Approved!(?)

[NateM 0]

Hello everyone,

This may sound like a stupid question, but once someone has been interviewed, told they are approved for a K-1 visa, and given an appointment slip at the Embassy to return and pick it up (along with their passport) on XXX date, does this mean they can finally breathe a sigh of relief?

This just happened to my fiancee in Thailand... She had made several trips there previously, only to be denied each time and told to come back with follow-up documentation. More evidence, more pictures, more documents, etc... It was truly an emotional roller coaster, and at a few points it began to seem almost impossible the visa would ever be obtained. Now that she has finally been approved by the consular officer, she has been scheduled to come pick it up after everything is processed. But this appointment is nearly an entire week from the day of approval... I guess I was just picturing it being issued immediately or the next day.

I have seen several posts in here stating, "Do not count on anything or make travel plans until the visa is in your hand!" This is part of the reason for my question - travel arrangments. The other reason is the simple fact that I don't want to feel let down/heartbroken again. We have been through enough of that already. During this near week long processing time, are they still scrutinizing every little detail, looking for yet more possible reasons to deny the visa? Or does "approved" really mean approved? While I suspect it's the latter, and can see nothing possibly wrong/left to do, I'm also afraid of celebrating too soon.

Wanting to be happy,

NateM

P.S. I'm already aware of the AOS that will follow once she's in the US. Just want to know if she is indeed coming to the US at this point.

[Zee Bee 61]

Sounds like an approval

Congratulations

[payxibka 10,045]

they need to complete the processing of the file including the printing of the visa (not just a stamp) and then insert it in the passport and create the "mystery brown" envelope... takes time

Edited March 5, 2009 by payxibka

[Ning 619]

Hello everyone,

This may sound like a stupid question, but once someone has been interviewed, told they are approved for a K-1 visa, and given an appointment slip at the Embassy to return and pick it up (along with their passport) on XXX date, does this mean they can finally breathe a sigh of relief?

This just happened to my fiancee in Thailand... She had made several trips there previously, only to be denied each time and told to come back with follow-up documentation. More evidence, more pictures, more documents, etc... It was truly an emotional roller coaster, and at a few points it began to seem almost impossible the visa would ever be obtained. Now that she has finally been approved by the consular officer, she has been scheduled to come pick it up after everything is processed. But this appointment is nearly an entire week from the day of approval... I guess I was just picturing it being issued immediately or the next day.

I have seen several posts in here stating, "Do not count on anything or make travel plans until the visa is in your hand!" This is part of the reason for my question - travel arrangments. The other reason is the simple fact that I don't want to feel let down/heartbroken again. We have been through enough of that already. During this near week long processing time, are they still scrutinizing every little detail, looking for yet more possible reasons to deny the visa? Or does "approved" really mean approved? While I suspect it's the latter, and can see nothing possibly wrong/left to do, I'm also afraid of celebrating too soon.

Wanting to be happy,

NateM

P.S. I'm already aware of the AOS that will follow once she's in the US. Just want to know if she is indeed coming to the US at this point.

When we went thru this at the BKK embassy they told me it took them 3 days minimum to do the computer work including placing the actual visa in the passport. If they were busy with other visas it caused yours to take additional time.

Your plane tickets can be bought in advance of the visa if your have some assurance of a date in the near future. We did this & when we knew within a week of the date. We bought our tickets at a Thai agency with the understanding we would call with the exact date of departure. The time of deparure just has to be made with the allowances needed for travel to the airport ect after the 3 P M pickup of the visa. It took us about 30 min to get in & out of the embassy & we were at the airport by 5 pm.

Approved means approved so this means the waitng is almost over. Hang in there Nate this stage is about done. Celebrate as soon as you clear the embassy door!

[Brad and Vika 129]

Sounds like you are in good shape - congratulations

[amberdima 6]

congrats!

Edited March 5, 2009 by amberdima

[ThaiStyleUSA 1]

Sounds like an approval. They did that to us...instead they made us wait because they our case was under AP. It took us 6 months to finally get the visa after interview. Congrats!

[Kwagga 0]

Congratulations!

[TimandJoyce 1]

Good news!! congratulations!!

[sara..... 371]

sure looks like approval to me so congratulations :dance: :dance: :dance:

[Jasman0717 9]

Sounds like an approval

Congratulations

It sure does

[Cuchita 1]

Well unfortunately there is still an administrative process going on between, as per SOINLOVE, her fiance got approved and is still waiting for visa because she had a little problem with some debts she had in the past and they are paid in full now but still the filipino FBI is holding the whole visa delivery!.

[Thai family 0]

The sweet aroma of an approval. Wishing you the best.

Thai Mom

[NateM 0]

Sorry - This is a very late reply, as I've been away from the forum for awhile (I'm not sure if anyone will get this). But I just wanted to say thanks so much to everyone who replied to my post, as well as my previous posts. Many kind words, and lots of useful info as well. My fiancee was indeed improved, and we are both back in the US now.

Now I understand why the name of this forum is "Visa Journey," as it truly has been a journey. There were some obstacles along the way - particularly towards the end at the Embassy - and there were times when it seemed impossible to bring my fiancee back here with me. But we never gave up, and I am so happy now.

My advice for anyone who is still waiting for their loved one to be approved is similar: never give up. Some cases go more smoothly than others, but if you encounter problems along the way or at the Embassy, never give up, and don't take "no" for an answer (I don't mean be confrontational - but don't be afraid to ask questions or respectfully argue your case, and be very persistent).

Thanks again, and good luck to everyone.

NateM

P.S. I just wrote a new post, if anyone has advice on marriage within 90 days: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=191266

[Rainschild 0]

Sorry - This is a very late reply, as I've been away from the forum for awhile (I'm not sure if anyone will get this). But I just wanted to say thanks so much to everyone who replied to my post, as well as my previous posts. Many kind words, and lots of useful info as well. My fiancee was indeed improved, and we are both back in the US now.

Now I understand why the name of this forum is "Visa Journey," as it truly has been a journey. There were some obstacles along the way - particularly towards the end at the Embassy - and there were times when it seemed impossible to bring my fiancee back here with me. But we never gave up, and I am so happy now.

My advice for anyone who is still waiting for their loved one to be approved is similar: never give up. Some cases go more smoothly than others, but if you encounter problems along the way or at the Embassy, never give up, and don't take "no" for an answer (I don't mean be confrontational - but don't be afraid to ask questions or respectfully argue your case, and be very persistent).

Thanks again, and good luck to everyone.

NateM

P.S. I just wrote a new post, if anyone has advice on marriage within 90 days: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=191266

Congratulations and good luck on the rest of your journey!