BlakeandOlha

I was total OCD when it came to the USCIS page, but I've found out that it's not something to rely on. I just found out today that our petition is at the Consulate and the USCIS site still says "Case received and pending" and it was last updated 2/24/08. So not only has it left CSC, been through NVC and is now sitting at the Consulate in Morocco. So I wouldn't worry so much about their page. They don't seem to be on top of keeping it updated.

really? so u how did you know that you're case has been approved?

I received my NOA2 in the mail. Shortly after that I started calling the NVC to see if they received it. They did confirm the dates that they received it. Then I started searching in VJ and found a way to track the DHL shipments to the consulates. That's how I found out it was delivered. I really should become a Private Investigator. Be persistant. Keep calling. You will soon get the answers that you need. Just for laughs I should call the USCIS and see what they say. I think the voice recording says that the customer service people don't know anymore than what we see when we check online. Maybe I could inform them of the real status. LOL

Actually you should do this for fun - I can almost guarantee that they'll tell you that your file hasn't gone to a case officer yet because they're still working on October filings. Give it a shot and let us know.

Alex hasn't managed to send me the affidavit of support yet. I asked him about it this morning and he said, 'I'll send it next week.' That's what he said last week!

lol, that's one thing that's already laying around, waiting for a date and signature... unfortunately only my fiance's version is ready though.. we want her mom to cosponsor (just in case since she only has one year of tax returns) but we didn't get her to do it yet (she is really busy lately so its understandable but yah, it would be great if she had it close to finished too hehe).

Bryan has gathered everything but the employer letter, and he still needs to get the I-134 notarized (but he filled it out already). He said he would do that this weekend. I hope he will send everything to me as soon as possible!

Rachel, Blake is right, there isn't anything to do between NOA2 and packet 3. Though I was wondering if we should try and contact NVC, just to know when they got (or will get) our package. Is someone here planning on doing it? I don't know how long to wait before to tell Bryan to call them.

I've got a nasty migraine today... actually it started yesterday but I could still manage to work. Today it is definitely harder.

If you really want to have something to do, you can call the NVC (about two weeks after approval) so that you can get the A# that you will have to put at the top of your packet 3 forms. The packet 3 will also have this number with it, however, if you are wanting to complete your DS156, DS-156k, and 230 forms ahead of time you might need this number. Since the process is different in the Ukraine than in Great Britan or France I will need this number and knowledge of when the information is received by the embassy in Kiev if I'm going to shave a couple weeks off the interview schedule.

We are in the same boat. I am one of the "October remnants" that is still waiting. Our NOA1 date is October 19 - so today is day 215. I have spoken to the CSC four times since February and was lied to each time. Finally, my Congressman called on May 13th and was told that our petition went to an officer on May 6th. So, we will see.

So, it is easy to say don't worry, but I feel for you.

Good luck to you.

Johnichka, that really sucks - have you called the center again since it "went to an officer" nearly two weeks ago? From what I've read, sometimes the people answering the phone just flat out lie about the status of your file.

thanks all for the congrats.. like sam, just signing on for a few minutes to share that me and the kids had the visa approval this morning but of course we still need to wait a few weeks for the visa... now we can truly start saving for the ticket to the US. WOOHOO:)

Congrats to Sam&Liam and to others who also made it this week.

Congratulations !!!!!

I'm so happy for you two.

OK, just to prime the pump a little bit, here is the list of January remaining and approvals as of this morning. Let's get some good karma rolling with the US postal service - time to deliver.

Remaining 67.1%......... Approved 32.9%

Name……………. Filing Date

Remaining

1 Ayako & Nathan 01-01

2 Belen & Tim 01-02

3 Ten & DJ 01-03

4 Thanh & Cao 01-04

5 Lili & Matt 01-05

6 PT & J 01-07

7 Ajay & Komal 01-07

8 Matt & Robin 01-08

9 Maria Ameliza & Eric 01-09

10 Judee Anne & Reynaldo 01-09

11 Irina & Zubzare 01-10

12 Hazel & Ben 01-10

13 Sarah & Rudi 01-12

14 Bruno & Carol 01-12

15 Russell & Dakotah 01-14

16 jj & sh 01-15

17 Elena & Sergey 01-15

18 Liberty & Phillip 01-15

19 jen & jay 01-16

20 Hilda & Chris 01-16

21 Mitchell & Joy 01-16

22 Steph & Gareth 01-17

23 Myriam & Gary 01-17

24 Oscar & Joselyn 01-17

25 Marina & Eugene 01-17

26 Agatha & Robert 01-17

27 VRP & SK 01-18

28 Levi & Heather 01-19

29 gabbie & erv 01-22

30 Busch & Eric 01-22

31 Chris & Therese 01-23

32 nr123 & nm123 01-23

33 Laura & Scott 01-23

34 Joanna & Dale 01-23

35 Lean & Emil 01-23

36 Nick & Sarah 01-23

37 yan & isa 01-24

38 a & o 01-24

39 Greivin & Courtney 01-24

40 Jeroen & Michelle 01-24

41 Lucie & Damon 01-24

42 Olga & Blake 01-25

43 Lea & Ron 01-25

44 jennie & matthew 01-25

45 Paul & Joanna 01-25

46 Rymma & Vadim 01-25

47 WE & CE 01-25

48 Supida & Supida 01-25

49 Lena & Val 01-29

50 Susan & Chris 01-30

51 Ersila & Ilir 01-30

52 Mary & Carl 01-30

53 Benny & Cassi 01-31

54 Ge & Haibo 01-31

55 Richel & Michael 01-31

*mailed in Dec.

Approved

1 Gerald & Vinera__________01-04----04-22

2 Bing & John______________01-12----05-02

3 Shirley & Steven__________01-07----05-02

4 J & Paulie________________01-04----05-02

5 Rosi & Chuck____________01-04----05-02

6 Hesham & Tanya__________01-14----05-02

7 Pamela & Joshua__________01-11----05-05

8 Eliciana & Benjamin________01-11----05-05

9 Robe & Victoria___________01-09----05-06

10 Wayne & Nueng*_________01-01----05-06

11 Yuliya & Brian___________01-03----05-10

12 Rachel & Alex____________01-11----05-07

13 Relyn & Patrick*__________01-01----05-06

14 Plami & Krasi____________01-01----05-07

15 WW & MM______________01-12----05-07

16 Paola & Chris____________01-04----05-06

17 Zrinka & Eric____________01-05----05-07

18 Badr & Aimee*___________01-01----05-08

19 Stacy & Jonathan*________01-01----05-09

20 Erica & Scott_____________01-12----05-12

21 Cecile & Bryan___________01-02----05-13

22 Portia & Tony*___________01-01----05-14

23 Bryant & Aliona*__________01-01----05-14

24 Stephan & Alissa__________01-04----05-13

25 Raghu & Swathi*__________01-01----05-12

26 Shaun & Angie____________01-15----05-19

27 Ali & Natalie______________01-09----05-15

Good afternoon!

sunnybear - as Blake says I wouldn't think you'd need to send a copy of the entire package, but the original divorce decree is something that is often asked for. To be on the safe side I'd also include the originals of any evidence of your relationship that you sent in, too. It's rarely asked for at the interview but I feel it's better to be safe than sorry.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you all this week!

I haven't managed to inquire about vaccinations yet and Alex hasn't managed to send me the affidavit of support yet. I asked him about it this morning and he said, 'I'll send it next week.' That's what he said last week!

Is there anything we absolutely have to do between the NoA2 and receiving packet 3? I mean, if I do nothing, will packet 3 just turn up in my letterbox one day?

Yup, it just arrives without you having to lift a finger. Have you got all your information together yet? The police cert takes the longest I hear (In the Ukraine it can take up to two months), so if not, then you might want to get crack'n on that.

Morning everyone and thanks for the hug Pandora I am trying to busy myself with getting all organized for next step. I have letter from job, and tax and bank stuff to get copies of. Also I read somewhere I need to send Gareth all the stuff I sent with I-129F too??? Is that true?! Oy vey how many copies of this ####### do they need seriously? hahaha.....

I don't think you need to send all the stuff you sent with the I-129f. The interviewer has the right to ask for the original of any document you sent a copy of in your initial application. So, if you sent a copy of a divorce decree they could ask to see the original. "Could Ask" doesn't mean they "will" but to that extent, better safe than sorry.

it makes me think..not just us who are registered here in VJ are being processed by the uscis..i guess there are also alot of couples out there who filed for a K1 that arent known to vj.

so 10-20 or more approvals from the csc can be possible..who knows maybe for a day they can approve 50

Good Morning All.

From what I've read on the subject the VJ filers represent around 5% of the total number of k-1 filers. But it's impossible to really know because the USCIS does not publish detail statistics on approvals by service center.

I recieved a NOA1 back on 11/08/07 and im seeing all these people get their NOA2's that submitted way later on and im starting to worry. Only one touch since they recieved it and that was back on 11/29/07. Should I start to worry ? Actually too late..i already started.

Also when is the next time they update the CSC processing time / status's?

I agree with Sara, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to call, if only to get yourself on the radar screen. They're pretty much done with October now, and are mostly through November and December. Looking at the last time the October remnants logged on, I think a good number of them have them have moved on and away from VJ. I would also imagine that another update in processing times is very close - although we all know that's just a CYA date used by the processing center.

None for us either, but I know it will be soon if they keep up the pace at CSC

The USCIS website is becoming less and less a source of good information. People have been getting notifications via mail instead of through the website or e-mail, and we just heard from one guy whose application is already at the embassy in Morocco, but the website still says his application is "pending." I'm not sure what they're smoking over there in Cali, but I want some.

Oh yeah, no touches for me either.....

I was total OCD when it came to the USCIS page, but I've found out that it's not something to rely on. I just found out today that our petition is at the Consulate and the USCIS site still says "Case received and pending" and it was last updated 2/24/08. So not only has it left CSC, been through NVC and is now sitting at the Consulate in Morocco. So I wouldn't worry so much about their page. They don't seem to be on top of keeping it updated.

That's a good point - actually, we've probably all been approved, but the CSC has just forgotten to tell us

Rock'n the gange at the CSC

Si, man!!!!!!

Congratulations!!

Shoot Tbone, where ya been hiding?

Woohoo! Casablanca receive our petition yesterday.

Congratulations!! I hope you have all the paperwork together, this is moving quickly!!

aravis, Cecile - thank you both so much. Hugs are especially welcome! I am feeling a lot more positive right now. Yes; my life in California will be awesome and I will make new friends. I'm determined to make that happen!

Blake - what an amazing post! I really do love this thread; it is so positive and full of words of wisdom and advice. It's hard to express exactly how much this thread has meant to me on my journey.

We'll all get through this together - I know that everyone here has helped me so much and I am grateful.

I think it's the proof of meeting/relationship that gets me most anxious. I keep thinking of *new* things to add to the application, and then keeping scanning and sending Chris more documents and I'm all, "Check your e-mail! Print those documents! Life and death!" I feel really nervous that I'm not the one mailing it off to CSC because I've been reading up like crazy on the process and Chris really hasn't. I find all sorts of new things to worry about all the time.

I'm in the same boat as well...I keep Sarah pretty informed, and she does research, but I sit at work for will literally comb over VJ forums and google for anything all possible information that might be needed/included. I will say VJ's checklist is pretty straight on, and apart from adding tidbits for the proof of relationship/proof of having met, I think it will be sufficient. I get worried that I haven't added enough correspondence for proof of on going relationship...hopefully 8 pictures of us together, 6 months worth of phone bills, a few emails, and cards will suffice? If not, I have a photobucket account that has around 2GB of pictures from my visit to her in March if they would accept that!

Remember - the proof of an ongoing relationship is less important than the proof of having met. Some pictures, the letter of intent and a few e-mails is sufficient. This topic will, of course, be revisited at the interview.

Hello everyone, I've been out of the office driving all around the area on business - Chantal, I even drove through Carpentersville and it looks GREAT!

This has been the first time today I've been able to turn on the computer and, like everyone, I was disappointed at the lack of approvals - although the two approvals from November would probably disagree with that statement. I was lurking on this site for a good six months before I filed, and I've seen every type of emotional wave run through the threads here. There is absolutely no denying that this is a difficult process and one that not only asks for patience, but demands it. I've got as much right to be depressed about time and distance as anyone: I don't get to call my love every day, and no, webcams are not possible, and its been over 240 days since I saw her last.....yeah, I have justifiable grounds for depression and anger.

At various points in time I've had some pretty crappy things happen in my life that I've had to make it through even though at the time I did not know how I could. Please try to put this process in perspective, a week or 2 or 3 difference in approval time, in the grand scheme of things, is relatievely meaningless. We who have been forced to go through this approval process should know better than anyone that life is full of less than ideal circumstances. The point is, is that life will always challenge us with difficult situations from time to time, there is little to nothing that we can do as individuals to stop that. What we can do, however, is choose how we'll respond to the problem. Do we sink into a swamp of depression? Do we lash out in frustration at our friends, family, or fiancees? Do we feel sorry for ourselves or just run away from thinking about it? To be perfectly honest, to a greater or lesser extent I've been guilty of all of these from time to time, none of us are perfect. But the bottom line is what are we to do with this challenge - crumble or overcome. Believe me, patience is not one of my virtues, but I cannot fail or falter in this process - that is not an option.

This is, after all, just a process that will come to an end, perhaps not a ideally as we imagined, but it will come to an end nonetheless. I believe that if we all stay strong and positive, then in a year the fact that we had to wait will hardly be remembered. That we are active on this thread indicates that we are proactive people and stronger than perhaps we give ourselves credit for. We are the ones who are involved, searching, and attempting to understand how this thing works, and because we are such people, we should also remember that our SO's are probably counting on us quite a bit. So be strong, if only for the person you love. Be optimistic, if only to give calm to the person you will be spending the rest of your life with. Be forgiving to those around you who do not and can not understand everything you are feeling. This is but one test we will face as we move through life with our partners - my wish is that we handle this, and all future challenges, with love, determination and fortitude.

Bsides, I still think we'll get 20 January approvals this week

The CSC workers are slowly waking up from their weekend. It should be better tomorrow

Well I've had enough fun for one day, I'm hopeful that as people arrive home from work this evening that there will be nice surprises in their mail. Otherwise we get double excitement tomorrow. Full speed ahead!

Unfortunately there's no reason to post a new list tonight, but tomorrow is another day. See y'all.

Most applications fail at this point. So getting it is seen as a victory because at least someone believes you Also after the NOA2 the process speeds up dramaticially. Consider it a substantial mile stone rather than a victory within itself

The hardcopy NOA2 is very important as it will be required when you go to adjust status later on - save it!!!!

Another sleepy Monday, what's with these guys in Cali? When I explain to friends and family about the process and I mention the difference in processing times between applications sent to Vermont vs. those sent to California they always come back saying the same thing: "What, your suprised?" Guess not.....

Hellooooooo, CSC, time to wake up

We now officially have an apartment!

Bryan will be moving in in the middle of June

Congratulations Cecile, that is great news! Now you'll have something to work on until the work authorization comes through

It's always a great idea to keep up to date with the people who filed the month before & after you!, (and the same month ofc) So being an April filer I thought I would come in and say Hello and welcome! , Heres to a speedy journey!

Congratulations to all of you for making past the first great hurdle - which is actually filing the petition. I'm glad that you've started this thread because the waiting game, especially for the CSC, can be both draining and sometimes demoralizing. I've found that the support of co-filer's to be a wonderful way to get through the ups and downs of this time. Good Luck to everyone and keep the discussion flowing....

let's hope for at least 20 approvals.

Looking at last year's stats, I'm hoping for more like at least 40 approvals lol

Good Morning All!

40 wouild certainly be nice - but what i meant was at least 20 January approvals. The CSC has done a pretty good job cleaning up the November and December filers so the focus should really turn to January filers over the next couple of weeks. About 1 in 3 January filers have been approved, which I think is pretty cool so far. The only problem I see on the horizon is the memorial day weekend next weekend. The CSC, I think, has shown itself to go on vacation early, and be slow to return to work after the holiday. Last year we saw the same dip in productivity around the holiday weekend. That is why I hope this week is particularly strong for approvals. Good Luck everyone.

Goodmorning people! Let's hope for a BUSY CSC week! I am 22 on the Jan list now soooo here's hoping CSC squeeze an approval out for us this month haha!

I have an interview today that I am nervous about! I figure if it is meant to be I will get it!....could mean more money though which is always a good thing!!!

Good luck on the interview today, don't be nervous just be confident that if it is the right job for you, then you'll get it. Positive energy ray is now pointed at you!!

Good Morning everyone. It's been a quiet weekend but that's ok, since the mail service seems to be the primary method of notification these days I think it will be monday or tuesday before we have all of last weeks approvals. The good news is that the first remaining January filer is now 45 on Igor's list and that all January filers are now 100 or lower. This week should be a good one for us - let's hope for at least 20 approvals. Anyway, here is the list to start out the week:

Remaining 68.7%......... Approved 31.3%

Name……………. Filing Date

Remaining

1 Ayako & Nathan 01-01

2 Belen & Tim 01-02

3 Ten & DJ 01-03

4 Thanh & Cao 01-04

5 Lili & Matt 01-05

6 PT & J 01-07

7 Ajay & Komal 01-07

8 Matt & Robin 01-08

9 Maria Ameliza & Eric 01-09

10 Judee Anne & Reynaldo 01-09

11 Irina & Zubzare 01-10

12 Hazel & Ben 01-10

13 Sarah & Rudi 01-12

14 Bruno & Carol 01-12

15 Russell & Dakotah 01-14

16 jj & sh 01-15

17 Elena & Sergey 01-15

18 Liberty & Phillip 01-15

19 jen & jay 01-16

20 Hilda & Chris 01-16

21 Mitchell & Joy 01-16

22 Steph & Gareth 01-17

23 Myriam & Gary 01-17

24 Oscar & Joselyn 01-17

25 Marina & Eugene 01-17

26 Agatha & Robert 01-17

27 VRP & SK 01-18

28 Levi & Heather 01-19

29 gabbie & erv 01-22

30 Busch & Eric 01-22

31 Chris & Therese 01-23

32 nr123 & nm123 01-23

33 Laura & Scott 01-23

34 Joanna & Dale 01-23

35 Lean & Emil 01-23

36 Nick & Sarah 01-23

37 yan & isa 01-24

38 a & o 01-24

39 Greivin & Courtney 01-24

40 Jeroen & Michelle 01-24

41 Lucie & Damon 01-24

42 Olga & Blake 01-25

43 Lea & Ron 01-25

44 jennie & matthew 01-25

45 Paul & Joanna 01-25

46 Rymma & Vadim 01-25

47 WE & CE 01-25

48 Supida & Supida 01-25

49 Lena & Val 01-29

50 Susan & Chris 01-30

51 Ersila & Ilir 01-30

52 Mary & Carl 01-30

53 Benny & Cassi 01-31

54 Ge & Haibo 01-31

55 Richel & Michael 01-31

*mailed in Dec.

Approved

1 Gerald & Vinera__________01-04----04-22

2 Bing & John______________01-12----05-02

3 Shirley & Steven__________01-07----05-02

4 J & Paulie________________01-04----05-02

5 Rosi & Chuck____________01-04----05-02

6 Hesham & Tanya__________01-14----05-02

7 Pamela & Joshua__________01-11----05-05

8 Eliciana & Benjamin________01-11----05-05

9 Robe & Victoria___________01-09----05-06

10 Wayne & Nueng*_________01-01----05-06

11 Yuliya & Brian___________01-03----05-10

12 Rachel & Alex____________01-11----05-07

13 Relyn & Patrick*__________01-01----05-06

14 Plami & Krasi____________01-01----05-07

15 WW & MM______________01-12----05-07

16 Paola & Chris____________01-04----05-06

17 Zrinka & Eric____________01-05----05-07

18 Badr & Aimee*___________01-01----05-08

19 Stacy & Jonathan*________01-01----05-09

20 Erica & Scott_____________01-12----05-12

21 Cecile & Bryan___________01-02----05-13

22 Portia & Tony*___________01-01----05-14

23 Bryant & Aliona*__________01-01----05-14

24 Stephan & Alissa__________01-04----05-13

25 Raghu & Swathi*__________01-01----05-12

Our interview is coming up guys, any suggestions?

One of the things they have the right to ask for is the original documents that you copied and sent in with your inital I-129f filing. They don't do this often, however, they can and sometimes do ask for it. If you are not going to the interview then you might want to send these originals to your gal before the interview, just in case. Otherwise, have everything very well organized, indexed and labled just like you did for the initial application. The former east bloc types tend to be fanatics about organization. Make sure the translations are also stamped as accurate by a qualified translator - this is no time to use friends and save a couple of dollars. The good thing is, that if you have the paperwork in order you are almost always approved with very few questions even being asked. Good Luck, I know she will do very well.

I sent my original Birth Certificate. Hopefully that will be enough. I did not send the original boarding passes, bus tickets, passport, etc..

As for the translations, I don't think we needed anything translated. We sent chats and emails that were in Hungarian, but I felt we did not have to spend hundreds of dollars to get hundreds of papers translated.

I miss something?

A little bit.... The only thing that needs translation are Her birth certificate, police certificate, and other official documents that she brings to the interview-the cost shouldn't be more than 20 dollars. these would need to be translated from Magyar to English. Check and double check the embassy website for instructions - and follow them exactly. As for the chats, don't worry those wouldn't need to be translated. I think you should be ok on the other stuff but know that they can ask for the original boarding passes if they have a question as to you two having met - but this is a slight chance and one honestly I have not heard requested.