Waiting for a NOA2 from VSC for your I-129F?

[Zee Bee 61]

I went to work today (waitress in England), and one of the staff members said

"I'm moving to America too!"

"Really?" I said. "How are you going to work out there?"

"My brother-in-law owns two garages, I'm going to manage one of them"

"Good luck getting a visa!" I said

"You don't need one" He said

"Yes you do, you can't work in the USA without a visa. Do you mean you are going to work illegally?" said a very wise me.

At that point, somebody else chirped in that you didn't need a visa if you only worked for six months. The two of them were adament that if you had a British passport, you don't need a visa to work. It took all I had not to scream at them "DON'T YOU THINK I WOULD BE THERE NOW IF I WAS ALLOWED TO WORK THERE????!!!!!"

Please tell me that I was right, and you guys don't know of a loophole around it, whereby I could work there?

They need to have some kind of work authorization to work here. You can't just come here on a passport and work at the first job you are offered. You have to fill out the I-9 to prove you are work eligible and you need a SSN that allows you to work.

That is why everyone who comes on a visa has to wait for an EAD or the greencard to work. If not, all the UK people wouldn't be sitting at home worrying their heads about when they are going to get their EAD.

They are living in a dream world

[Bobalouie 0]

B)-->

QUOTE(Bill B @ Nov 2 2007, 06:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Over 100 people called in today for the USCIS Ombudsman’s teleconference

“USCIS Receipting Delay II - How Does This Affect You?”

The focus was on receipting delays, but there was a couple interesting things said and the comment about the probability of the 6-month goals being extended is disheartening. My notes include:

USCIS has completed all receipting of all I-485 employment based applications (except for the Nebraska service center). They are now moving toward emphasize efforts in receipting the N-400s.

He expects in January the 6 month processing goal at each service center will increase dramatically. He did not elaborate too much other than this will happen due to the volume of applications/petitions received by USCIS.

Send ombudsman info on customer service rep when you have a problem or bad information when calling the USCIS 1-800#

Whether I-129F can be filed without the I-130 receipt notice? How about with a copy of the check? I-130s will be transferred to Chicago soon in an effort to expedite. He is checking if customers can use a cancelled check as proof. He thought it should be allowed.

The 90-day clock for EAD start from date application was physically received at USCIS (received date on notice).

Incorrect Visa submission (when USCIS incorrectly returns an application due to fee submission). If you have ability to scan it, do so and send it to the ombudsman, but continue what you need to do on your end. He is hearing of too many incorrectly returned applications.

Correction of USCIS errors. Errors in receipt notice received. What should the person do? He hopes USCIS will post the answer soon to this. Update: I see it is posted now within the receipting message on the USCIS web site. They are saying the customer service rep should take the info over the phone on what is wrong and initiate corrective action.

Understand I-485s having priority, but not why don’t US citizens get priority service over non-citizens? Ombudsman said he will take up this question to USCIS and ask them to explain to him how/why they prioritize petitions.

He said receipting is done by contractors and not adjudicators so the receipting delays are not impacting the processing of petitions/applications.

Nebraska Service Center is inundated with employment based applications and therefore slower than the Texas Service Center.

People can email him at:

cisombudsman.publicaffairs@dhs.gov.

Recommends people check his web site for a lot of information, including answers to questions emailed to him. http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/editorial_0482.shtm

Did the ombudsman specifically say that the 129F 6 month processing goal was going to slide? Was that a specific question to him by someone?

[BYRON-LEIDY 0]

I just arrived home from a business trip. I had no access to internet and it was killing me not to read the progress my VJ friends have made. I was so glad to read the many approves and congrats to you all

However, Mirla & Byron I was cheering for you the most

Mirla, so sorry to read about your RFE You are correct these lawyers suck!!! At least you are one step closer.

Byron, dont lose hope on Christmas. Ever since I rec'd my NOA2 it has been moving rather quickly. Quicker then I expected. I hope it moves as fast for you. I have family in Colombia and I have only spent one Christmas there because Airfare is too expensive. I will also be alone this holiday season but DONT lose hope

All my best wishes for you both on a speedy approval.

soch....thank you !!!!!!!!!!

I haven't lost hope completely but as each day passes the hope fades a little.. .....as for the airfare...its outrageous!!! I checked today to travel there for Christmas and come back the first of January, they want $1200.......and thats actually not that bad...it said there was only one seat left...which basically means ...one seat at that price cause the closer you get the higher it goes....but im stuck because im hoping for an interview date and i have to be there for the interview and that makes it hard to schedule anything.....It's not like i could leave whenever i want...i have work to worry about and too much traveling would not look to good for me...

[soch 2]

I just arrived home from a business trip. I had no access to internet and it was killing me not to read the progress my VJ friends have made. I was so glad to read the many approves and congrats to you all

However, Mirla & Byron I was cheering for you the most

Mirla, so sorry to read about your RFE You are correct these lawyers suck!!! At least you are one step closer.

Byron, dont lose hope on Christmas. Ever since I rec'd my NOA2 it has been moving rather quickly. Quicker then I expected. I hope it moves as fast for you. I have family in Colombia and I have only spent one Christmas there because Airfare is too expensive. I will also be alone this holiday season but DONT lose hope

All my best wishes for you both on a speedy approval.

soch....thank you !!!!!!!!!!

I haven't lost hope completely but as each day passes the hope fades a little.. .....as for the airfare...its outrageous!!! I checked today to travel there for Christmas and come back the first of January, they want $1200.......and thats actually not that bad...it said there was only one seat left...which basically means ...one seat at that price cause the closer you get the higher it goes....but im stuck because im hoping for an interview date and i have to be there for the interview and that makes it hard to schedule anything.....It's not like i could leave whenever i want...i have work to worry about and too much traveling would not look to good for me...

I know what you mean... we are in limbo! I looked at VJ timelines and it does seem to move quickly after the NOA2 in Colombia for interviews... just like it did for me. But you never know. I will have a better idea when he receives packet 4.

Is there anyway to put a hold on a reservation via a travel agency and give yourself time to wait for the NOA2? I have found that internet air deals for Colombia are also the same or perhaps less ($10) if you go to an agency. I live in NY and sometimes end up buying my tickets at the agency (in a Colombian neighborhood) instead of online. Again, perhaps they can hold a reservation for a week and that could give you time.

[rouguewave 7]

Byron and Mirla, Keep your chins up. After all the activity this week, you are bound to make swift progress.

Byron, I understand the frustration and drain on the pocketbook. When faced with the prospect that there was NO way Honey ko and family would be here for the holidays, I booked a flight over to Philippines. It cost $2,000 with me using frequent flyer miles to San Francisco, $2,350 without. It will be worth it to spend the time with my remote family. Its also a change since I'm giving up spending Christmas with my family back here (sibs & Mom). Its the first time in years since I've not spent christmas with them and Mom being 82 (healthy, thank God) makes it even more frustrating.

Here's hoping that after the weekend's rest, VSC turns on more steam and churns things out the way they used to.

[Bill B 0]

B)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill B @ Nov 2 2007, 06:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Over 100 people called in today for the USCIS Ombudsman’s teleconference

“USCIS Receipting Delay II - How Does This Affect You?â€

The focus was on receipting delays, but there was a couple interesting things said and the comment about the probability of the 6-month goals being extended is disheartening. My notes include:

USCIS has completed all receipting of all I-485 employment based applications (except for the Nebraska service center). They are now moving toward emphasize efforts in receipting the N-400s.

He expects in January the 6 month processing goal at each service center will increase dramatically. He did not elaborate too much other than this will happen due to the volume of applications/petitions received by USCIS.

Send ombudsman info on customer service rep when you have a problem or bad information when calling the USCIS 1-800#

Whether I-129F can be filed without the I-130 receipt notice? How about with a copy of the check? I-130s will be transferred to Chicago soon in an effort to expedite. He is checking if customers can use a cancelled check as proof. He thought it should be allowed.

The 90-day clock for EAD start from date application was physically received at USCIS (received date on notice).

Incorrect Visa submission (when USCIS incorrectly returns an application due to fee submission). If you have ability to scan it, do so and send it to the ombudsman, but continue what you need to do on your end. He is hearing of too many incorrectly returned applications.

Correction of USCIS errors. Errors in receipt notice received. What should the person do? He hopes USCIS will post the answer soon to this. Update: I see it is posted now within the receipting message on the USCIS web site. They are saying the customer service rep should take the info over the phone on what is wrong and initiate corrective action.

Understand I-485s having priority, but not why don’t US citizens get priority service over non-citizens? Ombudsman said he will take up this question to USCIS and ask them to explain to him how/why they prioritize petitions.

He said receipting is done by contractors and not adjudicators so the receipting delays are not impacting the processing of petitions/applications.

Nebraska Service Center is inundated with employment based applications and therefore slower than the Texas Service Center.

People can email him at:

cisombudsman.publicaffairs@dhs.gov.

Recommends people check his web site for a lot of information, including answers to questions emailed to him. http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/editorial_0482.shtm

Did the ombudsman specifically say that the 129F 6 month processing goal was going to slide? Was that a specific question to him by someone?

Bobalouie,

No, he didn't say specifically I-129F petitions. What he said was in general terms, but he specifically mentioned that he personally felt that starting around January those type petitions/applications with currently 6 month processing times will see dramatic increases in the times necessary to process them due to shear numbers. I think Bill y stat's bear this out as well. I realize that VJers are a small snapshot, but as you can see by looking at the numbers waiting on VJs and the average number processed per day over time does not paint a good picture coming up. The two things; his comment and the averages match up. Maybe Bill y will run some more stats. Anyway, I am not saying that there cannot be a positive change between now and then to swing this projection the other way. If it happens, it will most likely be the result of either our media efforts, congressional efforts, or possibly the ombudsman himself in driving USCIS to question theirselves and their rationale for why many visas have faster processing goal times than K-1s & K-3s. What he is saying is assuming everything stays the way it is now procedurally given the number of applicants and their abilities to process them. The bottom line is that K-1 and K-3 applicants will have to do whatever they can do to either get more resources in USCIS dedicated to them or have a realignment of processing goals more focused on K-1/K3 versus employment based. Well, many of us right here in our VSC forum thread began the fight and got many ears to at least listen...it will be up to those of you still coming up through the NOA2 journey to keep on the pressure to make systemic changes at USCIS, including driving policy makers to put more funding in place focusing on fiance(e) and spouse visas. I wish everyone the very best in this endeavor and I am still waiting on Virgillionaire to give me my share of the cost because I still want to help out with that article. My opinion is the sooner that article gets out and the closer it is to the timing of the Washington Post article, the better for everyone here.

Edited November 3, 2007 by Bill B

[MKCT 0]

Thanks Sophia and everyone else...

I'm not feeling quite good....I broke into tears today in front of my girlfriend, I couldn't hold that feeling anymore....I'm scared of so many things....this time is killing me....I've been waiting a long time....but she said that after all this waiting only good things will come for me......Good things will come for all of us.....

[Bobalouie 0]

B)-->

QUOTE(Bill B @ Nov 2 2007, 09:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

B)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill B @ Nov 2 2007, 06:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Over 100 people called in today for the USCIS Ombudsman’s teleconference

“USCIS Receipting Delay II - How Does This Affect You?â€

The focus was on receipting delays, but there was a couple interesting things said and the comment about the probability of the 6-month goals being extended is disheartening. My notes include:

USCIS has completed all receipting of all I-485 employment based applications (except for the Nebraska service center). They are now moving toward emphasize efforts in receipting the N-400s.

He expects in January the 6 month processing goal at each service center will increase dramatically. He did not elaborate too much other than this will happen due to the volume of applications/petitions received by USCIS.

Send ombudsman info on customer service rep when you have a problem or bad information when calling the USCIS 1-800#

Whether I-129F can be filed without the I-130 receipt notice? How about with a copy of the check? I-130s will be transferred to Chicago soon in an effort to expedite. He is checking if customers can use a cancelled check as proof. He thought it should be allowed.

The 90-day clock for EAD start from date application was physically received at USCIS (received date on notice).

Incorrect Visa submission (when USCIS incorrectly returns an application due to fee submission). If you have ability to scan it, do so and send it to the ombudsman, but continue what you need to do on your end. He is hearing of too many incorrectly returned applications.

Correction of USCIS errors. Errors in receipt notice received. What should the person do? He hopes USCIS will post the answer soon to this. Update: I see it is posted now within the receipting message on the USCIS web site. They are saying the customer service rep should take the info over the phone on what is wrong and initiate corrective action.

Understand I-485s having priority, but not why don’t US citizens get priority service over non-citizens? Ombudsman said he will take up this question to USCIS and ask them to explain to him how/why they prioritize petitions.

He said receipting is done by contractors and not adjudicators so the receipting delays are not impacting the processing of petitions/applications.

Nebraska Service Center is inundated with employment based applications and therefore slower than the Texas Service Center.

People can email him at:

cisombudsman.publicaffairs@dhs.gov.

Recommends people check his web site for a lot of information, including answers to questions emailed to him. http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/editorial_0482.shtm

Did the ombudsman specifically say that the 129F 6 month processing goal was going to slide? Was that a specific question to him by someone?

Bobalouie,

No, he didn't say specifically I-129F petitions. What he said was in general terms, but he specifically mentioned that he personally felt that starting around January those type petitions/applications with currently 6 month processing times will see dramatic increases in the times necessary to process them due to shear numbers. I think Bill y stat's bear this out as well. I realize that VJers are a small snapshot, but as you can see by looking at the numbers waiting on VJs and the average number processed per day over time does not paint a good picture coming up. The two things; his comment and the averages match up. Maybe Bill y will run some more stats. Anyway, I am not saying that there cannot be a positive change between now and then to swing this projection the other way. If it happens, it will most likely be the result of either our media efforts, congressional efforts, or possibly the ombudsman himself in driving USCIS to question theirselves and their rationale for why many visas have faster processing goal times than K-1s & K-3s. What he is saying is assuming everything stays the way it is now procedurally given the number of applicants and their abilities to process them. The bottom line is that K-1 and K-3 applicants will have to do whatever they can do to either get more resources in USCIS dedicated to them or have a realignment of processing goals more focused on K-1/K3 versus employment based. Well, many of us right here in our VSC forum thread began the fight and got many ears to at least listen...it will be up to those of you still coming up through the NOA2 journey to keep on the pressure to make systemic changes at USCIS, including driving policy makers to put more funding in place focusing on fiance(e) and spouse visas. I wish everyone the very best in this endeavor and I am still waiting on Virgillionaire to give me my share of the cost because I still want to help out with that article. My opinion is the sooner that article gets out and the closer it is to the timing of the Washington Post article, the better for everyone here.

Thanks,

That is better than what I thought, but It really cheeses me that the only person interested in hearing what we say is a person who can not effect positive change. I wonder if the ombudsman or even the USCIS folks understand that what they are working on now, in most cases, is the final steps in those peoples journeys. This is our first step. My gosh, what will happen with the people with SOs in Egypt or Ghana when they up the timeline to say 9 months. 9 months in the 1st step, a month to get to the consulate, then 6-10 months for them to wait. I feel lucky my consulate only takes 50-60 days. Some people are looking at nearly 2 years. That is bunk and I want to talk to the people who are in a position to help, not someone who wants to help but cant do anything.

[OsLoraTamm 0]

Hi Erveryone...I have been watching and listening for a couple of days now and I am just about ready to loose my mind...VCS recieved our application on June 4, 2007 and we recieved our NOA1 on June 10 then nothing.....the silence from VCS is deafening.....November 2 is 150 days....5 months of silence.....I am so anxious I can not look at the website anymore...Oscar has to do it......I keep thinking soon but........this is hard.....Lora

He expects in January the 6 month processing goal at each service center will increase dramatically. He did not elaborate too much other than this will happen due to the volume of applications/petitions received by USCIS.

Um, I don't know if anyone caught that, but in my mind we need to start screaming at them/the media/someone NOW.

If January hits and, say, the petitioning time goes from 6 months to....8...10...12 months...

Us July and onward filers will not even be thought of until NEXT SUMMER at the earliest.

Time to organize a trip and go protest. This is bullshit, and they know it.

[Ovaltine Jenkins 5]

Byron and Mirla just so you know the guy who used to be an adjudicator said that when they receive the answer to an RFE that´s what they tend to deal with the first thing in the morning since it´s an old petition and they wanna finish that before they start other work...so don´t worry Byron...you know they always keep saying these dates and terms to stop you from calling Mirla will you have to "attack" your lawyer the way Byron had to do it to get the RFE letter from him/her?

Good luck to everyone

[ashleyandjonoz 3]

I just arrived home from a business trip. I had no access to internet and it was killing me not to read the progress my VJ friends have made. I was so glad to read the many approves and congrats to you all

However, Mirla & Byron I was cheering for you the most

Mirla, so sorry to read about your RFE You are correct these lawyers suck!!! At least you are one step closer.

Byron, dont lose hope on Christmas. Ever since I rec'd my NOA2 it has been moving rather quickly. Quicker then I expected. I hope it moves as fast for you. I have family in Colombia and I have only spent one Christmas there because Airfare is too expensive. I will also be alone this holiday season but DONT lose hope

All my best wishes for you both on a speedy approval.

soch....thank you !!!!!!!!!!

I haven't lost hope completely but as each day passes the hope fades a little.. .....as for the airfare...its outrageous!!! I checked today to travel there for Christmas and come back the first of January, they want $1200.......and thats actually not that bad...it said there was only one seat left...which basically means ...one seat at that price cause the closer you get the higher it goes....but im stuck because im hoping for an interview date and i have to be there for the interview and that makes it hard to schedule anything.....It's not like i could leave whenever i want...i have work to worry about and too much traveling would not look to good for me...

I know what you mean... we are in limbo! I looked at VJ timelines and it does seem to move quickly after the NOA2 in Colombia for interviews... just like it did for me. But you never know. I will have a better idea when he receives packet 4.

Is there anyway to put a hold on a reservation via a travel agency and give yourself time to wait for the NOA2? I have found that internet air deals for Colombia are also the same or perhaps less ($10) if you go to an agency. I live in NY and sometimes end up buying my tickets at the agency (in a Colombian neighborhood) instead of online. Again, perhaps they can hold a reservation for a week and that could give you time.

I work at a travel agency, and we can hold tickets for up to 48 hours but even then, it just guarantees a seat and the price almost always goes up. If we held it for a week, the price would definitely go up. I see prices go up everyday, and everyday people come in wanting to go home for Christmas and I have to say "Oh, it's $1500 or $2000" to go there, and it tears me apart to see their faces when I tell them.

[Bill B 0]

Hi Erveryone...I have been watching and listening for a couple of days now and I am just about ready to loose my mind...VCS recieved our application on June 4, 2007 and we recieved our NOA1 on June 10 then nothing.....the silence from VCS is deafening.....November 2 is 150 days....5 months of silence.....I am so anxious I can not look at the website anymore...Oscar has to do it......I keep thinking soon but........this is hard.....Lora

Hang in there Lora, mine was approved at 152 days and on a Sunday no less. Keep checking the USCIS web site and don't rely on getting a Chris email. I never did get a Chris email, but it is on their web site approved and I also got the hard copy NOA2 in the mail about 3 days after the approval. Good luck.

[waiting9 0]

This situation is quite unreal. We actually have to spend thousands of dollars in filings fees (between I129s, Advance Parole, 485 to get a 2 yr green card, AOS for permanent green card, US Citizen) and beyond that rack up significant phone bills, and travel plans. This system is set up like a tax to dissuade US Citizens from marrying foreigners. Essentialy its a penalty that goes beyond tax as we have to go through emotional stress due to the uncertainity.

What is USCIS trying to accomplish by putting us through this?

[StillThePrettiest 4]

I think they are hoping to accomplish a reasonable level of national security, and to dissuade / identify those who might be trying to enter the country on fraudulent terms, or for less than legal purposes

we may all have our opinions about whether there might be other, better, ways to accomplish that, but that's what they're trying to do, and I think largely succeeding

as for the cost of things - well, yes, but I don't know what the alternative is... I choose to conduct a relationship with someone in another country; there are certain costs associated with that (though my partner and I have joked, more than once, that at least we're saving on dinners and cinema tickets; might not balance out, but there is SOME balance)

and while I wince at some of the fees, again, what's the alternative? I don't expect the US taxpayer to fund MY application to come and live in their country; I haven't contributed anything yet... later, when I have, I'll have my reward in other ways no doubt

[waiting9 0]

Its not the application fees that is painful. It is the unreasonable amount of time required for waiting. I am not convinced that extending the waiting time by several months allows them to increase the level of security. It is not like that the spend several months investigating a person's background. The amount of time spent on each application is probably measured in hours, not weeks or months. And I also wonder why H1(work visas) do not have to wait for 6-9 months? Are they considered to be more peace loving, non-harmful people?