ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

She was seriously on my last nerve ..... I had a very bad day and she topped it off.   

 

They can't ignore it...

 

 

There is so much different info about the K-3.  If my K-3 gets merged with my I-130 then great.... at least someone touched my file.  I have been reading alot about people calling tier 2 and them suggesting to file  K-3 since the I-130's are taking extra long.... 

 

LoveMyTico, maybe you can ask your lawyer about this: http://www.law.corne.../text/8/245a.12

This is a subpart of the LIFE Act. The actual act which was written into law.  According to this, it sounds like the benefits of the LIFE Act were only temporary.  Perhaps thats why people are saying they are no longer processing K-3s.  I'm not trying to be depressing, but I was just out looking for answers to clarify one way or the other and unfortunately this is what I found. 

 

However, if it is true that the LIFE Act benefits are no longer valid, then USCIS should remove the K-3 option form their site and cease and desist in making any references to the LIFE Act.

 

Either way, we've seen proof of people filing I-129f and getting their I-130s  approved shortly thereafter, so I like to think that maybe it still helps.  I refuse to lose all hope.


Jilly30FemaleIndia2013-10-23 23:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

If you just choose the K-3 visa, there are spots there to fill in the tracking for both I-130 AND I-129f.  I dunno how it comes up in the charts tho.


Jilly30FemaleIndia2013-10-23 05:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

NO,  no alien number... and I can't figure out how to get my K-3 on my profile and on my timeline..  I can change my profile to K-3 but the timeline doesn't give me the option to add the K3 info. I would love for it to be correct...  GRRRRR

 

 

I think the Alien number is for the beneficiary... not us.  My husband came here on a b2 visa..  I guess he either already has one or they didn't give him one yet.  Who knows?

 

I can't figure out how to get the K-3 on my timeline either, so I'm just tracking it in my sig for now.  If it gets moved forward before the I-130 then I'll just change my timeline to K-3 to help the charts & lists.

 

Congrats to those approvals! 


Jilly30FemaleIndia2013-10-22 22:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

It seems that they are finally taking some actions. As of 10/21 they began transferring I-130 files from NBC to other service centers because of the workload.

Hopefully we can see some approvals soon!

http://www.uscis.gov...000082ca60aRCRD

What...they walked into the case file storage closet and suddenly realized there was no way humanly possible to process them all at one location in anyone's lifetime? *psha* FINALLY!  Hopefully dispersing the load will help speed things up.

 

I also just got notice that my K-3 petition was received and its off to the NBC hopefully to join my file and get put in someone's hands! We'll see! 


Jilly30FemaleIndia2013-10-22 12:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

Congrats to everyone who has gotten approved. It is hard to see people getting approved who have later NOA1 dates but at least we know the paperwork is moving. I am wondering if anyone actually thinks it is worth it to contact my local senator? It seems like they give the same answers as the 1-800 number. Do you think it would be a total waste of time? Our NOA1 is April 11, 2013. My wife is Canadian so she is not in any danger and we aren't financially unstable so I dont think an expedite would be approved. I also have no idea where my paper work is since sometimes they tell me its in San Francisco and sometimes its in Missouri, its an MSC number.

 

Go for it! Usually contacting them is super easy, but I would go for Congressmen, not senators...congressmen usually get in touch quicker...they represent smaller constituencies than Sens.  Response from my congressmen has been much more personalized and am able to have good dialogue with the assistant in the office about my case. 

 

At the very least, you can tell them you are getting conflicting information about the location of your case and that you just want to know for sure where it is being processed currently.  They will definitely be able to garner that information for you.  I also figure, even if they can't do much else in this step, it's good to at least be in touch with the congressman's office now...in case something else happens along the way where they can make a difference (excessive delays in file transfer, hung up in Administrative Processing, or anything else).  Good to have 'em on your side. :-)  


Jilly30FemaleIndia2013-10-21 02:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

So may approvals! Congratulations to those of you and thanks for letting us know!  good.gif


Jilly30FemaleIndia2013-10-17 21:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

 

Well, you have a point, but they weren't drafted but volunteered, you know. They could choose a different career and be with their family more if they chose family over work, couldn't they.

 

I REALLY think you should refrain from making statements like this.  You are bound to start an unnecessary argument by upsetting people.  Many people respect military people because they choose to risk their lives..someone has to do it.  There is nothing we can do to change USCIS's processing priority decisions and I think many people do not have a problem with military people getting preference.  Without them we wouldn't have this desirable country to bring our spouses to.  So lets just lay off the military personnel and avoid a debate about whether or not they deserve preferential treatment please.


Jilly30FemaleIndia2013-10-16 10:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

http://www.visajourn...e.php?id=140832

 

One June filer approved from Kansas.

 One July filer & then one June filer...what they are working backwards now??? Their procedures make absolutely no sense. Unless its something like, files are sorted in some manner and each reviewer is given a stack of files...then those two people that got approved are just with like a super efficient worker.  I think my case must be on the desk of some worker who has called in sick for 6 months straight! *sigh*cray5ol.gif 

 

On yet an even more depressing note...I got my response back from my Congressman's office(an email AND phone call) which surprised me because I figured I wouldn't hear anything because of the BS shutdown, but it was just the generic response. "your case is still pending".  However, because I am in India right now, the assistant at the Congressman's office told me they would work with me & help to file for the personal financial loss expedite.  I'm not holding my breath, but when a Congressman says he'll try to help, how can I say no?

 

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" ...Can't hurt, so we'll give it a try.  At least its something to help pass the time. ClockWatch2.gif    


Jilly30FemaleIndia2013-10-16 05:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

 

Hi Jilly30, just need some information from you... as you are also in India, how are you going to deal with NVC process. Are you going back for documents/fee submission. Should you have a job currently in the US (and right now you are on leave) to file AOS?

 

No problem! Sent you a message that will hopefully help you out.


Jilly30FemaleIndia2013-10-15 04:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

I think its rude to shun people that have moved onto the next phase.  As long as it is only one or two posts and doesn't take the entire board off topic, then what is the harm?  I have found the people on this topic much more polite and willing to answer questions...we've bonded over shared frustrations and are willing to offer guidance and support and to share information with each other.  I've tried posting questions in other topics, but I always end up coming back to this one with my tail between my legs because I either get ignored or receive terse replies.  

 

Its not as if those people are saying "HA HA HA! I'm on the NVC STEP and you AREN'T!"....They're just asking for information...lets be happy for them, guide them as usual and continue to make them feel welcome.  Who knows, maybe later on, when we are in that step and have questions, those people ahead of us will be able to provide answers....not so much if we are rude to them now.  unsure.png  

 

Feel the VisaJourney Love! good.gif


Jilly30FemaleIndia2013-10-14 03:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

So today I found out that not even the immigration officers at the port of entries know how the laws work and they suppose to enforce them. I asked USCIS about k-3 and she told me that since I'm married I can't do that cause it's for fiance however, I should call my local immigration office and check with them. I did this and was told since I live only an hour from Canadian border I should talk with port of entry. The port of entry officer informed me that no matter what each and everyone that enters the US after filing an I-130 has to file the I-129f nobody can come here with just an I-130 that is only a petition and never goes to the NVC........ None of these people no what the laws are or how they work.
So I went ahead and just filed the I129f.....

 

It is amazing what some so called "enforcers of the law" don't know.  This is entirely false.  It is clearly stated on the USCIS website and the instructions PDF for the I-129f, that when a I-129f is filed with an accompanying I-130 (does not state they MUST be filed at the same time), it is for bringing a SPOUSE to the US.  When filing a standalone I-129f it is for bringing a fiance.   And that is why we don't have to pay a fee for the I-129f, because we already paid the fee for filing the I-130.

 

I mean, yes, he is correct in stating the I-130 is only a petition...its just one step in a multi-step process...its not an actual visa. But he is false in saying everyone must file a I-129f.  But hell, if thats what they think then maybe its safer to file, just in case you get a stupid Port of Entry Officer! hehehe


Jilly30FemaleIndia2013-10-10 22:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK1 - Documents to send before the interview

Instructions that I received:

"This office is pleased to announce that we have received your petitions for a non-immigrant visa "k1/k3" so that you may to travel to US to get married with your fiance(e) (k1 visa), or to live with your spouse (k3 visa).

In order to have the final interview before the US consul, please read the instructions below and follow them carefully.

FIRST: Complete and send us form DS-230 Part I and 1 photo (see instructions attached)

SECOND: Gather all the documents mentioned below that apply to your case. Please check the box on left once you have gathered the document and send us by mail a copy of each of the documents requested together with this form. Once we have received and checked your copies, we will schedule your appointment with the Immigrant visa consul. On the day of the interview with the consul, you will have to present ALL the originals documents.

IMPORTANT; THE APPOINTMENT WILL NOT BE SCHEDULE UNTIL YOU SEND US THE COPIES OF ALL DOCUMENTS REQUESTED BELOW:"

 

Weird! I'm going through Ukraine's consulate and all I did was get the NVC case number (in my case I was assigned a KEV********) Once I got the number we called the medical place and set up the exam. The same day she went and paid the $240 Visa fee at the bank on the website. Once we got the receipt number from that, I went and scheduled her interview. We haven't got one email yet from the Ukraine consulate nor any packages and already have our DS156, DS156K, and DS230 filled out. It was super simple and took all of one day. Some consulates you can pay the Visa fee online. We had to pay in person....big deal but now I'm also curious if we need to send in any documents before the interview. I downloaded the checklist and have all the documents ready but we are still waiting on an email. The whole K1 visa process has been really crappy about sending us emails and notices by mail. We only got an NOA1 email (no hard copy), and email that it was transferred from VSC to TSC, then we got a hard copy NOA2 (no email), no email or hard copy on NVC case number...hard to call everyday, no notice when our case was transferred to the Ukraine consulate and we are very worried we will receive nothing from them either like your post shows. So I need to write a post now asking for Ukraine consulate. Thanks...hope it all goes great for you two


Mike BowmanMaleUkraine2013-08-27 01:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI CAN FINALLY SAY.....APPROVED...YAYY!!

We just got approved ourselves this past Wednesday! Congrats!!!


Mike BowmanMaleUkraine2013-09-07 03:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsmarch2013 fillers have someone get approved yet?

Hi guys, I hope u all are having a good time while waiting to get to see us husbands or wives lol jk sleep.png I CANT WAIT TO SEE MINE GODD I MISS HIM 

 

SO MY HUBBY CALLED USCIS LAT WEEK SADLY OUr CASE IS ON NATIONAL BENEFITS SERVICE ONE OF THE SLOWEST OFFICES IN USA TO PROCESS APPLICATIONS, SO THE LADY TOLD HIM IT COULD TAKE 6 MONTHS TO A YEAR BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE A TIMELINE DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF APPLICATIONS THEY RECEIVE!

SO THIS IS MY QUESTION HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE HEARD FROM THE USCIS EITHER THE ONES WHO FILLED ON JANUARY OR MARCH BETWEEN THOSE MONTHS, I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR GOOD NEWS AND KNOW LIKE WHAT CASES THEY LOOKING UP NOW goofy.gif

 

have a great weekend luv.gif ClockWatch2.gif ClockWatch2.gif ClockWatch2.gif ClockWatch2.gif ClockWatch2.gif

 

We just approved for my fiance's visa this past Wednesday from Ukraine. Received NOA 1 on March 8th. Total days from NOA 1 to Visa approval was 180 days. We did not wait for the consulate to send out any packet. If that was the case we would still be waiting. We got the case number from the NVC and immediately scheduled her exam then the next week did her interview. We just received a noticed that they were sending the case to Kiev, Ukraine yesterday and to wait for the consulate to send the packet to her house by mail. This is 3 days after she's already had her interview and been approved. If we played by the rules she wouldn't even of had her medical exam yet! We were tired of waiting and it worked in our favor. She picks up her visa on Monday or Tuesday. I got get her next Thursday...I bet we still won't even have our packet from the consulate yet. Who cares...we got what we wanted. There was no sense in waiting another 4-6 weeks for nothing but laziness on the NVC and consulates side. 


Mike BowmanMaleUkraine2013-09-07 21:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsUSCIS Updated Processing Times 2/18/2014

Do you get a notice if your case gets transferred? We're at the NBC and ours was accepted in Sept. We are hoping to be back in the states by October for the 'wedding' type reception, are the chances good we'll be done in time? Where did you find all of the info beyond the time tables? I am looking around but I'm kinda new and I can't seem to find much other then the 'check processing times'. 

Thanks in advance guys! Just trying to reassure myself I guess, feels like it's been a long time away from home for me.


baime22FemaleAustralia2014-02-19 06:25:00
IndiaShipping Carrom board

My husband and I bought a regular tournament sized carrom board a few months ago to help pass the USCIS processing times and now with the whole process half complete we are beginning to wonder how to get it to the US.  Should we ship it?  Or should we just wrap it well and take it as an additional baggage on the plane?  Obviously its too big to be a carry-on.  Anyone ever brought one to the US before? 


Jilly30FemaleIndia2013-12-30 05:39:00
IndiaAntibody titre test?

Thanks for the replies.  I think it might be a country-specific thing...I've read about some people being able to find out, but it seems in India, no doctor is willing to do all the tests.  Luckily we just found a letter from my husband's doctor attesting to the date & batch number of his MMR vaccine for his previous job.  So thats at least one we have covered.  

 

And yes, we called the panel doctor listed for Mumbai and they explained exactly what CrescentMoon explained...they pretty much understand that very few in India have records of their immunizations especially since they were given during childhood...so they simple give the age appropriate ones at time of medical.  We are going to try to see if there is a local doc that can give some of the vaccines now to save money..especally the tetanus one.  I might even go with him if we find a doc that gives tetanus boosters as mine is well expired and I'm sure its hella cheaper to get it done while I'm in India rather than pay for it in the US! 


Jilly30FemaleIndia2014-02-15 22:55:00
IndiaAntibody titre test?

Hi there, 

 

My husband has lost his shot records and we read on here somewhere that he could just go to a doctor, get an antibody titre test done and the results from the blood test would show which antibodies he has and thus the doctor would be able to write up a statement of which immunizations he's had. 

 

However, he went to 4 doctors today in the Dahisar area and all of them told him it can't be done.  Is this true?  Even medline says a antibody titre test can be used to determine which immunizations are needed.  Does anyone know where he should go or a place that definitely does this kind of test?  We don't want to delay things by having to get multiple immunizations over a number of days before his interview!

 

Thanks!


Jilly30FemaleIndia2014-02-11 13:47:00
IndiaContinued PCC confusion

I did call NVC yesterday, but plan to call again to see if I get the same response today.  First of all, yes, both my AOS & IV packages have been submitted. We got a checklist on the AOS for my joint sponsor's 2013 tax returns to which we just mailed the response yesterday.  The Checklist for the IV says that they are waiting for a response to the AOS checklist and then displays the information about the PCC as listed above.  Thats it.

 

The lady I spoke with at NVC said there is nothing to respond to.  That they simply send this checklist out PRIOR to the IV package being reviewed sort of as a reminder that it is needed.  She confirmed that every embassay in India is different with the PCC requirement and this also serves as a reminder that it may need to be updated prior to interview.  So I told her it was in the package we sent to NVC and she said she wouldn't know because it hasn't been reviewed yet.  They will review the IV package after receiving the AOS checklist response.

 

Seems they should change the wording from checklist to "reminder" so people don't think they need to send in another PCC.  

 

Interesting about PSKs no issuing another PCC with a valid existing one.  I was thinking to tell my husband to get a newer one once he knows when his interview date is...if its in May, its just a month shy of being invalid.  Maybe we can use this "checklist" to convince the officers at the PSK to issue a new one regardless.

 

And yes, my husband's passport was issued at the passport office in Malad, which is also where he went for his PCC...its the closest to his home address.

 

Thanks for all the responses on the matter...I'll update if I hear anything different from NVC. 


Jilly30FemaleIndia2014-03-06 22:35:00
IndiaContinued PCC confusion

So I've read the stick at the top of this forum about PCC & Mumbai, but it still doesn't explain my current situation.

 

My husband booked his appointment through the passportindia.gov site back in December, went to the PSK in Malad and obtained his PCC dated December 2013.

 

We submitted this with his IV Package in Feb.  It is not yet 6 months old.  Today, in march, we received a checklist:

 

______10 - PASSPORT POLICE CERTIFICATE:____________________________

Indian Police Clearance Certificates should be obtained as follows: ? All Indian IV applicants aged 16 and above, residing in India, should obtain police certificates from the local Passport Office. ? Indian passport holders applying for visas outside India should obtain a statement from their local embassy or consulate confirming they have no criminal record. ? Non-Indian IV applicants residing in India should obtain police certificates from the District Police Station serving their area of residence. ? Indian police certificates are not available for foreign (non-Indian) applicants applying outside India.

 

WHY are we getting this?  I understand that it is not required for Mumbai consulate and that they accept it at the interview...but we submitted it anyway since it was on the list. 

 

I read one post on VJ about a women a few years ago, who's husband got the same checklist, was told to just bring a copy to the interview and then got a 221g white slip with no information on what was missing. Her account is no longer active and contains no information about whether they ever got out of  the situation.  I'm terrified this will happen to us!!    The other story was that NVC has a problem with the fact that the PCC says "Regional Passport Office, Mumbai" on it and not a specific local address.  From my understanding, no matter whether you go to the PSK in Malad, Andheri or Lower Parel....they are all going to say "Regional Passport Office, Mumbai".

 

So what is the deal?  What is lost in translation between India and NVC regarding the PCC??  Why is this always a difficult point for them?  We followed the directions for obtaining PCC to the T.


Jilly30FemaleIndia2014-03-06 04:36:00
IndiaSending India Police Certificate (split topic)

I have big confusion over sending the Original Indian Police clearance certi  to NVC,,,,,,Please need some clarification based on experience at Mumbai consulate,,

 

As per Mumbai US consulate ,,applicant must have original PCC at time of interview....without that not allowed to enter,,check  the link frm mumbai consulate ( http://photos.state....nfosheet-IV.pdf )

 

Now i have only one original Indian PCC...which i have to send it to NVC with IV package documents,,,,i think we have to send the original one,,otherwise can get checklist query frm NVC....and case wont be completed  without submiting original PCC..

 

So..i am the NVC stage ,,,ready to send IV civil documents....got big confusion over this,,becoz  i read different info. some says we dont need to send original pcc to nvc frm india...some says  u dont need original pcc at interview as nvc mailed all file at consulate..(  but wht if they wont allow to interview without tht )  ...some says u get 2 originals....i have only one..do i have to apply another one....

 

Can People who passed from this stage...and had interview at mumbai consulate can provide  true guidance over  this ..

 

what did indian applicants did,,,,have you guys sent the original to nvc,,,,what happens at mumbai consulate,,,will they ask for original pcc ??

 

I haven't been through it yet, but I don't think it is that strict that if you don't have the original you won't get in.  Because if you read the whole PDF, it also says original plus photocopy of Birth Certificate...which is exactly what you are required to send to NVC.  Yes, I've heard of people saying they will bring the original PCC to the Interview and NVC being okay with that, but I don't think the same applies for the Birth Cert.  You MUST send the original Birth Certificate to the NVC. I think this PDF is a catch all for immigrant visa applicants....all the documents they are requested be carried to the interview are ones we have submitted to NVC...NVC sends your whole packet to the embassy so the docs will essentially be there before you.  

 

And from my understanding of the process, you get all the docs back at the first window after getting your token number upon arrival at the embassy.  I wouldn't worry.


Jilly30FemaleIndia2014-03-22 07:04:00
IndiaInterracial couples, post here!

Hey everyone! I just wanted to swing by and let everyone who is still keeping up with this thread that my husband's visa was approved!
To recap, I am white, he is desi, we do not have any significant age difference, this is the first marriage for  both of us, we have no children, and we met in person while my husband was on a J-1 visa in the US.

 

The interview went very smooth. We attended together and my husband was very glad I was there to support him by his side. Overall, all staff at the New Delhi embassy were pleasant and polite. Our interview lasted about 15 minutes and the CO told us my husband's visa was approved at the conclusion of our interview.

 

Nothing was brought up about his past F-1 denials and they did not ask for a Thai PCC (we thought they might since he lived there for 11 months). The CO focused on his previous time in the US, the time spent with my family, his time in the UK, and my relationship with his family.

 

It is unreal that he will be arriving soon and no more sad airport goodbyes! dancin5hr.gif

Congratulations!  Just read your embassy review...just curious...when did you get the documents back that you sent to NVC?  I see that you had to hand over your PCC, birth cert and marriage cert before the interview with the CO....our originals are all in the NVC package as requested.  So did you present copies or did you get the originals back prior and then hand them over again?  Just confused with that part.

 

Congratulations again! Hoping I'll be experiencing that same "visa approved" excitement very soon!


Jilly30FemaleIndia2014-04-02 13:46:00
IndiaInterracial couples, post here!

Would really like some input:

 

Visa type: IR-1/CR-1
Consulate: Mumbai
Visa issued (if applicable)? N/A
Second interview? N/A
AP? N/A
221 g issued? N/A
Gender of beneficiary: Male
Religious difference? Yes
Religious background of beneficiary: Hindu
Age Difference? I (petitioner) am 3 years older
Method of meeting (online, in person, etc): In person while we were working for Carnival Cruise Lines
Engagement Ceremony? None
Traditional (Indian) Wedding Ceremony (N/A if going through K-1)? Court marriage, witnessed by 1 co-colleague of ours & her husband from the ships, plus 2 of his long-time friends, who I met prior to our deciding to get married.  
Has beneficiary ever been to the US? Yes, only on C1/D seamen's visa, B2 was denied last year (most likely too much of an immigration risk)
Does beneficiary have relatives in the US? No
Family approval? From my side 100%, his side, not so much. I've only met them once, they were not thrilled when he told them we married.  They don't care that I'm American, they just wanted him to be settled in a good job before marriage.  They don't care about arranged marriage, they are not super traditional. They are concerned for our financial well-being and until then cannot give their full support. :-(  Jobs in the US will help the situation. 
Co-Sponsor required? Yes, my father.
How much time has petitioner spent with beneficiary in person? 2 years on the ship, 2 months in India prior to our marriage and currently almost a year in India waiting for his visa approval.  I will repatriate to the US once his interview is assigned.
















 

I'm nervous that his parents don't give approval.  But I'm angered at the possibility that the the interviewing officer can flag us for that.  What right do they have to say we can't live together because his family doesn't approve?  That should be a family issue only, not one that the government steps in on!  Other than that I feel our case is strong because we've spent loads of time together.  No engagement or family at our court marriage, but we spent at least a year getting to know each other and spending time together before deciding to get married.


Jilly30FemaleIndia2014-01-09 09:02:00
IndiaVAC biometrics confusion

And now we are really pissed off.  This website: http://www.ustraveld...v-visaapply.asp

 says under step 5, that there is an option of proceeding based on your category.  We are category 1...NVC scheduled our appointment, we just need to schedule VAC.  After logging in, this never comes up!  There is no option for this!

 

And then when we try to go ahead with clicking the only viable button on the site that even remotely applies to us, "new application/new appointment"...we get as far a profile information and it tells us the details match a profile with the same email address ID as the one I"m currently signed in with!!!!  And it says if you've forgotten your password, blah bla blah...how can they have this error when I'm signed in as that exact user id?!  WTH is wrong with this site?!  

 

How is my husband going to schedule his VAC!??!?!  


Jilly30FemaleIndia2014-04-14 15:19:00
IndiaVAC biometrics confusion

Hello,

 

I'm a bit confused how to apply for the VAC appointment for my husband.  We are at the ustraveldocs site and he has a login  ID from his previous b2 application, so we get that far....but then we get confused once we're on the home page.

 

Do we just click on the new application/schedule appointment button on the left? And then just fill all the information there?

 

That eventually gets us to scheduling VAC...not interview right...since interview is already scheduled by NVC?


Jilly30FemaleIndia2014-04-14 14:34:00
K-3 Spousal Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI129F for Spouse Approved

 

The embassy must now close it vs the NVC closing it.  You are right, I'm not saying you're not, but I don't know how intelligent the people at your embassy are.  The USCIS also says the K3 is not an obsolete visa but it is.  Remember USCIS = Department of Homeland Security and the NVC and Embassy = Department of State.  It's like your left hand telling your right foot what it's supposed to do.  

 

Either way, I think, doing the document intake and chasing the CR1 visa will make the choice for you.  Likely the Mumbai embassy will close the I-129F but I'm not going to say they WILL for sure because that would be a definite answer on something I just simply don't know.  Strangely enough I have the intelligence to say "I don't know" when I actually just do not know.

 

But you guys have a nice day.  I hope it all works out for ya and your journey is soon at an end. 

LOL a perfect analogy for sure.  I think a lot of the US government is like that unfortunately.

 

Even though we are tired of waiting and the thought of the K3 was nice & refreshing, I think chasing the K3 would just result in a lot of pointless work, we might as well conserve our mental energy and just wait out the CR1 hopefully only a little bit longer.   

 

Thanks for your input though, I really appreciate it! :-)


Jilly30FemaleIndia2014-01-13 03:13:00
K-3 Spousal Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI129F for Spouse Approved

They didn't arrive together or else the NVC would never have mailed you that notice.  However, I agree that the K3 route will still likely be closed due to an approved I-130 however that will now be up to the Mumbai embassy.  A K3 is about twice as much as a CR1 because of the adjustment of status.  

How can it be up to the embassy when the USCIS wording clearly states that in order to be eligible for a K3 you must have a "pending" I-130?  My I-130 has already been approved.  I mean, if its up to the embassy then does that mean I can still apply for it?  How would that even work if it was granted? I thought you became ineligible for the non-immigrant visa once your immigrant visa became available. 


Jilly30FemaleIndia2014-01-12 22:29:00
K-3 Spousal Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI129F for Spouse Approved

 

Who sent you the notification that the I-129F is on the way to the Mumbai embassy, the USCIS or the NVC?

 

PS.. Your I-130 isn't pending, it's approved.  

 

The notification about the I-129f being forwarded to Mumbai (bombay) is from NVC and includes a case number beginning with "bmb" and has the Department of State seal at the top of the letter.

 

Right...the petition is approved, the "case" is pending an NVC case number being assigned.

 

From what I've researched so far, it indeed sounds like the letter they sent is null & void since the I-130 has already been approved by USCIS. Just wish they wouldn't send such communications that are basically useless.  However, on the positive side, maybe that means our I-130 case number is close at hand, since the two applications would have arrived together and the I-129f has clearly been reviewed already. :-)


Jilly30FemaleIndia2014-01-12 11:54:00
K-3 Spousal Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI129F for Spouse Approved

 

Well before you give ray of hope you haven't reported anything that hasn't been known.. All I-130 and I-129F get adjudicated together now and go to NVC. That's been reported by USCIS since September. NVC is the one that will close the I-129F because there is an approved I-130 on the books.

 

Don't go by what a operator says on the phone they have no idea about a K3.

 

But please do keep us posted. I would love for you to come back and say well dwheels I got issued a K3. I will be happy with you. All the best.

 

 

NVC closing the case is not always the situation apparently.  My situation, as with another poster in this forum, is that like the OP here NOA2 was received from USCIS for BOTH I-129f & I-130 on the same day.  Interestingly enough my I-129f went back into "initial review"  at USCIS a few days later & I received notification of this.  So I never checked on the I-129f at NVC, but began calling with my I-130 receipt number to check if it had arrived.  

 

My I-130 has been confirmed as arriving at NVC on 12-20-2013.  I'm still waiting on a case #.  Today, I received a letter dated Jan 8, 2014 saying they received my approved I-129f and have forwarded to the Mumbai embassy.

 

Clearly I had two cases at NVC at the same time and the I-129f did not get closed.  Now I'm at a loss as to what to do.  The letter says he should go ahead and apply, but as per USCIS wording, to be eligible for a K-3 visa you must have a pending I-130.  His has already been approved and is "pending", but at NVC, not USCIS.  We don't know if its even worth it to TRY to apply for the K-3 given that the I-130 is already approved.  

 

I think things never get "closed" or "canceled" officially, they just become obsolete or ineligible maybe, but letters and notifications get sent out automatically because they don't recognize the exceptions to the rules. 


Jilly30FemaleIndia2014-01-12 04:43:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Affidavit of Support Bill payment

Hi there,

 

I'm a Ir/CR-1 visa petitioner, United States citizen petitioning for my husband, Indian citizen.  I'm trying to get an understanding of everything that goes on in the NVC step of the process, since hopefully we will be there soon!

 

I filed the paperwork for the visa from my home in the US (living with parents), but then went to India to be with my husband during the long waiting period.  All the documents and communication will be going to my home in the states as that is still my legal residence.  Parents will be scanning and faxing information as it arrives.  

 

I recently read on the ***removed*** website that the AOS fee does not need to be paid if submitted to the US embassy or consulate abroad.  But then the Dept. of State website says payments cannot be made to embassies.  I'm confused.  If I'm in Mumbai, will I still have to pay the fees online or can I take  the form and submit it to the local embassy?

 

Any clarity in this mater would be greatly appreciated.  I want to be as prepared as possible for the next step...we've been waiting long enough as it is!

 

Thanks


Jilly30FemaleIndia2013-09-27 04:10:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Starting NVC step, currently abroad

Hello,

 

Just searching for some advice.  I am the US petitioner for my Indian husband and we are currently residing for the past 8 months in Mumbai waiting for the USCIS approval (we just received NOA2 this week).  We did not file DRF, I came to India after filing.

 

My original plan was to stay here with him until his interview was scheduled and then return home to re-domicile and restart my job.  I will already be able to prove domicile with no problem for the NVC paperwork, but figured being in the US at the time of his interview would just be more helpful to his case.  

 

However, as I now understand it, NVC schedules the interview FOR HIM?  What if the interview comes too quickly, not allowing me enough time to get back to the US?  We were expecting to be able to have at least a month between completing NVC and him going for interview.  What is the likelihood of the interview coming quicker than that?  Should I leave before we are done with the NVC step?  

 

Anyone living abroad in similar situation?  Also please feel free to direct me to any other threads that might be able to help me out...I've been scroll through quite a few already.

 

Thanks!


Jilly30FemaleIndia2013-12-11 04:01:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPursuing both CR-1 and K3

I think I'm also going to be in the same boat...both my I-130 & I-129f were approved today.  So basically I'm just waiting to see where the I-129f gets cancelled?  NVC might cancel it when they get the I-130 or the consulate will cancel it when they see the I-130?  


Jilly30FemaleIndia2013-12-11 04:18:00
India2 months from case complete to interview?

We just got approved for my fiance's K1 Visa this past Wednesday from Ukraine. Received NOA 1 on March 8th. Total days from NOA 1 to Visa approval was 180 days. We did not wait for the consulate to send out ANY packet. If that was the case, we would still be waiting today. We got the case number from the NVC (3 weeks after it was sent from TSC, they said can take up to 8 weeks) paid the visa fee and immediately scheduled her medical exam then the next week did her visa interview. We just received a notice yesterday that the NVC were sending the case to Kiev, Ukraine and to wait for the consulate to send the packet to her house by mail. This is 3 days after she's already had her interview and been approved! Snail mail perhaps?! If we played by the rules she wouldn't even of had her medical exam yet! We were tired of waiting and it worked in our favor. Once we had the consulate case number from the NVC we paid the visa fee at the bank. The next day scheduled the medical exam. Once she passed the medical exam I scheduled her interview online using the number they give you from the visa payment receipt.  She picks up her visa on Monday or Tuesday. I go get her next Thursday to bring her to USA...I bet we still won't even have our packet from the consulate yet. Who cares...we got what we wanted. There was no sense in waiting another 4-6 weeks for nothing but laziness on the NVC and consulates side, or whatever you want to call it...more like expected delays! Everyones consulate is different and we are very lucky to have this Visa process completed in 6 months. I read we didn't have to wait for the packet and took a chance moving forward. She was missing some code that would be in the packet but she played stupid at the interview and they pulled up her code on the computer and blamed it on a printer error. I think because my girl went through the trouble and spoke English during her interview instead of Russian. Her English isn't great but they really respected she tried her best. They understood her and she understood all the questions the first time around. The waiting game sucks...it really really does. I guess we found a loophole to speed things up by about a month. But check VJ for how people did this process for your country. In Ukraine, for example, we couldn't pay the visa fee online but could schedule the interview online. She has a pick up location for her visa, it can't be shipped. Once you get your NOA 2 wait about 2 weeks and call the NVC everyday. I called at 8am (eastern time) every morning and never waited on hold not one second. Also check your case status on USCIS for any updates. We noticed they updated online and we got our hard copies weeks later or never got one at all. Best of luck. I'm sure the process will be over soon. So we were able to get our process done from when the case hit the NVC to visa approval about 5 weeks. If we waited for the packet, that still hasn't arrived, I bet it would be 8 weeks or longer. If you can do everything without waiting for the checklist, like we did, go ahead! Depends on the country, you can download all in the information and do everything yourself. This is the case in Ukraine. Another country I have no clue. But yes 2 months seems normal. Maybe even longer. 


Mike BowmanMaleUkraine2013-09-07 21:49:00
USCIS Service CentersVSC december filers - where are you transfered, any news?

I just received the I-797C Transfer Notice. My NOA1 was on March 7th 2013. Still no update from people who received this in May? We also are wondering how long the process is from the day we received this notice. We are hoping we are not having to start our 4 months all over again. I'm still waiting to read where someone has a timeline of when they got their I-797C to getting their NOA2. Somebody has to have heard something by now because it would have been 2 months since May. So far it seems like no one has definite answer on this and I have a feeling when I call I will get the same things as everyone else...an unassured timeline. From what I'm reading I'm the only one with a March NOA 1 so far. Any info would be awesome! 


Mike BowmanMaleUkraine2013-07-14 06:24:00
USCIS Service CentersWhyyyyyyyyyyy????

As much as I hate to say it....after you get the visa...the hard part begins. My wife now complains she can't work or drive. She can't contribute to the family. She can't buy her own things. She is 100% dependent on ME! We are doing our AOS...K1 took 6 months (we felt lucky compared to some) We waited 3 months just for an Employment Authorization and Advanced Parole. It took my wife months of getting used to American food. Her English is improving daily but she worries its not good enough to get a job. Trust me...be patient...you may have many more months left before the real fun begins. Its been rough! We will be happy with the green card so she can start getting her own car and driving. Don't get me started on the medical hell the last 6 months has been! Wait is all I can say.


Mike BowmanMaleUkraine2014-03-30 03:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine US Consulate new medical testing procedures????

Ok my girl is reading on her Ukrainian sites and over worries about EVERYTHING! So the new thing is now that in Ukraine she is saying that K1 applicants need to take some sort of culture (as in virus) exam, wait 6 weeks, and if it comes back clean she can get approved for her visa after all the other stuff involved. Here's the catch. She's reading that the hospital is showing good examinations but lying about the analysis. Then the doctor stamps her passport with some sort of "non approval" then the girl can basically never get a visa. So now she's frantically worried this is going to happen to her. As if this US consulate approved hospital needs to be paid off in order for the approval to go through. She said that she has read girls who got denied but took the analysis to another doctor and they said there was nothing wrong with it. On top of this, a 6 week wait? Anybody know anything about this? I suggested she get a duplicate travel passport, get her own analysis done, and go from there. That way if some doctor tries to BS her she has a backup travel passport with no denial stamp on it and can tell if the doctor is lying or not. She talks about how the US Consulate changes the rules every time she goes on the site, but yet, when I go on there it always looks the same....Some closure would be nice....thanks


Mike BowmanMaleUkraine2013-05-01 02:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusConsulate sent username and password for profile

Hi! My girl just received an email out of the blue from the Ukraine Consulate called "Your US Travel Documents Customer Portal". Can anybody tell us what this means and if they sent this what is a timeline before we are issued our NOA2? I'm thinking they are finally working on our K1 petition but I have no clue. It doesn't have much for us to do inside this portal site. Any help would be great!

 

Mike


Mike BowmanMaleUkraine2013-07-01 03:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWalMart Cash Cards not working for Cash Withdrawal in Ukraine

Ukraine is funny with their bank machines. My Visa debit card will work in most machines but every now and then my card won't work in an ATM. They dont have the best banking structure there


Mike BowmanMaleUkraine2013-08-23 08:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusDS2001 Please HELP! Ukraine Consulate

Hi Everyone! I really need some help with this question. I have a DS2001....what the hell do I do with this thing? I'm reading on other forums I need to send that in along with the DS156, DS156k, and DS230 to get the interview set up. Well here's the deal...I have the interview set up already. I did it myself online. Once I had the NVC KEV****** case number we went ahead, paid the visa fees, set up the medical exam, and after we got our receipt I set her interview up online. The DS2001 is a readiness form to make sure you have everything ready for the interview then they set up the interview....am I missing something here???? Ukraine consulate says I can set the interview up for her online...which I had no problem doing. Should I fill out the DS2001, send in the documents, and attach a memo stating we have an interview set up? I'm confused because I read on the Ukraine consulate site this: 

 

What forms should be send back to the Consulate? Nothing ball.gif Other Forms (if any)? 1 External passport or/and child?s travel document(original)
2 Birth certificate (ORIGINAL, COPY, TRANSLATION)
3 Court decree of sole legal custody of the child (if applicable) (ORIGINAL, COPY, TRANSLATION)
4 Police certificate(ORIGINAL, TRANSLATION)
5 Military records (if applicable)(ORIGINAL, COPY, TRANSLATION)
6 Evidence of financial support (ORIGINALs)
7 Divorce decree (if applicable)(ORIGINAL, COPY, TRANSLATION)
8 Marriage certificate/change of name certificate (if applicable) (ORIGINAL, COPY, TRANSLATION)
9 Marriage certificate for K-3 applicants (only if you were married in the US) - original
10 Death certificate (if applicable)(ORIGINAL, COPY, TRANSLATION)
11 Adoption decree (if applicable) (ORIGINAL, COPY, TRANSLATION)

You must also bring with you the following:

13. Two color photographs signed on back for each applicant.
14. DS-156 form ? Nonimmigrant Visa Application (2 copies) and DS-156 K? Nonimmigrant Fiance(e) Visa Application (one copy).
? Every numbered part must be completed.
? Do not use dashes or the letters ?N/A? or abbreviations.
Application must be presented by each fiancé(e) (K-1) visa applicant.
? K-2 applicants (children of K-1 applicants), K-3 and K-4 applicants (children of K-3applicants) complete only two
copies of form DS-156 ? Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
? If the child is included on your passport, you should use your passport information to fill out the child?s application.

 

As you see it says :send nothing back to the consulate...but yet it does not mention anything about a DS230 form. I see it mentions the DS156 and DS156K. So I'm lost and it's already Tuesday. Her exam is this Friday and interview next Wednesday. We are starting to get the packet together, we have all the forms just clueless about if we even need to send in this DS2001 and what to do with the DS230. Any help would be awesome!!!! I'm sure some consulates are different...not sure but this is for Ukraine























Mike BowmanMaleUkraine2013-08-27 02:17:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Is there any problem with vsc & tsc k1 cases to be shipped to nvc after NO2????

Mine also...was approved on July 25th and still nothing from NVC...been almost a month...but then I got something from my USCIS Case Status stating this:

 

Post Decision Activity

On August 14, 2013, we shipped this approved or re-affirmed case to the Department of State for visa processing. For more information, please contact them directly.

For approved applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include USCIS sending notification of the approved application/petition to the National Visa Center or the Department of State. For denied applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include the processing of an appeal and/or motions to reopen or reconsider and revocations.

I was on hold as of writing this with NVC and I finally got my case #!!!!!! Yay!!!!! So it took 1 week from this date on my USCIS Case Status


Mike BowmanMaleUkraine2013-08-21 14:01:00