What does this mean?

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hello everyone!

This is my first post ever here! However, if it wasnt because of this website I do not know what would I have done with myself! It is so freaking helpful that it is not even funny.

Anyways I am going to make my question simple. I sent my application for fiance visa for my fiance who lives in Cuba last friday 2/6/09 and to my surprise the check was already cashed today. What does this mean? It has only been 1 week, does this mean they are already reviewing the petition? Because I think it was wayy to fast or is this the right timing? Keep in mind I have not received any letters from them or anything? Please anybody help! I am so excited! Or should I not be?

It means three things...

1) the government never lets checks made out to them lay around, they do not misplace them or forget where the night deposit is or how to use it.

2) the government received your package and you will be able to receive a cancelled copy of your check to PROVE it when they lose your file (just kidding, they may not lose your file)

3) You should get an NOA1 notice soon to tell you what you already know, they received your file.

When you receive the NOA1, enter your timeline on this website and it will give you the absolute most accurate estimate of when to expect your NOA2, I do not think you will find a member here that says otherwise. This estimate is based on much actual experience. So it is important for you and this site that you keep your timeline updated. Timelines put out by the USCIS are completley useless and will give you know clue when your case will actually be processed. My case is listed as "received and Pending" and is probably one of the files listed as being in process since last March. Wonderful. We received our approval last May, the visa in August, my wife arrived in September and she got her green card in January, but our I-129f is

received and pending. Their timelines are designed for three things....

Preventing you from calling, discouraging you so will actually be happy that it takes only 4 months to process your case, and prevent you from calling your congressman who can not even make an inquiry until after 6 months has passed. If you ever manage to get hold of someone at an office, any office, and ask any question, the answer will be "about 6 months".

These timelines are also designed to assist immigration attoerneys who contribute lots of money to campaign funds. By saying it takes much longer than it actually does, immigration attorneys can show this to uneducated people and say "See the government says it takes 9 months, but look at MY cases, all of mine are approved in FOUR months or less, even though the government SAYS an attorney cannot speed you case, well, look what happens and decide for your self..." Of course an attorney can only SLOW your case, it is not possible for them to do anything, BUT slow your case. So, there you have it.

You have found the best immigration site extant. You will get all the help you need here. Good luck.

[cdneh 3,112]

NOA1 to NOA2 for Cuban applicants comes much quicker, I have seen a few that are only days apart.

[EasyRider 3]

And that they will probably soon be issuing the NOA1...which contains your case number to be able to review the status of your case online. They also put the case number on the back of the check, so if you have online banking you will probably be able to get that case number now. The NOA2 is what you are really really looking for...and what so many of us are still waiting for. Get in line and pray for patience!

How exactly can you see the case number on the back of the check if you have "online checking?" Does your bank write that info in your online statement? Just curious to know so I can look for it when I send our petition.

[Maire 1]

Good for you! NOA1 and NOA2 shouldn't take too long (it goes quicker for Cubans) meantime you should have him go get:

1. birth cirtificate

2. a certificate or paper (forgot what they call it) saying that he is SOLTERO or if he was previously married a DIVORCE certificate

3. antecedentes penales ----- POLICE RECORD CHECK (you could wait until a month before the interview for this one so you can have a recent one)

4. a PASSPORT for this you don't need to provide them (immigration) with a reason why, you can just go and apply for it

meantime, mantain a record of ALL:

1. phone calls

2. emails

3. pictures

you will need to provide these at the interview, also start working on your I-134, gather you W-2 and tax returns, pay stubs, letter from employer and/or bank. Start saving up for a trip to Cuba because IT HELPS to be at the interview if you are able to ...ITS NOT A MUST....BUT it helps

GOOOD LUCK! and just ask if you need more info

Gracias!!!for all this information it is very helpful...I was thinking about going to the interview, but was not sure if I could....However, hopefully this new president makes some changes because for us Cubans the law says we can only visit our country every 3 years and I just went last month

[k1lover 0]

no problemo, despues de lo bien que me fue a mi lo menos que puedo hacer es compartir informacion con otros fellow Cubans. (I hope you can read spanish, don't mean to insult you but I never been to MIAMI so I don't know what kind of Cubans live down there) funny you mention the new Presidente, I know there are more pressing matters right now (the economy) but you would think he would have changed the law by now...I wonder whats going on? anyhow there are others ways (legal) for you to go to Cuba, just mandame un mensaje si quieres mas info..hasta luego

[SingleCharles 0]

Are you serious? 4-5 months from now???wow =-( ....I was thinking since they cashed it so fast it mean the process would be fast. How can it be possible they get the money so fast..but so long to review the application..thanks for bursting my bubble!

Congratulations and welcome to club "wait". I know it is difficult especially when you are not able to see one another in person. It might help to know that in the confines of this site are hundreds of other folks (can I say hundreds?) that are in the very same boat. This site is a great place to lurk, share, vent, laugh and pass the time!

I wish you the best of luck in your journey and hope that the time passes quickly for you!