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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Norway
Timeline
Posted

Hey all! I am new to posting on VJ, but have been following it for about 9 months. I am thankful to everyone for their advice and stories! My fiance and I have been patient, and done everything asked of us, but feel like this process is going to go on forever since we keep getting delays and mis-information. We thought we were accurately following the timeline for a K-1 visa, and tried to loosely plan our lives around it. Big mistake. We are so far off the timeline, and are basically just in limbo land. All we want to do is be together and start our life. We are inbetween NOA2 and our petition going to the NVC. Due to holdups, they are estimating it will take 2 months to arrive at the NVC, and 3 months to be sent from there to the Embassy in Norway. 5 months to process the approved petition, but online it says this process is supposed to occur within 2 weeks. If this is correct, it will place our petition well over 1 year before we even schedule his Embassy interview. So messed up!

We don't really care where we live, as long as we are together, so now we are thinking of just scrapping it and having me apply to move to his country, which should be a lot faster.

Have other people on here gotten frustrated to the point where they withdrew their petition and applied in their fiance's country?

Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: China
Timeline
Posted

Sure it has been done before, likely more than folks on VJ would ever know, as that those folks would likely not be posting on VJ. You can stop the process by withdrawing your K-1 visa petition, and essentially throw the money away, you can make that choice. This entire immigration process is all about dealing with huge government bureaucracies. It is all about their rules, regulations, guidelines and timelines. You have to be willing to accept that or it can drive a person crazy. This process is not for the faint of heart, or light of wallet.

Not certain about the Norwegian immigration process and associated bureaucracy.

You should consider becoming familiar with patience no matter which government bureaucracy you have to deal with.

Good luck on your immigration journey.

Completed: K1/K2 (271 days) - AOS/EAD/AP (134 days) - ROC (279 days)

"Si vis amari, ama" - Seneca

 

 

 

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Norway
Timeline
Posted

Thanks guys, I know patience is the name of the game, but still... Its a bummer when you see other people's applications getting processed so quickly! We have been very fortunate in that we have been able to travel back and forth a bunch, so that does help...

Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Venezuela
Timeline
Posted (edited)

oops8rh.gif

Edited by skiptex

K101/17/2012.....I-129F ..... sent to Dallas, Texas

01/25/2012.....NOA1 (text & email) ..... sent to Vermont Service Center

01/28/2012.....NOA1 Hard Copy in Mail

07/31/2012.....NOA2.. 188 days update@USCIS

08/03/2012.....NOA2.. Hard Copy

09/04/2012.....Sent Email to Caracas Embassy for Interview date.. they had not contacted her

09/05/2012.....Embassy response.. with interview date!!

10/17/2012.....INTERVIEW @Caracas Embassy!

10/17/2012.....INTERVIEW @Caracas Embassy... APPROVED!!

12/31/2012.....POE.. Miami, arrived to AUSTIN next day smile.png

02/16/2013.....Married!!

AOS - K1

05/06/2013.....I-465 & I-765 sent USPS priority mail

05/14/2013......Email, Text of Receiving package on 5/11

05/16/2013......Hard Copy of NOA1 received: I-465 and _I-765 Application for employment

05/20/2013...... Bio-metric hard-copy.
05/29/2013...... Biometric scheduled. . Austin office

07/15/2013...... EAD card arrived in mail today smile.png

10/20/2013...... Green Card approved! NOA hardcopy received!

10/31/2013...... Green Card Delivered!!

ROC-I-751
07/21/15 90 day Window Opens

07/24/15 I-751 Mailed to Cali. Service Center
09/03/15 Biometeric scheduled and completed

01/26/16 ROC Letter arrived
01/30/16 10 yr Green Card arrived

Posted

Hey all! I am new to posting on VJ, but have been following it for about 9 months. I am thankful to everyone for their advice and stories! My fiance and I have been patient, and done everything asked of us, but feel like this process is going to go on forever since we keep getting delays and mis-information. We thought we were accurately following the timeline for a K-1 visa, and tried to loosely plan our lives around it. Big mistake. We are so far off the timeline, and are basically just in limbo land. All we want to do is be together and start our life. We are inbetween NOA2 and our petition going to the NVC. Due to holdups, they are estimating it will take 2 months to arrive at the NVC, and 3 months to be sent from there to the Embassy in Norway. 5 months to process the approved petition, but online it says this process is supposed to occur within 2 weeks. If this is correct, it will place our petition well over 1 year before we even schedule his Embassy interview. So messed up!

We don't really care where we live, as long as we are together, so now we are thinking of just scrapping it and having me apply to move to his country, which should be a lot faster.

Have other people on here gotten frustrated to the point where they withdrew their petition and applied in their fiance's country?

I heard Norway has a lot good things offer for life and probably that's a better choice for both of you. Surely you can do whatever you wish. When my fiance and I decided to file for I-129F, we did calculate times like you do now but it doesn't stop us from this process. I mean, we've been together for more than five years by now and we just need to wait for a while so we can be together for the rest of our lives.

My fiance is in the military, active duty, and he can't move to my country. You're lucky enough to get the chance because you can choose either way. Many VJers here only have one option, move to US, and that's why VJ community is exist to educate people about immigration process.

Honestly, I never expected got fast approval. I told my fiance that worst case was the processing times will take up to a year. Again, It did not stop us. Trust, but expect the unexpected. Probably that's the reason why we can stay in this relationship for 5 years before filed I-129F.

~The worst thing is not to fall but to be unable to get back on your feet. Only he who gives up is defeated. Everyone else is victorious-

Paulo Coelho

Good luck to any path you will choose in the future.

Know your enemy and know yourself and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster.Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat

- Sun Tzu-

It doesn't matter how slow you go as long as you don't stop

-Confucius-

 

-I am the beneficiary and my post is not reflecting my petitioner's point of views-

 

                                       Lifting Condition (I-751)

 

*Mailed I-751 package (06/21/2017) to CSC

*NOA-1 date (06/23/2017)

*NOA-1 received (06/28/2017)

*Check cashed (06/27/2017)

*Biometric Received (07/10/2017)

*Biometric Appointment (07/20/2017)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Portugal
Timeline
Posted

I agree with Girl from Celebes, you're lucky you can have that choice. I think it's really a matter of the different benefits you can get from living in one or the other country. For me, it was a non-issue as well - my fiance has a stable job situation and I work as a freelance, which I can continue to do in the US. It was just obvious to us both that having me move was the better choice.

I do think it's odd, from all I've read here, that you're stuck for so long in such a simple step. Is there not anything you can do? I've seen people calling their congressman, or asking for a... I can't remember the name, it's not expedite, but something where you request that your situation be reviewed because the timings are way out of the ordinary. I don't know if that would still apply or if it would be of any help.

The K1 journey:                                                                                                                             The AOS journey:

11/09/2013 - I-129F Packet mailed to Dallas Lockbox                                                                                         06/22/2015 - AOS packet mailed to Chicago Lockbox

02/14/2014 - Case shipped to Embassy, where it waited for over a year at my request                                 11/07/2015 - AOS approved (EAD and AP had already been approved) - there was no interview

05/21/2015 - Interview - Approved

06/19/2015 - Wedding (L) 

                                                                                                                                                                      

The ROC journey:                                                                                                                         

10/12/2017 - ROC packet mailed to VSC

01/21/2019 - ROC Approved - there was no interview

 

The N-400 journey:

02/16/2020 - N-400 application filed online

02/21/2020 - Paper NOA received in the mail

03/13/2020 - Biometrics

02/02/2021 - Interview & test - Approved

02/05/2021 - Oath Ceremony

 

 

JOrOp1.png

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: England
Timeline
Posted

I think you may be misunderstanding things. NVC always SAYS it's 8 weeks to get to NVC, but that's almost always b.s. -- it's more like 40 days for most from CSC (way less from other centers). NVC then has the file for less than a week, and will forward to the Embassy in the home country (Norway, I presume), and it gets there in a week. Thus, from NOA2 to the Embassy for CSC filers right now the total time is about 40 days + 5 days + 7 days = 52 days from NOA2. I can't believe the embassy in Norway is slower than the very busy London, where we are at, and where it's then about 4-8 weeks to an interview.

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Brazil
Timeline
Posted (edited)

Due to holdups, they are estimating it will take 2 months to arrive at the NVC, and 3 months to be sent from there to the Embassy in Norway. 5 months to process the approved petition, but online it says this process is supposed to occur within 2 weeks. If this is correct, it will place our petition well over 1 year before we even schedule his Embassy interview. So messed up!

If you don't mind explaining, what do you mean by "holdups"? If you look at the VJ timelines, you'll see that the California Service Center has been taking around 40 days to send the approved petitions to NVC, and NVC usually forwards them to the consulates in a matter of days. I know your case is in Texas, but Texas might be doing the same thing. In my case, for example, it took my fiancé 41 days from our NOA 2 date for him to receive confirmation that our petition was at NVC.

NVC and DoS will always tell people the same thing over the phone -- it can take around 8 weeks for your case to arrive at NVC, plus I don't know how many weeks to get a case number, blah blah blah. It doesn't mean that's true, and in fact it isn't true for most people. Hang in there, I'm sure your fiancé going to the US soon! smile.png

Edited by M&G

K1 Visa in 2013

AOS in 2014

N-400 in 2015 {based on Section 319(b) INA}

:time:

Filed: Other Country: Swaziland
Timeline
Posted

Not to make light of the terrible wait you are dealing with OP...BUT... given what I understand of Norway and the quality of life, if my Fiancee had been from there and I could get a job... I'd go for the Viking way without hesitation dancin5hr.gifdancin5hr.gifdancin5hr.gifdancin5hr.gif

Open the door, get on the floor, everybody walk the dinosaur.

-Abraham Lincoln.

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Norway
Timeline
Posted

Thanks Sharkano! Yes, that is the timeline we originally thought too. But CSC is now saying 8 weeks (although I think you are right about it being more like 40 days for most people, we are on day 33), and the NVC told me directly that when they receive it from CSC they now have up to 90 days to forward it to the Embassy in Norway. So, feasibly, it "could" take a full 5 months, but fingers crossed it doesn't and it just is the 5-7 days. Just trying not to give in to false hope thinking things will go quicker.

We do have our congressman's office involved, and did file an adjudication at the NOA2 process. We are now considering paying the money for an attorney just for peace of mind. But I will say that our congressman's office has been VERY responsive and helpful. I spoke to CSC this morning to inquire about when the NOA2 will be forwarded to NVC, and they had zero information to give me. I relayed this to my congressman's office, and they called 20 minutes after I did and found out it actually had been sent on the 25th of October (the NVC apparently just hasn't gotten it, although its hard to tell- the girl I spoke to there this afternoon was super rude and hung up on me). So, I guess there is progress.... but because of all the weird bumps along the way, it just is hard to tell.

Thank you all again for the responses, I really appreciate it :)

Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Italy
Timeline
Posted

Thanks Sharkano! Yes, that is the timeline we originally thought too. But CSC is now saying 8 weeks (although I think you are right about it being more like 40 days for most people, we are on day 33), and the NVC told me directly that when they receive it from CSC they now have up to 90 days to forward it to the Embassy in Norway. So, feasibly, it "could" take a full 5 months, but fingers crossed it doesn't and it just is the 5-7 days. Just trying not to give in to false hope thinking things will go quicker.

We do have our congressman's office involved, and did file an adjudication at the NOA2 process. We are now considering paying the money for an attorney just for peace of mind. But I will say that our congressman's office has been VERY responsive and helpful. I spoke to CSC this morning to inquire about when the NOA2 will be forwarded to NVC, and they had zero information to give me. I relayed this to my congressman's office, and they called 20 minutes after I did and found out it actually had been sent on the 25th of October (the NVC apparently just hasn't gotten it, although its hard to tell- the girl I spoke to there this afternoon was super rude and hung up on me). So, I guess there is progress.... but because of all the weird bumps along the way, it just is hard to tell.

Thank you all again for the responses, I really appreciate it :)

DO NOT add a lawyer into this mix at this point! By the time they get up to speed and confuse things with notifying agencies it will really screw you up! I think your really looking at glass half full and worst case scenario... Getting this far, you might consider practicing your persistence and seei g this through, you are past the halfway point! Good move getti g the congressman involved... Patience is the key word. As far as movi g to Norway, that is a decision only you two can make based on your opportunities. Obviously there was a reason you choose USA over Norway to begin with, if the only reason you are changing is impatience, you might think twice...

10/14/2000 - Met Aboard a Cruise ship

06/14/2003 - Married Savona Italy

I-130

03/21/2009 - I-130 Mailed to Chicago lockbox

11-30-09: GOT GREEN CARD in mail!!!!!!

Citizenship Process;

1/11/2013: Mailed N400 to Dallas Texas

3/11/2013: interview.. Approved

4/4/2013. : Oath! Now a U.S. citizen!

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Norway
Timeline
Posted

Christeen, that is a really good point about the attorney! I hadn't thought about that... Well, I guess I will just take a chill pill and up my game of patience :) Most of the time I'm fine, but I think with it being a Monday of a new month, and the realization that its already been 8 months and we aren't at the NVC yet hit me a little hard :/

Its amazing how support from other people going through this process helps! :) :)

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: England
Timeline
Posted

I cannot tell for sure, of course, but I suspect you are basing too much off what the government human recorder drones are telling you, and not off real life facts. Barring some really odd events, you will get a case number at NVC about 40-50 days from NOA 2 if from CSC (way shorter at other service centers). They will then send to the Embassy within a week. Most embassies are way faster than London. Thus, my best guess is you guys are like 60 days to your interview and your visa. Seems like a short period to go whoop-mania-ballistic over, but that's just me. . .

Posted

Christeen, that is a really good point about the attorney! I hadn't thought about that... Well, I guess I will just take a chill pill and up my game of patience smile.png Most of the time I'm fine, but I think with it being a Monday of a new month, and the realization that its already been 8 months and we aren't at the NVC yet hit me a little hard :/

Its amazing how support from other people going through this process helps! smile.pngsmile.png

Hey friend! Come join us at scandinavians and get your questions answered!

The good news here is that your fiance's interview will be held in Stockholm, and they work fast. Sure it might be expensive to travel, but once the Embassy received our case, I literally had my approval within one month (and I know others did too), so it's definitely worth every penny.

I was personally very lucky with NVC, so I cant tell you why they're so slow there, but you said something about being on day 33? Well, that's four weeks of waiting, right? If they said 8, then you're halfway there, no need to give up. So by doing some easy math here, it could be sent to Stockholm in a month, and then another month where everything happens and then bam! There's your visa! (just make sure you have all the paperwork ready)

Nothing in this process is fair, a lot of people skip the line while others wait (im)patiently for months and months, but dont you want it to be worth the wait instead of giving up? You're at the end now, dont make rash decisions that you might regret. If you decide to move to Norway, ya'll have to go through the CR1 process later on if you'd ever wanna go back to the States, and if you look at those waiting times.... no thank you.

Honestly, if I were you, I would plan a great holiday in Norway over Christmas, and enjoy the sweet company of your fiance and all the snow, and maybe you'll even get to experience Stockholm together!

 
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