quentin955

I did not expect so many answers! 
Thank you everyone, this was very helpful.

I will read everything again with my wife when she comes back from work and we will see what we are going to do.
I guess I will get a secured credit card at first, and we will see what we can do about Amex. 

Thank you again!

Hello everyone. 

I have a few questions about all of the credit stuff here in the US.

My wife, the US citizen, has a good score, way above 700. 
I, however, have no credit history. I wanted to get an AMEX credit card, since I'd get some nice perks, but I need a score of at least 620 to get it. 

1. Is there an easy way for me to build a credit score, or at least, what would be a good way to start?
2. If my wife sign up for the AMEX card and get a free second card for me, will it help and build my credit score as well?
3. My last question is: Is it necessary for me to have a credit score, since my wife has a good one? I mean, if we want a loan to buy a house later, will they only use her credit score, or mine as well?

Thank you! 

On 6/22/2017 at 5:14 AM, Aquilina said:

So I got the embassy on the phone and they said I wasn't going to get any letters/emails and I can take my appointment right now, which I tried. Now, when I want to pick a date to schedule an appointment it doesnt work. All the days from today for the next months are in grey and I can't clicked on it, is it normal ? Am I missing something ? 

Hi!

Most of us got an email. Actually, the US citizen usually does. It can take a few weeks. Mine took about 4 weeks, some others got the email even later. Make sure both of you did not get anything in the spam folder!
Usually, what they send is an email with a checklist about the information and documents you need for the interview, as well as information regarding your medical appointments. You will also have to file something online (and you better be patient for that). 
You do have to make the appointment by yourself, as the embassy told you, once you've done everything they request you to do (or at least when the appointment with the doctor is booked, even if it has not been done yet). Maybe that's why they told you they don't send you an email for an appointment. But they do send an email, unless they changed the way they do things very recently but it would be strange. 

I hope everything was clear. I'd say wait for a few more weeks to see if one of you gets an email. I you haven't had it by the middle of July, try and call again. 
I also know how hard it is to actually talk to someone there, and most of the times they are not very helpful and don't know what they are talking about or don't forward us to the right service, so good luck with that!
I'm sure it will end up well at the end though

Hi,

Sorry for the late answer, barodine01. It took 2 to 3 weeks for us to get the email from the embassy. 

Falkor, Not everyone does the publication des bans. Actually many people don't. If you miss this step, consequences won't be too bad, it will just take longer to register your marriage. Some people may be asked to attend an interview at the Los Angeles or Washington Consulate to do so, but I don't think it's very common.
We decided to do it because we had enough time anyway after NOA 2 ( a couple of months). It took 7 weeks for us to get everything done. After the wedding it took only a few weeks, maybe 2 or 3, before we got our livret de famille.
We did not need to do anything at my city hall, the consulate took care of everything. 
But they need some papers from the american fiance (I think it was a birth certificate as well as a divorce certificate from a previous marriage if it applies), and a signature from the fiance too. They also need one or two envelopes with a stamp on it.
When we did it, I filed up everything, sent the whole package to my fiancee in America so she could sign where it was needed and put her birth certificate copy in it, then she sent it to Los Angeles (We were in Louisiana at this time so that's where we had to send it). The consulate then sent a request to my city hall to publish the bans. After ten days, they notified Los Angeles, which sent me another thing in the mail later. 

Depending on where the american citizen is living, everything has to be sent either to Washington or Los Angeles.
Voila le formulaire a imprimer et la liste des papiers demandes par le consulat de LA: http://www.consulfrance-losangeles.org/spip.php?article2733
Et pour celui de Washington: http://www.consulfrance-washington.org/spip.php?article868

Voila pour la liste des Etats qui dependent de Washington: http://www.consulfrance-washington.org/spip.php?article816 Tous les autres dependent de LA.

7 hours ago, MovingBack said:

Congrats to everyone on the recent approvals and marriages!

 

Thank you to plb and quentin955 for responding to my previous post too!

 

We are hoping to get the NOA2 very soon...working on getting the documents ready for the embassy

 

Could someone share a scan or the text of the embassy packets and e-mails (without your personal information)?  The following website is not clear on Police certificates http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=France&cty=Paris

 

quentin955 mentioned that the Birth certificate and Police certificate for the interview should not be more than 3 months old...does the package from the embassy mention that requirement?  Because for other types of visas on the DOS website, Police certificates are good for 1 year.  How long does it take to get the French Police certificate?

 

My fiancée lived in the US for a year, so a Police certificate would technically be needed, but it seems since it is the US, they do a background check anyway (I think the NVC does it), so you don't need it...I think...

 

Do you know if it is possible for my fiancée to give the embassy her work address for the TNT signature-required K1 visa delivery?

 

Thank you!

I just found the document they sent us.
I will not forward it you because it's official and I don't know if I should. But i can tell you what you need. They give a few steps:

1. Complete form (DS-160) Online Immigrant Visa Application (PRINT out the Confirmation page that contains the bar code and BRING IT with you at the interview.) Tell your fiance NOT to do that until you get the email from the embassy, of course!

2. The list of the things the applicant needs to bring to the embassy:
     -Passport
     -Photographs:  One (1) color photograph  ( I don't remember if I brought one or two)
     -Birth certificates:  One original or a certified copy of the birth certificate (copie INTEGRALE de l’acte de naissance) 
     -In countries such as France where an updated birth certificate is available, the birth certificate must be less than 3 months old. The birth certificate must state the date and place of birth and the names of both parents.  The certificate must also indicate if it is an extract from official records.
     -Police certificates from the police authorities of:  the applicant’s country of citizenship, current country of residence (if applicant has resided there for at least six months) and all countries where the applicant has resided for at least one year. Please seehttp://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/fees/reciprocity-by-country.html  for more information on how to obtain a police certificate (with the exception of the United States). ( So it might not apply for people who lived in the US. To be honest, I do not know.)
the French “casier judiciaire bulletin n°3” must be less than 3 months old at the time of the interview.  ( Here is your answer!)
     -Statement: In order to extend the validity of the I-129F, an original letter of intent dated less than four months old, signed by the U.S. petitioner, will be required at the time of the interview
“I, the U.S. Petitioner…name...  and the Beneficiary … name…  remain legally free to marry and continue to intend to marry each other within 90 days after the beneficiary's admission into the United States” (I'd do it right after NOA2)

Then they want either a marriage certificate (for the K3 visa), divorce or death certificates of previous marriages (if needed),  "Courts and prison records", and "deportation papers". I don't think it applies to many people, but it's on the list.

They also ask for military records. I brought a copy of my Journee d'appel certificate but it was not needed.

3. Medical exam and appointment for the interview.

And... voila!!

To answer your other questions: I asked for my police certificates online (that's how it works anyway), I asked for three copies (It's free and we never know), and got everything in less than a week. 
Since they tend to take a few weeks to send the email after NOA2 (And they have to get the packet from the USCIS anyway), I'd ask for it after NOA2. Actually, your fiancee can even ask for it after you get the email from the embassy, you will have enough time to get it before the interview. I hope it's clear, I am not sure!
Also, for the birth certificate, if your fiancee does not live too far away from where she was born, she should go there after NOA2 and not too early. It usually takes a few minutes for them to give it to people. She should ask for at least 3 copies, since it's free and you never know!
Make sure she gets it translated (It has to be certified), not for the interview, do not worry about it, but for the adjustment of status, later in the US!

Also, it does not state that you can not give your work address. I am not sure about it but I'd say it's okay if she gives her work address. 

I hope it was helpful and clear. We will of course be here to help once you are further in the process!

15 hours ago, FeBo said:

Hey everyone! 

 

I'm new here and have few questions! The answers are probably already there, but I thought it would be easier to directly ask than searched for hours ( yeah, i'm a little lazy ). So! I had my NOA1 on the end of january, and expecting the NOA2 for the end of April (my fingers are more than crossed). My questions are about the steps after that. I would like ( actually, more than would like ) to join my Fiance for the end of june or beginning of july and I was wondering: around how many times it takes between the NOA2 and the interview/medical exam ( knowing that I will try to do the papers the fastest I can  ). And how many money this step cost ( medical exam + ambassade meeting ) ? I heard something around 200 each, but it was from 2 years ago, so I don't know if I can trust those informations...  Bref, Thank you for your answers ( if answers there is  ) and all my apology for my bad english !! ( it's late , and yes I still have to work on it  ) 

Welcome here!

I got NOA 2 in August, last year, got my interview in October. So it was 2 months. Things seem to go slower now, as RKandGC said, 3 months seem like the current timeline. However, it might change again in the next few weeks, we never know. 
RKandGC is of course right the fees too. I believe it's 180 euros for the doctor appointment, and 80 more, at least, for the different exams.
Don't forget to save money for the Adjustment of Status once in the US too. Currently, it's about $1,200.  Might be surprising for people who don't look it up (and after 2 years you have to pay about $650 to get the permanent green card. Other fees you want to make sure are planned!)

I'll explain you quickly what you should expect soon:
Once you get the NOA2, the US citizen will get an email that he will have to transfer to you. He will get the email whenever the Embassy in Paris is treating your case for the first time. Might take 3 to 4 weeks AFTER NOA2.
In this letter they will tell you what you need to bring to the embassy. Don't get those things too early, since they don't want it to be too old. 
After NOA2, the US citizen has to send you another letter of intent to marry you. They might want to see a more recent one.
I think you have to get a birth certificate and an extrait de casier judiciaire. (you should, I think, get them after NOA2. Not too late but as late as possible.)
Also, you need a birth certificate in ENGLISH once in the US for the AOS (it can be in french for the interview.) 
So, make sure you get it translated by a certified translator before you come to the US. I got my casier judiciaire translated too, but I don't think it's needed, it was just in case. The cost was 60 euros per page.

I hope it was clear!

1 minute ago, RKandGC said:

Great news ! 

 

I finally got my appointment, I took March 22nd. also got my doctor's appointment on the 21st. 

Things are moving along it's exciting. 

That's great! 
You're getting close to the end!

So, I received my SSN... the day after I was talking about going to the SS Office. Finally!
And I just got the letter for my fingerprints. Things are moving, that's great!

Hopefully everyone still in France has things going well too!

I found the letter the Social Security Office gave me, it says I have to contact them if I have had nothing after 4 weeks. So I will go there whenever I can I guess, but it's 40 miles away. (the closest one is always full of people, with a line of 15 people outside of the building 15 minutes before the door open)
But apparently we have a quite similar problem, so it's reassuring to see it went well for you!

So it sounds like, for now, I just have to wait for the next letter, which i will probably get soon. Thanks!!

Hm... It's been almost 5 weeks since i asked for my SSN.
The thing is.... they could not find me in the system, 2 weeks after I arrived. 
I guess I'll have to go back on Friday, this week. 
My middle name is actually two names put together, so it's the entire name on my visa, but on the I-94, they took only the first one. I guess it's one of the reasons. I guess if I knew it would have been a problem, I would have gone after I get the EAD. But i hope it's going to be good!

Also, i have a question about the biometrics. Did you all receive a second letter, after the NOA, telling you where and when you have to go? 

5 minutes ago, Sonia&Anthony said:

Hello everyone

 

I haven't posted here in forever!! I wanted to update you guys on how my case is progressing over here in California. 

I know most of you are still at the K1 stage and might not have moved yet, but I thought maybe it could be good for you to have an idea of an individual timeline (even if it's different for everybody) for the AOS.

 

You can check it out below in my signature or by clicking on my timeline for even more info!

 

The AOS process IS a little bit of a pain haha although we do have a lawyer for this, it's still a hassle.

For me, the longest part is waiting to work, sitting at home for months gets old very fast haha but at least I have my husband with me now

 

Quentin, how is the US treating you so far? How long have you been here for? Have you filed yet?

 

GOOD LUCK to all of you for the rest of the K1 process and the move over here, feel free to PM me for any questions about the AOS (or anything, really )

Well, welcome back! 

Thanks for the timeline, this is helpful for me too!

We do not have a lawyer, and the hardest part was the affidavit. Plus, my wife barely made enough money last year. She got a new position and a lot better salary, but the only proof we have is a letter from her employer. I hope it will be enough. If not, we will just get an RFE and send some of her new paychecks I guess!

I'm more than fine here, but I can't really do anything since i do not have a car. I tried to get information about getting a driver's license in Louisiana but I only get different information, and even the guy at the DMV could not really answer. I guess they are not used to have a foreigner moving in North Louisiana. We won't stay here for a very long times though. Bigger cities are calling! Haha!
And I agree, sitting at home is not the best thing. I try to be productive, but it's really not easy.

I've been here since November 12th, got married on December 3rd, and we sent everything on January 12th.
I was trying to get my Social Security Number before sending everything, that's why we did not send it. But I realized we do not need the SSN to send everything... So we did not wait unti I get it. 

It's been 4 weeks and I still don't have my SSN... Did you ask for yours? Or are you waiting to get your EAD?
I really think I would have waited until I get my EAD to ask for an SSN. It would have made the process easier and faster. 

 

Hm. I guess you have to check the website everyday to see if you can schedule an appointment.
If it's still not available in a few days , i think there is a phone number on the website you have to use to schedule the appointment that you can call. Maybe they can help you. I had an issue and they answered fast. They could not help me since they had nothing to do with my issue, but the embassy refused to take any responsibility, although they made the mistake. In case of scheduling appointments, that is their responsibility, so they might be able to help you.

1 minute ago, RKandGC said:

Congratulations on the wedding and the move ! 

You are talking about an email to the US citizen and that's the one we got with the link to complete the DS160 and then create an account on the appointment website. I have done all of that. 

I was wondering if on top of the email that tells us to schedule the interview I needed a letter in the mail also. 

so that's great news! 

 

I've just been to the appointment website and there are no available appointments... I can't even pay for the fee because of this. 

I guess I just have to wait for spots to open. Anyone seen that before?

Thanks!!

Oh! Well that's perfect then, you don't have to worry about getting a new letter... Apparently they did send one before, and they still do it in some countries, so I guess that's the reason why this information is not updated anywhere.

I had available appointments 4 to 5 weeks later, from the day I scheduled it. 
How far did you go in the system? As far as possible?

Hi everyone!
I have been very busy lately, I finally moved to the US and got married and... We had even more paperwork to do, with the adjustment of status.
I have an advice for y'all: Do not expect everything to be easy, once you get approved and you move here. Although it's not very hard to complete... It's a pain in the a** to fill everything up. Lol.
So, first of all, congrats to everyone who got approved!!

25 minutes ago, RKandGC said:

I have a question, my fiancée has received an email from Paris IV Pending address telling us that they "have received an approved petition in support of your immigrant visa application"

That was the 4th of January. since then I have not received anything in the mail. Is it normal? can I schedule the appointment or do I need the letter to go to the appointment? 

 

Thanks for your answers

Do not expect anything in the mail. More than likely, the thing you are going to get is an email and it will be sent to the US Citizen. Make sure that you both check the spam inbox too.
But, unfortunately, there is nothing you can do now... Except waiting. At least I think so. The embassy, in our case, got in on August 19th or 23rd (we had two different information), and we got the email from them on September 6th.
Do not schedule anything right now anyway. You want to make sure nothing gets messed up. I think you will not even be able to, since on the email they send you, they will give you a link with something to fill and it will give you a number that you need to schedule your appointment, if I remember well.
I really hope you get it soon. We all know how hard it is, when you're waiting and you want to do stuff but you can't.

Did you fill the ds-160 form?

You need to do this. Once it's done, you'll get a confirmation page you need to print off. On this page, there is a barcode and a number. This is what you need. Make sure you do everything on the list they send you before you schedule an appointment!

@antwan918: I don't think it's needed. I got it done because I did not know if it was needed or not for the Adjustment of Status.
But the doctor didn't even ask me or added it on the page she gave me, which is the copy of the sealed letter I had to give to the embassy (apparently if you're more than 18 or 19 years old it's not necessary to do it.

@fosu
I don't know what is happening at the NVC but it seems kinda messed up.
They take a very long time to process and they are not really helpful apparently

I am not sure but I think this thing about the interview date is not something you should worry about. It must be something from an older procedure or just something generic they put here because every embassy works differently.
In our case the NVC sent the petition on August 19th. I think the Embassy got it on the 23rd. Then we waited until September 6th or 7th. On this day, my fiancee, the US citizen, got an email from the embassy. I think it's like this for everyone now, they just send an email to the US Citizen.
So I'd say you just have to wait!

I got more answers than expected on this thread.
It turned out that my fiancée might get a job in Texas. In case she doesn't, DFW and NOLA will stay on the top of our list. I have to get more information about Nashville too.

I think DFW is 1st overall right now on our list. Apparently there is a lot of stuff to do. There are museums, restaurants, some nice area... And we can go watch football, basketball and soccer!
As MarkPerry said, there is Six Flags over Texas too, and they have lots of interesting offers.
Add a cheap house market, no income tax, an economy that keeps growing... Apparently we can't really go wrong with it!
Thank you all for your answers.

I like how this conversation is going, since I don't know so much about DFW neighborhoods and districts and I'm interested about knowing more about them.

We did think about Nashville! It's actually the place I had on my mind when I said we thought of Tennessee. And as a country music lover, it sounds very good. But I don't know much about this city. I don't know about the economy here, and I don't know if it's a really nice city, since I haven't been there! I'm getting ready to move to the US and getting everything in order so I'm busy, but I'll surely look it up when I have time!

We thought about the Carolinas because my fiancée's mom lived here. But she actually just moved back to Louisiana. So, it's not really an option we are considering anymore.

3 weeks to get approved? Wow. It's really going fast at USCIS centers right now. 2 months ago it took at least 2 months to get approved.
This might be a reason! I mean, if all USCIS centers are going this fast (and apparently they are), it means the NVC is getting a lot of paperwork at the same time.

I don't think there is something you can do about it until 6 weeks have passed. They don't seem to worry so I don't think they can do something right now, unfortunately. Maybe your fiance can call them at the beginning and at the end of each week until the 6th week, to see if your case has been updated.
If there is nothing after 6 weeks, he should call again, they might be able to do something, this time.

EDIT: I looked up the NVC category on VJ. Apparently there are delays problem for everyone.
You must be able to find answers to your questions here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/83-national-visa-center-dept-of-state/

As you can see on this topic, the NVC was going very slow two years ago too. The reason might be the same.

Hi fosu.

One month seems long. I guess it can take longer sometimes, depending on the order they get everything (I'm only guessing. I have no idea).

It took only one week for us and it's apparently average. But all of the USCIS centers seem to go faster than before, maybe the NVC is getting a lot of stuff at the same time. Once again, I'm just guessing.

Did your fiancé try to call the USCIS? Maybe they can tell him if it has been sent or not.

I've been busy lately, since I'm moving in 6 days, so I didn't really have time to come check the thread! Thank you for your detailed answers!

Se, when we visited New Orleans, we really loved it. It has its own culture and not falling in love with this city is hard.
@millefleur the way you describe the city is exactly how we feel. But there are two districts we love and they are expensive - French Quarter and Audubon. I don't know about the other districts, I mean I don't know which ones are safe or not.
We are planning to have kids in 2018, so we are thinking maybe New Orleans is not the best. But it's really a hard choice, because once again, we love the culture and the people here.
In what city can you eat beignets at 2am? In what city are you able to see parades at any time, no matter what day it is? Yes, we did see one in an afternoon, I think it was on a Wednesday, for a wedding.
In what city can you see a 80 years old grandma dancing, wearing a costume, spreading joy and happiness with her smile? That's why we love NOLA.

About Orlando, you all convinced us not to go there. I didn't read good things about it and apparently those things were not wrong!
Just one thing: Once an annual passholder at Disneyland Paris, I went there two to three times a month, even if I had to take a train for almost 2 hours to go there. So that's why we thought about it.
But once again, you might be right. After a year, it might not be this exciting!

My fiancée got an email, an hotel chain wants to interview her because they are opening a hotel in Southlake, TX, very soon.
Thankfully, it's in the FW suburbs, so she will be able to go when I get here. I think if they offer her a good position or if they pay her well, we are going to move there.
But at the same time, her ex-manager works in a hotel in NOLA and told her if she wants a job he can get her one. He also knows a french guy there who said he is wiling to talk to me and see if he can help me get a job...
I see only two bad things about the DFW area: traffic (but it's bad in every big city), and heat in Summer. I went there during some very hot days (it reached 109°F/43°C) and it was not the best feeling!
But it's cheap, it looks clean and nice (at least the districts I saw look nice!), there are things to do, museums, zoos, restaurants (Who doesn't love Pappadeaux's?) ... And honky tonk bars! lol
It also seems good to raise kids here.
But it doesn't have what NOLA offers about culture. That's the hardest part about saying "no" to NOLA.

@JFH I've read many good things about Seattle! But her family lives in the South. That's why we don't want to move too far away. Texas, Louisiana, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee were the States we were thinking about.
I think we can move further, but it would be better to do so if we were sure to get good jobs here.

@Damilolly I'm trying to enjoy Europe as well, at least the city I live in and my family! I won't see them for a while so it's important!
Do you know when you are going to move to the US?

@TBoneTX Thanks! I'll look it up! My fiancee's aunt lives in Houston, and we are going to see her in a few weeks. I will talk to her about this!
We are really considering Texas more and more. And the fact that there is no State income tax is something I learned a few days ago, and it's really a good thing!

RKandGC, you're welcome! We've all been through this and we all know having someone to answer our questions is useful!
I'd suggest you, if you are interested in the publication des bans, to not do it too late. It takes up to 2 months to do so. Once you get the certificate, it's effective for 1 year, I think.
After the consulate of LA got our case, they sent us an email. Here is what it says:

Votre dossier a été traité ce jour. Vous aurez la possibilité de visualiser cette publication sur le tableau d’affichage de la mairie de votre lieu de domicile (ou consulat si vous résidez hors de France) dans un délai de 3 semaines.

Après qu’un affichage soit effectué 10 jours, votre mairie (ou consulat) nous fera parvenir un certificat de non-opposition à votre mariage.

Dès réception de celui-ci (il est à prévoir des délais postaux), nous vous enverrons un certificat de capacité à mariage par voie postale, et là vous serez autorisé à vous marier (même si vous ne l’avez pas encore reçu avant votre départ). Ce document n’est pas demandé par les autorités américaines

@matt88 Thank you for your answer! Unfortunately... it was not too late. I haven't got it yet. Thankfully my contract ended on last Sunday so I'll try not to leave my house too often until I get it!

Hello everyone.

Our k1-visa got issued and I'll be moving to the US on November 12th.
My fiancee lives in Monroe, Louisiana.
We both want to move to a bigger city.
We are considering three different areas (but we are not close-minded and if you have another suggestion, go for it!)

Firstly, I'm French, and I have a Bachelor degree in 3D and 2D infography. I've worked in a paleontology museum as a 3D modeler, and I am interested in this kind of job, as well as an interior designer job. I also have nothing against working in the tourism field (it might be useful to know. I don't know)
My fiancée is currently studying and will get a bachelor degree in French in a year. She's experienced in many fields and she's currently working at a hotel. She could be interested in working in a library or as a teacher.

So, the areas we chose are:

Orlando, FL.
She went there a few years ago and she loved it. I, personnaly, have never been there.
The idea of having Walt Disney World near us is something we would both enjoy.
But after reading some comments about the area, I'm not sure it's something we would enjoy this much. I might be wrong though. I really don't know much about this area, so if you have some things to tell me about this, i'll take it!

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
We spent some days here and we liked it. We only visited Dallas and Plano though. Apparently this area is economically very good. Life isn't expensive, as well as houses and apartments. There are apparently a lot of things to do and there is an aiport with daily direct flights to Paris. But the area is huge, and we don't really know if we will enjoy it or if we are going to have some regrets. Her family told us to go there, because it's what seems to be the best choice, to them, but we are not sure.

New Orleans, LA
We spent a week there, and we loved it. There is this culture that can not be found anywhere else.
There is a french consulate, a french association, and the codofil is promoting french in Louisiana. Apparently tourism is growing there, and I met a lot of people from France there, who came to visit.
Apparently the city is opening itself to Europe, with direct flights to the UK and maybe to France soon (the consulate talked about it on its facebook page)
But life is more expensive there than it is in TX, and let's be honest: this is not the safest city.

We will be visiting the DFW area when I get here, certainly more Arlington and Fort Worth, and we will spend a few days in NOLA in early December.
It's really hard to decide, and if some of you have lived there and can help us decide, that would be good. Once again, feel free to tell us about other cities too!!

Thank you!

Thanks !!

How do you know when uscis sends the file to the NVC? I read different things about calling the NVC, how often and how early did you guys start calling them?

What is the process for the publications des bans? You are doing that so the marriage is recognized in France too right?

Thanks for your help

The only way to know is to call the NVC. We did after one week. They told us they had everything and gave us our case number. If I remember well, my fiancee got a letter from them with all of the details the day after (it was apparently on its way already).

Once your fiancée gets the letter, she must read every information and make sure everything is correct, especially both of your names. (I saw a mistake and didn't contact the NVC. It was a mistake!)

Then, you or your fiancee can use the case number to track your case by going to https://ceac.state.gov/ and clicking "Check My Visa Application Status" under "Immigrants" (It's a nonimmigrant visa, but it's still the immigrants section you need to use! )

Once you know the embassy got it, wait until you get an email from them, with all of the information you need. In most cases, the US Citizen gets the email, so she will have to forward it to you!

About the publications des bans, it's not really necessary to do it because it usually gets recognized anyway and many people don't do it. But we did it because we had enough time to do so, and because it will make the process a lot faster after the marriage.

Apparently you'll be moving to Florida, so you depend on the French Embassy in Washington DC. Here is the page you need to look at: http://www.consulfrance-washington.org/spip.php?article868

It's a little bit different than the one in Los Angeles, but it's almost the same process. I got everything ready, filed every form, and sent it to my fiancee. She just had to add her birth certificate and to sign and she sent it to the Consulate. If you want to do it and need help, feel free to send me a private message so we can talk in French and it might be easier!