rmg-fg

I wanted to really emphasize I was speaking of new experiences that are very wrong here in the south. I think this starts with an extreme view in religious beliefs; not how skilled a teacher is. I worked for the public school system for various schools and grades for over 15 years up north; not as a teacher but as a school bus driver. I had first hand experience with some really great teachers that went above and beyond for any of the kids with any background. There was frustration from the best of them over their hands being tied and the pay. My 'kids' on the bus (all 220 per day-4 schools, round trip) did not keep secret the problems and the great teachers. Many of those kids studied all the way home or would work on fun assignments with some real creative angles to get enthusiasm from these kids. Many got with me personally when they didn't have to for some problems happening before, after and at home or even what i wanted to address on the bus and they supported. Some didn't and I would classify not great teachers for not caring.

Also wanted to add that you would be very surprised how intelligent and logical a second grader can be about what they believe and how strong they will advocate it or their family at that time. Each person has the right, as does each family, to practice their own religious beliefs in private and without censure. It's gotten to the point where if children are not Christian in a school mainly grouped as Christian children that, no matter how private they wish to be, at one point it will be discussed and they will be forced to defend their beliefs against the group in any social setting. My son lost many friends before leaving the school for this very reason; even ones that supported him, when in a group at school speaking of the bible, they couldn't maintain support in that setting.

The skills of the teacher aren't really relevant and not discussed here; frankly the school itself is really giving her a raw deal in putting her as the scapegoat. You can't tell me no one else knew about this for those days outside the classroom. She is their employee and this needs to be addressed in the school system itself.

Most of my family practices Buddhist beliefs. My teens grew up in a theological manner based on knowledge of each religion. My daughter is Christian; we take her to church and gave her that choice. The church we attend is very welcoming with all of us knowing our beliefs. Buddhists only believe in respect to any other belief and the knowledge that any belief is considered. She also goes with us to meditate at our temple but talks to the other kids in the gardens while we are inside. Coming from living in Italy to the south here in the US (I am originally from NY) I was kinda shocked at how much influence Christianity has and how any other viewpoint is really just covered or shown to be bad (there is a sign in Gainesville on a highway with a large picture of Darwinism and a large X through it stating you should only walk with God). Religion is talked about even at work and once I had to calm the temper of a co worker screaming at me that I was an abomination that worshiped false Gods (this is not true-Buddha is one whom reached enlightenment; the buddha statue we have is a reminder of the original suffering of the first true destined Buddha-Sidhartha. The words of meditation are key words of love and rules of how to keep that with us. They are vows to ourselves. We truthfully study even the bible and teachings of Christianity). We believe in a path to enlightenment) when I never discuss my religious beliefs; it was discovered from another co-worker that I had talked to whom was aetheist.

We had a lot of problems in the schools here (my 18 year old is part of the lgbt group-again never was a problem at all in italy). Finally ended up finishing his schooling with a ged however even my daughter was bullied, and after hitting walls with the police down here, I pulled her to finish home school. Even home school groups are Christian based here and won't welcome us. We did find a secular one that is almost 2 hours away. While the teachers may not go as far as this one I would definitely say the systems have their way to advocate Christianity in a very creative way if the local authorities are on board.

I don't even know where to begin...

I am so excited and blessed and excited LOL

I checked my case 4 times yesterday (It became a daily routine for me to check that many time) and it still said "Ready". Around 7 pm I checked again and it went to "AP" (Administrative Processing). I immediately checked on Ustraveldocs and tracked my husband's passport and it said "Passport has been received from the consular section, and is currently being processed for"

I then was happy but doubtful because I didn't know what was going on...LOL

This morning as I check my phone and read all my messages from my lovely ladies Fior, Raymeri and Clara!!!! (My girls from VJ) One commented and said that they had a feeling that someone will have "visa issued" and before I said good morning, I checked CEAC website and sure enough mine said "Issued".

8 business days later guys!! I don't know how this system works, b/c I know there are people who's had their interview before me and hasn't received their visa. I have no idea why mine is any different.

I wish you all well and I hope this issue with the system is resolved quickly b/c I know we all have to get to our loved ones as soon as YESTERDAY!

Have a great one!!!

HUGE CONGRATS TO YOU BOTH! We just got the visa in hand today-hubby arriving late tomorrow night. We never even received a tracking number-just a mail saying come pick up and in less then 24 hours. They don't seem to be going by interview date but just by when the results of biometrics come back (some that were a few days ago interviewed received last week......) however from what i am seeing now-Montreal seems a bit behind and the only one that has many people still waiting for issuance. Lots and lots of happy families right now-Wish you both a very happy reunion.

My fiance case has been in AP since the 9th of June this morning I checked it said issued what does that mean please. Does that mean it's ready for pick up or is there another step to wait for or follow please?

First. CONGRATULATIONS getting issued. You should receive a tracking number or notification to pick up (depending on your consulate). It shouldn't be much longer now. You are at the end.

Outer AND Inner scream (smile)........VISA IN HAND AS WE SPEAK. Arriving TOMORROW!!!!! AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!

Still can't believe after a year and a half my husband will be back with us!! Unreal; only you guys can understand the tears. It's over, over, over. No more depression, crying, heartache and waiting, and waiting......til there's no end. Thank you VJ for all the help over this time. The absolute best of wishes and heartfelt happiness for all of you getting to have 'life normal' again with your families and being able to have what anyone else can take for granted.

Congrats!!!

Mine was updated at the 27th with "ready" status.

This morning I tried to check the status but web page give me an error...

So I can only wait.

Don't know if you tried recently but it really should be going to issued by today. Keep on checking. Only now waiting for tracking number-not sure if that can be a little longer for the backlog. I think they go in groups. Keep on checking-should really be issued today.

Hey,

What exactly do you mean when you say checked case status with case number? On the ceac website, or somewhere else? Please specify! And congrats

Thanks!

Sorry-this was my mistake. My husband had the page to check on-he was given this https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-it/iv/users/sign_in. He had been checking hourly with no update since before his interview. I don't think he was ever given the correct one above but there is a place that can be clicked on the interview page to check the status. Today I asked him if I could go in and check it myself. When I went in, it showed the appointment page. When I clicked on the link it took me directly to the correct website you all seemed to be looking on. That's how we missed it for 2 days. Didn't occur to me until I was reading the posts here.

Where exactly is that? Do you have a link?

I checked on our website for CEAC but not sure which you use for India. We had been checking ours and it showed still waiting for the interview. Didn't think to click on the case status with case number entered but found the update there.

Anyone with info on India?

BENTHOS:

ISSUED!!!!! Naples Italy. Printed on June 26. Not showed on front page-had to go under check ds-260 statues. Changed there.

The bottom line here is we just have to wait a little while longer. Department of State did not specifically state that the visas were going by interview date. What they did state was

"As posts have been brought back online, we have been processing pending biometric checks. As those results are obtained and automatically transferred back to posts, our overseas staff has been completing the final adjudication steps to issue the visas."

There is no real order here nor different categories other then the results of biometric coming back-something making perfect sense. They have been very careful in what they say and have been answering specific comments daily on their facebook page. The only priorities as far as approved visas (agricultural stating priority on applications.....) are urgent humanitarian.

What they also state clearly is that by early next week (i am going to put that as end of tues....they specified mid next week agricultural visas) is that everything will be caught up. We are seeing a lot of movement already. What we can know for sure is that some processes are getting missed (updates) but tracking numbers are being sent out. I really believe with all this that we just have to wait a couple more days. I take this to mean there will be many groups of visas being released. We are a small number here still on visajourney compared to the hundreds of thousands of all types that have been released and are being issued. Just have to wait to see the tracking number in the next few days (remember there is another day or so after issued to go in a group to dhl tracking).

Congratulations and really happy for those getting their visas issued now. Not much longer VJ friends.

They are stating on the website to be caught up with backlog by early next week. So far they are doing pretty well with that; if they go over the weekend there is every chance everyone could have theirs issued by mid week.

My husband and I were taking bets for arriving on Independence Day (smile). Probably like you all, he's packed and ready to get a ticket and hop on a plane the minute he can get his visa.

Great News!!!

More info on the subject of the delay

http://www.us-immigration.com/us-immigration-news/us-visas/computer-experts-try-to-fix-us-visa-system/?r=addthis-mailto-%2Fus-immigration-news%2Fus-visas%2Fcomputer-experts-try-to-fix-us-visa-system%2F#.VYwFbSyCGTI.mailto

I checked out this post and there are some facts they are stating that are at odds with the actual http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english/news/technological-systems-issue.html. They state it is behind 700,000 visas but they are specifically saying this is not true on travel.state.gov and dept of state page. Also have added a lot of info about the actual number of visas that have already been released and specific timeline info now. Many visas have already been issued while they are stating on the above link that they won't be issued until the end of the month.

From another forum: Naples Consulate can't issue IV this week. Maybe the next.

Really a blow to hear; Naples is our consulate-interview the 16th. Well we had a feeling it would be the one up last with more delays....keeping positive but feeling a bit disappointed for this update. Please keep updating. My husband and I are really watching but sometimes missing the change in info for this particular consulate. Thank you very much for posting.

I think another mentioned facebook; have been on dept of State facebook page today. There were many pressing the question of why non-immigrant visas have been specifically listed as a priority but no mention of immigrant visas. When commented on this, dept of State responded to each comment-

"All visa categories were affected, but we are working to restore full functionality, which means approved immigrant visas will be issued."

I am hoping the generalization of the response means they will be adding immigrant visas in quickly however there are about 200 people responding to this with some frustration in the fact that they are still not given as a priority as well. On the plus side, I just don't think it will be so long to get all the visas (including immigrant) to be released as they are really working around the clock. Can be another week or two but I can't see it going so much longer then that. Side-hoping Italy gets up and running soon (if not regional.....). If you are on facebook it's also a good site to follow-this is getting covered and up to date.

Just got home from work to some really AWESOME news after reading the latest posts from you guys. We knew Italy would be last in the running (or close [smile]) and that's ok. Just knowing this is going to be finishing soon is fantastic. Really happy for anyone in the next week getting their visas. Keep the updates coming and can't thank VJ'ers enough really for this thread and the constant updated posts.

Our status gave us cause to worry as well; it does not even show my husband was at his interview. We sent a mail to the Italian Consulate late Fri and recieved a response by my 3 am (around 9 am their time):

Good Morning,

Yes, your case has been impacted by the worldwide technical issues. Unfortunately, we cannot give you an exact timeline as to when it will be resolved at this point in time. You will receive an email with the tracking number once we have printed the visa and returned the passport to DHL.

Regards,

IV Unit
Naples, Italy

It doesn't give much info but I took it as a very good sign. They state when you send a mail that due to the difficulties it could take a week for a response but we got it almost immediately. Also verified that the status not being changed in no way reflected the actual status after approval.

I did much more research and took heart from some facts. Last year, if we believe the facts released, had a different problem and more complex. The problem stemming from the software meant that it was not an issue that could be fixed technically but had to get the creators of the actual program involved. It also affected links that are not affected at this time; causing even more backlog problems that we are facing.

What I noticed was that they released information stating that the system was running only after July 30 but also stated that, after several weeks being unable to process they actually had the system up and running by July 26. The backlog took a matter of days to a week to release. By the time the statements were released that the visas had been almost completely caught up, it was confirmed that the system was not only up and running, visas already having had been released but also testing for stability of the system was completed as well.

I actually believe we can keep up hope that the 2-3 weeks from interview time is fairly accurate based on the facts from last year and the process they used not only for completing all work but also releasing positive information (something that had not been released until days after they actually were already processing and testing).

Hang in there (smile). I do believe this is getting somewhere; remember this is a computer system. Once it's running I don't think it will be so long to wait after for the right buttons to be released. Your consulate is working hard individually as well to do their part; absolutely sure of that. Hope the info of the lack of status changes helped. I think there is not as much to worry about in that aspect; each consulate dealt with it the way they felt best but it seems they are all aware of the problems.

This is exactly right; we have to be logical here. The last we know for sure is that they are making progress and even have processed a small number for the first priority to be processed. Some of the consulates are stating specifically that 2-3 weeks processing is to be expected from interview. While I am cynical with these terms as well, there is a lot of pressure from groups more noticeable then ours to get these out. We can't know how they will be released, the order, how the consulates work, etc. But it is moving and we can follow the news.

Some people are not going to wait weeks and will be in the first groups and it will go from there. What we all have now is to hope it's any of us and then us. Keep up the updates and the thoughts that we go day by day hoping it's very soon. We are used to this. It's not helping me at work, with friends or my husband to stay down and angry and think this can go on so much longer........and factually there is a system they are working with. Don't let it keep you down in thoughts when there may be no reason for it.

Please keep updating here; this is the place I look most for news on this. Work a couple jobs and not a lot of time to go on all the sites looking for the one that can tell me the latest.

Just one more quick question after reading; we checked the website for the status and it shows that it's active then acting like he didnt even attend the interview. The interviewer said she was having problems putting in the computer that he was approved but not to worry; that she would solve it. She seemed completely unaware of any difficulties outside that. I realize it would not say ready or issued but should it be showing that he can still re-schedule his interview and that he hasnt been at the embassy yet?

I am SO angry about this. I have been waiting over 20 months to be with my family since I started this process. I was banking on getting my visa within the 2 weeks. Nope, I have to be out of my apartment before June and now I get to live on the street until I get my visa. Just perfect timing. AND this happened in July last year, almost exact same problem. They were back logged 200,000 visas.

My brother works in IT and the fact that it's been down for a week now is just a serious joke. They need to get their asses in gear and hire some better people.

My reaction was the exact same......ours is at the 16 month wait. Didn't see this until we checked for visa but hubby asked specifically when he could expect and the response was the normal 5 business days.....on the 16th. He said no one was really bringing up anything different in the hours he was there. We didn't get tickets but this is an exhausting and deluding process step by step. His job ended just this last week and room was up for the year lease as of July 1. Hoping at least to get this done by then. Maybe they can get them out fast as soon as up and running.

This is VisaJourney and has been the most supportive and helpful website from all the members that help with this very serious and difficult as well as long process. The op asked a question that deserved an answer and as pertaining to the k1 visa.

The rest of the judgements are not helpful nor conducive to the subject here on VisaJourney. Also requesting some help for op from moderators on this thread.

Hi- I had to add to this; there is a lot of really spot on advice here about your emotional aspect in this. I am so sorry to hear your story. There needs to be a lot of trust in this kind of relationship but also needs to be a balance; especially when so far away and so long. There was no balance in what was given, sacrificed or honesty. These are key in every relationship but extreme in long distance.

From the logics and systematic view here, this process is not a sure bet even on a smooth case. If there are these complications it will make it more difficult without some flags being seen during the process and even at the interview. You have not received the NOA2 so there is still a chance for this to go on and more months waiting regardless. Plenty of time for his decision to be final and yours. Just remember that most of us have a larger problem in being apprehensive for everything to be approved in each step even without any complications; there is a lot here for both of you to consider should he even change his mind and you both decide to still go for the visa.

My last two bits would be to back out of any further communications as well and leave things as they are. After the NOA2 comes in then see if he has tried to respond and go to a great length to try for some balance with the relationship. If not, request he withdraw the application and you go on with your life there.

Best of wishes to you, sincerely.

Sorry-reply sent without quote-edit not allowed.

Very sorry to hear about your delay. It seems like Montreal is giving a few little headaches on a whole. Do you think there are more difficulties for the history and ties Canada and America have? I grew up blocks from the border in Niagara Falls. We walked the border literally daily into Canada and went through to Toronto with absolutely no problems for thirty years; this with a grandmother whom was an immigrant always carrying her papers with her. I actually am in love with Canada and always had dreamt of living there. Then 9/11 hit, we returned, and all of the sudden it was a nightmare that spanned the decade now. the requirements they had back when I was in my twenties to work and immigrate there as a US citizen were really much simpler then now by far. We still have a plan one day to go back home near the border so we may keep Canada close again; my husband needs to know real tobogganing (smile).

I am not sure of the other consulates but we were impressed with Italy. The documents must be checked against the letter before even going into the building for the interview. This point is where you are told what you are missing or what can be gotten before you are even allowed to the interview. You sit at a window. My husband said everyone was very pleasant; she checked off only the ones that were required. I am the petitioner and was divorced 15 years ago. We did include the certified copy but, as anyone has said, it was not looked at. Actually she literally only checked the important civil originals that were told on the letter we needed. The divorce doc was 'f' for us as well. There were no problems that day but we are told of others whom didnt have a police record or court record and were kindly told where they could go quickly in naples to get one before their interview while we also heard of others that were turned away before the interview and told what they were missing, then to reschedule. My husband had two people for the interview; one was the io and the other stood behind, said hello kindly, then nothing more. I thought this was really a great idea; can cut the judgement calls that can be used so loosely from an interviewer.

You are really in our thoughts; so very sorry to hear of the disappointment. It should be fairly quick and simple to solve that once they receive the doc. you sent. Keep us up to speed.

Maharosa-CONGRATULATIONS! Have been working extra and off VisaJourney but am really excited for you and everyone at the end.

I am so sorry to hear everyone feeling so down and bleak. I am at the end with my husband arriving in a few weeks. I am happy and excited but still have the feeling sometimes how horrible this all was to do to to someone. My husband is very familiar to me yet after a year and a half of separation, and at our age, we both are noticing that we have aged in subtle ways over this time. It makes me so happy and feel so fortunate to have him but on the other hand there is a real sadness and sort of left over residue at the real lack of compassion for so many people; how much time of what we have left that we have missed together for no fault of our own. These thoughts never help and I can get over them but wanted to say that they are really normal and even deserved. Now we are coming together but I have a deep sadness that our story is not the only one and it continues to other good people deserving so much better.......there are so many having to go through this with very little compassion to the problem. Not much caring either.

JayMain626-Dont feel badly. We had a lawyer to do our forms with us; double check and everything but we still had a problem with an error. We caught it before sending it off but even with that we still were delayed some weeks because the wrong form was requested. You will get past this one and everything will get going again without problems. Doesnt help to beat yourself up over a really complicated process that hinges pretty much our entire future happiness on.

Each person here is really in my thoughts and personal prayers. There is not much that can help you get past these days; I can say what to try and to be strong but you already know it. It's just a matter of time. But it does come and it will end.

Congrats Not A Tailor!!!!

Super stoked for you guys!

My interview is in 2 weeks and I'm already as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs!

Use that energy planning the reunion (smile)!!! Congrats!

I'm approved! And CEAC shows issued!

There was a moment of heart failure when the CO didn't think I was eligible, because my wife lives in Texas, a state that does NOT recognize same sex marriage. We went back and forth, he was already ready to start lying that she lived in another state or that she was about to move there, and then he found a thing saying what I was telling him, which is that the Supreme Court ruling on DOMA in June 2013 made all marriages, same sex or otherwise, equal in terms of immigration law regardless of state of residence and then his computer crashed for a minute and two minutes later, I was approved!

CONGRATULATIONS! We were ecstatic when DOMA went into effect; a huge step in every way. My son is 17 and transgender. In the eyes of US law, they will consider marriage same sex for him (confusing but the way of it). Orlando only just now allowed marriage locally but we are sadly in an area that is against this in an extreme way. Rights are not so simple here even with the laws in place. Since being back here in the US, we have been involved in numerous bills for rights; even one we are still fighting for transgender rights here locally. I grew up 3 blocks from the border of Canada and spent most of my time in the Toronto area-was a very large first choice to go back to Niagara Falls there where he would be near Buffalo and Toronto; my son would have had an easier time then here in the South for sure. Can't even say the surprises we had when we came back here and what he had to face. We knew of many people in Italy back in 2011 that had relationships for years with another here in America but same sex marriage was less of an option for them back then; in either country, and DOMA was not in effect nor were rights the same.

So happy to hear everything went off well. Thanks for being on this thread and adding; it really adds a lot.