gizzyboo

Congratulations!! You are an amazing and strong couple! Bless your hearts!

Have a wonderful and beautiful life together inshallah!

Somehow they may have overlooked your taxes for 2012. I'd submit it again, along with your W2 or 1099. If there is any other proof of your relationship that you didn't submit the first time, add that now along with all the contact proof you submitted before. Though we submitted proof of our relationship the first time, Ms Lang asked that we give her more evidence of our on going contact. She was specific. She said she wanted every gap in our "proof of contact" to be filled, to show her we were in contact every week of every month since we met. NO GAPS. It took a month of effort, every spare moment I had to collect at least one thing from EVERY day we had contact between us. I started with the day we first met on line and highlighted each date in order from that time up until the day before our interview. In 26 months of knowing each other, there were only 7 days in which I couldn't provide proof of contact between us. I put it all together in small font on 260 pages! She was apparently satisfied!

I know how hard you worked on these! Great job!!!

Congrats!! My fiancé was also approved on Saturday night. I was so worried when i saw they changed the creation date, I thought we were going to have to start all over. I almost got sick, so I googled it and found out they do that before they issue the visa, then in the morning when I saw it said issued, I couldn't stop crying and I thanked God for like an hour! Congrats and good luck on the rest of your journey! Now I just want to know how long until he has it in hand =)

Why did you need to google when you had me.

Congrats sister!!!

Dear BeauteDLaVie,

Honestly, please feel very lucky you had Miss Lang as CO. She actually spent the time to understand the relationships. She may have asked something you already submitted perhaps to make it a little harder and more efforts on your part. But trust me and Aspen, just send her something even something you have already sent then you should be fine and approved in no time. We had the other male CO who didn't care much about our relationship and didn't take all the evidences we brought. Never asked for anything more and gave no explanation whatsoever. We were in AP for 2.5 months, just got approved today! Being asked for something is a GOOD THING! I wish we had been asked.

Best of wish and God Bless!

And congratulations Aspen!

Congratulations!!!

My dear sister,

Don't be afraid. This, too, shall pass. Trust it from a 8 years breast cancer survivor.

I was diagnosed at age 32 also with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Like you, I was young, no family history (well back then), not even had that much of breast (please smile here) to start with but BOOM it came out from nowhere. At that time, I just got hired by one of the best companies in the world and was about to start my new career. The financial struggle and job security finally started to get settled, then this, cancer. Life sure knows how to throw a curveball at you when you least expect it.

I have to say one thing I hated the most was people telling me "I am so sorry, you are so young". I would be like "sorry for WHAT? I am not going anywhere!" Seriously, don't feel sorry but feel fortunate and lucky, for the following reasons:

1. You found it early.

2. You are young and healthy so your body is strong to fight it.

3. Breast cancer has the best prognosis and treatment options, so if anyone is going to get some sort of cancer in his/her lifetime, get this kind.

I was a stage 2B almost 3. From the scan, the doctor saw one tumor that was about 2.5 cm. But after the surgery, it was actually almost 5 cm and they found another one that was about 3 cm. I had a left mastectomy and lymph node removal - 3 out of 6 had cancer cells. I had a very aggressive type of chemo - 6 rounds for every 3 weeks, and radiation. I was also hormone receptor positive so I took tamoxifen for 5 years.

Two things I would like to mention that I would have done differently had I known what I know now:

1. Explore your options of reconstruction. I had the outdated Latissimus Flap. It was painful and still hurts to-date. If I knew this, I would rather choose not to have any reconstructions. But there are so many way better options now.

2. Since you are still in your 20's and are getting married, fertility is priority if you plan to have children. Talk with your doctors about your options. Consider freezing some eggs is a good possibility. When I was diagnosed, I was so terrified and the cancer was growing so fast so I just wanted it OUT. Chemo fried my ovaries and I was in premature menopause for years. My period did return and miraculously my ovaries woke up and are functioning now. However, I am already 42, I am not sure how many good eggs I have left. So if you want children, you want to keep it in mind while going through treatments.

This is a scary and hard journey, I wouldn't lie to you. I bet you have had that moment that your life so far flash like a movie in your mind. Knowledge is power. When I was going through it, breastcancer.org was my saunturary. There are tons of women from around the world going through the same thing, kind of like visajourney for breast cancer.

Just remember, you are strong and you can BEAT THIS. Soon you will be like me to think breast cancer is just a distant memory. Think of the lame line "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger". My fiance's fiance visa is going through AP right now. Would you believe me if I told you this AP hell is way worse than cancer to me?

When I was just diagnosed, I asked my oncologist (who was brilliant and saved my life by the way) shakingly "doctor, am I going to be ok?" She looked at me in the eyes and then pointed a piece of paper she had it framed and hung on her wall. I would like to share it with you. It helped me tremendously.

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than success, than what people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company...a home. The remarkable thing is you have a choice to make everyday regarding the attitude you will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.

I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...

You are in charge of your attitudes.

You are in my prayers. Please do not hesitate to send me a PM. I would share everything I know with you or even just give you a shoulder to cry on.

You will be fine and life has just begun. Thinking of this as a chance to be reborn.

This is the web site to schedule an interview appointment:

https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/?language=English&country=Algeria

Last time I checked, it was in Feb 2014 already but sometimes they have dates/slots opened up. As of now, it says:

First Available Appointment Is Wednesday December 4, 2013.

Yay brother! Congratulations!!

Wish your fiance a smooth interview inshallah!

I got my visa. They issued me an one year Family visa with multiple entries, total duration 90 days. I sent the application on Oct 3 and got back today Oct 29.

I asked for a year and that is what they gave me. I think if the request is reasonable they try to accommodate it. I put that I would be going 3 times once every 3-4 months for 10 days each visit.

Got cha! Thanks sister!

I actually just got back yesterday from 10 days in Algiers:) I have gotten 2 visas from the New York consulate both really easy. Just send the paper with the invitation letter and passport photos, remember to send a prepaid express envelope with a tracking number for them to send your passport back to you. The visa I got this year is good for 1 year with multiple entries with a 90 day total max stay. That is the longest I could get, I have heard of the 2 year visa, but I think that is only if you are married to an Algerian. Good luck, it really is easy:)

Hi welcome back!

Does the Algerian embassy issue the validity duration based on how you describe how long you need in your letter? They seem to be quite flexible? But I didn't know it could be a year. I got one for 3 months when I went in July. I asked for 3 months in my letter. It's already expired so I need another one for November. In my letter this round, I asked for 6 months. If I knew, I'd ask for a year! But how do you ask that and what should you put in the invitation? Thanks a binch!

Hello, im from algeria ( the benificiary),

Please I need your help about packet3,!!!!! Im waiting for it since 4 september ant no response from the embassy yet so

I dont know what i will do after receving my packet3, shoul i send forms or documents before the interview or what.....

And one more thing, shoul I bring a birth certificate for my fiance ( the petitionner) or just mine, because my fiance has a broblem in his BC and I dont think that it will be ready for the interview.

Thanks for your help VJ team

Algiers Embassy is sloooooooow in responding, but KEEP TRYING! You don't really need a packet 3 to know what to do next but you should still get a confirmation from them even though you have scheduled your interview.

You don't need to send forms and document anywhere, you take them with you to the interview.

You only need your BC, no need for your USC fiance's.

Refer to this thread:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/461364-uh-i-dont-get-it/

Good luck!

@gizzyboo,

yep i got that email, Faycel filled out the DS160 online and we got confirmation of the appt with the embassy and a receipt for Online Non-immigrant Visa Application (DS-160).

Now I got an email from the NVC that stated that they have not received our file and to scan and email the I797 which I did last night. I spoke with a guy there and he indicated that they have NOT received our file but I got an appointment with the embassy then to just go forward with the appointment. He indicated that it take 6-8 weeks for NVC to get a file. He said he doesn't know how we got an appointment with the embassy without a case number (good question)

Luckily I made another package to take to the interview so hopefully all will work out for us.

Hoping your day goes well. I'll be waiting to hear the word APPROVED! Thanks for your input

Thank you darling. Been waiting to hear that word for a very long time.....being apart is such a torture.

And you have verified with the embassy that you in fact have an interview date? How you got one indeed without a case# or doing any requirements seems like a big mess in the system.

I would verify if i were you dear. I mean how do they know its you with no case#?

I second this. If I remember correctly, you don't need the case # to fill out DS-160 because it was designed for NIV which the majority don't have a case number so to speak. And you only need the confirmation # of DS-160 to schedule an interview online. We actually scheduled our interview before receiving our packet 3 but as dwheels76 said, it is still important to make sure the Embassy match your DS-160 confirmation # to your case #. You don't want to show up in your interview and have them asked "who are you?" lol Although they could and should match your fiance's passport number but just be safe. Better safe than sorry.

As for the NVC, sounds like a hiccup maybe? NVC actually told me our case was sent "electronically" to the Algiers Embassy. Maybe someone at NVC didn't log the case correctly? If I were you, I would continue checking with NVC and at the same time confirming with the Embassy.

Good luck and hugs!

Hi Renee,

When did you receive the packet 3 (aka the simple email with 2 attachments, one for instructions including all the forms and documents your fiance will need and how to schedule an interview), the other one is the information of panel physicians for his medical. If you received this email recently, I am surprised that the attachment #1 didn't show that DS-156, DS_156K, DS-157, DS-230 part I are no longer needed especially considered your interview is AFTER Oct 7.

In the beginning of Oct, there is a change in K-1 process, please read these links:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/forms/forms_4401.html

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2994.html

Sounds like your fiance has done DS-160 online and that's how he scheduled his interview and as far as the DS forms go, that should be all you need. If you want, you can still prepare for the said DS forms above just to be safe. DS-160 is essentially a combination of all of them. Looks like this is an effort to simplified the K-1 process and streamline it to be more aligned to other NIV.

So now the next step is schedule a medical appt. and collect all the documents he would need (namely the birth cert, non-marriage cert, police (aka the court) record, military record if any. Along with I-134 and updated letters of intent (recommended) and whatever relationship evidence you want to throw in. PS. All docs in Arabic or French need to be translated into English by certified translator. And he will need 4 passport photos - 2 for the medical and 2 for the interview.

Basically the attachment #1 from your packet 3 email will tell you everything you need to do and include. And your fiance DO NEED to print this email out to take it to his medical. And you probably need your case # for the medical as well.

Our interview is on Nov 25 so GOOD LUCK to us!

I submitted the AOS and tax docs at the time if filing the petition, in fact all the needed docs were filed with the petition.

If you meant you sent these along with your I-129F package, you might want to prepare another one for the interview because they ask for it. I am not sure if they would dig it out from your petition. Just a thought.

Congratulations! So happy for you! Wish you a lifetime of happiness and joys!

I'm in tears after reading your story! I'm so sorry to hear about the hurdles and frustrations you have gone through. That does sound like how things work in Algeria. But bravo to your wife and your strong love and faith and persistent efforts! I'm so happy for you! May Allah bless the two of you a lifetime of happiness inshallah.

Just out of curiosity if you don't mind me asking. Why didn't you consider going for the K1 route? Was it because of the family tradition, restrictions or something like that?

Again, congratulations!!

The public transportation in Austin isn't great but depends on what area of town you will be living in. Welcome to Austin!!

Salam brother,

How did you know the US embassy in Algiers has received your package from NVC? NVC gave me my case # on Sep 25 and sent me an email telling me that they have forwarded our case to Algiers. And the case status web site says "In Transit" and NVC has provided us an interview date! I received nothing from NVC other than that email. Talking about confusing!!

Since then I have emailed the Embassy twice and have gotten no response. Regarding how to proceed I have heard two versions...the older version is to wait for the embassy to send packet 3 which is the email with instructions and all the forms. The new version (recently) is that the Embassy sent no packet 3 and just a link http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3731.html and told to do DS-160 (in addition to DS-156, DS-156K, DS-157, DS-230) then schedule an interview online.

I don't know if this just happened randomly or they have changed their process. Could you kindly keep us updated on your process so we can help one another out?

Good luck and thanks!

Aspen,

Here is what happened to our case for your reference.

- Our NOA2 date is Sep 11.

- I called NVC a week later on Sep 18 and was told to wait for 8 weeks, you know the standard answer.

- I called NVC again on Sep 23, they told me they "just" received our case that morning and gave me our case #.

- Sep 25, I received an email from NVC as below:

"The NVC completed its processing of this visa petition, and recently forwarded it to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in ALGIERS ALGERIA. Please allow some time for the file to reach its destination."

By checking this web site https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?, it told us:

"Your case is in transit to the Consular Section. Your interview date was provided to you by the National Visa Center."

Confusing much right? What interview date? I didn't receive any interview date from NVC.

I have been emailed Algiers Embassy twice so far with no response but it has been only a week so I will give them some more time. My advice would be keep calling NVC until you get a case number!! Best time to call is between 11pm to 12am Eastern time.

Good luck and feel free to keep in touch to exchange our journeys.

We use Rebtel and FaceTime too!! On facetime, go to "Recents" button, it lists all the call history. Take a screenshots of them. On rebtel, you can either take a screenshots of the call history on your phone or go to rebtel web site to print history which doesn't list all the calls though. For iMessage, I would probably just pick a random screenshots with the dates on it.

Best of luck and wishes to you and your fiance!

Ok thanks guys.

No need to put your former A number anywhere, the A number becomes obsolete the day you become a citizen! I know, I am one myself and I didn't put my former A number anywhere, on anything. Couldn't even remember my old A number if I tried.....

Also I am planning to send both of my Naturalization Certificate (which has the A#) and every page of my passport. Is that overkill?

No need to put your former A number anywhere, the A number becomes obsolete the day you become a citizen! I know, I am one myself and I didn't put my former A number anywhere, on anything. Couldn't even remember my old A number if I tried.....

That's what I thought originally but then reading from older threads, some said "if you have one then you have one, then you should provide it". Now I am even more confused. Shouldn't you be a citizen to file a K1 petition? Then if A# isn't needed because you are a citizen, why would they even ask for that?