CR-2 for minor step-daughter

[Brassballs 47]

Due to MAJOR screw-ups and 'administrative errors' by USCIS my step-daughter's I-130 will be lagging behind her mother's by at least 8 months or so. I am having my Representative follow the case and they will try to assist to expedite the new filing because of the previous USCIS errors in handling the original filing. My asawa's case is currently at NVC and we are hoping to get approval by the end of the month.

Does anyone have first hand knowledge of obtaining CR-2 visa for minor dependent child? I presume that once out of USCIS and into NVC jurisdiction, I will have to go through all the same forms as for my asawa? Or can any be bypassed due to age of beneficiary, 3 years old? I know she will still have to do SLEC exam, but what about USEM interview? Kind of difficult for CO to ask 3yo questions about step-dad. Just trying to define the actual process that she and asawa will have to go through.

Thanks in advance.

Jim

[Darnell 8,478]

new set of forms at NVC.

congress critter might help with expedite at this stage at USCIS.

you could go slow at NVC on the CR-1, if you want the two of them to travel together , get interview together.

[Boiler 43,434]

What were the USCIS errors?

[Brassballs 47]

Timeline;

First error (mine): I thought daughter could tag along on Mom's I-130 since minor dependent. I take full responsibility for this. Realized error and sent daughter's I-130 a month later with $420 fee attached. In same package I sent corrected copy of mom's I-130 (typo on my part again. Appropriate cover letter was attached to each.

Second error: Incompetent mail room clerk attached $420 to mom's revised ap, leaving daughter's ap unfunded, and opening new case for mom. Received notice of no fees attached 3-4 weeks after filing. Sent USCIS copy of bank statement showing payment of $420 to USCIS.

Once again received package back stating no fees submitted. Called phone support and they suggested getting letter from bank. Stupid request but I complied and resent entire package back to Chicago with cover letter explaining issue. One month later again get package returned indicating no fees sent, even with bank letter. This package was returned from Phoenix and not Chicago and with yet another case # assigned. Now about 4 months after original filing.

Third error: During this time received letter informing me of 2nd ap for mom whose fir ap was in process and that second filing (with no supporting documents) would have precedence over first unless I withdrew it. I immediately did that so not to jeopardize first filing.

Fourth error: Called phone support again and officer told me USCIS could not defund the 2nd ap for mom and apply fees to daughter's ap. Have no idea why not. But he said he would ask if VSC would change name and birthdate on Mom's 2nd ap due to their admin error. I told him I had already sent withdrawal letter but he told me name change would nullify my withdrawal. About month later received letter that request for name change had been received and processed and that I should now send supporting documents to VSC.

Fifth error: After yet another 2 month wait (7 months after first filing) received letter indicating that case had been withdrawn by me and case was closed. Bola-Bola!

Yet again called phone support and this was told he ask for them to allow administrative review due to clerical errors. One month later received another letter offering to do admin review. Send in form XYZ(?) along with $630 filing fee and they would review case. No refund regardless of outcome of review.

That's when I got Representative involved and within 2 weeks staff was able to negotiate a refund of original $420 fee (after 8 months now), and the original filing documents, allowing me to re-file. Staff also a willingness to track new ap when I get case # and try to push through as much as possible to meet with mom's.

Anyone willing to offer a shoulder to cry on??????

Sorry for being so long-winded. Sometimes it's good to vent.

Jim

[Greenbaum 12,258]

Timeline;

First error (mine): I thought daughter could tag along on Mom's I-130 since minor dependent. I take full responsibility for this. Realized error and sent daughter's I-130 a month later with $420 fee attached. In same package I sent corrected copy of mom's I-130 (typo on my part again. Appropriate cover letter was attached to each.

Second error: Incompetent mail room clerk attached $420 to mom's revised ap, leaving daughter's ap unfunded, and opening new case for mom. Received notice of no fees attached 3-4 weeks after filing. Sent USCIS copy of bank statement showing payment of $420 to USCIS.

Once again received package back stating no fees submitted. Called phone support and they suggested getting letter from bank. Stupid request but I complied and resent entire package back to Chicago with cover letter explaining issue. One month later again get package returned indicating no fees sent, even with bank letter. This package was returned from Phoenix and not Chicago and with yet another case # assigned. Now about 4 months after original filing.

Third error: During this time received letter informing me of 2nd ap for mom whose fir ap was in process and that second filing (with no supporting documents) would have precedence over first unless I withdrew it. I immediately did that so not to jeopardize first filing.

Fourth error: Called phone support again and officer told me USCIS could not defund the 2nd ap for mom and apply fees to daughter's ap. Have no idea why not. But he said he would ask if VSC would change name and birthdate on Mom's 2nd ap due to their admin error. I told him I had already sent withdrawal letter but he told me name change would nullify my withdrawal. About month later received letter that request for name change had been received and processed and that I should now send supporting documents to VSC.

Fifth error: After yet another 2 month wait (7 months after first filing) received letter indicating that case had been withdrawn by me and case was closed. Bola-Bola!

Yet again called phone support and this was told he ask for them to allow administrative review due to clerical errors. One month later received another letter offering to do admin review. Send in form XYZ(?) along with $630 filing fee and they would review case. No refund regardless of outcome of review.

That's when I got Representative involved and within 2 weeks staff was able to negotiate a refund of original $420 fee (after 8 months now), and the original filing documents, allowing me to re-file. Staff also a willingness to track new ap when I get case # and try to push through as much as possible to meet with mom's.

Anyone willing to offer a shoulder to cry on??????

Sorry for being so long-winded. Sometimes it's good to vent.

Jim

I can't feel your pain, but I am sure you are without any hair on that head of yours.

Reading your notes it seemed like you were always one step in front of them and no one took the time to stop and READ your letters. If they had you wouldn't have been in this mess. I am glad you stopped and got your Representative involved. They were able to stop this merry go round and let everyone regroup to begin anew. I hope things run a little smoother for you. Good luck.

[Brassballs 47]

Most aggravating to me, other than the entire episode, is the extensive wait periods between submissions and responses, usually 2+ months. Really a sad state of affairs that after case finally rises to the top of the stack it doesn't stay there until completed. I've always been aware of the ineptitude of the Phil gvt agencies (for the most part) but didn't realize ours is just as bad.

Oh well as my asawa keeps telling me: 'Just be patient. There is nothing more you can do than give them what they request.' She has such a calming affect.

Any petitioners, K1 or CR1, whose aps sail through unhindered should feel truly blessed.

[Hank_ 9,173]

Listen to your asawa...