biggish data

Today is 6 months since NOA1....I have no words. Yet, I think of some of you who are 7 and 8 months and I truly think I will be bald from pulling out all my hair if I have to wait two more months.

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2011-02-04 22:03:00

*raises hand*

I am making a list of potential plaintiffs.

ThomasJones
rachelsharma
the journey
CaliforniaGuy
NASCARFAN186
mrs. T
DR AM
Alison G.

Who else wants to be added on the list for a potential lawsuit against USCIS for not adjudicating in 180 days after inital filing (priority date)?

TITLE 8 > CHAPTER 13 > SUBCHAPTER II > § 1571

§ 1571. Purposes

(a) Purposes The purposes of this subchapter are to—

(1) provide the Immigration and Naturalization Service with the mechanisms it needs to eliminate the current backlog in the processing of immigration benefit applications within 1 year after October 17, 2000, and to maintain the elimination of the backlog in future years; and

(2) provide for regular congressional oversight of the performance of the Immigration and Naturalization Service in eliminating the backlog and processing delays in immigration benefits adjudications.

(b) Policy
It is the sense of Congress that the processing of an immigration benefit application should be completed not later than 180 days after the initial filing of the application, except that a petition for a nonimmigrant visa under section 1184 © of this title should be processed not later than 30 days after the filing of the petition.

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2011-02-04 22:00:00

So Hubby just called NCSC...they put in a "service request" (whatever that truly means) and of course we got a similar bogus response as we did a month ago. We should "receive an email within 13 days and if not call back in 30 days" GIVE ME A BREAK ALREADY WITH THE DAMN 30 DAY RESPONSE!!!! Enough is enough already! They are wrong in every which way. This move to TSC first brought us all hope thinking that it would mean speedy approvals. Instead, we've been bamboozled and locked away in some musty dungeon with very little hope to see the daylight again. (Okay I'm being dramatic, but you guys get me).

I think I need to just focus on something else for awhile. Maybe stay off VJ and USCIS. I'm driving myself bonkers. I just can't take it anymore. I want to stop thinking about it.

Edited by cad_bacon, 02 February 2011 - 02:01 PM.

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2011-02-02 13:59:00

For anyone who was wondering where our files were located Could that be our Officer Garza in that silver car?

This completely made my whole week!!! LOLOLOLOL. Thank you so much! :rofl:

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2011-02-02 03:26:00

Somehow my hands are tight up, as my hubby is USC and I'm in France, he works hard and doesn't have much time to deal with this mess, well actually he's been avoiding to go mad with all this. If I was there I would make so much noise about this that either they would lock me in a sanatorium, or they would move their as** We are always happy to see one of us being approved, but F*** that's normal, we paid for it and we keep on paying for it, we are giving them, or should I say they are taking the best time of our lives, we are all young married couples apart due to USCIS "legal immigration system"

We shouldn't have to pray to get the petitions approved, or dent to NVC, that's the point we have to highlight to medias.

Agreed!!!! :thumbs:

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2011-02-01 11:41:00

Just sitting here staring at that blue dot under Initial Review, hoping I can move it with my eyes somehow...lol. smh,

Edited by cad_bacon, 01 February 2011 - 11:37 AM.

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2011-02-01 11:35:00

This process is a perfect example of how life on a whole works. Sometimes getting from A-Z isn't smooth sailing. There will be road blocks to detour around, hurdles to jump over, and mountains to climb, but when you reach the end you are so much more grateful to have gotten there. This process will only make our marriages stronger and our connections deeper. If we can make it through this much waiting, with some of us not even being able to see our spouses for months upon months, trust me that we can make it through anything together.

Keep the faith and hope sky high. Approvals will be coming by the numbers soon enough. We are approaching February, it just HAS to go that way!

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2011-01-29 03:02:00

Definitely thought we would see some approvals today! What a disappointment. Let's hang in there guys...we will get through this whole process and look back on these days of waiting.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2011-01-29 02:51:00

OMG...i didn't read all what he wrote.....just read "we got approve" hahahhaha. it seems no approval tonite.....

Sorry I was just being silly. Practicing what I will write when I'm actually approved! hahaha. I'm a "she" btw.

I'm hoping for some Friday approvals!!! Let's start this weekend off right, let's go TSC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My anniversary is Sunday.......*no comment* I've vented enough, I need not say how I feel about that because I know you all understand.

I'm starting this day on a positive note though. I know someone will be approved today. I can feel it in the cold Toronto air!

I have been here all this time but was keeping my frustration to myself. My petition is approved and I will pray to God all yours will get approved this week.

06/22/10 – I-130 Mailed
06/25/10 - Received at Chicago Lock Box
06/28/10 – Priority Date
07/01/10 – NOA 1
11/01/10 – CSC – TSC
11/23/10 – Post Decision Activity – Stating petition returned by DOS
12/21/10 – Placed a Service Request
01/14/11 – Received standard reply form USCIS
01/15/11 – Mailed TSC
01/18/11 – Congressman’s involvement
01/24/11 – Received a call from Congressman Office and asked to wait for 30 days
01/27/11 – NOA 2 – Received e-mail after midnight

AMEN – HALLELUIAH

Congrats!!!! :dance:

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2011-01-28 07:52:00

We got approved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...........in my dreams of course!

Sorry I'm feeling silly tonight!

I feel I should be more patient due to our situation. This June makes 6 years since me and hubby met! We have always had a long distance relationship. When I tell people that, they are amazed. It has been SUCH a process. We are married we have a beautiful son together and now it's just time to be a complete family.

My son (who will be 3 in May) is now always asking to go on the plane to see his dad, he says he misses him and gets so sad somedays, it breaks my heart. Skype can only do so much justice. Our three week visit over the holidays wasn't enough (although I'm very grateful for that) I wish we could see each other every weekend. I often wish he lived in New York, me being in Toronto, I would take the drive/ bus and see him all the time. However, Miami is not a simple drive or bus ride away. It's becoming so expensive to fly. When our son was younger it was easier, plus being on maternity leave for the year, I pratically lived in Miami, gone for three months back in Toronto for a little and gone again. I took advantage of my time off. The first year was nice, but the visits now are not for as long, and not so close between, not to mention having to pay the full fare of my son now since he turned 2 has not been much fun.

I'm rambling and sharing useless info with you guys. I'm just reflecting on how long this process has been on a whole for us, I don't even know what I'll do with myself when everything actually starts falling into place. I will be beside myself. The day that I move will be surreal...waking up to my husband everyday for the rest of my life...it'll be heaven on earth!

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2011-01-28 00:00:00

You know what makes this process more frustrating, is being on this site (I don't mean that in a negative way). This site is soooo great, wonderful people, all sharing experiences, feelings, advice, knowledge. BUT, along with all of that comes the comparisosn. Filers in the same month not getting approved around the same times, filers in more recent months being approved before others...etc. Reading all of these things is bittersweet. On the one hand you are so happy for your fellow VJ's, but then it leaves you with that feeling "when will it be my turn?". It makes you more impatient to see all this action around you and none for yourself.

I don't like to sound so bitter, or upset. There has been so much movement in this thread, so that is a good sign for us all, but everyday I wake up, or even in the middle of the night to check my email just hoping to see USCIS.....but to no avail, I instead have emails about sales at the Gap and Old Navy, and every other thing I could care less to see. *huge sigh* bare with me and my roller-coaster emotions guys.

I'm truly happy for all those who have been approved!! We all understand each other, and have the same goal...to be with our loved ones as a complete and happy family.

Edited by cad_bacon, 27 January 2011 - 12:39 PM.

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2011-01-27 12:36:00

send an e-mail to TSC.Ncscfollowup@dhs.gov
you will first get an auto reply than an official reply approx 3 days later

edit: mention that it has fallen outside processing times

Thank you. Should my husband (USC) send this email instead of myself?

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2011-01-27 12:03:00

Ouch! painful... another day of disappointment... Nice to see September filers approved..."nothing personal" just mad at the whole unfair system of our beloved America!!!! late July filers, august and now september approved and us early July... still buried at TSC!

I'm suffocating in this pile that is evidently being used as someone's foot rest under their desk!!!

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2011-01-27 00:53:00

Congratulations to all the approvals!!! Woot Woot!!! I know you guys must be sooooooo thrilled! I anticipate that same feeling!

Ok I'm starting to wonder if we should be contacting anyone whether it be a congressman or Garza and the other person. We were told to call back NCSC this coming Friday if we were not contacted about our case prior too.

In these emails that some of you have sent out, what have you said in them?

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2011-01-27 00:50:00

Alright, added a few statistics at the bottom of the spreadsheet.

I know a lot of people have been wondering about what day is the most popular for approvals. It turns out it's a tie between Monday and Friday so far.

If you guys have any other suggestions about adding some statistic about approvals, just tell me and I'll gladly add it.

You can update me on the spreadsheet for my move to a USCIS office on Nov 24th

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2011-01-25 16:03:00

Phew!! I thought I was the only one!

I just got the same email today that my case has been moved to TSC from CSC! I just hope it's all good news, and that it pushes the process further along. I'm going to put a rush on getting the documents together for the next step. I've been kind of slow these past months with so much other things on my plate. However, I want to be ready and get this whole thing over with!

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2010-11-03 18:58:00

Omgosh! I've completely abandoned this thread. I feel that most of us are all over on the CSC to TSC thread anyways....I wonder how many July filers are onto the NVC process by now?

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2011-02-08 14:33:00

Have faith Cad... seems there is a fire burning at TSC today. It's amazing what has happened in just the last couple of hours. Don't give up.. we're all in this together.

Thomas

Thanks! Honestly, reading about all the approvals is filling me with hope that good news is coming soon. I'm hoping for something in these next two weeks. We were told to call back USCIS this Friday, I may go ahead and do so, although it doesn't seem to change much.

Congratulations to all those who got approved Today! Fingers crossed and lots of prayers for the rest of us still waiting!

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2011-01-25 15:57:00

I am at a loss of words these days. I'm tired of hearing the question: "When are you moving?' and hearing my same ol' response "when I'm approved." The fact that I'm still waiting on approval for this petition is just.....*sigh* I keep logging unto the USCIS site because I hope that they forgot to send an email by mistake and I see my status changed, but nope, no such luck. It's just one of those days, I'll get over it.

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2011-01-25 12:23:00

August filers?? Middle/ End September filers are getting approved! We have to raise hell...

Actually, I meant to say September filers. Isn't this just crazy?? smh

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2011-01-10 02:03:00

So...my husband called USCIS on Friday and spoke with someone who said that basically they are currently working on July 17th filers and that they have been really backed up which is why they even transferred our case from California to Texas. She said to call back in two weeks to see what the status was. So, really we are no where further along, and didn't gain much more knowledge. I'm frustrated beyond belief. If they are sooo behind, why are August filers getting approvals? I'm crossing my fingers for news within the next few weeks for us all, this has been such a waiting process, patience is an understatement.

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2011-01-09 20:16:00

Did she say that she was married? What info did she give them? My wife has come to visit me several times and she just doesn't mention the fact that she is married to a USC. Makes it so much easier. But my wife is from Canada and Canadians vist U.S. often. She is still nervous each time she crosses though.

I always say I'm married when I go to visit my husband in the U.S. I always feel they have my whole life story is in that computer! I've been sent to secondary inspection a number of times but my last several visits have been ok. I have the worse anxiety traveling because of my experiences in secondary. I just feel now that I've said I'm married I can't take it back, I'm sure they documented something. I rather just tell the truth. I always bring proof of ties back with me. It's really just up in the air, and depends on your officer. Some of them are complete idiots, but I guess they feel it's their job to make sure some people are not slipping through the cracks. Still causes me the most stress though!

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2010-12-14 00:11:00

U r right, I read August/September filers page yesterday, it is unfair , some people gets their approval less than 3 months and others wait 4 or 5 months till now and who's know? till when we will waitting maybe 6 or 7..and wait 4 NVC the Consular interview, there is countries between me and my husband, its long distance..plz if any one call the USCIS to tell us what's going on...My five months wil end on 24 Dec, two weeks remaining

I'm hoping a large number of us get approvals for Christmas! Great gift!

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2010-12-14 00:03:00

Just realizing that my 5 month mark is January 4, I forgot I needed to count it from my NOA1 not the day I sent it off (DUH?). Honestly, this wait is just so......

Reading about August/September filers getting NOA2 just adds fuel to my fire. Nothing personal against them, but it is truly unfair! No more touches since we were transferred to this mysterious USCIS office. I check my file almost everyday hoping that maybe I didn't get an email notification and that there is some update made, but ya...wishful thinking on my part.

*kicks rock*

On the bright side, 11 more days until me and lil man go to visit hubby. I'm excited for a few weeks of quality time. Nervous about traveling as I always am, my last few travels have been hassle free so hoping this will go just as smooth. I'm looking out the window watching the snow fall and Miami is just what the doctor ordered!!

So I just rambled on...sorry *quietly exists the forum*

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2010-12-10 14:02:00

No touch for me since November 24th. I keep checking everyday sometimes twice in hopes of seeing some change. This has been the longest 4 months ever. I wont hit the 5 months for another few weeks, but I'm hoping I hear some news by then. Heres to news of approvals for the July gang in these next days and a huge Congrats to those who have received approvals!! :thumbs:

Edited by cad_bacon, 01 December 2010 - 10:40 AM.

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2010-12-01 10:39:00

I just got the same notification that my case was transferred and being processed at a USCIS office. As long as it's good news I don't care where they move it!! Let's get this show on the road!

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2010-11-24 10:01:00

Seems that there are a large number of us in this same boat (cases transferred to TSC) Well let's hope this ride is short one!!

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2010-11-03 19:38:00

Hello, I'm just joining the July 2010 filers club!

I too want to know what I should be doing in the meantime while waiting for NOA2?

Mrs. P

Female

Canada

2010-08-17 00:49:00

ok, how long do you guys think it will take?

Yeah...ours took about 2 weeks to get approved from when the NVC received the RFE response. Hopefully, yours will be sooner!

Lenie7

Female

Canada

2009-07-30 07:41:00

Confused about 18-yr-old daughter on Mom's K-1 visa

QUOTE (fairbro @ Oct 7 2009, 02:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I know I already asked this in another topic, but the discussion succumbed to confusion.

My fiance has 2 children: a boy, 9, and a girl, 18.

My question is, can the daughter come along with mom on the K-1 visa?

Definition from travel.state.gov - "Child: Unmarried child under the age of 21 years."

And then it also says:

"Remember that in immigration law a child must be unmarried. The stepparent/stepchild relationship must be created before the child reaches the age of 18." (whatever that means)

Fairbro, here is the info about the K visa directly from the DOS website:

Children Have Derivative Status

The child of a fiancé(e) may receive a derivative K-2 visa from his/her parent’s fiancé(e) petition. You, the American citizen petitioner, must make sure that you name the child in the I-129F petition. After the marriage of the child’s parent and the American citizen, the child will need a separate form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status. The child may travel with (accompany) the K-1 parent/fiancé(e) or travel later (follow-to-join) within one year from the date of issuance of the K-1 visa to his/her parent. A separate petition is not required if the children accompany or follow the alien fiancé(e) within one year from the date of issuance of the K-1 visa. If it is longer than one year from the date of visa issuance, a separate immigrant visa petition is required.

Remember that in immigration law a child must be unmarried. The stepparent/stepchild relationship must be created before the child reaches the age of 18.

You will run into problems with her 18 year old daughter because in order to be allowed to adjust status for her for permanent residence in the U.S., you and your fiancee had to have been married BEFORE her 18th birthday. It sounds like that is not the case and you will not officially be her stepparent until you are married. Even if she is somehow able to get on the K visa, once you apply for adjustment of status on the I-485, they will not allow her to adjust since your marriage took place after she was 18.
Once you are married, your wife, as legal resident, can apply for permanent residence for her, but she will have to live in her own country until a visa number becomes available. There are quotas on these types of family relationships and this can take years (right now it's about 8 for children of LPRs). I had looked into this for my husband's child, but we got married after his daughter's 18th birthday and were unable to get her permanent resident status based on marriage to me.

Lenie7

Female

Canada

2009-10-07 17:37:00

Aproved after 163 days!!!!!

Congrats.... you are that much closer. I hope the rest of us are as lucky!!!

ohmy

Not Telling

Canada

2007-11-02 18:22:00

Insurance between POE and marriage

'Seven Corners' were recommended in some other thread not a long ago...

M&Pooh

Female

Canada

2011-04-14 08:23:00

I did phone the Consulate on Tuesday to ask about the massive difference between the projected five month turnaround on the police certificate and the (at this point) three months left in the I-129f approval period, and they said they extend things pretty much automatically no problem.

I seem to remember something in the early work on the I-129f about making a second set of Letters of Intent to Marry and dating them closer to the interview and then signing them when the interview nears... I guess that's probably what is needed (or recommended) as far as making that extension happen.

90 days is better than 150, but it's still 85 more than either you or I would prefer.

Bottom line -- I keep telling myself -- is that no matter what nonsense the system throws up, we will eventually win. Because we aren't doing anything wrong or underhanded or sneaky, and it's all in the greater purpose of happiness.

Plus if hunger really is the best seasoning, I'm in for a magnificent feast at the end of all this.

Marmoset

Not Telling

Canada

2006-02-23 23:10:00

Whoops.

Following a PM question from Knobby_Wheezer, and just so people don't get misinformed if they run across this post in a search in the future, it seems that the general limit for Canadian citizens visiting the USA without a visa is 180 days. And even that can be extended with special permission (you can apply to stay longer), it seems.

Mind you, the Customs and Border Protection site also makes it very clear that it's all up to the discretion of the POE officer, and that while there is no set period of time Canadians must wait before re-entering the USA if it appears that they're spending more time in America than Canada overall it's certainly up to the traveller to provide evidence that they aren't a de-facto US resident. That's when evidence of residence, employment, and other ties definitely become necessary.

I think where I got the 90 days thing from is the Visa Waiver Program, under which citizens of certain countries (UK included, which is likely where I got confused) do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days -- with certain restrictions, of course. Canada is not a participant in the VWP, as there are different rules governing travel between us and the USA.

And just so I don't feel like a total gimp, please don't assume that I am any sort of authority on this subject. Everything to do with this kind of thing is highly situational and individual, and if anyone takes my understanding of things as gospel and gets in trouble because of differences in situation, I'm going to feel really bad.

But yeah, I just didn't want anyone to come across this thread in a search and assume they can automatically or only stay 90 days.

Marmoset

Not Telling

Canada

2006-02-20 19:20:00

I've visited a couple of times during the process already. There have never been any problems at all, in fact the last time the POE officer was extremely friendly and even wished me good luck with the K1.

POEO: "What's the purpose of your visit?"
Me: "i'm going to see my fiancée."
POEO: "Oho! You must be working on your K1 then?"
Me: "Yep. We're actually now waiting on the I-129f approval."
POEO: "That's great. I hope everything works out for you."
Me: "Thanks."
POEO: "Okay, you're all set. Have a good time and good luck with the K1"

Admittedly, these were only four-week long trips and not three month, but I didn't really show any evidence of ties to Canada either. The only vague evidence they saw that I was coming back was the return ticket and paucity of luggage. I did have a letter from my employer and various other things demonstrating ties, but they never asked and I didn't offer.

But as you say, yes it's always a possibility that the POE officer decides to deny entry. That's their call to make, and I'm always prepared for the chance that I'm going to have to turn around and go home. Luckily, the actual POE in Toronto is in the airport itself, if I have understood correctly.

I've always been a firm believer in the "answer whatever questions they have completely and honestly and that's about the best you can do" school of thought. They see hundreds of people a day, so you know they've seen every bit of attempted evasion or lies or whatever, and it's just not worth it.

Besides, if I do end up going between now and the interview, I'll be doing it after I get my interview appointment letter, so that'll be another thing to show them and say "See? I have to come back. This thing right here is way more important to me than anything else, and I'm not about to take a chance on screwing it up."

I never assume they're going to let me in, even before the K1 process. I figure it's someone else's country, I'm not a citizen, and it's their right as a sovereign nation to decide who gets to visit. That's not to say it wouldn't be disappointing as all hell to be refused entry, but I know it's always a possiblility.

Edited by Marmoset, 20 February 2006 - 04:33 PM.

Marmoset

Not Telling

Canada

2006-02-20 16:30:00

Doesn't seem to be any way to expedite, no. Seems a bit ridiculous to me that it takes 150 days... Do people really have to sit around for five months before they know if they've got a job that requires an RCMP check? Something's obviously horribly broken somewhere.

I'll have to call the Consulate on Tuesday to let them know that we'll definitely be needing the I-129f approval extended, but also to see perhaps if they will take it as assumed that I'll have the certificate by the end of July and set me an interview date around then. They say there's a two to four month wait for appointments, so it's not like I'd be trying to weasel an early date. Just an earlier date than two to four months from the end of July.

And if they say no they can't do that, and I have to wait until September or November (or two to four months past whenever I actually get the RCMP certificate back) then perhaps I'll see if I can take advantage of the fact that Canadians can stay in the USA for 90 days without needing a visa. At least that way I can spend from May until my interview date with my fiancée.

Either way, 150 days is a little bit on the far side of Completely Ridiculous.

Edited by Marmoset, 20 February 2006 - 02:57 AM.

Marmoset

Not Telling

Canada

2006-02-20 02:57:00

Oh dammit... I've just realised that's going to mean I have to get the I-129f approval extended. Has anyone had to do that? Is it simply a case of speaking to a consular officer and getting them to put a note in my file or something?

Man, this is seven kinds of stress suddenly.

(also, sorry about repeated posts)

Marmoset

Not Telling

Canada

2006-02-19 03:27:00

Okay, yeah. Five months.

I cannot quantify how much that sucks, but rest assured it sucks a whole lot.

Marmoset

Not Telling

Canada

2006-02-18 14:04:00

Oho! Long Form Birth Certificate, gotcha.

I was born in England, so my birth certificate is equivalent to what we call a long form here... At least, it had better be. It's the original copy of the only thing the Registrar of Births and Deaths gave my parents, nice on paper with the seal and signature and all that stuff. If they want anything longer than that, they're out of luck.

Thanks for the linkage and the explanation, though.

As far as fingerprinting goes, I'm not really sure. I seem to remember something ion the local cops' website that said a regular old Clearance Certificate (one that says you've got no criminal record etc) requires no fingerprinting -- I guess because they just wouldn't have them on file anyway so what's the use? I do however have a DUI from thirteen or fourteen years ago, and according to Metro Toronto Policeman Thing if you have any sort of record you can't just get a Clearance Certificate -- you have to get the full-on jobbie through the Commisionaires or other approved service.

To be honest, I'm not even sure of that. I'll have to ask the nice information desk person tomorrow what my options or requirements are and see if they'll put me down for Fast As Fast Can Be Please.

This whole process tends to confuse me a bit, because I'm really not used to dealing with bureaucracy, I just go where they point, fill out what they give me, and pay whatever the fee is. And then I wait.

Edited by Marmoset, 17 February 2006 - 11:54 PM.

Marmoset

Not Telling

Canada

2006-02-17 23:53:00