October 2014 Filers - Texas Service Center

[Pablomanga 7]

Long-time lurker on this board, first time posting--just wanted to give my 2 cents about the amount of grilling you might get at POE when arriving on VWP. The short version: you will get more scrutiny for a longer stay.

The long version: My fiance visited for the first time this spring (before engagement) with a round-trip ticket for an 89-day stay. He arrived in Philadelphia and got grilled big time, taken to a separate room, good cop/bad cop interrogation for a half hour, the whole shebang. Partly it was the length of time here and partly it was because he had brought some tools that could have been used for his particular line of work (though they were not!). BP was not interested in his various documents of proof of intent to return. We met some other people traveling on VWP who had 90-day round-trip tickets and they also got grilled thoroughly at various POE's where they landed.

The second time he visited here (still not engaged yet), he had a round-trip ticket for just 2 weeks' stay. He landed in Boston and answered a couple of questions (why he was here, who he was visiting, when he was leaving). The BP looked at the letter I had emailed to my fiance to bring, which explained who I was, where I lived, and that he'd be staying with me for his visit. Then he got a stamp and strolled on through with approval of 90 days on VWP even though he had planned to return much sooner. He ended up canceling his return flight and staying for another couple of months once we got engaged. There were no problems with that, though I've heard it's really important to actually cancel the original return flight if you're not taking it, as opposed to just not showing up, because otherwise your immigration records can get messed up.

In summary I think it's better to book tickets for a shorter stay, and then if you decide to lengthen it just cancel and re-book the return flight! Short stays don't seem to get a lot of attention at POE.

[curiosa 5]

He flew into IAH in Houston. It's always easy for him and I've read others say the same. POE today was a joke. He chatted with the officer about how there was nobody in line to go through immigration. He didn't even get asked how long or why he was visiting. Just stamped his passport and moved on. After you get your bags you go through another line for customs declarations and that officer asked him how long he was staying, but that's it.

He had his boss sign a letter stating when he was returning to work (which he left at home) and so all he had with him as proof was confirmation of his return flight.

Same thing happened for my guy coming through Houston. No questions asked. Not even how long he was planning to stay. How long did they stamp his passport for April? They gave Martin 6 months.

[Wooderz 314]

They stamped his passport for 90 days per the vwp.

Allie, the longest he's ever been here was 3 weeks. We've decided shorter more frequent trips works better for our relationship and makes more sense with our work vacation allowances.

I think Pablo hit on a really good idea for your sisters wedding. Book him on a flight for a few weeks and then change it when he arrives to give him extra time after your sisters wedding. Of course not to exceed the date his passport is stamped with. It only cost Daniel $75 to change his flight the other day. He flew United. With a letter from you, from his uncle and proof of his return flight and I bet he gets through no problem.

[JDWright 30]

"Based on timeline data, your I129f may be adjudicated between December 24, 2014 andFebruary 11, 2015"

What a broad swath lol, at least this estimate bumped up from February 18th

[SantyAndAllie 155]

Thank all of you guys for the advice! We're happy to have renewed hope!

They stamped his passport for 90 days per the vwp.

Allie, the longest he's ever been here was 3 weeks. We've decided shorter more frequent trips works better for our relationship and makes more sense with our work vacation allowances.

I think Pablo hit on a really good idea for your sisters wedding. Book him on a flight for a few weeks and then change it when he arrives to give him extra time after your sisters wedding. Of course not to exceed the date his passport is stamped with. It only cost Daniel $75 to change his flight the other day. He flew United. With a letter from you, from his uncle and proof of his return flight and I bet he gets through no problem.

Really? Only $75? That's a really good idea, but I'd just be worried that it'll end up costing more money to change it! We typically just book with whatever is the cheapest, but I'd be worried that it would cost a few hundred extra to change his flight. Any ideas on how to keep the cost to switch from changing dramatically? The only thing for us is- we'd want him to come in March to help us with her bridal festivities and then stay through the wedding at least, which comes to about a month and a half. If they wanted to see the invitation, they'd see it was in April, so if we tried to get like a plane ticket for a few weeks in March, it wouldn't make sense, lol! Do you guys think a month and a half is considered too much time? He stayed for 2 months the first time, and they didn't ask him any questions about it.

[Wooderz 314]

Allie, check with the airline he'll be flying with to find out their policy for changing flights and go from there. $75 or something similar would be well worth it to give you some peace of mind that his poe might be easier with a shorter stay and you'll have more time with him in the end. Seems like a win-win to me.

Happy new year to all my new friends from Daniel and me in Vegas!!! Don't worry, we are not getting married and starting all over with the cr-1!!!

[Pablomanga 7]

Thank all of you guys for the advice! We're happy to have renewed hope!

Really? Only $75? That's a really good idea, but I'd just be worried that it'll end up costing more money to change it! We typically just book with whatever is the cheapest, but I'd be worried that it would cost a few hundred extra to change his flight. Any ideas on how to keep the cost to switch from changing dramatically? The only thing for us is- we'd want him to come in March to help us with her bridal festivities and then stay through the wedding at least, which comes to about a month and a half. If they wanted to see the invitation, they'd see it was in April, so if we tried to get like a plane ticket for a few weeks in March, it wouldn't make sense, lol! Do you guys think a month and a half is considered too much time? He stayed for 2 months the first time, and they didn't ask him any questions about it.

I seriously doubt they would ask to see the printed invitation. Could he say he was visting because you had vacation time, or a birthday to celebrate, or whatever? They don't need to know about the wedding.

[SantyAndAllie 155]

I seriously doubt they would ask to see the printed invitation. Could he say he was visting because you had vacation time, or a birthday to celebrate, or whatever? They don't need to know about the wedding.

No birthdays during that time, and we want to be truthful. But I feel like a wedding is a more solid reason regardless. I feel like just visiting would be more of a cause for suspicion.

[Pablomanga 7]

No birthdays during that time, and we want to be truthful. But I feel like a wedding is a more solid reason regardless. I feel like just visiting would be more of a cause for suspicion.

Fair enough, I totally get what you mean! I just meant to say that I think you'll be alright best of luck!

[bybbies 4]

Hello fellow 2014 K-1 Octoberans,

I'm not much of a poster but I do keep up with all topics from July to October for updates and tips and mainly to reaffirm that I am not alone in the gradual downward spiral of patience and sanity that is this waiting process. Sometimes I don't even have the energy to express my feelings about the process, or even to look up my case on the USCIS website at least. But I've mustered up some energy to say this (and I know you all have said it in a variety of ways already and I'm joining in on the ranting and venting for solidarity's sake) "FML!!! Can we get a time machine around here to get to the moment when our SO is unboarding the plane and into our arms!?!?" Sigh...it will eventually happen I know that for sure b/c IF (hopefully not) I face some horrendous obstacles that I read about on here such as a lost file, or falling in the USCIS to NVC limbo (CSC has its pitfalls - karma! ) or getting pushed around for hours on end by USCIS reps, I will not give up. I will get my man here even if its the only thing I accomplish in my life this year! Well the energy is gone now and im heading to bed. I kudos you all for fighting the good fight against USCIS and for helping us all remain sane and most importantly sharing your story and reaching out. Good luck everyone! I'm here with you all even though you don't see me often! (See you around mid April...)

[SantyAndAllie 155]

Hello fellow 2014 K-1 Octoberans,

I'm not much of a poster but I do keep up with all topics from July to October for updates and tips and mainly to reaffirm that I am not alone in the gradual downward spiral of patience and sanity that is this waiting process. Sometimes I don't even have the energy to express my feelings about the process, or even to look up my case on the USCIS website at least. But I've mustered up some energy to say this (and I know you all have said it in a variety of ways already and I'm joining in on the ranting and venting for solidarity's sake) "FML!!! Can we get a time machine around here to get to the moment when our SO is unboarding the plane and into our arms!?!?" Sigh...it will eventually happen I know that for sure b/c IF (hopefully not) I face some horrendous obstacles that I read about on here such as a lost file, or falling in the USCIS to NVC limbo (CSC has its pitfalls - karma! ) or getting pushed around for hours on end by USCIS reps, I will not give up. I will get my man here even if its the only thing I accomplish in my life this year! Well the energy is gone now and im heading to bed. I kudos you all for fighting the good fight against USCIS and for helping us all remain sane and most importantly sharing your story and reaching out. Good luck everyone! I'm here with you all even though you don't see me often! (See you around mid April...)

Aw, that was so cute. And you & your fiance are adorable. Good luck to you guys! Estarán juntos en un poco. Bendiciones!

PS- everyone- today is my fiance & my 3 month anniversary of NOA1. lolol. half way down, 3 to go!!

Edited January 7, 2015 by lovecometruex

[curiosa 5]

Hello fellow 2014 K-1 Octoberans,

I'm not much of a poster but I do keep up with all topics from July to October for updates and tips and mainly to reaffirm that I am not alone in the gradual downward spiral of patience and sanity that is this waiting process. Sometimes I don't even have the energy to express my feelings about the process, or even to look up my case on the USCIS website at least. But I've mustered up some energy to say this (and I know you all have said it in a variety of ways already and I'm joining in on the ranting and venting for solidarity's sake) "FML!!! Can we get a time machine around here to get to the moment when our SO is unboarding the plane and into our arms!?!?" Sigh...it will eventually happen I know that for sure b/c IF (hopefully not) I face some horrendous obstacles that I read about on here such as a lost file, or falling in the USCIS to NVC limbo (CSC has its pitfalls - karma! ) or getting pushed around for hours on end by USCIS reps, I will not give up. I will get my man here even if its the only thing I accomplish in my life this year! Well the energy is gone now and im heading to bed. I kudos you all for fighting the good fight against USCIS and for helping us all remain sane and most importantly sharing your story and reaching out. Good luck everyone! I'm here with you all even though you don't see me often! (See you around mid April...)

Thanks! We're all in this together sadly.

[UKPaul 12]

Hi everyone!

Really great that there are so many supportive people on here sharing their stories. It's a long, frustrating, and at times confusing process so it's very helpful that there is such a strong community online to turn to!

Me and my fiancée received our NOA1 on 8th of October 2014. We're fortunate enough that we have been able to live together in the UK for the past 18 months, however she will have to leave the UK at the end of January, so we will be returning to a long-distance relationship while the visa is approved.

Over Christmas we both went to the US and checked out wedding venues. We have our hearts (and wallets) set on a particular venue. However, we are anxious about setting a date and securing the venue in the event that the visa isn't ready in time! Have any other October filers set a date or booked a venue yet? The date we are looking at is the 27th of August 2015. Would be interested to hear you opinions and experiences!

Thanks,

Paul

[msbau764 245]

Hi everyone!

Really great that there are so many supportive people on here sharing their stories. It's a long, frustrating, and at times confusing process so it's very helpful that there is such a strong community online to turn to!

Me and my fiancée received our NOA1 on 8th of October 2014. We're fortunate enough that we have been able to live together in the UK for the past 18 months, however she will have to leave the UK at the end of January, so we will be returning to a long-distance relationship while the visa is approved.

Over Christmas we both went to the US and checked out wedding venues. We have our hearts (and wallets) set on a particular venue. However, we are anxious about setting a date and securing the venue in the event that the visa isn't ready in time! Have any other October filers set a date or booked a venue yet? The date we are looking at is the 27th of August 2015. Would be interested to hear you opinions and experiences!

Thanks,

Paul

as long as you don't have any financial commitments you are good to go. Never assume anything until the visa is in hand.

[Wooderz 314]

Hey paul, welcome to the group! This group is so great because in our normal lives no one seems to understand what we're going through. Even if we explain it. So it's really nice to have people who completely understand me and what I'm feeling. We share information about what we've learned about the process and that helps, too.

I don't want to say whether your wedding date will be good or not because I have no clue. Things could change between now and then! I have created a spreadsheet projecting the date I expect to reach each milestone (noa2, embassy, and interview) based on the TSC processing date and the estimates here on vj. From that I expect the interview in the beginning of August and our noa1 is 3 weeks after you and the same embassy. But Daniel and I are not mentally planning to get married before October to be safe because I'm pretty pessimistic about the processing times. Also, I just read someone from one of the other monthly threads say that uscis told him that TSC was now taking 8 months for noa2! Dunno if that's true, but that's what the guy said.

With so much uncertainty I really have no clue and I don't want to make binding plans just yet. I think once I get noa2 I'll feel a little more comfortable booking certain things.

Think about what you'd be losing if the visa isn't approved for that date. Would you lose a huge deposit? Or would the venue be willing to work with you to reschedule if needed? That's the sort of thing I'd think about before putting any money down.

Like I said, based on my projection for myself, that looks like a doable date for you, but have a contingency plan if something goes wrong.