Sockmonkey

Thanks, guys!

Hi, Everybody. I just called NVC and they have assigned our case number as of yesterday and generated the DS-3032. Richard is ready to send the e-mail today, and I want to make sure that the NVC address Aussiewench posted on February 4th in the James' Shortcuts thread is still the right one to send it to:

NVCINQUIRY@state.gov

Is this the right address for the Choice of Agent?

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

JenM

To refer back to a post I made here last night in the K-3 forum, I got the same five e-mails that were reported by other members yesterday afternoon, and at that time my online status showed a Touch on my I-129F. Then last night before I went to bed I was browsing the new USCIS site so I checked again just out of habit, and found that my I-130 had also been Touched (that's when I posted here). Then I woke up this morning to find three e-mails, all with a time signature of 2:31am, notifying me that our I-130 was approved yesterday!!!

Now my online status says that both petitions were also touched today. Hmmmm, could an I-129F approval be on the way as well?

So, CSC members whose I-129F's were recently transferred in have a reason to be encouraged! Let's hope a flood of new approvals is about to begin!

76 days. Not too shabby!

Thrilled to BITS!

JenM

I checked my e-mail today and found the same five e-mails about the Lockbox to CSC/VSC transfer that some of us are reporting. I had checked my online status around noon and saw no change, then checked again after I saw those e-mails (around 5pm) and saw a touch on my I-129F, which I predicted I would probably see. But now, just before 10pm, I was playing around with the new USCIS site and checked my case status again. Now there's a touch on my I-130, too!

In my wildest dreams CSC is efficiently cross-referencing the I-129's to the I-130's, because since they have them both at the same location they see how silly it is to be plodding along with two petitions for the same couple when they can concentrate on just one. But if so, I wonder which one they would choose to accelerate: the prized CR-1, or the K-3 that was supposedly designed to move faster?

Please, CSC, if this is what you're up to then forget that whole K-3 business and push the I-130!

That's fantastic, Alice!

You beat me to the NOA-2. I sent our I-130 on August 17, a few days before you. No touches/approval thus far.

Hopefully I can catch up to you soon, but in the meantime I'm very happy for you!

Do you think it's likely that the current stagnation at the NVC might be in part because USCIS is speeding up? With I-130's being approved so quickly lately, I've wondered how the State Dept would handle the potential bottleneck. Maybe these 65-70 days approvals are both a blessing and a curse?!

JenM

If the beneficiary is in the UK then you dont need to send the police certificate..

But according to this posting by Aussiewench, all you need to send with the DS-230 to the UK is the Biographics Page of the passport. Is this not so?

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=33765

JenM

I do think that James Shortcuts are very valuable, and more people might feel confident to use them and use them properly if they saw exactly how the flow works.

I'd vote for two flowcharts, one with and one without JS. Thanks, Guest123, for starting all of this. Thanks, Slithytoves, for pushing for a CR-1/IR-1 version.

JMHO,

JenM

My husband got a certified copy and, without any information to instruct him that it might be needed, he simply wasn't satisfied that there was no official signature. He brought the copy back, left it with the clerk, and picked it up the next day after a magistrate had signed it. The magistrate simply wrote on the bottom of the decree that it was an authentic copy of a legal decree and signed his name. They were very understanding about the whole situation.

I know it's hard to find places to make color photocopies of identification cards or legal documents, but my husband persuaded a print shop to allow him to make copies of several itmes on one of their color copiers while they turned a blind eye. So we have a clear, color image of both the red crown stamp and the ink signature. A good "separated from my love" story works wonders!

JenM

These folks can help you. Good luck!

http://www.talk.uk-yankee.com/

JenM

Think of it like a scab Jen, and quit picking at it.

A little burst will come thru and petitions will fly, you'll see.

I believe the photos that "count" will be the visa application ones.

More wise words, and great imagery!

Since I just got back from a visit, I guess I'm feeling a bit intense. *breathe*

I trust the advice I get here.

JenM

Thanks, Aussie, for your response and reassurance. You're right, I stress easily. We've been feeling so confident these last few weeks that I was surprised to find a potential glitch. Apparently not a big deal. Good to have your input.

Alice, our NOA-1 date is the same for the I-129F. Race you to the interview?!

JenM

Yodrak, Aussie, Meauxna & Friends:

I tacked a question to the bottom of what was more or less a finished thread, so I guess it was my fault that nobody answered - but this is actually a pretty important question for me, and perhaps others, so I would appreciate a weigh-in from the veterans here, and anybody else with relevant experience. Please, as my own I-130 is now over 50 days and thus getting close to the earliest recorded approval date, your answers could save me or cost me the time it takes to respond to an RFE!

The official instructions for the I-130 includes the following for the petitioner/beneficiary photographs:

"A passport-style color photo of yourself and a passport-style color photo of your husband or wife, taken within 30 days of the date of this petition. The photos must have a white background and be glossy, unretouched, and not mounted. The dimensions of the full frontal facial image should be about I inch from the chin to the top of the hair. Using a pencil or felt pen, lightly print the name (and the Alien Registration number, if known) on the back of each photograph."

My husband's photos, taken in England, are smaller than the American standard 2x2 (they are 1 1/2" x 1 7/8"), but the requirements stated in the instructions are all met. We checked the updates on the USCIS download page, and the only one listed was about the change from the 3/4 frontal angle, so I sent off what he had given me. It seems that the only time a 2x2 is specifically required by the instructions on a form is when it comes down to the actual visa application.

1. Has anybody here sent in photos approximately this size and made it through without an RFE?

2. Would it confuse things if I sent new photos to the Service Center (and to the Lockbox for our I-129F) without having received an RFE?

3. Since my case was forwarded to California, should I send the new photo (if advised) to California directly, at the address listed on our NOA1?

4. I would probably label the envelope as follows:

For I-130 (or I129-F) currently in process

Case Number XXXXXXXXX

Addition to file

Is this correct? Suggestions?

5. What if I get an RFE about this after I have mailed the photo on my own? If I call the Service Center before mailing, can they tell me if an RFE has been sent, or are they too unreliable? There is nothing on the website to tell me that an RFE has been issued so far, just some generic Touch dates.

I would include a brief cover letter with our case number and names, simply explaining why the new photo is being sent.

Your help in this matter is invaluable to me. Thank you in advance for your reponses.

JenM

PS - Sorry about the length.

If you are REALLY worried over it, I think you might get a better answer from a solicitor than a police officer.

We didn't want to have to go that route since it seems all of the solicitors in York wanted a consultation fee to answer a single, generic question! After the kind responses we got right here in this forum we've decided not to give it another thought.

Thanks!

JenM

Bets of luck to you for a wonderful lifetime of togetherness - at last!!!!

JenM

Okay, we're not too far from the two-month mark since we sent off our I-130, and with any luck we'll be in the happy company of those who have recently been approved in 60-70 days. I've just typed up the DS230 for my husband to sign, and want to triple-check that I've got this right:

1. He only signs Part I now, and takes part II to the interview.

2. Since I am going to act as his Agent, he should send the DS230 and all other forms back to me once signed, and I will send everything to the NVC for him when the time is right. When the Interview rolls around, he'll need the original Part II to take with him, as well as copies of anything else they require/request.

Am I right?

Thanks,

JenM

Have you ordered the police certificate? They are good for one year. I'd order it and then see what's on it. You're getting on in the process a bit and I think you're going to be needing it soon anyway.

First of all, thanks everybody for not making any sort of comments ... I've seen some really uncalled for responses to people's situations on VJ, and it's good to know that at least the UK forum is a bit more compassionate and less cynical!

We sent for the Police Certificate last week when I was over there, but the officer we spoke to was woefully inexperienced and didn't offer to ask anybody else. We wanted to brace for any possible unpleasantness, but I guess we'll just have to wait to see what's in the envelope. Your insights reinforced my suspicion that his record will be clear ... and yes, it's the only thing he's been involved with that even remotely concerned the law!

Thanks for your input.

JenM

My husband's photo, taken in the UK, was also smaller than the standard US 2x2. The instructions on the form said it had to be "passport style" but the description that followed referenced only the white background, the glossy finish, and the dimensions for the subject's head. As the photo Richard sent me fit these requirements, we thought it would be okay.

I was under the impression that the only time the 2x2 was absolutely required was for the visa itself, which comes later. Am I wrong? Now I'm a bit worried, but I don't want to send another photo if it isn't required and will only confuse things. I sent a smaller photo for the I-129F as well.

So I guess these are my questions: who else here used a smaller photo that met the other requirements and has already moved through to the NVC? Anyone here had an RFE for a small photo? Once the I-130 moves onwards, could the photo still present a problem (ie, the NVC has a problem with it but USCIS didn't mind)?

I really thought I had sent a perfect packet. *sigh*

JenM

We really thought twice before deciding to post this here, but our desire for the information outweighs our fear of being judged in black and white by relative strangers. If you are inclined to respond to this post, please keep your comments constructive.

My UK husband's ex-wife got a restraining order against him when they split ten years ago. He discovered that she was cheating on him when she came home late one night with a split lip. She tearfully confessed that her boyfriend had smacked her and begged Richard for forgiveness ... and then had the nerve to ask him to take revenge on her abuser! My husband left her that very night.

She told her mother the next day that it was Richard who had hit her, and her mother persuaded her to get a restraining order. It wasn't her wish, but she didn't want to admit the affair to her parents and by that time was in way over her head with her story. Years later my husband and his ex are on excellent terms (she's actually a very nice - if a bit stupid - person), and when I was just in England she approached me with a letter she'd written "to make things right" if the restraining order shows up on his police certificate and complicates our case. The letter recounts the entire sequence of events and clearly states that he never touched her and that the order she filed was bogus. She had it notarized as well.

We have three questions:

1. Will a restraining order without a formal charge/arrest or conviction show up on a UK police certificate?

2. If it does show up, will the letter help at all?

3. If the letter will help, would it have the secondary effect of getting her in trouble for filing a false order?

Thanks for your advice.

JenM

hey ppl we are just lookin for people 2 tell us what there time of posting the I-130 application 2 reciveing there visa is the office dealing with our application is califonia and i am kim (usa G.A) my hubby is leigh (uk West yorkshire) we got our application posted the 16th of sept 2006 and were hoping that he can fly over b4 the new year how likely is this thank you for all response's in advance

Hi, Kim.

Look up at the blue area on the top of this page, and find "Processing Times" and "Immigration Timelines". Also see the blue tab above these that reads "Guides". You will find a lot of helpful information here, and you can ask additional questions once you have absorbed this basic material.

I can tell you that if you started your process in September this year, your husband will not be with you by January 1st. The first stage of the process alone will likely take you at least 90 days (though we have seen some make it through in about 60 lately), and there's a few months' wait after that to get through the next phase before the visa interview.

Sorry to break the bad news, but meanwhile you can learn everything you can about the process here and make yourself better prepared to navigate the journey to come.

My husband is from York, by the way, and I am in South Carolina. Welcome, and good luck to you.

JenM

Why is it ok to expect to get a tough time at POE into the US but people are angry and upset when the same thing happens to an american trying to get into the UK....

Sorry you feel you were treated unjustly.... but people entering the US are treated like that and worse every single day....

This was my response as well. Whenever I travelled to the US - from Canada - I made sure I had substantial proof of my ties to Canada. I crossed at the land borders but still got grilled twice and was able to reassure them that I did indeed intend to leave after my visit. Every country is concerned about protecting their own immigration regulations - Americans are not excempt just because they are Americans.

I certainly don't think I'm in any way a special exception because I'm American (and I resent the implication), but as michellek said I doubt there's a big problem with Americans emigrating to the UK illegally. The immigrations process for moving to the UK is almost insanely simple (I know someone who applied for and received a visa from start to finish in a single day just by going to the embassy in New York), so why be so strict about a simple visit with a very reasonable explanation?

This has been bothering me so much that I rang Manchester airport today, and I was told that under their current guidance my return itinerary and the NOA-1 should have been fine, and there is "no good reason" why my passport wasn't stamped for the usual six months. The supervisor asked for a description of the individual and said that if a similar situation arises with an agent in the future that I should "respectfully ask to speak to his or her superior".

And I do know how people are treated by our own Passport Control ... that's why we aren't making any attempts for my husband to visit me here in the US. I do expect intending immigrants to get a hard time at our border, however, because they have already demonstrated a desire to come and stay. The NOA-1 I carried into England proved the exact opposite intention, and even if I was intending to come to the UK and wait with my husband for a while, it seems ridiculous that this woman would go out of her way to limit my visit the way she did when the customary allowance is six months. It's almost like she was pissed off at me for luring an Englishman away (maybe she does need to get laid).

I'm not mad at this woman for questioning me. I'm mad at her for being unnecessarily nasty about it. The supervisor I spoke with today was entirely sympathetic, even commenting that after my little encounter my husband and I must have felt terrible to think that neither one of us are welcome to see each other. Yep. We sure did.

I agree about conditions such as the topic or the grammar/paragraphs, but not about the OP. Anybody can say something interesting now and then. One of the most thought-provoking and useful posts I've read here was from somebody who I had otherwise tagged as an utter waste of cyberspace.

JenM

I returned last night from a visit to my husband in England, having flown in via Manchester on Sept 14th.

When I came through passport control, the woman asked me the purpose of my visit, and I told her I was visiting my husband. She asked why we lived apart, and I produced a copy of the NOA-1 from our I-130 and very briefly explained that he was in the process of coming to the US but could not visit me there until his visa was approved, thus I had to visit him instead. She asked how long the visa would take, and I said roughly anywhere from 8 months to one year. She asked if I had proof that I would return to the USA, and I showed her my itinerary e-mail with a return flight dated October 1. She asked me what other proof I had, and I referred her again to the NOA-1. Rather than stamp my passport with the usual 6 month allowance, she handwrote "Subject to depart no later than 2nd October, 2006"! I commented that this was not the usual procedure, and she said that she works for UK Immigrations, not me, and that "things are tightening up". I asked if there was something else in particular that I should bring next time to prove my intent to return to the USA, and she commented that she had considered denying me entry and I would be better off staying home until my husband had his visa!

W T F !!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean, NOTHING about me looks like trouble, and I am always very polite and respectful of the border folks. I have never heard of such a thing happening to anyone here before, and I have never had any trouble on previous visits. I had to share this here, especially since I'm sure a lot of us will be traveling to see our SO's at holiday time. This lady might have just been a total beeyatch, but still, next time I'm bringing a letter from my job and a copy of my lease, along with the most recent case info for our petition/visa....just in case!

It was great to see Richard, though. Goodbye gets harder every time, even though each visit means we are that much closer to the day when we'll be reunited for good. I go back December 14 for three weeks, and I am thankful that we have the resources for me to visit so frequently. Prayers and strength to those who don't have that luxury.

JenM

Sockmonkey,

I'm pretty sure Aussiewench is saying that the DS-2001 form no longer needs to be completed at all.

I'm a little wary of the forms on the Embassy site. The version of the DS-230 they link to is formatted a little differently than the one on the State Dept pages, and has an expiration date of May 2004. The DS-230 on the State Dept site expires July 2007. Unless someone tells me otherwise, I'm going to go with the form on the State Dept site.

Alice

Thanks for that information, and congratulations on your first "touch"!

JenM

Oops. One more thing. I see the DS-2001 form is still listed on the UK Embassy website. Aussie, is it that they haven't removed it yet, or does the form still come with the packet /have to be filled in regardless?

Thanks again for your patience.

JenM