T and M

UserName........ Sent...........NOA1.......Biometrics....Int letter rec.....Interview.....Oath.........Office

mnbinth.........08/28/08......10/29/08......11/20/08..................................................NSC/Des Moines

Ze Maria........10/07/08......10/25/08......11/21/08..................................................VSC/Baltimore

Chelsea.........10/07/08......10/22/08......11/28/08..................................................TSC

Avvypudge.......10/10/08......10/30/08......11/21/08..................................................VSC/Newark

bgbirl..........10/10/08......10/20/08......11/13/08..................................................CSC (NBC transfer)/

thea............10/11/08......10/24/08......11/28/08..................................................VSC (NBC transfer)/Washington DC

TX101...........10/15/08......10/24/08......11/03/08..................................................TSC/Texas

AJ .............10/15/08......10/30/08......12/09/08..................................................VSC (NBC transfer)

zhz.............10/17/08......10/31/08......11/21/08..................................................TSC/Atlanta

ikinNJ..........10/21/08......10/31/08.................................................................VSC (NBC transfer)

Dima............10/23/08......11/07/08......11/21/08..................................................NSC/Indianapolis

T and..M........10/23/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/08..................................................TSC (NBC transfer)/Atlanta

tmman...........10/23/08......11/12/08......11/29/08..................................................TSC/Memphis

drs.............10/23/08......11/07/08......11/20/08..................................................NSC/Cincinnati

kokobearus......10/27/08......11/01/08......12/03/08...................................................VSC/Baltimore

oldahmed........10/27/08......10/31/08......12/06/08...................................................VSC/Washington DC

Virginian.......10/31/08......11/04/08......11/28/08..................................................VSC/Norfolk

I just feel like there is about to be this massive slew of interview letters. Judging from the July people, but then again, they also said things were sped up for the election. I could be January, but I just feel like this is the month, guys! Come on, letters!!!!

By the way, I think an "interview letter received" column would be very helpful. Past months did not include it, and it make this wait a bit more confusing. Shall we add the column?

UserName........ Sent...........NOA1.......Biometrics.......Interview.....Oath.........Office

mnbinth.........08/28/08......10/29/08......11/20/08..................................NSC/Des Moines

Ze Maria........10/07/08......10/25/08......11/21/08..................................VSC/Baltimore

Chelsea.........10/07/08......10/22/08.....11/28/08...................................TSC

Avvypudge.......10/10/08......10/30/08......11/21/08...................................VSC/Newark

bgbirl..........10/10/08......10/20/08......11/13/08...................................CSC (NBC transfer)/

thea............10/11/08......10/24/08......11/28/08...................................VSC (NBC transfer)/Washington DC

TX101...........10/15/08......10/24/08......11/03/08...................................TSC/Texas

AJ .............10/15/08......10/30/08......12/09/08...................................VSC (NBC transfer)

zhz.............10/17/08......10/31/08......11/21/08...................................TSC/Atlanta

ikinNJ..........10/21/08......10/31/08......................................................VSC (NBC transfer)

Dima............10/23/08......11/07/08......11/21/08...................................NSC/Indianapolis

T and..M........10/23/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/08...................................TSC (NBC transfer)/Atlanta

tmman...........10/23/08......11/12/08......11/29/08...................................TSC/Memphis

kokobearus......10/27/08......11/01/08......12/03/08...................................VSC/Baltimore

oldahmed........10/27/08......10/31/08......12/06/08...................................VSC/Washington DC

Virginian.......10/31/08......11/04/08......11/28/08...................................VSC/Norfolk

Welcome ikinNJ.

Lots are being transferred to NBC. Supposedly it's a place that recently started processing these to try and reduce response. It seems to have worked over the past few months, but we are all still waiting on Interview letters.

By the way, it seems weird that you haven't gotten a biometrics letter. Everyone else (who didn't do it overseas) has already had theirs.

UserName........ Sent...........NOA1.......Biometrics.......Interview.....Oath.........Office

mnbinth..........08/28/08......10/29/08......11/20/08...................................NSC/Des Moines

Ze Maria........10/07/08......10/25/08......11/21/08...................................VSC/Baltimore

Avvypudge.......10/10/08......10/30/08......11/21/08...................................VSC/Newark

bgbirl..........10/10/08......10/20/08......11/13/08...................................CSC (NBC transfer)/

thea............10/11/08......10/24/08......11/28/08...................................VSC (NBC transfer)/Washington DC

TX101...........10/15/08......10/24/08......11/03/08...................................TSC/Texas

AJ .............10/15/08......10/30/08......12/09/08...................................VSC (NBC transfer)

zhz.............10/17/08......10/31/08......11/21/08...................................TSC/Atlanta

Dima............10/23/08......11/07/08......11/21/08...................................NSC/Indianapolis

T and..M.......10/23/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/08...................................TSC (NBC transfer)/Atlanta

tmman...........10/23/08......11/12/08......11/29/08...................................TSC/Memphis

kokobearus......10/27/08......11/01/08......12/03/08...................................VSC/Baltimore

oldahmed........10/27/08......10/31/08......12/06/08...................................VSC/Washington DC

Virginian.......10/31/08......11/04/08......11/28/08...................................VSC/Norfolk

Chelsea ........10/07/08.....10/22/08......11/28/08....................................TSC

Very interesting mnbinth/feyser! You changed your name! I didn't even know that was possible! I'd like to change mine.

How did you find this out? Since we are both 319b'ers I find this to be especially hopeful!

Well that was easier that I though. A bit long, but I like it better.

UserName........ Sent...........NOA1.......Biometrics.......Interview.....Oath.........Office

mnbinth..........08/28/08......10/29/08......11/20/08...................................NSC/Des Moines

Ze Maria........10/07/08......10/25/08......11/21/08...................................VSC/Baltimore

Avvypudge.......10/10/08......10/30/08......11/21/08...................................VSC/Newark

bgbirl..........10/10/08......10/20/08......11/13/08...................................CSC (NBC transfer)/

thea............10/11/08......10/24/08......11/28/08...................................VSC (NBC transfer)/Washington DC

TX101...........10/15/08......10/24/08......11/03/08...................................TSC/Texas

AJ .............10/15/08......10/30/08......12/09/08...................................VSC (NBC transfer)

zhz.............10/17/08......10/31/08......11/21/08...................................TSC/Atlanta

Dima............10/23/08......11/07/08......11/21/08...................................NSC/Indianapolis

Thomas F........10/23/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/08...................................TSC (NBC transfer)/Atlanta

tmman...........10/23/08......11/12/08......11/29/08...................................TSC/Memphis

kokobearus......10/27/08......11/01/08......12/03/08...................................VSC/Baltimore

oldahmed........10/27/08......10/31/08......12/06/08...................................VSC/Washington DC

Virginian.......10/31/08......11/04/08......11/28/08...................................VSC/Norfolk

Chelsea ........10/07/08-----10/22/08......11/28......................................TSC

Very interesting mnbinth/feyser! You changed your name! I didn't even know that was possible! I'd like to change mine.

How did you find this out? Since we are both 319b'ers I find this to be especially hopeful!

Hi,

You should be gald the your check was cashed, meaning they have received your application.. Thomas is correct, just be patient there should be I-797 (NOA 1) that will come in the mail soon..

Did you mean the you have used the embassy of Vietnam as your mailing address?

Yes, American Citizen Services at the Embassy in Cambodia. That's where my I131 was sent--there is no reliable mail here AT ALL. It's awful...so I hope it will work out.

Basically, USCIS asks that you notify them if you change addresses. I would recommend it, so that you get things in a more timely manner. The only thing that matters, really, is the interview letter. How long does mail take to arrival there? I think interview letters are send out anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks before the appointment date. It could potentially arrive in Cambodia AFTER your interview. But more probably it will arrive a week or two before, and you will have to scramble to make arrangements to get to Fairfax!

The other option is calling USCIS in late January/early February. They might be able to let you know if an interview is scheduled. You'd have to use skype or something from there!

Thanks Thomas. A few questions: to notify USCIS of an address change, would I do it in writing? Email (the fairfax office has one)? Phone? All of the above?

Also, does it matter if my address is in the US but I am residing outside of the US at the time of application? Was it an issue in your case?

My NOA letter says to notify them at the National Benefits Center, but you might need to notify them somewhere else, depending on where your application is being processed.

My NOA also gives a phone number, which might work for all filers, 1-800-375-5283. This USCIS is customer service. I would try there first, before sending a letter.

Any updates from October fillers? I'm getting bored here.

I know! Our little chart is so nice-looking, but no movement....I'm ready to start hearing reports of interview letters! Come on USICS!!!!!

Hi ATL, is there any way I could trouble you for an Atlanta Field Office review? They seem to be a bit hard to come by and my wife and I are October filers, which means we hope to have an interview in February or March. That's great that you had the interview and oath the same day. Is that normal at Atlanta? By the way, I should have said, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I went to the interview today and passed. My appointment time was 12.25 PM today and I went to USCIS at 12.00 PM. The IO called me for interview at 12.20PM and the interview was over by 12.30PM.

Looked at my green card, driver's license (for ID proof). Did not ask for my passport.

Usual questions , asked how long I was out of the country in the past 5 years (total 30 days)

If I had any children, when was I married , paid TAXES , basically you have to answer every question in the application VERBALLY under OATH.

History and civics where easy only 7 random questions.

After answering all questions, he took my signatures and gave me N-652 (Naturalization Interview Results) form and he checked "You passed the tests of English and U.S history and government". He also checked "A) Congratulations! your application has been recommended for approval". He the told me he'll put me in for the 2pm oath ceremony. (Atlanta usually has Oath the same day but it may not be the case for everybody. I think it depends to the day, time you interview.

Hope this helps

That helps a lot! Thank you so much. I sure hope ours goes as smoothly as that!!!

Once again, Congratulations and best wishes.

Hi, so you say we won't have any problem even if we don't live much together as long as we document that she (the us pet) has a good reason for stay outside the us and we keep records of our chats, conversations, etc, right?

I mean, that's tough. From what you said...your wife will be studying in Italy (I assume this will last from September to May roughly), and maybe you will be visiting each other during holidays. My wife and I were apart for the first three months of our marriage...and we kept track of all of our phone conversations. We explained that I had teaching engagements and she had classes and as SOON as my engagements were over I was on the first plane to see my wife.

If you don't live with your wife, I would say the burden of proof is DEFINITELY on you. I would not expect the officer to "understand" if you fly to the Italy during X-mas holidays and your wife flies to the US...that would look very very bad.

You have to use common sense here. You are not forced to live with your wife all the time....life involves travelling. But if you don't live together, be prepared to answer a lot of questions. We were asked and we were prepared. In the end, we had to go through a few extra interviews.

Bottom line....you will not get in 'TROUBLE,' but you will be given a lot of trouble....so be prepared.

We would:

1. enter the US together in May

2. Live together May-august

3. She would attend school again in Europe Sep 2009-Sep 2010

4.She comes back to the US and we live together.

5. We visit each other during holidays and as much as possible anyway!

Work?

Sounds fine. And I'm not meaning to be coy, but your immigration experience will just be a bit more complicated, as ours were. I can predict that, when you are applying to remove the conditions on your Green Card, or applying for citizenship, or re-entering the US after a long period of time (say, 5-12 months), the immigration officer may ask for more information. Why didn't you go with her to Italy? How often to you talk? Phone, email, chat? Do you have records of these conversations? What did you do during your holidays? What did she do? Do you have family in Italy that she visits? Do you visit her US family? Who pays the bills? Where does the money come from? What are your plans for children?

We were asked all of these questions and more in London, each of us separately, alone, when we applied for my wife's CR-1 visa...which is a much more involved process. Maybe you have no issues in the future, but you might. Again, you can't exactly be DENIED the removal of conditions or citizenship just because you guys lived in different countries for a year. Just be prepared for these types of questions, keep records of your conversations and conjugal travel (I love that word), and hope that you aren't hassled.

We were, but I suppose they have to be careful about people who do this to game the system. We all know that there are a lot of sham marriages out there and the officers take this very seriously and ask very personal questions in the event of doubt. Your situation, unfortunately, might raise that doubt. Ours did.

By the way, do you have a long history of dating? That might help calm the officers' nerves. We got married 8 weeks after meeting one another.

Another thing: we didn't keep track of our journeys to see each other during the one year before the marriage, but receipt of the tickets are available online, we have pics together during the time, I can find a reservation with pics together where I asked her to marry me while in Chicago, etc.

You will be fine. Just start now keeping records of everything.

By the way, I have read that unifying all your financial dealings helps. We unified our bank accounts, credit cards and property, keeping records of all that. You might never have to show it. But having it will certainly give you peace of mind!

Pictures with your families definitely helps. Our officer in London specifically asked for pictures of my family with my wife and vice versa. Something tells me the fakers do it without their families' knowledge...

Seriously, don't worry. Just keep records, and don't get upset if they ask lots of questions! Patience and willingness to show records will help get you through any roadblocks that your separation may cause.

The good thing is that you will have your permanent residence already...that's the most difficult step. And it is also good that you will be living in the US. Your wife (a US citizen) can live wherever she wants. You (a US permanent resident) can lose your Green Card if you live abroad for a long period of time without getting permission first. (Long period of time being 12 months, but they can start asking questions after 6 months.)

Rob one other thing that you must make sure is that your wife will have to prove Domicile in US.

Just out of curiosity why doesn't your wife do her masters in the US?

Also, one point that Thomas raised was that, who is sponsoring your wife's masters in Italy? If its a US entity then that would work to your benefit.

Good luck

Ditto. I would go with her to Italy for her masters and then go to the US for yours. Or vice versa. Won't one of your programs give a one-year delay. You should be able to merely cite "family reasons."

Anyway, frali's question regarding who is sponsoring your wife's masters is very important if you decide to join her in Italy, but only if you decide to join her in Italy.

Hi, so you say we won't have any problem even if we don't live much together as long as we document that she (the us pet) has a good reason for stay outside the us and we keep records of our chats, conversations, etc, right?

I mean, that's tough. From what you said...your wife will be studying in Italy (I assume this will last from September to May roughly), and maybe you will be visiting each other during holidays. My wife and I were apart for the first three months of our marriage...and we kept track of all of our phone conversations. We explained that I had teaching engagements and she had classes and as SOON as my engagements were over I was on the first plane to see my wife.

If you don't live with your wife, I would say the burden of proof is DEFINITELY on you. I would not expect the officer to "understand" if you fly to the Italy during X-mas holidays and your wife flies to the US...that would look very very bad.

You have to use common sense here. You are not forced to live with your wife all the time....life involves travelling. But if you don't live together, be prepared to answer a lot of questions. We were asked and we were prepared. In the end, we had to go through a few extra interviews.

Bottom line....you will not get in 'TROUBLE,' but you will be given a lot of trouble....so be prepared.

We would:

1. enter the US together in May

2. Live together May-august

3. She would attend school again in Europe Sep 2009-Sep 2010

4.She comes back to the US and we live together.

5. We visit each other during holidays and as much as possible anyway!

Work?

Sounds fine. And I'm not meaning to be coy, but your immigration experience will just be a bit more complicated, as ours were. I can predict that, when you are applying to remove the conditions on your Green Card, or applying for citizenship, or re-entering the US after a long period of time (say, 5-12 months), the immigration officer may ask for more information. Why didn't you go with her to Italy? How often to you talk? Phone, email, chat? Do you have records of these conversations? What did you do during your holidays? What did she do? Do you have family in Italy that she visits? Do you visit her US family? Who pays the bills? Where does the money come from? What are your plans for children?

We were asked all of these questions and more in London, each of us separately, alone, when we applied for my wife's CR-1 visa...which is a much more involved process. Maybe you have no issues in the future, but you might. Again, you can't exactly be DENIED the removal of conditions or citizenship just because you guys lived in different countries for a year. Just be prepared for these types of questions, keep records of your conversations and conjugal travel (I love that word), and hope that you aren't hassled.

We were, but I suppose they have to be careful about people who do this to game the system. We all know that there are a lot of sham marriages out there and the officers take this very seriously and ask very personal questions in the event of doubt. Your situation, unfortunately, might raise that doubt. Ours did.

By the way, do you have a long history of dating? That might help calm the officers' nerves. We got married 8 weeks after meeting one another.

Another thing: we didn't keep track of our journeys to see each other during the one year before the marriage, but receipt of the tickets are available online, we have pics together during the time, I can find a reservation with pics together where I asked her to marry me while in Chicago, etc.

You will be fine. Just start now keeping records of everything.

By the way, I have read that unifying all your financial dealings helps. We unified our bank accounts, credit cards and property, keeping records of all that. You might never have to show it. But having it will certainly give you peace of mind!

Pictures with your families definitely helps. Our officer in London specifically asked for pictures of my family with my wife and vice versa. Something tells me the fakers do it without their families' knowledge...

Seriously, don't worry. Just keep records, and don't get upset if they ask lots of questions! Patience and willingness to show records will help get you through any roadblocks that your separation may cause.

The good thing is that you will have your permanent residence already...that's the most difficult step. And it is also good that you will be living in the US. Your wife (a US citizen) can live wherever she wants. You (a US permanent resident) can lose your Green Card if you live abroad for a long period of time without getting permission first. (Long period of time being 12 months, but they can start asking questions after 6 months.)

Hi,

You should be gald the your check was cashed, meaning they have received your application.. Thomas is correct, just be patient there should be I-797 (NOA 1) that will come in the mail soon..

Did you mean the you have used the embassy of Vietnam as your mailing address?

Yes, American Citizen Services at the Embassy in Cambodia. That's where my I131 was sent--there is no reliable mail here AT ALL. It's awful...so I hope it will work out.

Basically, USCIS asks that you notify them if you change addresses. I would recommend it, so that you get things in a more timely manner. The only thing that matters, really, is the interview letter. How long does mail take to arrival there? I think interview letters are send out anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks before the appointment date. It could potentially arrive in Cambodia AFTER your interview. But more probably it will arrive a week or two before, and you will have to scramble to make arrangements to get to Fairfax!

The other option is calling USCIS in late January/early February. They might be able to let you know if an interview is scheduled. You'd have to use skype or something from there!

Hi,

Wanted to pass along a document that a lawyer recommended I include with my 319b application. It's called a "319b Cover Sheet" and you are supposed to include it as the top sheet of paper. I've uploaded it here.

I also wanted to share the progress of my 319b application--seems like there are so many uncertainties out there about how it works! I'll post updates as they happen...

1. November 7, 2008: Filed the N-400 from Bangkok, sent by EMS to Vermont Service Center. I decided to be interviewed at the Fairfax, VA, office.

2. November 24, 2008: The check has been cashed!

This seems like good news (and fast) but I'm also not exactly sure what it means other than the fact that I am officially $595 poorer...So, what does it actually mean when they cash the check? Does that mean I qualify for 319b? Or just that I submitted everything correctly? I was really worried about the fingerprints as others have mentioned.

[Just some background about me: I've been a LPR for years and my husband is contracted for USAID in Phnom Penh until April 2010, at least.]

Thanks for any experience or thoughts.

I think the check being cashed means they have received your application, very little else.

You should receive a letter, which is generally known as Notice of Action 1. This will say something like, "we received your application and it is being processed." It might even say that it was sent to the National Benefits Center for processing. This is normal. It should also say that you will receive a letter regarding your interview within a certain period of time. This can say 90 days or 180 days or 450 days. The number of days seems to be irrelevant to the amount of time you will wait for an interview. You can estimate this by looking at recent filers to Fairfax Field Office via Vermont Service Center.

By the way, what address is USCIS sending your notices to? Your interview letter is likely to be sent out 4-6 weeks before your interview. If you are abroad, this means you could get your interview letter only a week or two before your interview. This could cause a problem.

We are abroad, and put down our US residency, my parents' house. They open, scan, and email all correspondence to us so that we get it immediately and can make flight arrangements with some anticipation.

Good luck! Sounds like you filed successfully! Now all you have to do is wait! According to past time lines, you should receive an interview letter in January or February and have an interview in April or May! This is a very very crude estimate, however. I recommend you look through the threads titled "July filers," "June filers," "August filers" to see how quickly Fairfax/VSC is moving at the moment.

Hi, so you say we won't have any problem even if we don't live much together as long as we document that she (the us pet) has a good reason for stay outside the us and we keep records of our chats, conversations, etc, right?

I mean, that's tough. From what you said...your wife will be studying in Italy (I assume this will last from September to May roughly), and maybe you will be visiting each other during holidays. My wife and I were apart for the first three months of our marriage...and we kept track of all of our phone conversations. We explained that I had teaching engagements and she had classes and as SOON as my engagements were over I was on the first plane to see my wife.

If you don't live with your wife, I would say the burden of proof is DEFINITELY on you. I would not expect the officer to "understand" if you fly to the Italy during X-mas holidays and your wife flies to the US...that would look very very bad.

You have to use common sense here. You are not forced to live with your wife all the time....life involves travelling. But if you don't live together, be prepared to answer a lot of questions. We were asked and we were prepared. In the end, we had to go through a few extra interviews.

Bottom line....you will not get in 'TROUBLE,' but you will be given a lot of trouble....so be prepared.

We would:

1. enter the US together in May

2. Live together May-august

3. She would attend school again in Europe Sep 2009-Sep 2010

4.She comes back to the US and we live together.

5. We visit each other during holidays and as much as possible anyway!

Work?

Sounds fine. And I'm not meaning to be coy, but your immigration experience will just be a bit more complicated, as ours were. I can predict that, when you are applying to remove the conditions on your Green Card, or applying for citizenship, or re-entering the US after a long period of time (say, 5-12 months), the immigration officer may ask for more information. Why didn't you go with her to Italy? How often to you talk? Phone, email, chat? Do you have records of these conversations? What did you do during your holidays? What did she do? Do you have family in Italy that she visits? Do you visit her US family? Who pays the bills? Where does the money come from? What are your plans for children?

We were asked all of these questions and more in London, each of us separately, alone, when we applied for my wife's CR-1 visa...which is a much more involved process. Maybe you have no issues in the future, but you might. Again, you can't exactly be DENIED the removal of conditions or citizenship just because you guys lived in different countries for a year. Just be prepared for these types of questions, keep records of your conversations and conjugal travel (I love that word), and hope that you aren't hassled.

We were, but I suppose they have to be careful about people who do this to game the system. We all know that there are a lot of sham marriages out there and the officers take this very seriously and ask very personal questions in the event of doubt. Your situation, unfortunately, might raise that doubt. Ours did.

By the way, do you have a long history of dating? That might help calm the officers' nerves. We got married 8 weeks after meeting one another.

It's over...Interview and Oath today...11/25...Atlanta....

Name...........Sent.........NOA1......Biometrics...Interview..Oath....USCIS Office

royjmcclymont......06/12........06/16......07/10.......10/29......10/29...Atlanta, GA (TSC)

moonhunt...........06/19........07/05......07/24.......09/16......10/30...Milwaukee, WI (NSC)

asiz2002 ..........06/26........07/03......07/15.......10/21......10/21...Washington DC (VSC)

ILLEGAL_ALIENS.....06/27........07/10......07/25.......09/24......10/09...Chicago, IL (NSC)

jsassman...........07/02........07/03......07/31.......10/30......xx/xx...Omaha, NE (NSC)

pkmk...............07/05........07/15......07/29.......09/23......10/07...Chicago , IL (NSC)

Mr Zee.............07/05........07/15......07/29.......09/23......11/14...Chicago , IL (NSC)

DutchinCT..........07/05........07/16......07/30.......xx/xx......xx/xx...Hartford, CT (VSC)

nikola&kate .......07/05........07/18......08/02.......10/22......11/12...Boston, MA (VSC)

NYC_Prospect.......07/07........07/21......08/05.......11/25......xx/xx...NYC, NY (VSC)

yandresyuk.........07/09........07/19......07/26.......10/22......10/22...Washington, DC

atlanta123.........07/10........07/14......08/08.......11/25......11/25...Atlanta, GA (TSC)

2bornot2b..........07/10........07/15......08/09.......xx/xx......xx/xx...Hartford, CT (VSC)

sirch320...........07/10........07/16......08/01.......11/17......xx/xx...Los Angeles, CA (CSC)

rezrez.............07/14........07/24......08/12.......11/12......11/12...Baltimore, MD (VSC)

rclouse............07/14........07/15......08/19.......11/18......xx/xx...Santa Ana, CA (CSC)

FVA................07/17........07/21......08/14.......10/20......11/12...Denver, CO (NSC)

Lyuba..............07/17........07/24......08/14.......11/19......xx/xx...St. Louis (NSC)

griffin............07/19........07/21......08/14.......11/17......xx/xx...Detroit, MI (NSC)

KatlvoM............07/21........07/26......08/13.......xx/xx......xx/xx...Columbus SC (TSC)

SamFam.............07/22........07/31......08/18.......11/14......xx/xx...St. Paul, MN (NSC)

paulaclk...........07/23........08/04......08/22.......11/12......11/20...Raleigh/Durham, NC (TSC)

NYCGAL.............07/25........08/09......08/25.......12/11......xx/xx...NYC, NY (VSC)

Kyngsilva..........07/31........08/06......08/28.......12/08......xx/xx...St. Paul, MN (NSC)

Hi ATL, is there any way I could trouble you for an Atlanta Field Office review? They seem to be a bit hard to come by and my wife and I are October filers, which means we hope to have an interview in February or March. That's great that you had the interview and oath the same day. Is that normal at Atlanta? By the way, I should have said, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Hi, so you say we won't have any problem even if we don't live much together as long as we document that she (the us pet) has a good reason for stay outside the us and we keep records of our chats, conversations, etc, right?

I mean, that's tough. From what you said...your wife will be studying in Italy (I assume this will last from September to May roughly), and maybe you will be visiting each other during holidays. My wife and I were apart for the first three months of our marriage...and we kept track of all of our phone conversations. We explained that I had teaching engagements and she had classes and as SOON as my engagements were over I was on the first plane to see my wife.

If you don't live with your wife, I would say the burden of proof is DEFINITELY on you. I would not expect the officer to "understand" if you fly to the Italy during X-mas holidays and your wife flies to the US...that would look very very bad.

You have to use common sense here. You are not forced to live with your wife all the time....life involves travelling. But if you don't live together, be prepared to answer a lot of questions. We were asked and we were prepared. In the end, we had to go through a few extra interviews.

Bottom line....you will not get in 'TROUBLE,' but you will be given a lot of trouble....so be prepared.

UserName........ Sent...........NOA1.......Biometrics..........Interview....Oath......Office

Ze Maria........10/07/08.......10/25/08.......11/21/08....................................VSC

Avvypudge.......10/10/08......10/30/08......11/21/08...................................VSC/Newark

bgbirl..........10/10/08......10/20/08......11/13/08...................................CSC (NBC transfer)/

thea............10/11/08......10/24/08......11/28/08...................................VSC (NBC transfer)/Washington DC

TX101...........10/15/08......10/24/08......11/03/08...................................TSC/

feyser..........08/28/08......10/29/08......11/20/08...................................NSC/Des Moines

AJ..............10/15/08......10/30/08......12/09/08...................................VSC (NBC transfer)

Dima............10/23/08......11/07/08.............................................................

Thomas F........10/23/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/08...................................TSC (NBC transfer)/Atlanta

tmman...........10/23/08......11/12/08......11/29/08............................

kokobearus......10/27/08......................................................................

oldahmed........10/27/08......10/31/08......12/06/08...................................VSC(Wash,DC)

Just to update you all, our credit card was charged by the Embassy even though I have not yet received a confirmation email/postcard (NOA1). We had sent a self-addressed stamped envelope so hopefully they'll use that and send us a confirmation by mail.

Can I confirm that once our I-130 is approved, do we pay the $400 in cash or can we pay by card? If it's in cash, do we need to take US dollars with us or would they accept pounds in $400 equivalent?

We never got NOA1. Your credit card being charged is the equivalent. Now you just have to wait for Packet 3.

When you have an interview, you should have to pay the money there. I think cash or credit is accepted.

My fiance and I are living together in the US and he's on a tourist (J-2) visa until April. We want to get married and I believe the DCF is the quickest way to go about doing this but I couldn't find where to do this inside of the USA. And does he need to leave the country at all? Could someone explain this to me a little? I'm very confused.

Thanks so much for any help!

Jessi

As others said, a J-2 is not a tourist visa. Anyway tourist visas are typically only for 3 months and most French citizens enter under the Visa Waiver Program anyway if they are only visiting for 90 days or less. So I'm not sure what you are talking about.

A quick search re: J-2 visas says that it is for dependents of foreign nationals in the US on a student visa (J-1). Are you sure this girl is not married to a foreign national who is studying in the US? The only other possibility is that she is the under-21 daughter/dependent of a foreign national studying in the US. Or perhaps you meant B1/B2 visa.....but those are only valid for 90 days entry. Very weird, your story.

Regardless, DCF is only for filing at US embassy's abroad. There is no such thing as DCF within the US.

I just searched the forums for "Married on tourist visa," and found quite a bit of information. (You should really search the forums before posting). Apparently, it is okay if the foreign national did not intend to marry when he/she entered the US. What a screwy legal system we have. If you intended to marry, it is fraud and the foreign national can be banned for 10 years. Wow. Apparently, your premeditation could cause problems. This law makes marriage sound like murder....as long as it was done in the heat of passion, it's legal!!!

Anyway this is NOT the appropriate forum for this, b/c even if you guys go through with this, you would need to file for adjustment of status, rather than flying back to France and applying for an immigrant visa based on marriage. The latter could cause serious issues, according to these threads:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=136399

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=146902

UserName........ Sent...........NOA1.......Biometrics..........Interview....Oath......Office

Avvypudge.......10/10/08......10/30/08......11/21/08...................................VSC/Newark

bgbirl..........10/10/08......10/20/08......11/13/08...................................CSC (NBC transfer)/

thea............10/11/08......10/24/08......11/28/08...................................VSC (NBC transfer)/Washington DC

TX101...........10/15/08......10/24/08......11/03/08...................................TSC/

feyser..........08/28/08......10/29/08......11/20/08...................................NSC/Des Moines

AJ..............10/15/08......10/30/08......12/09/08...................................VSC (NBC transfer)

Dima............10/23/08......11/07/08.............................................................

Thomas F........10/23/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/08...................................TSC (NBC transfer)/Atlanta

tmman...........10/23/08......11/12/08......11/29/08............................

kokobearus......10/27/08..............................................................................

oldahmed........10/27/08......10/31/08......12/06/08...................................VSC(Wash,DC)

Welcome Ahmed!

THank you Thomas.

"November 3, 2008 - NOA1 (I-797C stating case has been transferred to NBC and will get interview date within 450 days)". 450???? Why 450?

That's what most of us got. 450 days. Judging from earlier filers, it should not be nearly that long. Most of June and July's filers are receiving interview letters. Still, it really depends on your local office how quickly it will come.

A bit scary, but I guess they are just covering their a's.

Thank you all for your posts and comments

First of all the reason I wanted to file in UK is because my spouse has been living in the UK for over a year now. This means that she doesn't have a domicile in the US which could have created problems if we had stayed with the fiings through NVC. As she has no earning in the US and thus no tax returns etc. Thus I believe legally we should file in UK as USC's place of residence is UK.

Second, I still believe that DCF is a faster way. On the US embassy website it says "As of November 20, 2008, we are adjudicating petitions filed on October 17, 2008." I am guessing this means they are dealing with applications filed in 2nd and 3rd week of October which is pretty fast. Thoughts?

Your wife, the USC, has to still have domicile in the USA even if she's lived abroad for a year. She still has to prove her residency in the USA and that she didn't leave on a permanent basis, and she still has to provide tax returns, or strong proof of a reason for not filing, such as not having an income. Does she still have a registered adress in the USA, such as a parent's or friend's home? They will also need to know where you intend to live once you get to the USA so you will need an adress for that reason too.

The statement above about adjudicating petitions only means the I-130, it doesn't include the times for the other forms you need to file, as well as your medical, and waiting for you interview.

Ditto. Part of the DCF application process is showing that the US citizen spouse maintains some limited residency in the US. It's a bit weird, b/c they have to prove that they live abroad for an extended period (ie, not just on vacation) and they also have to show that they maintain some residency in the US. This includes continuing to renew the drivers license....activity on US bank accounts. But most importantly, as ksa2usa said, you have to have a US address where you plan to immigrate to. "Intent to establish residency" in the US is very important for DCF. And to do this you have to show that your US citizen spouse has residency. I had to show a letter from my university explaining that I had been given permission to finish my degree in the US, US tax returns for the past three years, my valid US drivers license, and activity on US bank accounts that go to a US address. (I am in the US citizen spouse, and we went through London.)

You will probably be fine, but if your spouse does not have tax returns or any mail going to her at a US address, that could cause some problems or delay with the DCF.

UserName........ Sent...........NOA1.......Biometrics..........Interview....Oath......Office

Avvypudge.......10/10/08......10/30/08......11/21/08...................................VSC/Newark

bgbirl..........10/10/08......10/20/08......11/13/08...................................CSC (NBC transfer)/

thea............10/11/08......10/24/08......11/28/08...................................VSC (NBC transfer)/Washington DC

TX101...........10/15/08......10/24/08......11/03/08...................................TSC/

feyser..........08/28/08......10/29/08......11/20/08...................................NSC/Des Moines

AJ..............10/15/08......10/30/08......12/09/08...................................VSC (NBC transfer)

Dima............10/23/08......11/07/08.............................................................

Thomas F........10/23/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/08...................................TSC (NBC transfer)/Atlanta

tmman...........10/23/08......11/12/08......11/29/08............................

kokobearus......10/27/08..............................................................................

oldahmed........10/27/08......10/31/08......12/06/08...................................VSC(Wash,DC)

Welcome Ahmed!

One more question. If they charge your credit card, does that mean they have accepted your DCF filings? Also, do they confirm the receipt of application by sending a confirmation letter and a case number? If so, how long does it take to receive the confirmation and case number?

Thank you all for your posts and comments

Typically, if they charge your credit card it means they have accepted that your USC spouse is eligible to file a I-130 on your behalf. Essentially, they accept that he/she is a resident in the UK. It does not mean that they have approved the I-130, much less the immigrant visa. That will take quite a bit longer.

Some people do not receive NOA1, and they only know that the I-130 was accepted for filing when the credit card is charged.

You do not receive a case number until you get Packet 3, which means they have accepted that you have a bona fide relationship, they have approved your I-130 and your foreign spouse is eligible to file a DS-230, application for immigrant visa.

It does look like the I-130 filings are moving more quickly now. When I applied they were taking around 3-4 months. Now it looks like that is down to 1-2 months. Keep in mind, however, that once the I-130 is filed you have to file the DS-230, which is likely to take another 4-6 weeks. After filing the DS-230 you have to get the medical check-up done and wait for Packet 4, which will include your interview date.

The whole process used to take 4-6 months. Now it looks like it MIGHT be taking something like 3-4 months. That is VERY good news.

By the way, I know there is this rule that my wife has to leave the US within 45 days of her oath. Will the officer ask for proof of this at the interview? Right now, we have a flight for 5 April. This means that if the interview takes place before 25 February, our flight plans will show 50-55 days before we are planning on leaving the states again?

This is very premature, since we haven't received our interview letter yet...but does anyone have any thoughts? Did the officers ask you guys for proof that you would be joining your USC spouse abroad within 45 days?

That's one of the big questions I hope to get answered at our interview whenever it is...

Ha. I think we'll take a copy of our e-ticket, and explain that it is a flexi-ticket, in case they start counting the days. Who knows, maybe it won't be an issue.

The wait always forces me into worrying wayyyy ahead of time.

By the way, I know there is this rule that my wife has to leave the US within 45 days of her oath. Will the officer ask for proof of this at the interview? Right now, we have a flight for 5 April. This means that if the interview takes place before 25 February, our flight plans will show 50-55 days before we are planning on leaving the states again?

This is very premature, since we haven't received our interview letter yet...but does anyone have any thoughts? Did the officers ask you guys for proof that you would be joining your USC spouse abroad within 45 days?

My wife technically filed in August but it took 2 months to get the NOA (something about having to get extra approval is what we were told but whatever). Anyway, I thought I'd add my dates to the October list. Good luck!

UserName........ Sent...........NOA1.......Biometrics....Interview....Oath......Office

Avvypudge.......10/10/08......10/30/08......11/21/08............................VSC/Newark

bgbirl..........10/10/08......10/20/08......11/13/08............................CSC (NBC transfer)/

thea............10/11/08......10/24/08......11/28/08......................VSC (NBC transfer)/Washington DC

TX101...........10/15/08......10/24/08......11/03/08............................TSC/

feyser..........08/28/08......10/29/08......11/20/08............................NSC/Des Moines

AJ..............10/15/08......10/30/08......12/09/08............................VSC (NBC transfer)

Dima............10/23/08......11/07/08..........................................

Thomas F........10/23/08......11/03/08.....xx/xx/08....................TSC (NBC transfer)/Atlanta

tmman...........10/23/08......11/12/08......11/29/08............................

kokobearus......10/27/08........................................................

Welcome Feyser! Sorry about the delay. We are hoping this small little group zooms through!

By the way, we are filing from overseas, so our fingerprint cards were done at the US embassy and sent with my wife's N-400. That's why I put those xx's for biometrics!!

My wife technically filed in August but it took 2 months to get the NOA (something about having to get extra approval is what we were told but whatever). Anyway, I thought I'd add my dates to the October list. Good luck!

UserName........ Sent...........NOA1.......Biometrics....Interview....Oath......Office

Avvypudge.......10/10/08......10/30/08......11/21/08............................VSC/Newark

bgbirl..........10/10/08......10/20/08......11/13/08............................CSC (NBC transfer)/

thea............10/11/08......10/24/08......11/28/08............................VSC (NBC transfer)/Washington DC

TX101...........10/15/08......10/24/08......11/03/08............................TSC/

feyser..........08/28/08......10/29/08......11/20/08............................NSC/Des Moines

AJ..............10/15/08......10/30/08......12/09/08............................VSC (NBC transfer)

Dima............10/23/08......11/07/08..........................................

Thomas F........10/23/08......11/03/08..........................................TSC (NBC transfer)/Atlanta

tmman...........10/23/08......11/12/08......11/29/08............................

kokobearus......10/27/08........................................................

Welcome Feyser! Sorry about the delay. We are hoping this small little group zooms through!