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On 1/22/2019 at 7:57 PM, cynett said:

Interview took about 5 mins from swearing to walking out. I was asked the yes or no questions from my i485 and asked to sign a form. After he asked my spouse how we met. Then he said we will get a notice between 30 and 45 days and we were escorted out of the office. He didnt exactly say we were approved.

Hi all,

I've been quiet since the K1 forum.  Life got busy!  We had our AOS interview yesterday, almost exactly 3 months from application date.   Our case went through the Yakima, WA field office which does have one of the shortest times, especially compared to Seattle which is one of the longest!  If i hadn't changed jobs this summer we would have been in that Seattle queue.  At first I thought it was extra fast, even for Yakima, but it looks like others are having similar experiences too.

We were in the office with the agent maybe 20 minutes.  He didn't formally tell us approved or denied, but he dropped a number of hints about being approved.  I think he was doing that customer service/government thing were you never promise anything at 100%, just in case.  He told us we'd either get a GC or an explanation letter in 2-3 weeks, but "most likely a GC."  We did get the case update to "card ordered" within a couple of hours though.  

I'm happy to hear that SSA is operating normally.  I was worried since SSNs are free and some write ups suggested that new SSN applications were delayed since SSA was focusing on issuing checks and such.  We just used the apply for new SSN part of the EAD form, but we'll have GC in hand more than a month before the EAD suggested timeline.  Not only is my wife eager to work, being able to file taxes jointly is the difference between a decent tax refund and having to pay

7 hours ago, Lu25 said:

In which way did you receive the instructions to prepare everything for the interview and medical exams? by email or by regular mail? and who received that letter? the person who is in the USA or the beneficiary?

Everything came via email but it was all after the fact.  I think I got the emails first, but she had already scheduled her interview and completed her medical long before.  Once your visa status is ready, you are good to go and all of the info contained in the letter is available in so many places online already.

Keep in mind though, every Embassy is different so yours may have unique requirements that are not part of our experience in the Philippines.  Be sure to talk with folks who are experiences with your Embassy and research the information from the Embassy's site

Things really do seem to move fast for some embassies.  NVC transmitted our case to the embassy in Manila on the 18th; Friday here, Saturday there.  It was in received/ready status by end of day Sunday here/Monday there.

Fiance had day one of her medical today and has to go back for vaccinations tomorrow.  Then interview June 5th.  

We were nervous about the medical given some stories about false positives on the x-ray TB test since that throws an extra 2 months of sputum testing into the works.  She still doesn't have official results, but the doctor at least told her the xrays and physical exams are cleared   phew!

6 minutes ago, jackyjimenez said:

Wow you got your number so fast 

I have called twice and they say they are busy and busy 😭

Yeah, I think they would be busy in the middle of the day so try different hours if you can.  They are open until midnight Eastern time and both times I called was about 7 or 7:30pm Pacific (10:30 on the East Coast) and I got right through at the later times.  I've heard other folks say really early in the morning on the East Coast is good too.

I was actually quite surprised I got the case number so fast.  It took about 10 days to get to NVC but only 24 hours to generate a case number was unexpected so I hope everyone else gets a bit of that luck too.

3 hours ago, Sarac9 said:

Hey guys!! 

Has anyone's reached NVC yet? 

I was reading an old thread/flowchart and one comment about NVC was "welcome to the U.S. State Department, things move faster here" and they weren't kidding it seems.  They received my file on Monday and the case number was already generated on Tuesday.   I think even slow NVC is light speed compared to USCIS so stay strong! 

One thing I did laugh at was that same timeline said that Point of Entry takes 20 minutes.  Whoever wrote that either has not flown internationally recently, or was literally only referring to the face to face interaction with the immigration agent.  I pick up international students for the college I work at and we usually have to wait at least 2 hours for students to clear customs and immigration after the flight lands.  Granted, most of that is standing in line though.

12 minutes ago, jackyjimenez said:

So is that the correct number? I am scared to call myself cause I am the beneficiary and I am sure it will be so expensive. But I will try it 

yeah, I called Monday and yesterday.  It's not a toll free number so long distance will apply.  If it's any consolation though, the calls were really quick for me.  I almost spent more time in the automated menu than I did talking to a person and I didn't have any holding time.  Once I was out of the menu, it rang straight to an agent.  You can speed the menu up a bit by immediately hitting 1 for English and then option 7 at the next menu to go straight to an agent.

You could try to email too, but I hear they don't really reply to the email until it is actually sent to the Embassy.  NVCInquiry@state.gov  You need the same info as calling.  Put the WAC USCIS receipt number in the subject line and include both petitioner and beneficiary name and DOB.  I just sent an email myself now based on an older post I saw so I cannot say personally if it works yet  

1 hour ago, EllyNelly said:

ok so now that nvc has our case. My fiancee fills out DS 160 right? and books medical? There is only 1 in abuja (wuse 2) and that is where he will go... I have almost all of the docs done pretty much. I dont even know what else to do now lol

This is where paths start to split.  For Manila at least, most say to start the DS 160, but don't actually submit it until the case # shows ready.  Manila also has a first come, first served set up with medical so no advanced appointments, but you have to have either an email or letter with the case # notification and the visa appointment confirmation in hand when you go.  

Just be sure to check with the embassy there since so many of the little details are different from country to country.   Good Luck....no, no luck needed we've all got this!

14 minutes ago, LoveTakesOver said:

Hello everyone! 

 

What is the correct phone number to call NVC for K-1? Im confused because I called 603-334-0700, the automated recorded message says a different phone number for non-immigrant visa. 

 

Thanks! 

It is confusing because K1 is technically a non-immigrant visa, but they process it through the immigrant pipeline.  For example, if you use the CEAC site for visa status check once you get the case#, you select the immigrant option and you want to use the 0700 phone #.

45 minutes ago, Naes said:

K1 is a whole different mystery even to them. From my point of view I feel like they’re just trying to make easy money with k1 filers. And they don’t seem to have up to date info on it either.

Exactly!  My parent's kept saying I should get a lawyer and didn't understand why I wouldn't. I finally came up with an illustration that they got.  I basically told them that while you might need a lawyer specializing in labor law and employment issues if you are discriminated against or have problems at work, you wouldn't use such a lawyer just to fill out a job application and work on your resume.  A lawyer might be useful if you are uncomfortable with paperwork and such, but they can't influence the process itself, unless they forget stuff like it seems too many do.

7 hours ago, kendorii said:

I called the NVC for the 2nd time today, it arrived there on the 14th. And is now being processed electronically, and it’s in their system. Still saying 8 weeks for a case number but it’s just spiel. The 1st lady I talked to was incredibly rude, but today I talked to Gus, who was so polite and helpful. He told me to continue checking my email and to check the NVC often. (He also said 8 weeks but he has to say that) So I’m going to call back every day and hopefully get the case number soon!

Yeah, that's definitely a blanket response.  Standard call center procedure since they are taking calls for all different immigration types.  I called NVC for the first time on Monday, about 7:30 Pacific time.  Got right through with no hold time, just the automated system.  The lady I spoke to said they just got my case that day and then read off the standard response. She then said, in that sort of "off the record" way, that fiance visas are definitely processed faster because they are time limited and told me to try back in a couple days

2 minutes ago, jackyjimenez said:

Hey guys anyone of you had to get vaccines besides the medical exam? Or it depends on the country? I have to pay 200$ extra for those vaccines besides 195$ of the medicam exam 

I think that varies alot by country.  My fiance is in the Philippines and vaccines are included in the medical fee there, but the medical exam in Manila is well over $300.  It sucks for those who might already have them since they still have to pay the same fee, but my fiance doesn't have them so she'll just get them there since we have to pay for them either way.

The official word on vaccines though is that they are not required for the K1 Visa itself.  They ARE required for the actual Adjustment of Status application, however, so it makes sense to get them anyway.  BUT, you might be able to get them for less money so look around.  It looks like some medical facilities that don't already include the vaccines do that as a scare tactic.  They use fear and uncertainty to upsell vaccines for more than they might normally cost.

19 hours ago, BnK said:

ohh yeah I forgot to include that, but I just got a new NBI last Wed (I have an October NBI file but jst decided to get a new one).

 

I am looking at getting my interview 1st week of June. I'm still waiting for my Case number before I can proceed.

God bless you and thank you for replying  

My pleasure!  We're still waiting for case number too, but I'm feeling hopeful for early next week.  We've got everything else ready and the almost complete DS-160 ready to go

Good luck to all of us!

On 5/9/2018 at 10:25 PM, BnK said:

Hello All!

 

I did research, but I still need confirmation from anybody if I did everything right.  

 

Fiance will mail me hardcopies of the ff:

a. Intent to Marry

b. I-134 filled out form (2 copies? one for me and one for my son??)

b. 2017 Tax return

c. Employment Cert stating employment date,rate and status.

d. 6 mos paystubs

e. NOA2 approval letter (don't think its needed)

 

Soft copies from him:

a.  I-129F application (just in case needed)

b. NVC approval with case number (soft copy is ok, right?)

c. Copy of his birth cert? passport?

 

My docs to present:

a. Proof of relationship (pic, chat/call history, boarding passes)

b. Cenomar

c. Birth Certs

d. DS160 filled out form

e. USEM paid interview appointment

f. Medical at Slec

 

Clarification:

I only need to fill out one DS160, right? I have my son travelling with me.

 

Thanks All, appreciate your help <3

This is where it gets "interesting"   Everyone has pretty much the same I-129f process, but the little detail differences between embassies makes my head spin  The craziest thing to me so far is just how fast and simple the interview in Manila is, once you finally get to it.  Everything I read so far indicates it is really rare for them to actually ask for any of the supporting material, but much better to have and not need than the other way round!  

My finance and I are preparing for her interview in Manila.  She doesn't have kids though so I'm not too certain on the DS160, but I am pretty sure there needs to be an I-134 for each.  Just in case clarification, you only need to present the single confirmation page hardcopy and not the whole form.

My reading of the specific requirement for the Manila embassy for the financial stuff is that it's an either/or.  I.E. latest tax return or pay stubs, but both are not needed. Same with letter from the employer.  I think the letter and pay stubs would be in a case where maybe the petitioner has a new job so and income has changed significantly since last tax filing.  My employment includes free housing which doesn't show as part of my salary so I did get a letter to indicate that extra benefit just inc case.

My understanding is also that hard copies are not needed. In fact, the instructions for everything are pretty open about saying you should be submitting copies only and never use originals.  He should be able to scan and upload everything and you can just print off hard copies? (that's what we are doing).  

Passport/birth certificate is also an either/or.  I would definitely go with his passport (and it only needs to be the photo and ID page) since it is a standardized federal document.  Birth Certificates can vary from state to state plus theres all that long/short, formal/informal variation. 

A couple things that i didn't notice on your list were the NBI clearance and the extra photos for the embassy plus the extra photos for the medical (so. many. photos!).

Are you looking to interview right away?  We're being especially optimistic and still hoping I can go pick her up last week of the Month so finger (plus toes, eyes, arms, and legs) crossed  

1 hour ago, kanderson101 said:

Ugh...I'm hearing from other places on the site that EADs are also super backlogged. Some people have been waiting over 7 months?! That's crazy. Now I'm worried about that too  

It's true, but 7 months does seem an extreme case.  One of my international students married last August, end of the month.  They delayed a couple of weeks before doing AOS but she still didn't get her paperwork until early December...so about 3.5 months.

One thing to keep in mind is that nearly every agency in the U.S. government is way understaffed, not to mention the current administration and it's nominees' general unfriendliness to immigration overall.  Even long term multi-administraton civil servants have to learn and adapt to new directives which bogs the whole chain down even more.  I read a  pretty recent report said the State Department, for example has as much as 80% of positions vacant.  Oddly enough, it does seem to be the NVC/Embassy process that is the fastest though....funny that.   

1 hour ago, ThomasNC1988 said:

OHHHH sweet Jesus I think I see an October 27th approval.

There's at least one Oct 27th from a VJ member, but it's been there some time.  Oct 27th is our date too so it jumped out at me when I first saw it.  If I recall correctly it was an expedited application, due to military deployment I think.

Hi all,

It looks like I may be getting a new job in Anchorage this summer and was curious about any other new couples that relocated there shortly after getting married elsewhere (we'll be in Seattle until said move).   I work in university housing so I get furnished housing as part of my compensation so we'd basically just be moving out personal effects.  Most shipping I've seen thus far are full containers, but we wouldn't even be able to fill one of those smaller Pods.  I wanted to make an adventure out of it and just drive, but there's pretty much no chance she would have travel parole by then and the ferries that don't make landfall in Canada are all booked through at least August.

I went to grad school in Hawaii years ago and it turned out selling my car, flying barebones, and just buying new stuff there was the most economical option.  I'm leaning that way for this move if it happens, but was curious how others who did anything similar handled it.

Cheers!

5 hours ago, Umka36 said:

Here’s what I did. I stayed a month to be with my wife (different country) for her interview and help her wrap things up.

 

I purchased a round trip ticket for myself, followed by purchasing her a round trip ticket from her home country to the US so we could sit next to each other.

 

Her return leg was close to the 90 days of her entering the US. I did this since RT was cheaper, and with be added benefit for my wife to go home if it didn’t work out between the two of us. If you chose this path, be sure to cancel her return leg to avoid potential issues with AOS as the may think she left the US. GL.

Thanks for the input!  It's good to hear someone else's experience, especially when there is such a level of uncertainty.  Our NOA1 date is Nov 1st so not much longer until we can start thinking more on specifics

ahh, thanks all.  So far OW is still cheaper than RT, but not significantly so.  My hopeful twinkle was more about me having a 2nd empty seat on the first trip since it would be well worth an extra couple hundred bucks since I have to buy her OW anyway .  When I went in October EVA was surprisingly good, but it's never really comfortable being a fat man flying.  The way back is no worry since her plus me is still about 2 "average sized" folks, plus we like each other and don't mind close quarters, especially if we can snag one of the smaller 2 seat rows in the back. 

I was also concerned about lining up travel to make sure we were together on the same flight since most online systems don't really let you mix and match transactions like that, but I'm sure that's something a travel agent or direct airline customer service could sort out.

Thanks for the responses.  The more I pondered that rabbit hole, the more I realized I wasn't even asking the correct question.

I should have been considering how it would look to USCIS if they saw her name on an outbound manifest, even if that ticket is not used, with no prior entry.  Yeah, when I type that out it certainly helps clarify that train of thought and highlight that it's probably a horrible idea.

One thing I am positive of is that that missing one segment of multi-segment travel does not cancel the entire trip if you tell the airline about it.  People miss flights and change plans all the time.  For example, this is the relevant posted policy of EVA:

"You are no longer required to reconfirm your onward or return flights if the following conditions are met: you have purchased the ticket and travel in accordance with your confirmed itinerary, and have provided your local contact information for each stopover on your itinerary However, if there is any change to your travel plans, please reconfirm your reservation to avoid your onward / return flights been cancelled."

As others pointed out though, even if the return segment is reconfirmed, I'd lose that seat on the first unless it's an empty flight so moot point in the grand scheme of things.

Hey all, my fiance doesn't have much travel experience yet and has never flown so I am planning to fly to the Philippines to pick her up when the time comes.  My inclination is to just buy 2 RT tickets since RT and 1-Way don't vary all that much these days.  Added benefit is that I'm a considerably over sized traveler so having an empty seat next to me on the way there is a bonus for everyone. It also seems like it would streamline the purchase process and ensure that we are seated together on flight back to the U.S.  I'm just worried that the airlines would grumble that she is not on the first flight and/or give that seat away since the person it technically belongs too would be counted as a no-show.

Has anyone else done anything similar at all?