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IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

Case complete today ....hopefully i wont last to long in this thread


Congrats!! It's a good feeling. Even better when you get an Interview date. :)

LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-29 07:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

 
did you show them copies or you had another pile of originals?


I had a whole new set of originals for them. They had everything NVC sent them right in front of them, and yet they asked for everything again. The only thing I had a copy of was my Income Tax, W2, and recent paystubs.

LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-29 07:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews
Good morning. Anyone still waiting for Visas? I keep checking CEAC but nothing changes. If they don't send my husband's Visa by tomorrow, we'll be separated once again. Story of my life....

"Trying to keep postive"


LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-29 07:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

 
A CR-1/IR-1 applicant from the Philippines had no issue, so it doesn't seem to be an issue in every country. I'm hoping there's no issue in England :crying:


Just realized your interview is next week already. I hope England isn't an issue either for your sake because after waiting for so long, this is the last thing you need. It's frustrating and upsetting. I've already cried today. I just changed my ticket to fly back the following Monday because I can't wait any longer than that and once again I will have to leave my husband if this isn't resolved. I thought that finally we could fly back together without ever having to say goodbye again. And if he doesn't fly back before August 9th we are really in trouble because the pilots here are going to go on strike. Just great. Glad everything is working out. For once, can't there be something easy about this process?!

LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-28 12:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

I did as well this morning. They replied within a couple of hours, saying that they are unable to access the State Government database and therefore unable to issue Visas on our passports. They also said that immigrant cases will be prioritized over other visas when eventually they clear the backlog


Thanks for the update even though it's not really good news.

LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-28 10:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews
I just emailed the US Consulate in Paris to see if they give me any news. Those of you still waiting for Paris, I will let you know what they say.
LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-28 09:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

 
7/24, after my interview is done there computer crashed lol

.

My husband's interview was on 7/22. Keep us posted so we know your progress.


LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-28 05:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

 
Urrrrr....weird thing happened...my status go back to "READY" now........ <_<  <_<   <_<  someone please help them fix the crazy system...
But my status updated date showed 28-Jul-2014....so they do touch my case today...ummmm.......


When was your interview? This is frustrating.

LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-28 05:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

 
did you send AOS docs to NVC as well?  


I sent everything to NVC and then they asked for everything again at the interview. My organized binder helped my find everything in a snap.

LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-28 05:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

Thank you! It sucks, I am checking the status a bit too many times now! Let me know when it changes to AP or issued, so that I know it's soon my turn :-) At the interview they said maximum 10 business days... hope it won't take more time!


Let me know as well. You might get yours first than my husband lol. Do we have a lot of people waiting with us right now?

I can't remember who it was, or if it was even on this thread, but someone last week got their visa and the CEAC site still said 'Ready'. Can you phone or e-mail the place that's supposed to have your visa and get status? I'm thinking with the computer crash the CEAC site is running terriblt slow and is a bit behind.


That is a really good point. I've been checking the tracking number if our envelope too. If I don't see why changed by tomorrow, I'm calling. It will be a week tomorrow :(

 
See they going to make me hop a plane and kick some butt. What in the world :wow: . So sorry. But it will be in your hands soon. Hang on. (F)


Hanging... Tight lol. Thank you ;)



LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-28 05:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

Is it normal that on the ceac status check, the "status updated date" is now July 27th and it still says ready? I find it weird that it was updated on a Sunday...


Mine says the same thing. Updated today but it still freakin says "Ready", as in ready for interview. It'll be a week soon and it still says the same thing. This is fun.

I think it's probably normal to say that on the weekend because it's the actual computer software that is doing the scanning and stuff. Not sure humans are needed for that part. We were told that your fingerprints and picture runs thru the system a few times until it officially approves it.



LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-27 14:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

Facebook update: 2014-07-27 19.43.21.png


Well at least something is being done.

LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-27 14:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

I'm not trying to be a Debby downer, but where did you get your info, that it is up and running?  The state dept website said as of today July 26th it is still down. http://travel.state....as/english.html  Is this website wrong?


Ugh... This sucks. This waiting is probably the hardest out of all the waiting we have done. Probably because we are so close.

LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-26 18:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

So does anyone foresee this backlog affecting visa issuance in the months of August and September? I'm wondering if it will mean my wife won't get her visa for more than a week after the interview. Anyone know about it?
 
http://www.nbcnews.c...-glitch-n163751


It is currently affecting me and my husband. His interview was Tuesday and according to CEAC, they are still ready for his interview. No AP or Issued Visa yet. If this hadn't happened, probably by Tueaday we would have had the Visa. So much depends on getting this Visa ASAP and here we are left in limbo.

LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-26 18:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews


 Thank you sandraperry
 
This is what was mentioned in the checklist before i received interview letter:
 
Forms missing or incomplete
[x] If you have returned your original form to us, these are the items that are still incorrect or missing. If you
need another form, please goto http://Travel.state..../visa_4354.html to download a new form and
complete instructions.
Part 5 Sponsor's Income and Employment
[x] __XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX_'s income indicated on the I-864EZ Part 19 does not correspond to that
shown on the most recent tax return and W-2(s).
 
Final list of documents for AOS that I am taking :
- Form I864
- W2 form

- Extension for filling tax for last year

- Copy of letter stating why we did not file tax last year

copy of housing lease agreement

- Income tax return for financial year 2011 and 2012

- Last 2 months pay stub

 
Is it sufficient or am I missing out on something?
 
*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
One more query on similar lines :
 
The document list in my interview letter goes as follows:
 

CORRESPONDENCE INSTRUCTIONS C

1 - IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION PART 1 R  (where can I get it from ?)

1 - IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION PART 2 R (where can I get it from?)

2 - PASSPORT A

3 - BIRTH CERTIFICATE A (I have already submitted the original to NVC...what should I carry now for interview?)

4 - ADOPTION F

5 - MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE A (I have already submitted the original to NVC...what should I carry now for interview?)

6 - MARRIAGE TERMINATION F

7 - COURT RECORDS F

F - FINANCIAL EVIDENCE I

9 - MILITARY RECORDS F

10 - INDIA POLICE CERTIFICATE F

FEE PAYMENT $

PHOTOGRAPH A

F - PETITIONER MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE F

F - PETITIONER BIRTH CERTIFICATE F

10 - PASSPORT POLICE CERTIFICATE A

 

Please guide me for point no. 1, 3 and 5.

 

Thanks a lot for all the suggestions and help....!! God bless :)






















Almost forgot. You also need your DS-260 confirmation.

LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-26 07:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews


 Thank you sandraperry
 
This is what was mentioned in the checklist before i received interview letter:
 
Forms missing or incomplete
[x] If you have returned your original form to us, these are the items that are still incorrect or missing. If you
need another form, please goto http://Travel.state..../visa_4354.html to download a new form and
complete instructions.
Part 5 Sponsor's Income and Employment
[x] __XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX_'s income indicated on the I-864EZ Part 19 does not correspond to that
shown on the most recent tax return and W-2(s).
 
Final list of documents for AOS that I am taking :
- Form I864
- W2 form

- Extension for filling tax for last year

- Copy of letter stating why we did not file tax last year

copy of housing lease agreement

- Income tax return for financial year 2011 and 2012

- Last 2 months pay stub

 
Is it sufficient or am I missing out on something?
 
*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
One more query on similar lines :
 
The document list in my interview letter goes as follows:
 

CORRESPONDENCE INSTRUCTIONS C

1 - IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION PART 1 R  (where can I get it from ?)

1 - IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION PART 2 R (where can I get it from?)

2 - PASSPORT A

3 - BIRTH CERTIFICATE A (I have already submitted the original to NVC...what should I carry now for interview?)

4 - ADOPTION F

5 - MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE A (I have already submitted the original to NVC...what should I carry now for interview?)

6 - MARRIAGE TERMINATION F

7 - COURT RECORDS F

F - FINANCIAL EVIDENCE I

9 - MILITARY RECORDS F

10 - INDIA POLICE CERTIFICATE F

FEE PAYMENT $

PHOTOGRAPH A

F - PETITIONER MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE F

F - PETITIONER BIRTH CERTIFICATE F

10 - PASSPORT POLICE CERTIFICATE A

 

Please guide me for point no. 1, 3 and 5.

 

Thanks a lot for all the suggestions and help....!! God bless :)






















At my interview they took ALL AOS documents, including the actual I-864 form completed. I had my taxes, w2 form, recent paystubs, letter from employer and I believe that is all.
They also took a recent police report, our marriage certificate, and my husband's birth certificate even though they already had all of it. So make sure you take everything.

Hope this helps.




LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-26 07:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

I took time off work this morning to bring my husband to the social security office because he hasn't received his card in the mail yet, despite opting in for it on the DS-260 and going through POE three weeks ago. In keeping with tradition, nothing can be easy or work the way it's supposed to. Turns out the Department of Homeland Security entered his name into the system incorrectly, so the SSA can't issue him a card until his name is corrected with DHS. Now I'm at work 2.5 hours late and get to look up what the process is to fix this ridiculous, unnecessary fk-up. Our paperwork was filled out flawlessly. They must have his name on record on half a dozen forms. How could they not enter it properly?!  :ranting:


Ugh... I'm so sorry that happened. Btw, I was reading your Blog a couple of days ago about how your adjustment and changes now that he is home. I will be experiencing that too soon so I am buckling my seat belt for the ride.

It's been nice to read some of your Blogs and experiences and honestly, no one else understands my frustrations better than all of you.



LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-25 09:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

UPDATE! image.jpg


Oh thank goodness!!! Thanks for the update!

  
Thanks lifeonhold! VJmembers have been a great support for us!
At the embassy the lady told me some portuguese had to come back this week because they couldnt access the ds260 last week! She was a bit embarrassed... But I am really glad it finally worked out! Hope the visa won't be delayed too much. Is your ceac status still at "ready"?
The girl who interviewed me was young, brunette, probably with Asian origins. She was nice but her French was a bit tough to understand!
 
Thanks a lot! I hope the visa won't be delayed for too long, but it's a real relief. The interview was really quick and all the proofs I prepared were useless! I'm happy you are already in the US, enjoy it!!
 Thanks a lot for the update! This is good news!






It still says "Ready" since the 22nd, which is the last date that it was accessed (interview date). Now we wait... Some more.
The girl who interviewed us did it all in English. Really young looking however.



LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-25 09:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

Hey folks!  Waving from the Hudson Valley in New York with some friendly advice about Social Security Numbers!
 
We very clearly ticked the box saying we wanted Julie to get her Social Security Number (it's in the DS-260).  Someone on the list (thank you, whoever you were) said it was good to remind the CBP officer at the POE to make sure the box was checked on their screen too, because that is really the place that the SSN request is generated.
 
We very carefully mentioned it to both the first CBP officer at JFK, and he heard us, but didn't comment.  We also mentioned it to the second CBP officer in the secondary room after he said that everything would be sent to the address specified in the DS-260.  I said something like - that means the Social Security Number too, right?  And he said, Oh, you can go to your local office to apply for that.
 
Neither of us was willing to push a CBP officer further and tell him to check the box on the screen, so we just got out of there.
 
But we did wonder if the SSN request was in the system, or whether we needed to go into our local office.  I really didn't want to go to our local office.  We live in a very small town that is not, as a whole, well-educated or very wealthy, and I've been in the SSN office before, and it wasn't too pleasant.
 
But since Julie needs a Social Security Card in hand before she can apply for a Driver's License, we wanted to make sure the SSN generation was in process.
 
So we went to the office and Julie went up and checked to see if they could tell if a request had been generated.  As it turns out, the clerk helping her (who had to be in her early 40s) had NEVER processed a CR-1 or IR-1 visa applicant before!  She had to look everything up!  We had to wait about 35 minutes in line - there were about 10 British young people ahead of us who were summer camp counselors getting their SSNs - so I found a paper copy of the application that Julie had filled out before her number was called.
 
And...it turned out that the CBP officers had NOT generated the SSN request.  Julie immigrated 8 days ago, so that has put us at least a week behind on getting the SSN.
 
However - the clerk said she'd get it in the mail within a week, most likely, which is still a week ahead of what we'd been told it would take when it was generated via the DS-260.
 
My advice?  I think it probably depends on your POE - and JFK has three terminals that handle international flights - so perhaps it's only Terminal 7 that doesn't tick the box on the system.  But double-check - either at POE, or...go into your local office if you can.  Try to make sure you understand whether they've done it at the POE - otherwise, you will HAVE to go to your local office.
 
By the way - New York is a tough state in which to get a license if you are anything but Canadian.  They do not allow reciprocal privileges for any other country.  Julie, at nearly 60 years old, will be required to get a learner's permit first, take at least 5 hours of driving lessons, and take both a written and a driving test.  I've got to teach her how to parallel park.....
 
Sukie in NY






















The second CO we spoke to at the interview told us that as soon as we arrive we would need to go to our local Social Securoty office to get my husband's social. I was actually surprised someone ever told us. My friends went thru this same process last year and also chose to receive their SS at home. They waited for weeks and nothing arrived. They finally figured out that they had to go to thei local SS office. So they had warned me about it.

NJ is pretty easy going for an immigrant to get their license. You just need to take the written road test and pass it with 80%. And you can even keep your original license, which is nice. If I wanted to get a license in Portugal, I would have to give up my American license... Not cool.

Hope your enjoying time together at "home." :)





LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-25 05:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

I really want to get my passport back! with a visa on it of course.... Don't know how long they can fix the computer problem, I couldn't book flight..I'm sorry..murmuring now... :unsure:

.

Don't worry, I'm feeling the same way. It's like we were so close to the end and now we are back to waiting with no answers... Again.

Congratulations! You must have been so worried with "the computer problem"... Glad everything turned out well.
Enjoy your last weeks in France! I just arrived yesterday in the States! Such a long journey!... All over!


Welcome to AMERICA!!! But most importantly to being with the one you love <3



LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-25 05:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

 
Don't worry, you did not need to do anything. And CONGRATS!
 
 
Once again, CONGRATS!
 
About the Visa, I believe above all I got lucky, as my visa was issued the 18th and mailed the 22nd arriving today.
Before all this computer problems started http://bigstory.ap.o...visa-operations
 
But there is one thing, because they made us take off the sponge protection of the return envelope, the brown envelope that we are not suppose to open it is torn, kind of badly.
Is that going to be a problem?
 
 
Plus, my husband just change his address, rented a new home for us, how do we communicate that: send e-mail to uscis? At the POE?













Why don't you take the Chronopost Envelope and the brown envelope so that at POE they can see that it was torn while being mailed to you and you had nothing to do with it.

If the address they have is an address where family lives, then you can keep it. At least that is what we were told at the interview. It is just a place where they can send you mail.



LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-25 04:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

I read this in US DEPARTMENT OF STATE: CONSULAR AFFAIR facebook page. image.jpg image.jpg


This must have crashed right after our interview on the 22nd. Guess we are lucky we at least got the interview in and they didn't have to reschedule us.

LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-25 04:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

VISA APPROVED!
It took 2 hours, everyone was friendly. I got really worried when they told me I might have to come back in a week because there was a computer system problem and that they couldn't access my ds260... right before she was going to give up, it got unlocked!
I'll write a review of the embassy.

PS: when the PO told me congrats and that we were approved, I just left. I had nothing to sign before leaving right? I got so surprised the interview itself took only 3 minutes I was confused and just left without asking...




Congrats!!! Can't believe the system decided to crash now.
You had nothing to do. Just skip away from the US Consulate lol. Wonder if it was the same young girl who interviewed us.


LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-25 04:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

This is not good: consulate system for processing passports and visas has crashed.

http://apne.ws/1z55ZEb


This has to be a joke right?? Seriously? All I wanted was my husband's visa issued by next week so we could fly in together. I know people have been waiting longer than me. But it just feels like when you are super close, something else delays it. This just means my in laws might fly in before my husband and I have to stay with them alone at the house. Oh brother....
Or he might not be with me for our Anniversary after all. No wonder nothing has changed on the Portal.

CEAC is a bit nutty... But at least it looks like things are moving. :)

7-18: status "Ready", status date changed 7-18 (day of the interview)
7-23: most of the day status "Ready", status date changed 7-21
7-23: after 5:30pm Brazil time status "Administrative Processing", status date changed 7-22 (yep, as of yesterday).

Hopefully tomorrow or Friday it'll show Issued/ mailed!

I'd love to be able to buy my ticket!








Congrats!! Glad yours is moving :)

 
FYI, CEAC does not always show the latest information.  For my wife's case, it still shows Administrative Processing, even though I received an e-mail from ustraveldocs over 8 hours ago saying that her passport would be sent today, and then I learned from the courier (Pony Express) website that it was picked up from the embassy almost 4 hours ago.  So now it's in transit, and I feel much better.
 
Here's something I found helpful.  You can send an e-mail to:  passportstatus@ustraveldocs.com, and just put the passport number in the subject line (nothing else in the subject or body of e-mail).  You then get a pretty quick auto-reply that tells you what's happening.  Earlier today, I received, "Your passport is still with post."  But now, I get, "In Transit From Post."  :)
 
But CEAC still says Administrative Processing...





Thank you for this info!!! ;)




LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-25 04:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews
Do I check on CEAC to see if it changes from Ready for Interview to Administrative Processing to Issued? We had the interview yesterday and it still says Ready for Interview. I know I should just chill but I really wanted my husband to leave with me next week. However, realistically I don't think it'll happen.
LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-23 04:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

 
All will go well, I'll bet that the interview will be smoother than mine :)


Let me know when you get your Visa in the mail so that we know when to expect it. As soon as he gets it, we will buy his ticket. We are going to start packing his stuff soon to bring with us and then some other things we are sending in a container that is supposedly going out at the end of July, beginning of August.

Beijinhos :)



LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-22 10:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews
Visa APPROVED!!!!!! Everything went well. I was super nervous and my husband was not lol. They allowed me to be with him at all times, except when it was time for the interview I couldn't say anything.

Initially they spoke to him in Portuguese, except once again when it was time for the interview itself, which was in English. She asked my husband strange questions. She wanted to know how long we had been married, how we met and when my husband said that our parents were friends and we knew each other since we were kids, she wanted to how long we dated for. My husband didn't explain himself very well and she started to get frustrated by wanting to know if I ever moved there, if not then how come we started dating. Then my husband said he had our wedding album and started showing her pictures. She wanted to know why he had pictures alone in his bedroom (Umm Portuguese tradition lol) and she wanted to see pictures of my parents. When he showed her me with my parents on our wedding day, she wanted to see all of us together as proof he was there. So then he started pointing out pictures where we were all together. At that point she started to type some stuff on the computer and he was said that he also had pictures of us dating and she said, "It's not necessary, I'm fully convinced." She also asked how many times he had been in the US and if he ever over stayed his Visa. He said never had and that he had been there 5 times for a month each time. And she asked again, "So you have never overstayed or stayed more than a month?" And he said, "Well maybe I stayed 31 days." Lol. It was a cute response because he was trying to be politically correct while not falling Into a "trap" answer. She laughed and told us we would get the Visa in the mail in 10-12 days.

I would like to write a full review, but I have no idea where to do that. If you guys could just let me know.

We are celebrating today by doing a River cruise on the Sienne River at dusk.

Thank you so much for everyone's support, guidance, and help. I'll be back to let everyone know how long it takes to receive the Visa in the mail.

Wishing all the best for upcoming interviews. :)










LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-22 10:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews
Interview this afternoon in Paris. I think hubby is nervous. I'll let you all know how it goes. :)
LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-22 02:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews
Hey hey everyone!!!

So I have been MIA for a few weeks now. At first I was trying to get the house as ready as I could before leaving to be with my husband. Once I arrived in Portugal we had to spend time with family and then I kidnapped him to Algarve for an entire week. Aside from our 2 week honeymoon, it was the best trip we have taken. Mostly because we could catch up and enjoy each other's company without interruptions. Now we are starting to get all of our documents together for our interview which will be next week in Paris. Then we have to start lacking his things up. Most of his things we will send in a container though (he wants to bring all of his Engineering books and projects). He is starting to get nervous about moving and upset about leaving his country and family. However, we are excited that for the first time in 6 years, we will not have to separate and kiss goodbye at the airport.


I have been catching up on the he boards and reading everyone's experiences. Sukie thanks for the JFK run down. We fly into Newark Liberty International but I think our experience will be the same. I'm happy LiveMyTico is with her hubby again And Bdrew thank goodness you have an earlier date.

Next week I will let everyone know how the interview process has gone. Hoping it's quick and painless. :))

 
Sending Positive Vibes your way
 
POSITIVE VIBES for EVERYONE!
 
cfmza09.jpg





Haha...love that Oprah pict.

Can't wait to hear how your interview went and for a rundown. :)

Hi everyone!
Could anyone tell me when would we receive an alien registration number? Is it right after the interview or will it be in the visa stamp with the passport once we receive it back?
Thanks!


Your interview is the day after my hubby's interview :)











LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-18 07:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

Yep, the last business day of August lol
Doesn't interfere with our trip, but instead of him coming home with me, he must fly back to London to go to his interview. Mid-September looks to be when our nightmare ends!

So glad you made it safe and you're wih your hubs!!!



You'll be together soon enjoying your vacation and each other's company :) It's amazing how life's perspective can change once you're with the one you love. It is so much easier to be positive.

LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-03 18:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

So nice that you are together! Enjoy and try to relax (your secret getaway intrigued me! And weirdly it made me want to go to a spa with my husband!).


I decided to surprise him and kidnap him lol. Especially since we are staying with my in-laws the whole month of July. We seriously need some privacy and romantic dinners out at night. We're going somewhere beachy :) I need to see him tanned and delicious ;) And honestly, after this horrific year this vacation is totally for me too lol.

LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-03 18:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

Just got off the phone with Dandy Don.. good and bad news.
 
Bad news is that we're going into the 3-day weekend without an interview date; good news is that August scheduling is open for all embassies.


Dandy Don hahaha. Could have used him when I was calling during my desperate times.

LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-03 18:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews
Hello everyone!! So I am officially with my hubs in Portugal. We have caught up and he finally told me about his medical exam in Portugal. It was super simple. He had all his shots already so he was cleared and he had taken proof that he had had the chicken pox before (blood work proved that). Supposedly he had to go to another building for Chest X-rays and they asked him a few questions, such as did he ever contract malaria.

They told him they'd mail him the sealed results along with X-rays. Hoping everything comes in on time. We fly to Paris the day before.

Next week I'm taking him to a secret getaway for a week alone where we can relax before life gets crazy again (packing, interview, moving countries, going into our new home, etc).

Now with more free time, I can check back often.






LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-03 17:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

Approved yesterday (July 2nd) at the Paris embassy! Yay! Finally! After almost 14 months of process.
It went very well. The consulate officer really asked me only one question (how did we meet?). I was expectating a few questions about the wedding, our families or about our jobs but no. Just one question. I won't complain!
And now it's over! And my husband and I will be reunited July 24th, finally!
Good luck to every one still waiting!



Congratulations!!!!!! Please do let us know when you receive everything in the mail. Hoping it will only take a week tops so hubby can come back with me.

LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-03 17:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2014 Interviews

This feels like a graduation thread lol
Still August 29th interview here!


YOU HAVE AN INTERVIEW DATE!!!!!! Sorry, been away lol. Will it interfere with your trip?

LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-07-03 17:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2014 Interviews

I got an email abt police certi. So i called NVC and talked with jena she said its just an reminder tht u guys have to do this and if u have done it already than dont worry abt it. I contact embassy in Sydney and made sure my husbands police certi tht if they received it and i got a reply saying they do have it... But today again i got a same email from NVC again abt police certi..??


Even though NVC has your Police Certificate and even if it isn't expired yet, I would have one with you any way for the interview. I took all my documents with me to the interview and they asked for everything all over again, even though I saw everything right in front of the CO. They even asked for another AOS (I hadn't signed it, so I signed it and dated it) and all the proof I sent in with it.

LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-08-03 07:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2014 Interviews

I know this might sound unappreciative but this whole waiting between "Ready" to "Administrative Processing" to "Issued" and Visa in hand is driving me nuts. At no point during this process will they give you the satisfaction of instant results. This marks one week since the interview, and although it does feel like it was just yesterday, reading your Visa is issued and printed but not having it so far for 3 days after that is such a bummer! Let us get on with our lives!

So sorry for everyone who has been or still is waiting for the status to change to AP or Issued.


You do not sound unappreciative. I struggled with those same emotions last week. Other VJs had to wait months for an interview date and here I was anxious and upset that my husband wasn't getting his Visa issued because of the glitch. But when you get to this point you are exhausted and it's the one step that you expect to be quick and easy, and it hasn't really been that way for the last week or so. Tuesday will be 2 weeks since our interview and hubby still doesn't have his Visa. We are expecting it tomorrow... And hopefully it is tomorrow because his flight is booked for Tuesday lol. But soon enough you. Too will be able to move on with your life. You just need a little more patience.... If you have any left because I didn't lol.

LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-08-03 05:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2014 Interviews

This is so exciting! You are finally going to travel with your husband! I wish you and him a happy happy happy life. And thanks for having been one of my "interview and -waiting for the visa to be printed- buddy". Same for you @sandraperry .

I wish all the best for everyone else. The visa journey is almost over and we can be proud it didn't turn us into crazy people (well at least not entirely! ;-) )
I also wanted to thank everyone for their help, moral support or for just sharing their stories (no no this is not my nobel price speech - but if I ever get one I would include VJ members haha).

SENDING GOOD VIBES TO EVERYONE. STAY OPTIMISTIC AND HAPPY! xxx




Aww... enjoy your hubby and a new phase in your life where you can actually be TOGETHER!

Speaking of which, I have focused so much on this entire process that I don't really know what happens "after." I know my husband probably won't get his Social Security card automatically and that I will have to go to my local SS office for that. But then what happens after? His Green Card just come automatically or am I supposed to do something? Is there another thread that I join after we graduate from here? Loll

Edited by LifeOnHold, 03 August 2014 - 05:54 AM.



LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-08-03 05:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2014 Interviews

 
I am debating how should I send my stuff: mail them, rent a container or just take extra luggage.
What are you guys doing?


Between me and my husband, only one extra luggage is going (my American Express card pays for that...yay). And then everything else will go in the container, whenever they decide to send it. My husband has a lot of engineering books from his Masters program that he wants to take and they are too heavy for luggage. Plus we are shipping all his winter clothing.

This is exciting!! We are all going at almost the same time :)



LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-08-02 19:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSeptember 2014 Interviews

 
Are you catching the plane in Lisbon or Porto?


We leave Monday by train to Lisbon and we are staying at the hotel within the airport. So it's Lisbon :) I usually like to fly into Porto and leave from Lisbon. That way I see family in both places.

LifeOnHoldNot TellingPortugal2014-08-02 19:04:00