ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWhats wrong with USCIS?

I hate it so much when people ask me "You got married? Why didn't she come back with you to the States?" Idiots, no one knows how completely useless, lazy, and badly-run the USCIS is! And no one understands that we have the worst immigration system in the world! If my wife was from a developed country I would never even think about bringing her to this rotting cesspool we call America!


Seriously I have no idea why someone married to a German, Canadian, or British citizen would want to bring their spouses to live here, this country sucks. If I could get work over there I would move in 1 second and never come back. 


 

I'm a K-1 filer, and we've been doing this for over 6 months now and still have about another 2 months to go.  Whenever I tell a friend or acquaintance about the process up until this point, they go all bug-eyed and say "I had no idea you had to go through all of this for citizenship!" I can't stop myself from bursting into laughter.  No.  This is NOT for citizenship.  It's not even a green card... just a visa.  The wait times for every step are amazingly long and the instructions on the website have been vague at best and flat-out wrong at worst.  It's absolutely ridiculous.  

We're now at the embassy stage.  It took 6 weeks just for them to get our file to the embassy.  And now we're being told that it will be another four weeks before we even know when his interview will be.  It seriously takes them a month just to schedule the interview!  Meanwhile we'll be watching our wedding date come and go with no visa mad.gif

 

Honestly, I think we made our decision too quickly.  I wanted to stay here because of my friends and community, he always wanted to live in the US since he was a kid, so the decision seemed like an easy one at first.  The more time I spend in the UK and the more time he spends here, though, the less comfortable we are with that choice.  Since we're so far into it, we're going to continue (I'm not quite ready to leave anyways) but we do plan on moving back to the UK in about 5-10 years.  


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-10-30 16:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 APPROVED IN 19 DAYS

I don't blame people for their skepticism.  Trolling seems to be on the rise lately.  Glad to see that's not the case here, though.  Congrats!


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-22 13:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsthis is totally ridicoulous

 

 

I just want to say that if the estimate time says that our NOA2 will come within april 2nd and now it is april 15th, there is something wrong about it.

 

I thought it was April 8th.

Yes, it is "wrong", but there was nothing but luck that could've ever made it correct in the first place. It's kind of like getting mad at your doctor because your baby was born on April 15th when she said your due date was April 8th.


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-04-15 11:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsthis is totally ridicoulous

VJ or USCIS?

 

Yes.


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-04-15 10:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsRelax
I get what everyone's saying, but telling people in this situation to relax is kind of like telling a depressed person to "just cheer up".

Thanks for trying but please understand, you've made it to the point we all want to be at. It's much easier for you to even contemplate the concept of relaxing. Myself and mine, we just started this, and there are a million things, mostly related to money and timing, that make it nearly impossible to relax. Because of money reasons (and how little vacation time we get in the US), there is a really good chance we won't get to see each other until I'm picking him up from the airport, K-1 in hand, and who on earth knows when that'll be? That sort of changes the equation a little. There's so many little things to add to the stress, like working your Skype time around two schedules that are 6 hours apart, or trying to figure out when his house should be put on the market, or worrying about what he's going to do for a job when his work contract ends in August (unlikely we'll have our NOA2 by then), or reading about how we just got assigned what is apparently the slowest processing center. No housework to do, no garden to tend, and trust me, I'm already memorizing the next step and creating checklists (itself another stressor; you have to admit this stuff is pretty intimidating).

I'm not saying this because I think I'm winning some sort of pity contest here or that your journey wasn't as difficult as ours might be. I'm saying it so that you'll understand what this looks like to others who don't have the hard part in their rearview mirror yet.
Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-04-12 17:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAlien Number Assigned 4 days after getting NOA1

Do you know which service center you've been assigned?


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-05-18 19:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsPost NOA1

As I sit here and grow frustrated as I see filers that got sent to CSC being processed to almost 01-2013, and the VSC continues to drone on and not even be processing into 12-2012, I noticed something on USCIS site about my case.  I received my NOA1 on 1-24-2013, but on 1-31-2013, they updated the website and sent me a text message stating this:

 

On January 31, 2013, your Alien Registration Number was changed relating to your I129F, PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please check our website at www.uscis.gov for further updates on your case. Please wait until the end of normal processing time before calling customer service at 1-800-375-5283 for live assistance.

 

Can someone tell me what this means?

 

I received the same thing about a week after I got my text/email NOA1 notification.  It's just saying that the Alien Registration Number has been assigned (I don't know why they say "changed" since you didn't have one before - must just be a boilerplate thing).  It doesn't mean they're actually processing your file. 


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-15 18:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCan the K1 visa process go faster ??

But remember that if you don't prepare required documents, prayers won't get you anhywhere.

 

Amen ;)


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-26 12:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHow will i know that my postal delivery has been received?

I received my text/email notification over a week after the packet was sent, and then got the the letter in the mail at the two week mark.  I wouldn't worry if you haven't gotten your notification yet.


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-02 21:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFiance sucks!!

Is he married before he met you? if he was, you need to understand that his feeling is not steady yet. From the way he didn't cancel the RFE shows that actually deep inside he's still love you. But, if he wasn't married before he met you then you need to forget about him, he's not the one for you. (believe me!)

 

People can still be unsteady without having been married before.  This is a scary process.  People get "cold feet" all the time, even without all the red tape, bureaucracy, and strains of long-distance relationships!  My own fiance and I separated for a month because of the strain.

 

I had a pair of friends who were deeply, deeply in love.  The female in the relationship, however, started having feelings for another woman, and she began to wonder if she was gay.  She was terrified, but her boyfriend was understanding and let her go explore these feelings she had (he was hurt, for sure, but was following the advise of "if you love them, let them go").  She spent two months with this other woman and the relationship fizzled when she realized she couldn't get her boyfriend out of her head.  She and he got back together, and now, several years later, they are very happily married with two children.

 

In both my case and my friends' case, the relationship after the break was stronger and surer than ever before because it helped us realize how much we couldn't live within our SOs.


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-04 09:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFiance sucks!!

Very sorry to hear this, it must be absolutely heartbreaking!  But yes, it's good you found out now... it's not just a matter of "waiting three months" if he had feelings for someone else.  Those feelings don't go away just because you say "I do".  It's better that he was honest, because now you are free to go on with your life and neither of you are just "going through the motions".  It's just the end of a chapter, hun, you've still got the rest of the book ahead of you!


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-03 15:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCase transferred, give government another 180 days???!???!?!?!?!

There are CSC people with NOA1s from July of last year who are still waiting while CSC are already up to March (and possibly April) filers.  Meanwhile, I keep seeing people who are abandoning their applications for various reasons and moving to their fiance/e's or spouse's country.  One person who did this (I can't remember the country, though) said it was only a two week turnaround ohmy.png

 

Even the UK, who seem to be doing their d*mnedest to keep people out, list the turnaround as 2-12 weeks.  


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-09 10:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMy God is Awesome!!!

Congrats!

 

The hard-working people of the Vermont Service Center, the lawmakers who wrote the laws that allow us to bring our loved ones home, and you, for filling out the forms, paying the fees, and being ever so patient and supporting, are awesome.   Give credit where credit is due.

 

 


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-25 22:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsi129 noa2

April 12th NOA1, no NOA2 yet.  I'm not expecting it for another month or two.  

If it comes sooner, I will be very pleasantly surprised, but I'm not keeping my hopes up for it.


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-13 20:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCSC March & April K-1 Filers

Haha, I see. Well it's the first marriage for either or us lol.

  

 

Good luck with your approval and your wedding plans :)


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-03 21:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCSC March & April K-1 Filers

 

You are officially the coolest people on this forum.

 

Sorry everyone else, but for reals. Coolest ever!

 

Yay fellow whovians!!! That's epic. On a totally different topic have you seen the immaculate doctor who wedding video?? Its incredible. If only I won the lottery.

 

wub.png  Thank you :)

 

I think I have seen it, if it's the same one I'm thinking of.

 

Also, the beautifully-creative Firefly wedding! <3


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-03 20:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCSC March & April K-1 Filers

Haha, that sounds awesome. Yeah, we've started getting heavy with the wedding planning ourselves. Of course, we cannot officially book or reserve, send out invites, anything like that, but we have already picked out the place, gotten reception ideas set, music selected, and she is even having her wedding dress made. We have a tentative hopeful date too - of December 29th. smile.png

 

 

Honestly there really isn't any wedding planning for us.  It'll be the two of us, the officiant (a friend of ours), and our closest friends (who are like our family here in Chicago).  I have a nice vintage dress, he has his grandfather's suit.  That's all we need or want.

 

I did the whole traditional ceremony for my last marriage.  Wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy laughing.gif


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-03 20:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCSC March & April K-1 Filers

Would it be terrible of me if I kicked my feet and said "No, NOW!" ;)


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-03 16:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCSC March & April K-1 Filers

I thought I'd make a thread that allows us CSCers to discuss our upcoming approvals, as all the other threads seem to be dominated by VSCers or TSCers.

Our time is at hand, and just when it is, it seems that CSC is really slowing down. My fiance and I were hopeful of an interview in early October, when I will be visiting, but now that might be in jeopardy with the slowdown and we may have to settle for a late November interview, the next time I can come. I do want to be there for the interview. So it goes. Maybe, though, some adjunctators are just on vacation and will return to action after the 4th of July weekend. So we will see. smile.png

How about the rest of you? Any of you excited about seeing an approval soon? smile.png



Are you kidding? ABSOLUTELY.

 

When I was starting to see March filers get approved, I was very excited!  We're hoping to have our wedding at the end of November, on the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who (yes, we are that nerdy... we met in a Doctor Who forum) which we can do if we get approved soon!


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-03 15:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThey forget to send NOA2 hard copy???

 

It would behoove you to get a hardcopy NOA2 at some point. You will need it later on in your immigration journey, specifically, at the AOS process. To get a replacement NOA2 hardcopy will cost you in excess of $400. [Specifically $405]

 

 

Does anyone else find that exorbitant and ridiculous?  That's more expensive than the fee you paid to get the NOA2 the first time around.  What on earth could possibly be the justification for this?


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-21 10:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsnow i am really anxious

No need to be anxious, dear.  Our NOA1s are two days apart :) Looking at Igors list there are people who applied way after us and they already have their approvals, but there are also people who applied before us who are still waiting.  Files are assigned to different processors, and they work at different speeds.  Nothing's wrong, this is just how it happens. It'll come soon :)


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-31 10:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports1-129f approved. Waiting for case number

I've been reading that this part of the process has been taking way longer than it used to... as in 2-4 weeks.  Don't get worried just yet.  Keep calling until you get the number.


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-26 10:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWas this NOA2? Not sure? :S

 

Cool, I had some of this info collected in my research but the additional stuff helps out too.

 

In regards to the immunization stuff, did you just book an appointment with a doctor and ask for them? Or is there more to it?

 

I'm the petitioner, not the beneficiary... just one of those people who feels much better by having a good grasp of stuff even when it's not my part to play (in other words, I want to be able to keep my fiance on track) laughing.gif

Unfortunately we haven't gotten so far as the immunizations yet.  It's my understanding that you are not actually required to have the immunizations to get your K-1; it's at Adjustment of Status that this becomes necessary.  It's just that most people take care of them while still in the UK because, well, it's d*mn*d expensive here.  

Looking at various forums it doesn't seem that you need to have a special "approved" doctor administer them or anything.  "Travel nurse" is being bandied about quite a bit.  So you're probably good just going to your normal GP or whoever.  That's what we're planning to do.


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-01 16:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWas this NOA2? Not sure? :S

 

Thanks for that. So from this point on, we should:

  • wait and see if we get a notification NOA2 letter from USCIS.
  • wait about a couple of weeks to get a letter from NVC regarding the next step, and give them a call to get our case number and any other info.
  • we should now put together our support package, fill the forms and get the transcripts and other paperwork.

Is that pretty much right?

 

 

I put this together when I was trying to wrap my brain around the process.  

This is my understanding of the procedure from NOA2 to POE but I would welcome anybody who might want to correct or clarify as necessary.

 

http://www.visajourn...n-the-us-notes/


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-31 16:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWas this NOA2? Not sure? :S

 

Sweet-as! Our estimate was for the end of August according to my timeline so this is a nice surprise.

 

But this lack of communication from them still leaves me bewildered. Now that the case has been sent to NVC, is this now where we wait for NVC to send us the letter requesting the Affidavit of Support package? Do they not send us email updates either? Was the e-notification form just for USCIS?

 

You'll probably get the letter in the mail very shortly.  The email and text notifications don't always work.  No need to be worried, it happens.  I keep checking the website, too, for that reason... just in case.

 

You can contact NVC in a week or two and ask them for your case number.  That way, you'll know that it's being processed like normal and you have the number to refer to if you have any questions in the future.  I've been reading that they're a bit slow right now (Vermont seems to have kicked off recently so maybe that's why) so don't be too concerned if that week or two passes and they still don't have anything for you.


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-31 10:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportscontacting USCIS

Can you get a copy of the packet that the lawyer sent so you can check it yourself?


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-16 20:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI'm sorry but,,, (merged)

I keep GroupOns for my favorite spa in my car so that if I have a bad day at work, I just drive over and sit in the hot tubs and saunas for a few hours.  Taking the hubby-to-be there in a couple weeks, too.  Nothing beats it.


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-16 13:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI'm sorry but,,, (merged)

...spend a day at a Day Spa, getting a body scrub and whatnots.   

 

Congratulations ! 

 

ohmy.png 

 

Creepy.  That is exactly what I did.  

 

Well, after I called my best friend at 10pm crying and shaking with happiness, of course.

 

 

 

...and the body scrub was DIY... cuz I'm poor whistling.gif

 

 

 

 

In all seriousness, though, getting the approval felt amazing.  Like a ton had literally been lifted off my shoulders.  Best anti-depressant ever.


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-15 16:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMy life has changed Forever..........

Poor Vermont Service Center staff.  They never get the credit they deserve ;)


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-08 19:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK1 and DS-260

Here's a good thread about it: http://www.visajourn...0-for-k-1-visa/

 

Looks like we do but the details are still fuzzy.


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-10 14:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsGot in through Detroit! Had a small bump to overcome...

My fiance, while connecting through Detroit on his way here to Chicago, was pulled to the side, had all his belongings thoroughly searched, and was interrogated for 45 minutes.  (He said it wasn't that bad, though; they weren't overly rude or authoritarian in their approach or anything.)  With all the flying back and forth that my fiance and I have done, with all the different airports we've been through (due to layovers and varying destinations), Detroit is the only airport on either side of the Atlantic in which either of us has experienced this, so it was a bit of a surprise.  

 

All of the other airports let us straight through after a few basic questions and have been almost disappointing in what they've asked to see... both of us always bring adequate documentation showing we have ties to our home countries and are not at any risk to stay illegally, but we haven't been asked for them.  It's like, c'mon, I went through all this work, let me show you my apartment lease and letter from my employer! *lol*  All they really have cared about is seeing a booked return flight, and then it's all "enjoy your visit" :)

 

Chicago O'Hare has treated us well (wonder which Chicago airport ShamoLisa is referring to, O'Hare or Midway?)  They seem to be really focused on getting everyone through very quickly.  They do an excellent job of that and have never given us any extra hassle about anything.  Customer service does sort of fall through the cracks in the rush, though I did have one experience where a TSA officer saw I was nervous (I don't really like flying, and this happened to be my first international trip) so he talked with me, complimenting my tattoos and such, to put me more at ease.  I thought that was really sweet.  


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-16 10:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFor those stressed out by waiting, read on...

NOA1 is little more than an acknowledgement that your check had the right amount on it.  A year and a half for that?  I would be FURIOUS!


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-11-20 14:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI 129F Instructions! has anybody else been as stupid?:(

We almost did the same thing.  It was before we discovered VJ, and I thought most of the paperwork would be handled by the beneficiary at that time, and the beneficiary in question thought the process started out with just that one form (the I129F).  When he realized I needed to complete it, he turned it over to me, and that's when I saw the instructions.  They really confused me, so I did some Googling, and that's how I found VJ.  It took me about a month or so to gather up everything needed (but that was mostly because I kept second-guessing myself and it was a couple weeks before I was satisfied enough to turn it in).

 

 

Most of the waiting time is the package just sitting in a box waiting to be touched.  You're past that, at the front of the line now, essentially, so just get all your stuff in, and it probably won't be too long!


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-09-04 10:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsStill waiting for Noa2 - filed in July 2013 for k1

I wouldn't be too shocked if the K-1 processing times are going to slow down.  There was recently some reshuffling of the CR-1s to address the fact that their turnaround times were creeping up above 12 months.  

 

It's normal for other people who applied after you did, or around the same time, to get approved, sometimes with a difference of months.  I know when we were going through this, there were people getting approvals in 1-2 months, whereas ours took about 4, if I remember correctly (and there were still people who took longer than that).  


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-30 11:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSame Sex K-1 I-129F Filed

 

I know NOA1 is not a big deal, but still this was very exciting for me and my fiance. 

 

Given the circumstances, it's a HUGE deal! :D

Congratulations!  I'm so very, very happy that you are finally allowed this opportunity along with the rest of us, and I can only apologize that it took so long for it to be made right! Good luck with your application! kicking.gif


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-08-02 09:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWaiting for embassy?

Good luck! :)


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-04-14 20:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWaiting for embassy?

I don't think that's an unusually long wait.  If you look at my signature, it was about 3 weeks between receipt of NOA2 and the file arriving at NVC, and then my fiance got the "packet 3" letter about a month after that (so a total of almost 2 months).

Have you tried calling to see when/if the file was received at NVC?


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-04-14 11:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsPanicking like Crazy!

I believe you'd be fine with the co-sponsor.  I mean, the whole reason they allow co-sponsorship is for people who can't meet the minimum requirements on their own... otherwise, if being below poverty automatically got your denied, why would they even have co-sponsors in the first place?  The only thing that might be an issue is that there is a time limit on how long they will be "supporting" you.  

 

I've never heard of an education requirement.  Were there even any questions regarding education level on the forms?  

 

It's hard to say whether or not the previous attempt at entering the country will affect your chances.  I wouldn't worry about it too much, though.  It's not like Canada is a high-risk country, and you are doing it the right way now.  I do have a friend from Canada who was booted from the US because of a stupid teen prank and even he was eventually allowed back in.  You might have to provide a written explanation of the event before they approve you, or go through an interview during the AOS process, but I wouldn't think you'd be flat-out denied because of it.


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2014-08-29 12:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage by Proxy Can You do this and How???

 

I for one, would like to know what is USCIS/DOS definition of consummated. blush.png

 

Judging by how relatively lenient they are about proof that you've met (hey look, we were in the same city!) I would imagine something similar would count.  But then my question is, if you have to meet in person (to "prove" you consummated the proxy marriage) anyways, why do the marriage by proxy in the first place?


 

How did she come on a K1 if you had already married (albeit by proxy) before she came to the US?

 

I was wondering this too.  Maybe because, by US law, the proxy marriage wasn't valid?  But then why do the proxy marriage in the first place?  I think I'm missing something...


Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-06-28 12:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAdding spouse on finances and benefits

 

 

I don't understand what you mean by two years worth of documents.  I just got married and will be adding her to these benefits, but by the time she gets her interview it will probably be only 9 or 10 months since we've been married smile.png

 

Oh, my mistake!!! I came here from the front page, not the forums, and I saw "K-1 visa" in the tags and thought this was what we were talking about.  Sorry!  (EDIT: Odd thing is, the second I posted this comment, three of the tags disappeared, and now it only says "Spouse visa" huh.png ).


Edited by Protocol417, 04 July 2013 - 12:21 PM.

Protocol417FemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-04 12:19:00