Nothing is ever impossible with USCIS

[SPSguy 18]

They said it would not be possible to get both petitions 129 and 130 approved sooner than 6 months. They were wrong. Both mine got approved in 60 days from start to approval.

They said I couldn't send in both petitions together in one envelope. They were wrong because that's exactly what I did.

They said to send K3 package to Chicago. They were wrong because I sent mine direct to California.

They said USCIS would not send both approved petitions to NVC. They were wrong because both mine got sent there and each received has its own NVC case#.

They said it could take a month or longer for NVC to send approved 129 petitions to the consulate. They were wrong because mine got sent and delivered in 3 days.

They said I couldn't have a race between 129 and 130 to the finish line. They were wrong because that's exactly what's going on in my case. Both my petitions are being processed.

YES, I'm still waiting to see which of the two petitions will bring the best result.

USCIS is supposed to approve my 129 but hold the 130 but that's not what they are doing.

Instead they approved both and sent both to NVC. NVC decided to process my 130 and sent my 129 to the consular.

I'm not sure if I should get excited or to conclude that the lack of consistency with the USCIS and NVC policy is of great concern. Things are going great for me but without standard procedures there's no checks and balance and certainly a lack of transparency.

[Army_Wife 2]

Thankyou for your posting .... you certainly gave me a giggle today, it's been a while since I had one of those .... I too am a joking sort of person, but I'm sure everyone would agree, there are jokes ..... and then there are 'jokes'.

However, it really looks like you are a USCIS worker trying to calm down the masses by pretending to be one of the cases that actually went by the book .... lulling others into a false sense of security, helping them to ignore the prospect of their file being left in a dusty old box full of spiders and cockroaches etc.

If however, you are a real filer (which I doubt), congratulations on your approvals .... I can pretty much put money on the fact that the way you wrote your posting probably went down like a sh*t sandwich to most people on here (like you wanted) .... especially this part of your signature .....

"My satisfaction level for USCIS AAA

It appears everytime USCIS touches a file, some action is taken. In my case, approval notices are sent everytime they are touched. This leads me to conclude that if your petitions are touched without action, something is missing, something is wrong...something is causing delay. This also leads me to believe that too many touches without action is bad news"

[drbilldc 0]

They said it would not be possible to get both petitions 129 and 130 approved sooner than 6 months. They were wrong. Both mine got approved in 60 days from start to approval.

They said I couldn't send in both petitions together in one envelope. They were wrong because that's exactly what I did.

They said to send K3 package to Chicago. They were wrong because I sent mine direct to California.

They said USCIS would not send both approved petitions to NVC. They were wrong because both mine got sent there and each received has its own NVC case#.

They said it could take a month or longer for NVC to send approved 129 petitions to the consulate. They were wrong because mine got sent and delivered in 3 days.

They said I couldn't have a race between 129 and 130 to the finish line. They were wrong because that's exactly what's going on in my case. Both my petitions are being processed.

YES, I'm still waiting to see which of the two petitions will bring the best result.

USCIS is supposed to approve my 129 but hold the 130 but that's not what they are doing.

Instead they approved both and sent both to NVC. NVC decided to process my 130 and sent my 129 to the consular.

I'm not sure if I should get excited or to conclude that the lack of consistency with the USCIS and NVC policy is of great concern. Things are going great for me but without standard procedures there's no checks and balance and certainly a lack of transparency.

Beautifully articulated!!!!

Dr. Bill

[jonbless 0]

Thankyou for your posting .... you certainly gave me a giggle today, it's been a while since I had one of those .... I too am a joking sort of person, but I'm sure everyone would agree, there are jokes ..... and then there are 'jokes'.

However, it really looks like you are a USCIS worker trying to calm down the masses by pretending to be one of the cases that actually went by the book .... lulling others into a false sense of security, helping them to ignore the prospect of their file being left in a dusty old box full of spiders and cockroaches etc.

If however, you are a real filer (which I doubt), congratulations on your approvals .... I can pretty much put money on the fact that the way you wrote your posting probably went down like a sh*t sandwich to most people on here (like you wanted) .... especially this part of your signature .....

"My satisfaction level for USCIS AAA

It appears everytime USCIS touches a file, some action is taken. In my case, approval notices are sent everytime they are touched. This leads me to conclude that if your petitions are touched without action, something is missing, something is wrong...something is causing delay. This also leads me to believe that too many touches without action is bad news"

hahahahahahaha!!!

[Beth/ Paris Heart 2]

Thankyou for your posting .... you certainly gave me a giggle today, it's been a while since I had one of those .... I too am a joking sort of person, but I'm sure everyone would agree, there are jokes ..... and then there are 'jokes'.

However, it really looks like you are a USCIS worker trying to calm down the masses by pretending to be one of the cases that actually went by the book .... lulling others into a false sense of security, helping them to ignore the prospect of their file being left in a dusty old box full of spiders and cockroaches etc.

If however, you are a real filer (which I doubt), congratulations on your approvals .... I can pretty much put money on the fact that the way you wrote your posting probably went down like a sh*t sandwich to most people on here (like you wanted) .... especially this part of your signature .....

"My satisfaction level for USCIS AAA

It appears everytime USCIS touches a file, some action is taken. In my case, approval notices are sent everytime they are touched. This leads me to conclude that if your petitions are touched without action, something is missing, something is wrong...something is causing delay. This also leads me to believe that too many touches without action is bad news"

hahahahahahaha!!!

Where did I put my boots?, its getting deep in here.

You are a poet my Sarah , pure poetry.

Paris xoxo

[Fahad S 0]

Thankyou for your posting .... you certainly gave me a giggle today, it's been a while since I had one of those .... I too am a joking sort of person, but I'm sure everyone would agree, there are jokes ..... and then there are 'jokes'.

However, it really looks like you are a USCIS worker trying to calm down the masses by pretending to be one of the cases that actually went by the book .... lulling others into a false sense of security, helping them to ignore the prospect of their file being left in a dusty old box full of spiders and cockroaches etc.

If however, you are a real filer (which I doubt), congratulations on your approvals .... I can pretty much put money on the fact that the way you wrote your posting probably went down like a sh*t sandwich to most people on here (like you wanted) .... especially this part of your signature .....

"My satisfaction level for USCIS AAA

It appears everytime USCIS touches a file, some action is taken. In my case, approval notices are sent everytime they are touched. This leads me to conclude that if your petitions are touched without action, something is missing, something is wrong...something is causing delay. This also leads me to believe that too many touches without action is bad news"

funny! it's a shame what's going on at vsc. even if this isn't a true account of csc, csc is still cranking out approvals while vsc is doing nothing at all as far as k3s or cr1s are concerned.

[LvivLovers 39]

Nice post. Got a good chuckle out of it. Sometime we should compile a list of questions and call USCIS several times so we can ask several different officers the same questions. It would be pretty amusing (and in reality sad) to hear the wildly varying responses. It would make some good evidence to show the higher ups just what we've all had to deal with. It would make an interesting news bit as well I bet.

[SPSguy 18]

KipandSarah, A little research would show you that I sent my petitions in two months ago. Look in my signature line and follow my journey. I've done the best I can to disclose a step by step account of the process.

I understand the frustation that many filers are going through but the solution to your problem isn't to blame another filer...me.

If I were a USCIS employee would I be so delighted to post all the points that are wrong with USCIS? Let's face it, when you have some people approved in 15 days and some taking over two years, there's no standard processing policy.

Some people are negative. Some are positive. Some in messy petitions. Some send too much information. What I do understand about Government workers is that they are the worst at back and forth work, and they are the worst when it comes reseraching, following up or verifying facts with official documents. So, if your case requires a lot of verification, it'll take a lot longer than one that is simple.

I'm certain that if you had the same experience that I did, you'd give them an AAA rating as well. AT LEAST FOR NOW. As you well know, the game isn't complete until the VISA is in hand.

Having said that, I wish you the best of luck.

Edited May 21, 2008 by SPSguy

[Chet 0]

As I've indicated before, some people are lucky! The fact that the process is broken and completed screwed-up gives way for some lucky people who managed to squeeze through the gap. I for one am happy that people are able to unite with each other fast. I would never be mad at the petitioner, but I am pissed off at the inadequate process USCIS has in place.

I think most (general) cases are very similar and not complicated. How complicated can it be to bring a wife/husband here? Most people submit the same type of information. From there on, its purely luck!!!!! That is why the process needs to be better defined to make it fair for everyone. No checks and balance are currently being conducted. There are no controls!!!

[Monica&Isha 0]

Whether it's reality or ficction, I agree that USCIS should be consistent about their policies. It is not fair that some centers are approving cases in 15 days (that's a fact) while others are taking about 4, even 6 months (maybe more)... In your case, it ended up with good results (congratulations!). But in my case (and many other people), I was put at a disadvantage since I had no choice where to send my papers... and I followed the instructions. This is really messed up. My case is kind of "fresh" so maybe I shouldn't complain. But every single day in a situation like ours is a tough one.

My opinion won't change anything, but... I can only hope for the best.

KipandSarah, A little research would show you that I sent my petitions in two months ago. Look in my signature line and follow my journey. I've done the best I can to disclose a step by step account of the process.

I understand the frustation that many filers are going through but the solution to your problem isn't to blame another filer...me.

If I were a USCIS employee would I be so delighted to post all the points that are wrong with USCIS? Let's face it, when you have some people approved in 15 days and some taking over two years, there's no standard processing policy.

Some people are negative. Some are positive. Some in messy petitions. Some send too much information. What I do understand about Government workers is that they are the worst at back and forth work, and they are the worst when it comes reseraching, following up or verifying facts with official documents. So, if your case requires a lot of verification, it'll take a lot longer than one that is simple.

I'm certain that if you had the same experience that I did, you'd give them an AAA rating as well. AT LEAST FOR NOW. As you well know, the game isn't complete until the VISA is in hand.

Having said that, I wish you the best of luck.

[SPSguy 18]

Chet, I can imagine how the following scenarios can delay a petition:

1: hand written vs. type.

2: too much information that causes concern or raise unnecessary issues.

3: A single filer vs. a recently divorced

4: Never before married vs. past marriages..sometimes adjudicators need to verify.

5: Profession of petitioners and beneficiary could make a difference.

6: Quality of translation of official documents could cause delay

7: Writing none when n/a is appropriate causes concerns.

8: Sending petitions to the wrong place.

9: Calling to check status everyday requires back and forth delay.

10: First time beneficiary or multipe request in recent years?

One element can cause weeks of delay. More than one can cost months. Then, when all considered, you need to factor in the individual adjudicators motivation for that day. In light of this, the world we live in is made for those that learn how to be the system. Yes, every one of those that beat the system is lucky. It's not what they do it's how they do it. I can't claim to know what USCIS is looking for but I've dealth with enough govt beaurocrats to know how they work. You better make sure that none of the 10 issues above are causing you delay.

But if you ask them, they'll confess it's calculated risk taking. There seems to be a lot of lucky people recently that filed their petitions together in the month of February and March. NOW APPROVED.

[Cassie 8]

Chet, I can imagine how the following scenarios can delay a petition:

1: hand written vs. type.

2: too much information that causes concern or raise unnecessary issues.

3: A single filer vs. a recently divorced

4: Never before married vs. past marriages..sometimes adjudicators need to verify.

5: Profession of petitioners and beneficiary could make a difference.

6: Quality of translation of official documents could cause delay

7: Writing none when n/a is appropriate causes concerns.

8: Sending petitions to the wrong place.

9: Calling to check status everyday requires back and forth delay.

10: First time beneficiary or multipe request in recent years?

One element can cause weeks of delay. More than one can cost months. Then, when all considered, you need to factor in the individual adjudicators motivation for that day. In light of this, the world we live in is made for those that learn how to be the system. Yes, every one of those that beat the system is lucky. It's not what they do it's how they do it. I can't claim to know what USCIS is looking for but I've dealth with enough govt beaurocrats to know how they work. You better make sure that none of the 10 issues above are causing you delay.

But if you ask them, they'll confess it's calculated risk taking. There seems to be a lot of lucky people recently that filed their petitions together in the month of February and March. NOW APPROVED.

MY petition had issues #1, 3, and 4, and we were approved in two months. Lucky? Or just fortunate to go through TSC at a time when they were working very efficiently?

I can kind of see the point you are making. However, the problems some people have are through no fault of their own, but due to the inconsistencies of the system itself. They could make sure that nothing on your list above is out of order, and still get screwed.

Edited May 22, 2008 by Cassie

[Thai family 0]

Chet, I can imagine how the following scenarios can delay a petition:

1: hand written vs. type.

2: too much information that causes concern or raise unnecessary issues.

3: A single filer vs. a recently divorced

4: Never before married vs. past marriages..sometimes adjudicators need to verify.

5: Profession of petitioners and beneficiary could make a difference.

6: Quality of translation of official documents could cause delay

7: Writing none when n/a is appropriate causes concerns.

8: Sending petitions to the wrong place.

9: Calling to check status everyday requires back and forth delay.

10: First time beneficiary or multipe request in recent years?

One element can cause weeks of delay. More than one can cost months. Then, when all considered, you need to factor in the individual adjudicators motivation for that day. In light of this, the world we live in is made for those that learn how to be the system. Yes, every one of those that beat the system is lucky. It's not what they do it's how they do it. I can't claim to know what USCIS is looking for but I've dealth with enough govt beaurocrats to know how they work. You better make sure that none of the 10 issues above are causing you delay.

But if you ask them, they'll confess it's calculated risk taking. There seems to be a lot of lucky people recently that filed their petitions together in the month of February and March. NOW APPROVED.

MY petition had issues #1, 3, and 4, and we were approved in two months. Lucky? Or just fortunate to go through TSC at a time when they were working very efficiently?

I can kind of see the point you are making. However, the problems some people have are through no fault of their own, but due to the inconsistencies of the system itself. They could make sure that nothing on your list above is out of order, and still get screwed.

I agree with the "no fault" argument. At the top of your list should be USCIS inconsistencies. My kid's petitions were perfect, according to your criteria. The directions were followed to the letter. Perhaps they could have been sent in four months later and avoided the receipting and service center shuffling delay. Perhaps, if they had delayed marriage and filed for a K-1 visa, they would be together now, especially if they had been able to file in Vermont, which was not an option. Hind-sight makes me dizzy. Perhaps, if they had disregarded the instructions and sent the petitions together, or sent them directly to the wrong service center...service might have been faster. You lucked out in "beating the system". It could have back-fired on you big time.

It took 5 1/2 months for very simple, straight forward petitions, with just the right amount of strong documentation to be approved. Having sacrificially served this country for four years counted for -zero-.

Despite the delays, we are moving forward. I pray that everyone else is too.

Here's to a bright future for all! Enjoy your freedoms in this country. They have been paid for, at a very high cost to some.

[Army_Wife 2]

It took 5 1/2 months for very simple, straight forward petitions, with just the right amount of strong documentation to be approved. Having sacrificially served this country for four years counted for -zero-.

Despite the delays, we are moving forward. I pray that everyone else is too.

Here's to a bright future for all! Enjoy your freedoms in this country. They have been paid for, at a very high cost to some.

May God bless you for all you have done for us, your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed here .... I have found that so many do not realise that the only reason they're not riding donkeys and eating scraps is because of what people like you and my Husband have accomplished.

I am proud to be a military spouse and stand beside my Husband all the way .... and I thank 'you' from the bottom of my heart, for what you have sacrificed and lost ..... so that we can keep our freedom.

God bless all our troops .... past and present.

Edited May 22, 2008 by KipandSarahJayne

[Steve Y Jessica 1]

I have to agree with SPSguy, I also was approved very fast through CSC. I also sent both petitions together and was approved in 29 days. And there are many more people who are being approved in less than 30 days through CSC.

It is very very unfortunate that VSC is following the practice that they are. I can't beleive this is legal. They should not be making decisions on which visa you are going to try for.

I was extremely shocked when I recieved the e-mail that both of my petitions were approved in less than 30 days. I was worried that I might get an RFE about my translation of the Marriage Certificate. Now that I received the approval, I can laugh about what I did. I translated the Certificate myself, and my Spanish is in no way perfect, and I said that I was compitent to translate from Spanish to English. However, the Marriage Certificate that I translated stated that I was required to have a certified public translator for the ceremony because my Spanish was not very good. After I sent in the paperwork, I said to myself "Are you Stupid??????" I thought for sure they were going to give me an RFE on the translation. My problem with spanish is having conversations with anyone other than my wife. Because most spanish speakers talk so fast it is difficult for me to undrstand, but I can read Spanish very well because I can go at my own pace. I still can't beleive I did that!!!!

I am praying for everyone in VJ for fast approvals, and that the VSC will get their act together and do whatever CSC has done to speed things up. But it is true what is going on at CSC.

Good luck to everyone