sojourner99

Ah thanks all. Ok I will check the visajourney timeline and wait a bit before contacting them.

Perhaps they should have another dashboard on the USCIS site that tracks the average time for them to update their average times, hah.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/412858-when-should-i-follow-up-with-uscis/

See above for accurate processing times. I'm not sure where you got "6 months" from, but the website says they are currently working on June 4th, 2012 petitions. They should be updating it any day now, but they haven't updated it yet.

But it can't hurt to call "too soon." They'll probably just tell you to wait longer, that's all.

Yeah that "June 4th" date never seems to move and is not accurate since some people on the forums here in July and even August have gotten their NOA2. I got the info from the USCIS dashboard when you check in on the status of your case number. I can't link to it for some reason the way they have done it but Ive attached a screen shot.

It has been 6 months now since NOA1, which is the stated average processing time for the Vermont Service Center. Having worked for the government before I realize that sometimes things can "fall through the cracks" and just want to make sure that hasn't happened so am wondering if it would be good if I started pinging them.

Any thoughts or strategies on this matter? Can it hurt if I call too soon?

Can you be more specific? I also filed during this time frame but have you checked out the recent stats? Time between NOA1 and NOA2 is on average about 5 months.

I keep seeing everyone say to "make a copy" of your entire package before sending it in. I am actually wondering why. I understand for the check for the fee, but for everything else I am sending in including the passport copy and pictures etc., I have them all electronically scanned or in .pdf or word and can just print out again and sign if they lose for some reason.

So am just wondering are you all making copies of your final package because you don't have it all electronically and simply want a backup? Or has there been some other reason like a killer RFE or claim from USCIS that you didn't sign something where having an actual photocopy of what you sent in has been critical, versus me just printing it out again?

Thanks in advance.

You have the documnets scanned in on your computer--right? Did yu save them to a pdf or jpeg?If you did, you can take them down to your local FedEx/Kinkos or Office Deport or Staples and have them print them out in color on a laser printer for a few cents per page if the quality is of concern. I scanned evrything in and have color copies of all documents used or will use during this process. They are on a couple of different locations for backup. I can print out any document when I want it using my color laser or the one at work or at one of the local stores. Yes, a good scan and color laser and you cannot tell the original from the copy. As mentioned above, the only issue with copies is when a signature is required.

Dave

Yeah I will probably do this. Thanks for the replies all.

Okay, this is the first I've heard of color copies and I just mailed everything off yesterday. I just did plain old black and white photo copies. Anyone else been RFE'd for this??

The instructions don't say they require color. Photocopying is also a more established process. I mean they've most likely been accepting black and white photocopies for the last few decades. I was mainly wondering in my original question on the validity of my personal scanner and printer where you can obviously tell I used a home printer, vs a professional one.

I know it sounds like a silly distinction but I'm wondering if anyone has every got RFE'd for anything because they scanned and printed, for example their passport, vs doing an actual photocopy. I realize they are totally the same, but a photocopy is much sharper usually but in black and while, while my printer and scanner, are good, but medium quality, but in color which makes the passport stamps stand out more. A couple forum searches here seem to indicate it inst a huge problem but they were older posts, so was wondering if this has been a issue with USCIS viewing them any differently lately.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

If you have any ATM or credit card receipts from the times you were there with her, then add those in too.

She was concerned about the money changers in Kiev ripping me off so she paid in local cash she had, then I just gave her USD afterwards

Man now I am worried...

Which country? The answer on what's enough can vary.

Ukraine

I am gathering all the documents to submit the I-129F and start the K-1 process. I was hoping to get some opinions on if what I have below to "prove we met" is sufficient based on some of your experiences. Unfortunately I did not keep boarding passes and there is no hotel receipt because I stayed with her. But I do plan to include:

-copy of itinerary printed out from the travel site I got my plane tickets from;

-credit card statement where I will highlight the charge that matches up with the cost of the ticket;

-copy of all pages of my passport that show the entry and exit stamps; and

-three pictures we have of us together in country, two by her house, one by a large recognizable landmark from her country.

I have other things to document “proof of relationship” but do you think this is enough to prove we met? I feel bad not keeping my boarding passes but I don’t see how they show anything more than my passport stamps do, that I entered the country. I just wanted to try and include everything I could to avoid an RFE. And also if I did get an RFE, I honestly don’t know what more I could include than this.

I read some people include signed statements from both parties saying they met. Does this actually mean anything to USCIS though?

Think I am including enough? Thanks.

Great thanks all. I thought my initial analysis was correct, but always good to have some confirmation.

Didn't back from anyone... Just wanted to make sure I wasnt forgetting something when she mails to me since its a pain to mail stuff overseas multiple times. Anyone that can give me a second opinion on if my analysis is correct, I greatly would appreciate it. Thanks.

First off I about paid to have a visa service help me until I found this site (and read numerous stories of how bad many of them were). I am now starting the K1 process with my fiance so this is the second of what will most likely be many noob questions on this process. Right now it looks like I can do almost everything on my end (or do with her electonically on the internet) to get the initial I-129F package filed, except for 3 things.

Looking at the excellent guide here: http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1guide , it appears there are 3 items where I either physically need her signature or an item from her (passport picture). Since anything going through her country's snail mail takes awhile I wanted to start gathering these items now:

5. Original statements (from both the US Citizen and foreign fiance) certifying an intent to marry within 90 days of entering the US on a valid K-1.

9. G-325A filled out by the foreign fiance(e) signed and dated (see example).

10. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the foreign fiance(e). Write the full name of the foreign fiance(e) on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of (insert foreign fiance(e) name) ". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

Does this sound right that these are the only physical things I will need mailed from her for the initial I-129F filing? A signature for 5 and 10, and a passport photo for 9 (and optionally any supporting docs she wants to send)? She was never married or divorced nor has she changed her name, so I dont need those items from her. Thanks in advance.

I am starting the K1 process and my fiance has a street address where she actually lives (but there is no mail service there), and then another address where she actually receives her mail at.

Thoughts on which to put or how to handle this on the I-134 for her serction, and when she fills out the G-325a? Will they actually be using the addresses listed there to mail her stuff eventually or are they just for her background check? Thanks in advance for any insight on this.

Ok. So after our RFE request, I'm sure learning a lot about IMBRA. Theres a lifetime limit on K-1 visa apps, which is two. This is our second time applying.

God willing, we wont be denied again, but IF WE ARE, can we still get married & apply for a K-3? Or are we shut out of that too? Does anyone know? I'm really freaking out. I have no idea what I'd do if we were totally banned from living together (in this country at least..)

Im curious what was your RFE request for in relation to IMBRA? IMBRA may affect me also is why I am wondering. Thanks.