NVC Filers - May 2014

[LifeOnHold 186]

Good morning Estrangais, excellent post my friend. You've summed up what must be many people's experiences on VJ. Most people with no experience of this process find it hard to believe that the most powerful country in the world can have such an antiquated and long-winded immigration process.

It took my wife (US citizen) only 5 months to get a settlement visa to come to the UK from initial application to arrival at Manchester airport. She came in May 2012, just in time for the early summer - or so we thought. It then proceeded to rain continuously for 9 months solid!!! This was a girl who previously was living in Key West FL so to say she was unimpressed is an under-statement

"Why does it rain so much? Why are your roads so narrow and twisty? Why are your cars so small? Why does everyone drive so fast? When will it stop raining? Why are your houses so small? Why do you have washing machines in the kitchen? Why is everything so expensive? Why is the food so crappy? Will it EVER stop raining!!!"

It didn't.

Finally, after 9 months, she could stand it no longer and returned to the US. In a sense it was a relief - my ears stopped bleeding almost immediately Seriously though. she opened my eyes to many of the deficiencies of life in the UK that we take for granted. She struggled for a while to get re-established in the US (job, house, car etc) but finally we were in a position for me to apply for a visa to move to the US.

We've been physically apart for over 15 months now and it's been difficult - but I love her more now as a result of that separation than I did on our wedding day. I'm sure many on here can appreciate that sentiment. We both know that we'll be together again soon and this interminable process will finally come to an end. Just hope it doesn't start raining!!!

Good luck and stay strong!!!

My husbands ears would bleed too if it rained for 9 months. I need sunshine! But I agree that being apart although is very sad, it also makes us appreciate our spouses on a whole other level.

[LifeOnHold 186]

Thanks for the wishes. I'm really hoping to be near the end of the process so I can join my husband.

Like etrangais and others have stated, weekends are now harder to bear than ever before. When have I EVER hated weekends!?

I still make time to come read the forums every day, even on the weekends when posts are a bit quiet, because I love connecting with people here...you all can understand, and it somehow makes this much easier to bear... PLUS the excellent advice and support that is here on VJ

Keeping busy is not difficult for me, as I'm listing my home next weekend, and so the endless list of tasks required give me more than enough to do. I'm not even sure how I'm getting it all done by myself. It took me all winter to paint and 'fix' the entire inside and outside of the home, and go through all items, and I mean every belonging I've ever owned! -> decide whether to keep or not, price it and stack it aside v.s. box it up for the future move -> had a moving sale last month -> now cleaned and staged and yard work done, PLUS working and getting all my affairs in order, etc.

It's been challenging to say the least. Yet the vision of being with my husband keeps me plugging away relentlessly for hours on end to make it happen!

I know they say not to 'sell' until you have the visa in hand after the interview, but in my case it's really time to leave this home, this city, this province... as the only thing here now is the memories of the first man in my life, of 22 years, who passed away in 2010. None of my family is anywhere near here either. My new love and I need to truly start our lives somewhere fresh, and that's one of many reasons why we've chosen to go to the US. If for some unforeseeable reason my Immigration is denied, we will move elsewhere within Canada (he still has his Permanent Resident status from when he Immigrated here, so could come back if need be).

Sure there are moments when I'm terrified of 'giving up' all that I have here, a big comfy home, a great job, friends, familiarity... but I see it as an opportunity for an adventure, a new life, a chance to learn and face new challenges along with my husband, side by side, wherever we end up and on whatever roads life provides us.

And my 2 fur babies are coming along too!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone

Aww... I loved this. I too have been super busy, to the point where I am exhausted (which I think is also one of the reasons why my emotions are all over the place). As soon as I got back from our honeymoon I started looking for a home. Never thought I would buy a home by myself and renovate it from top to bottom by myself. I feel a bit like superwoman lol, but honestly I wish he were here because I am over having to make certain decisions. I just want to decorate instead of having to go buy Sheetrock lol.

I am hoping you have good news next week.... And me too.

What happens if you don't sell your house by the time you have your interview?

[LifeOnHold 186]

OMG OMG OMG ... I got case complete today!!! =D I was falling asleep while I was on hold, but when I heard it was already complete, all trace of sleepiness went out the window. *crosses fingers for a June interview*

Our timelines are a week apart and I noticed you also relieved a checklist for your AOS just like me. So I am hoping next week will be my turn for a Case Complete. Congrats by the way!!!

[FD&MDVL 58]

We did file the DS-261 ourselves. Honestly, rapidvisa is the biggest waste of money I've ever seen. They charged us hundreds of dollars, and the ONLY thing they've done thus far is provide us with a form filling utility on their website, where we answer questions and it fills in the form. Even then, we've had to double and triple check, then fill in parts ourselves because it put answers in the wrong places. They also didn't send the I-130 on our behalf. We sent it ourselves. (Seriously, useless service...)

As far as the DS-261, my husband filled it out, and indicated myself as the person/agent to receive communication from the NVC. There's been no mention to the NVC of rapidvisa, since we've basically done 99% of the work without assistance from them.

If I had to do it all again, I'd have saved the $400 and not bothered with rapidvisa. We've found more help between all the lovely folks here and the travel.state.gov immigration walkthrough.

In regards to the original topic, looking backto our timeline, our AOS and IV invoices were sent 2 days apart, rather than at the same time. But the AOS bill wasn't paid yet when the IV bill was sent, which I thought it had to be. Meh... I don't know. Maybe I'm just mixed up. I just wish this was over. I've been so stressed out with all of it.

Rapid Visa or any attorney who charges HUGE fees for these types of services should be ashamed of themselves... in my humble opinion- it is definitely buyer beware- but such an emotional decision-- I actually gave an attorney a deposit - while I contemplated HOW to proceed in the "early" days... it was quickly clear to me that it was a waste of money and the several thousand additional dollars that were to be paid to them - was simply a BAD IDEA. Amazingly - I got my $250 deposit back- that they insisted they have just to "Talk" to me about my case- after 30 minutes of talking to them I knew I didn't need another cook, or chief, if you know what I mean...

That said, I am sure the more difficult cases need an advisor, or a specialist..... but a straightforward application-- advice should be available and IS available here at VJ.

cheers

[Ellinora 72]

Good morning VJ family!!!!!!!!

I know most of us (if not all of us) hate the weekends right now! It feels that teh weekend is a waste of time. I've never been so happy so Monday come as fast as possible.

I so hate the weekends that I volunteered to work Saturdays until my wife gets here. I just want to stay busy and get myself to think about other things than calling NVC or watching other people's progress to compare with my timeline.

My wife is getting tired of all this, I don't blame her. She does not understand the process. Her entourage (family and friends) are killing her with stupid questions and comments. Couple of weeks ago, one of her cousins joined her husband in France with a visa (residency card), everybody became immigration experts and started talking to her about how if I really wanted her we I could've got this done bla bla bla, be careful, he is just playing you bla bla bla, may be he is married in the USA and just wants you here when he visits bla bla bla, all kind of nasty stuff.

Anyway, I try my best to talk to her and she understands what's going on and she trusts me, but from time to time she cracks down, I don't blame her at all. I even told that if I was on her shoes, I would thing the same thing.

Anyway, we got married on July 1st 2013 and our priority date is July 17 2013, 2 days after I got back to the USA.

I know lots of us are going through similar situations. Personally, I believe one thing: this process will make our relationship stronger, even if sometimes it gets hard due to unforseen circumstances.

Good luck to all.

I get tired and I'm even with my husband, so I feel for you and everyone else! And when we started out process USCIS told us we'd have NOA2 within 60 days. Well, it took them 10 months, which is a bit more than 60 days...

When we moved to Finland it took 2 months to get the residence permit and we waited for it in Finland so we didn't have to be apart at all. And it cost half as much. That is how immigration should work!

[etrangais 947]

I get tired and I'm even with my husband, so I feel for you and everyone else! And when we started out process USCIS told us we'd have NOA2 within 60 days. Well, it took them 10 months, which is a bit more than 60 days...

When we moved to Finland it took 2 months to get the residence permit and we waited for it in Finland so we didn't have to be apart at all. And it cost half as much. That is how immigration should work!

My sister moved to Finland last year to join her husband. They live in Espoon Keskus.

The process was not as hard or as long as USCIS/NVC. Even for the interview process, we called the embassy in New York and set an appointment.

We are at the last stretch now! matter of days now before Case Complete and interview scheduling.

Almost there!!!!

[Ellinora 72]

My sister moved to Finland last year to join her husband. They live in Espoon Keskus.

The process was not as hard or as long as USCIS/NVC. Even for the interview process, we called the embassy in New York and set an appointment.

We are at the last stretch now! matter of days now before Case Complete and interview scheduling.

Almost there!!!!

What a small world! It's like a 20 min car ride from our house to Espoon keskus

[Dkbose 1]

Do you have to add the ds-260 to the iv package if it's done online??? And can petitioner fill it online and sign and submit it? Is there anything regarding the ds-260 that has to be part of the package?

[myjourneytoo 49]

Good morning VJ family!!!!!!!!

I know most of us (if not all of us) hate the weekends right now! It feels that teh weekend is a waste of time. I've never been so happy so Monday come as fast as possible.

I so hate the weekends that I volunteered to work Saturdays until my wife gets here. I just want to stay busy and get myself to think about other things than calling NVC or watching other people's progress to compare with my timeline.

My wife is getting tired of all this, I don't blame her. She does not understand the process. Her entourage (family and friends) are killing her with stupid questions and comments. Couple of weeks ago, one of her cousins joined her husband in France with a visa (residency card), everybody became immigration experts and started talking to her about how if I really wanted her we I could've got this done bla bla bla, be careful, he is just playing you bla bla bla, may be he is married in the USA and just wants you here when he visits bla bla bla, all kind of nasty stuff.

Anyway, I try my best to talk to her and she understands what's going on and she trusts me, but from time to time she cracks down, I don't blame her at all. I even told that if I was on her shoes, I would thing the same thing.

Anyway, we got married on July 1st 2013 and our priority date is July 17 2013, 2 days after I got back to the USA.

I know lots of us are going through similar situations. Personally, I believe one thing: this process will make our relationship stronger, even if sometimes it gets hard due to unforseen circumstances.

Good luck to all.

Give it couple of days, hopefully by Monday you should be able to pay the fees.

Good luck!!!!

Salam brother

As if this process isn’t grueling, then you hear it from the coffee shop lawyer if you know what I mean. It very hard for our wives especially they just want us to be together. Most important thing is the 2 of you, be there for her anybody else can go to hell. Insha’Allah you will be together soon and you would laugh about this process and how it drove you insane. You are almost there, case complete will come soon then the interview and boom here she is next to you. I myself can’t believe it’s been 3 months since I filled it seems like time is moving fast yet so slow. I just hope to god that our case wii be done by august so I can go and bring her with me. As I mentioned before I go home every 3 to 4 months I can’t stay away from her. On a final thought you know how our women thinks and they are not immune from outside influences, be strong. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

[Bxfemme 11]

Do you have to add the ds-260 to the iv package if it's done online??? And can petitioner fill it online and sign and submit it? Is there anything regarding the ds-260 that has to be part of the package?

Hi, u don't have to add the ds-260 to the package...the petitioner can fill it out but it's the beneficiary's infor so where it says did anyone assist u with the form u can put u that the petitioner did ... And no... U should print the confirmation page for ur record...

[AmberG 23]

My IV fee says online it's available to pay. When I click on the link on the blue "PAY" link on the summary page, it brings me to the Invoice page. But there's no box to check next to the IV fee or anyhing. Is it that I have to wait for some sort of billing email to be sent to me? Or is this just a system error and I should try again.

Edited May 10, 2014 by AmberG

[etrangais 947]

My IV fee says online it's available to pay. When I click on the link on the blue "PAY" link on the summary page, it brings me to the Invoice page. But there's no box to check next to the IV fee or anyhing. Is it that I have to wait for some sort of billing email to be sent to me? Or is this just a system error and I should try again.

It is being invoiced. Usually it takes one or 2 business days to be ready for you to pay.

You will receive the email as soon as it is ready.

Good luck

[AmberG 23]

It is being invoiced. Usually it takes one or 2 business days to be ready for you to pay.

You will receive the email as soon as it is ready.

Good luck

Ah ha. Thank you! I will check back this coming week then. Good to know.

[etrangais 947]

Salam brother

As if this process isn’t grueling, then you hear it from the coffee shop lawyer if you know what I mean. It very hard for our wives especially they just want us to be together. Most important thing is the 2 of you, be there for her anybody else can go to hell. Insha’Allah you will be together soon and you would laugh about this process and how it drove you insane. You are almost there, case complete will come soon then the interview and boom here she is next to you. I myself can’t believe it’s been 3 months since I filled it seems like time is moving fast yet so slow. I just hope to god that our case wii be done by august so I can go and bring her with me. As I mentioned before I go home every 3 to 4 months I can’t stay away from her. On a final thought you know how our women thinks and they are not immune from outside influences, be strong. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I know my wife is a nice woman. what she does not want to believe is that people who tell her all the bs are actually jealous of her.

10 months so far after we got married. Lots of people don't want to see her move to the USA. I know you know exactly what I mean!!!

Soon enough in chaa Allah, I'll ge for the interview and then get her back with me.

Good luck to you brother with your journey

[AustinCanada 681]

I know they say not to 'sell' until you have the visa in hand after the interview, but in my case it's really time to leave this home, this city, this province... as the only thing here now is the memories of the first man in my life, of 22 years, who passed away in 2010. None of my family is anywhere near here either. My new love and I need to truly start our lives somewhere fresh, and that's one of many reasons why we've chosen to go to the US. If for some unforeseeable reason my Immigration is denied, we will move elsewhere within Canada (he still has his Permanent Resident status from when he Immigrated here, so could come back if need be).

We sold our townhouse last weekend! I was going to wait until I have the visa, but I decided to sell it now because spring is the best time to sell houses. I'm glad we listed our townhouse in May because we got multiple offers and sold our townhouse above the asking price!

If my visa application got denied for some unforeseeable reason, we'd move to Toronto from Vancouver (my partner has dual American and Canadian citizenship). So it was time for us to sell the property anyway.