K-1 petition information

[milimelo 4,520]

Did I read about another fee increase??? Are they serious?

Also, question for N-400 and the biometrics (again). I see some people are getting receipts (NOA1s) for $595 and others for $675. What is happening with discrepancy - are people's old biometrics being used and they're still charging the $80 or what? If the biometrics from I-751 is still valid, why pay another $80 for something they already have? And since January 2009 all returning PRs get their picture taken as well as fingerprinted (index fingers only) at POE so it looks like they don't really need new biometrics.

Also question about GCs that never show up (either CR-1 visas or AOS). Why such lax security (plain envelope, no signature required) when sending such an important document as someone's GC? Why do we have to jump through hoops to prove we did not change address but never received GC and were still asked to pay additional $380 for something never produced - direct info from INFOPASS "happens all the time, submit I-90 saying you lost, mutilated or detroyed your GC and pay another $380"? [We ended up involving our senator and only the 2nd sending of I-90 (no fee) was accepted]

[Lisa and Ian 7]

Wish I would have seen this before I posted my 129F. I would have saved a tree or two. Excellent post!

[kenjhub 1]

Great post! Thank you.

I just got my NOA-2 approval notice email and it was done in 48 days. I think that was tremendous and I'm very happy with the VSC. Keep up the good work.

Edited September 29, 2009 by kenjhub

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

What about extra documents? Proof of relationship? We don't need it, only that they have met for the fiancee visa.

So are you saying that all these people here who have been sending in a novel full of information/pictures is NOT necessary??

Most yes. Of course. We were approved with a two sentence description of how we met and ONE photo plus passport stamps and copies of boarding passes. But I have been saying that for a long time. Unless you are dealing with one of those "#######" consulates or need to meet some local cultural standards (such as engagement parties in Viet Nam or Thailand, etc.) Yes.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Did I read about another fee increase??? Are they serious?

Also, question for N-400 and the biometrics (again). I see some people are getting receipts (NOA1s) for $595 and others for $675. What is happening with discrepancy - are people's old biometrics being used and they're still charging the $80 or what? If the biometrics from I-751 is still valid, why pay another $80 for something they already have? And since January 2009 all returning PRs get their picture taken as well as fingerprinted (index fingers only) at POE so it looks like they don't really need new biometrics.

Also question about GCs that never show up (either CR-1 visas or AOS). Why such lax security (plain envelope, no signature required) when sending such an important document as someone's GC? Why do we have to jump through hoops to prove we did not change address but never received GC and were still asked to pay additional $380 for something never produced - direct info from INFOPASS "happens all the time, submit I-90 saying you lost, mutilated or detroyed your GC and pay another $380"? [We ended up involving our senator and only the 2nd sending of I-90 (no fee) was accepted]

I added these questions to the list. It appears this is going to be a "prepared list" type of thing, which is OK. All valid and good questions

[rebeccajo 14]

Good post.

Confirms a lot of stuff we already knew.

[.:MzMorgan:. 0]

great info....you covered quite a bit....im suprised he was so open to your questions....he was more helpful than these customer service reps....they annoy me.....thanx for posting!!!!!!!

[thongd4me 69]

Gary,

Highest compliments on this thread.

I don't expect your friend to explain the WHY of everything in the process,

because I expect they have to retain a certain degree of "mystery."

However, they might think a little more of how they can fill in the "WHAT" part.

For example, there has been debate about how many copies of what form to send in (no need to mention the form).

If they require multiple copies, they might indicate that a little more clearly as it isn't always clear.

Also, if they require multiple copies, they might indicate where those copies get attached, as this should not be a secret either

and helps (in our minds at least) the future stages of the process to fall into place better.

Anything to reduce RFE's; but if RFE's are reduced does that put them out of business?

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Gary,

Highest compliments on this thread.

I don't expect your friend to explain the WHY of everything in the process,

because I expect they have to retain a certain degree of "mystery."

However, they might think a little more of how they can fill in the "WHAT" part.

For example, there has been debate about how many copies of what form to send in (no need to mention the form).

If they require multiple copies, they might indicate that a little more clearly as it isn't always clear.

Also, if they require multiple copies, they might indicate where those copies get attached, as this should not be a secret either

and helps (in our minds at least) the future stages of the process to fall into place better.

Anything to reduce RFE's; but if RFE's are reduced does that put them out of business?

Ah yes, we did discuss the nuances of government instructions. Let's just say he is of like mind and often has the same problem. I guess I often forget that government inefficiency applies to all involved, we are not the only victims.

No they do not need RFEs to keep their jobs.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

great info....you covered quite a bit....im suprised he was so open to your questions....he was more helpful than these customer service reps....they annoy me.....thanx for posting!!!!!!!

He was more open than my neighbor also. It doesn't surprise me so much he speaks about procedural things or what is good evidence for the I-751, after all it makes his job easier. I was a bit surprised he was open about how the petitions are processed and how they seem to do things in "batches" and switch from one type of petition to another, etc. My neighbor (a lower level supervisor) never will discuss that. Maybe it is a personal thing rather than national security thing.

[SophWeb 25]

Wow. This is fantastic. This will be extremely useful to so many of us. Thank you.

The fact that you need no evidence of an on-going relationship is what astounds me the most. And also relieves me! It seems that 'lack of evidence' is one of the main concerns when compiling the packet.

I would assume then that it is at the consulate stage when that 'relationship' evidence is really analyzed. As we've seen though, many consulates do not accept new evidence when you go for your interview. So would you agree it's still best to overload your original packet with evidence, which they are forced to look at?

[TBoneTX 45,663]

many consulates do not accept new evidence when you go for your interview. So would you agree it's still best to overload your original packet with evidence, which they are forced to look at?

For the "#######" consulates, definitely. Offhand, one would doubt that Australia sinks to this level (check the Reviews for patterns or individual worst-case reports).

[newlyweds2010 208]

Great post Gary, thank you.

Now we need someone with friends at the California center

[Wendy_n_John 0]

I'm so so so so so!!! glad I stopped here thanks for all the VJ participants for ALL that you do!

[thongd4me 69]

many consulates do not accept new evidence when you go for your interview. So would you agree it's still best to overload your original packet with evidence, which they are forced to look at?

For the "#######" consulates, definitely. Offhand, one would doubt that Australia sinks to this level (check the Reviews for patterns or individual worst-case reports).

Tbone,

I think Thailand probably falls in between Ecuador & Australia;

the fact that it is one of the most popular K-1 sites may have

forced them to adopt good standards but on the other hand

I could be wrong when it comes to attributing any motivation

on the part of government officials. I love Thailand almost as

much as I love my fiancée, but trying not to view it in through

rose-colored glasses, I might call it "corruption with a smile."

I'm just talking about the country, not the consulate. I don't

view the consular staff as very corrupt from the reviews I've seen.

In any case, I front-loaded my packet with stuff that probably

won't be looked at until the interview (around 130 pages worth)

and only time will tell if it does us any good.