UK VJers Progress Update Thread

[Gary & Aubrey 23]

I missed 08/08/08. Maybe you could count by fives...5/10/15

Right now we are hoping for 3/10/15, which is the anniversary of the day we started dating. It's a long shot however, as he would need to fly in before the 5th so the license is ready, and with waiting for the visa courier after the interview I am not holding my breath.

It's more about the day as being the one I get to marry the love of my life, rather than a kitschy date.

[Wooderz 314]

I'll speak up to sort of explain the thought process of the tsc'ers. Some days you feel ok and other days you just feel completely beat down by TSC. When you're having one of those days, the last thing you wanna see is a CSC person talk about their approval and have them tell you to hang in there and just be patient. Some of them even say something like this will only make your relationship stronger. Thanks for your advice, but I'm not wavering, I just want this to be over with. In an likelihood it's meant well but it doesn't come off very genuine. Philippine filers get the same mistreatment.

This is a deeply personal process so naturally it's one that's going to bring out extreme emotion, on both ends of the spectrum. Emotions are not rational.

Ok, now onto the next question, why are the processing times so different? There's a pretty big movement right now in the TSC threads to get some momentum building to force a workload transfer. A lot of ppl contacting congressman and senators and the uscis ombudsman. Some good info has been received by some users here. Firstly, if the allocation of states is what we all kinda think it is, then TSC has about a 30% larger population to support for I-129fs. Secondly, TSC has apparently received a massive number of I-485 work visa to adjustment of status petitions. I-129fs are not a high priority petition for uscis so the i-485s are causing TSC to fall very behind. Uscis apparently admitted to a congressmans staff that this will continue to get worse this year. Multiple people have been told by uscis when calling that normal processing is 8 months right now.

Tl;dr: TSC filers are emotional. TSC is severely back logged with other higher priority petitions. 8 months is current processing time.

[Pheebs1201 269]

I feel like visa filers are the most easy going about weddings. Most of the time, they just want to be together and married. The big 'do' isn't a huge deal.

We are doing something similar. Finding whatever day works (we have to get G back, and then wait five days for the marriage license to be valid), and then bam. Married. On July 11th, we are planning a big BBQ party for a reception, so more family and friends can meet him and to have a day about 'us'.

Sounds lovely! Can't wait to see the pics of everyones special days if they're willing to share!

I'll speak up to sort of explain the thought process of the tsc'ers. Some days you feel ok and other days you just feel completely beat down by TSC. When you're having one of those days, the last thing you wanna see is a CSC person talk about their approval and have them tell you to hang in there and just be patient. Some of them even say something like this will only make your relationship stronger. Thanks for your advice, but I'm not wavering, I just want this to be over with. In an likelihood it's meant well but it doesn't come off very genuine. Philippine filers get the same mistreatment.

This is a deeply personal process so naturally it's one that's going to bring out extreme emotion, on both ends of the spectrum. Emotions are not rational.

Ok, now onto the next question, why are the processing times so different? There's a pretty big movement right now in the TSC threads to get some momentum building to force a workload transfer. A lot of ppl contacting congressman and senators and the uscis ombudsman. Some good info has been received by some users here. Firstly, if the allocation of states is what we all kinda think it is, then TSC has about a 30% larger population to support for I-129fs. Secondly, TSC has apparently received a massive number of I-485 work visa to adjustment of status petitions. I-129fs are not a high priority petition for uscis so the i-485s are causing TSC to fall very behind. Uscis apparently admitted to a congressmans staff that this will continue to get worse this year. Multiple people have been told by uscis when calling that normal processing is 8 months right now.

Tl;dr: TSC filers are emotional. TSC is severely back logged with other higher priority petitions. 8 months is current processing time.

Well if it's any consolation I do genuinely feel for you and would happily sign any petitions around to make the distribution more fair between service centres. I am sorry you have to wait so long. I can only imagine how frustrating that is.

I'd also like to mention that I never actually told people about my NOA2 other than in the November filers thread where I posted about it once. I simply updated my timeline/signature. Then people saw, and got grumpy with me about it. I was hardly shouting it from the rooftops. I understand why TSCers get annoyed with CSC's trying to act sympathetic, or the few dim ones who say "I dont understand why it's taking so long for you, it didn't for me" but I did feel like some members deliberately sought out a conversation with me about it in order to make me feel guilty. I don't think that was fair.

[-Shana- 152]

Comment on getting your driver license--

Every state is different because it's a state function. But the federal government has pressed the states to require proof of legal status in the US to help curb the illegal alien problem. So as a K1, you are a super minority with a visa that is over the day you use it and an I-94 that allows you 90 days in the US. At the time my husband arrived, our state required at least 6 months remaining on an I-94 to get a license. Impossible when you start with 90 days total. Whatever document your state allows, the driver license will expire when your legal status expires. So if you get a license on your I-94, it will only be valid until your I-94 days are up. If it takes you a month to accomplish getting the license in hand, you have two months to drive.

When you get EAD, that will show you have one year allowed in the US. You would get a license expiring the same day as the EAD card. The majority of K1s have to marry, file for AOS/EAD/AP, wait 60-90 days on the EAD before they can get a license. Some states require a greencard before issuing a license. Each of you will have a different experience depending on your state.

As far as a document to prove having an address in your state, most have a form the spouse can sign to attest that you reside at the same address that he shows proof of.

I don't drive, so I've been looking into getting a State ID card instead. I was planning on getting an SSN, opening a bank account, getting a proof of address, then getting the ID then get married. So not sure if a fiance can vouch my address? We'll see. If they kick up a fuss about it even with a proof of address I'll give up!

I'll speak up to sort of explain the thought process of the tsc'ers. Some days you feel ok and other days you just feel completely beat down by TSC. When you're having one of those days, the last thing you wanna see is a CSC person talk about their approval and have them tell you to hang in there and just be patient. Some of them even say something like this will only make your relationship stronger. Thanks for your advice, but I'm not wavering, I just want this to be over with. In an likelihood it's meant well but it doesn't come off very genuine. Philippine filers get the same mistreatment.

This is a deeply personal process so naturally it's one that's going to bring out extreme emotion, on both ends of the spectrum. Emotions are not rational.

Ok, now onto the next question, why are the processing times so different? There's a pretty big movement right now in the TSC threads to get some momentum building to force a workload transfer. A lot of ppl contacting congressman and senators and the uscis ombudsman. Some good info has been received by some users here. Firstly, if the allocation of states is what we all kinda think it is, then TSC has about a 30% larger population to support for I-129fs. Secondly, TSC has apparently received a massive number of I-485 work visa to adjustment of status petitions. I-129fs are not a high priority petition for uscis so the i-485s are causing TSC to fall very behind. Uscis apparently admitted to a congressmans staff that this will continue to get worse this year. Multiple people have been told by uscis when calling that normal processing is 8 months right now.

Tl;dr: TSC filers are emotional. TSC is severely back logged with other higher priority petitions. 8 months is current processing time.

Yeah, I get that hearing people say "just be patient" is bad, which is why I never say it to anyone waiting. Of course you're going to hang in there, what else can you do? I was posting in there to agree with how sh!t TSC is doing, basically saying I don't understand it, why can't they just ___, then got told I was misinformed and not helpful and get out. I'm no expert on the processing centres, I've only just been educated on them, so could do without the hostility. It's the same thing when someone waiting says "congratulations" then snaps at you - it's not genuine. "Imma let you finish...but Beyonce..."

I've signed a petition to show my support and any more please keep us updated. Anything we can do to reduce the wait time I'm sure a lot of people will get on board. Sounds like CSC could take on one of the "big" states and perhaps it'll help out TSC. But, unfortunately, logic won't win, people have to cause a stink for change to happen. So let's start pooping.

Edited February 1, 2015 by shana.mike

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

April--

The Service Centers have been unequal forever. At our time, Texas filers were at Vermont Service Center. The other was CSC. Everybody was upset being at CSC because it was slow....until the timelines flipped and CSC became faster. There was a time later where it was TSC, VSC, and CSC. Another year, they did a big shift of about 2 months of older cases to CSC to balance the workload. They were so excited and hopeful. Wouldn't you know, they fell into some black hole once at CSC while newer cases continued to be approved. AND the ones who didn't get shifted to CSC meanwhile moved up in the pack by two months and also got approved before those older cases. It's a nightmare for those stuck waiting and not knowing when it will happen.

I can kinda understand your emotion. When I was left with sole responsibility of tending to my Dad who was aging, needing much assistance, and being generally grouchy and demanding....my brother who lived six hours away called me when I was beat down and crying. He gave me the "hang in there speech" and I lost it. I screamed at him, "Quit calling and trying to prop me up. I don't want to be propped up!!!", and slammed down the phone. Not like me at all, but some days we get to the end of our patience and crack.

[Wooderz 314]

I kinda wanna disagree somewhat, Pheebs. I have hardly seen anyone be sympathetic. Most of the time we're just being told how we should be feeling and what we should be doing (being patient). I think anyone who's ever been in any sort of situation where they've been offered unsolicited advice can understand that that is annoying.

The first sympathetic CSC post I saw was from Shana in the thread where she was told off for it. That was seriously wrong. I've been seeing some more genuine support to fix the issue the last week or 2, but for a couple months before that I seem to have only seen the other kind of reactions.

Nich-Nick I realize it's been like this for years, but why does that make it ok? Shouldn't that be even more reason to do something? One of the problems is that once noa2 happens people are so ready to move on with the process that they lose the will to fight for change. They're so fed up that they just wanna move on and forget about the bad stuff. Who can blame them!

Anyway, onto more fun stuff... I think that's definitely right that we're some of the least picky about our weddings. The details just feel less important when you're faced with such hurdles just to be together, don't they?

I just want everyone there to be happy and have fun. What about the honeymoon? What are everyone's plans for that? We're gonna high tail our butts over to hawaii for some r&r. I think we all deserve some time alone together when it finally comes!

[Gary & Aubrey 23]

Oh, the honeymoon is fun to plan. G and I are going to California for a week to spend some time on the beach and sightseeing. It won't be for a while tho, so a postponed honeymoon haha. I allocated all my holiday time from week to see him this past week.

[Wooderz 314]

I'm more excited about the honeymoon than the wedding. We'd probably just elope to Hawaii if we could get away with it with both our families. I'm not sure about the timing of ours. We're still so far away. Depends on how much vacation I have to take during the wedding for the Londoners coming to town. We may wait until early 2016. How nice would some time on the beach be during a frigid Houston winter?? ??

[Pheebs1201 269]

I kinda wanna disagree somewhat, Pheebs. I have hardly seen anyone be sympathetic. Most of the time we're just being told how we should be feeling and what we should be doing (being patient). I think anyone who's ever been in any sort of situation where they've been offered unsolicited advice can understand that that is annoying.

I think you misunderstood my post- I said I understand why that frustrates TSC filers, I wasn't trying to justify it, so I'm not sure what there was to disagree with? However, I stand by what I said, I don't think it's fair to deliberately come after me to have a dig about my fast approval when I have never done any of the aforementioned things to TSC filers other than feel quietly sympathetic (something I rarely express due to the snappier responses). Why start a conversation with me with the sole purpose of getting cross about it? Sure if I spouted the rubbish you've mentioned above, but I don't. I've never offered "advice" as I don't feel in a position to do so. Those particular TSC filers, which I appreciate does not include yourself, are the ones I had issue with.

Anyway, like you said, best to focus on happier things and I am thankful that we can discuss this issue without it getting heated and horrible simply because our petitions were sent to different service centres! I love this UK progress thread, I look forward to chatting with you all since it started! Nice to meet brits in the same situation

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Nich-Nick I realize it's been like this for years, but why does that make it ok? Shouldn't that be even more reason to do something? !

It's not ok. It sucks! And it seems that if something gets fixed, then it breaks down for another group. The married people think they should get priority over other cases to unite their family, and parents with their babies. CSC has screwed them in favor of fiancés before. Do you remember the big planned massed fax day to officials and the media to bring attention? Now they are fighting the NVC. Then there was the DACA group, or El Salvadore earthquake or tsunami people they shifted attention to. Somebody is always getting pushed back, but it doesn't make it okay.

[Wooderz 314]

I just meant that I haven't seen a lot of sympathy. Sorry if I wasn't clear. I absolutely agree that it's not right to jump on people just because they are CSC. I know and acknowledge you aren't one of the people who do the things I've mentioned. Unfortunately, others probably don't take the time to distinguish. I've tried not to do that and to just express my dislike of the system. It's equally neither of our faults. I wasn't happy when I saw Shana being attacked for what I thought was a nice message. Now I feel bad for not stepping in and saying something about how it was wrong to attack her in that thread. Sometimes I have to step back and remember that there's a real person behind each screen name.

Agree, it's so cool to be able to meet other people who understand this process. No one else in my life gets it at all. I joined because I wanted to learn and to have a community of support. We can all be that even with the TSC issue as long as we remain respectful and mindful of each other's feelings. I certainly understand now that it goes both ways!

[-Shana- 152]

Anyway, onto more fun stuff... I think that's definitely right that we're some of the least picky about our weddings. The details just feel less important when you're faced with such hurdles just to be together, don't they?

I just want everyone there to be happy and have fun. What about the honeymoon? What are everyone's plans for that? We're gonna high tail our butts over to hawaii for some r&r. I think we all deserve some time alone together when it finally comes!

I'm more excited about the honeymoon than the wedding. We'd probably just elope to Hawaii if we could get away with it with both our families. I'm not sure about the timing of ours. We're still so far away. Depends on how much vacation I have to take during the wedding for the Londoners coming to town. We may wait until early 2016. How nice would some time on the beach be during a frigid Houston winter?? ??

Definitely. My friend pulled a face when I said that we were going to literally just sign the marriage certificate ourselves which you can do in CO. She made out like we should've got a judge to do it, or "just go to vegas" AND have a proper wedding in a few years time *sigh*. The important part is that we're together again!! Besides, I don't think it'll feel "real" until I've planned the wedding party of my dreams...an open bar and lots of fairy lights.

Oh my goodness, I would loooove to go to Hawaii for a honeymoon. It looks like a great place for adventure and relaxation. That won't be for a few years yet!

--------------

Random question: What do you all do for work? I came back from Japan in July 2014 so started doing some temp work through an agency. Just admin/reception stuff. I came clean to the agency about leaving to them since one place offered me a permanent position and I declined it having already told them I was moving to America (they were going to spend 6 months training me!). Never heard a peep from the agency since October, then my agent called me last week and said "what are you doing these days?" "look for temp work" "Oh sorry, this is a permanent position, are you still leaving?" "Yes, I'm moving to America" "Why, is Preston not good enough for you?" Ummm...no, it's not, hence why I am leaving. Such an awkward thing to be asked! Aaanyway, I applied to a new recruitment agency, a bigger one, I was completely honest with my situation because I hate lying to people. I thought it might affect me getting work, but I start a position on Tuesday! It's such a relief to me, been having all sorts of trouble with parents/friends telling me how I should be living my life .

[-Shana- 152]

I just meant that I haven't seen a lot of sympathy. Sorry if I wasn't clear. I absolutely agree that it's not right to jump on people just because they are CSC. I know and acknowledge you aren't one of the people who do the things I've mentioned. Unfortunately, others probably don't take the time to distinguish. I've tried not to do that and to just express my dislike of the system. It's equally neither of our faults. I wasn't happy when I saw Shana being attacked for what I thought was a nice message. Now I feel bad for not stepping in and saying something about how it was wrong to attack her in that thread. Sometimes I have to step back and remember that there's a real person behind each screen name.

Agree, it's so cool to be able to meet other people who understand this process. No one else in my life gets it at all. I joined because I wanted to learn and to have a community of support. We can all be that even with the TSC issue as long as we remain respectful and mindful of each other's feelings. I certainly understand now that it goes both ways!

Don't feel bad! It means a lot that you thought that it was out of line, sometimes when someone kicks up a fuss about something I've said I doubt myself and think "did I do something really bad?" even though I know I haven't! So it's just nice for the validation in all honesty. The person I addressed didn't get back to me, which makes me think perhaps they got the message that they were being a bit snappy. At least I'd like to think!

[Gary & Aubrey 23]

To be completely honest. While I'm rampantly jealous of Pheebs' turnaround time, that doesn't exactly make it anyone's fault. We're all working on our own timelines and that's all we can do. So yes while jealous in one aspect I'm also immensely happy for her and hope that the rest of the process goes by just as quickly.

-Gary

[Pheebs1201 269]

I'm more excited about the honeymoon than the wedding. We'd probably just elope to Hawaii if we could get away with it with both our families. I'm not sure about the timing of ours. We're still so far away. Depends on how much vacation I have to take during the wedding for the Londoners coming to town. We may wait until early 2016. How nice would some time on the beach be during a frigid Houston winter?? ??

We'd LOVE to do Hawaii for our honeymoon! Hoping we will be able to squirrel enough money away to afford it! It looks amazing!

Random question: What do you all do for work? I came back from Japan in July 2014 so started doing some temp work through an agency. Just admin/reception stuff. I came clean to the agency about leaving to them since one place offered me a permanent position and I declined it having already told them I was moving to America (they were going to spend 6 months training me!). Never heard a peep from the agency since October, then my agent called me last week and said "what are you doing these days?" "look for temp work" "Oh sorry, this is a permanent position, are you still leaving?" "Yes, I'm moving to America" "Why, is Preston not good enough for you?" Ummm...no, it's not, hence why I am leaving. Such an awkward thing to be asked! Aaanyway, I applied to a new recruitment agency, a bigger one, I was completely honest with my situation because I hate lying to people. I thought it might affect me getting work, but I start a position on Tuesday! It's such a relief to me, been having all sorts of trouble with parents/friends telling me how I should be living my life .

I've only just graduated, and like you, saw no point in getting a permanent position only to have to abandon it so I currently do two things.

1) I am a regional interviewer for 'Camp America'

2) I describe houses that are for sale so that 'audio tours' of the property can be created. I've had this job since the start of uni and it's great because I can do it from anywhere! All I need is my laptop and an internet connection.

I am looking forward to having a 'real' job though!

To be completely honest. While I'm rampantly jealous of Pheebs' turnaround time, that doesn't exactly make it anyone's fault. We're all working on our own timelines and that's all we can do. So yes while jealous in one aspect I'm also immensely happy for her and hope that the rest of the process goes by just as quickly.

-Gary

Thanks Gary! I hope the rest of the process for you all is as quick as possible, and smooth too!

Edited February 2, 2015 by Pheebs1201