biggish data

That's good that they found your file, but did they tell you how much longer you got to wait? I have an Infopass appointment in the Atlanta field office on Nov 15 and by reading your post it feels like it will be a waste of time for me to drive 4hrs just for them to find by file and through it back in the stack on pending files (not that they did that to yours). Your priority date is only 2wks before mine (PD-2/12).

I had to go twice the 1st time was October 10th and that guy who didn't even give me his name

told me that my file was lost and told me to mail certain things back in and he would make a decision

on my CR1 petition so I did what he said and waited 3 weeks and nothing happened.

I made a second infopass Nov.1st and I took a copy of my entire petition with me because that's what

my lawyer told me to do. I also talked to a different immigration officer on my second visit. He took the

time to really look for my file and told me he would come in the next morning and make a decision on

my case which was Saturday morning he also told me he would give me a call just for my peace of mind

after he made his decision. I didn't really believe he would come in on Saturday just to look at my case but

he did what he said he would do and I got a call Saturday morning saying my case was good to go. I checked

the uscis website Monday and my wifes I-130 was approved. So yes its worth an info pass even if you have to

go more than once because my second one paid off. There are still some good people in this world who does

what they say they will do.

Best of luck to you! It's worth the infopass.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-04 22:21:00

I am following your post ... did anything ever happen with your paperwork/case?

Yes the last personnel that I talk to in atlanta office approve our file the day after I went there.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-04 21:00:00

Hello everyone I'm the beneficiary, My husband as you all know went to his appointment last Nov 1 and talk to a personnel in atlanta and he explained everything about what the first guy had told him. The personnel look for our case file and found it. He told my husband that he will be calling him if he can make the decision and guess what last saturday he called my husband and told him that I'm approved but were still in doubt bcoz theres no noa2 yet then today my husband check our case status at uscis website and its already updated its under post decision activity as approve petition and they have mail the notice today Nov 4. After almost 10 months somebody in uscis took sometime to review our file so strongly suggest info pass theres a great possibility that they can adjudicate files right away.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-04 20:57:00

Need to make an update on this post 3 weeks ago I went for an info pass in Atlanta

they told me that they couldn't find my file and that they didn't even have it. The guy

I talked to told me to send him a few files which I did but never received anything back

from them. I went back today and talked to another officer and he took the time to look

it up and actually found my original file so at least I know for a fact that its there because

I saw it. Still no NOA2 but at least I know it's there. I a little upset with the USCIS because

when your file is transferred the USCIS web site says you are supposed to receive a transfer

notice but I never received anything about it being transferred.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-01 21:33:00

Is your wife here in the US or still in the Phils.? If she is in the Philippines, then your file should have been processed in Missouri then once approved, they will send it to National Visa Center for visa then from there, they will forward it to the embassy in the Phils. where she will be scheduled for interview. Now if she is here in the states, then they will go to the local field office for processing. Try to call the 800 in your receipt and ask for a Tier 2 officer, don't settle for just the customer service coz' they have all kinds of answer that who knows where it's coming from. You've got to seek help from a lawyer or your congressman if the later was the case. Goodluck...

she is in the Philippines and I have talked to a tier 2 several times and they are the

ones who told me it was transferred to Atlanta.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-10-17 20:30:00

Write one letter explaining saying there is no whereabout your I-130 after 9 months. make a copy of your NOA1 and send one through congressman to USCIS. Then go to infopass and talk to them. Also, you can write to USCIS with the copy of your NOA1. If this is their mistake, they should fix it. Looks like USCIS error to me.

my wife wants me to ask you this question.

Can we file a complaint with the ombudsman

of the uscis and can they do something about

whats going on?

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-10-17 00:46:00

You should go to the nearest infopass. you have your noa1 as a receipt. Talk to them to expedite your case on the basis of USCIS error and also get in touch with your congressman to correct this USCIS error (expedited)

I already tried the congressman and senator both and neither was any help.

I just came from an info pass last week in Atlanta Georgia. The guy told me

to mail him a copy of my wifes I-130 in which I did and he said when he

received it that he would make a decision on it but I have my doubts

about it because of what has happened.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-10-16 23:46:00

I am a Jan.22nd 2013 filer I called a tier 2 a few weeks back and they told me

my papers had been transferred to the Atlanta field office. I made an infopass

and went there to check on them and the guy asked me how long it had been

since I filed and I told him. He then asked for my receipt number and told me

he would pull my file only to come back 20 minutes later to tell me that they

don't have my file that apparently it has been lost. My question is does anyone

know how to call the NBC so I could call and see if its there. We are in our 9th

month of waiting and it looks like its all been for nothing unless I can locate

where my papers really are because no one at any kind of office seems to

want to help. I also found out if your in the military they don't have to wait

nearly as long as the rest of us in which I find unfair.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-10-16 23:26:00

Chat/Skype Log Question

When submitting Skype/chat logs from anything, will it be a big red flag is there is arguments? I mean every healthy relationship has them, but I don't want them to be like "Oh you two fight a lot....you sure this is a real relationship?" kinda thing. Or can you send parts of chat logs? And will they think its weird that we don't have anything beyond 2012...because we both stopped saving them and this was all before the whole DOMA thing...:/

And how do you print off skype chat logs? I cant find anywhere on the computer that has it saved, just when you open the program does it have it saved in the actual message box thingy....any advice? We just have very little things to send....we never talked on the phone cause we had skype....

Do you think the following is good?
Cards from various occassions

Photos from various trips

Letters from friends stating how they know us and the relationship

Thanks!

What I do is copy and paste each month to word and then edit out the things

that I don't want in there. I also clear my Skype history once a month so I just

save it on word once a month and then edit it.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-05 22:22:00

What?.. Is this some Philippines-specific thing?

This seminar is just for filipino lmmigrant its being handle by the Commision on Filipino Overseas or simply CFO seminar. You cant exit the country without this.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-07 09:03:00

it is a counseling and guidance seminar but need that certificate because at Manila airport they will request it. I think it is Filipino thing just to take more money. I think the cost is $20 or $25 usd

That seminar is very educational according to my wife,It gives them an idea on what to expect when it comes the time that they will be joining us here in the state. Travel dos and donts, and just an overview of the things that they need if they will have some problem in the state.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-07 08:55:00

Hello, to the two of you and congrats. I am a one time visitor, but saved all my EXSPENSES, YM, USPS RECEITS. My wife created a folder with everything needed for interview.

Did you know she needs to go to seminar, and get certificate on going America and what to expect? I mailed my I-130 and received my I-797 July 16, 2013.

By the way, go to LL Bean web site and look under radios and flashlites. They have solar/hand crank emergency ones, great to send to her for typhons. I sent 4 each for her parents and sisters. Send USPS, insured. UPS and FEDX cost 3 to 4 times their cost. But they have come in very useful twice already

Yes shes done with the cfo seminar,we have been approved and just waiting for the noa2 in the mail.uscis mailed it last nov 4.thank you for the info

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-07 08:52:00

Nothing wrong gonna happen. Dont sweat it. There r so many cases like u. I m one among them. I wish u n ur wife all the best for interview. I think u have submitted enuf documents for bonafide marriage which wil speak on behalf of u both. honest answers are enuf for interview. It doesnot mean that u should visit ur wife multiple times. Its like a long distance relationship. Anyhow u r committed and having legitimate married status. so no fears. Go ahead n keep rocking.

Ok thanks for the reply it makes me feel better.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-07 01:54:00

I went to visit my wife she is in the Philippines.

When I visited I arrived 12 midnight Philippine time on NOV.9th 2012

I stayed 2 months with her and we were married Dec.9th 2012.

I left the Philippines midnight Jan.6th 2013.

I have only made that one visit to see her because im saving

for her interview trip to manila and for the fees that are about

to come my way. I have also helped support her every since

we have been married and don't have the money to make a

second trip for her interview. She is worried she may fail the

interview because I have only been there once.

Is this going to be a problem?

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-07 01:20:00

Get divorced and then (re-)engaged

I'm a May filer (well DH is). Have received NOA1 but case hasn't been touched since.

It takes 10 to 12 months for an I-130 approval im a Jan.2013 filer for my wife

and just got approved less than a week ago.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-10 03:53:00

NVC Question

you could certainly try.
When the AOS FEE BILL hits yer email inbox, that's the best time (IMO) to ask for the expedite.

Must to talk with a NVC Supervisor, follow their directions exactly.

ok thanks Darnell

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-11 03:37:00

NVC Question

My wife just got approved by the USCIS a week ago and she is in the Philippines.

My question is when it gets to the NVC can I get them to expidite her visa because

of all that has happened in the Philippines with the typhoon.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-10 22:38:00

CR1

We have our marriage certificate from the city of Tandag Philippines . We are currently waiting for it to be sent to Davo to be authenticated by NSO . Which will take about a month to be completed before we get a copy . Does the USCIS require this copy or will the one from the Tandag the city we were married in be enough ?

hello I filed a CR1 for my wife we are in the NVC stage.

for the USCIS stage a certified true copy of your marriage

certificate is enough. You will need The NSO copy at the

NVC stage. Depending on what date you filed the I-130

you should have plenty of time to get your NSO copy because

the USCIS portion takes 8 to 12 months.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-13 23:17:00

NVC question

Call NVC @ (603) 334-0700 to find out.

ok thanks

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-12 21:40:00

NVC question

I'm not sure I guess you will get a letter? When did you guys file your i-130 by the way??

Jan.22nd 2013

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-12 20:16:00

NVC question

My wifes I-130 was approved Nov.4th by the USCIS and now its on to the NVC.

How will I know when my file is shipped to the NVC the reason I asked is because

when it was at the NBC it was transferred to the Atlanta field office and I didn't receive

any kind of notice saying it had been transferred. How I found that out was through my

congressman's office. So how will I know when it gets received by the NVC?

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-12 19:33:00

There is no need to judge the OP, I am sure they feel bad enough without you rubbing salt on the wound. Not everyone is aware of this site and the guidelines provided here. I didn't find this site until after I received our noa2. I happened to pay for a consult with an attorney before we started the process( we didn't use him), had I not had that consult I would have had no idea what was required to send with the petition. He/she asked for guidance and advice, I am sure if the OP was aware of what was needed to be sent he wouldn't be asking in the first place. The USCIS site is long and confusing.

man you are exactly right with what you said here. I hired an immigration lawyer to help

me because when I started the CR1 process I had no idea where to start the process.

I have heard many people on here say an immigration lawyer was a waste of time but

for me it was the best thing I had ever done although knowing what I know now I could

do it myself. I felt terrible for the guy when he said he only turned in the I-130 and that

was all. That's why earlier on this thread I left him a list of things he was supposed to turn

in. If I hadn't had my immigration lawyer I would have had no idea what forms to fill out or

what all needed to be turned in.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-21 20:38:00

I didn't send all the necessary forms. Is there anything I can do? Or just wait for the rejection/RFE letter?

maybe you will get an RFE request for evidence if you get that it's not a rejection

at that point you can send in all your supporting documents if you don't receive a

denial letter for lack of evidence. The list I sent you of what you were supposed

to send in with your I-130 petition I know about those things because I have an

immigration lawyer who helped me with all my documents and then put my intire

petition together and mailed it for me.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-20 19:03:00

I filed an I-130 back in Jan.2013 you were supposed to send the G-325A one for you and one for your wife

with your I-130 application. The G-325 is your Biographic information along with all your supporting documents.

Ah, okay thanks. I guess I will have to wait.

I sent the I-130 application and check to the Chicago lockbox and they sent me a receipt. I was just curious if I could start applying for G-325 form while the I-130 is being processed but I guess not.

I filed an I-130 back in Jan.2013 you were supposed to send the G-325A one for you and one for your wife

with your I-130 application. The G-325 is your Biographic information along with all your supporting documents.

Here is the list of things you were supposed to send with your I-130

I-130 application

G-325A for both of you

2 passport sized photos of both of you 2x2 in size

Your Birth Certificate to prove you are a U.S. Citizen

Certified copy of your marriage certificate

Affidavits from friends and family proving you have a bona fied relationship

Travel documents such as a copy of your plane tickets demonstrating petitioners trip to meet and marry the beneficiary

Photographs of you 2 together out and about and on your wedding day

Chats, letters, and phone records between petitioner and beneficiary

Any receipts from packages or money you may have sent your wife

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

All of this documentation was supposed to be sent with your I-130 application.

I hope this helps.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-20 17:51:00

Ah, okay thanks. I guess I will have to wait.

I sent the I-130 application and check to the Chicago lockbox and they sent me a receipt. I was just curious if I could start applying for G-325 form while the I-130 is being processed but I guess not.

I filed an I-130 back in Jan.2013 you were supposed to send the G-325A one for you and one for your wife

with your I-130 application. The G-325 is your Biographic information along with all your supporting documents.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-20 17:09:00

Next step after NoA1??

The USCIS has stated that the timeframe has changed in that the NOA2 may arrive in 7.4 months after your NOA1 (hopefully).... Some people have reported having their NOA2 in as little as 2 weeks and some as little as 4 months. It all depends on whatever the USCIS is doing. In the meantime, I would get your docs together for the next stage or in case they send you a RFE.... Best of luck!

I wouldn't count on the 7.4 months because im a Jan 2013 filer who just

got approved nov.4th 9.5 months from the date on my NOA1 and I even

had to make 2 info passes to get it approved when I did and that was without

any RFE.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-25 22:51:00

Next step after NoA1??

I would like to ask what's the next step after NOA1?? I don't just want to wait till I get it I might as well get ready for the next page:))

After your Noa1 which is just a notice that the USCIS received your file.

You will receive a decision notice which is your NOA2 in about 10 to 12

month's. Then your file will move to the NVC after the USCIS is finished

with your file.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-25 01:52:00

nvc

how long is the nvc receive our documents? we have been waiting for a month now they still ddnt got it yet, my husband called today and they still ddnt got our papers! we got approved on october 31, and also we ddnt receive our hard copy of noa2..

Question to you

How do you know you were approved yet without your NOA2 because that is your approval notice.

We were approved by the USCIS Nov.4th and the NVC received our file on Nov.8th and it was entered

in to there system on Nov.26. Im not sure how long the NVC part takes we are just starting it ourselves.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-11-27 22:19:00

Problems with I-130

Oh hey thanks for the reply!

It's actually been a couple of months since we were informed that it was received. So, obviously, the hard copy has not come yet. Is it the petitioner who gets it or both of us?

The petitioner will be the one to receive your NOA1 ours came in the mail

about 7 to 10 days after we filed. if you filed in September you should call

the USCIS and by pass the 1st person as they are just customer service

and ask for a tier 2 officer and inquire about why you haven't received your

NOA1. In that amount of time you should already have your NOA1.

Here is there number: 1-800-375-5283

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-12-02 03:41:00

Should we hire someone to help us with the CR-1 Visa???

if you want a reasonably priced lawyer try Eric Dean Jr. 975.00 is what he charges.

He will send you an instruction sheet telling you all the info you need to gather for

the I-130. Then send the info to him he fills out your papers prepares your petition

and mails it for you. here's his number if your interested. 1-800-931-8368

Hey guys. I have looked around on this site a bit and haven't seen many people talking about hiring "consultants" or attorneys to help them file for family based Visas. Is there a thread or section where people detail those experiences?

Regardless, I would like your opinion:

My fiance lives in Brazil and I am in the US. We plan to get married in January 2014 and then immediately file for the CR-1 visa so she can move here to the US and work. I feel like we have a very solid case with no potential problems. She works for a US company, has already received a masters degree from the US and we also have documented proof of us dating for two years.

Does anyone think we should hire a "consultant"? We have a lot of things to do planning a wedding and we also need to deal with filing for my visa in Brazil. We thought it may be nice to have someone help guide us. We have explored the options and the attorneys want $2,000-4,000 which we are not willing to pay. We found www.k1k3visas.com and they are willing to do a lot of the work and guide us through the entire thing for $525.

Thoughs on this anyone???

Thanks and best of luck to you all!

Clay

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-12-05 06:26:00

Do we have enough evidence for I-130 ??

chats and call logs are important edit out the stuff that you don't want in there and they do consider facebook chats to.

Everything everyone else has mentioned here is a part of it and you should include at least 20 pics. The USCIS will want

documentation in your petition showing how you first met. They also want affidavits from friends and family showing that

you have a real relationship.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-12-19 01:35:00

Hi! I hope u dont mind.. I jus want to ask some help atleast some tips on what to do on how to expedite our nvc process... Nvc alrdy rcvd our i-130 and a day or two we will be getting the case # as per csr from nvc.. Thank you so much...

Good luck to your intrvw!

Regrds

Send an expedite request to this email address nvcexpedite@state.gov

You will need to state reason for expedite in your email. Our reason was

because my wife lives in the area affected by the earthquake and typhoon.

in the email you will need to provide you and your wife's name and date of

birth. Also in the subject line you need to put your NVC case number.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-12-23 02:15:00

what was the reason to expedite?

my wife if from the Philippines we used humanitarian reason the 7.2 earthquake they had

and the super typhoon. that's why the NVC portion was expedited. Not the I-130 petition

that part took 2 info passes and 9.5 months to be approved.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-12-05 06:35:00

Yes, if it's available for you to fill out now.

Hello again our case is on "ready" status now and i called to schedule my interview however the rep said I should wait for the instructions in the mail but then she schedule me for Feb. 11 but since its quite too far I requested again for another expedite and this time for an interview schedule. My is there any question is how many fees do I need to pay in the embassy?is it $230 and the $88 or is there any additional payment and what is the mrv fee?Thanks

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-12-05 01:36:00

Once the Embassy has your case,you can call and schedule for interview,you can do it online or over the phone. Then,after you are given a date,you will receive a confirmation email for the interview. You print that email because that serves as your appointment letter that you have to show on the day of your interview.

For the main time,the visa applicant can schedule his medical while waiting for the case being "Ready" for interview.

i really appreciate you answering all my queries i helps me understand the process. By the way what about the ds-260 form can we fill it out now?thanks

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-12-04 03:11:00

Once the Embassy has your case,you can call and schedule for interview,you can do it online or over the phone. Then,after you are given a date,you will receive a confirmation email for the interview. You print that email because that serves as your appointment letter that you have to show on the day of your interview.

For the main time,the visa applicant can schedule his medical while waiting for the case being "Ready" for interview.

Thanks for the info I may be talking to you again before the process is over.

Thanks for telling me how to expedite the NVC stage I really appreciate it.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-12-04 02:21:00

You can track/check your case status here: https://ceac.state.g...er/Status.aspx?

Thanks for the info

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-12-03 04:25:00

You have to pay all fees at the embassy during your interview and submit all required documents for AOS and IV.

will I be receiving instruction from usem though mail,email or phone call?I havent received any yet and when I try to call usem the rep just gave me an email address to inquire about it. The only information I have was from nvc that usem general accepted our case for expedite processing.

pnjandmtc1209

Male

Philippines

2013-12-03 02:56:00