Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	June 2008 Filers!	QUOTE (Stinky Monkey @ Oct 24 2008, 02:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> oh well I just checked my status again No approval on touch since July oh well there is always next week good luck to all who are still in the waiting room with me have a great weekend Thanks SM, you too! Our approvals are coming soon, I can feel it! (trying to stay positive... ) Whenever I get depressed, I just think of this:  IMG_6889.jpg   410.25KB   10 downloads And then I feel much better! Oh, I miss this guy!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-10-24 13:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	June 2008 Filers!	QUOTE (symbiosis @ Oct 24 2008, 11:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> touched!! (by a USCIS angel??) After my lament, I just went to the USCIS site and got my first update since beginning of July!! WOW Oooh! That's good news! Your NOA date is one day before mine! Let's hope you get some REALLY REALLY good news soon! I was about to take a moritoriam on USCIS site checking, but you have given me some renewed hope! (Not like there is any pattern to this madness, but I'll take what I can get..... ) Edited by Madwoman, 24 October 2008 - 12:10 PM.	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-10-24 12:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	June 2008 Filers!	Please please pleas everyone who got approved recently, update your timelines! I know it won't really change anything--except give me a psychological boost to see those numbers!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-10-23 20:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	June 2008 Filers!	QUOTE (Coaster @ Oct 21 2008, 08:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (stevew158 @ Oct 21 2008, 03:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I dont think there is any reason to be concern, lots of us still waiting just he lucky few have been choosen so far. We just have to wait our turn. good luck everyone You are right, of course. But dang! The closer it gets, the harder it gets... It was so much easier when I first filed and I had no hope. The anticipation stepped up when the first Junes got it, and then some Julys... It hit a new level when I actually reached my estimated timespan, and then VSC started slowing and I was chasing it while it was slipping into the future. Now I am 3 days past the outside date on the estimate, and it's nearly all I end up thining about. LoL Same for my fiancee--she doesn't even know what Igor's is, but asks me several times a day, "What's our number now? Go up again??!!??" I know it's useless, but I am about ready to give a call in and see what's up. The kicker is, they don't have to tell me anything until Dec 3.... Ahh well, it'll happen. Patience...patience...patience... It's so true! It's so much harder now that (hopefully) we're in the final stretch. I guess the final push to the finish line is the most painful, huh? Just have to put our head down and keep on going..... As someone whose fiance is going through an East African embassy though, I can help but wonder if the wait is only going to be half over when we get our NOA2....ugh. I HATE waiting! I thought I was a patient person before this....	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-10-21 21:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	June 2008 Filers!	QUOTE (mikeuday19 @ Oct 17 2008, 07:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> everybody, guess what? we got our NOA2 today in the mailbox!!!! yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!! Wow and according to your timeline, you got your NOA2 a day before they approved it! That's amazing! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-10-17 20:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	June 2008 Filers!	QUOTE (FranknStephanie @ Oct 16 2008, 07:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> GOT IT Application Type: I129F, PETITION FOR FIANCE(E) Current Status: Approval notice sent. On October 16, 2008, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service. Congratulations!!!!!!!! Keep 'em coming VSC!!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-10-16 19:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	June 2008 Filers!	Just a random thought...but has anyone else noticed that the months before and after June have a lot more postings? This led me to do a search on k-1 visa filers: 178 filers in April 183 in May 154 in June 144 in July 133 in August I'm assuming as time goes by, more people from the later months will join in....but even so, July and August filers still have more postings than us! What's up June filers??? Let's get come action here! (Of course, I haven't really contributed much, but I thought I would point it out ) Or maybe I am bored and lonely enough to be counting numbers on a discussion board....hehe! A new week is about to start! I hereby declare this week: JUNE APPROVAL WEEK! Anyone second my motion?	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-10-12 23:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	June 2008 Filers!	CONGRATULATIONS!!! Ok....our approval is next! QUOTE (Chibby @ Oct 8 2008, 05:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (stevew158 @ Oct 8 2008, 11:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> wow you got touched a lot, last and only touch we got was 7/9/2008. I hope that means your case is about to be approved. Good luck wow after I added my last post I saw you have been approved Congradulations. Turns out that today's touch is the approval. I probably just checked my status when they were working on it, and an hour later it was approved. Edit: Lol, i just saw you edited your post. Thank you And you know y'all gonna be next! It's really happening!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-10-08 17:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	June 2008 Filers!	QUOTE (panterchen @ Oct 2 2008, 02:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> God, what's wrong with VSC this week? Hardly any approvals but the timeline says they are at June 16th?! I am trying to remember that VJ only represents a small percentage of filers and hoping that there are tons of VSC approvals going on that we just don't see! Still, it's frustrating to see all of those CSC approvals popping up without any Vermonters (no offense CSC filers! ) Crossing my fingers that we at VJ are next in line--hang in there!!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-10-02 09:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	June 2008 Filers!	QUOTE (NYC Tiger @ Sep 4 2008, 11:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Crazy & Mad @ Sep 4 2008, 10:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hellow.. guys..... I m still waiting here.......since one month I m checking Igore's list. Lots of VJ member got approval but suckss..I m not moving..caz lot more of joning "June Club" n pushing me back .... Only just waiting.. ..but got hope today one June file got approval (expedite )yesterday..sooo..be ready all june filer Hi there! It actually drives me crazy to see all these approvals and no movement on the Igor's list for us. It's been almost 3 weeks and we are still at the same #122 place we were on august 17! I think it's better not to check Igor's list, otherwise it's very difficult for me to stay positive. Actually it's pretty amazing how well I managed to hold myself together during the previous 3 months of waiting, and now I am all mess How everyone else is doing? I think three months was my limit too...waiting 6-9 months for my fiancee to come over seemed doable three months ago---now it seems impossible! This whole process has been really draining... But it seems like an approval is maybe only a month away.....hang in there everyone!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-09-04 19:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	June 2008 Filers!	Hey all! I sent my K-1 petition June 20th and received the NOA1 June 24th! Just waiting now with all of you I'll keep you updated! (don't hold your breath..hehe)	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-07-22 20:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July '08 filers	QUOTE (Ev&Saya @ Nov 2 2008, 09:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Sorry to change the subject but i have a serious question and i need some answers to give me a little more closer. My fiance really wants to visit me in January from Japan. Japan is part of the visa waiver program so she doesn't think it will be a problem to visit. I am just scared for some reason if she was turned around at the port it will jeopordise her getting the k1 visa. what do you guys and ladied think about her visitig me? Hi, I'm a lurking June filer, but I thought it might be helpful to direct you to a thread where someone posted pretty much the exact same question (she was from the UK and had been denied entry into the US. Here is the thread: http://www.visajourn...howtopic=158465 Good luck! Madelene	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-11-02 23:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	June Filers!	QUOTE (Lindsay G @ Jul 23 2008, 11:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> (I feel a little stupid even asking this, because I feel like I should just know.... but how do you automatically have your timeline appear at the bottom of your message??? I can't figure it out for the life of me. Hope everyone is hanging in there! Lindsay Linsday, It took me a while to figure this out too. You have to put your timeline in your Signature, which you can edit when you click on "My Controls" in the upper right part of the window. Just type in the dates and events the way you want. Each time you change your signature, it will also be changed at the end of each post you've sent or will send. Kind of cool. Also I added the tickers by clicking on other people's tickers (you can click on mine) and then adding my own event. You can then copy the URL that they provide and paste it into your signature. I hope this all makes sense.....this is how I did it at least, anyone else can share! BTW, I lived in Chicago for two years while I went to grad school. Cool place My fiancee would probably freeze there, but he'll freeze in Boston too	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-07-23 22:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	June Filers!	QUOTE (Lindsay G @ Jul 21 2008, 01:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi All, I've been away from VJ for a few weeks, and am glad to have found this thread! CSC received my I-130 on 6/4/08, with a Notice Date of 6/9/08. Nothing yet, although that's expected at this point. Although I have to say........ I haven't seen my husband since May 21st, and since I mailed this petition, it feels like a damn year has passed. I just hope this all goes fast and smooth... I love the thought of my husband having his Visa in hand by January! Oh god, that'd be wonderful. Not to take it down to a depressing place, but I've already convinced myself that it will be at least until next April or May until he gets his Visa. I looks as if the CR-1 is approx 8-9 mo's on avg., so if things go faster than that, well, then I'll just... I don't even know what I'd do, but I'm sure it would involve some champaign, and we'll be so happy. I finally found a job, and accepted it. This means, however, that I wont be able to visit my husband for another 5 mo's or so (I'm hoping for possibly a week in November, or two around X-Mas). New employee, no time off, rat race, etc etc... 7 mo's apart. I feel like total hell. I sometimes want to tell perfect strangers to not take for granted the fact that they get to wake up with their partner every morning.... ahh... I look forward to hopefully feeling less alone with all this nonsence from my fellow June filers..... I mean, really, this process is just ridiculous. Anyways, glad you all are here! Lindsay Hey Lindsay! Just wanted to say I enjoyed reading your post and I read your story on your profile and loved it! It is SO hard to be apart from the one your love. I really resonated with your experience of working over here...miserable and missing your sweetheart. I am at that point right now...I am a counselor as well and although my job has its rewards, it is just HARD. A friend of mine said it best: "There is a hole in your heart and no way to fill it right now!" I constantly think about hopping on a plane back to Uganda, but for this moment I'm doing my best to stick it out for various reasons. I am going to visit him over Christmas/New Years so I am just holding my breath until then! (More people should add their story so we can share the love!!! )	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-07-23 22:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	I quit my job! Co-sponsor enough??	Wow, this was so helpful! THANK YOU so much for the advice and kind words It sounds like I will be alright. It is good to know that there are others in the same boat--and you're right, I need to remember that men and women communicate differently and not blow things out of proportion just because of the distance. (It's true all my emotions and doubts are amplified!! When I read your post, I thought you were reading my mind!) Even so...this is my last day at work and I am so happy! I really was not happy there for a number of reasons...Then wrap some loose ends up, pack and store things with the family and then....off to Kampala Hopefully I'll be able to go to Nairobi with him during his interview. I know I can't go in, but it will be nice to be there for moral support. Thanks everyone...I thought I was going insane, but I am glad to learn that it's perfectly normal to be an emotional nutcase right now QUOTE (DGAB2008 @ Sep 25 2008, 10:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I completely know what you're going through. There are times when I feel so emotionally drained by this process (and insecure about our distance). But to answer your question (laugh): Form I-864 Instructions state that to determine if you meet the income requirements, first determine your household size, which will include yourself, dependents and person being sponsored. Next, look at the federal poverty guidelines. To qualify as a sponsor, you must demonstrate that your income is at least 125 percent of the current Federal poverty guidelines for your household. The following is the 2008 Poverty Guidelines. Family Size 1 PG = $10,400 125% = $13,000 Family Size 2 PG = $14,000 125% = $17,500 Family Size 3 PG = $17,600 125% = $22,000 Family Size 4 PG = $22,000 125% = $26,500 So if it's just you and your fiance, you will need to show that you made $17,500 in 2008. You show this by producing a copy of your 2008 income taxes, if your fiance's interview is in 2009. If your interview is this year, look up the 2007 Poverty Guidelines and produce your 2007 income taxes for your fiance's interview. Remember, the point is to show your fiance won't become a public charge. So I'm pretty sure they will ask your fiance if you're currently employed or at least, what you do for a living, (even if you meet the income requirements for the year). However, you can also submit the value of your assets if you believe that will foster your case. Say you only made $14,000 this year. You will subtract that from the $17,500, which will equal $3,000. Now the guidelines say, your assets must equal at least 5 times the difference between your income and the poverty guidelines. So $3,000 x 5 = $15,000. So even if your income is not enough, you can qualify if you show your income and that you also have $15,000 of assets. If you use a co-sponsor, they would have to show the same thing. Considering that your parents have the assets and income, I'm not an expert but Bon Voyage. I say have a safe and wonderful trip to. Just bring all your documents with you. Bring any and everything you think they may ask for that might be difficult to obtain once you're in your hubby's country. Also, trust me, every woman going through this feels what you are going through. Men and women are built differently so we don't communicate the same way, and the distance intensifies this. There are definitely miscommunications that arise and as a woman, we're constantly looking for validation and affection to assure us that we're loved and that everything will be okay. So, I have you in my prayers.	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-09-30 20:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	I quit my job! Co-sponsor enough??	QUOTE (jmmr @ Sep 2 2008, 10:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello- I had that same though go through my head earlier in this process. I thought about quiting my job to stay down in Mexico with him. I have to say that I am glad I decided to stay here and work while I wait. Even though it is very tough, sticking it out was the best plan for me. In your situation, sounds like you will be fine. If you would have asked prior to submitting your resignation, I would have told you not to quit, to keep up. I wish you the best of luck I just thought you might want to hear a different opinion. Overall- i think you will do ok because of your co-sponsor. I hope your journey doesn't take much longer. For me, though, it is important to feel in control and be able to have a set income for emergencies. I am very paranoid about what the worst scenario might be, so I always try to block it by going over the top and covering my butt. For me, it is important to have had something entertaining me and making money while i waited. I am glad... We're thinking my fiance will be back next weekend and i have enough money to cover that. I feel "safe." I hope that makes sense. I would have chosen to have stuck it out.... it is very tough when you are depressed. Perhaps looking for another type of a job could have been an alternative. I always think about the long run...what about when he/she comes to the US? Are you going to be ok financially? That's ok, I understand your point of view, and would agree with you if I wasn't so miserable...something had to give. I appreciate all the different opinions--thanks so much! Looks like a good co-sponsor will eliminate problems with the visa--that is good to know!!!! I am also thinking about other ways to save money for when we are in the US together....I am considering the possibility of working in Uganda while I am there. My fiancee works at an international school and they might be hiring in the winter. It's definitely cheaper to live in Uganda than Boston! I think the price difference might offset the price of my ticket! I guess it all depends on how long the visa takes...ugh. I still have a lot of thinking to do and talking with my fiancee about the best possible solutions... On a positive note: My supervisor offered me a position if I ever want to come back after we get married! Not sure about that.... But I do know that in my area, there is never a shortage of counselors/therapists...	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-09-02 22:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	I quit my job! Co-sponsor enough??	So I need some help/advice..... For the past 4 months since I left my fiancee in Uganda I have been working as a child, adolescent and family counselor--a position that has been mentally and emotionally very challenging for me. It would be a difficult job, without the added stress of missing my SO VERY much, but with him so far away, it has been very hard to feel emotionally available for my clients, I felt like I was doing them a disservice, and draining myself in the process. Working 50 hr weeks didn't help. For a while I tried to stick it out, it was HARD to admit that I just wasn't in the right place mentally for this job right now. I kept telling myself it would get better, but it got worse, and I started feeling worse. After a couple weeks of absolute hell, I decided to turn in my resignation today...I was honest when I talked to my supervisor, who knows the whole situation with my fiancee, and she actually understood. I believe she said "It's hard to do this work when your heart is somewhere else." I'll be working until October which will be enough time to transition well with all of my clients. I feel like a large weight has been lifted off my shoulders! Now I want to go back to Uganda and live over there while my fiancee waits for his visa. I hate the phone calls, the constantly getting cut off because of bad reception, having to wait until the weekends to be able to talk to him for any length of time (because of both our jobs), the poor, slow internet over there, the little miscommunications that creep in because you are so distant from one-another. I'm sure many of you know what I am talking about! I LOVE my fiancee so much and it is killing me that the distance is affecting our relationship--and my own sanity! But....I also don't want my lack of a job/income to affect the visa processing! My parents will be co-sponsoring, and they have quite a bit of money. But me...not so much right now. I have a bit saved up, enough to get me through until he gets his visa and we get married (I think--I'm hoping Feb, March at the LATEST) So..... do you think it was a mistake to quit my job? Do I need to be employed at a well-paying job for my fiancee to get his visa, or is the co-sponsor enough? I can find another, more mundane job to get me through until December at least--but at that point I would love to just stay in Uganda until the whole process is over and we can come back together, visa in hand. Is this possible??? I hate how immigration procedures force us to make decisions about love and relationships that make NO sense Thanks so much!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-09-02 20:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Shell Shocked	Based on my own experiences and reading the experiences of others, I've never really understood the questioning and logic of immigration officers. I'm sure it is a hard job and I should give them a break, but it seems like the system and method they are using have huge gaping holes. Before my fiance and I got engaged, he applied for and was denied a visitors visa--they didn't look at any of his letters of support/recommendation from his employer and colleagues, the round trip ticket, the letters of support from myself and my family--as soon as he mentioned how much he made, they flat out denied him. When I went back to the Embassy just to get some answers, the immigration officer stated my fiance probably wasn't assertive and confident enough in his answers (he didn't mention the financial disparity which I thought was the reason, and still suspect is). My fiance is shy and comes from a culture that does not look people in authority in the eye, he was taught to speak quietly, and respectfully. The officer was sympathetic but stated, "in the end, support papers don't matter, it's all about the interview. We are specially trained to detect immigration fraud and whether or not a person is being truthful." I didn't say this, but I thought "well, obviously, since my friend was denied, your training is flawed!!" It is the well-intentioned, honest people who end up getting "caught," while those who are smooth-talking liars have a much easier time You were naive (I probably would have done the same thing), but honest and well-intentioned. I'm sure your body and facial expressions conveyed that. Why an immigration officer "specially trained to detect fraud" would think that you would be trying to smuggle yourself into the country to stay illegally is beyond me. ....thanks for letting me vent!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-10-26 11:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Anyone...seen, heard or experienced this?	QUOTE (Marmite Lovers! @ Nov 2 2008, 03:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (symbiosis @ Nov 2 2008, 07:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Marmite Lovers! @ Nov 2 2008, 07:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> We where approved at CSC on 23 Sept 2008. Our cases has yet to arrive at NVC. We have called them and DOS. It is still held at CSC. We have been checking the electronic case stautus update online and we have had another 2 touches/updates. One on the 30th Oct and another on the 31st Oct. To add to this we have this too.....another approval notice dated 30th Oct 2008. I have never heard of 2 approvals myself and wonder what is going on over there. We had an e-mail saying we had been approved the first time - 23rd Sept, but nothing this time. Maybe it's coming out of the dust and will be on it's way now to NVC? Thanks in advance for any help, input or advice. Yes, same thing happened to me. I was touched (VSC) three days in a row, but the NOA2 was dated for the first touch. Not sure what the other two were about. I neither got an email nor did the USCIS site reflect an approval -- I was simply mailed the NOA2. Thanks for you reply. We was approved on the 23rd Sept 2008....6 weeks ago! We have our NOA2. This doesn't make a lot of sense...I hope the 30th Oct "approval" was for real and it actually gets sent to NVC... Very spooky	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-11-02 15:46:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	QUOTE (soon~tobe @ Mar 17 2009, 09:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi All, Well I have officially hit freak out mode. Allan's interview is tomorrow morning (late tonight for me). I talked to Allan this morning after he went to pick up his medical results. He said someone told him he should not have paid the 131 visa to the bank of Africa, but instead paid a fee at the embassy. I don't think I have read anything like that, but I just want to make sure he was supposed to pay the 131 to the Commercial bank of Africa. I am assuming whoever told him this was talking about a different type of visa. But Allan didn't receive any payment information when he picked up his medical forms. I am beginning to think he didn't pick up packet 3, but just somehow ended up with medical forms. Does anyone think this will be a problem? I am sure I am probably just overacting and freaking out. Hopefully tomorrow morning at this time life will be better. Soon to be -- you will be fine! You have NOTHING to hide and they mostly rely on the strength of the petition to help them. Your fiance did the right thing to pay the fee at the bank of Africa. Also, we did not have to show any proof of payment for the medical--all we did was hand them the brown envelope the doctor gave us. Good luck!!!! You will be fine!!!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2009-03-17 19:21:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	QUOTE (soon~tobe @ Mar 9 2009, 01:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey All, So allan is in Kenya right now, he just picked up the forms for his medical and tried to schedule the interview but they told him he could only schedule it online. Did anyone else run into this?? I think they meant "over the phone"---we were never told anything about online scheduling. I believe you can e-mail them, but it's faster to just call. Good luck!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2009-03-09 08:38:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	QUOTE (soon~tobe @ Feb 26 2009, 07:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey all, so I am looking at buying Allan's ticket for April 1st. Yes, I know I am CRAZY, but it is a refundable ticket, and I think it will still end up cheaper than buying just a ticket with just a couple days advance notice. But it is almost impossible to get a ticket from Uganda without going through a EU country. I am looking at having him fly through Amsterdam. I found a website that said he should not need a visa if he has a visa for America (he's not leaving the airport). But, I had a friend who had trouble going through the UK from Uganda even with an American visa, I was wondering if any of you faced any of these difficulties, or if your European transfers were trouble free. Also, thanks for all your support while I was stuck at NVC. It helped keep me from going INSANE. It feels so good to have things moving again. Hey soon to be, glad to hear things are moving along! We had absolutely NO problem in Amsterdam with only a K-1 visa and I doubt you will have any either. When we were getting on the plane to Boston they asked us questions about our baggage and who packed it, etc, but that was all. It's a big international airport and I think most people in there do not have a visa for the Netherlands. Just don't leave the airport and you'll have no worries Sincerely, Madelene	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2009-02-27 00:12:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	QUOTE (soon~tobe @ Feb 25 2009, 07:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My petition has been send to Kenya!! Yippie! Allan has his medical set for March 10th now, and I am going to try to call and set the interview for March 18th. I am still praying, but things are looking up. Yay!!! I am so happy for you! Isn't it so exciting to finally have a DATE? There is an end in sight!!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2009-02-25 23:38:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	QUOTE (luvhasnoborders @ Feb 20 2009, 06:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> First, all my thanks and praise to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!!!!!! WE HAVE JUST RECEIVED OUR VISA!!!!!!!! Thank you to everyone that helped with all the tips of being in Nairobi.....your information was extremely valuable!!!!! I have just felt the stress of all these months begin to release, but will not fully relax until my eyes meet my fiance's at the airport next week. There were many times in this journey when it seemed as though it would never end, but giving up was never an option......I am a firm believer in where there is a will, there is a way!!!!! As far as the Nairobi experience goes, it all went very smooth and like clock work: He took the 24 hour bus ride from Rwanda to Nairobi. He arrived very early in the morning and noticed a hotel right across the street from the bus depot, so he went there. They had one room left so he took it. This hotel was a great place,(I will edit this with the name later), it was $19/night for two beds(his cousin traveled with him), but if you were by yourself they said it was only half of that. The hotel had hot water, it was clean, and breakfast was included(omelet, bread, sausage, juice). The staff was very friendly and accommadating. He also said that the buses that he needed to take either picked up in the front of the hotel or the back, so he never had to walk far. The bus system is great and is very inexpensive. He arrived on Sunday the 8th, so on Monday the 9th, he went to the embassy and was let in with his NOA2 and picked up Packet 3 and tried to schedule his interview. The lady told him to call a number after he filled out and gathered all the papers in the Packet. After he called and told me this I reminded him that we all ready had everything filled out because we had downloaded everything in advance and gathered all documents so I asked him to go back to schedule because it is hard to get through to that number and we didn't want to lose those precious moments. So, he went back and the embassy was closing so he started to walk away but the security guard called him back and said he would make a phone call for him and he was able to schedule the date through him for the 19th.(Thank you God for favor). From there he went to Dr. Dogra's office in the Sarit Center to confirm the appointment for the next day, which we had scheduled by phone, before he had left his country. They confimed with him and gave him instructions for the next day. On Tuesday the 10th, he went back to the medical center for the first part of the exam. Everyone was nice. It was 8,700 kenyan schillings for that part and then he had to go get an x-ray, another 1,000 schillings. When he finished he was given an appointment to come back the following Wednesday, the 18th, to pick up results and get vaccinations. So, now, everything was complete and it was a matter of waiting for a week to pass by. Him and his cousin passed time by checking out the city, playing cards, and of course chatting and talking to me!!! Fast forward to Tuesday, the 17th, he went to the specific bank to pay the visa fee ($131) and was given a receipt to take to the embassy. On Wednesday, the 18th; he went back to the doctor's office and paid another 9,700 schillings for vaccinations. He was given the medical envelope to take to the embassy as well. On Thursday, the 19th, his appointment was scheduled for 7:00am. After he arrived, he turned in all necessary paperwork and waited to be called for fingerprints. After fingerprints, he sat back down and was then called for his interview. The lady was not mean at all, however, she did not smile either. She was very focused and business like. She asked him many questions........ 1)what is your fiance's name 2)tell me about the engagement 3)how much did the ring cost 4)how did you meet 5)who is this in the picture with you and your fiance(his grandmother and aunts) 6)what is meant by "our apartment"(she was referring to a location we had written to describe the picture) 7)is this nightclub in Rwanda(again referring to a picture) 8)why were you denied a tourist visa 9)do you have more evidence of your relationship(he answered yes, but she didn't ask to see it) 10)is that a wedding ring that you have on in the pictures and are wearing now(no, he said) 11)why do you wear it like that(because it was a Valentine's Day gift last year from my fiance and I wear it to show I'm committed) 12)When did you first meet (There were more questions but I can't remember them now, once my fiance arrives, we will edit this post with more details.) My fiance speaks excellent English, so he was able to understand and answer her questions quickly and accurately. We had also prepared for this by looking over all the questions people had posted on VJ and tried to think of possible things they could ask. I had just told him that morning before he went to the embassy, "honey, I know they are going to ask about why you wear your ring on that finger".....he said "no problem baby, I am very confident..." So, when she was done with the "mini-interrogation", she told him that it would take two weeks to process his visa and when would he like to come back and pick it up. He asked if it was possible to pick it up sooner(like that day or the next) because he was from another country, had all ready been there almost two weeks in a hotel, and needed to go back home. She said okay, come back tomorrow at 10am. She said she was not guaranteeing that it would be ready, but it may not be a problem. So, my fiance returned this morning. At first they told him it wouldn't be ready until next Friday and he told them that he needed to go back to Rwanda and also we had flight reservations for the 26th to come to the states.....so, they told him to sit and wait. He waited two hours and HE NOW HAS HIS VISA IN HAND!!!!! **note***Even though my fiance had much evidence with him, she didn't ask to see any of it......she used all the stuff I had sent in with my original petition. Even the pictures that I had sent in originally, are the ones she used to ask him questions. Our original petition was very thorough. So, overall, it was a very pleasant experience at the embassy. No one was mean or rude. The security guard was very friendly. He found everyone he dealt with from the hotel workers, to the doctors, to the embassy workers very nice. Next Friday, I will finally be able to welcome my sweet baby to our country. We are so excited and thankful for this opportunity and the beginning of our future!!!! Overall, this part of the journey was tolerable.....but the wait at NVC(7 weeks) was a real torture!!!! Congratulations!!!!! It was so interesting reading about your fiance's interview experience--which was VERY different from ours. Just goes to show that it really depends on who is giving the interview. Our interviewer was a male and the interview lasted about 1 min and he only asked 3 questions. He was also able to issue the visa that same day. I remember hearing that the woman was a lot stricter, but I'm glad your fiance passed with flying colors!!! I really think they pay more attention to the original packet, since they also didn't ask to see any new pictures, or any other additional evidence of a continuing relationship. I am so happy for you, and that everything went relatively smoothly!!! On another happy note, yesterday, my fiance and I passed through customs in the Boson airport with no incident, and I welcomed my sweetie into the United States! It was kind of funny because the customs official was fresh out of the academy and had never done a K-1 visa before. He was super nice, and just asked a few questions: When did you meet, How did you meet? what were you doing in Uganda? (to Hiller) What was your job in Uganda? (To me) What are you going to do for work now that you are here? and When are you getting married? Then he thought it was an immigrant visa and wanted Hiller to get fingerprinted, etc, until his supervisor came over and told him that the K-1 visa was a non-immigrant visa and they don't do the biometrics until after the wedding. So we passed through, no problem and have been in the US almost 2 days! Hiller is actually adjusting better than I thought--he has enjoyed hanging out with some of my friends and looking at the big streets, buildings, and fully paved streets. It was funny--we were driving with a friend and hit a pot hole and she started complaining about the bad roads in Boston and Hiller and I just looked at each other and laughed. At least the roads don't have whole chunks missing from them and at least they are paved! Anyway, we are taking it slowly and one day at a time, preparing for our wedding March 28th and visiting my family. I am so brimming with emotion now that he has finally here--I almost can't believe it. thanks for all of your support, and I will keep you posted! Soon to be---I wish you the best of luck--it will all be over sooner than you know!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2009-02-22 19:18:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	QUOTE (dodoma @ Jan 12 2009, 07:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (luvhasnoborders @ Jan 12 2009, 09:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey Guys...... Well, I called the embassy and the lady said the following: 1)No, they have not received our case.....(I tried just in case it was a fluke that NVC didn't know our case was gone......well, I should get an "E" for effort at least) 2)We have to wait until we receive the appointment letter from NVC to pick up the packet and do the medical because she said the medical will expire, so we have to wait. I asked her if we can call there once we know the package made it to Nairobi or do we have to wait for the letter from NVC and she said we would probably receive the letter before the package arrives there. Not sure about that........ARK1 and MADWOMAN Please Advise: Did you guys receive the NVC appointment letter before you called? 3)I asked about the change in doctors.....she said that they just changed them and the old ones are only good for the next two months, so, it may be best to just use the new ones. So, that was the information that I got......let's hope we all leave NVC this week!!!! We will get through this together. Yes, you shud recieve the NVC letter b4 the package makes it to Nairobi. That is what happened to our case. QUOTE (luvhasnoborders @ Jan 12 2009, 09:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey Guys...... Well, I called the embassy and the lady said the following: 1)No, they have not received our case.....(I tried just in case it was a fluke that NVC didn't know our case was gone......well, I should get an "E" for effort at least) 2)We have to wait until we receive the appointment letter from NVC to pick up the packet and do the medical because she said the medical will expire, so we have to wait. I asked her if we can call there once we know the package made it to Nairobi or do we have to wait for the letter from NVC and she said we would probably receive the letter before the package arrives there. Not sure about that........ARK1 and MADWOMAN Please Advise: Did you guys receive the NVC appointment letter before you called? 3)I asked about the change in doctors.....she said that they just changed them and the old ones are only good for the next two months, so, it may be best to just use the new ones. So, that was the information that I got......let's hope we all leave NVC this week!!!! We will get through this together. Yes, you shud recieve the NVC letter b4 the package makes it to Nairobi. That is what happened to our case. Hi everyone! Sorry it has taken me so long to respond--I'm not checking e-mail as regularly these days. Thanks everyone for the congratulations! As far as the medical, I called them and made an appointment before we had the papers. I kind of lied and told them I already had my interview date (The Embassy had told me they couldn't make aninterview date so far in advance). To get into the Embassy to get the papers required NO APPOINTMENT. I brought both my NOA2 and the NVC letter with the new case number but I noticed that all they looked at was the NVC case number. They didn't really care about the NOA2 so i would bring the letter from NVC. I'm sorry, I can't remember if they actually checked the number before giving us the packet. But if you or your SO are already in Kenya there is no harm just showing up and acting as if they already have your case. Even if they do check it and they say it hasn't arrived, I don't see why they wouldn't give you the packet if you say you are already there with your case number. I'm sure you could plead your case. they are pretty nice over there. Also, Dr Asuga's office is also really nice. If they are accepting them for the next two months, it might be worth still seeing a doctor who is experienced with Embassy proceedure. Basically I found that if I pleaded my case, people were pretty willing to help. THis included moving our interview to a day that was supposedly already "full". I wish everyone who is still waiting the best of luck!!!!! Your day will come soon! Thank yoiu everyone for your support, I'm so glad we are all contributing and helping each other out on this thread I'm sure when Hiller gets to America we'll be needing more support with the adjustment!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2009-01-13 03:45:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	QUOTE (luvhasnoborders @ Jan 7 2009, 08:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> YEAHHHHHH!!!! Congratulations ARK1.........I'm very excited for you guys!!!! Soon~tobe: I have the same dilemna......I really want to go to the interview for not only support and something memorable for us, but I don't want my absence to be judged......but I work for the school system and the way everything was initially moving, we thought we would be having our interview during winter break.....now our case is stuck at NVC......so, our schools are back in session.........if it drags out until Spring Break....maybe I can attend the interview......if not, he will be attending by himself....I know he will do fine.....he knows us.......but, just don't want to be judged by interviewer on the one point of not attending. ARK1....can't wait to hear interview details....... Hey everyone--I am back this morning from our second trip to Nairobi--VISA IN HAND!!!!! Wow--I can't believe how easy the whole thing was--the most difficult part of the interview was waiting for it! Here are some details: We were able to move our interview date to Jan 7th--yesterday! (ARK we were right behind you!) On Jan 6th Hiller picked up his medical results and completed his vaccinations (he had to pay 9,700 KSH for the vaccinations--ugh. They were the MMR triple combination, polio, and the first dose of varicella (for chicken pox). He already had his Yellow Fever shot. We didn't have any problem with the embassy accepting the medical examination and didn't hear anything about a change in doctors. Hiller's appointment was at 7 am the next day. We stayed at a cheap hotel right near the taxi park that I would recommend. It's no Holiday Inn, but it has hot water, comfortable, clean beds and is very cheap (we payed 1,200 a night). Breakfast is included. It takes only 20 min from the hotel to get to the Embassy via matatu (#106 near the post office). We arrived at the Embassy at 6:30 am and after passing through security, began the long wait on the hard chairs inside the visa section. Hiller waited in line to be fingerprinted and then we waited for his name to be called. Finally, at 11:30 am "Pario, Hiller" was called. A few details: 1) I was able to walk right up to the window with my fiance for the interview! No problems, no questions asked. 2) I had WAY over prepared. I had compiled a big file of photos, e-mails and Skype calls--none of which was looked at. The consular basically just went from what was already in the original petition. 3) He asked only 2 questions: To Hiller: When did you meet your fiancee? Then (referring to the petition) "Who compiled these photos, and phone records?" I replied that I had. He told me I had done a good job and he would issue Hiller a visa. The man was SO NICE I couldn't believe it. 4) The consular then said that the K-1 visa would take a long time to process and we could pick it up on the 16th. We then asked very nicely if there was any way we could expedite it because Hiller lives in Uganda and needed to finish his last couple of weeks at work. The consular left to check if it was possible to speed things up, and when he returned he told us to go and sit and wait about 30 minutes for the visa! Well, the 30 minutes turned out to be about 4 hours but we weren't complaining! At 3:30 Hiller was issued his visa and given a packet to give to the officer at the POE. YAY!!!!!!!!!! Also: As far as document--all they took were the two copies of the 156, two copies of the Fiance Visa non-immigrant application and only the first part of the 230. They also wanted a copy of Hiller's birth certificate. We had his original so they just made their own copy. Police certificate, 2 passport photos, medical exam forms, affidavit of support. I think that is all. Also, while we were waiting, we chatted with a man from Eritrea whose job was translating for people from Eritrea, and Somalia. He has frequented the Embassy for a long time and is very familiar with the people working there. He told us that two months ago, a woman was doing immigrant interviews, and she was a lot stricter than the new guy! She would ask all sorts of questions and was basically a lot more difficult. He said that so many people got denied that USC family members started complaining. Anyway, she was replaced by this new guy, who is far nicer. We felt very lucky! Anway...we feel very lucky that, after all that worrying and heartache, things really went pretty smoothly. I am glad I came because I do think it helped, although I don't think it is essential. I wish all of you still waiting the best of luck! NIMO--Congratlations on your wife's 10 year green card!!! ARK--I would love to hear your fiancee's experience! If any of you have any more questions, I will try to get back to you--but I am still in Uganda until Feb 20 and on "African time" Maddelene	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2009-01-08 09:13:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	QUOTE (ARK1 @ Dec 23 2008, 01:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Just wanted to wish everyone happy holidays! Congrats to those who have received their NOA2. My SO did his medical exam and now has to make an appointment to go back for his immunizations, slow and steady wins the race right ARK-- when did your fiance do his medical? Hiller and I were also in Nairobi yesterday and the day before, we went to the Embassy as well as Dr Asuga's office for the medical. Perhaps we saw your SO? Ok, so UPDATE!! Hiller and I just returned from a LONG bus ride to Nairobi to pick up the medical forms at the embassy, and complete the medical. We took a bus from Kampala Sunday and arrived early Monday morning and set about looking for the US Embassy. One thing that we discovered is that asking for directions in Kenya produces the most confusing results! Everyone we asked had a slightly different answer, and it seemed that even if they had no clue, they just made something up. People were generally friendly--especially since Hiller speaks Swahili, and we tried to ask older women or men is business suits--or the bus drivers. We discovered that as long as you keep on asking people, you may walk in circles but eventually you'll get there! Anyway we took the #106 bus from near Accra Road to Gigiri stage and walked down United Nations Ave to the Embassy. We would have arrived at 8am, but the bus driver dropped us off a stage too early and then pointed us in the opposite direction! Then the next three people we asked proceeded to give us wrong directions! Eventually we found our way and arrived at the Embassy at 9:30am. After a security check we found ourselves inside the visa services room and sat down on one of the many rows of chairs, shifting chairs until eventually we got to the window. It took us about an hour and a half just to get our papers. The whole time we were listening to one of the Embassy workers deny or approve student visas--it was kind of fun to try and guess whether they would be denied based on what was being said After the Embassy we took a bus back to Accra Road and again walked in a large circle before being directed to the bus (#23) going to Westlands--the large mall where the Sarit Center is nearby. Basically the Sarit center is another, smaller mall and we just asked for directions after getting off the bus. We originally intended to just check out the place so we wouldn't have any problems finding it the next day. But Hiller had the idea to try and see if we could just show up and get the Medical done that day. The women working at Dr Asuga's office were so nice--they let Hiller do most of the time-consuming things that afternoon (urine and stool samples and we also had to get a chest x-ray from a diagnostic center nearby--they will give you directions). So the next day, we didn't have to be there as long. The night before the interview we stayed at the Impala Hotel which is about a 15 min walk from the Sarit center and cost us 2,700 KSH -- not bad! Nice beds, warm water and breakfast is included. We found it walking back from the diagnostic center. We might stay there again when we return--even though it is not as close to the Embassy. Yesterday Hiller and I arrived back at the Sarit Center at 8am for the rest of the medical. Thank goodness we had done some of the things the day before--even so, we were there for another 3 hours, waiting, and basically they checked Hiller's eyes, weight, pulse rate, blood pressure, took his blood, etc. Definitely worth it to arrive early, as we the third person there and it started getting really busy right after we arrived. The whole thing cost: 8,700 KSH for the Medical, and 1,000 KSH for the x-ray. Remember the 2 passport photos! They are 2x2 --some people arrived with photos that were too big. Unfortunately, because of the holidays, the results won't be done until Jan 6th. So, we're going to try to reschedule his interview for the 7th, and get the results and vaccinations the day before. Dr Asuga is flexible with rescheduling if you just call them. We just decided to get all the vaccinations there-- they told us the total cost would be 9,700 USH. By the way, I noticed that the Interview fee of $131 must be paid at specific branch of the Bank of Africa-- one of the approved branches is the Westlands branch which is nearby the Sarit Center. One more thing that is really bothering me: If you are an American coming from Uganda, apparently you have to re-pay the $50 for the visa--even if you have been out of the Country for only 2 days! I had to pay the $50 for a Kenyan visa, which they said was good for multiple entries for 3 months as long as I did not leave East Africa. Unfortunately Uganda is not so flexible. They made me pay another $50 on the way back and I will have to pay another $50 when we go back to Kenya in a few weeks! How frustrating Anyway, hope you all enjoyed the detail account I will let you all know how things go when we go back in a couple weeks. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! QUOTE (ARK1 @ Dec 23 2008, 01:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Just wanted to wish everyone happy holidays! Congrats to those who have received their NOA2. My SO did his medical exam and now has to make an appointment to go back for his immunizations, slow and steady wins the race right ARK-- when did your fiance do his medical? Hiller and I were also in Nairobi yesterday and the day before, we went to the Embassy as well as Dr Asuga's office for the medical. Perhaps we saw your SO? Ok, so UPDATE!! Hiller and I just returned from a LONG bus ride to Nairobi to pick up the medical forms at the embassy, and complete the medical. We took a bus from Kampala Sunday and arrived early Monday morning and set about looking for the US Embassy. One thing that we discovered is that asking for directions in Kenya produces the most confusing results! Everyone we asked had a slightly different answer, and it seemed that even if they had no clue, they just made something up. People were generally friendly--especially since Hiller speaks Swahili, and we tried to ask older women or men is business suits--or the bus drivers. We discovered that as long as you keep on asking people, you may walk in circles but eventually you'll get there! Anyway we took the #106 bus from near Accra Road to Gigiri stage and walked down United Nations Ave to the Embassy. We would have arrived at 8am, but the bus driver dropped us off a stage too early and then pointed us in the opposite direction! Then the next three people we asked proceeded to give us wrong directions! Eventually we found our way and arrived at the Embassy at 9:30am. After a security check we found ourselves inside the visa services room and sat down on one of the many rows of chairs, shifting chairs until eventually we got to the window. It took us about an hour and a half just to get our papers. The whole time we were listening to one of the Embassy workers deny or approve student visas--it was kind of fun to try and guess whether they would be denied based on what was being said After the Embassy we took a bus back to Accra Road and again walked in a large circle before being directed to the bus (#23) going to Westlands--the large mall where the Sarit Center is nearby. Basically the Sarit center is another, smaller mall and we just asked for directions after getting off the bus. We originally intended to just check out the place so we wouldn't have any problems finding it the next day. But Hiller had the idea to try and see if we could just show up and get the Medical done that day. The women working at Dr Asuga's office were so nice--they let Hiller do most of the time-consuming things that afternoon (urine and stool samples and we also had to get a chest x-ray from a diagnostic center nearby--they will give you directions). So the next day, we didn't have to be there as long. The night before the interview we stayed at the Impala Hotel which is about a 15 min walk from the Sarit center and cost us 2,700 KSH -- not bad! Nice beds, warm water and breakfast is included. We found it walking back from the diagnostic center. We might stay there again when we return--even though it is not as close to the Embassy. Yesterday Hiller and I arrived back at the Sarit Center at 8am for the rest of the medical. Thank goodness we had done some of the things the day before--even so, we were there for another 3 hours, waiting, and basically they checked Hiller's eyes, weight, pulse rate, blood pressure, took his blood, etc. Definitely worth it to arrive early, as we the third person there and it started getting really busy right after we arrived. The whole thing cost: 8,700 KSH for the Medical, and 1,000 KSH for the x-ray. Remember the 2 passport photos! They are 2x2 --some people arrived with photos that were too big. Also, be sure to bring not just your NOA2 but your NVC case number--the Doctor's office will ask for it. Unfortunately, because of the holidays, the results won't be done until Jan 6th. So, we're going to try to reschedule his interview for the 7th, and get the results and vaccinations the day before. Dr Asuga is flexible with rescheduling if you just call them. We just decided to get all the vaccinations there-- they told us the total cost would be 9,700 USH. By the way, I noticed that the Interview fee of $131 must be paid at specific branch of the Bank of Africa-- one of the approved branches is the Westlands branch which is nearby the Sarit Center. One more thing that is really bothering me: If you are an American coming from Uganda, apparently you have to re-pay the $50 for the visa--even if you have been out of the Country for only 2 days! I had to pay the $50 for a Kenyan visa, which they said was good for multiple entries for 3 months as long as I did not leave East Africa. Unfortunately Uganda is not so flexible. They made me pay another $50 on the way back and I will have to pay another $50 when we go back to Kenya in a few weeks! How frustrating Anyway, hope you all enjoyed the detail account I will let you all know how things go when we go back in a couple weeks. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-12-24 03:38:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	QUOTE (luvhasnoborders @ Dec 12 2008, 07:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH........okay the post above was from last night before bed......I just woke up and checked this morning and I had an email in my inbox from USCIS saying we were sent an approval notice on 12/11.........I'm excited and shaking and about to be late for work!!!!! Yay!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-12-12 10:05:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	QUOTE (soon~tobe @ Dec 11 2008, 07:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> It feels like I kind of hit a wall in the last week or two. Allan got really sick with malaria, I wish I could have been there with him. The phone connection has been terrible lately I feel like we haven't really talked in like a month. I just can't wait any longer. I know EXACTLY what you are feeling. My wall was a few months ago. I totally broke down when we got cut off for the third time in a row. It is really difficult to maintain good communication over the phone from such a long distance. But the good thing is that there is an end in sight. And once you get your NOA2 it goes SO much faster! I just want you to know that you are in my thoughts and you have a friend here! I will be in Uganda until the first or second week of February so if you are going to be there during that time--let me know! Good luck everyone!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-12-11 13:06:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	QUOTE (soon~tobe @ Dec 10 2008, 07:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> How is everyone doing? Everyone must be busy with holidays and stuff as we have all gone silent. I'm doing ok! I'm recovering from a terrible cold that took my voice away for a couple days, but other than that, things are moving along! I am so excited I'm leaving for Uganda NEXT THURSDAY!!! Almost a week away....wow. I haven't seen my SO in 7 and 1/2 months and I am soooo excited.... Right now I am busy organizing our reception event for our upcoming wedding in March, and getting everything ready (documents, presents, etc) to go back over. How are YOU? I expect you'll be hearing something soon! Vermont is processing August filers now! I wish you luck!!! Don't worry, I will update you all as soon as we have the medical and interview I wish they had updated holiday emoticons....they still have the Halloween ones still up! Happy holidays everyone!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-12-10 15:45:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	QUOTE (naraj @ Nov 25 2008, 05:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Madwoman @ Nov 25 2008, 02:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey everyone A quick update: My petition is now at the Nairobi Embassy (according to DHL tracking)--but I am having trouble getting through to make a doctor's appt. Either no one picks up or the receptionist on the other line doesn't hear me. Any suggestions/similar experiences? I stayed up so late trying to call...this feels a bit frustrating. I'll try to call tomorrow early in the morning...if I can get my lazy self out of bed Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! Hey, Madwoman. I just PM'd you with all the info I think you'll need. Good luck Thanks Naraj And thank you Jaqi, you are so kind! GOOD NEWS! I was able to call the Nairobi Embassy just now and make our interview appointment for January 12th! The reason for this date is that I will be there with him, so we can travel to Nairobi together The lady at the Embassy was SO NICE, and let me pick out the date to have the interview. All I did was tell them that all our documents were ready and we already had a medical exam appointment (kinda fibbed on that one since the doctor wouldn't let us make an appt that far in advance--I have to call back the middle of Dec. It's not a lie if you know it will happen in the future right? ) I discovered that it really pays to be proactive! Leaving December 18th!!! SO EXCITED!!!! Thank you everyone for all of your help--without VJ i honestly would be totally and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! (to the USC's)	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-11-26 06:50:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	Hey everyone A quick update: My petition is now at the Nairobi Embassy (according to DHL tracking)--but I am having trouble getting through to make a doctor's appt. Either no one picks up or the receptionist on the other line doesn't hear me. Any suggestions/similar experiences? I stayed up so late trying to call...this feels a bit frustrating. I'll try to call tomorrow early in the morning...if I can get my lazy self out of bed Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-11-25 02:55:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	Hey everyone! If you are obsessive like me, here is some more information I found about tracking your case from the NVC to the consulate: http://www.visajourn...h...115441&st=0 I called the NVC today and they told me our petition had left today. So I went to www.dhl.com and to "track by reference". I tracked my case using a variety of dates. EXP 19 NOV 2008A didn't work so I tried 18 and there was nothing to Kenya. But the reference # EXP 17 NOV 2008A turned up one package going to Nairobi! I'm betting this is ours, as not many people are going through Nairobi. DHL says it is now in London! Oh I am so excited--as soon as the consulate receives it, I can call and make the medical exam appt and also make the interview appointment! Yay!!!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-11-19 21:33:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	QUOTE (NimoMN @ Nov 18 2008, 06:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Madwoman @ Nov 17 2008, 12:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey everyone! I posted this on the June forum--I am so excited!!!! Naraj--how is your fiancee doing? I'm sure you are so excited to see her soon! thank you for all of your help!!! APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow, I can finally write this message I have been longing to write for so long!!!! I took Mike and Gracey's advice and called USCIS. The first worker refused to "escalate my call" saying there was no supervisor available, and that she had all the info to help me. She actually got an attitude about it--I hung up on her I was so frustrated! Called back and the next worker was so nice-- I calmly explained my situation and asked to speak to a supervisor just to be sure about my case. She agreed to escalate my call and the nice supervisor told me what I wanted to here: APPROVED November 12th!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!! Thank you everyone for all of your support and advice--I really would have gone crazy without you! Now I hope that the second stage will go more smoothly....but I'm not holding my breath! Just SO GLAD to have some inkling that this will all be over soon. I just wanted to say congratulations!!!! I am very happy for you both. And I am so jealous you will be Kampala for the Holidays!!!! I can think of a lot worse places to be. Enjoy and have a rolex for me! Thanks Nimo! I also very excited! The tone of our phone conversations has really changed--it is so positive to finally be able to say I "know" something! mmmmm.....yummy rolex!! I will gladly eat one for you! Anyone else who wants me to eat a rolex for them?	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-11-18 21:16:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	QUOTE (soon~tobe @ Nov 17 2008, 12:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> WOW CONGRATS!!! Things will move really fast for you now. As long as there are Interview dates Available you could have him here before the end of the year. Are you still planning on going and spending some time in Uganda, or just staying here now that things are so close? Thanks! I am still planning on going--my ticket is for Dec 18th! But how long I will stay will depend on when Hiller has his interview. I found out I can extend my ticket for a minimal fee so hopefully I will be able to schedule the interview in Nairobi before I leave and then extend my ticket so Hiller and I can come back together. I don't think we'll be able to schedule the interview before Jan because of all those holidays..but who knows? Right now I'm thinking we'll come back the middle of February...if all goes well! That will give us time to pack things up and say goodbye to friends without rushing. It is SO NICE to finally know something concrete Good luck to you!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-11-17 13:09:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	Hey everyone! I posted this on the June forum--I am so excited!!!! Naraj--how is your fiancee doing? I'm sure you are so excited to see her soon! thank you for all of your help!!! APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow, I can finally write this message I have been longing to write for so long!!!! I took Mike and Gracey's advice and called USCIS. The first worker refused to "escalate my call" saying there was no supervisor available, and that she had all the info to help me. She actually got an attitude about it--I hung up on her I was so frustrated! Called back and the next worker was so nice-- I calmly explained my situation and asked to speak to a supervisor just to be sure about my case. She agreed to escalate my call and the nice supervisor told me what I wanted to here: APPROVED November 12th!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!! Thank you everyone for all of your support and advice--I really would have gone crazy without you! Now I hope that the second stage will go more smoothly....but I'm not holding my breath! Just SO GLAD to have some inkling that this will all be over soon.	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-11-17 11:18:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	QUOTE (naraj @ Nov 11 2008, 09:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> APPROVED!!!!!! Thanks for all the support, everybody! Sorry for my late response. She went yesterday morning, and if you can believe it, the man only asked her the following three questions: How did you meet your fiance? What did you do when he came to visit you? Does he call you? That's all! Then he told her she was approved, he kept her passport, gave her a blue paper, and told her to come back on Friday to pick up her visa! He was going to make her wait until next Monday to pick it up, but sinc she was from another country, he said she could pick it up on Friday. Keep in mind that the fact that I was sooo thorough in my documentation of everything probably made the process go smoother than it would have otherwise. Thanks again for all the encouragement and prayers! I'm ecstatic YAY!!!!!! Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you! It must be such a relief to know it is finally over! When is she planning on traveling to the States? Wow I can't believe that she was only asked three questions. That's amazing It never hurts to be over prepared	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-11-11 21:53:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	Naraj, any news about your fiancee's interview? Hope everything went well!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-11-10 21:15:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	QUOTE (luvhasnoborders @ Nov 9 2008, 05:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey Everyone....another weekend down.....they are always the hardest for me!!! Anyhow thank you to whoever updated the embassy information.....I think it may have been Naraj since it sounded like the information contained here!!!! Hoping all goes well with your interview tomorrow, Naraj I actually updated it, using information from Naraj, ARK1 and others--hope you don't mind! I wanted our embassy to look as good as London's!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-11-09 17:48:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Nairobi Embassy Thread!	QUOTE (naraj @ Nov 7 2008, 09:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Madwoman @ Nov 7 2008, 12:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Naraj, I am dying to know how your fiancee's interview went!!! I hope it went well!!!!! Thanks, but no such luck. Because Kenya suddenly declared Thursday (her original interview date) a holiday, they told her to come back today for her interview, BUT when she went back today, instead of interviewing her, they just rescheduled her interview until Monday. Oh well. I've waited this long, so I guess 2 more days won't kill me... Oh, so lame... Kenya probably wanted to stretch the holiday out Good luck on Monday!!! You're so close!	Madwoman	Female	Uganda	2008-11-08 02:28:00