prindell

We decided to file a second K-1 petition, which was approved. We are currently waiting for the delivery of the visas (yay!). But for the benefit of anyone reading this thread and considering to go the DCF route, I thought I'd add some information that I learned about marrying and doing a Direct Consulate Filing (DCF).
During one of my visits to the US Embassy for information and waiting my turn at the window, the USC and his wife ahead of me, were attempting to do a DCF. I could hear the conversation and gleaned the following: The USC married and had been residing in the Philippines with his wife for the required six months. As proof of his resident status, he provided a rental lease, utility bills in his name and his passport with the arrival date and tourist visa extension greater than six months. The CO refused his petition stating that he was a "tourist" in the Philippines for six months, but not a resident.
Had I decided to get married and do the DCF instead of filing another K-1 petition, I probably would have made the same mistake. If you are planning to do the DCF, make sure you go to the Bureau of Immigration and change your status from tourist to temporary resident. At least to this CO, it makes all the difference and the day by day reality of residing here is insufficient proof.
All the best.

Once again, "Thanks" to all whom replied and contributed to this thread.
As promised, I am posting again to provide an update as to the final conclusion of this matter.
My State Representative's staff was extremely helpful in providing us with the final status of our case in relatively short time, compared to having to wait the "minimum" of 180 days for USCIS to provide the status, otherwise. In contrast, my two State Senators offices were pretty much useless as they were unwilling to assist and just gave us the run-around.
Anyway, the matter has concluded pretty much as we were told it would, by the fine folks in this Visa-Journey forum. Following is an excerpt from the letter my Representative's staff was able to get from USCIS:
"The period of validity has now expired; therefore, in accordance with 8 C.F.R. 214.2(k)(5), all USCIS action on this petition is concluded."
This status update wasn't too disappointing for us as we had decided to take everyone's advice and file a new petition, which had been routed to the California Service Center this time, so we were anticipating that it would be adjudicated in the very near future. However, this afternoon, we learned our new case was transferred to another USCIS office (presumably Texas), so this is another delay as I assume our case will fall to the rear of the queue again for the office that just acquired jurisdiction over our case and the past month of waiting has been for nothing. <sigh>
We continue to remind ourselves that there is a reason for everything... just be patient and trust in God; all will work out in His perfect timing.

Once again, "Thanks" to all whom replied and contributed to this thread.
As promised, I am posting again to provide an update as to the final conclusion of this matter.
My State Representative's staff was extremely helpful in providing us with the final status of our case in relatively short time, compared to having to wait the "minimum" of 180 days for USCIS to provide the status, otherwise. In contrast, my two State Senators offices were pretty much useless as they were unwilling to assist and just gave us the run-around.
Anyway, the matter has concluded pretty much as we were told it would, by the fine folks in this Visa-Journey forum. Following is an excerpt from the letter my Representative's staff was able to get from USCIS:
"The period of validity has now expired; therefore, in accordance with 8 C.F.R. 214.2(k)(5), all USCIS action on this petition is concluded."
This status update wasn't too disappointing for us as we had decided to take everyone's advice and file a new petition, which had been routed to the California Service Center this time, so we were anticipating that it would be adjudicated in the very near future. However, this afternoon, we learned our new case was transferred to another USCIS office (presumably Texas), so this is another delay as I assume our case will fall to the rear of the queue again for the office that just acquired jurisdiction over our case and the past month of waiting has been for nothing. <sigh>
We continue to remind ourselves that there is a reason for everything... just be patient and trust in God; all will work out in His perfect timing.

We sincerely appreciate your wishes and support. Thanks! (can't wait to turn all our timeline blocks to 'blue') ;-) Congratulations on your achievements!

Once again, "Thanks" to all whom replied and contributed to this thread.
As promised, I am posting again to provide an update as to the final conclusion of this matter.
My State Representative's staff was extremely helpful in providing us with the final status of our case in relatively short time, compared to having to wait the "minimum" of 180 days for USCIS to provide the status, otherwise. In contrast, my two State Senators offices were pretty much useless as they were unwilling to assist and just gave us the run-around.
Anyway, the matter has concluded pretty much as we were told it would, by the fine folks in this Visa-Journey forum. Following is an excerpt from the letter my Representative's staff was able to get from USCIS:
"The period of validity has now expired; therefore, in accordance with 8 C.F.R. 214.2(k)(5), all USCIS action on this petition is concluded."
This status update wasn't too disappointing for us as we had decided to take everyone's advice and file a new petition, which had been routed to the California Service Center this time, so we were anticipating that it would be adjudicated in the very near future. However, this afternoon, we learned our new case was transferred to another USCIS office (presumably Texas), so this is another delay as I assume our case will fall to the rear of the queue again for the office that just acquired jurisdiction over our case and the past month of waiting has been for nothing. <sigh>
We continue to remind ourselves that there is a reason for everything... just be patient and trust in God; all will work out in His perfect timing.

Here's the latest: My fiancée and I visited the US Embassy to explain we would be submitting a request for expedite (as recommended by my Congressman's office) and asked if we could extend our expiration date. The lady at the Embassy looked at the Interviewer's letter (sending the Petition back for review) and told us, "There is nothing to expedite and no expiration date to extend--the case is denied. Your only option now is to re-file a new Petition" This is a far different story than what the Interviewing officer had explained to us. We believed we were waiting for something else to happen, so the past 40+ days has been a total waste. I am now working on the new K-1 Petition and should have it ready to ship to the USA by next week.
Since I am filing while residing in the Philippines, I necessarily have all my mail forwarding to my Mom's address in California -- so this is my legitimate mailing address (no one to receive it in TN, where I reside when in the US).
Q: Does anyone here know how the Texas Lockbox determines where a petition will be sent for processing? Is it based on the mailing address listed on the Form I-129f or the beneficiary's intended resident address when they arrive in the USA?
Thanks... and hope this thread helps someone avoid the mistakes I have made.

I just want to say how sorry I am for what may come of this for you. My heart is so heavy for all of the innocent people who are put in a disadvantaged situation based on the country they happen to be born in. It's situations like this that really reinforce my goal to become an immigration lawyer myself. I really hope you are able to complete the process and be reunited with your husband as soon as possible, and that your life together in the U.S. is filled with joy and prosperity.