Good luck to the November 2017 filers
Before you send your packet in, take a few extra minutes and look over your forms and evidence very carefully. These few minutes will save you a month of time by avoiding an R F E (request for evidence). I noticed a lot of people getting RFE this summer for forgetting to tick a box (usually the one saying you aren't a criminal), but other boxes as well. Pay particular attention to how you met. If you met 'Online', uscis is going to want more of an explanation....... If you met on a dating site, include the Terms of Service (TOS) and a statement showing they do not meet the definition of an IMBRA site. If you met on facebook, send along the TOS for facebook. Other RFE's are for passport photos not meeting the required specs (2x2, neutral expression, no glasses, white background, taken recently, etc etc), Not sending in certified divorce decrees from ALL past marriages of USC, Not providing sufficient evidence of meeting in person within the last 2 years (airline itineraries are good but also SEND the BOARDING PASSES, luggage tag, a menu from the flight, Hotel receipt, an ATM receipt in the host country) - if the 2 of you met in a 3rd country, show the 2 of you TOGETHER at the SAME TIME by similar evidence (2 sets of boarding passes). Remember that photos are regarded as secondary type of evidence. Review your packet thoroughly with a critical eye before you send it in.
After sending it, please be patient, I mean real patient. USCIS has a lot of work to do, not just Fiance/e petitions...... Expect 6 months from NOA1 to NOA2. Use your time wisely while waiting, read up on the procedures of what to do after NOA2 and what the beneficiary has to do to apply for their visa (DS-160) and what evidence they need. Also start looking up the process for the police clearances from every country the beneficiary has been in for 6 months or more after the age of 16. In the meantime, help each other out here on VJ with their questions, and lend support freely. You will quickly learn that this thread will be your best friend to expediently make it through this part of your journey.
I wish you much success!
