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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
Timeline
So is there a way, or maybe another phone number or email, or person to get the information on anything in Guayaquil from?
Write "IVGuayaquil@state.gov" and put "For Chief Linderman" in the subject line of your e-mail. Philip Linderman is probably still the chief of both visa units. Let us know how this works for you, si man.

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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Ok, so in 10 days we will have our interview in Guayaquil. I plan on being there with the fiancée. I still feel very nervous. All the bad things I've read about it, and all the recent approvals, they can really screw with you.

Fernando & Michelle

12/05/2011 - Mailed I-129F
12/09/2011 - Received NOA1
12/21/2011 - Last updated by USCIS
04/12/2012 - Approved!
05/08/2012 - NVC received
05/09/2012 - Left NVC
05/14/2012 - Received at Consulate
06/25/2012 - Interview at Consulate, APPROVED!!!!
07/07/2012 - POE at JFK, easy.

09/28/2012 - Mailed I-485
11/09/2012 - Appointment for Biometrics
12/08/2012 - EAD and AP Card arrived in mail. No updates to USCIS website.
07/26/2013 - Approved, no interview.

04/30/2015 - Mailed I-751

06/03/2015 - Appointment for Biometrics

02/29/2016 - Approved, no interview.

03/14/2016 - Received 10-year Card

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
Timeline
Ok, so in 10 days we will have our interview in Guayaquil. I plan on being there with the fiancée. I still feel very nervous. All the bad things I've read about it, and all the recent approvals, they can really screw with you.
Your presence will make a world of difference -- that I'm confident of, si man. :) If you're arriving in Guayaquil a day or two early, take even more fotos of yourselves together in different venues. The big mall has a camera place where you can print digital fotos. Of course, have the fotos ready to hand to the Foreign Service National who will collect your stuff.

After the interview, please give us a detailed rundown of what happened, and full physical descriptions of the CO(s) with whom you will have dealt.

You should be fine, si man! :thumbs:

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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Your presence will make a world of difference -- that I'm confident of, si man. :) If you're arriving in Guayaquil a day or two early, take even more fotos of yourselves together in different venues. The big mall has a camera place where you can print digital fotos. Of course, have the fotos ready to hand to the Foreign Service National who will collect your stuff.

After the interview, please give us a detailed rundown of what happened, and full physical descriptions of the CO(s) with whom you will have dealt.

You should be fine, si man! :thumbs:

I will certainly write the review once this ordeal is over. I fly out in 7 days. At this point I'm just eager to see her and get this over with...

Fernando & Michelle

12/05/2011 - Mailed I-129F
12/09/2011 - Received NOA1
12/21/2011 - Last updated by USCIS
04/12/2012 - Approved!
05/08/2012 - NVC received
05/09/2012 - Left NVC
05/14/2012 - Received at Consulate
06/25/2012 - Interview at Consulate, APPROVED!!!!
07/07/2012 - POE at JFK, easy.

09/28/2012 - Mailed I-485
11/09/2012 - Appointment for Biometrics
12/08/2012 - EAD and AP Card arrived in mail. No updates to USCIS website.
07/26/2013 - Approved, no interview.

04/30/2015 - Mailed I-751

06/03/2015 - Appointment for Biometrics

02/29/2016 - Approved, no interview.

03/14/2016 - Received 10-year Card

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
Timeline
I will certainly write the review once this ordeal is over. I fly out in 7 days. At this point I'm just eager to see her and get this over with...
By the way, try to be in Guayaquil a full day before your scheduled interview. The consulate has called beneficiaries with a few hours' notice and said "Get down here NOW [hours earlier than scheduled] or you'll lose your chance to interview."

Pulling for you, si man!

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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By the way, try to be in Guayaquil a full day before your scheduled interview. The consulate has called beneficiaries with a few hours' notice and said "Get down here NOW [hours earlier than scheduled] or you'll lose your chance to interview."

Pulling for you, si man!

Thanks Tbone, interview is on Monday, I arrive on Sunday at 0530. Plenty of time.

Fernando & Michelle

12/05/2011 - Mailed I-129F
12/09/2011 - Received NOA1
12/21/2011 - Last updated by USCIS
04/12/2012 - Approved!
05/08/2012 - NVC received
05/09/2012 - Left NVC
05/14/2012 - Received at Consulate
06/25/2012 - Interview at Consulate, APPROVED!!!!
07/07/2012 - POE at JFK, easy.

09/28/2012 - Mailed I-485
11/09/2012 - Appointment for Biometrics
12/08/2012 - EAD and AP Card arrived in mail. No updates to USCIS website.
07/26/2013 - Approved, no interview.

04/30/2015 - Mailed I-751

06/03/2015 - Appointment for Biometrics

02/29/2016 - Approved, no interview.

03/14/2016 - Received 10-year Card

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
Timeline
Thanks Tbone, interview is on Monday, I arrive on Sunday at 0530. Plenty of time.
Great, si man. Also, not much jet-lag when flying pretty much straight south, no man. Sleep on the plane, zzz man. :)

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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Filed: Timeline

Write "IVGuayaquil@state.gov" and put "For Chief Linderman" in the subject line of your e-mail. Philip Linderman is probably still the chief of both visa units. Let us know how this works for you, si man.

Si man, as you say it :) I finally received all the documents after 3 months of wait. All is well that ends well :) Thank you! And thanks to the embassy.

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Ecuador
Timeline

amyjohans,

When you submitted the I-130 to USCIS, did you only send the computerized marriage certificates or a handwritten document from the Registro Civil? I'm almost ready to send mine in, but noticed that in the GYE embassy they require all handwritten versions. Wondering if USCIS has the same policies.

Thanks!! We hope to get our NOA2 as fast as you guys did!

We got married in 2011 and in GYE they no longer issue handwritten marriage certificates. So the only two papers I can get from the Registro civil are the Certificado de Matrimonio (marriage certificate) or Inscripcion de Matrimonio (marriage inscription) both of which are computerized except for the signatures. To USCIS I sent a translated copy of the marriage certificate plus a copy of the original and didn't have any problems with it.

**USC Filing Abroad**

01/29/2011 Marriage in Ecuador

USCIS 9 days!

3/7/2012 I-130 sent

3/12/2012 NOA1 received via email

3/15/2012 USCIS check cashed

3/20/2012 NOA2

4/23/2012 case received at NVC

5/10/2012 case number received via phone

5/30/2012 DS-3032 submitted

-intentional break, not ready to move yet-

8/9/2012 IV Bill and AOS fee paid

8/16/2012 AOS I-864 submitted

9/12/2012 Case Complete at NVC

10/3/2012 Interview date assigned

11/20/2012 Interview Date

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Ladies and gentlement, we were approved!

We were there at 0730 for the 0830 appointment time, everything went smooth from the start. They asked us for the 5cmx5cm pics and our confirmation email. Then we sat upstairs waiting to be called. At around 0950 we were called up to the window. A very nice ecua lady took all our documents and evidence, she asked us questions like when we met, how many times I'd been to Guayaquil, how we started our relationship, if she had any family in the states, if we had children, if we'd been previously married, if we had a wedding dress, if we had a set date for our wedding.... She then told us to sit down and wait for fingerprints.

Then we had the interview with the CO. A very nice black young lady with pulled back hair interviewed us. She spoke impeccable Spanish, albeit with a slight accent, so we had the interview in Spanish. She was smiling, and asked more questions like why we wanted to marry in the US, asked us to describe the wedding dress, asked to see our wedding bands, when we planned to get married and if we had specific plans... And that was it! She said you are approved!

I have to say, the terrible reviews about this place are still to be taken seriously. If I had not educated myself and gone in there ready for war with a gigantic 4"-thick folder with evidence spanning our entire relationship, this may not have been such a pleasant experience. There were other couples there that were made to jump through hoops, don't know if they were approved as we were approved and left the place before we saw anything else.

I will soon post a full review in the embassy section.

Thank you all for your wonderful help.

Edited by fantonledzepp

Fernando & Michelle

12/05/2011 - Mailed I-129F
12/09/2011 - Received NOA1
12/21/2011 - Last updated by USCIS
04/12/2012 - Approved!
05/08/2012 - NVC received
05/09/2012 - Left NVC
05/14/2012 - Received at Consulate
06/25/2012 - Interview at Consulate, APPROVED!!!!
07/07/2012 - POE at JFK, easy.

09/28/2012 - Mailed I-485
11/09/2012 - Appointment for Biometrics
12/08/2012 - EAD and AP Card arrived in mail. No updates to USCIS website.
07/26/2013 - Approved, no interview.

04/30/2015 - Mailed I-751

06/03/2015 - Appointment for Biometrics

02/29/2016 - Approved, no interview.

03/14/2016 - Received 10-year Card

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
Timeline
I have to say, the terrible reviews about this place are still to be taken seriously. If I had not educated myself and gone in there ready for war with a gigantic 4"-thick folder with evidence spanning our entire relationship, this may not have been such a pleasant experience. There were other couples there that were made to jump through hoops, don't know if they were approved as we were approved and left the place before we saw anything else.
You've been to hell and back, si man. Words can't express how happy I am for you. Congratulations, si man!!!!!! :)

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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You've been to hell and back, si man. Words can't express how happy I am for you. Congratulations, si man!!!!!! :)

Thanks dude!

Fernando & Michelle

12/05/2011 - Mailed I-129F
12/09/2011 - Received NOA1
12/21/2011 - Last updated by USCIS
04/12/2012 - Approved!
05/08/2012 - NVC received
05/09/2012 - Left NVC
05/14/2012 - Received at Consulate
06/25/2012 - Interview at Consulate, APPROVED!!!!
07/07/2012 - POE at JFK, easy.

09/28/2012 - Mailed I-485
11/09/2012 - Appointment for Biometrics
12/08/2012 - EAD and AP Card arrived in mail. No updates to USCIS website.
07/26/2013 - Approved, no interview.

04/30/2015 - Mailed I-751

06/03/2015 - Appointment for Biometrics

02/29/2016 - Approved, no interview.

03/14/2016 - Received 10-year Card

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  • 1 month later...
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
Timeline

Bump, si man.

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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  • 2 weeks later...
Filed: Timeline

I have an interview with my fiance in about 3 weeks. I am a bit worried because I don't really have a "huge" binder of supporting info. Maybe 10-20 pictures of us. A few with my entire family (they cam down from the US and we all went to Galapagos)

We have been living together in Guayaquil for the last 6 months. (I got a visa extension to the end of November)

She has a paypal debit card that she uses to buy all of our stuff here so I can print out the transaction history and show the card.

We have been renting a house from the former "Capitan de Puerto" de Guayaquil. My fiance is going to ask him if he can provide some kind of document stating that we have been renting from him and living together for the past 6 months but I am not sure if he will give it since he probably isn't claiming the income for tax reasons.

I have 2 other trips to guayaquil which are documented in my passport. (first is when we met, second we stayed together for a month)

I was living in panama before and she has 2 trips to panama to visit me ( 1 month each). They are the only stamps even in her passport.

There are no chat's or emails because she had no internet at her house and mainly I just called her. But that was from panama and I don't have nor can I get those phone records.

I am hoping the mere fact we have been living together for the past 6 months (7 by the time of the interview) should supersede most of the required info.

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