Melow

It is very hard communicating though the phone but thank goodness they invented skype and FaceTime! Can you imagine what it would be like if we could only communicate via postal mail or just phone alone? It is definitely worth it! You should look at it this way...if you decided to petition your fiancé...then you must believe that he or she is worth it right? I was asked by a few people if given the chance...would I do it again? And my answer would be YES! It's an awesome feeling in the end when your fiancé gets that "your approved" and the stamp by the consulate. I was there for my husband's interview. He was approved in March 2014 and was here in April 2014. Your fiancé would have to wait for the actual visa issued in his or her passport before coming to the US. Best of luck to you. By the way, visa journey was so informative during my k1 journey. I learned so much, read so many stories (not all with happy endings) and found it to be quite therapeutic at times.

Hi there,

I went through the same thing as you're going thru. My husband (then fiancé) arrived in the US after 8 long months and 1 rfe later. Every day that passes seemed like weeks waiting to hear something from the USCIS and when I did finally hear something...it was because we received an rfe which delayed the process. I can sympathize with you. The key is to keep yourself busy (just like what everyone else here would say). What bothered me the most was when I would see those who filed at around the same time I did with their noa2 approved and even visas approved even before my noa was approved. But I will say, you will get there. In the meantime what I did was I worked extra, worked out 6 days a week and went out with friends. At the end of the day, it was still the same thing...the waiting game but you have to keep telling yourself that it won't go on forever! Patience is the key. My husband arrived in the US almost 1 1/2 yrs ago and we now have a 2 month old baby! So it does end. Just look forward to the future. Hopefully your fiancé is supportive as mine was and he kept telling me to "hold on." And I did! Don't worry...it will get better!?

Hi, I am not one to post on this site (although I have a few times), but I wanted to share my fiance's-he's the beneficiary (and my own) experience at the USEM. my fiance's interview was on March 17, 2015. We arrived at 6:45am-we stayed at bayview hotel across the street from the embassy the night before. At around 7am they started allowed k1 applicants through the LONG line. I went through the same door as my fiancé (and by the way I was never asked to see my US passport). He then proceeded to get a cue number and sat down for what seemed like hours (it was about 2 1/2) hours. Finally his number was called and he stood in line to be questioned by a filipino lady (she wasn't the consulate). He was asked to show original documents of his previous annulments and cenomar as well as my original divorce decree. I stood behind him and he was asked the questions in Tagalog. He was also asked to show pictures of both of us and my kids together (my kids met him in dec 2013). He was questioned for about 20 minutes and the lady behind the window was busy typing her notes the entire time. After that he proceeded to the oath taking. I was asked to sit down and wait for him. The. We lined up for the interview. The U.S. Consulate was a really nice guy. He greeted us and said good morning. He then directed his first question to my fiancé asking him, "what is 24+14+7?" Nervously my fiancé answered, "excuse me?" Then the consulate said, "I'm just joking. You look really nervous. You need to calm down." He then asked my fiancé how we met. The consul then directed the last 2 questions to me. He asked me what I did for a living and where did I work? I answered, the consul then proceeded to take his big stamper and stamped the file really hard, signed it and said "congratulations, you visa has been approved. You can go to step 5." My fiancé and I were in pure shock because from beginning to end the interview took 5 minutes. I looked at my fiancé and he had tears in his eyes.

Rewind 24-48 hours before the interview-we were both very nervous and on our drive to bayview hotel the day before there was pure silence in the car for the hour drive. We were more so nervous because my fiance's case was very complicated. He had 2 previous annulments in the past one to a Filipino citizen and another to an American naturalized citizen....and the last annulment was not processed in the correct manner (if you know what I mean). His second wife petitioned him but he was denied at his interview about 9 years ago. We ended up hiring a lawyer who did nothing but to cause us an rfe. When I found out my fiance's case was approved was the one who woke up at 350am every morning for 10 days to call NVC and obtain his MNL number. When his lawyer found out I completed his ds 160 without his knowledge (the lawyers knowledge) he told my fiancé I "violated the policy." I simply told my fiancé that had we waited for this lawyer to take action, he probably wouldn't have an interview until June because the lawyer was waiting for the official letter from the US Embassy-which by the way we have still yet to receive. So I went with my gut instinct and did everythin myself.

My fiancé and I have been together for over 2 years now. His visa was approved on March 17 and he will be arriving in Vegas on April 15. It has been a long and emotional ride. My petition was processed at CSC so I was under the impression that the process from beginning to end would take 3 months. It ended up taking 6 months--which is NOT bad at all but everyday for those 6 months seemed like forever. We even received an RFE. Maybe if not for that rfe it would've been completed faster.

I remember seeing other k1's with noa1's after ours approved at lightning speeds. I was so sad and very envious. But through the whole process my fiance's support and love never wavered. I will tell you that this process tests every emotion you have in yourself and it really does test your relationship. I remember the day before the interview when we were driving to bayview hotel I heard this song on the radio by Starship "nothing's gonna stop us now." I felt like it may have been a sign.

I'm glad that this part of our journey is over and we are both looking forward to spending everyday for the rest of our lives together. I promised I would never take for granted a day that we get to spend together. This process makes you do that. You really do cherish the time you get to spend together...before the visa is approved because the visits to see each other are few and far between. I was fortunate enough to see my fiancé every 6-8 months...I visited him though. It was very exhausting but I guess that's what you do when you love someone. You would do anything to be together. I read many sad stories on VJ about relationships that do not work out but I do also read about relationships that have a "happy ending." I was married once before and I am more aware now more than ever what I am looking for in a partner, fiancé and spouse. Many people say that my fiancé is lucky that he met me because he was given this great opportunity to come to the US. But I don't look at it that way. I am lucky to have him because he is such a kind hearted and awesome guy that has taught me the true meaning of love. We are lucky to have each other.

So thank you VJ and HANK for all your help. This website provided a lot of support for us-kinda like therapy.

Good luck to all going through the process!

Hi there,

My noa2 was approved at csc on jan 15 and I called on Thursday morning-they didn't have my case yet. Did you call to get your case number or did you get the letter? Thanks!

quote name="brien0512" post="7452081" timestamp="1422623340"]

2 to 3 weeks after noa2... our noa2 has been approved last january 14 and we just got our nvc number yesterday

How long did it take you to receive your mnl number after your noa2? My noa2 was approved 1/15 and I received the official letter yesterday. I was wondering how long after he noa2 will I receive the mnl#

Yup...this is all true!! And my sentiments exactly. It's always been my luck for these things to happen...to me. But I guess that's life right? So if you only are waiting a month don't feel so bad. I've been waiting over 4 and yes my fiancé is from the Philippines. Sucks...it really does.

Mid-January already, and you filed in early September, yet no NOA2 yet? And by your profile you're a Philippine filer? And at CSC to boot?

So much for the "expedited" Philippine petitions...

If it makes you feel any better I am at csc, I filed early September and no sign of noa-2 yet. There is also someone else on vj that filed in August at csc and no noa-2 yet. So over a month is still ok.

Hi, yes you will probably receive an rfe requesting evidence that you both have met within the last 2 years. The notification you received just means that they have received your application but it does not mean that everything is ok with the application. You can call USCIS and ask if you can submit the missing evidence before you receive the rfe. I don't know if that would work. I filed my petition on September and it took over 2 months for USCIS send me my rfe. I hope this helps.

A cenomar is a requirement for the fiancé visa. Since your ex husband filed for divorce in the US and you were married in the PI, you must have your marriage certificate annotated by bringing the copy of the divorce decree to the NSO otherwise your cenomar will still show that you are married in the Philippines. NSO acknowledges divorce from a foreign country-that is why they will annotate it (it will be typewritten along the side of the marriage cert) that you are no longer married and this will also reflect on your cenomar. My fiancé was married in the Philippines previously and this was what a lawyer had told us when he was researching the best route to dissolve his previous marriage (annulment vs overseas divorce--the ex is a U.S. citizen)

quote name="Ryan&Theresa" post="7426741" timestamp="1421237743"]

That means aside from my marriage certificate and foreign divorce decree i still need to get a CENOMAR?

This is really helpful. Thank you.

I have been waiting almost a month for a decision from the USCIS (I'm a csc filer). I rec'd my rfe for beneficiary letter of intent which they received on 12-15. I haven't heard anything since then-I check the USCIS website daily. I think you can go to the date they tell you in which you should hear something by because my date to hear a response from USCIS is 2/13 and it's already 1/13. Good luck to you!

Our case is being handled by the California Service Center. They sent us a Request For Evidence, although what they wanted to know WAS provided in the initial application packet. They now have our response (specifying again the state in which we will marry).

The information now on the USCIS website now says: "We will mail you a decision or notify you if we need something from you. You should receive a decision or case update by March 6, 2015".

Our question is, will we be able to find out if they've approved our application (NOA2) online, or will we have to wait for something in the mail? And will it really take until March 6th?

I hope I will get a response soon! I've been waiting since 12/15!!

How long does it take uscis to make a decision about a response to an rfe? They received my response on 12/15 and today is 1/7 and still no word from uscis. My rfe was for letter of intent....this is ridiculous. Way to start the new year.....

I had the same RFE. USCIS received the response to RFE on 12/15 and I haven't heard anything yet...but it has only been 4 days. Hopefully you will hear something soon. Good luck!

Hi guys,

So I got an RFE for a letter of intent which I emailed a week ago. How long does it usually take for them to send the NOA2 after you submitt the RFE?

Like everyone else we are anxious to get this over with so we can be together. I am pregnant so my hormones don't help either lol

I appreciate your feedback!

I understand how you feel. I have a second rfe not even a month after the first rfe (the first issued 11/22 and second issued 12/11). I haven't received any info what the second rfe is for.

I am so in shock mode right now. I just checked USCIS case status site and found out this.

We got our 2nd RFE notice after waiting for almost 2 months.

My fiance has already submitted what they asked for but I don't know what are asking again as we gotta wait for the letter to come.

I am so sad right now. I was hoping to hear good news around Christmas time.

Request for Additional Evidence Notice Was Mailed

On December 16, 2014, we suspended processing of your Form I-129F, Petition for Fiance(E), Receipt Number WACXXXXXXX, because we need more information from you. Your notice explains what we need from you to resume working on your case. We will not take action on your case until we receive the evidence or the deadline to submit it expires. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your request for additional evidence notice by January 15, 2015, please go to www.uscis.gov/e-request to request a copy of the notice. If you move, go towww.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

What was the first RFE all about?

The first RFE was letter of intent from the beneficiary. My attorney never said that this was required. I don't know if there is a second RFE.

I suggest you to ask the lawyer first and then take infopass. He told you about first RFE, where did he get this information from? If only yesterday your case has been updated with RFE notification. Maybe USCIS is slow. Anyway, ask your lawyer.

No this is another update for maybe another RFE? I don't know. My case was updated on nov 22 for the first RFE and then dec 11 for what looks like another RFE. I don't know. I will asks lawyer. Thanks!

This is weird. You should ask your lawyer. You paid him money for this....

I thought it was weird too....my lawyer is horrible. I could've done this whole process myself but my future mother in law insisted we hire an attorney due to my fiances immigration issues in the past (she's the one who is paying the lawyer). Anyhow I know it's possible to get more than 1 RFE but I just don't understand why they would update it again on 12/11 to tell me they've temporarily suspended my petition due to the RFE. The USCIS drives me insane.

Hello!

I have a question and would appreciate any insight I can get. I received notice that I recd an RFE on Nov 22. I never received the hard copy then this past Tuesday my lawyer got the hard copy and informed me what the RFE was for. The RFE was for letter of intent for the beneficiary. So I sent it Wednesday. Then I look on the USCIS website and it says an RFE was mailed on December 11 and the case was updated in dec 11!? What does that mean? Does that mean I have another RFE?! I have an infopass appt (i actually made the appt last weekend thinking that it was for this past Monday when accidentally I put it for this coming Monday). Should I go to the infopass appt anyway and find out what they have to say?

I'm so confused because I thought I got an RFE on 11/22 then the case was updated on 12/11 to indicate that an RFE was mailed on 12/11. What is that about?!

We did not use Infopass,we were going to, but letter came first, hope you will have the same. I am registered on another forum and people there suggested me to take Infopass and they told me that USCIS will tell me the information regarding RFE. I dot not exactly know. You better to call USCIS and find out.

Thank you so much for the advice! I will do that today. Good luck to you as well!!!

Hi!

We had the same situation last week. We received an RFE on 20th November and my fiance lives in San Jose area, which is 8 hours to drive and it took 10 days USPS to deliver the letter. Anyway you should wait for one month just to request a copy again to your address. If you do not want to wait, people suggest to take Infopass and ask USCIS personally which evidences do they want. Hope you will get your copy soon. Good luck!

10 days? That's ridiculous. I checked my mailbox today...still nothing. If I make an info pass appointment will they be able to tell me what the RFE is for and what info they need?

Hello,

Does anyone know typically how long it takes to receive the hard copy of the RFE letter? I received a text on 11/22 stating that I received an RFE however I have not received the copy yet. I find it strange because I'm a csc filer and I live in Las Vegas...which is close and I wouldn't think it would take almost 2 weeks to receive the letter...or maybe I'm wrong??

Congratulations and best of luck!

I had the same problem. You will be able to see your status only when they update it.. We got RFE and now I can check my status, And Before I couldn't ...

The same thing happened to me. Got an RFE and ever since then I can check it, before I would get that annoying error message. I think that the speculation about people getting the error until an update in your case is correct.

I got this from vj website! Is this accurate? Coz I'm so excited coz our noa1 is dated October 17th. Does it mean couple days more and we will get our noa2 already? Guys any inputs? Thanks image.jpg image.jpg

Hi, just like everyone else I would advise you not to get your hopes up with the VJ timeline. I filed my petition in the beginning of sept and the timeline said my case would be adjudicated in mid October and I just received an RFE on 11/21. When I filed in sept at csc most petitions from the Philippines were being approved in 20 days or less and I was CERTAIN that I would get mine approved also. But everyday went by and nothing until almost 3 months into the process. I was so sad and depressed everyday until i got the email/text notification from the USCIS on 11/22 (yes Saturday morning). To be realistic, you will probably wait 2-almost 3 months since your petition is from the Philippines. Your petition goes thru the background checks of the petitioner and I do not have a criminal background but it goes at it's own pace. So please don't go by the VJ timeline-you will only set yourself up for disappointment-however it IS a possibility that you will get your approval or RFE (hope it's not an RFE) any day now because they are processing applications from the Philippines a lot faster than most other countries (however I have also seen canada and UK being processed in less than a month recently). Good luck!

I'd be happy to get an RFE because that'd mean it'd be on someone's desk. When an RFE is satisfied it seems like the approval happens quickly afterwards.

Guess it's kinda like a blessing in disguise then right? The only thing that pisses me off about it is that I have a lawyer (due to the complexity of the case) and I still received an RFE. I should be thankful either way because at least someone was looking at my case (though almost 3 months later and then BAM...I get an RFE). Anyhow if this RFE is for what I think it is...I'm going to go head to head with this lawyer! Anyhow, good luck to you and your fiancé.