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Hi From A Brit In Macau

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MacauPDX Contributor

MacauPDX   24

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Hong Kong
 Timeline
Posted

I've spent the past few hours on here getting clued up and took the jump to register - I guess I'm going to be here a lot...

Previous Green Card holder married since 2001 to USC. Had a Green Card that I voluntarily abandoned when I went overseas again 10 years ago. Now have 2 kids who are USCs. Just got news today that I have to apply for IR-1. Had previously applied for AOS on B1/B2 visa and was issued GC, but US Consulate in Hong Kong wouldn't issue a new visa... Having a hard time getting my head around being away from wifey n kids for what I can gather on here is likely to be at least 8 months...

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TBoneTX Grand Master

TBoneTX   45,273

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
 Timeline
Posted

Welcome to VJ. :)

The crucial thing during this frustrating process of "mostly waiting" is to keep the faith. Be persistent and as patient as possible. In regard to forms and petitions, read accurately, interpret literally, and respond completely and honestly. There's help here to bolster your searches for information.

The IR-1 is just about the greatest thing to get, if you have to go through the system for anything. Keep your eye on that goal.

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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MacauPDX Contributor

MacauPDX   24

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Hong Kong
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for the welcome and encouraging words - much appreciated. The hardest part is going to be being away from the kids for nearly a year. Been married since '01 and me & wifey did a few stints of long distance before tieing the knot, but that was a relative breeze - a tougher prospect when you have kids... Planning on meeting up with the fam in Canada for Christmas and my son's birthday - want to be sure we can meet, so not going to take the risk of being turned back on arrival in the US.

Wife arrives in the US on Sunday, so we'll get the ball rolling on the I-130 on Monday. Wish me luck!

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TBoneTX Grand Master

TBoneTX   45,273

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
 Timeline
Posted

Good luck, si man!

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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