ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCSC - NOA2 to NVC Delay

Yes that would be nice!

I also wish people would keep their timelines current - Looking at the I-130 timelines:

seven 6/16 NOA2s with two at NVC
eight 6/17 NOA2s with zero at NVC
five 6/20 NOA2s with zero at NVC

Well idk if you're interested, but I really think we're together on this (K1):

This was on another board I was stalkin:
Just to let you know Mike called yesterday and we have our case number
NOA2 hardcopy received - dated 20/6/11

Edited by Jilli & Ales, 20 July 2011 - 12:06 PM.

Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-20 12:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCSC - NOA2 to NVC Delay

No really! I did the sort again just now (k1 full, click on upside down triangle on nvc recv column)on the K-1's and the June & JulyNOA2 dates have NVC recv dates ranging from 3 days to 3 weeks. Calendar time, not biz days. Yeah... We'll get to the bottom of this. Everyone's heart is aching at this point :) :help:

Okay that's fair. Well I only see one: NOA2 7/14, NVC receipt 7/18 (from CSC exclusively, as that is where the issue lies). Well if this will become a trend, I'll tell you, I will be MAD. How about first come first served?? Maybe they listed the wrong service center, that smells like VSC to me.
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-20 10:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCSC - NOA2 to NVC Delay

Hi all, I just talked to the NVC and the lady told me that they don't know why our files aren't coming in and they are trying to figure it out.

Wow that's amazing, don't you think? I never thought I'd get such an honest answer out of them, even if they are just placing the blame. But yes, I think it's certain the CSC is to blame, not NVC.
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-20 10:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCSC - NOA2 to NVC Delay
Dear Sir/Madam:

Please be advised that the National Visa Center (NVC) has received your
inquiry and the attached I-797 Notice of Action - Approval Notice.
Unfortunately, we do not have record of receiving your approved petition
from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The NVC will contact
USCIS on your behalf for information on the location of this petition.

Sincerely,
Jess
National Visa Center
Written Inquiry Unit
Serco Inc., Support Contractor
NVCResearch@state.gov


Sad face.

Edited by Jilli & Ales, 20 July 2011 - 07:37 AM.

Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-20 07:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCSC - NOA2 to NVC Delay

I think I found out why the NVC is too busy to find our I-130's in the mailroom.
I opened the K-1 full timelines, and did a reverse sort on "NVC receive" column.
All those fiancee 129's are being pushed right on through the system.

Okay - I get it... they are in love just as we are... but this bothers me for some reason. :angry:

Umm... I'd hardly count 26+ days as being "pushed through." We're all feeling hopeless here.
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-20 07:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCSC - NOA2 to NVC Delay

SAMPLE EMAIL MESSAGE TO REPRESENTATIVE (feel free to cut & paste):

Dear Congressional Representative
Are you aware that as of June 15, 2011 the USCIS California Service Center (CSC)has delayed forwading APPROVED I-130 petitions, thereby creating an artificial bottleneck for those of us waiting to be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) in New Hampshire? Although the CSC has been aprroving petitions rapidly lately, these petitions cannot enter the DS-230 Immigrant Visa Application stage at the NVC while sitting in a mailroom in California. When the time lag goes beyond 15 business days, the NVC says they will ask the CSC. When it is still not found, the petitioner is told to wait 60-90 days. Meanwhile, the Vermont Service Center is forwarding them in 3 days, just as the CSC did prior to June 2011.

Most I-130 petitions are from US citizens wanting to be reunited with a spouse. In some cases, there are children waiting for a parent. Please help us reunite families by simply urging the USCIS CSC to forward approved petitions in a timely fashion.

Thank you for representing the needs of your consituents.

Sincerely,
[your name here]
Link to house of reps web site - put in full zip code to find rep

Thanks so much!!! My representative HAS BEEN NOTIFIED haha. Not that it will do me much good, but they need to feel the pressure!
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-19 14:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhat if something happen to the petitioner what then?

Agreed, also a "benefit" to be able to immigrate to the US if something happened to me. That is one reason why we chose the IR1 route, so she'd have that option as a "final gift" from me if something did happen. The option to immigrate would be hers as my wife has grown to know my family and actually has 2 families now. Yes it would be morbid to think this way but it is a real possibility and thus the gift of opportunity would be hers.

Bob

The only reason it's creepy to me, in my situation: If I died, my fiance would not want to come to the US. He's coming to be with me, not to come to America. That's kind of what these visas are for. I realize that we are lucky in that his current situation is not one surrounded by poverty or corruption, but it just sounds strange at first glance! But I understand if someone you love wants to give you this "gift" if your life back home is unpleasant.
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-24 09:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhat if something happen to the petitioner what then?

i would be very worried i think if i was the fiance/spouse :rofl:

Agreed :)
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-23 14:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDS-156K

Thanks! :-)

In London for the interview - before you actually have the 'interview' they have a document check station where they will ensure you have everything to hand... !

As far us UK goes:
Do you suppose they do anything if you send them with packet 3? Unfortunately I compiled them all in preparation for packet 3 (just trying to follow instructions!!), I just really hope nothing becomes "old news," you know? That would be a nightmare. Ugh. Anyway I hope they would take them into consideration, but I bet not.
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-18 14:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures60-90 day gap between marriage and working!?!?

Why doesn't your fiance volunteer for a few months? He can do other things besides work.

Haha great, I love how we're all on the same page. Yay for volunteering YOU'RE WELCOME AMERICA, you don't deserve our fiance(e)s :P
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-18 18:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures60-90 day gap between marriage and working!?!?

We are planning the same. :)

Wow we are twinsies! NOA1 and NOA2 dates are the same!
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-18 14:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures60-90 day gap between marriage and working!?!?
Yep, this is an issue for everyone I think. It's just funny, because it's like... what CAN I do? We're putting off the marriage a few months so he can earn just a bit more and I'm going to try to get him to do some volunteering at an animal shelter or some such place. He'll go mad with boredom if I leave him to go to work, and it might help to have some American "work" reference when he's actually allowed to start job seeking. What did y'all do?
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-18 12:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresat the mercy of the bureaucracy

Called the USCIS yesterday and discovered that the VSC is only now working on I-129F cases that were filed on January 16. Julia and I filed ours on February 14. I am wondering, "How is it that so many others, who filed around the same time as us, are already having interviews and visa approvals?"

I was told by the USCIS representative that I might as well not even attempt to call them again for another 4 weeks. That will put me and Julia in mid-August before even potentially receiving our NOA2.

I am just ranting....

Please pray for us to have patience and unwavering trust in our God.

Aw wow, that is awful. I would have lost my mind waiting so long, you guys. Unfortunately, it seems to me that VSC is the "slow one." I'm not sure why this is, it's just my deduction here. You get your mini-revenge apparently when they get sent to NVC, because California is being super slow right now and VSC seems fine. Still, no comparison. I hope they are mistaken!!
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-19 13:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresat the mercy of the bureaucracy

Called the USCIS yesterday and discovered that the VSC is only now working on I-129F cases that were filed on January 16. Julia and I filed ours on February 14. I am wondering, "How is it that so many others, who filed around the same time as us, are already having interviews and visa approvals?"

I was told by the USCIS representative that I might as well not even attempt to call them again for another 4 weeks. That will put me and Julia in mid-August before even potentially receiving our NOA2.

I am just ranting....

Please pray for us to have patience and unwavering trust in our God.

Aw wow, that is awful. I would have lost my mind waiting so long, you guys. Unfortunately, it seems to me that VSC is the "slow one." I'm not sure why this is, it's just my deduction here. You get your mini-revenge apparently when they get sent to NVC, because California is being super slow right now and VSC seems fine. Still, no comparison. I hope they are mistaken!!
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-19 13:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTomorrow morning

I have my interview at the London Embassy tomorrow for my K1. Absolutely petrified but not sleeping so relieved the day is here. We realised 3 weeks ago that my fiance, as she was still a student, did not meet the financial requirements so her dad has filled out an I-134 form as well as her and I have his tax returns and bank statements for the previous 3 years. I also have a letter and bank statement from my Mum committing to pay me £500 per month until I am able to work, so blessed to have great family support.

Any final advice/tips for me. Feel like this is the biggest day in my life.

Best of luck to you, hopefully we'll be in your worried shoes soon :P
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-19 13:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCase Number

Hi Guys..

It's been 1 month when we received our NOA2 but sad to say until now case number is still hiding ....where are you my case number?
Anyone here experience the same thing ? :crying:

Yes, unfortunately many of us are sitting here waiting for these bureaucratic inefficiencies to be fixed!!! Many petitions, Fiance and Spousal, are stuck in California. Through many irritating conversations, this much is clear to fellow VJers. They seem to have admitted that they send them in batches, and it is common to have to wait 4 weeks to get a number. I know this is my 4th week of waiting and I can imagine your frustration!! If you want to keep track of other people's case statues progress (as of today, some NOAs of 6/20 have been assigned a case number...you can guess from there), read some of these forums:
http://www.visajourn...-a-march-filer/
http://www.visajourn...s-bad-as-uscis/
http://www.visajourn...t-with-the-nvc/
http://www.visajourn...2-to-nvc-delay/

Best of luck, it has to be soon!!

Edited by Jilli & Ales, 20 July 2011 - 09:59 AM.

Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-20 09:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLondon interview, proof of financial support.?problem?

What is your fear?? That they won't let you in the door? Again, you are NOT the first person to make this mistake. It's not a crisis.


Yeah I wondered about this too, like I guess they use standard forms for all embassies perhaps, but why on EARTH would they write on the 156K that they want you to send this ("THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS MUST BE ATTACHED IN ORDER TO APPLY FOR A FIANCE(E) NONIMMIGRANT VISA.") if they don't want it. I've heard this is just a London thing, but really? I'm having trouble convincing my fiance not to attach them.

In any case, I really hope it works out, I'm sure they will put it in your file for you, because that is a chore to fill out. You'll probably just get the stink eye at the counter haha.
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-21 14:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswaiting and waiting....

We are still waiting for our case number from NVC....we received the NOA2 7/7/11 and everytime i call they just say wait 15 days...I called today and the lady said 15 business days...I called DOS and they tell me to wait...I have waited for 7 months already...it's frustrating...just had to vent!!!!

Yes, fortunately you are not alone. It's not lost, don't worry. UNfortunately, you are quite a bit down the line. According to other posts and topics, they are currently processing NOA2's from 6/20. Yeah. If you want to keep yourself updated with the status, follow this forum:

http://www.visajourn...2-to-nvc-delay/


And, as always, harass!!! Call!! But remember, K1s are never recorded on the automated line, so don't waste your time there. Talk to a human. Some are nice, some are not, but keep trying!

Edited by Jilli & Ales, 21 July 2011 - 02:44 PM.

Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-21 14:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWaiting to hear from NVC

On June 24 I recieved my NOA2. Now my case is being passed from uscis to nvc..correct? How long is the average waiting peroid to hear from nvc with my case number, to be able to make medical appointments and an interview date?

There is a major slow down at NVC (more like CSC actually), and I can tell you, you and I are in the same boat. June 24, nothing going on. If you're a K1, do NOT bother with the automated system because it does not log K1s, ever. Call a person. Bother them. Keep calling. I think many NOAs from 6/20 have been accepted, and today one 6/21 was logged. Good news? So next week, it should be our time. If you want to track other people who actually update their timelines, follow this topic:

http://www.visajourn...2-to-nvc-delay/

Good luck!!
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-22 13:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStill No Case Number

I know it sucks, NVC took 31days out of my petition life time. It shouldn't be that way. There is nothing you can do. JUST WAIT.

Good luck

I'm on 31 now, but I doubt I'll get any action until the week is out.
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-25 13:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStill No Case Number

Hi guys goodmorning!!

we approved last June 24, 2011. but sad to say until now we dont have case number. my fiance keep calling NVC. but according to the operator they still dont have records on their file. and the operator suggest to my fiance to send the NOA 2 thru email. its just a normal? what we can do? Just to wait?

Same here, don't worry any more than you can handle :) I know it sucks, but you're not on your own!
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-25 12:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFustration! No sign of my case yet with the NVC

We have also been waiting to hear from the NVC since we received our NOA2 on June 23, 2011. I've called them and USCIS many times and e-mailed my NOA2 to NVCresearch. I hope everyone hears soon, but I feel better knowing others are having the same issue. Good luck everyone don't give up!

I just got mine today, fyi. Good news is coming!
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-28 09:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFustration! No sign of my case yet with the NVC

We got the same thing, the NOA2/Approval from CSC was dated 27 June and still nothing. I called NVC and spoke to a rep and they also asked to send a copy of the NOA2 to NVCRESEARCH@state.gov. About 2 days later they replied and said they don't have it... Grr... Does the CSC only send apps in large batches to NVC? Thought I read something about that elsewhere on VJ...:

Some people have actually gotten a representative to admit the batches occur this way, but frequency is uncertain. I keep hearing "a large batch has arrived"... well nothing for me :( Good luck to you.
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-23 23:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFustration! No sign of my case yet with the NVC

For those who still waiting USICS and NVC, I wish you good luck and Be Patient

That's fair.
but fasterfasterfaster hahah
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-19 12:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFustration! No sign of my case yet with the NVC

NVC also says that my case is "en route".

Great news fellow VJer! Hopefully we're with you too. I'll be waiting for my response from nvcresearch.
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-18 13:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFustration! No sign of my case yet with the NVC

NOA2 date of June 17th..... I called USCIS today and I was told that my case was shipped on July 13th from USCIS.



Jeallouussssssss :P
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-18 12:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Date waiting time, please all ADD YOUR WEEKS!

I sent my packet off on 1st August . .

How do i find similar timelines . . ? Just search n search!?

You can go to your timeline, and under the image it says "find similar timelines." For example, when I click it, yours shows up :)
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-16 07:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to expect when called by the Embassy for a K-1 interview for the first time??

whats the difference between I-134 and I-864? Are both of these needed for K-1 application process?



Unless I am regionally incorrect (they're kind of strict there, yes?). It's a blanket rule that K-1's fill out I-134 for the K-1 interview. I-864 is for someone doing Aadjustment of status, like you will be later on in your journey or like someone applying for a spousal visa.
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-09-22 07:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespackage 3 london

Thanks guys, i felt much better when i checked the package status today and it said "delivered" :)
i was wondering if we need to have form I-134 and its supporting documents( bank letter, letter from the employer etc..) notarized!?
i was reading that some embassies require them to be notarized ... i'm not sure about London!...
also can i have the bank letter faxed or do i need to take the original to the interview? my fiancee's Dad (co-sponsor) received his bank letter by fax since he lives in a different state and then he had mail it to us. is that ok??



No notary required, I know some forms say this etc. but it's inaccurate, as least as far as London is concerned.

As for the other, I'm sure they'd prefer an original, but I think it's okay. I was freaking out because my dad's employer letter was a print out/copy, but I think we'll live. Especially considering the number of people from the embassy reviews (http://www.visajourn...&cty=&dfilter=5) who say they get there and the interviewer is surprised to see a co-sponsor packet at all. It seems as though they are like "oh...what's this... we don't want this. Keep it for AOS." As such, I wouldn't fret about it, at least for now. Just make sure your fiancee has two proofs of financial stuff (even though, like me, she is probably below the poverty limit).

I-134 instructions do say, btw (rereading them myself) "Evidence should consist of copies of any of the documents listed below that applies to your situation." Including bank letter, employer letter, bonds, etc.

So I think it's probably fine even when you need it!

Edited by Jilli & Ales, 06 September 2011 - 12:25 PM.

Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-09-06 12:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespackage 3 london

Today is a US holiday-Labor Day. :)



True. That's unfortunate!
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-09-06 07:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespackage 3 london
Hey basher, just fyi, you might want to subscribe to this topic, it seems to get some updates:

http://www.visajourn...view-in-london/

I just read this there from one of the posters:
Aug 16th 11 - Packet 3 returned & Visa fee paid
Aug 22nd 11 - Medical complete

August 31 - Interview scheduled
October 7 - Interview date

So they had a much shorter wait than I had, 15 days from packet 3, 9 days from medical. Hopefully you will be as fortunate, because the waiting is pretty lame.
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-09-01 09:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespackage 3 london

Thank guys,

i ordered my police certificate last friday, i should receive it within the next 2 days,

Congratulations :), i had a feeling that you would hear from them soon
so your interview is after 21 days from submission of packet 3 ? or do you mean they informed you to schedule the interview after 21 days? if so, what date is your interview?
i don't think that i have any vaccination records, do you have any idea about how much it will cost? i know that i can get them done for free through my GP but i've also heard that if i have my vaccination done just a few days before the medical examination, there is a possibility that it can interfere with my blood test result( i'm not sure if that is right) so i'm kinda hesitant... gotta walk into my GP and ask about it
n Thank you for the phone number, i think i will ring them a week after my medical is done, what do you think?

now get everything ready for the interview and don't forget to make copies of everything. you are almost there! :)
i'm praying for you.


Well I submitted my packet (sent it) on August 10 and today I got my interview date. My date is October 12. So yes it will be a while, likely about 7-8 weeks from submission date to interview :( That's pretty standard.

Idk about blood sample issues.. perhaps someone else will share their information if they know it (where are all the medical scholars out there VJ) or talk to your gp if you can. Unfortunately, yeah we got ours after the medical (MMR). I've heard the vaccines which they are absolute about is Dtap & MMR when you are an adult, so according to their pdf, that would set you back....69.

BUT, if you have no vaccines, travel.state.gov gives this list:

United States immigration law requires immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations (listed below) prior to the issuance of an immigrant visa. Panel physicians who conduct medical examinations of immigrant visa applicants are required to verify that immigrant visa applicants have met the vaccination requirements, or that it is medically inappropriate for the visa applicant to receive one or more of the listed vaccinations:

MMR
Measles
Mumps
Rubella

dtap
Pertussis
Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Influenza
Influenza type b (Hib)
Meningococcal
Pneumococcal
Polio
Rotavirus
Varicella (Chickenpox)


Are they this serious? Idk. We'll have to see what others' experiences have shown. That would be an awful lot of shots to get in one sitting!!! Perhaps they don't even allow it.

And yeah, I suppose you can call DOS anytime to see if your stuff has been received. Chances are they let it sit there for two weeks before messing with it (this is the pattern), but you can be optimistic!

And thanks for the kind words! We're quite excited!
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-31 15:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespackage 3 london

so did you call or email the consulate? and what was their answer?

i hope you will receive your package 4 this week. is everything ok with your police certificate?

well i'm confused about question number 8 on form DS-157.
Full Name and Address of Contact Person or Organization in the united states(include phone number) do you think i should put my fiancee's address and phone number or someone else who is already in the states since my fiancee is staying with me in the uk for a few months?

i can't type on form DS-2001 , should i print it off and handwrite everything ?? or is there any thing i can do to be able to type on it?

i'm pretty much done with the forms except for that question, did you send package 3 before you medical ?? yes i'm the beneficiary



Well today was my lucky day! We got our interview! It was 21 days from submission of my packet 3 and 23 days from my medical date (perhaps this can give you an idea of your timeline). So yeah you might have a long wait ahead of you :( The best way to find out if your interview has been scheduled is to call the Department of State. Oddly enough, they seem to know more than the embassy itself (or perhaps are simply more willing to tell you). AND, they don't charge $1.23/minute. So when the time comes to start calling, go for DOS:

(within US, and maybe international, idk) 1-202-663-1225 > press 1, then 0 and be transferred to a human (very short wait)
You will need to be the petitioner or beneficiary, as usual.

As far as the police certificates, idk what the embassy will think of them, hopefully they are up-to-date enough because you need to bring them to the medical as you likely already know.

And yes, as mentioned, put her address. They probably won't send anything in the near future (I've never gotten anything here in America..well since the NOA2 I guess), they just need to know she has some permanent address I imagine. And yeah we just handwrote that one, it's no big deal as long as your handwriting is legible!!

We'll get our packet 4 soon, but of course you can almost always get your date before the mail tells you!

And yeah, we scheduled the medical asap after we called NVC and got our number. We hadn't received packet three at that point, but I just wanted to be 100% interview ready. Whichever way works for you.
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-31 14:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespackage 3 london

Thank you again, :)

Did you send any passport pictures with your package 3 to the embassy? or is it literally only the forms + cover letter that you send ?
also we don't know which day we are getting married yet, do you think this is something negative ?? and what should we say if asked about that?
Another thing, do you have any suggestions or examples of a cover letter, package 3? Have you received package 4 yet?


You don't need to send the pictures, but you can if you like. I've heard that people sometimes put them in a baggie and clip them to the form; my fiance attached them with glue or something (he did not ask me), but I think any of the choices is fine: attach them, clip them, or bring them later. People have done them all ways without issue.

And no, I don't think this is a problem, I mean, how can you really plan a wedding with this system? Some people have said they take it into consideration when assigning you a date, for example, if you write down "January 4," they won't consider your interview "top priority." It makes sense, and I think this is how it always plays out at the embassy. That said, if you say "October 1," they won't schedule you in two weeks or something. They can't move heaven and earth :) I would imagine you will be mid-pack if you say nothing: no speed, no lag. If they ask you when you want to get married, which they well might, just be honest. If you want to get married asap after your visa, just say that you want to get married and the ceremony is not big deal to you (that's us!); you can leave any day and just head over to a town hall, so the date is not important. If you want to plan something (traditional wedding), say that you wanted to wait for the visa to make any concrete plans as planning a wedding can be a big deal (you wanted your fiance to help you pick out flowers and such haha, and the date must be set in order to make these decisions). There's nothing wrong with waiting for the absolute (the visa) before you make travel and/or wedding plans, in fact, they encourage this. I'm sure no matter what you say, it will make sense to them.

For the cover letter, there is one here on VJ which we used (attached). One thing we noticed about it is that it doesn't have the case number space, and I suppose it's easier for them if they can find your file by number rather than name (I don't know, just being thorough). So don't forget your LND#!

And no, I haven't gotten my packet three yet. The consulate has all my documents processed (including medical) so I suppose it's just a waiting game now!!

You've had your medical right? That is the thing that will hold you up absolutely, because officially they schedule interviews 2 weeks after receipt of your medical results (not in MY case haha). Good luck to you both! Are you the beneficiary?

Attached Files


Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-30 12:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespackage 3 london

you are right, better safe than sorry.

i don't know where i read that there's a form that we should send by email to the embassy!! has anyone read something like that!


I haven't heard this?

There's the DS-156 that is online, right? The one you print out at the end? Some visas can send that electronically I believe but I know K-1s cannot. Perhaps this is what you were thinking of?

I would imagine emailing them anything would make the organizing part of their job more of a nightmare.. so I think it's unlikely and it's not listed in any of the embassies information or on VJ's guide. So don't worry!
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-29 22:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespackage 3 london

is what we have enough ?? or should we include payslips, 1040 and W-2 ?



What I have heard of London, they want 3 proofs of your i-134. I included...w-2 for last year, tax transcript for last year, letter from employer (w/ salary), and letter from the bank. Pay stubs would have been a nightmare to find (I didn't keep them..oops!) That may have even been too much, but better safe than sorry, yeah? If it's too complicated to get the w-2, don't worry, you'll likely be just be fine. I happen to work at the city so I just went downstairs to the city's tax guys and they had it. Good luck to you!

Edited by Jilli & Ales, 27 August 2011 - 12:45 PM.

Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-27 12:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespackage 3 london

and i didn't pay the visa fee yet, i think i'm gonna pay on the same day when i send off package 3 or shall i pay before that day ?


I agree with the above poster, and it doesn't matter when you pay, as long as you do before your interview. We haven't sent ours yet because we were waiting for our "packet 4." Just so everything is certain and we call the right people, pay the right price. I have heard of people never getting a packet 4, so we'll just roll with the punches, but the website states:

K Visa Applicants pay the fee to the Operator Assisted Information Service prior to attending the visa interview. Instructions concerning payment will be sent to you with the appointment letter. Fees may be paid in cash - sterling or dollar equivalent; by International Money Order or Bankers Draft; by Credit Card - Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover or American Express; or Debit Card with the Visa logo. The Embassy does not accept any other credit or debit cards, or personal checks.

The Operator (etc. etc.) is the highly expensive London number to call (known here often as "the extortion line".) According to VJ:

Callers in the UK: 09042-45010. Calls to this line are charged at £1.20/min Callers in the US: 1-866-382-3589. Callers are charged a fixed rate of $16:00 for up to 7 minutes


As far as I'm concerned, I will call this number ONCE and ONCE only!! Oh AND. When you pay, I think they must send you a receipt to your email, because they ask for it at the interview. Bring it or they will likely recharge you, and no one wants this! Good luck fellow UK filer!
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-26 12:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespackage 3 london

do you think it's a problem if i send all the forms together at once with form DS-2001 and covering letter instead of sending 2 separate mails on 2 separate dates?? has anyone done that?

No; absolutely do it this way if you can. It causes no problems and will likely speed up your appt letter. Most people do this (including me), actually, so don't worry!

and just out of curiosity, does anyone know why they request 2 copies of DS-156 and DS-157?? :0

I think they must put them in different files...which files I do not know, they work in mysterious ways. Maybe one to send off to your "American" file? I know when you get your visa in the very secret "brown envelope," they say your information is in there for the customs officer to look at when you arrive, so I think maybe it goes here. Your guess is as good as ours, because no one quite knows what is in those! (If you open it, they will refuse your entry!)
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-26 07:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespackage 3 london

Hiy Guys,

i am currently waiting for my NOA2 and should be here in the next month or so. I was wondering what to gather in the meantime which led me to this post. My question is, Do you only send the forms to the embassy and no documentary evidence at all.? I ask the question because I have CIMT and I will have to provide memo's of conviction etc. Are we saying the first time the Embassy gets to see this information is on the day of the interview. I just find it hard to believe that a decision for my future in the USA would be done there and then without very much consideration.

If any of you guys could enlighten me that would be appreciated.

andy


Well that's everything I've heard is don't send the documents because they may not make it into your file as that is not their procedure. If you want to verify with the London site feel free, here's the info:

Documents which must be presented to the Consular Officer on the day of the interview.

Applicants are required to present the originals or certified copies, and one photocopy, of all documents applicable to their application on the day of the visa interview. If an applicant fails to bring the relevant documents, his or her appointment will be cancelled and rescheduled for a later date. Please, therefore, take the time to review the document check list before attending the interview. For information on the the location of the Embassy and security procedures in place, please click on the relevant tabs on the left-hand Navigation bar.
from: http://london.usemba..._documents.html

Look through the K-1 site if no one's linked you yet!
http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html
Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-25 16:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespackage 3 london

do you think it will be a good idea to send them a few new pics of my fiancee and i along with the forms? or do i just wait and take them with me to the interview?

I don't know, I think the forms are fairly cut and dry and don't require any proofs to approve. You'd probably confuse the form-checker's little minds and would be lucky if they end up in the file :P

But, as always, I doubt it could do harm.

Edited by Jilli & Ales, 25 August 2011 - 07:20 AM.

Jilli & AlesFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-25 07:19:00