ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 Visa or just get married...????
QUOTE (EFrancis @ Oct 28 2008, 02:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Guys,

I am kind of new to all of this and must admit, I am finding a whole wealth of information out there about applying for a Visa and the processing times. But it's all so confusing!

I met my partner online in Jan, went out to see him in September in Florida and he is coming here (the uk) at Christmas to meet my family.

We know we want to be together and know, given i have a good level of education but am unlikely to be able to obtain a visa for a specialised skills section, the only way for us to do this is to get married.....not something that fazes either if us, because we want to!

What I am confused about is this.

Would it just be easier for us to get married when i go on a planned visit in March and try and stay there and get approved? Does it take longer for the process to go ahead? And during this process of approval to adjust my status would i be able to work?

I honestly dont know what to do. I look at some of these timelines and BOY! are they scary. We already took it so slowly and are finding it hard being apart. But i wouldnt want to put my partner in a situation where he would be the sole provider for an unknown period whilst an adjustment goes ahead.

The other thing that worries me.....if we did go down the K1 route and applied tomorrow, would they let me into the country for a planned visit in March? or would they be unlikely to approve it because I am trying to marry a citizen?

Has anyone gone through this themselves? Any and all help and advice is appreciated before we hurry head long into either the K1 process or plan to get married on entry in March.

Thanks

Ellie


If you enter the US on a visitor's visa with the intention of getting married, you are committing visa fraud. There are other ways to do it besides the K-1, but they all take time and being apart from your loved one. It sucks, but it's a small price to pay to eventually be with them when everything is said and done.

The immigration process requires the USC to support the immigrant because there is a time period when you will not be able to work (not to mention future situations that might come up). Immigration is expensive and you should be aware that it is very likely you will spend a couple months here before you're able to work and your other half will need to support you. If this isn't something that he is able to do then immigration to the US is probably not a feasible idea. Be prepared to pay a lot of money and spend a lot of time waiting on this process. In the meantime, do what you can on your end to save to help get through that time period as smoothly as possible. You'll probably have a good 6+ months of waiting from the time you file K-1 til you get here as it is, lots of time to help offset that financial burden you two will experience for the time you're unable to work.

Good luck!
myperfectflawFemaleAustralia2008-10-28 05:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTourist Visa
QUOTE (Maldez @ Oct 30 2008, 04:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was thinking an attorney would be able to help with specific answers as to the legality of entering the US on a tourist visa when the ultimate goal was marriage.


I still don't see what you expect the attorney to tell you that's any different. We already told you, it is not illegal to come over on a tourist visa even after the K-1 process has started. Whether she will be given the visa/allowed entry into the US is up to the person issuing it at the time it happens. Two people with exactly the same circumstances could get two different answers depending on which officer they get. There's no legal issues here, it is theoretically allowed. Simply a matter of what the human on the other end decides in order to determine if it will happen. There's nothing to do but give it a shot and see if she is permitted through. Unless there's some other issues that might hinder her that you're not divulging, then the cut and dry answer is yes, it is possible for her to come over on a tourist visa while you wait for the K-1 to be processed. How probable? No one knows until it's attempted.
myperfectflawFemaleAustralia2008-10-30 06:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTourist Visa
QUOTE (Maldez @ Oct 29 2008, 07:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Damn this stuff is complicated! Apparently, there is no clear-cut, black and white answer. Maybe she can, maybe she'll have trouble. It might be OK, it might not be. Maybe I need to find an immigration attorney.


There's no reason to hire an attorney, it won't have any effect on the POE officer, which is where the issue lies. You'd be wasting your money.
myperfectflawFemaleAustralia2008-10-30 03:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTourist Visa
QUOTE (JulietteDumont @ Oct 29 2008, 04:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Maldez @ Oct 29 2008, 02:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How long can someone with a tourist visa remain in the US? My fiancee, currently living in the Philippines, has her passport and I'm thinking of just bringing her to the US to live with me while we work on getting her the k-1 visa.

Does this make any sense?


If she doesn't have a tourist visa yet she can't get one anymore cuz' you began the K1. If she already has a tourist visa it is good, she can come 6 months and this visa is good for 10 years.


This is absolutely not true. She can attempt to come over at anytime during the process before the K-1 visa is received, however she might be denied entry at POE. It is up to the officer and whether or not they think she will be attempting to immigrate during that trip. Bring proof of ties to home and when questioned at the POE, be honest but don't offer extra info they can use against you. Say she's there to visit friends and family, not to visit fiance. There is no guarantee she will make it through, but it's not a cut and dry no.
myperfectflawFemaleAustralia2008-10-29 18:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is adjudicated???
QUOTE
Oh, and by the way, how did you add your timeline onto your message?


Click the link up top that says "my controls" and then the edit signature option on the left side of the page.
myperfectflawFemaleAustralia2008-11-03 20:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is adjudicated???
QUOTE (micherine @ Nov 3 2008, 04:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I sent the I-129F to CSC on 30 October. Yeah! So like any diligent VJ user, I filled in my VisaJourney timeline and it gave me back this statement:

"Based on timeline data, your I129f may be adjudicated between March 16, 2009 and March 21, 2009*."

What does adjudicated mean?? Does that mean, that if all goes smoothly, my fiance can get on a plane after this date?


From what I've gathered from other posts, that is your expected NOA2 date. According to your filing date, it's what would make the most sense.
myperfectflawFemaleAustralia2008-11-03 07:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAre Co Sponsors Accepted on K-1 Visa?
QUOTE (Luke and Deanna @ Nov 18 2008, 11:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have read so much information on many forums including this one that say "yes it is accepted" and have read "NO, it's not". Now this is a thing you really don't want to mix up. It could/would ruin your entire chances of getting this visa.


I am an 18 year old United States Citizen and my fiance is a 23 year old British Citizen. I am currently a student and do not have a job. I may be able to obtain a job before the application process but I was told by two attorneys today that as long as my father is making 125% above poverty minimum he is able to co sponsor me. By that being said all financial issues is taken care of and will not have to stress about that part of the form.


Is co sponsorship accepted. Note: He is british so we will be going through the US embassy in the US and the US embassy in the UK.

Thank you so much for helping clear things up with the co sponsor madness! ha.


The Embassy in London does allow co-sponsors so you should be fine.
myperfectflawFemaleAustralia2008-11-19 02:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresthe process
QUOTE (Msla @ Nov 18 2008, 11:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i am married awaiting a divorce, i'm in love with a canadian Woman. We want to be together. Is there anything we can do b4 my divorce is final to start the process?thank you for any help


You can start gathering proof of a relationship and maybe begin filling in forms and gathering other required documents, but you're limited to how much you can do at this point because you have to be able to marry at the time of filing. Until your divorce is final, and then any waiting periods are met if required by your state, you're kind of in a hold. Good luck to you!!
myperfectflawFemaleAustralia2008-11-19 02:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCo-sponsor question
QUOTE (Cailyn10289 @ Nov 6 2008, 08:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
This is bad news. I'm a full time student with no job. My mom is going to be my co-sponsor. Does it vary by consulate? Does anyone know about the London embassy? God I hope they allow it! I'm worried now!!


You should be fine, as long as she meets the requirements. I too am a full time student with no income (besides financial aid) and my mom will be sponsoring my fiance. Does your mom support you? If not, you will not be included in the household size. For us, it's just my mom and my fiance, so she makes well over the limit for it. London does accept co-sponsor's, so don't worry too much smile.gif
myperfectflawFemaleAustralia2008-11-07 08:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCo-sponsor question
QUOTE (dougiehossy @ Nov 3 2008, 10:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm curious to know if there is any type of set minimum income amount that a US citizen must make to be aproved?


Yes there is, it has to be 125% of the poverty level. Half way down this page is an easy chart to figure it out:

http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

Family size includes you, your fiance, and any children or other people in the household that you support/will support. For just you and fiance, it would be $17,500 for 2008.
myperfectflawFemaleAustralia2008-11-06 07:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHaving younger male fiancee
QUOTE (SomedaySomehow @ Nov 26 2008, 02:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Quick question to a comment posted above in this thread.

What countries are considered to have "high fraud" And is the process alot slower with those countries?

Thanks

Jeremy


Phillipines, Vietnam, China, Nigeria are a few. A lot of the countries that are "poorer" tend to be on the list.
myperfectflawFemaleAustralia2008-11-26 05:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSHOCKED!!!
QUOTE (Cedric - Evalyn @ Nov 29 2008, 09:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Stinky Monkey @ Nov 29 2008, 06:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My opinion would be to go down the K1 route fiance visa, and file as soon as possible, you are looking at around a 7 month time frame if there are no problems and everything goes through smoothly

Good luck


Hey thx, i assumed K1 would be the best way, i did look at the guides and it looked the best option, so she has to file that right? one more problem, she was married but has been seperated for a while now, not devorced yet, what about that, does she have to wait a while before she can file the K1? wacko.gif


Be aware also that not only does she need to be divorced, but some states also require a set amount of time after the divorce is final before the person is allowed to marry again. If her state is one of those, she technically cannot file the paperwork before that period is up, as she must be free to marry when it's filed. Don't forget to check for this before you spend the money on this process!
myperfectflawFemaleAustralia2008-11-30 05:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresa little confused
QUOTE (rockhouse @ Nov 29 2008, 10:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey, i'm in from Texas and the I-129F intructions say to mail it to Vermont, but i keep seeing little references on here to the "Texas Service Center".
What is that? Is there an easier way for me to file this thing that's closer, or is that just something completely different? Forgive me cause i am new to all this and i have read SO much already that my head is spinning and i don't wanna miss something that might help me. Thanks.


Not sure if the Texas Service Center closed down completely, or just stopped processing K-1's, but either way, Vermont is the center to choose smile.gif
myperfectflawFemaleAustralia2008-11-30 05:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWorried
QUOTE (malishka36 @ Dec 8 2008, 03:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have been reading many posts on here and I'm a little concerned now. I have read so many people have been to see eachother many times huh.gif . He is from Nepal and I'm in Washington State.
I have only been to see my fiance once since we met (4/07) I'm a single mom and he's a single father. We went to Germany back in July of this year for 10 days. We did get an afidavit while in Germany proving we were there plus we have lots of pix of us and his family (his sister lives there).

We talk daily on email we talk on web camera every weekend all day long and on the phone sometimes.

The US has had our paperwork since 10/3/08. So far we have heard nothing and I can't find any information on anyone dealing with Nepal on here.

DO we both go to an interview ? Me here in the US and him in Nepal ? We do have a lawyer and they are telling us the time line is about 5 months from start to finish. I'm afraid to send any more questions as it may cost us extra money.. I have already sent to many to him lol ...


Hi neighbour, from Spokane myself smile.gif

As long as you have met once, you are within requirements. Multiple trips are a bonus, they give you more proof of a bona fide, but they are not required. Some of us just don't have the extra cash lying around to visit more than the one time. Not that we don't want to!

Hang in there!

Char
myperfectflawFemaleAustralia2008-12-08 20:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNo new info
QUOTE (yodaid764 @ Dec 16 2008, 10:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello all,
It has been a while since I last posted but deployment has not been good as far as time.
After numerous delays Nikka and I were able to submit our packet. We submitted it in late August or Early Sept. However, the address that I sent it to was in Lincoln, Nebraska. That particular address was given to me by the Embassy in Manila. Sure enough, it got kicked back with a note saying it had to go to California. The process of them kicking it back took almost a month. So, we fixed a few things and sent it to California. According to the USCIS website they recieved it on 20 OCT. But here we are almost 2 months later and there is nothing new.
Since Im still deployed and have very limited access to phones, it is hard to call them to find anything out. I had my mom try to call for me but they couldnt give out much specific infomation since she was not me or my fiance. One letter was sent to my dad's house (my home of record), but he and my stepmom read over it. They said as far as they knew it didnt require any action unless I was changing my address.

So now what? For Nikka and I it is just annoying that we have nothing new. I looked up the time table about 2 weeks ago and it looks like I should have recieved some sort of notification that it has been touched at least.
I read on the forums about expediting the process for military, however I'm returning to the states in Jan, not deploying.
So, other than continuing to be patient.....what can I do?
Thanks in advance.
Tom


I'm guessing the letter sent to your dad was your NOA1--basically states that they received your package and it is now in line to be looked at when they start working on files in that processing time. It is not uncommon for someone to not receive any touches at all during this process. Some get many, others get none. Some mean something, others mean nothing. If your official date is October 20th, you've still got quite a bit of waiting to do. The normal time frame for those filing around your time at CSC is 6 months. You're only two months in. The waiting sucks, but it's a harsh reality of this process. I don't know about the military part of your question, maybe someone else will have an answer for you. Good luck!!

myperfectflawFemaleAustralia2008-12-16 14:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow we met letter
QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Dec 23 2008, 07:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
#18 only needs a brief statement.

Like "Met on an online chat board M/Y, started emails and chats M/Y, met in person M/Y, engaged M/Y, ..."


Agree with YuAndDan. They don't have time to read a novel. Short and to the point is what we put.
myperfectflawFemaleAustralia2008-12-24 00:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresImmigration lawyers
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Nov 11 2008, 08:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh jeez.

Not again.

Welcome to VisaJourney!

Our goal is to educate and provide general information regarding family and marriage based immigration (K1, K3, IR-1 Visas, DCF, etc) for a spouse, fiance, parent(s) or other close relatives to reunite and bring together families. If you are new to the site please take a look at some of our site's great features such as the Guides, FAQ's, Forums, Gallery, Example Forms and more. We provide a great array of information useful in filing your I-129f, I-130, I-134, I-485 and other USCIS and immigration forms. We encourage all members to seek a qualified immigration attorney as this site is no substitute for the valuable help and advice a good attorney can provide!


Have you even read all the posts of people who have hired attorney's (immigration attorney's with experience, at that) and found out they spent thousands of dollars on a process the attorney was ill informed on and couldn't answer questions for? If you don't mind throwing away your hard earned money, then by all means, go for it. Those that can read instructions and ask and follow through with others self-tested advice really have no need to do so. There is nothing an attorney can do for your case that you yourself cannot do with a little time and patience (and it seems most attorney's do nothing more than assemble the package after you take the time to complete and submit the documentation required...you wasted 5k for that, why?), assuming you have a typical case that doesn't require special attention. This process is not that complicated that most would need a lawyer for...as the majority of the people on this site can attest to. There was a reason this site was built...to show others it can be done.
myperfectflawFemaleAustralia2008-11-12 04:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresImmigration lawyers
QUOTE (Angelus @ Nov 11 2008, 02:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I recently spoke with a lawfirm that has a link on this site. I was wondering if anyone had used the Allan Lolly firm and if anyone had any opinions about their services


Absolutely agree with the previous poster, unless you have extenuating circumstances you're better off doing it yourself. It seems ridiculously overwhelming when you first start looking at the process and paperwork required, but it really isn't that bad. You have to step back and take it one item at a time. Make a check list of everything you need to do and to gather. Check it off as you go. I can send you my checklist as a guide if that would help you out. You can do it!

Char
myperfectflawFemaleAustralia2008-11-11 22:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsinterview date for wife is set
QUOTE (hespi35775 @ Sep 3 2009, 04:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi everyone im so excited we recieved and email from nvc saying appointment letter attached. me and my wife had been waiting for this for a couple of months now and finally the day is coming. i am so happy the hard work has payed off. october 29 is her interview date thanks everyone for the help and prayers. i will keep everyone posted


Fantastic! And congrats..The wife and I got our date for Oct.23 ..now on to the Pink good.gif
calico1MalePhilippines2009-09-04 12:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsgot my visa
Congrats good.gif
calico1MalePhilippines2009-09-20 10:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresds-230 documents
QUOTE (AbbynSheryl @ Jul 25 2009, 08:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i have CR1 and i only sent to NVC
NBI
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate
Police clearance
photos
copy of biometric of passport
i sent copy and original and i got case close in ten days without any RFE
good luck
abby n sheryl


Thanks Abby n Sheryl, seems the closer it gets to interview time, the more nerve racking it gets..maybe part of the master plan wacko.gif to see if they can drive anyone crazy lol, thanks also to all for the replies, as always good luck to all and God Bless
calico1MalePhilippines2009-07-26 11:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresds-230 documents
Hi guys,
Well it's time for me to send off the ds -230 for the wife, and they list the following, which is easy enough to understand except for one catagory:
1 birth cert
2 court and prison rec'ds
3 deportation docs
4 marriage cert
5 marriage termination "final and annulment"
6 military recd's
7 petitioner docs
8 photo copy of passport of wife
9 police certifs
10 2ea 2x2 pics of wife

Now what my confusion is..is that for #7 petitioner documents it states "Applicants in the following visa catagories are required to provide (1) original or cert copy of their Petitioner's birth certificate (2) original or certified copy of their Petitioner's marriage certificate from the Petitioner's current and all previous marriages.
visa catagories: 1. Parent of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old (IR-5)
2. Brothers and sisters of United States citizens (F4)

Am I spose to fit in to this catagory? I have done this whole cr-1 visa thing from day 1 but I can't figure out what in the world they are talking about..wouldn't my current marriage certificate be the same as my wife's? Or do they mean something else? ANYONE who has dealt with this ds-230 submittal of doc's maybe can tell me what they are getting at..it would be greatly appreciated..I have all other bases covered..good luck to all and god bless..J and bing
calico1MalePhilippines2009-07-25 19:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresgetting married in manila...
QUOTE (AbbynSheryl @ Jul 27 2009, 02:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hey go in the morning and stay in line
mine took about two hours to get it
they give u on the same day
the time to get that is from 7am to 10 am from m-f
u dont need any papers with u to get that
they did not ask me any divorce papers or death certificate either
just carry the passport and id with u
they just ask u for oath and thats it
good luck
abby n sheryl


Abby n sheryl are right..earlier the better in the morning..roxas blvd... the guard outside will point you in the right direction..and was about 20 dollars..or pesos equivelant..all I showed was a passport and took an oath..good luck and congrats. J and Bing
calico1MalePhilippines2009-07-27 16:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNEXT STEP IN I-130
QUOTE (Usman123 @ Aug 29 2009, 01:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello Everyone,

I have submitted I-130 for my spouse on 28JULY2009. In August2009, i recieved a letter from Visa services with the case number but ever since then i haven't heard anything from them. My application is currently with California Service Center. What will be the next step and how long will it takes to get to the next step. thanks



Take Care

Cali serv center typically 20-24 weeks..you have recieved your noa1 receit number...Cali serv center will forward your I-130 once it is "approved" to the NVC which will generate a case number...in the mean time collect all your documentation for the upcoming ds-230 and especially the 864 Affidavit of Support..which you will need shortly after the I-130 is approved, and as NVC sends you e-mail notices when to pay fees and send in those documents. Welcome to the journey, as all here will tell you..you will need a healthy dose of patience for the periods of waiting..Best of luck!
calico1MalePhilippines2009-08-30 08:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures1R-1/CR-1
If you mean how long to wait to see if your 1-130 gets approved or not, it can take up to 6 months, but good luck smile.gif
calico1MalePhilippines2009-09-04 21:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCASE COMPLETE!
It is a wonderful rush when you get that long awaited news..Congrats!!!!!!
calico1MalePhilippines2009-09-04 21:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmanila sept interview!!!
You will do just fine...Congrats in advance good.gif
calico1MalePhilippines2009-09-06 23:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresINTERVIEW PASSED ON 09/03/09
Always makes a smile to hear of successful interviews.. Congrats!
calico1MalePhilippines2009-09-06 20:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAppoinment
I will use the Philippines as an example, and I am sure Pakistan is similar...In Philippines, they have a government agency called NSO," National Statistics Office" where records are kept. Certified usually means it comes from one of these government offices, the document whether it be birth cert, marriage cert, or other comes on special paper that also has the official stamp/seal of that office..for Philippines there is a "NSO" stamp. meaning the document is a true and valid document. Photocopies do not prove a valid document, so they, "nvc" and "US embassy" will insist upon verified documents..original, certified, government approved etc. Try to locate your Pakistan governments place of record keeping.. I think there are many VJ members from Pakistan that may help you. If your spouse has the original(s) use a safe service to return to you if needed..use FED ex..It costs a little money..but I don't think I would use regular mail service to send ANY precious documents..use FED EX. I am sure if you dig around this VJ site you will be able to find another person from Pakistan that can answer many of your questions...I wish I knew more to help you...how in the world did you get approved for an interview without all the original documents in the first place? At any rate..very best luck for you
calico1MalePhilippines2009-09-07 15:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAppoinment
QUOTE (night @ Sep 7 2009, 12:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
any body know about it? i got my appointment cvr letter that says that my interview has been schedualed but i am confused about the packet 3.5. i didnt got it yet, i just recieve an email attachment about my interview scheduled and it also says that bring ur medical examination to the interview point, but they didnt show me the location or the doctor to go there and do ur physical examination, so i am really confused about, can some help me here?


In the past, it is my understanding NVC sent an actual "packet through the mail" but now days the packet is simply an e-mail notification that states the progress of your case. with the bar code cover sheet from NVC. If you are approved for an interview, it would have to be thru a US embassy in Pakistan. Simply locate that embassy, google if you have to.."US embassy Pakistan" and get a number to call them, then you should be able to find the medical facility that embassy uses for it's medical examinations, and you may also be able to schedule an interview date, if one has not already been assigned to you. I am sure there will be someone with in VJ that has gone thru the Pakistan process to help you more...but Congrats on your getting an interview in the near future...Best luck for you
calico1MalePhilippines2009-09-07 14:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTool for forecasting dates

I cant open the file ! :( I'm confused!


You'll need a program called WinZip to unarchive it. I had to compress it because it is bigger than the upload limit.
ppfklNot TellingChina2007-02-06 14:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTool for forecasting dates
Hi all,

I've been a lurker here for a while. I've found a lot of great information from everyone here. The data analyis is great too. Many thanks. So, I thought I'd return the favor.

While the data and analysis are excellent I wanted a more customized view of the trends. So I've put together a tool to analyze people's history so you can forecast dates. I'm attaching it if you want to use it. After all, we're all in the waiting game together and anything that helps us have reasonable expectations and a sense of control helps 8-). So I thought I'd post it here for your use. It can handle 1000 Timeline search records.

The file has 3 worksheets: "Countdown", "Analysis", and "Scratch"

"Countdown" predicts end dates based on your inputs. There is also a section that will tell you how long it is until your next trip to see your loved one 8-).
"Analysis" calculates Min, Max, Average, and Median processing times for your timeline search results.
"Scratch" is a scratchpad to do the initial copy from the webpage.

Quick instructions:
To to Immigration Timelines -> Timeline Search
Enter your criteria and select "Detailed" results
Select "All" for max results
Select Find

In the spreadsheet:
Go to the "Scratch" worksheet and delete everything
Select the table returned from your Timeline Search
Copy it into Scratch
Go to Analysis
Select A31:AB1031
Delete
Go to "Scratch"
Select the table from the Timeline Search
Copy it (^c)
Go bact to "Analysis"
Select cell A31
Paste Special -> Values (alt-E S V <enter>)

The spreadsheet will calculate Min, Max, Average, and Median for each of the process steps. There may be times when you have to clean up data as people enter things like "NA or n/a" for RFE or they use non-standard date formats. You'll have to find those entries and correct it manually.

In this version you'll find the results of our search. Since we filed in December and are seeking a K-1 through the California Service Center we want to know what processing times look like for others in our situation so our search options are:

Visa Type: K-1
Service Center: California
NOA1 Date: 10/1/2006 - 1/31/2006
Results: Detailed
Max Results: ALL

Once we get our NOA2 we'll change the search criteria to be:

Visa Type: K-1
Service Center: All
Beneficiaries Country: China
Embassy: Guangzhou
Detailed Results: All
NOA2 Date: 10/1/2006 - 12/31/2007
Results: Detailed
Max Results: ALL

That way we can focus on the China specific part of the process.

I hope you find this tool useful.

Best Regards,
PPFKL

Attached Files


ppfklNot TellingChina2007-02-06 13:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUpdated tracking spreadsheet
Hi,

Earlier I posted a spreadsheet I've been using to track my fiancee's visa with. I've done some more work and thought I'd share it as well.

Enhancements are:

- Single button operation after you've run your VJ query and copied the table.
- Statistical analysis of how long it will take to complete the step based on your sample set.
- 50% of the time you'll be faster than the median
- 84% faster than 1 standard deviation
- 98% of the time faster than 2 standard deviations).
- Hyperlink to your case number on the Countdown page. You will need to edit the hyperlink for your case number.
- This way your SO can use it to check status and time as well.
- Histogram with where you are relative to the overall distribution for that step, the average, median, 1 std-dev, & 2 std-dev times.
- Right now this is set up for the NOA1->NOA2 step. You will have to modify it for other steps.

To do the analysis you just need 2 steps:

Step 1 - Do your detailed query on the Timeline Search and Copy the table.
Step 2 - Go to the Analysis page and push the button. You'll have to hit return a few times for it to finish as it goes through the steps.

The tool still handles 1000 records.

The original post and upload is at: Original Forecast Tool Post

The file is compressed using WinZIP.

Enjoy & Best regards,
PPFKL

Attached Files


ppfklNot TellingChina2007-02-09 02:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOctober-January CSC Filers
Hi,

We're a December filer and are also carefully watching the process to NOA2 for CSC filers here on VJ. Here's some statistics that I update periodically. P1 refers to NOA1 and P2 refers to NOA2. 50% of people who received an NOA1 from October on have received an NOA2 in 81 days or less, 84% in less than 91 days, and 98% in less than 101 days. 62 of 78 October NOA1's have an NOA2. 32 of 57 November NOA1's have an NOA2. No one in December or January have an NOA2 yet.

Is this useful to you? If so, I'll keep posting this until we get our NOA2 and then I'll move on to China specific information.

Good luck and much patience to all 8-).

PPFKL
ppfklNot TellingChina2007-02-12 23:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNovember filers
Hi November filers,

I took a look at the records and for people who received a P1 on or after 10/1/2006 at CSC, the statistics are:

Avg P1->P2 = 80 days
Mininum P1->P2 = 56 days
Maximum P1->P2 = 104 days
Median P1->P2 = 79 days (50% confidence)
1-sigma = 89 days (68% confidence)
2-sigma = 99 days (95% confidence)

78% (60 of 77) October P1's have received P2's
45% (24 of 53) November P1's have received P2's
0% (0 of 35) December P1's have received P2's
0% (0 of 23) January P1's have received P2's

Hope this provides some clarity on the statistics. We're December filers so it's not quite our time.

Best regards,
PPFKL
ppfklNot TellingChina2007-02-06 20:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDoes anyone know how far CSC are with Dec filers?

Hi,

I watch it daily. On VJ there are 53 December CSC NOA1's. CSC has completed 66% of them (35 of 53). The latest being a 12/23 NOA1. We're 12/27 and waiting (im)patiently :wacko: .

PPFKL



I noticed that too... nothing much for remaining Dec. filers this week. Well, let's all hope that next week would be another shower of approvals for you guys!

Good luck to you ppfkl!

Mae


Thanks alot. BTW, have you gotten out of NVC yet? Best of luck.

PPFKL
ppfklNot TellingChina2007-03-16 21:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDoes anyone know how far CSC are with Dec filers?
Hi,

I watch it daily. On VJ there are 53 December CSC NOA1's. CSC has completed 66% of them (35 of 53). The latest being a 12/23 NOA1. We're 12/27 and waiting (im)patiently :wacko: .

PPFKL
ppfklNot TellingChina2007-03-16 15:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCSC appears to be working this week
Way cool news in that we got famous CRIS e-mail saying we got our NOA2 today. Total time was 82 days, no RFE and 3 touches on 01/04, 3/19, & 3/20.

We're CSC via Nebraska.

Best of luck to all,
PPFKL
ppfklNot TellingChina2007-03-20 10:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSo surreal...
Hi Angilia,

I know exactly what you mean. When I go back to Beijing to visit my fiancee we always have about 5-10 minutes of sur-reality :lol: . It always passes quickly and things feel really natural. I expect when my sweetie and I are on the plane back to the US we'll have the same feeling, but atleast we'll be together.

Best of luck and congratulations!!!!!
PPFKL
ppfklNot TellingChina2007-03-22 18:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAre there any REAL people working for USCIS?

PPFKL,
You stated that "For UK beneficiaries, it takes 74 days on average from receipt to interview.." Is that really true? That seems short compared to what I think I have seen on others timelines. Don't get me wrong, I hope you are right! That would be fabulous and I just got all excited. I know I have to remember that you used the word "average" so I know it may not happen for us that quickly. Thanks:)


Hi Jennymc11,

I was getting a little tired so maybe I wasn't clear. Looking at the timelines on VJ, it says takes on average 74 days from when the consulate receives the approved petition until the interview. You still have to add in time to NOA2 and time to consulate. From what I look at for CSC filers only, that's 190 days in total on average for UK beneficiaries:

- 9 days send to NOA1
- 81 days NOA1 -> NOA2
- 23 days NOA2 -> Consulate delivery
- 74 days Consulate deliver -> Interview
- 3 days Interview -> visa

I'm only looking at data for the past 3 months because what happened earlier (like IMBRA) delays doesn't really have anything to do with the current processing time.

As with any of these estimates, your mileage may vary :whistle: :) . I just do this to keep my fiancee and myself sane during our wait since the only way to see if progress is being made is watching other slowly get their NOA2 before us.

Hope this helps and doesn't burst your balloon too much.

PPFKL
ppfklNot TellingChina2007-02-24 10:33:00