I looked at my timeline too, and my range starts with June 25 - so here's hoping that those of us waiting get ours soon. And I totally know what you mean about the irritation of waiting, and it really is easier to just not talk to each other for a little bit when you're both feeling upset with the situation. It really does suck sometimes, but... at least this is the only time we have to be apart, and in the future when we're really aggravated, we have to think about how much we wanted to be together during this time (!!).

Here's my project I have been working on while the K-1 process is taking its' own sweet time. Hope everyone likes it!?!

Hi guys, hope evrythin is goin well with you.

I wanna share the happy news that my interview date has been set, its going to be on 26th June (This Thursday) at the consulate in Singapore. I had earlier returned my DS2001 in person (lol! thy let me into the embassy). The very next day they sent me the interview letter.

I am also a bit nervous. Hope things go well and they dont find any fault. Following are the documents I am taking.

1. Interview letter
2. copy of I-129F filed by my fiancee, and attached proofs
3. NOA1, NOA2
4. Birth Certificate (also notarized affidavit from my mother since her name was spelt wrong in the birth cert). Also taking my school certificate indicating my birth date and parent's names, just in case they wanna see more proof.
5. Police certificate from Singapore and Indian Embassy in Singapore.
6. Passport (needless to say)
7. Affidavit of support from my fiancee and her father. He is nto business, hence only taking his last 3 years tax return.
8. Bankers Cheque to pay at the embassy.
9. Poof of relationship which includes
Intent to marry from my fiancee (though embassy did not ask for)
Few engagement pictures of us with family members
Bills of Engagement Ring, bangles I gifted her
Her travel documents to prove she visited me twice in the past year
Lots of pictures taken together during both her visits
Chat records from gtalk
Phone call records from my fiancee
Greeing cards exchanged
10. Forms DS 156-2 copies printed out from web. DS 156K 1 copy printed out
11. Lot of passport size 5x5cms photos.
12. Apart from that, my student card in Singapore, my degree certificate, certificate of scholarship and enrollment in Singapore university. (I am completing my masters degree here next month.)
13. My vaccination and medical records have been already sent to the embassy directly by the doctor. so I am gonna just take the bill.

....well thats about it I guess.

I have a few questions:
1. Will they give back my original records? like birth certificate, vaccination record, medical examination
2. What is the major thing they look at for issuing K1
3. Sould I tell them exact date I am goin to travel?
4. I read that for AOS I can use the same medical record and vaccination record. So is there any specific thing I must do to get those copies?

Please provide your suggestions

Thank you

Raghu K R

Hi RagSwat! it looks like you have everything ready for the interview.

As for your questions,
1 - I believe they keep them
2 - no idea for that question, and it probably depends at which embassy you go
3 - if you know the date you are going to travel, you can tell them. otherwise, just tell them "as soon as I have the visa" (or a month later, if you travel later)
4 - I have read different things on that subject. Some people say that since we are K1 visa holders, we don't need to send anything medical for AOS (they say it here: USCIS website) I have also read that if you have a copy of your medical/vaccination record done before the K1 interview, you can go to a civil surgeon and they will fill out the I-693 with the information on the record. But in some countries (France is one of them) they don't seem to want to give copies of that record, only a copy of the DS-3025 (not sure what it is since I haven't had my medical exam yet) ; apparently you can send a copy of this form for AOS instead of I-693.

You sound like you're ready! I can't see anything missing from that list. Be sure that the engagement photos don't look too much like a wedding ceremony, by the way; that's the only potential problem I can think of.

To answer your questions:

1. Here at the London embassy they ask you to bring originals *and* a photocopy. I believe they look at your originals and then keep the photocopy for their own records. It might be the same for your embassy, so if I were you I'd take a photocopy of everything too.
2. Like Cecile says, it varies by embassy. Have you been here to read the reviews from India? Most of the reviews are positive but a couple aren't, and there was one couple who were denied for having photos of a non-legal ceremony.
3. They may ask you if you have any wedding plans, or when you plan to fly out, otherwise it doesn't seem like something you'd tell them.
4. No idea, sorry! I'm hearing so many different things about the medical for AOS. I'd love to know the answer myself.

Ken - that looks fun!

Packet 3 was sent out yesterday, and Alex also sent out the affidavit support yesterday. Mail between San Jose and Sheffield is usually pretty quick so I'm hoping to receive it before the week is out. Also I'm feeling unnaturally angry today. I'm really looking forward to moving.

Problems with your roommate and her boyfriend? When are you moving out exactly?

Yes. Well, they're not problems as such; I'm not mistreated or anything like that, in fact they cooked me a lovely dinner yesterday, so I can't complain in that regard. I'm just not happy living there, but because I find it hard to say so I build up all this resentment and then I find it bubbling over at work (and you guys get to hear about it, sorry!).

I'm hoping to move out end of next month, so five weeks now. Not too much longer!

5 weeks will go very fast!
And don't worry, you can tell us whenever you feel angry and resentful, if it makes you feel better.

Morning all! 5 weeks is gonna fly by Rachel! Do you have your interview yet or is that what happens after packet 3? I am so confused at this point but doesn't matter since I am still waiting for our NOA2... :/ yeah I am salty haahha!

Getting so upset seeing all these filers that filed after us get approved stupid system that is SO NOT chronological! Wish they would not even say that they do it that way but I still would be upset I am sure haha....timeline on here says before the 4th of July so here'shoping and praying!!!!

Happy Monday all!

Oh and Ken good job on your video!

That better be good as it is my birthday


Also, I read a few answers on your questions but I think the answers should be the following:


1. You will get them back in the brown envelop that will be send to you. The envelop is sealed and should not be opened but should be surrendered at the POE. If you want to be sure, then also add a copy of each original so they can give you the original back if needed (they will not make copies for you).
4. The answers are basically provided on this page: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k1k3aos

See the following lines:

- A copy of the intending immigrant's birth certificate along with English translation. (note: it says a copy so it doesn't have to be the original, besides, you should never send originals to USCIS - Jeroen).
- I693, Medical Examination of Aliens Seeking Adjustment of Status. (If you already have this from your overseas Visa Interview submit a copy that medical check form; No fee is required in this case. If you are a K-1 fiancé(e) or K-2 dependent who had a medical examination within the past year as required for the nonimmigrant fiancé(e) visa, you only need to submit a vaccination supplement (I-693A), not the entire medical report. You may include the vaccination supplement with your adjustment of status application.)

Your spouse may also be required to have a medical sometime during the AOS process. The medical must be done by a CIS Designated Civil Surgeon. Your CIS office should give you a list of CIS accredited doctors in your area, if not check with your local office to get one. The medical exam can cost anywhere from $100-200 dollars, many physicians will not take a check, but only accept cash. Be prepared of the cost before your spouse gets this done. It would be wise to collect their vaccination information before going to the appointment as the doctor will need to have record of them. At the appointment your spouse will be tested for TB, AIDS and Syphilis. If they do the skin test for TB, they will be required to return to the CIS doctors office to have the site checked before they finish the exam paperwork. Note: Some CIS Offices allow you to schedule your appointment when you want, as long as it is done before the AOS appointment, check with your CIS office to see how they handle CIS medical exams before filing your AOS paperwork.


Hope this helped a bit

Obviously I cannot answer for her but since I have nothing better to do at work at the moment, I thought let's answer what happens after packet 3

After packet 3 has been sent back to the consulate or embassy, they will send packet 4 out which will contain info for the medical and the interview date and sometimes some forms as well (depending on country I guess)

Thanks Cecile! I love this thread. I hope Blake's doing okay, by the way. If you see this, Blake, we're thinking of you!


Jeroen answered your question very well so I don't need to add anything there, but *hugs* I am sorry they're screwing you around like this.

I didn't answer the part if you had ur interview date yet tho

Well, I kinda know the answer yah but still hahaha, I didn't want to grab the whole question

Hehe, no, I have not had my interview date yet. They have to receive my Packet 3 first! I'm hoping they won't take more than a month to get back to me - interview will probably be August now.

hehe looking at your timeline, I was almost sure you would answer this but yah, like said, I can't be sure and I can't answer for you

That reminds me, I can finally update my timeline again!

ok so here comes the last week of JUNE!!!! the feeling is like im in round 12 of a boxing fight! phew!

BRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIINNNG IT ON CSC!!!!

talking about timeline, mine says between June 26 and July 11 2008. now lets see if VJ's assessment is really accurate

Oh Lord God... may ur hand work on our application and send it to my fiance's mail safe sometime this week.

AMEN!!!!

Shes, I'm totally with you on that. Have you tried calling CSC? I called them twice last week and I got a touch after each call. The lady whom I spoke with said that my case is under review right now. So I'm hoping and praying to get my NOA2 this week or the week after.

for you CSC January folks left!

Oh yes I am praying too soooo much I am! Gosh I hope we get approvals SOON!!!!! If I do not hear by the 4th will call again that week after!

I start my new job Wednesday! Found out I will be making almost 3 more dollars an hour so that ROCKS! I am on my way to affording my own car (I am using my parents extra junker one at the moment that I have used past year) and a home for us as well!!! I need to start looking into Masters programs too but do not really want to even apply to any until Gareth is safely here! I don't know why just well yeah want to make sure all is gonna go good! One step at a time I guess I am worried about dress code as it is of course going to be hot Wednesday and I will have to wear trousers and a long sleeve shirt to cover tattoos! UGH. Hoping I can wear skirts and dresses but need to make sure they don't have a nylon rule etc before I wear that so the first day I shall sweat haha...let's hope there is AC!

no we dont call csc. me and fiance talked about it and we'll wait til june ends before we call..also do you guys check the processing time in california? it says theyre starting to work on december filers...

any conclusion?

yeah! we cant really tell wats going on inside the csc. all we can do is just wait and trust that our NOA2 will come this week.

but why is it the processing time of csc says december?

I'm crossing my fingers for you too.
I just looked at Igor's list and I can't believe they have slowed down that much!

Time to vent... I need to buy a big suitcase. On the airline companies website (I checked US Airways and Air France), they say that "each bag greater than 62 in/157 cm will be subject to a fee (length + width + height)"
My mom found a suitcase at a very good price, but its dimensions are 75 + 50 + 37.5 = 162.5 cm...

And I just called one of the doctors for the medical exam and she said that it is better to wait until I receive packet 4. Because if it takes longer than I think or if there is one piece missing to my file, it wouldn't work very well, so I should wait.
The thing is I'll be in Paris until the middle of July, and I would have liked to have the medical before I leave. That would have been one thing that I wouldn't have to stress about anymore.
Maybe I'll call one of the other doctors this afternoon.

(it looks like I'm talking to myself on this thread today )
I called another doctor and my medical will be Thursday next week. I just hope I did the right thing and that the fact that I didn't wait for packet 4 won't be a big deal. From what they said, it doesn't really matter since the medical is good for a year (I am not sure about that though)

LOL just got here Hmmm I don't think it matters if u wait for packet 4 so yeah go for it! And about the suitcase...I HATE all those new regulations sooo much! I always get charged it seems for mine weighing too much LOL

As for CSC saying processing December I think they have to do that as whatever ones they stuck on etc...but that doesn't really make sense either since I see an October filer just got approval this week soooo yeah no idea where they get that date from unless it is a case of majority rules haha!

Hey sunny, congratulations on the better paying job!

Thanks! I am nervous as all heck for it to start tomorrow but just keep telling myself it is a positive thing and I am headed in the right direction!

I agree! And thanks Kim for being so supporting.


Congratulations! That's an awesome pay increase.


Well, Packet 3 here actually instructs us to book the medical well in advance. When I sent Packet 3 back I had to place a check mark against the box that said 'booked medical' and write down the medical date. As I'd like to have my medical a day or a couple of days before the interview so that I only have to make one trip to London I wrote (after finding the answer here on VJ) 'planning to book medical once interview date received so as to avoid making two trips into London'. I'm sure you'll be fine.

I came back home for lunch today and packet 4 was in the mailbox! So, no need to worry about having the medical before receiving packet 4
My interview is the 22 of July! It is just incredible. Everything is becoming real, it's almost frightening!

Congrats! Not long to go now!

Isn't Courtney's fiancé's interview in a couple of days? Ack, I should probably start an interview list now. We have at least two!

I think Aliona has an interview date too, at the beginning of July. I think Courtney's fiance's one is soon too, but I don't know when.

I just checked her timeline - it's tomorrow! Good luck to Greivin (even though they won't see this)!

Aliona's is the 2nd July.

Tomorrow, already? Wow! Good luck to Courtney and Greivin!

If only CSC could approve the people who are still waiting Hopefully that will be soon.

Yeaaaaaah!!!! Congrats Cécile.....and guess what?! I also received my packet 4 today!!
I called a doctor right away, and also got an appointement!
I immediately thought about you, but it turns out my interview is 2 days after you. It sucks, it could have been so much fun, and helpful to be with someone else!!
Well, I am so excited!!! I cannot believe we're getting close to the end!I finally know that I will be back with my baby next August! It is so amazing!!
I will never sleep tonight!!!
I hope to hear good news from other ones.... I am still thinking of the left ones,still waiting for their NOA2... Good luck to everybody!
Oh, and good luck to Courtney and Greivin too!!

Too bad it's not the same day! Oh well, what matters is that we all get our visa in the end!

I thought I needed a big suitcase so I bought one in Chinatown San Francisco - decent quality only $40. However, the weight limit is 50lbs per bag - its too easy to go over 50lbs so I really recommend getting a travel scale as well. I bet that they will be really strict on weight limits - any excuse to charge you more. Just a helpful tip.

Carl

Crap. Mary will be here tomorrow and packet 3 has not shown up there yet. Shes going to be here for 3 weeks so if it shows up while she is here - which is highly likely - we are going to have someone courier it to us here - complete it - ship it back - and have them courier it to Montreal. Timing seems to always suck! If we don't do that it will add at 0-3 weeks to the timeline. We are rushing to try and get her and her son down here before school starts in Sept but thats unlikely based on the timelines.

Although I noticed that one couple accidentally sent the entire I-129F packet to Montreal with their Packet 3 they got an interview in 19 days! I wonder if it would hurt/help to do the same thing. If we do it and it works at least it will prove the experiment. What do you guys think?

Carl

why do you need to ship it back AND have them courier it to Montreal? Can't you just send it back to the embassy, directly from the USA to Montreal?

I thought that too - you don't think it would matter to them if it originated from the US?

You could always include a cover letter just stating that she is visiting in the US. When you go to the interview and show proof of continuing relationship you'll have all the travel papers so if they question it...it's really just more of the proof they're looking for. (logically at least...and we all know how well logic fits into USCIS's plans.)

you used USCIS and logic in the same sentence! Good idea. Thanks!

Thanks SO much you guys! I am here in Costa Rica and we are getting the last of everything organized for the interview tomorrow. I had mentioned before that Greivin was having some difficulties with the Medical stuff, but everything came through fine. The Doc signed off on everything yesterday and we will go pick up the final packet from him this afternoon. Greivin is out running around San Jose right now getting the last few documents authenticated. He told me to sleep in and take it easy since I flew yesterday on a red-eye and we walked through the city for 7.5 hours NON-STOP getting everything ready. I have huge blisters on my feet, so I took him up on his offer to have a morning off.

The interview is Wednesday at noon (11:00 U.S. west coast time) and so far I'm not too nervous. I'm more scared that we have forgotten something and we will have to return to the embassy later to submit something that we forgot. Greivin and I are so excited and are just praying we get to actually use those return plane tickets I already bought.

Thank you again Rachel, Cecile, Pam&Josh, and everyone else for the well wishes. I will of course keep you posted tomorrow. I hope everyone is making progress, and to Sunny, keep smiling. I am sending you patience and happy thoughts. Enjoy your first day at the new job!

I was wrong! I thought that being in Costa Rica you may not have the time to get/access to a computer. Thank you for reporting back to us and good luck again!

7.5 hours non stop? Ooouch! Having flat feet I find walking too long immensely painful - although my insoles help quite a bit. Good to see that Greivin's taking good care of you, though.

Good afternoon all Hope everyone is having a good day..... Courtney good luck to you both on the interview tomorrow!!! How exciting! Levi finally received our packet 3 today so now the rush to get everything together and get it faxed in

You can fax it? Cool, didn't know that....

Vancouver accepts faxes (but bring the originals to the interview), Montreal insists on the originals being mailed back.

Guess what! I got my NOA2! Wooh. I didn't think I'd get this excited... I was looking at Igor's list last night and thinking how sad it was that some of the other January folk hadn't been to VJ for a few months, so who knew if they had been approved or not and it wasn't helping the rest of us who were waiting! Now I really hope the rest of the January peeps get theirs too!!!!!!!!!!! So even if you're a naturalized citizen and your fiance/e has a common name, there is hope!!!