luckykeys

I appreciate the reply, Merrytooth, but am looking for input on the frustrations people face, not on whether it's a good idea or not.

Hi everyone.

I am the beneficiary on an I-130 application by my husband and I'm in the waiting game right now in the NSC, waiting for the I-130 approval. Every day seems like forever but at the 2 month mark, I know I still have some waiting to do.

I want to help other applicants and am thinking of writing an advice book on the topic for those just starting out on this adventure.

What would you say are the greatest frustrations you've experienced in the process? - other than the waiting!

Any opinions would be gratefully received - I've read a zillion posts, so I have some good starting info.

Lucky Keys

I use the iPhone app.

My receipt number is LIN1690420xxx and we were received on February 8. So I checked numbers around that to find when February 8 started and ended. I found that receipt numbers from LIN1690415000 to LIN1690420499 were all received February 8. I check to see how many are still showing "case was received" and have had no action since February 8. Currently there are almost 190 such files.

Got it. I had the app but hadn't seen the second tab where it is possible to do what you describe. Thanks!

To give you an idea of the workload and timeframe.... There are almost 190 cases that were received on February 8 that are still untouched. Hundreds have been approved from that date. They get several hundred every day. Plus Nebraska also handles other visa types too.

JFH, how do you know (where did you get the info) that tells you there are 190 cases AND that those cases are untouched.

Thanks -

True enough B&Z - my post was (failed) attempt at levity. The days, they pass one by one! Cheers.

If the number of times I checked case status online sped up the processing time, I would have been approved yesterday. Sigh. Like clicking an elevator button.

Finally approved!!!!

Great news. Congrats.

. Collect more as time goes on to send with the IV package and your wife to provide at interview.

This is actually very reassuring and I didn't realize it was appropriate to submit more docs at the interview stage. I am Canadian citizen, spouse is USC and I've worried that our file will be somewhat thin based on the evidence we were able to submit at the application stage. So if I read you correctly, the interview is not just about answering the interviewer's questions, but there is also opportunity to "prove" one's case beyond what has already been submitted. Am I understanding you correctly? Thanks -

I have researched this topic extensively. You will need a social security number first. Without it, you will not be able to get credit. Period.

The fastest way to get a good credit rating is to start with a secured credit card. A secured credit card is one where you pay into a deposit account an amount of money. That amount of money is usually (not always) the same amount as your credit limit. Capital One Secured is the best bet because the total amount of your credit line is almost always larger than the amount you must put up for a deposit (i.e. you pay $49 into a deposit, you get a $200 credit line is typical

When you have the card, pay your bill on time and in full for the bets results. In other words, each month when they issue a credit card statement your balance should be zero. This means your "credit utilization" is low. Credit utilization is the amount you have actually used divided by the total amount of credit you have.If you *have* to have a balance on your card, strive to make it less than 30% of the card's credit limit or you will damage your credit score.

After a few months of regular and prompt payment, apply for a second card with a different credit card company. Same rules. Make regular on time payments.

When searching for cards, do online research first before applying. Each "hard inquiry" at the credit bureau nibbles away at your credit score - more than 3 in a a 6 month period often means automatic denial because it shows you are shopping for credit.

After you have three credit cards open, you should be able to apply for a personal loan, which will also build your credit score because it shows that you are responsible with credit with a different kind of credit (fixed loan as opposed to a revolving credit card like credit cards).

That's the down and dirty version. Building strong credit takes time, patience and paying off your card each month.