Milushka

That's simply ridiculous.. You tie up all USCIS resources, NVC Resources, and Consulate Time, not to mention you wife's life and didn't take the time to evaluate all that before? Seiously? That cant be true... Is that what you did?
You asked your wife to give up everything, and build up her hopes, and you dont have the foresight to consider the cultural issue before you putting all the people that's been involved with your process through all this? and you find out only 2 weeks after the marriage something you should have already known prior to waisting everyones time and up-rooting lives?
I am wondering, if this is simply a thread created by an 11 year old, for entertainment purposes.. because, there is no way a grown-up would've have allowed a relationship and the immigration process to get to this point without considering all those factors..
If this is a adolescent child posting, please tell me, so we can all laugh, because I just cant beleive this is an adult...

I agree that you have no obligation. However, personally, I feel this is sad. I mean, person did take a large step in coming here.. I do feel that you take larger responsibility when you file for K1. Responsibility for the person that is coming here. My feeling (only mine, personal), if you decide to send this person back and this person entered relationship with you in good faith you own them ticket back, ride to the airport and reimbursing any disruption that you caused in their lives, such as if they sold apartment you have to help them get it back.

My hope is that they are processing their BACKLOGS from OCTOBER (ie - MY CASE!!!
We have been waiting almost ten months, so I really hope they are working on my case now and that is causing the delay. I am sorry, but we deserve to be approved before any more March filers.

Ok, Im going to go against the flow here. I think women or men who marry more than say 10 years younger than themselves are looking for trouble in the future. maybe the near future even, maybe a bit later. Especially if married within 1 or 2 years of meeting when you really dont know the person youre marrying as well as you need to!.
So in the honeymoon period of the first year its all about being in love and finding that special person, your soulmate who is all you want, isnt it. Age dosnt matter, romance is blooming and you just want to be together. We all know the divorce rate is high for couples close in age in america, how much more difficult for a couple where 2 or 5 or 10 years down the line the 15 or 20 or more year age difference is very apparent, ie you look old!! and the younger spouse is now integrated into the american( or other) culture and getting attention from men or women younger than themselves......divorce is easy in america isnt it...ok so love is not about the wrinkles and saggy areas that appear , I know that, but lets face it, if youre 20 years older than your spouse the risk is high that they will eventually be attracted to someone younger than them ie someone 25 or 30 years younger than you!!
I think its smart to take a longer term view before starting a relationship with a much younger person. i wouldnt do it for anything. My lady is 3 years younger than me and that suits me fine because, besides that fact we love each other and have been together for nearly 4 years I know she has that experience of life under her belt. People change with age, their desires and future priorities change. why take the risk that someone so much younger will feel like you do in 5 or 10 years.....
This is just my opinion. i know there are long term true love stories of marriages with large age differences....i just dont think theres very many....

While I dont support Putin's government and the "program of making russians dumb to more effectively rule them", never ever I would let myself being washed by "FOX news Russia is the greatest enemy and occupant channel". Not enough pop corn for such sheite

So a lot of people have said this over and over, but people keep getting hung up on what the SSA says, or if JFK hands out stamps, or if they see any wiggle room in the I-9. The only way a K-1 can work as a K-1 (and not an adjustment applicant after marriage) is by applying for an EAD and paying the $340. It will arrive in ~60 days, and be valid until the I-94 expires.
Other helpful tips before proceeding to read below: DHS (Department of Homeland Security) is the encompassing body for CBP (Customs and Border Protection) and USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Service) CBP and USCIS are two different departments, and one cannot do the job of the other - so when a CBP official puts a stamp claiming to "authorize work" on to a piece of paper, that is not the same as USCIS issuing an employment authorization document.
As Gary says, what's in the law is the ultimate source, the I-9 etc. is an interpretation of that. Here's what the law says:
I would love to strain my eyes and try to follow the proper nested references for you to quote it to you properly, but It's so much easier if you just go to the eCFR and do a find on the words. I used the classification - you can see a lot about what the law actually has to say about your class of admission on a K visa there....It is clear here that no POE stamp makes a K-1 eligible to work. You need to apply for an EAD with the accompanying fee of $340.
http://ecfr.gpoacces...&idno=8#PartTop
You can find it yourself if you google "ecfr" (for electronic Code of Federal Regulations) and then go under Title 8 for Aliens (&DHS) and then look under part 214 (Non-immigrants)
You can use that same resource to go here and read: http://ecfr.gpoacces...54.2.1.1&idno=8
Remember, (a)(6) is for fiance's, as in the above paragraph....

Arrived in the USA last night. Back in the arms of the girl I love and who will be my wife next saturday. .........Yay!!

A little more patience would help.

...so whats a point complaining about people complaining.
While it might seem as "acting like big babies" people do share their experiences good or not about contacting uscis, senators, nvc etc.
Honestly, if back in times when i filed I havent seen tht it takes on average 3 months for NOA2, I would stay in states with my man, filed AOS, done !
So take it as precaution people entering VJ can see what it takes/ how long/ at what expense.
If you can stay all that cool great, I respect you for your steel nerves.

If there's one thing I've learned in life, it's to never tell people how they should feel.
Good luck!

ok - red flag list for quasi-current issues at GUZ - this is off the top of my head, specific to K-1 (Not CR-1 or IR-1) but from reading on VJ and 2 China Specific Sites:
1. dates between divorce and filing petition . usually, divorce decrees are presented on interview day, so suggest letter for each divorce decree, explaining in ONE page, things such as dates, basic reasons for incompatibilites, etc.. but NOT a novel, nothing for PentHouse Forum, either.
2. evolution of relationship letter - if you go to GUZ - the big trick is to have it notarized at GUZ during ACS appointment. The ConOff that handles that for you, is big chance is the same ConOff that will be interviewing yer lass. When at ACS, talk a bit about the petition, but usually questions are handled at ACH, not ACS. Then - give yer lass your passport, with the EOR letter folded longways inside of it , then she gives the passport to him/her, on top of the I-134 set, during the interview ...
3. photos of you with her and her family. that slide glass window thingie can handle about 3/4 to 1 inch of passthrough - so get a vinyl portfolio with letter sized clear sleeves, then paste yer photos to a piece of paper, front and back, slide the paper INTO each sleeve. The one I use is 20 pages, so is 40 viewable pages. Glue stick the photos to the paper Lets see - mine was 10 viewable pages of the wedding photos, then 30 viewable pages of photos with us and her family members, at various places, doing stuff together.
4. communication ability between you two . GUZ has been dinging the ####### outta people with NOID/white slips about this, in the form of 'Not a Bonafide Relationship', these last 6 months, so must have some viable way to show that the two of you can easily communicate. LOTS of variances on this - she speaks english, you speak mandarin, documented use of translators, but... mention it in the EOR letter as to HOW you two communicate.
5. age gap. i've not not heard of anyone getting dinged about this in some time, maybe 3 years? biggest age gap I knew about was 32 years.
6. Are they really her children? Include photo sets of the mother and child, over various ages of the child. Sometimes impossible to get. If ConOff not satisfied at interview, MIGHT issue blue slip with DNA test instructions (which is a fookin pain in the #### ). Set up the photos in another vinyl portfolio, similar to what I mentioned earlier. Don't forget the birth certificate , sometimes a copy of the hukuo book (with translation) is useful, also - but is not primary stuff - but can be used to match up the school records (that she brings) with the address on the hukuo book.
7. number of visits to meet her. This varies, but even that one trip is useful, if carefully documented. MANY PEOPLE do not have issues with just 1 visit, but have other documentation to show an ongoing , evolving relationship. BUT. If the ConOff finds the casefile scant, might decide to USE the concept of 'just one trip' to DING HER for 'Not a BonaFide Relationship' .
8. Scant Casefile. Uhm... What the heck did you file with the initial submittal on the petition? Was it just the minimal bits? Or did you include other stuff, supporting evidence? If the casefile is scant, well, ####### - that's gonna suck - because the only thing the ConOff knows about yer lass is WHATS IN THE CASEFILE, and it's reviewed prior to interview day (with them looking for red flags). (they do know a bit more, based on the namechecks done on the two of you ) - but - which would you prefer, really? The casefile having stuff that covers your possible red flags on initial submittal, or a ConOff badgering yer lass on Interview Day, even though she has a stack o stuff in her carry bag that covers all the red flags?
9. your income, ability to document it. Show 3 years o stuff (even though the instructions mention 1 year). Some folk not have taxable income, but have income, a lot of it - need (IMO) a Certified, Audited Income Statement from a CPA (is about 2 hours o CPA time, stateside ) . Trumps all the silliness at GUZ for 'taxable income', IMO.
10. Something missing? Something untoward? ConOff Smell Something , because of missing or scant? Usually, they will try to shift to the 'hard-#### questions' to trip her up, so they can declare 'Not a Bonafide relationship', instead of asking for a missing document. Now, this has shifted a lot, over the past year, so that the ConOff actually asks for anything missing, but even with that, if she has it in her carry bag, she MUST be able to tell him - I HAVE WHAT YOU NEED - Please not 'blue-slip' me about it - here it is ! - otherwise - she'll get a blue slip or a call-in letter. Either delays the visa issuance.
That's it, for now.. My brain hurts
Warmest Regards...

For a K-1 visa addresses are not material to visa issuance. If someone was denied a visa I would be very surprised that was the reason. I am presuming it was not the Moscow consulate and there may have been other issues. Such things may be more of an issue in high fraud consulates.
At any rate, you can make changes to the form at the interview if you want. We did. Just tell them of the error and they will let you change it. Since the address was in Russia, I presume you already have a police certificate from Russia. You will also need a police certificate from Switzerland

while its all so "funny" for the rest of people (not all but still), we are over 6 months and it doesnt getting any better... So I agree with statement unacceptable.

Ok, I'm sick and tired of being nice to you, especially since you continue to spread false information.
SHUT UP!
Contacting your Congress officials DOES NOT DELAY YOUR CASE PERIOD. Senators and Congressman don't even have a clue about your case as STAFFERS trained in dealing with Federal Agencies handle it, as it is THEIR JOB.
I contacted my Congress officials right after I hit 5 months, who are there to represent ME the US Citizen. Do I regret it? No. I waited my 5 months, you waited 3 months and 10 days. Get off your high horse.

I realize that we (VJers) are just a fraction of the cases at the VSC, but there are no cases approved yet today! Where are you Vermont!? Show us a sign!
On a good note, one of my case workers (with a senators office) called Washington today to complain about the false processing times the USCIS is giving out. She said she got frustrated enough after so many calls that she called and yelled at someone about it. Hopefully they will at least update the site to reflect the 6 month reality.
Good luck y'all!

Agreed. My comment wasn't directly to the OP. I suggest the OP contact the congressman and get someone looking into his case, not worrying about an expedite.

From the Igor's list for Vermont service centre, it seems December filers have been completely forgotten as if they are not part of the petitioners here. Looking at the graph while petitions in other months are being processed rapidly even February, December is completely dormant.
How fair is it that those that filed in January and February are being rapidly approved and some people are waiting for 6/7months for same approval when it only takes 10/15 mins to approve a petition.
I know my journey just began nevertheless, I have been waiting patiently and happy for those getting approval knowing fully well that its is first-come -first-serve basis till that time when I will receive my own approval. However, after seeing all these (especially Jan and Feb approval ), I couldn't help but begin to wounder what is actually going on.
I am glad that others are succeeding but shouldn't it be in order
I guess it might be too early for me to start venting and getting anxious knowing that I still got more months ahead. All the same i wish someone with inside information would enlighten me on why this is so

By the way, I have absolutely NO sympathy for your situation. You just met your lady, you flew through USCIS, and now you might have to wait an additional week or two? The vast majority of us had to endure 5, 6 even 7 months or more through the agony of waiting for our petitons to be approved. You waited 3 weeks! Please don't contact your representative. Do everyone who DESERVES their attention and assistance a favor and wait it out like you're supposed to. You have not been treated unfairly in this process. Quite the contrary, you have been treated exceptionally well. You should be thankful.

What a lovely place this is. People who are happy being screwed by a bunch of Nazi wannabees in our government can write about it here, but those who want to sound off about how said wannabees are ruining our lives are told to shut up.

We have 14 hours difference. Though we manage to talk over skype each second day (my schedule permits me only this way, I work on weekends too) and emailing every single one.
Of course it wont replace day to day , face to face communication but in our situation thts the best we can do. We are 5 and half months through the wait for NOA2 and to be honest though I am losing my patience on every occasion I would never understand people obusing the system through networking as well as people who wasnt effected anyhow demanding an expedite for their case. The reason is: if you want the system work , start from yourself! So you shouldnt be upset about this at least.
Its not easy, we nearly broke up half way through because of unexplainable tension long distance couples face. But now we are still waiting and hoping. So you ll be fine. Gluck !

Okay September filers. People have been asking for an example of the e-mail that we sent, so here we go. This was sent to; scopsscata@dhs.gov, cisombudsman@dhs.gov, vsc.ncscfollowup@dhs.gov
Dear Sir / Madam:
On September XX, 2010, I received notification that my I-129F K-1 Visa Petition for Alien Fiance(e) had been received in the Vermont Service Center of the USCIS, receipt number EACXXXXXXXX. On October 3, 2010, my status was updated on the USCIS case status page but was still listed as being in initial review. My case status has not been updated since that date.
I am aware that many other I-129F petitions which were filed on or near the same date as mine were also updated on October 3, 2010, and that many of those, like mine, have exceeded the 5 month processing time frame posted on the USCIS processing time information page. It appears that the update on October 3, 2010 was indicative that the majority of I-129F petitions filed by American citizens were put aside at that time to give priority processing to other petition types.
I called the USCIS national customer service number at XXXXXXX on February XX, 2011 and spoke with XXXXXX, ID# XXXXXXX. She escalated my call to Immigration Service Officer XXXXX at 8:33 AM. Officer XXXXX told me that my petition had not yet been assigned to an adjudicator, and that he would put in a request for my petition, confirmation number XXXXXXXXXXXXX.
I also contacted Senator XXXXXX office for a second time on February 11, 2011 and informed his staff that my petition had not yet been adjudicated. I also presented data from VisaJourney.com that demonstrated that non-expedited petitions filed at the same time or after mine had already been adjudicated, and I asked for a second inquiry as to why my petition had not yet been adjudicated. In addition, on the same day, I contacted Congressman XXXXXXXXXXXX office and presented the same information and asked that his office also inquire on my behalf.
I am awaiting a response from the Vermont Service Center, Senator XXXXX office, and Congressman XXXXXXXX office. However, I feel it imperative to also notify USCIS headquarters and the ombudsman that my I-129F petition, and many others filed around the same time, have not yet been adjudicated and are beyond the 5 month time frame given on the USCIS web site. In addition, I feel that it is important that you know that some petitions, without expedite and without explanation, have been processed ahead of those filed around the same time as my petition, both at the Vermont Center and the California Service Center(http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/monthly_filers.php?visa=1&form=1&scenter=2&option=1&sortby=2 , http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/monthly_filers.php?visa=1&form=1&scenter=1&option=1&sortby=2 ). These discrepancies in conjunction with data from the USCIS web site (http://dashboard.uscis.gov/index.cfm?formtype=6&office=6&charttype=1 , http://dashboard.uscis.gov/index.cfm?formtype=21&office=6&charttype=1) give the appearance that many I-129F petitions have not only been set aside to put priority processing on other petition types but also are being adjudicated unequally, inappropriately, and possibly in a discriminatory manner rather than "in the order they are received."
I am requesting at this time that you address and correct these issues, and that you direct the Vermont Service Center to adjudicate my petition and others, like mine, which are currently beyond the 5 month time frame for processing. I appreciate and look forward to your response.
Respectfully,
XXXXXXXXXX
Please feel free to edit it to relate to your petition.
I hope this helps, and good luck to all those still waiting.

The Immigration Timeline says September 13th is processing, Looks like they're skipping around. Processing about 3 to 4 petitions out of Vermont each day. At that rate it will take until April to get all of September. I have seen a few October and November approvals. The only touch I have gotten was on a Sunday and I saw manyyy here got the same day touch(10/3). Our timeline adjudication shows 2/27 - 3/9 after this time I will be calling them. This is where I saw the info http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/k1list.php?cfl=0&op1=5&op2=d&op3=1&op4=1&op5=5,6,7,8,10,11,13,14,15,16,17,18,20,21,22,23,25,26,27,28&op6=All&op7=All&dfile=No
Good Luck To You

Im so sorry the process has slowed so dramatically but if it makes u feel better the svc centers seemed to come to a halt when we first filed too... I too also hated weekends just hang in thete the end is closing in for u guys!

Miluska, as we have same timeline :Our lawyer spoke with USCIS and they assure him that our petition is processing at the moment and we will get an answer within 2 weeks. I don't really believe that but this has been stretched soo long ...so lets hope for next week. Yeah , as I said before I really hate weekends so much ! Good luck to us !

Congratulations on NOA's !!! gluck!
to all Sept fellows, can we already open the virtual bottle of champagne to celebrate the start of "season" or its too early yet wht you think ))