I keep doing EXACTLY the same thing! I think the timelines are still thrown off from all of the really long waits. I saw an August approval today and YAY for them!!! I love to see those...there's no reason for them to have been forced to wait this long, but it means the timelines suddenly take a really long wait into account and it shows longer waits for all of us.

I'm being REALLY optimistic today. Dennis got his vacation approved and will be coming to visit June 27th-July 8th...I keep thinking "but if we get an approval be the end of May or beginning of June...packet 3 might show up while he's here, which means there will be a delay in getting it back to the consulate. Then I think if we DO get packet 3 during that time, he'll be coming home by the end of July...so should we really spend the money on another vacation? And then I spiral into a mess of stress and concern and debate with myself over what we should do! Then I throw it all out and say whatever may be will be and we just have to do what we think and feel is best.

The estimated timeline isn't really accurate. It is a calculated number based on the average number of days between an individual's filing date and approval date. So, although approvals are moving quickly now the average includes many people who had to wait much longer for approval. You also see blips that arise when the CSC finally processes one of the old petitions. We had an August filer approved today which "blipped" us all up a week on our estimated timelines. As more December and January petitions get approved it will move back down again. So don't be depressed when you look at the estimated adjudication date, you'll be approved long before that date arrives.

Can you download the forms you need to complete from the embassy website? This is what Olga and I are doing. She'll have everything but the medical done and assembled by the time the petition hits the embassy in kiev. I hope the packet three gets there before he visits so you can mail it together from the US, that would be fun.

I'm pretty sure we can get most of them. I need to get my tax transcripts, too (the Canadian consulates won't approve you unless you have IRS transcripts for three years...that's the rumor at least...I have W-2's and I'm wondering if that would be sufficient). We want to have his interview packet put together and send it back with him when he leaves in July. It would be a lot of fun to send it back together...but Vancouver accepts packet 3 returned by fax and the originals brought in at the interview...so I'm hoping we'll get packet three back to them the same day he receives it!

Yeah, you got it under control. It's amazing how we each learn the peculiarities of our particular embassy's process. In the Ukraine, for example, they don't have a packet 3 or 4 anymore. They just send a list of things to pull together and give you a phone number to call when you are ready to set an interview appointment. So we'll try to set the interview appointment while the information request list is in the mail to Olga since she'll already have everything together.

I know more about this process than I ever wished to. I could have happily gone through my life never needing to know how the Vancouver consulate works. It's funny what love will make us do.

lol, no worries blake... I'm not depressed bout the VJ timeline.. I know it isn't exactly accurate.. I just like to complain about it haha

I'm thinking myself as well that we have a very very big chance to get approved in may and as you may remember, it wasn't always like that lol

This post made me

Oh man, Alex's house was broken into.

Oh no! Was anything taken?

Alex here, making my rare post!

My dad's laptop and some of his prescription drugs (which he doesn't really need... Kind of an advantage there), my mom's old 1940's binoculars and a bunch of her jewelery, one of my checkbooks and a bunch of loose change.

I'm more annoyed that they took my mom's jewelery and her old 1940's binoculars than anything else, though.

I mean, my dad's laptop, yeah that was expensive but it was just a laptop. His drugs, well, he didn't really need those anyway.

But those old binoculars were like a family heirloom and the jewelry was really nice.

That's horrible! What is this world coming to! At least no one got hurt, maybe they'll catch these punks and get your stuff back. I know it's not likely, but hey...if CSC got moving, then anything is possible!!

Alex says the police found prints, which is something; maybe they'll be able to find a match!

He's blocked his bank account so the checks can't be used but identity theft is always a huge worry.

I always think the worst part is the sense of violation...I've only had my workplace broken into a couple of times, but it's still not nice to have someone rifled through your desk.

I had my car broken into once...well...if you can call it "broken"...I left it unlocked and some punk kids who didn't know what they were doing opened the door and tried to take out the stereo...apparently it wasn't as easy as they thought it would be because they couldn't get it all the way out. They left it pulled partway out, they took my book of CDs off the seat, and took off. I wasn't so upset about the CDs themselves...I just felt so violated because someone was IN MY SPACE.

How am I doing? Just found out i was touched once yesterday and then again today. Some movement.

Ooh ooh another December approval through CSC that I spied on the other thread but so far they haven't updated timeline yet! But think it said they were a Dec 15th filer and their name here is Wizardfitz....

Ok someone please stop me from checking here and Igor's list a gazillion times a day! I wish there was a way I could lock myself and only check once every morning or something haha...but it seems impossible!

Aww that sucks! I hope the police will catch these guys, hopefully if they do it quick they might be able to get your belongings back.


Cool! that might be your turn soon



Well, going from ten thousands time a day to once every morning might be hard to do, so I suggest you start by reducing to once every 4 hours. that might be a good start!


Bad news.... I don't have the Internet at home anymore When I got that apartment, the girl who lived there before left the internet connection and I just paid her for that. Then she terminated her contract but they never stopped the connection! So I was using that connection for free for the past 10 months. Apparently they decided yesterday that I couldn't do that anymore. I wish they could have waited just a few more months!!!! I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to do. I need my Internet! I need to talk to my husband-to-be!
Ideas so far: send him lots of emails while we're at work, then I can still go to free wireless places (parks and such), and for our MSN conversations with webcams I might ask a friend if I can come to her place. Well first I'm going to ask my neighbors if they have a connection to share of course. That would solve everything.
I'm going back to my parents' house tomorrow, so I'm glad i'll be able to talk with Bryan there... but then...

I can't even check the USCIS website at home! usually I checked it only when I was home, now I'm going to only be able to check it when I'm at work! ^^

ok I'll stop venting now...

It works again!!!!
I came back home for lunch, turned the modem on again and this time everything works! what a relief!

Good Morning All!

Rachel, I'm so sorry to hear about Alex's house. Stuff is stuff and can be replaced. Just be thankful he didn't come home while they were in the house - cornered rats can be nasty. You're right, it's the violation of personal space that is so devastating. I've been robbed a couple of times and it really sucks.

Cecile - This is hard enough without having troubles with the internet connection, I'm very glad that it was working when you turned it back on.

Looks like we had three more approvals over night - including an older petition. This has got to be very hard for the remaining August/September/October filers that've been kicked down the last part of Igor's list, so I'm always happy when one of them gets approved. As the saying goes....There, but for the grace of God, go I......

Hope everyone's doing well (especially Alex) and lets look for a good day from the CSC!

Two touches? I'd be checking the USCIS website on the hour if I were you - sounds like an approval is right around the corner.

oh, how i hate when some' like that happens.
if i don't have the internet connection, i'm ready to cry, cause than i can't talk with my baby. and that depresses me more than i wish. everytime something happens, i call him and break down in cry. but he knows i'm only his little girl, which means, i'm aloud to make silly things like that.

You two must be sitting on pins and needles (nervous excitement) waiting for your approval. I'm looking forward to adding your names to the bottom of the list. Positive energy is being sent to you NOW...............

I'm the same way! A couple of months ago my motherboard fried and I didn't have ANY computer for about a week...I was miserable! I ordered a new motherboard on eBay and Dennis sent me a laptop as a backup just in case I ever had another computer problem...then he gave me a shiny new computer for my birthday and came to visit and put it together (he got all the bits and built it himself). (yes...we're geeks! )

awww...i love having Kodak moments with my sweetheart

il be saying...finally, we'll NEVER be far away from each other nymore..

Ugh........just checked CRIS and we got hit with RFE.......sending today.......damn!

I'm sorry to hear that. Have you called them to find out what the nature of the RFE is? It could be something as simple as a missing signature or more proof of having met in the year prior to filing. If it's an easy fix it will not delay you too much, you'll just have to provide the information immediately before your file is stuck in a box or placed under a pile of other petitions. Please keep us posted on how this progresses - We're rooting for a quick resolution to this problem.

Thanks Blake,

What is the number I would call? I will call them right away........

I see it in the e-mail they sent.........sorry, I'm really flustered right now........

I feel so lucky for finding this place, and you, guys!
Thank you so much for your good thoughts.

Oh, Bryant said that when he's gonna come to visit my family and take me home he'll make sure to bring my parents a good PC, so i wouldn't ever be worried about not being able to talk to them. He's laughing at the little problems i'm having with my computer every now and than, he said there must be wood inside him

Well Blake,

I called and the guy says they have no way of telling me what the RFE is for and that I have to wait until I get the letter from them regarding what the request will be for.....what a bummer......

Did you get through the automated switchboard or did someone just pick up the phone when you dialed the main number?

I got the automated switchboard and by pushing the prompts, got a guy on the line who basically was reading from a script until i asked him the question about is there any way I can find out what the RFE is for before I get the letter and he says "No, you will have to wait until you get the letter because he has no way of finding it out"...........was he feeding me a line? what do you think?

Here's the famous (or infamous) RFE "trick" used to get to a case officer that might be able to shed some light on an actual RFE. It was posted by T-bone.

The keys are to [1] reach a correct person, and [2] speak USCIS's language.

Call 800-375-5283, then hit 1,2,2,4,2,1; enter your receipt number; hit 1,1. (There is no need to wait for all of the recorded options to be read before you hit these buttons.) The recording will almost certainly say that "additional evidence is required," but don't necessarily believe it.

When the phone rings, you should be speaking with an actual Immigration Officer (not a clueless front-line screener who can tell you only what you already know). If the recording said that "additional evidence is required," ask the ImmOff exactly this: "Why does the recording say that I have a Request For Evidence?" He/she will almost certainly tell you that there's no record of an RFE; thank him/her profusely.

Then (or first), ask exactly this: "Will you please tell me exactly where in the Division my file is?" He/she will tell you. Then say exactly this: "I'm aware that several files received after mine have already been approved, and the USCIS website clearly says 'we process applications in the order we receive them.' Will you please send an e-mail to the floor, and ask the person at the ____ station [whatever the ImmOff told you] to please hand-carry the file to the next station?"

The ImmOff will appreciate your "speaking the language," because it is so different from the usual plaintive "do something!" that they hear all day, every day. The e-mail should at least cause one of the processors on the floor to handle your file, and your record on the USCIS Case Status website may soon reflect a "touch."

The procedures that I have recommended are worth it, and you should feel better afterwards. Depending on how long ago you have submitted your application (the longer, the "better"), you can repeat this process every 10 to 14 days.

Do NOT mention that you are part of an on-line community; this is not necessary, and mentioning it could hinder your success. However, feel free to post your stories on VJ!

Was this the number you called?

Yes it was..........I will try what you said above regarding trying to get someone that knows something........

I am out of town right now and won't even be there when the mail gets to my house......really bumming right now..........

Aw man Do you have family/friends who could check your mail and at least let you know what it's for? Maybe if it doesn't require your signature they could just send stuff back for you. When do you get back home?

Get back this coming Monday (and I'm having my mail held by the post office). Just called again with the tricks to try to get someone.......lol

I got further through the chain but basically was told again that I will have to wait till I receive the letter to actually find out what the RFE is about. Also, when you enter your receipt number (on the phone) and there are the letters at the first of the number, just select the buttons that the letter corresponds with the number on the phone (I know, probably easy for everyone else to figure out but took me a second).......

Well, I will be nervous till next Monday now.......acutally Tuesday, because the mail is being held till then......BUMMER

At least it's only a couple of days...odds are good it won't arrive until Monday or Tuesday anyway...maybe Saturday at the earliest...since it was just issued today. I understand your nervousness! I hope it's something simple. The only up-side to an RFE is it means you're in the final stages of processing! Unless there's another problem you should get an approval pretty soon after you give them whatever they want for the RFE. I have my fingers crossed for you guys!

I agree with you on the delay (my not getting it till Saturday probably at the earliest in the mail). I'm hoping it's something easy too (we didn't find this site [VisaJourney] until I had already sent everything in to CSC and the only thing I thought we might potentially get an RFE on was we didn't get a signed letter from Maria Ameliza regarding her intention to marry me...........she sent that to me after I thought it might be an RFE and I have it at the house now) and hopefully something I have already to send back to them. I don't know what else it could be as I double and triple checked everything I had before sending it in......

Thanks for all the help everyone, I'm pulling for you guys too and I guess should feel lucky that they have at least looked at our submission!

Well, again, I'm sorry to hear about this. If it's an easy fix it shouldn't delay you much at all. Keep us informed on how you're progressing.

Thanks again for your help Blake........this site is a life saver for all of us going through this together!

That is so true! I don't think I'd be able to get through this without VJ. I've had so many questions that we had answered here.

On a happier note - we had another January approval - Congratulations to Robe & Victoria!!!




Remaining 87.1%......... Approved 12.9%

……………. Filing Date
Remaining
1 Bryant & Aliona 01-01
2 Plami & Krasi 01-01
3 Ayako & Nathan 01-01
4 Cecile & Bryan 01-02
5 Belen & Tim 01-02
6 Ten & DJ 01-03
7 Yuliya & Brian 01-03
8 Paola & Chris 01-04
9 Thanh & Cao 01-04
10 Zrinka & Eric 01-05
11 Lili & Matt 01-05
12 PT & J 01-07
13 Ajay & Komal 01-07
14 Matt & Robin 01-08
15 Maria Ameliza & Eric 01-09
16 Judee Anne & Reynaldo 01-09
17 Irina & Zubzare 01-10
18 Rachel & Alex 01-11
19 Erica & Scott 01-12
20 WW & MM 01-12
21 Sarah & Rudi 01-12
22 Bruno & Carol 01-12
23 Myriam & Gary 01-14
24 Russell & Dakotah 01-14
25 jj & sh 01-15
26 Elena & Sergey 01-15
27 jen & jay 01-16
28 Hilda & Chris 01-16
29 Steph & Gareth 01-17
30 Oscar & Joselyn 01-17
31 Marina & Eugene 01-17
32 Agatha & Robert 01-17
33 VRP & SK 01-18
34 Levi & Heather 01-19
35 gabbie & erv 01-22
36 Chris & Therese 01-23
37 nr123 & nm123 01-23
38 Laura & Scott 01-23
39 Joanna & Dale 01-23
40 Lean & Emil 01-23
41 Nick & Sarah 01-23
42 yan & isa 01-24
43 Lucy & Damon 01-24
44 a & o 01-24
45 Greivin & Courtney 01-24
46 Jeroen & Michelle 01-24
47 Olga & Blake 01-25
48 Lea & Ron 01-25
49 jennie & matthew 01-25
50 Paul & Joanna 01-25
51 Rymma & Vadim 01-25
52 WE & CE 01-25
53 Supida & Supida 01-25
54 Lena & Val 01-29
55 Susan & Chris 01-30
56 Ersila & Ilir 01-30
57 Mary & Carl 01-30
58 Benny & Cassi 01-31
59 Ge & Haibo 01-31
60 Benny & Cassi 01-31
61 Richel & Michael 01-31

Approved
1 Gerald & Vinera….…..01-04…...04-22
2 Bing & John…………...01-12…...05-02
3 Shirley & Steven…….01-07…...05-02
4 J & Paulie…………....…01-04…...05-02
5 Rosi & Chuck……..…..01-04…...05-02
6 Hesham & Tanya…….01-14…...05-02
7 Pamela & Joshua……..01-11…..05-05
8 Eliciana & Benjamin…01-11…..05-05
9 Robe & Victoria………..01-09….05-06

Thanks so much, BlakeandOlha! I know I'm not much for posting, but I'm on here almost every day just trying to get through the waiting. It helps so much knowing that we are not alone, that there are other people out there just like us playing this horrible waiting game. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, and I'm sure we'll all be approved here in just a little while!

Thanks, and, ahem.... speaking for all of us, Blake obviously has got a great name!

Congratulations Victoria and Robe!

And E_Dude, hopefully it won't take too long after the RFE

Yeah it looks like this will be the month for our January filers. Things appear to be moving at CSC

I love doing the "see similar timelines" button and seeing some that have both NOA1 and NOA2!! It makes it feel so much closer!

Congratulations Victoria and Blake!

E_Dude, I too am sorry to hear about your RFE and hope that it is something easily fixed!

I'm sooooo happy to hear about January CSC NOA2's!!!!!