ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
USCIS Service CentersOver the 5 months process time
Quite honestly, the processing time of your K1 petition may possibly take up to 6-7 months for processing at the Service Centers due to background checks and other things. Then there is also the scheduling of the immigration interview at the U.S. Consulate which may take another 1-2 months depending on how busy they are. The Embassy in Vientiane are extremely backed up so they are doing all that they can to expedite the interviews. The entire K1 process can take up to a year or more. The key to all of this is having lots of patience, faith, and hope. Believe me, I can understand that the waiting is absolutely unbearable but you and your fiance(e) will have to do everything that you can to make the long distance less disheartening. Mine and I talked to each other via phone or Skype almost everyday for over a year now--that helped a lot.

Feel free to ask me if you have any questions. Hang in there!!
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2013-01-29 12:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsShould I hire an immigration lawyer??

To the OP: Never mind the sarcasm and self-righteousness; everyone likes to be right.

It sounds like you did everything right! I am sorry your lawyer told you that you made a mistake by sending it courier; that put the blame on you but you didn't do anything wrong. Of course you're going to send something like that via courier, they are sensitive papers. It just depends on where you live, that's all. I am sure you will hear something any day. Best of luck to you and everyone else that has waited so long to hear something from VSC.

Thank you very much for your kind words, JensJrny2Ray. :-D
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-09-28 21:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsShould I hire an immigration lawyer??

FYI - I'm the woman from the U.S. petitioning for my fiance (MALE). Also, I've read all that's been posted under the K1 process links that Darnell has listed in his point deductions. I've read the I-129F instructions as well. After all that's said and done, attorney's been hired and that's what he told me about the lockbox #######. Done. Basically, I've been waiting which is now past the dang 7 months mark--hitting the 8 months mark on October 8th with NO response except the stupid B.S. script that the USCIS reps spit out at me every time I call. I'm aggravated as it is about everyone (including my parents) questioning my capability of completing the paperwork correctly, and really don't need any more sarcastic/hateful comments.

Thanks.

I meant to say 7 months mark on October 12th. This is what happens when stress/anger gets to you. :bonk:
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-09-27 21:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsShould I hire an immigration lawyer??
FYI - I'm the woman from the U.S. petitioning for my fiance (MALE). Also, I've read all that's been posted under the K1 process links that Darnell has listed in his point deductions. I've read the I-129F instructions as well. After all that's said and done, attorney's been hired and that's what he told me about the lockbox #######. Done. Basically, I've been waiting which is now past the dang 7 months mark--hitting the 8 months mark on October 8th with NO response except the stupid B.S. script that the USCIS reps spit out at me every time I call. I'm aggravated as it is about everyone (including my parents) questioning my capability of completing the paperwork correctly, and really don't need any more sarcastic/hateful comments.

Thanks.

Edited by HoneyBoo-Boo, 27 September 2012 - 08:43 PM.

HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-09-27 20:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsShould I hire an immigration lawyer??

hmmm - all paperwork goes to the Dallas lockbox for initial intake,
then off to a service center (you got Vermont)for further processing.

what are you going on about ? If nothing else, please review the K-1 flowchart in the guides section.

Darnell, I believe by using the physical address in Lewisville, TX (because I sent my petition via overnight delivery) instead to the P.O. Box (Dallas lockbox) is the main reason why my petition was sent to Vermont instead of the California Servicing Center. My attorney stated that since there were no major time restrictions on the I-129F petitions then I should've sent it regular mail to the Lockbox which would've most likely been sent to CA (apparently the CA service center is processing petitions much faster).

Anyhoo, I've reviewed the K-1 flowchart enough to have it memorized. I've come to an understanding that throwing tantrums is useless--basically, I'm SOL and have to wait until the rep from Vermont actually does something with my paperwork.

Edited by HoneyBoo-Boo, 25 September 2012 - 10:14 AM.

HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-09-25 10:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsShould I hire an immigration lawyer??

At little bit late on this one. Why do you need a lawyer when you seem educated. Old HMONG folks don't know squat so you should not take their advice literally. If you compare (Laos) K1 timelines, you'll see everyone is within the 180 - 250 day range. Some of us are luckier than others due to NO RFE, issues or delays. Also your in Vermont and Your cousins in CA service center so don't compare the two. Also, that one DREAM ACT by Obama might have cause you some delay as well! Have patience...

Thank you for sharing your advice. The whole lawyer thing became a big deal for my parents so I just went along with what they wanted. It's simply a matter of picking the worthwhile battles with the elders, and for the most part, they've been very supportive. I'm sure the average of 180-250 days is the norm, however, the heart wants to hear what it desires the most so being patient can run thin from time to time. Unfortunately, according to the my attorney, I made the mistake of expediting my paperwork to the Dallas center instead of sending it regular mail. This prompted their center to send my paperwork to Vermont which is taking STINKING forever!! Gosh, I'm beyond mad and irritated at this point. I try to keep myself in a positive mood but it's getting harder and harder to do. :angry:
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-09-24 11:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsShould I hire an immigration lawyer??

Waste of time and money. Tell yer parents that Uncle Darnell said so.

Since the letter of intent is the only thing yer tripping out about, remind all that that letter of intent can be submitted into the IV Unit prior to or on interview day.

<EOM>

I tried convincing my parents that too but they insisted that I get a lawyer. Oh well, the important thing that matters the most to me right now is that I get my fiance here to the U.S. as soon as possible. Thank you, I appreciate your advice though, Darnell. :-D
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-09-05 12:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsShould I hire an immigration lawyer??

If his name is Shoua Yang, then I would have to say no because it is the same guy I talked to. If you really wanted someone to talk to that can run the paperwork from Laos. I would personally go with Lor Pao Lee, he is well known but his price is high. He wanted 3k just to run the paperwork from his end.


No, his name is not Shoua Yang. The attorney I've retained is Laosue Yang from Brookdale, MN. We were given his name by my cousin who also retained him for his fiancee's paperwork. My dad know his father-in-law who is a Lee so he was willing to be flexible with us about his fees. I have an uncle from Lav52 who is a Yang as well and he's helping my husband in Laos too.
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-09-05 12:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsShould I hire an immigration lawyer??
Thank you all for your input and advice! I sincerely appreciate your genuine responses. Yes, everyone with this K1 process is waiting the same as me. While I keep telling my fiance that he simply needs to sit tight and wait over there, there's increase stress with me dealing with all the questions here asking me when is he going to be here? So-and so's wife/fiancee is here already..etc. Uggh, I'm annoyed the max but I know I basically have to be patient because there's not much that anyone can do. I met my cousin who's wife/fiancee arrived about two weeks ago this past weekend and he said that he filed 11 days before me only. His paperwork also went to Vermont too so I'm not sure how his got expedited etc. He mentioned who his attorney was. My parents now want to hire that attorney to help us because they think I messed up somewhere?? I carefully explained how it most likely is not necessary to spend the extra money but they are insisting. My parents are even willing to help pay for the fees. I thought why not? Although I hate for them to have to help me.

**GeandMayYong~ My dad knows this attorney's father in law who lived in the same village as my parents in Laos. I guess because of that, he's giving us a good deal and willing to help us. Supposedly, he's a really excellent Hmong attorney from MN--a Hmong Yang. I guess it doesn't hurt to try right??
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-09-02 21:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsShould I hire an immigration lawyer??
Basically, I understand that the K-1 fiance/fiancee paperwork process is all about submitting the documents to USCIS and being patient with the waiting game. However, I don't know if I should start being more proactive about trying to speed the process up (if there is any such possible way??). Long story short--I sent the paperwork in early March. My NOA1 was dated March 12th 2012. I've been keeping post that the Vermont processing center is behind. Well, we've passed the 5 month mark now and I'm giving Vermont 30 extra days leeway for notification. I was thinking that if I don't get the NOA or status update by mid-September then I was going to hire an immigration attorney. Essentially, I'm really concern that the likelihood of getting an RFE is likely because I accidentally overlooked with including our letters of intent to get married in my initial paperwork. When it dawned upon me, I sent it in July. Now, I'm worrying even more that this has caused a delay or my case file is simply in the box waiting for an RFE to be sent out.

My cousin from AR petitioned for his fiancee from Laos too--his paperwork was sent probably a couple of months before mine. He hired an immigration attorney from MN, and now his fiancee arrived here in the States about a week ago. The length of process for him total was approx. 5-6 months. SOOO---can any of you who've hired an immigration attorney advise if the process is more speedier versus those who do not have an attorney representing them?? Thanks very much for your anticipated assistance and advice!! Have a wonderfully, blessed day. :-D
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-08-29 16:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch (2012) filers...
Congrats Islandgal on your NOA2!! :thumbs:
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-10-11 16:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch (2012) filers...
Islandgal, you just tell them that you'll keep calling them until they get a move on your file. Also, mention that as a tax-paying citizen, you have the right to know what is going on with your file. I'm continuing to keep you and the rest who are waiting in my prayers. It becomes exhausting daily with the constant wondering and patience wears thin. I think that's why I got sick all of a sudden with the change in weather. I became unmotivated with everything even including not wanting to talk to my fiance which was really sad. The only thing that kept me going was constant praying and pleading with God. I think I wore Him out with sending prayers mixed with praise and begging. LOL. What I've learned from this experience is to keep the faith and hope alive every day despite your personal feelings inside.

Thank you VJ members for being my support circle! Islandgal, I know you are next--It's still early in the week. God's got you and your fiance on this, I know He will come through for you and the rest of the waiting members.

On a side note, please visit my profile for a status update.
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-10-09 17:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch (2012) filers...

I tried that the other day... I demanded a tier 2 and I got put on hold for over 35 minutes with no one answering.... :ranting:

It took about 10-15 minutes waiting for me. I say try again probably on a day that most likely the call volume would not be very high. About early afternoon right after the lunch time or probably mid-morning. Surprisingly, it was much quicker than I thought since I called today at about noon CST.

I cant put in any service requests until the end of the month because I have to wait for the time to lapse on this last one. I do not believe for a minute that my backgrounds are taking that long when I have a security clearance. The Tier 2 rep I last spoke to said that those usually go very quickly and cant understand whats taking so long. The request she put in to process the backgrounds based on that was rejected and a response was given administrative hold for backgrounds. I was also told because of that I am no longer able to put in for a service request. Administrative hold now blocks that option so I am now stuck with nothing to do.

Ugghh, that totally bites!!
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-10-05 16:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch (2012) filers...
Late on the congrats--Congrats to you, Tigerflower and the other ones! I'm very excited for all of you who are one step closer to being reunited with your loving partners.

Islandgal: I highly recommend that you call VSC and demand to speak with a tier 2 officer. I did today during my lunch and currently have a service request put in. I was told that the estimated timeframe to receive a status update would be by Oct. 20th but she indicated that I should hear something before that date--within the next week (3 business days or so). She also told me that my case was in the process of being reviewed with an officer right now. When you call, be polite--calmly ask questions. I stated to the officer that I knew for a fact that there were other petitioners' whose cases after my March 8th date that has already either received their NOA2 approvals or status update. She proceeded to explain to me that everyone's cases were different. I replied that I fully understand that, however, as tax paying citizens we ought to have a right to know what the status of our cases are without getting the scripted response. For instance, if my case was missing documents, and an RFE would most likely be issues--that information should be available in their system to inform us as the petitioners. I wasn't rude but I knew I had to be assertive. She told me that I should hear something within the next week and wished me a good weekend.

I say that you ought to do the same. Express your concerns otherwise, you'll be left every day wondering and being miserable which is what I've been doing for the last several days. Knowing what I know today does help me feel much better and more optimistic, having something to look forward to next week.

Again, thanks very much to all our March and some Feb. VJ members here for helping us who are still waiting to have a more hopeful outlook. God bless all of you!
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-10-05 13:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch (2012) filers...

HoneyBoo-Boo, I read one topic you posted, you said that you forgot to include Statement of Intent from both of you? is this true?

Yes, I did. When I realized this, I had my fiance sent me his and then I mailed it off to Vermont in July with both our letters. *sigh* Please God, don't tell me that that's probably the cause of the delay. :(
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-10-01 21:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch (2012) filers...
AmazingLove, :lol: I'm in venting mode tonight. Sorry. I'm trying with every ounce and bits and parts of me to be patient. Goodness, I don't know how many times in a day that I recite the Serenity prayer out loud and under my breath. Anyhoo, I will try to do better with being patient.

Islandgal, don't you start fretting. I think that's what really gets us messed up in our heads is when we see others' files and worry that that might happen to us too. I know this is funny comin' from me tonight since I'm in such a bitter mood, but THINK POSITIVE! Okay? I'm praying mighty hard for all of us who are waiting, especially one of our members in this thread who's petition is from February and they've still not receive any word yet. God Almighty, please help us stay sane during all of this!

Edited by HoneyBoo-Boo, 01 October 2012 - 09:24 PM.

HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-10-01 21:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch (2012) filers...

I wonder if yours is one of the files in my stack that I'm watching? Did you use an attorney to file?

My case # ends in 2493 filed on March 8th. There is only 1 other file besides mine that is on that date. No, initially when I sent my paperwork, I did it myself. Last month, my relatives and parents thought I had screwed up on my paperwork so my parents insisted on hiring an attorney which I did for the sake of peace (tired of listening to them nag on and on about everything with this process). I mean it's already stressful for me as it is dealing with the waiting, but to have others around you--family/relatives question me and my ability to properly file paperwork too? My goodness...Anyhoo, I don't know Islandgirl, most likely we may be in the SAME stack of files that the idiotic morons are purposely looking over day in and day out. What a waste of my tax money!!
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-10-01 21:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch (2012) filers...
Is it normal to be feeling super resentful, hateful, and plain crazy?? The file before me received a RFE dated 8/20/12 and the file AFTER mine received a RFE dated 9/28/12. Pretty much there is only one other I-129 petition besides mine left sitting in "Initial Review." I am going to call tomorrow to my attorney and USCIS to pitch my fits. This is utterly ridiculous--I'm screaming bloody murder!!!
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-10-01 20:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch (2012) filers...
Goodness sake, in the midst of this craziness of waiting and WAITING, I think I've lost my mind completely. QUESTION: So I've been checking on the USCIS site to check the status of my case. It says that they received my petition on March 8th, however, on my NOA1 it is dated for the receipt of 03/08/12 and the notice date of 03/12/12. Is my NOA1 date 03/08/12 or 03/12/12? I was thinking March 8th but I am getting myself confused when checking the timeline to find out the NOA1 date. If it's indeed March 8th then I've reached the 207 days mark. :angry:
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-10-01 20:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch (2012) filers...
THANK YOU to all of you who have responded. I always feel better when I've read your responses, knowing that we're all anxiously waiting together. To see that you each can relate to how I'm feeling, gives me relieving confirmation that I am not going insane. LOL. This thread is my personal support group because none of my friends can truly understand whenever I whine and complain to them. I'll continue on praying for all of you and myself. Congratulations on the members who've received their NOA2 within the last week. May your journeys speed up much faster for happy reunions very soon!

For today's topic, what do we plan to do when my fiance gets here to the U.S.? I'm probably going to take him to an amusement park and have him ride on one of the roller-coasters with me. He's never seen one or rode on one! I'm afraid of roller-coasters so I think it'll be a fun experience for him to start his adjustment here in the States. He wants to try McDonald's too. Big Mac value meal #1 for him. :-D We're also planning a family vacation to Disney World!
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-09-25 14:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch (2012) filers...
I'm finding harder and harder to stay positive and being patient. Praying constantly like a mad woman and to no avail.--no answer, nothing in the mail, no status change. I want to curl up into a ball and cry! What else have y'all been doing to cope?

This has been one of the most agonizing, torturous process that I've ever had to deal with. My fiance has tried helping me to look on the bright side of things, and yet even his words of encouragement isn't doing much for me. I'm not motivated to work or do anything. I know that I'm not the only one dealing with this process. *sigh* If only I can crawl into a cave and spend the next 2 weeks there with no access to the internet, maybe then I'll feel a little better.
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-09-25 10:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch (2012) filers...
Thank you Tigerflower! It is my hope that WE, including you and many others here, and myself will get the answer that we've been anxiously waiting for before the weekend. Super power prayers tonight. Regardless of what happens, I will be super happy and celebrate with those who receive their NOA2 tomorrow. :-D
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-09-13 19:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch (2012) filers...

Here's the nifty part. While seeing the same "Initial Review" appear on your screen (or hopefully Not!), you'll notice your case number is displayed in the upper right corner. It's not sound programming, as it is displayed in a text field, not just text. But because of the way it is displayed, you can click in the box and change the last digit (or two or three) to see other petitions status. It doesn't reveal anything personal about the other petitioner, but you can see the date and their status to compare against yours.

Make sense?

Thank you Tigerflower! That's pretty cool! Well there's the two files before mine that are still in "Initial Review" status too. Appreciate you for sharing this with us. :-D
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-09-12 14:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch (2012) filers...

I just checked all of the March 7th case numbers over at the USCIS site. SIX approvals just today! Wow! And one of them was the case # right after mine.


Just curious, how do you check on that information on the USCIS site? I didn't know there was a way to check what case numbers and date USCIS was at in processing. Would you mind sharing that information with me please? My fiance and I are at the 6 months mark. I keep praying the Serenity prayer to keep me sane. This thread has been a huge help in keeping me informed with what's going for the VSC. BIG THANK YOU to all! :D
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-09-12 11:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch (2012) filers...
My K1 petition was received by USCIS on March 8th and my NOA1 was dated for March 12th. I wanted share that I called USCIS yesterday to put in a service request. I told the rep that I believed my file was out of the normal processing time of 5 months for the Vermont Processing Center. She replied that was true and then quickly changed her response to say that the 5 months was only an "estimate" and it should really be in fact 6 months before it was out of the normal processing time. Right now, they are only up to processing Feb. 6th petitions?! She told me that she wouldn't be able to put in a service request and I was told to wait another 30 days before calling back. :wacko: :(
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-09-06 11:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures3 years tax not enuff income, but think god i found a permanent job, will i be ok???
Pearl,

I'm really sorry to hear about the circumstances with your brother backing out on you. :-( I wasn't sure what the answer to your question would be so I called my lawyer to ask him about your question. :-D He did confirm that it shouldn't be a problem if you were starting your new job in November. It is VERY important that you do get your employer to write an employment verification letter stating your start date of the job, what your position is, and what the annual salary pay is. Also, you would submit 1-2 monthly pay stubs showing what you made for your new job too. He said that you should be okay as long as your income is at least or above the 125% poverty level.

Try not to stress too much Pearl. God's going to help you and Aamir. When he gets here to the States, and you file the adjustment petition, hopefully, your family disagreement will be resolved by then so your brother can help be your co-sponsor for that if needed. I'm keeping both of you, along with many others, from VJ in my prayers.

Take care and I hope you have a great afternoon. ;-D
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2012-10-15 15:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestoo many ? need help
I don't think you have to have tens of thousands of dollars in the bank, however, it will be to your advantage that you can show you are financially stable to suupport your fiancee and your entire family in terms of being above the 125% poverty level and what's stated on the I-134 Affidavit of Support. The more that you can show to support your relationship, the better chance you and your fiancee will have. It also comes down to how well she does on her interview with the U.S. Consulate too.
HoneyBoo-BooFemaleLaos2013-01-29 13:21:00