roughlyworried

8 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

GUZ can be tough but they are fair.

 

GUZ can be tough but they are fair.

 

I just tried updating my country but it was already set to China. I tried changing consulate. Not sure why it was showing taiwan.

Fair as in they will consider evidence in the interview in addition to my highly unusual case as described earlier? My wife is middle class and from a good area in China (Guangdong). 
 

seen all these horror stories on here of people in high fraud countries getting denied without additional evidence even being considered they submitted at the NVC and interview. Don’t know if China/Guangzhou is one of those though.

13 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

Bring the evidence to the interview.  It's Taiwan, not Guangzhou.  Right?

 

Just noticed my consulate is Taiwan for some reason. Let me change that. It’s Guangzhou where the interview will be.  
 

Seems like Guangzhou would be different in that case?

On 12/21/2022 at 9:17 AM, pushbrk said:

 You spent enough time together after the marriage to satisfy any Consular Officer of your marriage bona fides. 

Coming back to this a little late, but had a specific question since I’ve seen you comment on NVC and interview brought evidence before in VJ.
 

Regarding both NVC and hand brought evidence to the interview, I’ve seen it mentioned that COs are not required to consider either, and only required to consider what’s in the initial I-130 petition. Considering our original I-130 petition only included our first ~3 month trip together, and not our subsequent trips, would this still be considered enough time on its own? Further, would they completely ignore the clear evidence that we’ve been together for much longer? Specifically with China if you have knowledge of that. 

Just some concerns as our fate date draws closer

On 4/20/2023 at 9:08 PM, Chancy said:

 

That is definitely not true.  If USCIS petition approval was enough, there would be no point to consular adjudication and visa processing.

 

In any case, no one other than consulate insiders would know for sure what they do with evidence side-loaded at NVC stage.  But, I have not seen any reports here on VJ of side-loading harming a case.  It certainly didn't harm my case, though I have no idea if it helped at all.

 

Makes sense. I’m just getting concerned because we spent a lot of time after our initial petition together, in fact the majority of the time after the initial I-130 was spent together. However, in the I-130, they only have our original couple month meeting trip after getting married online. And seeing that COs are not required to consider hand brought evidence and side loaded NVC evidence, it’s made me wonder what the best path is since our time after the initial filing seems to be critical to our case. 

Hello,

Is it better to side load at NVC or take additional evidence to the interview? I’ve read some conflicting info, all anecdotal of course. Some say that it can affect a COs decision (I’ve also heard a CO makes a decision before the interview even happens and if you side load it can end up making the decision positive?) I’ve also heard that they could already have made a decision and not even consider hand brought evidence and deny. Others say it won’t affect their decision even if side loaded. Some say it’s a red flag. Again others say an I-130s approval is enough since that means the CO would believe the relationship based on the available info and adding additional info without their asking could cause them to reconsider what USCIS already decided. 

of course I’m once again asking for opinions, but still curious and confused. Our original I-130 only has one meeting together, whereas we’ve met a few more times since filing. Thanks!

7 hours ago, Laurie Williams said:

It has been almost six weeks since our case status changed to Active Review.  It is beginning to feel like they switched that status just to reset the clock.  We can't submit another service request until 60 days from the most recent status change.  We are feeling defeated.  I am writing my senator again, but I doubt there is anything specific they can do.  I just want them to know that this system is broken and so are those of us who are waiting to be reunited.   

I’m right here with you. Except I don’t even have an AR. The separation anxiety recently has been brutal.

26 minutes ago, OldUser said:

Up to you. The original post talks about the positive experience of adding the unsolicited evidence. Whatever you prefer.

the idea of adding the unsolicited evidence seems nice, since, if approved, when it moves on to DHS and consulate the information is already there for them. Although I know you can do that at NVC as well. There’s also the consideration that, even if I add unsolicited evidence, and I still get an RFE do I just submit the unsolicited evidence again. 

Little late to the party, but this makes me wonder if I should add unsolicited evidence from our time together after the original petition, or to just wait till interview. 

On 9/7/2022 at 6:35 PM, JD2 said:

My brother did an amendment for the exact same reason.  He submitted the following to NVC: 2021 tax transcript, 2021 1040, 2021 W-2, 2021 1040-X, and a screenshot of the 1040-X case status obtained from IRS.gov's "Where's My Amended Return?"  Probably overkill but he didn't want an RFE.  Caveat: he has not been DQ'd yet.  Follow up with me in a month or so and I'll let you know if he had any issues.

Following up! What was the result if you don’t mind sharing. Thanks

47 minutes ago, Rabia Ahsan said:

I don’t understand what mistake I made because I filed my dad’a petition same as to my mom I just checked they both are same but he got approved since August 

In the sections where it asks for the consulate, it’s exactly the same on both? If so it must be a mistake on their part.

9 minutes ago, Rabia Ahsan said:

Today my mom’s case status has been changed to approve but it’s really confusing I’m going to paste it below because when they approved my dad’s case they just directly sent it to nvc 

 

“The above petition has been approved. However, you did not indicate on the petition whether the beneficiary intends to apply for an immigrant visa abroad at a U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate or will apply for adjustment of status in the United States. Therefore, USCIS has retained the petition.
If the beneficiary intends to apply for adjustment of status in the United States, they should submit a copy of this notice, along with a Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. They can obtain Form I-485 from the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov, by contacting the USCIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283, or by visiting the local USCIS field office. Filing address information can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov.
If the beneficiary decides to apply for an immigrant visa outside the United States based on this petition, you should file Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition, to request that we send the petition to the U.S. Department of State National Visa Center (NVC).
The NVC processes all approved immigrant visa petitions that require consular action. The NVC also determines which consular post is the appropriate consulate to complete visa processing. It will then forward the approved petition to that consulate.
The NVC will contact the beneficiary of this petition with further information about immigrant visa processing steps.
THIS NOTICE IS NOT A VISA AND MAY NOT BE USED IN PLACE OF A VIS”

 please advice

I’m by no means an expert, but it sounds like there was a mistake on the I-130 and you didn’t list the consulate in the proper section. Do you still have a copy of the I-130 you filed?

On 2/5/2023 at 5:25 PM, TJ&NP said:

Hi,

 

Same same, I think my Pd is 1 day before yours.

I’m starting to think that those who don’t have an AR are being left out somehow. So many cases get one AR early on. all the cases I’m seeing on FB groups, lawfully, and here that were approved all had one AR. 

1 minute ago, pushbrk said:

My ex and I used Laopo and Laogong, which do not mean husband or wife, either.  No distinction in Mandarin between me/my/mine or you/your/yours either.  If the Chinese original said Laogong, it would properly be translated to boyfriend or sweetheart.

 

Her friend actually used nan pengyou, so I think it does specifically mean boyfriend.

17 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

I think your post, actually does have relevance to the OP's topic.  As for your own concern, please note I used the term "useless".  I doubt anybody will ever take the time to read the affidavit.  If they do, I wouldn't worry about it. 

That’s comforting. Just made me think when you said it can be damaging.

 Actually you might have more knowledge of this than me. Since it was in Chinese, is it common for them to use nan pengyou sometimes when referencing a partner/husband? I was under the impression it’s not, but that’s a little detail to add. 

2 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

Agree with all the above quote except the affidavit.  What affidavit, saying what, and from whom?  Third party affidavits about your relationship are useless, at best, and make you look desperate, at worst.  They can hurt, and really don't help.  My other nit to pick with it is the use of the word "proof".  You can provide evidence, not proof.  They are not the same thing.

not to hijack the post, but this is something that has actually been concerning me. My wife’s best friend for some reason called me boyfriend instead of husband in her affidavit (even though she knows we are married)  and we missed it. I’m actually really concerned it maybe a problem for us leading to potentially a denial, but I have no idea of the implications.

I would also like to hear from others who were married through Utah zoom and what exactly they submitted. 

Wife moved from one country outside of the US to her home country. She is NOT in the US. I-130 is still pending. Do we need to report change of address to USCIS? 

Any Vermont filers, approved and unapproved?
 

Waiting since December 2021. No AR yet.

On 1/26/2023 at 7:52 AM, Family said:

Read through his articles and saw his extensive Utah Zoom marriage blog along with the Q &A. His credentials are top notch, he was/is a law professor and his focus is definitely Asia .
Your money will be well spent.

 

 

Thank you for looking into it! That’s what I saw too. My only thought at this point that is stopping me from pulling the trigger is what his reputation is within the US embassies in China, since he has had a lot of dealings with them. But is that even a thing? Where embassies/consular officers have known lawyers that are red flags to them?

Hello,

So I finally got back into my USCIS account having changing phone numbers a while back, and when I clicked around in my account, I notice that in the documents tab it looks like the image I attached to this post. 
 

Now I didn’t upload this as my lawyer was the one who applied. The documents are named with my application number and either “Part 1” and “Part 9” at the end. 
 

The part 1 document is the G-28.

The Part 9 document is pages 3-6 of the I-130a, my passport photos, and my wife’s passport photos. Along with a transaction payment form?

This raises some concerns in my head. Namely, is the I-130 supposed to show up here along with my entire submission?

if not, why did would there only be pages 3-6 of the I-130a? Does it have to do with the G-28 since my wife’s signatures aren’t on the G-28?

I was told it was done correctly, but I don’t feel confident enough in his ability to be sure. So turning to here. 

Thanks

23 minutes ago, Devarj said:

Why would you need a lawyer. They cannot speed up the process

Because my case isn’t exactly straight forward. Married online within 2 months of meeting online and never in person before marriage, proxy marriage, missing chat records from the beginning of our relationship, I-130 mistakes on the initial filing, and so on. I would prefer to have a knowledgeable person who is detail oriented and will do the necessary research and thinking. Money isn’t an issue. 
 

This lawyer I’m referring to has written a lot of articles, books, and even been quoted by congress. He seems to know his stuff, but wanted firsthand experiences or people’s opinions on their initial impression from his website. Chodorow law offices. I’ve been doing a lot of DD, but any extra knowledge or set of eyes would be appreciated.

Hello,

thinking of hiring a new lawyer. Has anyone had any experience or worked with Gary Chodorow (writer and owner of lawandborder)?

He seems to be pretty experienced, especially with Asia. Just curious if anyone has worked with him or have second hand knowledge of people who have.

thanks

On 1/19/2023 at 2:16 PM, TJ&NP said:

We hit 13 months and still no AR1 (VSC). Chatted with a live agent through Emma yesterday, and they said the petition is undergoing "processing checks". Anyone else in December still in limbo?

Also at VSC with no AR. Honestly, this is beyond cruel and frustrating, and I can’t believe people have to suffer from their incompetence. Loss of time, money, and most of all the worries. Not sure if this is the place for it, but I’m about to just go sit my butt on a public place in from the VSC and protest. Probably won’t do anything, but I can’t help just sitting here at home going through life with a huge chunk of me somewhere far away. It’s just not right, and I’m desperate enough to sacrifice everything in my life to be with her and to try and make a change for all that go through this, even though that’s very unlikely.

1 minute ago, pushbrk said:

Get it done.  I haven't a clue why you think it won't be done for NVC but get it done anyway.

Processing time for it MOST LIKELY won’t be done before NVC. I can delay filing NVC by a few weeks to submit with it. 
 

thanks for your answers

6 hours ago, pushbrk said:

They may or may not care.  What's the actual problem with the original certificate?  Details please.

 

On the marriage certificate it has a section where it goes something like “[spouse 1 name] residing [city, county, country]”. In that section, the information for ME is correct (I was in the US at the time). The information for HER, is incorrect as it lists her also at MY location, when she was in her home country at the time of the marriage and never lived in the US. 
 

this may seem like a repost, so I guess it was merged, but the updated information is that I had the form signed and notarized while in Thailand, and have it with me now that I’m back in america. I talked to the Utah county courts office and They sent me a digital letter stating the marriage was done and is valid when I explained the situation to them. I can get the amendment done, however it’s not likely to be done before the NVC stage and I’ll just have it for the interview. The document they give is also going to be basically two marriage certificates in one document showing the change, so it Will definitely be noticeable and perhaps pointed out. 
 

long story short: not sure if it will be an issue or not. I’m one trip to the post office of making it happen but there’s no going back once it’s sent.