Luckyswife2b

Finally, the 1st reason to celebrate in this whole process...not including the day we met!!!!

Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tem...125&y=17%20

Accra

Typical Wait Time (Calendar Days*) for a Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Appointment

Visitors Visas: 14 Days

Student/Exchange Visitors Visas *** (Excludes: A, G, K, and V): 3 Days

All Other Nonimmigrant Visas: 3 Days

Typical Wait Time (Workdays**) for a Nonimmigrant Visa To Be Processed****: 3 Days

*Calendar days refer to every day of the week, including days when embassies are closed (such as weekends and holidays).

**Work days refer only to days when the embassy is open and does not include weekends and holidays.

*** The All Other Nonimmigrant Visa wait time DOES NOT include K or V visa applications, which are processed similar to immigrant visas. A and G applications are excluded from these wait times, as they are processed separately.

****IMPORTANT NOTE: Processing wait time DOES NOT include the time required for additional special clearance or administrative processing. These procedures require additional time. Most special clearances are resolved within 30 days of application. When additional administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Processing wait time also does not include the time required to return the passport to applicants, by either courier services or the local mail system.

November 29, 2007

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tem...125&y=17%20

Accra

Typical Wait Time (Calendar Days*) for a Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Appointment

Visitors Visas: 14 Days

Student/Exchange Visitors Visas *** (Excludes: A, G, K, and V): 3 Days

All Other Nonimmigrant Visas: 3 Days

Typical Wait Time (Workdays**) for a Nonimmigrant Visa To Be Processed****: 3 Days

*Calendar days refer to every day of the week, including days when embassies are closed (such as weekends and holidays).

**Work days refer only to days when the embassy is open and does not include weekends and holidays.

*** The All Other Nonimmigrant Visa wait time DOES NOT include K or V visa applications, which are processed similar to immigrant visas. A and G applications are excluded from these wait times, as they are processed separately.

****IMPORTANT NOTE: Processing wait time DOES NOT include the time required for additional special clearance or administrative processing. These procedures require additional time. Most special clearances are resolved within 30 days of application. When additional administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Processing wait time also does not include the time required to return the passport to applicants, by either courier services or the local mail system.

November 29, 2007

THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR A K1 FIANCE VISA LIKE I AM, WE NEED TO RE-CHECK THAT TIME FRAME!!!

AND WE SHOULD TREAT IT AS IF IT WERE AN *IMMIGRANT* VISA APPARENTLY....

SO HOW THEN... ARE IMMIGRANT VISAS PROCESSED?????????

Yup. There is no info on there about immigrant visas. It sucks big time. This is why VJ rocks because we have folks who have gone/are going through it and they share their experiences with the rest of us.

VJ

I may be wrong but this does not seem to apply to K visas. There is no mention of police certificates, medicals, etc or the DS-156K.

no... you're prob right..... I am just now realizing that this seems to only pertain to Student or Visitor visas... WTH????

AI AI AI .... this is so frustrating... just when I think we get a BREAK!!! HMMMPH!!!

Did u visit the website?? Do you think the MAKING AN APPT ONLINE DOES NOT PERTAIN TO US ???? so confusing........

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tem...125&y=17%20

Accra

Typical Wait Time (Calendar Days*) for a Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Appointment

Visitors Visas: 14 Days

Student/Exchange Visitors Visas *** (Excludes: A, G, K, and V): 3 Days

All Other Nonimmigrant Visas: 3 Days

Typical Wait Time (Workdays**) for a Nonimmigrant Visa To Be Processed****: 3 Days

*Calendar days refer to every day of the week, including days when embassies are closed (such as weekends and holidays).

**Work days refer only to days when the embassy is open and does not include weekends and holidays.

*** The All Other Nonimmigrant Visa wait time DOES NOT include K or V visa applications, which are processed similar to immigrant visas. A and G applications are excluded from these wait times, as they are processed separately.

****IMPORTANT NOTE: Processing wait time DOES NOT include the time required for additional special clearance or administrative processing. These procedures require additional time. Most special clearances are resolved within 30 days of application. When additional administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Processing wait time also does not include the time required to return the passport to applicants, by either courier services or the local mail system.

November 29, 2007

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tem...125&y=17%20

Accra

Typical Wait Time (Calendar Days*) for a Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Appointment

Visitors Visas: 14 Days

Student/Exchange Visitors Visas *** (Excludes: A, G, K, and V): 3 Days

All Other Nonimmigrant Visas: 3 Days

Typical Wait Time (Workdays**) for a Nonimmigrant Visa To Be Processed****: 3 Days

*Calendar days refer to every day of the week, including days when embassies are closed (such as weekends and holidays).

**Work days refer only to days when the embassy is open and does not include weekends and holidays.

*** The All Other Nonimmigrant Visa wait time DOES NOT include K or V visa applications, which are processed similar to immigrant visas. A and G applications are excluded from these wait times, as they are processed separately.

****IMPORTANT NOTE: Processing wait time DOES NOT include the time required for additional special clearance or administrative processing. These procedures require additional time. Most special clearances are resolved within 30 days of application. When additional administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Processing wait time also does not include the time required to return the passport to applicants, by either courier services or the local mail system.

November 29, 2007

THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR A K1 FIANCE VISA LIKE I AM, WE NEED TO RE-CHECK THAT TIME FRAME!!!

AND WE SHOULD TREAT IT AS IF IT WERE AN *IMMIGRANT* VISA APPARENTLY....

SO HOW THEN... ARE IMMIGRANT VISAS PROCESSED?????????

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tem...125&y=17%20

Accra

Typical Wait Time (Calendar Days*) for a Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Appointment

Visitors Visas: 14 Days

Student/Exchange Visitors Visas *** (Excludes: A, G, K, and V): 3 Days

All Other Nonimmigrant Visas: 3 Days

Typical Wait Time (Workdays**) for a Nonimmigrant Visa To Be Processed****: 3 Days

*Calendar days refer to every day of the week, including days when embassies are closed (such as weekends and holidays).

**Work days refer only to days when the embassy is open and does not include weekends and holidays.

*** The All Other Nonimmigrant Visa wait time DOES NOT include K or V visa applications, which are processed similar to immigrant visas. A and G applications are excluded from these wait times, as they are processed separately.

****IMPORTANT NOTE: Processing wait time DOES NOT include the time required for additional special clearance or administrative processing. These procedures require additional time. Most special clearances are resolved within 30 days of application. When additional administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Processing wait time also does not include the time required to return the passport to applicants, by either courier services or the local mail system.

November 29, 2007

Sorry everyone,

It did not paste as neatly as I had hoped.

Here is the new process:

Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Procedures

```NOTE CHANGE IN VISA POLICY```

The Consular Section is altering its nonimmigrant visa interview appointment schedule to increase the efficiency of post’s visa operations. Effective November 1, all categories of U.S. visa applicants must schedule visa interview appointments on-line.

This includes all students, petition-based visas, crew members, and five year visa renewals. Please note that we will no longer have special times reserved for students or visa renewals, although we may introduce special times for student visa interviews during peak demand periods. Interviews for all nonimmigrant visa applicants will be conducted in the morning, Monday through Thursday.

You must use the Electronic Visa Application Form from the website to get your barcode number. Without a barcode number you cannot make an appointment.

All Applicants

NIV Appointments – Now Just 3 Easy Steps

Step One: Pay your Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee at Standard Chartered Bank; please note that MRV receipt are only valid for one year- you must book for appointment within a year of paying the MRV fee.

Step Two: Fill out your DS-156 form and any supplemental forms online. You must fill out your non-immigrant visa application (DS-156 and, if applicable, DS-157) on a computer. Hand written applications or applications typed on a typewriter are not acceptable, and you will not be admitted for your interview if you bring these. Schedule your appointment online.

Step Three: Appear at the Consulate for your interview fully prepared. Applicants should arrive at the consulate, no sooner than 30 minutes before the appointment time.You will not be admitted for an interview more than 30 minutes prior to your appointment time.

CLICK HERE TO BEGIN THE NIV APPOINTMENT PROCESS

Students

Emergencies and Other Special Cases

Visa Application Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

NIV Appointment Availability and Processing Times

US DIPLOMATIC MISSION TO GHANA

US Diplomatic Mission

US CITIZENS SERVICES

VISA SERVICES

NIV APPOINTMENTS

STUDENTS

EMERGENCIES

FAQS

PROCESSING TIMES

VISA WAIVER PROGRAM

(VWP)

Mailing Address from

the United States:

Consular Section

US Dept. of State

2020 Accra Place

Washington, DC

20521-2020

Mailing Address in Ghana

Consular Section

US Embassy

P.O. Box GP 194

Accra, Ghana

Return to Home Page

Non-Immigrant Visa Application Frequently Asked Questions

No. 19 Fifth Link Rd. Cantonments, Accra. Email: consulateaccra@state.gov

How can I schedule an appointment for a visa interview?

CLICK HERE to begin the application process

What should I do if I lost my appointment password?

Use your original receipt from Standard Chartered bank and schedule a new appointment for yourself. The Consulate cannot supply you with your password.

How can I change my appointment date/time?

You may change or cancel your appointment any time, by going to the appointment page, online, using the identification code and password you received on your appointment confirmation page.

Do my children need to appear in person for the visa interview?

Children under 14 years of age need not appear in person for the interview. However, if adults are applying for visas and at the same time seek visas for their child(ren) under age 14 then appointments must be made for both the parent(s) and the child(ren).

What should I bring with me to the visa interview?

No more than 30 minutes before your scheduled interview date and time, please bring the completed application forms, a valid passport, 2 current ID size photos on a white background, and any supporting documents you might need.

Documents to Consider Bringing (Please note that the documents listed below are only suggestions. Visa applicants must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Consular Officer, their qualifications for the visa.)

1. Visitors for Pleasure (Tourists)

- Documents explaining the purpose of your trip: You must be able to demonstrate that there is a legitimate reason for your travel, that the expense of your travel is reasonable given your economic circumstances, and that your circumstances and experience correspond with your proposed purpose of travel.

-Documents showing financial ties to Ghana: Job letters; pay slips detailing your salary. Bank statements sometimes are helpful. Other evidence of financial holdings may be helpful. You need to show that you can afford the trip, and that your financial ties are sufficient to compel you back to Ghana after your visit. In the absence of strong financial ties, you may need to demonstrate exceptionally strong family and social ties.

- Documents explaining your family ties to Ghana: Marriage certificate, birth certificates of your children, or evidence of your spouse's employment.

- Documents explaining your social ties to Ghana: This may be a letter or certificate proving membership in an organization, such as a club or church. Perhaps you can provide proof that you are a community leader who can only be away from Ghana for a temporary period of time.

2. Visitors for Business

- The same documents suggested above.

- Proof that you will engage in a legitimate business activity in the U.S. that is temporary in nature;

- Proof that you have the funds necessary to pay for the trip and to make any intended purchases while there;

- Proof that your presence is required in the U.S. to complete or maintain your business.

3. Visitors for Educational Purposes (Students)

- The same documents suggested above.

- The original Form I-20 issued by the school you wish to attend (required);

- Transcripts from the last school you attended in Ghana and/or your degree or diploma showing that you have completed your studies in Ghana;

- Proof that you or your sponsor can afford to pay for your education in the U.S. (you must show funds available to pay for the first year of study and demonstrate an ability to acquire funds to pay for all subsequent years of study). Details of any scholarship, fellowship, or work-study you have been awarded by the school in the United States.

What is necessary to qualify for a U.S. visitor visa?

When applying for visas for tourism, business, or study, you will be required to demonstrate that your travel is for legitimate purposes, that you can support yourself, and that you would return to Ghana without violating the conditions of a visa.

IMPORTANT: Please do NOT send any documents to us by mail, fax or e-mail, and do NOT have other people (your sponsor, for example) send documents directly to us. You may bring any documents you would like with you to the interview, but do NOT send us documents ahead of time.

Why was I refused a U.S. visa?

Please refer to the U.S. Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/denials/denials_1361.html

Where is Consulate Accra located?

Our office is located at No. 19, Fifth Link Road, Cantonments, near the Dubois Center.

How can I contact Consulate Accra?

The best way to contact the Consular Section is via e-mail at consulateaccra@state.gov. Please note the nature of your request in the subject line of your email:

For questions on visitor visas, please write NIV.

For immigrant visa questions, please write IV.

For questions pertaining to American Citizens in Ghana, please write ACS.

Useful Links

For visa information, go to http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html

For visa overview, go to Destination USA http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/index.html

For the U.S. Department of State homepage, go to http://www.state.gov/

For information on the United States, go to USInfo.state.gov

For the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) homepage, go to http://www.dhs.gov

For DHS USCIS, go to http://uscis.gov

For DHS- US-VISIT, go to http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?theme=91

For DHS- CBP, go to http://cbp.gov/ -

For First Gov Website, go to http://www.firstgov.gov

Last updated: 12/03/2007 13:18:02

Links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein.

Published by the Public Affairs Section, US Diplomatic Mission, Ghana

Please send your comments to the Webmaster

Privacy Notice

I am in the UK with my fiance, we petitioned in July (whilst I was home) and I returned to the UK in early October, I plan on staying until he gets his visa...so I will have said GAP in my employment record. One (perhaps obvious) pro is that it takes a lot of the misery out of the wait! One serious con; in the UK, with the exchange rate being so bad (from an American point of view) and not being able to work we are taking a financial hit.

This is the conclusion we have come to based on our situation.

Every persons financial situation is different. In this process employment history is not the only factor, there are University students and retired people petitioning and getting approvals. While I am sure that being employed at this stage (as the USC) could only be helpful when it comes to the affidavit of support part of the process, I expect that, as long as I have a qualified co-sponsor things should be fine. I think the main concern for the US government is the point that the beneficiary not become a burden on the system, any co-sponsor is entering into the same legal obligation as am I to ensure that this does not happen.....so if I do not meet the requirements and my co-sponsor does then I do not see it being a problem. I do plan to return to work as soon as we return to the US and I expect this will help when it comes to the AOS part of the process, but I think the Embassy will be fine with granting the K-1 based on mine and my co-sponsors I-134.

That being said I have heard of petitioners that are on public assistance being denied, even though they have a qualified co-sponsor. But I do not feel that this has any bearing to our particular situation.

Thanks so much for your well articulated reply....

I have a couple issues in mind though regarding my own situation.... of course, you bring a good point: everyone's situation is different!

But my situation is this....

1) I am on MEDICAID ... state govt health insurance... I began receiving it while I was pregnant with my SON and to this day (7 yrs later), both myself and my son rely on govt assistance medical insurance 100%...

I am hoping that

a) it's ok that I have a son and he is not legally my fiance's biological son??????????

and

B) I am on medicaid.. state govt insurance because I have been a fulltime college student and not been working .... (I plan to change that as I'm looking for a FULLTIME JOB ASAP however... only due to the visa issues)

Thanks again.... I am hoping at least that I can go back to ghana with my son to stay with my dear fiance at least a few wks prior to his interview date... and hope to stay through his visa so we can fly over the ATLANTIC TOGETHER!!!!!!

Any further advice is still soooooooooooo much appreciated...

Thanks guys!!!!

Still quite stressed about this...........

I have heard on here that it helps extraordinarilly to have the USC fiance there during the interview (not to mention I am sure it doesn't hurt the SO for emotional support!)

But I am worrying that at the interview they may ask him "How many times has your fiance visited you here in ghana?" and I have only come one time..... :/

Then again, I have to work in order to prove I can financially support him (even though I have a co-sponsor who is very financially well off... my father!???)..... so how can I work FT and visit him for interview??? Unless I can get a 2 week paid vacation from the job I DONT YET HAVE!!!!!

AUGH.... SO FRUSTRATING!!! Anyone have any MORE advice for this discussion?

I am really stressing out!!!

Thanks!!!

<3 Stephanie and Lucky

I have 2 boys(twins), not my husbands children. I only had to put their names on the I-134, as my dependents. At the interview my husband was not asked anything about my children. It definately helps for him to know about your child, because they could ask him. I have not heard of anyone being denied a visa because their SO has a child. Don't worry you'll be just fine.

Thanks again!!! <3

God is sooooooooooo good!!!!

I GOT MY APPROVAL ON SUNDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I must have been on my knees praying when I got it!

I'm screaming!!!! Can ya'll hear me?!!!

I want that piece of paper in my hand!!! I want to frame it and place it on a pedestal of honor!!!!

I'M GOING TO DISNEYLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (in Ghana)

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

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: EAC*********

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On December 2, 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)

awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

I am so HAPPY for you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Perseverence pays off in the end!!!

Yay!!!!!

Thanks for keeping us posted!!!

<3 Steph

Out of sheer curiosity (no pun intended) how many African Husbands\SOs...ok now that I think about it wives too, HATE CATS?

My husband can't stand cats, I find some sort of humor in it and so does... my sons cat!!

I swear the cat torments the man...

LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!

I am soooo entertained that you started this topic!!!!

My fiance DESPISES CATS. He says he is SCARED TO DEATH OF THEM!!!

He told me it is because in Africa, cats are often times used for VOODOO rituals and things, so he thinks of them I guess as some kinds of evil agents of Satan or something!!!

omg.... funny... but I do hope he gets over this fear because I actually have a cat and I love them!! haha...

~Steph

That may be excellent advice for some situations, but not "always". In our case, we went through the whole process without ever sending in the USC's birth certificate at all (we used the passport to provide proof of citizenship).

Oh no. I sent only the "short form" of my birth certificate. Our state does have a long form option but it takes 6 weeks to obtain. And I didn't send copies of my passport pages.

Is it possible to make an addendum to an I-129F that's waiting for review. I already received NOA1 with case number. I wonder if I can "pre-empt" the RFE by sending my passport copies?

Thanks,

3AD

yeah.... umm... I tried that.... with evidence of work status, etc, and it got SENT BACK TO ME... stating that they do not yet need the letter but rather once it is approved and sent to the Dpt of State, that is apparently when they will ask me to prove fianancial info.... not sure if they will accept further evidence that's non-financial though... it's certainly worth a try!!!

Actually, just to add, I too sent the "short form" BC and where it stated to make SURE to copy BOTH SIDES, mine only had ONE SIDE.... So I do wonder if I should attempt the same thing as you are thinking of doing by copying all pages of my US Passport!!!!

What do you all think? Should we try this?

Thanks! B)

I have 2 children that are not my husbands (fiance then). Did not make a bit of difference. The only time it comes into play is on the financial documents and then, they are just a number.

That being said.....make sure he KNOWS all kinds of things about your child. Meeting him/her is a plus. They DID ask Andre the names, ages, and if they had met.

yay!! I am so glad for your responses, thanks guys!!!

My son and fiance have indeed met and my son already considers him his "daddy" as well!!!

Most def, my fiance will know answers to any ?'s regarding my son!!!! So yay!!!!

Hello everyone,

I've been married to a lovely Canadian woman for 5 months now, and we're looking to begin the immigration process to bring her to the States. Problem being, I will likely begin graduate school in an as yet to be determined other state than the one I currently reside in.

Some fun facts about our situation:

We originally thought that I would apply to both Canadian and American graduate schools and then simply apply for paperwork in whichever country I got the best funding offer.

I had been living in Canada since June 15th with my wife with no job as I had no legal status. We lived in her folk's house for free. She worked the whole time. We have joint bank accounts and credit lines.

I came home to the States for a 3 week visit and in the course of that decided that I no longer would apply to any Canadian schools. Thus the plan became to bring Ilona here, and I will remain here working and living at my parents' home for free.

I will in all likelihood have my parents co-sponsor Ilona, as I will be at best a PhD student living on a 16 grand stipend.

I'm applying to schools at the moment and will likely find out where I'll be accepted in the spring.

Now the worries:

Is there any particular benefit to our situation to apply for an IR/CR visa vs. a K3? My wife is certainly intent on working and living with me as soon as possible.

Is there any worry that if we begin the application process with me in Ohio at my folk's place that later on in the game I will have relocated to whatever state I'm attending school?

Should we be concerned about my income level vis-a-vis (no pun intended) sponsorship being dictated by my graduate scholar status? Is this concern obviated by my parents' cosponsorship--which exceeds the 125% poverty level many times over?

Are we idiots for even falling in love and marrying?

Thank you for this great resource. It's already helped and we haven't even filed yet.

-Paul

Hello Paul!

What a great feeling to see that you've posted my most worried about question for my own case.

You see, I too am actually currently a GRADUATE SCHOOL STUDENT. And my father is also co-sponsoring, giving us free room and board (my fiance included) and he too makes well over the 125% minimum requirement.

BUT... I have been recently putting grad school on hold, trying desperately to find a J-O-B which makes at least something CLOSE to minimum salary requirement IN ADDITION TO MY FATHER'S CO-SPONSORING my fiance JUST IN CASE!!!

I am going nuts because I plan to visit my fiance and be there for the interview and stay with him there in AFrica until he gets his visa and can return to the U.S. with me!!! If I get a job soon, how will I be able to do that?????

So I obviously have some questions:

1) Should I put a hold on my education in order to work full time???

2) Would the powers that be (USCIS, etc.) allow my situation to go through IF I DO NOT WORK AT ALL (BUT ATTEND GRAD SCHOOL FULLTIME AND HAVE A CO SPONSOR WHO MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS???)

I am so frustrated!!!

Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for advice!!!

~ Stephanie

Hello all,

I am wondering something....

I am the American Citizen petitioning for my African fiance....

We've been together almost a year (since we met online)...

Well... I have a 6 year old son. I am wondering if this is going to be investigated by the USCIS for any reason???

I didn't see any opportunity to put any information on the I-129F application about my child.....???? Since he is American and already here with me.... (I only saw a place to put info on children overseas whom applying for to come to the US)

Does anyone know if USCIS or Homeland Security or the Consulate itself should be hesitant to give the visa since I have a child???

I was never married so I am assuming they dont quite care about specific information about my son......

However, I did include pictures in my initial evidence in the application of my fiance and son TOGETHER..... and I labled the picture "my fiance and my son"...

Anyone?????????????

Tired of waiting for VSC to get around to your petition? Many of us plan to send a package of hershey kisses (love theme) from www.hersheygifts.com with a message that we are tired of waiting to be with our loved ones!

We are sending these the end of this week to

P Novak, adjudicators and staff

USCIS Vermont Service Center

75 Lower Welden Street

St Albans, Vermont 05479-0001

We are issuing a press release on monday to coincide with the packages arrival.

If you want to make some noise, pitch in and send a gift pack or two.

I didn't send kisses but I DID SEND MY EMAILS TO MY STATE SENATORS AND CONGRESSMAN!!!!

THANKS FOR DOING THAT AND FOR URGING ME (US) TO SEND EMAILS TO OUR REPRESENTATIVES!!!!

HOPE IT MAKES SOME MOVES NOW!!!!

Great news! We finally were able to reschedule our interview date! It is amazing that we have actually accomplished something in this process!

We have been trying to reschedule ever since James received Packet 4 in July with the assignment of a February interview date. After emailing and calling failed, I contacted my Senator. His influence got us pretty quick results...too quick though, a date in September. After being told a million times that it was not possible, we had not even started the medical and police reports process, so we couldn't make the date. But we thought the Senator might be able to get us another date, and we felt like we had time since I am studying in Accra this semester and we didn't plan to return to the United States until Christmas. But the Senator requests received no reply throughout September, October, and November.

We got nervous, and we decided to type up a letter explaining our whole situation. I went to deliver the entire two page plea to the Director of Public Affairs on Monday last week, but I was told that he was not in the office. So I delivered the letter through the Service Center and made an appointment through his Secretary for Wednesday. When I reached the embassy on Wednesday, the security guards called the Director to say I had arrived, but he said he didn't know about any appointment and he had a meeting to go to so he couldn't meet me. So I made an appointment with him for Friday. But when I got there on Friday, the security guards said he wasn't in his office again. I told them, "Please, I am not leaving without speaking to somebody today." And ten minutes later, by chance, another person working in the Public Affairs office was passing through the security, and the guards asked her to see if the Director was expecting me. He came down to escort me in ten minutes later!

When we reached his office, he said he didn't receive any letter, so what exactly was I there to talk to him about? So I explained the whole situation. The basis for our request to reschedule our interview date is that I am registered to resume classes in the States next semester, and I came here to study this semester simply to be around for the interview and go back to the States with James! Plus, I explained, we knew they could reschedule for us because they had done so in September. He was sympathetic, but said he couldn't/didn't know what to do about it. But then he said he would call the Consular section to see what they could do.

So he called the guy, and he agreed to meet us in the lobby. It turns out that he said he had received my letter, even though we had addressed it to the Director of Public Affairs, I guess they screen all letters and send them to the proper section. So he asked me to explain myself one more time, and then he said the best thing ever, "Ok, I believe we are willing to accomodate you in your situation." !!!!! James will be going for his interview a week from tomorrow !!!!!

Persistence, a strong case, and a whole lot of luck, that seems to be the recipe!!! The Consular guy was sure to remind me "I can't guarantee your fiance will be granted the visa at this interview..." but I sure pray he will be!

Wow!!!! HUGE SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!!

Great Job!!!!!!!!!

I sure hope you will get that visa and be back soon as you planned!!!!!!

~Stephanie

I am in the UK with my fiance, we petitioned in July (whilst I was home) and I returned to the UK in early October, I plan on staying until he gets his visa...so I will have said GAP in my employment record. One (perhaps obvious) pro is that it takes a lot of the misery out of the wait! One serious con; in the UK, with the exchange rate being so bad (from an American point of view) and not being able to work we are taking a financial hit.

This is the conclusion we have come to based on our situation.

Every persons financial situation is different. In this process employment history is not the only factor, there are University students and retired people petitioning and getting approvals. While I am sure that being employed at this stage (as the USC) could only be helpful when it comes to the affidavit of support part of the process, I expect that, as long as I have a qualified co-sponsor things should be fine. I think the main concern for the US government is the point that the beneficiary not become a burden on the system, any co-sponsor is entering into the same legal obligation as am I to ensure that this does not happen.....so if I do not meet the requirements and my co-sponsor does then I do not see it being a problem. I do plan to return to work as soon as we return to the US and I expect this will help when it comes to the AOS part of the process, but I think the Embassy will be fine with granting the K-1 based on mine and my co-sponsors I-134.

That being said I have heard of petitioners that are on public assistance being denied, even though they have a qualified co-sponsor. But I do not feel that this has any bearing to our particular situation.

Thanks so much for your well articulated reply....

I have a couple issues in mind though regarding my own situation.... of course, you bring a good point: everyone's situation is different!

But my situation is this....

1) I am on MEDICAID ... state govt health insurance... I began receiving it while I was pregnant with my SON and to this day (7 yrs later), both myself and my son rely on govt assistance medical insurance 100%...

I am hoping that

a) it's ok that I have a son and he is not legally my fiance's biological son??????????

and

B) I am on medicaid.. state govt insurance because I have been a fulltime college student and not been working .... (I plan to change that as I'm looking for a FULLTIME JOB ASAP however... only due to the visa issues)

Thanks again.... I am hoping at least that I can go back to ghana with my son to stay with my dear fiance at least a few wks prior to his interview date... and hope to stay through his visa so we can fly over the ATLANTIC TOGETHER!!!!!!

Any further advice is still soooooooooooo much appreciated...

Thanks guys!!!!

wow... thanks guys!!!!!

I will figure it out... he is actually not legally a resident YET... BUT he works for a radio station there in ghana and is in the process of applying for legal ghana residence through his employer..... hoping he gets it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! B)

Thanks for the Welcome!!!!

My fiance is a citizen of NIGERIA but living and working in Ghana....

He is trying to get his Ghana Residence...

Does anyone know if this will be okay to apply through the Embassy in Ghana (where he resides and works) rather than Nigeria (where he is a citizen but does not currently reside there)????

I fear there may be a delay or problems here.....??? :/

Any advice or stories of this happening with others?????

Thanks!!!!

Update: Jennifer+James interview changed from 2/19/08 to 12/4/07...CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

WAITING FOR NOA2:

Member ID............Country.......Visa Type..........NOA1

M & T................Nigeria..........K3.........04/21/07(I-130)..05/22/07(I-130)

sweetlove............Nigeria..........K3.........05/22/07(I-130)..07/06/07(I-129F)

Lefreedring...........Uganda..........K3.........05/25/07(I-129F)

brownskin2...........Nigeria..........K3.........05/25/07(I-130)..07/11/07(I-129F)

wintime..............Ethiopia.........K3.........06/04/07(I-130)..07/14/07(I-129F)[i-130 approved 11/20/07]

chinemeze............Nigeria..........K3.........06/20/07(I-130)..07/10/07(I-129F)

kelly1290............Nigeria..........K3.........06/12/07(I-130)..08/27/07(I-129F)

Akoto................Nigeria..........K1.........06/21/07

Divine Mercy.........Nigeria..........K3.........06/21/07(I-130)..07/02/07(I-129F)[i-130 approved 07/16/07]

Bassi and Zainab.......Ghana..........K1.........06/22/07

dekebo...............Ethiopia.........K1.........06/24/07

Gail................Madagascar........K1.........07/10/07

Omizo_Tusha.........Mozambique........K1.........07/11/07

Mohardi................Ghana..........K3.........07/12/07(I-130)..06/29/07(I-129F)

selam..................Kenya..........K1.........07/13/07

tony and tess........Nigeria..........K1.........07/16/07

kunle................Nigeria..........K1.........07/26/07

Misgana..............Ethiopia.........K1.........07/26/07

cinnamon3822.........Nigeria..........K1.........08/15/07

eviee567.............Nigeria..........K1.........08/15/07

azezohome............Ethiopia.........K1.........09/26/07

Osakeme..............Nigeria..........K1.........10/01/07

monagoz..............Nigeria..........K1.........10/09/07

Nkem/Oneybuchi.......Nigeria..........K3.........10/23/07(I-129F)

terryn..............South Africa......K1.........10/23/07

Chicku...............Tanzania.........K1.........11/05/07

APPROVED AND WAITING FOR INTERVIEW:

Member ID............Country...........Visa Type...........Approved

myangel2..............Nigeria..........IR-1/CR-1...........01/09/07

Kofi...................Ghana...........IR-1/CR-1...........04/01/07

fatima_kamel...........Ghana...........IR-1/CR-1...........04/21/07

Chris & Jennifer.....South Africa......IR-1/CR-1...........06/21/07

pjjoy..................Nigeria.........IR-1/CR-1...........06/21/07

nbrown0247.............Nigeria.........IR-1/CR-1...........06/28/07

I'm Mrs Akindel........Nigeria.........IR-1/CR-1...........07/02/07

John/Sam Miles.......South Africa..........K3..............07/31/07(both)

Keith&Jessica..........Ghana...............K1..............08/03/07

Benandshan.............Nigeria.........IR-1/CR-1...........08/13/07

Golden24.7............Cameroon.............K3..............09/05/07(both)

MrsJibowu..............Nigeria.........IR-1/CR-1...........09/07/07

pnyarko................Ghana...........IR-1/CR-1...........09/27/07

All4Kweku..............Ghana...........IR-1/CR-1...........10/03/07

amper................South Africa..........K1..............10/10/07

kellyc...............South Africa..........K1..............10/29/07

Quiet Storm............Ghana...............K3..............10/30/07(both)

Ricca711...............Ghana...............K1..............11/02/07

Rodgiegirl.............Zambia..............K1..............11/02/07

MissLove...............Ghana...............K1..............11/04/07

waiting4real...........Nigeria.............K1..............11/05/07

HakeemConstance........Nigeria.............K1..............11/15/07

KingsleysPrincess......Nigeria.............K3..............11/15/07(both)

WAITING FOR VISA:

Member ID..........Country.......Visa Type.....Approved....Interview....Visa Approved

Omoba.............Sierra Leone......K1.........09/28/06....12/14/06.....Put on AP/waiting for

2nd interview

moon1968............Nigeria......IR-1/CR-1.....10/13/06....09/20/07.....Put on AP

MaRob..............Cameroon.........K1.........08/10/07....10/17/07.....Put on AP

angel73.............Nigeria.........K1.........08/03/07....11/19/07.....YES

Jennifer + James.....Ghana..........K1.........05/03/07....12/04/07

mishka b..........South Africa...IR-1/CR-1.....06/13/07....12/10/07

DEECEE..............Senegal......IR-1/CR-1.....06/06/07....12/13/07

BIG_O.............Mauritania........K1.........10/08/07....12/27/07

Missy1..............Nigeria.........K1.........11/05/07....01/08/08

Nixz_Chi............Nigeria.........K1.........11/09/07....01/10/08

Arinola.............Nigeria.........K1.........08/31/07....01/14/08

ZeeNusah.............Ghana..........K1.........09/05/07....03/17/08

Efia06...............Ghana..........K3.........07/31/07....03/20/08

Asante Maroon........Ghana..........K1.........09/07/07....03/25/08

This is GREAT WORK!!!!

Can I be on there too??

Thanks!!!

~Steph

I do think that Delta is more expensive than NAA. The thing with NAA is that there are no extra perks like the TV screens or anything like that. The food was good (for airplane food). I haven't heard of them cancelling flights though. When I travelled they were on time.

Yes the prices for NAA went down since Delta came on the scene. The cancellations I remember being around April/May (a little before & a little after). This could have been due in part to the fact that Delta was doing there introductory sale of about $400 each way. I know so many people who were taking Delta instead of NAA at that time....maybe it made it difficult to fill NAA.

I haven't looked at airline prices since I got back from Ghana in May sooo....you may have more current info

I would say Delta is def the way to go!!! Yes, it's outrageously expensive, but it's a nonstop flight from NY to Accra!!! It takes about 10 hours total! Last I checked, tickets are still going for a little less than 2,000 usd per roundtrip ticket!! crazy price but I guess it's worth it for Love .... right???

Hey All!!!

Any advice on the pros and cons of the American fiance traveling to and STAYING OVERSEAS during the approval process???

If we need to prove our work documentation (even if we have a very qualified co-sponsor), would living overseas be a bad idea (since we would consequently be out of work for that time)???

How does immigration feel about this??

Anyone experience anything like this or hear of other stories where the fiance stayed overseas with the other fiancee until he/she got his/her visa?????

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!

APPROVED !!!!! NOTICE OF APPROVAL NOV 21st

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome!

What Vermont is approving is not actually the visa, but your PETITION for a visa. The visa is approved/granted by the embassy or consulate after the interview.

If you go here:

http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/inde...a&cty=Accra

you will see that the current wait time for the interview after you petition is approved is approximately 4-6 months.

As for the average wait time to get to the US... this varies greatly, b/c different consulates takes very different amounts of time after the NOA2 stage. Some people get their interviews extremely quickly, while others take months or more. It's dependent upon the wait you have for an interview. Then for some people they have to wait even after the interview and the approval of the actual visa. I don't believe that is the case with the Ghana embassy, though I'm not 100% sure. A good person to ask would be ZeeNusah.

I hope that helps a little though!

Thanks so much!!!!!!!

So it's theoretically going to take about a FULL YEAR from application of approval to VT to arriving in the US???? :/

Man.... I was so mislead then.... I thought it would be about 6 months total from application of approval VT to being with my fiance here in the US!!!!!

how sad!!!!

Is this true??? 6 months is posted on the gov website for approximate wait times.... so this is not counting the average 4-6 month wait AFTER THE APPROVAL for the Consolute interview/visa..... right??? So that would be 6 mo + 4-6 mo then... correct???

Any more wait times I am not aware of while I'm asking....? :/

AGain, YOU HAVE BEEN VERY HELPFUL!!! TY!!!

~Stephanie