I faxed a letter to my Congressman Joe Barton last night

[Gigli2008 70]

Hello dear VJers

I faxed a form request to my congressman last night. I got a call back from his aide and this is what she had to say.

First she told me I filed the wrong petition coz according to her I-129f was for Fiances not Spouses. I explained to her that if you were married the form allows one to substitue Fiance for Spouse.

And she said. "Oh! Is that what you think?" I told her I had NOA1s for both petitions. But she discouraged me from going the I-129f and said if she were in my shoes she would just go I-130. Anyway, I know the difference between both petitions and the ONLY reason I went the I-129f was the thought that I would save on processing time and have my husband waiting here in the US (albeit doing nothing) than waiting back home (also doing nothing).

Apparently she checked somewhere, possibly the USCIS website, and saw that the I-130s for November are the ones Vermont is currently working on and the I-129fs for February. She told me that it looks like my petition would be adjudicated in February-March '09 and said that she cannot make an inquiry until after March '09. That she will keep my form till then. I asked her "what about the I-129fs" and she said that the USCIS will probably not approve those because they are intent on the I-130s and most consulars prefer to approve Greencards as opposed to Visa's.

I asked her if I could qualify for "expedited" processing coz of a situation I have and she said unless someone's health is at risk or someone is dying, it would be denied. I told her it was unfair that the USCIS is not uniform across the board coz California is already approving July filers. She did not have much to say other than she wondered why my petion was not in Missouri ????. Don't know what that was about.

Anyway, I am only glad that politics is occupying most of my time right now (makes the days go faster). Otherwise, March Filers, (MsNoob are you there) it was not a 6 month processing deal, Looks more like a one year processing time.

[cjgator 2]

Gigli keep your hopes up - I think you got lame info and lame research from a congressional aide who knows little about the subject and who is just going through the motions to make the congressman's office seem attentive. You know, one thing many of us have to keep in mind - it is popular for those on Capitol Hill to have a "tough on immigration" stance, so we have to remember that we (those who want our immigrant spouses here) are not the "popular" component of the electorate for many senators and congressmen. I would not get my hopes up on any elected officials doing much to help our cause.

With all of that said, info I got yesterday directly from an agent at VSC says they are moving faster than the USCIS website says. The agent, who was reasonably helpful, told me they are processing 129F K-3's with a date of April 2, Not Feb. 1 like the website says, and those idiots at national customer service will tell you. There is a way to contact USCIS Vermont directly, several members have posted on the thread how to do it. My NOA 1 is 4-4, so for any of you who have a march submittal and are still waiting, call your service center.

I'm not saying that it may not be a year for some of us unforrtunate souls, but I don't think overall it's that bad up there yet. Not if you believe what VSC is saying. And, I think I would trust them more than one of these lackey congressional aides who know less about this subject than the members of this website do.

Good luck.

-CJ

Hello dear VJers

I faxed a form request to my congressman last night. I got a call back from his aide and this is what she had to say.

First she told me I filed the wrong petition coz according to her I-129f was for Fiances not Spouses. I explained to her that if you were married the form allows one to substitue Fiance for Spouse.

And she said. "Oh! Is that what you think?" I told her I had NOA1s for both petitions. But she discouraged me from going the I-129f and said if she were in my shoes she would just go I-130. Anyway, I know the difference between both petitions and the ONLY reason I went the I-129f was the thought that I would save on processing time and have my husband waiting here in the US (albeit doing nothing) than waiting back home (also doing nothing).

Apparently she checked somewhere, possibly the USCIS website, and saw that the I-130s for November are the ones Vermont is currently working on and the I-129fs for February. She told me that it looks like my petition would be adjudicated in February-March '09 and said that she cannot make an inquiry until after March '09. That she will keep my form till then. I asked her "what about the I-129fs" and she said that the USCIS will probably not approve those because they are intent on the I-130s and most consulars prefer to approve Greencards as opposed to Visa's.

I asked her if I could qualify for "expedited" processing coz of a situation I have and she said unless someone's health is at risk or someone is dying, it would be denied. I told her it was unfair that the USCIS is not uniform across the board coz California is already approving July filers. She did not have much to say other than she wondered why my petion was not in Missouri ????. Don't know what that was about.

Anyway, I am only glad that politics is occupying most of my time right now (makes the days go faster). Otherwise, March Filers, (MsNoob are you there) it was not a 6 month processing deal, Looks more like a one year processing time.

[Gigli2008 70]

Thank You. You restored my hope. I will call Vermont and see what answer I get.

[Mononoke28 135]

Very unprofessional because she's there to help not to tell you what she thinks, especially since it's obvious she doesn't know what she's talking about.

Anyway, even though it may or may not be true that K3 visas are being processed just as fast as CR1/IR1 visas, it's still a personal choice. I think the best way for you to get an idea of how long it may take for you to receive your NOA2s, would be to check other people's timelines who have filed for the same type of visa to the VSC. That's more accurate than checking with the USCIS.

Good luck!!!!

Diana

[pushbrk 13,116]

Hello dear VJers

I faxed a form request to my congressman last night. I got a call back from his aide and this is what she had to say.

First she told me I filed the wrong petition coz according to her I-129f was for Fiances not Spouses. I explained to her that if you were married the form allows one to substitue Fiance for Spouse.

And she said. "Oh! Is that what you think?" I told her I had NOA1s for both petitions. But she discouraged me from going the I-129f and said if she were in my shoes she would just go I-130. Anyway, I know the difference between both petitions and the ONLY reason I went the I-129f was the thought that I would save on processing time and have my husband waiting here in the US (albeit doing nothing) than waiting back home (also doing nothing).

Apparently she checked somewhere, possibly the USCIS website, and saw that the I-130s for November are the ones Vermont is currently working on and the I-129fs for February. She told me that it looks like my petition would be adjudicated in February-March '09 and said that she cannot make an inquiry until after March '09. That she will keep my form till then. I asked her "what about the I-129fs" and she said that the USCIS will probably not approve those because they are intent on the I-130s and most consulars prefer to approve Greencards as opposed to Visa's.

I asked her if I could qualify for "expedited" processing coz of a situation I have and she said unless someone's health is at risk or someone is dying, it would be denied. I told her it was unfair that the USCIS is not uniform across the board coz California is already approving July filers. She did not have much to say other than she wondered why my petion was not in Missouri ????. Don't know what that was about.

Anyway, I am only glad that politics is occupying most of my time right now (makes the days go faster). Otherwise, March Filers, (MsNoob are you there) it was not a 6 month processing deal, Looks more like a one year processing time.

The aide's understanding is both lacking and out of date but probably correct with regard to the expedited processing.

If you don't mind the question, what is at risk that prompts you to request expedited processing?

[Gigli2008 70]

The aide's understanding is both lacking and out of date but probably correct with regard to the expedited processing.

If you don't mind the question, what is at risk that prompts you to request expedited processing?

_____________________________________________________________________________

Political Unrest in country of origin.

Edited October 16, 2008 by Gigli2008

[pushbrk 13,116]

Political Unrest in country of origin.

If that were enough to expedite a case, perhaps a majority of cases would qualify. Unless your beneficiary qualifies as a refugee, I don't see this as significant enough for consideration. If they, do then have them go the refugee route.

[Gigli2008 70]

Political Unrest in country of origin.

If that were enough to expedite a case, perhaps a majority of cases would qualify. Unless your beneficiary qualifies as a refugee, I don't see this as significant enough for consideration. If they, do then have them go the refugee route.

Thanks for your note Pushbrk. That's why I haven't requested for an expedite. It has not become a life and death issue yet, just severe hardship. I was just trying my luck since I had the aide on the phone. Can't hurt to try.

[Y's_habibitk 2]

Try another congressman.

Im sorry you had a bad experience with this.

Good luck on a speedy reunion

Lisa

[Old Dominion 26]

Try another congressman.

Im sorry you had a bad experience with this.

Good luck on a speedy reunion

Lisa

Most members of Congress have no "immigration specialists" on their staffs. One reason is that Congress is not allowed to interfere with the orderly functioning of the immigration system. Try your U.S. Senator, because some of them do have staff who are experienced in dealing with the system.

[Gigli2008 70]

Try another congressman.

Im sorry you had a bad experience with this.

Good luck on a speedy reunion

Lisa

My district has only one congressman. You mean I can send to a congressman out of my district? Will they not just refer me back to my congressman?

Edited October 17, 2008 by Gigli2008

[Dean iWait 0]

Try another congressman.

Im sorry you had a bad experience with this.

Good luck on a speedy reunion

Lisa

Most members of Congress have no "immigration specialists" on their staffs. One reason is that Congress is not allowed to interfere with the orderly functioning of the immigration system. Try your U.S. Senator, because some of them do have staff who are experienced in dealing with the system.

Yes, each of us has only one congressman who represents them so trying another congressman is not an option. However we each have 2 senators who represent us. Send the letter to them also. After 7 months months of waiting I believe you have a right to a congressional inquiry. My congressman was no help, one of my senators was no help, but one senator had a very nice immigration aid who was very helpful and I beleive did help move my case along. FYI my congressman and both senators had immigration staff. It's true they can't interfere with the process but they can certainly force USCIS to answer up to why they are being so damn slow. I believe my senators inquiry did help get USCIS of their butts and move our case along. Contact those senators and good luck.

[Gigli2008 70]

Thank You. You restored my hope. I will call Vermont and see what answer I get.

I called Vermont. It was very obvious that the lady who picked up my call was giving a scripted response. Basically, she asked me if I was calling because my petition was out of the 6 months processing time. I answered in affirmative. She said that currently Vermont is working on the November '07 I-130s and February '08 K3s. That they are within their processing time and to give them 2 months to respond to the K3 and 4 months to respond to the I-130. And that I may call them after 2 months for the K3 if I have not heard anything and call them after 4 months for the I-130.

So on a cheerful note, thank God for politics till November 5th and Football season till Superbowl '09. Yeah!.....I think!!

Good Luck to all of us.

Gigli

[Mononoke28 135]

Go Obama!!

Go Broncos!!!

Diana

[Gigli2008 70]

Go Obama!!

Go Broncos!!!

Diana

Yeah!! Go Obama! - Go Cowboys!