ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsOpinions and Observations

First of all, I would just like to express my personal appreciation to all of the good folks that started this website, the long time members, and new members alike, for all of the support and information on this website. I was very fortunate to discover this website even before my first visit to China to visit my finacee Lei. The information here is very valuable and the good people that take the time to share their experiences, help all of us "newbies" very much. Now it is my turn to share some thoughts :-)

I just mailed off my completed I-129F package today! After some great advise from another VJ member I waited until after my 2nd trip to China ro send my petition. My I-129F package has a total of 122 pages. Here is a summary:

- Payment in the amount of $ 340.00 (personal check).
- G-1145 Form
- I-129F (hand printed, all CAPS, in black ink)
- I-129F Supplement: Part B, Question 18, explanation of meeting in person (1 page)
- G-325A and (2) passport style photos (Petitioner)
- G-325A and (2) passport style photos (Beneficiary)
- US Passport (Petitioner) - (cover-to=cover in color)
- Letter certifying intent to marry (Petitioner and Beneficiary)
- Proof of prior marriages legally terminated (27 pages - complete)
- Evolution of Relationship Letter (2 pages)
- Proof of having met in person in the past two years (36 pages total including; (19) 5 x 7 photos from my 2 trips to
China showing my Finacee, Lei, her daughter, her mother and father, etc., trip itineraries, airline boarding passes,
hotel receipts, ATM receipts, currency exchange receipts, misc. receipts)
- Proof of ongoing relationship (16 pages of e-mails from 6/2011 - 2/2012, engagement ring receipt)

Our package is two-hole pucnhed at the top, subject tabs at the bottom. I mailed it today in a USPS Priority Mail box, via certified mail with return receipt requested.

The only thing I don;t have now is phone records because we I have been using "1 cent China" calling cards to call Lei. But now I have signed up for "flatrateonline.come" (from the advice of another member) so we have a record of our phone calls for Lei's interview. I made 1 complete replica copy and have all of the pages copied for a third copy if required.

I welcome any comments from other members :-) Here are a few of my observations about the whole process of making the package:

"Triple Check" everything! I followed this advise and found an empty box on my G-125A on my third check.

I tried "blacking out" personal information in several e-mails, but it just didn't look or "feel right" LOL. I recommend just picking several "mild" cordial e-mails to send ( if you can)

I recommend making an "I-129F Kit" at the very beginning; I bought a used ACCO (2) hole punch on eBay for $6.00 including shipping, a box of ACCO fasteners, a pack of subject tabs, black pens, yellow higlighters, etc.

During the information gather process, try to read the recent posts on this site and "gleen" information on a daily basis.

I just wanted to provide some ideas to offer help as others have helped me. One "intangible" thing about this long waiting process is that it gives you and your sweetheart time to see each other through a difficult time while separated by miles and lets the relationship grow.

Thanks everyone for listening :-) And for all of the help! Now I begin the "rest of the process" LOL :-)

WOW mine was like 20-25 pages, only 4 pages for previous marriages one for each side of 2 divorce decrees. I'm glad I don't live in your state where a divorce decree is 27 pages long! And I just sent a printout of inbox for all emails showing dates received and sent, not actual emails, and after 10 pages of texts I think they got the jist.
Ron4MaleColombia2012-02-25 03:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsStill Waiting

1. Go to: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis
2. Enter your Receipt Number
3. Check status
4. If you haven't done so, on the left side, select "Sign-up for case updates"
5. If you have an account, select "Sign-in My Account"

To log in:

Select Type: Customer
Enter User ID:
Enter Password:

Password Requirements
Your Password must be between 8 and 14 characters.
Your Password must contain at least one number, at least one English uppercase character, and at least one English lowercase character.
Your Password cannot contain a dollar ($) sign.
Your Password may not have more than two consecutive identical characters.
Your Password can not be the same as your previous six passwords.
Your Password cannot be the same as your User ID or contain the word "password."
Your Password will expire every 90 days.

The "Last Updated (mm/dd/yyyy)" block will say the date that it was last touched.
This could have been as simple as filing the package or moving it from one location to another.
Doesn't say anything.

Don't forget to set e-mail and cell (mobile) alerts.

Then the agony starts... everyday check the website...
Every day check my cell phone...
Every day when nothing comes in...
Feel the pain...


Today is 146 days since NOA1

When the 5 month hits, I intend to call VSC... then in a matter of days... I will contact my Congressman.... I believe that once Congress gets involved, the ball starts moving.....

Thank you and I will go sign up....but I won't start checking every day for a few months...I'm in no shape for that kind of stress
Ron4MaleColombia2012-03-26 01:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsStill Waiting

March 29th will be 5 months after NOA1. I am, like most, wondering how some are getting their NOA2's in less than 5 months and others are in limbo? Don't have a clue what's going on? It seemed that VSC was getting the NOA2's a littler after 4 months. Now I see some folks getting their NOA2's when they got their NOA1's after me. I want to call to ask, but I am also keeping myself at bay until next Thursday when it's 5 months. Just very depressed that my application was last touched on the 3rd of November and nothing. When would it best to start calling?

Thanks!

I echo the hang in there, I can't even get antsy for 4 more months.

How do you know when you got a "touch"? I hear people talking about this but can't find anyone saying how to find out.
Ron4MaleColombia2012-03-25 03:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportswaiting for interview date

hello everyone, my case was finally completed at NVC on june, 29 i called to askk when will my interview date might be they said they have no idea, very frustrating, just called today and still nothing, does anyone know how long it usually takes for a interviem in DR embassy, or when does NVC assigned the interviews in what dates of the month.. getting anxious here.. thank you everyone for all the advice i have gotten on my journey couldnt have done it with out all of you.. thank God for this site..

According to the reviews on here the interview in DR takes 2-4 months after the embassy receives the paperwork, but the NVC will never be able to give you a date.
Ron4MaleColombia2012-07-10 22:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportswaiting for interview date

hello everyone, my case was finally completed at NVC on june, 29 i called to askk when will my interview date might be they said they have no idea, very frustrating, just called today and still nothing, does anyone know how long it usually takes for a interviem in DR embassy, or when does NVC assigned the interviews in what dates of the month.. getting anxious here.. thank you everyone for all the advice i have gotten on my journey couldnt have done it with out all of you.. thank God for this site..

The interview is at the consulate in DR, NVC does not schedule that. It is done in DR. You won't get an interview date until NVC sends it there and then they will contact you or you call them.
Ron4MaleColombia2012-07-10 22:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVermont Service Center Address
I-129F packages go to Dallas lock box. If it is an RFE package read your instructions and send it there. If it is another type of package (like a birthday gift) then I really can't say.

But no matter what the package it was requested with instructions that have the correct address in them.

Edited by Ron4, 21 August 2012 - 12:07 PM.

Ron4MaleColombia2012-08-21 12:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVermont Service Center Address

will there be a problem if we mailed our package using

USCIS
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden
St. Albans, VT 05479

instead of

USCIS
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001

YES A PROBLEM!!!!!

Please read previous post and your instructions....mail to Texas!
Ron4MaleColombia2012-08-21 11:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWhat is Packet 3 and Packet 4? NOA 2 Approved but no packet sent

Actually that is only partly true, The packet is included in the email but because there is no mail system to speak of in Colombia (ie it blows) they do not send a hard copy.

 

The instructions of everything you need is in the one sent with the email. A list of what needs to be done before interview, what needs to be brought to the interview, contact info for doctors etc. They attach a copy in spanish and one in english. If you look at the small print on the bottom it says Instruction Package -K visas (packet 3&4)

 

I know you have seen it because it also has the instructions for how to schedule the interview. But if you don't still have access here is a link to the english copy

http://photos.state....exam_Nov12_.pdf

 

 


Edited by Ron4, 19 August 2013 - 08:55 PM.

Ron4MaleColombia2013-08-19 20:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK1 Visa Rejection....

Make sure you send in the intent to marry letters from BOTH of you or you risk another RFE.

 

And yes 6 months is just starting.


Ron4MaleColombia2014-05-19 21:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2
mine took 6 days and the address was wrong so it should be soon
Ron4MaleColombia2012-07-10 23:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI129f

ou, the American citizen, must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for your spouse with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
USCIS will send you a receipt notice (Form I-797).You then file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), for your spouse with USCIS. If your spouse is planning to bring his/her unmarried children under 21 years of age to the United States in K-4 status, you must name the children in the I-129F petition.
If USCIS approves your I-129F, it will send the petition to National Visa Center (NVC).
After initial processing, NVC sends the I-129F petition to a U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where your marriage took place.f your marriage took place in the U.S., NVC will send the petition to the embassy or consulate in the country where your spouse will be applying for the K3 visa. This is usually the country of his/her nationality, but could be another country if there is no US embassy or consulate in that country, or there is one but the post doesn't issue visas.
After receiving the I-129F petition, the embassy or consulate will notify your spouse, with instructions regarding medical examinations, visa interview and supporting documents (proof of marriage, financial support, etc.)
Your spouse must attend the visa interview, and if all goes well, will receive K-3 visa on his/her passport.

that's what am talking about i hope you do understand me as well right now thank you so very much keep in touch please

The K-3 Visa is an old visa that they do not use anymore, these are the instructions for the K-3 but it is no longer in use! Do not follow these instructions please please please follow the instructions for the I-130
Ron4MaleColombia2012-10-12 23:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview scheduled in Bogota!

Yeah, go ahead and give me some names and ill check them out. Thank you for the help!

Okay, as I said before I stayed at the Radel Bogota and it was a great price (130000 for the two of us) very clean and breakfast included, ask for the room with a balcony. Their website is http://www.hotelrade...EL-BOGOTA-.html They have also had people at the airport trying to get you to go there everytime I have gone, I have arrived later in the evening

Since the embassy is right there and a few blocks away is the feria or convention center there are a lot of nearby hotels. I have walked past, Hotel Estelar de la Feria, Hotel San Rafael, Hotel Platinum Suite, Hotel Boutique de la Feria, Hotel la Esperanza and Hotel Altos de la Embajada. These are all close to the embassy from across the street to a couple blocks away and vary from large hotels to almost B&B style.

Also close by but I don't remember seeing them are, Corferias Inn, Capital, Hotel Suites el Recuerdo, Hotel Ferrovial, Hotel Casa Fortel, and Hotel Charlotte Plaza 26.

Since you are probably familiar with Colombia I don't need to tell you that there are always a lot of small eateries close by, we always slept late and only had the breakfast at the hotel once, about a half a block away right on La Esperanza there is a big bakery with a restaurant upstairs, good food . cheap lots of fresh juices and I had the huevos rancheros two different mornings yumm.

There is also a very large mall about 5-6 blocks down from the embassy called Gran Estacion. I was planning on going there when we left from our interview to hav a celebratory lunch, but we got out so fast it wasn't even open yet, hope you have the same luck!

Speaking of eating and the embassy....there is actually a coffee shop inside the embassy so you can get something while you are waiting.

Good Luck and I hope it is smooth sailing!!!!! (and to aws &ndd too, I really enjoyed chatting with the other fiance visa interviewees while we waited)
Ron4MaleColombia2012-10-13 15:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview scheduled in Bogota!

Case was completed yesterday with NVC on 10-11-12 and today received an email, attached was the appointment letter for the interview date of 11-13-12 at 12:30PM in Bogota. Does anybody have any pointers on what to expect on my interview date at the embassy? What extra paperwork to bring? Suggestions where to stay in Bogota?

Thank you all I would appreciate any suggestions.

I won't be much help on extra paperwork as I had a different visa, but there are several hotels near the embassy. I have stayed at the Radel Bogota and found it very clean friendly and a good bargain, and it is a half a block from the embassy on a nice quiet street but one street over is a major street where it is easy to get a taxi. There are several others nearby, they look nice but I have not stayed in them. I can give you names if you want.

If you want to stay closer to something else ie: downtown or the zona rosa there are lots of hotels in those areas as well.
Ron4MaleColombia2012-10-12 23:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview dates - Colombia

The current times from your NOA2 is your wait for it to arrive in the NVC usually about 10 days to 2 weeks and from there to the Consulate in Bogota, about a week and from there to schedule your interview which is usually about 3 weeks out although you may get lucky and find an available date earlier.

 

Rest easy and be patient, after the wait for the NOA2 it seems like the rest really flies by.


Edited by Ron4, 07 July 2014 - 07:56 PM.

Ron4MaleColombia2014-07-07 19:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsTalk about things now, not later. Dont point fingers!
Great advice!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-01-26 23:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 TODAY FROM CSC !!!!!!!!
Congratulations!!! That's awesome news!!! :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-02-01 19:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 Approved!
Congratulations! I love to hear good news about the CSC!!!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-02-03 21:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2
Congratulations!!!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-02-02 23:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNAO2
Congratulations!!!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-02-04 13:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThe best Valentines gift !!!!
Congratulations!!!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-02-14 17:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsIs this for real or am i dreaming?
Congratulations!!!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-02-17 22:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsOMG! NOA2 came in today
Congratulations!!!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-02-10 19:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAPPROVED!!!
Congratulations!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-02-15 23:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAPPROVED application in 4 months and 6 days with CSC - Wow!
Congratulations!!!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-02-14 17:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNever give up!
Nice story - thanks for sharing!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-02-27 19:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2- APPROVED!
Congratulations!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-02-29 11:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsOMG! We're Approved
Congratulations!!!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-03-01 01:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWE ARE APPROVED!!! THANK YOU GOD!!!
Congratulations!!!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-02-29 00:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAPPROVED!!!!
Congratulations!!! :dance:
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-03-03 10:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJust when I was about to get depressed and have a cardiac arrest.
Congratulations! :dance:
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-03-03 11:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVisa Granted
Congrats!!!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-03-09 10:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsinterview passed
Congratulations!!!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-03-08 21:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAPPROVED! Yesssssss
Congrats!!!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-03-18 22:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsOMGGGG OMMMMGGGG got my noa2
Congratulations!!!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-05-10 21:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAPPROVED !!!:)))
Congrats!!!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-05-20 16:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApproved K1 Petition after more than 7 months of waiting! Thank you, GOD!!
Congratulations!!! Onward and upward!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-05-23 21:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFinally Approved
Congrats!!!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-05-25 00:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 IS HERE!!! WOHOOOO
Congrats!!!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-06-06 22:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC many problems
Wait at least a week and then start calling everyday. They seem to be about 3 weeks out on average right now.
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-06-28 09:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsPetition Finally Approved!!!! :)))
Congrats!!!
palhaçoMaleBrazil2012-07-11 09:27:00