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

[virgillionaire 0]

OK so here's my press release draft:

[/size]DATE

CITIZENS JOIN IN CHOCOLATE DROP TO USCIS IN HOPE TO GET SERVICE THAT FOREIGN WORKERS GOT WITH FLOWERS TO USCIS DIRECTOR

- A WEB BASED GROUP OF US CITIZENS FRUSTRATED WITH WAITING TIMES THAT HAVE INCREASED FROM ONE MONTH TO FIVE MONTHS AND GROWING HAS SENT LOADS OF HERSHEY'S KISSES TO REMIND USCIS THAT THESE CITIZENS ARE WAITING TO BE WITH THEIR LOVED ONES -

This week dozens of pounds of chocolate kisses were sent to USCIS' Vermont Office by US Citizens applying for I129f visas for their fiancee's to join them in the USA.

Waiting times for this initial, traditionally easy step have increased from one month in April to five months and climbing. This is in spite of a more than 150% increase in the filing fee for this initial step in July from $170 to $440.

These citizens are frustrated that USCIS is giving priority to work related and other visas and has pulled immigration officers off their cases for these other priorities. The citizens hope that by sending these hershey's kisses they can get the same positive response foreign workers here on H1B visas got by sendind flowers to the USCIS director earlier this year when they sought, successfully, to extend an already unusual unlimited opening for them to file greencard requests.

###

Contact for more info

Suggestions welcome

[empr 0]

I totally agree with you. I had gotten in touch with Rep. Fattah (Philadelphia) back in the end-of-July and actually had to go through a couple people in his office before I even found one helpful person. (Anyone who needs help in Philly.. I can give you the email of the person in Fattah's office who is mildly helpful).

But he called and said he got the same 6 months spiel.... so much for Congressmen.....

It sort of made me give up. Especially since I got to be with my loved one from beginning of August to the middle of September which made the wait much better.

I really think everyone on here should pour their efforts into preparing whoever comes up against the 6 month date. In this case, it might be handy to have a lawyer who can threaten USCIS's #######. Because once they go out of the posted 6-month time-frame, all bets are off. And if they know no one is going to take their inefficiency and that everyone will be on their ####### the second they go over 6 months, they'll have to fix something. Some people on here were saying that reps are starting to say "6 months+1 month processing time." I think I would blow my top. If anyone says that to you -- I would remind the rep that the 6 months is the listed processing time and they're full-of-it with the extra month.

Now if you're major objection is with the 6-month timeframe, good luck. It's what they posted so really, you're fighting the "man" if you want the general timeframe lowered.

But I believe this is a case of the "squeaky wheel gets the oil" so I'd say go ahead and channel your frustration by taking action and making your voice heard.

Gail

I have to wonder just how many of you are actually doing anything besides coming on VJ and ranting?

If only a couple of people ever do anything...the system cannot possibly be completely overhauled for the better.

I strongly encourage all of you, especially Mirla to find ways to write in to these people. Let your voice be heard. Nobody will ever know you're in trouble if you don't admit that you are.

Just my two cents, halfway between Bill y Bella and everyone else I think.

[waiting9 0]

OK so here's my press release draft:

[/size]DATE

CITIZENS JOIN IN CHOCOLATE DROP TO USCIS IN HOPE TO GET SERVICE THAT FOREIGN WORKERS GOT WITH FLOWERS TO USCIS DIRECTOR

- A WEB BASED GROUP OF US CITIZENS FRUSTRATED WITH WAITING TIMES THAT HAVE INCREASED FROM ONE MONTH TO FIVE MONTHS AND GROWING HAS SENT LOADS OF HERSHEY'S KISSES TO REMIND USCIS THAT THESE CITIZENS ARE WAITING TO BE WITH THEIR LOVED ONES -

This week dozens of pounds of chocolate kisses were sent to USCIS' Vermont Office by US Citizens applying for I129f visas for their fiancee's to join them in the USA.

Waiting times for this initial, traditionally easy step have increased from one month in April to five months and climbing. This is in spite of a more than 150% increase in the filing fee for this initial step in July from $170 to $440.

These citizens are frustrated that USCIS is giving priority to work related and other visas and has pulled immigration officers off their cases for these other priorities. The citizens hope that by sending these hershey's kisses they can get the same positive response foreign workers here on H1B visas got by sendind flowers to the USCIS director earlier this year when they sought, successfully, to extend an already unusual unlimited opening for them to file greencard requests.

###

Contact for more info

Suggestions welcome

Good idea, but not very impactful- we can not compare US Citizen Spouse visas to Work Visas directly.

The problem with this system is very clear: Why do Work Visa holders spouse visas get processed in 1 day, while US Citizens have to wait for 8-12 months during a 3-4 step process to do exactly the same thing.

Folks, this is a very powerful question?? Its a clear, articulate problem that everyone "gets." Comparing US Citizen spouse visas to work visas is not as direct as doing a spouse vs. spouse comparision.

If you don't believe me, ask anyone this question and just see their reaction.

[waiting9 0]

I totally agree with you. I had gotten in touch with Rep. Fattah (Philadelphia) back in the end-of-July and actually had to go through a couple people in his office before I even found one helpful person. (Anyone who needs help in Philly.. I can give you the email of the person in Fattah's office who is mildly helpful).

But he called and said he got the same 6 months spiel.... so much for Congressmen.....

It sort of made me give up. Especially since I got to be with my loved one from beginning of August to the middle of September which made the wait much better.

I really think everyone on here should pour their efforts into preparing whoever comes up against the 6 month date. In this case, it might be handy to have a lawyer who can threaten USCIS's #######. Because once they go out of the posted 6-month time-frame, all bets are off. And if they know no one is going to take their inefficiency and that everyone will be on their ####### the second they go over 6 months, they'll have to fix something. Some people on here were saying that reps are starting to say "6 months+1 month processing time." I think I would blow my top. If anyone says that to you -- I would remind the rep that the 6 months is the listed processing time and they're full-of-it with the extra month.

Now if you're major objection is with the 6-month timeframe, good luck. It's what they posted so really, you're fighting the "man" if you want the general timeframe lowered.

But I believe this is a case of the "squeaky wheel gets the oil" so I'd say go ahead and channel your frustration by taking action and making your voice heard.

Gail

I have to wonder just how many of you are actually doing anything besides coming on VJ and ranting?

If only a couple of people ever do anything...the system cannot possibly be completely overhauled for the better.

I strongly encourage all of you, especially Mirla to find ways to write in to these people. Let your voice be heard. Nobody will ever know you're in trouble if you don't admit that you are.

Just my two cents, halfway between Bill y Bella and everyone else I think.

Please guys, do not confuse this situation. 6 months is only to get a petition. That means nothing to a relationship. The process is a 8-12 month process now. Please stick to the 8-12month time frame as that is what matters-- Total processing time. Just because someone approves a petition in 6 months, it does not allow your spouse/finace to enter the country, as you are all aware.

The problem with communicating a 6 month to a public official is that it completly diminishes the real time - about 1 year-- that it takes for the process end-to-end. A public official does not know/realize that this is just one step-- there is another 4-7 months remaining after this 6 months.

Remember, these people get lots of letters. Your message needs to be clear and the seriousness needs to be apparent.

[MKCT 0]

By the way................

Im here for your support....

My mother as everyone now knows, has Alzheimers....

This week my father was diagnosed with a rare thing called terminal Picks Disease. Front Temperal Lobal deterioration of the brain. It can progress fast taking him in as little as 2 years...up to 10 years he can linger. He is losing his ability to reason, take care of himself...ect. Im here alone...my family lives to far...i have no support...you guys are it. Just pray for us. I need my SO here..not just want..NEED...

Sorry to hear that amrssnowangel! It must be really hard to go through all this all by yourself. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers and wish you get your NOA2 asap! There's no need to apologize at all! We are all here to help you whenever you need us!!!

Be strong and you'll see your SO will be with you sooner than what you think!

[widwi 0]

Well, I definitely have my fingers crossed now. I am an active duty military member, and I just found out last week that I am going to be getting an assignment in the very near future. I could be out of here as soon as May. Now, I know that sounds like a long ways off, but it really isn't. Especially since I am going to an overseas location. Anyway, I sent off a request to have our Visa application expedited for military reason. I included ALL of the information that I received regarding my immanent assignment, a copy of my NOA1, letters from myself and my Commanding Officer. Hopefully this will be enough to persuade the Vermont Service Center to expedite our case. If not, I will truly be at a loss, as I really do not believe we will be able to get everything "squared away" before I will have to be at my next duty location. I sent the package off on Tuesday and the Vermont Service Center received it yesterday. Hopefully we will hear something soon. Wish us luck, please. I'll keep you all posted on our results.

[Bill y Bella 0]

Oh. So I am loud, bombastic, pompous, noisy and pretentious. So much for your original claim of no insult being intended. But hey, nice cut and paste.

Don't take that to be an insult, I just wonder.

My apologies to thejoz. I was thinking that the post from rouguewave was from you and referred to your statement "Don't take that to be an insult" in my reply to rouguewave. Sorry for the confusion.

Well, I definitely have my fingers crossed now. I am an active duty military member, and I just found out last week that I am going to be getting an assignment in the very near future. I could be out of here as soon as May. Now, I know that sounds like a long ways off, but it really isn't. Especially since I am going to an overseas location. Anyway, I sent off a request to have our Visa application expedited for military reason. I included ALL of the information that I received regarding my immanent assignment, a copy of my NOA1, letters from myself and my Commanding Officer. Hopefully this will be enough to persuade the Vermont Service Center to expedite our case. If not, I will truly be at a loss, as I really do not believe we will be able to get everything "squared away" before I will have to be at my next duty location. I sent the package off on Tuesday and the Vermont Service Center received it yesterday. Hopefully we will hear something soon. Wish us luck, please. I'll keep you all posted on our results.

Good luck to you!

[Jason-Sasha 1]

This thread is no longer enjoyable. If you're so mad about the way VSC is handling cases...why not just go there in person and yell at them? Why yell at other VJ members? Handle your business. You should be thankful that we have the right to even do this! Its hard for all of us. The only way to get through this ####### is to remain positive, strong and patient. Or....you can just go to your fiance(e)'s country and take up residency there. What? Cant leave your job? Your home? Your family? Can't do what your "other" is doing?? We all need to get a grip here. I think its a very good idea to write as many letters as possible to people who can help. I did it. But yelling at other members who havent done so is just stupid. I agree that USCIS owes us better service, but this whole process is a choice. Not a guarantee. The government just doesn't do that. Get over it or move along. Hey, you could always just give up. If a relationship is strong enough, nothing will tear it apart. If the waiting period was a year, would you have applied?? If not, then you have other issues. Nothing wrong with bashing VSC as much as you wish. Nothing wrong with bitching and complaining. But stop the attacks on each other for God's sake!! Everyone's time will come. If you dont like it, if you dont think its fair...write to someone who can actually help. In the meantime, remember what makes us good people....consideration, kindness, comradery, honesty. Just to name a few things. The government is not a direct reflection of it's people. We know what's fair. What's right. But in the eyes of Uncle Sam, we are people who are asking for a favor. we are requesting a service. We are at their mercy here. Time to face that fact. Again, that's how Uncle Sam sees it. We are different. We feel cheated. We feel poorly served. Unless we have the ability to actually go inside their facility, ask questions and watch production....we can't really bash them. Not fairly anyway. It feels good to do it though. Hell, I know that. I enjoy giving them #######. But you know what always turns my mood from negative and angry to positive and productive? My Sasha. Knowing that there's not a force on this Earth that will or can keep us apart forever. I tell myself that she is why I live. And if for some outrageous reason we fail in our process, well, I'll just go there. We know and trust each other so deeply that we have confidence that we'll be together again soon enough. I know all of you must have this same connection with your fiance(e)s/spouses. So chill out. Some of you act like you're gonna kick the bucket sometime soon, leaving you only days with your lovers. So pessimistic! Try to focus on all of the wonderful years you will have together and not the painful months that you were apart. Besides, what good are you doing by pissing other VJers off? You want to help apply for a job with USCIS's Vermont facility. So, can't we all just get along??

[Bobalouie 0]

This thread is no longer enjoyable. If you're so mad about the way VSC is handling cases...why not just go there in person and yell at them? Why yell at other VJ members? Handle your business. You should be thankful that we have the right to even do this! Its hard for all of us. The only way to get through this ####### is to remain positive, strong and patient. Or....you can just go to your fiance(e)'s country and take up residency there. What? Cant leave your job? Your home? Your family? Can't do what your "other" is doing?? We all need to get a grip here. I think its a very good idea to write as many letters as possible to people who can help. I did it. But yelling at other members who havent done so is just stupid. I agree that USCIS owes us better service, but this whole process is a choice. Not a guarantee. The government just doesn't do that. Get over it or move along. Hey, you could always just give up. If a relationship is strong enough, nothing will tear it apart. If the waiting period was a year, would you have applied?? If not, then you have other issues. Nothing wrong with bashing VSC as much as you wish. Nothing wrong with bitching and complaining. But stop the attacks on each other for God's sake!! Everyone's time will come. If you dont like it, if you dont think its fair...write to someone who can actually help. In the meantime, remember what makes us good people....consideration, kindness, comradery, honesty. Just to name a few things. The government is not a direct reflection of it's people. We know what's fair. What's right. But in the eyes of Uncle Sam, we are people who are asking for a favor. we are requesting a service. We are at their mercy here. Time to face that fact. Again, that's how Uncle Sam sees it. We are different. We feel cheated. We feel poorly served. Unless we have the ability to actually go inside their facility, ask questions and watch production....we can't really bash them. Not fairly anyway. It feels good to do it though. Hell, I know that. I enjoy giving them #######. But you know what always turns my mood from negative and angry to positive and productive? My Sasha. Knowing that there's not a force on this Earth that will or can keep us apart forever. I tell myself that she is why I live. And if for some outrageous reason we fail in our process, well, I'll just go there. We know and trust each other so deeply that we have confidence that we'll be together again soon enough. I know all of you must have this same connection with your fiance(e)s/spouses. So chill out. Some of you act like you're gonna kick the bucket sometime soon, leaving you only days with your lovers. So pessimistic! Try to focus on all of the wonderful years you will have together and not the painful months that you were apart. Besides, what good are you doing by pissing other VJers off? You want to help apply for a job with USCIS's Vermont facility. So, can't we all just get along??

You make an interesting parallel in your post. You talk about we are asking a favor of Uncle Sam. I completely agree, but the conotation of "Uncle" means that Sam is family. I would think that Family would treat me better than Joe Schmo from a foriegn country who wishes to ask for a favor as well. I would think that my "Family" would treat me better and give me preferential treatment. That is the crux of every arguement on this subject.

[Bill y Bella 0]

Yes, that is probably confusing. However, what confused me more, much more than anything else is:

Why do people on work visas (H1B) take 1 day to process their spouses visa, while a US Citizen has to wait for a total of 8-12 months? Is it because the H1B visa holders are more trustworthy than us US Citizens?

This my friends make no sense to me. I have heard back from one of the Senators and have a call with their office next week. Also, I finally spoke to someone from CNN (Lou Dobbs) and they have requested that I send them documentation, as they were unable to believe that infact is the case.

Will keep you'll posted.

Can you bring me up to speed on this? I have heard several references to the situation you describe and would like to be able to read the documentation for myself.

Thanks!

[Bill B 0]

OK so here's my press release draft:

[/size]DATE

CITIZENS JOIN IN CHOCOLATE DROP TO USCIS IN HOPE TO GET SERVICE THAT FOREIGN WORKERS GOT WITH FLOWERS TO USCIS DIRECTOR

- A WEB BASED GROUP OF US CITIZENS FRUSTRATED WITH WAITING TIMES THAT HAVE INCREASED FROM ONE MONTH TO FIVE MONTHS AND GROWING HAS SENT LOADS OF HERSHEY'S KISSES TO REMIND USCIS THAT THESE CITIZENS ARE WAITING TO BE WITH THEIR LOVED ONES -

This week dozens of pounds of chocolate kisses were sent to USCIS' Vermont Office by US Citizens applying for I129f visas for their fiancee's to join them in the USA.

Waiting times for this initial, traditionally easy step have increased from one month in April to five months and climbing. This is in spite of a more than 150% increase in the filing fee for this initial step in July from $170 to $440.

These citizens are frustrated that USCIS is giving priority to work related and other visas and has pulled immigration officers off their cases for these other priorities. The citizens hope that by sending these hershey's kisses they can get the same positive response foreign workers here on H1B visas got by sendind flowers to the USCIS director earlier this year when they sought, successfully, to extend an already unusual unlimited opening for them to file greencard requests.

###

Contact for more info

Suggestions welcome

virgillionaire, thanks for taking a lead in this area, all the research you have done and the time you have invested. Thanks also for typing up a first draft. I think waiting9 makes some good suggestions to make it even stronger. I personally would like to see the fact that they do not offer us the 15-day premium processing service that what appears to be 22 other types of work related visa applicants get to apply for (ref: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...0045f3d6a1RCRD)

[Jason-Sasha 1]

Actually, Uncle Sam (U.S.) was a clever term first used to encourage civilians to serve their country. They wanted to give the impression that they were serving their family. Surely you could trust an Uncle right? Not so anymore. And you are correct in your comment that its screwed up because of the family conotation. I used this term in my previous post as a sarcastic quip. Guess it didnt come off that way. And I totally agree that family based visas should be the highest priority. I agree with almost every complaint about this whole process. I just wanted to address the friction between so many members lately. not only in this thread. But it seems to be getting tense in here....

[Bill B 0]

This thread is no longer enjoyable. If you're so mad about the way VSC is handling cases...why not just go there in person and yell at them? Why yell at other VJ members? Handle your business. You should be thankful that we have the right to even do this! Its hard for all of us. The only way to get through this ####### is to remain positive, strong and patient. Or....you can just go to your fiance(e)'s country and take up residency there. What? Cant leave your job? Your home? Your family? Can't do what your "other" is doing?? We all need to get a grip here. I think its a very good idea to write as many letters as possible to people who can help. I did it. But yelling at other members who havent done so is just stupid. I agree that USCIS owes us better service, but this whole process is a choice. Not a guarantee. The government just doesn't do that. Get over it or move along. Hey, you could always just give up. If a relationship is strong enough, nothing will tear it apart. If the waiting period was a year, would you have applied?? If not, then you have other issues. Nothing wrong with bashing VSC as much as you wish. Nothing wrong with bitching and complaining. But stop the attacks on each other for God's sake!! Everyone's time will come. If you dont like it, if you dont think its fair...write to someone who can actually help. In the meantime, remember what makes us good people....consideration, kindness, comradery, honesty. Just to name a few things. The government is not a direct reflection of it's people. We know what's fair. What's right. But in the eyes of Uncle Sam, we are people who are asking for a favor. we are requesting a service. We are at their mercy here. Time to face that fact. Again, that's how Uncle Sam sees it. We are different. We feel cheated. We feel poorly served. Unless we have the ability to actually go inside their facility, ask questions and watch production....we can't really bash them. Not fairly anyway. It feels good to do it though. Hell, I know that. I enjoy giving them #######. But you know what always turns my mood from negative and angry to positive and productive? My Sasha. Knowing that there's not a force on this Earth that will or can keep us apart forever. I tell myself that she is why I live. And if for some outrageous reason we fail in our process, well, I'll just go there. We know and trust each other so deeply that we have confidence that we'll be together again soon enough. I know all of you must have this same connection with your fiance(e)s/spouses. So chill out. Some of you act like you're gonna kick the bucket sometime soon, leaving you only days with your lovers. So pessimistic! Try to focus on all of the wonderful years you will have together and not the painful months that you were apart. Besides, what good are you doing by pissing other VJers off? You want to help apply for a job with USCIS's Vermont facility. So, can't we all just get along??

Jason,

You are a fairly regular poster in here so I am interested in who you felt was yelling at other VJ members. I think we all need to be clear on who you are referring to so that people can decide whether they agree with your post here or disagree.

[waiting9 0]

Yes, that is probably confusing. However, what confused me more, much more than anything else is:

Why do people on work visas (H1B) take 1 day to process their spouses visa, while a US Citizen has to wait for a total of 8-12 months? Is it because the H1B visa holders are more trustworthy than us US Citizens?

This my friends make no sense to me. I have heard back from one of the Senators and have a call with their office next week. Also, I finally spoke to someone from CNN (Lou Dobbs) and they have requested that I send them documentation, as they were unable to believe that infact is the case.

Will keep you'll posted.

Can you bring me up to speed on this? I have heard several references to the situation you describe and would like to be able to read the documentation for myself.

Thanks!

The process for H1B holders is that they have to visit their home country, and show the following docs:

1. H1B Visa

2. Marriage certificate

And they have to go back at the end of the day to collect their spouse visas. Its a pretty simple straight-forward process. You can google/check with your friends who have H1Bs.

All I am requesting is that I, a US Citizen be provided equal rights that a H1B visa holder enjoys.

[Jamie76 0]

Actually, Uncle Sam (U.S.) was a clever term first used to encourage civilians to serve their country. They wanted to give the impression that they were serving their family. Surely you could trust an Uncle right? Not so anymore. And you are correct in your comment that its screwed up because of the family conotation. I used this term in my previous post as a sarcastic quip. Guess it didnt come off that way. And I totally agree that family based visas should be the highest priority. I agree with almost every complaint about this whole process. I just wanted to address the friction between so many members lately. not only in this thread. But it seems to be getting tense in here....

Amen. I know for one, I've been on edge. Sometimes though, things get taken the wrong way in places like these, and with all the anxiety etc that comes with the process, it makes a bad combination.