Waiting interview scheduling??? Really ??? been 4 months???

[menam&asmaa 0]

is it normal to be waiting for an interview for 4 months. So,I am an American citizen, originally from Egypt both parents full Egyptians. Im 28 yrs old. My fiancé' is 25 yrs old. she's in Egypt. known her my whole entire life. visited Egypt 3 times last year alone to see her. started the I-129F in January 2012. got approved in July 2012. with a RFE. but never the less the process in America was relatively smooth. However Egypt is a different story. First packet 3 never arrived finally I emailed them three weeks later. They basically said “ our bad, we mailed it to the wrong address and never called you or emailed you to tell you that”. No problem. Got packet 3 via email, and mailed it in. that was august 22nd. I send the embassy emails on regular basis and they just keep telling me that no interview has been scheduled yet. I got an email saying this for Augest, September, and October, and now its half way through october and nothing scheduled yet for November. Is this normal. I talked to a lawyer, and we talked about the possibility of moving her interview to a different country like tukey if they can give me a diffinite interivew in November, December, or even January. I just need things to move. we also talked about talking to a congressman. will this speed things up. What Can I dooooo... I can't beilive I hit this roadblock all the way at the end of the road. I see people receving packet 4 like 2 weeks after sending in packet 3.

[aamirpearl 47]

I have hard alot of story on here that consulate from Eygypt is unprofessional which is true.. your best option now is to keep bothering them until you get a interview date. This is really ridiculous on their part. Good luck dear.

[Nick + Elizabeth 54]

Have you not been watching the news? The US embassy was attacked in Eygpt during those crazy riots. I wouldn't be surprised if things are chaotic now and slowed down.

[aamirpearl 47]

Have you not been watching the news? The US embassy was attacked in Eygpt during those crazy riots. I wouldn't be surprised if things are chaotic now and slowed down.

your right, this must be why US embassy in Egypt is slow at this moment

[menam&asmaa 0]

it was closed for 6 days. all cases were pushed back 6 days only.. I have been waiting 4 months. and technically speaking if they follow some what of a similar timeline to the rest of the world. they should've schuled it long before the protests.

[Nick + Elizabeth 54]

I'm just saying, it happened earlier last month. They may say it only held them back six days, but a lot of threats were made to America during the attacks. Any cases then having to do with Egyptians coming to America.... I wouldn't be surprised if they've temporarily put them on hold or set them up for a closer look. They may not say that, but I'd bet they are doing it.

[C-ma'am 684]

I would pester them until they knew my name by heart.

The problem about moving the interview to another country is that she will have to be a legal resident, of that other country, in order to be interviewed there.

I moved your post to the MENA forum, for more chances of replies from people going to Egypt.

Good luck and email/call the USEM every day, if you must!

[UmBrighton 2]

That's ridiculous that they haven't scheduled the appointment yet. I filed for CR1 (I-130), and my case was completed on Oct 5th (last week) and I was told yesterday that my interview date will be scheduled sometime this week by the NVC. You filed for the fiance visa, but I wouldn't think that would make such a big difference in scheduling times. The embassy is still actively scheduling appointments, and was not backed up too much from the protesting/rioting. As far as I know, those who had their appointment cancelled have already been rescheduled and some had their interview towards the end of September. I think the case has fallen through the cracks somewhere. Keep calling or emailing for updates! I hope you hear something good soon!

[tru_loves_journey 117]

Looks like things are still messed up at the Cairo Embassy. Many people aren't receiving the Packet 3 or 4 and they're having to email the Embassy often and they aren't getting nowhere by doing it. I would say for you to continue to email them and maybe your finacee could call the Embassy to ask the status of your case and to inquire about when she might receive an interview appointment. It looks like this is the normal at the Embassy for now.

You can continue to check to see if you have an interview scheduled at this link http://egypt.usembassy.gov/consular/iv8.html

If it hasn't updated recently email them to "Please Update the Schedule". I did that while awaiting my fiance's date.

To anyone who hasn't received the Package 3 or 4 it's best to contact the embassy to find out why you haven't received it.

It would be horrible if you missed your interview date by not receiving Package 4 as everyone knows Egypt does have issues with the mail system, DHL is good but they too make mistakes in finding addresses.

The Best of Luck to You

[Ihavequestions 419]

Have you not been watching the news? The US embassy was attacked in Eygpt during those crazy riots. I wouldn't be surprised if things are chaotic now and slowed down.

Exactly.

Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Cairo

October 11, 2012

Embassy Cairo is aware of demonstrations scheduled for the evening of Thursday, October 11 and the afternoon of Friday October 12, which have the possibility of garnering significant participation from multiple groups. The demonstrations involve various groups with different agendas, including protesting the acquittal of those involved with the “Battle of the Camel” in February 2011 and others protesting the draft of the new constitution and progress of President Morsi’s first 100 days in office.

Embassy Cairo expects protestors will assemble in Tahrir Square in Cairo and at Al Qaed Ibrahim mosque in Alexandria after Friday prayers. There may also be smaller groups in Tahrir Square this evening. There is no indication that demonstrations will express anti-American sentimentor be directed at U.S. diplomatic facilities in Cairo or Alexandria. Embassy employees have been asked to avoid Tahrir Square on Friday, October 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

U.S. citizens should avoid areas where large gatherings may occur. Even demonstrations or events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens in Egypt are urged to monitor local news reports and to plan their activities accordingly.

It's things like this that slows processing and interviews. Even doing the investigations for the required "name checks" is a challenge because the US government employs Egyptian police to do this (in Egypt) and, in case you didn't notice while you were here, there is a significant shortage of police at the moment - and there has been since the revolution. Not to mention that government buildings were burned and, along with that, documents were destroyed or stolen.

Don't blame the Embassy. They aren't creating or perpetuating the chaos.

[Rae Anne 44]

Exactly.

It's things like this that slows processing and interviews. Even doing the investigations for the required "name checks" is a challenge because the US government employs Egyptian police to do this (in Egypt) and, in case you didn't notice while you were here, there is a significant shortage of police at the moment - and there has been since the revolution. Not to mention that government buildings were burned and, along with that, documents were destroyed or stolen.

Don't blame the Embassy. They aren't creating or perpetuating the chaos.

Indeed. My fiance recently got a very heartfelt, apologetic email from US-EMB Sana'a after he waited a month for them to respond to his queries. I personally think they're doing the best they can under the circumstances.

I do feel your frustrations, though. Unfortunately unless they close the Cairo embassy, your fiancee is stuck interviewing there. You don't get to pick and choose.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Didn't the Egyptian postal service go on protest in the last year? Is that over yet? Did they acknowledge receiving packet 3? If they didn't acknowledge that they received packet 3 then of course they wouldn't have a reason to schedule the interview yet. I hope you made of copy of everything in packet 3 just encase.

I see you mailed packet 3 August. 22nd. Turn around time could take a month or two and it's hardly been a month since they may have received it from you. You haven't been waiting four months like you say because they don't count from the time you're counting, sorry. Add in that there have been several interruptions and closures with ongoing unrest and demonstrations in the area and that would explain the possible delay you're experiencing.

[mounir412 101]

Have you not been watching the news? The US embassy was attacked in Eygpt during those crazy riots. I wouldn't be surprised if things are chaotic now and slowed down.

yes unfortunately you have nothing to do but waiting good luck !!!