DOS tips

[doodlebugg 10]

I have read where people, like myself, get jack squat of info when calling DOS and others that get operators to tell them just about everything in the file.

I just called because I'm a glutton for punishment and the woman said the same ole "your husband's case is in administrative processing and they'll call him when they're done". Almost like she reads from the script that Cairo types their responses from.

Anyhoo I nudged her a wee bit to tell me more by asking, "can you tell if they've even looked at it recently??" and she said in a disapproving tone, "yes there are notes that they have made since the interview". I said, "well what do the notes say?" and she reiterated, "ma'am your husband's case is in administrative processing and they will call him when it is complete".

So...........what's the trick? My guess it's like courting ya know? Except you can't give the flowers/chocolates and see the facial expression to know that you've buttered them up just enough to get what you need.

What's the magic formula to make the DOS person tell you what those notes say? Any hints/tips from those who got them to talk?

[anitacastillo 0]

Bridget --- some people on the DOS line are more helpful than others. There is one man, Chris, who acts like he cannot see anything when I know he can. One woman, Rose, seems very nice. Not all give their name.

I ask when was the status last updated from the "agencies" checking his name? The consulate asks for an update about once a month.

I decided not to be a glutton for punishment today --- maybe sometime this week....

Keep your strength! We made it through the holidays and I have auditors in two weeks -- focus on work.....

[Becky&Sam 0]

When I have decided to give myself some daily punishment I call them. As far as getting info from them........it totally depends on who you get. Some will look and really give as much info as they can and others will only say the canned "still in administrative processing." The last time I called I got a woman who really talked to me and she told me that they are actively working on his case. She also asked me if he had ever applied for a visa before (the answer is no) and she said they are doing a lot of name checks there in Cairo locally. But no time line for any end to the processing.

[ayesha4akram 0]

I think it depends on the person who answers the phone. One time I got a man (can't even remember his name) but he sounded like he was in a bad mood, he was so mean and rude to me (and he really sounded like I was bothering him) by the time I hung up I was already in tears.

But there's this lady, her name is Sue, and she's a sweetheart. There are also other women very nice and helpful, but the one that, in my opinion, is the most helpful and kindhearted is Sue.

I wish when we call, we could ask for a specific visa specialist , but I guess that's not possible. I just, cross my fingers, close my eyes, and say a little prayer under my breath while the recording says (we're sorry, all of our visa specialists are busy with other calls, please hold while a visa specialist is available...)

I hope you can get to the bottom of all of this soon, insha Allah.

Hugs,

Ayesha

[belinda63 3,022]

Well I remember Chris and sometimes I just hang up if he answers. It seems the women are more willing to give information then the men. the last two times I have called the lady said how nice looking my fiance was (bonus points maybe) but that was about it.

I have gotten tiired of trying to obtain additional information but maybe this week......if i don't get Chris

[Aymerlu 3]

DOS gave me such an ulcer when I used to call them. I just find it hard for myself to recommend anyone to call them. I remember I did talk to a woman once that was very nice, but for the most part I never found them hopeful. Hopefully you gals will have more luck with them.

[~~~water~~~ 0]

So I called this morning , I got a woman I usually get who is kind and gives smidgens of info. I asked a new question. Im calling to find out why it is taking so long to process. She put me on hold 5 mins - guess there is a lot to read. and came back and said there is nothing pending in washington, its up to the consulate to call him and set up an interview I said well he had an interview and she just said mam the case is pending in Cairo you must contact them.... SO im thinking 2nd interview ???? It happend to two members recently...

Who knows it depends who you get on the phone

Edited January 7, 2008 by water is wide

[ayesha4akram 0]

So I called this morning , I got a woman I usually get who is kind and gives smidgens of info. I asked a new question. Im calling to find out why it is taking so long to process. She put me on hold 5 mins - guess there is a lot to read. and came back and said there is nothing pending in washington, its up to the consulate to call him and set up an interview I said well he had an interview and she just said mam the case is pending in Cairo you must contact them.... SO im thinking 2nd interview ???? It happend to two members recently...

Who knows it depends who you get on the phone

Another interview??!!! That's just crazy.

Let's just wait and see what Cairo says insha Allah. I'm praying everyone crosses the AP stage and moves on to the visa in hand stage, so we can really celebrate 2008. Love you all.

Hugs,

Ayesha

Edited January 7, 2008 by ayesha4akram

[doodlebugg 10]

So I called this morning , I got a woman I usually get who is kind and gives smidgens of info. I asked a new question. Im calling to find out why it is taking so long to process. She put me on hold 5 mins - guess there is a lot to read. and came back and said there is nothing pending in washington, its up to the consulate to call him and set up an interview I said well he had an interview and she just said mam the case is pending in Cairo you must contact them.... SO im thinking 2nd interview ???? It happend to two members recently...

Who knows it depends who you get on the phone

You know I"ve gotten hints that my husband will need another interview too! I do remember it happening to a few people here but now I forget what the outcome was. Makes sense when I think of the wording they give me like, "he'll be contacted to set up an appt", etc.

[~~~water~~~ 0]

bridget , when did they first drop hints like that ??

[doodlebugg 10]

bridget , when did they first drop hints like that ??

If I really think about it right after the interview itself. He had gone to the embassy to drop off the photos they requested and they refused to take them and told him that he'll be contacted and told when his appointment will be. That caused confusion on our part since...what is the appt for?? So I started emailing them and since that time I have not received a straight answer...just the ap response we always get.

[~~~water~~~ 0]

prince of egypt had a second interview visa was received 3 weeks later

and sunnyandkleo after 5.5 months had a second interview and received the visa 2 weeks later

I really feel this will never end

cry me a river

[hopeful... 0]

So I called this morning , I got a woman I usually get who is kind and gives smidgens of info. I asked a new question. Im calling to find out why it is taking so long to process. She put me on hold 5 mins - guess there is a lot to read. and came back and said there is nothing pending in washington, its up to the consulate to call him and set up an interview I said well he had an interview and she just said mam the case is pending in Cairo you must contact them.... SO im thinking 2nd interview ???? It happend to two members recently...

Who knows it depends who you get on the phone

You know I"ve gotten hints that my husband will need another interview too! I do remember it happening to a few people here but now I forget what the outcome was. Makes sense when I think of the wording they give me like, "he'll be contacted to set up an appt", etc.

I don't know if your husband was actually allowed to sign his DS230 at his interview??? If not, he will be notified by the embassy (at some point) to call their "call center" (which is no easy process either) and to make an appointment to come in and sign that. My husband had to submit a new DS230 because so much time had elapsed and, once he got his appointment, he merely had to sign it- no questions, no interview at all. In fact, the CO joked with him that he's been there so much, he probably is starting to not like it there anymore (as if he ever did in the first place). Then he was told to pay for the DHL shipping costs of mailing his passport and visa. Still waiting to see how long that will take to arrive...Good luck to you in the seemingly endless process!

[doodlebugg 10]

So I called this morning , I got a woman I usually get who is kind and gives smidgens of info. I asked a new question. Im calling to find out why it is taking so long to process. She put me on hold 5 mins - guess there is a lot to read. and came back and said there is nothing pending in washington, its up to the consulate to call him and set up an interview I said well he had an interview and she just said mam the case is pending in Cairo you must contact them.... SO im thinking 2nd interview ???? It happend to two members recently...

Who knows it depends who you get on the phone

You know I"ve gotten hints that my husband will need another interview too! I do remember it happening to a few people here but now I forget what the outcome was. Makes sense when I think of the wording they give me like, "he'll be contacted to set up an appt", etc.

I don't know if your husband was actually allowed to sign his DS230 at his interview??? If not, he will be notified by the embassy (at some point) to call their "call center" (which is no easy process either) and to make an appointment to come in and sign that. My husband had to submit a new DS230 because so much time had elapsed and, once he got his appointment, he merely had to sign it- no questions, no interview at all. In fact, the CO joked with him that he's been there so much, he probably is starting to not like it there anymore (as if he ever did in the first place). Then he was told to pay for the DHL shipping costs of mailing his passport and visa. Still waiting to see how long that will take to arrive...Good luck to you in the seemingly endless process!

Thanks! We went with the K3 though so the DS230 isn't applicable I don't think? I'll have to look.

[MelindaandTarek 0]

I got nothing to offer - however I am sure I will be joining you all on AP soon - - -good luck to each and everyone one of you still waiting:)