Tiff&Babs

I'm so sorry to hear this. I can't imagine the hardship that this is causing. This isn't easy but when you can embrace your husband these painful memories will slowly fade away.

That would be an NOA 2. Congrats. . The average times are NEVER correct.

Thank you so much! they must have meant registered not certified! Thanks again.

Tell him you'll move to Nigeria to be with him. See what happens.

Considering you didn't once mention your love for him as a consideration, I'd say canceling and re examining your priorities would probably be a good idea for both of you...

We recently completed the K1 process and wanted to share some things that we've experienced in our journey.
Early adjustments for k1 Beneficiaries coming to the states.
1. WEATHER, IT'S COLD.
It's very hard to prepare someone for the type of cold that we are experiencing here in the midwest, but, one thing I can tell all cold weather sponsors, "be prepared to buy winter clothes" Get your wife/fiance' a nice coat, some gloves, a winter hat and some boots. Do this as soon as she gets here, do not delay. This may sound like common sense, but, set aside money in your budget for these Essential items.
2. FOOD
Try to find a local Asian market if possible, we have lumpia wrappers, Jufran, adobo, canton, bihon, Nagaraya cracker nuts, lechon sauce, stikko, tocino, langonisa and other home style treats. These comfort foods will make your spouse feel somewhat more comfortable in the strange new world they find themselves in.
3. FEELINGS OF ISOLATION
For the first few months, our spouses have no drivers license, they can't work, they have little or no social network and will be stuck at home a lot while we are at work. MAKE SURE that you get out every day and do SOMETHING, even if it's to get groceries, take a walk, ride a bike, join a gym, go to church, anything. Our spouses are used to having multiple avenues of transit with jeepneys, tricycles, MRT, cab, etc... Imagine the feelings of isolation that one must experience going to a new country and being stuck at home at the mercy of their spouse to take them EVERYWHERE. YOU MUST BE COMPASSIONATE about this. Provide access to SKYPE, YM, VIBER, Facebook, ANYTHING to stay in touch with family back home.
4. INDEPENDENCE
When my wife arrived, I had her iPhone and credit card in her married name waiting for her. As soon as she arrived she had the ability to communicate back home and money to spend. Speaking of money, Grab some currency, including US coins, and practice at the kitchen table with how much each coin is worth. Be prepared to explain why the dime is worth more, even though it is smaller than a nickel.
5. SLANG
Be prepared to explain all slang and be a translator for the every usage of the English language as it applies in the states. I asked my wife for a buck and a quarter at a flea market, she asked why i needed a bucket of water.... That's when it occurred to me that i had not done my job as her husband and changed my game plan a bit. We are so comfortable that I sometimes forget that she does not know many slang terms and I fall into a comfort zone, forgetting that slang is an improper use of the English language.
6. JEALOUSY
Look, if you are married to a filipina, she is going to be jealous.. deal with it. re-assure her, love her, again and again. Makulit sobra.
7. COMMUNICATION
It really goes without saying how important this is. If you don't communicate, you won't make it, period. As much as you may know your loved one online, it is a completely different world in the reality of living together. In the online relationship world, you still have space, you can end a conversation and have your personal space and privacy. In the real world, there is no space. You are in each other's space, especially in the beginning. You will be the center of a universe for your spouse, the only known variable in their world. Imagine leaving your family, your life, your friends, everything you've ever known, moving to a new country and marrying someone that you've maybe spent a month or two with in person. I can't stress enough that you must be understanding and allow for an adjustment. To do otherwise is just not fair. Seriously, prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. BE PATIENT
8. FIND A COMMON HOBBY
Find something that you love to do together, at least ONE THING. It can be anything, as long as you both love to do it. This will give you a foundation of doing things together and will instill some instant order in your rapidly changing life. We bought bicycles, joined a gym and found a church we both like. Those are the little things that gave us instant stability, something we could both agree upon and pursue together. It's really great for times when I just don't have anything intelligent to talk about, ( it happens) Sometimes we can just go work out and look at each other with nodding approval.
9. CREATE MEMORIES.
Take a lot of pictures! Especially during the "honeymoon" period of your relationship. Build as much good will as possible early on. YOU WILL NEED THIS LATER ON! Some days are better than others, that's just marriage. It is really nice to look at our Facebook or wedding album and look at our happy pictures. We borrow from the "good will" bank of happiness to see us through our trials. We often post happy videos and pics on Facebook for our friends and family to see. It is great to have the moral support of our social network, encouraging our marriage and love.
10. LAUGH
Look, there is enough pressure involved in this transition. Just remember to give each other a break, don't put too much pressure on every single decision. Just take one day at a time, remember what's important. Love each other. REMEMBER WHY YOU WANTED TO BE MARRIED IN THE FIRST PLACE. It may not always be easy, but it's always worth it.
feel free to add any helpful hints to the list. Our "visa journey" is really just life's journey.
Mabuhay.

Hey VJ'ers I'm also a December filer. I'm waiting for my NOA2

I think the time can be seen as both painful and beneficial in some cases.On one hand I miss my wife so much and it hurts to be apart from her.On the other hand if the process was quicker I probably wouldn't be as financially ready.Working and focusing on preparing a stable place for her is doing wonders for my sanity.Also thank God for the VJ forums among other things.

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.

because of the typhoon guys... You can't compare them to regular cases.

I took the comment as meaning that after a lengthy overstay you will forever face extra scrutiny when applying for a visa.
And unless you can prove absolute concrete ties to your home country then forever may not be too far from the truth, hence the bit about keeping hold of paperwork to prove ties.
I wouldn't say that was trying to scare anyone, merely being realistic with a slight hint of pessimism.

Or the light of wallet lol

I think everyone here on VJ is suffering or has suffered long separation. Immigration is not for the faint of heart. Work harder, save more, plan a visit, love more, stress less.

Well wishes!!

YAY!!! I was approved yesterday and did not even know it. Thanks to everyone and best of luck to all those who had been waiting before me and those who are still waiting. I will keep my fingers and toes crossed for you.

It would be most appropriate to respect the VJ members, who have more experience and knowledge in this visa journey even though you might think you have ALL the facts right which might not make sense to those who are more experienced. I have not heard of what you are saying either.
USCIS approves petitions doesn't give visas. Petitions then are sent to NVC for further processing. Once the petition is completed then it's forwarded to Nigeria or any country in question. The visa is ready to be issued but the CO has the final say if he does or doesn't give out the visa to the spouse or the fiance.
If you got a visa at the USCIS level? then why go through the interview process? I believe no one is trying to bring you down, it is just that this VJ can be difficult and confusing. We all have been there and done that. It is very important to keep your cool and open mind for we are here to help not make it more difficult or negative. But you have to understand that a valid point is being made here.
Best of luck to you and please keep in mind we are here to help and not judge. God bless you too! Good luck!

The lockbox is only a routing facility. Your petition will then be assigned to the USCIS processing center assigned to the state in which the US citizen resides. You can find out which center that is by the 3 letters listed in front of your receipt number. every facility processing times are different and depending on which petition you filed. In our case from date of receipt to interview date it was 308 days.. It takes long because it is what it is A PROCESS. Good luck!

Withdraw your petition and go there and marry.
Ditch the bullshit lawyer that is charging you for nothing.
Follow all the guides here on the site and re-file. This time the I-130 (married visa).
Ask any questions you may have.
It will save you a bunch more money and it may in turn be faster. If you are married and file the I-130 you don't have to pay the AOS fees after he gets here (I don't believe).

his family is in the USA - so if any one of them is a LPR or a USCitizen, then they can be a co-sponser for him.
Ask around, about 'status', with the family who's house you moved out of.

Yup, you might be better off if you leave out the money transfer receipts. They may raise red flags when your papers will be reviewed.

if he is in a process of getting a green card through his wife, he will be lying to the IO at his interview about good intentions of his marriage.. and that's just sad. and just as somebody said, i fell awful for his wife. and the OP... no offence, but dating a married man? is that really something you wanna get into? how would you like if that was done to you? just saying..

That's usually what disloyal partners say, "met U at the wrong time" young
lady he's a married man that dated this lady a while before tying the knot
all that BS talk is to get some nooky...the man is married even if he did leave her
and marry you how soon would he jump over your fence to another doing the same
to you when he finds greener pastures?...he probably say they no longer sleep
together...I am not being mean just telling you as I would my sister ....you're being
played

Sorry this might sound rude but if he was with this other girl for 2 years and married her and then he is in a relationship with you for a few months...you need to look at the whole picture....dont you think when they first met they really connected they wanted to be together forever...this is what happens when you first fall in love...But the thing about love is you dont just discard it for the next hot thing on the block....Love is hard and time consuming....I know It will be a hassle legally if he divorces but if its meant to be anything is possible....Just keep in mind what he is doing to his wife put yourself in her shoes how would you feel if he was cheating on you because if he is cheating on her its just a matter of time and you will be the next wife in line for a divorce... just sayin

Good luck on your visa journey!