Naglfar

Good here but I think this thread is just about toast.

That wouldn't be such a bad thing. Would mean that everybody is reunited with their loved ones and have some better things to do than post online.

Visa in hand!!!

Working on getting plane tickets right now!

Hey guys! I'm in England with Paul now and my sister texted me this mornng that I got approved! I'm in shock! I got to tell Paul in person. I tried to wake him up and ended up jumping up and down on him to wake him up, i was so excited. She said the letter says approved 2/27/09 but i never got an email and my status says pending and no touch. FINALLY! Praise be to the Lord! I dont know anything else, like why it took so long. i'll have to wait til i get home! Love u all, thanks for your support and well wishes!!!

Awesome news!

And thanks for your kind words, folks! Now I would really like to fast-forward to the next week and get our visa!

Well, her interview took place earlier today and our Visa Application was approved! She was very nervous and interview wasn't a piece of cake, but she made it through it OK. We are really looking forward to getting a passport with visa in it and getting her on the plane ASAP!

Believe it or not, she is still not 100% sure that we cleared all the hurdles because of a crazy story she was a witness to. When she was paying for DHL delivery before the interview, there was a woman in front of her in the line who was receiving her passport from the Embassy. Woman didn't speak or read English, so she asked one of the DHL people what the stamp in the passport said and the guy told her that she was denied a visa with no explanation given. The woman told everybody that it couldn't be true because she was told at the interview that her visa was approved. I find it really hard to believe, but I don't know the type of visa that woman applied for nor was I there at the time of the incident, so I can't really comment on it one way or another. Any thoughts?

Congratulations!! How long before she gets her passport back? You must be dead excited?!!

Thank you! I'm excited, but I will be even more excited when she get her passport with visa back (they said it will be around a week) and it will be a full-blown celebration when she is finally here!

Well, her interview took place earlier today and our Visa Application was approved! She was very nervous and interview wasn't a piece of cake, but she made it through it OK. We are really looking forward to getting a passport with visa in it and getting her on the plane ASAP!

Believe it or not, she is still not 100% sure that we cleared all the hurdles because of a crazy story she was a witness to. When she was paying for DHL delivery before the interview, there was a woman in front of her in the line who was receiving her passport from the Embassy. Woman didn't speak or read English, so she asked one of the DHL people what the stamp in the passport said and the guy told her that she was denied a visa with no explanation given. The woman told everybody that it couldn't be true because she was told at the interview that her visa was approved. I find it really hard to believe, but I don't know the type of visa that woman applied for nor was I there at the time of the incident, so I can't really comment on it one way or another. Any thoughts?

Great to hear that two of you FINALLY got approved! Now we need to get a couple more people aboard and we will be all set.

Corinthians: All I can say they should have started singing and dancing a bit earlier, so you wouldn't have to wait this long. Now they will have to make it up to you by making embassy schedule your interview ASAP.

Got it!

Fellow Corinthians fans must have been dancing around the embassy non-stop, so the embassy decided to give in to stop the headache.

Can't even imagine what the experience must be like in Brazil.

It's insane. If you go I'd pay to sit in the private area that is fenced off from the normal seats. There's dancing and chanting pretty much the whole game. This video makes it look more intense than it really is, but you get the point.

Would be nice to get to Brazil one day, that's for sure...

We came up with a couple more questions, hope someone can help.

On Form DS-230 there are two places where the applicant is supposed to sign the application. You are supposed to sign page 4 during your interview as you are giving officer a Sworn Statement. What about the signature on page 2? Is it supposed to be signed before the interview or during the interview as well?

Also, we filled out form DS-156 a while ago. As far as I know, there are no restrictions on how far in advance you can fill it out. Does anybody know anything about it?

Yes, the closer we get to the interview time the more paranoid we get.

On the DS-230 you can sign page 2 but do not sign page 4.

I don't think there are any restrictions on how far in advance you can fill out the DS-156 as long as all the info on there is correct.

Good Luck on your interview!

Thanks, dillon! I'm pretty sure this is the right way to do it, but could anybody else confirm?

I knew it was a football club. Looking at your nick AND Brazilian flag I easily put 2 and 2 together. Used to be into football big time, but not so much anymore. I always root for Brazilians during the World Cup. And for Russia too, of course.

Cool. I follow it a bit here; but the best thing is going to the games. I've gone to some SEC football games in South Carolina and Florida. Florida vs LSU and Florida vs SC and they are awesome but it's nothing like a football game in Brasil.

No question about it. Seeing the game live is a totally different experience. Haven't been to a game for ages, but even crappy second-division tournament games in Russia were quite a bit of fun to watch live. Can't even imagine what the experience must be like in Brazil.

We came up with a couple more questions, hope someone can help.

On Form DS-230 there are two places where the applicant is supposed to sign the application. You are supposed to sign page 4 during your interview as you are giving officer a Sworn Statement. What about the signature on page 2? Is it supposed to be signed before the interview or during the interview as well?

Also, we filled out form DS-156 a while ago. As far as I know, there are no restrictions on how far in advance you can fill it out. Does anybody know anything about it?

Yes, the closer we get to the interview time the more paranoid we get.

You think so?

I guess it is mostly PI people. I don't spend alot of time on forums in general, so this just stood out to me. I'm more used to keeping that kinda thing private but everybody is different I guess.

I knew it was a football club. Looking at your nick AND Brazilian flag I easily put 2 and 2 together. Used to be into football big time, but not so much anymore. I always root for Brazilians during the World Cup. And for Russia too, of course.

Yes I am all set ! Ummmm I still have to buy my ticket, it is 100euros more than 2 weeks ago so I have some problem to push the button "purchase"...

We should all post a picture with our visa in hands !

Well done you!!

GET that ticket bought, dont know where you're looking to buy it but I went direct to the airline (British Airways) and they worked out a lot cheaper than some of these "special deal" places that advertise the "lowest rates"

I looked on british airways. 2 weeks ago it was 515 euros Paris/London London/LA LA/London London/Paris, but now it is 690 euros

I don't know why cuz' the petrol is very low these days. Anyway, I will have to buy it today, the cheapest one is with American Airlines...

Try kayak.com - it will check a bunch of websites all at once for you. It helped us find the cheapest rate last time.

I use Travelzoo, good site. The last several times I bought directly on the airline's site though - was a bit cheaper, which is somewhat surprising.

Thanks for your replies about the medical, Juliette and Koakland! I also checked some Russian forums and, I think, we should be OK. Just want it to be over ASAP.

My fiancee is not taking her NOAs to the interview. Not a requirement in Russia and I don't see why it would be a requirement elsewhere. After all, if you didn't get approved, you would never be granted an interview in the first place. In general, always check your embassy's website (it will list everything you need to send them/bring to the interview) or e-mail them if you have to.

A question for those of you who already passed the medical. How long did it take you to get the results and do they tell you that you passed or say nothing and just hand you the sealed envelope with results?

We still have about two weeks until the interview date, so we keep coming up with new things to worry about.

VISA APPROVED !!!

One more crossing the Rubicon! Congratulations!

What about the Senator? Did they give you any kind of timeline at all?

They said CSC told them to check back in 120 days. However, they told me they would check back in 90 days if I still needed them to; I've been working with 2 people in the Senator's office that have been pretty cool. Cool as in they call me without me riding their butt.

Unbelievable... Well, hang in there, hopefully, it happens way faster than 120 or 90 days. I'm just shocked nobody can get USCIS to explain what exactly is taking them this long...

No real news here. Same old background check BS. Next week I'll call CSC to see what's up. I'm about ready to start calling every day until they approve us.

What about the Senator? Did they give you any kind of timeline at all?

Seems like everything is moving right along for the majority of people here, which is great.

Any news from your Senators' offices anybody? Hope your 'relationship' with USCIS will be over soon and you will start annoying NVC, DOS and the embassies, just like the rest of us did.

We are impatiently awaiting our interview on March 5th. Got a yellow packet on Tuesday with invitation to the interview and all the requirements. No surprises there. Will probably call about the medical sometime next week.

Approved!!

I'll let Nick fill you all in later... but I had to share our amazing news!!!!!

Congratulations

How soon will you get your passport back?

PS: Nick are your legs sore after all that running? lol

They reckon 3-5 days but the courier company said its usually 2 !

And yes am knackered after all that running !!!

I'll write some more when Ive had a HUGE BEER!!!

Congratulations! Don't drink too many beers though, we need to hear all the details!

OK.

we have, (all stuff in my name)

b.certificate + 1 copy

marriage certificate + 1 copy

divorce decree + 1 copy

police certificate + 1 copy

affidavit of support from Shan + copy inc evidence( bank stuff etc)

affidavit of support co-sponsor + copy inc all tax forms, bank stmnts etc

original NOA1 and NOA2 plus copy of each

plus a whole bunch of evidence from after we filed showing on going relationship (skype call logs, photos, cards, letters from the kids etc)

Question 8 we put N/A .

Edited to add:

A new letter of intent from Shannon saying she still wants to marry me!

It is why I'm concerned, Shannon already submitted an affidavit of support when she sent the petition. I am sure that the one you have today ready for the interview is not the same one that she sent 6 months ago. So why did she put N/A for question 8. I don't want you to have issues at the interview !!!

What the question means is if you have filed for someone else before...meaning if you have brought someone else here in the past. In my case I answered yes because I had filed a I-130 before for a completely different person. You may have turned in the I-134 when you first filed but when you have your interview this is when you will be submitting it for the first time. So if Jamie hasn't petitioned for someone else in the past the answer should be no.

This is exactly right.

I'll let you know Tuesday night after my interview !!!

OK, Nick! Please tell them that VJ community really needs a clear answer to this question!

Russian Embassy doesn't require a follow-up letter of intent, so we are not doing it.

Hello my friends, Jamie called the NVC yesterday. The lady said that they are very busy and they try to go as faster as they can. My case is still at the NVC but might be send to PAris before the end of the week

I also received the affidavit od support I-134 from Jamie. I put this post on the general embassy forum but maybe you guys can help me with what you know :

Hey guys !

I just received a package from my man with the affidavit of support and all the documents I will need for my interview.

I just read it and I need your help :

- Question 8 I have previously submitted affidavit(s) of support for the following person(s)

He replied Juliette Dumont (me) in july 2008. He put an affidavit of support with our 129F petition in july 2008 cuz' it was supposed to be faster. we put one in with our initial file as well so don't worry.

But it was for the same person and the same K1 visa, I'm scarred that they take that for 2 affidavits, so not enough incomes.

- Some of his documents (employee letter, bank statement etc...) are copies, is that ok ? The I-134 is notorized

The bank stuff we have was really hard to find and Shannons bank point blank refused. The co sponsors bank was a little more accommodating and faxed through all the info we needed so we dont have "originals" so to speak. Just remember you need two copies of everything evidential. Hope that helps a little?

Thank you for your help

Juliette

Thanks ! So I have to make copies of each document Jamie sent to me ? What for ?

On the affidavit of support did Sannon reply on question number 8 that she already submitted a affidavit of support for you in july ?

I was pondering the same question a while ago. Look here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;#entry2493285.

Can anybody who's been to the actual interview share their experience as far as I-134 supporting evidence is concerned? Did they even look at it? And if they did, did they request duplicates of everything?

Keep in mind, that we will have to do I-864 for AOS application anyway.

im sorry im sorry but i want to be honest. im jealous of people that are getting NOA2. i almost lost my baby today. we are soooo tired of waiting and waiting. Peopl ask me everyday when she is coming and i have to say the same thing im waitng on immigration and it hurts. my fiance does not go outside because it is taking so long. when she does need to go people say to her....wow you are still here. that angers me soooooo much. it hurts to my bone. i dont know how much more time i can take. i HATE immigration i swear i wish i could just...............

i can sleep, i cant focus at work, i cant eat. im loosing it. i try to be stong when i talk with her on IM but today i broke down and cried. i tried to stop but the tears kept coming. she would tell me it is ok and i would stop, but then cry again.................im crying now. im so that i have started to cry instead. what can i do? can i move there? i will do anything i dont care. but this is killing me i swear.........i dont know what to do. im lost

I'm sorry you've had to wait so long.

It's easy for people to say they understand but it was a different story when they were waiting and complaining for a few months for approval and are now on the final steps. That's not an attack on other filers, I just think it's hard to understand what Mohammed feels when your visas are coming in within weeks and he's still waiting for a NOA2.

I can't imagine how it must feel. Try to hang in there, people get approved after 5-6 months often.

Gimmie and Jokalu.........YES YES YES you are so right!! thank you for defending me. i want to speak the truth that is all. this is a site where we can express ourselves. i usually say nice things happy things. but last night i could not. i have to vent. i had to lie to my fiance and tell her i would stop so she would not worry and go to sleep. so for me to do this and go to sleep i needed to vent. and vent is what i did. and if in doing so i said the truth...........then so be it!!!! inshallah tomorrow i will have another nice thing to say.

Well, the embassy had finally reopened on Monday after being closed for the holidays for two weeks and today they updated the interview schedule on their site. THE interview will take place on March 5th. Even though it's still weeks away, we both feel a bit relieved. No more guessing about the interview date!

To all of you still waiting for NOA2: hang in there, it will come! I know exactly how it feels. Even though our timeline is relatively normal, we've been down ourselves quite a few times and it's a very painful process. I think almost everybody here can relate. Both my fiancee and I have to deal with people's questions all the time, although that's the least of my concerns. Unless you've been through it yourself, you will never understand how it feels. I don't really care too much for people who think it's not a big deal, but, honestly, I wouldn't wish something like this to anybody, even the most ignorant of them. Anyway, I think that getting touches is good even though there are no direct results yet. That should at least tell you that your case is not lost and forgotten (now, that would truly suck!) and they are most probably just running some additional checks on you. And it's good that you got your senators involved, it should help to speed up the process.

Check this out. That 6 month processing time is from when the service center last updated (September) so I got the we are working on cases from April speech, so we're still in our processing times blah blah blah. Which was finished off with the 6 months doesn't apply to you and we won't do a service request.

I think I'm just gonna start the Senator thing now. US CIS can say they are on time because they refuse to update? Whatever. If they are working April, they should claim it, not say 6 months.

I think you are a very patient person. I wouldn't be able to wait that long. I was actually about to fire a letter to my Senator, but decided to give it a couple more days and our NOA2 showed up. I think once you see people who filed after you being approved in bunches, you have to take action and not wait until it's been 6 months since you filed. Plus you see what happens when you wait 6 months anyway. It's not like they appreciate when you are being patient, nice and reasonable. You are not going to get any love back anyway, they just don't care.

Anyway, good luck with your quest for NOA2. I hope with Senator's help you will get things rolling. Good luck to the rest of our gang waiting for their NOA2s as well! I feel for you guys and gals (wish USCIS would feel for you too)!