newhampshire

QUOTE(Libersolis @ Jul 22 2006, 02:24 PM) *

Hi quick question.. My wife is moving in september to live with her parents until the visa comes through. Can I just call the USCIS and update her address?

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I had this problem too.

I called the USCIS to provide them with the new address, but they would not let me change my husband's address (he's in Canada).

They said that I had to contact the US Consulate where he is in Canada.

I don't understand. That does not help if they and/or the NVC will be sending him a packet directly once the I130 is approved. I tried to explain this to the USCIS person on the phone, but they would NOT take his new address or address change. She got very upset with me, and just kept repeating that I had to contact the US consulate (even though we had no contact with the US consulate yet as we were still waiting for an NOA2 on our I130).

So we wrote to the consulate, providing the new address - but I doubt that the US consulate informs the USCIS and NVC of new addresses of spouses.

So how do we change the address of our foreign spouse? I don't want my I130 finally being approved and sent to the NVC only for the packet sent directly to my husband (the beneficiary) being sent back because of the wrong address.

I'd appreciate any help on this, for myself and the original poster. Thanks!

Hi quick question.. My wife is moving in september to live with her parents until the visa comes through. Can I just call the USCIS and update her address?

I had this problem. I called the USCIS and they would not let me change my husband's address (he's in Canada). They said that I had to contact the US Consulate where he is in Canada. I don't understand. That does not help if they and/or the NVC will be sending him a packet directly once the I130 is approved. I tried to explain this to the USCIS person on the phone, but they would NOT take his new address or address change. She got very upset with me, and just kept repeating that I had to contact the US consulate (even though we had no contact with the US consulate yet as we were still waiting for an NOA2 on our I130). So we wrote to the consulate, providing the new address - but I doubt that the US consulate informs the USCIS and NVC of new addresses of spouses. What a mess!

So how do we change the address of our foreign spouse?

Hey, wait a second.

I was attacked and called a "complainer" by the poster - read her post - she alleges that all I do is complain and don't do anything about it! If she read my posts she'd see I was doing everything within my power to do something about the things I am unhappy with. I was airing legitimate complaints about the USCIS and she comes along and says this:

Quote from Girl 37:

If you don't like the responses you're getting on VJ, I'm sure there are other fora out there.

Personally, I don't like reading posts from constant complainers (or being around those types of people in "real life"). I'd rather surround myself with people who take positive action when they see a problem. In this case it might be organizing a letter-writing campaign or supporting others who are going through the process. Don't just sit around and complain if you don't like the process, do something.

I'm the one who was feeling down, not her. I was discouraged by the long wait and inefficiency and non-existent customer service and inaccurate information and the fact that applications at both the VSC and the CSC that came in well after mine are already being approved.

She comes along and acts like I'm some whiner - when anyone who knows me knows I am the most politically active person they know - I spent two years successfully lobbying to get a law changed in another state - one that didn't even affect me directly, but because it upset me so much that the law was hurting other families.

I believe it is a true observation that posters whose cases are moving along reasonably or who already have their visas are much more likely to recommend "waiting it out" rather than suggesting action.

My whole point was that it seemed like people were simply "excusing" the USCIS rather than demanding the service they deserve from their government. And then, once they had their visas, and the sense of urgency was gone, any inclination to continue to be politically active seemed to fall by the wayside.

True, I don't know her. And I know the wait is hell for all of us, no matter how short or long.

But she doesn't know me. She's jumping to conclusions and making judgements, but she doesn't know what I am going through. She doesn't know that I had to relocate due to domestic violence and cannot even talk to my family and friends - thus am totally isolated - or that I was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and am having to give up my career and am often so sick I can't do anything - that I have a wonderful husband only 8 hours away who wants nothing more to help me but can't because he can't get into the U.S. She doesn't know that my medications are $20,000 per year and the insurance is denying coverage and here we have to support two households because he can't get here - that my doctor, my senator, and my congressman all wrote letters to USCIS. That I have been waiting almost 5 months just for an NOA2 for an I-130 - when the entire process from sending the I-130 to being on the edge of getting an actual visa has only taken eight months for her.

But she says all these rather cruel things to me and nobody says a word - but when I say that it's easy to be "patient" when you didn't have the same wait (and it's clear from the timeline she didn't) and easy to be optimistic when you already have your visa in hand... I get attacked? I give up. Let me know if there's a politically active visa forum, please.

I apologize if I came across offensively. I was feeling defensive after her post to me (see quote in red above). This is not an excuse, merely an explanation.

I'm not just complaining, I'm doing what I can about the USCIS poor and inefficient performance, and will continue to do so even after we get a visa, so that if enough people speak out and speak up those who come after us won't have to go through the same stuff.

Sorry for the rant and for being so sensitive. I am so stressed out. I miss my husband so much (I know you all miss our spouses/fiances just as much), and to top it all off I really need him here to help take care of me, and to cut down on the cost of supporting two households. I'm sick, can't sleep, can't afford my medications - the insurance company is driving me up the wall - and the USCIS is the last straw right now! I just want to hear someone else say, "Yeah the USCIS is screwy and I'm pissed off too!"

From what I understand, you can fax or mail your request for an expedite, along with supporting documents. The instructions are on the USCIS website under each service center. I would do so if I were you. And I hope that your request, should you send it, is granted. I wonder if it is because the illness involves your sister, and not you or your fiance/spouse, if that will impact the decision? But it can't hurt to try, and I would definitely attempt it if I were in your shoes. I'd send a letter from her doctor with contact information verifying her situation, as well as some proof that she is your sister, and the letter requesting that USCIS expedite. Good luck.

Hey, wait a second.

I was attacked and called a "complainer" by the poster - read her post - she alleges that all I do is complain and don't do anything about it! If she read my posts she'd see I was doing everything within my power to do something about the things I am unhappy with. I was airing legitimate complaints about the USCIS and she comes along and says this:

Quote from Girl 37:

If you don't like the responses you're getting on VJ, I'm sure there are other fora out there.

Personally, I don't like reading posts from constant complainers (or being around those types of people in "real life"). I'd rather surround myself with people who take positive action when they see a problem. In this case it might be organizing a letter-writing campaign or supporting others who are going through the process. Don't just sit around and complain if you don't like the process, do something.

I'm the one who was feeling down, not her. I was discouraged by the long wait and inefficiency and non-existent customer service and inaccurate information and the fact that applications at both the VSC and the CSC that came in well after mine are already being approved.

She comes along and acts like I'm some whiner - when anyone who knows me knows I am the most politically active person they know - I spent two years successfully lobbying to get a law changed in another state - one that didn't even affect me directly, but because it upset me so much that the law was hurting other families.

I believe it is a true observation that posters whose cases are moving along reasonably or who already have their visas are much more likely to recommend "waiting it out" rather than suggesting action.

My whole point was that it seemed like people were simply "excusing" the USCIS rather than demanding the service they deserve from their government. And then, once they had their visas, and the sense of urgency was gone, any inclination to continue to be politically active seemed to fall by the wayside.

True, I don't know her. And I know the wait is hell for all of us, no matter how short or long.

But she doesn't know me. She's jumping to conclusions and making judgements, but she doesn't know what I am going through. She doesn't know that I had to relocate due to domestic violence and cannot even talk to my family and friends - thus am totally isolated - or that I was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and am having to give up my career and am often so sick I can't do anything - that I have a wonderful husband only 8 hours away who wants nothing more to help me but can't because he can't get into the U.S. She doesn't know that my medications are $20,000 per year and the insurance is denying coverage and here we have to support two households because he can't get here - that my doctor, my senator, and my congressman all wrote letters to USCIS. That I have been waiting almost 5 months just for an NOA2 for an I-130 - when the entire process from sending the I-130 to being on the edge of getting an actual visa has only taken eight months for her.

But she says all these rather cruel things to me and nobody says a word - but when I say that it's easy to be "patient" when you didn't have the same wait (and it's clear from the timeline she didn't) and easy to be optimistic when you already have your visa in hand... I get attacked? I give up. Let me know if there's a politically active visa forum, please.

I apologize if I came across offensively. I was feeling defensive after her post to me (see quote in red above). This is not an excuse, merely an explanation.

I'm not just complaining, I'm doing what I can about the USCIS poor and inefficient performance, and will continue to do so even after we get a visa, so that if enough people speak out and speak up those who come after us won't have to go through the same stuff.

If you don't like the responses you're getting on VJ, I'm sure there are other fora out there.

Personally, I don't like reading posts from constant complainers (or being around those types of people in "real life"). I'd rather surround myself with people who take positive action when they see a problem. In this case it might be organizing a letter-writing campaign or supporting others who are going through the process. Don't just sit around and complain if you don't like the process, do something.

That is EXACTLY my point. Don't just sit there, do something. I wrote to my federal representatives, state representatives, and to the white house. I sent letters to the editor to major newspapers in my area including the New York Times and Boston Globe. I shared my perspective with a city reporter writing an article about immigration.

I don't mind responses - I just don't want things "sugar coated" on my behalf and I don't want to be told to just relax and live with the poor service and delays - I need to do something, and I'm doing everything I can.

Supporting eachother means being there for the good and bad, not just the "whoopee yahoo" when someone is approved, but validating the facts when someone is screwed over or waiting longer than anyone ought.

P.S. Also, I noticed that you had very little of a wait - that I've already waited almost twice as long as you for my NOA2 - and it is easiar to put on those rose colored glasses when the crappy stuff is happening to someone else and not you.

What everyone here is looking for is support and validation. Some people cope with delays with hope, others with cynicism. Some people start out hopeful and end up cynical (I'm one of them!).

What I see is people having legitimate concerns and complaints, and either being told to be patient and keep waiting, or being given justifications/excuses for the poor and slow service provided by the USCIS. Both of those are legitimate responses, but not terribly supportive.

At the end of this month, I'll be at the five month mark already waiting just for my NOA1 - that does not include the 6-8 months on the other end of the NOA2, leaving me at over a year for an actual visa.

My case wasn't delayed because of any error on my part or any name match or anything - it simply was not worked on while at the Vermont Service Center. They admitted that to my congressman.

Then, after sitting for 4 1/2 months with nothing done to it, it was transferred to the California Service Center and it looks like I'm in for a long wait still, just for my NOA2.

Now I know I'm not the first person or the last person who has waited 4 3/4 months for their NOA2 (I haven't gotten it yet, that's just how long I've waited so far since my NOA1) - or who may not get an NOA2 until the six month mark (that's 180 days) or even later - but that doesn't make it okay for the USCIS to provide such poor customer service. The waits are too long, there is no way to get valid/legitimate information, calling the toll-free number is a nightmare that eats up cell minutes, customers are treated poorly, given incorrect information (if given information at all) ....

None of the reasons given by anyone here make it okay for a branch of our government to give such poor and slow customer service, particularly when we're paying for that service above and beyond the taxes we already pay, when corporations (as usual) get a "free ride" via premium processing, or when congress and other groups have been pushing for improvements for well over a decade now.

So I guess what I want to hear when I'm upset over this wait (separated from my husband, often bedridden with multiple sclerosis, in pain, tired beyond belief) and frustrated is - "Yeah, it's crummy, isn't it? The USCIS is indeed slow and inefficient." NOT - "Oh, you gotta give the USCIS credit ..." or "Oh, your application is delayed because you or your name..."

That's my kind of validation.

I read about how processing works, about the "batches" of 25 or so application packets in "baskets", etc. I read about the process of security checks and running applicant names through various databases.

None of this explains how applications that have been at one service center for four months are suddenly transferred to another service center, while applications received days to even months after that same application have already been processed.

Even with the batch issue, if no RFE was required, the disparity in dates should not be so long.

Also, would a service center transfer a case that's already being actively worked on? I doubt it. This means that applications transferred to another service center due to "backlog" were not worked on at the previous service center at all, save for the NOA1 being issued.

I've worked for for profits, non profits, cities, county and state government, and the federal government, and I can tell you that the image of a few government employees sitting around not doing their jobs (while workers around them actually work) is NOT a figment of anyone's imagination. I don't know why people are so protective of the USCIS. Their own ombudsman says the same things about them that I'm saying and have said.

Lets get people ready!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am on for it.

Even if everyone cant come we can ask everyone to send us their names addresses and signatures that we can submit to congress. We are law abiding, tax paying citizens. And this is an election year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This will work. I live 20 minutes away from Capitol Hill. Tell me what can I do??????????????????

WE MUST ACT FAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't come in person but I can sign a petition, send letters, make phone calls ...

I feel for the K1 applicants, and I believe the K3 wont be any better, but the CR1/IR1 continues to progress two weeks at a time!!!! Wooo hooooo!

What date are they working on now (for I-130/CR1/IR1 in California)? January 16, 2006? Augh! Vermont was up to February 5, 2006 - and my NOA1 date was March 1, 2006. I was less than a month away when my application was transferred to California. Did they transfer every application filed in March and later to California? If not, how did they decide who got processed in Vermont and who got sent out?

I feel under so much pressure from both my family and my husband's family to get either him into the U.S. or me into Canada - none of them have any idea of how complicated and slow this process is - or how little power we have over the timing and outcome. I feel like they think we could get visas faster - and they don't realize that I've done everything in my power to get visas. They have had experiences from eras when it was a hell of a lot easier to immigrate, and they think it still works that way.

Okay so 14 out of 19 reporting have been transfered to CSC from VSC. I am staring this thread so that people originally from CSC can tell us where they are. This thread has two parts: 1) If you are originally from CSC Please post your 130 NOA1 date and approval date, if any. 2) If you got transfered, please state your NOA1 date and transfer date. I know i can look at timeline for that but we know most of us dont fill in timelines. Please cooperate. Thanks.

Part 1. Originally from CSC:

Member name-----------------------NOA1 Date------------- approval dates------------------>date last touched

Part 2. Transfered to CSC from VSC:

Member name-----------------------NOA1 Date------------- transfer date------------------>date last touched

ae4ever 06/01/06 7/18/06 7/18/06

Transfered to CSC from VSC:

new hampshire----------------------03/01/06----------------07/14/06-------------------------07/18/06

newhampshire

There could be a few reasons including getting a name hit and being held up in security checks. This is common and the time it takes to clear these checks is anyones guess. Sometimes they are cleared quickly, other times not. VSC in the past had generally approved I-130's very quick in comparison to other service centers. You must remember that this is for the biggie, the immigrant visa or status and in the past had taken a couple of years. I would bet that the majority that havent received approvals yet are from CSC and this is not out of the ordinary.

I-130, NOA-1 March 2, 2006

NOA-2 approved I-130 June 8,2006

But the goof balls thinks she here with me, And wants us to apply for adjustment of states. so now they won't move the I-130 to the NVC.

I've called, emailed and wrote a letter explaining they made an error, but their ignoring me.

Don't know what to do now.

Ugo1st

If you havent had any success I would be inclined to let it stay put with USCIS and have your spouse enter on the K-3. There has been members (one in particular comes to mind) that had awful problems under similar circumstances and his petition ended up in a big black hole that nobody could find.

What's a name hit? Our last names are Cameron and Mansell. We have no criminal history and no security issues that I know of. I'm a nurse, and I get criminal history and background checks every single year. You know, they told me that they hadn't even touched my application from the time it arrived in Vermont on March 1, 2006 to the time they transferred it to California on July 14th - so I can't see how it's being held up by anything when they hadn't even started to process it. I suspect I just got in the "slow" pile just like you can get in the "slow" line at the grocery store

So all of us from Vermont & elsewhere who have been transferred to California - our applications will be processed based on our original NOA1 dates? Because again I see applications being approved already in California that were filed almost a month after mine, and I'm tired of being kicked to the back of the line. I'm very happy for couples receiving NOA2s, but I wish they'd process these in the order they were received. I feel a little like being in traffic and having those people who speed past you in the closing lane, then get over in front of you - making the wait all the longer for everyone following the rules and waiting their turn.

Yes petitions ARE processed based on original NOA1 dates. What you must factor in is name hits. This is the reason petitions are generally held up. Just because yours and others have not received approval yet does not mean they are not processing in the order they have been received.

I'm very happy for couples receiving NOA2s, but I wish they'd process these in the order they were received. I feel a little like being in traffic and having those people who speed past you in the closing lane, then get over in front of you - making the wait all the longer for everyone following the rules and waiting their turn.

My golly gosh So they are getting approved out of turn and not following the rules hu

I know this journey is frustrating and it is the worst thing to be seperated from your spouse but hang in there aye, your turn will come once all is in order (including any name hits). I hope you hear something soon.

Lorelle

What is a name hit?

Of 28 people who received an NOA1 (for an I-130) sometime in March of 2006, 19 have already received their NOA2s. The remaining nine couples have not.

Issy & Mike 3/1/06

Lori & Mike (Emily & Michael) 3/1/06

Carrie & Andrew 3/3/06

Dagmawi & Truwork 3/7/06

Gavin & Wendy 3/9/06

GL & WA 3/15/06

Desta & Krystle 3/23/06

Mariana, Marcos, & Fernanda 3/25/06

Chandni & Falgun 3/31/06

Anyone have updated information or need to add themselves to the list? Do we have anything in common? Last names that begin with the same letter? Same service center? What happened to our applications? My last name begins with an M.

Have to add:

doodads.............................03/06/06

legolas...............................03/08/06

Dinu..................................03/24/06

Raevin13............................3/25/06

This is why I think sitting back and doing nothing is not the best way to go. Apparently you can inquire if you haven't received your NOA1 30 days after sending it in. You can send your documents via courier with some tracking mechanism (UPS, Fed Ex, DHL, delivery confirmation). You can check your status regularly, and if something isn't right (or even doesn't seem right) do what you can to get somewhere to help you and give you real answers. And even if you do all of these things, you're still going to end up waiting a hell of a long time - but at least you can be proactive and head off problems (like your file being lost) in advance or shortly after it happens, rather than waiting months to find out. Did you keep your part of the money order? You can have it traced by whoever you purchased it from and find out if it was cashed or deposited. So sorry this happened to you.

Like I replied in the other post:

Are all of our applications (forwarded from Vermont or elsewhere to California) going to be processed in the order originally received by the USCIS, or in the order received in California?

I see I-130s in California filed almost a month after mine being approved.

Like I said before, I feel a little like being stuck in traffic after having seen a "right lane ending" sign, with cars whizzing by in that right hand closing lane, getting over at the last minute, and leaving all of us waiting our turn and following the rules to wait longer and longer and ...

Know it's not the applicant's fault, and I'm actually happy for them - but it's no fun waiting and watching things happen out of turn, regardless.

So all of us from Vermont & elsewhere who have been transferred to California - our applications will be processed based on our original NOA1 dates? Because again I see applications being approved already in California that were filed almost a month after mine, and I'm tired of being kicked to the back of the line. I'm very happy for couples receiving NOA2s, but I wish they'd process these in the order they were received. I feel a little like being in traffic and having those people who speed past you in the closing lane, then get over in front of you - making the wait all the longer for everyone following the rules and waiting their turn.

As far as I understand, the I-130 process can take up to a year to complete. Usually the K-3 is much faster, but the IMBRA law has caused a huge backlog - so K3s are much slower now. Still, it is POSSIBLE that a K-3 might still come through before the I-130. If you don't mind risking the $170 or so, I'd do it anyway, JUST IN CASE. I did both, and it looks like at this point they might both be done at the same time. It's been almost five months now. Oh, the new law basically requires U.S. applicants to reveal criminal histories so that some innocent foreign spouse doesn't end up with an abusive husband/wife or unknowingly marry a U.S. man/woman who has a history of domestic violence or other violent crime.

Sent my application with fee and photos to Chicago. No NOA2 yet. How long did you guys' take? I know there are delays due to this new law, but is it affecting NOA2s? Also, my Congressman and Senator wrote letters asking to expedite my I-130 application as I developed Multiple Sclerosis after submitting it (and need my husband to be here to care for me). If they submit the letters for the K-3 as well, and if it is approved to be expedited, how long do you think it will take until he is able to come to the U.S. (he's in Canada). For the K-3, what will he need to do? Is it as complicated as the I-130 process? I saw a legal site that said that K-3s were intended (by the law) to be processed in 30 days. Oh well.

I have applied for both an I-130 and the K-3 Visa. My husband is Canadian. My Congressman wrote a letter to expedite our applications based on the fact that I developed Multiple Sclerosis after we applied and need my husband here to help care for me. However, the applications are several months from being complete, at the least. Right now they will not allow my husband into the U.S. even to visit, because they have in the computer that he has these visa applications pending. Do you think there is a way to get a travel visa good for three months or so via my Congressman of Senator? Has anyone ever heard of this? The problem we have is that my husband, in anticipation of coming here, gave up his apartment - we had no idea that this process would take so long. So he doesn't have all of the paperwork that the border agents want (lease, paystubs, etc). It makes sense that he wouldn't, because he is preparing to move here, and because I earn enough to support both of us. Any ideas out there?

My application (NOA1 March 1, 2006) was transferred to California on 07/12/06. It has not been received in California yet, and the USCIS website does not show any updated status except that it was transferred to California. Should I be worried? It seems that many people's applications have already arrived in California and are already being worked on.

If you are applying for a K-3 spouse visa, you send your application to Chicago.

Then what?

Does Chicago issue the NOA1?

Is your application then forwarded to your local service center?

Do they send the NOA1?

Who actually processes your application?

Do you have to go through the same lengthy process as the I-130 (medical exam, interview, ect)?

Thanks!

When was it transferred?

When were you notified?

When did it arrive in California?

How did you know it had arrived in California?

When you check your case status on the USCIS website, what does it tell you about California?

How long has it been in California?

How many times has it been touched since it arrived in California?

Thanks!

I'm so depressed. So many people whose applications were transferred from Vermont to California are saying that their applications are already in California and that their applications are getting lots of touches. I checked the status of mine and there is no update. I called the 1-800 number and they say that my application was sent to California on the 12th and returned on the 14th. They say not to worry, but what does it mean, returned? Is my application lost in limbo? Not in NH or CA? My NOA1 date was March 1, 2006 - now other applications sent to California are already being worked on and mine is nowhere? I'm just going to cry. Help!