Thank you for this explanation. I was planning on calling in tomorrow, and still will, but ask whomever I speak to to explain a bit further to see if I can even get a straight answer out of them. I'd volunteer to go help them process applications if they'd let me! At least that would help speed up the process!

Peggy

SORRY FOR THE DOUBLE POST..
My wife got a letter yesterday with receipt number in it. I guess the letter with receipt number is NOA1..please correct
me if I am wrong. My wife had filed the petition on November 13th and we finally got the NOA1.

After that she called the USCIS. The lady on the phone told her that they are focusing heavily on the petitions receipt of which they issued before Jan. 15th (the are going to finish these petitions in 3 months) but the petitions receipted after that, more specifically ours, (jan. 24) will take at least 6.5 months:(. I dont know how we are going to wait out these 6.5 months (for I130) plus 4 months for NVC and immigration visa because my wife has already started crying..... ....It just sucks.

The lady on the phone also suggested my wife that she should file I129f and that will cut down our waiting time. But few days ago, I read some blogs in this forum that I-129f is not a good idea anymore because as soon as i-129f is filed, they stop looking at I-130 and that there is no guarantee that I-129f is processed any quicker anyways. PLEASE GUYS, if anybody has any suggestion for us, I will really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance

My wife got a letter yesterday with receipt number in it. I guess the letter with receipt number is NOA1..please correct me if I am wrong. My wife had filed the petition on November 13th and we finally got the NOA1.

After that she called the USCIS. The lady on the phone told her that they are focusing heavily on the petitions receipt of which they issued before Jan. 15th (the are going to finish these petitions in 3 months) but the petitions receipted after that, more specifically ours, (jan. 24) will take at least 6.5 months:(. I dont know how we are going to wait out these 6.5 months (for I130) plus 4 months for NVC and immigration visa because my wife has already started crying..... ....It just sucks.

The lady on the phone also suggested my wife that she should file I129f and that will cut down our waiting time. But few days ago, I read some blogs in this forum that I-129f is not a good idea anymore because as soon as i-129f is filed, they stop looking at I-130 and that there is no guarantee that I-129f is processed any quicker anyways. PLEASE GUYS, if anybody has any suggestion for us, I will really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance

Think about your logic and then figure out where you went wrong. If petitions receipted before Jan 15th will be finished in 3 months (according to your post...according to the info you received from uscis) but petitions receipted after that will be finished in 6.5 months, then what petitions will they work on and finish between 3 and 6.5 months? Your post makes no sense...unless uscis shuts down. Nevertheless, I still feel as if you've got about 6 months until your NOA2. One thing you are super correct about is.....it just sucks!!! It seemed about a month ago that the K3 and the IR/CR were being approved roughly the same time. Now that uscis has started to move a little bit, I'm not so sure. K3 may still be the faster way to get your wife here. It certainly shouldn't slow the process down. My advice....if time is the only issue, go K3 because it may be faster but if not, won't slow you down. But in my opinion, the IR/CR is the better way to go and the time difference is not too great...even at its worst. Just my opinion.

James

I was told USCIS are honoring "received dates", meaning when USCIS received your package not "receipt dates", when USCIS issued you the NOA1. So if what USCIS told you is true, they are going to try to process everyone's application who sent their I-130 before Jan.

New update

Chicago Lockbox (as of 1/30/08)
Form Number Date Received

I-130 12/18/2007

All Other Forms Current

Wow...they only did 4 days worth of applications. It is so frustrating looking at that update because they post that but I am an Oct filer and still haven't heard a word...This is so bogus...

Nepaliguy,

I think if you want to go ahead and submit an I129F...go right ahead....i don't know how it could really hurt. Afterall it is free, and as MANY people on VJ can attest to...your I130 will continue processing. As far as what USCIS told you...that makes alot of sense. there seems to be a lot of misinformation on VJ as of lately. i think its because of the newer filers who are getting lost in the web that has recently started at USCIS since the fee hike. Since then nothing has really operated in a "normal' fashion. So for those who have just started their journey or just got on VJ within the last 6 months or so....lots can be confusing with them.

I've been on VJ about a year and before the fee hike. From the trends I've seen I do beileve that I130 are processed for a certain amount of time and then put on "hold", while USCIS begins to focus on another form within the immigration system. We must remember that USCIS handles LOTS more than just family based visas. So they very well could put I130's on a hiatus for a couple of months as they move on to other applications and then back to I130's or CR1/IR1 visas to be more exact. It also depends on what service center you are being processed under too. I "assume" that when USCIS says that they will be done with applictions with NOA1 in 3 months makes sense...seeing how there are many people with NOA1 who filed back in July-October. So from October to 3 months from now is mid April....thats about a 6month processing time. Once again that makes sense. People coming after Jan15 may have to wait a bit longer for NOA2 but thats the trend as it always has been. Its kinda luck of the draw. If you are lucky enough to have filed at a time when the visa you applied for is "actively" processing then lucky you. If you file at the end of that processing or when they are not processing at all...then you'll have a longer wait ahead of you. i know alot of what I type is confusing as its much easier to just talk about that write about.

Example is:
Many August filers had to wait 4 months or so for an NOA1 becuase they filed at a time when there was a flood of applications and a "hiatus" in the processing of their typical visa. Once that hiatus was over, they got their NOA1 and were put in the queue.People like myself...filing in October....didnt have to wait as long for NOA1 ( I realize some are still waiting) because the processing began again for these visas not too long after we filed. We are in a queue that will end its active processing with NOA1's before Jan15th.
This is all theory from what I have noticed in the processing over the year, but it could make alot of sense. Overall everyone (who has filed in the last 8 months or so) will have a longer time to get to NOA2 (which is where you ultimately want to be with USCIS), before moving on to NVC.

Hope this makes sense.

[quote name='knittygurl' date='Jan 29 2008, 09:05 PM' post='1536120']
Thank you for this explanation. I was planning on calling in tomorrow, and still will, but ask whomever I speak to to explain a bit further to see if I can even get a straight answer out of them. I'd volunteer to go help them process applications if they'd let me! At least that would help speed up the process!

Peggy


hahaha !!! I'd volunteer to go help process applications too !!! I think we all would ....we would sure to get these app's done quickly,no doubt !

jimi

The Chicago Lockbox as of 01/31/2008 states receipts has been sent to Petitioners who filed up to 12/24/2007. I called USCIS once again and said why do they state that date when as an October filer has not received anything yet or had a cashed check. He told me that that date reflects the date that filers who submitted their I-130 directly to the Chicago Lockbox not to the other service centers. He said there is no timeline for petitioners who filed their I-130 to the other service center so its bascially a free fall, which I stated in an earlier blog. So, basically it does not make sense for petitioners who did not file at the Chicago Lockbox to rely on that date because it does not involve us. He told me to wait another 45days to see what happens because they should be caught up by then. Yeah, Right....

I called today,the officer was the rudest person i have ever spoke to so far,after 2 minutes with me ,he hung up on me,he could not answer my question why lockbox was on december,but i filed in september and no NOA1. there is a post somewhere on here,and someone at uscis actually told them,they just shoved files in boxes and sent it off to the lockbox,in other words in no order,just haphazardly thru files in a box.this sounds like the truth.

Does anyone know how long it takes after check is cashed to recieve NOA1? Our check was cashed on Jan 21st but still no NOA1.
I could see that November and December filers are getting their NOA1 already, there is a total chaos at the USCIS and Chicago lockbox. Best wishes to everyone who happened to be so lucky to apply in Aug-Dec 2007!

3 days!!! Read the Dec I-130 thread....what do you think?

We filed 27 OCT 2007, NOA2 by e-mail today! you should not be far behind..

I don't think anything... I just wonder ... And we can't find the 12 digit number on the back of the check. Only 10 digit numbers.




YOu are on a wrong forum. It is for people who filed for IR/CR visa not K-1 visa

You can't find the file number that starts with 3letters..>WAC-----------? I think that should be it. I received my hardcopy NOA1 maybe 3 days after the check cleared. That same day I was in the online system. Are you at CSC or VSC....you should update your timeline and avatar cause its a bit confusing.

I don't have a copy of the check my husband does. He couldn't see a 12 digit number. We applied to NSC in October but check was cashed by CSC on Jan 21st. So we'll be processed at California. Should we call and ask if we are in a system and what is our case number? I guess we should. Just getting so frustrated I guess like everybody else. So tired of these already.
Very sad me

Ok, first change your timeline to say CSC instead of Nebraska. When this is not updated it throws off the estimates and timelines that VJ provides to give everyone an idea of their adjucation date and such.

As far as the number on check...it has to be on there. That check is essentially a receipt of your payment and essentially and NOA1...just not a hard copy. There should be a number at the top left hand corner that starts with WAC-xx-xxx-xxxxx I could not read my check all that well so I mistaked a 0 for and 8. Some people are not receiving NOA1 hardcopy but they are still in the queue and sometimes get an NOA2 without ever receiving their NOA1. If you call USCIS, they will probably just give you the run around....and tell you that the online system is not updated..yada yada yada. Your husband can try and call to see if they have his name on file and give him that number...not sure if they are authorized to give it over the phone or not.

True, even with a NOA1 you may not be able to access online case with USCIS tho CSC seems to be more updated than VSC.

Ours took about five days total, but again, check is cashed that is a great sign and basically you are in. Calling them will probably end up with results that you are not in the que yet, but you can always try.

Best

Susie

HI, it's on the way for u...

sent 11/26
USCIS received 11/30
check cashed 1/29/08

waiting for NOA1

please let me know the link to check the case status online.
thanks

Here we go!
https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp

We still can't see our case online - I check the number every day lol!

People in December are now getting their check cashed or received their NOA1. I filed since Oct. 2007 and still haven't heard a word yet... WHY ME!!!!!!!!!!...Why can't they just cash my check already. PLEASE TAKE MY MONEY!!!!

Jgay, I am realy realy sorry for you. Just hang on!!!! It has to be resolved sooner or later. ....
Ok, my husband called USCIS to find out our case number bz we couldn't read it from the back of a check. After two hours on a phone they told him that they have sent NOA1 on Jan. 17th - conclusion - it got lost. Anyway they gave us our case number and when I checked it was in a SYSTEM!!!! So this is good news. Also we found out that CSC got out petition on Nov. 1st (we sent it on Oct. 22nd to Nebraska). So this is our news.

jgay80,
hey....hang in there,i sent my application in on september 24th,yesterday on my birthday i called the bank,my check has just been cashed,funny thing i was thinking about sending in another i-130 app.......but i don't need to
anyway you'll hear something soon.

Hi friends ,congratulations to all who have progress for their 1-130 s ,I think me and heyjimi are irony fated persons because we are still at the point from where we started.
Still NOA1 less.
But we should not lose heart. Be happy.

we sent also our 130 SEPT 24, 2007...

Hey! just got our cheque cashed yesterday and we filed I-130 around 28 November. At least we are in the system now! Phew.

yeah,a sigh of relief
we now, at least exist !!!
still a long road ahead
good luck on the journey

jimi

Hey got my NOA1 when went check mail on Saturday, Notice date is 1/24/08 Vermont service center did not see my check cashed though.just check on line not in system yet. right on at last it has started

Zorro,

Attention, everybody, who sent their petitions to Texas and Nebraska. In your timeline you need to change them to Vermont or California who ever issued you NOA1. If you do, you timeline will show you updates on when your case could be complete. If you leave Texas or Nebraska you won't get those updates since non of those SC process I-130 though they recieved your petitions to begin with.
Example, my service center says Nebraska ( That is where I sent) but my timeline says California (that is very my petition is processed now).
Thanks!

Thanks Evgeniya! I think once people begin to update, they'll get a better timeline picture.

Hi Marlita, How are you doing?

I met my beautiful wife in the lawn out side the EDINBURGH castle UNITED KINGDOM, she was also there to appear in the MRCVS exam(Veterinary membership exam). Finally we got married and i forwarded the petition on

22nd September to California service center
24th September, was received there

Still no progress. dont know why? whats going on there ? and whats the criteria of sorting the petitions out. Why they are checking them in random order.
But i believe that hopes should not die.

Congratulations.... ....I hope my app was in the same box as yours and I hear something by this week...I'm keeping my fingers crossed....

GUESS WHAT!!! MY CHECK FINALLY CASHED!!! I AM ON MY WAY!!!

Hi friends ,Finally i got my NOA1 today.Thanks god. But check has not been cashed yet.
I sent mine on
22nd september2007 to California center
24th September 2007 was received there
4th February 2008 got my NOA1 finally.
Best wishes for all.

Hey, just got our case number through the post. Is this what is called the NOA1? Makes no reference to it on the paperwork. Unable to view the case on the USCIS website yet, maybe it will take a while to show up.

It probably is. Your case will be processed in Vermont CS even though you filed to Texas. Vermont has difficulties with viewing online case status now. Not many can see their cases online.
Please change you Service Center to Vermont in your Timeline so that you could see when appx. your petition will be approved.

YEAHHHHHH - strangest thing today tho - got a NOA1 from VERMONT on the I129F and I can view that one but the I130 is still not there - no biggie but just thought that maybe with the Chicago Stranglehold Box that those petitions are somewhat slower getting into the system and I have seen two peeps that could not access and wham bam - they can access and get that wonderful message " YOUR I130 HAS BEEN APPROVED" - keep kicking everyone.

Cheers

Strange thing, i sent my I129F using evidence that i sent my I130
But havent received nothing yet on that.
I sent that application in November 26 or 27 2007

YEAHHHHHH - strangest thing today tho - got a NOA1 from VERMONT on the I129F and I can view that one but the I130 is still not there - no biggie but just thought that maybe with the Chicago Stranglehold Box that those petitions are somewhat slower getting into the system and I have seen two peeps that could not access and wham bam - they can access and get that wonderful message " YOUR I130 HAS BEEN APPROVED" - keep kicking everyone.

Cheers
[/quote]

All I wish is that the USCIS will move with NOA2 for all August-November filers who have suffered so much for so long. I was able to see my case right away as soon as we found out our case number. It was touched on January 23rd and nothing since. But even that makes me feel so much better. These last four months of my life (since we filed our petition) were by far the most miserable months in my life. It is the unknown that scares me the most. This immigration process turned me into an anxiouse freak who can't fall asleep without a sleeping pill anymore. I just want this nightmare to be over THIS year. GOD, please!

Sigh hun, that is the problem, if we only had a clue besides the great peeps here, omg where would we be, honestly ask yourself that question, we would be going oh ok, I guess I will not question USCIS and what they are doing or taking issues further than they want us to.........

Its been hellish for me also, been eight months since I have seen my mate.....we are strong but time and distance hurts just want to feel those arms and have a shoulder sometimes,. tis all........I dont want to harbor a terrorist, I dont want to screw the government out of benefits, I just want to have what I have LEFT OF MY ONLY FAMILY MEMBER with me soon,.

xxxxxx

Same here.... It hurts so much to be separated for so long. The funny thing is that most our American friends can't believe that this is happening to us this way. They shake their heads and say this can't be true, sure it is just a mistake. They can't believe that this system exists. I am tired to explain the reasons why my husband can't be here with me and I can't be there with him. It is the bureaucracy (Russian and American) that doesn't make it easy on foreign spouses. I just sent a three months private invitation for my hubby to come see me over the summer. THIS is the MOST I can do at present circumstances. He can come see me for 90 days not a day longer unless he gets a job offer in Russia. In this case he will be eligible for a work visa. And even than he would have to leave the country every six months in order to renew his status. After six months working in Russia he MIGHT start the process to apply for Russian Residentship, which will take a year or so. I am just saying this but NO WAY we are going even to attempt it. I will just keep sending him three months invitations.
Ok vented out ... feel better now.

Thank you guys for your responses, I am sorry for replying late and appearing to you all, who bothered to reply to my post, as an ungrateful man. Actually, I got caught up with some work.

J.debonis (James), I dont know whats logical and whats not anymore with what USCIS does. I just posted what my wife was told by an USCIS representative. But yes, it sucks anyways. Thanks for your reply though.

Marlita,
Thank you so very much for your long reply and suggestions. My wife and I are still deciding on what to do. Thank you very much once again.

And congratualations to everybody who have received their NOA1 and good luck to those who have not received it yet. Hopefully, a magic happens and we NOA1 receivers get our NOA2 a lot quicker than we are all expecting. I know what some of you are thinking..."Miracles dont happen anymore". Just trying to be positive:)
May God bless us all

Hey guys,

There is a mid-September filer here who got approved today. Look here http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=109072 It is interesting how USCIS skipped August filers though But still it is good to know that we are next in line sort off. Wishing more approvals to everybody in the next months to come.

HI to all, Here is my time line friends.

On 22nd September 2007 sent 1-130 to California center
24th September was received there
4th February 2008 got receipt number,
check was en cashed on 6th february2008.

Now can i forward my 1-129 against this receipt number? Plz guide me

To file I-129f you need a copy of your reciept, you have it now so there should be no problem. Though I know for sure that many send their I-129f together with I-130 or send I-129f before they even got NOA1 for I-130. There is a forum for K-3 filers why don't you take a look there too.
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=107066

New Update

Chicago Lockbox (as of 2/6/08)
Form Number Date Received

I-130 1/11/2008

All Other Forms Current