Akiko & Brad

I woke up this morning to an email that said "We have taken action on your case.  Sign in to view your case status."
 
I signed in and:
 
July 16, 2018
We approved your case
Read the notice we mailed you for more information
If you do not receive your notice by August 15, 2018, send us a case inquiry and select that you did not receive your notice by mail.
If your mailing address changes, update your address with us.
 
Finally after a long, long wait it is here.
NOA1 Dec 20, 2017 (old)
NOA1 Dec 26, 2017 (new)
NOA2 July 16, 2018 (new website)
208 days NOA1 to NOA2
 
I promised myself that I would not whine on VJ before I hit 210 days and the case was officially over 210 days and beyond normal processing times.
I just called my fiance in Japan and we are so happy to move to the next steps.

I woke up this morning to an email that said "We have taken action on your case.  Sign in to view your case status."
 
I signed in and:
 
July 16, 2018
We approved your case
Read the notice we mailed you for more information
If you do not receive your notice by August 15, 2018, send us a case inquiry and select that you did not receive your notice by mail.
If your mailing address changes, update your address with us.
 
Finally after a long, long wait it is here.
NOA1 Dec 20, 2017 (old)
NOA1 Dec 26, 2017 (new)
NOA2 July 16, 2018 (new website)
208 days NOA1 to NOA2
 
I promised myself that I would not whine on VJ before I hit 210 days and the case was officially over 210 days and beyond normal processing times.
I just called my fiance in Japan and we are so happy to move to the next steps.

I woke up this morning to an email that said "We have taken action on your case.  Sign in to view your case status."
 
I signed in and:
 
July 16, 2018
We approved your case
Read the notice we mailed you for more information
If you do not receive your notice by August 15, 2018, send us a case inquiry and select that you did not receive your notice by mail.
If your mailing address changes, update your address with us.
 
Finally after a long, long wait it is here.
NOA1 Dec 20, 2017 (old)
NOA1 Dec 26, 2017 (new)
NOA2 July 16, 2018 (new website)
208 days NOA1 to NOA2
 
I promised myself that I would not whine on VJ before I hit 210 days and the case was officially over 210 days and beyond normal processing times.
I just called my fiance in Japan and we are so happy to move to the next steps.

If you have been following approvals for very long you would have noticed that Wednesday is always a very slow day for approvals where there are typically none to only a very few.  Even though we may not like it, the zero for today is about what I realistically expected.  Things should pick up on Thursday and Friday.
 
Patiently waiting at day 204.

Don't be too worried.  The USCIS official website currently says I-129F average processing time is 7.6 months.  Currently based on data I have seen over 50% of the cases extend beyond the 7 month period.  I would not be surprised if they increase the number of months soon that they call normal as things do not seem to be speeding up.
 
Dec 20, 2017 filer still patiently waiting.

If you have been following approvals for very long you would have noticed that Wednesday is always a very slow day for approvals where there are typically none to only a very few.  Even though we may not like it, the zero for today is about what I realistically expected.  Things should pick up on Thursday and Friday.
 
Patiently waiting at day 204.

If you have been following approvals for very long you would have noticed that Wednesday is always a very slow day for approvals where there are typically none to only a very few.  Even though we may not like it, the zero for today is about what I realistically expected.  Things should pick up on Thursday and Friday.
 
Patiently waiting at day 204.

If you have been following approvals for very long you would have noticed that Wednesday is always a very slow day for approvals where there are typically none to only a very few.  Even though we may not like it, the zero for today is about what I realistically expected.  Things should pick up on Thursday and Friday.
 
Patiently waiting at day 204.

You do not need to get married in India.  Meet somewhere for a destination wedding.  There are many places that require no waiting period to get married.  
So an option is: Go there, get married, both return to their home and file for the spousal visa.

We all knew this was coming one day but it still feels like a slap in the face. The wait is hard enough and now we're left in the dark about what's going on.
I wonder if it has anything to do with people spilling their guts to a USCIS employee and mentioning this forum and the scans. I can't help being a bit bitter about people 'giving away' our 'secret' even though USCIS probably knew long before what was going on. Good chance USCIS doesn't even care about the scans and this has nothing to do with that. Either way. I'm sorry, I'm rambling.
 
Let's be positive. We still have Igor's list and with the help of all you wonderful people at VJ who fill out their timeline we still have a pretty good idea of what's going on.

Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU.  BTW did I mention Thank you!!

Yes, it's very hard to read this and not feel something...😕
 
Today we are at 220 days waiting.  And have been very patient throughout this process.  We waited until we were outside processing times based on the new system date (not the old) just to be sure they couldn't say we inquired too early.  
 
Its like waiting in a long que and the person at the end cutting in front of you - nobody likes that.  We are all anxious and waiting to be with our finances. Some of us cannot see them every few weeks/months (I know its been a year for us, and it truly stinks.)
 
I totally agree with @jakejon and @Alekezam it really slows everything down, because the congressman still has to look at your case and respond telling you that you're not outside the processing time yet - which slows down the process for all of us that did wait and follow the guidelines and are allowed to inquire.  So when you say, "what can it hurt?" I'd say more than you know. Please be considerate of those us waiting ahead of you. And most definitely do not encourage others in your month to follow you. We all have to wait.  Once you reach 210 days or 7 months - THEN you can inquire, that's what the USCIS official website instructs. [I'm thinking if they made those that inquired too early to go to the back of the line in waiting for their NOA2, for not following directions...a few more people would learn to follow directions.   Just a thought.]
 
Our NOA1 is Nov 2nd (old system) and Nov 6th (new system). So we've been waiting 7 months and 8 days - and our case is not complicated at all. 
 
Best of luck to all those waiting still, it's definitely not easy. 
 
Really hoping we see some November movement this coming week!! 
 
 

I'm at 216 days now. 
 
My NOA 1 is Nov. 6th Old Nov. 8th new. 
 
This is exactly the reason why I don't hold much promise in contacting Congressman or Senators much less putting in an inquiry to the USCIS. 
 
If you have people who feel they need to start inquiring in advance then it only encourages others to do the same, which, in turn simply bogs up the already bogged up system. 
 
I've been patient and only just started to file any sort of inquiries but I am outside of normal processing time now. 
 
You pretty much just confirmed to me that yourself along with who knows how may others are jumping the gun. 
 
Sorry for the vent but put yourself in some of the November filers shoes.  See how you feel when you start seeing people who filed in March te complaining and writing to Congressman while you still haven't heard anything two months from now. 

This has been bugging me a little! I don’t mean it to sound the way it does but your a January filer. I don’t mean to sound uncompassionate to how your feeling but 5 months is nothing to how long people have waited. If you look on USCIS website, average processing time is 5-7 months. Historic processing until January 31st 2018 is 6.5 months. I’d enquire with congressman/senate level when you reach the upper end. Otherwise, expedite if you feel you can’t wait and meet the necessary criteria. We are Day 166...are we fed up waiting as a December filer-yes!! But there’s a system and we are still in normal processing time so it’s a waiting game. That’s the reality of what you and everyone else has entered! If everyone could reach out to congress there would be no systematic system. But good luck anyhow. I just want everyone to get an approval who’s has been waiting many months before ours (December) as that would be just and only fair. I think it’s just a little insensitive to come to a filing month before yours to openly convey your plans. Many people on this thread are beyond WAY beyond 150 (infact beyond 210 days+) and have had to have a lot of patience. We have to wait it out like everyone else. The USCIS works how it works. End of. 
 
My best, 
Jon 
 
 

I suggest getting a Texas State ID as soon as you arrive,  Texas Department of Transportation will allow it to be valid for the length of K1 entry date.  Get this instead of a Driver License and use it as an ID, it is same place you get a Driver Licenses.
 
We got my wife a State ID and it was valid for like 20 days, but it sure came in handy using as a second form of ID in lieu of her passport.
 
You can legally drive up to 90 days on your foreign license, but I doubt you would get any grief if it was more than 90 days.
 
Get your Social Security number within in the first few days after you arrive in USA, go back and do a name change after you get married.

Texas won't give you DL until you have either a Greencard or EAD (Employment Authorization Document).  K1 they will let you have it but as I stated it would only be good for up to 90 days and they use your 1-94 entry to base the 90 days. 

From the Tarrant County Texas website. (Where Fort Worth is located)
GENERAL INFORMATION
There are two types of marriage licenses--Formal marriage license and Declaration and Registration of an Informal Marriage (Common law). The basic requirements are the same for both types of marriage.
Both parties must appear in person. Both parties must be at least 18 years of age. Must have a valid, government-issued picture identification. Names will be reflected on the marriage license exactly as they appear on the IDs. The County Clerk's office cannot change the name or spelling of name on ID. Forms of acceptable, valid identification include: Driver's license State ID Passport Military ID Visa Must know Social Security number. A blood test is NOT required.  
FORMAL MARRIAGE
A formal marriage license can be obtained from any county in Texas and the marriage can be performed anywhere. If the marriage takes place outside of Texas, contact the appropriate state office, consulate or embassy to learn the marriage requirements for that state or country.
Additional requirements and information:
There is a 72-hour waiting period after the license is issued before the marriage ceremony can take place. The 72-hour waiting period can be waived by meeting one of three criteria.
The waiting period does not apply if an applicant is a member of the armed forces. Military ID must be shown to the person who performs the marriage ceremony.
The waiting period does not apply if the applicant obtains a 72-hour waiver signed by a District Judge. Waiver must be shown and kept by the person performing the ceremony.
Applicants possess a valid Twogether in Texas Certificate. Certificate must be shown to the person who performs the ceremony.
The marriage must take place within 90 days from the date of issuance--no exceptions.
If divorced in Texas, there is a 30-day waiting period after the divorce is final before remarriage--unless waived. If the 30-day waiting period is waived, a certified copy must be presented at the time the license is purchased.
The fee is $71 cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover. (Credit card use adds an additional 3 percent fee.)
The fee is $11 for couples who attend the State of Texas approved Marriage Education Class and present a valid Twogether in Texas Certificate. For more information visit the Twogether in Texas website.
 
ONLINE APPLICATIONS
Marriage license applications may be filled out and saved online. However, applicants must appear in person to sign and purchase the marriage license. Please note: additional information will be required of each applicant when the marriage license is issued. The process can be completed at the downtown location or at a Tarrant County sub-courthouse location.
 
Online Application
 
MINORS OBTAINING A MARRIAGE LICENSE
Effective September 1, 2017, if either applicant is under 18 years of age, a court order granted by this state under Texas Family Code Chapter 31, removing the disabilities of minority of the applicant for general purpose is required.  In addition, minor applicants must show certified copy of birth certificate with current school ID, driver's license or state ID.
 
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The official information says you must know the social security number.  It is always best to apply for it before marriage anyways about 2 weeks after arriving in the states to allow time for the travel record from arriving to get in the database.  People who have waited have experienced difficulty getting one especially if a name change happens due to marriage.  Sometimes they cannot get one then until AOS in complete which will prevent them from working on an EAD-work permit before receiving their green card.  Employers require one to work and it is also needed to file joint taxes.  So for your benefit and less headache, apply for the social security card as one of the first things you do after arriving and definitely before marriage.
 
FYI, there is a social security office convenient to Arlington, TX near HWY 360 and Carrier Drive (I think it is a Grand Prairie address).  Just get a number and wait in line with your Fiance.  I was just there for a duplicate card and they were very efficient.

https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/documents/verifyingLawfulPresence.pdf
 
https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-62.pdf
 
These 2 documents may be helpful as they are more current and lists a K-1 and what is required.

I think we are seeing timelines move further away due to the strange way they handled November with processing many late November cases at the beginning of the month.  Timeline predictions improved as it looked they were closer to starting December cases.
 
When they finally got around to processing early November cases, our timelines took a hit as all the sudden most of the approvals were further away from December.
 
I predict that when they clean up early November there will be a drastic jump (improvement) in our timelines as they already completed many late November petitions early.  They will jump from mainly early November approvals to mainly early December approvals.
 
Just my theory.  We may be closer than the timelines indicate.

I think we are seeing timelines move further away due to the strange way they handled November with processing many late November cases at the beginning of the month.  Timeline predictions improved as it looked they were closer to starting December cases.
 
When they finally got around to processing early November cases, our timelines took a hit as all the sudden most of the approvals were further away from December.
 
I predict that when they clean up early November there will be a drastic jump (improvement) in our timelines as they already completed many late November petitions early.  They will jump from mainly early November approvals to mainly early December approvals.
 
Just my theory.  We may be closer than the timelines indicate.

I think we are seeing timelines move further away due to the strange way they handled November with processing many late November cases at the beginning of the month.  Timeline predictions improved as it looked they were closer to starting December cases.
 
When they finally got around to processing early November cases, our timelines took a hit as all the sudden most of the approvals were further away from December.
 
I predict that when they clean up early November there will be a drastic jump (improvement) in our timelines as they already completed many late November petitions early.  They will jump from mainly early November approvals to mainly early December approvals.
 
Just my theory.  We may be closer than the timelines indicate.

I think we are seeing timelines move further away due to the strange way they handled November with processing many late November cases at the beginning of the month.  Timeline predictions improved as it looked they were closer to starting December cases.
 
When they finally got around to processing early November cases, our timelines took a hit as all the sudden most of the approvals were further away from December.
 
I predict that when they clean up early November there will be a drastic jump (improvement) in our timelines as they already completed many late November petitions early.  They will jump from mainly early November approvals to mainly early December approvals.
 
Just my theory.  We may be closer than the timelines indicate.

I think we are seeing timelines move further away due to the strange way they handled November with processing many late November cases at the beginning of the month.  Timeline predictions improved as it looked they were closer to starting December cases.
 
When they finally got around to processing early November cases, our timelines took a hit as all the sudden most of the approvals were further away from December.
 
I predict that when they clean up early November there will be a drastic jump (improvement) in our timelines as they already completed many late November petitions early.  They will jump from mainly early November approvals to mainly early December approvals.
 
Just my theory.  We may be closer than the timelines indicate.

I think we are seeing timelines move further away due to the strange way they handled November with processing many late November cases at the beginning of the month.  Timeline predictions improved as it looked they were closer to starting December cases.
 
When they finally got around to processing early November cases, our timelines took a hit as all the sudden most of the approvals were further away from December.
 
I predict that when they clean up early November there will be a drastic jump (improvement) in our timelines as they already completed many late November petitions early.  They will jump from mainly early November approvals to mainly early December approvals.
 
Just my theory.  We may be closer than the timelines indicate.

I think we are seeing timelines move further away due to the strange way they handled November with processing many late November cases at the beginning of the month.  Timeline predictions improved as it looked they were closer to starting December cases.
 
When they finally got around to processing early November cases, our timelines took a hit as all the sudden most of the approvals were further away from December.
 
I predict that when they clean up early November there will be a drastic jump (improvement) in our timelines as they already completed many late November petitions early.  They will jump from mainly early November approvals to mainly early December approvals.
 
Just my theory.  We may be closer than the timelines indicate.