SJordanS

My hands are still shaking, but I'm extatic to say that we have been approved!!!! 
Our approval came yesterday on the new website! 
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for each and everyone one for you still waiting for approval. Good luck in the rest of your journey ☺️

Make the infopass appointment for an I-551 stamp. That acts as a green card for 1 year.

Today, i've attended my USCIS Citizenship interview, from previous experience, this interview is focused on validating information submitted by applicant and fixing any errors or misspells, Correcting information and then submitting the documents for approval by the USCIS agent.
At 12:30 i arrived in the office of USCIS with the address above, handed my letter to the window lady, she welcomed me and asked me to wait till someone come and ask about me, i said thank you and waited like everyone else.
After a while of waiting a lady comes open the door and ask my name, I smiled and turned off my phone, she asked for my ID, i pulled it off my pocket and we walked to her office, I mentioned that my 2018 Tax return paperwork is here and i would like to submit it into my files, She rejected it, said i have to Notarize it, Please understand that's not true, The paper is printed off IRS.GOV and no one ask for that yet i asked her if i can go today, do it and bring it, she refused. after asking me the first question if i was married,  knowing that my application states that am separated, i hesitated in answering since the divorce was finalized days before attending my interview, i didnt have court Decree of Dissolution of Marriage yet, then out of nowhere, this lady started stating that i might be lying and that she will not accept any answer, i tried explaining that i am divorced yet she started shouting that she is Federal Officer and i will only answer her questions by Yes or No,  i answered yes, i am Divorced, she stated that i dont have any proof and that i have to keep it as Married, not Separated or Divorced, Married. i didn't have a choice because she wont give me any chance to talk, When i open my mouth she reject and talk over me with no regard or respect, she was abusive and very angry!. 
i gave this lady the benefit of the doubt and just stayed quiet waiting for the next questions, every question she asked came with insulting violent demeaning attitude!, i am surprised! am stunt! what is going on here! she is attacking me and when i want to say anything she shout and threatening me to Reschedule my interview for later date, every time she ask me in an extremely rude way a questions, she do not take the answer, she is mad at me! she is treating me like a criminal who done something wrong! i didn't do anything to her! she is using the Law and Federal powers to torture me!, She refused to explain a question.

Before i continue writing few focused points that shock me and stressed me, i would like to note that i have been living in the United States as legal Permanent resident for 6 years, In all of these years, i have followed the Law, Paid my taxes, Never been in jail or conflict, i have never violated traffic laws, I have ties to my ex-wife family, i am there every year and we all love each other and they want me to stay as part of the family as i do, i have clean record with every right to be eligible in this citizenship interview, This interview suppose to be easy clean respectful.
With that been said, i have continued the interview, my chest started hurting me, my stomach is hurting me, i've never been talked to like this, i started shaking out of stress and she continues firing at me. We reached the point where i had questions about the history of the United states, i answered the questions and passed it, English reading and writing, i did answer those and passed, It came to the last question of " perform work of national importance " i said Yes, i would do it for this country, she said do you understand what it means, i said yes i would do anything for this country because i love this country and its my home, she interrupted me to say, I Didn't ask you that, i said okay please explain the question, she refused and said You're suppose to know that before you came in here! Am not here to answer your questions, You're here to answer my questions!. From what i've seen, she just needed a reason to make me fail in the test, she came true with her threat, with everything i endured, a letter to come again in 60 days. By then i realized her mind is set! she doesn't want to process anything for me, SHE HATES ME!, I asked her why are you doing this! She freaked out and started shouting that i've insulted her for asking that, it was unacceptable to ask that!, it was out of line and i shout shut up and only speak when spoken to!!!!!

I was speechless, am in shock, she writes up stuff on her computer and then she asked me to stand up, i did, she said Stand in the hallway and i did, then follow me.. she escorted me outside, gave me a paper says that I Failed to "Understand English", that i will be given another chance, she said "You can go", Her name was Duhart S. as the paper says.
Am not understanding what just happened, I had the paper and on my way out i realised that she can't do that, she is abusing her power so i turned back and went to the window, i asked to speak to someone about this lady, i wanted to see someone else and i want to complain about her!, on the window they asked me to wait till they call for me, i did, 10 minutes later the window lady said that 3 Supervisors are busy in a meeting, i can take your complain on a plain paper, that's easier for you, i refused to take that option, she said it will be 3 hours before anyone can see you, i said i will wait, am not going anywhere without complaining about Ms Duhart,  she said alright, your choice. i thanked her and sat down again. 10 minutes later the Supervisor came over and i said my peace about how she abused me and disrespected me and "Abused her powers to make me fail", i requested to be interviewed by another officer, she said alright, have a seat. 10-15 minutes later Officer Carter comes in and invite me for interview, he was respectful, he asked me the questions with ease and calm, he showed me my application which Ms Duhart didn't, he showed me some of my application sections that been removed by her, she intentionally removed key points to delay my application, she sabotaged my chance of becoming a citizen, she removed my request to edit my name spelling and Officer Carter helped me fill it back again, He was professional about it yet it didn't help to get my approval recommendation, He answered my questions, he explained points and listened, That was what i expect from my interview.
My friends, I have endured her demeaning, insulting, abusive rude yelling at me during the interview to avoid any delay to my paperwork, i have witnessed her deleting my request to edit my name spelling, she just removed it, without asking, she refused to listen to my voice, she refused to answer my questions, she accused me of being insultive. With no regard for accountability, She forged her result just to delay me and reschedule me!
please advice me, I have written a small summary to the Office of Inspector General, a Report of Abuse, Mismanagement and Misconduct to the Department of Homeland Security, am not satisfied, i don't think this is enough.
 
 

"Edit: While going through application with Officer Carter, All my answers about saying No to being in military, Jail, Offences, All questions that i said no to, were Deleted, No answer was filled, i've seen it from the iPad screen while the new answers are set right by Officer carter and Duhart answers were EMPTY." 

Good Morning All,
 
 
Hoping to hear some Good news today....

If you are not arab christian it would not sound common but it is. My hopes is USCIS sees our efforts in being 100% teansparent and honest. Im praying and hoping they are only fair and honest with us and as we were with them. 

This thread was created for those who are waiting from their NOA2 K-1 to the case assignment from NVC.
 
These are items that everyone asks for, so I thought I just post them here for you to refer to when it's necessary.
 
1. How do I update my email address with NVC Once you receive your NOA2 approval then contact NVC via https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/ask-nvc.html to update your email address as well as your beneficiary's email address. This will give you an email alert when your file arrives at NVC, your case is assigned and when the file leaves for your Embassy. Enter the petitioner's information as well as the beneficiary's in the "box". Full name, Date of Birth, NOA2 receipt number and WAC number. We have found in some cases that email are never sent and in other cases this works well. So, your mileage may vary.
 
2. Checking on your embassy case number from NVC:
It will take 7 - 10 business days for NVC to receive your file from USCIS after you receive the NOA2, then another 2 - 5 business days for NVC to get your file in their system and produce your case number. Call 7:00 am eastern time for shorter wait times.
1-603-334-0700 or 603-334-0888. Operator assistance is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Eastern Time)
1 for English, then 7 (or 5, but I would go 7 as they would tell you if you should call 5 instead after they receive your case.)
 
Best time to call:
Right after they open which is around 7:00am US Eastern Time, Mon-Fri. Most have had luck getting the phone answered after the first ring if they called right at 7am.
 
3. How long to assign a Case # from NOA2
It's been taking about 2-3 weeks for NVC to assign the case number. Then it's taking another 2-4 weeks depending on the Embassy to receive your case. Your mileage may vary!
 
4. Follow Similar VJ members timelines. Use the tools here in VJ to answer "when I am going to get etc. etc." question. Near your picture there is a link for your timeline. Select it and once you're on the next page near your picture you will see "follow similar timelines" and it will populate 12 other couples who are near your dates. Scroll down and you will see a "spreadsheet" style page showing all the variables for measurement for when others from your Embassy are getting the same notice of approval or action. Try it. It really works!
 
5. Follow similar VJ members timelines from other countries. And if you want to follow those from other countries that have similar timelines as yours there are several tools available to you. Go up to Immigration Timelines on the blue ribbon above and select it. Once you are on the next page looked to your left and you will see a box that states, "find similar timelines" and select it. A list will populate with those who are processing close to your timeline. When they start to change you will soon be behind them.
I followed those that were in my group to give me an idea where they were in processing, so I could judge if I was ahead or behind. It's accurate, maybe within a day or so.
If you choose to follow those twelve members then you will get an email every time their status updates.
 
6. Be sure your profile is complete so that we can determine your Embassy. Many of our answers are predicated on the information you supply in your profile. When we look at the left column and can't determine your timeline or your Embassy it's hard for us to give you a factual answer. If you look at the profile of others here, they have a flag for their country, so it makes it easy for us to reply as we can quickly determine your Embassy. Our answers will sometimes be tailored to a specific Embassy hence the reason for you to complete your profile.
 
So, if you could help yourself out and complete your profile that sure would help us out when we want to reply to your question with factual information.
 
Go to the top right of this page select your name (it's on the upper right-hand corner)>my profile>[below your picture on the right column] edit my profile. Scroll to the bottom and fill in "Immigration Info". There now we can better serve you.
Thanks
 
7. Timelines. Complete your timeline. In your profile to the left of the page you will see the word "timeline" toward the bottom. Select it and it will take you to the page that has the link for you to complete your timeline. This to can help us to answer some of your questions.
 
8. Tracking your case. As a K1, when checking your case online at CEAC.state.gov you must select "immigrant visa" as it is treated as such even though it is a "non-immigrant visa".  Technically the K-1 is a non-immigrant visa with intent to immigrate, but it is treated like an immigrant visa because of the AOS. It is kind of a ba$tard. Non-immigrant case treated like an immigrant case. The K-1 on its own is a single entry, with a short time limited visa that expires within 90 days after POE. That is why it is a non-immigrant visa treated like an immigrant visa.
 
USICS states If you have a pending I-129f, I-90, I-485, I-751 or N-400, we’ve recently changed the way we’re displaying processing times online to give you a more realistic date range. To check these times, visit https://t.co/ho3dfC5KCA
 
9. Tracking your case file that's in transit to your Embassy. Go to www.dhl.com click Express then Tracking, then Track by Shipper's Reference, and on this page you add your search information. You change the day and month to what you think your package might have left NVC or call NVC to get the date your package had left NVC in route to your Embassy then go to the DHL website and enter the following information:
 
EXAMPLE:
* Shipper´s Reference : EXP 24 MAR 2011A　 (This is the date you think it left NVC, just substitute the date and　leave everything else as is)
* Date range for shipment - From: 23 - 03 - 2011
* Date range for shipment - To: 26 - 03 - 2011
Account Number - Leave this blank
Shipment Destination: Philippines (Works for any country Just replace your country where the Embassy is located using the drop down box)
I hope these tips help you along your Journey. So, let’s share our experiences, our tips and ask questions.
 
 
 

 
10.  Track your case with USCIS:
Old site (also the data source for all 'USCIS case tracker' apps): https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do
New: https://myaccount.uscis.dhs.gov/ (you have to create an account and add your case # to it)
Neither is more reliable (and it's very possible you won't see anything on either and will have to just wait for the physical mail). For a while it looked like they were phasing out the "old" site, but that trend seems to have reversed itself and there are still lots of cases that show up on only one (or much earlier on one than the other).
 
11. How long will it take to NOA2. Once your case has been received from NVC by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that will process it, the length of time varies from case to case according to its circumstances. Some cases are delayed because applicants do not follow instructions carefully or supply incomplete information. (It is important to give us correct postal addresses and telephone numbers.) Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant's interview by a Consular Officer.
 
12. USPS Informed Delivery Service. There is a service provided by the USPS (US Postal Service) whereby each morning USPS will scan your incoming mail (just the address side of the envelope) and email you an update. It's very convenient these days to have advance notice that an important piece of mail is being delivered.
 
The service is available to most communities, but some are still being rolling out so not all areas are available. Check the website with your zip code to verify your location is available for the service. A person in the USA can sign up for this free service here: https://informeddelivery.usps.com/box/pages/intro/start.action

I did present all of this to our immigration attorney. He did mention to put it in my letter. It was explained in my letter of how we met why we chose our engagement this way. So I didn’t go at this alone. I do appreciate everyone’s feedback here and wish I came here first before sitting down with my immigration attorney. Because of course we want to hear firsthand from others that had this experience.   I guess I just have to hope for the best and wait and see what happens. Of course the back up plan is to go out there and get married. Appreciate all the help you from everyone. 

Every case is a 'one-off.' Even if your case gets through it does not set a precedent for cases that follow...

Hopefully it will work out in your favor, but one thing to keep in mind is that it is very difficult to "prove" you are not married. This is why officers err on the side of caution and will deny K1 petitions for appearing to be married. It's a very American mindset to say "you are either married or your not!". That's not how it works with immigration; there are shades of grey. Many countries have traditional marriages that would not be considered a legal marriage here in the U.S., but they will cause K1 visa denials. There are also countries where having multiple spouses is perfectly legal and accepted, whereas in America it is a crime and will cause denials of any marriage-based visa.
 
The fact you included a lot of detail and explanation into what was actually taking place may help, but only time will tell.
 
Also just to reiterate a couple of points based on other posts - having professional engagement photos taken is a common occurrence in the US. It is also a common occurrence for the person proposing to give their partner a ring. It is not, however, a normal tradition in the U.S. for both parties to exchange rings and have a ceremony in a church. The USCIS employee(s) reviewing these petitions cannot be expected to know what may be considered normal for the beneficiaries' country, but they will know what a typical American engagement entails. On the flip side, the CO at the embassy/interview stage will be aware of local customs and will take this into account, regardless of whether it affects the visa application positively or negatively. These are things that everyone needs to take into consideration at each stage of the visa process.  

USCIS has had to learn how to determine this as a fine point, as many married couples have tried to use the K-1 to expedite the process (particularly when K-1 was so much faster).
 
Also, FYI:  "engaged" is not a legal status.  A ring and a formal engagement are personal choices, but are in no way required for petition approval.  

I did present all of this to our immigration attorney. He did mention to put it in my letter. It was explained in my letter of how we met why we chose our engagement this way. So I didn’t go at this alone. I do appreciate everyone’s feedback here and wish I came here first before sitting down with my immigration attorney. Because of course we want to hear firsthand from others that had this experience.   I guess I just have to hope for the best and wait and see what happens. Of course the back up plan is to go out there and get married. Appreciate all the help you from everyone. 

Thank you all for your comments and feedback.  I just might be a new case study for this group. I know that in Russia a lot of engagements take place in church and those petitions are not denied. So if it does come up during the CO interview My fiancé will give the honest explanation and hopefully they would have seen this before  because I’m not going to be the first doing  this in the country of Jordan or the last. NOTE:  for those who asked me why I did it this way and who not aware if I can just give a little bit of background.  In Jordan and even here in the states if a Christian arab girl ir arab-american is going to get engaged the family ALWAYS invites the priest of the church to the home or banquet hall to do the blessing of the rings and a prayer for them. So a lot of people choose to do it in their home or venue to accommodate the families who want to attend then they follow up with a big party.  My fiancé’s apartment is too small to invite all those people so we settled to do it in the church.  Normal to have a family and friends gathering at an engagement. We did not have a party afterwards as soon as we were done we all went home and we had a barbecue. I noticed a lot of the examples here or with people who did a ceremonial engagement in Pakistan or India. That could be a different case. So let’s wait-and-see what happens to me and hopefully I’ll be able to help us all out. 

I did present all of this to our immigration attorney. He did mention to put it in my letter. It was explained in my letter of how we met why we chose our engagement this way. So I didn’t go at this alone. I do appreciate everyone’s feedback here and wish I came here first before sitting down with my immigration attorney. Because of course we want to hear firsthand from others that had this experience.   I guess I just have to hope for the best and wait and see what happens. Of course the back up plan is to go out there and get married. Appreciate all the help you from everyone. 

Thank you all for your comments and feedback.  I just might be a new case study for this group. I know that in Russia a lot of engagements take place in church and those petitions are not denied. So if it does come up during the CO interview My fiancé will give the honest explanation and hopefully they would have seen this before  because I’m not going to be the first doing  this in the country of Jordan or the last. NOTE:  for those who asked me why I did it this way and who not aware if I can just give a little bit of background.  In Jordan and even here in the states if a Christian arab girl ir arab-american is going to get engaged the family ALWAYS invites the priest of the church to the home or banquet hall to do the blessing of the rings and a prayer for them. So a lot of people choose to do it in their home or venue to accommodate the families who want to attend then they follow up with a big party.  My fiancé’s apartment is too small to invite all those people so we settled to do it in the church.  Normal to have a family and friends gathering at an engagement. We did not have a party afterwards as soon as we were done we all went home and we had a barbecue. I noticed a lot of the examples here or with people who did a ceremonial engagement in Pakistan or India. That could be a different case. So let’s wait-and-see what happens to me and hopefully I’ll be able to help us all out. 

good luck to you, I hope it works out too ... 
 
the CO is most likely also not an Arab Christian so it's his experiences you need to be concerned with, as far as degrees of marriage, you are correct but perceptions do exist. 
 
Please keep us informed, and again, I hope all goes well for you 

It probably will not be an issue for you at the Russian consulate, But, for her, where she will interview it can be a very big problem. The idea of being too engaged may be counter-intuitive. But, many people have been denied the K-1 visa for it. Just do a search for 'too married for k1.' Good luck to all)

Thank you so much for your feedback. 

Call them early in the morning, like as soon as the open, eastern time 

Im on hold now with USCIS. My NOA1 was 10/4. I am going to ask to speak to Tier 2 so to get an idea where we are at. Ive seen so many after me aa well as some Novembers get approved. 

Im on hold now with USCIS. My NOA1 was 10/4. I am going to ask to speak to Tier 2 so to get an idea where we are at. Ive seen so many after me aa well as some Novembers get approved. 

To me, it would make sense to focus on the job as the strong reason to return and also be extremely clear about the travel dates, i.e. I'm leaving on X and returning on X. If possible, maybe get some kind of PTO permission from the employer for those dates and they can bring supporting docs for that, but keep in mind that supporting docs are not required to be reviewed by the CO.

I am so very sorry for your loss. How devastating. You stay strong for the sake of your husband and the beautiful marriage you both had. I would definitely definitely see an immigration lawyer at least pay for the consultation if you cannot afford him to take over.  Everyone else is giving you great advice. God bless you and God be with you! 

She has every right to demand people not comment harshly! What she said is not against VJ rules!!  You still don’t get it. Dont reply....done with you 😡

I think you need to be more sensitive to her here. She NEVER said not to post. She said if you dont have anything nice or helpful to say, to stay away. Which I agree. Pay attention!! 

For goodness sake, give the guy a break about posting. He just lost his spouse. There is a time for being correct and a time for sympathy.