ninjarocket

First I was too anxious to sleep, wondering why my wife had disappeared for 4 hours inside the embassy (out of phone range): now I'm too excited to sleep.

Mostly she was just waiting around, computer not able to open file problems, lunch in starbucks across the road, etc....

The good news is that she didn't have to redo the interview. The k3 interview counts towards the CR visa. However, she had to redo the fingerprints since the fingerprints are different for k3 and CR visas.

She did have to swear in front of a consul, however, which by chance happened to be the same guy as before in a different room, hehe. Really by chance I think because he was surprised to see her again also.

All the effort to rush the I-130 through NVC in under a month was worth it in the end. No need to worry about I-485.

Lets hope there are no post interview mess ups!

Here are my previous posts relating to topic:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=153615

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=152923

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=152640

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=152599

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=153358

Make sure you have a case number if you want to send it in.

In the meantime, since you're k3 visa is still valid (for at least another year and a half I guess), you can already apply for work authorization now with a stand alone I-765 application. Just put on the form that your current immigration status is k3. I don't know whether you would be able to waive the fee or not? Anyway, the form is fairly simple: just one page of basic information. That would help you out while you assemble the necessary evidence for the I-360.

It's useful for former permanent residents who need their I-130 case to be updated as a result of naturalization.

I also made service requests, however, when my case was long overdue, but I never had a response to any of them. It's unlikely they can provide reasons as to why your case is overdue. For that kind of information you need to contact you congressman or senator or know someone who has contacts inside USCIS.

This was an issue for me last year. I was informed that you have to re-enter the US with a valid US passport. There was an exception in place for Canada, but that might already have been phased out as of last fall.

If you can point me to some legal jargon where it is states that a US citizen can legally enter the country with his naturalization certificate only, then I am very curious to know about it.

You can use your Naturalization Certificate to re-enter the U.S. after travel abroad.

The problem with applying for your passport before you leave the country is that you have to give up your Naturalization Certificate with your passport application, and if you don't get your passport back before you leave the U.S., you will have nothing to show that you are a U.S. citizen. You will get your Naturalization certificate back with your new passport.

I just recently became a U.S. citizen, and I'm going to Canada next weekend, so I am not going to apply for my U.S. passport until after I get back.

My I-129F case number never showed up on the IVR, but was sent to the embassy. I had to speak to an operator to get the NVC I-129F case number. Are you really sure it was on the IVR? It could be that it appeared on the IVR only very briefly before being removed.

You could always ask to speak to an operator to see whether it was forwarded to the embassy. Alternatively, you could try contacting the embassy in a week or so.

After I received my NOA2 for both I-130 and I-129F, I called and got the NVC case number for both using the IVR. Now when I call, it says they have no record of the I-129F. I tried entering both the NVC case number and the USCIS number. Does this mean they forwarded it to the embassy? I can still get information using the I-130 USCIS receipt number and NVC case number.

I was referring to situations in some countries where a marriage is a business contract between parents. That probably doesn't happen too often in the Philippines, but I wonder how the immigration process deals with it when it does. Just out of pure curiosity.

As for my experience and to applicants i've talked their reasons why they were also sent to FPU are the FF:

Applicant's #1: She was under K-1 visa. The petitioner is her parents friend in the US. She and the petitioner haven't meet in person yet.

Applicant's #2: K-1 also. Met through a friend, met in person but was questioned due to the lack of endearment's word on the cards and letters.

Applicant's #3: K-3. Due to her husband's 4-5 times divorced and big age gap.

Applicant's #4: K-3. Met through relatives and big age gap also.

Applicant's #5: K-3. Met through relatives

I know i have my own mess to fix but i just want my co-vj's to be ready and know some reasons why me and other applicants were sent to FPU. My intention is not to scare nor make you worry because every case are different, i just only want to give some info's because i know how it feels like to be sent to FPU.

Good luck to all of us and God Bless!!!!

I wonder how those with arranged marriages deal with this?

I do not think it should be assumed they are arranged marriages. as for the examples given, these situations probably do not apply to the majority of applicants.

applicant #1 . it's a requirement of the Fiance Visa to have met in the prior two years of filing the 129-f. it's not mentioned if a waiver was obtained to this requirement. they are very hard to get...

applicant #2 there is no mention of what evidence of ongoing and genuine relationship was submitted.

applicant #3 this situation would probably come under more scrutiny. there is no mention of what evidence of ongoing and genuine relationship was submitted.

applicants # 4 & 5. It can take many years to petition a relative from the Philippines. Manila is a high fraud Embassy. a situation like this could come under more scrutiny. again, there is no mention of what evidence of ongoing and genuine relationship was submitted.

anyone in these situations should make sure to submit plenty of evidence of ongoing and genuine relationship.

abspears, hopefully your situation will be resolved and you'll have a lifetime of happiness together with your husband.....

I really hope it works out this time.

After hashing things over in my mind,of our recent experiences with Mr Pjay Sanchez and Numerous phone calls to the USEM(Grace n Lorraine) and with Our trust in God and all the encouraging posts,and messages from Our fellow VJ's. I decided to try to call the NSO again! I again talked to Mr Sanchez,I again was explainng who I was and what was my wifes name is and case number,when he very politely interruppted our conversation,by telling me its ok,that he remember who I was and my wifes name,which he said himself,and begun to appoligize to me,that he was very sorry to me for telling me that Bel's doc verification,had been released last friday,as he really thought that it had!He apoligized again and again said very sorry for that Mr Paduano!He told me ,that what had actually happened,is that yes Bel's docs were verified and done,as of last friday,but actually it wasnt ready for release in time when Mis Emily from the USEM came to pick up that weeks results,as she came earlier than usual,and I can confirm that after talking to Grace,so I know thats true!After Further conversation with Mr Sanchez,he informed me that Bel's doc results are to be released that day ,when Mis Emily comes to pickup all the results!He assured me that he would personally make sure,that Mis Emily would have Bel's results to bring back to the USEM,as she did not arrive at the NSO yet!It was about 2:00pm Phil time when we were having our conversation!Mr Sanchez,told me to call back around 4:00pm (Phil time)as he tought she would be there already,by that time!So I called back at 4:00pm,and Mr Sanchez,told me,he was sorry but,Mis Emily still had not come from the USEM to pick up the results,but assured me again that Bel's were there,released and ready for pickup by Mis Emily!I told Mr Sanchez,thank You very much,that I will call Lorraine and Grace at the USEM to find out!Mr Sanchez told me he was sorry again,and that if I wish to call back on Monday its ok!Now by the time,I was able to get hold of Grace or Lorraine at the USEM,it was very close to 4:15pm!I was lucky enough to reach Lorraine,before they left for the day!She was very attentive to me,even though it was just about her time to leave!I informed Mis Lorraine of my full conversation with Mr Sanchez,Mis Lorraine,said to me that it was good that Mr Sanchez told me this,(about the releasing of Bel's doc results),it was now 4:25pm,that she had to leave.But she did go and check and even at that time,Mis Emily had not returned to the USEM yet!I think this time there is evidence of truth of what,they both said,because as Mr Sanchez said she did not arrive as of 4:00pm at the NSO and as of 4

;25pm she still hadnt arrived back at the USEM!Also knowing of rush hour traffic there at that time,seems truthful and logical to me!Before We ended our talk,Mis Lorraine,informed me that day,they did receive a third congressional inquiry(marked urgent)voicing strong concerns,(Especially because of My Mom)why hadnt Bel been issued her visa yet?Mis Lorraine told me not only to call back on monday,but told me to call her at 7:30am as that is the time she first arrives at the USEM!Before We ended our talk,I asked to her,what would happen monday if Bel's doc results were there,as that is the only thing needed now before issuence of Bel's visa!Mis Lorraine told me if if everything is ok on monday,that she and also Grace will strongly remind the case worker,who is part of team 2 to get it to the CO and also remind what ever CO handles it the very special circumstances of our case!!!Mis Lorraine,told me anytime after that,we might be informed for a visa pickup or release to delbros for delivery!Please,Please Pray for Me and Bel for this and Especially for My Mom!!! Godbless to All in their Journey's!!! Louie and Bel

Everyone mistakenly omits informations on forms once in a while. You will have an opportunity to update this information if it is required. As long as you didn't put false information on the form.

Hello,

I wanna ask a question about RFE's .. if you are a k3 visa filer; what if one had been sent you for your I-129f or I-130; will this put your whole case on hold or this will just halt the form that this RFE was requested for (whether it's I-130 or I-129f)?

You have two cases. Either or both could be held up by an RFE. If the cases are already joined, chances are both would be held up.

If the two cases are joined and the missing information could be gathered from the other case (for example forgot to list the address in the last 5 years on I-129f but the information was added on I-130), could USCIS gathered what they need from the two applications or each has to be completed correctely.

Sorry to hear it. If this is the case, you are covered by law and are encouraged to seek protection from the law. You sound like you might be eligible as a special immigrant, but you might want to read the instructions to see if you qualify: see form I-360 [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis]

Please help me,

I am married to a US citizen. He filed for a K3 visa, it got approved in 14 months. I arrived here to the US 4 months back. My husband's constant abuse has now forced me to a shelter. He never filed for my AOS. so I don't know what to do.. I just have my passport and no other document pertaining to my visa.I don't know what to do or go from here. Can anyone please help me with this..

I wonder how those with arranged marriages deal with this?

Maybe you will meet my wife. She will be going to the USEM at 10am that day to follow up on the CR visa processing after her k3 interview some days ago. Less than 10 hours away now!

Alternatively, if you are in a hurry, you can file for the EAD immediately as soon as your spouse arrives at your home (without filing the AOS which takes more time to prepare), although you would then have to pay the EAD fee.

Some people were able to obtain a temporary 3 month employment authorization stamp in their passport at the POE, although I don't know whether there is formal way to request this, whether it is unique to certain PsOE like JFK or whether it is just a matter of luck (depending on whether the immigration officer is knowledgeable about the subject or in a good mood)?

Maybe some other VJ members might know the answer.

No just like K1, you must file AOS with EAD(employment authorization document). My EAD got approved 3 months after I sent it. No news with AOS after my biometrics.

OK THANK YOU SO MUCH

All it means is that the I-130 and I-129F have different processing times. Either the I-130 or I-129F timeline could apply to your case, depending on when each application was filed.

The time to be concerned is when either of your submission dates predate the published timelines by 30 or more days.

Please see my timeline below... My question is, when does a process like mine is considered K3 and when it is classified as IR/CR???

If I look at the timeline on this website (see the bitmap):

I-129f for K-3 Visa, VSC is processing July 10 and CSC March 25;

I-130 Fro IR/CR and K3 visa, VSC is processing Feb 25, 08 and CSC April.

It is clear that my case has been classified as the later (I-130 Fro IR/CR and K3 visa)...

Its so damn confusing ***I think its that time of the Second/Minute/Hour/Day/Month/Year - hehehehehe - J/K***

In principal you might have a second shot, but why are you worrying about this now when you haven't even submitted a I-129F or I-130?

In your member profile it states that you filed for a k1, which only requires a I-129F

However, in your timeline it states that you filed for a k3, which requires both a I-130 and I-129F

There seems to be an inconsistency.

hi

in my portofilo i did not find the 130 petition just the I129F

In the organization structure of USCIS, they have a specific office that deals with congressional letters and they have a standard set of canned response letters. This is not the same office that reviews or approves your case.

When the USCIS office that responds to congressional letters looks up your case on the computer system to find its status, that generates a touch.

If you call USCIS on the phone to enquire about our case, that also generates a touch.

Lisa,

I just want to say that I wish you the very best.

Keep pressing in and never stop fighting !

Thank you.

We got touched again today btw!

I also had to wait 1 year before my I-130 was approved at CSC, so I wouldn't say that CSC is always faster.

My feeling is that the simple cases get relatively immediate attention. Those with more complicated circumstances relating to previous immigration history, unconventional timelines, etc... take longer because they will confuse inexperienced USCIS employees and need to be reviewed by overburdened supervisors.

A touch counts as progress with the review of your case only if it wasn't initiated by your own enquiry. I recall that the only times I ever received a touches were when I telephoned USCIS or had a letter sent from my congressman. All the information regarding enquiries, congressional letters etc... are appended to your case and forwarded to the embassy.

Whichever is held up, both the I-129F and I-130 will be approved on the same day regardless. The good thing is that the RFE means that your case is being processed, so the approval day should not be too far away!

Hello,

I wanna ask a question about RFE's .. if you are a k3 visa filer; what if one had been sent you for your I-129f or I-130; will this put your whole case on hold or this will just halt the form that this RFE was requested for (whether it's I-130 or I-129f)?

Call the operator. The automated machine is often slow to be updated. I guess you're waiting for case complete?

hello VJ'ers i am just so anxious right now since i did not hear anything new with our case yet..i try to call everyday at NVC automated machine but still the same message i heard...the machine said the NVC got the request letter response last sept 15, 2008 and until now it doesnt change? is that true it will take like 6 to 8 weeks for reviewing it? i hope not..please share your experience and ideas here.......God bless you all...

Yeah, I can attest to having done this twice myself since becoming a USC

1) I entered Germany this year with my British passport in order to avoid the longer non EU passport queue.

2) I recently entered Brazil with my British passport in order to avoid having to get a visa, which they require for USC for political reasons!

Otherwise, I use the US passport for all my foreign travels.

What happens is you enter the other country with the non US passport (to say save the hassle of visa's or registration), and you return to the US. At entry they check & usually as how long you have been gone for. They wont see the stamp of entry into a foreign country (as that would be in the non US passport), will this cause a problem?

Not a problem and people travel with two passports all the time. If the country of your other citizenship required you to enter on that passport, what can possibly the USA say? They can only manage what happens at our borders.

In addition, with many people's passports (mine included), they could never find the most recent stamp unless I showed them where it might be.

Not sure what you mean by IO pc?

Once the case is transferred to the local office where you have your interview, the online status enquiry system is no longer updated. That only seems to happen when it is at the service center.

You should normally receive the ceremony appointment by snail mail. Usually you receive that fairly soon unless there are some pending name check issues.

Oddly enough, in my case they contacted the immigration office of my employer (which is a Govt. National Lab.), who then called me and gave me a choice of oath ceremony dates. The oath ceremony appointment letter arrived barely in time: the day before the ceremony. They tend to use the slowest form of postage possible.

after your interview is done for your american citizenship. when does the IO's pc system update? can you find out your oath date? how soon can that info be on their system?

The civics questions were verbal last year in ABQ. They also ask some questions to test your English skills, which seemed a bit odd for me given that I'm from the UK. They will also ask some questions about details in your application: marital status, employment, immigration history, etc, etc.... They might also do some fishing to see if you might have deviated from what is expected for an model citizen.

Been to Korea on Korean Airlines. The food and services are better than Philippine Airlines, that's for sure!!!

my fellow VJ members hello

got a question here again anyone here who tried and experienced flying from PI to US with the korean air? do they have a good service? thank you

Questions asked by yeye:

1) It seems like you expedited your CR process by going through NVC instead of going through embassy. So you first sent an email and then spoke to supervisor to expedite your case. Do they just do it based on K-3 interview date?

2) After speaking to them how long did it take to transfer your case to embassy?

3) You didn't go through Manila embassy to expedite the package from NVC to embassy?

4) You used acronymns AR or DV. What do these mean?

5) What is the pink slip for?

6) On Monday are you going to have a second interview or they are just going to give you CR1 visa?

7) You said the cutoff is when K3 is approved rather than K-3 interview date. But, I don't think there is much time between the two periods because you get K-3 visa within a day or two of the interview.

Answers from me:

1) The embassy can't expedite a CR unless they receive the I-130 from NVC. NVC won't send the I-130 to the embassy unless they receive consent from the embassy and set an interview date associated with the CR visa. To initiate this process I was told to contact NVC who asked me to put it in writing or email. A couple of days after sending the email it became clear that no one would likely look at it for a couple of weeks unless I took action. I therefore asked to speak to a supervisor who got someone to look up the email and compile an expedite request to be sent to the embassy. She may have done it herself. The supervisor was very helpful, although the normal telephone operators seem reluctant to pass you to a supervisor. [Maybe because they want the supervisors job?]

2) It took about a week for the embassy to respond. Only at that point do NVC forward the paperwork to the embassy. They actually sent it with a CR appointment date of October 21, but it was sent with the intent that it would arrive for the k3 interview on September 16. It takes about a week for the I-130 to reach the embassy in Manila, but could be faster with other embassies?

3) I was told to go through NVC. Maybe it's also possible also from the embassy if you speak to the right person at the embassy? Either way, they have to be in mutual agreement before the I-130 is sent. (This process differs from that of the I-129F, which is forwarded without needing consent from the embassy)

4) AR = Administrative Review; DV = Document Verification

5) The pink slip is normally taken as a sign of an approved visa after the interview.

6) The lady at the embassy informed me that my wife only has to show up at the embassy at 10am on any day that it is open. That doesn't sound like an interview appointment. From what I can gather, she will only need to do the swearing in for the signing of the last part of the DS-230 and maybe some extra finger prints. Since no official appointment has been made, I'm assuming there won't be an interview. However, my wife is taking all of the necessary documents just in case. The lady at the embassy says she didn't need to bring anything to the embassy because they have everything they need. However, we're not going to take any chances.

7) Ideally, you want the I-130 to arrive at the embassy before the k3 interview so that the process can be switched to CR visa if the CO agrees. If you have a k3 interview and get a pink slip after the interview then that usually means your visa will be issued in a couple if days, which doesn't give much time for the I-130 to arrive if it arrives after the interview. You would have to have made a request to the CO prior to the interview that you will switch to the CR if it arrives, otherwise they will just issue a k3 visa. In my case, the I-130 just happened to arrive at the embassy on the day of the interview! If you're in DV or AR, then that would give more time for the arrival of the I-130. That would be the one advantage of being in DV or AR.

original posting that prompted questions:

....... alternatively, you can ask to have the I-130 paperwork at NVC expedited if the case is already complete..... that way you can keep the earlier interview appointment..... at least that's what I did, but there has to be enough time before the k3 interview or approval for it to work..... you have to send an email or letter, then ask to speak to a supervisor at NVC so that your email gets immediate attention (otherwise it will likely stay in their email inbox for a couple of weeks before they look at it)....

in my case, there was barely enough time..... when we arrived at the USEM for my wife's interview, the I-130 papers had not yet arrived: we were given two choices

1) wait for I-130 paperwork to arrive before interviewing etc....

2) take k3 interview, then switch to CR if I-130 paperwork arrives before k3 is approved (which occurs just before it is printed)....

[the cutoff seems to be when the k3 is actually approved rather than the k3 interview: so it's well worth expediting the I-130 paper in case you get stuck in AR or DV for a period of time]

we took option 2... my wife passed her k3 interview with pink slip...... then the USEM tried contacting her later that week to return to the USEM for processing of CR (needs signatures and swearing in on a different form)

unfortunately we had already both left Manila before we found out........ my wife simply hadn't realized she had received unanswered calls from the USEM.... we were so happy that my wife had a pink slip that we had forgot that we had chosen option (2) ...... she will return to the USEM on Monday and I will let you know what happens!!!! at least this will be a useful learning experience for other VJ members who are trying to accelerate the process