Raingal7

Hey Everyone. I have been beyond frustrated as of late. In fact, the frustration is wearing us down pretty badly. I know, that for many others, the wait on the Visa has been longer, but Darren and I have waited almost 30 years to be together. It was immigration red tape that kept us apart back when we were "kids" and wanted to be together, and it's just so exasperating to have run into the same stuff again so many years after finding each other again. After watching so many others get through the whole process in 4 months (some even less) we had so hoped for a New Year's Eve wedding...but at this point a summer wedding seems more realistic (if we're lucky). I guess we need to trust that it will all work out according to God's big plan, but it's hard to watch some people who filed well after we did get through with no "logical" explanation for their expedited statuses. Someone mentioned there might be an issue with a certain "quota" of Canadians...I have no idea if that is even an issue, but it's an interesting theory. One I don't have much energy left to explore, though. Whatever the reason, USCIS has made it clear that we can't even question it until the 5 month window has expired. THEN, we can start rattling the cage. I actually took today off from school because I have not been able to get past the long hold waits by the time I get home from work at night. After another LONG wait, I got to speak to a very nice lady at USCIS, who actually seemed to feel badly that she couldn't give me more information and genuinely appeared to "feel" for the frustration we're feeling (and for others in the same boat).

Alas, it appears we have no recourse until December 29th.

Sure hope things start moving for the big chunk of us late July filers who seem to be stuck in limbo. Truly happy for all of you who have been given the gift of your visa for the holidays. WIsh you all the best.

Bonnie

Did you contact your senator and congressman? So what's interesting is that my senator's office was not actually able to get any updates. However, within a week of their first contact, I finally got an RFE. I reached out to the senator's office again for an update, which they hadn't received. Thus, they sent in another status request. Within a week of that (and about 10 days after my RFE response), I had my NOA2.

At any rate, I say give it a try. It can likely be done online. You'll need to complete a privacy agreement, which can be scanned and emailed.

Hang in there!

As someone who has watched many folks receive their NOA2 much faster than I did, I consider myself very fortunate to be at the CSC. At the same time, I was also feeling the same intense frustration as many others here after watching other approvals take place ahead of ours.

I wish I could recall on exactly which VJ forum I read this, but basically someone who has worked at USCIS processing applications said that when there is anything unusual about an application, the adjudicator simply sets it aside for awhile, or they ask send a note to their superior about it, who gets to it whenever they can, adding weeks to the processing. This seemed to be the case with our application--a minor issue with my name had me waiting almost an extra month for my approval.

Regarding the fast CSC approvals--keep in mind that all of USCIS is under pressure to make their processing times look reasonable. CSC doing a bunch of fast approvals improves the National Average numbers, which seems to be a vain attempt to obscure just how slow the TSC processing takes.

I continue to think good thoughts for everyone going through this process, and despite feeling frustrated with the wait, I have been so glad to be a part of the July filer community! You have each in your own way helped us and will continue to help us through the process. Thank you!

after 94 days of waiting (so far), we woke up to this email update:

"On October 20, 2014, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)"

YAY!

so of course we'd like to get a head start on gathering the needed info for the next steps, does anyone have a clear idea about which forms we'll need to have filled out or a link to the uscis site which details what is needed? or do we just wait for the checklist to come in the mail?

thanks july-sters :]

Congratulations!!

I'm a teacher, so it's almost impossible for me to reach them because I can't sit on hold forever. By the time I get home (after 6pm), it's too late to call. May end up taking a sick day just to be able to call them! I'm so frustrated. I just got to see him for the first time in almost 5 months, and we were so sure we were going to hear based on what everyone was posting. We've known each other since 1984, when we dated for several years and I provided TONS of "proof" of a bonafide relationship based on our last several years together since we reconnected. I just don't understand what is taking so long. We are suddenly really wondering if it would be easier for me to move up to Canada at this rate. I can't take much more of only seeing him a few days at a time every 4-5 months. I'm devastated. I know other people are dealing with the same thing...and many have waited even longer to see their loved ones, but this is becoming almost unbearable as I watch others who basically "just met" by comparison get approved ahead of us. I'm happy for anyone who has fallen in love and are finding success on their journey to make their happy ever after work, but we've waited sooooooooooooooo long to be together (over 30 years now - and it was the immigration red tape that broke us up when we were kids because it was an even bigger pain back then). ARGH! Sorry for venting, but I'm an emotional mess. It's really starting to wear me down.

Wishing you all the best...and praying we get good news soon.

Bonnie

I was beginning to feel like I was losing my mind with waiting, so I reached out to my US Senator to get an update. Exactly a week later, I received the RFE text (now waiting for the hardcopy to arrive in the mail). I recommend trying it.

hey guys,

hope all is well..

we got an email update that our RFE reply has reached the USCIS.

and the waiting continues!

Received a notice of RFE via text today. I guess it's movement!

EEEEE!!! Approved!!! I'm sending out good vibes for all of you! It's coming!!!!

That's great news! Yes, all good vibes are appreciated!

Received NOA2 text message today 4 Oct, 2014 at 10:00am EDT

Congratulations!

So the RFE was CSC needing passport photos of each of us......very frustrating because they were sent with the original form and paper clipped to the G forms as requested! Just love how we have to wait for months just to have them lose items that then delay our approval! Sending the photos AGAIN today!

That IS frustrating! Hope things move quickly for you from here, and that we don't get a similar RFE for something we've already provided.

I am trying to remain encouraged that at least someone is looking into our file but wasnt expecting an RFE!!! UGH.....

It's a bummer, but it's also nice to know someone has been working on your file. Hope things move quickly after you reply!

today has pretty much been the most nerve wracking day i had in a while.

with all the wonderful post from other july filers with their NOA2s coming in.

i've check this site and uscis way too many times today, but i just can't stop.

i'm truly happy for all who have gotten replies back.

i'm hoping for a reply soon.

this is one of the hardest things i've ever had to wait for!

i guess even if it takes the full 5 months for us, at least we're half way there at this point.

keep hope alive!

I can completely relate!

Congrats to all of the recent July approvals!

I think you are confusing the I-129F petition filing fee with the K-1 visa fee. They are separate and you will pay for both (assuming approval.)

To make you feel better, back in 2010, right after we filed, they dropped the I-129F filing fee from $455 to $340 and instead upped the K-1 visa fee from $131 to $350. Due to bad timing, we got to pay $115 more than the new rate (and $209 more than the amount when we filed.) It actually seems that the visa prices have come down some since then.

Thank you for clarifying! Sometimes this process makes me feel like I'm losing my mind. I appreciate the reply!

Filing the I-129F petition is not applying for a K-1 visa. It is a petition, and when approved grants the foreign fiance(e) the eligibility to apply for a K-1 visa at the US consulate in their country.

You are mixing up two different processes and fees. The USCIS site for the I-129F petition correctly lists the current filing fee, which is $340. People should continue to follow the USCIS's listed fees for filing their forms.

What changed on Sept. 12th, was the Dept. of State visa application fees. It used to be $240 when applying for a K-1 visa, and now it is $265. This fee and process is separate from filing the I-129F petition.

Here are the instructions for applying for a K-1 visa in Spain > http://madrid.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant/fiance.html

Thank you for replying! It's really tough to keep these things straight.

I am a K1 visa filer and just found this page: http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/fees/fees-visa-services.html.

What's stupid is that most folks will continue to see a different fee on this page when they apply for the K1: http://www.uscis.gov/i-129f

They will then pay that one, even though their interview will not happen until after December. This is ridiculous! Or am I just missing something?

It states:

Important Notice - New Application Fees: Nonimmigrant and immigrant visa application fees for certain visa categories will change on September 12, 2014. All visa applicants must pay the fee amounts in effect on the day they pay, with the exception of Immigrant Visa application processing fees paid domestically to the National Visa Center (NVC), which will be effective as of the date of billing.

Fees that will decrease are not refundable. If you paid a visa fee before September 12, 2014 and that fee decreased, we cannot give you a refund.

Fees that will increase (nonimmigrant fees only): Visa fees paid will be accepted 90 days after the new fees go into effect, as follows:

• If you paid your visa fee before September 12, 2014, and your visa interview is on or before December 11, 2014, you do not have to pay the difference between the new and old fee amounts.
• If you paid your visa fee before September 12, 2014, and your visa interview is on or after December 12, 2014, you will be required to pay the difference between the old and new fee amounts – no exceptions.

Here is the new fee: K – Fiancé(e) or Spouse of U.S. citizen category visa: $265.00

Hello,

I am VJ member awaiting NOA2 after filing in July. Regardless of the month you may have filed, I would love to hear from folks regarding the difference between the estimated dates for their adjudications and approvals, and what actually happened.

Were they mostly accurate, too far out into the future or too soon?

Thank you so much!

Why would they go backwards???

So, Igor's list is based on self-reported timelines. As new people join Visa Journey and add their timelines, it could push existing members forward on the list. For example, we have NOA 1 dates in July. If people with NOA 1 dates before us join the site and/or add a timeline, but have NOA 1 dates which are earlier than ours, it can push us further down the list. I hope that helps and makes sense!

Glad I could help in a little way! At #311, you're almost in the 200s! (it's like getting excited when you're losing weight, only for all of us we're excited about LOSING "WAIT")

"Losing 'wait'"...good one!

I know how hard it is for all of us to wait in limbo, so when even something tiny happens it feels like a small step towards the finish line. Last time I checked "Igor's List" we had dropped to 348. Just checked again, and now a week and a half later, we've moved up the list to 327. At least it is SOMETHING. Just in case some of you weren't checking that list, it might at least give you a little sense of encouragement that there is SOME movement in the right direction.

I didn't even make the connection to follow the numbers in Igor's list! I'm so glad you mentioned it...it's nice to at least see some kind of movement, for sure. Thank you!

Hey guys, curious, I've noticed a lot of people receving their ARN change but we haven't received anything but the NOA 1 , is this normal? can anyone explain why? Have yall received your ARN's ?

Our NOA1 was received on 7/29/14. The next day I got a text saying they changed the ARN but I never received anything in the mail stating what that number is. Is it the same as our receipt #?

So I actually never received a text or any notice of the ARN number being changed. I learned it when I first checked my case status on the USCIS site.

It's ok...I will be happy to explain. A major typhoon struck the Philippines last October or November (sorry not sure of the exact date) that displaced thousands of residents from their homes due to the destruction. USCIS began expediting the petitions from that country in order to reduce the period of time they would have to endure the hardships as a result. To this day, even new filers are being expedited for that reason. Not all Philippine filers were expedited due to their location in the country (not being affected by the storm) but most were and are still being expedited. Even people that were not affected at all were expedited.

So when you see TSC filers get a quick approval (anything under 90 days or so), it will typically be from the Philippines and they were expedited. This is a different category all together and doesn't fall under normal TSC processing.

Hope that helps .

It does, thank you! Do you know if it happens automatically, or does it need to be requested? Just curious, really.

It doesn't and it shouldn't. This was another Philippines expedite. The rest of us are still suffering through standard TSC approval periods of 5 - 7 months....for now. It may pick up at same point in the future and for future TSC filers, I hope it does.

To be clear, this was in no way to take away from the M&L's happiness (a nice present)....only to address the message above

I'm sorry. I guess I don't understand what people mean when they talk about Philippines expedites.

My NOA1 was issued July 15. I just received the email and text for NOA2 15 minutes ago!!!!!!! My birthday is tomorrow so I would say that it's one hell of the birthday gift from the USCIS!

What a great birthday present! And this should give a lot of hope to the folks with applications at the TSC, too. Congratulations!!

It's so bittersweet....I feel like God has blessed us for sure, but I feel awful for those who have been waiting forever!

It's so sudden....I'm not even sure what to do next!! wasn't prepared. lol

Yay! Congrats!

The email says: "Your case has been accepted and routed to the USCIS California Service Center for processing."

Why do people argue over some of the littlest details that don't really matter that much?

Glad it came today! It's just so other users don't get confused. A lot of people use VJ to understand the process. Sorry to seem nitpicky.

We used a money order and as of earlier today it had not yet been cashed. I know the wait for NOA2 will be so much longer, but for now it would just be nice to have an acknowledgement of receipt from them. Hopefully we'll hear something this week.

Sending good thoughts! Just to make sure, did you file the G1145? If you don't hear back within 2 weeks, I would check to make sure your information is accurate on the form.

I will update the timeline when my fiance receives the official NOA-1 in the mail. As mentioned, we have received only the text message indicating re-routing to CSC.

Sounds good. Then your filing location is the Texas Lockbox.