JE06

Funny thing, I am loosing it not thanks to VSC, lol
Honestly, since we have been there before [K-1, AOS] we have learned to seat and wait.. For my current process [ROC] Vermont is working on December 11, 2012.. It may sound pretty close but knowing them, it may be much longer.. We could have a problem if we are planing to travel and the GC / Extension has expired but other than that, we know for sure it will arrive, sometime in the near future [thinking positive]
Now for the other cases, K1, AOS, is my understanding they are moving some cases to local offices with jurisdiction authority. I remember seeing the note but cannot find it..
Hey, the fact is, no matter how many times you call, how many congressman you write.. VSC is plain slow [lazy maybe?]

wooohooo CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG!!!!! I saw last night that someone said they checked their case status on the USCIS website and they were approved even though they had not recieved an e-mail or text message. So I decided to check mine too, just in case. I've been checking my e-mail at least 4 or 5 times a day for the last few months and my fiance and I have really been getting depressed over the loooong wait. But GUESS WHAT!!! It was there!!! It said, "Post Decision Activity
On October 4, 2012, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283." YIPPPPEEEEE!!!!! FINALLY!!! We received our NOA1 on March 22, from VSC, so all you March and April waiters, it won't be long!!! Hang in there!!! I'M SOOOO HAPPY!!!!

Processing time at Vermont center has been officially updated to 6 months. A few weeks ago the site said 5.2 months and a few weeks prior to that it said 5 months. Is vermont moving or getting worse. What they are doing is just not fair to all of us. We filed in june. For first 3 months we lived in our fantasy world that application will be approved in about 3 months. Then one fine day I dared to check visajourney and bummer ! VSC is super slow. Now it is just getting harder and harder. We check everyday with hope, sometime there are good stories to read. VSC, come on people, you are human beings just like us. Try staying away from your loved ones for 6 months. Maybe then you will understand what we all are talking about.

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.

I suggest reading the guides.
http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1guide
The next part is all about getting the beneficiary ready for the interview.

I was really addressing the OP and supplementing my earlier post that it should not be a worry. I would have quoted you if I thought you had spoken out of turn. Everybody's thoughts are useful.
I would like to advise all the K1s that once you've learned how to file an I-129F in this forum, you should find your regional forum (if any) and see what you can learn about your consulate. Start preparing while you wait. Asking a question about a London interview in the K1 forum will not necessarily get a London answer. When I was new here, I never scrolled down past the top forum (K1) so I think there are others who may have as many problems as I did finding my way. Reading the reviews from your embassy will also give you clues of how it is in your country. Consulate procedures are very different from place to place so I try to find the London folks and offer my experience of studying London procedures for 4 years.
I see you also have the Houston office. We didn't have an adjustment of status interview, but they were quite efficient last month at the citizenship interview. Very little waiting around. Good luck to you on a speedy process.

In our case, VSC received our I-129F on February 13 2012, we finally received our NOA-2 on September 17th. 7 months & 4 days = 215 total days! And yes it is SO frustrating to see some receive theirs within 30 - 40 days but, what can one do but wait? I was one step away from calling my Congressman when the NOA-2 finally arrived but at least it is now "in transit" to the NVC. From what I'm hearing, (per the service I hired to assist with our application) there is also a slowdown occuring with the NVC which is running approx. 30 - 40 days behind schedule before being forwarded to the Embassy (Manila) and to add to the agony, interview dates for Manila are also running about 2 months behind apparently due to flooding there earlier this year! IF all goes according to the current schedule we will have a total wait time of about 10.5 months. There is a small chance that the process is slowly "catching up" but, there is also an equal chance that some other bureaucratic or technical delay will occur before this agonizingly slow ordeal is finalized. Still, we are indeed thankful that progress is at last being made.
It's very hard to find any comfort in such prolonged waiting times ie. "more time to prepare" etc.. when the only thing that matters to you is being reunited with your fiancee'. And as far as "forgetting all about" this excruciating process once you are finally reunited, I say BS! This experience has, and will forever, leave me and my fiancee' with deep scarring and a permanent bitter taste in our mouths. I can't say that I resent the employees that perform this much needed and important service but, I CAN say that I very much resent all of the precious time that has been forever lost.
So, why the sudden and unexpected change in normal/average processing times?
When I called USCIS to inquire about the delay (which the USCIS itself recommends if/when your application runs beyond the normal/average time of 5 months) I was told the delay was due to "higher than expected numbers of applicants" overwhelming the system. I am certain this overflow is directly connected to the "executive order" issued by Obama in June of this year (Google it) which grants "children" ("children" up to 30 years old!) of illegal aliens exemption from deportation under existing immigration law. (When you call USCIS the pre-recorded message you hear even states that there is a "special" department newly established to handle all such applicants expeditously) The latest word from USCIS also indicates they are now transferring thousands of cases (as is evident from numerous recent posts here on VJ) to other offices in order to facilitate this huge influx of applicants, is it any surprise that so many legally filed cases are being unduly delayed? "Immigration Reform" my a** !
We who have filed for our loved one's to enter this country legally, and paid the required fees, and secured all of the necessary documents, and waited so very patiently, and jumped through all of the bureaucratic hoops, and literally placed our very lives at the mercy of a system which strictly dictates whether or not our chosen partners are "worthy" of admittance, are being forced to accept these conditions whether we like it or not! All for the sake of political gain.
While I may sound harsh or even bitter to some who read this, and while I admit to being a little of both in this particular matter, I do also steadfastly believe that we (American citizens) do live in the greatest country on earth and benefit greatly from the freedoms and privileges afforded us as Americans. Despite the bureaucratic difficulties and the other inevitable complexities associated with this great nation which I too often complain about, I am proud to be an American. And, I will look forward to the day that my fiancee' will become my wife and assume her proper position as the newest American citizen.
Come November, I will also not forget to exercise one of my greatest and most valuable Rights as an American...I Will Vote.
May we all secure that which truly makes this the greatest nation on earth; Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

I am an April filer, and have been following timelines, discussions and statistics for almost six month on VJ. Haven't been posting frequently before, since I was trying to figure out what data is trustworthy and what is just some people going exaggerating stuff based on their own (truly unfortunate) experiences.
Around the time we filed (April 20) Vermont was REALLY slow, looking at Igor's list you could tell they approve about a tenth of what Cali Center does. Until the beginning of September situation kept getting worse and worse. Within a course of 4 months our estimated approval date moved from Aug to Oct.
However there is some good news as well. Starting September I noticed a positive trend in VCS working speed. Based on Igor's list (which I do understand is not really a great sample, but still...), the rate of daily approvals has increased in average from one to five. That is something worth mentioning. Given it took them three- four months to be done with 80% of VJ January applicants, they were done with about 70% of VJ March applicants within a course of a month. This gives me high hopes that things are improving.
Now, about 15% of VJ April cases have already been approved, which makes me think that in case our application doesn't have any missing info or any other discrepancies (I am really hopeful two PhDs were able to put a couple of sheets of paper together in a way that USCIS finds no flaws in it) we may be getting our NOA2 even before the six month mark (Oct 20).
So let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that things will continue getting better, in a way that ALL of us can get back with their loved ones soon!

i'm just assuming. but maybe her calling her fiance "HUSBAND" that cost them K1 denied??
esp. if they read ALL their communication logs.
anyways for OP i'm so sorry dear.....but marrying him is not the answer...you need to do something about this. perhaps hiring your own lawyer...
god bless u

She meant to write Fiance, her wording isn't exactly right during her time of sadness. To any of you who have gone through this will you please tell her what's the best she and her fiance can do from this point. She realizes that she will have to go to Egypt to Marry her fiance, stay for a while and then return home to file the I-130.
CR-1 folks can probably answer most her questions best...Thanks

WOW!!! A may 8th approval?! AND NOT AN EXPEDITE?!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! WE ARE MAY 15TH AND OUR POSSIBLE APPROVAL IS SET FOR OCT. 15!!! MAYBE THIS MEANS WE WILL BE ON TIME, IF NOT A LITTLE EARLY!!! OH PLEASE GOD!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASEEEE!!!!

:dance: NOA 2 text in 187 days !!!!!. Don't know what to do or how to act, still don't believe it, and provably won't until I have the hard copy on hand.
Thank god for this site and the wonderful members that are willing to share their trials and tribulations; without it I would have gone completely insane.
To all of you waiting for Vermont approvals: Hang in there and don't dispair, it seems like things are getting better and they're picking up the pace.
Good luck to all

In my opinion by looking at some of the data it appears the RFE adds about another month or month and a half in Vermont... If u responded one day short of a month ago id assume ud finally get the NOA2 in the beg. of October. If not the first week Id be calling and harassing their a$$!!! Its sickening how long vermont is taking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And please don't give up! I have occasionally thought the same thing you have (relocating) but you have made it this far so you 2 can do it! As I tell my fiancé either way ONE of us is moving in 2012.. HIM or I... If he is for some reason denied I am out of here!!

Really if you have an appropriate visa I don't see the need for a full blown interview. The truth will come out at AOS or ROC.

Everything is broken with our Goverment, the only thing working is the IRS

I agree! I think that the interviews should be harder not POE. At least she got through. Congrats! Hope you two have a wonderful life together.

Ying arrived at O'Hare yesterday! Interesting POE experience. Customs officer makes us wait 2 hours. He was much tougher on her than the Guangzhou interview. She had to wait a long time, and then the interview was over 10 minutes, maybe enen 15 (consulate interview was all of 5 minutes!). He asked her questions about my ex wife, and why we broke up, and during the interview asked her 3 different times about how we met, like he was trying to see if he could trip her up. She did get through, and we are together now, but I am very angry about the experience she was put through.
My comments - the time for the tough interview is at the consulate, before the foreign national has quit their job, sold off their house and possessions, said goodbye to everyone, and bought a plane ticket of over a thousand dollars, not at the POE. That is what the Consulate interview is for, to determine that the immigrant is on solid ground and truely qualifies, and the immigrant is warned not to quit job or make other arrangements until they get the visa, rightfully so. But after they have gone through the long visa process and all the checks they have gone through already, and they are approved and get the visa, for the Customs person to try to deny them entry at the POE is an extreme disservice to any immigrant. I think this part of the process is broken! Just my thoughts.
Anyway, thanks again to this wonderful site and all the wonderful, helpful people during the Visa Journey. I will still be using this great site for AOS advice, etc., so I'm not done yet.....

This is so ridiculously unfair I could spontaneously burst into flames.

Not sure if its the best idea to have ur case number visible to the world....
Congrats and hope the rest of ur process goes smoothly!
They were at California if u go to Vermont expect 5-6 months maybe more. That is what they are averaging right now.

my is 02-21-2012 i call dey tol my to wat 50 days socks vsc

Not to scare you but I watched this video a while ago.

This woman was denied entry, it was clear that she had intent to stay. If you were let in, then at least it means that the CBP believed that you had on intent to stay.

We just got approved .... :dance:
To all the people out there still waiting for their NOA2s - It will come when you at least expect it
After all of these long and stressful 6 months we finally feel relieved. Have faith and be strong

Reasons like is this is why more people NEED to complain! This is America. People who are assuming that there is nothing that can be done, are unaware of how change is brought about. If we all sit there and throw our hand up in the air and think oh they will get to me when they get to me, that's exactly how it will be! We paid for an outrageously high fee for this stupid application, there is absolutely no reason why people should be waiting 300 days to get some type of contact. There is no reason why the people who have been waiting since Jan should have to still be waiting, while CSC is moving along. I don't care if CSC was the problem last year because obiviously they figured something out to not be having the same issue this year! We need something even a statement from VSC explaining they are extremely behind and why, cause all I'm hearing right now are conspiracy theories.
Also sending emails will not backlog anything because most agency don't let just anyone handle complaints ( liability reasons), so the agents who process applications will not be the ones assigned to handling complaints.

I'm scared about that