September 2013 Filers

[Yanet Gonzalez 2]

Now that so many Sep filers are finally through the visa approval process, I am wondering if we should keep updating this thread as we move to the AOS and green card process or move to a different thread.

Any thoughts?

I feel like I know everyone on this thread and would like to go through the AOS with all of you!

[Gleici&Daryl 0]

Well we are still in the Administravtive Processing stage as our Interview was on 2/18/14 and approved. Unfortunately we had to do the medical one day before and they just received the results recently. Now we are waiting for them to issue the visa. I guess since they gave us a verbal approval during the inteview and the medical results were fine we should have to problems with the visa but the waiting sucks. Hopefully other people get their visas faster than us. It will be 3 weeks since our interview on next Tuesday. The wait sucks!

[Josh and Grace 1]

Woohoo finally through the medical process. Interview on the 24th. Talk about a stressful two months.

[Gai 18]

B will be here tomorrow! So excited!

[nina.mb 8]

B will be here tomorrow! So excited!

That's incredible - through the entire process in under 6 months! Congratulations! I can only imagine how excited you must be...this is what, in my family, we call "wiggly", when you're so excited you can't even sit still

Unfortunately for the moment, we're living vicariously through the progress of our VJ peers - still no NOA2

So a quick update: I made my weekly inquiry to a USCIS Tier 2 and found out that our file wasn't even at USCIS. Out for background checks since Oct. 31, 2013 (!!!) My theory is that, in addition to my fiancé's Arab origins, I'm also contributing to the issue; I work in global health and am working in the Middle East on the Syria crisis. Lots of flights within the region, which I'm sure have taken awhile to verify.

Our friendly Senator's office is now on the case and have been very responsive. First update the Constituent Services Rep was able to obtain: file is FINALLY in transit back to TSC for actual review now. Step in the right direction anyway...

My question to all of you who have enlisted the help of a Congressperson: how often/hard did you push for them to follow up? Though there may not be any concrete updates to be had, I feel that Congressional calls nonetheless serve to put some pressure on USCIS to pick up the pace. Would it be appropriate for me to ask the CS Rep to call in a few times a week, just to "check in"?

So grateful for insight from those of you who have gone through this and successfully walked the line between effective and obnoxious - thanks!

[markandcameron 1]

A link is broken on the DS 160 web page where it lists the photo specs for your upload. Does anyone recall the photo specs by chance? We have reported the issue. Thanks so much!

[Yanet Gonzalez 2]

A link is broken on the DS 160 web page where it lists the photo specs for your upload. Does anyone recall the photo specs by chance? We have reported the issue. Thanks so much!

if you are using a Mac it will not let you add a picture. I had the same problem, I had to use my work computer to add the picture.

[TheFoxxy 76]

Very upsetting to see so many people, get approved so fast, an I filed December 17th, an still hasn't moved from initial review. Guess I will one of those that takes 8 months to one year.

I know it is hard to wait but there are a lot of us that filed before you who are still waiting. You really cant complain until 5 months is up..

Just be patient and keep yourself busy in the meantime. It will happen soon enough!

[ashleyphilly 70]

That's incredible - through the entire process in under 6 months! Congratulations! I can only imagine how excited you must be...this is what, in my family, we call "wiggly", when you're so excited you can't even sit still

Unfortunately for the moment, we're living vicariously through the progress of our VJ peers - still no NOA2

So a quick update: I made my weekly inquiry to a USCIS Tier 2 and found out that our file wasn't even at USCIS. Out for background checks since Oct. 31, 2013 (!!!) My theory is that, in addition to my fiancé's Arab origins, I'm also contributing to the issue; I work in global health and am working in the Middle East on the Syria crisis. Lots of flights within the region, which I'm sure have taken awhile to verify.

Our friendly Senator's office is now on the case and have been very responsive. First update the Constituent Services Rep was able to obtain: file is FINALLY in transit back to TSC for actual review now. Step in the right direction anyway...

My question to all of you who have enlisted the help of a Congressperson: how often/hard did you push for them to follow up? Though there may not be any concrete updates to be had, I feel that Congressional calls nonetheless serve to put some pressure on USCIS to pick up the pace. Would it be appropriate for me to ask the CS Rep to call in a few times a week, just to "check in"?

So grateful for insight from those of you who have gone through this and successfully walked the line between effective and obnoxious - thanks!

Vauww I did not know that working in a healthcare field would trigger extra scrutiny.

I am still in the beginning in this process- 40 days passed since NOA1, bit if I were you, I wouldn't hesitate calling the Congressperson's office twice a week at this stage. I'm sure, you are going to get your NOA2 soon. Good luck

[ellasim3 0]

Hey everyone! I'm hoping some of you have a similar situation as I did. At my interview, I was asked to provide additional documents... I sent them in on March 3rd and they arrived at the consulate March 3rd. My CEAC status got updated March 6th but it's still on administrative processing... should I be getting worried? How long can this process take? has anyone else encountered this? and if so, how long was it until you got your passport back?

[TrixieStep 10]

Hey everyone! I'm hoping some of you have a similar situation as I did. At my interview, I was asked to provide additional documents... I sent them in on March 3rd and they arrived at the consulate March 3rd. My CEAC status got updated March 6th but it's still on administrative processing... should I be getting worried? How long can this process take? has anyone else encountered this? and if so, how long was it until you got your passport back?

It's not uncommon to stay at AP for a few days. They probably just need to verify a few things. I wouldn't worry just yet.

[jens_prodigy 13]

I feel like I know everyone on this thread and would like to go through the AOS with all of you!

I wish we could say the same. We filed on September 7th and we still have yet to be approved. We just got our SECOND service request ordered today and were told to wait 15 more days. I haven't even gotten my Alien Registration Number and it's been over 6 months... I mean is that normal? At this point I am a little worried that something is wrong but we're trying to remain optimistic. It's just hard when you see other couples who've filed after or around the same time as you getting approved. At this point, many people who've filed with us are at the interview stage or with visas in hand so it's tough. But, congrats to everyone and more waiting for us I guess. Is there ANYONE in our same shoes on this thread or has everyone already been approved?

[jens_prodigy 13]

Very upsetting to see so many people, get approved so fast, an I filed December 17th, an still hasn't moved from initial review. Guess I will one of those that takes 8 months to one year.

We filed in September and we're still in Initial Review. Hang in there.

[Yanet Gonzalez 2]

I wish we could say the same. We filed on September 7th and we still have yet to be approved. We just got our SECOND service request ordered today and were told to wait 15 more days. I haven't even gotten my Alien Registration Number and it's been over 6 months... I mean is that normal? At this point I am a little worried that something is wrong but we're trying to remain optimistic. It's just hard when you see other couples who've filed after or around the same time as you getting approved. At this point, many people who've filed with us are at the interview stage or with visas in hand so it's tough. But, congrats to everyone and more waiting for us I guess. Is there ANYONE in our same shoes on this thread or has everyone already been approved?

I'm sorry you are going trough this! I wish I could give you a reason why you haven't been approved yet.

I wouldn't know what to do if I was in your shoes, I think I would've of moved back to my fiancée country.

Please stay optimistic and keep calling the NVC!!

[nina.mb 8]

I wish we could say the same. We filed on September 7th and we still have yet to be approved. We just got our SECOND service request ordered today and were told to wait 15 more days. I haven't even gotten my Alien Registration Number and it's been over 6 months... I mean is that normal? At this point I am a little worried that something is wrong but we're trying to remain optimistic. It's just hard when you see other couples who've filed after or around the same time as you getting approved. At this point, many people who've filed with us are at the interview stage or with visas in hand so it's tough. But, congrats to everyone and more waiting for us I guess. Is there ANYONE in our same shoes on this thread or has everyone already been approved?

I'm glad you finally spoke up! I thought we were the last ones waiting on NOA2 from the September group...

Today marks 6 months for us, and indeed it's been getting quite difficult to watch the approvals left and right for our cohorts (though of course happy that they are all one step closer to their loved one!) without any progress ourselves.

We've got the full court press on...inquiry in with the CIS Ombudsman's Office and Senator's Constituent Services Office has been in touch with USCIS.

Latest word is that our file finally made it back to USCIS after FOUR MONTHS of background checks (!!) - since we both have clean records and no previous marriages, we can only assume that it was the combination of his nationality (Moroccan - Arab, high fraud reputation, etc.) and my work (humanitarian relief) that takes me often to the Middle East.

Have you had any indication of what might be holding yours up? Do you have any major red flags in your file? Regardless, I would suggest getting more aggressive at this point - we're way past the 5-month mark so you have the right to know what's going on. Ombudsman's Office has been slow and provided only generic answers for us, but depending on your Senator (what state?), that's usually the best option. Call and have them inquire on your behalf ASAP.

We know exactly how you're feeling so please keep us posted! Anyone else waiting on NOA2s, please please chime in and update us on where you're at, as well.

I know this is gut-wrenching, more and more so with ever day that passes, but hang in there!