biggish data

Interview

mahamsalman1, Just curious - how long did it take from the time you sent in the I-129F until the time of the interview?

Also, you said you got a lawyer. Was that a Pakistani lawyer or an American lawyer?

Thanks!

Edited by Jaybolo, 09 December 2013 - 01:58 PM.

Jon York

Male

Pakistan

12/9/2013 13:57

Sara, OMG! I just read your timeline. What a NIGHTMARE!

Jon York

Male

Pakistan

12/22/2013 14:44

if your married the visa for pakistan is more easy........its the complete non relative staying with single man or female that is an issue to tell you the truth......

also men can marry non muslim but women can not marry a non muslim.......

sara

Sara, all you said is absolutely right.

Jon York

Male

Pakistan

12/22/2013 14:33

It's not hard for any Pakistani to get a tourist visa to the UAE. That's pretty much why we ended up there. The problem for my fiance was getting a thing they call a "right-to-board" - which means permission from the Pakistani government for her to get on the aircraft to fly to Dubai. Amazingly in this case it seems the government of Pakistan has tried to do something right - for once! They make it very difficult for single girls to go to Dubai - especially alone. Because a lot of Pakistani girls have been tricked and/or kidnapped into sex slavery after being promised jobs as maids and such in Dubai.

So the first thing they required was that she come with her father. That's something we were already planning to do - so that was no problem. The next thing they were going to require was that she leave a $4,000 deposit to guarantee that they would come back! However, my fiance is one of the few Christians in Pakistan and it just so happened (we believe God-led), that the girl at the travel agency she was working with was a Christian too. So when the girl at the travel agency found that out she said, "Don't worry about your right-to-board, I will get it for you and you will not have to leave any deposit. I will personally guarantee that you will return. Now go home and start packing!!" So, that's how she was able to come.

For men though, it's much, much easier. All he has to do is go to a travel agency and make the arrangements for a flight and a hotel - and they can take care of the UAE visa for him. Basically, the UAE requires that a Pakistani be invited by someone in the UAE. So the travel agencies work this out with the hotels. The hotel invites him. And if you're like us and end up using airbnb instead of an expensive hotel - a travel agency can still arrange for an official invite, although they will of course charge something for that service.

As far as Americans going to the UAE - it's no problem at all. You don't even have to get a visa. Just bring your passport and they'll stamp it with a 30-day visa as soon as you walk through immigration. The whole process takes about 30 seconds - literally!

And one other thing, my fiance and I had really wanted to just get married and then file as a married couple. But we knew it can take several months longer on a spouse visa than a fiance visa. So that's why we decided not to get married and go this route.

Also, I don't know if you or your fiance are Muslims. But if he is and you're not there might be some problem with you two being allowed to marry. I know Muslim women aren't allowed to marry non-Muslim men - especially if the man is a Christian or Jew. I think for men though it might not be a problem.

Edited by Jon York, 21 December 2013 - 01:31 PM.

Jon York

Male

Pakistan

12/21/2013 13:29

No, it wasn't bad. To tell you the truth, I wasn't looking forward to being in Pakistan! It was much, much nicer being in Dubai. And it was very cool that she could be there too and see a modern western-style country for the first time in her life!

Jon York

Male

Pakistan

12/20/2013 22:35

Good luck! I tried to get a visa, but was denied - due to the fact that my fiance lives in a relatively dangerous area and they were apparently concerned about my safety (hard to believe), and also due to the fact they don't want single men coming over to visit single women! THEY'RE CRAZY!

We ended up having to meet in a country that we both could get into easily. There are so few countries in the world that an American and a Pakistani can get into easily. But some of the Persian Gulf countries like Oman, Qatar and the UAE are pretty decent. We ended up going to the UAE.

Jon York

Male

Pakistan

12/17/2013 23:55

Hi, I'm a confused. You're applying for a Pakistani visa - so you can go to Pakistan? Or you're applying for a Pakistani citizen to come to the U.S.?

Jon York

Male

Pakistan

12/9/2013 15:32

Need help pleaseeee

Just don't bring any bombs, explosives or guns and you'll be fine!

Jon York

Male

Pakistan

1/12/2014 15:54

Refused

I am USC by birth and my husband was in AP for 22 months. There is nothing that anyone can do to supped up this process. So you just have to wait ....

Oh yeah and I would like to add .... My husbands case never got updated unless I would send a emai every month.
Sorry about the spelling errors... I'm posting from my iPhone

How long u guys were married ? At the time of interview ?

She's

Female

Pakistan

10/29/2013 16:02

He did the original interview then they called him for a second interview after which they denied our visa. We appealed the embassy's decision and won. His third
interview was on Monday and they talked about giving him the visa. Now we must wait and continue to pray.

Why the visa get denied..

helloo. can u plz tellme wot was the reson for denying visa. i have my interview soon and im scared to hear that they can giv multiple interviews or even deny visas.

R u guys out from NVC ?

She's

Female

Pakistan

10/29/2013 18:29

When ever the embassy has contacted my husband for an interview and he has done 3 interviews they call and email. He has never received anything by postal mail.

Why ur husband had 3 interviews ?

She's

Female

Pakistan

10/29/2013 16:06

Has anyone had to transfer their file to Islamabad?

Hello,

Has anyone had to request a change of Embassy? Our K1 visa petition went to London instead of Islamabad. We requested a transfer of our case with Islamabad and recieved an email back stating that they recieved our request about 1 month ago. I know it can take some time to get the file actually transferred, but I'm wondering if anyone can let us know how long it took them to find out if Islamabad was even willing to transfer their file. We will have to re-apply if they won't transfer so we don't want to waste a lot of time if there's little to no chance of the transfer going through.

What ... That's strange how can they transfer to London instead of Islamabad ..

She's

Female

Pakistan

12/14/2013 17:02

No, it's been 5 weeks, but I haven't gotten it yet.

I think you should email them now. Here is the reply I got.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Our record indicates that your submitted documents were received on October 28, 2013. These docuents are currently pending for a review and may take from 4-5 weeks for this from the date of receiving in our office. As soon as the docuemts are reviewed, we will contact the applicant in this case.

Yours truly,

Immigrant Visa Unit

Consular Section, American Embassy

Islamabad, Pakistan

MFC87

Male

Pakistan

11/17/2013 21:52

Did you get it yet?

I am also waiting

MFC87

Male

Pakistan

11/16/2013 22:58

I m a us citizen and going Pakistan but my pakistani passport is still valid .do I still need a pakistani visa and not?

hmm

I always thought if you are dual national you just present both passport at the counter in Pakistan.

MFC87

Male

Pakistan

12/24/2013 21:12

Called DOS

Embassy in ISL is getting better with emails now so just email them. Inshallah, soon you will get your visa

MFC87

Male

Pakistan

12/27/2013 18:55

Islamabad embassy interview date and packet 3 date!!

sent mine on Oct 25, received on 28, Got packet 4 on Dec 7 ish. took about 7 weeks Interview date was Dec 27

MFC87

Male

Pakistan

12/28/2013 1:39

No, it's been 5 weeks, but I haven't gotten it yet.

Naina01

Female

Pakistan

11/16/2013 23:30

Anyone who's still waiting for their packet 4 or just gotten it from the US embassy, Islamabad? Thanks.

Naina01

Female

Pakistan

11/4/2013 2:41

Hi everyone. I'm from Pakistan. I've submitted all the required documents for Packet 3.5 to the Islamabad embassy on October 9, 2013 but I haven't heard back from the embassy yet. Is there anyone from Pakistan or abroad who's facing a similar issue? Or anyone has an idea as to how long the embassy in Islamabad takes to send Packet 4.

Thank you everyone. :-)

Naina01

Female

Pakistan

11/4/2013 1:55

Zama, I don't think it's a good idea to email the embassy every day. It'll leave a bad impression on them. You should ask the petitioner or the lawyer (if you have one) to email the embassy. And, did you send the documents via AMEX? If yes, call them and ask about other packets that were sent with yours.

Also, it's been around 2 months for you, so why not re-send the documents if you didn't send any original documents previously?

I hope we all get our interview dates soon Insha'Allah.

Let us all know if you find out anything from the embassy.

Naina01

Female

Pakistan

11/20/2013 1:21

Why don't you try calling the department of state to inquire about your package? They might be able to give you some information.

Edited by Naina01, 19 November 2013 - 01:33 AM.

Naina01

Female

Pakistan

11/19/2013 1:32

Islamabad Embassy Interview

Salam. I sent the documents for packet 3.5 on October 8th and received packet 4 in the end November. I hope you receive your interview date soon Insha'Allah.

Naina01

Female

Pakistan

12/5/2013 13:27

Interview

Hey, we're also waiting for our packet 4 for 4 weeks but we haven't heard from the embassy yet. Let us know through this post if you hear from the embassy. BTW, I also contact American Express almost every day to inquire about our case. Why don't you try doing that? And, what does your CEAC status say?

Good luck!

Naina01

Female

Pakistan

11/4/2013 2:53

Islamabad embassy interview date and packet 3 date!!

Hey, we sent our documents for packet 3.5 on Oct 7th and received the interview letter on Nov 28th. My interview was on the 18th. Alhamdulillah! :-)

Don't worry, you'll hear from the embassy very soon Insha'Allah.

Naina01

Female

Pakistan

12/28/2013 3:34

question regarding nikkah

A nikkah is a muslim marriage certificate/contract. Whoever signed a nikkah is married. To be legally binding, I THINK it has to be registered with the local government. I was married in Pakistan.

So, to specifically answer your last question, an I130 is for spouses, so if the American and Pakistani are married and the American wants to bring the Pakistani spouse to the US permanently, that is the visa to apply for.

Jennifer1

Female

Pakistan

11/10/2013 10:22

which hospital is approved for the medical exam in karachi pakistan

Call Agha Khan Hospital and get appointment for her and tell them the appointment is for for US Immigrant Visa Medical.

Edited by MERCS550, 22 August 2013 - 08:00 AM.

MERCS550

Not Telling

Pakistan

8/22/2013 7:58

Hello,

I'm need a some advice. We received our NOA2 and then embassy sent us the 3.5 package via email. We responded on September 8. After three weeks I emailed them that we haven't heard from them since we mailed the 3.5 package. Their respond came next day that they haven't received our package yet and if you sent it, please send us airway bill number. I traced it from courier to embassy, they received and signed it on the the 9th. I Sent them three emails with airway bill number/receiving number but they are not responding anymore.

What should I do, my petition will expire in January 2014.

Hello,

The embassy in Islamabad has also stopped replying to my emails . I sent information about my new employment and new home address. They did not confirm receiving it, they did not reply , and the department of state says they have received nothing . I had to have my congressman write to get a response and then the only response I received was saying that , I was in administrative processing which I already knew .

They use to respond in 2-3 days , but now they have stopped responding to me at all. I don't understand the problem

Grace & Irfan

Female

Pakistan

11/19/2013 20:25

I m a us citizen and going Pakistan but my pakistani passport is still valid .do I still need a pakistani visa and not?

If you use/show USA passport when entering pakistan - you will need a visa

if you use/show Pakistan passport when entering pakistan - you will not need a visa

ajoman84

Male

12/26/2013 9:08

Guys i have a question. the status at the ceac website says issued.. but american express hasnt called me yet for delivering my passport.. what should i do? how much time does is take for passport to come after interview?

ukp88

Not Telling

Pakistan

12/6/2013 0:55

Yes we are out from NVC. interview is on december 2nd. need all ur prayers

ukp88

Not Telling

Pakistan

10/31/2013 12:43

He did the original interview then they called him for a second interview after which they denied our visa. We appealed the embassy's decision and won. His third
interview was on Monday and they talked about giving him the visa. Now we must wait and continue to pray.

helloo. can u plz tellme wot was the reson for denying visa. i have my interview soon and im scared to hear that they can giv multiple interviews or even deny visas.

ukp88

Not Telling

Pakistan

10/29/2013 18:18

I have sent two emails regard to my case and they haven't even looked at them I know because the case has not been updated.

sam7076

Not Telling

Pakistan

11/19/2013 1:30

Called DOS

Hi, just email embassy about the status of your case, they will let you know what you need to submit... Inshallah good luck hope new years brings you 2 togather. We submitted our fresh docs in Nov and still no news even though they update our case.

sam7076

Not Telling

Pakistan

12/27/2013 18:05

Refused

I am USC by birth and my husband was in AP for 22 months. There is nothing that anyone can do to supped up this process. So you just have to wait ....

Oh yeah and I would like to add .... My husbands case never got updated unless I would send a emai every month.
Sorry about the spelling errors... I'm posting from my iPhone

Hey Mg2012,

I would also like to know did your husband's visa get issued yet or is he still in Ap?

My husband is still in AP after 18 months
Thanks

I read the other day that someone was in AP for 18 months. I hope it is not that long for you, but there is no way to know--sorry.

Dave

Haha that would probably be us! I wish noone the agony and frustration of being in AP this long- 18 months and counting....

Luluhilweh

Female

Lebanon

10/11/2013 18:23

Need help pleaseeee

Want to know about security checking at islamabad us embassy, I mean I get nervous when it comes to such kind of strict checking like putting of shoes, socks, coat etc so what type of security checking includes?
Please tell me in detail so that I don't wear boots socks or etc
I have my interview in first week of February

I had my interview on 9th dec 2013 at islamabad embassy and this is my personal experince. The security checking is not a problem, first you have to deposite your cell phone at mobile deposite counter,which is the first counter from the left side they will give you a recipt of it. Then you have to buy tickets for shuttle service, the name of embassy will be written on the top of the ticket counter. The ticket cost rs:200 per head. Then there is security checkpoint the officer will tell you to take all the things out of your pocket
wallet, keys etc, he will do a physical search, then you have to wait for the bus. Bus will take you to the embassy and then at the entrance you have to put of all the things of your pockets and any kind of metal, belt keys etc, go through a scanner and take the things back and go in, thats all. Wear whatever you want becuase it will be very cold in the morning.They never say to put off the shoes or socks at any point,so dont worry about checking you will not be alone, there will be a lot of people going with you.

Nawaz Khan

Male

Pakistan

1/12/2014 15:21

FIled my I-130 Need Advice

One thing I wanted to mention I submitted a copy (scanned) of my Nikah Nama (Marriage Cert); I didn't submit the NADRA Marraige Registration because it didn't ask for it; and I Read on Embassy website that it doesn't accept it.

So hopefully this isn't an issue.

AdnanS

Male

Pakistan

1/13/2014 2:10

FIled my I-130 Need Advice

Assalam O Alikum,

I filed before finding this website!

I filed I-130 for my Wife in Pakistan and got the hardcopy letter and I'm a December filer. I wanted to know if the things I submitted below are good enough or it might promit a RFE and cause a delay in my case in calling over my spouse. I'm really worried now, so far It's a arranged marriage and both of us are extremely happy together lived in Pakistan for 2 months and had to return due to work reasons; didn't travel much due to security issues in the country and grandparents forbidding it, since I'm their first and oldest grandchild they kept saying they wanna keep an eye on me so nothing happens:

I'm hoping below is enough to get approval; I can't put anything on her name and mines together without her SS Card; cause bank isn't allowing it and my investment accounts.

I mostly chat with her online on Skype like every day and I plan on printing out like 1000+ pages and showing that at the interview and brining our wedding pictures and video as well, etc, among other things.

    a. Completed and signed form I-130     b. I-130 filing fee ($420)    c. Completed and signed form G-325A and 2X photograph (petitioner)    d. Completed and signed form G-325A and 2X photograph (beneficiary)     e. Proof of petitioner's U.S citizenship       Copy of U.S Passport (All Pages); and Copy of Naturalization certificate; and Copy of Social Security Card    f. Copy of beneficary passport (All Pages)     . Copy of Birth Certificate of Benedicary (Attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs)    g. Proof of Relationship       Primary evidence - Copy of marriage certificate (with certified translation and attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs)       Secondary evidence - 10-15 Wedding pictures, Few pages of printed Skype Logs, and 3-4 Affidavits of Support from relatives who attended wedding.    h. Establish Residency: My bank account, Stock market account, California state ID (old address but used to establish state residency), AT&T Cell Phone Bill (Has my name on it and Attentioned to my wife also)    i. Completed form G-1145 for email/phone notification

** The pictures I sent includes several from Mehdi, Barat, and Walima (includes parents in their also).

Incase I do get an RFE; I can add boarding pass; wedding card; and get additionall affidavit of support from friends and family.

Edited by AdnanS, 12 January 2014 - 11:11 PM.

AdnanS

Male

Pakistan

1/12/2014 23:10

I m a us citizen and going Pakistan but my pakistani passport is still valid .do I still need a pakistani visa and not?

Why I still need visa if I already have valid pakistani passport ?

Missusa

Not Telling

12/24/2013 20:59