Six Months Again!!

[Sankofa 0]

When I saw that 'Adwoa' received an interview date for March, I was feeling a little better about the Ghana Embassy. Now I see that 'Angela F' got an interview date for six months out!! July 2007!! That is crazy!! Seems like were back in the same boat again!! I'm still waiting on my NOA2 and at this rate we won't get an interview until almost a year after we started this whole process... Guess I'll just wait my turn and plan a few more trips to Ghana in the meantime... Thanks for letting me vent!! (At least I have my upcoming trip to Ghana to look forward to - 6 MORE DAYS!!!!)

Edith

[akatagirl 0]

Sankofa,

I know exactly how you feel! This long waiting process that the Ghana embassy has us enduring is too dam long of wait! My interview date for my husband is in May and we completed that paperwork in November/December....

Well enjoy your trip to Ghana and if your pocket can afford it, I think another visit to Ghana will be helpful in so many ways.

Take Care!

[Angela F 0]

Six months...this is seven months away and the people at the Embassy would not, could not, or was just plain mean about giving a reason why we had to wait so long. I was told that if I were in Ghana, which you will be, that I could go to the Embassy and request a change of date. Your finance is unable to do so because they are not American Citizens, but, you can walk right on into the Embassy and request a change. I am travelling to Ghana in May with my job, but I am not sure if I can wait that long to see my Kwame.

In the meantime, I have put in a request with my Congressman to see if our appointment can be moved up. Please keep your fingers crossed. Angela

[akatagirl 0]

Sankofa,

I wonder if somehow you can speed up the process since you are in the military and stationed in Europe? Have you looked into seeing if the military can somehow assist you in moving up the date or somehow getting your fiance to be with you while wait out the visa process.

Hope your having a great time in Ghana! I miss being there and can't wait to go back someday soon!

[Sankofa 0]

Yeah, Right!! You think Uncle Sam gives a flying f* about me wanting to get my fiance over to the states!! (Just another check in the box for reasons I'm getting out!!) They will tell me to stand in line like the rest of the people who want their husbands, family members and fiance(e)s with them. We didn't go the K-3 route because we thought this route would be a little quicker, but I didn't anticipate there being this crazy wait for an interview.

I just got notice of approval today (NOA2) and I know it's going to be a little more time before we're given an interview date. But looking at the current trend, I don't expect any earlier of an interview date than July either (or September at this rate!!). I leave for Ghana in the morning for ten days, and if I have to travel back to Ghana to get an earlier interview date when that time comes, then I guess that's what I'll have to do. But, if I remember correctly, a&o went to the embassy when she was in Ghana and had no such luck in changing her fiance's interview date.

I wish I could go to the embassy for you AngelaF. Maybe I'll just stop by for a general inquiry!! Let me know if there is anything else I can do to assist! But let's continue to fight and do all we can do. We're in this together!!

[Adwoa 0]

I noticed Sankofa mentioned me in one of her posts and I just thought to reply. Yes, we have an interview date set in March (few more weeks to go!!) and we started the K1 process in November '06. Initially, we were given June '07, but it was changed to March '07.

The entire process for us has been very smooth so far. When we first decided to start the K-1 visa process, I was going to hire a lawyer. I went for a consultation with a lawyer and she gave me a lot of adivce to sucessfully complete the process. She actually encouraged me to file the papers on my own and not to hire her unless I run into any problems with the Ghana embassy or US gov. So that's what I did and so far so good.

Advice given to me:

1. Keep copies of EVERYTHING.

2. Do not send NVC any originals (photo, cards, etc)

3. Organized your package to the NVC well (provide a cover page)

4. Write sworn Affidavit letters (both you and your fiance should write one)

5. It is OK to hand print documents (I129/G325)

6. MOST IMPORTANT: Contact your Senator's office. They are there to help us. All of my communication to the Ghana Embassy has been through the Senator's office (MA residents: Emily Winterson). Don't wait until you are in a predicament before you contact them. Fax a letter to their office with your case number(s) and they will contact the Ghana Embassy.

[ReggaeDancer2 0]

In my two and a half years of dealing with the Ghanaian Embassy, I can say be very, very diligent. Email them every day if you have to. TWICE they LOST our case for two separate six month periods. During the last six months they claimed our case was sent back to the US for a secondary approval - they had it the whole time. My husband finally got his visa in the beginning of February. It's been a long hard road and one that we contemplated ending, but couldn't let them destroy what we have.

My experience with Congresswomen/men - they do absolutely nothing to help. Maybe you will be luckier depending on the state you live in.

I think there are several people on here who have tried to get their interview date moved up, including me and they never would allow it. Wish you the best of luck.

Edited February 21, 2007 by ReggaeDancer2

[Sankofa 0]

Adwoa, Congratulations on your upcoming interview!! I am happy that at least your situation ran smoothly. As for me... it appears as though my entire case has been lost. The NVC says it was sent to Ghana on January 25th via DHL, but the embassy denies receipt. I have been emailing the embassy every single day only to get the same response 'Please verfiy with the NVC'. I had to get firm today with the lady and ask her NOT to tell me to check with the NVC again, because I have checked three times and have gotten the same response!! I went ahead and contacted my Senator today. There was a form to fill and print from his website. So I did just that. I'm just waiting now to hear back from one of his assistants. In the meantime I'll continue to harass the embassy. Please keep us updated on how things go with your fiance's interview and I wish you well....

ReggaeDancer2 - Congrats on receiving your visa. I know it's been a long journey, but in the end, I'm sure it will all be worth the fight

[akatagirl 0]

Sankofa,

I am so sorry to hear that you cannot locate your case...You are in my thoughts and prayers and you heard it straight from ReggaeDancer who has had very similar experiences, just keep on them so you can get some answers!

[Angela F 0]

I noticed Sankofa mentioned me in one of her posts and I just thought to reply. Yes, we have an interview date set in March (few more weeks to go!!) and we started the K1 process in November '06. Initially, we were given June '07, but it was changed to March '07.

The entire process for us has been very smooth so far. When we first decided to start the K-1 visa process, I was going to hire a lawyer. I went for a consultation with a lawyer and she gave me a lot of adivce to sucessfully complete the process. She actually encouraged me to file the papers on my own and not to hire her unless I run into any problems with the Ghana embassy or US gov. So that's what I did and so far so good.

Advice given to me:

1. Keep copies of EVERYTHING.

2. Do not send NVC any originals (photo, cards, etc)

3. Organized your package to the NVC well (provide a cover page)

4. Write sworn Affidavit letters (both you and your fiance should write one)

5. It is OK to hand print documents (I129/G325)

6. MOST IMPORTANT: Contact your Senator's office. They are there to help us. All of my communication to the Ghana Embassy has been through the Senator's office (MA residents: Emily Winterson). Don't wait until you are in a predicament before you contact them. Fax a letter to their office with your case number(s) and they will contact the Ghana Embassy.

How did you get your appointment moved from June to March? We have our appointment in July, however, I will be traveling to Ghana in May and would love for my Kwame to return with me in May. Was it your Senator's office that helped you get the appointment changed? We applied in September, was approved in December, turned in packet 3 in January, and have a date in July. Any information you provide will be helpful. Thanks! Angela

[Adwoa 0]

Today is a good day...

My fiance was granted the visa! Thanks to those you kept us in your prayers. This whole process requires LOTS of patience.

My fiance went the US embassy in Ghana at 7am for his 7:30 appointment time. He was not called in until 10am. He was told by a Ghanaian woman to give her the documents (affidavit of support, income tax return, etc). Also, he gave her the proof of relationship (photos and emails). He had an entire album full of pics, but he was told to only take out those of him and I together. After handing it over, he was told to sit and wait until he is called. About 30 mins later, he was called in. He was interviewed by an American man. My fiance said the interview was casual and the man was very friendly.

Some of the questions that were asked:

Where/How did we meet?

Where does your fiancee work?

What does she do?

Do you have children?

Does she have children?

Have you been married before?

How did you like Massachusetts (my fiance visited me in 2003)?

What are your future plans?

Do you work?

When all the questioning was through, he was told that his first name and "middle" name was interchanged on the documents. My fiance will need to get a new passport by the 21st in order to recieve the visa. Before he left, he was given an approval form and our photos back.

Good luck to everyone!

[akatagirl 0]

Today is a good day...

My fiance was granted the visa! Thanks to those you kept us in your prayers.

:dance: Congrats on Your fiance's interview approval!!! You both are very lucky to have change your date from July to March!!!! :dance:

[zetku 0]

Congrads Adwoa!!! Great News from Ghana! I hope your love arrives soon and that you enjoy every moment of your reunion. Many Blessings!

Sankofa: Hang in there. I'm sure your case will be located, processed and your interview scheduled soon esp with an official inquiry via your congress-people. As someone mentioned on another thread, the Ghana Embassy is indeed very backed up and may holding cases aside to catch up. Also it seems to me, from my recent experiences at the Embassy in Jan 07 and May 06, that the folks at American Citizen Services, the people who seem to be the only ones answering our questions, however well-intentioned, may not be privy to what is currently happening with K-1 cases. They've given me semi-correct info several times. Its frustrating, I know, but remember to stay positive and focused on the good, even as you keep up a vigilant correspondence with the Embassy. Trust that more Blessings are coming soon! By the way, did the Embassy tell you if your case has been received virtually? And has your fiance tried to pick up packet 3, cause sometimes having a in-the-flesh/in-your-face presence can make miracles happen at that little window. If he lives in Accra, it could be worth a try.

Anyway, big juicy congrads to all the recent Visa in Hand-ers and Peace to everyone maintaining the wait! May the emerging spring and upcoming summer inspire more love and good vibes all around: visualize smooth visa journeys for all, .

Stay Strong,

Z.

[Queen Jenn 0]

Today is a good day...

My fiance was granted the visa! Thanks to those you kept us in your prayers. This whole process requires LOTS of patience.

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE APPROVAL!!!!!!!