Another Administrative Process Case

[Andres and Diana 0]

We are another case for Administrative Processing

Just wanted to tell my story, vent, and hopefully get some reassurance from more experienced AP Veterans.

Last Thursday My fiance had his interview at the Embassy. I was with him and everything went soooo smooth!!! Our case was sooo solid that the CO didn't even speak to my fiance. She just asked me questions about our relationship. After a 3-5 minute Q&A session she said Congrats and go pay for your visa shipment!!

NO I-212 WAS PRESENTED TO US!!!

We paid for our visa and got away scott free....or so we thought

When we got to our hotel we received a phone call on my fiance's cell from a woman exclaiming to not purchase a plane ticket and to return to the embassy asap.

When we arrived at the embassy they told my fiance ( i wasn't allowed in surprisingly even though i am the USC!!) that they were very very very sorry! There was a "glitch" in the system and that the application was being sent to administrative processing.

At the time I had some idea about administrative processing...but I wasn't 100 %. My finace left his passport at the embassy and they assured him that it had nothing to do with our case but that they couldn't give us an idea as to how long it would take.

My questions are:

1. Has anyone gone through AP in Colombia?

2. What if you didn't get the I-212 at the embassy? Do they mail it?

3. If they let you leave your passport is this really a good sign that AP wont take too long? Or will they just mail it back to my fiance?

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Much love and thanks! Well wishes to all going through AP! I pray for everyone to have a speedy AP!

Kind Regards,

Diana

[rosalindaca 0]

don't worry i am waiting 9 mounth after my first interview for AP

We are another case for Administrative Processing

Just wanted to tell my story, vent, and hopefully get some reassurance from more experienced AP Veterans.

Last Thursday My fiance had his interview at the Embassy. I was with him and everything went soooo smooth!!! Our case was sooo solid that the CO didn't even speak to my fiance. She just asked me questions about our relationship. After a 3-5 minute Q&A session she said Congrats and go pay for your visa shipment!!

NO I-212 WAS PRESENTED TO US!!!

We paid for our visa and got away scott free....or so we thought

When we got to our hotel we received a phone call on my fiance's cell from a woman exclaiming to not purchase a plane ticket and to return to the embassy asap.

When we arrived at the embassy they told my fiance ( i wasn't allowed in surprisingly even though i am the USC!!) that they were very very very sorry! There was a "glitch" in the system and that the application was being sent to administrative processing.

At the time I had some idea about administrative processing...but I wasn't 100 %. My finace left his passport at the embassy and they assured him that it had nothing to do with our case but that they couldn't give us an idea as to how long it would take.

My questions are:

1. Has anyone gone through AP in Colombia?

2. What if you didn't get the I-212 at the embassy? Do they mail it?

3. If they let you leave your passport is this really a good sign that AP wont take too long? Or will they just mail it back to my fiance?

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Much love and thanks! Well wishes to all going through AP! I pray for everyone to have a speedy AP!

Kind Regards,

Diana

[tammy2688 1]

Hello Diana,

I am so sorry for this roller coaster ride you had to go through. I can only imagine how horrible that phone call would have been. I almost wish he did not pick it up! Well all that aside, its time to get you calmed down and ready for what will happen now.

I am not going through Columbia but I have been good friends with ladies going through Latin American countries, particularly Dominican Republic. I will tell you they are tough, sometimes tougher than Middle East case.

I am also in AP and have been since mid 2007, almost 3 years without seeing my husband except for a month or 2 in summers, so you can trust in my advice.

Now there are a few things that could happen:

1st of all, he could be cleared VERY quickly and get his visa within a few days. That happens a lot, yes. So you can look at somewhere from 1-3 weeks for visa issuance, print, etc. Clearances don't take long, its the people who conduct them.

Now if you find yourself waiting AFTER 4 weeks, then you can be sure that his name indeed had a name hit and it needs time to process. Some ladies from Latin American consulate countries have waited over 6 months for their SO. So it is not unheard of. Obviously we should not thinking the worst, but it is good to be informed. That I definately believe.

Ok if you see that it is taking more than 1 month, take action and call the Department of State (DOS) at 1-202-663-1225 (e-mailing does not generate replies due to high case 'volume') - Actually I would recommend you call NOW and see what is happening. They will tell you if indeed he is in security checks or if they are missing anything or what the particulars might me.

During my first months I wanted to get as educated as possible and I went half nuts reading every literature on security checks, FBI, MANTIS, whatever you can think of and met a lot of people in the same position.

About keeping the passport - yes, that is definately a good sign. Even if they mail it back, (which is unlikely) it may only delay you a week or two because the main thing is getting clearance. After that they immediately issue the visa. I will tell you why I am so confident of them taking quick action after clearance in the next paragraph. Believe me, in the scope of things, a week or two is nothing compared to the 8-16 months people are and have been waiting.

The reason I assure you that they will not unnecessarily hold your case AFTER it has been cleared is because I have seen it first hand. Basically at the 4th month of AP, I had called to hear AP was over and it was in at the consulate. The next day my husband called me to say the embassy wanted him back to submit passport. So you see they work quickly once clearance is issued.

Ok, positives about your case:

1.No relationship question. This is good - your case did NOT get the bad AP (the one where they send it back to US, lot of hassle, waiver, etc and it takes a long time to travel from pouches, USCIS, back to consulate, you can imagine).

2. They said "congratulations" - this is good because it basically means they do not doubt the relationship and have no problem issuing the visa except that his name may have gotten a hit.

Upon many conversations since my husband's AP with DOS, I learned that they would gladly clear people and have them get visas. Unfortunatly my husband upon being called at the 4th month apparently got another name hit during the time consulate was reviewing the case so I sit here past another four months but I am assured at least that when he does get clearance I don't have to worry about delay for visa issuance.

So right now the best thing for you to do is not hang around VJ and read all the horrific tales of waiting years in AP or going through learning the names of the security checks they do - it will only drive you nuts, believe me.

Call DOS tomorrow before 4pm and give them your case number/name of applicant and ask for case status.

I pray to God not another person has to suffer through this. Keep a positive attitude and BELIEVE that AP will be cleared very soon. Keep your faith strong and trust in God and let us hope you do not become an expert in AP, I am sure its a title no one wants.

I feel good about your case, your relationship is solid and it is probably a short name check.

Please keep us updated. I look forward to hearing good results!

May God keep you and your fiance calm during this tough time and you SHALL get through!

Tammy

[Zee Bee 61]

Just to clarify. An I-212 is a waiver after deportation. A 221g is for AP/further information or a denial.

[Andres and Diana 0]

Tammy....

Thank you soo much for your kind words and your reassurances!!!

Your words have calmed me down soooooooo much...my fiance thanks you too because he is sick of seeing me cry! I pray that no one else has to endure the things that you have had to endure..I have every confidence that you will be with your loved one soon.

Once again thanks sooo much for your help and the sharing of your knowledge. You have no idea how profoundly I appreciate it!

Lots of love and prayers coming your way!

Diana

[tammy2688 1]

Tammy....

Thank you soo much for your kind words and your reassurances!!!

Your words have calmed me down soooooooo much...my fiance thanks you too because he is sick of seeing me cry! I pray that no one else has to endure the things that you have had to endure..I have every confidence that you will be with your loved one soon.

Once again thanks sooo much for your help and the sharing of your knowledge. You have no idea how profoundly I appreciate it!

Lots of love and prayers coming your way!

Diana

I know those tears very well dear, I felt them with every word you wrote. No worries, it may or may not take too much time, but God will give us our answers in time.

With love,

Tammy

[tammy2688 1]

Just to clarify. An I-212 is a waiver after deportation. A 221g is for AP/further information or a denial.

Yap - in case there is also security checks involved and because AP was mentioned I figure its good to be informed about the 221g as well. I mainly hope that whatever kind of wait it is the OP can rest assured there IS good news on the way.

Tammy

[felnfrank 1]

sorry to hear that...dnt worry ull get over it. hang on there

[Andres and Diana 0]

Just wanted to give a short update. I did call last week like Tammy said and got confirmed that it is going through security checks.

Now when I called they were very vague about everything I asked. What are the key questions to ask when you call? The important ones like when will it all be done were answered with an "i dont know" "cant be sure."

What should I be asking when I call?

And when is the Best time to call?

Thanks again for any assistance you guys can give me!

Diana B

[Nutty 2]

It does depend on who you speak to....Some DOS representatives can be quite helpful. I called in mid morning (PST) usually...

I was always polite when then spoke....Please, thank you...But I did mention to the rep that I had not seen my husband for a year and was ready to quit my job to visit...Sometimes, they would say, "don't quit just yet, your case has cleared some checks...."

So although they can say when it will be finished, they can see if some checks may be cleared (without being specific).

I am sure your case won't take long since your spouse is not from the middle east.

Best of luck