RFE & Passport Request

[Ms Hogan 295]

Is that it? It hasn't been approved yet though. They requested additional identity documentation and evidence of our relationship so I wasn't thinking they wanted the passport to issue his visa. His case raised red flags so I thought they wanted a passport for other reasons. The letter doesn't say original. Am I wrong to assume they want the original?

Can you share WHY it raised red flags?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Can you share WHY it raised red flags?

She shared a couple of posts back.

[Ms Hogan 295]

She shared a couple of posts back.

I see that now. Thanks My post was sitting written but unposted on my computer from many hours ago and I wound up hitting POST without checking again first. OOPS

[Papillon26 0]

No worries.

Nich-Nick - thank you for your reply. I hadn't considered that. It may make sense not to send the passport and see if they request it. If they hold it for a short period of time, it's not a problem, but if they hold it for weeks, that's not so great.

[Alaska2012 462]

But if they are satisfied with the documents he sends in he can have his visa in no time, but if they have to request his passport after looking through the papers the visa itself will take longer. He must give up his passport at one point or another. And if they ask for the passport why not just send it?

Yes I saw you can't travel to see him but isn't it better to send them what they want so he can be with you for good faster?

[seth2013 39]

I agree, I would just send the passport. I suspect that they will just want to issue the visa once they get the RFE information. If he really needs it in the meantime, he can contact the embassy and request it back.

[Sarah Elle-Même 660]

Also, no offense, but in the grand scheme of things 3 months is not a long time to not see each other. I see my fiance a grand total of 4 weeks a year for the past 2 years, almost 3. I concur with the others though that once they are satisfied with the documents submitted they will print the visa in the passport. It may be a hassle to have to stay put but remember, he is applying for a visa/greencard to immigrate. That means putting up with at least a few inconveniences.

Edited February 11, 2013 by Sarah and Adnan

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

But if they are satisfied with the documents he sends in he can have his visa in no time, but if they have to request his passport after looking through the papers the visa itself will take longer. He must give up his passport at one point or another. And if they ask for the passport why not just send it?

Yes I saw you can't travel to see him but isn't it better to send them what they want so he can be with you for good faster?

I agree, I would just send the passport. I suspect that they will just want to issue the visa once they get the RFE information. If he really needs it in the meantime, he can contact the embassy and request it back.

I actually disagree with both of these. London normally notifies of delayed approvals and requests the passport only when approval is given. Given the difficult interview and all the issues he had, which don't normally occur in London, the approval may not be a given even when the paperwork is received. There is a thread about the interview.

It would be useful to see the exact wording that was written on the 221g that was given him at the interview.

[liberty23456 15]

Why does he need to travel? Does he travel a lot for work?

Very curious. Unbelievable.

[NikLR 13,227]

Very curious. Unbelievable.

I beg your pardon?

[seth2013 39]

I actually disagree with both of these. London normally notifies of delayed approvals and requests the passport only when approval is given. Given the difficult interview and all the issues he had, which don't normally occur in London, the approval may not be a given even when the paperwork is received. There is a thread about the interview.

It would be useful to see the exact wording that was written on the 221g that was given him at the interview.

She also mentioned that they requested additional identification from the applicant, so I think they may need his passport to match things with. I just didn't put that in my reply.

[NikLR 13,227]

If the consulate has asked for items, he needs to send them to him. Period. Worrying about WHY they're asking for his passport and the fact that he might not be able to come see you in the meantime is kind of pointless when you're trying to get an immigration visa. The US government isn't trying to keep your husband from travelling except perhaps to the USA but they won't hold his passport from him to do so.

However the choice is up to you two what to do. Either way, they can keep him from coming to the USA simply by turning him around at customs.

[Papillon26 0]

I actually disagree with both of these. London normally notifies of delayed approvals and requests the passport only when approval is given. Given the difficult interview and all the issues he had, which don't normally occur in London, the approval may not be a given even when the paperwork is received. There is a thread about the interview.

It would be useful to see the exact wording that was written on the 221g that was given him at the interview.

The letter he received has the box other checked and the officer put in photos of couple and identity documents. The box for 221(g) wasn't checked. They requested additional information. The officer told him he wants original hospital and/or school records.

I realize that other couples don't meet as often and I understand that is difficult. We are used to seeing each other somewhat frequently and it's been 3 months now. After reading threads on this forum, the processing timeframe is unpredictable and can take months, which is why being without his passport for an indefinite timeframe isn't ideal.

[NikLR 13,227]

You do understand that no matter what, they can deny him coming to the USA right?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

The letter he received has the box other checked and the officer put in photos of couple and identity documents. The box for 221(g) wasn't checked. They requested additional information. The officer told him he wants original hospital and/or school records.

I realize that other couples don't meet as often and I understand that is difficult. We are used to seeing each other somewhat frequently and it's been 3 months now. After reading threads on this forum, the processing timeframe is unpredictable and can take months, which is why being without his passport for an indefinite timeframe isn't ideal.

Then the form does not say PASSPORT. It says identifying documents. As I recall he said they were questioning his lack of a birth certificate from Kosova, and not reporting his name change to a Brtish name and other quirky things and wanted other documents to prove his true identity like school records from Kosova. When he gets approved, he will get an email from London saying to send the passport. It is not required now. They saw it and copied it as his interview. They are wanting different identity proof than he already provided. More evidence and passport submission are two separate things in London. If the documents satisfy them, then they will tell him it is time to provide the passport for the visa.

Edited February 12, 2013 by Nich-Nick