All Japan Filers

[TeamM&M 4]

Our instructions in packet 3 clearly stated to...

Step 2, create profile and follow fiancé instructions

Step 3, schedule interview via the link

[Holman come down 10]

Wow, guys, she already got her interview date, and it's for August 26th! That's much faster than the norm I've been seeing on other timelines. She said the lady at the embassy told her over the phone that they have a staff member working solely with K-1 visas, so they are moving pretty quickly. I'm going to have to talk to my boss about taking time off to get over there. (We're going to have a little party in Japan with friends and dinner with her family before I steal her away.)

[TeamM&M 4]

Awesome! Congrats!!!

[CHRUKA 1]

Takeo and Chruka:

Welcome to the club!

Look for a change of status on the CEAC status check I posted above. It should show something by now or at least tomorrow. Remember, I only saw 2 stages. administrative processing (Monday afternoon) and issued (Tuesday afternoon) which it still shows as of now.

I tried entering the NVC and USCIS case numbers but nothing shows up. Was there a different number that I need to use? Nevermind, just had to change the search for an immigrant visa instead of non-immigrant... even though K-1 is technically non-immigrant... but whatever. Anyway, ISSUED!

Also, I heard people need a special sealed envelope and the visa-in-passport when going through the POE. My fiance got a manila envelope with health records that says "personal copy". That doesn't sound like an official must remain sealed kind of envelope. Is there something else coming in the mail?

Edited August 14, 2013 by CHRUKA

[Takeo 6]

Takeo and Chruka:

Welcome to the club!

Look for a change of status on the CEAC status check I posted above. It should show something by now or at least tomorrow. Remember, I only saw 2 stages. administrative processing (Monday afternoon) and issued (Tuesday afternoon) which it still shows as of now.

Thank you! Went to the CEAC status check on Monday (US time) and it showed "Issued". My fiance received her passport and visa yesterday, so fast!

[TeamM&M 4]

Home, jetlaged and with each other in California!

T: excellent!

C: the sealed envelope is what arrives from the embassy along with the passport! do not Open!!!

Immigration was a breeze. rookie officer, called supervisor to deal with the minimal paperwork.

Seemed like they just stamped the 2nd page of I129f, used the 90 day date stamp, stamped the passport, stamped the blue customs card. No interview room, no secondary.

Cheers!

[Sheepwalk 12]

Home, jetlaged and with each other in California!

T: excellent!

C: the sealed envelope is what arrives from the embassy along with the passport! do not Open!!!

Immigration was a breeze. rookie officer, called supervisor to deal with the minimal paperwork.

Seemed like they just stamped the 2nd page of I129f, used the 90 day date stamp, stamped the passport, stamped the blue customs card. No interview room, no secondary.

Cheers!

Omedeto gozaimasu!!!

Wish you and all the red-tape-survivors here for a long, sweet marriage.

We've just received NOA2 this month and wrapping up our documentation.

So glad to find this thread... Thanks for sharing.

If anyone knows, could you advice me on:

1. Do you need to send back a photo together with DS-230 Part 1 to the Embassy ASAP after packet 3?

2. Is a renewed letter of intent from both of us required at the Embassy?

3. What to answer Q31 of DS-156 (Have you ever been refused a US visa? Yes --> Where??)

I was denied a petition for intra-company transfer my company submitted 3 years ago. Shall I answer my address in Tokyo or the company's address in the US, which the denial notice was sent?

Any tips appreciated!

Edited August 19, 2013 by Sheepwalk

[TeamM&M 4]

Yes to the photo...

But it is not requested on the DS 230, rather the contact info sheet that is included in the packet 3.

It also asks for 2 more of the same photo to the embassy if you apply for the visa withing 6 months.

It specifies a white background.

Not sure about your 156 answer.

Cheers M

[Sheepwalk 12]

Yes to the photo...

But it is not requested on the DS 230, rather the contact info sheet that is included in the packet 3.

It also asks for 2 more of the same photo to the embassy if you apply for the visa withing 6 months.

It specifies a white background.

Not sure about your 156 answer.

Cheers M

Thanks!!! Then I'll go & get the photos this weekend.

I've read somewhere that the packet 3 especially indicates to show your ears in the photos. Funny... do they want our ears to stand with a scotch tape.

[TeamM&M 4]

50x50mm

Color photo, white background, no boarders

Less than 6 months old

Face must fill 50% of photo

Face toward camera

Must show ears (not covered by hair)

Print name on back of photo

[Sheepwalk 12]

Thanks a million !!!

Was it LAX that was easy peasy POE. Planning on using it.

[Holman come down 10]

Well, it's been 8 months, but we finally got our K-1 visa! I'm off to Japan on Thursday. We're going to do a party in Japan and a typical wedding couple photo session, going to have lunch with her whole family, etc etc. Then we'll be back here in a week and wedding next month!

What a relief.

[lierre 224]

Did anyone here process with the Naha consulate?

Should I schedule a medical before the interview is assigned? How open are their exam slots? Like, if I get case complete tomorrow, can I schedule a slot Friday?

[Takeo 6]

Well, it's been 8 months, but we finally got our K-1 visa! I'm off to Japan on Thursday. We're going to do a party in Japan and a typical wedding couple photo session, going to have lunch with her whole family, etc etc. Then we'll be back here in a week and wedding next month!

What a relief.

Congrats to you both! My fiance flies in next weekend. 13 month journey. She's arriving with dog and rabbit, had to do extensive quarantine paperwork, testing, and payment for the dog, the rabbit also have to go through an evaluation and come in with English health certificates. What a journey!

[Tobydale 2]

Congrats on your journey. My fiance will be moving here (USA) from Japan also. I have not found many choices for shipping companies that offer door to door or door to port service. We are not moving any of her furniture or big things, but she still has a considerable amount of "stuff". I have found Nippon Express, Econo Move Japan, and Eagle Net. I am interested in shipping by boat since air would be way too costly.

Any help is appreciated.

Congrats to you both! My fiance flies in next weekend. 13 month journey. She's arriving with dog and rabbit, had to do extensive quarantine paperwork, testing, and payment for the dog, the rabbit also have to go through an evaluation and come in with English health certificates. What a journey!