DJandUJ

My fiancee woke me up early this morning to tell me the good news; she got her interview date.YAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!! Oct 31 at 8:30am. I didn't know they'd interview that early but no complaints. If all goes well, together for Thanksgiving. WooHoo!!!!!!!

I guess I will see your fiancee then. I just got my letter this morning and I have the same interview time and date. Time to call the boyfriend and wake him up!

UJ

Hi guys!

We just wanted to thank you all for your help and support throughout this incredible journey we've been on for the past 8 months. We have our visa in hand now and will be flying off to California tomorrow to start our new lives. Good times and praise God we made it through! hehe

So thanks for everything! Once we do get settled, we'll still check in to see if we can now help those who are just starting their immigration journey. Good luck to all of you still trying to get it sorted and may your visas be granted soon!

Many thanks,

William and Chelsea

Safe travels to you both and a happy life in CA! I've enjoyed reading your posts - very helpful.

DJ

we lived with the person who sponsored neil and it was no problem at all

Thanks for the replies. It helps so much to set my mind at ease and I will make sure she reads this as well.

BTW, I called the state department on Monday 15 Oct and found out her interview is scheduled for 31 Oct at 8:30am. Yikes! It's sooner than we expected! She still hasn't received Packet 4 so we keep our fingers crossed it arrives soon. I wonder if the interviewers will be in costumes... or are they scary enough without them?!

Thanks again to all you wonderful people who share your information, opinions and experiences so generously.

Also posted this on the General discussion forum but wanted to make sure my UK buddies see it too!

I hope someone can offer some words of wisdom and set our minds at ease here.

My OH is worried about our affidavit of support. Sadly I do not qualify to sponsor her alone. I started a new business last year and am self-employed. It hasn't taken off as quickly as I thought it would.

We met in 2005 when she was visiting her friends in the US - friends who also know me. We happened to all be in the same place at the same time and well... from the start I was a goner over her. The rest is history.

I now live in a garage apartment at our friends' house, where she will live too when she arrives (hopefully very soon!). They are happy to help us any way they can. One of them has offered to sponsor her but my fiance is concerned the interviewers won't like this - her sponsor being at the same address where she and I will live. She's also concerned because it looks like most co-sponsors are family members or friends of the USC, NOT the foreign spouse.

But, she doesn't want to ask any of MY friends or family to take on this risk for her. Her friend knows her very well and knows my fiance won't take advantage of her.

These things never occurred to me as potential problems but now I'm worrying too.

I was so calm in the beginning but now I'm a nervous wreck and second-guessing everything. And now the stupid postal strike when we're waiting to get our date!

Any thoughts? Thanks!

DJ

I hope someone can offer some words of wisdom and set our minds at ease here.

My OH is worried about our affidavit of support. Sadly I do not qualify to sponsor her alone. I started a new business last year and am self-employed. It hasn't taken off as quickly as I thought it would.

We met in 2005 when she was visiting her friends in the US - friends who also know me. We happened to all be in the same place at the same time and well... from the start I was a goner over her. The rest is history.

I now live in a garage apartment at our friends' house, where she will live too when she arrives (hopefully very soon!). They are happy to help us any way they can. One of them has offered to sponsor her but my fiance is concerned the interviewers won't like this - her sponsor being at the same address where she and I will live. She's also concerned because it looks like most co-sponsors are family members or friends of the USC, NOT the foreign spouse.

But, she doesn't want to ask any of MY friends or family to take on this risk for her. Her friend knows her very well and knows my fiance won't take advantage of her.

These things never occurred to me as potential problems but now I'm worrying too.

I was so calm in the beginning but now I'm a nervous wreck and second-guessing everything. And now the stupid postal strike when we're waiting to get our date!

Thanks in advance for any thoughts you have..

DJ

I hope someone can offer some words of wisdom and set our minds at ease here.

My OH is worried about our affidavit of support. Sadly I do not qualify to sponsor her alone. I started a new business last year and am self-employed. It hasn't taken off as quickly as I thought it would.

We met in 2005 when she was visiting her friends in the US - friends who also know me. We happened to all be in the same place at the same time and well... from the start I was a goner over her. The rest is history.

I now live in a garage apartment at our friends' house, where she will live too when she arrives (hopefully very soon!). They are happy to help us any way they can. One of them has offered to sponsor her but my fiance is concerned the interviewers won't like this - her sponsor being at the same address where she and I will live. She's also concerned because it looks like most co-sponsors are family members or friends of the USC, NOT the foreign spouse.

But, she doesn't want to ask any of MY friends or family to take on this risk for her. Her friend knows her very well and knows my fiance won't take advantage of her.

These things never occurred to me as potential problems but now I'm worrying too.

I was so calm in the beginning but now I'm a nervous wreck and second-guessing everything. And now the stupid postal strike when we're waiting to get our date!

One thing I keep meaning to ask... Do they ask for an up to date smear test? And do they actually have access to your medical records? I had a few abnormal smears a while back, but they have been normal for some time now. I'm wondering if they will know that already?

No, they don't ask for an up to date smear test. They will ask you if you have been in hospital before - for any reason. I was in hospital when i was 6 years old to had my tonsils removed and she was keen to put this on the sheet.

UJ

I took the train from Leeds to London, which took 2 hours and 20 min to arrive at Kings Cross. From there with the tube to Bond Street to go to the photo place to get 4 US passport photographs taken. That took only 15 min and I was off to Bentinck Mansion, which is only a short walk from there.

The receptionist was very friendly and asked me for my papers and passport. I was asked to sit in the waiting room where I had to fill out some papers (nearly the same I had already filled in beforehand) and I had to sign something about the HIV-Aids test.

After only 5 minutes wait a female Dr. called me to follow her into her room. When I saw her I thought that can only be Dr. Cronje the one I've read about on the VJ site. The sign on her desk with her name on it confirmed that she was indeed the 'famous' Doc. I got asked to undress (except for my underwear) behind the screen and put the dressing gown on which was lying on the examining table. I got measured and weighed and then I had to lie down. She listened to my heart and lungs, felt my tummy, my glands and checked my boobies. Then she lifted my panties up for only a split second. I think they only want to check if you are really a girl or a boy. I didn't even get my blood pressure measured, but I wasn't the one to tell her that she had forgotten something. She took some blood and then she told me to put my trousers and shoes back on and I should wait in the next room. She didn't say a lot during the examination so I assume she didn't find anything wrong. This all took less then 20 min.

I didn't have to wait long when the vaccinations nurse (I think Caroline was her name) called me into her room. There we went through my vaccination records. The dilemma was that I only needed a Mumps shot, but they don't have this as a separate vaccination. So I needed the MMR shot. She told me I could go to my GP and Fax her the records. I asked her about the MMR shot because I've heard some negative things about it. She was very happy to talk to me about it and I decided to have it right there. The shot was painless which I think was down to her for making me feel at ease.

From there I went straight into the radiation chamber. The guy there is the funniest guy I have met in a while and he made having a chest X-ray fun. The good thing is you can keep your gown on during X-ray.

All in all, my visit to Bentinck Mansion took 40 min and I was £235 lighter afterwards. They all were very professional and pleasant and the vaccinations nurse was the nicest person in there. She even wished me good luck when I left.

When I got out I immediately called my boyfriend in the States. He was very relieved that it was over. I had another few hours to spend in London before my train was leaving. At the end I was very glad to be back in Yorkshire where I could see some green meadows and sheep after the loud city London is.

UJ (too long apart from her DJ)

Thanks so much for the link. I read somewhere there is also a number in DC you can call but I can't remember what thread it was on. It's supposed to be just a regular rate long distance call and they have the same info as the Embassy. Good luck to you two as well!

I literally just posted this on another thread, but here's the number again: 202-663-1225.

Thanks for this! Have you used it successfully or do you know someone who has? It surprises me they would have two hefty toll lines and then one that's at regular long distance rates. I will pass this along to my sweetie. She will need it especially if the UK postal strike doesn't end soon. Does anyone know if I can call or does it have to be the Non-USC who calls?

Happy weekend all!

I completely understand her disappointment, poor thing. I think it was probably more of a standard procedure thing when they see that someone is a resident of a different country but been here in the UK for a while. They probably just assumed she would need a reminder about that. I would say the interview letter is right around the corner. One way to find out is to call the London embassy on the "extortion line" and ask. Sometimes an interview date has been scheduled but the letter just hasn't been sent yet. It's expensive but worth it for peace of mind. Here's the link.

http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/visa/...assistance.html

Good luck to you and your sweetheart!

Thanks so much for the link. I read somewhere there is also a number in DC you can call but I can't remember what thread it was on. It's supposed to be just a regular rate long distance call and they have the same info as the Embassy. Good luck to you two as well!

I'm all smiles today got approved for my visa!!!!

It was a painless experience, Arrived at 9:30 for my 10 o'clock appointment got into the embassy for 10:10 saw the lady in the first window 20 mins after I was in that took about 5 minutes and was told to wait then for my interview which happened about 15 mins later I was out and finished and approved by 11:30. Me and the Wife are very very very happy!!!! We're going out to dinner tonight to celebrate!!! Thanks for allo the good wishes and help I've had on this forum!!!

Andreas

Congrats! It's so nice when people post their stories on here. My Sweetheart is SOOOOO nervous about this interview. Maybe it helps her to read all the success stories?

Were you nervous? Was there anything scary or intimidating about it?

My Sweetheart just told me she got a letter from the Embassy today, but sadly it was NOT the one telling her interview date.

She mailed Packet 3 to London on the September 18 and checked all the boxes on the checklist.

The letter that came today was to tell her she needs a police certificate from Germany. She's a German citizen but a resident of UK for 10 years and will have her interview in London.

Is this standard procedure and they're being nice to inform her of this? Or did they not notice she checked the box? Has anyone else gotten a letter like this?

She was SO excited when she saw a letter from the Embassy but then her heart dropped when she realized it did not contain her interview date. Maybe that one will arrive tomorrow..

Does she or does she not have a German police cert?

She must get a police cert from anywhere she lived for more than 1 year. It was nice of them to tell her, since if she didn't have it at the interview, she'd be approved pending receipt of German police cert. At least this way, she knows ahead of time and get order it ASAP to prevent any further delays.

Oh yes, she does have it. She checked it off on the Packet 3 checklist telling them she does have it. That's why it was confusing they would send her a letter telling her she needs it. It's not big deal and probably standard procedure. In fact, it's a good thing because it means they have looked at her packet!!

Thanks!

My Sweetheart just told me she got a letter from the Embassy today, but sadly it was NOT the one telling her interview date.

She mailed Packet 3 to London on the September 18 and checked all the boxes on the checklist.

The letter that came today was to tell her she needs a police certificate from Germany. She's a German citizen but a resident of UK for 10 years and will have her interview in London.

Is this standard procedure and they're being nice to inform her of this? Or did they not notice she checked the box? Has anyone else gotten a letter like this?

She was SO excited when she saw a letter from the Embassy but then her heart dropped when she realized it did not contain her interview date. Maybe that one will arrive tomorrow..

Wow. I was busy looking the other way for once and when I looked back there it was. At some point today our status changed to approved on the site, and I received an email from CRIS. Our NOA2 was issued on 8/3. I think I'm in shock b/c I don't know what to say. I'll be sending good approval vibes to all our fellow April filers, and everyone else who has to go through this in the future! What a ride - and that's only to get to the 2nd step!

I'll write again after it finally soaks in that it really happened.

needless to say my text didn't go over well because " i should be sleeping at this hour" hehe oh well. 3+ months of nothing and then a touch... that will get you excited!

Will somebody please tell me what is a touch? Is it an email notification? Does it show up on the USCIS site as something other than the message "Case Received and Pending" I've seen for months now? I logged in and on my Portfolio page under the "Last Updated" column is 8/3/07. It was a different date last week. Does that mean I got a touch??

I've asked before what being touched means but didn't get an answer.

Will somebody educate me?

Thank you to all you wonderful people who've been willing to share your stories and help me not feel so alone. My NOA1 date is April 9th and I keep thinking every day the NOA2 will arrive, but nothing yet.

Best of luck to everyone this week!

DJandJJ,

touch means when the last updated changes.. so yours was just touched ...

riza and Ed

Yippee!!! Thanks for telling me. I've been debating whether or not to call but haven't yet so this sounds like a legit touch! I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed for us and everyone else who is waiting to be with the one they love - at last...

needless to say my text didn't go over well because " i should be sleeping at this hour" hehe oh well. 3+ months of nothing and then a touch... that will get you excited!

Will somebody please tell me what is a touch? Is it an email notification? Does it show up on the USCIS site as something other than the message "Case Received and Pending" I've seen for months now? I logged in and on my Portfolio page under the "Last Updated" column is 8/3/07. It was a different date last week. Does that mean I got a touch??

I've asked before what being touched means but didn't get an answer.

Will somebody educate me?

Thank you to all you wonderful people who've been willing to share your stories and help me not feel so alone. My NOA1 date is April 9th and I keep thinking every day the NOA2 will arrive, but nothing yet.

Best of luck to everyone this week!

APRIL FILERS

**I know I've missed probably ALOT of people....and I apologize, but I kind of got tiread after going thru about 20 pages of replies..lol...

If I've missed anyone, or you need to update, kindly make room and add yourself, or you can add your info and someone here can add it for you if you don't know how. Thanks!

ScreenName----NOA1 Notice Date-----NOA2 (Date of approval)

vismaster----------- 04/03/07 ----06/16/2007 (CSC)

DJandUJ------------04/09/07----$$/$$/$$ (CSC)

DakotaK1------------04/03/07----06/20/2007 (CSC)

ladywhite----------- 04/04/07---06/25/07 (CSC)

Quinn---------------04/04/07-----06/27/07 (CSC)

Susan&Pete---------04/01/07------06/26/07 (CSC)

geocolorado---------04/05/07----06/27/07 (CSC)

TT&QQ------------- 04/05/07----06/27/07 (CSC)

samwatts-----------04/06/07-----07/25/07 (CSC)

Cassandra+Yuibi------04/09/07-----07/31/07 (CSC)

wellywench -------- 04/09/07 ----- **/**/** (CSC)

kittybear------------04/09/07--- **/**/** (CSC)

Eka & Pyrrhic ------- 04/09/07----07/28/07 (CSC)

kmplisa--------------04/09/07----07/26/2007 (CSC)

DeeZee-------------04/10/07------ **/**/** (CSC)

Blues Fairy-----------04/10/07 ----- **/**/** (CSC)

hamburgapples-------04/10/07-------05/03/07 (VSC)

rambaldi--------------04/10/07-----07/31/07 (CSC)

Deron---------------04/11/07------ **/**/** (CSC)

kits_24_faith----------04/12/07------- **/**/** (CSC)

jessel chris-----------04/12/07----- **/**/** (CSC)

Mel and Daniel-------- 04/13/07------ **/**/** (CSC)

BrianElla-------------04/13/07------ **/**/** (CSC)

mwinburn-------------04/13/07---- **/**/** (CSC)

wioombeen-----------04/13/07 ----07/20/2007 (CSC)

Nini & Bee------------04/14/07 ----04/25/2007 (VSC)

liz legend 'n Ol--------04/14/07----05/17/2007 (VSC)

kkholiday2006--------04/14/07----05/01/2007 (VSC)

the sparrow----------04/14/07---- 07/13/2007 (VSC)

JVKn'CVO------------ 04/14/07 ---- 06/26/07 (CSC)

yamilet-------------- 04/16/07---- 05/15/07 (VSC)

trip------------------04/17/07------ **/**/**

Ed*Riza--------------04/17/07-----07/30/07 (CSC)

♥C and P♥ -----------04/18/07---- **/**/** (CSC)

roverdriver-----------04/20/07 ---- **/**/** (CSC)

etripke---------------04/20/07---- **/**/** (CSC)

skyblue06------------04/24/07-------07/27/07 (CSC)

Golden.247-----------04/24/07------ **/**/** (CSC)

NeverSeen-------- 04/24/07------ **/**/** (CSC)

MaRob-------------- 04/24/07------ **/**/** (CSC)

D & K -------------- 04/27/07-----05/22/07 (VSC)

All April Filers, If you could add your screen name, then the notice date of your NOA1...and when your NOA2 gets approved, add that...this way it will help us all in seeing where we all are standing!! Thanks (sorta borrowed this off the July filers..hehe )

ScreenName----NOA1 Notice Date-----NOA2 (Date of approval)

California Service Center

DJandUJ 04/09/07 ######

♥C and P♥ ----- 04-18-07---- **/**/**

Vermont Service Center

Please Move To Correct Service Center:

* * Received date should be the date the application arrived at the service center where it will be adjudicated.

* * * A NOA1 & NOA2 dates should be the dates when they were issued, not the date that you received a hard copy.

To add or update your data, simply reply to the latest post that contains the timelines and then edit the quote.

Data should be sorted by service center, then by date received.

TO KEEP DATA CURRENT, ONLY REPLY TO THE MOST RECENT POST OF THE TIMELINE!

If posters are not sure how to add themselves, just add a reply to this topic with only your info and someone will place it in the list

No, you are definitely not the only 2 couples! Our NOA 1 date is April 9th and I'm going out of my head here!!! No touches, no nothing. I wonder if I should be calling? I don't want to annoy anyone but I also don't want to sit on my ####### and not do anything and just let our petition fall to the bottom of the heap b/c I'm not being a squeaky wheel. I really really really don't understand why some people with later filing dates already have their NOA2's. Can somebody, anybody, give me some hope?? ARGHHHHHHH

Hi there DJandUJ! Welcome to the April filers thread! Oh I know, we all know the agony...let's just hope they crank out many many many approvals today and tomorrow!!

Pls to help us all, thanks a million! Best of luck to you, me and everybody else who're still waiting....

From your mouth to God's ears!!!

I just did fill in my timeline and I noticed there was no option for dates for the I-129F, only the I 130. So, not knowing what else to do, I filled in my dates under that heading.

I have 2 dates on my I-797 NOA1. The first is the Received date of April 5th, the second is the Notice Date of April 9th. So I've been referring to the 9th as my NOA1 date. Is this correct?

Thanks for your words of support and encouragement. I've certainly never been through anything so crazy and difficult before! We can't even plan our wedding date! I know, Whine Whine Whine...

I can't believe we don't have our NOA2 yet...

We have the same timeline, our NOA1 was dated April 9th. And we haven't received our NOA2 yet either. I wonder if we are the only couples with the same timeline who haven't

No, you are definitely not the only 2 couples! Our NOA 1 date is April 9th and I'm going out of my head here!!! No touches, no nothing. I wonder if I should be calling? I don't want to annoy anyone but I also don't want to sit on my ####### and not do anything and just let our petition fall to the bottom of the heap b/c I'm not being a squeaky wheel. I really really really don't understand why some people with later filing dates already have their NOA2's. Can somebody, anybody, give me some hope?? ARGHHHHHHH

Our date is also April 9th and we've had nothing at all. I check the case status online all the freaking time and nothing - no touches, no nothing. And I'm not even sure what a "touch" is. I assume from reading all these posts that it refers to an immigration officer actually touching your file. Is that it?

Should I be writing or calling my Congressperson? Does it do any good???

Thanks to all of you who make this process feel a little less hopeless, lonely and crazy.

Last I heard they where vacationing in the Swiss Alps. :)

I am hoping for the love of all that is holy that this week many of us will start to get their NOA2's

I see your NOA1 date is the 21st of April. Mine is the 9TH and I have not heard a peep. I have had touches but they were all based off of calling the CSC. So really as of now my petition is still collecting dust somewhere. :) Your not alone in your frustrations.

If ya havn't stopped by yet April Filers has about all that most know so far posted there. Good luck :):)

Wioombeen