Texasav8r

Congrats on all the new approvals.
Congrats to all future approvals for transfers too. This thread is now as depressing as reading CSC threads were the past few months so I won't be around for a while.
It has been 9 months since I saw my fiance and this is like sitting in a high pressure zone, praying for rain and watching it all go around me. Painful.
Happy for all of you though...best wishes!!

Merci. i hope all of us are spending Christmas with our loved ones.....ALL of us

Merci. i hope all of us are spending Christmas with our loved ones.....ALL of us

FTR, I saw nothing that could possibly be construed as negative, unless posts were removed before I had a chance to read them.
Please understand how lucky you were and that people are happy for you. Also understand that there are folks who have been waiting far longer than you and are a bit confused as to how TSC is conducting business. It is not personal.
Good luck on the rest of your journey.

Lol..that's cool. Congrats!!

That's great...good luck!!

It's called a troll. There are a few on here and he/she probably has no clue what a K-1 is to begin with. Many people get their jollies coming in to a thread and trying to cause trouble. Jerks all over the world..don't worry about them.

One common question I see raised here is regarding the logic behind transfers and why some in the same timeframe were not transferred. Here is my thought on that topic:
I have a weekly staff meeting that involves 12 fellow engineers. We go over the status of all our projects (10 - 20 per engineer depending on scope) and determine whether there are any that may be in jeopardy of being completed and estimate the balance of workload. If one engineer is going on vacation or has too many in his queue, then the workload is redistributed. Now, with that said, here is what I think happened at TSC:
- After receiving hundreds of congressional inquiries, thousands of angry letters and thousands of phone calls, they FINALLY got off their butts and decided to do something. I am guessing they had an all hands meeting within the department responsible for adjudicating K-1 I-129f's and polled the workload. Let's say there are 100 adjudicators and each of them has a minimum of 80 petitions on their desk (Dec - Aug filers) but 30 of them had a minimum of 120 petitions for various reasons. The decision has already been made by management to transfer, to CSC, a number of petitions that would balance the workload among all the adjudicators and place them back on a level playing field. So, the department head made a decision to transfer only April and May petitons as it seemed most fair to those that made the decision. They then asked the 30 adjudicators with 120 petitions to pull all of their April and May files and send them on their merry way to CSC. Assuming all the extras were May and April, that would be 1200 petitions and would also explain why everyone was not transferred. The ones that were not, were sitting on the desks of the 70 adjudicators that had a fair load to begin with.
Those numbers are probably a bit low when you consider we make up about 5 - 10% of the total number of filers. Of course, all of the extra 40 petitons per 30 adjudicators would not all be April and May files so there is plenty of fudge room.
We can only speculate of course, but based on what I see every week in my own working life, that seems like a fairly feasable scenario. We can also second guess their logic behind what is fair or not based on what we see coming from CSC. Are all transfers going to see approvals in the next 2 weeks? No. Will many see approvals in the next 3 - 6 weeks? Pretty good chance. Is it fair to January - March filers (and left over Nov & Dec)? Again, we can debate that. Right now we are seeing many Feb and March approvals and have seen one transferred May (I think he was May) filer approved.
As each day goes by, we will have a better idea of what's going on and can make a better estimate of the time we will all (most all) be waiting.
Good luck to all and I am truly happy for all those who will see quicker approvals as a result of the transfer (those who were and weren't)

One common question I see raised here is regarding the logic behind transfers and why some in the same timeframe were not transferred. Here is my thought on that topic:
I have a weekly staff meeting that involves 12 fellow engineers. We go over the status of all our projects (10 - 20 per engineer depending on scope) and determine whether there are any that may be in jeopardy of being completed and estimate the balance of workload. If one engineer is going on vacation or has too many in his queue, then the workload is redistributed. Now, with that said, here is what I think happened at TSC:
- After receiving hundreds of congressional inquiries, thousands of angry letters and thousands of phone calls, they FINALLY got off their butts and decided to do something. I am guessing they had an all hands meeting within the department responsible for adjudicating K-1 I-129f's and polled the workload. Let's say there are 100 adjudicators and each of them has a minimum of 80 petitions on their desk (Dec - Aug filers) but 30 of them had a minimum of 120 petitions for various reasons. The decision has already been made by management to transfer, to CSC, a number of petitions that would balance the workload among all the adjudicators and place them back on a level playing field. So, the department head made a decision to transfer only April and May petitons as it seemed most fair to those that made the decision. They then asked the 30 adjudicators with 120 petitions to pull all of their April and May files and send them on their merry way to CSC. Assuming all the extras were May and April, that would be 1200 petitions and would also explain why everyone was not transferred. The ones that were not, were sitting on the desks of the 70 adjudicators that had a fair load to begin with.
Those numbers are probably a bit low when you consider we make up about 5 - 10% of the total number of filers. Of course, all of the extra 40 petitons per 30 adjudicators would not all be April and May files so there is plenty of fudge room.
We can only speculate of course, but based on what I see every week in my own working life, that seems like a fairly feasable scenario. We can also second guess their logic behind what is fair or not based on what we see coming from CSC. Are all transfers going to see approvals in the next 2 weeks? No. Will many see approvals in the next 3 - 6 weeks? Pretty good chance. Is it fair to January - March filers (and left over Nov & Dec)? Again, we can debate that. Right now we are seeing many Feb and March approvals and have seen one transferred May (I think he was May) filer approved.
As each day goes by, we will have a better idea of what's going on and can make a better estimate of the time we will all (most all) be waiting.
Good luck to all and I am truly happy for all those who will see quicker approvals as a result of the transfer (those who were and weren't)

Ok, here is the latest:
Total VJ transfers from TSC - 91
Confirmed Transfers to CSC - 46
Transfer to VSC - 1
April Transfers - 46
May Transfers - 45
- The only two dates I have seen regarding transfer notices (initial) are 8/8/2014 and 8/11/2014
- The confirmation hard copies indicating transfer to CSC were received between 8/13 and 8/19
- There has already been one approval after transfer and that came 4 days after confirmation notice.
Again, sorry for the delay. This represents data as of 23.30 on 8/20 and only what was posted in this thread and a couple that I spotted in other threads.

I think you were nice to wish her a better rest of her day They probably don't hear that very often.
Here is what I think about the notices. I would imagine you have several adjudicators that have the same guidelines (as a general rule) to follow while performing their duties at TSC (heck, anywhere for that matter) and many of them follow them to a T and others not so much. I would guess that at some point in their training, they were told "we normally send out notifications for this and that but it isn't mandatory" so many do not follow the guidelines the way they should. We see examples of this regarding the Philippine expedites, inconsistent NOA2 dates, etc. It could boil down to plain laziness on their part for not wanting to enter the data into the system for the notices or they just don't have time to do it. Some may even think to themselves "They will find out eventually". I know it may sound harsh to us and it builds stress in our lives, but to them, it is just a job and they do the same thing every day, several times over. Different people do their jobs different ways and there are many reasons why.
I would even go as far as to say that there are probably a few people that were transferred and don't even know it. You, and others may never see a hard copy of the transfer....some never receive NOA1 hard copies. As long as you have been notified of a transfer via email and/or text, you are fine. I would just wait for NOA2 and hope that it will arrive sooner than it would have originally. That is a nice positive to keep in your mind. On to the next step .
One other thing to keep in mind about calling a large service center. These people field hundreds, if not thousands, of calls every day from angry people. They get beat up pretty bad by most and are treated decent by a handful. After months or years of this, they become numb to the reasons behind the calls and just want to be done with them. It becomes difficult not to take things personally with all the anger directed at them for something they have no control over so it eventually gets reflected back on the callers. It always helps to understand people when we look at it from both sides of the coin even when it is as difficult as waiting for our loved ones to arrive.
Bottom line, I wouldn't worry about not receiving a hard copy for a transfer. It isn't anything you need for the next step of the process and it won't have any bearing on a decision. Just smile every time you think about a faster approval

I think you were nice to wish her a better rest of her day They probably don't hear that very often.
Here is what I think about the notices. I would imagine you have several adjudicators that have the same guidelines (as a general rule) to follow while performing their duties at TSC (heck, anywhere for that matter) and many of them follow them to a T and others not so much. I would guess that at some point in their training, they were told "we normally send out notifications for this and that but it isn't mandatory" so many do not follow the guidelines the way they should. We see examples of this regarding the Philippine expedites, inconsistent NOA2 dates, etc. It could boil down to plain laziness on their part for not wanting to enter the data into the system for the notices or they just don't have time to do it. Some may even think to themselves "They will find out eventually". I know it may sound harsh to us and it builds stress in our lives, but to them, it is just a job and they do the same thing every day, several times over. Different people do their jobs different ways and there are many reasons why.
I would even go as far as to say that there are probably a few people that were transferred and don't even know it. You, and others may never see a hard copy of the transfer....some never receive NOA1 hard copies. As long as you have been notified of a transfer via email and/or text, you are fine. I would just wait for NOA2 and hope that it will arrive sooner than it would have originally. That is a nice positive to keep in your mind. On to the next step .
One other thing to keep in mind about calling a large service center. These people field hundreds, if not thousands, of calls every day from angry people. They get beat up pretty bad by most and are treated decent by a handful. After months or years of this, they become numb to the reasons behind the calls and just want to be done with them. It becomes difficult not to take things personally with all the anger directed at them for something they have no control over so it eventually gets reflected back on the callers. It always helps to understand people when we look at it from both sides of the coin even when it is as difficult as waiting for our loved ones to arrive.
Bottom line, I wouldn't worry about not receiving a hard copy for a transfer. It isn't anything you need for the next step of the process and it won't have any bearing on a decision. Just smile every time you think about a faster approval

Human? I thought we were Martians. I read it in a book somewhere . Seriously though, the feeling is mutual my friend and it is sad that we find ourselves getting used to certain situations in life...but I guess it is just that...life.

I hope you are right and I am wrong . It would indeed be nice for there to be consistency at the centers for the very reasons you stated. It would certainly help identify issues long before they become problematic or stressful for people who are waiting. I know I will be like you in the sense I will feel bad for those still waiting after I am approved. I also want to make sure it is understood that I am not at all upset with seeing later March filers approved before me. I don't roll that way. I was merely pointing that out as a reference in my response. I completely understand it is a matter of who got what files at the center and how they work them. Life is too short to get upset about those things. I am truly happy with all normal filers and warranted expedites at TSC that get approved..regardless of when.

Yes

I think everyone is reading "Local" too literally. If there are only 2 offices that process I-129f's and you are being sent away from one, then the only other local office is CSC (probably). Little field offices are not staffed or trained for these matters so it would not make sense to send them there. The government loves to send multiple messages saying the same thing. How many of you have ever dealt with the IRS or Unemployment Office? Same thing. The government wastes more paper than any organization on the planet.
I am sure they mean the same thing. Like I said...they love status messages. I am surprised they don't send you one stating your petition just moved from the office to the mail room. Then another notifying you that it has been loaded on a truck. Then another to say it was shipped. See where I am going with this?
Relax. It is a different message telling you the same thing. Expect another notice in a few days stating it has been received at CSC and a new number has been assigned.
Edit. I just saw what SaraandGavin wrote...that is what I am trying to say.
Do I hear wine corks popping? I sure hope so.

Well, please don't forget about us January, February and March filers. We have been waiting a little longer
It does mean you will have a shorter wait but they will get to you when done with us. Unless they forget about us

Your petition wasn't transferred. It was routed to CSC from the lock box as it should have been due to the fact you live in Washington.
When you get a chance, would you please correct your timeline to reflect the CSC and answer NO to Transferred? The timelines get screwed up by data that isn't accurate. Thanks in advance and good luck.
P.S. CSC is starting to slow down and TSC is picking up momentum...the switch in processing times is common over the years.

It's all relative isn't it? Speedy to a TSC filer is anything under 5 months and if these folks get a 4 to 5 month approval as a result of the transfer rather than waiting the original expected 5.5 to 7 months then that would be speedy (er)...
I think the days of 3 week approvals at CSC are long gone but 60-90 days is still great compared to what TSC has been going through. It will balance out for a while until it tips to the other side then transfers will happen the other way...ugh.

Well, please don't forget about us January, February and March filers. We have been waiting a little longer
It does mean you will have a shorter wait but they will get to you when done with us. Unless they forget about us

That would make the most sense. The ones already at CSC have not been there very long (June - August) or waiting as long as April and May filers from TSC. Granted there are some that have been waiting longer there but that is unusual and there are probably issues with their petitions. I don't think they would transfer a bunch of petitions to CSC and place you behind people that filed in August...do you?
It makes sense to put you guys in front of their June filers because they are supposed to process in order received right? The processing times need to drastically be reduced at TSC and this is one way to help out with that and provide balance. This will also mean that CSC will see a slowdown in their times but it is only fair that everyone in this journey should have equal treatment.
I personally feel (and I mentioned this a long time ago) they should have transferred the rest of 2013 TSC and all Jan and Feb TSC petitions to CSC and handle them first as they were waiting longer than anyone and allow TSC to start fresh on March. This is progress either way.
Bottom line, this will allow equal treatment of all filers and anyone that scoffs at that...well, you can form your own opinion about them

This is what I see so far:
18 Transfers from Aug 7-8 (VJ)
NOA1 dates between 4/02 and 5/16
Country - Various
I am guessing transfers will come through for all or most of TSC filers with NOA between ~April 1 to May 31. If you are in this window and have not received a notice yet, I would not give up hope as there are probably adjudicators on vacation and yours is sitting on his or her desk. It will probably take 2 - 3 weeks to get the transfers done. I believe we are seeing the "first wave". Also keep in mind, many VJ folks don't log in every day or update status here so the number could be much higher. We are also just a drop in the bucket compared to the thousands of petitions sitting at the center. So hang in there.
One more thing...for those in April and May who do not get transferred, this should mean your time will be reduced also as there will be fewer petitions ahead of you or in the same piles (by month) so this is still good news for you
Keep those updates coming!! This is exciting.

That's 2 so far.
Please keep posting the updates letting us all know where your transfers went and if you have received a transfer.
Two to CSC. Keep em coming so we all have an idea of what's happening.
Good luck to all.

Yeah, I can see the south (red neck) mentality regarding Russia as I live there too and hear quite a bit of the old "&$*@ Rooskies" comments from the ignorant masses regarding the country. Regarding the fraudulent marriages though, that is virtually non-existent. It was pretty common back in the 90's when many folks were trying to leave the country and do whatever it took to do so but not so much today. Their way of life has become very much like ours and you would be hard pressed to find many that really "want" to leave. I cannot say that about a few other countries that we see represented here but many receive normal/fast approvals which makes me scratch my head at times. I am guessing you may be correct about the extra security checks though and hopefully it won't be much of an issue. Thanks for the comments

It's all relative isn't it? Speedy to a TSC filer is anything under 5 months and if these folks get a 4 to 5 month approval as a result of the transfer rather than waiting the original expected 5.5 to 7 months then that would be speedy (er)...
I think the days of 3 week approvals at CSC are long gone but 60-90 days is still great compared to what TSC has been going through. It will balance out for a while until it tips to the other side then transfers will happen the other way...ugh.