CzechMate

The only thing i do ...I check the USCIS website like 100 times a day...i thought that i would get an e mail or that any time that they touch it would show a touch...DONT tell me that they are not even reliable with the touches or the emails.. ....this is getting worse and worse

Yeah, I was one of those too. 100 times a day? more like a thousand for me. I got exactly one touch when they put our package into the system. Then one day it was just "approved". No touches or anything.

They do email you though when that happens.

Hang in there, its all worth it.

CM

What is the actuall phone number for VSC?

I used the RFE trick to get to VSC:

1-800-375-5283

1, 2, 2, 4, 2, 1, case number, 1, 1

I think that is right

Thank you -

Does anyone have any advice on how to get through the next few months. I seem to be having a horrible time lately. Nothing seems to make me happy, and i can't get out of the rut i'm in even when he's on the phone. It's putting quite a damper on things. I am usually the rock and lately - not so much.

Also - does anyone know anything about obtaining a visa for his mother? Does he need to be a citizen first or can she come on a visitors visa - she's 55+.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Here's what worked for us:

1) Pray!!! A LOT!!!

2) Stop trying to be the rock and tell your SO how you feel and listen to how they feel about the waiting.

3) Prepare/gather the paperwork you'll need for the Embassy interview coz once you get your NOA2 things move really really fast.

4) Interact with the folks here on Visa Journey, good advice from those that have been through it and some support from folks that are going through the same things you are.

5) Dont forget that the love you have for your SO is more powerful than the entire USCIS

6) Start working on the little details that everyone seems to put off till the end. ie like immigrating pets and paying off debts and all that other little stuff that jumps up to bite you in the butt just before a relocation

7) If possible go spend some time with your honey.

I can tell you that it is so worth it all at the end when your honey has their visa page glued into their passport.

Hope it helps!!

CM

Well another update....

The court date to resolve the Protection order is tomorrow. As Ive been told, the three things that could happen tomorrow are: My ex can withdraw it, the court can dismiss it or we go to a small trial. As attractive as the first two are, Im kind of leaning toward the trial even though it will drag this out more. A trial is the only way that I can put a stop to this once and for all. Some history that I may have left out, shes done this before whenever she cant manipulate me any other way. A little fact that the court has also realized.....

So depending on how things go tomorrow, I may not have to worry at all about coming through the POE with my honey.

Once again thank you all for the comments and support. My sincere apologies for the drama.

CM

For us once I was told that it was ready to be assigned to a case officer, it was only a few days till we got our approval notice. From what I was able to get out of the officer on the phone, cases go from mail room to box, box to shelf, shelf to case officer, case officer back to mail room, mail room to NVC.

Funny thing is that unless you are missing something in your packet, the whole review takes less than 20 minutes.

Keep the spirits up!!

CM

Thanks folks. Here is a little bit of an update....

I have an attorney fighting the Protection Order. She said the same as many of you, that it shouldnt affect my fiancees and her son's entry at all. She also happens to be on the Federal Bar so she said if anything happens at the POE to give her a call ASAP right from the USINS desk. Apparently shes well versed in federal immigration law too. A definite bonus but not surprising considering the number of immigrants here in Central New York. To add a big twist to this, my attorney is the daughter of the judge that issued the order.

So far my attorney cant figure out how my ex was even able to get the protection order in the first place. Of the 3 claims she made, 2 were as written in her claim as being more than a year old and never happened and the third while recent like the week before I left to go to Prague for my fiancee's interview, it too was completely fabricated. And whats more, it was done completely ex-parte, as in without them calling me into court on that day (I live 3 blocks from the court house). Its pretty obvious to everyone here, the court, the local police and of course my attorney that she is just doing this to try and create problems.

Anyhow, my SO will be here mid to late Sept. I can deal with the AOS interviewer, peice of cake. Our engagement and marriage are 100% legit and me and my honey talk about everything with no secrets so we've never worried much about interviews. Besides, Im pretty sure this whole court thing will get thrown out quickly, just not before my honey flys in. The POE remains my big concern but a little less so now. Thank you to everyone who has replied so far.

CM

Anyone? I know its not nice to think about but it is something that Im forced to worry about. Can anyone offer any suggestions?

CM

I have a developing situation here. My ex-wife having somehow found out that our K-1 was approved has managed to fabricate enough of a story to get an ex-parte order of protection. As I found out today flying in from Prague, it shows up in an IBIS check.

I know its bogus, the family court knows its bogus, everybody knows its bogus. Unfortunately, because of the laws in New York she can get one and I have to go to court to refute it.

So for the time being anytime I pass through passport control, they will take me to that little room in the back and ask me questions.

Today was cool, we had donuts and coffee and I was in and out in about 15 mintues but still

SO NOW FOR MY QUESTION: Can this have any bearing on my honey getting through the POE?

Im really worried that she will get here on Sept 12th and they will turn her and her son around and send them back. Do/Can they turn people on K-1 away?

CM

Thanks so much CzechMate! WOW! VISA in hand already! That's so fantastic. How thrilled you guys must be! I am so happy for you. Promise you will keep in touch, we want to keep hearing all about the rest of your journey!

Ramzis, I hope you and Ramizis have a wonderful time together.

OK new day means new approvals. I was thinking last week that Friday, Saturday and Sunday were a complete and total BUST as it seemed like nothing happened after Teresa and Eric were approved but obviously I was wrong as someone was working on Saturday to get us approved so I have high hopes that this end of week time isn't gonna be just another long wait to get to Monday.

I am doing the get my freinds approved dance over here! so when you DO get approved, make sure you post here!

Get to work CSC and VSC, we want to hear some good news!

Ever hopeful,

Annette

NVC is really cranking right now so you might be like us and get you NOA2 hardcopy the same day you get your Letter from NVC. I almost fell over when I opened the mailbox coz I got a twofer.....

And some advice about NVC.... You can call them anytime but best before 8 am or after 6 PM (they work till midnight). THey are a lot easier to talk to than USCIS. Also ignore the recorded messages about your case not being in there system. Press 2 and you will always get to a real person wholl give you the straight scoop (ie not a scripted message) though they will tell you that it will be about 2 weeks which is thier "average processing time" (maybe that part is scripted)but there target is 5 days door to door then out to the embassy.

Some more advice, take a few days and let it sink in and enjoy the break from waiting. Then get ready for more paperwork for the embassy (Packet 3).

Annette, we're so happy for you. You've been so supportive of everybody. Definitley praying that the rest of the process goes super fast for you.

We just got our visa at the embassy so I can tell you from experience, it goes really quick now..... Good Luck and thanks for all your support!!!

CM

Whhhooooooooooooooooooooooo HHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo!!!!!

Visa Received 22 August 2007, my honey is coming to the US!!!!!!!

CM

That is wonderful news for you. It appears you got a very quick embassy interview date!!! I can only hope Moscow will be as quick (I have heard about 2 months after they get the packet from NVC). Maybe it will be quicker----again---CONGRATULATIONS!!!

If the Moscow embassy is like the Prague embassy, then you can call the embassy and schedule the appointment as soon as you get Packet 3. Fiancee visas are handled in a different part of the embassy than tourist visas so its not a busy. For Prague at least you have to call the embassy directly to schedule rather than using the online system which is usually for tourists. Im pretty sure thats why our was quick; that and the fact that we had volumes of papers ready for the interview so not to leave anything to question.

Hope it helps.... and THANX!!!

CM

Whhhooooooooooooooooooooooo HHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo!!!!!

Visa Received 22 August 2007, my honey is coming to the US!!!!!!!

CM

Wooooo Hooooo Packet 3 received......

Folks, once that NOA2 comes, NVC moves real quick (most of the time) ...... Just letting you know.

CM

Ive always maintained a seperate personal account and issued myself paychecks rather than just drawing from the company accounts. It just makes the taxes a whole lot easier with a C Corp. With your LLC, I would suggest that if you dont have a seperate personal account you should get one and deposit your salary into that at least for a while and maybe some cash from the LLC accounts to sort of jump start it.

The required bank letter doesnt have to say when you opened the account just the sum of deposits over the last 12 months. I have to do my bank letter and my employer letter today so if you'd like I'll post it here and you can use it as a template.

How many members are in your LLC? Is it just you? If there are more members and it is a member managed LLC then in the eyes of Immigration and pretty much every other agency except the IRS, you arent technically self employed.

CM

Thank you for all the wonderful legal-ese! It is a pain, isn't it? My company is an LLC, so I guess I'll just have to write a letter as you are doing and explain the situation. What about bank account balances?

I'm having to think a bit far ahead because my life is getting ready to go in fast forward and I need to have my thinking clear. So here is my question. My family and I own a private school. I am the actual owner, and I also teach at the school. So in order to prove the support, how does a self-employed person do that? I have tax forms, of course, but I don't have official pay slips but have deposit slips and bank account documentation. I haven't run across anything in the hints or guides that addresses this situation. Any thoughts on what I will need? Thanks in advance:)

Actually I was in the same situation. It depends on two things:

a) The structure of your private school from a business aspect (ie C Corp, LLC, SCorp)

B) How you are primarily compensated (owner draw, salaried employee, etc)

In my case for example I have a C Corp and Im the only shareholder but I work for the company and draw a salary like any employee would.

I actually get to use this twice: first my salary is what is reported for the wage criteria and second the shares of my company as assets.

My personal tax return is all that is required as a C Corp is technically a standalone entity and thus means that I am not self employed.

Dont you just love US Business and tax law.

It gets tricky when you need a letter from your employer. My suggestion is and what I am doing is that you type a letter as the principal business owner and have it cosigned by your accountant or whomever certifies your books.

Anyhow hope it helps.

CM

I'm having to think a bit far ahead because my life is getting ready to go in fast forward and I need to have my thinking clear. So here is my question. My family and I own a private school. I am the actual owner, and I also teach at the school. So in order to prove the support, how does a self-employed person do that? I have tax forms, of course, but I don't have official pay slips but have deposit slips and bank account documentation. I haven't run across anything in the hints or guides that addresses this situation. Any thoughts on what I will need? Thanks in advance:)

Actually I was in the same situation. It depends on two things:

a) The structure of your private school from a business aspect (ie C Corp, LLC, SCorp)

B) How you are primarily compensated (owner draw, salaried employee, etc)

In my case for example I have a C Corp and Im the only shareholder but I work for the company and draw a salary like any employee would.

I actually get to use this twice: first my salary is what is reported for the wage criteria and second the shares of my company as assets.

My personal tax return is all that is required as a C Corp is technically a standalone entity and thus means that I am not self employed.

Dont you just love US Business and tax law.

It gets tricky when you need a letter from your employer. My suggestion is and what I am doing is that you type a letter as the principal business owner and have it cosigned by your accountant or whomever certifies your books.

Anyhow hope it helps.

CM

Congrats !!! Welcome to the NOA2 list.... Heres to seeing more folks on it.....

CM

Definitely congratulations..... whoooo hooooo !!!!!

For us, the VJ prediction was the 25th. We got NOA2 on the 26th. Funny is that on the 26th our VJ prediction changed to the 28th. So at least for us it was plus or minus 2 days accuracy.

CM

Thanks for letting us know that. It wil keep me from being horribly depressed that I haven't received a touch since May 22.

Oh and by the way, just curious? how close was the VJ adjucated estimate date compared to what was the final outcome?

I am really so happy for you!

Annette

The notice is dated for the 26th. VJs timeline estimate from stats predicted the 25th up until the 26th then changed to the 28th. So at least for our case it statistically had an accuracy of + or - 2 days.

CM

From my experience, it doesnt really help the processing but it did ease my mind a little to know that there are actually people working

Also, the folks that answer the phone at the Service centers cant really tell you much more than the USCIS Customer Support folks. Every once in a while you get a good one that will give you a tidbit here and there but thats about it. And dont worry about interrupting the process for other people by talking to the officers that answer the phones, thats there whole job to answer the phone and handle questions.

Out of the 4 times I called via the RFE trick, I got 4 very polite officers. 2 of them were pretty much no help at all, the last two told me that my case was on a shelf waiting to be assigned to an adjudication officer (fairly standard answer).

So anyway, hope it helps.....

CM

Folks, It is with great pleasure that I announce that Vermont is back on the job......

Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007 06:30:13 -0400 (EDT)

From: CRIS <USCIS-SRMT@dhs.gov>

Subject: Case Status Information for Receipt Number: EAC071505XXXX

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: EAC071505XXXX

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On July 26, 2007, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.

*Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Case Status and Processing Dates.

*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.

Sincerely,

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

I am very happy for you both and sooooo excited to see a May filer approval!! Well---it's Friday---after the weekend we will all be 2 days closer to approvals!!!

Im hoping there a at least a few more approvals today. For any folks thinking that its a little depressing that we got ours and you didnt; Have a good Friday and weekend thinking of it this way: We are out of the way so you are up next.

Good luck and God bless!!!! Without our VJ friends, I think we would have gone insane. Our prayers are with you all.....

Now to get ready for the next phase.

CM

Oh and to add this follow up for those looking for touches.....

I got exactly 1 way back in May, none before approval........

Oh well go figure....

CM

Folks, It is with great pleasure that I announce that Vermont is back on the job......

Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007 06:30:13 -0400 (EDT)

From: CRIS <USCIS-SRMT@dhs.gov>

Subject: Case Status Information for Receipt Number: EAC071505XXXX

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: EAC071505XXXX

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On July 26, 2007, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.

*Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Case Status and Processing Dates.

*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.

Sincerely,

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Folks, It is with great pleasure that I announce that Vermont is back on the job......

Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007 06:30:13 -0400 (EDT)

From: CRIS <USCIS-SRMT@dhs.gov>

Subject: Case Status Information for Receipt Number: EAC071505XXXX

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: EAC071505XXXX

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On July 26, 2007, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.

*Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Case Status and Processing Dates.

*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.

Sincerely,

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Folks, It is with great pleasure that I announce that Vermont is back on the job......

Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007 06:30:13 -0400 (EDT)

From: CRIS <USCIS-SRMT@dhs.gov>

Subject: Case Status Information for Receipt Number: EAC071505XXXX

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: EAC071505XXXX

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On July 26, 2007, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.

*Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Case Status and Processing Dates.

*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.

Sincerely,

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Fellow May filers here..... Coming up quickly on 90 days. Doesnt look like the April filers are having much luck either.

CM