How Would a Government Shutdown Affect Immigration Cases?--Merged With many many others

[Billandraffy 2]

Today I had to place phone calls to USCIS and the NVC. I had no idea if the phones would be answered. The first call to USCIS was answered and I was on hold for roughly 15 minutes. They were able to give me the information I requested and I was a satisfied customer. The next call to NVC was a bit trickier. It rang busy for a solid 10 to 15 minutes and then just as I was getting ready to give up it rang. I was on hold here for probably the better part of 1/2 hour. But again I was able to speak with a human. I received the information I requested and my petition for a fiance visa has been forwarded to Manila for processing. I was satisfied with both of my transactions, both USCIS and NVC are up and running and paperwork appears to be flowing.

My partner and I are same sex, so the Supreme Court DOMA decision was great news for us. We waited a month before filing our petition. I mailed my I-129F on August 2nd. I was notified by text and email on Sept 29th that it was approved and forwarded to NVC. On 10/10 it was forwarded to Manila. We are both very excited.

I have been to the Philippines 3 times over the last 24 months. Every time I go I go for three weeks. It's an expensive journey. We are both praying for a successful medical and interview.

Does anyone know if the consulates are performing visa interviews? I will know for sure next week. My fiances neighbor is going for her medical and physical next week in Manila. She has not been notified of a need to re-schedule as of yet.

[bob72601 13]

Congrats guys. I, too, am part of a same-sex bi-national couple. My fiance lives in the Dominican Republic. Our NOA1 was dated 8-14-13, so hopefully we shall see something soon. Good luck.

[TBoneTX 45,663]

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to General Immigration Discussion and merged with the "government shutdown" thread. ***

[you & i 16]

hello everyone i am wondering if anyone knows if the government opened up or still shutdown?....and if the ombudsman is working or still not working ?

[Tichi&Rachel 7]

hello everyone i am wondering if anyone knows if the government opened up or still shutdown?....and if the ombudsman is working or still not working ?

The government is still in shutdown mode. The USCIS and NVC are still operating. The ombudsman is closed though.

[you & i 16]

hello everyone i am wondering if someone knows if the governement opened or still shutdown ? and as well about the ombudsman if working or not ?

[Nick4all 5]

hello everyone i am wondering if someone knows if the governement opened or still shutdown ? and as well about the ombudsman if working or not ?

It's still in partial shutdown mode. Going to be decided by tonight 12 AM EST. According to latest news, govt. won't shutdown since they planning to pass bill soon!!

Let's hope for best!!

[you & i 16]

ahh yes lets hope the best i have been trying to get a hold from the ombudsman and no news yet so i think it is still closed too

[PAK2015 F2B 9]

good news Goverment shutdown and raise debt limit...bill has been pass and sign by the obama.

[TBoneTX 45,663]

*** Thread moved from CR-1 Process forum to General Immigration Discussion for merging with the pertinent master thread. ***

[Amber and Peter 0]

It's over guys, at least for now! The House passed the bill 285-144 to end the shutdown

I called the Department of State earlier today to ask about my fiance's interview on Monday and if we will be affected. She told me as of right now no, but they are taking things day by day.

Just thought I'd share, even though things should start functioning normally again tomorrow.

Edited October 17, 2013 by Amber and Peter

[Susan53011 14]

too many pages of posts to go through and i am feeling lazy so if this question was asked and answered I apologize ahead of time. Were the consulates abroad part of the government shut down. I used a trick suggested by another VJer on how to know if your app arrived at the consulate via dhl tracking system. My app (with out knowing 100%) left boston MA on the day after it said in transit from the nvc so I am assuming it is my stuff, it arrived 2 days ago in vancouver and was signed by V Lin however the ceac website still says in transit. Does it take a few days to update on CEAC or were the consulates closed?

Edited October 17, 2013 by Susan53011

[Amber and Peter 0]

^ @Susan53011, yes, the consulates overseas were still operating. Give the CEAC a little while to update your case, just be patient .

[Amber and Peter 0]

My fiancé just went to his interview today and we were approved!!!