Embassy Visit

[ferno 0]

(Note: This is Julia posting under my fiance's account - I am on his computer in Turkey and forgot his was the account signed in here on VJ when I posted )

Sibel and I visited the U.S. embassy in Ankara today to try to obtain more information about her husband's K3 visa and my fiance's K1 visa that have been in AP for 6 and 5 months, respectively.

Unfortunately, we were not told much that we did not already know.

We were both told that the reason for her husband and my fiance's AP is security name check clearance, and not relationship verification, document verification, or because of any information provided at their interviews. We were told the same old bit about multiple agencies performing the name checks, about no reliable time frame, and that there is nothing that the embassy can do to speed up the process. We were also told that right now AP is taking a MINIMUM of 6 months, opposed to 3 months about a year ago. The consular officer told us that if AP lasts a year, they will re-submit the information as it may be an electronic problem. We repeatedly questioned her about an average time frame, but all she would say is right now AP is taking a minimum of 6 months, but to last longer than a year was not the norm. While the CO was friendly and sympathetic, the information she offered was not encouraging and we both left feeling pretty discouraged.

I suppose the somewhat good news is that Sibel has already reached the 6 month mark and Onur and I have been waiting 5 months...so we are entering the potential approval time frame. It is also good to know that the AP is for name check only and that it is really just a matter of time to get the clearance.

Edited December 29, 2008 by ferno

[Enlighten one :) 5]

Hello,

Thanks for your post. I know the feeling too of being put on AP. After the knowledge and experience I have gained through being on AP I believe that it is important to consider this just another part of the process. There is nothing negative associated with AP other then the fact that you have mroe wait time. This is common in your SO's area and as mine. Do not be discouraged. Accept the stage and prepare for the best. Everything will be returned to favor you.

Be paitient and positive.

Best regards,

Missy

[tammy2688 1]

Ya when I went, I got the same bit from the CO and was pretty discouraged as well. Seems the only answers I got were from my Senator and then the final e-mail from the embassy AFTER the visa was set to be printed.

I suggest you both keep close contact with your Senators and see that the checks do NOT expire, as in our case. I believe the visas should be issued within 6-8 months for typical cases.

God bless, and waiting for good news from both of you.

Tam

[wendya 0]

Hi Julia and Onur,

I am glad that you were able to visit the Embassy and speak to someone, even if it didn't give you any new information. I agree with the other posts, your positive answers are right around the corner!!

Have a wonderful New Year in Turkey!!! Say hi to Istanbul for me!!

Hugs,

~Wendy

(Note: This is Julia posting under my fiance's account - I am on his computer in Turkey and forgot his was the account signed in here on VJ when I posted )

Sibel and I visited the U.S. embassy in Ankara today to try to obtain more information about her husband's K3 visa and my fiance's K1 visa that have been in AP for 6 and 5 months, respectively.

Unfortunately, we were not told much that we did not already know.

We were both told that the reason for her husband and my fiance's AP is security name check clearance, and not relationship verification, document verification, or because of any information provided at their interviews. We were told the same old bit about multiple agencies performing the name checks, about no reliable time frame, and that there is nothing that the embassy can do to speed up the process. We were also told that right now AP is taking a MINIMUM of 6 months, opposed to 3 months about a year ago. The consular officer told us that if AP lasts a year, they will re-submit the information as it may be an electronic problem. We repeatedly questioned her about an average time frame, but all she would say is right now AP is taking a minimum of 6 months, but to last longer than a year was not the norm. While the CO was friendly and sympathetic, the information she offered was not encouraging and we both left feeling pretty discouraged.

I suppose the somewhat good news is that Sibel has already reached the 6 month mark and Onur and I have been waiting 5 months...so we are entering the potential approval time frame. It is also good to know that the AP is for name check only and that it is really just a matter of time to get the clearance.

[miamiwife 0]

Even though the embassy did not really provide us any information we didn't already know, Julia and I felt better letting them know that we were people whose lives they affect everyday and that this process is causing people to suffer. We also felt better knowing more about why our loved ones were selected for AP rather than questioning what went wrong during the interview at the embassy. The best part of our trip to the embassy though, was of course meeting each other and supporting one another in a very lonely and frustrating process that most of our friends and people we see every day can not relate to nor understand.

[tammy2688 1]

Right, even though we know the visa may not be issued the same day, or direct information may not be given, that is exactly the reason it is better than not to go to the embassy.

Even though the embassy did not really provide us any information we didn't already know, Julia and I felt better letting them know that we were people whose lives they affect everyday and that this process is causing people to suffer. We also felt better knowing more about why our loved ones were selected for AP rather than questioning what went wrong during the interview at the embassy. The best part of our trip to the embassy though, was of course meeting each other and supporting one another in a very lonely and frustrating process that most of our friends and people we see every day can not relate to nor understand.

[JULIAFERNO 0]

Even though the embassy did not really provide us any information we didn't already know, Julia and I felt better letting them know that we were people whose lives they affect everyday and that this process is causing people to suffer. We also felt better knowing more about why our loved ones were selected for AP rather than questioning what went wrong during the interview at the embassy. The best part of our trip to the embassy though, was of course meeting each other and supporting one another in a very lonely and frustrating process that most of our friends and people we see every day can not relate to nor understand.

[WonTanNara 0]

Julia, Sibel, hang in there. It WILL come to an end, I promise you.

[miamiwife 0]

Julia, Sibel, hang in there. It WILL come to an end, I promise you.

WonTanNara--hey what is going on with your husband's AP--any news? How was your visit?

Sibel

[WonTanNara 0]

Julia, Sibel, hang in there. It WILL come to an end, I promise you.

WonTanNara--hey what is going on with your husband's AP--any news? How was your visit?

Sibel

Our visit was great thank you! We did go to the embassy and confirmed that things are moving along. It won't be too much longer now! I'll post details later.