biggish data

QUOTE (TomZ @ Nov 2 2009, 05:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks. I just joined, and was pleasantly surprised by all the useful information.

It's a great site, check out the rest of the forums. There is a very active Russia/Ukraine/Belarus sub-forum down below.

Gary and Alla

Male

Ukraine

2009-11-02 19:30:00

Well, that would be some world record spittin', but it is close enough to see. VSC is a big employer in this area and we actually have several neighbors that work there and one that talks to me about it a little. Most are pretty closed mouthed about it. The woman that married us, the local JP and neighbor, works there. And if that sounds like Mayberry RFD to you, let me assure you...Mayberry is a HUGE city compared to us!

The rumors about me sleeping there are overblown, really

Gary and Alla

Male

Ukraine

2009-11-22 00:13:00

For the USCIS director:

Question about I-129F documentation - # of Marriages to document

thongd4me

Male

Thailand

2009-12-12 16:41:00

QUOTE (Bacon @ Dec 7 2009, 10:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Here's my question.

Have they moved on to another visa? There's still NOA 1's and 2's coming out though only about 10% of the amount that was coming out in October and the beginning of November. So I'm assuming that they've moved the bulk of the adjucators on to another visa. But have they also left a few so that there's a hope of getting an NOA 2 before the five month time frame.

I cannot say and maybe I will ask next time I talk to him. I don't expect updates, but yes they will move on to other visas when they get caught up. They will process visas to meet THEIR ideas of timely processing, not yours.

the idea is to get things back on an even keel (some of the disruptions were outlined above) and yes, ideally there should be the correct amount of adjudicators working on the correct amount of visas. It is not their desire to run around playing "whack-a-mole"

Gary and Alla

Male

Ukraine

2009-12-13 20:00:00

I have gone through this thread and removed all of the personal case specific requests from this thread and placed them in a separate thread. I have left the posts that specifically relate to the questions asked by Gary and Anna - or to be added to the list of questions to ask - and the answers he has received from the Director of VSC.

Please do not post questions about your personal case situations here in this pinned thread as Gary and Alla are not able to ask the Director about any of your individual situations. This thread will be most useful if it stays on topic and that is the questions about VSC activities that Gary and Alla can ask, and the answers he receives.

Please post your case specific questions in the appropriate forums and not here in this pinned thread so we can keep it focused and relevant for as many people as possible.

Thank you.

Edited by Kathryn41, 21 February 2010 - 09:15 PM.

Kathryn41

Female

Canada

2010-02-21 20:53:00

Gary,

Would it be a good subject to chat with him about the I693s again? There is this rumor going around that there's been a recently awarded contract and that the new people opening the AOS packages aren't trained very well in handling the K visa packets - particularly, they don't seem to be marrying up our new filings with our POE packets. Generating a lot of RFEs, even if people did things exactly right. (See thread in AOS forum: http://www.visajourn...owtopic=241825)

I know VSC doesn't really process those, so I understand he doesn't have any control, and maybe you'll decide not to bring it up, but I'd be curious if it is a known issue that's being fixed, or could he nudge someone...?

Edited by Nik+Heather, 21 February 2010 - 10:47 PM.

Nik+Heather

Female

United Kingdom

2010-02-21 22:46:00

Along the same line, perhaps you can bring it to the attention of the Director that many Civil Surgeons refuse to recognize that K-1 applicants have already had a medical and since they are applying to adjust status within the medical's year validity do not need to repeat the medical? Many Civil Surgeons refuse to do just the vaccination part of the Medical and are charging AOS applicants hundreds of dollars for a medical they do not need. Is there someway he can let USCIS powers that be know they need to send clear instructions to Civil Surgeons that K-1s do NOT need a new medical exam in the US and they need to do only the vaccination component?

Kathryn41

Female

Canada

2010-02-22 20:36:00

I have a question for the director. We had our K-1 petition denied at the consulate on january 5, 2010. NVC recieved it on Feb. 12, 2010. We got an email feb. 22 from USCIS in vermont that our approved or reaffirmed K-1 was sent to DOS on feb. 19, 2010. We are surprised because we thought it would take so long that we had decided to get married. I am leaving for Morocco this sunday,but obviously will not marry now, and will wait for K-1 to get back to Morocco. My question is, why did we get reaffirmed so quickly?? I thought denied petitions get put as a "first in, first out" procedure. We are happy, but just wondering what the rhyme and reason was. Thanks for any info you can get.

I am not able to get information about individual cases, certainly not from a post with no names or case numbers. It would be a serious violation of the rules he works under to discuss individual cases with me...as it should be. Kathryn correctly noted this already. I do not discuss individual cases with him. Be happy it went quickly and I would advise never doing somethig like getting married unless you know the exact reason for denial...and the reason is "lack of being married" (highly doubtful with a finacee visa) Getting married does not "solve" any issues of denial unless lack of marriage was the reason for denial.

I think it is clear that the government's assurance of "first in, first out" is not always the case. For one, it is the government and it is rare for anything they say to be reliable. For another, the cases are assigned as they come in, if yours is an easy case to resolve should you be held up while someone does a "price check" in the next cashier lane? There are a lot of adjudicators, the cases get assigned in order and some adjudicators are better than others and some cases are easier than others. The order they "go in" has little to do with how they "go out" I can tell you from first hand knowledge, when there is a problem with a case, usually because the petitioner didn't provide something in the instructions, the case gets tossed in the adjudicators "problem" file and they go on to another one, they do not get bogged down in yours because you forgot to include a passport photo or proof you met within two years. They spend 15 minutes or so, tops, on each case. When you make an error, the whole "first in, first out" deal is off. Any cases with "problems" get sent to another pile for someone else to handle.

That said, the I-693 issue is something I can discuss. Next weekend, Sunday, there is a party of the local Russo/American couples club (March 8 is International Women's Day , a BIG holiday in the former Soviet Union) and that is where we usuqally run into each other. I imagine he and his wife will be there. The I-693 issue seems to be a problem and it is pretty clear something has changed.

I had discussed this with hm before in general terms. He agrees that CS's can be parasites and there is not much USCIS can do about it. That may have changed and at least he may be able to pass along our discontent at the change.

Gary and Alla

Male

Ukraine

2010-02-26 08:14:00

I did understand you couldn't discuss individual cases but was looking for a general answer and you provided a great one. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question. You are a great tool for this website and you don't sugar coat anything. Thanks again!

I am diabetic. I have to avoid sweetness. :lol:

Gary and Alla

Male

Ukraine

2010-02-26 08:57:00

Although everyone's situation is worthy of respect, please:

1) Avoid asking questions about your individual case in a pinned thread; start anew, or search.
2) For God's sake, AVOID quoting the ENTIRE ORIGINAL MESSAGE!

TBoneTX

Male

Ecuador

2010-03-20 20:25:00

**Now 'missing' post/question has been split off into its own topic.

Pinned threads are intended to give information, not (really) to answer specific questions.

Edited by Otto und Karin, 28 May 2010 - 10:46 PM.

Otto

Male

Germany

2010-04-27 08:16:00

I realize that this is from 2009, but this was absolutely fantastic reading Gary, thank you!

Have you kept in touch with him? Or, do you know of similar posts her on VJ?

jaycali

Not Telling

2012-05-26 06:46:00

I would like to say I did read the very first post, which was very helpful. But I also noted it is from 2009 so I want to verify that those responses to the questions are still fair and valid today. Thanks.

Yes. We are still acquainted with the same people and others and still in regular contact. Nothing has changed in the procedures. Timing will always vary based on workload. The new changes for illegal immigrants who came as youths to apply for work permits will not help.

Gary and Alla

Male

Ukraine

2012-08-19 14:11:00

Please, everyone, do NOT post your individual case situations or questions in this thread. This thread is not meant to answer your individual inquiries or to post your personal circumstances. It is a thread that reports first hand information received from the Director at the Virginia Service Center. This information is provided for your awareness, but there are no resources available here to address any personal issues or concerns. If you have general or generic questions about the process that Gary may be able to ask the Director sometime, you can post those here, but please start your own individual threads to discuss personal circumstances and situations.

I am now splitting out the individual case situations and creating individual threads for those questions and situations so as to maintain the intent of this particular thread.

Thank you.

Edited by Kathryn41, 19 August 2012 - 05:12 PM.

Kathryn41

Female

Canada

2012-08-19 17:11:00

I have split off a number of questions and answers into their own threads as well as removed a number of older or unrelated questions that had no answers. To prevent a build-up of case specific comments here again, I am closing this thread to further discussion at this time. Gary has informed me that he has no new details to relate but will let me know when he does so I can re-open the thread for his updates.

Please, everyone- if you want answers to your questions, start your own thread in the forum. That way you will get specific information to your situation and it will probably be answered faster and in greater detail than it would posted here.

VJ Moderation Team

Kathryn41

Female

Canada

2012-08-19 18:15:00

USCIS Interoffice memo which will help in seeing how an adjudicator will view your file re IMBRA issues and by doing so give some guidance as to what one should submit to support waivers.

Re: International Marriage Broker Regulation Act Implementation Guidance
http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/lawsregs/handbook/IMBRA072106.pdf

Edited by aussiewench, 15 September 2006 - 03:31 PM.

aussiewench

Female

Australia

2006-08-09 17:14:00

Is there a flowchart for K1 visa, specifically for beneficiary in Manila for her portion more detailed than the one in the guide? For example with a detailed list of documents needed to send to the embassy and all the different papers such as NBI clearance, birth certificate, proof of being single etc? We are rushing as much as possible to have her here for Christmas. Any time saving tips and detailed information will be highly appreciated. I have already sent "practice" copies of DS156, DS156K, and DS230 to her along with blanks so she can have those completed and ready to send back to the Embassy via LBC overnight.
Thanks,
Rob

Rob, have you tried posting that question to the Manila thread? http://www.visajourn...p?showtopic=181 - I guess they'll be able to help you.

Mew

Female

Brazil

2006-09-04 20:05:00

Hello,

It does mean Request for evidence(RFE). It is generally issued where the USCIS thinks that you have not produced enough evidences to support your case.

Not exactly. You can get an RFE asking for more evidence - of having met, of being a USC -, yes, but you can also get an RFE because you haven't submitted signatures, have forgotten to send a form, etc. Check the thread pinned to the K-1 forum and you'll see what VJers have gotten RFEs for.

Congratulations, MEW!!!

I also got my K1 visa approved yesterday!! Hurray!

Now what?

Thanks, Aussiewench.. You're too good to be true...

Thank you! And congratulations to you too!

Mew

Female

Brazil

2006-10-06 14:14:00

To all...

When I first started out, I found this information from the Department of State (DOS) very helpful (CLICK HERE). Also, for my fellow Phil-Am families, please check out my signature block for other information that may help you along in your visa journey.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling

Sheriff Uling

Male

Philippines

2006-11-07 23:36:00

To all...

When I first started out, I found this information from the Department of State (DOS) very helpful (CLICK HERE). Please review VJ's K1 guide (CLICK HERE) (very informative). Also, for my fellow Phil-Am families, please check out my signature block for other information that may help you along in your visa journey.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling

Sheriff Uling

Male

Philippines

2007-01-07 02:59:00

Sheriff Uling

Male

Philippines

2007-02-23 02:01:00

Sheriff Uling

Male

Philippines

2007-02-26 21:20:00

Sheriff Uling

Male

Philippines

2007-04-02 15:02:00

To all K1 Visa Applicants...

I have provided some links that may help you along in your K1 Visa Journey:

[CLICK HERE] - 5 Stages of the K1 Visa Process "Simplified and Theoretical" (according to Sheriff Uling)
[CLICK HERE] - Department of State (DOS) Nonimmigran Visa Information (Overview of the K1 Process)
[CLICK HERE] - VJ's K1 Visa Guide & Information (Detailed Steps for Filing)
[CLICK HERE] - Adjustment of Status AOS Information (check my wife's signature "Deputy Uling")

NOTE: For my fellow Phil-Am families, please check out my signature block for detailed information on the K1 Visa Process for the Philippines.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling

Sheriff Uling

Male

Philippines

2007-04-10 10:44:00

Sheriff Uling

Male

Philippines

2007-05-27 05:16:00

I'm nervous that I'm going to incur the Sheriff's wrath by asking a question, but I've been reading forum posts all day, AND I've clicked his links, and I can't find the answer to my question... so here goes:

I'm an Australian national currently living in England (Ancestry visa; it expires June 2008), and have just got engaged to my lovely Texas man... total n00bs to visa issues, we've been reviewing our options with growing horror (yes, the naivete is scary), and have pretty much decided the K-1 is the way to go... so my question is:

will I be able to deal with things through London, or will things have to go through the US Consulate in Sydney?

thanks for any help you can give!

StillThePrettiest

Female

Australia

2007-06-19 14:24:00

To all K1 Visa Applicants...

I have provided some links that may help you along in your K1 Visa Journey:

[CLICK HERE] - 5 Stages of the K1 Visa Process "Simplified and Theoretical" (according to Sheriff Uling)
[CLICK HERE] - Department of State (DOS) Nonimmigran Visa Information (Overview of the K1 Process)
[CLICK HERE] - VJ's K1 Visa Guide & Information (Detailed Steps for Filing)
[CLICK HERE] - Adjustment of Status AOS Information (check my wife's signature "Deputy Uling")
[CLICK HERE] - VJ Acronym and Form Definition page (Great for New Members)

NOTE: For my fellow Phil-Am families, please check out my signature block for detailed information on the K1 Visa Process for the Philippines.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling

Edited by Sheriff Uling, 26 June 2007 - 12:59 AM.

Sheriff Uling

Male

Philippines

2007-06-26 00:58:00

To all K1 Visa Applicants...

I have provided some links that may help you along in your K1 Visa Journey:

[CLICK HERE] - Department of State (DOS) Nonimmigran Visa Information (Overview of the K1 Process)
[CLICK HERE] - USCIS FAQ for Fiance(e) (2pg PDF File)
[CLICK HERE] - 5 Stages of the K1 Visa Process "Simplified and Theoretical" (according to Sheriff Uling)
[CLICK HERE] - VJ's K1 Visa Guide & Information (Detailed Steps for Filing)
[CLICK HERE] - VJ's K1 Visa Flowchart (General Overview)
[CLICK HERE] - VJ's K1 Visa Tips (Tips on Forms and Documents)
[CLICK HERE] - VJ's Acronym and Form Definition page (Great for New Members)

NOTE: For my fellow Phil-Am families, please check out my signature block for detailed information on the K1 Visa Process for the Philippines.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling

Edited by Sheriff Uling, 27 June 2007 - 10:59 PM.

Sheriff Uling

Male

Philippines

2007-06-27 08:45:00

QUOTE (gointhruthemaze @ Jan 23 2008, 01:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Could this be a concern at the interview???

payxibka

Male

Ukraine

2008-01-23 14:41:00

You asked if it (examiner's comments) would be a concern at the interview... IMO

payxibka

Male

Ukraine

2008-01-23 14:54:00

HI, i'm sorry about your situation. It certainly doesn't seem fair but the law is what it is and, unfortunately, 'illegal' is 'illegal'.

You can file the 601 waiver that has great success. Just takes more time. There is an entire forum dedicated to filing this waiver in Mexico... here.

Much luck to you!

QUOTE (jmcgee @ Apr 28 2008, 09:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My wife is an illegal immigrant in the US from Mexico. We met about 6 Years ago at a job that we both worked at in the US.She has lived here since she was nine years old. We got married november 10th of 2006 by the court and june the 9th 2007 by the church. We applied for adjustment of status in november and recieved a ead card in the mail and an interview date, which was Saturday. We Were denied. I have been told that if we go live in mexico and I file a 129f to get a K-3 visa that she can come back with in 6-8 months. We have already been ripped off for 2000 dollars by lawyers and have since filed everything myself. I just want advice on what to do. She has never worked with fraudulant documents or commited any crimes other than being here illegally (I mean come on she was brought here by here parents). If anyone has any advice for me please let me know. I am a teacher and she just got a job with my school district we were so happy and now this. Its hard to be positive. Please Help. Thanks.

KimandRuss

Female

New Zealand

2008-04-28 08:39:00

The online website system belongs to the USCIS. NVC is not a part of the USCIS. Therefore, NVC information will not be shown on that website.

payxibka

Male

Ukraine

2008-08-18 10:15:00

google!

https://egov.uscis.g...TmGpzE-eaZhuBVr

payxibka

Male

Ukraine

2008-08-19 09:14:00

The law states that you both must be free to marry. This includes any nisi period and/or wait time before you are eligible to marry again.

We were in a very similar situation except I had to wait years.

Have faith tho, you have much to learn and prepare for the process you are to embark on.

VJ is the best resource you will find for all of the information you will need. Please read through the GUIDES and visit the New Zealand regional thread for many helpful pointers in dealing with the Embassy in Auckland.

QUOTE (Brian&Nikki @ Dec 10 2008, 03:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hello everyone I am really new at thisa nd have been scouring all the different websites and this one by far has the most helpful information I have seen so far!!!! One question I have not been able to find has to do with being eligble to marry...I am soon to be officially divorced (cross my fingers) within the next couple of days and in my state I have to wait 6 mo's before I can re-marry which brings me to my question. Since the process takes so long to complete do I actually have to past my 6 mo's and eligible to re-marry before I apply for the K1 visa or can I go ahead and apply now?

All other questions.... Reading the GUIDES and FAQ as well as all of the links at the top of the forums along with the search feature here will answer almost every question. All other questions should be asked in the main K-1 forum.

KimandRuss

Female

New Zealand

2008-12-11 10:31:00

you should ask your questions in the general forums.

You can get married anywhere you like but your fiance will not be able to immigrate without a visa. If you are not planning on staying in the U.S. then you will need to understand the proess of immigrating to Europe.

VJ is for folks immigrating to the U.S.

good luck

KimandRuss

Female

New Zealand

2008-12-22 16:04:00

wow, haven't heard that... you'd think the govt would have better servers.

but, we dont call it the misinformation line for no reason... I'd call back and ask again then please let us know.

KimandRuss

Female

New Zealand

2009-03-01 19:08:00

marklovetina

Female

Philippines

2009-09-26 05:43:00

QUOTE (Saska+Tim @ Aug 26 2009, 02:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (edenscott @ Aug 21 2009, 06:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

hello.......
i'm filipina working here at Korea, my fiancee is American and i meet him here a year ago...but now my fiancee is in America now..we're not yet married, just planning maybe nest year...i just have a question is that possible for me to file an application for fiancee visa here now without him? i want to start filling now since its a long process..or is that possible i will start the application here at Korea and finished filling at Philippines?since I'll be going back to philippines next year......
What is the best way for me?.....thank you for your help in advance...

You cant file for the fiancee visa. The petitioner must be the US citizen ~~or Green Card holder~~. Your fiance can file for you.

Only a USC can petition

payxibka

Male

Ukraine

2009-09-26 07:04:00

Captain,

I just had a back & forth with another member who I convinced to change their timeline date
for NOA1 to the actual date on the form. That member agreed with me but did mention
that on the create/update function it says "Date I-129F NOA1 (Receipt)" on the left while
the link on the right shows that should be indicated by the date on the USCIS's I-797C form.

What is meant by "Date I-129F NOA1 (Receipt)" is not the date that we receive the NOA1,
but the date when the Service Center receives & acts on the I-129F form and sends it
back to us.

I think she makes a valid point and that the instructions might say
"Date printed on I-129F NOA1 (I-797C) receipt"

Edited by thongd4me, 30 September 2009 - 09:07 AM.

thongd4me

Male

Thailand

2009-09-30 09:05:00