September 2013 I-130 Filers

[Myguita 3]

If I lived anywhere close, I'd go to the overland park uscis offices and try asking questions of people coming in and out..I dont know exactly how that could be done without getting arrested for stalking (lol), but with some common sense and persistence, I-130 answers must be waiting there to be unearthed.

Edited October 4, 2013 by Myguita

[Myguita 3]

As we begin this probable looooooooooooong wait for our noa2, what should we be doing now as far as paperwork goes? Is there anything that can get accomplished now?

[r060106 109]

You can get your NVC paperwork ready.

[Jematt 7]

As we begin this probable looooooooooooong wait for our noa2, what should we be doing now as far as paperwork goes? Is there anything that can get accomplished now?

You can get your NVC paperwork ready.

Be cautious about getting your paperwork now, though, because I read that much of it can expire after 6 months. Seeing as the wait *may* be longer than that, you might want to wait for another month or two to start getting paperwork that may have dates. Stuff like IRS transcripts though, are things you could order now. Just don't do police reports, etc. until closer to the NOA2 anticipated date.

And unfortunately, let me tell you, since I just got NOA2...they're now telling me 8 weeks until NVC receives my case. I hope that's not true...but just anticipate it incase it is the truth....some people were at NVC stage for 2-3 months on the other thread I've been following. Crazy slow delays....

[Blueberry Pancake 311]

He finally got his Internet back. It's only temporary and the company has to fix a box in the main street--which will be next week. It's super annoying because they only allow him one choice for Internet Provider, so he can't even leave them and get someone else. Totally ridiculous. We won't see each other again until Christmas.... Too long....I was hoping we'd be done, but I think we won't, at this pace. I called NVC today and they haven't received anything...

Yay that his Internet is back!!

I know how hard it is not to "see" each other for longer than a few days..

Christmas is around the corner. Let's just take it one step at a time: look forward to Halloween. (All Saints for me, no Halloween in Poland ). Then Thanksgiving (no Thanksgiving for me though, obviously ) and then CHRISTMAS!

Even though you might not be done by Christmas, you will be soon after!

I have major lactose intolerance....so I do goat cheese now. It's crazy! Ate dairy all my life until the last few years. Can't understand/explain that at all!

Same here! I am 31 now, and I first started having mild lactose intolerance when I was 25, I think. I mean I could eat cheese and yogurt but straight milk has been a no-go ever since. My total lactose intolerance comes in bouts though.. just never know when will it happen. Sigh.

Mmmm, would love me some goat cheese! Too expensive here..

You sound like me. We actually do tons of cooking/baking together. He has Polish roots (his dad was from there,) so he has a lot of Polish dishes he wants to make for Christmas...the traditional ones. I bet you know exactly what I mean, right???

I never even had a chance to cook with my husband. I had a chance to cook for my husband though, but we were just neighbors then

Right! Of course I know!

It's very heavy though... And I just hate carp, the traditional fish we eat on Christmas Eve (eating meat on Christmas Eve is a sin. In Poland)

Awww, Blueberry...so sorry!! Completely understand. I told my hubby we have a date on skype tonight since I can finally SEE him again! OMG...I felt like I was in the desert without water, when I couldn't see his face and his smile. It's hard enough being apart...but, no SKYPE...that was horror! Do you guys do Skype dates at least? It helps.

What do you mean by Skype dates?

My hubby sent me flowers today. How sweet! I got home from my son's Dr. appointment (he had his flu shot...and he was so good, didn't cry--Proud Mommy here!) And I am always upset when I have to get him shots, even though it's for his own good....but when I saw flowers on my door, it just brightened the whole day. Love that guy!!!!

Awwww, how lovely!!!

So...called NVC--no update as of today. They told me to wait 8 weeks again. Which I won't do. Everyone on here says to call 1-3 times per week, so I will continue. But, what I DO think is that Friday is a bad day to call....seems busier/longer wait. Just keep that in mind when you're on to the NVC stage. Avoid Fridays.... You can see from my post above...they were really unhelpful and borderline rude. You'd think they'd have *SOME* customer service skills. After this is all over, I will be writing a letter and it will be cc'd to a lot of people. I think all of us deserve more professional, courteous treatment during this process....ok, my rant is over...

Dammit. #######? keep calling them! hope you get your case number next week!

If I lived anywhere close, I'd go to the overland park uscis offices and try asking questions of people coming in and out..I dont know exactly how that could be done without getting arrested for stalking (lol), but with some common sense and persistence, I-130 answers must be waiting there to be unearthed.

As we begin this probable looooooooooooong wait for our noa2, what should we be doing now as far as paperwork goes? Is there anything that can get accomplished now?

Be cautious about getting your paperwork now, though, because I read that much of it can expire after 6 months. Seeing as the wait *may* be longer than that, you might want to wait for another month or two to start getting paperwork that may have dates. Stuff like IRS transcripts though, are things you could order now. Just don't do police reports, etc. until closer to the NOA2 anticipated date.

And unfortunately, let me tell you, since I just got NOA2...they're now telling me 8 weeks until NVC receives my case. I hope that's not true...but just anticipate it incase it is the truth....some people were at NVC stage for 2-3 months on the other thread I've been following. Crazy slow delays....

What Jen said.

But go to October NVC thread and see exactly how the process goes. I haven't yet, but will once we see the first approval from Kansas

Edited October 5, 2013 by Blueberry Pancake

[luvwillprevail 5]

thank jen for your kind words and the hugs i got some feedback today from my congressman strangely because i got a email from one of the senator's the other day saying until after the shutdown resolves they will not be able to respond and help me but the congressman's office wrote this (see below) i actually faxed the wrong congressman ooops lol ........so i responded with a email explaining more in detail of our situation and am going to fax another privacy release just in case they need it. I hope they help us and can get this moving along a little faster

Greetings Mrs. Saad,

Congressman Denham and I have received the privacy release form forwarded to us by Congressman McClintock’s office.

Since you are within Congressman Denham’s district, we are happy to assist you.

I have read the situation and have some questions.

USCIS has certain criteria that must be met in order for an expedite to be considered and granted.

You mention humanitarian grounds.

It would be beneficial to your argument if you were able to provide additional evidence supporting your claim.

This evidence can be submitted along with your privacy form and a letter from Congressman Denham.

However, if you are unable to gather further evidence then I will go ahead and send your request along with a congressional letter from Congressman Denham that your I-130 be considered for an expedite on humanitarian grounds .

Let me know,

Melody Maldonado

Constituent Services

Congressman Jeff Denham (CD-10)

4701 Sisk Road Suite 202, Modesto, CA 95356

[Myguita 3]

To me expedite means somebody is going to jump ahead in line at the exspense of others..We all desperately want to get our loved one's home with us to America..But I dont want to force my way to the front of the line..

[k.dlg 300]

Hey, whose hubby here was coming to the U.S. to visit in October?

k.dlg?

Yup!! He's here til the 22nd!!

Edited October 5, 2013 by k.dlg

[grayfer 2]

Do any September filers are both out of country ?? or does anyone knows if the process changes when that is the case ?? as far as NOA 2's seems like we are pretty much in for a long long run for what I understand KS has not approved his first yet, right ?? Oh Boy !!

We are both in Israel (seems like that is probably the case with you also) -- I hope there are no associated delays!

[r060106 109]

Yup!! He's here til the 22nd!!

They actually let your husband in while his I-130 is being processed. How? I thought that's frowned upon and Customs doesn't let people in then. Really sucks for the rest of us who have spouses not on the visa waiver program.

[k.dlg 300]

They actually let your husband in while his I-130 is being processed. How? I thought that's frowned upon and Customs doesn't let people in then. Really sucks for the rest of us who have spouses not on the visa waiver program.

Aw that blows. I'm sorry. Idk why every country doesn't offer it. My hubby is from the UK.

Here's how it went at customs:

What is your purpose? "To visit my wife."

Do you plan on living here in the future? "Yes, we filed our I-130 spouse visa."

Do you still have a full time job in the UK? "Yes. (Prepared to hand over letter from his employer but the officer waved it away)"

When do you plan on returning? "October 22nd"

Ok, enjoy your stay.

He took a long time coming through customs so I got worried but it was due to a long line and because of the shutdown, not as many officers were working.

[r060106 109]

Aw that blows. I'm sorry. Idk why every country doesn't offer it. My hubby is from the UK.

Here's how it went at customs:

What is your purpose? "To visit my wife."

Do you plan on living here in the future? "Yes, we filed our I-130 spouse visa."

Do you still have a full time job in the UK? "Yes. (Prepared to hand over letter from his employer but the officer waved it away)"

When do you plan on returning? "October 22nd"

Ok, enjoy your stay.

He took a long time coming through customs so I got worried but it was due to a long line and because of the shutdown, not as many officers were working.

Yeah, Poland is not and likely will never be a part of the program. Our government just doesn't treat Poles kindly, and I have yet to figure out why. My wife was denied a visitor visa to come visit me and cried the entire bus ride home (2 hours from the Polish capital). It was brutal for her and I felt like a terrible boyfriend because I couldn't be there to wipe here tears. Just awful.

But what are we going to do. It is what it is. Just have to work within the system.

[Jematt 7]

What Jen said.

But go to October NVC thread and see exactly how the process goes. I haven't yet, but will once we see the first approval from Kansas

I can't wait for you to be at the NVC stage!!!

thank jen for your kind words and the hugs i got some feedback today from my congressman strangely because i got a email from one of the senator's the other day saying until after the shutdown resolves they will not be able to respond and help me but the congressman's office wrote this (see below) i actually faxed the wrong congressman ooops lol ........so i responded with a email explaining more in detail of our situation and am going to fax another privacy release just in case they need it. I hope they help us and can get this moving along a little faster

Greetings Mrs. Saad,

Congressman Denham and I have received the privacy release form forwarded to us by Congressman McClintock’s office.

Since you are within Congressman Denham’s district, we are happy to assist you.

I have read the situation and have some questions.

USCIS has certain criteria that must be met in order for an expedite to be considered and granted.

You mention humanitarian grounds.

It would be beneficial to your argument if you were able to provide additional evidence supporting your claim.

This evidence can be submitted along with your privacy form and a letter from Congressman Denham.

However, if you are unable to gather further evidence then I will go ahead and send your request along with a congressional letter from Congressman Denham that your I-130 be considered for an expedite on humanitarian grounds .

Let me know,

Melody Maldonado

Constituent Services

Congressman Jeff Denham (CD-10)

4701 Sisk Road Suite 202, Modesto, CA 95356

You're welcome, Luv. That's an awesome response from your congressman! Seriously! I bet that makes you a lot happier. =) I hope they hurry up and re-open the government and help you out!

To me expedite means somebody is going to jump ahead in line at the exspense of others..We all desperately want to get our loved one's home with us to America..But I dont want to force my way to the front of the line..

Expedites do push people ahead of the line. However, usually they are only granted in situations where safety is an issue. In luv's situation, her safety and her baby's safety are an issue. While I wish we all could expedite, I'd like to know that our country still cares enough to ensure the safety of loved ones...

Yup!! He's here til the 22nd!!

YAY!!!!

Aw that blows. I'm sorry. Idk why every country doesn't offer it. My hubby is from the UK.

Here's how it went at customs:

What is your purpose? "To visit my wife."

Do you plan on living here in the future? "Yes, we filed our I-130 spouse visa."

Do you still have a full time job in the UK? "Yes. (Prepared to hand over letter from his employer but the officer waved it away)"

When do you plan on returning? "October 22nd"

Ok, enjoy your stay.

He took a long time coming through customs so I got worried but it was due to a long line and because of the shutdown, not as many officers were working.

Whew! I'm glad to hear that it was that easy for your hubby. My hubby is also a British Citizen...so if he has to do that, hopefully he will have the same kind of warm and fuzzy entry. Do you mind telling which airport he came through? I just wonder if some airports are better than others.... Enjoy yourselves being together! I really am hoping our visa is processed by Christmas, but I am being VERY hopeful. We really want him here for Christmas...so if he has to do what your hubby has done, we'll have to do that. I'm so glad he got through....the lines are probably going to be long while the shutdown is going on. I understand they're operating at bare minimum...

[Jematt 7]

Jenmatt, on 04 Oct 2013 - 12:57 PM, said:

He finally got his Internet back. It's only temporary and the company has to fix a box in the main street--which will be next week. It's super annoying because they only allow him one choice for Internet Provider, so he can't even leave them and get someone else. Totally ridiculous. We won't see each other again until Christmas.... Too long....I was hoping we'd be done, but I think we won't, at this pace. I called NVC today and they haven't received anything...

Yay that his Internet is back!!

I know how hard it is not to "see" each other for longer than a few days..

Christmas is around the corner. Let's just take it one step at a time: look forward to Halloween. (All Saints for me, no Halloween in Poland ). Then Thanksgiving (no Thanksgiving for me though, obviously ) and then CHRISTMAS!

Even though you might not be done by Christmas, you will be soon after!

Yes!! Having Internet back is HUGE! I know...I'm really making a big deal out of Halloween and looks like Thanksgiving will be big too. Anything to pass the time, right? LOL! You will do the same. Is there anything big going on for All Saints?

I really do hope we'll be done by Christmas...that would rock!!!

I have major lactose intolerance....so I do goat cheese now. It's crazy! Ate dairy all my life until the last few years. Can't understand/explain that at all!

Same here! I am 31 now, and I first started having mild lactose intolerance when I was 25, I think. I mean I could eat cheese and yogurt but straight milk has been a no-go ever since. My total lactose intolerance comes in bouts though.. just never know when will it happen. Sigh.

Mmmm, would love me some goat cheese! Too expensive here..

You too? What's with that!!! Ugh that goat cheese is expensive there... It's a little more expensive here, but it's do-able. I don't eat a lot of it...

You sound like me. We actually do tons of cooking/baking together. He has Polish roots (his dad was from there,) so he has a lot of Polish dishes he wants to make for Christmas...the traditional ones. I bet you know exactly what I mean, right???

I never even had a chance to cook with my husband. I had a chance to cook for my husband though, but we were just neighbors then

Right! Of course I know!

It's very heavy though... And I just hate carp, the traditional fish we eat on Christmas Eve (eating meat on Christmas Eve is a sin. In Poland)

Awwww! You can cook with him a lot soon, hopefully!

I'm trying to think of whether I've eaten carp...really, eating meat is a sin in Poland??? Are you Catholic? I never heard that one before!!!

Awww, Blueberry...so sorry!! Completely understand. I told my hubby we have a date on skype tonight since I can finally SEE him again! OMG...I felt like I was in the desert without water, when I couldn't see his face and his smile. It's hard enough being apart...but, no SKYPE...that was horror! Do you guys do Skype dates at least? It helps.

What do you mean by Skype dates?

We sometimes watch movies, have a drink, etc...while chatting on Skype--we also set the time, so it feels more special. Dorky, I know. Sometimes we'll eat a meal together--he'll be having dinner while I'm having breakfast or I'll have dinner while he's having breakfast....etc...but you know...at least it's something. It keeps me sane...

My hubby sent me flowers today. How sweet! I got home from my son's Dr. appointment (he had his flu shot...and he was so good, didn't cry--Proud Mommy here!) And I am always upset when I have to get him shots, even though it's for his own good....but when I saw flowers on my door, it just brightened the whole day. Love that guy!!!!

Awwww, how lovely!!!

I know. Love him!

So...called NVC--no update as of today. They told me to wait 8 weeks again. Which I won't do. Everyone on here says to call 1-3 times per week, so I will continue. But, what I DO think is that Friday is a bad day to call....seems busier/longer wait. Just keep that in mind when you're on to the NVC stage. Avoid Fridays.... You can see from my post above...they were really unhelpful and borderline rude. You'd think they'd have *SOME* customer service skills. After this is all over, I will be writing a letter and it will be cc'd to a lot of people. I think all of us deserve more professional, courteous treatment during this process....ok, my rant is over...

Dammit. #######? keep calling them! hope you get your case number next week!

I'm hoping so, too. They're just so unfriendly. Ugh. The calls are like 15-20 minute waits each time. Just be prepared when your time comes. But, it has to be the USC calling--so your hubby, not you. Hehe...lucky break for you!

What Jen said.

But go to October NVC thread and see exactly how the process goes. I haven't yet, but will once we see the first approval from Kansas

Bring on your approval!!!!!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!!

[r060106 109]

Whew! I'm glad to hear that it was that easy for your hubby. My hubby is also a British Citizen...so if he has to do that, hopefully he will have the same kind of warm and fuzzy entry. Do you mind telling which airport he came through? I just wonder if some airports are better than others.... Enjoy yourselves being together! I really am hoping our visa is processed by Christmas, but I am being VERY hopeful. We really want him here for Christmas...so if he has to do what your hubby has done, we'll have to do that. I'm so glad he got through....the lines are probably going to be long while the shutdown is going on. I understand they're operating at bare minimum...

Random question, not meaning to pry but I'm curious: if your hubby is British why do you have the Netherlands in your profile info? You don't have to answer if you don't want to. I'd understand.