Lost paperwork a big misunderstanding!!

[NURSE SAM 0]

We received an RFE back in June. Realized I really had not sent enough evidence after reading some of what previous applicants stated they had sent! Guess I was over-confident when I sent out my packet, since everything had progressed so smoothly so far.

I gathered up over 300 pages of evidence. I labeled each page with a sticky note with a number on it. I sent an itemized letter describing each page number to make it easier to decipher everything. It ended up being a 7 lb. package of evidence.

We waited patiently to hear a response, especially since there was the government shutdown recently (although they said it didn't effect immigration.

I called before Thanksgiving to find out the status of our application. We were told there had been recent activity in the account, and yes they did receive our evidence (had a certified mail receipt verifying this as well). We were told we should hear something by mail in two weeks.

I anxiously checked the mail daily. We finally received a NIGHTMARE letter 12/11/13 stating they had not received our RFE response!!! I was devastated! It had taken me weeks to gather it all. I had copied nearly everything, but found I had NOT copied the bank statements. There were some other items I knew I had not copied, as there was such a large volume I sent off. My advice to others is copy EVERYTHING and have a backup file ready to go just in case! I knew what I had sent thanks to my itemized letter, but getting it all together again would have been a huge undertaking!

My husband was calm and reassuring (that's the Brits for 'ya), but I had a MELTDOWN!!! All I could picture was days spent making photocopies' and going to the bank again to request statements, etc. I took a personal day off from work the next day to resolve this issue ASAP!

We called the VSC. I tried not pushing all the prompts. Got disconnected. Then I must have hit something wrong and got a Spanish speaking person. I hung up, as saying "English" repeatedly didn't help. Finally, on the third try we got through. I asked for a tier two supervisor. Not sure that the person they put me through to was, but he was extremely helpful and professional! He told us that it appeared to be a huge misunderstanding, and we were in for approval from everything he saw. He said we should receive confirmation of this by 12/27/13, and if not to call back. Well, to say I was relieved is an understatement! I was overjoyed!!!! My husband at least enjoyed watching the tears run down my face, as a sign of my love for him!

Only 3 days later the approval letter arrived, but from an office in Mount Laurel, N.J. instead of Vermont. Not sure if this was a result of our call, or if the letter was on it's way already. Actually, I just checked and it was dated the 12th, so it had to have been on it's way already.

It has been a long road to travel, and I am extremely thankful for Visa Journey for helping to guide us along the way!!

I would have been utterly lost if not for this site and all of the wonderful people who have shared their own experiences!

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!!

Ruth and Kevin