PatrickAndJess

Gowon may have a legitimate point. It is understandable that, if your friend is unfamiliar with the immigration process and asks you a question, you would simply want to seek an answer on her behalf regarding adjusting her status in the event of a divorce. However, outside of answering a question for her, getting into the middle of a friend's marriage (and potential divorce) is advisably not a good place to be. Going into details of your friend's life and how horrible her husband is may have led Gowon to believe that was the direction you were headed. Take it from people who have gone through a divorce (of which I infer Gowon has), it is very ugly and not a decision you should make yourself too big a part of in your friend's life.

You may not appreciate my response either, and I respect that. I am just trying to provide some perspective to Gowon's question. (Of course, I may stand corrected.)

Maybe you guys are not understanding my point, or maybe you're all being intentionally dense... so I'll give it one last shot, and make my point by example through numbers.

Let's say CSC is processing in 3 months. VSC is processing in 7 months. You guys are saying:

A) Unfair. How bout we share and average out at 5 months at each center.

I am saying:

B) Unfair, yes. How bout we suggest something for VSC so that it drops to 3 months as well (like: more adjudicators for I-129F and CR-1). That way CSC will stay at 3 months, and VSC will come down to 3 months too. Everybody wins!

And the response is: Burn the heretic? *shrugs*

Well, if that is your logic. While you're at it.... Why not bring each service center down to 1 month approvals.

You are using red herring logical fallacies for your position David&Goliath, namely an "appeal to ridicule" and "wishful thinking". The fact is the CSC's system (case file process, ratio of adjudicators to petitions, etc.) is working in a way that is beneficial to petitioners/applicants. The fact is also that the current system for VSC is not working to the same degree of success. Your suggestion is not to fix what is bad about the VSC's system but just to make CSC system suffer their errors and faults. What Henry&Rebecca suggested is that if one system is working in a beneficial way (the CSC), the aspects of that system should be replicated in the VSC so that all petitioners/applicants may benefit by what is demonstrably a better result in processing times. You argue, "Why not bring each service center down to 1 month approvals?" If there was a system that reasonably allowed there to be 1 month approvals, then yes, why not? However, that has not been demonstrated, while the current results of the CSC have been.

You having gone through therapy years ago and getting marriage counseling together is different. I would agree with DandT14 that 3 months is a short time to throw away a marriage. I understand the circumstances are hard and that you are feeling like he is not providing you security, plus you have the stress of having moved away from your home to the US. However, I would encourage you to think of the things that made the "4 years of planning a change of life" worth it. Surely there must be reasons why you chose to marry him in the first place. That is my advice / encouragement.

Yaaayy! Congrats!

Interview was May 1st, scheduled on April 16th.

Awesome! I'm glad for you both

I just went through this process and researched many recent timelines to develop my own estimate. Assuming you are on top of your documents, no RFE, and you return the information they request immediately, I believe it takes about 1 month and 2 weeks (mine took 1 month and 10 days). However, I prepared all the information necessary before receiving the request and returned it to the consulate the very next day. Also, you may want to allow another week in case things run a bit longer than usual (I have been hearing from the group of people who have received NOA2's this month that the process at the NVC is taking longer than usual to send their cases to the Consulate). So I think an estimate of 2 months overall could be fair. It may happen a week or two earlier, or potentially later, especially if not everything goes as smooth as anticipated.

Congratulations

Thanks! I hope you are enjoying your time in Minnesota and good luck to you during this process. It is a long one, but just know there is an end and you're not alone in any of the difficulties or questions you encounter. The people here are great for support and experience.

As far as I know, there shouldn't be any issue with him spending time with you in NZ. On the contrary, being able to demonstrate you have spent time together (pictures, flight stubs, passport stamps, etc.) is part of the requirement for the petition.

How did it go?

Great! My fiancee didn't hear anything the next day or see any tracking activity, she emailed the 2nd day and received a response back that the visa was ready to be sent and to confirm whether we wanted it to be mailed to her or to have it available for pick up on Friday (the 3rd day), she confirmed she would like it mailed out. We began seeing tracking activity around 8:45pm on Thursday and received it the next day. She flew out Saturday morning and it has been great having her here the last couple days knowing we don't have to be apart anymore

haha Patrickandjess: that other person is me i think. But your fiancee and I went to different officers at both times, there are several windows over there.

Yeah I didn't push too hard because it's a ticket and I can change it (the first time I changed it, they didn't charge me) So i didn't mind too much if i pay to get it changed the second time. I didn't bring my ticket to show them either (maybe I should).

So did your fiancee get it on Friday? Did she send in an express envelop with pkt 4? I didn't.

I wil check tomorrow (Monday) hopefully I can get it.

She did get it on Friday She brought a platinum express post envelope with her to the interview.

For those of you who read this topic later with the same question, here is the best response I received from a user I messaged:

"When I went into the interview the officer had asked me when I planned to leave, I explained (as well as showing the officer, invitations, rsvp cards, budget and invoices from caterer, photographer, venue, cake etc) the my wedding was completely booked and paid for in 1 month from when I was approved and that I would really like to leave the following week as my fiance had planned a lot of last minute meetings before the wedding so that we could do them together (catering, photographer etc) He was very nice and said that they generally tell people it will take up to 2 weeks because sometimes they have a backlog for printing other visas as well as K1 so it covers them from being called and harassed if they had promised a week etc. He then told me that there wasn't any backlog and that I could expect it to be in the mail right before I had said I wanted to leave and exactly what he said was the case, I had my interview on the Tuesday and it arrived in my premium express post envelope on the Friday. My suggestion to your fiance would be to give them as much of a legitimate reason why she would like to leave as soon as possible, tell her to be very polite when asking about it but ultimately it would be up to the officer whether he gives her any insight as to whether they are backed up."

My fiancee explained our own situation to the CO at the interview and they were able to tell us that they were not backlogged at the moment, and that, while it wasn't a "guarantee", we'd receive it within the next 2 to 3 days by mail most likely. They also gave us an option to pick it up on Friday (which would be the 3rd day after our interview) with the certainty it would be available. A final note on this option though was that we had to decide before she left the interview whether we wanted the visa mailed to us or that we would pick it up. Hopefully this information helps someone else. Thanks again to all of you that have been so great in sorting through this process! Good luck.

PS: I'll also make an additional note from reading a review of someone who's interview was the same day and time as my fiancee. This person says she asked twice if she could pick up her visa and was refused (I believe she actually interviewed with the same person my fiancee did as well). That may indicate the importance of documenting and explaining the necessity for receiving your visa earlier, should you desire to pick up your visa instead of having it mailed to save time.

I think I'll go ahead and do that too. It's doesn't say to bring anything like that to the interview, but I'll play it safe.

http://shop.auspost.com.au/shop/express-post/sku/0590323

Crikey they're expensive. Maybe the consulate has realised we've spent enough money already and don't want us to spend any more. xD

Hey FYI, this link is for a pack of 10 envelopes. You only need one

See this thread: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/363738-how-long-after-your-interview-did-you-have-your-visa-in-hand/

According to other Australians, it's taken either two days or two weeks. The most recent ones being two weeks.

I wouldn't count on your fiancée making the 5th, I'm afraid. To be safe you should either refund the tickets or move them ahead at least two weeks.

Good luck.

Thanks Danneh for your response. I am aware the odds are against us based on the average wait, but of course we're hoping and trying for the best. We are able to wait until Friday the 4th to change the tickets, so we're hoping to receive the visa by then. In either case, I appreciate you trying to help.

I would explain the situation to the CO at the interview, in terms of what you would love to be able to do and is it possible??? I'm sure they will do their best if they can help. No harm in asking. Best of luck to you.

Thanks Chippy's girl Yeah, we also figure there is no harm in asking, but were hoping someone may have had some experience in doing this in the past. At the least, we'll discuss things with the CO and see what they can do.

Good luck with that. They have it in every guide that you should not make any plans until after the interview. I don't know why people don't pay attention or learn

Thanks for the condescending attitude. As I mentioned, we are fully able to change the flight if necessary, the purpose of this post was not to "save us" from ruining travel plans. Enjoy your day.

Hello fellow VJers,

You guys have been a great help through this entire process and I was hoping someone might have an answer for me. My fiancee is attending her visa interview in Sydney on May 1st. My brother has a wedding on May 5th that my fiancee and I would like her to be here for, but more importantly, the time away is really affecting her emotionally (as I'm sure you are all familiar with). We have a flight booked for May 5th (on the hopes she gets her visa by the 4th), but if not we'd have to probably reschedule the flight for a week later. Have any of you had any luck in talking with the US Consulate or to the Consular Officer during the interview to get the visa in hand sooner? From what I understand (from emailing the Sydney consulate), they no longer will issue you the visa the day of during your interview and it can take 5 business days until they mail it. They did respond that we could talk to the Consular Officer during the interview about receiving it sooner, thus, I am hoping for some guidance. So, for those of you who received your visa in 2 or 3 days after the interview, any help or experience you can offer us? I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks you guys.

Congrats!!!!

Wow you have been waiting a while, it must feel so good to finally get it

Absolutely! It's one of those things I keep thinking, "Really? We're done with that part now?" It is so great, partly because the waiting is so hard.

Me too! I just posted yesterday and I got the notice that our petition was approved yesterday! They finally heard our cries!! WOHOO!!! FINALLY APPROVED!!

Congratulations!! I hope the rest of the people can be as fortunate to get approved soon.

I just posted here yesterday as an Oct. 11th filer still waiting. Just got the notice that my petition was approved yesterday!! Thank God! I wish the rest of you quick approvals. I had begun to seek a congressional inquiry into our case and, even though now it is unnecessary, I would highly recommend it to you other filers who are now outside of the 'normal processing times'. It at least gives you some hope of doing something to move things along and from reading comments and interviews with former USCIS workers, the department does respond quickly to congressional inquiries. So, if you have an opportunity or are worried, contact your senator (preferably) or congressman explaining the details of your case and requesting their assistance.

We're just about to hit the 5 month mark has yours been submitted to VSC?

Submitted to CSC.

Still waiting... 5 months 9 days. Hard process for my fiancee and I.

I agree with Kish.2328. That is too long for a response to an RFE. I would contact one of your senators.

The fiance visa (k-1) will allow her to join you in the States faster (my guess is it she might be there 2 months faster barring any issues with the approval process), but will cost you roughly double the cost of spouse visa (k-3), about $2,300 vs. $1,100. The overall process is pretty similar, the differences being that on a K-3 she will have her greencard upon entering the States with the approved Visa. With a fiance visa, the visa is approved and then when she enters the States, you must get married within 90 days and file for an adjustment of status for her to receive her greencard.

How to prepare for your call?

Before calling the NCSC please have available

- your receipt number:

- alien registration number:

- type of application filed:

- date filed:

- Online case status:

- Processing times applying to your case type

- Check your priority date (if applicable)

- Have all relevant correspondence with USCIS (NOA1)

How to talk to a live person at USCIS?

Contact the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283.

Call early in the morning (8.00 am)

Option 1: Then dial 1, 2, 6, 2, 4 (exact sequence). Use these options every time you are prompted.

(You can also try - 1 - 2 - 1 - Case Number - 1 - 3 - 3 or 4)

Option 2: Call USCIS and Do not press anything (don't choose a language). They will think you have a rotary phone and will transfer you directly to a live person.

Option 3: Don't don’t choose the number for “case status”, but do different ones instead (for example “RFE”; “expedite your case”, …)

Option 4: Military Help Line: 1-877-CIS-4MIL (1-877-247-4645); Members of the military and their families may call to receive assistance with immigration-related questions.

If they speak Spanish just say English please. Now you can ask what you want.

What to ask them?

During your call we recommend that you take note of the following information:

About them:

- The name of the NCSC representative:

- The id number of the NCSC representative:

- The date and time of the call:

- Any service request referral number, if a service referral on a pending case is taken:

About our case:

- When calling, ask them for a service request.

In case they refuse or tell you that they cannot answer your question, then ask to be transferred to a Tier 2 ISO (Immigration Service Officer) supervisor, who will have more privileges to access detailed information about your case. Once you get an ISO, be very polite, and take notes for your records. Ask them for their badge number. That way you can reference each conversation by date and the badge number of the ISO.

Also ask them to review case status - THEY can - it's on their screen.

If the NCSC doesn’t issue a service request, please make sure the NCSC representative tells you the reason why he did not issue the request. (This information you'll need to follow up)

- Some of the standard questions:

1) Name check Status?

2) Background Check Status?

3) Has it been assigned to an officer?

4) When can I expect to get some updates on my case?

5) Can you help me with a ball park date on when my case will be assigned to an officer?

6) What dates are they currently working on?

Of course, we are aware of the standard response we get.

http://www.dhs.gov/x...37986181.shtm#5

The NCSC operates on a two-tier model.

Tier 1 Customer Service Representatives (CSRs):

Can

• Relay basic immigration information to customers through scripts provided by USCIS

• Answer questions about USCIS forms

• Transfer calls to Tier 2 in certain circumstances

Cannot

• Answer specific questions about a case with the exception of information available through Case Status Online

• Transfer calls to local offices or service centers where cases are pending

• Provide legal advice

Tier 2 Immigration Service Officers (ISOs):

Can

• Review USCIS systems on your case

• Request that notices be re-issued

• Provide information that you may receive at an Infopass appointment

• Provide specialized assistance to dependents or active members of the U.S. Armed Forces

• Provide information on pending and adjudicated cases.

Cannot

• Review already issued Requests for Evidence (RFEs)

• Directly issue duplicate notices, receipt notices, RFE notices

• Transfer calls to local offices or service centers

• Provide legal advice

Service Requests

Both Tiers 1 and 2 can create a “service request” which is sent to service centers and local offices on matters such as expedite requests, change of address, appointment rescheduling, case processing delays which exceed the posted times, and other matters that may be unique to a specific case.

Thanks for such a thorough post. I thought I should report back the inconsistencies in my results from speaking with an Immigration Officer today. The officer was friendly and trying to be helpful, so there is no reason I would expect what he was telling me to be untruthful or lazy.

1. Immigration Officers do not have badge numbers. That is only the tier 1 service reps.

2. He said that they do not have the ability to answers these questions (supposedly they do not have access to these security checks):

a) Name check Status?

b) Background Check Status?

c) Has it been assigned to an officer?

d) When can I expect to get some updates on my case?

e) Can you help me with a ball park date on when my case will be assigned to an officer?

What he was able to do was to check the current up-to-date status of my case. He also was able to see that there was a report on file for my case, which indicated to him that an Immigration Officer or supervisor must have looked at the case (as they are the only ones able to make a report). I believe they can typically review what was said in the report, though in my case specifically there was an issue with him viewing the report. Beyond that, as my case is not yet 30 days past the normal processing times, all he could tell me to do was call back once the 30 days had passed to file a case service request.