phoning USCIS and Congressman to inquire

[msd 3]

The embassy doesnt continue the expedite...

Actually, the embassy does accept expedites. At least mine did.

MSD- the USCIS site clearly shows the processing time for I130 for spouse to be 5 months, so using that I will try to call next week if we haven't heard anything. I appreciate your input nonetheless

Hmm odd I always read 6 months. Well even better for you. I hope you get a good answer from the phone operator then.

[Sweetcheeksss 91]

Our expedite did not follow through to the NVC either, nor the consulate - had to re-request it at each stage.

[usmcwife 3]

When I called them as as his GF they were NO help to me at all, when he called... it was 100% different story.. they were way more help to him they " knew " more about stuff and helped a lot better.. where as if I called it seemed they played dumb with me and didnt know anything.. it was frustrating! it says its for active duty AND their family!

It's probably similar to calling USCIS where who you get and how much they know is luck of the draw. I called as his fiancee and pretty much got the flowchart experience. He called once and got even less. hehe. Once I found visajourney I stopped calling.

What branch of the military is your SO?

[Inky 1,111]

It's probably similar to calling USCIS where who you get and how much they know is luck of the draw. I called as his fiancee and pretty much got the flowchart experience. He called once and got even less. hehe. Once I found visajourney I stopped calling.

What branch of the military is your SO?

Air Force Active Duty

[GnC2010 2]

Sweetcheeksss, Inky and usmcwife- I appreciate all of your feedback. When I was in the US I had called as the fiancee, and got one really good person and one who was a little less knowledgeable.. I really think it is the luck of the draw. Of course now that I'm in Canada I can't call the number, so hubby has been calling with mixed success as well.

As for expediting I think I will ask Montreal just in case.. can't hurt right? I was actually at the Calgary US Consulate today getting our marriage certificate notarized/authenticated for Army benefits purposes... the first lasy I spoke with was awesome and said she believed I didn't have to pay the $50 fee because it was for a Gov't agency. The 2nd lady tried to charge me the $50, until I told her what lady #1 had said, and then she waived it! So that was nice. Just wish I had known I would have to pay a Copy Centre $5 to hold on to my cell phone which isn't allowed into the Consulate- grrr!

Anyways I went back to the first lady and asked her if Montreal would expedite my interview and she said I should email them and ask. Interestingly, said lady had an Irish accent- weird no?!

[Inky 1,111]

hm they waive a fair amount of fees for military things! I use my spouse MIL ID quite a bit lol and get fees waived for my airline checked bags with most airlines! some have given me one of thos " snack meals " that you have to buy with cash for free too. A lot of the time when I need papers from the government for government stuff they waive fees too, didnt work with our marriage certificate tho but that was only 5$ hehe.

[GnC2010 2]

Cool! I guess there are more perks for military than I realized- thanks for the heads up Inky

[Inky 1,111]

Cool! I guess there are more perks for military than I realized- thanks for the heads up Inky

Yep just carry your ID, alot of stores here in the states give you discounts too lowes, home depot, sunglasses hut, applebees to name a few, just have your MIL ID and ask if they give military discounts! it varys on the stores/places but hey saving a little helps a lot.

[Lizz&Mohamed 2]

If you call within the processing time, which is actually 6 months, not 5. They will just tell you to wait another month. Also I've heard from people who called at the 6 month mark and were told to wait ANOTHER month and then call again. Or they were told the case will be looked at within the next week and they will get a notification then.

Just saying.

An expedite will probably not do much at this stage. I'd wait to expedite till you get to NVC. Because NVC does not always accept USCIS expedites and you'd have to apply to them all over again.

You can always TRY to do it anyway.

Good luck!

I agree with msd...though USCIS website shows 5month processing time, curretly USCIS has told me via phone that it is 180days (6months). I will be at 180 days on September 13th but I have a gutt feeling that I will go beyong that point...I do have my Congresswoman ready to make her inquiry after the 13th just in case.

Hang in there but remain active in your case. Call them and make your inquiry & involve your Congresswoman/man and/or your senator as well.

Lizz&Mohamed

[usmcwife 3]

Yep just carry your ID, alot of stores here in the states give you discounts too lowes, home depot, sunglasses hut, applebees to name a few, just have your MIL ID and ask if they give military discounts! it varys on the stores/places but hey saving a little helps a lot.

I agree it does save quite a bit of money. I'm normally the one mentioning it though. Some places have so many people in teh military that they ask or just give the discount.

Most of our groceries are bought at the commissary too, so lots of savings there.

Oh, and a lot of car dealerships will give a bit of a discount for military too which is awesome if you need a car.

My favourite is at Chili's restaurant. I missed Chili's while i was stuck in canada. hehe.

[GnC2010 2]

Lizz&Mohamed- thanks! WIll do. usmcwife- Cool! I don't think I can get my ID until I get down there but once I do I will certainly use it!