Calling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

[asmo 0]

Jaxguy congrats on getting the newer interview date. I wish all of you the best of luck on and Fasal nothing has changed with the AR/AP out of Islamabad.

A gentleman that we know from our area who does not frequent VJ petioned for his brothers to come over and they have been in processing since 1999, all of them were on AP min of 4 months, he contacted me this weekend to inform me that I was correct in how long it would take for their processing. Everyone just has to have faith and hang in there and pray for patience and ask for earlier interviews if you can get one.

I know the ladies are more likely to get theirs moved up than the men (I tried to no avail as well as others on here). I sometimes wonder if it is we are Gori and they make us wait longer to see if the relationship will endure the separation.

Surgery update: My son was in surgery from 11:30 a.m. Friday until 4:30 p.m. and we had very bad news. The prior surgery did not take since his head was full of scar tissue and it was the worst infection that the doctor ever saw he informed me. The infection had eaten away more bone and they had to shave it down further so he is in alot of pain yet as of today. They did more bone grafts, donor tissue and rebuilt the ear drum, reinstalled the titanium inplant, etc. We are uncertain if he will have any hearing restored and will have to go back in two to three weeks for stitches to be removed. I will still have to limit my time on VJ and do come and read and check my pms but do not hang around to post like prior.

I will still continue to come and root all of you on and pray that you are all reunited soon with your loved ones.

Mary

Mary,

Your son is always in my thought. He will successfully recover from this! inshallah.

[asmo 0]

Alhamdullilah. On this Blessed day of Friday, I like to share two good news with you all.

Firstly, my wife received a letter via TCS courier this morning in Lahore Pak for an earlier interview date on Jan 25th, 2008. Her original interview date was April 8th, 2008. We are both elated and excited to hear this good news. It reduces our agonizing wait by almost 11 weeks, Shukar Alhamdullilah.

Yes, I did send ISB embassy an email two weeks ago (Thank you Mary for the advise) requesting them to move my wife's interview to an earlier date. They replied back one week ago, stating "If an earlier slot is available we will contact the beneficiary". The most important point, however, is that at the end of the reply ISB advised to contact them if we don't hear from them in couple of weeks.

Second good news. Both my kids cases were completed at NVC today. Once ISB embassy receives them I am going to have all three cases consolidated and have interview the same day as my wife's, on 01/25/08

May everyone's painful wait come to an end soon and we all unite with our loved ones as early as possible.

Congrat Jaxguy for earlier interview date and your kids approvals. Could you post a sample of what did you write for early interview?

[aka808 0]

Hi VJ'ers wanted to share my wife's interview experience in ISB this morning. By the grace of God she was approved and will receive her passport in 7 - 10 days - they handed her a pink token number with the address for AMEX.

Interview was at 8 am. Took her an hour to get past the security etc.

They took her fingerprints

The following questions were asked:

1. How long you have been married for?

2. What does your husband do?

3. Have you been outside Pakistan

4. Ever been to the U.S

He checked the tax returns, affadavit of support.

Asked for the photos but when she put two albums in front of him, he said it was ok.

At the end, he said, welcome to the US, you will receive your passport in 7 -10 days and gave her a pink token with some numbers on it.

Our orignial I-130 interview date was in april, and K3 in January - upon requesting (after emails and letters) they gave us an earlier interview date for K3 in decemeber and stated that they would process IR1/CRI the same day.

Wish all of you have your cases adjudicated asap and get reunited with your loved ones.

Mary -our prayers are with you at all times.

Thanks

[hp81 0]

Congratulations!

Hi VJ'ers wanted to share my wife's interview experience in ISB this morning. By the grace of God she was approved and will receive her passport in 7 - 10 days - they handed her a pink token number with the address for AMEX.

Interview was at 8 am. Took her an hour to get past the security etc.

They took her fingerprints

The following questions were asked:

1. How long you have been married for?

2. What does your husband do?

3. Have you been outside Pakistan

4. Ever been to the U.S

He checked the tax returns, affadavit of support.

Asked for the photos but when she put two albums in front of him, he said it was ok.

At the end, he said, welcome to the US, you will receive your passport in 7 -10 days and gave her a pink token with some numbers on it.

Our orignial I-130 interview date was in april, and K3 in January - upon requesting (after emails and letters) they gave us an earlier interview date for K3 in decemeber and stated that they would process IR1/CRI the same day.

Wish all of you have your cases adjudicated asap and get reunited with your loved ones.

Mary -our prayers are with you at all times.

Thanks

[Rainbow007 0]

Hi everyone,

My wife's K3 was transfered to Islamabad on Nov 15th but my wife hasn't received the packet yet? I sent an email to embassy on Nov 21 but no reply. I asked my wife to call embassy so she did and was told if you don't receive letter within two weeks call us. It's been 10 days since she called and we are still waiting. Is any of the info trackable through embassy's website?

The reason I'm desperate about this is becasue my wife is going for Hajj next week and I want to make sure we find out interview date prior to her leaving.

[gori 0]

Hi everyone,

My wife's K3 was transfered to Islamabad on Nov 15th but my wife hasn't received the packet yet? I sent an email to embassy on Nov 21 but no reply. I asked my wife to call embassy so she did and was told if you don't receive letter within two weeks call us. It's been 10 days since she called and we are still waiting. Is any of the info trackable through embassy's website?

The reason I'm desperate about this is becasue my wife is going for Hajj next week and I want to make sure we find out interview date prior to her leaving.

Hey Rainbow.....all I can say is to keep emailing the embassy. I'm surprised you've not heard back yet. I've always had very quick replies.....but maybe I just got lucky! You've got to just keep on them. You can try to explain you are hoping to find out your interview date....but it'll depend if they even have the information yet. Best of luck on that!

COngrats aka on your wife's visa and her not having to go through AP..THAT'S GREAT!

[jaxguy 0]

Alhamdullilah. On this Blessed day of Friday, I like to share two good news with you all.

Firstly, my wife received a letter via TCS courier this morning in Lahore Pak for an earlier interview date on Jan 25th, 2008. Her original interview date was April 8th, 2008. We are both elated and excited to hear this good news. It reduces our agonizing wait by almost 11 weeks, Shukar Alhamdullilah.

Yes, I did send ISB embassy an email two weeks ago (Thank you Mary for the advise) requesting them to move my wife's interview to an earlier date. They replied back one week ago, stating "If an earlier slot is available we will contact the beneficiary". The most important point, however, is that at the end of the reply ISB advised to contact them if we don't hear from them in couple of weeks.

Second good news. Both my kids cases were completed at NVC today. Once ISB embassy receives them I am going to have all three cases consolidated and have interview the same day as my wife's, on 01/25/08

May everyone's painful wait come to an end soon and we all unite with our loved ones as early as possible.

Congrat Jaxguy for earlier interview date and your kids approvals. Could you post a sample of what did you write for early interview?

For all asking me to post sample email.

All I wrote in the email was request to move interview date to an earlier possible date should one becomes available. No excuses or reasons, just a simple request. I have been separated from my family for last 4 and a half years, may be that was the reason enough for ISB embassy to change interview date but I have seen other's interview date moving to an earlier date too.

So, just send an email requesting an earlier interview date and hope for the best. Good Luck

[jaxguy 0]

I have submitted Affidavit of Support and all fees to NVC. Can ISB embassy ask my wife during interview for the same docs again?

What documents she should take with her for interview?

Thanks

[Aftab N Sadia 0]

HI all,

i have been away lately, trying to focus of my job and still waiting for my AP to get over with,

Meanwhile on development is somebody from embassy called me and asked questions about my passport and international travels and if i ever travelled for umra or hajj.

Well, i have an international assignment due for quite some time now, can anybody tell, how can i get my passport back from embassy and can international travel to a european country(denmark, sweden,norway) effect(read delay) my case?

I wish you all the best with your efforts to get united with your families

aftab!

[Saqib 0]

Hey how you doing? congratulations to you and your wife, Sorry to bother you, i just wanted to know your timeline as i recently got both of my applications approved on 29 Nov 1-130 & I-129F for K3 visa . what will happen next and how much time does it take as i have attorney in-between.

I'm bit confused about what you said down there "Our original I-130 interview date was in april, and K3 in January - upon requesting (after emails and letters) they gave us an earlier interview date for K3 in December and stated that they would process IR1/CRI the same day" . I heard what happens is when both applications are approved they put a hold on i-130 till the Beneficiary arrives to US and apply for Adjustment of status but yours was different i guess. What happened actually, can you describe that?

It would be a help if you can tell me in detail about the whole process step wise and the issue i mentioned above. Thanks

Saqib

Congratulations!

Hi VJ'ers wanted to share my wife's interview experience in ISB this morning. By the grace of God she was approved and will receive her passport in 7 - 10 days - they handed her a pink token number with the address for AMEX.

Interview was at 8 am. Took her an hour to get past the security etc.

They took her fingerprints

The following questions were asked:

1. How long you have been married for?

2. What does your husband do?

3. Have you been outside Pakistan

4. Ever been to the U.S

He checked the tax returns, affadavit of support.

Asked for the photos but when she put two albums in front of him, he said it was ok.

At the end, he said, welcome to the US, you will receive your passport in 7 -10 days and gave her a pink token with some numbers on it.

Our orignial I-130 interview date was in april, and K3 in January - upon requesting (after emails and letters) they gave us an earlier interview date for K3 in decemeber and stated that they would process IR1/CRI the same day.

Wish all of you have your cases adjudicated asap and get reunited with your loved ones.

Mary -our prayers are with you at all times.

Thanks

[GoharRabia 0]

Hi everyone,

My wife's K3 was transfered to Islamabad on Nov 15th but my wife hasn't received the packet yet? I sent an email to embassy on Nov 21 but no reply. I asked my wife to call embassy so she did and was told if you don't receive letter within two weeks call us. It's been 10 days since she called and we are still waiting. Is any of the info trackable through embassy's website?

The reason I'm desperate about this is becasue my wife is going for Hajj next week and I want to make sure we find out interview date prior to her leaving.

SAME FOR ME!!!!! I am applying for I-129F and NVC has sent the packet on Nov 15 and my fiancee, she still hasn't received anything!! :-(

very depressing!!!!!

I have e-mailed ISB and have had no luck! Maybe I am missing something!??!?!??!? Not sure, I was approved with no RFE's or anything!

anyways, best of luck to everybody!!!!

[aka808 0]

I have submitted Affidavit of Support and all fees to NVC. Can ISB embassy ask my wife during interview for the same docs again?

What documents she should take with her for interview?

Thanks

Ideally a copy of the I-864 and tax returns, W2 and job letter should be taken to the embassy (does not hurt to be over-prepared). Other documents i would suggest:

1. Wedding Invitation

2. Pictures

3. Bank statement (yours)

4. Call records (if any) - they didn't ask us but you never know.

That should be all. good luck.

[aka808 0]

Hey how you doing? congratulations to you and your wife, Sorry to bother you, i just wanted to know your timeline as i recently got both of my applications approved on 29 Nov 1-130 & I-129F for K3 visa . what will happen next and how much time does it take as i have attorney in-between.

I'm bit confused about what you said down there "Our original I-130 interview date was in april, and K3 in January - upon requesting (after emails and letters) they gave us an earlier interview date for K3 in December and stated that they would process IR1/CRI the same day" . I heard what happens is when both applications are approved they put a hold on i-130 till the Beneficiary arrives to US and apply for Adjustment of status but yours was different i guess. What happened actually, can you describe that?

It would be a help if you can tell me in detail about the whole process step wise and the issue i mentioned above. Thanks

Saqib

/quote/

Saqib,

Thank you. We applied for both I-130 and I-129F. Our I-130 was approved before the I-129F and completed NVC processing ending up in ISB. During that time before it left NVC for ISB, we got approval for I-129F as well.

When the I-130 went to ISB, they sent us packet 3.5 which we completed and sent back with a letter requesting an expedited date if possible. In 1 week we received an interview date for April 2008.

After 1 month when the I-129F was approved, we received a letter from ISB scheduling an interview date for Jan 08. Upon emailing the embassy they said that we can come in on Jan and they will process the I-130 and discard the I-129F since they have both the cases.

Thereafter we received an earlier date "out of the blue" for december and hence the detail as provided earlier.

Hope this helps.

[jaxguy 0]

Recently when I contacted ISB embassy they sent out auto-generated email with some good information. I am posting here for others' benefit

Thank you for contacting the Immigration Visa Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan. Please see the information below for answers to the questions we most often receive from the public. If your questions are not answered after reading these FAQs, you may contact us at PAKIVQUERY@STATE.GOV

Please include your CASE ID. Your case ID begins with "ISL" followed by 10 digits.

If your question is about administrative processing, please refer to Item 1 in the section 'After the Interview.'

Please note that if you send a question to PAKIVQUERY@STATE.GOV that is answered by the items listed below, you will not receive a reply.

Thank you.

U.S. Embassy Islamabad

Consular Section

Immigration Visa Unit

Pakistan

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. I understand that my case number should begin with "ISL" and be followed by a 10-digit number. How do I find my case number?

The Applicant or Petitioner may contact the National Visa Center in order to obtain the case number. They may also send an email to PAKIVQUERY@STATE.GOV with the full name and date of birth for the applicant, and it may be possible for us to assist.

2. I need to update my address and/or phone number. How do I do this?

The Applicant or Petitioner is required to send a signed written request via fax at +92-51-2822632.

3. My case has been approved by the National Visa Center. My file has been transferred to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan. What do I do next?

Please wait patiently. The Applicant or Petitioner should receive an "instruction packet" labeled 3.5 once the file has been reviewed by the embassy. This process can take 2-3 weeks. The instruction packet 3.5 will be sent to the applicant at his/her mailing address. If you do not receive your packet 3.5 after one month, please write to PAKIVQUERY@STATE.GOV with your case number, and the name of the applicant.

4. What is my priority date?

Your priority date is the date on which your petition was filed with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). The table below indicates which priority dates are "current," meaning that there are visas available. If your priority date is earlier than the date listed below for your visa classification, then your case is considered "current." The most up-to-date Priority Date Table can be found at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin...letin_1360.html

PRIORITY DATE TABLE FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBR 2007

SYMBOL PAKISTAN/OTHERS INDIA CATEGORY - DESCRIPTION

F1 08-JAN-2002 08-JAN-2002 Unmarried Son & Daughter of U.S. Citizen

F2A 15-JAN-2003 15-JAN-2003 Spouse & Children of Permanent Resident

F2B 15-OCT-1998 15-OCT-1998 Unmarried Son & Daughter of Permanent Resident

F3 08-APR-2000 08-APR-2000 Married Son & Daughter of U.S. Citizen

F4 22-JUN-1997 15-AUG-1996 Brother & Sister of U.S. Citizen

FX 01-MAY-2002 01-MAY-2002 Spouse & children of Legalized Beneficiary

E1 CURRENT CURRENT Priority Workers

E2 CURRENT 01-JAN-2002 Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability

E3 01-SEP-2002 01-MAY-2001 Skilled Workers with Baccalaureate Degree

E4 CURRENT CURRENT Certain Special Immigrants

EW 01-OCT-2001 01-OCT-2001 Other Workers

SR CURRENT CURRENT Professional Religious Workers

C5 CURRENT CURRENT Employment Creation

T5 CURRENT CURRENT Employment Creation in Targeted Area

5. My priority date is current. What do I do now?

The Applicant or Petitioner may contact the U.S. Embassy at PAKIVQUERY@STATE.GOV with the applicant's current mailing address and telephone number in Pakistan. Once we have received this, we will send the instruction packet 3.5 to the applicant.

6. I am preparing for my interview. What documents do I need to submit to the U.S. Embassy?

In order to process the case and schedule applicants for their interviews, we require the following documents. All documents should be submitted in their original form along with an English translation and photocopies. The instruction packet 3.5 cover letter must accompany all documents. Interviews will not be scheduled until all documents have been received by the U.S. Embassy and have been fully completed by the applicants and petitioners. Incomplete documents and forms will delay the scheduling of your interview.

Please submit these documents via our approved courier service (American Express) (List enclosed in packet 3.5):

* DS 230 Part I for all applicants (all questions must be answered)

* DS 230 Part II for all applicants (all questions must be answered)

* Visa Photos for all applicants (Front view, 2x2 inches, white or off-white background, unaltered)

* Police Certificate(s) for every applicant over 16 from all the places where the applicant has lived in Pakistan for more than 6 months after reaching the age of 16 years. Police certificates are required from all places outside Pakistan where the applicant lived for one year or more after reaching age 16.

* Birth Certificates from the Union Council for all applicants along with English translations. If the birth was not registered, a sworn Affidavit of birth on a proper stamp paper from applicant's close relative(s) or family friend(s). This is required for every applicant. The original birth certificate of the petitioner is also required when the immigrant petition is based on a parent /child or sibling relationship.

* Marriage Certificates from the Union Council along with English translations (for the principal applicant) .

* Divorce or Death Certificates for the principal applicant from the Arbitration Council (as applicable).

* Copies of passports for all applicant(s). Please provide copies of the pages showing the issuance date of the passport and the photo of the applicant.

* I-864 Affidavit of Support, signed by the petitioner. The I-864 does not need to be resubmitted if already submitted by your Petitioner to NVC. However, if your petitioner did not submit the I-864 to NVC, you will need to submit this as well. (K visa and employment visa applicants do not need to bring the I-864, but must otherwise demonstrate that they will not require financial assistance from the U.S. government.)

After you have received your interview letter, please complete your medical report from one of our panel physicians 2 weeks prior to the interview date and bring it on the interview day.

7. I have already submitted my documents. How long will it take before I have my interview scheduled?

Once we have received your documents, we will review them. Generally, it takes approximately 2-3 weeks to review these documents. If your documents are incomplete, we will send a deficiency sheet to you with instructions on what is needed from you in order to complete your file and to schedule an interview. If you have completed all the requirements, we will send an interview letter to you.

8. When I filed a petition I was a Green Card holder. Now I am a U.S Citizen. How do I update my case?

A clear copy of petitioner's naturalization certificate or passport is required in order to upgrade the petition. The copy must be mailed (not faxed or e-mailed) to our mailing address mentioned above.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

1. I appeared at the U.S Embassy for my interview. I was told that administrative processing is required for my case. What does this mean?

Administrative Processing is a standard procedure required by law for visa applications. It is a normal process and it does not mean anything is wrong with your case. The processing is not completed here at the U.S. Embassy and we have no control over the processing time, nor any influence on the processing. Some cases take longer to process than others; this does not necessarily mean anything is wrong with your case. Once the administrative processing has been completed, we will continue with your visa application. We will contact you to let you know when your case is complete, and will ask you to return your passport if we have not retained it. Once we have printed your visa, we will return your passport along with the visa packet via our approved courier. If it has been more than 10 months since your interview, please e-mail Pakivquery@state.gov with the date of your interview and case number. However, please note that routine administrative processing questions for cases less than 10 months will not be answered.

2. I appeared at the U.S. Embassy for my interview. I was told that I needed to provide additional documentation. What do I need to do now?

At the time of your interview, you received a blue refusal sheet with instructions telling you what to do. In most cases, applicants should obtain the requested documents or photographs and send them to the U.S. Embassy through our approved courier service. A list of the approved courier services was provided at the time of the interview.

3. I appeared at the U.S. Embassy for my interview. It was suggested that I take a DNA test. What do I do now?

In order to take a DNA test, the first step is for petitioner to submit his/her DNA samples at one of the labs listed found at:

www.aabb.org/About_the_AABB/Stds_and_Accred/aboutptlabs.htm

The lab will then send a DNA kit to the Embassy. Upon receiving the DNA kit from the lab, we will contact you to schedule your appointment for the DNA test. The test will be conducted at the U.S. Embassy. This process takes several months to complete.

4. I appeared at the U.S. Embassy for my interview. I was told that my case has been suspended and the Embassy has sent a request for revocation. What does that mean?

Your petition has been returned to the National Visa Center with a recommendation for revocation. This means that the consular officer who interviewed your case had concerns about the relationship that was the basis for the petition. The final determination on your case will be made by U.S. Citizenship Immigration Services (USCIS) in the United States. Questions about a case that has been returned with a request for revocation should be referred to the U.S. Citizenship Immigration Services (USCIS) office where the petition was filed originally. No appeal or reinstatement request will be processed at the U.S. Embassy.

[GoharRabia 0]

Hi everyone,

My wife's K3 was transfered to Islamabad on Nov 15th but my wife hasn't received the packet yet? I sent an email to embassy on Nov 21 but no reply. I asked my wife to call embassy so she did and was told if you don't receive letter within two weeks call us. It's been 10 days since she called and we are still waiting. Is any of the info trackable through embassy's website?

The reason I'm desperate about this is becasue my wife is going for Hajj next week and I want to make sure we find out interview date prior to her leaving.

SAME FOR ME!!!!! I am applying for I-129F and NVC has sent the packet on Nov 15 and my fiancee, she still hasn't received anything!! :-(

very depressing!!!!!

I have e-mailed ISB and have had no luck! Maybe I am missing something!??!?!??!? Not sure, I was approved with no RFE's or anything!

anyways, best of luck to everybody!!!!

GOOD NEWS!!! My Fiance reacieved the packet today!! Her and I are both excited! no interview date yet but another step closer!!!