Is K1/AOS process really bad?

[daryl&lada 8]

We are early into the K1 process and so far, so good! We received our NOA1 May 31st via VSC and we fully expect 5-8 months processing time as anything and everything can happen, back logs, etc. We are using this time to our advantage as her daughter is in University and the time cushion will be a good thing. I will admit, reading topics that say "K1 denied... visa denied" and other horror stories get my attention and make me wonder if we have all our ducks in a row with documentation. Also, those complaining about not getting processed in 2 or 3 months because someone else has... We try to congratulate all who are successful with every step of the way.

It is refreshing to see a post devoted to good experiences and what happens when everything goes right! I hope to read more success stories!

[bigdog 377]

I would like to start unusual topic and would like to invite people to post POSITIVE EXPERIENCES. Due to the fact that most posts are cry for help, people that read posts see only horror stories about K1 USCIS/NVC/Embassy journeys. This freaks everyone out. I would like to start topic so that people can post only positive experiences:

1) I129F August 25, 2010-January 22nd, 2011. USCIS at the time of application clearly stated that processing time is 5 months. Yes, it was a stressful, depressing time. However, they did send us our I129F approval 3 days before 5 months mark. Now people complain about 3 months! However, USCIS never promised less than 5 months! I don't think people can complain about how ineffective USCIS is! We all just need to be patient and understand the process. We submitted all the docs necessary and did not have RFE or any problems. We all need to understand that USCIS and DHS just protecting us from fraud and terrorists!

2) NVC - our documents spent 3 days at NVC. I called NVC early in the morning and operator was extremely nice with me, and provided NVC number immediately, together with NVC receive/send date. 5 mins call.

3) Embassy. Yes, it took 3 months between NOA2 (I129F approval) and actual interview (April 22nd). Every single e-mail that I sent to Moscow embassy was answered in less than 24 hrs on the business days. Very much to the point and informative. Never had problems that people claim to have with Moscow embassy.

4) Interview April 29th: I flew to Moscow to support my fiancee without hope of being let in, they allowed me to be present at the interview even though it was against the rules. ALL the embassy personnel was extremely friendly and helpful. TRULY. CO was extremely nice and right to the point! I purchased tickets ahead of time to fly back together 1 week after the interview. CO was even nice enough to tell exactly when to pick up visa from DHL after my fiancee told him that we already bought tickets. He took his time to look at the bill and told her that documents should be at DHL on Wednesday (we were flying back on Friday same week). The documents DID arrive on Wednesday and we flew back on Friday, April 29th.

5) AOS. took them 2 days to send us NOA1 after we sent package via FedEx. No hick-ups. NOA1 date - May 25th, Bio appointment notice arrived 2 days later, scheduled for June 17th. Interview notice arrived a week after bio appointment for July 28th.

6) EAD card arrived this week.

Overall I can say only positive things about USCIS, Department of State, and DHS. I would like to invite more posts on positive experiences to encourage all the people at VJ that this process is not that bad and in fact all the horrors we see are either real fraud, self-inflicted problems, or exceptional misfortunes, not THE RULE. All we need is to understand that the process does take time and be patient.

[patient2010 93]

My journey was pretty sweet and to the point not short but not too long I filed April 7,2010 and my husband was with me on Nov 23,2010 we had a pretty easy process no speed bumps along the way and we are thankful for that!!!! we will ROC in Dec 2012

[bigdog 377]

I would agree, we started with K1 application May of 2010, received EAD May 2011 ans AOS is pending. US does not have a fast process, but i am told mine if going good. USCIS, DOS etc. do not appear to have a system to review applications like law enforcement would. Their are the fast track, the no way at tall and then the middle, it appears they do mot have a triage system or their is not much difference in their levels?

[maya62 7]

I like this thread, too, for focusing some attention on good outcomes. We went through K1/AOS several years ago, but hopefully it is still possible to have a speedy journey like we did.

I filed our K1 petition in June of 2006 and by October 2006, they (my now husband and stepson) were here! We found both DOS experiences (at the US Consulate in Kathmandu) and USCIS experiences here to be professional, helpful, and appropriate overall.

Good luck to you all...

Maya

[A & L 2]

Our experience so far with the K1 has been flawless, which I like to credit to how helpful this site is. I wish the process was shorter but we've had no hiccups, only real issue we've had so far is that apprently it takes Nova Scotia a million years to process a long form birth certificate and send it out to you, don't believe their "10 days + transit" #######! We even paid extra to have it sent courier and still haven't seen it or heard a word from them (16 days now), but I don't count that as it isn't the fault of the NVC or USCIS. I was rather worried about this entire K1 process but have been pleasantly surprised at how painless it has been.

[Rufus2012 175]

I'd at least like the option of expedited processing at extra cost. You can get a passport in a hurry if you're willing to shell out a few extra bucks, I'd happily pay a lot more here to get through the process faster (at least the parts where you are separated). And if those paying the extra fee could put some more resources at working on everybody's paperwork, we'd all win.

[southcalhog 43]

Well i am only through the first step but I dont have anything to say other than good thing about how Quick i got my NOA2.....took 74 days from NOA1 to NOA2! only approved on Monday the 18th of July. Went pretty Fast and thanks USCIS! on to NVC!