Visa Grant

We are very happy.

My Interview was scheduled for 9 AM.
I reached there at 8 and was sitting inside the chamber by 8.15 and waiting for my turn patiently. There was a huge crowd waiting already inside the Immigrant section and the staff was serving the people on first come first serve basis.
At 9.30 AM, I was called on the window for fingerprints verification, and they issued me a token no. to wait for my turn for further processes.
At 10.00 AM, my token no. was displayed on the screen and there was an Indian Lady behind the window and she asked me following questions:
1. Who calls me?
2. What he does?
3. Is he the citizen now? If yes, then please provide me the photocopy of his naturalization certificate.
I did follow everything whatever she said and then she took my passport and told me to wait for next call and consular officer will take the final round of interview with me.
At 11.15 AM, I was called by an American Consular Officer. She asked me to raise my hand and take an oath and then she asked me the following questions:
1. Who calls you?
2. Where does he live?
3. What does he do for living?
4. When did he go to US?
5. How did he go to US?
6. Where does he work?
7. Are your parents still married? Are they living together?
8. How old are you now? Are you married?
9. What will you do when you go there?
10. What do you do now?
11. Where is your mother right now?
12. Is your father a US citizen now?
Then, she examines every document carefully and told me to have a seat, I will call you shortly. This time I was surprised because I was the only one who was asked to sit and wait during the final round, otherwise everyone was through during the last stage.
Anyway, I was waiting for my turn yet again. I could see her discussing my case with her fellow colleague and their reactions were negative. She was not at all convinced with some point and I couldnt heard her from 20 feet away but her facial reactions were not good. I was tensed and confused all this time and I had no idea what is wrong with my case. Meanwhile, I was scanning every single document carefully and try to figure it out what's stopping them to issue me a visa.
At 1.00 PM, an Indian Lady calls my name from different window. She was holding my passport and I was scared to hell when I saw my passport in her hands. She called me up and said: Sorry sir we cant grant you the visa this time, since your father is Citizen now, hence your case has been treated as an F1 it is not at all classified under F2B. Sir, here's your passport, sorry we cant help you with this case any more and you will be notified soon by us for next steps.
That was a moment, when I laughed in my mind and relieved a bit. Then, I told her everything about this CSPA Section-6 and told her my story that how did I gained this Opt-out approval notice from DHS last month from USCIS Field Office Delhi Embassy itself. She asked me to show her the original copy, I gave her that piece of gold immediately. She did read the whole stuff thoroughly and nod her head and told me to wait while she goes to discuss this matter with that american consular officer.
At 1.30 PM, I was called on the same window and that american lady said this one and last sentence to me:
Congratulations Sir, you visa has been approved!!
And then finally after so many hours of intense drama and panic situation. I came out laughing out loud and hugged my mom and celebrate the moment.
I checked my status on ceac.state, and it shows "Issued". I just hope that I will receive my passport before saturday so that I could go with my mom on 6th late night.
In short, my case wasn't at all a piece of cake like others. In fact, it was a roller coaster ride for more than 5 longest hours of my life with full of tension and stress. But, in the end it all went well. Thank you all for your support and wishes, I am really thankful to my god today. He saved me today seriously.

oh oh.
Don't worry, its just a formality as they have to follow the procedure and its a part of the routine. Everything will be fine and he gt the visa once he submitted the Affidavit of Support.
But, why didn't you send the signed copy of AOS to your son before?? It is always mandatory to carry both original bundles (Civil & Financial) documents.

whats his Priority Date?
If the case is completed, which already has then don't worry about any opt-out notice or any formal letter notifying in this manner.
They won't ask ur son about any document for Opt-out.

Hi liberty_always. Completely understand your situation. Was in your shoes and just had my interview last month. Don't know your embassy and what their position is on this. But in my embassy it wasn't a problem. They did ask me if petitioner had naturalized and I told them the truth, the consular officer moved on to another question without probing further. The important thing is to tell your son to be HONEST. They already know the answers to the questions they ask you So no point lying. I was approved and have picked up my visa. Wish you all the best.

Based on my husband's experience, he submitted the opt out letter to the local USCIS office at the US Embassy Manila (Philippines). It was submitted (as advised by his lawyer) a year before his PD became current.
Background: PD March 2001. I130 approved June 2005. Petitioner naturalized 2008. PD became current 2011.
He was asked about the opt out letter during his interview because the consul saw his dad's (petitioner) US passport with the AOS docs. He didn't have the opt out letter of approval because it was mailed to the lawyer. He just said he didn't have it. I guess the consul verified it with the local USCIS because he approved my husband's and our kids' visas during the interview.
Not sure how it works with India. My advice would be the beneficiary bring a letter asking to be retained in the F2B category to the interview to be on the safe part. Attach a photocopy of the NOA1, NOA2 and the petitioner's naturalization certificate.
Good luck!

If initially the petition filed under F2b and then converted to F1 upon the petitioner's naturalization. And if the BENEFICIARY himself not the Petitioner requests the DHS to facilitate the Section-6 of CSPA i.e. Opt-Out by stating the benefits he will get by this. Only then, he may get back into F2B and since ur case has been completed under F2B then there's no doubt to think about it.
Perhaps, there's some different rule applies if the Petition initially filed under F1 and then beneficiary seeks a benefit of opt-out, then they may refuse the request. But im not sure about this, I do have a vague idea about this clause. Actually this opt-out is really confusing to understand as they havnt disclose much info about this and no one ever faced these circumstances before except filipinos.

Hi,
You need to become a U.S. citizen. An LPR can not petition for a brother; only a U.S. citizen can petition a brother.
Once you are a U.S. citizen, you can file for your brother. It will take about 13 years for him to get an immigration visa.

I havent recvd any e-mail from NVC regarding the case completion.
In fact, the last mail I have in my inbox dated 24th March 2015 when NVC received my packages.
But NVC sent an e-mail to chubbs though. I confirmed mine when I see NA in front of AOS fees by calling them, since then I have made many calls to confirm abt my case status and every time operator says the same thing.
So, it hardly matters to me to receive or not to receive an e-mail. Now, the thing which matters to me is Interview Letter only.

Here is the information from an Indian new channel :
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/getting-us-visas-to-take-more-time-as-technical-snag-hits-american-embassies-across-the-world-1008033.html

Hello friends!
I received the interview letter an hour ago. As the NVC rep told me earlier, the interview date is 27 July at 8.30 am. My son has his air tickets for 8 Aug and I am just counting the seconds.

Many many congratulations for ur son ma'am!!
Im really happy for you!! :)
Now, its confirmed that there wont be any retrogression occur soon.

Hey Friends!
Finally I have good news!! I called NVC and they have scheduled an interview on 27 July for my son.. Phoenyxx.... what you did worked So now Im keeping my finger and toes crossed for all of you... and Ive asked my son to do that as well! Seriously, I just pray that all of you will have your pre-processing done, PDs current, and interviews scheduled on time.. My sincere wishes are with each one of you!!

I thought it would be useful if I post my timeline..
Sent N-400 to Arizona Drop Box
Interview @ San Francisco, CA
Oath @ Oakland, CA
00/00/2002 - GC (Not sure if it was 2002 or 2003)
01/12/2015 - Applied for USC (N-400)
01/14/2015 - INS accepted application
02/06/2015 - Biometric
02/09/2015 - Interview scheduling starting
03/16/2015 - Interview scheduled
04/24/2015 - Interview
05/06/2015 - Oath Scheduled
06/03/2015 - Oath (Yes, it was TODAY!!!)
My GC was going to expire in 10/2015..
My advise to others: Please don't wait till the last minute to apply for US Citizenship.
In my case, it took 5 months. Your application may take longer, so please don't use this as a basis.
Apply for USC or GC renewal at least ONE year before it is going to expire.
I hope this info is useful to someone.
Good luck to y'all !!!
I'm outta here

Puru, I think they are streamlining the immigration process even at embassies and they are just trying to finish in batches. Thats why you and Hamida may have received the paperwork so early. By the time your case is current, they will be ready to schedule interviews I think. Don't lose hope... It will work out soon.

You don't need the GC to apply for a SS#. They just need your passport with the visa and entry stamp and your original birth certificate and original marriage certificate (if you're a female using your married name). That's all that was asked from me when I went to the SSA office.
You can check my signature for my timelines.

nikooo
Your mum case is not dead. My own mum was in your mum's situation and it took us less than a week to rectify the whole thing. You don't need to contact NVC. In my mum's case, she went to the embassy to inform them why she overstayed. She stayed for about 2 years outside US. The embassy in my country only asked her when her Green card would expire and she told them. She was only asked to come with evidence that it was an uncontrollable problem that keep her outside the US. She was also asked to bring an evidence of her being in contact with someone in US. But it was my dad illness that kept my mum outside US for that long. She only showed them my dad's death certificate and an email showing a conversation with my brother in US. To them, it showed that my mum was still interested in US. Believe me, it was as simple as that. It was approved. It happened about 4 years ago. When my mum went for citizenship interview, she was only told that because she lived outside US for more than a year, those years before the gap is now invalid and that she will still have to wait until she is qualified. Well the development is to my advantage. My mum has been residing in the US for the past 2 years now. So your case is not dead but your mum should convince them that it was due to the situation beyond her control that she overstayed. We never contacted NVC throughout the process. Embassy in your country is in the best position to advice your mum on the step to take to reclaim her green card. Please do not ask NVC to cancel the petition because your sister needs it. If your mum has been in contact with any person in US, let her provide it as an evidence that she never lost in interest going back to US. Embassy can only advice her on what to do just like they did to my mum.

http://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-through-family/humanitarian-reinstatement
Humanitarian Reinstatement Humanitarian reinstatement is a discretionary form of relief available to the principal beneficiary of an approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, that was approved prior to the death of the petitioner.
Basic Eligibility for Humanitarian Reinstatement
Humanitarian reinstatement may only be requested by the principal beneficiary when the petitioner of an approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, has died. Humanitarian reinstatement cannot be granted if the petitioner died while the petition was pending, but see Basic Eligibility for Section 204(I) Relief for Surviving Relatives to see if you may qualify for another form of relief.
Most immediate relatives and family-based immigrants are required to have Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act. In some cases, your work history or other factors may make Form I-864 unnecessary (See 8 CFR 213a.2(a)(2)(ii)). In either case, your petitioner’s death does not change the way that the Form I-864 requirement applies to you. If you were required to have Form I-864 and the petitioner died, you must have either a new Form I-864 from a substitute sponsor or Form I-864W, Intending Immigrant’s Affidavit of Support Exemption. The substitute sponsor must be:
A U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident; At least 18 years old; and Your spouse, parent, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sibling, child, son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, or legal guardian. Humanitarian reinstatement is a discretionary benefit. Exercising discretion means weighing positive factors against negative factors to make a decision. In addition to meeting the basic requirements for humanitarian reinstatement, your request must warrant a favorable exercise of discretion, meaning that the “pros” in granting your request outweigh the “cons.”
How to Request Humanitarian Reinstatement
There is no form or fee to ask for humanitarian reinstatement. You need to make a written request with supporting evidence to the USCIS office that originally approved the petition.
When you request humanitarian reinstatement, be sure to include:
Your name and your deceased petitioner’s name; The receipt number of the petition (you can find this on the receipt notice); Your alien registration number (A number), if you have one; Your relative’s A number, if he or she had one; Your relative’s death certificate (a certified translation is required, if not in English); Form I-864 from substitute sponsor or Form I-864W; and Evidence that a favorable exercise of discretion is warranted, which may include, but is not limited to: Impact on family living in the United States (especially U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or others lawfully present); Advanced age or health concerns; Lawful residence in the United States for a lengthy period; Ties or lack thereof to your home country; Other factors, such as unusually lengthy government processing delays; and Any and all other factors you believe weigh in favor of reinstatement, with supporting documentation.

A little over a year ago this F4 Forum started except for Ricardoforever whom i see on facebook I wonder what happen to the others who was the main posters Sonblom,Udaypan I wish you guys all the best Visagrant you were a great help to me.You and Ricardoforever cheer me on when i feel like giving up continue to give other members your valuable support it means alot.Now in the USA for 3 months only thing is I'm missing Jamaica I'm already planning to go back for a vacation in june.I might not post anything for awhile but I'm still a big fan of this forum

Nikoo PD is priority date, the date when your sisters application was accepted and she was in the F2B queue. You need that and if PD is sometime 2007, your sis was eligible for GC months ago. jUST ENGAGE A LAWYER. That is the best solution for you, and do it ASAP. The case is complicated as I see it. The petitioner that is your mom should have been here and her not being in the US for so long is a huge problem, because she may lose her LPR status and then if that happens, your sisters case is as good as dead. So act fast and get a Lawyer. Contact Carl Shusterman, he is good or Murthy.
http://shusterman.com
http://www.murthy.com/about-us/law-firm/attorney-bios/
Nikoo PD is priority date, the date when your sisters application was accepted and she was in the F2B queue. You need that and if PD is sometime 2007, your sis was eligible for GC months ago. jUST ENGAGE A LAWYER. That is the best solution for you, and do it ASAP. The case is complicated as I see it. The petitioner that is your mom should have been here and her not being in the US for so long is a huge problem, because she may lose her LPR status and then if that happens, your sisters case is as good as dead. So act fast and get a Lawyer. Contact Carl Shusterman, he is good or Murthy.
http://shusterman.com
http://www.murthy.com/about-us/law-firm/attorney-bios/

Don't waste money renewing your GC after N400 filing. You continue to be a Permanent Resident despite GC expiration (unless one abandons residence, which you haven't). Avoid travel outside the US on an expired card as some countries and airlines can raise an unnecessary fuss.
Otherwise you should be fine as you seem to be well on your way to citizenship approval. Good luck!

Wait for two more N/A s and you are case complete...
Good Luck

Refer my timeline for estimation. There is no fixed time but it takes a lil longer a week or 2. Actually, NVC takes at least 2 weeks time in review after the submission of first form i.e. DS-261 (COA) then it will raise the invoice for IV fee before that u won't make any payment online because the links remain disabled.
We have paid IV fees on 4th March but it didnt show it paid till 18th March, I dont know why did it took so long. Then, on 18th March it showed the status "PAID" and enabled the link to fill out the form DS-260 online.
What I have learned from this experience is that fees and forms (DS-261 & DS-260) won't consume much time. But, applicant and petitioner should focus on the packages because the review of 2 packages consumes a large amount of time i.e. 60 days but some people are saying that these days NVC completing the review in 30 - 45 days max. Right now, you should concentrate on AOS & IV packages' contents and make sure there won't be any error left otherwise it will bring delay unnecessarily.
NOTE: 1. DON'T FORGET TO PUT THE BAR-CODE SHEET OVER THE DOCUMENTS WHILE SENDING TO NVC.
2. THERE ARE 2 DIFFERENT BAR-CODE SHEETS REQUIRED TO SEND FOR EACH PACKAGE. WHEN YOU PAY AOS FEE, YOU WILL RECEIVE THE BAR-CODE SHEET FOR AOS PACKAGE ALONG WITH THE AOS RECEIPT & WHEN YOU PAY IV FEE THEN YOU WILL RECEIVE BAR-CODE SHEET FOR IV PACKAGE ALONG WITH THE RECEIPT.
3. ONLY DOCUMENT COVER SHEET IS REMAIN THE SAME FOR BOTH PACKAGES WHERE YOU NEED TO CHECK THE ITEMS GIVEN IN THE CHECKLIST WHILE SENDING THE DOCUMENTS TO NVC.

Dear Saeed Aoa
Plz note following points at the time of interview.
1- You can stay at Faiz Abad Islamabad and find hotel according to your approach (cheap and costly both).You can find taxi any time 24 hours.
2- A set of copies of civil documents of all your family members.
3- Remember your Uncle Name, His wife and child names & Date of Birth, and Her address in USA.
4- Remember your uncle pictures with your mother.
5- Your Father and mother Nikah Nama Urdu (Big one that is filled at the time of Nikah)
6- Your medical examination.
7- If you filed DS-260 please have confirmation page.
8- Remember what you filled in your immigration application .
9- If your Uncle send money to you plz have receipt proof of relation ship.
10- your family pictures from your birth to present.
Allah will help u
Allah Hafiz

11- Your all family members bring their educational certificates that shows their birth date.

First of all prepare 3 sets of all the documents including 1 Set of Original Documents & other 2 are Photocopies of Affidavit of Support (I-864) with other Financial Documents, then ....
1. Send 1st Set of Photocopies to NVC.
2. Keep other 2nd Set of photocopies with you for future reference.
3. And, send the 3rd Set which has all the ORIGINAL Documents to your daughter in Pakistan, because she will need to bring the original documents to show during the interview.