Hi all,

Kai and I are in the last ones of the April filers group. We sent our petition mid April, it was received on the 30st of April and we got NOA1 only 22nd of May.. :about 5 weeks to get NOA1..didn't start too well!!
since then it's been almost 4 month and we are still waiting for NOA2. we got touched for the first time last Friday so we are hoping for a good news soon in the meantime I've stoped my job and I'm going to visit Kai in DC this week so the wait isn't that bad !(hopefully I'll have a cool officer at the custom though..).
Anyways, I just wanted to say hi and congratulation to all the april filers that were approved and are on the final run process, and bon courage to all those that are still waiting like Kai and I!!
we are really happy visa journey exists, it make the whole process much more understandable and bearable!

Lili

mmm I realise kai put on our timeline that we sent the petition on 30th of April. I thought it was earlier than that really..
anyways, seems like we really are the last ones on the April group / or maybe actually considered as in the May one!

Congrats on getting the visa!!!!! Any tips of the interview questions?

MnM.. so pleased for you!! congratulations!

Hi Lili, nice to see you. I'm sorry you are still waiting. I do hope your touch means something. I read in one of the other threads about Vermonts updates being messed up...this is the first time i've seen VSC having problems with their updating.

INCT.. you can find sample interview questions here.

Russell has his interview tomorrow night 6pm (est). We know this is the final step but for some reason i'm not too concerned of nervous about it (although i'm knocking on wood here as I type this ).

9 days - 13.5 hours!

my interviewer asked me like three questions -where did you meet, when did he propose, when are you getting married... I gave her more info than that as I was chatty, but she was really quick, probably cos they'd kept me waiting sooo long when Id been the first in at 7.30am!! They didnt even want to see my beautifully compiled evidence file complete with up to date pics and screenshots of our 400 emails!! psshh!!

I had to some fast talking about the whole affadavit thing though, so just make sure your paperwork is puurfect and make a timeline of key dates in your relationship so when they question you, you dont get mixed up and sound dodgy!

Homework!

Ok April, I know it's a busy time for all of us but I assume it's only gonna get ...errr busier.

Take some time and read through the AOS guide now so that you have basic knowledge of what's ahead.

First laptop dead, but Nick left 2 here. Yay. I have all AOS filled out. Now I just need Nick to arrive and a wedding. (well some electricity, a hot meal, hot shower, and high speed internet would be nice too) Will have to wait for the marriage to be recorded with the county and them mail certificate to us. he arrives in 2 wks. Wedding in less than 3 wks. Wow I hope they get our power back before then or I will be a smelly bride. Oh well. LOL.Still 1.5 million without power, but half million restored and Canadians on the way to assist. I am living off bean dip, peanut butter crackers, nasty cold vienna sausages, straight tuna, and cookies. Hmmm...why did my stomach start getting weird rumbly gurgles today? Must save power for the Kim report midnight Tues. Go Russ!

Nich... you're safe..you're family is safe... you have your home...and are about to start a new wonderful chapter! The rest is just fluff and stuff!

omg people... less than 7 hours until his interview!!! I can hardly believe that after all of these years and all the heartache we've suffered that we are finally at this point. Neither of us is nervous... more anxious and excited to be done with this part. I think that comes from at least thinking we are very prepared.

I also got a call this morning for Russell from a headhunter about a geologist job in our area and found out from my ex that my tax returns (which he initially screwed up) are finally in as well! Just in time! Let's hope all this good news continues! I have plans to celebrate with friends tonight so I certainly hope so!

the rest of you are awfully quiet... come make yourselves crazy with me?

Kim!!!! I am waiting for thye news!!!!! please I am biting my nails already!!! dont forget to tell us everything about the interview please

Kim!

We need to know, the suspense is killing us!!

YEAH BABY!!!!!

I haven't had a chance to talk to him yet but he text me and said it was all good and the visa will be delivered to his house by Monday! Waiting for him to get home now so we can chat. omg... I can hardly believe we're finally here.

Congrats Kim!!!

CONGRATS KIM!!! THAT IS SO AWESOME. BEST OF LUCK TO THE BOTH OF YOU IN THE FUTURE. And thanks for all of your help. Even though I guess I am technically a June filer, I have learned so much from this thread...and most of that from you. Hope you have fun celebrating tonight!

Congrats Kim and Russ!!!

How excited are you????

Congratulations Kim !!! So happy for you and Russ

Today we got our interview date and its for Thursday September 18
I know pretty quick and its just around the corner. The weirdest thing happened, my fiance went to drop the documents at the embassy when the person at the front desk by mistake though it was his interview date and told him to go inside and talk to so on so. He did and it was the interviewer, she told him that the forms were incorrect and to fill them again and come back on Thursday at 2:30PM
I can't wait!

Sandra

OH YIPEE!! YESSSSS
So happy for you Kim and Russ. So no drama at the interview? Finally a stage of this process moved fast for you.

Today is a happy day for me too. I got gasoline so went back to get my cats that I left in north Houston. When I got home, I had lights...what a relief. I live near a school and I think they are trying to get the schools back up, so we must be on the same lines. The fridge is getting cold, but it's empty because I had to throw everything out. I watched TV news. Walmart and Target opened today. Shipleys opened and I got my first cup of coffee in days. Loved it! My town is slowly coming back to life. Life is good and it feels so great to be getting back to normal. Now I can focus on Nick's arrival and our upcoming wedding. WOW.

CONGRATULATIONS KIM!!!!!! I am so happy for you two!!!! so you didnt go to the interview with your fiance??? I dont know if my fiance would be able to come to Peru for the interview and I am a little worried..... but please, we know all the details so dont forget to get all the updates

Great news, Kim - I'm genuinely chuffed for you. I think it's all the more cool in your case, because despite being together forever, like me and 'er indoors, (who are like "m3h - it happens when it happens" ) you two are like a pair of lovestruck kids!!

You go, girl!

Wooow!! Kim and Russ!! That's fabulous news ...

Congratulations Kim!!!

Congratulations Kim!!!! Let us know all about it!! Two weeks from today is our interview - shaking in my boots...

Good morning April!

Thank you for all the kind words, really appreciated.

The interview was amost a non event I guess. They did look over all the paperwork and asked Russell a bunch of quesions about our relationship (as they should) but nothing really arduous or taxing. Just conversation really. One thing we went over and over for months was the police report from AUS. Russell worked there for 9 months in 2006 and I was under the impression that he needed a police report because he was there for more than 6 months. Well, he mailed the Consulate early on and asked them and they said that he did not need one...only if it had been over a year. I asked him again several times over the process just because it kept coming up in my crazy mind but he had that email saying he did not. It's also noted on their p3 (information packet) that it's only needed if you lived somewhere over a year. Anyway, the CO asked if he had it. He said no and noted the email and their own paperwork. She let it go but did say that he should have had it. Ugh! It's very frustrating to me that in something so very important that people are not on the same page and that this could have really slowed us down had she chosen to wait for that. Especially since we checked and double checked. I guess you get that everywhere but ...still frustrating! I'm sure Russell will come chime in and give you his report and I know he'll be filling out an Embassy review for the benifit of others.

So, we're both kind of in awe that this part is done with. Soooo many years of long distance communication, tens of thousands of dollars in travelling all over the world. The heartbreak of being denied entry. The year apart after living together for so long and this crazy process to get through. We can hardly believe that this time next week i'll be getting ready to go pick him up for good.

mama Nich, so glad things are settling in for you now.

Yes, Damian, 'lovestruck' is a good way to put it. Even after 10 years, I can't get enough of him.

Congratulations Kim and Russ !!!

Wish you both the best in life!!!

Big Hug all the way from Sweden

Alex







Congratulations Kim and Russ !!!

Wish you both the best in life!!!

Big Hug all the way from Sweden

Alex

Congrats Kim and Russ!! It's makes me feel good to know that good people are happy. And since you are some of the best, I feel all the better I wish Russell a safe trip 'home', and I know you guys will have a beautiful wedding *coughpostpicscough*

Nich - It's good to hear that things are starting to get back to normal for you there!! I have been watching everyday and holding my breath for all the people affected. Coffee must have been lovely

<3 Jen

~KIM & RUSS~ CONGRATULATIONS! I bet somebody we'll be on the next NZ-USA flight So very happy for you two!!!

Congratulations!!!! I am very happy for you two!!!!

Congratulations Kim! And Russ of course... I'm so happy for you guys...

Congratulations!!!!

I'm so happy for you guys!

I am in agreement with Jenni&Bo - PICS PICS and MORE PICS please.

I'm so nervous I haven't been able to function normally these past few days, knowing the interview is only 2 weeks away! And that I'll be seeing Luis for the first time in 7 months Oct 1st!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS KIM AND RUSS!!!!!!
i knew i would find your happy posting this morning so i went straight to the April thread before doing anything else!
We are happy sooooo happy for you!
Enjoy your happy ending after a beautiful love story!

Alina

Congrats Kim.

5 Days to Alyonas interview. I know all should go well with no problems, but I feel as if Murphy wants to show his face on every step of this process.


Dale

Dont worry Dale, after the interview you will both be saying "wow, how easy was that?" , Like Kim mentioned with her mans interview, mines was more of a conversation I actually enjoyed it, hmmm .

Kim, Congrats! happy for you both, did you mention when Russ is going over there? I can imagine pretty snappy eh!?.

I will also be awaiting Wedding Photographs from all of the April Filers , maybe one day we will even be able to have some sort of get together eh!? .

Thank you everyone.

For those curious, Russell will be flying in next Wednesday (nz time). 7 days, 8 hours...he will be back in my arms.

Amazing. Congrats once again Kim and may you two have a wonderful life together.

Tears for you, as I can imagine what it's going to feel like with Betty at the airport with me once again. This time for good.

Congrats to the other approvals and good luck to those with upcoming interviews.

Ahhh...gotta love the blushing bride. Still smiling for you and everybody else with an interview coming up.

Hey I started an AOS thread I hope you guys will join up with so we can keep in touch. It has this icon in the margin so you can spot it easier. This is a link http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=151527 so somebody come over and bump it. Kim??? Graham??? All of you??

Eveybody's so quiet!!

I'm still here... waiting to fly to Peru on the 30th, overnight flight, I get there the next day at 4am. Poor Luis haha, has to wake up or maybe not even sleep to come and pick me up at 4.

We have the interview the 2nd at 8am. I'm pretty nervous. I'm sure everything will all fall into place, but right now I'm being a worry wart.

On a less nervous note, I found out yesterday that One Republic is playing in November in NYC and guess who's going???? woohoo

How's everybody doing? oh and STOP BEING SO QUIET

KIMMMMM!!!!! So so so happy for you!!!

My interview was pretty easy, Joey was there which made me calmer, but made me wanna kill him later because he didn't bring that form 1040, so my visa is pending!!! I don't quite understand that tax return stuff, all I now is that he didn't get the form because who did it was H&R Block or something, he told me he can print out the form out of the internet, let's hope so... He flew home today and he's going to fax it over to the embassy tomorrow... I'm again just sitting and hoping and praying!!

Mama Nich, I don't do the blushing thing. Thanks for starting the AOS thread.

suzy... somehow i dont think luis will mind getting up! Not long for you!

oooh fernanda nooooo... if he can't get it from H & R Block then he can just request transcripts from the IRS. They are free and take just a few days. I hope it sorts itself out for you soon.

6 days and 6 hours! O-M-G!

My to do list is just way too long. I know the time is going to fly. We're getting so excited we're just silly.

We're still not even sure what we're going to do for the initial ceremony. All I know is it will be short and sweet and soon with a weekend away alone right after. We're done with the hoopla for a while. I'm sure someone will take a few pics. Otherwise, you will all just have to come to the event in April and take your own pictures!

We got APPROVED!!! I'm so happy is just unreal
Now we are searching for an airline ticket
I was wondering if you could buy one way or you have to buy roundtrip.....

I just wanted to share the news with you guys! Thank you for everything

Sandra

Congratulations on your wonderful news!


When purchasing your airline tickets check the prices on one-way and roundtrip.
Most of the time the round trip is cheaper.
This makes no sense to me.

Have a safe trip

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Wow, Congrats to all.. I leave in 8 days, and our interview is in 13 days.. Suzie I am with you, sooo nervous.. I am sure all is going to be ok, it is just so unreal this waiting will finally be over. I am watching when Harry Met Sally, and as he says, "When you meet the person you want to spend the rest of your life with you want the rest of your life to start now." Or something like that... hahaha... Keep the approvals coming!!!

Kim!!! Wow that went smoothly!!! (Considering the Aus police thing- so good he didnt have to do it cos its takes AGES to get- I had the normal one done initially then realized almost near my interview time that I needed one that is based on fingerprints so had to order that (costly too!) and thank luck it came in about 5 days before my interview!!!! I was SOOO happy to see that envelope!!)
Wow, you see Russ NEXT week??????? That is SOO groovy !!

Graham and Megan- congrats as well, glad its all over for you!! (except for the wonderful horribly expensive/tedious AOS and EAD stuff!)

Im waiting until the end of Nov. to move to the US cos I want to add a bit more moolah to my savings account (so we can have some fun weekends away while Im waiting for my work permit!!) and wrap up my house/flat issues Cant wait though........its so amazing really, knowing that in just 2 months my life will be completely different....all these little issues at work that give me headaches wont matter at all....funnily enough I was with him only two weeks ago in the US and it seems like a lifetime away (two weeks at work does that to you!!)...and when I was there, London seemed to be so unreal, some distant memory...and now that Im in London again, Florida seems so unreal and so distant...I do smile when I see airplanes flying past though cos it reminds me that it is all real and soon enough I will be with my love again

So what are ya'll doing for your weddings?? Im only having a brief civil ceremony, signing the paperwork basically, it wont even feel like a proper wedding- the real thing is going to be in a few years once we have enough spare cash and can fly out our world wide relatives, and have the memorable wedding we want!! I've considered a Vegas wedding for signing the paperwork...it would be a fun thing to do in life

hi guys

this is Russ, just a quick update on my way to bed, i am sure kim will fill in any details i missed ,

got my visa in the mail today, on the second day after the interview, was very exciting for me, more so then the interview because now i know there is nothing between me and getting on that flight next wednesday and being in my baby's arms by wednesday night , with all going according to plan *knocking on as much wood as i can find*,...... so close.

after the grand opening i jumped on line and promptly woke kim up i was a tad impatient. After a year of waiting i think i can afford a little impatience . So you will have to forgive her if she seems a little vague

ok guys last day of work tomorrow, then i am all steam ahead for getting ready for my flight.

i hope everything is all going well with you all.

Cheers
Russ

oh and to answer one of the questions from above, no you do not require a round trip ticket for the K1/K3 visas, i found that looking at Expedia.com (or what ever your country abbrev is *mines expedia.co.nz*) and mixing around the dates a little i got the best deal there. hope that helps

Thanks for posting, Russ. So excited for you. I do understand that feeling of having the visa in hand and knowing there's nothing that can keep you from getting on the plane Wednesday. Well almost nothing. Nick called me at 5 AM from the hospital where he was taken by ambulance. Seems he took a fall and landed on his shoulder and head. Good news is, he remembered he had a fiance and my phone number. hahahaha. So far he knows he has a fractured collar bone and rib. Movers are supposed to pick up his stuff Monday morning and he's not done packing boxes or getting things out of the attic. Was planning to take several large suitcases and two carry-on bags for the flight in 11 days. Now he's thinking he can't pull it off with one arm. Darn! Russ, you be very, very careful until Wednesday.

Wedding plans...well our plans were to marry on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 5 at a friends house with less than a dozen friends that we both know well. Just a little afternoon gathering with champagne and small wedding cake and a judge to do the legalities. Glad I didn't go with the Galveston plan we were thinking of earlier. It's an island close by and has some charming places. It is fairly destroyed right now and inhabitable after the hurricane. It's going to take a while to get services restored enough to let residents return to start cleaning up and rebuilding. So I guess maybe my wedding is to be determined once again until we know more about the injuries.

Congratulations Sandra.

Relax you girls sweating the upcoming interviews...going to be fine. You can charm the latinos at the embassy. Can you go inside? I was allowed by showing my American passport. Wear a low cut top.

Sorry for not having congratulated Kim and Russ for the visa, and everybody else for everything else. I haven't been feeling very well this week, and have had to work quite a lot because of an emergency situation. Anyway, as I wrote in the March thread, I think I'll get to the interview much later than the rest of you, due to those idiots in Naples who led me astray with their autoreplies and such. Well, last Monday I faxed what I was due to send to the Consulate, and next week I'll try to contact them - even if they said after three weeks. I don't want to waste any more time because they have to be even slower than my fellow Italians!

Yes I will be there at the interview and I'm allowed inside.. I will keep that in mind when picking out my wadrobe for the event!! haha.

Saran wrap is always a good choice. I am not sure if I could get away with it though. Maybe I will just show a little leg in Kiev.

Kim, I am so sorry for this delayed acknowledgment, but ...........


CONGRATULATIONS


Much deserved......this is great news



Stevi

Hey guys just a update we have visa in hand
could not have done it without u guys
Thanks everone
speacial thanks to Kimfor responding to many of my stupid questions
i bet many more coming soon