QUOTE(TBoneTX @ Dec 28 2007, 12:14 AM)
QUOTE(maria_n_john @ Dec 27 2007, 01:09 PM)
Each time I see someone whose noa1 date is older than ours I say to myself, "Ok, that's the last one, we're next."
John, it's been about a week since you reached the ImmigOff and asked the "where in the Division is my file, and can we please move it along" questions. I waited right about this long before calling again, and I urge you to call again now. Once the objective "where is it" questions are answered, you should again raise the points that July/August applications have been approved before yours, and even a couple of June applications filed shortly after yours just were. Calmly ask the ImmigOff to send an e-mail to the floor regarding these points, and wait on the phone while s/he does. Maybe you can even suggest that the ImmigOff recommend that the file be hand-carried from point to point, given the undue tardiness.
I believe that doing this now, in this way, will pay off. I'm proof, and I believe that this approach also finally worked for SSAH. Facts, dispassion, and calm reinforcement are the keys.
Hey T, how was your Christmas?
I called again yesterday, using your prompts; got through to a guy: click, click, click......"you're file is in background checks."
"Why do you think ours is taking so long?"
click, click, click "Well, the US embassy is checking on her in Manilla and the FBI is checking on you in the US."
"Yeah, well that's what I was told last time I called. What can be taking so long? Are you sure our file is just not lost?"
click, click, click "Oh no, sir, it is not lost. It is in background checks."
"How much longer will this take?"
click, clic, click "I don't know, sir, it is in background checks. It may take 30 to 45 more days."
T, that is a summary of the call, but I did call. I thought I would give it another week and try again, I'll use your language when I call next Thursday.
Of course I got the 2 touches that probably were recorded because of my call.
Sadly, no other news.
We're hanging in.
Thank you for your interest and advice. It helps.
John
I am wishing you so now cuz I will be spending Xmas with the family and tomorrow we go shopping for the carps etc and dunno if I will be on internet much 
So hopefully see you before New Years but if not you will be in my thoughts anyway 
All of you have a great time and as much fun as you can 
Haven't seen the original for quite some time!!
