Peepod

Wohoo! I received my green card 06/13 - good luck to the rest of my fellow VJ'ers! See you again in a month for the Citizenship process

Is it just me, or are the approved green cards taking foreeeeeeeeeeeeever to arrive in the mail? A lot of folks were approved early April and as far as I can see still no green cards in the mail!

Wohoo! Received approval letter we were approved on 4/8/2013. Please update my timeline.

Good luck to my fellow VJ'ers! And we'll see you again for the Citizenship in 3 months time!!!

Hey fellow VJ'ers. I've been trying to check progress on the USCIS website (https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/Dashboard/CaseStatus.do) but the site cannot find my application. Should I be worried, or is this sometimes the case?

Go ahead, that's fine with me.

Here is the updated list adding our details.....

GC was delivered today. I'm at work but hubby just told me

Adding GC Received column to the chart.

California Service Center (22 applicants, 2 approved - 9.0%)

VJName............Date of I-751.....NOA1 Date......Biometrics.....Approved....GC Received....

CENTURYMAN..........08/01/12........08/02/12.......09/07/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......(early bio 8/20)

MRSOO...............08/02/12........08/03/12.......08/30/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

NICA_IN_LOVE........08/04/12........08/06/12.......08/28/12.......03/07/13....03/13/13.......

NISHI...............08/07/12........08/09/12.......09/10/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

BETH AND JOHN ......08/07/12........08/10/12.......09/13/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

ROGUE320............08/07/12........08/17/12.......09/14/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

LARA&PAWAN..........08/08/12........08/10/12.......09/10/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

BRUIN85.............08/10/12........08/14/12.......09/11/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......(early bio 8/31)

LOSTINLOVE03........08/10/12........08/14/12.......09/10/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

BRACHICAGO..........08/14/12........--/--/12.......--/--/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

KATIN...............08/15/12........08/16/12.......09/12/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

PII SAM.............08/15/12........08/22/12.......09/25/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

ADMAN...............08/18/12........08/20/12.......09/21/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

DUKEOFYORK..........08/20/12........08/23/12.......10/11/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

FROSTYMIST..........08/21/12........08/29/12.......09/26/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

NINA80..............08/21/12........--/--/12.......09/26/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......( I didn't receive the NOA1)

ASHBEY..............08/21/12........08/22/12.......09/25/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

PROCEEDWITH.........08/23/12........--/--/12.......--/--/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

CHARMED BY YOU......08/26/12........08/29/12.......10/01/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

NINU................08/27/12........08/30/12.......09/24/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

R@VJ................08/28/12........08/31/12.......10/04/12.......03/12/13....--/--/--.......

BASIA&GORDON........08/03/12........08/06/12.......09/18/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

Vermont Service Center (22 applicants)

VJName............Date of I-751.....NOA1 Date......Biometrics.....Approved....GC Received....

CHRIS & CAT.........08/??/12........08/06/12.......08/31/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

PURDUEFANMIKE.......08/01/12........08/06/12.......09/05/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

HOPPLA..............08/04/12........08/07/12.......09/07/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

DAVE & Jenny........08/06/12........08/13/12.......09/05/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

AMIT-N-MELODY.......08/09/12........08/13/12.......--/--/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

TOM&TANYA...........08/10/12........08/14/12.......09/05/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......(early bio 8/27)

KAREN_AND_JAY.......08/10/12........08/14/12.......09/19/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

DALEB...............08/10/12........08/17/12.......09/17/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

CAN2US..............08/11/12........08/13/12.......09/05/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

KATIE & SIFA........08/13/12........08/16/12.......09/13/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

BOKGAO..............08/16/12........--/--/12.......--/--/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

ANGELBLU............08/18/12........08/22/12.......09/26/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

CANADIANDGGAL.......08/20/12........08/28/12.......09/25/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

SOMEWHEREINNA.......08/20/12........08/26/12.......09/20/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

TAYMOM0407..........08/20/12........08/22/12.......09/18/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

SCROSSO1980.........08/21/12........08/24/12.......09/14/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

LUIS&EILEEN.........08/21/12........08/22/12.......09/26/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

DAN.AND.AUDREY......08/22/12........08/27/12.......10/01/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

EASTERNDE...........08/24/12........08/27/12.......10/01/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

KITTEN24............08/24/12........08/27/12.......09/24/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

ASH-N-FLO...........08/26/12........08/29/12.......09/21/12.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

STEVE S.............08/29/12........09/04/12.......--/--/--.......--/--/--....--/--/--.......

IMPORTANT!

* Make sure that your VJ Text Editor setting is set to Rich Text Editor.

* Go to the MOST RECENTLY POSTED VERSION of this list (go to the last post and scroll UP) and "Reply" to it, deleting the "quote" tags in your reply.

* Please DO NOT change the font, font size, add colors, stuff like that.

* Please PREVIEW before posting to make sure it is properly formatted.

* Please check that you have not deleted anyone's NAME & DATA.

Date of I-751 = The Date you sent your application

NOA Date = The Receipt Date on your original NOA letter

Biometrics = The Date of your biometrics appointment

Approved = The Date your case was approved

* Please Capitalize your VJ Name when adding it to the list.

* When you're on this list, please come back to update your information accordingly.

* If you cannot add your information yourself, please ask another VJ member to help you do so.

Congrats to the green card holders!!

I just spotted this forum, and I'd like to add my details to the list. I must admit I was getting slightly worried at the length of time its taking, but seeing this forum has eased my mind.

Here are my details for the app made via CSC:

Basia&Gordon

Filed: 08/03/2012

NOA: 08/06/2012

Bio: 09/18/2012

Thanks and good luck!

You should not have to have another medical exam when applying for your AOS.

Since you are K-1 and your medical examination was completed in London, your DS-2053 should have been included with your package that you handed over at POE. However, there have been reported cases where the DS-2053 has gone missing. In which case you will get an RFE unless you have submitted your I-693 with your AOS package.

So, from what I can gather, you would be well advised to include the I-693 with your AOS application.

If you have the DS-3025 immunization record that the Knightsbridge Doctors should have given you a copy of, you should be able to have them transcribed into an I-693 locally in the US by a Civil Surgeon. There is usually a small admin fee of $50-$75. In my case, it cost $100. You may have to be prepared to convince the CS that you do not require an additional medical.

Good luck with your Visa Journey!

Well, I had my appointment with Dr. Creed yesterday in Center City Medical Center. After explaining many times to the receptionist that I didn't actually require the full medical, just a transfer of my immunization records to the I-693, I was eventually allowed to see the Doctor.

After explaining the circumstances to him, he was happy to transcribe my immunization records and sign off the I-693. It cost $150, however, I managed to get $50 knocked off because I was only carrying $100 at the time! I think they charged me the same rate as if the full medical was being carried out, which I thought was rather exorbitant!

So, with a modicum of perseverance and a little bit of patience, us K-1 Visa holders can get their I-693 completed without any further nasty pokes and prods arising from a second medical!

Short, informal but informative. I like it! Thanks for your input Allie and Nigel!

http://www.visajourn...il_Surgeon_List There are 2 doctors on this list (compiled by people who've seen them and recommend them from this thread: http://www.visajourn...nt-rip-you-off/ ) from Philly. have a look and see if any are in your area if you luck out with Dr. Creed (or just call them if you aren't committed to Creed yet).

Thanks Vanessa&Tony, I called both of these Civil Surgeons earlier and the receptionist really didn't have a clue what I was talking about. She kept insisting I needed to spend $200 on a full medical. So, I did a little searching around of my own. If Dr. Creed works out I'll give him the thumbs up on posts you mention.

The second (and last) I called wanted to schedule a two day appointment. When I explained we only needed the vacciantion section completed and the form signed the lady who answered the phone said - ok - if that is all you need then you dont need an appointment. Just bring your forms and info and we will complete them.

Thanks Bernie C, its good to know there are some surgeons that are reasonable. I wasn't sure where Erie was so I checked it out on the map. The geography here in the US never fails to amaze me! Its on such a larger scale than Scotland or even the UK. So you are around six hours drive from where I am. Looks gorgeous where you are, by the lakeside. I'm looking forward to getting out and exploring the state and indeed the rest of the country!

I'm a bit nervous about the whole thing, were going next week.

Don't be nervous, I'm sure your wife will be just fine! Just a matter of procedure really.

Wish you the best and hope it goes well for the both of us!!!!!!!!!

Yes, indeedy all the best to you and yours! Let us know how it all goes!

Ah that's an interesting point you raise. I've just looked at my DS-3025 and the doctor has checked 'Vaccination History Incomplete' and 'Applicant may be eligible for blanket waiver(s) because vaccination(s) not medically appropriate'.

I don't even know what that means! I had to get Tetanus and MMR as part of my medical.

Moving on, I've been phoning around a number of Civil Surgeons this afternoon and am getting tired of trying to explain the situation to the receptionist. They all try to push me into getting a full medical once again. I really don't want to do this as a matter of principle. Why should be pay twice for the same set of examinations?

However, I did manage to find a Civil Surgeon who is prepared to work with me. Although I didn't get a complete "I understand that K-Visas are different, come in and I'll transcribe", the receptionist remained convinced I was wrong, but after talking with the doctor, she said ok come in and bring all your information with you. The Doctor will take care of you.

The Civil Surgeon is Dr Gerald M. Creed at the Center City Medical Center in Philadelphia. Has anyone worked with this CS in the past? It sounds promising, but I'll not know until Monday. I'll post back and let you know how it goes.

Hi guys,

I'm preparing my AOS application, and have a slight confusion over whether I need to file I-693 or otherwise. I've read a number of posts with people saying DS-3025 was sufficient, others received RFE when only DS-3025 was submitted. Some say that they submitted I-693 part 1.

However, I've just downloaded the I-693 and accompanying instructions. From what I can gather, in MY CASE, I will not be required to submit I-693 with my application.

Here are the reasons for my conclusion:

• I was admitted as a K-1 Visa Holder
  
• I received a medical prior to admission
  
• I will file I-485 within one year of my medical examination
  
• My medical did not reveal a Class-A medical condition
  
• My DS-3025 was properly completed and included in the original, overseas medical examination report
  

Did anyone submit their AOS application without including an I-693 or a DS-3025 as part of their package and not receive an RFE? I think I would include a copy of my DS-3025 just to be safe, and perhaps a statement quoting the above reasons for not including an I-693. All advice welcome.

Hello fellow VJers!

Does anyone know whether it is legal to continue providing services to a foreign employer, and being paid into a foreign bank account, while in the United States on a K-1 Fiancé visa?

Any help or insight will be greatly appreciated!

I had my interview yesterday at the London Consulate. I was worried about my NOA2 date expiring on the 18th April, 8 days before my interview, however, there was no mention of this at all during the course of my interview.

I did prepare a notarized statement from my fiancée reaffirming her intent to marry me within 90 days of entry into the US, however, that was not requested either.

Good luck with the remainder of your journey!

You can definitely do this.. just follow the instructions on the website. Just check with DOS before you send them to London. When calling DOS for status, they need to indicate to you that London has mailed your packet 3. Once this occurs, then send your paperwork as soon as you like. Send it confirmed delivery. Keep a copy of everything you send for yourself, in case something gets lost along the way.

I take it you have your police clearance ordered..

Make sure to make your medical appointment, as well, once you know your packet's gone to the embassy. There's a spot on the forms to note your medical appt date.

Ah ok, I guess I'll need to wait a little longer. The NVC has only just received the petition and I'm guessing another week or two until the London Consolate receives it. I have my police clearance already, so just need medical appointment and I'm all set!

I have no immunisation records, so its looking likely I'm going to have a sore arm when it comes to medical time in London! All good, I'm a big brave soldier

The problem is I'm going to the US for a few weeks to be with my fiancée over New Year period and was hoping to have the package prepared and ready to send by my parents while I'm gone. I have no date for medical yet so I guess thats going to delay things a little further.

Thanks for your response on this and Merry Christmas to all at VJ!

Hello everybody!

We received our K1-Fiancé(e) NOA2 on 12/18 and today I called NVC and found out they had received the case from USCIS!

They gave me the case number over the phone. I guess my question is this; can I simply go to the London Consolate Website and download the required forms, fill them in and return them to the consolate even before we receive packet 3?

As far as I can see I will need to send them the following forms:

- DS-230 (Part I)

- Form DS-156 (x2)

- Form DS-157 (x2)

- Form DS-156-K

- IV-15 & Checklist

Many thanks for everyones help, this is such an awesome website. So many helpful people!

Hello fellow VJ'ers,

My fiancée has filed an I-129F petition for K1-visa for me to join her in the states. We have received our NOA1 but awaiting our NOA2.

In advance of my medical examination in London, I've been doing a bit of fishing around to try and get hold of my immunisation records. However, it seems that my medical records do not detail any record of vaccinations. So effectively I have no proof.

I've been doing a bit of reading and it seems that the US Consultate only expect me to have MMR and Td/Tdap (male aged 33). I was thinking that I would schedule these immunisations ahead of my medical and save a fair chunk of change in the process (~£60).

However, before rushing in and getting these immunisations, I wanted to ask any fellow UK beneficiaries in a similar position to me, i.e. no immunisation records, what happened during their medical interviews with respect to immunisations. Which vaccinations did they give you and roughly how much did it cost?

Thanks in advance for any feedback and good luck to one and all with your petitions!

Hi guys,

My fiancée has just submitted our I-129F Petition for K-1 Visa. A thought just occurred to me and I researched more about consulates. Much to my great horror, I've read that the Edinburgh consulate does not handle any non-immigrant visa processing. However, for question 20 of the I-129F we stated that I would apply for VISA at Edinburgh as opposed to London.

Will this in any way affect the application process? Should I write to the USCIS? Please advise.....

Hi again!

I am looking at question 11 of I-129F petition for K-1 fiancé visa.

11) Have you ever filed for this or any other alien fiancé(e) or husband/wife before?

My fiancée filed a visa petition for her alien husband over twelve years ago. They have since divorced and now she is filing a petition for me. The trouble is she cannot remember exactly the date she filed for her alien husband and she does not know the A#. Is there a way for her to find this out? Or would an approximate date and an explanation that she does not know the A# suffice for purposes of the application?

Thanks in advance for your responses

Any response would be greatly received, I'm almost ready to send off my package!

Thanks, G

Hi again!

I am looking at question 11 of I-129F petition for K-1 fiancé visa.

11) Have you ever filed for this or any other alien fiancé(e) or husband/wife before?

My fiancée filed a visa petition for her alien husband over twelve years ago. They have since divorced and now she is filing a petition for me. The trouble is she cannot remember exactly the date she filed for her alien husband and she does not know the A#. Is there a way for her to find this out? Or would an approximate date and an explanation that she does not know the A# suffice for purposes of the application?

Thanks in advance for your responses

I'm filling out my petition now and have a quick question on the G-325A, Biographic Information form....

1. Why do they provide forms where the answer (date) won't fit? I am trying to enter date of births for parents and I can only fit six digits. So for example I could fit 01/01/60 but not 01/01/1960. Should i a) use the short date format (I guess not when the instructions clearly state mm/dd/yyyy), or B) hand write this information in ink?

2. For similar reasons to the above, is it ok to use abbreviations for city, for example Phil, PA. Or again, should I hand write Philadelphia, PA to be complete?

Sorry for the pedantic question, but I'd prefer to be safe than sorry if the form is rejected due to the above. Many thanks in advance.

Hi everybody,

This is my first post on this forum, so I'd just like to say hi and a big thanks for all the information that is available on the website. It really has helped me understand the process much clearer (I think ).

Before I continue, I'll give a little background on my situation. I'm from the UK and my fiancée is from the US. While on a three month sabbatical from work, I met my fiance in New York on Christmas Day a few years back. Since then we've been doing the usual calling and skyping (sometimes till silly o'clock in the morning for me). We've been back and forward a few times to visit each other; I had some trouble entering the US last time due to the frequency of my visits, however after secondary interview I was admitted - phew! Last month, when my fiancee visited me in the UK, I asked her to marry me and she said......YES! So here we are, about to embark on the visa petition journey.

Like a number of filers, my fiancée and I have had such a difficult time in deciding what would be the best angle of approach for us. After much to-ing and fro-ing from K-129F Fiancé Petition to the I-130 Spouse Petition, I think we have finally decided on the K-129F Fiancé petition. Judging by the experiences of others, it looks like our application will take in the region of 8, looooooooooong months .

So, I'm meticulously preparing the K-129F Fiancé Visa Petition now, and hope to have it sent off quick smart. I hear that the Vermont Office is shifting towards a blitz on the K-129F visa, so hopefully we will have a quick response time too.

Can I just clarify a few things on the process:

- Can I still come to visit my fiancée in the US from the UK on the Visa Waiver Programme, while a K-129F Visa Petition has been filed? Yes you can. Just make sure you have PLENTY of prove to ties back here in the UK. Rental agreement, letter form work stating when they expect you back, return ticket (although I don't think this is much good on it's own) that sort of thing

- Once I obtain the K-129F Visa, we will not be allowed to go abroad to get married? We must get married in the US, right? K1 Fiance Visa - You HAVE to get married in the US

- Will it affect/harm my application if I state my parents address for my place of residency? I am in the process of renting out my property and will move back in with them until my petition is approved. Not at all

- I hear the process can be speeded up by paying of the fee online. Is this possible to do with the K-129F Fiancé Petition? I'm not aware of this, or for that matter, any other way to 'speed up' the process. I think the best way to make sure it doesn't take longer than they has to, is to do your homework and have PLENTY of evidence to show them. Dot your i's, cross your t's and then go back to check them again!!

Thanks once again to all who contribute, and good luck to all fellow filers, especially October filers!

Out of interest, when you say you had some trouble entering the US last time due to the frequency of your visits. How frequent were they? I'm just asking as I'm also traveling to the states a fair bit now, and wondering how frequent, is TOO frequent. Thanks!!

Not that often to be honest. Dates and durations as follows:

- November 2008 (12 days)

- December 2009 (14 days)

- March 2009 (12 days)

- April 2009 (10 days)

- June 2009 (31 days) [this is where I was sent for seconday interview]

The immigration official advised me to spend a little more time outside the country than inside. I advised him I was planning to return again around November 2009 and he said that shouldn't be a problem. However, it will be in my mind next time I travel to the US

Does the frequency / duration seem excessive to anyone?

Just curious, why are you preparing the I-129F petition? Your fiance is the one who has to sign the petition and submit evidence for it. The petition is her end of the process - the visa application at the US embassy is your part. The only things you should be preparing for the petition submission are your G-325A biographical data form, and your signed letter of intent.

You are correct when you say she has to file, however, there's nothing to stop me preparing the forms on her behalf. Teamwork you see! Once I have everything prepared, I'll send the information over to her and she can add the things she need to add and then file. She will still have to sign and date everything and, ofcourse, include the cheque for payment. Do you forsee any issues with this approach?

Well spotted, obviously I put that in as a test to see who was paying attention

Thanks for your responses to my questions, K-1 visa, I-129F petition - gotcha!

Is there anyway for me to change the title of my post to I-129F as opposed to K-129F?