pixelpusher

To all the people that have received the news of their interview dates over the last couple of days by calling the NVC, has anyone received their official email notification yet? How long does this usually take? I thought it was sent out pretty much straight away but I've not received anything.

My situation is similar to yours although a little different.
I am also a UK citizen and travelled to the US on the VWP and got married while I was there. I then returned home and filed a CR-1 and am currently waiting it's approval. The difference with my situation is that I wasn't planning on getting married when I went to the US, it was a very unexpected but incredible romance that I'm happy to say ended in a wonderful marriage but it wasn't planned, as I presume yours is as you are already engaged. So going to the US under the VWP program and getting married is totally acceptable, its just the intent to stay in the country while on the VWP that is illegal. So you just need to prove you'll be going home again.
However having married a US citizen, each time I want to visit the US I am now faced with a similar situation to yours at customs where I have to prove I intend to return to the UK and not simply stay there. It is a very common situation that a lot of us here on VJ face when visiting our spouses and by being as prepared as possible with proof of ties to home you should be OK.
I have taken letters from my employers showing continuing employment, documents detailing my return flights, and financial commitment details such as orthodontic treament plans, outstanding bills and rental agreements etc to show I am tied to a property here. But so far I have never had to use them as at the border when asked why I am visiting usually I just say I'm on holiday and the conversation doesn't get much more complicated than that. I of course would not lie if asked who I am visiting but unless asked there's no need to offer up information you think may lead to questions about your stay.
So you should be fine. Just don't go into too much detail unless you're specifically asked. And it goes without saying not to lie. But just saying you're on holiday or visiting friends shouldn't be met with much further questioning, after all that's what most people are there for.
Good luck! And hope all goes well for you in the future!!

Thanks for your reply.
Luckily we had two certified copies of our marriage certificate so not a major loss. Phew.

I also have a question regarding supporting documents for the NVC stage.
I have read that as the beneficiary I need to send a certified copy of my marriage certificate as part of my IV package. But my wife (the petitioner) tells me I shouldn't need to do this as we already submitted it in the original I-130 package which the NVC would have received from the USCIS.
Do I need to send another copy?

Another APPROVAL here!!!
Transferred to CSC on 24/02/14, approved on 06/03/14.
Good luck to all those still waiting. Things are finally happening!
Special shout out to Blueberry as she's been a wealth of information and a pillar of support for so many here. I wish you a speedy approval. The NVC stage won't be the same until you're here with us.

Oh, thanks Blueberry. I've always been using the 'Notice Date' from my I-797C as my NOA1 which is 9th Sept. Is it my 'Priority Date' which is 5th Sept I should be using as my NOA1 then?
Also while you're adjusting my info on the spreadsheet could you change sparkiepop's info to match as she's my wife and obvioulsy our details will be the same. Our transfer date was 24/02/14 even though we only received the email today.
Thanks!!

Thanks Blueberry!
My Priority Date is 5th Sept.

Got the notification my case got transferred today!!! My NOA1 is 9th September. So happy things are finally moving!

Thank you all so much for your help!

I am currently in the process of applying for permanent residency and my I-130 is pending. Am I allowed to travel to the US to visit my wife (US Citizen) using my existing ESTA authorization and travel visa free under the VWP?
My ESTA was approved in June 2013 (before I applied for CR-1) and expires in June 2015. So does this still remain vaild while my CR-1 application is going through?

Thank you so much for your reply.
I was aware that when visiting the US with an I-130 application pending you need to show proof of intent to return to your home country, I just wasn't sure if my ESTA authorization which I obtained before the filing of the I-130 would still be valid.
I will have to start compiling my evidence that I fully intend on returning to the UK after my visit. I have read it can be quite an ordeal to satisfy the immigration officer that you do not intend on staying illegally. Would be awful to travel all that way only to get denied entry.
Good luck with your visit!