jundibasam

Hi everyone,

I am the USC and female, my husband arrived on a K-1 Visa, and we're now going through the Adjustment of Status forms.

Right now, I have already applied for my new Social Security card with my married name, will be going to the Motor Vehicle's office soon, and will finally change my name as it appears on my passport.

When we submit the forms to adjust status and it asks for my name, since I am still in the process of changing my name, is it alright to include in the cover letter that I am in the process of changing my name, sign everything in my married name, and submit a certified copy of our marriage certificate?

Or should I just sign everything in my maiden name since my id's (license & passport) don't show my legal name yet?

I'm wondering now if I should've waited to change my name until after my husband receives his LPR card...

Thanks for your help!

Your fine to use your married name on the petitions. After I got married to my wife in Peru, I used her married name on all of the petitions sent to USCIS, and she was the benefiary. Her visa and passport still had her maiden name, but that presented no problems since even Immigration Inspectors can put 2 and 2 together when it comes to name changes due to marriage. Since you are the petitioner and not the beneficiary, I suspect it is really not a big deal either way though.

I'm not sure, but I thought I-94 was required anytime with a multiple entry temporary visa. My wife entered on a K-3 visa, which is good for two years, and they told us I-94 was required to re-enter. However, since she entered on a K-3 visa, she didn't have to apply for AP, so it might be different in your case.

I have noticed that many of the advice that is given on this site by people are often not true

at all. I would urge people to do a lot of research themselves into their issues and not believe blindly

in what is told here. I have myself gone through the k3/k4 process for

my wife and step daughter and I have found that many statements, even guides are completely wrong.

Example . I had problems with my wifes/daughters i-94 cards where they put the wrong date stamp, They had put 3 months expirations (as if it was k1 and not k3/k4) on the cards. Here I was given the advice that the only way to solve it was to for my wife to leave the country and come back.

I solved the problem myself by making an appointment at the customs and border patrol office in San Francisco. There they corrected the problem.

Another issue I have been given the wrong answer for is the adjustment of status process and work permit. It's not true at all like it says on here that you have to adjust status and then get the work permit. NO it's quite the opposite in some situations it's better to get the work permit before applying for AOS, otherwise it will take longer time to get work permit and social sec number. For my step daughter especially it was urgent to get ssn number as soon as possible because of her medical

condition. I did not even have to file for work permit. All I had to do was to go to the nearest ssn

office and they took care of it.

Bottom line ... Do research yourself, don't believe what they say. Read the documents carefully

and be persistent when you believe you are right.

I don't think any of the VJ members intend to give bad advice, but that is what it is...advice. VJ and its members never claim to provide legal advice or even advice that is accurate, and I think it is only common sense for someone to do their own research or pay a professional immigration attorney if they cannot navigate the immigration gauntlet themselves. For instance, viewing the FAQ on SSA website about getting a SSN and even reviewing USCIS website will show that k-3/k-4 visa beneficiaries are eligible for a SSN upon entry to the U.S. Reviewing USCIS website will also have revealed that an incorrect I-94 can usually be fixed by going to a CBP office or USCIS office. There are multiple sources of information out there that provide a wealth of information on the immigration process. This site is just one piece, thats all. But out of all the unregulated sites out there, I have found this one to be the most accurate and informative. They have been almost dead on with regards to the current processing times.

Also, people give advise on here based on their own experiences, and experiences can be quite different from member to member, but from my own experiences it has been mostly accurate and good advice given here. There are instances when the information is wrong or misrepresented, but it is what it is and you take it with a grain of salt. Personally, I research everything and that includes reviewing topics, guides, and posts on this website. The more people that have the same advice about a similar issue, the more likelihood it is accurate.

One more thing, the AOS guide on here posted advice on filing the I-485 AOS petition, and it stated that you only needed to send the immunization records if the K visa was issued within the last 12 months and that was posted long before USCIS provided the same information on their website. Additionally, Jame's shortcuts when having a I-130 CR1/IR1 petition at the NVC have worked for countless people in shaving 2-4 months off the NVC processing times.

I have noticed that many of the advice that is given on this site by people are often not true

at all. I would urge people to do a lot of research themselves into their issues and not believe blindly

in what is told here. I have myself gone through the k3/k4 process for

my wife and step daughter and I have found that many statements, even guides are completely wrong.

Example . I had problems with my wifes/daughters i-94 cards where they put the wrong date stamp, They had put 3 months expirations (as if it was k1 and not k3/k4) on the cards. Here I was given the advice that the only way to solve it was to for my wife to leave the country and come back.

I solved the problem myself by making an appointment at the customs and border patrol office in San Francisco. There they corrected the problem.

Another issue I have been given the wrong answer for is the adjustment of status process and work permit. It's not true at all like it says on here that you have to adjust status and then get the work permit. NO it's quite the opposite in some situations it's better to get the work permit before applying for AOS, otherwise it will take longer time to get work permit and social sec number. For my step daughter especially it was urgent to get ssn number as soon as possible because of her medical

condition. I did not even have to file for work permit. All I had to do was to go to the nearest ssn

office and they took care of it.

Bottom line ... Do research yourself, don't believe what they say. Read the documents carefully

and be persistent when you believe you are right.

I don't think any of the VJ members intend to give bad advice, but that is what it is...advice. VJ and its members never claim to provide legal advice or even advice that is accurate, and I think it is only common sense for someone to do their own research or pay a professional immigration attorney if they cannot navigate the immigration gauntlet themselves. For instance, viewing the FAQ on SSA website about getting a SSN and even reviewing USCIS website will show that k-3/k-4 visa beneficiaries are eligible for a SSN upon entry to the U.S. Reviewing USCIS website will also have revealed that an incorrect I-94 can usually be fixed by going to a CBP office or USCIS office. There are multiple sources of information out there that provide a wealth of information on the immigration process. This site is just one piece, thats all. But out of all the unregulated sites out there, I have found this one to be the most accurate and informative. They have been almost dead on with regards to the current processing times.

Also, people give advise on here based on their own experiences, and experiences can be quite different from member to member, but from my own experiences it has been mostly accurate and good advice given here. There are instances when the information is wrong or misrepresented, but it is what it is and you take it with a grain of salt. Personally, I research everything and that includes reviewing topics, guides, and posts on this website. The more people that have the same advice about a similar issue, the more likelihood it is accurate.

Wife got her EAD in the mail today, but the card has her birthday as 7/14/08 as opposed to 7/14/80. I know that USCIS says that any typo has to be corrected and this would require a new application and another 60 to 90 days to get the relacement card, but I was wondering if anyone heard of SSA issuing a SSN in this case.

Well SSA is going to use her birth certificate or passport for proof of age. If the date of birth is wrong on the EAD card I would assume it's going to be wrong in the verification system, so might be OK since the document matches the verification system. Procedure doesn't say anything about the work authorization document DOB not matching the evidence being used as proof of age. Only if the immigration document DOB doesn't match the verification system.

If they give you are hard time ask for a manager and ask them to show you in POMS where the immigration document DOB has to match the document being used as proof of age or anything other than the verification system.

Thanks for the information. I assume the same thing, but the EAD card appears to be a simple typo as I made copies of the I-765 form that I mailed in, and I definitely put 7/14/80 as the correct birthday, and when I called USCIS today, the agent told me the birthday was recorded in the computer as it was on the petition. Plus, I don't know that someone at USCIS would have approved and EAD for a baby that wasn't even born yet (7/14/08) or an immigrant that is almost 100 year old. Either way, you think I would have gotten a RFE if it was a mistake in the system, but with DHS, anything is possible.

Wife got her EAD in the mail today, but the card has her birthday as 7/14/08 as opposed to 7/14/80. I know that USCIS says that any typo has to be corrected and this would require a new application and another 60 to 90 days to get the relacement card, but I was wondering if anyone heard of SSA issuing a SSN in this case. We're thinking of just trying to go there with her passport/visa, marriage certificate, EAD, and birth certificate to apply, but wondering whether I should be optimistic or pessimistic

Sounds like you got ahead with all the documents that were for the interview.

IMO, your fiance should get all her documents again (police records, birth certificate, etc.) and she needs to follow the instructions that the Consulate gave her. You'll also need another I-134 and have it notarized. They may have all the documents on their files, but some documents must have a recent date close to the interview date. For example: in my country police records need to be presented within 6 months from the time they were issued.

It is very important to follow the instructions, they are given to you for a good reason

You can read the flowchart to know what to send and when: K-1 Flowchart

Agreed. I think you jumped the gun a little bit. Remember, it this convoluted bureaucracy we refer to as immigration, so there are several different "hands in the pot", so to speak. USCIS, part of the Dept. of Homeland Security, takes care of the initial processing. Once its approved, its sent to the Consular Affairs and NVC, part of the Dept. of State. The Embassy has their own rules and regulations that they must verify, so you will probably have to redo most of the checks. Also, its my understanding that most police checks are valid for a specific amount of time, between 30 to 180 days, depending on the country.

I don't think there is a chance to recover any of the documents you sent in with your petition either...or at least in enough time. I remember talking to a former USCIS officer on this website who said that only the basic petition is electronically forwarded to the NVC and embassy. USCIS retains the evidence and hard copy of the petition and sends it to the NRC (National Records Center) where I assume it is archived or stored so it can be used later for AOS processing.

1)what should we check on the part 2 on the form I-485 (type of application ) when the petition I-130 not approved yet and our status is k-3

2)we have enough assest and more than 5 times poverty guide line do we still need tax return

I had a similar issue and the immigration officer in the Charleston, SC office told me that it would still be the I-130 petition because that is the one permanent residence eligibility will be based off of. So instead of submitting a NOA2 copy which you obviously won't have because the petition is still pending, just submit a NOA1 copy and that would suffice. Oh, and you will definitely still need to submit a tax return as evidence that your assets do exceed the poverty guideline, however, only the most recent year (2007) is required, but you can submit the previous 3 years if you think it will help.

I got my drivers license in South carolina..I had to wait for the NOA for I-485(to prove I was adjusting)..that and my passport..I was good to go! In SC there is only 1 DMV that can do international customers..and not all DMVs here knew that,,,the first one I went to told me I would need my gc..

If I were you I would call your state DMV and ask them if there is a special office that handles people immigrating..Good luck!

S

South Carolina seems a lot more advanced than ol' Cali. There is even a reference to K1s on the SC DMV site!

Applicants with a K-1 Fiancé(e) status

• Marriage License

• I-94

• Notice of Action Form I-797 showing applicant has applied for permanent residency status.

Not too shabby...here that wouldn't be enough...I think. Anyone had a different experience?

BTW, SC has 16 offices that deal with international customers not just one. Just so ya know...also, if you have a license from France, Canada or Germany, some kind of reciprocity kicks in, making the procedure slightly smoother I imagine...

cheers

Oops..lol..I should have been more specific..Charleston only has 1 office..but you're right..they appear to be ahead of the game..my daughter received her learners permit b4 I could get my DL!(all she needed was her passport and school i.d(to prove she's a resident!)

S

I have had a few problems with the SC DMV trying to get my wife a SC ID Card. We went there to get her an ID based on a K-3 visa, and we had everything they need (NOA, Passport, I-94, letter from SSN Office, proof of residency) and they gave her a temporary, 60 day id, but then sent us a letter a month later saying her ID was rejected because she needed to file AOS first. I re-checked the website, and there is nothing on it about having to file AOS, so we're just going to wait for the EAD and SS Card to come and try and reapply again.

The C.O. is confusing K-1 with K-3, K-1 IS work authorized for 90 days after entry, K-3 is NOT. They also may be confusing the K-3 with CR-1, CR-1 is an immigrant visa thet does get green-card upon entry, and welcome letter a few weeks after entry, in some cases CR-1 or IR-1 will get SSN in the mail if it was requested on form DS-230.

K-3 must file for EAD to be work authorized.

One last note: some times both CR-1 (I-130) and K-3 (I-129F) cases make it through NVC and then on to the consulate at about the same time, if this is the case the consulate will drop the K-3 and interview for the CR-1. Did you get the I-864 fee bill from NVC, and did you pay the fee and send I-864 to NVC?

No, it was definitely a K-3 visa she was issued and I completed the the I-134 affidavit of support instead of the I-864. As far as I know, the I-130 petition is at the NRC waiting for AOS which we plan to do within the next few weeks. The C.O. told her the K-3 is a non-immigrant visa but the beneficiary is treated as an immigrant and that is why she had to complete the DS-230 along with the standard 156 and 156k forms. I am a little confused then, because a mutual friend of ours at the same embassy went to her K-1 interview 5 days after my wife's K-3 interview and she did not complete a DS-230 and they told her she was not eligible for a social security card until after she was already married.

We're going to do the AOS anyway, obviuosly, and she isn't planning on going to work right now, but I am more concerned about getting her a social security number for tax purposes and also so she can get a state issued ID so she doesn't have to carry her passport and visa around everywhere and risk losing it.

The C.O. you dealt with must not know how K-3 is handled after entering the USA, they may be assuming that you will get the I-130 moved on to NVC and then interview for CR-1 using counselor processing, which is the original intent of the K-3. The other option is to file the AOS in the USA.

Follow the AOS guide, K-3 checks "A" on the I-485, and attaches a copy of I-130 NOA2 letter.

I would also file I-765 at the same time in same envelope as the I-485, there is no fee for I-765 (EAD) when filed with AOS. Use code (c )(9 ) Based on the pending I-485. You can then use the EAD to get SSN.

In the mean time you can get and ITIN from IRS to be able to file tax return.

Thanks Yu and Dan for the advise and information. I guess the regular folks going through this visa mess aren't the only ones who get confused over this visa stuff. Its a little disconcerning that the CO and Immigration officials would get this information wrong, but at this point with the process, nothing suprises me anymore about the ineptness of this bureaucracy. By the way, what would you know about pushing the I-130 through and going the consular route as opposed to the AOS route? I have been weighing both options and want some advise on this too.

The C.O. is confusing K-1 with K-3, K-1 IS work authorized for 90 days after entry, K-3 is NOT. They also may be confusing the K-3 with CR-1, CR-1 is an immigrant visa thet does get green-card upon entry, and welcome letter a few weeks after entry, in some cases CR-1 or IR-1 will get SSN in the mail if it was requested on form DS-230.

K-3 must file for EAD to be work authorized.

One last note: some times both CR-1 (I-130) and K-3 (I-129F) cases make it through NVC and then on to the consulate at about the same time, if this is the case the consulate will drop the K-3 and interview for the CR-1. Did you get the I-864 fee bill from NVC, and did you pay the fee and send I-864 to NVC?

No, it was definitely a K-3 visa she was issued and I completed the the I-134 affidavit of support instead of the I-864. As far as I know, the I-130 petition is at the NRC waiting for AOS which we plan to do within the next few weeks. The C.O. told her the K-3 is a non-immigrant visa but the beneficiary is treated as an immigrant and that is why she had to complete the DS-230 along with the standard 156 and 156k forms. I am a little confused then, because a mutual friend of ours at the same embassy went to her K-1 interview 5 days after my wife's K-3 interview and she did not complete a DS-230 and they told her she was not eligible for a social security card until after she was already married.

We're going to do the AOS anyway, obviuosly, and she isn't planning on going to work right now, but I am more concerned about getting her a social security number for tax purposes and also so she can get a state issued ID so she doesn't have to carry her passport and visa around everywhere and risk losing it.

I was under the assumption that a K-3 visa could not work in the U.S. until after AOS and receipt of the EAD; however, my wife had to complete an OS-230 and requested a social security card on this form. The C.O. who conducted her visa interview said that she would get a social security card, and on her PoE in Miami, immigration gave her a social security admin letter welcoming her to the U.S. as a permanent resident and stating she would get her social security card in about 3 weeks. When I went to the social security administration website, it says that a K-1 visa is allowed to work in the U.S. and they are eligible to get a social security card, but on the USCIS website, it says that they are not. I called the SSA customer service and they told me that if she has a valid social security card and a passport with her visa, then she is eligible to work in the U.S., so i'm confused about what is what here.

It's up to her. If she wants to take your name here in the States, then you can use it on your forms. If not, then use hers. No matter what, she'll have to use her maiden name in Colombia for everything and every time she travels she has to carry her marriage certificate to show why her new name is different than the name on her passport.

Diana

I agree, its entirely you and your wife's preference. My wife is from Peru, and they do the same thing (paternal name + maternal name "de" your name). I completed all the forms with only my last name as it is customary in the states, and I had not problems at all. The embassy is going to issue the visa according to the name in the passport regardless of what is listed on the forms to USCIS. My wife kept her single name in passport and national ID and the visa was issued with this name even though the forms were completed in my last name. The only thing the embassy asked her in the visa interview about this was what last name she was planning to use in the U.S.

One thing I have heard from other people on this forum before, and I also heard it from an hispanic immigration advocate was "do not under any circumstances" have your wife change her passport or national ID where she adds "de + your last name" as this sometimes causes problems once she is here in the U.S. The Social Security Admin, State DMVs, and Banks sometimes don't distinguish that "de" is not part of the last name and they will not leave it out of any id or document. So instead of being Jane Doe, her ID and social security card will end up being Jane DeDoe. Anyway, i'm not sure how much of a big deal this would be, but I have heard some people complain about that here, so I guess it ultimately depends on where you live too.

i THINK YOU SHOULD HAVE ALL THE BANK STATEMENTS AND WHATEVER ELSE YOU OWN, TO PROVE THAT YOU CAN SUPPORT HER...

I think it depends on the indvidual embassy too, so i would check with the forums for the specific embassy or even call them yourself. I think they tend to look at the "whole picture" too, because there are a lot of people who are in similar situations like yourself. There are citizens who are studying in the university or participating in an internship who obviously make little to know money, but the fact they're studying or in an internship obviously has a lot of bearing with the CO (Consular Official) at the embassy.

If it is at all possible, I would see if about getting a tax document for the family business during that time period to show the business' yearly revenue/earnings or worth/assets. You may also try with the bank too for some of this documentation. I think the biggest thing they're looking for is to ensure you are not likely or were/are not on a public assistance or welfare program.

Hello!

I need your help, please.

Do I really need the affidavit of support for the petition I-129F?

Greetings

Henrieke

You only need to ask the question once. You don't file it with petition. You send it later so the fiance(e) can take it to the interview.

You do need the I-134 for the K-3 interview process; however you only need to meet 100% of the poverty guidelines for the I-134 affidavit of support. You will not need to meet the 125% until its time for the AOS and you will at that time complete the I-864.

Regarding the ITR's for the last 3 years, you should be ok. My friend is in a similar situation in that he didn't graduate university until 2005, so he didn't make more than $10,000 a year until last year and this year, and he had no problems at his interview. I would have your wife take a copy of her school transcripts to show she was in school during the period when she was not meeting the minimum income requirement, and also, I think the letter from your wife's employer and the last 3 months of pay stubs would bear more weight in this situation. It is also my understanding that they take into account things like studying, family issues, economic situations. I think they mainly check the tax returns to check to see if you have asked for welfare benefits prior to your marriage.

Thank you all for your congratulations in this process. Now, i'm sure we're going to all stick together for the next "battle" with USCIS when it comes time to do the AOS, but at least the most difficult part of being away from our spouses will all be over.

Ok, After being told on December 4th the embassy "forgot" to send my wife the packet, and her interview was on December 12th, and scrambling and rushing to get everything together and ready, a few arguments, a lot of stress, the embassy interview in Lima was a breeze, and my wife is finally on her way to the U.S. in less than 2 weeks. I couldn't make it because of the 1 week notice that we had before the interview, but that wasn't an issue at all. They didn't even ask where I was or why I wasn't there.

The funny thing is, after I called the embassy last Tuesday yelling and screaming because they neglected to send out the packet 3 and 4 (in Peru, they're sent together) and the only way we knew about the interview was because we called them last tuesday to find out why it was taking so long. Anyway, since last Tuesday, Angie has received a total of 3 packets...2 were the same (k-3) and 1 was a packet for the CR-1, which was obviously incorrect. Anyway, its funny now, but a piece of advice to continue to stay on top of your petition even when it is at the embassy. The embassy got the packet on 11/09, and we called twice a week to find out the status, the whole time being told to wait and there was no information on our case yet. We were told nothing about the interview until 12/04/2007 when I called to raise hell and told my wife to go to the embassy in person.

I'll be writing a embassy review, but again, those of you whose beneficiary is from Peru, the interview part was easy. Angie said they seemed more concerned about my taxes for the last 3 years and her police checks than anything else, and they barely looked at any of the supporting evidence.

I do have a question on how you knew the embassy received the packet on 11-09? Is there a way to track this because, if there is could you please share this with me? Thanks, and congratulations again!!

NVC only had the petition for two days and they sent me a letter (and email) that said that they sent the petition electronically to Lima on 11/09/2007, so you should get that too once they send it. We called the embassy around 11/20/2007, and they said it was received and processed on 11/13/2007. It was only because Angie called them and started demanding answers that they told her the interview was on 12/12/2007 and they simply forgot to send her the packet on the 11/13/2007.

I just spoke with CSC and our applications have left the WAC's at CSC!!!! Our applications have been sent to NVC but,

now its the waiting game to be entered into the system at NVC...

One step closer Kim!! I hope you breeze through NVC.

Thank you EDP!! I hope that the NVC enters applications faster than CSC.... Congratulations on your interview date. I can't wait until we receive ours...

My visa was approved today, but we would have had severe problems unless we stayed on top of their A$$es. NVC sent our petition to the embassy on 11/09, embassy receives and and processes it on 11/13, but they "forgot" to send the packet to my wife, and when they finally did on 12/04/2007, they sent her the packet for the IR1/CR1 visa. It was only because we continued to call them once or twice a week that finally we found out on 12/04/07 (last tuesday) of the interview date today, and we really had to rush to get all the papers together, and luckily my wife started early with the police checks because some of those can take 2 or 3 weeks to get in Peru. Basically, even after USCIS, stay on top of them and keep calling and asking questions.

Ok, After being told on December 4th the embassy "forgot" to send my wife the packet, and her interview was on December 12th, and scrambling and rushing to get everything together and ready, a few arguments, a lot of stress, the embassy interview in Lima was a breeze, and my wife is finally on her way to the U.S. in less than 2 weeks. I couldn't make it because of the 1 week notice that we had before the interview, but that wasn't an issue at all. They didn't even ask where I was or why I wasn't there.

The funny thing is, after I called the embassy last Tuesday yelling and screaming because they neglected to send out the packet 3 and 4 (in Peru, they're sent together) and the only way we knew about the interview was because we called them last tuesday to find out why it was taking so long. Anyway, since last Tuesday, Angie has received a total of 3 packets...2 were the same (k-3) and 1 was a packet for the CR-1, which was obviously incorrect. Anyway, its funny now, but a piece of advice to continue to stay on top of your petition even when it is at the embassy. The embassy got the packet on 11/09, and we called twice a week to find out the status, the whole time being told to wait and there was no information on our case yet. We were told nothing about the interview until 12/04/2007 when I called to raise hell and told my wife to go to the embassy in person.

I'll be writing a embassy review, but again, those of you whose beneficiary is from Peru, the interview part was easy. Angie said they seemed more concerned about my taxes for the last 3 years and her police checks than anything else, and they barely looked at any of the supporting evidence.

Here is the deal: Embassy received our paperwork on 11/13/07, but my wife never received packet 3 in the mail. On 12/03, I called the embassy to find out why it was taking so long for her to get packet 3, and they basically forgot to send her the packet, but said her interview was scheduled for 12/12/07. So we basically have to kick into overdrive to get all the paperwork, medical, police checks completed by the 12th. There is no way I could make it to Lima, Peru on such short notice (8 days) to be at the interview, so I sent my wife the notarized I-134 affidavit of support and the supporting documents that i had for the interview. We are rushing to get all the papers, but I think we can make it to next Wednesday...

Ok, so here is the question: My wife went on 12/04 to the embassy to pick up the packet, but I think they gave her the wrong one, and I want to confirm it. The instructions she got was she had to complete 2 copies of OS-230 and pay the $380 visa fee. I am 99% sure this is the wrong instruction list she got. I want to confirm that a K-3 visa completes the DS-156 (2 copies) and the DS-156K and the visa fee is $100. I have little faith in the government to get anything right at this point, as there has been some type of error or mistake at every level of this process thus far (Postal Service, USCIS, NVC, and now Embassy).

Ok, Lima got the papers on 11/13/2007, and we never heard anything after that from the embassy. I had my wife call yesterday only to find out they didn't send my wife packet 3, but that her interview was scheduled for 12/12/2007 (9 days later). Needless to say, we are scrambling to try and get all the documents together not to mention that there is no way I am going to be able to make it to Peru for the interview now. Luckily, my wife got a head start on some of the police checks, but there is a police strike in Peru right now so she can't get one of the checks, which is not a big deal because the embassy will take the document later, and strikes in Peru don't last more than a week or so. But, my question is that my wife went to the embassy today and picked up the packet and the interview letter. The packet tells her the immigrant visa fee is $380 and she has to complete two OS-230 applications for immigrant visa. I am 99% sure this is incorrect and they gave her the wrong instructions because the K-3 visa requires a DS-156 and DS-156K and it is only $100 correct?

Where did you see the embassy closes on December 15? On the website it only shows it closes for Christmas. Please let me know the dates they are closed.

Thanks,

The official holiday is only one day post on the embassy's website; however, what the government refers to as "exodus" because so many government employees take leave for the holidays, begins close of business on 12/14/2007 and will run through 01/02/2007. My wife and I used to work at the embassy, hence how we met, and I checked with a friend of ours still there. They will still be staffed, but most non-essential personnel will be leaving during this time. So judging from past experiences, i'm only saying that they don't perform many visa functions during this period since the consular section is on a skeleton staff with mostly Peruvian nationals and a few COs who stay behind for various reasons.

jundibasam, cool... lucky you!

So, if yours was approved on 10/15 and mine on 10/30. I guess it will be another 15 days before they send our docs to embassy abroad. Hopefully, they will be their at the end of this month.

On December, 12 I will fly out to my wife for a whole month (WOW!!!). Is it would be nice if docs get in Ukraine at the end of November and, lets say, interview would be scheduled at the beginning January, so I can be at the interview with my love?

And I still don't get them (USCIS), they have not update my online status to "approved" since then (even though I got my official letters more then a week ago). Strange people are working there, very strange and, sometimes, some of them are so incompetent; that this is even not funny.

That is strange, but not uncommon. My co-worker is applying for a K-1 for his wife from Peru also, and he received the approval notice in the mail, but USCIS never updated the case status online to this day. His visa petition was also sent to the embassy in Lima, Peru the same day as mine, as he was approved on 10/18/2007. I know a few months back, they had some data entry issues, and there was even an article about it in the Washington Post, so it appears they still haven't quite worked out all the bugs to this thing.

Reminds me of the time a few years back the FBI spent 400 million dollars to upgrade their computers so they could be compatible with the rest of the law enforcement and intelligence community, but the compatibility software ended up not being compatible to their old operating system, so they had to scrap the whole program after it was already completed...taxpayer 400 million down the drain just like that, gotta love it!

I got the email that NVC received my petition and it has been forwarded to USEMB in Lima as of 11/09/2007, so according to the USEMB, wife should get the packet within the next 7-10 days, F-I-N-A-L-L-Y!!!

The only thing that has me a little bothered is the embassy closes for the holidays around the 15th and won't reopen again until after the new year, so she probably won't be here for Christmas or New Years with the family, which is a bummer. I'll hold out a sliver of hope that the embassy can work us in for an interview before the 15th. She already has her medical and most of her documents prepared (except her federal check, which the embassy requires to be within 30 days of the interview date), so she is about ready. Lets just hope for an early as possible interview

I got the email that NVC received my petition and it has been forwarded to USEMB in Lima as of 11/09/2007, so according to the USEMB, wife should get the packet within the next 7-10 days, F-I-N-A-L-L-Y!!!