TJL's US Immigration Timeline

Petitioner's Name: Thomas
Beneficiary's Name: Claire
VJ Member: TJL
Country: Philippines
Last Updated: 2024-06-25

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Immigration Checklist for Thomas & Claire:

USCIS I-130 Petition:
Dept of State IR-1/CR-1 Visa:
USCIS I-751 Petition:
USCIS N-400 Petition:

IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Event	Date
Service Center :	Texas Service Center
Transferred?	No
Consulate :	Manila, Philippines
Marriage (if applicable):	2019-02-24
I-130 Sent :	2019-03-12
I-130 NOA1 :	2019-03-21
I-130 RFE :
I-130 RFE Sent :
I-130 Approved :	2019-09-12
NVC Received :	2019-10-02
Received DS-261 / AOS Bill :	2019-11-01
Pay AOS Bill :	2019-11-01
Receive I-864 Package :
Send AOS Package :	2019-11-07
Submit DS-261 :	2019-10-30
Receive IV Bill :	2019-10-30
Pay IV Bill :	2019-10-30
Send IV Package :	2019-11-15
Receive Instruction and Interview appointment letter :	2020-01-13
Case Completed at NVC :	2020-01-06
NVC Left :	2020-01-09
Consulate Received :	2020-01-21
Packet 3 Received :
Packet 3 Sent :
Packet 4 Received :	2020-01-13
Interview Date :	2020-07-02 Submit Review
Interview Result :	Approved
Second Interview (If Required):
Second Interview Result:
Visa Received :	2020-07-13
US Entry :	2020-07-25
Comments :
Processing Estimates/Stats :	Your I-130 was approved in 175 days from your NOA1 date. Your interview took 469 days from your I-130 NOA1 date.

Lifting Conditions
Event	Date
CIS Office :	National Benefits Center
Date Filed :	2022-04-27
NOA Date :	2022-05-19
RFE(s) :
Bio. Appt. :	2022-06-21
Interview Date :
Approval / Denial Date :	2023-09-23
Approved :	Yes
Got I551 Stamp :	No
Green Card Received :	2023-09-30
Comments :	They claim they didn't get our check. Resending w/ credit card form. :-/

Citizenship
Event	Date
Service Center :	Online
CIS Office :	Buffalo NY
Date Filed :	2024-02-10
NOA Date :	2024-02-10
Bio. Appt. :	2024-04-10
Interview Date :	2024-06-05
Approved :	Yes
Oath Ceremony :	2024-06-18
Comments :	Western District of New York - Rochester, NY - Great Judge, Nice Ceremony- About 3 Hours Total For 36 People

Member Reviews:

POE Review: Detroit
Event	Description
Entry Date :	2020-07-25
Embassy Review :	(Note: This was during COVID pandemic times, so your results may vary.) No wait at the booths. Escorted to Secondary. In Secondary for almost 6 whole minutes. No questions asked. Reviewed docs on computer, called up by name, stamped passport, escorted out.
Harassment Level :	Low

Timeline Comments: 83

TJL on 2019-03-21 said:

Received SMS with receipt number.

TJL on 2019-03-25 said:

Received I-797C, NOA1 Hard Copy via USPS w/ All info correct.

TJL on 2019-06-03 said:

Checked case status just for S&G. Same status. NOA1

TJL on 2019-09-17 said:

Received NOA2 in the mail with an approval date of 09/12/2019.

TJL on 2019-09-24 said:

Called NVC. Got through after about 5 redials. Waited for 52:15. Was told USCIS package not received yet under the receipt number. Said to try back in six weeks. (I'll try again next week.)

TJL on 2019-09-30 said:

NVC does not have case yet.

TJL on 2019-10-07 said:

NVC confirmed case received on 2 Oct 2019. No case assigned yet. (The rep alluded to the fact - without directly stating - that it will probably be soon.) (Will call back on Wednesday.)

TJL on 2019-10-10 said:

Called. Was told that they are entering petitions received on September 11th currently. (Mine was received on October 2.) Will Call Back In One Week.

TJL on 2019-10-22 said:

Called NVC. No Case # Assigned.

TJL on 2019-10-30 said:

Received e-mail with case create. Included Case # and IIN.

TJL on 2019-10-30 said:

Logged in. Verified information. Paid IV Bill $325. Status of IV Bill Changed To "In Process" Site says check back in 2-3 biz days.

TJL on 2019-10-30 said:

AOS(864) fee bill not available. DS 260 not available. Per Forum Guide, check back in about a week for these to become available.

TJL on 2019-11-01 said:

AOS Fee Bill available. Paid. Status changed to "In Process." Checked IV Fee.. Still "In Process." Cannot click on the "Start" links for IV (ds-260) or AOS (864.) Will check back tmrw.

TJL on 2019-11-03 said:

Checked status. Both payments still in process. Cannot begin upload/ds-260.

TJL on 2019-11-04 said:

Both fees still in process. :-/

TJL on 2019-11-04 said:

In Process (fees)

TJL on 2019-11-05 said:

My super-inpatient self checked CEAC again. Fees are *still* In Process. :-/

TJL on 2019-11-07 said:

Payments are SSSSSTTTTTTIIIIIILLLLLL "In Process." :-/

TJL on 2019-11-07 said:

AOS unlocked. (FINALLY!) IV still locked.

TJL on 2019-11-07 said:

Submitted request to add household member (father) to AOS. Submitted completed i864a and MY Birth Certificate, showing relationship. CEAC said check back in one hour for approval.

TJL on 2019-11-08 said:

Household member added (7pm today.)

TJL on 2019-11-08 said:

Uploaded all docs for both sponsor and household member. Submitted additional docs (more than required) per suggested. All submitted to NVC, awaiting responses.

TJL on 2019-11-08 said:

IV Still locked. On hold @ NVC to see what's up.

TJL on 2019-11-09 said:

NVC said wait a week for IV to clear. (Checked again this AM, still has not cleared.)

TJL on 2019-11-12 said:

Spoke with NVC. NVC says that many people who paid fees on October 30th (myself) are running into an issue where the fee is stuck "In Process." She said it was a system issue that they are aware of. She said she would send an email to her supervisor to manually push it through. I asked how long until I should check back, she said one week.

TJL on 2019-11-14 said:

IV unlocked this morning. IV Fee Status changed to paid.

TJL on 2019-11-14 said:

Completed IV using handwritten answers from beneficiary (my wife.) Will review with her tomorrow and assist her with logging in to submit the IV. *VERY excited.*

TJL on 2019-11-15 said:

Came back into CEAC to enter corrections from app, only to find that the entire employment and schooling section is completely gone in the review, and isn't even THERE to edit. Calling NVC to see what's up. Currently on hold 24:02. :-/

TJL on 2019-11-16 said:

Sat on hold @ NVC until 1:37:12. Spoke with a rep who would stop talking long enough to listen to my concerns. She kept talking over me and treating me terribly . I asked to speak with a supervisor, but was told none were available. She said she would have a sup call me back within 3-5 days. I advised her what the problem was (I can't edit/add former employers or schools into the DS-260,) but she insisted on talking about uploading AOS docs. When I finally calmed her down enough to explain, she didn't have a clue, and took no action to FIND a clue. VERY frustrating. Will wait 24 hours, (or until Monday,) log back in and see what is going on. If necessary, will submit the DS-260 as is, then upload additional supporting docs with a document with my Wife's past employment and school information, and a note explaining what happened. I'll also provide copies of the printed out Review pages, showing the information was, at one time, successfully in the system. Very frustrated with the DoS' archaic process for this. It's the USA and it's 2019. Why is there not a more efficient, working web form? Also submitted an inquiry via email, but they are still working on October's emails. :-/

TJL on 2019-11-16 said:

*I'm Stupid.* An error that we made on the app in the beginning was selecting MALE instead of FEMALE. When we switched it to FEMALE (correct,) the system removes the questions about prior work history and/or schooling. (For some reason.) Please see page 51 here: https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/DS-260-Exemplar.pdf Quote: Previous Work/Education/Training Information Page 51 Displayed for all applicants who meet one of the following criteria: â€¢The applicant is male and age is between 14 and 60 â€¢The applicant is over the age of 14 and is from Burma, China, Cuba, India, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, or Stateless â€¢The applicant is retired, not employed, or is a homemaker â€¢The applicant is a principal applicant and is applying for any of the following visa classes: E11, E12, E13, E21, E31, E32, EW3, SD1, SR1, SE1, C51, T51, SI1, SQ1, SF1, SG1, SH1, SJ1, SK1, SN1, R51, and I51, DV-1. **None of these apply to us. **

TJL on 2019-11-16 said:

Submitted DS-260. (She logged in to digitally sign & submit after reviewing.)

TJL on 2019-11-16 said:

Submitted all required docs via CEAC upload. *** ALL DOCS LISTED AS SUBMITTED. ***

TJL on 2019-11-18 said:

Checked CEAC status. All submitted, no approvals yet.

TJL on 2019-11-19 said:

Last night, an NVC supervisor called me, per my request, to discuss the previous situation with the male/female and the prior job history, etc. I told her that everything was my fault and that it is all set now. She said, "yes, it looks like all your forms and docs are good and ready for review, so it won't be too long now." I thanked her.

TJL on 2019-11-25 said:

Reviewed CEAC. Nothing viewed yet. Looks like they are still working on first week October submissions. Preparing interview accordion file with everything needed. (And then some.)

TJL on 2019-11-29 said:

My wife, the beneficiary, just now received her snail mail notice of case creation. LOL

TJL on 2019-12-17 said:

Checked CEAC. No reviews yet. Site says they are working on Oct 28. Ours was finalized 11-16.

TJL on 2020-01-03 said:

NVC working 11/4's

TJL on 2020-01-06 said:

CASE COMPLETE EMAIL! Waiting on Interview Schedule. <3

TJL on 2020-01-13 said:

Received EMAIL with interview scheduled for 02/07/2020 AM @ MNL.

Shelo on 2020-01-13 said:

Hi! I have a couple of questions, i hope you can help me out: NVC Left : 2020-01-09 - how did you know your case left nvc? Did you receive an email? Consulate Received : 2020-01-13 - likewise.. did you receive an email? Who sent the email? Thanks!

TJL on 2020-01-17 said:

@Shelo NVC Left and Consulate Received dates were obtained by emailing the IV unit at the Embassy and requesting the same. They were very polite and helped out.

TJL on 2020-01-17 said:

Used website to schedule NEW IV interview so I can travel to join wife. Interview scheduled for March 30 @ 7:05am. Received email confirmation.

TJL on 2020-01-22 said:

Received email - case received MNL.

TJL on 2020-02-12 said:

Wifey is doing Day 1 of her medical today. :) She says it's moving along quickly.

TJL on 2020-02-17 said:

Medical was completed per standard two-day process. No CD was given. ONLY docs given were the portion of the form showing vaccination record. No other docs received. (Was told rest would be sent to Embassy, presumably in CCD.) Next step, interview: Rescheduled TO MAR 30 2020 FROM JAN 7 2020 (at our request.)

TJL on 2020-02-25 said:

Not knowing what to expect with the public charge situation, we completed the form and uploaded it to CEAC, with the note that it has a specific doc type for this upload AND for proof of health insurance.

TJL on 2020-03-22 said:

Notified by US Embassy Manila that all visa interviews canceled until further notice. Travel plans canceled. Reviewed USTravelDocs website, next available date in April scheduled and confirmed for new interview date. Will continue checking that site for possible earlier dates.

TJL on 2020-04-06 said:

Received email from US Embassy Manila regarding COVID delays: no-reply@ustraveldocs.com via amazonses.com 4:33 AM (8 hours ago) to ******* "Dear Visa Applicant: We are writing to let you know that we have cancelled your upcoming visa appointment. Unfortunately, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines is cancelling all immigrant and nonimmigrant visa interviews scheduled between now and May 4th due to the Philippineâ€™s enhanced community quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. After the enhanced community quarantine is lifted in Metro Manila, youâ€¯should reschedule your visa interview through the online appointment system at ustraveldocs.com/ph, or the Embassy call center by phone at (+632) 7792-8988 and (+632) 8548-8223. There is no fee to change an appointment and visa application fees are valid for one year in the country where the fee was paid. For questions about rescheduling a pending consular appointment, please send an email toâ€¯support-philippines@ustraveldocs.com for specific guidance. We regret any inconvenience that this situation may have caused."

TJL on 2020-04-06 said:

Logged onto USA Travel Docs and immediately was able to schedule interview for 0635am on May 4, 2020. Received confirmation.

TJL on 2020-04-07 said:

Updated timeline with ORIGINAL interview appointment date, as to maintain data integrity. Actual interview date has been modified several times due to COVID. Final interview results will be posted upon actual interview.

TJL on 2020-04-13 said:

Appointment canceled again. :-/ Will wait to reschedule.

TJL on 2020-06-30 said:

6/29 I submitted an e-mail inquiry to the Embassy asking about potential reopening dates and if spouse/family visas would be prioritized in light of the Presidential Proclamations, etc.Â Â 6/29 8:37PMÂ Received form letter email back from Embassy saying they were still closed, reopening unknown, etc. - But to provide case information for "quick resolution" when they *DID* reopen 6/29 8:46PM Wife (Beneficiary) called me to tell me that the Embassy had just called her and set her up for an interview on 7/02. 6/29 (Later)Â Received written email confirmation indicating that our "request for an expedited interview" had been approved.Â (We didn't ask, but are certainly glad.) Of note, one of the questions they asked in the auto response was the date of her medical, which was in February (therefore expiring in August.)Â Perhaps the upcoming expiration of that medical prompted them to consider an expedite. Either way, we're excited, nervous, but ready.Â We've been ready.Â I'll update as the situation warrants.

Gleziel Balahadia on 2020-07-01 said:

Hi TJ can you please message me the steps how you did contact the embassy :( my husbands medical was expiring also and he did his medical back on february.

IsItLekker on 2020-07-01 said:

Good luck with your interview tomorrow you guys!

TJL on 2020-07-02 said:

APPROVED! Only 14 ppl in office. Asked 3-4 questions (address, how did you meet, etc.) and sent her out the door. Checked CEAC which states "ISSUED." SUPER STOKED!

Gleziel Balahadia on 2020-07-02 said:

Awesome congrats i am so happy for you guys

Gi Deon on 2020-07-02 said:

Woooooow...... Congratulations

TJL on 2020-07-10 said:

No visa in hand yet. Not tracking on 2GO or on USTRAVELDOCS.

TJL on 2020-07-10 said:

Visa Packet tracking via 2GO by UID# and A#! In Transit as of today. :)

TJL on 2020-07-11 said:

Spoke w/ 2GO, confirmed delivery scheduled for Monday. :)

TJL on 2020-07-11 said:

2GO said Monday, but just received text from 2GO stating delivery today. (Saturday!)

TJL on 2020-07-11 said:

No delivery Saturday, despite 2GO text. Will wait until Monday.