Serpent Dragon ZX

I think we have like 120 pictures or so of us spanning from December 2012 to when I just visited there in June 2014. The whole time she has been in Thailand, I only got to visit 1 time due to my work... But we have lots of pics together, and some with HER family.

Thanks Ning. Your awesome!

My wife has FINALLY been scheduled for her CR-1 Interview next month in Bangkok on October 14. I am assembling all the stuff I think she might need for the interview. I am getting mixed answers and suggestions from friends that have also gone through the process, both CR-1 and K-1. My friend with the CR-1 (wife from Korea) had their interviews in the US, so both were interviewed, and showed little proof, and passed. The 2 K-1's I know, were in Bangkok, showed moderate to a lot of proof, and passed.

I will list the stuff we are bringing, along with 3 things *** that I am hesitant or questionable.

J-1 Waiver of 2 Year Home Residency Requirement

Bank Account Statements - Shared for over a year and showing proof I help my wife with anything she needs

Insurance Policies - Auto and Life

***Pictures from early 2013, to now... Not many occasions, but we managed to get quite a few between then, and now since I visited her, had a week 'honeymoon', and then spent a week with her family. Pictures of all the gifts I sent her, and all the times I sent flowers to her. She even saved all the cards that came with them. Also have studio pictures that we had done that we wanted special for ourselves in Thai wedding attire. (We did a quick wedding here in US, and in our excitement, never took pictures. We planned on doing a full blown Thai wedding for her family in a year or 2 later). We have no pics of MY family, or my kids with her because I travel too much for work (work for navy contractor), not see them much, and the pics on my last phone were all lost! Is this going to be a problem? I understand the interview is about me and her, but I do not live with my 2 kids so I don't see them as much as I want.

Calling logs from LINE - States the times we called, and how long.

Plane tickets showing I visited, and our trip to Railey Island. Even the ticket from when we visited the temple.

***Chat logs... My wife wanted me to print it in it's entirety... Its over 500 pages... I cut it down to 1 week from every month since June 2013, and it's still 107 pages long. She recommends I leave her in the chat with her nickname, instead of using her real name. Good idea? With the stupidity that we have encountered so far, I wouldn't be surprised if they couldn't figure out she has a nickname we use most often, and might question it. Also, there is some... X-rated talk in there... I was just going to cut it out, or skip those specific dates, but my wife said to leave it, she doesn't care, not shy. She thinks maybe it shows REAL. That we talk about our feelings in all aspects... But I am quite hesitant... Now she said it is up to me. Filtering through 500 pages is not easy... I mean, do they REALLY read through the chat log at the interview...? Or copy it or anything? It's quite a bit of reading...

***Tax Statements we shared - We filed jointly last year, but every year prior to that, I claimed my ex, and our 2 kids. Mainly because I was sending her money, and helping her out because she was jobless. Even last year, me and my wife claimed jointly, and my 2 kids, AND my ex because she still didn't have a job, because she was fresh out of school/training. I'm worried they might question that...? But it was purely for tax reasons, since we pretty much supported her. We only claimed what was owed, because I always pay 100% for everything for my kids, and also give child support. Are they going to question this, or are they just looking for numbers in money? I make almost twice the amount needed for a family of 5.

Everyone tells me we have too much proof showing we are real, but we really don't want any snags, since we waited for almost 15 months!

Like I said before...

My status has always been marked as "Paid" when I sign into...

https://ceac.state.gov/IV/Login.aspx

The receipt/invoice page never changed, but that IV login page that displays the status of the IV app... It displays the current latest statuses of your case before the interview step... IV remained at "Paid", then magically, one day, the AOS went from "Paid" to "N/A"... To me, that means my case was being 'touched' in a sense... Only reason it would be changed or 'touched' was if somebody was doing something with it... And since I sent my AOS fixed papers with my IV Civil Documents, if that status changed, then no reason why the other might have also since they were together. I called, and it was confirmed. Case Completed, just didn't send me the e-mail yet. Hell, the case statuses are still at "N/A" for some reason.

I got 2 checklists. One for my civil documents (they were hell to get), and also they wanted me to re-do the AOS (I-184) because there was one spot, I simply left blank (because it said to leave blank, idiots) but they wanted me to write "N/A" on... Stupid, but I put them together, and sent as one package along with my civil documents. They received and scanned my stuff July 10. They told me I should have an answer by September 10, no matter what, even though I got the 60 day notice August 1. it's 60 CALENDAR days, or 8 weeks from receive/scan date. REPEAT, CALENDAR DAYS. I know it sounds like I am repeating myself, but it's a HUGE difference. because if it was business days like how they count everything else, it would be 12 weeks. Sucks absolute balls when they DON'T count those precious weekends that they close on. So... Without further adue...

60 DAYS

or
8 WEEKS

or
2 MONTHS

However you want to look at it. It's within that time frame.

Conclusion is, its 60 CALENDAR days from moment of them receiving the papers. Day 52... Approved, and sent to Embassy for interview. Don't worry! And by the way, the status of your fees being paid will switch from "Paid" to "N/A" on some stuff or other statuses going haywire all of a sudden, and then when that happens, CALL THEM, because there is a good chance it got approved, and passed on to the embassy for the interview... My thoughts of someone playing around with my case or even touching it, was exactly that. There is a few day delay getting the e-mail they told me when I called today. But they told me the interview date and everything. October 14. WHOO HOO!!!

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/511260-60-day-backlog/page-2#entry7221517

I made this same topic... Conclusion is, its 60 CALENDAR days from moment of them receiving the papers. Day 52... Approved, and sent to Embassy for interview. Don't worry! And by the way, the status of your fees being paid will switch from "Paid" to "N/A" on some stuff or other statuses going haywire all of a sudden, and then when that happens, CALL THEM, because there is a good chance it got approved, and passed on to the embassy for the interview... My thoughts of someone playing around with my case or even touching it, was exactly that. There is a few day delay getting the e-mail they told me when I called today. But they told me the interview date and everything. October 14. WHOO HOO!!!

#######...? That status of my AOS fee now says "N/A" instead of "Paid"... I am suspecting odd movements on my case means activity and maybe someone is on my case now? Statuses are known for going haywire when activity is happening, or something is about to happen.

That's exactly the time frame and information I was looking for to compare to! Thank you Adar1982! I almost ALWAYS get stuff approved and notified by e-mail exclusively on Fridays for some reason... So maybe I will get some good new this Friday, or next! Fingers crossed!

Well, it told me the date from when they recieved my documents, which was July 10. I got my notice about the 60 days August 1. But both times I called, they tell me I should have an answer by September 10.

That's not right... 60 days from choice of agent... Choice of agent, and I-184 is done before all that. I got the 60-day notice just for them to open up my IV documents, and 'review' them so we can get our interview date finally.... Basically, just someone to open my package and say, "Yup, it's all here... Send it to Bangkok. NEXT!"

Edit: By the way... It's been 6 weeks since July 10 when they received my documents... 2 more weeks, and it will hit their ridiculous 60 day wait, COUNTING weekends... Ugh... So irritating.

Well, for a fact, it states everything is business days on every form, It makes a difference. I have been told wrong information consistently from ALL immigration offices. Like when I argued they input her information wrong, but they insisted I am wrong, and yelled at me. Then pointed the finger at me, that maybe I made a mistake... Upon review of the forms that I submitted, they were at fault. Apparently, I was married since 1989, but my wife was born in 2013 in their eyes, even argued on the phone about it, but they were clearly too stupid to notice it. I called, 6 times... The last person spotted it right away, noticed THEY made the mistake because she checked the forms I sent. Just an example of the pure stupidity I have delt with. They sent me an e-mail, they had reviewed my forms, and made numerous typos, and apologized for the mistake... It cost me and my wife an extra 30 days because of their mistake... 30 business days to be exact... After being explained that anything means business days (I called after 30 days), not counting weekends, because they don't operate weekends. Ooorrr how they changed her name on the forms, reason because it "Just didn't seem right, and the agent thought he was correcting a mistake he assumed I maybe had made."... After review, again they apologized for their typos and inability to scrutinize paperwork correctly.

How about you put the name "I", the damn petitioner put on the damn forms that match the other forms and all identifications... Oh wait... another 30 business days. Ok, ok... I'm ranting now... Sorry. Just... The amount of stupidity we have to go through... Annoying. This has happened about 4 times... between USCIS and NVC... we are at wits end here. Just wanted to see how long others had actually taken when got the same 60 days notice... After all, I was told 2-4 weeks, then 6 weeks, now 60 days... 6 weeks just passed. Looking to see if maybe there are any other surprises ready to be sprung.

60 BUSINESS days... Another words, 60 days, NOT counting weekends. It's what they do on all other documents usually, or tell me. So 30 business days is 6 weeks. 60 business days is about 3 months... I feel like they were just rude a-holes the last 2 days. Just curious how close other people were, or how long they actually waited. If it's actually 60 days, still want to shoot myself, but still better then 3 months!

Ok, so far, I'm just looking for a general idea of what date NVC is actually on. Last I checked, they received my documents for the Visa application (DS-260) on July 10. Initially, they told me 2-4 weeks to review. I called at 4 weeks, they told me 6 weeks. Then I got a notice saying they were backlogged and there was a 60 day wait. I called at 6 weeks now for the hell of it, and I asked specifically when I should receive an answer, and 2 separate times, I was told, By September 10... 60 Days... What the hell is going on? I asked them, "3 month wait, correct?", and got yelled at that it was 60 days, not business days. Both times this happened. Extremely rude. Before I could ask any other info, they would always yell out, "NO, Sir...". Irritated the absolute hell out of me. I never got any rude people from NVC before until yesterday, and today when I called. I was simply trying to ask what dates, if any knowledge, they were currently working on, so I had SOME idea how close. Anyone here that sent NVC their documents for a CR-1, and they recieved them before July 10 get the notice that it was approved yet? Very frustrating. 2 more weeks I guess... And this last process is absolutely killing my wife... And I am being literal, she is starting to get bouts of depression, and starting to worry me. We just want this process over with... It's agonizing!

According to NVC, they were telling me NOT to submit any translation of anything. They need everything in her native language only, or as it was originally issued. As for the other info I had received, it was all just a few months old. My wife was telling me that certified copies get a stamp, that is only good for a month or something but takes like 3 days to receive. I can't remember where she said she gets it, but the place of origin for her birth certificate, will NOT issue her another unless she claims it was lost, or damaged beyond use and even if she was to get another, it takes almost a month. Kinda like how you can't have 2 copies of your driver's license... That's how she had it explained to her. I really don't see why it's so difficult, since here in the US, I can go to town hall vital records, and have 10 certified copies made for no reason.

As for what NVC told me, they want originals of everything, along with a copy also. The original gets mailed back to the address on file for the agent when the case is complete, NOT handed back during the interview. But again, I get mixed answers. Very annoying since we really want to nail down what we need to send in a few days. Getting stuff officially stamped takes a few days, and costs money... Ugh...

I just got the e-mail to pay the IV Fees for the last stages of my wife's Visa process... We have been preparing everything ahead of time, to get this done quickly. I paid it, and just waiting to have the payment clear so we fill out her Visa application and send in her civil documents. I had called NVC 2 weeks prior to ask what exactly is needed, since they did away with the whole packet 3 and 4 steps. The first time, they told me copies, and scans were absolutely fine since the original would be brought to my wife's interview, but this last time, I was told, only originals along with an extra copy will be accepted then she would need an additional copy of each to bring to her interview. Needless to say, my wife isn't exactly excited about this, since it took a month to get the Police Clearance, and she only has ONE original Birth Certificate which is as old as her and not in the greatest of shape. Still whole and intact, but slightly faded and fragile. We absolutely do NOT want to chance sending the original. She wants to keep safe in her plastic protector, in her possession. My wife said something about making copies of her police clearance and birth certificate, and getting them stamped at the embassy to prove a real copy... But when I tried to find answers about this, NVC usually declines them, but then when submitted again for a second time they accept it for some reason. Mixed answers about this. But would this be accepted over the original? After the multiple mistakes and mishaps due to both USCIS and NVC we are extremely hesitant. Thanks guys!

Got approved yesterday! Received a RFE on Valentine's Day, but responded to it in 2 weeks... I sent it in, and it got approved in about a week! So fast! They wanted to make sure our marriage was legit apparently... USCIS changes the rules after they start to process your petition, and then end up sending out RFE like it's YOUR fault your missing something, or you weren't thorough enough... Whatever. They even sent my wife's J-1 Waiver to us too. turns out they mailed it to the wrong address, and claimed they were at fault. Things couldn't be better!!!

Just got a text from them, saying they are sending a RFE. I'm not sure why, since I gave them ALL forms, and required info, and in great detail. I hit the 60 day transfer notice like 2 days ago... Coincidence? I think not. Looks like they are playing games to buy more time, and make it even more difficult for us. My wife left at the end of June, and we are both very frustrated and angry. We had our I-130 put in at the beginning of May. It's Friday night, now I have to wait till Monday before I can call anyone about this... To top it off, I'm away for 2 months for a road job... #######... This is totally not cool at all. My wife is flipping out. And I am equally angry.

Anyone know about how long it takes them to get the notice to you, or if you can even call them to see what the RFE is about? I kinda want to get a head start on this in case we have to play games mailing stuff back in forth between my wife, and myself to send them their "request". Or even how long it takes them to approve after they get their evidence? I'm really angry about this right now. Is there anyone else that had similar thing happen?

Here's some more info. Looks like USCIS does get involved, but after the I-130 is approved You should really PM that member I posted earlier.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/371501-j1-waiver-complete-timeline/

Nope. Turns out I was right, and the USCIS lady WAS a complete moron. How the USCIS words that web page about needing to fill out the I-612 form, I was right. They just are horrible at organization. Read the page VERY carefully, and it states, 5 types of ways you need a J-1 Waiver. But only says PEOPLE THAT NEED TO FILE FORM I-612 is for the persecution, and hardship, then goes on to list the other 3 types, and having to go through the Department Of State. They just happen to list the other details about the I-612 filing under it all. But it strictly states, each waiver type has it's own procedure... I had it all confirmed today. It's pretty bad when the Department Of State even tells me on the phone...

"Yeah... the lady you spoke to COULD have checked the case for you, and just simply told you if the process had been correct, which it was, but... What she did and said was completely out of place and a very stupid response. Most of the USCIS workers are quite disgruntled over nothing like the DMV... We don't even like to talk to them sometimes, but have to. (Laughs)"

It was confirmed that she was blurting out what she thought without checking. And giving out WRONG information was the wrong thing to do on her part since it was a national customer service line dedicated to servicing people that had paid their fees and filed their papers. This is right from Department Of State.

And to further confirm this, my wife's friend JUST had an interview on the 20th for her K-1 Visa. We had helped her do the same exact thing with her waiver. She filed a week after us, and in the same situation. This is another reason why I was so scared, and angry. She had her interview, they asked for her waiver, and she simply showed them just one of the Recommendations. They went, and checked, and she was clear. She gets her visa in 2 weeks. Apparently, they just ask to see proof that she had done the waiver, and they investigate it there on the spot. Since she asked for the No Objection waiver for no real reason other then wanting to go back to her fiancee, and received it... My wife, and I have BOTH recommendations from both the Thai Government - Embassy and Department Of State, then I guess we shouldn't worry like we were told a month ago, that we had a 99% chance of getting it since we were clear and had good reason to receive.

And yes, Miimo-Melon, or Moril confirmed the same thing. Department Of State, not the USCIS. She had to do the same thing. She has helped me immensely, and always answers me quickly on what to do or chat LINE messenger. I remember Karee, you introduced me to her online before. Thank you.

You have NO IDEA how much of a relief this is to my wife and myself.

Clear...

It also contradicts everything the USCIS says when you click on the link to the Department Of State. If you read the forms... It LABELS the types of reasons why you might be subject to the rule, but only indicates you actually need to file based on;

1. Exceptional hardship to the exchange visitor’s U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or child; or

2. The exchange visitor’s belief that returning to the country of his or her nationality or last residence would subject him or her to persecution on account of race, religion, or political opinion.

Even in the instructions to fill out the I-612, it says the only people that file I-612 are those of hardships, and persecution... Of course it goes on to also list the other reasons why you need a waiver, but doesn't state it is required to do so using form I-612 unless it's those 2 reasons. It simply set up wrong. They are stating if your looking to apply for a waiver based on the other 3 reasons, you handle it through the department of state. They just happen to organize the website oddly by stating the fee, and filing stuff underneath it. They should have grouped it with the other info, and then the other 3 waiver basis separate.

Just a heads up also... After having 2 friends and loved ones doing similar things, and showing them that they also needed a waiver, they decided that the lawyer that told them they didn't need a waiver was right, and maybe I didn't know what I was doing... Even when I showed them. Turned out, they went to their interviews, wanted to kill their lawyers cause they were wrong and had to start the waiver process, so don't always trust EVERYTHING a lawyer tells you. If your Visa says subject to 212 Home Residency Requirement, YOU NEED A WAIVER NO MATTER WHAT.

I'm just going to let it go. I just got a transfer notice in the mail for her I-130 today, and they even spelled her name wrong... Ugh... Really? I'm so sick of calling them based on THEIR mistakes.

They can, but it's COMPLETELY separate from the waiver process. Both have nothing to do with each other.

Not that I know of. As far as I knew, you send the 2 packates out at the beginning, and that's all you handle. USCIS is stating I am supposed to submit I-612... But even in the part where it says "WHO NEEDS TO FILE" or whatever, it's only for persecution, and hardship people. Each waiver type has a different route. No Objection goes through the Embassy. Your not even allowed to send the No Objection from the Embassy in yourself. Your not even allowed to handle any of the legal documents yourself. You can get copies of what is being transferred and the recommendations, but that's all.

Plainly, I think I can going to call this lady stupid, and disregard her answer, cause she didn't even look, and started blurting stuff out without even a mere second to think. I have been searching all day on stuff, on top of posting here, and coming up with I am right, and lady on the phone... Was a moron.