wilfon

I just got my NOA2 but I am worried from what I have read on doing some research. I am the petitioner and my fiance was working in Saudi Arabia when I met him. Now... does anyone know if he needs to get a police clearance from there since he was living in there for 2 years? If he needs it, how can he get it? Thank you guys!

Hi, do yourself a favor and print out that is says the Police clearance is not available if you are not physically in the country. I have read where some people were given a 221g even though it clearly states on the website that it is unavailable. Some CO's are either unaware or just want to give some people a hard time. Play it safe and print it all out to submit to them if they say that you need it. Good luck

i do not claim my 20 year old daughter on my taxes, she does not live with me. Do I have to count her as a dependent anyhow? What about any other child that I dont count on my taxes, must I count them as a dependant if they are under the age of 21 too, being a sponsor?

As I understand it, you do not have to count them if you do not claim them on your taxes. I hope this helps. I am sure that other people will respond to you. Good luck

We arrived at the embassy around 6:30AM. Many people were there that day. The guards did a nice job of rounding people up for the appropriate lines and visas. Our interview appointment was 7:30 so we were a second batch of people to be processed through the lines. We got inside rather quickly. It was maybe 7AM, and we were already inside. The first thing before going inside was to present passport, appointment confirmation, and DS forms (as I write this, the embassy updated to include DS-230 last month, but we never needed it. Strange). We were given our number. The passport was given a bar code sticker and placed in plastic bag. Once inside, we did wait for over 2 hours before our number was called. Since much of the communication was in tagalog, I didn't realize much of what was being told to Jessa. I have read many times to go to window 39 first in the reviews. However, we were never told that. We were just told to wait for the number to flash. Anyway, a greeter kindly explained the mishap to us, wrote our number down, and we went through all the rest with ease. In our case, the first window we approached was the Filipino pre-screener. She asked several basic questions about us: When did you meet? How did you meet? How many times did I visit? When did I arrive for the last visit? The greeter had collected our DS forms since we never went to window 39 for the drop off so the pre-screener had these in hand. She did ask for my I-134 with my most current W2s and 1040. That was it. She asked if we had photos and told us to be prepared to show those along with any other relationship evidence to the CO. We sat back down. Maybe 10-15 minutes later, we were called for finger print scanning. Then, we sat back down for about another 15 minutes. We went to window 59 to be greeted by the CO. She gave us the oath and started asking questions. She asked what year did we meet. She asked me what I did for a living and how many times had I visited PH. That was about it! She handed a flyer over for domestic violence awareness and told us we are approved! The CO and the pre-screener never asked for any evidence. I did front load the petition a little. However, I expected to show at least some photos. Overall, it went well, and we can't complain. We will be together for good very soon. Thank GOD for all success.

Congratulations. It sounds like it helped that your fiance was there with you I plan on being there for my fiance's interview. Best Wishes to you guys.

Please help..average Processioning time for K-1 VISA after submitting the missing docs with 221g ???

I have a friend who got a 221g and they submitted the paperwork and it took them about 3 weeks to get the visa. She is from the Philippines, not sure if it is much time difference for India to process. Good Luck

Can anybody help me find a how to guide ont he AOS process? My fiancee finally was approved and arrived last month. Our marriage date is for tomorrow and I want to know what has to be done after we get married to get her the AOS. I cant really find a guide from the searches I have typed in that explains the process after marriage and I just want to ensure she doesnt get deported or something silly. Thanks for all the help once again this site is a life saver.

Best Wishes on your marriage Congratulations

i dont know what to do,my NBI clearance is scheduled for releasing the day after my interview.I already rescheduled my interview because of some follow up check ups at St. Lukes. Can i still go to my interview without my NBI clearance,but i do have the receipt or i have to wait for it in order to do the interview,can i still reschedule my interview for the 2nd time?

If you can, I would keep your interview and expect the 221g and then provide them the information when you receive it. I may be wrong, hopefully somone with more knowledge of this will be able to better answer you. I hope it all works out for you.

After all the stress and long wait, it's finally over.

My appointment was for 6:15 am. My husband and I arrived at the embassy at 530. There were different lines separated by purpose and appointment time so we just asked the guard where to go for my schedule. After lining up, I realized I left my pen and my pictures, my husband had to go back to the hotel to get the pictures though in the end I did not need them. The pen was also only used twice, filling out the 2GO form and for the signature for DS230.

By 615, the line started to move forward. Near the gate there was some confusion because nobody was managing the lines but got fixed after some minutes. So at the gate, the person looked at the first page of my appointment letter, circled the time and then gave me the 2GO form. He also placed my passport in a transparent zip lock.

Almost 7am: First door to the embassy building was for security check where they really confiscated mobile phones and some items which are not allowed, most people had to go out and give their phones to friends or vendors outside for safe keeping. Some just threw the small stuff in the trash like lighter or perfume. Actually there were warnings about that even outside, the vendors were saying them repeatedly but the people in my line were saying like maybe it's not true, I, on the other hand,knew that it's not allowed so when someone asked me what I think I just say I read that it's not allowed so it's better not to have any of those things which are on the list.

After security, we went straight to the windows where they asked me if I already had my medical and what things they gave me, after that she just put number 1 on my appointment letter and stapled 6088(my number for the queue) and asked me to drop it at Window 39. We went straight to another building and there's another security check, after that, there was a woman waiting for people and she just collected our app letter instead of dropping it at Window 39. We sat down and waited for my number to be called.

At around 830: my number was called at Window 45. I wasn't expecting that it was already the Filipino consul waiting for me so my husband wasn't there beside me when I did the pre-screening but she said it's fine and just have him with me during the final interview. It took more than ten minutes for the pre-screening. The only document she asked was the 2011 tax form and then she looked at our pictures. She asked me the name of my husband, where I met him, his age, date of marriage, what he does, his first marriage and why it ended, about my in-laws, size of household. She was focused on the documents and was just taking notes. After that she just asked me to wait for my number to be called again.

Around 915: I was called at Window 42 for finger printing. My fingers were a little sweaty because of the mixed emotions so I had to do it twice hehe.

Around 10: I was called for the interview with the American consul at Window 64. My husband came with me this time. The consul gave me the pamphlet regarding domestic violence after the oath. Only two questions were asked to me, date of marriage and if I've been abroad before. He asked my husband where we intend to stay when we get to the US and that's it. After a minute of looking at the documents, he said 'everything looks good, please be seated again and wait for further instructions. That's it! No additional documents were asked. I brought a copy of my NBI, marriage cert, cenomar (which was not sent to NVC), birth cert and many more but they did not ask for them and my husband was just laughing at me because I printed so many copies of so many things, I wanted to be very sure and I don't regret it. hehe

At 10:10, our number was called again at window 71, the person there just said everything is ok now and just wait for my visa to be delivered, she then asked us to give our 2GO form at window 69 and I opted for pick up at one of their branches. We were out of the embassy by 1030.

I felt so good after that, my feet were a bit sore because I wore sandals with heels haha, and I was really tired because I didn't get much sleep the night before. Now, I can sleep better. This whole process has been stressful especially the month before the interview but it all went well. Just make sure to submit everything to NVC and you won't have a problem during the interview. And of course, pray a lot.

Thank you to my VJ family for all the help. Daghang salamat!

Congratulations and thank you for the great review. One question, I heard that the USC can bring their cell phone with them into the Embassy, can you confirm this? Thank you again.

I've been hearing that VSC has been claiming to be working on May 14th, 2012 files however I came to find out that a September 2012 filer just got approved on Nov 8th, 2012. Just 44 days between the NOA1 and NOA2. Their petition was sent to VSC. I am a August filer and I am still waiting for an approval. They talk about how petitions are looked at based on the order it was sent but that's a lie. This is just unfair. I am very tensed and upset.I am planning to call USCIS and complain to them about this and they better do something about it and I even have proof that they approved a Sept filer before a Aug filer. Please leave some feedbacks about what you think about this. Thank you!

My Update

08/20/2012: Sent I-130 to Chicago Lockbox

08/22/2012: Confirmed delivery by FedEx

08/25/2012: NOA1 received (Sent to VSC)

In between these dates (don't remember), it was transferred to NBC.

09/12/2012: Transferred to a USCIS local office (Last touched)

**********: NOA2 (not yet received)

How did you find out that your file was transfered?

Hi everyone...

What a lengthy process. The K1 was accepted for NOA1 on 22 June 2012. We are still waiting on an update from the Vermont Service Center. I'm assuming we won't have an answer before Christmas.

Here is my question

I am the U.S. resident and I filed for my fiance in Philippines. Since the filing, she has taken a job in UAE. She has a much better job now and is doing well. I was fortunate enough to visit here again this month in UAE. The following are my questions if anyone has experience and/or advice. Thanks

1) Should she continue with the interview in Manila? (She is working in UAE now but can travel to Manila for the interview)

2) Would it be worthwhile to change her interview location to UAE (Dubia or Abu Dhabi)?

3) She has worked in the following countries (UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Singapore) we have the country clearance letter for UAE, Qatar and soon for Singapore

4) The Bahrain clearance letter is not being released. We have asked several times and even have someone there checking on it but nothing yet

5) Do we need to be concerned about the Bahrain clearance letter?

My biggest concern is to keep from delaying this process any longer than it already is. If we change her interview to UAE would that delay this process? The country clearance letter has me stressed out and she is stressed as well. To a point, we haven't brought up the Bahrain issue in the last few weeks.

If you have advice or experience on these I would greatly appreciate your input.

Thank you

K1 Visa - NOA1 on 22 June through VSC

Hi, I am not sure if you can change the address for the interview, but I did find some information about the police clearance in Bahrain:

If the applicant is living in Bahrain, the CID will schedule an interview, during which the applicant will be fingerprinted. The certificate is usually issued within 3-5 days after the interview. Records are somewhat unreliable prior to 1967. There is a fee for this service of Bahrain Dinars 1.000 or U.S. $3.00 for this service. Checks and Bank Drafts are not accepted.

Applicants no longer living in Bahrain should follow the same procedure and provide the same documentation. However, they will also have to provide a set of fingerprints taken by local police in their country of residence.

If there is a Bahrain Embassy where the applicant resides, the can contact the Bahrain Embassy to complete the necessary formalities.

Note: Certificates are not issued for holders of visitor's visas. In order for CID to issue a Good Conduct Certificate, an applicant must currently have, or previously have had, a valid residence permit in Bahrain.

Good Luck

Hi Guys,

My current I-130 is with the CSC with a time processing time of 13 months yet the TSC has a processing time of 5 months. How do I get my visa moved over to Texas, is this possible?

Thanks,

Nik.

Unfortunately you won't be able to switch service centers. It seems very unfair that some service centers are much quicker than others, but each service center has their trends where some are faster at different parts of the year. If they are really backed up they may move it to a service center with much less of a backlog. We have been with VSC and have been watching people who filed much later than us get approved at CSC, but now it seems that CSC is starting to slow down and VSC is moving a little faster. You just never know. Good luck to you. I hope you don't have to wait that long.

They finally approved my case at Vermont Service Center. It took calling and emailing all the way up to the Associate Director who emailed me personally that I have been approved a couple of days ago.

What did your process entail after the approval? I want to be finished with NVC and Ghana consulate as soon as possible. All Accra Consulate and NVC tips are welcomed. I have almost all the paperwork required for IV & AOS ready. How much did you pay for both? I'm not very sure if it is $88 and $420 respectively or the amount has changed?. Please advice. Thank you.

Congratulations, would you please share the email address of the Associate Director? Thank you very much.

while i was in the hospital, i got a message that my case was updated. GOD IS GOOD . it has been APPROVED,! after all the things i went through.. 7 days in the hospital. 3 days in ICU. blood transfusion. almost died..... delivered to a pre-mature baby, still in the hospital. but He is so good he hears prayers. thank you Lord. our family will be reunited soon!

Congratulations on the health of your baby and yourself as well as congratulations on your visa. Best wishes & great health to you guys

how long does it takes normally to get NOA1 ?

e-notification form submitted with the application

We got ours in a week, but some people it takes weeks for some reason. Good luck, hope you get it soon.

IMO, no need to worry.

thank you

I think its just normal even me .. the abbrevations on my paspport looks weird too but they said its alright

thank you

Hello everyone, and thank you in advance for your help. My fiance is concerned because her Place of Birth is abbreviated on her passport, so it is slightly different from what is on her birth certificate. Her passport reads SN ISIDRO DVO OR and her Birth Certificate reads SAN ISIDRO DAVAO ORIENTAL. It seems to be that they abbreviated because it could not fit it they spelled it out.

Her Birth Certificate also has a Spelling Error. Her birth Month is DECEMBER but it is spelled DDCEMBER.

Our question is should we be concerned with either the passport abbreviation or the spelling error in her birth month?

Thanks again

We were lucky enough to get our I-129F petition approved in 85 days without RFE. Paid visa fee the moment MNL case number was assigned. The only available date online at the time was October 25, so I grabbed it even it was 8 weeks away from NOA2. Right after I've booked the interview, lots of members got an earlier ones. We've stayed positive and kept the original and said, they've been waiting longer than we have so they've deserved to be ahead of us. Plus lots of time to send out supporting docs through USPS although I got everything ready long before we've received the approval.

2 weeks prior to the interview, he went to St Luke, Chest RA and Physical exam were great until he met with the Psychologist. He was the petitioner against the ex-wife and Psychological Incapacity was the ground for Annulment. He was asked to answer few pages of Family and Social history then instructed to come back in 2 weeks for a Psych Eval, 1 day shy to his interview day. We went along hoping that he'll be alright and was promised that SLEC will re-schedule him.

On the day of Psych Eval, he told me that he never felt so little about himself and treated like a criminal. He was yelled at by the older male PhD and siding the ex-wife. Whatever the purpose were, provocation maybe was degrading. As his future wife I was crying when he told me all about it. How could someone or anyone at that facility could easily do that to anyone, authoritative much? Position got into their heads? I've asked if he got his name, he said nothing was visible. He then asked to call in 2-3 business days.

After the 2nd day (except weekends) he got his vaccination and RA results. He asked them if they'll reschedule him but they give him all the alibis in the world. Until he gave up and just have me to it. Staff were rude and inconsistent with their replies.

I was able to schedule him on November 19 and so he went yesterday. He was confident enough and was not nervous at all. There were few younger women next to him and he was nice to talk to them and encouraged them that it will be okay.

He got up to the Filipino CO, handed over all the DS forms, NBI, Annotated Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate and I-134. She asked for our photos and looking at all of them. She said they were nice and make sure to show the American CO. Everything looked great.

Then it's time with American CO, he was a middle aged man and only asked few question about himself and the usual. With a long pause, he said 'so I've heard your fiancee was married, did you know about that?' in his neutral tone of voice. Mike answered it like 'WHAT!? NO! She was never married.' He then added, 'yes looked like she went to Virgin Islands.' He asked again, 'when, with who, how?' but the CO didn't disclose any of those information. He was then asked to take a seat just few chairs away.

The CO asked a couple of Filipino CO to look at the computer, which appears like they're looking at some marriage records. He overheard them say, 'How is that possible? Try using her Middle Name.' He was asked to come over again, asking if he knew I was married. He said the same, 'She was never married.' CO said, 'I know, I know. We will fix this. Oh btw, you'll need the Police Report from South Korea too. Please exit that way.'

He didn't go out right away, as my pre-instruction to him was 'if he didn't get an approval to make sure to get 221(g) from the releasing window.' So he asked 2 of the staff wearing blue shirt. Told them what happened and asked, 'What visa category are you applying for?' He said, 'K1.' Oh you won't need it just go to the South Korean Embassy now and send it to 2Go. He asked a couple more of ladies by the window and said the same thing.

He was still in shock with what just happened and can't think straight anymore, so he left the building without definitive answers. No 221(g), no further instructions as how he'll send it to 2Go. As if they'll expect you to know what to do next. They kept his passport and no direct denial. The only good thing he got out of it after everything.

He went straight to South Korean Embassy and filed out the request form and said it will take about 6 weeks to receive it. Then he went home and told me the bad news at 11pm PST and I've been up since then.

That's that, now the questions and ranting begins.

1. How in the world that I was married without knowing it? I never passed out and woke up in a totally strange place and married.

2. Who the hell is the guy I allegedly married?

3. What took them so long to investigate our case? They have out case since September.

4. If my marital status was in question, then why didn't we get an RFE at USCIS level? Oh wait, RFE is just a courtesy from the USCIS.

5. Why are they asking for South Korean Police Reports when it clearly state in the Country Reciprocity Schedule that if applicant is outside the country that it is unavailable? So it's N/A although it's on the list.

6. I've acquired 5 Marriage Records, 1 Divorce Record and 6 individual with my First and Middle Name but none of my Last Name and matches my DOB. I got these online which I have to pay to get a full access.

7. I've tried calling the Country Clerk in San Diego and they've required the name of the Groom (which I have no dang idea who he was) and Date of Marriage. I said, 'I don't have those information' and she said, 'we'll that's like needle in the haystack' (I'm like, no ****!?). I've asked if she could direct me to the right people who could help, try Vital Records but they'll ask for the same.

8. I've scanned all pages of my old Philippine passports to show I was never in Virgin Islands. US Citizen doesn't need passport to go in and out.

9. I've created Letter of Reconsideration contesting the previous allegation.

10. Now with all these documentations to prove that woman who married that man wasn't me, how do I proceed? Mail these to USEM using 2Go?

11. Why do bad things happen to good people? I've always try to be the righteous one. Did things the right way and never cheated the system.

12. USC folks, is there any way to clear my name? It's not like credit that I could easily get a hold of TransUnion, Experian and Equifax you know. Or should I just leave USEM to prove themselves wrong?

You've made it to the bottom of this thread. Thanks for hearing me out and any input will be greatly appreciated.

So sorry to hear about another delay for you guys. The USEM should know what countries won't give out Police Clearances. This is another unecessary delay for you guys, especially if it says it right on the website. I have printed ours out in case they try to tell us to get one when it is not available to anyone not in the country. Maybe you guys can print it out and go back there and show them. Good luck to you, I hope you two are together soon.

can anyone tell me where to file the fastest approval of I-129f????? is it texas,vermont or cali????pls..tnx guys...

Unfortunately, you do not get to decide where your application goes. It will be forwarded to either Vermont or California. The applications are to mailed to Texas and then it is forwarded. You never know which service center will be the quickest, right now CSC is approving faster but VSC is starting to pick up the pace, you just never know.

Good luck.

Okay I frontloaded my 1-129F Petition, but I am curious whats the difference between front loading your packet and not front loading. Just want to make sure I really did frontload.

Hi, we included the required forms, pictures of us together with information of picture and date on back of pictures. We also included copies of flight information, hotel information, receipts from everything, no matter how big or small it is, picture of engagement ring receipts, chat logs, emails, phone records. Make sure you have a brief summary of how you and your fiance met and how your relationship has evolved for question #18 and proof of ongoing relationship. Don't forget the letters of intent to marry from both of you.

I hope this helps. Good luck

Good Luck & Best Wishes

I am in the US on a CR-1, so I have been allowed to work since I crossed the border. I got my SSN in July.

I got a job after a great interview at Target (hey, it's better than nothing.) They sent out my information for background checks and the like. That was on Nov 5. On the 6th I went to do my drug test. I was told at the end of my interview that I would get an e-mail and a phone call to arrange my orientation once all the checks were done. Perfect, awesome.

Days go by and I haven't heard anything yet, but I was patient. Yesterday, I got a letter from Target HR along with a copy of the Lexis Nexis report saying my SSN could not be verified because: It was either never issued or it was issued after June 2011.

The best part is that I had FIVE business days from the date on the letter to address the issue. The date on the letter was 11/07. I live in Hawaii... mail takes an extra couple of days. I had ONE day to make every phone call and get this sorted. Because of the time difference, I've had to stay up till 3 am HST to call Lexis Nexis (who does the checks for Target) when they opened.

So the outcome? I had to e-mail them a scan of my GC, SSC, and military dependent ID. How long will it take to verify? 24-26 business days. Bye-Bye job.

How can they be in the dark about SSNs issued from OVER a year ago? How is my SSN not available to look up when I know it is valid? I applied for a dozen jobs on this island and this is the first one I get and it just slipped through my fingers. Pissed off.

Has this happened to anyone else on the planet or am I just super unlucky?

Congratulations on getting a job I hope they straighten out your SSN problem so you can start soon. Have fun.

HI Visa Journey People,

I just want everone to know my girl in the Philippines had her interview yesterday at the embassy and was approved for Visa ...It takes a long time but We are very happy.... Keep the faith.

Congratulations

Hi everyone i was advised by one of my friend who worked at CSC that processing time will be slow fo the rest of the year for CSC while VSC will speed up to go back to 3 to 4 mmonths. Did anyone heard this before ? Any ideas?

I haven't heard anything, but I hope so. It would be nice if VSC would speed things up.

Hello,

I am finding mixed information about how to answer this question since some people suggest simple answer and others lots of details. I do not want to get an RFE!

here is the deal, I met my fiancee while we worked for the same company, needless to say we saw each other almost every day; i used to live very close from where she worked at and would see her every day on the afternoons, weekends, and during work.

so trying to be concise, I wrote this statement:

"I, [petitioner's name] have met my Fiancee, [beneficiary's name] multiple times since we both worked for [Company Name]. We saw each other often during my time working there from [dates i started working there] to [date i stopped working there]".

Should this suffice? would i need to clarify any point on the statement? i want your personal opinions on this, since not alot of people post actual examples of what they submit.

Also, Im planning on going to visit very soon and documenting the whole trip (i dont live as close) so that i can submit supporting evidence that we have meet, which would be basically dated pictures of us together, holding maybe a newspaper with a date, engagement ring, recipts from gas from the trip, things that might not prove the statement but should devinitively prove that iwent over to see her that time. Should i submit paystubs from both of us from the same company? all feedback is appreciated!

I wrote when I met my baby and where. I also wrote how our relationship has progressed, how we communicate, skype, yahoo, phone, email and how often. I wrote when I went to visit her, where I stayed, what we did, when I proposed, how long I stayed with her. I made sure to mention how happy we both are and how excited we are to be husband and wife. I then wrote how our relationship is ongoing and once again how we communicate and how often.

Good Luck

They have nothing to do with your relationship.As long as your police clearance is good and your relationship is real you should be fine.Dont worry about them.

Thanks, our relationship is definitely real, not worried about that part. She is worried that they will say something like my fiance has turned down a work visa. She is also worried that they can somehow make trouble for her to enter the US. I told her that I did not think this was possible.

Thanks.

Hi everyone, my fiance and I were talking and she is worried that her former employer abroad (I am pretty sure Dubai) will cause trouble for her because she turned them down to work for them again. They were not happy that she said no and keep calling and calling her. They have a copy of her Passport. Is there anything they can do to make trouble for her/us or cause any RFE's or in anyway slow down our application process? We are in the midde of our K1 Visa process so she worries about everything...hehehe.

She already had her police clearance from Lebanon, Dubai police clearances are only available to people living there.

Thank you for your answers.