ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDifferences with spouse or fiance.
QUOTE (Paula&Minya @ Jan 18 2008, 12:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (panamania79 @ Jan 18 2008, 11:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Since my friends at the USCIS have a different story for me every day.I usually let my fiance what's going on from time to time.Sometimes,we end up in an argument over this.Has anyone experienced anything similar ?


Your fiancee gets upset over things you tell her that other friends have told you? wacko.gif I don't understand, what kind of stories are talking about?

-P


BTW: I'm a girl and my fiance's a guy. rolleyes.gif
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-18 13:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDifferences with spouse or fiance.
QUOTE (Paula&Minya @ Jan 18 2008, 12:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (panamania79 @ Jan 18 2008, 11:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Since my friends at the USCIS have a different story for me every day.I usually let my fiance what's going on from time to time.Sometimes,we end up in an argument over this.Has anyone experienced anything similar ?


Your fiancee gets upset over things you tell her that other friends have told you? wacko.gif I don't understand, what kind of stories are talking about?

-P

Sorry,let me make myself clear.USCIS has a new story for me every day,he finds them to be so unbelievable.We end up getting in an argument over that.

QUOTE (trailmix @ Jan 18 2008, 12:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Paula&Minya @ Jan 18 2008, 10:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (panamania79 @ Jan 18 2008, 11:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Since my friends at the USCIS have a different story for me every day.I usually let my fiance what's going on from time to time.Sometimes,we end up in an argument over this.Has anyone experienced anything similar ?


Your fiancee gets upset over things you tell her that other friends have told you? wacko.gif I don't understand, what kind of stories are talking about?

-P


I think he is saying that he shares the stories he is told from USCIS and they sometimes argue about that.


Topo Gigio is so cute.We end up arguing over the outlandish stories USCIS tells me about our case.
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-18 13:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDifferences with spouse or fiance.
Since my friends at the USCIS have a different story for me every day.I usually let my fiance what's going on from time to time.Sometimes,we end up in an argument over this.Has anyone experienced anything similar ?
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-18 12:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS press release
QUOTE (HOHOHO @ Jan 18 2008, 01:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
a worthless meaningless pile of shiit


blah blah blah blah....


update translation:


nothing


My sentiments exactly. good.gif
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-18 15:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS press release
QUOTE (kelzm @ Jan 17 2008, 05:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
This is posted elsewhere, but in case any of the IR/CR group missed it, recently release from USCIS

http://www.uscis.gov...ETG_17jan08.pdf

Interestingly they mention that they expect to complete the I-130 processing at the lockbox by early February.


I already read it.I feel like Charlie Brown at school now.Remember that teacher's voice.
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-17 19:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs that true that the USCIS is paying more attention to the petitions which payed the higher fees ?
QUOTE (HOHOHO @ Jan 22 2008, 12:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (panamania79 @ Jan 20 2008, 04:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Could this be why they are taking so long ?



I paid the higher fee and have been waiting 6 months for a reciept. What do you think?


You still haven't gotten your NOA1 yet ? What is wrong with them ?!?
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-22 12:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs that true that the USCIS is paying more attention to the petitions which payed the higher fees ?
QUOTE (babblesgirl @ Jan 20 2008, 04:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think it's taking 'so long' because of the sheer number of applications in July. I doubt fees have anything to do with it.


Okay.Then why are people who submitted their paperwork after mine are approved already ? They claim they do the petitions in order,right ?
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-21 11:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs that true that the USCIS is paying more attention to the petitions which payed the higher fees ?
QUOTE (vsmtghdy @ Jan 20 2008, 06:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I don't think so. I think iy is when they increased the number of available visas and they were bombarded with a lot of applicants which they are so overwhelmed and causing delays with the processing of these applications...

Qouting USCIS: (from http://www.uscis.gov...ETG_17jan08.pdf )

In the summer of 2007, we received in excess of three million applications and petitions
for immigration benefits. Such volume in just a short couple of months is unprecedented
in the history of immigration services of our nation.


Okay.The lady at the field office told me it was two million applications. blink.gif
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-20 18:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs that true that the USCIS is paying more attention to the petitions which payed the higher fees ?
Could this be why they are taking so long ?
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-20 16:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTranslating documents
QUOTE (Leah132 @ Jan 28 2008, 02:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm fluent in English and Spanish, but I have no type of certification. Will they accept it if I translate the documents and say that the info is correct? Or should I get a professional to do it?


I translated everything myself and had it notorized.The USCIS accepted it.I was NOT about to pay the International Institute or Progreso Latino the 70usd they were charging.
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-28 14:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTOCHED
QUOTE (Kazan @ Sep 15 2007, 02:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've heard "touching" has virtually no affect on a case. It is neither good nor bad. It only means someone looked at it and had to make a recording to note they did. Approval is all that really counts!


That's what I'm talking about ! good.gif
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-31 23:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAre Military personnel treated differently?
QUOTE (SarahJayne @ Feb 17 2008, 03:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was just wondering if anyone on this site may know if Military personnel are given any benefits as to the speed of I-130 applications?
My husband was Active duty when we originally met online, and has completed 2 tours in Iraq. He left the Army and became classed as a Veteran in June 2006. He is currently in the Army Reserve but is happy to mobilise as Active duty again if it will speed up the process.
I am in England and used to have a greencard 12 years ago .... silly me left the U.S. at the change over point when my 2 year conditions were to be lifted. In those days the application process was 8 weeks beginning to end.
The delays I'm seeing now are quite shocking and have been advised not to travel to the U.S. (London Embassy and Immigration Lawyer) for a visit while my I-130 is pending, even though it's not in the system yet (no check cashed, no NOA 1).



I believe so.I have a family member who is in the Air Force and was getting sent to Europe.Her husband and son were on her "orders" and she was able to take them along with her right away.How lucky she was.
panamania79FemalePanama2008-02-17 15:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC
QUOTE (flomagy @ Feb 27 2008, 01:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Every time I call the NVC and try and get an operator they revert me back to the automated system. Is there a certain time that some of you have called for shorter waiting time.......?



After 4pm.I have only been able to speak to a real live person in the late afternoon.
panamania79FemalePanama2008-02-27 13:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhy is K1 faster? PLEASE ANSWER.
QUOTE (estadia @ Mar 28 2008, 01:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (KipandSarahJayne @ Mar 28 2008, 12:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Think of all those guys who go for their 'mail order brides' (very big business) and just pick a snap shot off the internet site of 'Ladies looking for American Husbands' .... have a bit of email banter for a couple of weeks or so (while she's probably also emailing about 5 other sad old guys too, just in case .... but email contact is good proof for USCIS) .... send her a bit of money (financial commitment in the eyes of USCIS) ..... visit her for a couple of days in Timbuktu (you know the countries I'm really referring to ..... but this visit is enough to count as the one meeting required by USCIS) .... and think to themselves 'I'm really ugly and she's good looking .... having her around will not only make me look better .... but also make my mates jealous' ..... they apply for the K1 and low and behold after a couple of months, Little Miss Mail Order Bride is on her plane out of poverty ..... married within 90 days .... and living with some old man for a few years (pretending to be the cute little foreign wife) until she's been with him long enough to divorce his behind .... take his money .... and make a life of her own.

In the meantime, those who have actually spent time getting to know the person before they marry them .... have children .... are financing a home inside AND outside of the U.S. .... are stuck in a black hole of time where they have no idea as to when the next time they'll be able to see each other is.

So, really ..... looking at the processing facts ..... you want to know why a K1 is faster ?? ..... well, it's obvious .... being married makes us lesser human beings than someone who has only met their 'potential' spouse once (including mail order brides) .... regardless of the fact that the K1 and K3 are both non-immigrant visas and it's the same I-129F form to be filled out ..... it's so insane, it's laughable.





smile.gif not everyone is like that perviz and i have known each other for three years and have gotten to know each other very well and we are still having problems for k1 visa............


I know.I've known my fiance since I was 11.My attorney suggested I go the K-1 route.
panamania79FemalePanama2008-03-29 01:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhy is K1 faster? PLEASE ANSWER.
QUOTE (Leedah @ Mar 28 2008, 07:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My question is simple and to the point:

Why does the K1 Fiance visa get processed faster than the CR-1 or the K-3?

I'm not hating on the fiance's, but it would seem that if your already married, that we would have more of a priority. A fiance visa is not a guarantee and the person could possibly decide not to marry the person anyway once they get here. With us married folk, we are stuck (not in a bad way hehehe) and would have to go through divorce, dividing property, etc...

I just don't get it.

I even heard one guy say that he was going to divorce his wife just to apply for the fiance visa and get her here faster. That is a crying SHAME to even have to go that far. Though I personally doubt that they'd get anywhere with that idea. But who am I.

Anyway, any comments?


Mine wasn't fast.
panamania79FemalePanama2008-03-28 13:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Expedited (special circumstances)
QUOTE (flomagy @ May 20 2008, 08:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Has anyone here had or know someone that got there visa expedited due to pregnancy. My wife and I are currently in the process. NVC requested a letter from her doctor as to her preganancy status ie months etc......

Just wondering if anyone else has had to take these measures due to similar circumstances........

Thanks in advance.......



I know for a fact that the USCIS could care less.The NVC,however,is much more lenient.I have never heard of them expediting a visa though.
panamania79FemalePanama2008-05-20 20:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIf USCIS recruits...
QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Jun 17 2008, 06:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Perhaps your recent posts should be in OFF Topic? What does this have to do with visa process discussions?



He's just being honest.
panamania79FemalePanama2008-06-17 18:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDCF question
Is it faster than doing it through the USCIS ?
panamania79FemalePanama2008-06-23 18:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGOT AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO STATION
QUOTE (SusieK @ Feb 4 2008, 01:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (FaSa2008 @ Feb 4 2008, 01:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
heres my story ! luv.gif THEY NEED TO HURRY UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I met mine in Elementary school back in 1987 in Lima Peru. I was born in NY but gre up in Lima
I had a huge crush on him! and used to follow him around like a lil stalker very terrible of me! ha ha !

Then in 1989 I moved to a different school closer to my house and he moved to Mexico. Never saw eachother again. Years passed and I moved back to NY went to college here in NY Ive been here for 9 years. In 2005 my friend told me to go check out this website hi5 that I could find some many people from Lima AND OLD FRIENDS so I did and found a lot of older friends, Then I wondered how this lil kid that I used to follow back in elemntary school was doing?! and looked for him and indeed found him..

We started messagin back and forth until we started chatting on the MSN and became good friends. months passed and In jan of 06 went to Lima to visit my family and to meeet him again ha ha.

IT WAS AMAZING we saw eachother and felt as if we have never lost contact I mean 19 YEARS HAD PASSED! and it felt as if we were friends FOREVER!
we felt we were meant ot be! We kept our long distance relationship alive i started travelling there every 6 months since 06, its hard to give tourist visas to come here so as much as he wanted he got denied. So we just kept positive and Of course I didn t mind traveling there! went there in jan 06, october of 06, april of 07 and last trip October of 07....

Oct 07 He proposed in front of hundreds of people at the airport in one of my trips there! and now we are engaged.
Came back to NY and sent the application with ALL of its requirments. I sent everything translated emails, letters birhtdyas cards, declarations of love , tons of pictures. Notarized Letters from my parents witnessing our engagement, what they asked I sent. =)



That's what I'm talking about.They need to hurry up ! Your story is so similar to mine,it's amazing.

Thank you so much - combinations of any and all are appreciated and AGAIN I WILL NOT SAY NAMES - just that our story will finally be heard and the broadcast is international......................................... devil.gif

panamania79FemalePanama2008-02-06 18:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGOT AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO STATION
QUOTE (panamania79 @ Feb 1 2008, 11:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (heyjimi @ Jan 31 2008, 08:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
WOW !!!!!! this sounds awesome,this is what we need.people need to hear our stories, just how long we must be seperated from our loved ones. as if to be tortured..
being lied to...by USCIS Officers,treated nasty and rude by some(not all) USCIS officers......well Susie,just let them know what we are all going thru,....You certainly know !!!!
Thank you for being our voice.
good luck
and we will be praying for you !!!!!

Jimi


This is great ! Most of us know that government employees have king sized attitudes in the first place.Not the lies,that is what really bothers me.And you're absolutely right,being separated from my loved one is sheer torture. crying.gif

panamania79FemalePanama2008-02-04 13:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGOT AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO STATION
QUOTE (heyjimi @ Jan 31 2008, 08:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
WOW !!!!!! this sounds awesome,this is what we need.people need to hear our stories, just how long we must be seperated from our loved ones. as if to be tortured..
being lied to...by USCIS Officers,treated nasty and rude by some(not all) USCIS officers......well Susie,just let them know what we are all going thru,....You certainly know !!!!
Thank you for being our voice.
good luck
and we will be praying for you !!!!!

Jimi


This is great ! Most of us know that government employees have king sized attitudes in the first place.Nut the lies,that is what really bothers me.And you're absolutely right,being separated from my loved one is sheer torture. crying.gif
panamania79FemalePanama2008-02-01 11:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAny idea what this means?
QUOTE (mitchmail1 @ Jan 8 2008, 10:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am a newbie, but I've lurked this site frequently, but I am a first time poster.

On Jan 8 my fiance returned to the consulars office in Ho Chi Minh. With her she took the documents she was asked for after she had been refused a K1 on Dec 18.
Today Jan 8 she was refused once again and on the blue paper she received it states that you have failed to submit sufficient credible evidence to support a claimed relationship. (I guess all the cards, letters, emails,photos, chat logs, gift I sent, etc doesn't count as evidence)
Then it goes on to say that our case requires additional processing in their office You do not need to submit any further documents. We will contact you when we have finished processing your case.

Has anyone received this same letter, if so what happened next? Or anyone have a clue what the additional processing covers?

Mitch



Goodness gracious,it seems as if they are trying to say that they have their doubts and your paperwork is just going to sit on someone's desk (further processing),until they make a final decison.I can identify with you 100 %.
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-09 12:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCASE STATUS AT NVC
QUOTE (Missy1 @ Nov 12 2007, 11:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
IS IT TRUE THAT YOU CANNOT GET YOUR CASE STATUS BY CALLING THE AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR K1? DO YOU HAVE TO SPEAK TO A LIVE OPERATOR TO GET YOUR INFO OR THE AUTOMATED SYSTEM IS UP TO DATE AND ACCURATE....


The automated system and the live operators are pretty much in the same boat.They are not helpful at all.The automated system will tell you that your case has been received and that the I-797 will tell you how they will handle your case.The customer service representatives have limited information.I have been told "I don't know." by them probably a thousand times.

QUOTE (Jodinjames @ Nov 13 2007, 10:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi,

We recieved our NOA2 on Oct 22,2007. I just called the NVC to see if they recieved it and the guy told me to wait 2-4 weeks or up to 90 days! This seems like a long time compared to others just for them to recieve it. It is so frustrating how slow they are moving.


Actually,they are moving like turtles.I know this from experience.
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-10 20:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe benefits of hiring a lawyer
QUOTE (Cindy&Cris @ Dec 31 2007, 03:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Everyone! First of all my best wishes to all of you for a prosperous New Year and may all your requests work out in a positive way. I am new to this forum, and I have to say, thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences and knowledge I feel more positive of what I am about to do. I am engaged to Cris, he lives in Ecuador. I have seen him twice this year and we have decided that the best to do is for him to come to NY and get married here in NY. I am hoping to file I-129F by February after I visit him for Valentine's Day. My questions is can somebody advice me whether hiring a lawyer will be better than to go through the process alone. I will appreciate it if anyone can tell me how the process went or is going thorugh with a lawyer and also without a lawyer. Thanks to everyone.

I went to a "notaria." This is one of the offices in the Hispanic community that helps people with their immmigration papers.I ended up spending half of what a lawyer charges.
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-11 19:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDoes USCIS actually call you?
QUOTE (lancer1655 @ Jan 8 2008, 07:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I had an infopass appointment regarding my lost 129f and the officer submitted a request to the CSC director i believe. Anyway she told me she'll call me this afternoon or evening with his instructions.

So i'm sitting at my desk wondering if i've just been had or if she really will call. Is this likely?



I speak from experience.They have taken my number several times and have never called me.my thoughts to you is to be persistant,call them every day if you have to.Make sure you write down their employee # (they announce it when they answer).I know how you feel,it is so frustrating to hear a different story each time you call them. girlwerewolf2xn.gif
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-11 19:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresemails
QUOTE (ky-vag @ Jan 13 2008, 11:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
With regards..."proof of on-going relationship,

I have plenty of emails, that not a problem but, she is from Brazil, so we email each other in portuguese, my question is...do I need to translate all the emails into english for the service center? or at least para-phrase so they get the general meaning of the message? (that will be a lot of writing!!!)


Everything has to be translated by a "certified translator."This can cost an arm and a leg so what most people do to save money is that they have a friend translate and have them notorized.
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-14 19:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlease Help: No NAO1 received after 3 months!! Is this normal
QUOTE (FaustineJason @ Jan 15 2008, 06:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey everyone,
I hope someone can help me, because I really am desperate!!! crying.gif
I am French and I met my boyfriend Jason - who is american citizen - two years and a half ago in Alaska... Since then, we have had a long distance relationship and we have visited each other as often as possible. Jason asked me to marry him last september, and we started the application for the K1 visa. In mid october 2007, all the papers for the I-129F application have been sent to the California Service Center, we have received shortly after the receipt from the post office, and since then, NOTHING!!
Jason was in France visiting me from beginning of November to mid January 2008. He is just back in AK and has checked his mails yesterday: He doesn't have the NOA1?? This means we have no idea what is going on, as we don't have any recipt number...
I read that it takes about 2 to 3 weeks to receive this notification, so I don't understand why it is not there... This is not good at all. Can it take longer that these 3 weeks??? Can it take more than 3 months?? Is there a way to contact the California Service Center??
Can people who sent the I-129F in october tell me if they are in the same case?
Please, I need some help there... All this is killing me.
Thanks a lot to all of you!!!

Faustine


Ma chere Faustine: It took them 2 months to send me the NOA1,I have not even received the NOA2 yet.Before submitting the I-129f in May,my attorney and local immigration office said this would only take 3 months.I have been waiting for 9 already.
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-16 18:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI129f denial reasons
QUOTE (Stephen1 @ Jan 20 2008, 02:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was just wondering if it happens often that the uscis denies applications or do they almost always send RFEs. Ive read some of the immigration lawyer websites and they give examples of people who were denied for what looks to be almost no reason but I suspect they are trying to scare people into getting a lawyer. Ive even read that about half of all applicants get rejected which scared me to hear that. My situation is ive never been married before, dont have any criminal record or anything, I met my fiance at filipinaheart and knew her for about 2 months before filing the I129f. For those who have been on this website for a while, I was wondering what you have seen as far as approvals. Do most legit couples get approved or is it true that a lot of people get denied for almost no reason or something very petty?


One of the requirements for this petition is that you must have met your SO in person at least 2 years prior to filing.The USCIS may not like the fact that you've only known her for 2 months.
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-20 15:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDiscussion with Congressman's Office regarding USCIS K-1, Processing timelines
QUOTE (tafeagans @ Jan 18 2008, 04:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Exactly my point from date of receipt in mail to adjudication. It is not how long it takes the mail room to receive something. They appearently have commited and are telling congress the whole process is less than 6 months for many of you I do not see that to be true.


You'll get a kick out of this one.When my case was nearing the six month mark,I called customer service and they told me that my petition had been sitting on someone's desk for 5 months.Well I was not a happy camper that day. devil.gif
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-18 18:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDiscussion with Congressman's Office regarding USCIS K-1, Processing timelines
QUOTE (mox @ Jan 18 2008, 05:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (tafeagans @ Jan 18 2008, 01:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes, I understand what you guys are saying. I am saying from the time they receive the petition in the mail to the time it is completed by USCIS. I am simply telling those people who are outside of that time, to get up and make some calls and/or inquire with their congressman/woman if it makse sense.

I agree with you. USCIS are meeting their 6 month goal in the vast majority of cases. But there are cases that are falling well outside of this window. A May filer was just approved yesterday at CSC for example. That's an 8 month processing time. Completely unsatisfactory.

The problem as I see it is that USCIS have a lot of built-in stalling points that keep any real pressure from working. For example, we're required to give USCIS 3 months (and someone was told by customer service that it's now 15 weeks?!?!) before they would even investigate it. After 3 months they require an additional 30 days to complete their investigation. It's conceivable (and has in fact happened) that it could take 4+ months to learn USCIS has lost your packet, and there is no policy in place requiring them to honor your original submission date.

They have a similar stalling tactic at the end of 6 months if you still haven't been approved. They can stretch that one out 3+ months too, so by the time you're finally approved 9 months later they haven't had to be held accountable at all. They ignore congress, and according to (USCIS Director) Dr. Gonzalez's testimony before congress yesterday, he does not believe they have a resource management problem. In fact, congress has asked him what they can do to help the processing situation and he has refused all help. It's maddening. As someone else pointed out in another thread, it will literally take an act of congress for change to happen. The USCIS director seems to think everything is working as advertised.



I am a May filer and I still haven't gotten approved.I think I shot myself in the foot by doing that second service inquiry.That basically gives the USCIS to sit on their backsides for another couple of months. crying.gif
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-18 18:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDiscussion with Congressman's Office regarding USCIS K-1, Processing timelines
QUOTE (fwaguy @ Jan 18 2008, 04:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I hate to be a naysayer, but I do believe that CSC and VSC are in fact still under 180 days average to adjudicate petitions.... Are they not?


You are correct. kicking.gif
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-18 18:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDiscussion with Congressman's Office regarding USCIS K-1, Processing timelines
QUOTE (tafeagans @ Jan 18 2008, 04:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello everyone,

Recently, I had a conversation with my Congressman's office regarding the length of time many people are having to wait for their K-1 Visa's for their Fiancess. Interestingly, I was told congress had received a number of complaints about the delays. My congressman in particular has called the USCIS and was told in person and in writing that the majority of cases were being adjudicated from receipt in the mail to completion within six months. I informed them that this must not be true and that they should really ask for a more accurate report and/or evidence to support this. My congressman's office was also told the bulk load resulting for the recent price changes is now nearly stablized and they are heading back to getting the requests completed within their normal time of about 4 months. I explained that this could not be true again and requested they inquire further. My congressman's office agreed to call on my behalf the USCIS Monday to assertain what is happening with my expedite request and reverify the work load. Perhaps our congress does not really know the length it is taking. I was told if for some reson your Fiancees name hits some reference with the FBI it could take years for them to resolve this. Not good news. Just what I was told. Wonder what your congressman would tell you?



My congressman's office basically told me the same thing that yours told you.The one thing I was told that made me laugh was to not call the USCIS customer service representatives anymore because they really do not have any current information about the cases. tongue_ss.gif
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-18 18:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhen the USCIS sends you a request for evidence
QUOTE (Paula&Minya @ Jan 22 2008, 12:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (panamania79 @ Jan 22 2008, 11:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I sent them: 3 plane ticket stubs,12 pictures,and personal statements from his mom and 2 aunts.


They may be looking for further "primary" evidence that you've met....i.e. the copies of you passport pages showing the stamps in and out of the country you visited to meet w/ your fiancee. (And copies of his passport, showing the same if you met in a 3rd country.)

Also it could be something like a copy of your birth certificate, if you used the passport to prove your citizenship, or a copy of your passport if you're naturalized and used your naturalization certificate to prove citizenship.

At this point its speculation....you should receive your RFE in the mail soon and you'll know. If you've gone through your petition and can't seem to figure out what they may want (i.e. you haven't forgotten to include something) then as unpleasant as it sounds, be patient, you'll find out soon enough.

And just so you're prepared, they may well ask for something you've already sent them (maybe something got lost in the shuffle, or they just don't have it) in which case just make another copy from your original packet and send it in to respond to the RFE.

Good luck,
-P


Thank you.This whole thing has me a nervous wreck. blink.gif
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-22 13:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhen the USCIS sends you a request for evidence
QUOTE (trailmix @ Jan 22 2008, 12:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (panamania79 @ Jan 22 2008, 10:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (trailmix @ Jan 22 2008, 12:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (panamania79 @ Jan 22 2008, 10:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My congressman's office just called me and said that's what they're going to send me.They didn't say what they were looking for.


Probably relationship proof, what did you send with your application to prove your ongoing relationship?


I sent them: 3 plane ticket stubs,12 pictures,and personal statements from his mom and 2 aunts.


Hmm, well that seems good, however you never know, they may want more. You are sure you sent in everything else, the 4 copies of the G325A for each of you - the marriage certificate - proof of your U.S. citizenship?

If so then it probably is the relationship thing, time to think about other items you can send to prove a bona fide relationship - doesn't hurt to be more prepared for the interview anyway.

Do you have any type of finances that you share? A bank account a policy of some sort - anything?


This is a I-129f,we're not married yet.I sent in the G325A's,divorce decrees for both of us,copies of his cedula,passport,copies of my passport,ID.
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-22 12:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhen the USCIS sends you a request for evidence
QUOTE (trailmix @ Jan 22 2008, 12:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (panamania79 @ Jan 22 2008, 10:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My congressman's office just called me and said that's what they're going to send me.They didn't say what they were looking for.


Probably relationship proof, what did you send with your application to prove your ongoing relationship?


I sent them: 3 plane ticket stubs,12 pictures,and personal statements from his mom and 2 aunts.
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-22 12:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhen the USCIS sends you a request for evidence
My congressman's office just called me and said that's what they're going to send me.They didn't say what they were looking for.
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-22 12:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresdo we need to translate that evidence too??
QUOTE (fwaguy @ Jan 23 2008, 09:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Donna and Ali @ Jan 23 2008, 07:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi every body,
i have had mom send us some money because we needed it...so she did a couple times...should we translate western union receipts to english and so moneygram receipts too or its fine for my fiancee to take them the way they are???

anyhelp will be appreciated.

thx.


Any documentation that you supply that is in a foreign language that you wish to have considered as evidence needs to be translated....

I think the better question is to another look at the type and quality of the evidence and make sure you want to include it .....



I have 200+ e-mails,I have to translate them into English ???????????????????
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-23 13:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestourist visa for colombian fiance a good idea?
QUOTE (delbuono @ Jan 24 2008, 03:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hey everyone. i am extremely new to all this. please help.
I will be marrying a woman from colombia some time this year.
we have begun looking up information on visa requirements. as of now, it's still like a foreign language to me, but hopefully soon i will sink my teeth into the whole process and know which forms are which.
anyways, she suggested that she gets a tourist visa. i dont know if that would be ok or not since our goal is marriage. i want to get her here as soon as possible and also be able to marry her with no hassle. i read on a visa service site that if we married while she was here with a tourist visa, we might face penalties because it becomes marriage fraud. is that true?? what if someone else were to "invite" her over and then i married her?
like most colombians, she doesnt have much money, so i also wonder if she would even be able to get the tourist visa.
either way, where should i start? where is the guided outline for the whole process??? is a do-it-yourself packet easy or is getting a lawyer a better option??? thanks a million.
jonathan


The chances of her getting a tourist visa now are quite slim.I 've heard that in order to qualify for a tourist visa you have to have at least 300usd in the bank, a job,and pay the interview fee of 200usd.In all honesty,your best bet is to file for the fiance (k-1) visa.If she were to come on a tourist visa,and you were to marry her,that in itself could cause you some problems because USCIS will look at that as fraud.
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-25 01:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDebt, Income, and Credit
QUOTE (Cami2Josh @ Jan 26 2008, 09:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiance and I would like start the K1 Visa process. I was wondering how much your debt and your credit factor into decisions during the process. Is having a mortgage good or bad? Also, does it matter how long you have been at your job or if you have had several jobs in the last couple of years?

Thank You for all of your responses.


The only thing they are concerned about is your income meeting the financial guidelines.
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-26 22:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA 2 received but USCIS site not updated, worried?
QUOTE (rustevelee @ Jan 24 2008, 02:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi,

I received the NOA 2 but the USCIS web site still showing pending, should I be worried?

Thanks,
Steve


Not at all.They do not update their site that often.Believe me I am speaking from experience. wacko.gif
panamania79FemalePanama2008-01-24 19:25:00