Calling everyone going thru Islamabad Embassy, version 2.0

[Oasriz 0]

Thanks Khurram. I'm sure your process will be over quickly. I was surprised with the documents also. My wife said the lady took all the documents out of our folder and laid them on the table.. she then verified each document with the checklist to ensure everything was there.

The embassy kept everything except her original certificates (police, wedding, birth) and our pictures.

[waiting4s 0]

Great document Khurram. What are you having your wife do during the wait? I believe you started inquiring about additional vacctinations for later. My wife's travel agent again insists she needs a transit visa to go through the UK. I want her to speak directly to a PIA spokesperson as well, as we have all found information to the contrary.

I should get the scan of the documents they gave my wife along with the questions they asked her. Of course, I'll post them here as soon as I get them.

She received two documents. One was a white sheet of paper with the local AMEX information. The other was a small pink square sheet that has 4 digits written on it., no words I'm hoping this is just the token.

Good luck to everyone.

Unless I am missing something. sounds like she will have the visa shortly. Congrats again.

[KHURRAM SERAJ 0]

Thanks Khurram. I'm sure your process will be over quickly. I was surprised with the documents also. My wife said the lady took all the documents out of our folder and laid them on the table.. she then verified each document with the checklist to ensure everything was there.

The embassy kept everything except her original certificates (police, wedding, birth) and our pictures.

In the mean time I have started to compile and fill out forms for her AOS and EAD. I am almost done with the exception of the medical vaccination Suppliment and I-94 Arrival record

[KHURRAM SERAJ 0]

datasheet,

I have just send you an email with the Checklist of items as well as a fillable parent information form (embassy will send you that) and the checklist that the embassy will send you. if there is any Confusion or you should have any question feel free to drop my a line or post it here and I will try to help you as much as I can

Khurram

[fareash 0]

My wife wasn't asked for the two passport size photos at the interview, she did have photos pasted on her DS-156. Does anyone know if that's why they needed it or will she be called for them later?

I had a question for you: I wanted to know if you can tell me what the procedure is for getting in to the islamabad embassy. Because my husband has to be there in august for his interview and he lives in Abu Dhabi so we both have no idea what time he should start arriving at the embassy. Also if you can tell me when the line starts and is there a different line for ppl with interview letter etc? If you can help I would greatly appreciate it. Oh also do u know if your wife took all of her wedding albums or is it ok if we provide them with pictures?

thanks

[ali1978 0]

Hello fellows,

I would like to share this exciting news with you that my wife as arrived to US on this past Sunday . Her POE was JFK and she said it was very easy and smooth. Thanks all of your help guys and I wish that all of you that are waiting to see your loved one may see each other very soon.

I need help again and I know this forum has been excellent for that. I need guideline that how she will get her SS#, I have read that you wil apply for work permit and then for SS#.

Thanks,

ALI

[KHURRAM SERAJ 0]

My wife wasn't asked for the two passport size photos at the interview, she did have photos pasted on her DS-156. Does anyone know if that's why they needed it or will she be called for them later?

I had a question for you: I wanted to know if you can tell me what the procedure is for getting in to the islamabad embassy. Because my husband has to be there in august for his interview and he lives in Abu Dhabi so we both have no idea what time he should start arriving at the embassy. Also if you can tell me when the line starts and is there a different line for ppl with interview letter etc? If you can help I would greatly appreciate it. Oh also do u know if your wife took all of her wedding albums or is it ok if we provide them with pictures?

thanks

Copied from a post by Junglee: islamabad has an area called the diplomatic enclave - it is located on the eastern side of the city. basically, its a street that houses all the embassies ...french, american, chinese, uk, etc. the american embassy, by my estimates is the largest, and is also the last one on the street. in the aftermath of 9/11 and the security concerns generated soon afterwards, the entire street has been shut down to public. there used to be a time when you could simply drive up to the embassy of your choice, park in their designated parking area, and walk in. now, times have changed, and the street is barraccaded by police, huge road blocks, fences, gates, gaurds - the works. the ony people allowed in or out are diplomats, and other government officials. visa seekers have to go through hell to get in.

all cr1 visas are scheduled for 8 am. everyone gets the same time. the embassy does interviews for immigrant and non immigrant visas between the hours of 8 am and 1230 pm. they proceed to return passports and immigration packets after 2pm, up until 430 pm.

the beneficiary shows up at the convention center parking lot - located right outside the entrance of the diplomatic enclave. you can reach this area by telling any cab driver that you are headed towards the diplomatic enclave - if you plan on parking or driving into this parking lot - there is a 15 rupee fee.

then you proceed to walk into a dirt area, fenced up, with various lines and booths. the only way to figure out where to go is to ask around like a moron, or watch - or read this post :-)

first and foremost - no bags are allowed in - women can take in purses, but no backpacks, or handbags are allowed - and inadvertantly everyone decides to take a bag with them to house all their documentation. don't - place all your documents in a plastic bag - as that is allowed. if you do take a bag, you u gwill have to leave it there, and pay 15 rupees for them to keep it for the day.

secondly, no cell phones are allowed in either. there is a booth that will hold your cell phone, for a charge of 5 rupees - i left my phone there on three occasions, it is pretty safe.

once you get rid of your bags, and cell phone - and make sure you do this first or you will be turned back later to do so, you move on to get a ticket. going to the us embassy costs 30 rupees per person, roundtrip. you buy a ticket, and typically will have to stand in a line for this. the first bus, as of current, that goes to the us embassy leaves at 730 am. the line starts forming at 6 am.

once you buy the ticekt, you go through a check point where they will search you and your belongings (plastic bag of documents) - beyond this check point are four seperate lines. line 4 is the line for the shuttle going to the us and french embassies. the first three lines go elsewhere.

you wait in this line until the shuttle comes. there is one shuttle that goes to the us embassy -it is a smally coaster, not even a bus. it picks up passengers, goes to the french embassy, then the us, then returns, picks up more. in the morning hours, before lunch, it runs frequently.

once you get on the bus, you arrive across the street from us embassy visa section entrance. here, you form another line - a security gaurd lines you up across the street and lets you cross in small groups. once you cross the street, you go through security again, a quick check of you and your belongings. women should be warned to keep minimal items in their purse - lots of things are confiscated - anything with metal - and will be returned when you are done. also, you have to leave behind any lighters, cigarettes, matches, etc. once you pass this check point, you get into another line waiting to enter the embassy.

they let you in a few at a time, and finally, you get to walk into the embassy - where you are confronted by yet another security check - but here there is a metal detector. its like the metal detectors found at most airports - take off belts, shoes, etc. for desi women especially - try not to wear bengals, and earings, and #######. it's just a nuisance. as you are passing through this last checkpoint, they will collect your appointment letters.

you come through this area and arrive kinda in a outdoorsy, yet covered area, with a few chairs/benches, and a little coffe/tea shop that sells small snacks and drinks.

you walk past that area, open the door, and are inside the waiting room, with 12 windows (window 1 being a room).

please keep in mind that in order to get to this place at 8 am, you should be at the convention centet parking lot around 6-630 am. also, you cannot take food in, so you are forced to snacking on whatever ####### they have in that little store. it will take til atleast 2 pm, if not later before you can leave. there are no phones inside

My wife did take with her our wedding album buth the CO actually said that you only needed to bring 10 pictures not the whole album but smiled so I think as long as you have enough pictures you should be fine

Khurram

[KHURRAM SERAJ 0]

Hello fellows,

I would like to share this exciting news with you that my wife as arrived to US on this past Sunday . Her POE was JFK and she said it was very easy and smooth. Thanks all of your help guys and I wish that all of you that are waiting to see your loved one may see each other very soon.

I need help again and I know this forum has been excellent for that. I need guideline that how she will get her SS#, I have read that you wil apply for work permit and then for SS#.

Thanks,

ALI

Ali,

First of all Congrats!!!!

Secondly, you will need to file for EAD and once she has that she can apply for her SSN. You will need to Fill out I-765 which can be found at:

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765.pdf

The example form can be found at:

http://www.visajourney.com/examples/INS-Form-I-765.pdf

Let me know if you need any help as I have reading about this since my wife's interview

Once again Congrats and may you guys a great new life ahead of you

Khurram

[ali1978 0]

Hello fellows,

I would like to share this exciting news with you that my wife as arrived to US on this past Sunday . Her POE was JFK and she said it was very easy and smooth. Thanks all of your help guys and I wish that all of you that are waiting to see your loved one may see each other very soon.

I need help again and I know this forum has been excellent for that. I need guideline that how she will get her SS#, I have read that you wil apply for work permit and then for SS#.

Thanks,

ALI

Ali,

First of all Congrats!!!!

Secondly, you will need to file for EAD and once she has that she can apply for her SSN. You will need to Fill out I-765 which can be found at:

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765.pdf

The example form can be found at:

http://www.visajourney.com/examples/INS-Form-I-765.pdf

Let me know if you need any help as I have reading about this since my wife's interview

Once again Congrats and may you guys a great new life ahead of you

Khurram

Khurram, thnaks very much yaar.

We have moved into new apartment but all the mail that was related to her immigration was sent to my previous address, if I put new address that will be problem?

[KHURRAM SERAJ 0]

Khurram, thnaks very much yaar.

We have moved into new apartment but all the mail that was related to her immigration was sent to my previous address, if I put new address that will be problem?

You are welcome!

I don't think that it should be an issue at all. Just make sure you keep the forwarding on from your old address and make an Infopass appointment just to confirm it as well

Khurram

[hp81 0]

Congratulations Ali!! Hopefully all the mail waiting will get through with AP much quicker as well.

[MaryandMian 1]

I called yesterday NVC again and lady told me they have forward our K-3 case to Islamabad on May 31st. this is good news.

Now how can I check if Islamabad got it or not. I sent them email but did not get reply back.

I have the ISL case number with me.

Thanks,

Data Sheet

Your case can take up to weeks before they have the electronic and hard copies matched and in the system. Good luck and they will not tell your case is at the consulate.

[MaryandMian 1]

Congratulations and hopefully a short AR/AP.

All,

My wife's K3 interview was today and I just wanted to let you know the brief things I found out already.

She was told by the lady she is approved and should get her visa in "a few weeks". The embassy kept all her documents that were on the checklist, including her passport, all the certificates, and all my tax information.

My wife was handed a white paper with some american express locations written on them, plus a pink square sheet of paper that did not state any information clearly.

My wife told me the lady who interviewed her didn't seem to be a good mood from the beginning and asked tons of questions and smiled barely once. Compared to what i've read here, it appears my wife had many more questions to answer. They asked alot about me and how we met in detail. Her interview time was at 8 in the morning and she was already back home by 10:30, so it went much quicker than I thought.

I'm going to talk to her in detail later today and post more information then. I'm glad the interview went well and hopefully this wait/AR will be over soon. The fact that they embassy kept all her info and passport I believe is a good thing.

Thank you all for your help.... and just another hundred more steps or so until the entire visajourney is over.

[MaryandMian 1]

2007 Results and AR/AP Statistics

Saeedeh/Ahsan CR-1/IR-1 (Male)Interview Sept 2006,Second AP March 2007 MEDIA CR-1/IR-1 UNKNOWN

TSHAH2006 K-3 UNKNOWN

PAIN07 CR-1/IR-1 (Male) AP second time after approved waiver. Interview 2005 waiver approved fall 2006 1st AP 10/06

CANUHANDLEIT (Male) UNKNOWN

SUFI CR-I/IR-1 (FEMALE), and kids interview July 31, 2007

MISSINGHIM K-3 (Male) UNKNOWN

ASISUN K-3 UNKNOWN

NASIR K-3(FEMALE) INTERVIEW ON ????? VISA RECEIVED In December 2006

MICHIGAN K-3 (Male) INTERVIEW ON 01, NOV,2005 VISA RECEIVED ON 02,NOV,2006

A1V K-1 (Male) INTERVIEW ON O9, JUNE 2006 ON AP

HAFIZ K-3(FEMALE) INTERVIEW ON 01,SEPT,2006 VISA RECEIVED 14, SEPT,2006

AE4EVER K-3(FEMALE) INTERVIEW ON 13, SEPT,2006 VISA RECEIVED 20, SEPT 2006

SABAHK99 K-3 INTERVIEW ON 15, SEPT,2006 ON AP

RKHALID CR-1/IR-1 (Male) INTERVIEW ON 06, OCT,2006 VISA RECEIVED 30, DEC,2006

TIMEFRAME CR-1/IR-1 INTERVIEW ON MAY,2006 ON AP

DDX K-1 INTERVIEW ON MAY,2006 ON AP

NAIR1 CR-1/IR-1 INTERVIEW ON APR,2006 ON AP

GHATTIYA CR-1/IR-1 INTERVIEW ON 20, APRIL,2006 ON AP

JULIEYANN CR-1/IR-1 (Male) INTERVIEW ON 01, AUG,2006 VISA RECEIVED 26, FEB,2007

FOOKI CR-1/IR-1 (Male) INTERVIEW ON 07, DEC,2006 ON AP

FASEL CR-1/IR-1(FEMALE) INTERVIEW ON 13, DEC,2006 VISA RECEIVED 15, MAR,2007

SAEED/NIDDY CR-1/IR-1(FEMALE) INTERVIEW ON 05 JAN,2007 on AP

SK782 K-3 (Male) INTERVIEW ON ????? VISA RECEIVED 26, JAN,2007

PITTBULL K-3(FEMALE) INTERVIEW ON 30, JAN,2007 VISA RECEIVED 14, FEB,2007

ADIL KHAN K-3(FEMALE) INTERVIEW ON 30, JAN,2007 ????????

QUEST234 K-3(FEMALE) INTERVIEW ON 06,FEB,2007 VISA RECEIVED 14, FEB,2007

DUDE4084 CR-1/IR-1 (Male) INTERVIEW ON 12, FEB,2007 ???????

CED8 K-1(FEMALE) INTERVIEW ON 20, FEB,2007 VISA RECEIVED 04, MAR,2007

FAK CR-1/1R-1 (Male) (PK-CANADA) INTERVIEW ON 21, FEB,2007 ON AP

INFINITBOY CR-1/IR-1(FEMALE) 2007 INTERVIEW ON 06 MAR,2007 VISA RECEIVED MARCH 13, 2007

TAKRAM2000 K-3 (Female) and kids INTERVIEW ON 06, MAR, 2007 arrived in states March 23, 2007

DLG K-1 (Male) INTERVIEW ON 12, MAR,2007 ???????

FAAL4ANISA K-1 (Male) INTERVIEW ON 13, MAR,2007 ON AP

BABYBUNNY CR-1/IR-1 (Male) INTERVIEW ON AUG,2005 STILL ON AP(THRICE) 21, MAR,2007

AXYOUSU1 K-3(FEMALE) INTERVIEW ON 25, APR,2007

DESPERADO K-1 INTERVIEW ON 27, MAR,2007 ON AP

KJO K-1 (Male) INTERVIEW ON 27, MAR,2007 ON AP

ZAKI CR-1/IR-1 (Male) INTERVIEW ON 29, MAR,2007 ON AP

AFTAB&SADIA K-3 INTERVIEW ON 15, MAY,2007on AP

ZEYAD K-3 (Female) Interview July 10, 2007

OASRIZ K-3(FEMALE) Interview June 5, 2007 received AP

.NetFan CR-1 (Male) Interviewed March 15, 2007 on AP

Maranello K3 (female) interviewed 12/01/2006 on AP

Khurram Seraj (female) interview 05/29/2007 on AP

Ali1978 K3 (female) Feb 06,2007 on AR and now April 27th on AP, visa in hand May 24, 2007

XStrangerX2007 CR-1/ IR-1 (Male) interview July 25, 2007

Hp81 K3 (Male) case at CSC

Chigal K-3 (Male) Interview November 2006 and Visa in hand May 21, 2007

Chicago CR-1/IR-1 (Female) Interview June 2007

Neverending on Waiver over 2 years and in processing over 5 years as of May 2007.

Sayed K-1 (Female/Afghanistan) Interview fall 2006 on AP now 9 1/2 months as of May 22, 2007

[us1415 0]

here is something for you guys that might help going thru the embassy with a lot of interviews, document requirements, AR/AP information and a post about SSN.

http://www.desinitro.com/joel/islamabad.html

Edited June 6, 2007 by us1415