Looking for some hope...

[CaBOoSE 3]

New to the site here. In September, my now Fiancee and I filed for the K1 Visa, not truly knowing how nerve racking it truly would be. All of our paperwork has been sent off, and so far seems like everything is going alright. We have had no contact since, unfortunately, and now I am starting to freak out a bit....

I have seen processing times differ between cases, but usually it seems like people are notified every time their case is even touched by a person at the USICS, I dont think we have had one, and I figure thats a bad thing. But I have faith that by valentines we should receive at least a notice of action, because that will be our 5 month date. After that, I don't know what to do. I just wish their site was not so vague on details I suppose, because with everything we will have to get ready for, and no definate date we can set yet, we are starting to worry a bit.

I just want to know if the 5 month average is for the process to be complete, or the time frame between NOA1 and 2. I just want to be with my baby, plain and simple. Any information that could be slid my way, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance,

Andrew D F Edwards

[Blob18 111]

New to the site here. In September, my now Fiancee and I filed for the K1 Visa, not truly knowing how nerve racking it truly would be. All of our paperwork has been sent off, and so far seems like everything is going alright. We have had no contact since, unfortunately, and now I am starting to freak out a bit....

I have seen processing times differ between cases, but usually it seems like people are notified every time their case is even touched by a person at the USICS, I dont think we have had one, and I figure thats a bad thing. But I have faith that by valentines we should receive at least a notice of action, because that will be our 5 month date. After that, I don't know what to do. I just wish their site was not so vague on details I suppose, because with everything we will have to get ready for, and no definate date we can set yet, we are starting to worry a bit.

I just want to know if the 5 month average is for the process to be complete, or the time frame between NOA1 and 2. I just want to be with my baby, plain and simple. Any information that could be slid my way, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance,

Andrew D F Edwards

5 month average is for NOA1 to NOA2. Right now its around 5-6 months. Others who have gone through Canada can give you a better idea on overall timeframe. I know 1 of the Embassy's there (think Montreal) is always backlogged.

[Channah&Aaron 51]

; Hi there!!

Not every case will be touched, but that doesn't mean they aren't working on it. Some cases has been touched 10 times, others just one or none.

Have you logged in on uscis.gov? There you can see if your case has been touched. If not, like I said, don't worry about it.

It is also common to have to wait for any respond for 5 months. If your 5months mark has been reached, my advice would be; call and ask about your case.

The waiting game s*cks, but you haven't reached your 5 month mark yet, so sit down and "enjoy" the last month or the ride. You'll receive your NOA2 before you know it!!

Good luck!!

[iampatricias 17]

Hello CaBOoSE! My sweetheart and I got our NOA1 on July 22nd, 2010, and heard absolutely nothing (no touches, no updates) until our online status suddenly changed to "RFE" (Request for Evidence) on January 5th, 2011. Plenty of folks who filed nearer the beginning of July got their NOA2s in the middle of November, and that really made me desperate to hear anything, but don't let yourself get worked up until you hit your 5 month mark without an NOA2.

After the NOA2, the appointments and paperwork could take another 1-3 months depending on whether your interview is through Vancouver or Montreal - but I can't speak for that too much because I'm still not quite there yet.

This is a really great site to stay informed and figure out how to prepare for everything, but don't let others' timelines cause you to freak out when there's nothing to be worried about yet. The more you read, the more you'll see that your case is coming along more or less like everyone else's.

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Welcome to VJ

As the others have said, 5 months to get your NOA2. You want to look at 8 - 10 months from start to finish. where do you live? If you are Ontario -> east, the interview will be in Montreal and although they are getting better, they are backed up and some have waited 5 months just for an interview. Manitora -> west will interview in Vancouver which is subtantially quicker.

Do not set unrealistic timelines. Touches don't mean anything so if you never get one or if you get 30 - it doesn't matter.

We all want(ed) this journey to end quickly. However, there is a process to go through and if you keep your head up and be realistic and come to VJ for advice and support, then you're well on your way.

You can start by getting your long form birth certificate, the one with both parents names on it. This will be needed so don't wait as some provinces can take 8-10 weeks to have your delivered

Good luck

[CaBOoSE 3]

Well I must admit, all the answers have eased my mind a bit, TY to all who have said some useful advice, and especially for the hint to get my long form birth certificate. Didnt even think of that... LOL

From the sounds of it, I think I will be in the same boat as IAmPatricias... I have a feeling that I will be getting an RFE letter sooon after my 5 months has come up. I know that worrying and freaking out is pointless, but when it has everything to do with your happiness being out of your control, I think that is what gets to me. But thank you again to everythone for their good advice and kind words, I hope my journey goes quickly so I can be with my fiancee soon enough.

Why is it the more you love a person, the harder it is do say until next time, and the longer it seems until the next time actually comes? Even if it is only a few weeks?

One question, once the K1 comes in, does that mean my next border crossing is my last? I am planning on staying back for a month or two to properly train someone for my job, and tie up any loose ends. I don't know if I could stand not being able to see her for 2 months really, and I would like to know if I can visit after being accepted for the K1, or once I hit the Ambassador, I HAVE to activate the K1. thx again.

[iampatricias 17]

The K1 visa is a one-time use visa. I imagine someone else will explain this in detail better than I can, but I would not plan to return to Canada within 3-5 months of using your K1. During that time, other paperwork needs to get filed that will allow you to come and go again, but there's no easy way to get back into America before the next round of paperwork is done.

[thelastpetitioner 218]

it is once entery for citizen of countries that need a visa to enter the states.canadians are different,dig up in the regional form and youll find some stuff,i remember reading something about it.

as far as not hearing anything goes,we got approved november 17th,but we found out late december,when i emailed CSC to ask them about our case.so we heard nothing,not from the website,not in an email not a phone call,not even a touch.nothing.keep your hopes up

[CaBOoSE 3]

So basically I will have to be apart from my Fiancee for a few months after the K1 arrives. After reading some of the trials that others have gone through, I know I am a lucky one then to be able to see my fiancee so much....

I have a lot of respect for everyone who has to face this ordeal, and I know with my wifey to be, it only makes me that much more sure what we share is Something that will last. It will be difficult for the first little while afterwards, not being able to work, then finding a job once the EAD clears, but I think after that all the stress of things to come will all be worth it and we can truly be happy. I wish everyone on these forums the same. Right now I just want to know as much as I can before the time comes, because knowledge is the best weapon to have when it comes to anything really... thank you again for the help so far... LOL

[Joanna&Bobby 3]

Our case hasn't been touched for 6 months, once they did, we had "touches" every day for a couple of days, and within a couple of weeks after the first touch we had the visa... 3 Weeks after gettign the visa I was on my way flying Delta to NY. Don't worry. The k1 process is painful, but exciting!

Edited January 13, 2011 by Joanna&Bobby

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Some have been able to cross into the US as a visitor after the K-1 was issued. It is soley up to the CBP when you try and cross. MANY have tried, but only a handful were successful. You can try, but there is no guarentee that you'll be admitted as a tourist with a valid K-1

Good luck

[CaBOoSE 3]

Stressful is more like it... I don't think I like the fact I can't even go to her after the K1 comes in.... But she has told me it just means she will have to make more trips up here....

But I seriously can't wait to find out more about our petition. I think it isn't the waiting so much as the not knowing a single thing going on with our case. We know it's there, and that's it. but we both have faith, and this time next week I am on my way back to her, so it's all good for now... LOL

[CaBOoSE 3]

Better to be safe than sorry I say. Once the K1 comes in, it will be a test for sure. But it will also help me to save more, so it can't be that bad, right?

Is it a bad thing that I am already talking with such confidence that it will come in? LOL I am just in awe at how many extra costs there are... it is a real wallet breaker..... Oh well, worth it all in the long run, and I know it will be.... I just want to start it as soon as I can... LOL Patients are best left to doctors offices.... both my wifey and I are not the most patient for sure.....