Gtuf22

Today has been a REALLY weird day on this forum. I swear, my stress level is already high, but between the arguments, govt shutdown, North Korea missile test, and now the govt seizing property from people...I feel I need to drink. And I don't even drink!! 

Can someone clarify what a government shutdown would mean for those in different steps? Obviously a shutdown affects those awaiting an NOA2, but how about those who have NOA2 but waiting NVC? And those past NVC awaiting interview at embassy?

I think this is something that everyone would like to know if anyone can answer it...

4 minutes ago, Naes said:

Monthly Overall Situation

(November is up till ~11/14)

 

@The Squirrel It is getting ridiculous how they touch April yet almost never a case received..........

 

	April	May	June	July	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Total
Approved	1820	1687	123	9	10	3			3652
Received	840	1291	3369	3298	3555	3218	3816	1299	20686
Touched	669	1153	204	114	127	102	85	2	2456
Excluded	628	437	345	375	383	275	241	75	2759
Total	3957	4568	4041	3796	4075	3598	4142	1376	29553

Thanks for posting these numbers. I’m still trying to make sense of what this might mean for my timeline. Right now, my VJ timeline predicts an adjusted date between Dec 15-19. Do you think this is still possible seeing these updates? I’m a June 26th NOA1...

I step away from the forum for 1 day, and I get 5 pages of comments on activity LOL...

Can someone please give me a brief update if Monday's activity was good progress or still slow and little movement for June fliers??

2 minutes ago, John & Rose said:

In Manila they say 1 week to 10 days. I think a lot depends on how the passport will be delivered. If it gets mailed to a small province it can take a while. In Manila we can opt to pick it up at a 2Go office in the Mall of Asia. Some people have gotten stuck in AP (Administrative Processing) for a while. I believe the rule is don’t buy any tickets until the visa is in hand. It can go quick and it can go slow. 

Ok, phew! Most forums I read online say that it takes 2-6 weeks to get a visa in hand...which is CRAZY! I was under the impression it only took about a week (according to Rapid Visa). So this helps confirm what I originally heard.

I hope HCM has an option to pick up somewhere. I do not trust VN mail...so unstructured compared to the US.

2 minutes ago, John & Rose said:

The NVC assigns a number. That is what you need. I’m not sure what Vietnam’s looks like but for Manila is is MNL#. Each embassy has a code. It gets assigned by NVC and it is needed for the interview and medical. Don’t get frustrated if NVC keeps saying they don’t have the file. Just call everyday once you hit 2 weeks from NOA2. Eventually they will give you the number. 

Awesome. One last question...

Do you (or anybody on this forum) know how long it typically takes to get the visa in-hand after the interview?

1 minute ago, John & Rose said:

Yes.  You can do the DS-160 and book the interview and medical once you get the embassy number.  Start calling NVC about 2 weeks after NOA2 to get the number ASAP.

Awesome. Thanks for the advice. When you say embassy number, how will I get this? Is this a number given at the NOA2 approval?

1 hour ago, John & Rose said:

Slightly. From 2weeks to around 6 weeks right now. I believe 6 weeks is their current “normal processing time”. 

@John & Rose...forgot to ask about this...

When you say 6 weeks, is this from NVC receive date to sent to Embassy date?

12 minutes ago, John & Rose said:

Here is the link to the Vietnam reviews...

 

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?cnty=Vietnam&cty=&dfilter=5&topic=

Thanks so much @John & Rose!! Looks like the reviews for Ho Chi Minh have all been very good. Everyone says they ask a few questions and don't hassle too much. This makes me feel less nervous for my fiancé.

12 minutes ago, daleguthery said:

I'm just north of STL in Beardstown, Illinois. It's about halfway between Springfield and Hannibal, MO. And I'm a Cards fan 

Yess!! Happy to find another Missourian and Cards fan. My sister still lives in STL and my Dad lives in Camdenton (Lake of the Ozarks). 

1 minute ago, John & Rose said:

I’m from the Chicago area but don’t worry, I’m a White Sox fan and a fan of any team that plays the Cubs!! 

Hahaha...of course im a Cards fan! I don't give the Cubs that hard of a time. Was happy to see them win the WS, but now they've done...they need to go back to being in last place.

3 minutes ago, John & Rose said:

I am truly trying to separate the process from the goal. I’ve waited 56 years to find Rose. What is a couple more months?  We talk everyday and our love is strong enough to weather any storm. 

 

There are reviews of all  embassies in a thread here somewhere. I haven’t looked for it but it gets mentioned often. I will try to find it. 

 

Btw, Vietnam is my favorite vacation spot. It is a gorgeous country and I love the people there. 

If you happen to find the link, please let me know. I don't believe I've heard anyone reference it, and I check this forum everyday.

Yes, I completely agree. I think Vietnam is a hidden gem. So many people go to Thailand. Thailand is great, but personally Vietnam is WAY more beautiful. Although, I've heard amazing things about the Philippines....just haven't been there yet. I am actually currently living in Vietnam with my fiancé during this whole process. I'm lucky enough that my job lets me work remote because I do tech consulting. Sucks working overnight, but worth it to be with her. Although, it doesn't add to my frustrating that this process is taking so long. I really want to head back to the US so we can build our life.

P.S. I see you're in IL? Whereabouts? I'm originally from STL, but moved to Seattle about 2.5 years ago. I'm a midwestern guy at heart...not really digging the west coast as much as I thought I would. I guess it's just because I was raised around a certain culture in the midwest whereas culture on the west coast is very different in some ways...

7 minutes ago, John & Rose said:

In my case I am expecting NOA1 to POE to be around 10 months or 293 days. A lot depends on openings at the Manila Embassy for interviews. They are very busy there. It ised to be 45 to 60 days from NOA2 to interview but that was when NVC was only a couple weeks. If I get NOA 2 next week, say Wednesday Nov 29, 6 weeks later is January 10. Then 8 weeks for the interview is March 7. Add 10 days to get the VOH and a week for travel and POE will be around the week of March 26. June 6, 2017 to March 26, 2018 is 293 days. Wow. That sucks. I wish I didn’t just think that through!  Lol

 

Up to the January 10 date it is out of my hands. After that it all depends on openings at the Embassy. Hopefully we can get an interview within a month. That shaves a few weeks. Hopefully AP after the interview is quick. Best case scenerio is probably POE around Valentine’s Day or 253 days. This is just my thoughts and the Manila Embassy. YMMV

Yikes! I am really sorry to hear that. You're such a positive person through all of this and I applaud you. I am doing my best not to let it get me down.

Do you by chance happen to know of these NOA2 to Interview processing time for Vietnam? Or do you know a good site that might help point me in the right direction? I am trying to know if Ho Chi Minh Embassy is a busy one (like Manila).

Just now, John & Rose said:

Slightly. From 2weeks to around 6 weeks right now. I believe 6 weeks is their current “normal processing time”. 

So from earlier, I read a potential processing time of around 210-220 days. Is that expected for NOA1 to NOA2, or from NOA1 to Interview??

Just trying to get a grasp on what the expectations are at this time.

Does anyone know if the NVC process is also experiencing delays (similar to NOA2)? What is the range of days expected from NOA2 to interview at this point in time?

Can someone please tell me what the name of this FB group that you are all are talking about is? Or maybe provide a link?

I tried going back many pages, but am having a hard time finding the link. Thanks!

1 minute ago, Tony and Tillie said:

My place is an hour drive from Seattle. Maybe we can meet up one day with @Josiah, when we get our fiancée/fiancé 's in WA.

Yes, that would be great! Which country is your fiance from?

3 minutes ago, Josiah said:

Hello fellow Washingtonian (I'm in Renton) 👻 This and may filers is a good place to hang out.

Fellow Seattleite here too! Currently am in VN with my fiance, but typically live in Seattle

3 minutes ago, Stacey24 said:

@Gtuf22 i went to rapid visa also i haven’t received any rfe yet or anything my received date is JUne 6, why did u received an rfe? 

I didn’t receive an rfe. I’m just trying to gauge the quality of their service by who filed with them and who received an rfe. Thanks for replying! ☺️

1 hour ago, Nissss said:

Yes, I do believe there are setbacks. I have a friend who filed her K-1 and talked to a lawyer about what paperwork is needed--from what I remember the lawyer listed like 4 things she needs. Not sure about everyone here, but I feel like I sent a million documents!! I mostly read online about what is needed and I was also  lucky to have 2 other friends who filed for a K-1 and got approved with out any problems or RFEs. Those friends helped me out a lot. Maybe I sent too much information, but just wanted to be on the safe side  I wouldn't go off of what a lawyer says alone though...so I totally agree with you--do your own research! 

 

 

Happy weekend everyone!! Keep the faith! And imagine---in the next few weeks--most of us could have our approvals in hand!!!

I actually didn't go with a lawyer, I went with Rapid Visa. Do you know anyone who went with Rapid Visa and if they got an RFE or approval?

Did anyone else on this forum use Rapid Visa?

4 minutes ago, Naes said:

Nope it's pretty normal. Especially this early in the game.

@Naes would you say that they typically do RFEs for the entire month at one time or a smaller timeframe at a time (I.e. one week)?

I am June 26th and wondering when would be a timeframe I could see a “no RFE” a good sign...if that makes sense?

2 minutes ago, vocaledge said:

I've wondered this before...

 

The pattern SEEMS to be that RFEs come before approvals, maybe approvals have to be signed off by a limited number of people but RFEs can be done right away, or approvals get put in a pile to be signed off on a certain day of the week, but I have noted that RFEs seem to get done more quickly for some reason, its like they go through a batch, send off the RFEs, update them online, and then when they are done with the batch, they update the approvals... (not a set in stone thing of course, but its just my thoughts based on what we've been seeing)

Yea makes total sense. I’ll cross my fingers for it to be smooth sailing for us all.

1 minute ago, Naes said:

Exactly. There are so many different type of rfes. 

 

Rfes for cases during the review review such as things about the relationship or more deeper concerns.

 

and some are just check a box or something, so these can be checked faster and easily before they start processing.

Yea totally get that. Thanks for the input 😊

Why are there so many RFEs?? It seems totally off the ordinary. Am I incorrect in this thinking?

20 minutes ago, The Squirrel said:

 

Pattern of their progress , or better forward movement.

 

 

News is borderline great/awesome ! I am trying to say that June 5th and 6th cases should see action this Thursday or Friday. 

 

NOTE: I only bring good news and smiles, no exceptions  

Hahaha...thanks for that @The Squirrel!

As for all of us, this whole process so strenuous...and this is on top of our everyday stresses. So this is all much appreciated!

1 minute ago, Naes said:

Simply put; whatever we guess in the end what happens happens whenever it will happen.

 

we are just a bunch trying not to go crazy by just waiting 😊

Yea, I understand. There have been so many posts on this forum that stretch across different topics that sometimes it can be confusing.

Sorry for not having full understanding, but I really only check this forum 1-2 times per day...so context is bound to be lost in the mix.

Thanks for the clarification!

8 minutes ago, The Squirrel said:

One more thing . I can't stop now, as @Naes muffins/cupcakes seem to have done the job, 200+ touches with third of a day to go. Here is what I spoke about before, the pattern:

 

Judging by the previous work, they bring all days to these number "zones", down to 100-150, than they work further to 50-100, and than all days below 50. This is important when looking for the forward steps they take, meaning when they move on to the next week. So the 50 and below you can see in weeks 1 and 2, as all days are in that range. Next was the week of 15th to 19th, the first week with days in triple digits, 3 such days. Vey important, as of the afternoon scan, it clearly showed this "pattern of priority", so we only have one day in triple digits:

 

Mon 15th  - was 123 - 25 done - now 98

Tue  16th  - was   62  - 2 done  -  now 60

Wed 17th  - was 123 - 21 done - now 102

Thu  18th  - was 107 - 10 done - now  97 

 Fri   19th  - was  62  -  7 done  -  now  55

 

Again these numbers may be slightly off due to RFE factor, but even so, you may expect 6 (4+2) cases done a day for 16th and 19th to bring them under 50 by the weekend. Other 3 days should get on average 10-12 touches per day, which brings them all below 75. Next week this entire 3rd week in May is gone. More can get done, less definitely not. 

 

And if you add up these "guestimates" that I foresee, 36 touches a day go to 3rd week of May. I will take realistic 172 daily touches average (easy to round off), so we have 140 left per day. 4th week in May should have 665, and Hump week has 638 as of this moment, with 140 daily touches to share between them. 4th week needs another 185 touches to bring all days down to double digits, over three days left in this week, all they need is 62 a day to achieve that, so begs the question, should they do that, do they send a crew over to 1st June week to shave those 973 cases down to a reasonable number?    

 

I'll be honest, and I'm sure I speak for many others...but this whole message confuses me. I am not sure if this is good progress, bad progress, or you just plain are unsure about what to expect. Some type of high-level statement would help clarify this much more.

For example, "This is good news" or "This is not the progress we were expecting". I am unsure as to how to process this message based on prior expectations or context.

Thank you.