ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThat one-way ticket to the US
Nice that lots of people chimed in with SVo, but I believe VVO (Vladivostok Airport) is quite some distance.

VVO, Nice airport, had to fly there to meet Olga in person! That was the best week of my life...also the most expensive and worth every USD! :D

From VVO either Vladivostok Air or Korean Air and that would depend on when she left... Vlad Air departs on different days then Korean air.

I flew Korean Air.
Marc and OlgaMale02006-06-30 01:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusShipping jewelry to russia?
EGADS! This reminds me of the airplane tickets I sent to Olga, I sent them UPS which was about $50 more then I expected and then I receive an email from Olga telling me she got a message that she had a package in Vladivostok but she needed to pay over $300 to get it!

After MANY calls to UPS to see what they knew they kept telling me that 1) Preprinted airplane tickets are not dutiable and 2) it was strange that there was a value on the declaration.

about the value on the declaration, originally I was going to insure them and when I decided that was way more expensive then I expected I asked to not have the value place on and the girl at the UPS store told me it is required...guess she was wrong! :o

BTW, Olga got her tickets and arrived in Los Angeles on Feb 12, 2007...where I met her and we flew to Tucson together! =) Next stop, wedding this monday (Feb 19) and then Anaheim, California for a Disneyland Honeymoon! Hey, she wanted to go there and who I am I to say no? :dance:


Edit: we did not pay any extra for her to receive them either! :)

Edited by Marc and Olga, 17 February 2007 - 08:06 AM.

Marc and OlgaMale02007-02-17 08:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVACCINES AND MED EXAM QUESTIONS

My wife and step-son are living in Russia and we are in the process of applying for the K3 and have several questions regarding the process on the Russia side. The US Embassy in Moscow's website is fairly poorly constructed and contains some unclear and, at times, conflicting information. For example, on one document available on the site regarding the medical exam it states "The vaccination requirement applies to all immigrant visa applicants, except K and V visa applicants, and will be incorporated into the medical examination process." Meanwhile on another section of the site it states "Effective July 1, 1997, all applicants for immigrant visas must fulfill the vaccination requirements of Section 212(a)(A)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act before an immigrant visa can be issued. " :no:

Therefore my question is: Are they required to meet vaccination requirements?

Also, does anyone know if my 4 year old step-son is required to submit to the medical exam also? Is he required to attend the interview in Moscow with his mother?

Oner more question: Does anyone know if it is possible to have the medical exam somewhere other than Moscow or Vladivostok?

Thanks in advance for you help.


Ok first, the Vaccines will be required for AOS so you may as well get them done now.

I would assume that the step son will also need a medical and probably will need to be at the interview!

No, only medical clinics authorized for U.S. Immigration are located in Moscow and Vladivostok... I recommend one in Moscow since the one in Vlad was not very nice to Olga...

This is from our experience going the K-1 route, the K-3 may be different, but I doubt it is THAT much different.
Marc and OlgaMale02007-03-12 06:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHappy Woman's Day!

We talked at night and I said, I did not know what to do, she says flowers....anything...so after the talk I walked to the circle K across the street and bought a feather rose and a package of Resse's peanut butter cups!



YOU ARE THE MAN!!!



And russ.... "army day" wasn't exactly celebrated here, either. I was reminded that it was "man's day" but that was about the extent of it. On woman's day, after I was "malidetz" and presented the flowers/card/queen breakfast, etc., she said "It's very good that you remembered.... cause if you would've forgotten....." There was no consequence listed, but I think it would've been something similar to Otto's thread about the Greek woman who started the sex strike.


So the 14th is the official is steak and BJ day? I was wondering about that. I briefly explained it on Super Bowl Sunday (the other "man's day") and Valentines day, but it didn't seem to get a very warm reaction. I'll have to send her the link, that way she can see it's real. Cause if it's on the internet, it has to be real, right?



I hope you don't get what we got at a local shop that surprising specializes in Russian items! Olga from there says "the internet is the internet" when I explained the instructions on this website about EAD...as that Olga believes and told us we could just walk into our local USCIS office...

Another thing that bothered me is another Russian woman told (my) Olga we do not need to mail anything to Chicago, do it all locally...of course she did hers 7 years ago...when you COULD just go to the local office! The Tucson USCIS office told us to mail it to Chicago and after that I read the part under AOS where since 2005 you can no longer file at the local offices.
Marc and OlgaMale02007-03-12 07:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHappy Woman's Day!
I guess I am the devil, I knew it was women's day but did nothing since I didn't really know what to do!

We did go to Social Security where we were informed ??? is authorized to work! :o

We talked at night and I said, I did not know what to do, she says flowers....anything...so after the talk I walked to the circle K across the street and bought a feather rose and a package of Resse's peanut butter cups!

That seemed to be enough for her! :)
Marc and OlgaMale02007-03-09 06:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisitor's visa while K1 pending

Are you talking about having her visit the USA? Not a good idea. They are not supposed to allow it and even if she gets the visa she could be turned away at the POE.

If you are talking about visiting Russia, that is not a problem. If my ap stays in limbo for another month or two I am going to move to Russia till it gets through if it ever does.



if by AP you mean Advance Parole then I must ask you if you are aware leaving the US before it is approved that the USCIS considers that abandonment of your AOS paperwork...right?

If you mean something else then I appologize :o

to the OP, I have heard that you can try but it is highly unlikely that a Russian citizen can qualify for a visitor visa....best of luck to you though.

Edited by Marc and Olga, 15 March 2007 - 09:29 AM.

Marc and OlgaMale02007-03-15 09:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisiting Russia

I will look into the travel insurance, I would rather spend the extra $30 and know it would be accepted. The one offered with the tour group was over $100 each, so I assumed others would be too.

Medical care in most parts of Russia is very cheap. We are talking a $15 for a hospital stay a day and even less for a doctor's visit and medicine. It's not like in the US or Western Europe. But you'll need to be with a Russian speaker to get this rate. So a policy that charges you more than $15 a day might not be worth it, unless it covers a full blown evacuation back to your home country, meaning a very serious injury or illness.

Wow, I didn't know you need medical insurance to enter Russia! I've traveled to Russia 5 different times over the past 8 years, and never once was asked if I had insurance.

Ditto.


I've only been once and I was not asked about insurance but the policy I had was the evacuation policy and $15 for the 10 days I was outside of the US was not terribly expensive and worth it for the peace of mind.... better safe then sorry! ;)
Marc and OlgaMale02007-03-12 07:18:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisiting Russia

Hey guys
I've never posted on this forum before because my husband is from Ireland, but I was hoping you guys could help us out with something. We are planning a trip to Russia this summer. For non-citizens going into Russia, I know you need some kind of medical insurance to cross the border. For those of you who are non-Russian citizens who have visited there, how does this work? Does my usual HMO cover it? Do we need letters of proof? Do they really check this out? Any and all advice about travelling to Russia would be appreciated! TIA!


Your HMO MAY cover you overseas, I did not check with my medical insurance, I found a travel insurance policy that was only $15 for the 8 days I was traveling...

They did not check this information in Vladivostok, where I entered Russia and I had no problems though I spent my time with my (then) future wife in her home town and in Vladivostok.

I wish I could return and visit other places such as St. Pete's or Moscow but Olga's immigration had all our disposable income occupied atm.

As for advice about traveling there, it would be helpful to know what part you were planning on visiting since I could help with the far east but am clueless about the rest of Russia.

Also not sure how much, if any Russian you know but the immigration forms (similar to the US form I-94) were only available in Russian but there was a man there with me that said in Moscow he was able to get these forms in English.
Marc and OlgaMale02007-03-10 18:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNeed CHEAPEST room in Moscow- 2/3 nights.

Contact Olesya Pomazan, the "Russian Girl Friday." She let my fiancee stay with her for about $35/night. She's a single mom with a flat in Moscow and is really familiar with the interview process.

Check out her website: http://www.russiangirlfriday.com

You can e-mail her about the upcoming interview, and if she can't let you stay with her, she'll definitely be able to find you somewhere for a good price. I highly recommend her!


Olga stayed here for her interview, it was not very expensive, she also offers transportation to and from the airport...

I hoped Slim would pop in with this information!
Marc and OlgaMale02007-03-28 04:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusViolence Against Women Act and me
So after Olga arrived, everything was fine, things went well until I learned she was spending many HOURS on the telephone to Russia, which we cannot afford at this time and I tried to explain it to her but she either didn't understand or didn't WANT to understand.

She spent close to $300 in her first 2 months here in the USA, couple that with $127 in Text Messages to and from Russia and the next cell phone bill is looking like it will be much higher.

We have been living on the edge since we returned from Disneyland and I have been trying to get us caught up so I tried to limit her usage on both the international calls and the international text messages and when I learned she could not limit herself...I lost all trust I had in her and without trust there is not relationship...

Back up a sec, on April 1, after she agreed to spend ONLY 2 hours a week to Russia as that was all we could afford, I learned she used 8 hours in 2 weeks and removed the vonage adapter. When she came home and discovered this she proceeded to threaten to claim I sexually abused her, thus abusing the Violence against Women Act to secure her stay in the USA.

There were other signs that this may have been fraud on her part but I will not discuss those here, those that know me, have heard the WHOLE story...

Now back to tonight, I finally decided I was through with the headaches, through with the stress of our financial situation, through with our marriage and again she threatened to abuse the Violence Against Women Act, then she cut her self...intentionally and insisted I drive her to the hospital where I waited 2 hours to see what would happen, I eventually decided that I was through waiting there and came home, to write this.

Those that know me, know these are false claims...I would never hurt or abuse anyone but V.A.W.A. is written so that no one cares about the accused...at least as I understand.

All I have to say is this once wonderful turned horror story of a chapter is close to being finished!

Peace
Marc and OlgaMale02007-05-09 03:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusswitch to a different consulate
it is true you cannot choose where you have your interview (Olga's would have been in Vladivostok if that were an option!).

Perhaps you could phone the consulate/embassy...for a price =O
Marc and OlgaMale02007-07-20 20:46:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa to Russia
During my trip to Russia, I used russia-visa.com...it was quick and easy!

I also found a slight error with my original visa and they corrected it free of charge! (it said I was born in 1900)

Only issue I had was at migration control where the lady asked my purpose and I said tourism, see sights and what not but it came out that I was to meet Olga and she told me I got the wrong visa "wait here", at which point I thought for sure I would be on the next plane back. She found Olga then returned and let me through! That was the worst part of the trip I am happy to say and we are planning a trip in 2009. =)
Marc and OlgaMale02007-09-30 22:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusLAX POE - any comments?
Olga said her time through wasn't too bad.
Marc and OlgaMale02007-11-08 02:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTourist Visa from Russia to US
QUOTE (moxcamel @ Nov 7 2007, 03:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I had about a 5 word Russian vocabulary when I put feet down in Moscow. I had a hard time sometimes, but it was a trip I will remember with fondness all my life, and not just because I met my SO. Knowing the language would be advantageous, but I never found the language barrier to be too high.



My trip was Spring Break, 2006...I was taking Russian 101 so I had a limited knowledge of Russian, still do but every now and then I pick up a book and try...speaking of which, I may do that tonight! =)

Since I do not know your situation, I can only share my experience...

Do NOT send any money first! Plan a trip to visit her in her town, even in winter!

As I said my trip was spring break...a.k.a. March! melting snow everywhere, it was fun...though cold, coming from the desert! laughing.gif

It was really nice to see her town, her family...not so much how she lived since she took leave during my trip! I've said it before and I'll say it again, IF I could have moved there I would have, in a second! I loved the trip though I am certain the company I kept had alot to do with that wink.gif


We are looking to buy a house this year and a trip back in 2009!
Marc and OlgaMale02007-11-08 03:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTourist Visa from Russia to US
QUOTE (mox @ Nov 20 2007, 11:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (slim @ Nov 17 2007, 10:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
(Can't wait for Act II mox!)

Dangit, looks like the rest of the show might be canceled. The star of the show seems to have left the building. sad.gif



Just hijacking the newbie thread to say I love your sig.... *meow*
Marc and OlgaMale02007-11-22 14:40:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBack from Kazan

Yesterday was the saddest day of my life. Left for the airport at 4 AM. It was freezing ### cold in Kazan, and the wind was blowing. My girlfriend stood out in the cold with a little jacket on, to see me off and watch me drive away. I ran back to her 4 or 5 times to hug her. She was still standing there when we drove away. Leaving her there was the hardest thing I've ever done


Ah so you picked one! Come on tell us more about the trip! :)

I remember going through the departure at Vladivostok and almost crying, was a sad day, indeed!
Marc and OlgaMale02006-10-19 21:52:00
Asia: East and PacificFiling for a Visitor's Visa
Mew, check the profile, that is where I found the information that was quoted... not the timeline.
Marc and OlgaMale02006-07-20 14:37:00
Asia: East and PacificANY CHEAP WAY TO CALL PHILIPPINES OR INDONESIA???
Someone suggested www.mobilecaller.com, their sample rate to the Philippines is $0.10/minute.

I know they offer a decent rate to Russia but I have not tried their service yet, though I intend to on Thursday! =)
Marc and OlgaMale02006-07-08 19:03:00
Asia: SouthMy Pre-NOA2 Timeline
Complete I-129f Journey:

2005 met online
2005-10-15 met on webcam
2005-10-28 first time I sent flowers
2006-04-07 1st trip to Thailand
2006-04-10 engagement ring
2006-07-04 2nd trip to Thailand
2006-07-17 I-129F sent to CSC
2006-07-24 NOA1 (received)
2006-08-08 touched (due to email I sent)
2006-09-21 touched (first 'real' touch)
2006-09-22 touched
2006-09-29 touched (RFE sent from CSC)
2006-10-01 touched
2006-10-05 RFE (received)
2006-10-06 RFE (returned to CSC via express mail)
2006-10-07 RFE (delieverd to USCIS per USPS)
2006-10-16 RFE (CSC aknowledged recept over the phone, no email)
2006-10-18 touched, and I finally got the email confirming receipt of my RFE on the 16th
2006-10-19 touched (I feel NOA2 coming...)
2006-10-20 touched again!
2006-10-23 NOA2! (confimred by phone call, no email)
2006-10-30 Faxed Request for Provisional File[/b]
2006-11-06 Bankok opens provisional file and sends Packet 3
2007-11-07 Date the NVC forwarded our file to Bangkok
2006-11-15 3rd trip to Thailand
2006-11-21 Retruned Packet 3 forms to US Embassy
2007-01-29 Visa Approved!
2007-02-06 4th trip to Thailand
2007-02-17 Ceremony in Thailand
2007-02-21 POE LAX - Fiance and her daughter enter the USA together, Easy-Peasy!
2007-03-05 Wedding in USA
TucsonBillMaleThailand9/11/2007 20:35
Asia: SouthMy Pre-NOA2 Timeline
My Timeline is getting too long, I am going to trim it and link to this page if anyone else from Thailand wants to se my full timeline including all touches:

Our Timeline

2005 met online
2005-10-15 met on webcam
2005-10-28 sent flowers
2006-04-07 1st trip to Thailand
2006-04-10 engagement ring
2006-07-04 2nd trip to Thailand
2006-07-17 I-129F sent to CSC
2006-07-22 touched (NOA1 sent from CSC)
2006-07-24 NOA1 (received)
2006-08-08 touched (due to email I sent)
2006-09-21 touched (first 'real' touch)
2006-09-22 touched
2006-09-29 touched (RFE sent from CSC)
2006-10-01 touched
2006-10-05 RFE (received)
2006-10-06 RFE (returned to CSC via express mail)
2006-10-07 RFE (delieverd to USCIS per USPS)
2006-10-16 RFE (CSC aknowledged recept over the phone, no email)
2006-10-18 touched, and I finally got the email confirming receipt of my RFE on the 16th
2006-10-19 touched (I feel NOA2 coming...)
2006-10-20 touched again!
2006-10-23 NOA2! (confimred by phone call, no email)
TucsonBillMaleThailand10/23/2006 16:48
Asia: East and PacificHas anyone brought a child with fiance from Thailand?
Hi all, I am just wondering what I need to know about bringing my fiance's child from Thailand. I now that the Pilippines requeres consent of father, (in my case, father was from singapore and has not bee heard from in 6 years). From all I have been able to gather, we do not the fathers consent. Can anyone confirm this?

Additionally, I am wondering what the interview might be like with regard to the daughter. Will they ask her any questions?

Also, I have a longer post in the main I-129f Fourm if you would like to read more details:

http://www.visajourn...howtopic=25339#

Thanks!

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-08-05 01:57:00
Asia: East and PacificJust a note to say HI!
Hi all,

Sorry I have not been around much lately. I had alot to do before my most recent trip to Bangkok and had a great time, I just got back.

I posted the complete packet 3 forms for Bangkok on the Thailand thread. Look at my recent posts if you need to find them. Those of you who are regulars might want to bookmark those posts for future Thai visa applicants.

CONGRATS~! to all those recently approved, and I hope all are doing well.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-11-25 13:14:00
Asia: East and PacificVisa approved
Congrats~! Nervous couple of days eh? ME TOO! lol - we both got it resolved pretty quick.

Bill
TucsonBillMaleThailand2007-01-30 19:53:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanCalling anyone from Johannesburg!


Hello from USA and Thailand :)

My fiance lived in South Africa for about a year, both before and a short time after her previous marriage. She was never issued a SA ID number because she was always there on a visitors visa and always returned to Thailand before the end of it. (She lived near Johannesburg).

The problem is, I think we are going to need a police clearance / report because she did live there more than six months, or at least US Immigration MAY construe things that way, and I am wondering what we can do or who we can contact regarding such clearance / report. According to what I read, a K-1 fiance visa applicant must provide police reports from any country they have lived since age 15 (or something like that). Can you give me a phone number to call or an email address to write? Is there a form you could maybe scan and email to me? If you have a form I can mail or fax, please PM me.

Thanks,

Bill (& Pao)


Typically the requirement is 6 mos. locally or 12 mos if living abroad since the age of 16. I would doube check the BKK consulate to see if it is noted.


From the DOS:

To obtain a certificate that is issued in single copy only, fingerprints must be taken by the local police in the applicant’s place of residence. The South African police forwards the completed fingerprint chart and the fee to the head office in Pretoria for issuance of the police clearance certificate. If the applicant is residing in the United States, he or she should forward a bank draft in the aount of R41.00 together with a completed fingerprint chart (bearing an official signature and stamp of the local police station) to:

South African Police Service
Criminal Record Centre
Private Bang X308
Pretoria 0001, South Africa

Alternatively, he/she should authorize a friend/relative in South Africa to submit the application on behalf of the applicant.

http://travel.state....outh_Africa.htm


Thanks, we're working on it now :)

Edited by TucsonBill, 30 October 2006 - 02:06 PM.

TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-30 14:05:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanCalling anyone from Johannesburg!
Hello from USA and Thailand :)

My fiance lived in South Africa for about a year, both before and a short time after her previous marriage. She was never issued a SA ID number because she was always there on a visitors visa and always returned to Thailand before the end of it. (She lived near Johannesburg).

The problem is, I think we are going to need a police clearance / report because she did live there more than six months, or at least US Immigration MAY construe things that way, and I am wondering what we can do or who we can contact regarding such clearance / report. According to what I read, a K-1 fiance visa applicant must provide police reports from any country they have lived since age 15 (or something like that). Can you give me a phone number to call or an email address to write? Is there a form you could maybe scan and email to me? If you have a form I can mail or fax, please PM me.

Thanks,

Bill (& Pao)
TucsonBillMaleThailand2006-10-28 13:49:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaConsulado Rio de Janeiro
Elo.. how did you find out that NVC had sent your case to Rio??

thanks!!
MarcoGomesMaleBrazil2010-12-02 17:08:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaAyuda, Pago IV luego de decir pago fue rechazado...
Jenni.. ya hablastes con NVC? al 603-334-0700,,, habla con ellos y preguntales que esta pasando... asegurate de tener a la mano el numerdo de cheque, numero de caso de NVC y la fecha de nacimiento del beneficiario.

Espero eso te ayude.

Suerte.
MarcoGomesMaleBrazil2010-12-26 21:18:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaShipping items from Brazil
Oi Linha... meu esposa usa SEDEX para mim mandar documentos e ropinhas..
I hope this helps!!.

Marco
MarcoGomesMaleBrazil2011-01-20 16:48:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaSending money overseas...
I send money to my wife via WIRE..through WellsFargo
it goes straight into her bank account in Brazil...I pay a fee of $30..no matter how much I send.

Hope this helps. :-)
MarcoGomesMaleBrazil2011-01-25 13:37:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaUseful info - K-1 Brazil
Very good information to have!! thanks alot for taking the time to post it! :-)

Muito obrigado pela informacao :-)


Marco. :thumbs:
MarcoGomesMaleBrazil2011-02-11 16:38:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaMedical Exam in Rio de Janeiro
I have searched the topic here, but have not been able to find an answer... :-(

When you go for your medical exam at Rio de Janeiro... do you live the Doctor's office with everythng you need? is everything done on the same day?


Thank for the information! :-) am trying to get my wife to relax a little bit about it...she has her CR-1 interview on March 1st :-)
MarcoGomesMaleBrazil2011-02-01 13:49:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanCR 1 INTERVIEW IN NEXT MONTH

AFTER ONE YEAR OFF WAITING GOD MAKE A WAY ON MY CASE
GOD BLESS ME WITH INTERVIEW THIS YEAR IS ON NEXT MONTH
THANK YOU JESUS FOR GIVE ME THIS INTERVIEW INTERVIEW INTERVIEW
SO HAPPY

Big Congratulations!! all will be ok! :-)

Never Give Up!
MarcoGomesMaleBrazil2011-01-05 14:40:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Sample of Atestado de Bons Antecedentes
Hi everybody! :-)

am writing in the hopes that someone will have a sample of the "right" Police Certificate from Brazil. My wife still in Acailandia, Maranhao. Brasil and we have sent FOUR differenct Atestados de Bons Antecedentes to the NVC, and we just got a letter from them saying that "they do not fulfill the necessary requirements"...so if anybody has delt with this situation before and could send me a copy of the certificate that they sent and the NVC accpeted it, we would reaaaalllyyyy appreciated... of course, please black out any confidential information, we just want to see what kind fo Police Certificate the NVC is looking for...I wrote back to the NVC asking for a sample of such certificate, but am sure they will not send it to me...

Thank you very much in advance!

Marco.
MarcoGomesMaleBrazil2010-09-15 10:40:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Email Lost and How Long till you get email?
Hi... did you look in your JUNK or SPAM box? or Deleted Items? do you have a Firewall that might be blockin it?

just some thoughts. :-)

Good luck.
MarcoGomesMaleBrazil2010-12-07 15:22:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)January Interviews 2011
We are hoping to get the interview date for January :innocent: :yes:
with god's help :thumbs:
MarcoGomesMaleBrazil2010-12-08 10:26:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Contacting NVC

So I guess it's a luck of the draw to get ahold of them, as I've called a zillion times and all I get is a busy signal. Is it because it's Monday, or is there another number? This is the number I have been calling: 603-334-0700. I'm trying to find out if they received our file and if there is a case number yet for us.

Thank you :)



you can try this number also :
202 663 1225

Good Luck! and Never Give up!! :-)
MarcoGomesMaleBrazil2011-01-24 15:39:00
ChinaGuangzhou interview times
QUOTE (tony & lili @ Mar 18 2009, 11:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (tinman @ Mar 12 2009, 07:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've read conflicting reports from USCIS.Gov sites that say only just now are Oct. NVC approvals are being recieved in Guangzhou. The outlook seems bleak. Yet on Visa Journey, I am reading statistics how numerous others from closer to my NVC-2 approvals are getting P-3's already, and in some cases, even P-4 interview dates.
On one hand I am gathering I can expect my Jan. 26 NVC-2 to be another 8 months or so....or according to other V/J members, I can expect any day now P-3 to the Fiance.
Please give your input..............Are this .gov sites really accurate?.....or are the timelines given here accurate.....it's very confusing! Mine is K-1 if this makes a difference.........Please help me get a better idea! Thanks in advance!

My story is that once my petition got approved on January 2nd at NVC it took until after I faxed Guangzhou did they then reply. It took over 2 months for me to put into perspective that they were dragging their feet. After 2 months I faxed them 2 different times and Guangzhou then sent my fiance her instruction packet. yes.gif innocent.gif

Thanks for that info.....can you tell me exactly the address you faxed that to?.........Mine was nvc approved also in january (14 )...thought about the fax thing...just didn't think it would do any good...I will reconder it now. If you could, would you e-mail me? mytinnmann@aol.com..
Are you going to have to supply all the income verification for the affidavit of support?..ie: bank stements...letter from employer...401k, etc.?.....do you have this list of stuff? I would sure appreciate it!
My Gal is near Fuzhou....is yours close by?...does she speak English?....thanks................Ronn
tinmanMaleVietnam2009-03-18 23:55:00
ChinaGuangzhou interview times
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Mar 14 2009, 10:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (OKIE2 @ Mar 14 2009, 12:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Mar 13 2009, 10:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (OKIE2 @ Mar 13 2009, 06:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
GRAB BAG SHIPPING---VISA LOTTERY
why do our applications even get in the hands of Chinese customs it is none of their business about American documents. I under stand the warehouse thing but when the embassy does accept the shipments is no one there smart enough to take the oldest dated ones first. it seems to me everything the us government does has no order or
fairness about it it's like little school kids are running everything and they are not in class half the time.
some people wait for 1 year while others are granted in 2 or 3 months.


In any given shipment, it's likely all petitions cleared NVC the same day or within a day or two. They open the packages in the order received.



If they are opened in order received how do some get interviews months ahead of some others.
DATE HAS NO BEARING ON THE ORDER OF THIS PROCESSING MESS
when people talk about 3 months in chinese customs and 2 to 4 months in embassy warehouse
Has any one been there and seen it their self and know what the hell they are talking about and telling everyone else
I think this whole mess is every one guessing from someone elses guess.
And our government giving away trillions of dollars to the rich people can't fix the worlds biggest screw up we are all in THE GOOD OLD INS GRAB BAG LOTTERY


You've got the NVC to P3 segment of the timeline all wrong. It's just one two to four month wait in a warehouse before K visa cases can expect a P3. What's random the assigning of interview dates when a P4 is generated. The day before or day of P4 generation, cases that were determined document qualified are assigned interviews. The NOA1 dates or even the P3 dates on a given batch of document qualified cases could vary widely based on how long it takes people to get the P3 back.

So, for example they have 200 document qualified cases to generate P4's for on June 27. All those cases could theoretically be assigned the same interview date but they aren't. Their interview dates are randomely distributed to all available interview dates in August.

Everything up to this time from NOA1 to P4 has been "first come, first served" but it's first come to a specific point in the timeline. They don't hold up your case until all others with the same NOA1 date have arrived at the same point. Your case will proceed through each of the multiple steps of the process (many more milestones than are reported or available for us to see) at its own speed. If others proceed slower, your case isn't held back to match them and others are not held back to match yours.

THANKS AGAIN PUSHBRK.....IT'S NICE OF YOU TO TAKE THE TIME, AND THE CARE, TO HELP EXPLAIN TO OTHERS....HAVING BEEN THROUGH THIS ALREADY I KNOW IT;S FRUSTRATING TO SEE OTHER FOLK'S CONFUSION....WILL ALL GOT IMPATIENT DURING OUR PROCESS IN THE PAST....IT'S DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND, AND EXPLAIN SOMETIMES.

I'M JUST GOING TO SIT BACK AND WAIT...I KNOW THERE IS NOTHING ELSE TO DO BUT WAIT, AND TO JUST PROVIDE EVERYTHING REQUIRED, AND IN A TIMELY MANNER!

I JUST FEEL FOR THOSE WHO HAVE WAITED, AND WAITED......THOSE STORIES ON THE USCIS WEBSITES, (AND THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT THREADS)...ARE JUST BOTHERING ME....THERE WERE SEVERAL POSTS THERE THAT CLAIMED THE PROCESS IS QUITE DIFFERENT THEN WE GENERALLY REFER TO IT HERE. THEY CLAIM ONLY 3 DAYS AGO THAT NOA2 APPROVALS FROM OCTOBER 2008 WERE BEING DELIVERED TO CHINA CUSTOMS...AND THAT THERE WILL THEN STAY WAREHOUSED FOR 2-4 MONTHS UNTIL THE CONSULATE REQUESTS ANOTHER BATCH.

IT IS "THIS" INFORMATION, THAT I AM WANDERING IF HOLDS ANY WATER....WE ARE LED TO BELIEVE THAT AFTER NVC APPROVAL THESE APPLICATIONS ARE IMMEDIATELY SENT TO THE FOREIGN CONSULATES, AND USUALLY RECIEVED IN 1 WEEK OR THERE ABOUTS....THESE OTHER POSTS IN USCIS CLAIM THEY SIT IN VERMONT FOR MONTHS, AND MONTHS...HENCE THE CLAIMS THAT THE DHL TRACKING NUMBERS CLARIFY THAT THE APPPICATIONS ARE ONLY NOW LEAVING FROM THOSE OCTOBER APPROVALS.

SORRY TO BEAT A DEAD HORSE.....BUT SOMEBODY IS MISINFORMED I'M GOING TO TRUST THE FOLKS HERE IN VISA JOURNEY TO RELY ON THEIR TIMELINES....I DON'T THINK ANYBODY HERE IS MAKING UP STORIES.

THANKS AGAIN PUSHBRK!
tinmanMaleVietnam2009-03-14 10:42:00
ChinaGuangzhou interview times
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Mar 14 2009, 09:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (tinman @ Mar 13 2009, 09:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Mar 13 2009, 11:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (OKIE2 @ Mar 13 2009, 06:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
GRAB BAG SHIPPING---VISA LOTTERY
why do our applications even get in the hands of Chinese customs it is none of their business about American documents. I under stand the warehouse thing but when the embassy does accept the shipments is no one there smart enough to take the oldest dated ones first. it seems to me everything the us government does has no order or
fairness about it it's like little school kids are running everything and they are not in class half the time.
some people wait for 1 year while others are granted in 2 or 3 months.


In any given shipment, it's likely all petitions cleared NVC the same day or within a day or two. They open the packages in the order received.

None of this answers my original question!

Is it true that Oct.08 NVC-2 approvals are only now hitting the DHL warehouses, where they are expected to wait 3 months or more??

Or is it true, as reported by so many on this website, that they have recieved P-3 ..and P-4 already...and in many cases interview dates, and even visa approvals already, even though their timelines shown indicate NVC-2 approvals later than those Oct.08 approvals?

Just want to know who to believe!...

If DHL tracking is accurate, then I can expect my Jan.09 approval to wait another minimum 6-8 months still on top of the original 2 months already since the NVC-2 approval.


I'm not sure what you mean by NVC-2 approvals. If you mean NOA2 approvals from the USCIS service center, that's really irrelevent. NVC Complete to P3 is the timeline segment where "customs" comes into play but that's just one segment of time, not two. It takes three to five days to actually arrive in Guangzhou and they the packages sit until GUZ provides the necessary paperwork for them to clear customs and be delivered. For the last few years that segment of the timeline has varied from two to four months with the average being just less than three months.

Thanks for your input PUSHBRK.....the changes in the system in the states. indicate that Homeland Security,(prev. known as INS) is now the first to approve the application..hence NOA1....then is forwarded to NVC (national visa center)...hence NOA2...for background investigation, etc.....upon investigation, and approval..therefore referred to as NVC2...(National Visa Center approval)...hence NVC2...I realize there is other terminology previously coomonly referred to...However i was still looking for someone who has any idea about the accuracy of these so-called DHL tracking methods, and if their reported delays are actually valid!......They contradict everybody else's testimony here....Can anyone else shed some light?......Please don't light me up for terminolgy....we all know what it means.
tinmanMaleVietnam2009-03-14 10:15:00
ChinaGuangzhou interview times
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Mar 13 2009, 11:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (OKIE2 @ Mar 13 2009, 06:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
GRAB BAG SHIPPING---VISA LOTTERY
why do our applications even get in the hands of Chinese customs it is none of their business about American documents. I under stand the warehouse thing but when the embassy does accept the shipments is no one there smart enough to take the oldest dated ones first. it seems to me everything the us government does has no order or
fairness about it it's like little school kids are running everything and they are not in class half the time.
some people wait for 1 year while others are granted in 2 or 3 months.


In any given shipment, it's likely all petitions cleared NVC the same day or within a day or two. They open the packages in the order received.

None of this answers my original question!

Is it true that Oct.08 NVC-2 approvals are only now hitting the DHL warehouses, where they are expected to wait 3 months or more??

Or is it true, as reported by so many on this website, that they have recieved P-3 ..and P-4 already...and in many cases interview dates, and even visa approvals already, even though their timelines shown indicate NVC-2 approvals later than those Oct.08 approvals?

Just want to know who to believe!...

If DHL tracking is accurate, then I can expect my Jan.09 approval to wait another minimum 6-8 months still on top of the original 2 months already since the NVC-2 approval.
tinmanMaleVietnam2009-03-13 23:29:00