Jematt

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! I have been home for a few days now- LOOOOOVE BEING HOME with my other half:)

Thank you and CONGRATULATIONS to you, too! I bet you're super happy to be back together again!

Would you be willing to share your interview experience with us? Maybe just what kind of questions they asked and those sort of things. Also, did both of you have to go to the interview?

Jeff, only my hubby went as it was in Amsterdam and I'm in California at the moment. He actually found the whole "interview" process a bit of a joke, to be honest. I suppose it depends where you're coming from in life and which country you're processing through, though--because the interview experiences seem to vary drastically from country to country. So, there is an interview section on visa journey where people reviewed each embassy and gave detailed feedback. The feedback for our embassy was bang on accurate! He basically had a public interview, in a room where others could hear his questions and answers. (Yep--shocking!) So, they couldn't ask too many personal questions, but asked a couple--it seems like the questions they did ask are so unrelated to visa issues that it was surprising. He was in and out within 10 minutes. If you want me to tell you more, please feel free to PM. I'd rather not post any more detailed things about the questions on a public forum.

To everyone else...good luck! I hope your transfers and NOA2's come SOON!

When he picks up Visa there will be instructions on paying the fee. You will need Visa # when you pay. Here is the site you go register.

Now you have a year to pay (you would use stamp in passport as you temp green card if you went this route). But its advised since many companies like to see real green card to get job. So many pay before they POE.

http://www.uscis.gov/uscis-elis

Holla if you need help.

Thank you Dwheels! We think his visa is waiting for pickup at the post office. He will get it tomorrow. He had a notice when he got home from work tonight that it's waiting. He's not expecting anything else, so we are assuming this. Cross your fingers for us...it will be tomorrow.

He's going to make his POE to come for Easter. Excited! But, the move won't happen til May at this point. He has to give a decent amount of notice to his employer and can't make his announcement til end of March or he'll lose a big bonus. It is what it is....but, at least he can make POE. I'm assuming coming/going on his visa that's stamped in the passport won't be an issue, right?

The SS card is a hit and miss. Usually after he arrives the SS card comes in 3 to 6 weeks. Many have reported at about 3 weeks if you don't get it just go to the SS office and order it. (seems to be alot lose in the wind).

Don;t forget to pay the Visa processing fee on Elis $165. also.

Where do we pay the $165, dwheels? I don't know about Elis.

Dhwheels ... we were wondering, now that my hubby has his visa approved, the next step is that his Consulate will mail his passport with the visa stamped into it. But, what about the social security card? We did check the box saying we want one. Do you know how that is handled? Is there a thread dedicated to next steps? Thank you [/quotte

If you check that you want them to send social security card it will arrange in mail once your back in the US. My husband got his a week after entering the US.

Hi jmack! Is your hubby already here? YAY! That was fast!

Do they wait until they move here to send the card, or was it just good timing...do you happen to know?

Thank you for the quick response!

Dhwheels ... we were wondering, now that my hubby has his visa approved, the next step is that his Consulate will mail his passport with the visa stamped into it. But, what about the social security card? We did check the box saying we want one. Do you know how that is handled? Is there a thread dedicated to next steps? Thank you

Good Day,

I really have a big problem right now. I'm a September 2013 filler too. My Interview will be on Feb. 27, 2014 and of a sudden a big problem come out. My fiance been cut in his job because of company problem and now of a sudden he has no work. What will I do? I'm very very upset. I don't know what to do. please help!!!

Thank you.

Hi Kath,

If you've already submitted evidence of employment, etc. to NVC, there is a good chance that they will not ask for more evidence. What I mean to tell you is that the proof has already been submitted and the interview will probably focus on other things. I think that unless you share that information, they will not know it. I'm sure he is going to find another job asap to support you and him. In this case, unless they ask, I would not tell. Know what I mean? I don't think it's something you should bring up unless you're asked. At my husband's interview, they did not ask anything like this. But, remember, you're in another type of visa category. We're a spousal visa, you're a fiancé one. It's slightly different. But, I'd imagine the interviews must be fairly similar. Hope this helps and I am so sorry about your husband losing his job. That is scary, especially with a marriage coming soon. Just try to make it through and encourage your husband to find work ASAP (and not be too picky with his job search, for now. He can keep looking.)

CONGRATS!!! Now let the good times roll... May God continue bless you both on this blissful journey of marital life this is a Valentines gift you will never forget, Happy early Valentines day!!!!

Thank you, Bisola!!! I wish you the best of luck, too!!! Hopefully this journey won't be too long or hard on you both! It is indeed a HUGE Valentine's Day gift for us. A big, huge, wonderful blessing! So many prayers have been answered today. I really have to say, to God the glory on this one!!!! Happy Valentine's Day to you both, too!!!

Great to hear. Congratulations. wooo whoooo!!

Thank you!!! It's sinking in...slowly. Now we can actually make plans, which is a whole new place to be in. Very excited!

Just wanted to share with you guys that we got our APPROVAL today!!! My hubby will have his visa in 5-10 business days.

So excited...and thanks for all of the support and help! I will, of course, continue to check in here....

Blueberry, you've been AWESOME!!!! Thank you, especially!!!!

Just wanted to tell you all that we got CASE APPROVED today!!! He will be receiving the visa in 5-10 business days!

Thank you all for the tremendous support and help you've provided along the way...to this horribly long, hard process!

Can NOT wait to have my husband home!!!!!!!

Hi everyone,

A few weeks back I told you all about how my husband had written to his Senator's, copying the New York Times. Well, after both of us being interviewed Julia Preston, the NYT Immigration Journalist has written a fantastic article highlighting our - and yours - plight. It is to appear in Sunday's NYT, 9th February. It is also online. Pass this to all your friends and family and hopefully all our NOA2's won't be too long.

Here is the link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/09/us/program-benefiting-some-immigrants-extends-visa-wait-for-others.html?ref=us

It's a GREAT article! Kudos to you guys for being willing to be featured! I also think it makes a lot of great points about how unfairly spousal visas are being handled by being put behind the line for these visas to help people who did things illegally. I don't mind them getting a break, but, they should have to wait in line while the legal eagles are getting first crack at priority processing! (Sorry if that sounds mean, but it's just simple logic to me.) Either way, good luck with your visas getting processed quickly!

The video of you both is so reminiscent of what we go through... dog(s) on my lap, sadness, choppy connection and all!

Thank you for being a part of that article

Same here! It it so sad to watch and relate...

The operator says that but if you look online, that March date hasnt been updated since like November I think..they should be updating it soon and it will most likely say June/july apps ... also, vj august members have been getting transferred and approved..so we should be next!

Hoping that they really are moving! It has been long enough for everyone to wait!!!!

Quick update... our interview is finally scheduled for Thursday, 2/13. He had his medical last week. Don't know if I updated you that they rudely rescheduled his interview by mail...no call, not a personal note, just a printout, underlined "RESCHEDULED" in red--no question about if there's a preferred date. Totally impersonal. It really upset me. So, we have the date before Valentine's Day...so, we're hoping all goes well. On a positive note, his medical was a really positive experience. I know we've read that some people have awful experiences...and it may depend on where you're at...but, his experience was fabulous. Nice doctor. Very polite. Conducted the exam, blood work, and x-rays, with a very personable, friendly disposition. Can't ask for more than that...except perhaps that it didn't cost so much! (Like everything in this process, eh?)

Good luck everyone! I can't wait to see NOA2's being posted here in the next few weeks!!!!

i have googled and i didnt find anything soild that i can try applying tourist visa or it will not effect my application. Can you help me find some correct information and make correct decision in applying tourist visa for my wife.

Salram, you should consult with an immigration lawyer if you want to get information to make the most sound decision. I'd err on the side of caution, despite what you may read on here. Remember, there are a lot of opinions on this site...and unless you truly get the advice of a professional, you're taking a gamble. Reading your skepticism, I don't think you want to gamble with this. Sorry, not an answer. I think you should ask an immigration attorney to be best advised. No point in making a mistake with such an important thing as your wife's visa... Good luck.

If it helps you to know, my husband has been able to travel back and forth with no trouble, but he is from a country with a Visa Waiver Program. But, it looks like your wife is traveling from India and as far as I know, India is not on the visa waiver program. My friends from countries without the VWP have chosen NOT to take any risk. My husband's travels have not affected us. But, on the chance that your wife's tourist visa application is denied and you wind up in Administrative Processing (AP,) a denied tourist visa would not necessarily "look good," either. Keep that in your considerations. Anyway...that's just an opinion/food for thought. I would still advise you to consult an attorney if you want to go for it.

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November cases waiting on interview:

NAME ...............COMPLETE....RECEIVED....INTERVIEW...VISA TYPE....EMBASSY

jematt..............12/31/13....01/09/14....02/06/14....IR-1/CR-1....Netherlands

dhwheels, haven't been here for a couple of weeks...just too bummed about this. The consulate pushed our interview back one week to 2/13/14. Just letting you know so you can update this list. No explanation about why..they just sent a form letter to my hubby's home address. So, he had his medical also rescheduled by the embassy. (So inconvenient and without thought to his schedule that he rearranged for all of this.) So, the medical is this week. Interview next week. Wish us luck!

Do you happen to know what we should expect next? I'm assuming everything will go well at the interview/medical. Do they make you wait before you get the actual visa? Just trying to figure out when I can actually expect my hubby home. I realize it's only one week longer...but that's one week too much longer.

I am so sorry you have to go through this, but I'm glad you have us to vent to and get support from. I can only imagine the struggles you've been going through, but is there no way to visit your wife or take time off work to be there for her when the baby is born? Do you have paternal leave you can take meanwhile this whole process is still going on? Maybe try talking to your employer about your issues right now, because they can't help you if they don't know your situation. It's better to ask than not try.

....

I hope that this helps you and anyone else struggling. I didn't just get to this way of thinking rapidly .. it's taken me years to figure out a way to deal that worked for me.

k.dlg, that's a really nice reply you sent to r06106...just wanted to tell you so. You obviously spent a good deal of time and thought in your response, which was really nice. And, I think you offer some very good suggestions/advice.

Pretty disappointed today. Our interview was rescheduled. Only one week later, but, with no explanation/apology, after my hubby arranged the day off work and everything. Now he has to call and may have to reschedule his medical (which was supposed to be last week.) Just a really rude and bad way to handle people. The letter was mailed, not even a signature or personal touch to it--typed, with the word RESCHEDULED underlined in red pen. Very disappointed in the USCIS for the way they're treating people with such disregard. Hopefully he'll still get approval. Just sharing/venting and disappointed about it. (It would have been easier to not have had it scheduled and having it a week later. Now, it just adds to the time til I see hubby again...) Has anyone else heard of this being done? It just seems to unprofessional and impersonal.

Congrats to VN12 on your approval today! Hopefully we will follow your footsteps here in a few weeks.

I had an interview this past week with them. Sounds like they're working on compiling a bunch of stories.

Kaylara, just saw you're also processing through Amsterdam. We're happy so far with how fast they've processed the case once NVC completed it. The longest part is getting through NVC. It was 2.5 months for us (we had one checklist.) Once you get approved, though, the Amsterdam consulate is really fast--like 3-5 business days later, they schedule your interview for the following month. Hubby got his medical appointment within 3 weeks. Good luck! So far, we're really pleased with how fast they're working. The checklists that they send you on their end will probably be all complete if you get through NVC with everything submitted as requested, by the way. Good luck!

Not sure.. you might be

My friend is from Everett, WA!

Welcome to the September thread. Right now we are waiting for USCIS to finish transferring July filers, then August.. and then September!

Hopefully some time in February.. Hopefully.

Hoping, hoping, hoping for you, Blueberry!!! Bring on a February NOA2!!!!!

Hi everyone, just checking in since it's been a while. So news is that we're being transferred? I'm assuming that Overland Park was just a storage unit for the time being or a placeholder?

Hubby visited over the holidays and left on Sunday. It was a tough goodbye, but he should be back in March to visit with his father as well (his 2nd time in the states).

I send a letter to my senator yesterday along with signed privacy release forms pertaining to investigating our I-130 case, and supporting documentation showing that if the current processing trends continue, that it may two years since we originally filed with USCIS when our case will be completed (I was part of the I-129F hell when it was really backlogged - and now they're speedy ... GRR). I was very polite, yet stern in stating how USCIS is unreliable when it comes to processing times because of their inconsisties and fluctuations. Fingers crossed that I'll actually get a response. If not, well, it won't change anything and I'm back to where I was. Tomorrow will mark one year since I filed with USCIS.

Hope all of you had good holidays and/or some time off. Looking forward to actually seeing some news come from our group!

I'm glad you contacted your Senator! I really do think it helps. Good luck, k.dlg!

Thank you for the good luck wishes everyone. My iPhone does not allow me to do multi-quotes so i can't thank everyone one by one! So thanking everyone for the love and concern here all at the same time.

And good news, I was on a call with the Immigrant Unit at the Embassy just a few min ago due to the status change on the CEAC website this morning from "Admin Processing" to "Ready." It got me worried---only to find out the Consul approved my visa! To be released by tuesday or wednesday next week and sent to me via our local courier! Yehey! I am sooooo happy I can kiss you all!!!! Hahahaha! Not so bad with my 221g--took only a few days--not the 3 weeks I was expecting. Whew! I can breathe now!

Now my turn to share all the overflowing positive energy there is to share to all of you in this thread and all good VJ members! (((((Resonating!))))) Good luck!!! May all odds be forever in your favor! Wink wink!

CONGRATS! Great news to hear!!!

My wife and stepson were approved at their Embassy interview. The interview literally lasted five minutes. My wife was only asked 4 questions and my stepson was not asked a single question. Considering the 9 month wait, the interview felt surreal and anticlimactic.

We picked up their passports two days later and the Immigrant Visas are inside.

I’d like to express my sincere hope for those still waiting, that the process speeds up and their families are reunited.

I would also like to thank all the individuals on this forum who helped us get through this process.

Congratulations!!! I've heard that before, about the interview. Hopefully that will be the case for my hubby's interview, too. Good luck as you move ahead!

called NVC today and they said they received our petition today, woohoo. They said call in 10-20 days for them to assign a case number. We're in no rush, Im just curious if it really takes them 20 days to assign a number after receiving it?

Unfortunately, they've been quite slow lately and you may indeed be waiting 20 days...and that means business days. But, I think most people get a number in about 3-4 weeks (unless they've slowed down since we got ours...) Good luck!

An exciting morning in our house today. The New York Times interviewed my husband this morning and they are going to be calling me tomorrow to speak with me. I will let you all know when the article is in the NYT.

Awesome! I look forward to the article. Great job to the two of you for speaking out and getting some attention on this matter!

Hope it's ok to post this here versus a separate thread

Would it be advisable or INadvisable to include assets on an i864 where income might be perceived as not 'ongoing'?

The reason is, my income is self employed. I live and have earned it abroad BUT, it will easily continue after we move back to the US. I plan to include a letter that states this, along with a letter from my accountant.

However, I had the thought I provide, in addition, the asset section to list my husband's assets (which cover the assets requirements plus some).

Would including both on the form, given the somewhat unusual nature of my income, be confusing, or helpful? My understanding is sometimes the officers are easily derailed by i864s that aren't totally 'cut and dry'. And the form is clear: only include the assets IF you can't make income. I content I CAN make income, but an officer may see that differently. Would I be creating a problem for myself by including those assets, too?

Thank you

Savage, I think you should attach explanation--I believe it even asks for that, if there is something unusual. However, they may send you additional checklists--so be prepared for that. But, I am not an expert--this is just my opinion. I met the requirements with my standard income and also included additional revenues, but, attached explanation and also statements and copies of checks to prove it, along with the associated bank statements of deposit. As long as you are thorough and show the whole picture, along with clear explanations, I think these people at NVC are reasonable. Good luck!

Congrats JennMatt on finding out your interview date! Looks like everything is coming together now

Thank you, kmg...it is, finally! Thank God! Happy New Year!

Well congratulations agoan. So exciting. Think this time next month you are done hubby coming home. wooo whooo. I have tears. I just love all this.

I feel like the Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol but this is so much more fun.

Thank you dwheels! I am so so excited to have hubby coming home!!! It's such amazing news! I agree...it's like winning the lotto, but better! I get the love of my life home!!!

Updating list now with yesterdays interviews and looking through VJ for more. So no updating please.

Thanks for updating me.

Congratulations. Now I would call NVC monday and ask when did you package leave. and than you can track if you want.

I think we're going to just wait now. Hubby got his medical for 1/30, so it will be a week before. Very excited. We turned in everything already so all he really needs to bring is his letter that they sent. Amsterdam's Consulate is very fast and thorough at this point. Just hoping all will go well for the interview. :-)