May 2013 filers

[Nurseling 34]

Thanks for the updates and well wishes Nurseling and sjs!

Looks like I have some karma on my side as this morning around 11am I was notified that we have been approved and that the notification is on it's way!!

What's the next step? Contacting NVC for the case number?

Hooray congratulations thank god for that. I was worried then since they weren't really doing much with other files. Now on to battle NVC lol. Doesn't stop does it.

They seem to be a tad slow processing RFE, but i'm not complaining. I spent the good part of today doing the DS forms needed for packet 3. I think I printed out about 34 pages of forms. For those with kids coming along the journey too, I have 3 children under 12yrs who will be joining me, start the forms now so you've got enough time to fill it all in and make sure you have the right children with the right birthdates and passport numbers. Learn from my mistakes.

Wishing well wishes to everyone.. Been a big day and i'm calling it a night. Hope to wake up to VSC approvals.

Your next Ozgirl.

[Nurseling 34]

Thanks for the updates and well wishes Nurseling and sjs!

Looks like I have some karma on my side as this morning around 11am I was notified that we have been approved and that the notification is on it's way!!

What's the next step? Contacting NVC for the case number?

Here's a few forms you should be downloading while waiting.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-134.pdf

http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/82063.pdf

https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp

http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/81807.pdf

Call dos or NVC but dos is less holding time. They will both give you the same information. I got mine from dos.

Number for dos is 2026631225 press 1 then press 0

NVC numer is 6033340700

When you get your case number in 2-3 weeks log on to the CEAC website and track your file till it gets to your consulate. Here is the link for the CEAC site. https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?

Just type in your case number that NVC gives you there and it will bring up a box with your case details.

Hope it helps congrats again

[Nurseling 34]

For those at this phase I found this info regarding a change in the forms starting September 1st 2013

Please check your consulates so you don't end up filling out the obsolete forms.

Note from September 1, 2013 the DS-230-I & II & DS-2001 is replaced by the form DS-260

On receipt of the approved petition from the National Visa Center the Immigrant Visa Unit will send you information on the steps that you are required to take to process the application, including instructions on completing the Instruction Package for Immigrant Visa Applicants. See "Instructions for Applicants".

It is important that you do take action immediately and return the Application for Immigration and Alien Registration, Form DS-230-1, Part 1, Form DS-156 (in duplicate), Form DS-156K, (in duplicate), Form DS-157 (in duplicate) and Notification of Applicant Readiness, Form DS-2001. Note: The failure to return the forms promptly will delay the processing of your application.

Before returning the Notification of Applicant Readiness, Form DS-2001 to the Immigrant Visa Unit, you are required to assemble all of the documents required in support of your application. Note: These documents must not be mailed to the Embassy; you will be required to furnish the original of all documents and one copy on the day of the formal visa interview.

What happens next?

On receipt of the DS-230-I, the DS-156, DS-156K, DS-157, and DS-2001, the Immigrant Visa Unit will perform any additional processing which may be required and advise you concerning the scheduling of the formal visa interview. You will be required to undergo a medical examination with an Embassy approved physician before the visa interview.

Note: The Immigrant Visa Unit must be in receipt of the approved petition from the National Visa Center before beginning the administrative processing of the application. While you are waiting for notification from the Immigrant Visa Unit that they are ready to begin processing your application, you may wish to begin assembling the documents you will be required to furnish on the day of your visa interview. This may expedite your application somewhat as certain documents may take a while to obtain.

[Vanitas 310]

Nurseling found this at http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html so it does apply to K Visas as well, initially I thought it was CR-1/IR-1 only. Good catch, Nurseling.

[Nurseling 34]

Nurseling found this at http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html so it does apply to K Visas as well, initially I thought it was CR-1/IR-1 only. Good catch, Nurseling.

I must say Ryan these people change things and neglect to inform people. We are constantly trying to find out information by ourselves. Would you believe I still have not received packet 3 I put everything together through the help of this site and sent it off without hearing from them. God knows when I will get packet 3 in the mail lol.

[Ozgirl1981 78]

That's the spirit Ozgirl

Keep busy fill out forms. When do you plan to POE any way once your approved and get your visa? I want to leave in December after Christmas.

I plan to POE at Hawaii. It'll will be a good break into a long flight for my kids also who have never flown. And hopefully all goes to plan, I wanna be in USA for Christmas. Might even fly on Christmas day cause it's usually cheaper cause everyone is already where they want to be.. Due to time zones, we'll have an extra long Christmas day also. LOL

For those at this phase I found this info regarding a change in the forms starting September 1st 2013

Please check your consulates so you don't end up filling out the obsolete forms.

Note from September 1, 2013 the DS-230-I & II & DS-2001 is replaced by the form DS-260

On receipt of the approved petition from the National Visa Center the Immigrant Visa Unit will send you information on the steps that you are required to take to process the application, including instructions on completing the Instruction Package for Immigrant Visa Applicants. See "Instructions for Applicants".

It is important that you do take action immediately and return the Application for Immigration and Alien Registration, Form DS-230-1, Part 1, Form DS-156 (in duplicate), Form DS-156K, (in duplicate), Form DS-157 (in duplicate) and Notification of Applicant Readiness, Form DS-2001. Note: The failure to return the forms promptly will delay the processing of your application.

Before returning the Notification of Applicant Readiness, Form DS-2001 to the Immigrant Visa Unit, you are required to assemble all of the documents required in support of your application. Note: These documents must not be mailed to the Embassy; you will be required to furnish the original of all documents and one copy on the day of the formal visa interview.

What happens next?

On receipt of the DS-230-I, the DS-156, DS-156K, DS-157, and DS-2001, the Immigrant Visa Unit will perform any additional processing which may be required and advise you concerning the scheduling of the formal visa interview. You will be required to undergo a medical examination with an Embassy approved physician before the visa interview.

Note: The Immigrant Visa Unit must be in receipt of the approved petition from the National Visa Center before beginning the administrative processing of the application. While you are waiting for notification from the Immigrant Visa Unit that they are ready to begin processing your application, you may wish to begin assembling the documents you will be required to furnish on the day of your visa interview. This may expedite your application somewhat as certain documents may take a while to obtain.

Oh dear.. I just done those forms yesterday... (facepalm) I hope my forms are still acceptable as it says they expire June 2015. It may be different for Sydney embassy too.. Fingers crossed, I dont have to do them again.

[Vanitas 310]

I must say Ryan these people change things and neglect to inform people. We are constantly trying to find out information by ourselves. Would you believe I still have not received packet 3 I put everything together through the help of this site and sent it off without hearing from them. God knows when I will get packet 3 in the mail lol.

Problem is, none of us know whether K1's actually have to do it or not yet because it only covers some of the forms. We still have to do the DS-156, 157 and 156-K if memory serves.

[sjs87 27]

VanjaL,

That is frustrating. But if you haven't received an RFE I'd honestly be quite surprised if you would be getting one at all. We filed early May (first week) and got our RFE August 1, and then approved August 28. What service center is your K1 being processed at -- California, Texas, or Vermont? We were processed through California Service Center. Don't worry, your good news is on its way!!

Hi, another May filer here, NOA1 May 16th.

I've been reading this thread, and others, hoping for some explanation to the seemingly random approvals, but it still doesn't make sense :/

There's a few Fiance Visa's around our WAC#(ending 9050), all but one stating "Initial Review", (the one being RFE)

We've had no RFE and used lawyers.

Frustrating and slightly depressing ._.

On a slightly happier note:

Congratulations to those who've gotten approved!

Your joy makes the wait easier, this is a great forum for information and support

[Nurseling 34]

Problem is, none of us know whether K1's actually have to do it or not yet because it only covers some of the forms. We still have to do the DS-156, 157 and 156-K if memory serves.

The DS -156, 157 and 156k is a definate. The concern is the the DS-230 and the 2001. That's why it's best we all check with consulate before makeing a mistake. If they have replaced them with the 260.

I will call them Monday to confim and let you guys know if they still accept the old forms.

[Nurseling 34]

I plan to POE at Hawaii. It'll will be a good break into a long flight for my kids also who have never flown. And hopefully all goes to plan, I wanna be in USA for Christmas. Might even fly on Christmas day cause it's usually cheaper cause everyone is already where they want to be.. Due to time zones, we'll have an extra long Christmas day also. LOL

Oh dear.. I just done those forms yesterday... (facepalm) I hope my forms are still acceptable as it says they expire June 2015. It may be different for Sydney embassy too.. Fingers crossed, I dont have to do them again.

No worrying just keep them in hand anyway and download the the 260 as well just for extra security. That's what I intend to do. So if they ask at interview I have them at hand. Better to be safe than a 221g lol.

Christmas Day POE. You know I never though about the price being cheaper for tickets then but yes your right not many fly that day. I did want to spend the last Christmas in the uk with my family though that's why I was thinking dec 30 or 31st. I been checking prices for me and my son I guess we are looking at a 750 pounds ticket price.

I know what your going to say lol. I wish mine was 750. Right? How much is it going to cost for the 4 of you? I hope your searching for tickets already.

So Hawaii is the destination? Lucky you I hear its nice there.

Have you started to look in to schools for the kids?

I have two day care am looking at for my son.

Plus I just downloaded Georgia's driving Manuel. I have to take a driving lessons and rest ASAP. No trains and buses like London got to drive. I want to do a block intensive then go SETI the test straight. Will need to do the computer adaptive first though. I can't stand having to wait on anyone to drop me to the store etc.

Can you already drive ozgirl ?

[Nurseling 34]

Hey Steve and roi

How are things going for you guys?

[Nurseling 34]

Ok guys read this

The DS-260 needs to be completed online. Here's some info I found on frequently asked questions.

DS-260 Immigrant Visa Electronic Application - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Important Notice: Only immigrant visa applicants applying at certain U.S. embassies and consulates where NVC requested fees or documents in October 2010 or later may use the DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa Application. Review Online Immigrant Visa Forms to learn whether you should use the online DS-260 form, as well as more important information.

Review the FAQs below if you must complete the online DS-260 form.

What do I need to complete and submit forms online?

Where can I find the DS-260?

Can I answer in my native language?

Are all fields on the DS-260 mandatory?

What happens if I need to step away in the middle of data entry?

How do I access a previously saved DS-260?

Do I bring my DS-260 application with me to the interview?

What do I need to complete and submit forms online?

You must have:

Internet access

Your NVC Case Number (refer to the message you received from NVC)

Your Invoice I.D. number (refer to the message you received from NVC)

Where can I find the DS-260?

You can access the DS-260 from the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website, by going to ImmigrantVisas.state.gov and clicking on Submit Visa Application and Civil Documents, or on the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply.

Can I answer in my native language?

No. All answers, except as specially provided, must be in English, using English characters only. Applications submitted in any language other than English may be rejected, and you will be required to log back into the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) and provide English answers.

Are all fields on the DS-260 mandatory?

Most fields on the DS-260 are mandatory. You may leave fields marked Optional blank. Some fields may also give you the option to select Does Not Apply. If a field does not apply to you, you may mark the box next to Does Not Apply. All other fields must be completed: the application will not allow you to submit a form with any mandatory fields left blank. In this instance, an error message will be displayed and you will be required to complete the field before continuing with the application. If you do not answer questions that apply, your form may be rejected.

What happens if I need to step away in the middle of data entry?

You may save your partially completed DS-260 at any time by clicking on the "Save" button at the bottom of every page. If you need to step away, simply click the "Save" button to save your progress, and click on "Sign Out" in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. All data that you entered up to the point of clicking on "Save" will be stored until you are ready to continue completing the form.

To ensure your privacy if you step away in the middle of data entry, the DS-260 has a time out feature. If your DS-260 application is idle for approximately 20 minutes, CEAC will log you off. All data that you entered up to the last time you clicked "Save" will be stored until you are ready to continue completing the form. Any data that you entered after clicking "Save" will be lost.

How do I access a previously saved DS-260?

You can access your saved application by returning to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website and selecting View/Edit from the IV and Alien Registration section of the Immigrant Visa Summary Information screen. You will then be provided with a list of all applicants in your case along with the status of each application (NOT STARTED, INCOMPLETE, or SUBMITTED). To continue updating an incomplete application, simply click on the "Edit" button to the right of the applications status.

Once you submit your application, by clicking the Sign and Submit Application button on the "Sign and Submit" page, you will be unable to access your application again without the assistance of NVC, or the U.S. embassy or consulate at which you plan to apply.

Do I bring my DS-260 application with me to the interview?

You should not bring your application with you to your interview. The interviewing officer will have full access to review your application online.

[Nurseling 34]

Labour day weekend forgot. So will give hem a buzz on Tuesday regarding the forms. My packet 3 has not arrived yet so can't confirm yet if it has changed. I expect if it doesn't come in the post this morning I will see it mon or Tuesday.

[Ozgirl1981 78]

No worrying just keep them in hand anyway and download the the 260 as well just for extra security. That's what I intend to do. So if they ask at interview I have them at hand. Better to be safe than a 221g lol.

Christmas Day POE. You know I never though about the price being cheaper for tickets then but yes your right not many fly that day. I did want to spend the last Christmas in the uk with my family though that's why I was thinking dec 30 or 31st. I been checking prices for me and my son I guess we are looking at a 750 pounds ticket price.

I know what your going to say lol. I wish mine was 750. Right? How much is it going to cost for the 4 of you? I hope your searching for tickets already.

So Hawaii is the destination? Lucky you I hear its nice there.

Have you started to look in to schools for the kids?

I have two day care am looking at for my son.

Plus I just downloaded Georgia's driving Manuel. I have to take a driving lessons and rest ASAP. No trains and buses like London got to drive. I want to do a block intensive then go SETI the test straight. Will need to do the computer adaptive first though. I can't stand having to wait on anyone to drop me to the store etc.

Can you already drive ozgirl ?

Hey there..

I certainly do wish our flight tickets would cost 750 pounds.. Our flights are going to be more like $4500 - $6000 (AUD) one way.

We will be just stretching our legs at Hawaii. Our destination is Seattle but Hawaii will break up the trip for the kids, and I'm afraid I'll lose my kids if I POE in LAX. LOL. I have been looking into school for the kids. Thankfully my fiance has brought a house very close to school and shopping so it's a 5mins walk to school from home. The school they attend atm is contacting the USA school to try organise a pen-pal system so my kids can transistion a little easier having made friends thru writing first. I also have my full licence here, but in Washington, I have to resit all the tests and start from scratch. Not looking forward to that. LOL

And like you English folk, we also drive on the left, not like the USA. It's going to be a big change.

[Nurseling 34]

Hey there..

I certainly do wish our flight tickets would cost 750 pounds.. Our flights are going to be more like $4500 - $6000 (AUD) one way.

We will be just stretching our legs at Hawaii. Our destination is Seattle but Hawaii will break up the trip for the kids, and I'm afraid I'll lose my kids if I POE in LAX. LOL. I have been looking into school for the kids. Thankfully my fiance has brought a house very close to school and shopping so it's a 5mins walk to school from home. The school they attend atm is contacting the USA school to try organise a pen-pal system so my kids can transistion a little easier having made friends thru writing first. I also have my full licence here, but in Washington, I have to resit all the tests and start from scratch. Not looking forward to that. LOL

And like you English folk, we also drive on the left, not like the USA. It's going to be a big change.

Wow a lot of money right there. I hope you have both been saving.

It's good you have managed to find a school for the kids at least now it's a lot easier for them since they will be communicating with the kids. This will ease them in to the US shool life. Big change for them but I am sure they will be fine. Kids learn to adapt better than we adults.

Is there no way you can transfer your licence so you don't have to go through the whole thing again. Surely you should be able to drive for the 90 days while you transition right? Georgia will allow that if I had already held a licence but since I don't i got to wait to be driven around when he finishes work till I get my own licence and car.

We are looking for apartments right now. He just got a agent looking for us since his tendency ends in feb and I don't want to continue living where he is right now. I was contemplating renting a house rather thn a apartment. I think that would give us more space and extra bedrooms or the same price as a apartment. We shall see how it goes. We are also looking for a new car since he drives a two seater truck right now. I don't know where I would put all my ####### since the truck is small. We looking for a people carrier which would give me plenty space for all my junk lol.

I must say the time is flying by so much to do in such little time.