khtak716

Hi Ghanaba2018,

I don't believe your medical can technically expire, as they have already approved your case.  My finance had to get further shots from a civil surgeon here in the USA, once he came, because his medical was incomplete.  Also, they never gave him the form with the proof of the medical, so once he was here and we were married and had to file for the I-485 (adjustment of status), we just referenced the date of his physical and provide paperwork from the civil surgeon as to the additional shots he was given here in the USA.  At worst, they may have had us retake a physical (via a Request for Information during that adjustment of status paperwork process).  This is why I'm saying that I don't think your physical can 'expire' once they've approved your visa.  Of course I don't know the exact details of your situation and don't want to give you any incorrect information, so you may want to post questions on that piece in an area of the forum about the physical to be sure.  But hopefully it won't be an issue at all for you.

As for the wait you are going through, I'm so very sorry to hear!!  It was really hard on us, too.  It too 56 days, I believe, to get my fiance's passport back, after I contacted my local congressman's office and wrote the letter to them with evidence (see my previous post); they were able to make direct contact with the consulate and get the process moving (I've written about this on our timeline, too).  You can try to go that route, and you may get answers.  I think the situation with immigration under our current president is causing all these delays, unfortunately.  But you have been approved with a 221g, so that is the good news.  If something were wrong with your application, it would have gone into AP.

I hope you can get some answers very very soon!  Good luck to you!!

2 minutes ago, BadriLuvJasmin said:

Congratulations!! I'm happy for you. This visa application process is very trying!

may I ask what you mean when you say it took 56 days? That's from the date of the interview?

My fiancé was missing his medical and immunizations, which he got and deleivered all appropriate documentation to the consulate about two weeks ago. I only just now looked on CEAC for an update and it says issued. Are you saying that from the first day you saw your fiancé's say issued, it took 10 working days?

The date on CEAC for case created is one week past the date my fiancé dropped off his medical documents. I'm assuming it'll be 10 working days from that date?

It's so difficult to get real information. It really is best when people like you share personal experiences. Thank you so much!!

Hi BadriLuvJasmin,

Thanks so much!  It is a trying process, and it's hard to know how long anything really takes, because each case is different.  From the date the changed the status to issued on the CEAC site, it took 10 calendar days (which includes Friday and Saturday) before the passport was ready to pick up.  The embassy didn't update the tracker on ustraveldocs when they sent it to the courier (VFS Global).  My fiance wrote VFS on on Sunday and they wrote back, finally, with an email that said that the embassy had delivered the passport; and a few minutes later the ustraveldocs site showed 'ready for pickup'.  He then traveled to Algiers to pick it up the next day.  The 56 days of waiting was the total time from when he was approved at interview until he picked it up (with help to get them to finally issue it, from our congressman's office).  

Hopefully you will not have a wait like this, but it's hard to know.  You should have it within 10 business days.  Some people have gotten theirs sooner.  Keep contacting VFS Global if you have questions about it, though; the embassy should deliver it to them, after they issue it.  Good luck!!! 

22 hours ago, redone1 said:

Congrats !!

Thanks so much!!

Just a note that we finally got the visa/passport back!  It took 10 days, and the US Embassy never updated the status on ustraveldocs that it was being sent to the courier.  My fiance did write the courier (VFS Global) for a second time on Sunday, and they finally replied that they had the passport.  Moments later, the status was changed from 'no status' to 'ready for pickup'.  My fiance was able to travel to Algiers and get it, today.  

Today marks 56 days of waiting to pick up the visa/passport after written approval at the interview, when they told us it would take 10-15 days.  Incredible!  But we are thankful to finally have the visa in hand!!!!!!!!!!

22 hours ago, redone1 said:

Hello ... as soon as the embassy deliver the passport to vfs you will receive an email from usyraveldocs telling they collected the passport and it is ready for pick up. Ceac website will not show anything new after issued. Just wait for the email hopefully it come soon. 

Good luck !

Thanks, redone1... and good luck on your AOS!!

1 hour ago, soufyane lindsey said:

hello my case is issued juste today but i don't  know how many time i wait for my passport to pick up from vfs global hopefuly soon  good luck for you

Glad to hear your visa is finally issued!!!  

I hope our visas will be ready for pickup soon.  Let us know if you get an update on status. Good luck, too!

Hi All,

Can anyone tell me how long your wait was from when the CEAC site showed your visa as ISSUED to ustraveldocs showing the passport status as 'origination scan' then 'ready to pick up'?

From the site for Algeria:  http://www.ustraveldocs.com/dz/dz-niv-passporttrack.asp, it says:

"If your status shows "origination scan", it means your passport has left the U.S. Embassy and is transit to the delivery location you have chosen. It is however not available yet.  Only when the status shows "ready for pick up", it means you can go to the VFS Global Document Collection Center you have chosen to pick up your passport."

Our CEAC went to ISSUED on 1/12/17.  But as of today 1/18/17, there is no status update for the passport (meaning the embassy has not delivered it to the courier).  The courier's office is now closed for the day, so basically we are going into the 7th day, after issuance, without a passport status update.  My fiance chose to pick up the passport in Algiers, so the courier doesn't even have to deliver it.  

We just want to know if can happen this way, that the embassy sits on an issued passport for a week before event sending it to the courier.

Thank you!

On 1/15/2017 at 8:36 AM, jgschuck said:

do i need to include anything at all in regards to the affidavit of support in the initial I-129F / K1 packet??

Nope, not required as of the updated instructions on 12/23/16:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-129f 

However, front-loading applications is done by some people. I gave proof of employment and salary as part of front-loaded evidence for the embassy review, including other proofs that supported our case, as this packet the USCIS is the first look the embassy will have into a relationship, other than the info you provide on the day of your interview.

On 1/13/2017 at 4:38 AM, Lorani said:

Hi people, trust your new year is coming along fine. I would like to ask if there is anyone else who have experienced difficulties scheduling a k1 visa appointment in US embassy in nairobi?been waiting for weeks and checking every hour but so far nothing seems to come by. Those who have gone through the appointment process  through this embassy,do you mind sharing what are the convenient time or hrs in a day where there is a likelyhood of finding a date? Thank you in advance. 

Hi Lorani,

I saw these folks discussing the embassy in Narobi, so maybe some info will help you.  Also you can check out members who had approvals on the Kenya Portal:  http://www.visajourney.com/portals/index.php?country=Kenya.  Good luck!! 

Hi CY & Evy,

Everything I'm reading says it's find to change jobs, just provide that info at the interview, when you submit the I-134 affidavit of support.  You actually are not required to show financial support for the I-129F (some people choose to add info to 'front load' the application with details that may be asked at the embassy; but it is not required, and you may actually increase your pay getting a new job.  I even read that some folks lost jobs during the petition process, but as long as you show you have one or a co-sponsor by the interview that even shouldn't cause a denial.  I think you will be fine.

Good luck!!

5 hours ago, Gee S said:

Thanks for the reply. It went to AP right after the interview. Then I explained that the medical wasn't ready by then and they asked me to bring my results the following Wednesday which I did. I was given the green slip immediately after I handed over my results starting that I should go back in 2 weeks. My passport was also retained. 

Hi Gee S,

I hope that you will have it soon. It's a good thing that they have your passport and told you 2 weeks, which means they plan to get you the visa, if all checks out.  So they are just taking their time to finalize your file.  

To note, for some embassies, either today or tomorrow is a federal holiday (Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday); for Algeria, they take it today.  So that slows down things a bit.  

I know it's frustrating, but hang in there!  My fiance had an approved interview on Nov 28th and it took 45 days to get the visa issued, and we are still waiting for his passport to be sent to the courier for pick up.  I had to contact my congressman's office to get a reply on the status (I've posted elsewhere about that).  But hopefully yours will be processed, shortly.

Keep us posted!  Best wishes!

12 hours ago, lollu said:

thanks for reply. I did contact the embassy and they helped me out. Now, Embesy states that my fiance need I-134 from me and some documents from his side. I wonder whether i should send him bank statements, tax returns,  I-129 f , G-325 (Mine)  or letter of intend to marry as well? 

Thanks 

Hi lollu,

The NVC will send a letter that states they've forwarded your packet to the embassy. If you filled out form g1145 (request to be notified electronically), when you submitted the petition, they should have emailed you. In our case they emailed and also mailed a letter (but they mailed it a week after the date on the letter itself, then it took a few days to arrive.  This letter gives your case number for the embassy.  You can get the same information by calling the NVC and giving them your WAC# from the NOA1, then asking for your case number. Also, you can ask if they have your email on file.

The embassy should have emailed you (if you filled out the g1145) instructions on what to provide for the interview, such as these I found, below (may be out-of-date):

• Instructions from US embassy in New Delhi: http://photos.state.gov/libraries/india/521916/K1 pkt info/K1 pkt 4 July.pdf
• Instructions for embassy in Mumbai:  http://photos.state.gov/libraries/mumbai/1057584/senkx/BMB IV Packet 4 for Ks January 2015 Revision_001.pdf

If they did not, you can ask the NVC how to obtain these; they can give you the correct email or phone number of the embassy to let them know you didn't receive written instructions.

The letter they send you (or should have sent you) will state exactly what is needed for that embassy, but the ones I attached will give you a good idea.  

You will need to send your fiance originals of documents you submitted with the I-129F petition (official documentation such as birth certificates and copies of signed forms, as well as evidence such as boarding passes and receipts, from the first petition; I believe he will need the NOA2 - I gave my fiance all the notices we'd received, as well, though that may not be mandatory. You will also need to provide a new letter of intent from both you and him (reaffirmation), recently signed and dated.  

You can download tax transcripts from the IRS site (it's good to give extra evidence of financial support), but the I-134 instructions https://www.uscis.gov/system/files_force/files/form/i-134instr.pdf? show that you must provide the following financial evidence:

Submit in duplicate evidence of income and resources, as appropriate:

A. Statement from an officer of the bank or other financial institutions with deposits, identifying the following details regarding the account:

    (1) Date account opened;

    (2) Total amount deposited for the past year; and

    (3) Present balance.

B. Statement(s) from your employer on business stationery showing:

    (1) Date and nature of employment;

    (2) Salary paid; and

    (3) Whether the position is temporary or permanent.

C. If self-employed:

    (1) Copy of last income tax return filed; or

    (2) Report of commercial rating concern.

D. List containing serial numbers and denominations of bonds and name of record owner(s). [this is only if you have any, of course]

This is our Table of Contents for the packet that my fiance took to the embassy (made generic, to share here).  We made a correction to his G-235A, but it is not a required document for us to both resubmit, since the embassy has the original, singed version(s) from the petition:

DS-160 Confirmation – [Beneficiary] - your fiance will need to fill this out online before he can schedule the interview.

Passport – [Beneficiary]

Original Birth Certificate with translation – [Beneficiary]

Certified Police/Court Certificate with translation – [Beneficiary]

Certified Military Records with translation– [Beneficiary]

Two 2 x 2 in. Photographs – [Beneficiary]

Certified Certificate of No Marriage with translation – [Beneficiary]

Termination of Prior Marriage (Certificate of Absolute Divorce) – Petitioner’s and/or Beneficiary’s, if applicable

Evidence of Support – [Petitioner – required]

·         Form I-134 Affidavit of Support

·         Job Letter ([Company Name])

·         Bank Letter ([Bank Name])

·         [Additional evidence such as W-2s, Job Offer Letters, Paystubs, tax transcripts – list]

Medical Examination – [Beneficiary]

·         Medical Packet ([Name of Clinic])

·         International Certificate of Vaccination booklet

Notification Letters (K-1 Visa)

·         Form 1-797C, Notice of Action (WAC#) – [MM/DD/YY]

·         Form 1-797, Notice of Action (Approval Notice with envelope) – [MM/DD/YY]

·         National Visa Center (Case Number# notification) – [MM/DD/YY]

Evidence of Relationship (since [Month, Year] when I-129F packet for K-1 Visa Petition was submitted)

·         Fiancée Letter of Intent (Reaffirmation) – [Petitioner]

·         Fiancé Letter of Intent (Reaffirmation) – [Beneficiary]

·         Evidence of vacation together in ([Country, Date Range])

o    Examples:  Photos together in [City, Country] ([XY] photos in album), Boarding Passes, travel items/receipts, updated Passport Pages, airline online check-in, itineraries

Communications since [Month, Year]

·         Example:  Selected Communications (Facebook, IM, Skype), Skype Screenshots,  Logs [Date Range], Monthly Statements/Current Subscription, Phone Call Screenshots ([Viber], Cell Phone)

·         Additional Wedding Details

o    Examples:  Emails with wedding officiant, Wedding Ceremony Script

·         Other Financial Evidence – [Petitioner]

o    Examples: Money Transfers, Life Insurance / Retirement Beneficiary designations, property titles / values

·         Original Documents (copies previously submitted in the I-129F K-1 Visa Petition packet submitted [Month, Year])

o    Certificate of Absolute Divorce [for Petitioner/Beneficiary, as applicable]

o    Birth Certificate – [Petitioner]

o    Boarding Passes, Travel Receipts & Items

o    Photos

o    Wedding Ring Receipt

Best wishes to you!!

I found this definition of the 221g here:  https://dakar.usembassy.gov/immigrant_visas.html:   

"At the end of the interview, you will be told whether you have established your eligibility for the IV [immigrant visa].  If you have not brought a required document such as a police clearance or your medical examination, you will be given a 221g letter with instructions on how to schedule a second interview once you have all of your required documents.  If you have not established your eligibility for an IV, your case will be referred to the consular section's eligibility review unit for further evaluation."

I'm not certain why they din't give you the slip at the interview, but your medical file is now under review, so I believe that's why it went into AP.  Hopefully you will hear back from them soon!

Hi Adenicole,

It is hard to say, because people do get both approvals or denials, or can got into administrative processing (221g for missing evidence or background check issues), at the interview.  There are no guarantees.

Just make sure you double-check all the requested information and that you have everything as it should be, plus ensure you show additional proof of your ongoing relationship (with any new physical evidence such as boarding passes, plane ticket info, photos, etc., or additional communications/IMs, phone records, signed reaffirmation of being free and able to marry in 90 days letters, etc.).

If you have all that and your vaccinations and medical done, you are meeting the requirements you need to show.  But now you need to show sincerity about your relationship and the questions they ask, at the interview.  Channel any nervousness into energy that keeps you positive in your interview.  Some people get very tough interviewers, while others are nice.  Some people get 4 questions, some get 30 minutes of questioning.  I'd recommend checking out the Nigerian embassy forum to see if you can find others who have interviewed there and what kinds of questions they were asked and their reviews of the embassy.  

My fiance and I found lists of questions online, compiled them, and went over them. It was more a practice to cover any questions that could possibly come up, so he would feel more confident in the interview.  But of course we know each other so well, so it came easy for him.  The reason you want to go to the USA, if asked, is always to marry your fiance(e).. sometimes they ask questions to trip you up - maybe you also want to get good work and provide for your family, or whatnot, but I've heard of people being denied for answering that simple question incorrectly.

I don't want you to fear the interview.  Remember that you've been preliminary approved, gotten through the NVC background screening, and if you've shown good evidence in the first petition and in the documents you bring to the embassy to support your relationship, then there will be less you have to 'prove'.   

I posted the questions we got on our timeline.  You can also see others who interviewed at the Nigerian embassy on this page: http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Nigeria&cty=Lagos (on the right hand side) and see if they left reviews.

I found this posting of an interview in Nigeria. It was for a spousal visa, not a K1, so some different questions; but it gives a very thorough review:

Good luck to you!

No worries.. I had to double check to be sure

58 minutes ago, ShanghaiSurfer said:

You don't need fiancé' original birth certificate. That's only needed at initial petition stage.  Only your original birth certificate is needed at interview. Good luck.

Requirements may differ, at different embassies, but for the embassy at Sydney, it is saying you must have the original.

Also, the I-129F instructions (https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-129finstr.pdf) sate that copies, not originals, are needed, but you may be required to provide originals at any time. In terms of the birth certificate it says "If you were born in the United States, submit a copy, front and back, of your birth certificate."

Per the form I linked at the top of the page (instructions in the letter from the embassy in Sydney, for things you must bring to the interview), you will need an original (and a copy) of your fiance's and your birth certificate.  Your fiance or you should have the letter/email of instructions from the embassy, which might be more updated that the one I linked above.  The one I linked says you must bring:

BIRTH CERTIFICATE(S)

Birth certificate issued by the Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages for each applicant.  Original and one copy.

Our embassy instructions for Algeria were worded differently, but had the same requirement: "original birth certificate of each person named in the applications is required".

To note, this birth certificate must be an official copy from vital records, not one that says it is for 'Medical and Health use only.' Your fiance should have supplied them a copy of his official birth certificate for the I-129F petition, so he should send you the original of that (plus any originals of other official or singed copies of documents or evidence that he provided in the petition). I'm pretty sure your fiance must have the correct kind of birth certificate, or you would have gotten an RFE during the USCIS review, but just make sure.

Best wishes!!!

Hi JimmyJane,

Sorry to hear about your situation!  Below are my suggestions and some information that I found.  I was referencing this form (not sure if it is the one they gave you or up-to-date), because I wanted an idea of what they are requesting from you for the interview in Australia:  https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/pk 3 supplements/SYD - Sydney.pdf; but if something conflicts with what they provided you, definitely disregard my recommendation.

Of course, you have 2 options:

1. Go to the interview with what you have, listing out all you are waiting on; you will be interviewed and get a 221g and go into Administrative Processing until you can resubmit all the required documents/medical info; they may schedule a 2nd interview (not certain; for some embassies, info can be mailed to the embassy through their chosen courier service; or in some cases it can be scanned and sent electronically).
2. Reschedule - I would first try call customer service number before emailing, due to timing; from: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/au/au-main-contactus.asp

            Telephone: Please contact a customer service representative using one of these telephone numbers:

•        In Australia, call +61-1-300-139399.
•        In the United States, call 1 703 520 2230.
•  
•      Also, you or your fiance can call the NVC at 603-334-0700 - this is the immigrant line which you want (since the K1 is ultimately for immigrating). They may have info. 
•      Press 1 for English, and 4 for Time and Date of your interview - the recording says that you will speak to a representative (not certain if this will be useful).
•      Realize that rescheduling may lead to delays in your case.

Questions:

• Would they even know if I needed a Canada police check?! -  If you were over the age of 16 in Canada and lived there for more than 6 months then you need to provide a police record (if you have any record, age is not a factor). (The form I link, above, shows 12 months, so it may be outdated; the link, below, is from travelstate.gov and shows 6 months like you said).  So it sounds like, going by travestate.gov, you would need a police check done for the UK, as well, if you were over 16 when you lived there.
  They would know you lived in Canada from either the G-325A residence section (only if you lived in Canada within the last 5 years).  The purpose of the NVC's assessment is to conduct background checks on you, so they could potentially find out you lived in Canada from those checks. From: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/family/fiance-k-1.html, "Police certificates from your present country of residence and all countries where you have lived for six months or more since age 16 (Police certificates are also required for accompanying children age 16 or older)".
• Vaccinations - I don't have the answer as to the cost of the vaccinations there.  You will have to fill out a medical form and show your vaccinations records and have them reviewed by a Civil Surgeon for the AOS, once you are in the US; if you are lacking vaccinations, you can complete them in the US. See: http://www.visajourney.com/faq/6.2.2
• However, I believe you must have the other medical tests completed and the results reviewed by the embassy for an approval - so that would go into AP, if you can't provide results on the day.  Often, medical results are not yet in when folks interview, so the AP may be short - just waiting for those final results to come in for verification.
• DS-160 - https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/forms/ds-160--online-nonimmigrant-visa-application.html says you only need the confirmation page: "Print and keep the DS-160 barcode page. (You will not need to print the full application.)"
• I believe you do need wet signatures, still, for the I-134.  However, for the I-864 Affadavit of Support (used for K3 spousal visas and when you submit the AOS in the USA), as of 12/28/2016 a wet signature is no longer required https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/news/ink-signature-no-longer-required-on-affidavits-of-support.html "As part of our ongoing efforts to be responsive to customer needs in immigrant visa processing, the Department of State is pleased to announce that original or “wet ink” signatures are no longer required on submitted Forms I-864, Affidavit of Support. This also applies to the I-864A, I-864W, and I-864EZ."
  I would honestly print off the page I linked, here, showing this update and add an attachment with an explanation that the copy you have does not have a wet signature and why; you could have your fiance get a notarized copy of his signed I-134 form, write a letter that he is mailing the original, as well, and show them a copy of the notarized version.  Seems strange to do that, but from an auditor's perspective, that may be more legitimate in terms of documenting the issue.
• Supporting Documentation - anything with a signature must be an original (except the U.S. petitioner's passport, of course), when you submit this to the embassy.  In the I-129F petition, it is noted that for any copies of official documents you provide, originals will made available - you will need those original proofs at the interview, including original boarding passes, receipts, birth certificates, divorce decrees, etc. 
• You will need your fiance's divorce decree (official).  You will also want to reconfirm in a letter, similar to the one in the K-1 petition, your letter of intent - that you are free to marry and still committed to doing so within 90 days of your arrival in the USA (called a reaffirmation letter); your fiance must sign a new copy of this later, with the present date, and send that with the other supporting documentation.

My thought is to get ALL you can in terms of evidence - all they ask for - if you don't have it add a letter of explanation. The give even more info, to support your case. Add a section on continued proof of relationship - give extra evidence on support, pictures from vacations and communications you all had between the date you sent the petition until now.  You could even fill out the I-864 (NOT REQUIRED) and give 3 years tax returns, which you can download from the IRS site:  https://www.irs.gov/uac/newsroom/request-a-transcript-or-copy-of-a-prior-year-tax-return since you won't have your original I-134 (the I-864 has to prove you make 125% over the poverty line, whereas I-134 is 100%).  If you provide a well-documented packet and a cover letter showing all that's in it, with explanations of all that is still in process, then I think your Admin Processing would be straightforward (but that's just my best guess). But if you feel it will leave you too unprepared, it is possible to reschedule.  Either way, you will have a bit more delays, ahead, due to the scheduling issue, but it doesn't stop your process.

I don't know the statistics on the delays of rescheduling vs. the delays of having to submit evidence later and going into AP.  I have seen others advise people to attend the interview and submit the documents when you can submit them, as rescheduling can be difficult and you will not get top priority over others.  But still, people sometimes do need to reschedule, so there is a process for that.

If you can call and find out about the appointment options, that would give you more information to make a decision.  Again, I'd try to call, first. I did find this page http://www.ustraveldocs.com/au/au-niv-appointmentschedule.asp which has a link to schedule/change an appointment (online), once you decide.  It does note, "Restrictions to Changing Appointments - Applicants are limited to the number of times they can reschedule their appointments. Please plan accordingly so that you are not required to pay another visa application fee."  So obviously rescheduling does occur, if they put a cap on how many times you can do it before needing to pay again.

Take heart and try not to worry over the right thing to do.. there is no right or wrong answer, really.  Both options will lead to your evidence being reviewed and you getting an interview.  I will pray for you all that it goes along faster than you expect.  Good luck!!

1 minute ago, Bob_B said:

So long as you can send copies of your boarding passes for your air flights and an itinerary (helpful if flight and/or hotel stay purchased thru Expedia or other travel site) copy, then I see no point in sending a copy of your passport at all. It is not requested in the I-129F and if you prove you traveled abroad, it is granted you HAVE a passport and received the necessary visa stamp in your destination airport.

Though it isn't requested, my understanding is that proofs that can be validated, such as boarding passes and stamps in passports hold a heavier weight than documents such as itineraries (though I think those are still good to show).  I scanned my fiance's passport pages and inserted them into a Word doc, then scaled the images down to 4 pages - you could probably get it to 2.  Just that little extra bit of info shows proof that can be validated vs. things like emails and IMs or even itineraries which could be forged and are not something that can be easily validated.  When I say 'validated' what I mean is that for the interview, any official documents you provided copies of in the I-129F must be submitted (or may be requested during review) - a boarding pass and a passport can then be validated against the copies that were provided, whereas emails, itineraries and the like are only ever 'copies'.

8 hours ago, jgschuck said:

thank you very much!

 

One other quick question when including letters sent back and fourth, can i tamper with them? On one I feel it is a great letter! But there was a joke made that I feel is not appropriate for this serious time. Is it okay to cross it out? Or would you say leave it, or just not use it at all.

What I did was take screenshots of letters, IMs, etc, and put them into a file (with a TOC and page number) - a selection of communications and posts, etc., for each month of our relationship. I found it easier that way to select info I wanted to share and/or redact some personal info (I used Paint and inserted the pictures into the Word doc).  I totally agree with folks that you have a right to be selective on what you share and redact info, but not to alter/change any of the text you choose to show.   

I am so sorry you all are going through this!!  I pray you get your answer soon!!

Hi No-fa,

I can't speak to your embassy's delays, but I will share a post I'd written about contacting the U.S. petitioner's Congressman's office for visa assistance, that I posted elsewhere.

Our case is a bit different, because we were approved, but they weren't offering us any info on why it was taking so long to have the visa issued.  But when I spoke to my Congressman's office attorney, she said that in cases where you don't get an approval letter, they can go into AP, which doesn't have a specific timeline; however, they can contact the embassy and find out what the delay is about (for instance, background check issue, etc.).  BUT if the fact is that they are just being SLOW (like ours), the Congressman's office may be able to help you get the process sped up.

We waited 44 days after approved, and no visa - then I called my Congressman's office and in 1 hour they replied that we'd have the visa in 10 days, if not sooner.  The next day (today), they issued the visa.

I can't say you'll have the same situation.  But they may be able to help you.  If you read the posts on the page I'm linking, I explain how they were able to help us, and I give a sample letter you can edit, based on your case, if the Congressman's office wants you to document the issue.  Best wishes!!!

On 12/30/2016 at 11:46 AM, Captain Ewok said:

Both fixed.

Hi Captain Ewok,

Wanted to report I'm having issues with my timeline again:

Previously I reported:

"I found our timeline only by clicking "Immigration Timelines" on the top menu of the VisaJourney home page, then clicking "Edit/Add My Entry" under Timeline Functions on the US Visa & USCIS Immigration Timelines page.

That opens the timelines login page; however, now I have to enter my email address and click "Edit/Add My Entry" to log into my timeline."

I can now see my timeline on my profile page, but when I click on it, it doesn't have an edit option on my timeline anymore (up near the picture). I have to go to Timeline Functions again and go in that way; plus when I do go in that way, I have to add my email address and click "Edit/Add My Entry" again.

Also, one odd thing that has happened a couple of times.  I'll have several tabs open with VJ pages, and I'll try to open another one and get a BANNED / not allowed to view site message on the screen.  I just close that and open another page, and I'm fine.  It happened twice, several days ago and just now.  If it happens again, I can try and tell you the exact process that caused it (if I can figure it out).  But just wanted to go ahead and mention it. 

Thank you!!

Hi jgschuck,

I found a map of what the US considers high fraud countries for visas (K1/K3):  http://mypathtocitizenship.com/which-countries-are-on-the-uscis-high-fraud-list/

Pretty much if you aren't from Europe, Australia, Canada, etc... you're country may be on that list.  Check out the embassy's page for Brazil.  Ours had this lovely fraud warning on it:  https://algiers.usembassy.gov/marriage_fraud.html

Also, if your country is one with a high denial rate of travel visas or that require a visa at all to come to the US, you will be under greater scrutiny.

I did a lot of searching on YouTube and I found this one on front loading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdsYFykFAo4.  To note, I did not use his services and am not promoting this particular person, because I fully believe we are all capable of putting these packages together ourselves.  But this was one that helped me realize that I needed to front load my packet.

You can do a Google search on 'front load K1 visa petition' to find lots of sites talking about it.  The main thing is the be very good at documenting, filling out the forms, signing them, explaining any details that need further explanation in Attachments.  You can get Requests for Evidence (RFEs) for missing things and not filling in things completely, which delay your case, so just taking the time on getting the petition completed to the best of your ability and proofreading it is most important.

I also was selective in what content I shared.  I copied screenshots, Skype shots of me with my fiance and his family/friends, with conversations about us that showed we were a real couple. I wrote details about each screenshot. I took several weekends to compile this.  I know I went overboard, but in my case, we wanted to circumvent any flags.  My fiance had a very successful interview as a result of that front-loading, I believe.  We also provided a ton more info in our 2nd packet, that he brought to the embassy, to show a continuing relationship and extra financial details that the minimum. 

As for your other question on the passport - scanned all pages, inserted them into a word file and decreased the size of the pages that were blank; only making the biometrics page and any pages with stamps from our vacations bigger (for readability).  This brought it down to 8 pages.  You want to show the whole thing so there is no doubt that all the pages come for the passport you are presenting.  If I'm remembering correctly, for the petition, you have to show the US Passport as a requirement, so make sure all pages can be read easily.  I also provided my fiance's passport, to show the stamps for our vacation in another country; so that one I got down to 4 pages (making blank pages smaller than on mine) - you can work with it.

You will need a LOT of ink for this process, especially if you front load and put pictures/screenshots in documents.  I also included physical photos.  If you don't have a home printer with a scanner, you might want to get one

Oh, and we did sign all the forms.  Be sure to use black, not blue, ink.  Also, I used to live in Colombia, and if Brazil is similar, it can be very costly to send mail; you must use FedEx/UPS/DHL or some other courier service to ensure mail arrives.  You will need 'wet' signatures on the Proof of Intent to Marry and the G-325A from your fiance.

For some of your other questions:

• do the passport pictures need to be signed on the back? Or just labeld "Photo of _*name*" ?
  • I wrote in pencil on the back of mine my name, my fiance's name, anyone else's name in the photos (if you have many people you can say 'fiance's family, friends, etc.) and the location we were at (country, city, sometimes location like restaurant, airbnb, Vacation in Country, etc.).  I did this because of some research that said to do it or suggested it (sorry I don't remember).
• will we be looked down upon if we include more than say, 10 pictures?
  • Not at all.  The VisaCoach guy gives recommendations on the types of photos to take - happy, showing background scenery, family, places visited, wearing different clothing/taken on different days/different places - if you had the date embedded on the photo, that is good, but if not, be sure to add it to the back).  I also included many photos in the screenshots/posts from FB, IMs, etc.
• are text screenshots important to include?
  • Oh yes.  I think you want to ensure  you show a pattern of how much you communicate, how public your relationship is.  If you are front-loading a petition because your country is considered high fraud, I suggest showing things that indicate your fiance's friends and family (and yours) know about you two; how you communicate, how often, the quality of communications.
• does my entire passport need to be scanned? meaning - every single page?
  • Yes; as above, scan and reduce the size to get each page into a Word file - make sure biometrics and passport stamps for travel are easy to read.

Best luck to you and if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.  I can only speak to what I've researched and done, but I'd be happy to let you know what I did, in our case.

Hi jgschuck,

I just wanted to share that if your fiance is coming from a country that has a higher denial rate (you can look up statistics) and/or if you have any 'red flags' in your relationship such as age differences, differences in religion, few vacation time together or whatever the case may be, you may want to 'front load' your application with extra details that support the case for your relationship. This is not for USCIS, but for the embassy review.

I found one person online called the VisaCoach, or something similar, who talked about this issue of 'front-loading'.  You could look into and see if you want to go in that direction.  I feel it is better to over rather than under-document, to alleviate any questions prior to getting to the interview stage.

We 'front loaded' our application with lots of information, because my fiance is from a country with a higher denial rate, we've been solely long-distance with only 2 vacations together, etc. USCIS will look for what is required, and nothing more; however, the embassy will review this packet in full; so it is good to front load in certain cases, such as ours.

Best luck to you all!!

Here is what we provided (from our cover letter on the I-129F):

- Payment in the amount of $340.00 (check #XYZ)

- G-1145 (e-Notification of Application/Petition acceptance) – 1 Page

- I-129F (Petition for K-1 Fiancé Visa) – 6 Pages

  o    I-129F Attachment, with explanations on the following questions – 9 Pages:

        §  Part 1: XYZ

        §  Part 2: 34.a Explanation of Meeting in Person

        §  Proof of XYZ

- G-325A and passport-style photo (Petitioner) – 1 Page

- G-325A and passport-style photo (Beneficiary) – 1 Page

- Birth Certificate (Petitioner) – 3 Pages

- U.S. Passport with stamps to/from Vacation/Travel visa (Petitioner) – 8 Pages

- Letters of intent to marry (Petitioner & Beneficiary)

- Proof of having met in person in the past two years

  o    23 vacation photos

  o    Plane boarding passes, vacation receipts with photos, apartment rental (Airbnb) – 14 Pages

  o    Travel itineraries (Petitioner and Beneficiary); Airbnb confirmation receipt – 6 Pages

  o    Passport pages showing visa stamps (Beneficiary) – 4 Page

- Proof of wedding plans – 24 Pages

  o    Evidence of wedding plans: wedding officiant contract/deposit/emails, emails with caterer, rental quotes, reception invitation sample

- Additional proof of relationship (including ongoing relationship)

  o    Confirmed tickets for upcoming vacation together; invitation letter, receipt from visa service, visa stamp for vacation; engagement ring receipt, Proof of Income – 7 Pages

  o    Correspondence samples (email, Skype, Facebook) – 62 Pages

  o    17 Photos taken during Skype sessions, including family & friends

Hey All,

I thought to show you all what I wrote up to give to the Congressman's office (they asked for a brief description of the situation, and I'm sure I over-documented it, like I do).  But it must have helped. You will also have to fill out and sign a privacy form they send you (or from their website).

I made this letter generic, but of course you'll have to change the info to fit your situation and what documents you are providing (that the Congressman's office asked for).  

In my case, we had an approved visa that they sat on for 44 days and wouldn't issue, without any reason as to why not.  Please know I am not suggesting that folks contact their Congressman's office the second there is a delay, as that would overwhelm the whole system.  We are all in a waiting process which is painful, but we can expect some delays (which is why we were patient through the holiday season, for instance).  But at some point, if your case is having issues, like ours, your congressman may be able to help you. 

Representative’s Name

Address

U.S. Petitioner’s Name

Address

Date

RE:  Inquiry on delay in issuance of Approved K1 Visa (Case# XYZ)

Dear Sir or Madam:

This letter is to request a status update concerning the approved K1 Visa that I, [Petitioner’s Name], submitted on behalf of my [fiancé(e)] [Beneficiary’s Name].

I filed the petition in [Month, Year] which was received by the USCIS California Service Center on [Month, Day, Year] (noted on form I-797C).  We later received form I-797, noting a receipt date of [Month, Day, Year] showing the petition had been approved on [Month, Day, Year].

My [fiancé(e)] had [his/her] interview on [Month, Day, Year]. [He/She] received a written approval of [his/her] visa being issued, as well as a verbal approval.  The letter [he/she] was given said [his/her] visa would take [5] business days to be issued; however, [he/she] was verbally told it takes [10 business days / 15 calendar days].

It has now been [XY] days since my [fiancé(e)’s] approval at [his/her] interview.  On [Month, Day, Year], the CEAC online status check did show a change from Ready to Administrative Processing, with that date, and the visa designation was changed to ‘nonimmigrant visa’.  We were hopeful that [his/her] passport would be issued within 2 business days, as indicated in the CEAC message, but that has not yet occurred.

I’ve made calls to the National Visa Center (NVC) on [Month, Day, Year], [Month, Day, Year] and [Month, Day, Year].   They originally advised me to email the U.S. [Consulate/Embassy] in [City of U.S. Consulate/Embassy], which I did on [Month, Day, Year].  I never received a reply.

I am attaching the following documents, for your review:

• [Notices:  I-797C and I-797
• NVC Notice
• Appointment Confirmation
• Email to U.S. Embassy in Algiers – Passport Status Inquiry
• Welcome Letter of Issuance of Visa at Approved Interview]

I agree to have information released regarding the status of our case and the reason for the delay.  If there is any information we can receive regarding expected timelines to receive the passport/visa/packet, please let us know.  Thank you for your assistance.

Best regards,

[signature]

[U.S. Petitioner’s Name]

Email address

Phone #