"Don't plan til visa in hand"

[ecce 20]

People, it's really true! You can't plan anything until you have the visa in hand. It's just not worth the stress. If I were to do it all over again...

After a 6.5 month wait for the NOA2 during which I was lied to and strung along, I thought I was done with trusting anyone's predicted timelines. As March wore on, I was on the verge of canceling our summer wedding plans (which I had stupidly made a year before, hearing that the K1 process should only take 6 months). I swore I would never get my hopes up for swift processing again.

But...it's funny what happens. We finally had the interview on June 6. On that day, the officer said at the end of the interview that everything looked good. He took the passport and made sure there was a blank page for the visa. Then he said we should have the visa within 7 to 10 days. He sounded really genuine. I repeated it all back to him, just to be sure, and he said yes. And then we got excited. We started making plans. He needed to give final dates to his landlord and his job, and the flights in early july were more expensive...so he went ahead a booked a ticket for June 24, allowing 18 days to get the visa.

I don't know what we were thinking. 7 days passed...10 days...we contacted the consulate and they told us that it would still be a little while and they are "doing their best" and all. So here we are again, being strung along on some timeline that means nothing. We may lose the cost of that flight, but really the worst part is the waiting - that same feeling as waiting for the NOA2 - that someone else is controlling your life and you just have to sit on your butt and lose time and money and plans while they sit on your paperwork. I know it's not that dramatic. He could still get the visa by Thursday, or if not he will likely get it not too long after, but it sure is frustrating to have that feeling of being helpless and strung along. I think I am kind of traumatized by that NOA2 wait, and waiting is definitely so much worse when you feel like your plans and money are at stake!

So, I know it's a hard rule to follow, but unless you work really well under pressure or have tons of expendable cash, it's true what they say: don't make plans until the visa's in hand!!!

PS - I know there are others in AP and in much worse positions, so I don't mean to imply that this is the "worst thing ever" or anything. I just wanted to warn others, because I keep screwing up - maybe if I write it down I will heed my own advice. Also, it's just hard to be SO CLOSE to the finish line, but not yet there!!

Edited June 21, 2011 by ecce

[gretchen_darren 67]

have you contacted your booking agent? Can you reschedule or cancel your flight? explain to them what is going on? Maybe the airline will give you a refund?

I know it is hard to lose money, and worst off, the cost of flights is not cheap no matter what time of year. I hope things happen quickly for you. It is a hard lesson learned..... I really wish the best for you.... (from someone still sitting behind the NOA2 gates....)

[G&T 12]

Just hang on there , hopefully it will be get there on time.

I understand your words as we are waiting for our second noticed, my fiance takes it a bit more calm but as me he is .

I am planning the wedding and the best thing for us to do is just to have the contacts and vendors in stand by and stop everything until we have the visa too. Is really frustrating as I also heard that 6 months was all the waiting time for the whole process but no no... is a way to test patience. I only think, we waited a long time to be with our beloved one so let's just wait a "short time" now.

Best of lucks to you.

[SuperDuper! 230]

The USCIS should give out such advice....

[TBoneTX 46,201]

it's true what they say: don't make plans until the visa's in hand!!!

Maybe people will heed your words, coming from someone who's been hosed by events. Avoid assuming any "ease" during any part of this process!

It could be that the consulate's visa-printer is hosed. Whatever it is, remember that the squeaky hamster gets the grease (or something like that, si man).

[Moomin 292]

Wow.. So sorry! I've read of people booking flights before the interview and getting stuck with useless plane ticket because of delays or being put in AP. It's unfortunate indeed!

Personally I'm in a hurry to be with my fiancé just like everyone else : ) But I have a dog in an xxxl cage and only a few airline companies will take her(size and due to embargo, I fully understand) so I had to be absolutely sure about it. I'll be on my way in early July. It isn't easy to wait but it feels soooo much better to be the one in charge of arrangements rather than having a petition stuck somewhere on a desk or that I'm the one screwing up.

Good luck OP and thanks for sharing!

[ecce 20]

Thanks everyone for being supportive! Fingers are crossed for you all...

[TheFantastics09 19]

Thanks everyone for being supportive! Fingers are crossed for you all...

I agree about not doing anything without actually having the visa/passport in hand... Doing otherwise is just not wise. This whole process is out of everyone's control. If something happens, it happens and not necessarily when we expect it to :/.

[stronger 43]

You need to cancel the flight on the day of the flight BEFORE it leaves. Or you really will lose the whole cost of the flight. At this point, you will be charged a change fee PLUS difference in fare. Not so horrible. Many international airlines do not charge the change fee, they're great about this. Just wanted to save you complete heart ache.

If you wait until after takeoff, the ticket is worth zero.

I work for a global company and book travel often for the president and vice president of my company. So, I have a little experience here.

[OnMyWayID 1,489]

I'll be honest and say that I will probably plan on the interview going well and getting the visa a few days later (pickup at the mailer option) and spend on plane tickets accordingly.. I know it may end up costing money but I am going to take the gamble.

[san diego 407]

I am really sorry to hear that this happened to you! I am sure everything will be just fine. However, I want to point out one thing about booking tickets: in most cases it still is worthwhile booking. Once you know the date of the interview, let's say 2 months in advance, it is so much cheaper to book tickets than booking them 1 week in advance. This is a gamble but well-calculated. In your particular case (which is highly regreatful) unpredictable complication happened. I would contact airline and try to change the date. Usually all you encounter is $150 change fee... However, this will be cheaper than booking brand new ticket 1 week in advance.

[NY_BX 397]

People, it's really true! You can't plan anything until you have the visa in hand. It's just not worth the stress. If I were to do it all over again...

After a 6.5 month wait for the NOA2 during which I was lied to and strung along, I thought I was done with trusting anyone's predicted timelines. As March wore on, I was on the verge of canceling our summer wedding plans (which I had stupidly made a year before, hearing that the K1 process should only take 6 months). I swore I would never get my hopes up for swift processing again.

But...it's funny what happens. We finally had the interview on June 6. On that day, the officer said at the end of the interview that everything looked good. He took the passport and made sure there was a blank page for the visa. Then he said we should have the visa within 7 to 10 days. He sounded really genuine. I repeated it all back to him, just to be sure, and he said yes. And then we got excited. We started making plans. He needed to give final dates to his landlord and his job, and the flights in early july were more expensive...so he went ahead a booked a ticket for June 24, allowing 18 days to get the visa.

I don't know what we were thinking. 7 days passed...10 days...we contacted the consulate and they told us that it would still be a little while and they are "doing their best" and all. So here we are again, being strung along on some timeline that means nothing. We may lose the cost of that flight, but really the worst part is the waiting - that same feeling as waiting for the NOA2 - that someone else is controlling your life and you just have to sit on your butt and lose time and money and plans while they sit on your paperwork. I know it's not that dramatic. He could still get the visa by Thursday, or if not he will likely get it not too long after, but it sure is frustrating to have that feeling of being helpless and strung along. I think I am kind of traumatized by that NOA2 wait, and waiting is definitely so much worse when you feel like your plans and money are at stake!

So, I know it's a hard rule to follow, but unless you work really well under pressure or have tons of expendable cash, it's true what they say: don't make plans until the visa's in hand!!!

PS - I know there are others in AP and in much worse positions, so I don't mean to imply that this is the "worst thing ever" or anything. I just wanted to warn others, because I keep screwing up - maybe if I write it down I will heed my own advice. Also, it's just hard to be SO CLOSE to the finish line, but not yet there!!

I'm so sorry. I hear you. The only thing I've done is paid the deposit for my hotel; we're having a beach wedding in Puerto Rico. However, I did negotiate with the managers and planners to include a clause that I can change the date without incurring in any penalties. I explained the situation and they were very understanding. Of course, I wanted it in black and white. Once the sent the contract, I signed and paid the deposit. Other than that, saving money and buying a bigger bed, my life continues as if nothing. We decided early on that would not allow this process to steal our joy. He works and studies. I work and write my thesis. Everyday is anyday, until I get my NOA2. I'll travel to Egypt in September and hopefully by then I'll have a response. If not, I'll still bring the paperwork he needs for his packet and continue on as nothing.

It is hard, but gotta keep the joy!

[ambermarie 1]

hello, yes that is what we are doing, our interview was 5/9. we are still in AP. its so hard to be in limbo... we are at the door of this to be together, aNd AS sOon as i get the call that he is on his way to pick up the Visa our lifes are on hold...But i think knowingwe are approved helps alot... BEST WISHES TO YOU BOTH...

[Adil & Jeanne 296]

yes, the waiting is the worst and not getting any information. I hate someone controling my life. I have always been a self controler.

If only they sent an email or let you know some information from time to time.

and all this is legal process to get here and they make it hard.

People, it's really true! You can't plan anything until you have the visa in hand. It's just not worth the stress. If I were to do it all over again...

After a 6.5 month wait for the NOA2 during which I was lied to and strung along, I thought I was done with trusting anyone's predicted timelines. As March wore on, I was on the verge of canceling our summer wedding plans (which I had stupidly made a year before, hearing that the K1 process should only take 6 months). I swore I would never get my hopes up for swift processing again.

But...it's funny what happens. We finally had the interview on June 6. On that day, the officer said at the end of the interview that everything looked good. He took the passport and made sure there was a blank page for the visa. Then he said we should have the visa within 7 to 10 days. He sounded really genuine. I repeated it all back to him, just to be sure, and he said yes. And then we got excited. We started making plans. He needed to give final dates to his landlord and his job, and the flights in early july were more expensive...so he went ahead a booked a ticket for June 24, allowing 18 days to get the visa.

I don't know what we were thinking. 7 days passed...10 days...we contacted the consulate and they told us that it would still be a little while and they are "doing their best" and all. So here we are again, being strung along on some timeline that means nothing. We may lose the cost of that flight, but really the worst part is the waiting - that same feeling as waiting for the NOA2 - that someone else is controlling your life and you just have to sit on your butt and lose time and money and plans while they sit on your paperwork. I know it's not that dramatic. He could still get the visa by Thursday, or if not he will likely get it not too long after, but it sure is frustrating to have that feeling of being helpless and strung along. I think I am kind of traumatized by that NOA2 wait, and waiting is definitely so much worse when you feel like your plans and money are at stake!

So, I know it's a hard rule to follow, but unless you work really well under pressure or have tons of expendable cash, it's true what they say: don't make plans until the visa's in hand!!!

PS - I know there are others in AP and in much worse positions, so I don't mean to imply that this is the "worst thing ever" or anything. I just wanted to warn others, because I keep screwing up - maybe if I write it down I will heed my own advice. Also, it's just hard to be SO CLOSE to the finish line, but not yet there!!

[ecce 20]

You need to cancel the flight on the day of the flight BEFORE it leaves. Or you really will lose the whole cost of the flight. At this point, you will be charged a change fee PLUS difference in fare. Not so horrible. Many international airlines do not charge the change fee, they're great about this. Just wanted to save you complete heart ache.

If you wait until after takeoff, the ticket is worth zero.

I work for a global company and book travel often for the president and vice president of my company. So, I have a little experience here.

Thanks for the advice. I called the airline today and found that it's only a 50 euro change fee (I was pleasantly shocked, since most carriers I've booked with - U.S. and Israel - are up to $250 for an international flight). Also the flight leaves at 4:50 am...which is good because we'll know by close of business the day before if he'll make it. Unless they need a full 24 hours. We should check that out.

Anyway, thanks everyone! It's nice to hear supportive words rather than judgmental ones. Best of luck to AAAALLL of you!