but called in sick to work. I'll be calling her today. I visited a congressman yesterday, but his aide told me that it's "illegal" for them to "interfere" with the official process and they don't make international calls unless it's a life or death situation. Fortunately, after I stopped crying, I realized that I was speaking to the wrong congressman (I live on the border of districts and have never had to contact a congressman before). So, today I'll be calling lawyers, my senator AND introducing myself to my actual congressman (or, more likely, one of his aides).

There was no clear statement of the basis of their decision. Just a form letter saying the application has been found "not clearly eligible".

They are referring me to USCIS, I'm convinced, not because the diplomatic pouch system is so efficient and our case has already left, but because they don't want to deal with me.

Thank you for your time and for thinking this through with me.

NatashaW

Sorry to hear that NatashaW, me too i don't think so that is the main reason its becuase of the age gap im 6 years older than my husband, i was denied for my K-3 also, i'm not giving you an assurance if it helps but just try this, if the CO said that your case was being return to USCIS /NVC send a letter of appeal to this email address NVCInquiry@state.gov this is the format of my letter of appeal, some VJ,s used this too and it works, good luck!!!

Case Number: MNL2008XXXXX
Petitioner: name & birth date
Beneficiary: name & birth date
Phone: XXXXXXXXXXX

Reference: appeal for K-3 visa refused (attention supervisor)

Dear sir/madam,

(Explain what happen to your case)

Sincerely yours,

Name:
Address:
email address:

Thanks, Steveee!

I just sent it off and got an automated response that does not inspire hope:

PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS AUTOMATED NOTIFICATION

Please be advised that, as of April 4th, 2008, our office revised our
guidelines for communication between the National Visa Center and the
public. We are now required to verify case specific information each
time we receive an inquiry.

According to U.S. law, the National Visa Center is only permitted to
discuss details of a visa case with authorized representatives and when
provided with all of the following information:

* NVC case number or CIS receipt number
* Petitioner's name and date of birth
* Beneficiary's name and date of birth
* Your full name

If you are the legal representative, and your G-28, Notice of Entry of
Appearance as Attorney or Representative, is not on file at the NVC,
please include a copy of your signed G-28 showing that you are the legal
representative as well as the following information:

* NVC case number or CIS receipt number
* Petitioner's name and date of birth or Beneficiary's name and
date of birth
* Attorney's law firm name
* Attorney's law firm address
* Your full name

If you are corresponding regarding an I-140 petition you must provide
the following information:

* NVC case number or CIS receipt number
* Name of the petitioning company
* Beneficiary's name and date of birth
* Your full name

If you are the petitioner, principal applicant or legal representative,
please notify the National Visa Center with any changes to your mailing
address, email address or phone numbers.

Please include this required information on all future inquiries
directed to the NVC. If this information has not been submitted with
your inquiry it will be requested.

Please do not respond to this inquiry.

Thank you,
National Visa Center

This email is Sensitive but Unclassified based on the definitions
provided in 12 FAM 540.
Any information in this transmission pertaining to the issuance or
refusal of visas or permits to enter the United States shall be
considered confidential under Section 222(j) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (INA) [8 US C. Section 1202]. Access to and use of such
information must be solely for the formulation, amendment,
administration, or enforcement of the immigration, nationality, and
other laws of the United States under INA 222(j) and as specified in FAM
guidance. If you have received such information in error, do not review,
retransmit, disclose, disseminate, use, or take any action in reliance
upon this information, and contact the sender as soon as possible.

NatashaW

Female

Georgia

2009-03-20 16:01:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

QUOTE (steveee @ Mar 20 2009, 12:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (NatashaW @ Mar 20 2009, 08:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Minya's wife @ Mar 19 2009, 02:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (NatashaW @ Mar 19 2009, 01:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Minya's wife @ Mar 19 2009, 01:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks, Steveee!

NatashaW

Female

Georgia

2009-03-20 11:08:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

QUOTE (Anh map @ Mar 20 2009, 08:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

They are all form letters. Yet each white /blue slip has information specific to the denial.

Posting the letter here or you typing exactly what it says will help to get better feedback from folks here on VJ. Just black out the name/case number on the copy uploaded.

The first form letter we got at our first interview in February. Blue sheet. highlights: "Your Immigrant visa case will be reconsidered when you submit the following documents listed below: ..... MISC: Administrative processing has to be conducted by the Embassy." This was given to us after the vice consul (who was interviewing us) said, at the end of the interview, "something doesn't feel right here. I'm going to have to investigate further."

Two weeks ago, my fiance got a phone call from the embassy saying he should come in the following week for an interview with the Consul. I flew there to be with him for that one as well. When we arrived, however, we were given a white sheet by the same vice consul (no explanation re lack of interview with Consul), highlights:
"Dear Visa Applicant, This office regrets to inform you that it is unable to issue a visa to you because you have been found ineligible to receive a visa under the following sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The information contained in the paragraphs marked X pertain to your visa application. Please disregard the unmarked paragraphs. ... X: Section 221(g) which prohibits the issuance of a visa to anyone whose application does not comply with the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act or regulations issued pursuant thereto. The following remarks apply in your case: Case is not clearly approvable. Sending petition back the the Dept. of Homeland Security for review."

If the above info helps anyone figure this out, I'd appreciate any and all guidance and suggestions.

NatashaW

NatashaW

Female

Georgia

2009-03-20 08:13:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

QUOTE (Lao Huli @ Mar 20 2009, 12:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (NatashaW @ Mar 19 2009, 01:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Does anyone have any experience with having their K-1 returned by the embassy to DHS/USCIS for vague reasons like "not clearly eligible" under 221(g)? We showed up for what were told would be an interview with the consul (following our interview last month, after which we were told 'administrative processing' was required), but instead of an interview, we were given a piece of paper saying our case was being sent back under 221(g). They do NOT want any documents; I think they just want to deny our application. (During the interview last month, the vice consul remarked "I've seen lots of older men with younger women but I've never seen an older woman with a younger man". I am three years and 1 month older than my fiance. Also she refused to literally accept our evidence of ongoing relationship; we had photos from multiple visits, letters, emails, chat transcripts, phone bills.) If I understand correctly, our application could die a slow death waiting to be processed, in which case we'll never have a chance to present evidence to a rational human. I tried emailing the consul to ask her to take a look at our file before the diplomatic pouch is picked up but she only responds that I should contact DHS/USCIS. Some friends say I need a lawyer to fight this, others say a lawyer can't help, all we can do is wait. For possibly 2 years. Please, if you have any experience with this, please give an idea of what I should be doing.

Don't dispair - Maybe this helps - I looked up 221(g) on the internet and got this (sorry you need to go to the link and scroll down until you find the term 221(g).
Go here - http://www.immihelp.com/visas/refusal.html
It says that you are missing some document or piece of information.
(1) Do you have a checklist of forms needed/required and can you check your copy against that and see if you are missing something?
(2) If not is it possible that the embassy lost one (or more) of your forms?
(3) Can you find out what is missing?
(4) Can you get them a copy or supply the missing information?

I'm sure your small age difference cannot be an issue. It must be some form that is missing or that the need further information on one aspect.
Good luck!

I WISH you were right; we have documentation for everything, including things they asked for in their instructions but didn't accept at the interview. However, the form letter we were given last week had many boxes for lacking documentation. However, the only non-document box on the form was checked for us: being returned for being found "not clearly eligible". We have copies of everything submitted and of those offered but not accepted. I'll be making another copy for our soon-to-be lawyer.

Thank you for trying, though.

NatashaW

Female

Georgia

2009-03-20 07:59:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

QUOTE (Minya's wife @ Mar 19 2009, 02:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (NatashaW @ Mar 19 2009, 01:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Minya's wife @ Mar 19 2009, 01:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

NatashaW

Female

Georgia

2009-03-20 07:53:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

QUOTE (Arabella @ Mar 19 2009, 02:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

How can they refuse based on your age difference? That really scares me. I am 9 years older than my fiance. He is Canadian and I am pretty sure that they are not given to ageism or stereotypes like what you are experiencing, but if it happened to you it could happen to any one!

3 years is nothing. Love is not about age. Age is just a number. You should fight this. It's outrageous!

Arabella,

Please don't assume that age is the real reason they are denying our visa. And don't let this comment from our interview worry you about your situation. My personal theory is that this embassy (very far away from Canada) looks for any reason to deny and that once I find out the official reason (after I file a request under FOIA), it's going to be something vague like we just don't seem like a real couple and age will be among the many factors cited. (What the others might be, I haven't a clue.) So don't worry about your case (on this issue). Thank you for your words of support.

NatashaW

NatashaW

Female

Georgia

2009-03-20 07:45:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

QUOTE (Minya's wife @ Mar 19 2009, 01:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It doesn't say anything. Just "not clearly eligible". A friend recommended I file a request to see the vice-consul's report under the Freedom of Information Act; I'll do that after the Senator and Congressman have tried their best to get the consul to take it out of diplomatic pouch. When I email, they don't answer questions, they just refer me to USCIS.

NatashaW

Female

Georgia

2009-03-19 13:03:00

Thanks for the tip.

An aide to a senator has promised to call. Who should I call in the State Department?

NatashaW

Female

Georgia

2009-03-19 12:35:00

We all should write to the U.S. senator for Vermont

We all should write to the U.S. senator for Vermont, Bernie Sanders, as someone said on other topic, about the slow processing situation at Vermont Service Center. Worth a try, maybe something it will change.
Check the link: http://www.sanders.s...e.gov/services/

Edited by LK&MA, 09 September 2012 - 11:43 AM.

LK&MA

Male

Romania

2012-09-09 11:41:00

JUST CALLED USCIS

I called last week ...
But, on another note... I'm going to call again today.

That`s the spirit !!!

LK&MA

Male

Romania

2012-10-12 13:42:00

Called Vermont

..did that email address worked??? Called USCIS yesterday..they say are working on the 15 April files for K1...going MAD

LK&MA

Male

Romania

2012-11-16 14:20:00

Still waiting ...

They say for K1 that they are working on 15 April...what the hell

LK&MA

Male

Romania

2012-11-16 14:09:00

Calling USCIS

Did anyone get any good info from their phone calls???

..Yesterday 15Nov we called USCIS too. 5 months and 3 weeks since NOA1 at VSC. The answer was that Vermont is working on the K1 files reveived on 15 April 2012... How that is possible when the "Field Office Processing Dates for Vermont Service Center as of: September 30, 2012" is 14 April as USCIS website.

If anyone else called them ...what was the answer you got??

LK&MA

Male

Romania

2012-11-16 13:41:00

Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date

QUOTE (Miss Natalie @ Nov 10 2009, 09:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (zaskar @ Nov 10 2009, 07:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

posting my packet 3 back today so lets see how long before they schedule an interview? would like to get it done before Christmas if I can

judging by the recent timelines, you should get it pretty quickly

. I sent my packet 3 and got the packet 4 email 2 days later, the interview was 2 weeks after that. Good luck

We just sent our Packet 3 in recently, and sure enough, it was a 2 day response time for the interview date (and interview was scheduled on a Tuesday, approx. 2 weeks later just like all the others).

Smizzy

Male

Australia

2009-11-11 00:54:00

Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date

Congrats Warren and thanks for sharing your experience. Have a great Thanksgiving and enjoy your honeymoon.

Smizzy

Male

Australia

2009-11-03 21:02:00

Emailed the president...

This is exactly the issue. We know there are ups and downs and swaps but SOMETHING is seriously imbalanced now at 200 days for VCS and less than 60 for CSC. The trends do NOT support the claims that this is normal and certainly not in the two years of data I looked at.

There was a conference where members of both service Centers attended. After this CSC sped up considerably and is still steaming along. Vermont has fallen further behind. Even further than CSC was when they were "behind".

I would be curious to see some hard data for each service center. Do they have differing "systems" or is this more of a resourcing issue?

For example, what is the staff to case ratio @ VSC versus CSC? Could it be that VSC is under a proportionally larger overall caseload due to the populous eastern seaboard states? I'm not commenting on the fairness of the situation but just curious as to why such a large discrepancy actually exists.

Smizzy

Male

Australia

2012-08-27 18:19:00

Decided on K3 visa looking for tips + registering birth abroad?

I know how you feel. I'm raising my son alone because my husband is currently deployed. I don't know what sleep is.

The guides will show what you need to do for I-130. It's very thorough.

I also did crba for my baby 2 months ago. It's super easy. Passport came in the mail a week later then social security card a month and a half later

Good luck

Thanks! How far along are you in the application process? Did you file a CR1?

Olives24

Female

Australia

2014-03-08 06:03:00

Decided on K3 visa looking for tips + registering birth abroad?

Don't you mean get married then file for I-130? The k3 is non existent

Yes it would apply to you. Go on the us embassy website and gather all the documents listed for crba then book an appointment

Sorry yes! I meant I-130. Sleepless nights with a new baby can do silly things to the brain. Thanks for your response.

Olives24

Female

Australia

2014-03-08 01:09:00

Decided on K3 visa looking for tips + registering birth abroad?

Hey All,

I had previously posted that I planned on getting a k1 visa for my Aussie fiance to come to US. I'm currently living in Australia with him. Well after much debate and comments from forum members in a previous thread we decided to get married in Australia first then file for K3 visa.

The only other question I have is concerning our 3 week old baby boy. I want to get him set up with an American passport and social security number asap. I believe this would apply for us?

Has anyone had the experience of registering a birth abroad? I'm a USC so this should work in my case.

Anyone here apply for k3 have any advice? Looking forward to hearing from you!

Olives24

Female

Australia

2014-03-08 00:04:00

Reviving this thread from the depths of the forum! OP here with some recent updates and seriously planning on beginning the process in JAN or FEB. The question still remains which visa suites my situation better?

Some info:

Fiance (Australian citizen) and I (USC) have been happily living together in Australia for 2 years. I'm on a temp permanent visa. We are also expecting a baby in a few months and are so excited.

On our list of things to do in the new year is have the baby, apply for dual citizenship for our baby, and begin the visa process for my fiance for us to end up in the big apple. We're really looking forward to moving since we'll have tons of family support in the states and new opportunities.

I also have some aunt and uncles who can serve as co-sponsors for my fiance as I don't think I'll have a job lined up during the application process.

I guess after doing further research, I really don't know which route is better K1, K3, or CR-1. We're planning on doing a ceremony wedding in 2015 but are flexible on when we get married.

Any advice, suggestions, or even questions to get a better understanding is welcomed.

Also if you have experience or are in a similar situation please share. Would love you help.

Thank you.

Olives24

Female

Australia

2013-12-30 00:32:00

My Fiance is here with me in Australia also, I guess we are in a fairly similar situation, she has a job to go back to in the US and her family will go as co-sponsors for me so hopefully that all works out with out any issues, I've also lived and worked in the US and have a job to go to once my visa and everything is approved and i have employment authorization, don't know if that will effect anything though.

We had no issues so far filing from Australia, USCIS will send all letters here no problem, you just have to wait about 7 days longer for the post. Do you guys have a co-sponsor available? By the sounds of it very few Australians get rejected for US visas, unless there is a criminal record of you lie on forms... Anyway good luck, will be interesting to see how we go through the process.

Thanks for the reply! We haven't discussed co-sponsor yet but I have family and friends who could do so. I don't have work lined up in the US but I'm sure I can find something when I get there. We plan on staying with my mother since she has room until we find a place of our own and figure out work situation.

How far along in the process are you? I keep hearing the process takes about 3-4 months.

Olives24

Female

Australia

2013-02-17 04:03:00

Hi, my process was straightforward and easy, USC was employed and living in America though. The only difficulty I could see for you is the lack of employment for you, the USC. Have you a co-sponsor? Or do you have work? Have you consider a spousal visa instead? You may find the benefits of that will suit you better than K1. Read the guides and follow the helps and pre-filled forms, putting the package together is easy enough.
Good luck

Hi Chippy girl,

I'm currently working here in Australia. Hoping that will help me. I haven't looked into the spousal visa. Do you reckon it might be better? I'll have a look at the guides.

Great to hear that your process was easy!

Olives24

Female

Australia

2013-01-29 06:59:00

You say 'partner' is this a same sex partnership?

Click on the 'guides' in the tab and follow the instructions for the fiance visa

good luck

Hi Canadian_wife! Partner is an Aussie term that people use all the time when referring to their significant other. Guess it's something I picked up along the way. We're an opposite sex couple.

Also looking for some insight or stories from other Aussie/American couples who have gone through the process.

Olives24

Female

Australia

2013-01-28 07:08:00

Hi All,

I'm an American citizen living in Australia with my partner who is Australian. We've been living here together for over a year and and recently applied for a partner visa which would allow me to stay. Recently after several emotional chats about where we'd like to be, we've decided to make plans for the US. Especially since we plan on settling down close to my family and getting married.

I wanted to hear about your experiences in filing for the K1 visa. Also are there any issues with me filing from overseas?

I want to do all my homework (which I've began) before filing.

Fingers crossed I'll be in NYC sometime this year with my Aussie partner.

Thanks for hearing me out!

Olives24

Female

Australia

2013-01-28 06:21:00

So does the police check require fingerprints or not? - QLD

Great thanks for your responses everyone! Just a name check sounds good to me.

Olives24

Female

Australia

2014-08-04 17:04:00

So does the police check require fingerprints or not? - QLD

Hi all,

Not sure what the final verdict on this was. We're currently going through the I-I30 visa process and the police check is next on the list. We're in Queensland and I'm not sure if we do the check with or without prints.

What's the word?

Olives24

Female

Australia

2014-08-04 02:45:00

Did you need two police certificates?

Hey OZ/NZ VJer's,

I just wanted to see if any of you who lived overseas in the UK briefly (over a year) needed to get a UK PC. My husband lived in the UK in 2001-2003 and was just wondering if any others who lived abroad got two police checks (one from OZ or NZ and another from UK).

Hope this makes sense.

Cheers

Olives24

Female

Australia

2014-08-15 03:51:00

Updated Australia Police Certification info - May 2014

You can't get 2 copies unless you pay for 2 copies. You might be able to purchase a second one later for yourself. For my K1 visa interview last month they were totally fine with me bringing my PC rather than sending it direct to the consulate. Just a thought

Ok good to know! Then I'll just bring it along.

Olives24

Female

Australia

2014-08-11 19:59:00

Updated Australia Police Certification info - May 2014

Olives24, you were supposed to put the Sydney Consulate's address on the form. If you get the results directly (and you might not), then be sure to send the results to NVC, who are really clueless about the whole process anyway.

But if you have not received the police report in 4 weeks, you need to call the Queensland Police to see where it is in process.

Sukie

Might give them a call in a few days to sort out a copy sent to me and the Sydney Consulate if that's possible.

Olives24

Female

Australia

2014-08-11 17:18:00