February 2014 filers

[Abby & Andre 27]

Well. My Visajourney family........I got a 221g! I was surprised!!!! I had hope that the interviewer would notice that my record is clean and the arrest was 18 years ago. But nope......

The whole process wasn't bad tho....... drove with my bestie and my puppy and stayed at her family condo...... drove this morning to the interview, went in at 7:30am.....was the first to be interviewed..... the first person who took my docs was amazing..... she was sweet and we joked around a bit..... the interviewer guy was a jerk..... he hardly made eye contact, just went in with the questions.... he looked as if he did not want to b there...... he had asked me bout seeing Noah....I replied I was just there for 3 months... he asked if I was stopped at the border and told that I needed a visa to be out of the country for 3 months....I never heard of that.... then he asked if we hv kids ...i said no... he said ok that makes things easier.....

I wanted to laugh because my case is so basic..... no kids, no previous marriages, he makes good money etc. So dunno how no kids makes it easier....

when he got to my police check he asked if I had any problems with the law....I said yes and explained..... he punched info into the comp.... started asking me about the charges, was I convicted (obviously not since my police record is clean). Then he got up and asked someone else about my situation..... as he walked back he said, "but her fingerprints were destroyed"..... I was like "#######"...... he then sat down.... punched more info into the comp.... then said I needed to get my fingerprint records and a document detailing my arrest..... otherwise my file is in good order and when I send those in, he can issue my visa. He handed me my birth certificate and the doc stating what I needed to get... he kept my passport - said if I need it, just email them.... and he walked away.... the end.....

Then I went a killed a mcds breakfast and bought Noah's family some roots gear ....then headed back to Richmond Hill...

Tmrw I will start the process of getting that paperwork.... and we ll go from there. Going to try to stay positive..... it is funny tho...i feel like if I didn't say anything... he Would hv just approved me.....

Aww man that sucks!!!!!!!!!!! Although...you do have a 221g buddy (high five) LOL

Montreal seems to be an interesting Consulate to go through. It is hard to stay positive when you just want to scream or punch something, but hey what can ya do. Congrats on devouring the breakfast We can do this girl! At least they kept your passport. They gave Andre's back to him.....weird

[byrd_75 9]

Aww man that sucks!!!!!!!!!!! Although...you do have a 221g buddy (high five) LOL

Montreal seems to be an interesting Consulate to go through. It is hard to stay positive when you just want to scream or punch something, but hey what can ya do. Congrats on devouring the breakfast We can do this girl! At least they kept your passport. They gave Andre's back to him.....weird

well. So far my journey has been easy...... unlike others who are still waiting for noa2 etc. so I am thankful that all I hv to do is show my clean record and then (fingers crossed) I get my visa approval...... Noah reminded me last night (while I am crying my eyes out) that no matter what we are together forever, him saying that gave me comfort to know that this wont break us ...... alto I miss his face like crazy......I hv faith this will all turn out for the positive sooner than later....

When I asked y he is keeping my passport, The interviewer said I could take it but then I would have to mail it back with my documents.......so don't think too much into it......

Anything worth having is worth working hard for...... we ll both be fine and with our men sooner than later.......

XO

[Abby & Andre 27]

well. So far my journey has been easy...... unlike others who are still waiting for noa2 etc. so I am thankful that all I hv to do is show my clean record and then (fingers crossed) I get my visa approval...... Noah reminded me last night (while I am crying my eyes out) that no matter what we are together forever, him saying that gave me comfort to know that this wont break us ...... alto I miss his face like crazy......I hv faith this will all turn out for the positive sooner than later....

When I asked y he is keeping my passport, The interviewer said I could take it but then I would have to mail it back with my documents.......so don't think too much into it......

Anything worth having is worth working hard for...... we ll both be fine and with our men sooner than later.......

XO

Very true and well said. I like how laid back you are about it. I admire that and wish I could do the same sometimes. Everything happens for a reason and I have taken it as a learning experience and I do still feel very thankful for where we are in the process

[jameswhunt 12]

I called USCIS again today to try and file another expedite. For anyone who didn't read my other post, I filed a request for expedite two weeks ago and it was denied because it "didn't fit the guidelines". What really happened is that the CSR didn't enter any of my information into the system. Literally.

I've called them 4 times since then and every time I talk to someone they take me through the whole process again only to say, "Sorry but you're going to have to call back on (insert date)."

Finally I called again today and got a really nice lady. I explained the situation and that my expedite was denied because of the CSR's error. She looked up the record and goes, "Oh wow... No wonder it was denied. He literally didn't write anything in the request."

Long story short, she submitted my expedite request so hopefully that will go through and we can continue on with the process. She said that more than likely our expedite will be granted given the situation but she couldn't make any promises. I'm trying not to get my hopes up but I would really like something good to come from this... Cross your fingers!

-

Oh yeah... I forgot that I also e-mailed my Congressman again yesterday. They had called on my petition a month ago but didn't have anything impressive to say other than, "Your application is pending." I e-mailed them and told them how other people who have filed at the same time are already going through the interview process while applicants at the TSC haven't even moved past NOA1. We'll see what happens...

Edited June 17, 2014 by jameswhunt

[MichelleRenee 14]

CONGRATS!!! We are coming up on ours quick!! I wish I could be there with Rich, but I know he will do great.

Thank you!! We were approved here's our review!

Jake emailed ahead of time to request that I be on the list to accompany him!

We arrived in London around 715, mosied around and landed in front of th embassy at 8:06 for our 9 am appointment. Outside there are three lines (or queues)--one for US Citizens on embassy business (avoid) and two queues for visas---the first queue is a sign in. They took our DS160, appointment letter, and passports. They checked my name on the list too and wrote me down on the appointment letter. Then you go all the way back to the end of the line of the second queue (took us until 830ish) for security. We got through security by 9:05--you can bring water and stuff and small electronics like kindles and iPads, though you won't use them!

We walked around by following easy signs and up a few stairs to reach reception. They looked at our passports, letter, and DS160 then placed a number on our letter. We walked into the waiting area and took a seat for maybe 10 minutes. We were called up to the window by 920. It took about five minutes--a polite if stoic American fellow took Jake's prints, then his original birth certificate, his passport, his police certificate, and returned th medical chest x rays to us. He said he didn't need our copies. I then handed over my affidavit of support, and he only wanted the forms, the letter from my employer, and my 2013 tax transcript--he didn't want my 2012 one! And really all he asked for was my transcript. He took our receipt and courier arrangement receipts. He also asked us when Jake would be traveling for the wedding--we told him. He wrote it down then told us congratulations on being engaged.


Then we waited another 15 minutes. We were called up around 945 for the interview proper. The guy looked mean at first, and after he had Jake scan his prints and take the oath, he loosened up. I was waiting behind him and he said, "Ma'am you can come right up to the window to be with your fiancé. Just know the interview is directed at him not you, and I'll only address you to embarrass him." We laughed and relaxed a lot more. He asked jake these questions in the following order:

How did you meet?
When did you meet? (When was that?)
When did you decide to get married?
When are you getting married?
So you're going to return to Indiana?
Did you like Indiana?
--he then went on a fun little tangent about being offered a job in Indiana and being glad he ended up in London, which made me laugh because as a non-Indiana native, I sympathize.
Where else in the US did you visit?
--he was interested in our travels, he asked Jake how we got place to place, etc. when he said we visited Vegas the officer asked:
You didn't get married in Vegas did you?
--we both made faces and laughed as we said no.

He then said, "Well you guys your visa is approved! Congratulations!" He then handed back our original police cert and birth cert copies and said two weeks, but more likely one week or less!! In the end he was chatty and kind, funny even.

We walked out the doors approved and relieved at 9:56 am. Now we are celebrating before heading back to Edinburgh late tonight!!

Thank you all for all of your support -- now we just hope it all goes smoothly in AP, issuance, and courier stuffs. We are looking at a POE for July 5th, a courthouse wedding on July 11 (Jake really wanted 7/11) and a lovely big ceremony with dresses, kilts, and dancing in mid September. We will keep everyone posted, but thanks!!!

[Tina and Johan 206]

I called USCIS again today to try and file another expedite. For anyone who didn't read my other post, I filed a request for expedite two weeks ago and it was denied because it "didn't fit the guidelines". What really happened is that the CSR didn't enter any of my information into the system. Literally.

I missed this. Why are you expediting? Edit: I found your post. I'm sorry. Good luck! Keep us posted!

Edited June 17, 2014 by Tina and Johan

[ashleyphilly 70]

I called USCIS again today to try and file another expedite. For anyone who didn't read my other post, I filed a request for expedite two weeks ago and it was denied because it "didn't fit the guidelines". What really happened is that the CSR didn't enter any of my information into the system. Literally.

I've called them 4 times since then and every time I talk to someone they take me through the whole process again only to say, "Sorry but you're going to have to call back on (insert date)."

Finally I called again today and got a really nice lady. I explained the situation and that my expedite was denied because of the CSR's error. She looked up the record and goes, "Oh wow... No wonder it was denied. He literally didn't write anything in the request."

Long story short, she submitted my expedite request so hopefully that will go through and we can continue on with the process. She said that more than likely our expedite will be granted given the situation but she couldn't make any promises. I'm trying not to get my hopes up but I would really like something good to come from this... Cross your fingers!

-

Oh yeah... I forgot that I also e-mailed my Congressman again yesterday. They had called on my petition a month ago but didn't have anything impressive to say other than, "Your application is pending." I e-mailed them and told them how other people who have filed at the same time are already going through the interview process while applicants at the TSC haven't even moved past NOA1. We'll see what happens...

. Why did you fill in an expedite? Sorry couldnt find your post

[Tina and Johan 206]

We have an arrival date!!! :D July 25th. For all you UKers, he's coming via Heathrow with virgin.

[MichelleRenee 14]

Woohooo!!!! That's so exciting!!! I'm getting nervous about Rich's interview!! I have been trying to order an official tax transcript for weeks and when I try to do it online, it says my social security number is wrong?! But on my taxes, it's clearly written in the correct way so I'm not sure why it would say that. I tried calling (there's no option to speak to a person, it's just an automated thing) and they could locate my return, but they said I couldn't order a transcript for 2013.. I sent Rich my 1040, my bank statements, a letter from my employer, and my past few pay stubs, but I'm worried they won't accept my 1040. My mom sent an affidavit but I don't think she used an official transcript either. Do you guys think this will be an issue? I wasn't really worried about it until just now!

We have an arrival date!!! :D July 25th. For all you UKers, he's coming via Heathrow with virgin.

[Tina and Johan 206]

I have been trying to order an official tax transcript for weeks and when I try to do it online, it says my social security number is wrong?!

That's wonky. The last several times I tried to go in the automated system online to print my 2011 one, it was all kinds of errors. Makes me wonder what's up with the IRS right now! I think what you have will be fine. Check out the London info to see what they have experienced, in terms of documents. You may want to email him copies of your W2's, just in case, but otherwise, I think you have it covered.

[MichelleRenee 14]

I was employed as a contractor and therefore filed Form 1099-MISC and did not receive a W2. I hope this is enough!!!

That's wonky. The last several times I tried to go in the automated system online to print my 2011 one, it was all kinds of errors. Makes me wonder what's up with the IRS right now! I think what you have will be fine. Check out the London info to see what they have experienced, in terms of documents. You may want to email him copies of your W2's, just in case, but otherwise, I think you have it covered.

[Sail0r 7]

Semi off topic BUT has anyone else seen the new(ish) TV program called '90 days to wed'? It's about k1 visas and my golly gosh, I laughed so much watching it! They make it seem so easy to obtain yet the hard part is deciding whether to marry within the 90 days! If you want a little bit of an 'inside joke' chuckle watch it :')

[Tina and Johan 206]

Semi off topic BUT has anyone else seen the new(ish) TV program called '90 days to wed'? It's about k1 visas and my golly gosh, I laughed so much watching it! They make it seem so easy to obtain yet the hard part is deciding whether to marry within the 90 days! If you want a little bit of an 'inside joke' chuckle watch it :')

Do you mean "90 Day Fiance?" If so, yes, it was a bit ridiculous. some of the couples profiled have actually been VJ members. there are several threads about it. I agree; it was misleading, like they've only known each other for a short time, and THIS is when they're deciding to get married or not! SMH

[MichelleRenee 14]

Haha Rich told me about that!! I've been meaning to find it online. I've spent the past four hours trying to work on wedding stuff. It's still all over the place!! I think we have a location and I thought I found a videographer (but he's been ignoring my emails- not cool!), but I still don't have a dress, photographer, specific date (we're thinking third weekend in September), or ANYTHING set in stone! It's making me nervous haha but I guess after the interview Thursday I will kick it into high gear! How's your planning going?

Semi off topic BUT has anyone else seen the new(ish) TV program called '90 days to wed'? It's about k1 visas and my golly gosh, I laughed so much watching it! They make it seem so easy to obtain yet the hard part is deciding whether to marry within the 90 days! If you want a little bit of an 'inside joke' chuckle watch it :')

[Abby & Andre 27]

We have an arrival date!!! :D July 25th. For all you UKers, he's coming via Heathrow with virgin.

Congrats!!!