Rani&Raja

Updating y'all. Got my hard copy in the mail today. We were transferred from NBC (Lee's Summit) to California Service Center.

Now, I have a question, perhaps one of you lovely folks could answer it, because when I called the USCIS information line they were of ZERO help.

When I initially filed my petition, my last name was still my maiden name. After I filed, I then changed my last name to that of my husbands. I got my name updated on passport, state i.d., and ssc. When I received all my updated identification, I called USCIS and told them that my surname had changed since I applied. They told me to send in a letter explaining the name change and then send in copies of my new i.d. and passport. I did that and called back a wk after I sent that to see if they had received and updated my petition with new name. They were unable to answer me. When I got the letter today it came in maiden name and so the answer is no, they have not yet updated it. Here is my question. Have any of you ladies changed your surname after you filed and if so how did you inform them? Do any of you think that perhaps they forwarded my envelope containing updated surname along with my petition to California?

The last email appears to be generated when your case is either signed into the new facility, or assigned to an adjudicator. (Their lack of transparency makes it unclear which is the case.) Why we're getting 3 emails? Governmental inefficiency? Aliens? Magic? No one knows.

Lol! Hahaha! Pretty funny! Thanks dear!

Hi everyone. Just received second email.

Can someone be so kind as to tell me why

we get 3 emails that say the same thing?

Got first email last evening. Second email

today. Why did the first say, On Dec. 16 we

transferred your case and the email from

today says on Dec. 17 we transferred your

case? Anyways, thank God there finally is

movement!

Woo hoo!!! \o/

Was at NBC and FINALLY got my email 30 minutes ago! Applied May 28th and just received notification that they have transferred my petition to another office! Finally movement!

Hello,

I also am a May filer and my petition was also sent to Overland Park (I mailed petition to Chicago Lockbox). Also married in Mumbai back in Feb. I received NOA1 May 31. I haven't heard a thing since.

Overland Park is a fairly new facility and as far as many of us know, isn't quite yet fully functioning. Do to it being so new they haven't yet got the information on the USCIS website. I think that is so rude and that they should put some info on the website! If you haven't been informed by USCIS that your petition has been forwarded then you can be sure it's at Overland Park. You can't find Overland Park in the drop down box because they have neveer processed I-130's there as it is a new facility and was supposed to have only started processing I-130's at the end of Sept. Although, we are not sure if they have really started.So, yes, your petition is at Overland Park and if it's sent somewhere else then they will inform you. Drop down box is useless for us folks at Overland Park. You don't need to send any additional document unless or until informed to do so by the them. All you can do is wait, brother.

Hey guys, I've been checking this board since June... can't believe it'll be almost 5 months since I've received my NOA-1 (May 15). Someone, please take a look at my timeline (and below synopsis) since I'm a newbie because I kinda need a little clarification... any help is much appreciated!

So, basically I'm a USC (since May 2012), residing near Houston, TX and got remarried in April 2013 overseas (Mumbai, India), then filed i-130 (ir-1?) for her while she is still there.

Here's some of my confusion, I've been reading alot about where did the NOA-1 came from (my case its from Overland Park, KS but I remember mailing completed i-130 to AZ lockbox) but when I check status on the receipt number on this NOA-1 online, it gives me additional option to check from those 3-dropdowns (please see screenshot attached below); where it says i-130 for USC spouse is only processed at Vermont?

1. All I want to find out is, whether this case is at Vermont Service Center or Overland Park or elsewhere?
2. Am I okay to anticipate any feedback or hopefully approval like lucky few (here)?
3. And do I need to basically just wait for NOA-2 (as far as I know, like others) or have to submit any other form(s) / procedure(s) prior to NOA-2?
4. Also, please advise if I've goofed-up my timeline and need to make any corrections?

Again, any help is much appreciated!

Good luck to all,

Cheers!

Does anyone have any idea If changing ur last name to husband's speeds up the process or slows it down further? Logically speaking they should need less proof of the marriage being genuine since the name is changed right?

It doesn't make any bit of difference as many married women these days are not taking their husbands name.

Called USCIS yesterday to ask a simple question, "have they received my Info Change?"

When I initially sent in the I-130 my last name hadn't been yet legally changed to husbands.

Since sending petition in May I have changed my name. I called them to ask how I go about

updating them with the name change. Was told to send a letter with copies of supporting docs.

Did that a couple weeks ago. Just wanted to call and check on that and they knew absolutely nothing.

What the heck do they know?? I'm overwhelmed and frustrated as ever!! I am trying to be optimistic

in regards to Overland Park, but honestly, this sucks. No one seems to know a thing and the customer service reps

or someone could at least update USCIS website with updated info regarding Overland Park. But no, just leave us hanging in the dark.

I would feel a bit better if they would at least update us! Is that too much to ask or expect?

April filers mentioned that the NBC may be affected by a government shutdown. Have any May filers gotten in contact with the NBC to confirm whether or not they will be affected?

Link: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/424498-april-2013-i-130-filers/page-70

Simeon, I have heard no such thing, until reading your post!

Initial thought was, 'NBC hasn't even begun functioning how could there be a 'shutdown?' It's already 'shutdown!'

I don't know how true that is, however, I have googled and come across a recent article posted 5 days ago. Here's the link for inquiring minds.

http://www.laborimmigration.com/2013/09/government-shutdown-and-immigration-how-will-it-affect-me-september-2013-edition/

I am honestly and thoroughly excited for you!!!!

This is a wonderful story!!!! Yay yay yay!!

Congrats to you both!! When is he coming 'home?'

I understand that what happened in Ecuador isn't going to be the same case with every case. I guess I was just making mention of those because they seem to be miraculous! Also, I am familiar with how the Embassy works in Mumbai! IT IS SO SAD! My husband has dealt with them a couple times before. They actually let you know ahead of time that basically because you're Indian they will treat you as if you're trying to illegally come and stay here. They don't even bother looking at his proofs and documents! Grrr!!!! Well, I am sure it will go better this time around as he won't be applying for visitor visa.

When I initially sent my I-130 my last name was not yet changed to my husbands last name. Since sending I have taken my husbands last name.

I called them and asked them what I should to update them. The lady said to send a letter and copies of documents evidencing my name change to the service center where my case was still pending in initial review! :/ Not sure if this was at all helpful to you. Maybe you ought to just call them

I would also suggest that if you bought an engagement ring, perhaps send a copy of the receipt.

why not study the timelines at your portal ?

click 'portals' above,

then once that page loads,

click the visa type in the left panel.

Once the timeline page loads, pick a sort carat , click on it.

I like clicking on interview date sort carat, that gives me some idea of who was approved recently, and how long their process took.

Best done on a PC, though.

Ok. Thanks will do that now!

That would be a great phone call.

Why? You'd be wasting your time, and I'm a big fan of doing things to waste time with SERCO contractors, those fellas that answer the phone at USCIS.

LOL! That's how I feel in regards to calling them! WASTE OF TIME! However, I have never been through this before and don't know what to expect... Just want to go back to India. Think perhaps I will try to stick it out until NOA2 and send my documents then go back... Just not sure.

Thanks guys!!!!

Wondering if I should even call uscis and asking them or if I should go back to Mumbai.... So confusing.

personally, going to be with your spouse is a good idea, but... if you have the patience.. I would give it 6-8 weeks and see what happens when the division 8 comes online at the end of this month.. I am confident you will see an immediate downward trend for approval times

Thanks guys!!!!

as long as all the spaces are filled with patience then you are good

Yes, patience is the key! I think it would be great if the Overland Pk. would at least give us an update.

That would be appreciated greatly!!!! They sure cash our checks/money orders in a very speedily and timely fashion!

totally agree with you.. but it might be more like 4-6 weeks until we see a large amount of approvals.

may filers are probably in the sweet spot

Yeah, I think so too. Hahaha 'sweet spot'

All I know is that even though all the info

is not at all encouraging, I have that

thing deep inside that says, 'SOON!'

I have learned to trust my instinct!

Hello May filers, I haven't any exciting news either!

Just have noticed that on the USCIS website in

the section for processing times, the National Average has changed from

abolut 8.4 months to 16.6 months! At first I was aghast, however,

I don't belive for a second that this will be the case. They supposedly

update the website at the middle of every month, and I believe they

just update it according to the pace they are currently getting this done.

Of course, this is subject to change and I believe it will. I have a strong sense

that once Overland Pk. is fully functional, they will start getting these done

at such a fast pace!! They just might be working on these now. You never know,

with in the next week or 2 we just might start seeing rapid movement in this area.

May filers, I know it sucks and it is discouraging, but I believe soon and very soon

us May filers are gonna be in the 'spotlight!' Wishing you all well!!

I have a friend who has three friends, including me, who have married foreigners oversea's all in this last year. One gals husband is Ethiopian, she met him and dated him while working as a missionary in Adis Ababa, Ethiopia. Their whole deal took less than a year! I don't know the exact specifics of their situation, but I know her husband was here less than a year later. Another friend of my friend, met an Ecuadorian guy online, they had their online romance for sometime then she went there and met him and MARRIED him during their first meeting in Ecuador!! When she came back to the States, she sent in an I-130 petition, not having nearly as much supporting evidence as I, however sufficient enough. She also didn't have a job here nor there. About 3 months later it went on from initial review and she sent the next wave of documents, went back to Ecuador to visit her husband. She sent in her petition in October-November of 2012 and he was granted entry this past July. Their whole process of getting him here took just about 8 months from start to finish, even without her working and their very hasty marriage. That is amazing and when I heard these stories from my friend, I was greatly encouraged. However, not so encouraged anymore. I am a newly wed and was with my husband less than 2 months before returning to the States. Wondering if I can/should just go back to Mumbai and be with my husband while we continue this waiting game??? That is honestly what I would prefer to do but I don't know if that would cause problems with our case. Only pending now in Initial Review. I understand they have a huge overload, being patient as I can be, but being with my husband and waiting India would be my dream come true at this point. At least we could be together! Any thoughts or advice??

I couldn't help but read when I saw it! Husband and I went to Dubai for our honeymoon and I fell in love with that city! AMAZING!!!!!!!

I have no advice regarding your situation, however upon reading it, my heart felt sad for your situation. Just wanted to send a prayer your way that you will find a new job quickly! I believe that when man closes a door on us God will surely open another that only HE can close. So, I pray that a new job comes for you quickly, with even better benefits and pay, in Jesus name! God bless and hope it all goes well for you and the wife!! How exciting, you're almost there!!!

if you call uscis they quote 8-12 months now

new facility will improve that quickly I hope

Perhaps I wll build my timeline. I did look at it earlier and I was greatly overwhelmed by it!

8-12 months is entirely too long! Even 6 months is!! I was married only 6wks or so before I had to depart from my husband!!!

I also hope that Overland Pk. will start to pick up the pace soon!!

Congratulations on getting married... And that photo of you and your husband is absolutely stunning.

(To answer your question, send in copies of your new SS card and drivers license shoeing your new last name.)

Thanks so much!! The wedding in India was quite the experience as I am Native American and Puerto Rican! Thanks for the advice. Making copies tomorrow and sending them in. Will probably call angain to make sure to send to Overland Pk. or not.

I would call uscis to confirm it should go to overland park

it definitely should not go to Vermont

regarding any of your other questions.. they are discussed all the time in the 130 forums.. take the next few days for some reading and ye shall find the answers.

Thanks Stevie. I will def read through I-130 forums!