I feel like crying. Guh.

[Kirsten L 0]

I have a reversal of this for you. Imagine being one of the VSC'ers and trying to still be a member of this community. That was the situation for us. I remember trying SO HARD to never complain, to always be upbeat. I was almost embarrassed to post and occasionally I would get some nasty snarky comment about being a Vermont petitioner - it was almost as if we weren't welcome.

It was nearly as painful for me to watch my 'classmates' take so long to process as it was for them. I would feel so bad for them. I too felt it was unfair. I was ever so grateful for my own good fortune, but I really and truly felt terrible for those with other service centers. Back then, I should note that Nebraska was the 'offender' - now that's changed.

Just keep in mind that immigration is never done - not unless you naturalize and even then, that's many years down the road. Each step can bring challenges. We now await my husband's greencard. Our interview was March 9 and we still don't have it - his FBI clearance is not complete.

So just because people have the 'luck' of Vermont doesn't mean they won't have a hiccup later on. It's just this process - I hate to say it but you sort of get used to it after a while. If nothing else it helps teach patience with lifes other little troubles.

rebeccajo,

I think everyone here who's filed with the CSC has made it clear that we ARE truly happy for those that make it through this process so quickly, the bulk of whom seem to come out of Vermont. We do not exclude those people or attempt to make them feel excluded. I personally congratulate enthusiastically each person whom I notice as having received an approval, regardless of service center. It is something to be celebrated. We also do understand that there are people whose petitions are held up at the VSC. It's simply that when you're looking ahead to much more certain extended wait times at the CSC, there are conflicting feelings that occur. Watching someone get approved in 15-45 days is thrilling in one way, thoroughly depressing in another. And I think those feelings are completely normal and understandable. I suspect there's not one quickly-approved VSCer out there who wouldn't understand a bit of discouragement and even jealousy mixed in with our happiness on their behalf. I think it's reasonable that a few of us voice what is really going on inside for us. It's not a slam against VSCers. It's simply emotionally honest in a respectful manner. My saying I don't know how many more peppy approval announcements I can take is not a slam against VSCers, for instance. It's simply a frank admission of the level of discouragement I was experiencing yesterday. I would never wish for VSC approvals to slow down. That would be mean-spirited, which none of us are. I never said I wanted future approvees to keep their mouths shut. ABSOLUTELY NOT! Keep the happy news coming. If I can't take anymore, I'll quit signing in for a while. I'm sure as heck not going to rain on anyone else's parade.

We also know that this process isn't over when we get the NOA2 or the consular interview--that bumps can come for anyone down the road. But however difficult AOS and EAD and the rest of it can be, from where many of us are standing right now, at least we would have our loved ones with us through those later frustrations. Right now we definitely don't have that luxury. Thanks for understanding.

Edited September 6, 2006 by Kirsten L

[bebop + rocksteady 0]

Well, now that it's hindsight, I really do see the reasoning why they denied him access. We were completely ignorant about the situation. He lives 45 minutes north of the border, and literally crossed into the States on probably a weekly basis for various reasons. So, when he was crossing to visit me, we never even thought to bring proof of his ties to Canada.

Our plan was for him to come down for 6 weeks. His job was seasonal, so he'd left for time being, but was expected back the week of Canada Day (July 1st). He lived with his parents, so no lease or bills. Unfortunately, it was just a case that if we would have KNOWN we needed to bring proof (a letter from his employer, a copy of his bank statement, etc.) he probably wouldn't have been denied. But since he was so used to traveling back and forth, it never even crossed our minds. Also, we were traveling by car, so no return plane ticket to use as proof.

And that's exactly what we plan on telling the consular in the interview, we were just ignorant about the process. The CBP officer at the POE was VERY nice to us, and explained to us the process of getting a K1 visa (as well as mentioning some other visa possibilities). He didn't fingerprint or photograph Craig. And told us that he wished he could let Craig through because he really believed us, but unfortunately, if he presented those facts to his boss, he'd be questioned. Which, I believe is true. The CBP Officer was so nice, that when I drove back through the next day on my own he stopped working with another car and made sure to be there to talk to me. He DID search my car, which I understand. But sat down and talked to me about what our next steps would be and asked me if I was okay (I was a mess, I mean, we'd planned on being together for 6 weeks, and then that got torn away in 15 minutess).

So, like I said, in hindsight, I completely see why they denied him entry. I wish we wouldn't have been so uneducated about the process. But nevertheless, we've worked really hard to make sure it's not an issue in the future. Since that day, Craig hasn't entered or attempted to enter the States. I make all my trips up to him, because even if he COULD enter the country during the K1, we'd prefer not to chance it with a mark already on our record.

Cass (bebop the great)

I would like to know why US Immigration turned him back as a visitor. This seems almost improbable!?! Anyone who grew up in Canada and has lived his entire life there, is by default, connected to Canada. I would have liked to have listened to that conversation!

.

[Caladan 19]

I suspect some of the 'omg I was approved in 20 days!' posts lately have been hoaxes. At any rate, hang in there & best wishes!

[bebop + rocksteady 0]

Part of me was thinking that too, because it always seems like it's newbies that are posting the short approvals. But then again, if you haven't had to wait long, there hasn't been much time to rack up posting numbers and NOT be a newbie.

Ehhh? Either way. I'm happy for them. I just wish VSC would give CSC a seminar on efficency.

Cass (bebop the great)

I suspect some of the 'omg I was approved in 20 days!' posts lately have been hoaxes. At any rate, hang in there & best wishes!

[Ecalos 0]

I also get that sinking depressed feeling when I watch people getting approved in a month. It's pretty ugly; jealousy and anger, even though I am glad those people can move on with their lives.

Cass, also in hindsight I must have been really lucky when I went down to Denver to see Rob in April because bringing proof didn't occur to me. I didn't really know about having to. I live in Winnipeg and right after my University grad he flew up here one way so we could drive back to Denver (20 hr trip, it was horrible lol) and stay with him until the beginning of August. When we hit the border the officer at the window looked at my passport and his Birth Cert, then sent us to the garage to have the car searched. I had 3 months of stuff in my car... clothes, golf clubs etc. I really got lucky I think.

[bebop + rocksteady 0]

Yup, I did the 18 hour drive to go pick him up, (I did it all in one day) and our plan was to turn around the next day and drive it back. He had a few boxes with him, and some clothes, but not enough to spur immigrant intent, I think. It shows you how much it's up to the discrection of the indvidiual CBP officer, eh?

Cass (bebop the great)

I also get that sinking depressed feeling when I watch people getting approved in a month. It's pretty ugly; jealousy and anger, even though I am glad those people can move on with their lives.

Cass, also in hindsight I must have been really lucky when I went down to Denver to see Rob in April because bringing proof didn't occur to me. I didn't really know about having to. I live in Winnipeg and right after my University grad he flew up here one way so we could drive back to Denver (20 hr trip, it was horrible lol) and stay with him until the beginning of August. When we hit the border the officer at the window looked at my passport and his Birth Cert, then sent us to the garage to have the car searched. I had 3 months of stuff in my car... clothes, golf clubs etc. I really got lucky I think.

[irishgirl73 0]

I have a reversal of this for you. Imagine being one of the VSC'ers and trying to still be a member of this community. That was the situation for us. I remember trying SO HARD to never complain, to always be upbeat. I was almost embarrassed to post and occasionally I would get some nasty snarky comment about being a Vermont petitioner - it was almost as if we weren't welcome.

It was nearly as painful for me to watch my 'classmates' take so long to process as it was for them. I would feel so bad for them. I too felt it was unfair. I was ever so grateful for my own good fortune, but I really and truly felt terrible for those with other service centers. Back then, I should note that Nebraska was the 'offender' - now that's changed.

Just keep in mind that immigration is never done - not unless you naturalize and even then, that's many years down the road. Each step can bring challenges. We now await my husband's greencard. Our interview was March 9 and we still don't have it - his FBI clearance is not complete.

So just because people have the 'luck' of Vermont doesn't mean they won't have a hiccup later on. It's just this process - I hate to say it but you sort of get used to it after a while. If nothing else it helps teach patience with lifes other little troubles.

Rebecca will tell you that I was very upset in the beginning as well-you have every right to be-but you have a LONG WAY TO GO!!!!! I sent my petition in to Vermont in December & my man was JUST approved a month ago. I have said it a million times NOT EVERYONE speeds through Vermont-just keep that in mind. I am not snapping at you-or judging you but you have to have a little more patience. It is so hard not to read about others approvals & feel a little jealous-but try not to compare your timeline with others. I thought that since we were going through VSC & Dublin we would have breezed through the process but we didnt.(God it seems like it took forever-because it did). One day apart from the one you love is torture-but just take comfort in the fact that you will be together forever once this is all completed.

I hope you get your approval soon-believe me I know exactly how you feel

hang in there

Colleen

Edited September 6, 2006 by irishgirl73

[1HappyGuy 45]

Hey Cass, try to relax about the whole thing. You are planning what should be a life time commitment. Is a couple of months more really that much in the whole scheme of your plans. We all know what it's like to be separated from your love. Consider yourself lucky that you can drive to see him (weather permitting). Just make sure you have all the other documents you will need lined up and ready to go. I think you can plan on a Merry Christmas with him for sure, probably Thanksgiving too, but that will be dependent upon CSC improving their processing times. Remember that 10,000 fiancee visa petitions are filed each week. Most of those go to CSC.

You have a wonderful life planned so learn to be patient. I know it is frustrating, but the ultimate outcome is going to be fabulous.

[rebeccajo 14]

I have a reversal of this for you. Imagine being one of the VSC'ers and trying to still be a member of this community. That was the situation for us. I remember trying SO HARD to never complain, to always be upbeat. I was almost embarrassed to post and occasionally I would get some nasty snarky comment about being a Vermont petitioner - it was almost as if we weren't welcome.

It was nearly as painful for me to watch my 'classmates' take so long to process as it was for them. I would feel so bad for them. I too felt it was unfair. I was ever so grateful for my own good fortune, but I really and truly felt terrible for those with other service centers. Back then, I should note that Nebraska was the 'offender' - now that's changed.

Just keep in mind that immigration is never done - not unless you naturalize and even then, that's many years down the road. Each step can bring challenges. We now await my husband's greencard. Our interview was March 9 and we still don't have it - his FBI clearance is not complete.

So just because people have the 'luck' of Vermont doesn't mean they won't have a hiccup later on. It's just this process - I hate to say it but you sort of get used to it after a while. If nothing else it helps teach patience with lifes other little troubles.

rebeccajo,

I think everyone here who's filed with the CSC has made it clear that we ARE truly happy for those that make it through this process so quickly, the bulk of whom seem to come out of Vermont. We do not exclude those people or attempt to make them feel excluded. I personally congratulate enthusiastically each person whom I notice as having received an approval, regardless of service center. It is something to be celebrated. We also do understand that there are people whose petitions are held up at the VSC. It's simply that when you're looking ahead to much more certain extended wait times at the CSC, there are conflicting feelings that occur. Watching someone get approved in 15-45 days is thrilling in one way, thoroughly depressing in another. And I think those feelings are completely normal and understandable. I suspect there's not one quickly-approved VSCer out there who wouldn't understand a bit of discouragement and even jealousy mixed in with our happiness on their behalf. I think it's reasonable that a few of us voice what is really going on inside for us. It's not a slam against VSCers. It's simply emotionally honest in a respectful manner. My saying I don't know how many more peppy approval announcements I can take is not a slam against VSCers, for instance. It's simply a frank admission of the level of discouragement I was experiencing yesterday. I would never wish for VSC approvals to slow down. That would be mean-spirited, which none of us are. I never said I wanted future approvees to keep their mouths shut. ABSOLUTELY NOT! Keep the happy news coming. If I can't take anymore, I'll quit signing in for a while. I'm sure as heck not going to rain on anyone else's parade.

We also know that this process isn't over when we get the NOA2 or the consular interview--that bumps can come for anyone down the road. But however difficult AOS and EAD and the rest of it can be, from where many of us are standing right now, at least we would have our loved ones with us through those later frustrations. Right now we definitely don't have that luxury. Thanks for understanding.

Kirsten I hope you didn't misunderstand my post. It wasn't meant to be a lecture or admonishment in any way.

I was only expressing my recollections of how it felt to be a 'Vermonter' and watch my peers have to wait. It felt awful.

And I was also just trying to give you an idea of what your 'immigration future' may be like. Yes it is true that at least you are united with your loved one during AOS. It's hard for me to explain sometimes. Think of it like this - that's when 'real life' sets in. That's the time when waiting on immigration sometimes literally means not being able to work (and thus pay your bills) because you're waiting on an EAD. Or waiting to travel home for some family emergency because your AP isn't in yet. It means finding out that you can't qualify for a mortgage because a greencard isn't in. Theres load of little 'everyday' nuances that immigration hassles can add to your 'real life' once you are a 'real couple'. And those things cause stress.

It's just another perspective and something for you to ponder. It wasn't meant to be a put down in any way.

Edited September 6, 2006 by rebeccajo

[spiritee 0]

Kirsten L, you filed on August 1st and you are already feeling discouraged! You have a long way to go yet!

I have a reversal of this for you. Imagine being one of the VSC'ers and trying to still be a member of this community. That was the situation for us. I remember trying SO HARD to never complain, to always be upbeat. I was almost embarrassed to post and occasionally I would get some nasty snarky comment about being a Vermont petitioner - it was almost as if we weren't welcome.

It was nearly as painful for me to watch my 'classmates' take so long to process as it was for them. I would feel so bad for them. I too felt it was unfair. I was ever so grateful for my own good fortune, but I really and truly felt terrible for those with other service centers. Back then, I should note that Nebraska was the 'offender' - now that's changed.

Just keep in mind that immigration is never done - not unless you naturalize and even then, that's many years down the road. Each step can bring challenges. We now await my husband's greencard. Our interview was March 9 and we still don't have it - his FBI clearance is not complete.

So just because people have the 'luck' of Vermont doesn't mean they won't have a hiccup later on. It's just this process - I hate to say it but you sort of get used to it after a while. If nothing else it helps teach patience with lifes other little troubles.

rebeccajo,

I think everyone here who's filed with the CSC has made it clear that we ARE truly happy for those that make it through this process so quickly, the bulk of whom seem to come out of Vermont. We do not exclude those people or attempt to make them feel excluded. I personally congratulate enthusiastically each person whom I notice as having received an approval, regardless of service center. It is something to be celebrated. We also do understand that there are people whose petitions are held up at the VSC. It's simply that when you're looking ahead to much more certain extended wait times at the CSC, there are conflicting feelings that occur. Watching someone get approved in 15-45 days is thrilling in one way, thoroughly depressing in another. And I think those feelings are completely normal and understandable. I suspect there's not one quickly-approved VSCer out there who wouldn't understand a bit of discouragement and even jealousy mixed in with our happiness on their behalf. I think it's reasonable that a few of us voice what is really going on inside for us. It's not a slam against VSCers. It's simply emotionally honest in a respectful manner. My saying I don't know how many more peppy approval announcements I can take is not a slam against VSCers, for instance. It's simply a frank admission of the level of discouragement I was experiencing yesterday. I would never wish for VSC approvals to slow down. That would be mean-spirited, which none of us are. I never said I wanted future approvees to keep their mouths shut. ABSOLUTELY NOT! Keep the happy news coming. If I can't take anymore, I'll quit signing in for a while. I'm sure as heck not going to rain on anyone else's parade.

We also know that this process isn't over when we get the NOA2 or the consular interview--that bumps can come for anyone down the road. But however difficult AOS and EAD and the rest of it can be, from where many of us are standing right now, at least we would have our loved ones with us through those later frustrations. Right now we definitely don't have that luxury. Thanks for understanding.

[CanuckmeetsYank 0]

Hey Cassie, reading what you were saying about leaving Craig behind hits a cord here with everyone. We all understand where you are coming from. I think in reality its not so much how fast some applications get processed, its howlong we are kept away from our loved ones. I live in Canada and yeah Paul and I are very lucky to see eachother often. We try to make the trip every four-6 months. Unfortunatly I have found that a lot of people who are not in our situation (IE long distance) dont often understand how painful it is to say goodbye...and how difficult it is to be in a situation where you life is essentially on hold. I dont think anyone on VJ holds anything against you for feeling how you feel. When it comes down to it we all just want the samething, to end the seperation. Hang in there...take it one day at a time.

[seldi 1]

I saw that someone's petition was approved in 14 days...it took me that long just to get NOA1...that just proves how easy it really is to approve cases and it really boggles my mind, why do they take so long to approve them!!!

[G&C 0]

I have a reversal of this for you. Imagine being one of the VSC'ers and trying to still be a member of this community. That was the situation for us. I remember trying SO HARD to never complain, to always be upbeat. I was almost embarrassed to post and occasionally I would get some nasty snarky comment about being a Vermont petitioner - it was almost as if we weren't welcome.

It was nearly as painful for me to watch my 'classmates' take so long to process as it was for them. I would feel so bad for them. I too felt it was unfair. I was ever so grateful for my own good fortune, but I really and truly felt terrible for those with other service centers. Back then, I should note that Nebraska was the 'offender' - now that's changed.

Just keep in mind that immigration is never done - not unless you naturalize and even then, that's many years down the road. Each step can bring challenges. We now await my husband's greencard. Our interview was March 9 and we still don't have it - his FBI clearance is not complete.

So just because people have the 'luck' of Vermont doesn't mean they won't have a hiccup later on. It's just this process - I hate to say it but you sort of get used to it after a while. If nothing else it helps teach patience with lifes other little troubles.

Wow, you must live a privileged life. . . . you had to wait an entire 22 days from the day you sent the petition in the mail to receiving the NOA2. YOU HAVE NOTHING TO COMPLAIGN ABOUT!!!

_

106 days and counting . . . . that is 84 more days than you!

.

[William33 110]

That comment is way out of line. Rebeccajo is one of the most respected contributors to this site.

If you had bothered to read her post, you would realize that immigration is a long, drawn out process, with bumps along the way for everyone.

You ought to be bashing the process, not the participants to it.

By the way, I waited 150 days for an approval from CSC. I hold no animosity for anyone who got approved faster, as it was not their fault.

I have a reversal of this for you. Imagine being one of the VSC'ers and trying to still be a member of this community. That was the situation for us. I remember trying SO HARD to never complain, to always be upbeat. I was almost embarrassed to post and occasionally I would get some nasty snarky comment about being a Vermont petitioner - it was almost as if we weren't welcome.

It was nearly as painful for me to watch my 'classmates' take so long to process as it was for them. I would feel so bad for them. I too felt it was unfair. I was ever so grateful for my own good fortune, but I really and truly felt terrible for those with other service centers. Back then, I should note that Nebraska was the 'offender' - now that's changed.

Just keep in mind that immigration is never done - not unless you naturalize and even then, that's many years down the road. Each step can bring challenges. We now await my husband's greencard. Our interview was March 9 and we still don't have it - his FBI clearance is not complete.

So just because people have the 'luck' of Vermont doesn't mean they won't have a hiccup later on. It's just this process - I hate to say it but you sort of get used to it after a while. If nothing else it helps teach patience with lifes other little troubles.

Wow, you must live a privileged life. . . . you had to wait an entire 22 days from the day you sent the petition in the mail to receiving the NOA2. YOU HAVE NOTHING TO COMPLAIGN ABOUT!!!

_

106 days and counting . . . . that is 84 more days than you!

.

[Kirsten L 0]

Kirsten I hope you didn't misunderstand my post. It wasn't meant to be a lecture or admonishment in any way.

I was only expressing my recollections of how it felt to be a 'Vermonter' and watch my peers have to wait. It felt awful.

And I was also just trying to give you an idea of what your 'immigration future' may be like. Yes it is true that at least you are united with your loved one during AOS. It's hard for me to explain sometimes. Think of it like this - that's when 'real life' sets in. That's the time when waiting on immigration sometimes literally means not being able to work (and thus pay your bills) because you're waiting on an EAD. Or waiting to travel home for some family emergency because your AP isn't in yet. It means finding out that you can't qualify for a mortgage because a greencard isn't in. Theres load of little 'everyday' nuances that immigration hassles can add to your 'real life' once you are a 'real couple'. And those things cause stress.

It's just another perspective and something for you to ponder. It wasn't meant to be a put down in any way.

Rebeccajo,

I think, in fact, that I may have misunderstood you slightly. Your clarification helped me a lot. In any event, I wasn't really terribly upset--just wanted to clarify my point of view. It's true that due to a lot of bad news and stress of various sorts in the last couple of weeks, I'm particularly sensitive and pretty discouraged at the moment. That may well be a contributing factor in why I read your post in such a way that it felt a little like I was being lectured. Not your fault or your intent, obviously. Just happened due to my state of mind. If anything that I said contributed to any worry or sadness on your part, I hope this post will sweep it away. I very much appreciate your point of view and your contributionss. Again, thanks for your communication.