Vermont received my fiance petition today, April Fool's Day. Which is appropriate because I am a fool in love.

I just hope that the speedy Vermont processing times continue for us Vermont filers. I have really enjoyed reading the Vermont filers threads for Jan., Feb., and March. I just love those recent timelines where the filers have already received NOA2's.

And I love the ongoing Juarez, Mexico thread. Especially the long post by Ronin last year with a great commentary and about a dozen photo's. I feel like I have already been there and done it.

Anyway, I look forward to sharing the Visa Journey with this great web forum. Now, I just need to research how to set up an official timeline.

Brian

Wishing you a SPEEDY process. I can't believe it's April 2008 already.

Thank you Trelawny20853 for the kind thought. Though I have been researching this site since January '08, I feel that I am now officially a part of the VisaJourney family, especially since I have started my VJ time line.

Now, I just need to decorate my new web home with a few pictures of my fiance and I.


Brian

Hi Brian, I've been here quite a while but we'll be filing on April 15th.. the day after my divorce is final!

I was waiting to start this thread since I hadn't filed yet and didn't want to be talking to myself!

I'm glad you did because we've been waiting YEARS to get this started and it's good to have company!

Best of luck to you!

Good luck with your journey.

Good Luck, heres to speedy approvals for us all. xxx

Good Luck everyone! I'm hoping to be at the tail end of April...

Good luck and wish you speedy process

Good luck to everyone! Just remember, April showers bring May flowers! I hope you all have a quick and easy journey!

Good luck all of you April folk! Kim, you've been fantastic supporting all of us as you have. brian, I am glad that you have been enjoying the Vermont filers threads and I wish you a speedy approval!

Good Luck let April shower you with many NAO2s

I have really enjoyed the previous Vermont posts and wanted to make sure that there was an April thread for us. And hopefully, we will all enjoy the continued torrid pace at Vermont.

I am wishfully thinking that there will be fewer submissions in April, thus faster processing. In part, because the tax deadline is April 15th, and people might be pre-occupied with tax returns. I wonder if there is a historical trend as to which months have the least submissions?

Brian

The timelines here (for processing anyway) are so skewed beause of the influx of petitions last year. That slowed things down considerably for a few months.

Historically VSC has always been pretty quick and consistent in the amount of time it takes them and it seems to be that way regardless of the time of year. I'm hoping that they are now back to their 'old self' and that we're in for a speedy ride!

What was the fastest this year (not including cuban expedites)? I think it was 17 or 18 days... Maybe you'll beat it KIM, i'd be happiest if you do!

Good luck to all of you who have filed already and those who are still going to file this April. I wish you all an RFE free and really quick approval. And I hope and pray that none of your relationship will suffer because of this roller coaster process, instead may this strengthen the bond that you share with your SO.

I'm holding you all in my thoughts and prayers!



p.s.: I hope someone could also start with "april csc filer's thread" or just "april filers thread". it is really nice to be in touch with people who may have filed in a different center but have filed in the same month. The january vsc filers thread will never be as wonderful as it is if not for the lively contributions of our january csc filer family (their part can never be discounted) and also all our friends who filed on different months who have showered us with support and encouragements. i hope all of you april filers will be able to experience the same bond we share with both the VSC & CSC january filers.

...from your lips to "God's" ear, Gaye!

Thank you all for the well wishes! We're getting very excited now!

Considering the feelings of some CSC filers it's probably best to keep the threads seperate but I will surely post and help to support the CSC April filers as well!

Kim I am so excited that your big filing day is nearly here! As you know, I am well aware of how awful the divorce wait is! Hopefully you guys will be luckier that we were and get approved in 1 month rather than 4!! Good luck!

Thanks Julez!

good luck with your journey

While I thoroughly enjoy the Vermont threads from Jan., Feb., and March, I also enjoy keeping an eye on the CSC posts. Because we can all draw inspiration from each other. I am suprised that there has not been additional April filer posts.

Of course, it is only the 4th of April, but once you have filed the days seem much longer.

I am already like, why has my check not cleared? It has been three full days, what's up with the VSC. (lol) (totally kidding, but time really does seem to move slower once you have filed.)

Brian

Were applying for the K1 within the next few weeks. With a bit of luck and our fingers crossed, i hope to be in the US by end of October. Maybe im asking to much there lol.

Good luck to you when you file, the way Vermont are working October is a distinct possibilty.

October for VSC seems very do-able!

So Brian, what you're telling us is that you're going to be the impatient one of the group?

Welcome William Wallace.

Cmon April filers...I know you're lurking!

One week and 4 days for us!

Patience of Job, I tell you. Now my faith that my check will not be misplaced or something is another story. Too many threads where checks were not cashed promptly which is a good indicator that your package is heading down the wrong track.

I promise, all I want is my check cashed and a NOA1 in a timely fashion, then I will be content with whatever the visa fairies may bring.

Brian

Fingers crossed though it is quite possible. I know for us.. we were initially hoping for June and now it appears possible. But things have ran much smoother than we'd ever expected.

We're hoping for June too. Think that's asking a bit too much? Robyn, you're looking like April or May as long as your USEM doesn't drag their feet... are you ready for that???? btw..checked out your website... pretty cool!

Brian, my crystal ball tells me your check will be cashed this week! Did you send your package with proof of delivery? I'm starting to think that's going to be the way to go.

btw.. if there are any CSC filers who don't want to start their own thread right now please don't hesitate to join us here! We'd love to have you.

Thanks for visiting it Kim. I want to make some changes but not till Kris gets here. As for the Embassy.. sounds like they will be scheduling the interview soon.

So it's looking like 2 months for the entire process for you! I hope ours goes that quick!

We have just sent off our K-1 Application today too. Fingers crossed everyone and lets hope the speedy times continue with Vermont

Welcome to vj and good luck with your journey,

Congratulations and good luck!

Well after finding out our originals didn't make it to VSC (i'm still wondering where all that paperwork has gone!) we resent a duplicate package, and know for sure it got there.

So I am officially a fellow April Filer, I look forward to going on this journey with you all!.

Heres to a speedy Journey for all of the April filers at all of the service centers!

Hello All,
I too will be an April filer. I am waiting for my final divorce decree. It takes 3-5 weeks and Monday will be 3 weeks.. so I am hoping any day now.
I already have the package ready and will file the day I get my hands on that final decree!!
I , too, will be a Vermont filer and HOPING for a VERY VERY quick approval!

Jill (and Jamerson)

Good luck with your journey.



Good luck once you file!

yikes nico, that's not good! Well at least you know it's there now... moving forward!

Hi Jill, my decree took 4 months (ma) from the court date! It's final on the 14th!
Good luck to you both.

Good luck to all April filers....and everyone else that's still waiting

Good morning April filers!

So it looks like Vermont has slowed down quite a bit this last week. I do hope it's just that we at VJ are only a small percentage of those waiting and not the H1B visa's that are holding them up!

Move it along VSC!

Yep, I used FedEx priority overnight. Not sure where the priority was since it was signed for at 1 pm on April 1st.

No way I would send it in via USPS. The $15 is a small price to pay for peace of mind that it got there okay. Now, if they would just cash that check and give me an NOA1 so I know that my paperwork has found a pleasant file to call home.


Brian

Welcome April filers....

Remember that we here at VJ are just a small % of people who file for visa's. Someone posted that perhaps as HIGH as 5% of files recieved by USCIS.

So when you see a week of slow approvals don't despair
There are still active members (non-actvive members don't update their timelines) who haven't recieved NOA2's who filed last summer! Also, as trends have it, there is a good possibility that some of you early April filers from VSC may get approvals as soon as later this month. But also remember in your elation that there are tons of us who filed in January, February (ME), and March who are still waiting although we filed weeks and months ahed of you and from the same service centers.

Goodluck to all

Check cleared my bank today.

Now, I just need my NOA1 and I will be quite content. Just remind me that I said that Kim.

For some reason the fear of my paperwork not finding a home bothers me much more than a RFE or delayed processing times. Okay Kim, in about two months remind me that I said that too.

Brian

Brian that's awesome!!! Ahhhh the little things!

I'm quite sure that all your paperwork is now packed away in the USCIS standard form and that it's in it's new home.... packed away with a bunch of others in a big box in a closet somewhere collecting dust!

You'll be approved by two months and I wont need to remind you!

We're one week out from filing as of today!!! I'm just waiting for a call back from our registrar of deeds to be sure I can pick up my decree absolute next Tuesday as he stated last time I called. I guess now is a good time to get everything else organized!

I'm curious how you all sent your petitions. I'm certainly using a personal check (ordered some just for this) and I want it sent overnight with confirmation of delivery. Any suggestions???

Hello KimandRuss,

I too used a personal check,I think it makes it easier to verify. I sent my petition USPS certified mail,return receipt requested,cost about $8 or $9. You can track this online with the number on the receipt.
I mailed mine on a saturday at the Post Office,and it was received at VSC on tuesday.My check cleared the bank on friday.
The USPS online status showed it received tuesday,and I received the return receipt in the mail about 10 days later.

This went smooth and quick,with no trouble.

Hope this helps.....Good Luck

I prefer FedEx or UPS over USPS general delivery with receipt of delivery. Nothing personal, I just prefer the tracking system employed. FedEx can tell you when the package was picked-up, when it was sorted, what truck it was loaded on to for delivery, and the exact time and name of the person who signed for it. All of that is worth the extra money to me.

Plus, though I have no empirical evidence, I would bet that USPS has a higher package lost rate than FedEx or UPS. I think the USPS does a super job, and I have never in my entire life had a bill payment or letter go astray, but I am a worry wart at heart.

I feel that personal checks are the way to go and not just because they are cheaper than money orders. If something goes wrong and the funds are not cashed, then you don't have to worry about applying for a refund and waiting a couple of weeks like you would with a money order.

Plus, what happens if you get into limbo land and your funds are not cashed until 3-6 weeks later. I think it would be easier to deal with knowing the money is still in your bank as opposed to wondering when you should consider the money order a lost cause and ask for a refund. Because once you put a stop payment on the money order, your petition would be essentially rejected or at least delayed until you made good on the funds.

Also, you get a free copy of the canceled check. Personally, I can print canceled checks either online from my bank or wait until it comes in with my statement.

Your mileage may vary,

Brian
( I apoligize for the long post, as I mentioned before my greatest fear was
my petition going down the wrong tracks from the very beginning)

Thanks for the input pwrnlite! I appreciate it!

Good luck! Hope you see a quick approval!

I feel for you on having to duplicate your effort. The redoing of the photographs would stink. And getting my SO's original signature on her forms would be painful.

I expect we will all experience a cupful of aggravation along the way, so look on the bright side, you will have clear sailing the rest of the way.


Brian

Hopefully, I am just looking forward to a cashed cheque then I will be flying high , for a while atleast!

Hi Brian... sorry I missed your post yesterday. The biggest reason i'm sending a personal check is so I can have my numbers off the back and can register with USCIS asap! I'm a super techy (always on the computer) as it's what I do for a living so I do everything online. I haven't written a check a years! Ordered them especially for this! You do seem a bit of a worry wart ... but that's usually just a sign of someone that cares very much...not a bad thing!

Nico... I hope your bank balance diminishes today!

How did you guys package your petition??? What did you send?? I've been here long enough to know how it works... i'm just curious...or maybe nosey!

I'm going to staples today to get some ACCO fastners and believe i'll put a two-hole punch at the top and index everything with tabs. We've got 10 years of information/pics/history... so i'm trying to keep it light but thorough!

btw... Where are you all from??? Im in North Central Massachusetts....HUGE red sox/pats fan!

[quote name='KimandRuss' date='Apr 9 2008, 12:25 PM' post='1738425']
Hi Brian... sorry I missed your post yesterday. The biggest reason i'm sending a personal check is so I can have my numbers off the back and can register with USCIS asap! I'm a super techy (always on the computer) as it's what I do for a living so I do everything online. I haven't written a check a years! Ordered them especially for this! You do seem a bit of a worry wart ... but that's usually just a sign of someone that cares very much...not a bad thing!

Nico... I hope your bank balance diminishes today!

How did you guys package your petition??? What did you send?? I've been here long enough to know how it works... i'm just curious...or maybe nosey!

I'm going to staples today to get some ACCO fastners and believe i'll put a two-hole punch at the top and index everything with tabs. We've got 10 years of information/pics/history... so i'm trying to keep it light but thorough!

btw... Where are you all from??? Im in North Central Massachusetts....HUGE red sox/pats fan!
[/quote

Good luck its getting near now Kim and Russ.

We sent about a forests worth of trees so we clipped ours together, so that different sections were easily seen (G325A formas etc) , I am also nosey as to what everyone sent , we sent copies of all the obvious things, engagement ring reciept, plane tickets, tickets to shows, hotel bills, couple of very very very carefully selected emails!, cards, phone bills, old reciepts from gifts sent.

and photographs of course!, we have 4 1/2 years of history to put in that file, and it was helluva bulky, I cant even begin to imagine how we would manage to shorten 10 years of history!.

I am the Beneficiery, so I am from Scotland , but my Fiance is from Maryland

This may be a silly question, but we rarely use cheques here, I haven't had a chance to speak to Steven, would he have to check his bank (Bank of America) to see if the cheque/check has been cashed? or is it sent back to him?