November 2015 l i-29f Filers

[Jaime & Aisha 46]

Hi everyone,

I think I'm writing this more for support than anything because I am so down about this whole process. I personally think it's because I'm spending Christmas without the love of my life and I am still waiting for my NOA2 after receiving NOA1 November 13th...... I see a lot of other folks have received theirs, even though they received NOA1's after we did, but I know that doesn't really mean much in the greater scheme of things!! I know my worry is pretty irrational, but I think I'm just emotional because this process is hard enough as is, without having to be separated at Christmas time! I am from South Africa and wonder if it is because I'm from Africa........ I don't know. Right now I am thinking way too much!

Congrats to everyone who has already received their NOA2's - I pray that I can join you and celebrate soon enough (before Christmas!!). Merry Christmas everyone xxx

I'm Nov 2...so you got my support. South Africa ain't normal Africa. I think you know that. It certainly aint Ghana, Mozambique, Libya, not that those are bad places, just not the same. So don't even think it is an issue. It ain't Ethiopia at the start of a major uprising with your significant other stuck on the uprising side of the fence.

You are just on the cusp of time for review, right at the start of holidays. So it is much harder for staff to do a lot of reviews when they are tracking their Amazon orders to make sure they arrive in time for Christmas, or who said what to whom at the Christmas party, or did you see what 'she wore', etc.

Yes it is hard. But no worries! Try setting up a video diary. Capture your thoughts as they occur at this moment. You will have something to share next year, and to your children/grand-children many years from now....

[Ted & Janine 31]

Hi everyone,

I think I'm writing this more for support than anything because I am so down about this whole process. I personally think it's because I'm spending Christmas without the love of my life and I am still waiting for my NOA2 after receiving NOA1 November 13th...... I see a lot of other folks have received theirs, even though they received NOA1's after we did, but I know that doesn't really mean much in the greater scheme of things!! I know my worry is pretty irrational, but I think I'm just emotional because this process is hard enough as is, without having to be separated at Christmas time! I am from South Africa and wonder if it is because I'm from Africa........ I don't know. Right now I am thinking way too much!

Congrats to everyone who has already received their NOA2's - I pray that I can join you and celebrate soon enough (before Christmas!!). Merry Christmas everyone xxx

Hello kath.

There have been alerts sent out by the embassy there in regards to terrorist threats by extremists to U.S. interests. They tend to look a little closer at those petitions. ICE and Customs and Border Protection will also review your petition and compare the data with the Department of Homeland Security. Usually adds one to three weeks to the process. Looking at the VJ timelines for South Africa, they range from 30 to 60 days for NOA2 approval. Looks like most are 35 to 40. Every case is different.

Philippines and a few other countries see faster approvals... so don't pay too much attention to those. Your NOA1 was on the 13th according to your timeline, so if you do not receive any rfe's you should be getting close. Remember, the next two weeks are only 3 1/2 day work weeks for the government because of Christmas and New Years.

Merry Christmas to you and Good Luck!!

[Jaime & Aisha 46]

Sounds like you have a really decent job. It's becoming rare these days to find good companies to work for. Even more rare to talk to people that actually like their career path. Companies are always concerned about the bottom line and tend to forget about the people helping them rise to the top. Glad you found a company that recognizes that balance.

I am trying to put myself in the position of the person working on your petition and discovering documentation of some of those events

I am thinking the reason that your petition delay is due to Ethiopia being a high-threat country. If that is the case, then you get a third set of eyes on your petition... "ICE" and "Customs and Border Protection". They manually check their information against information at the "Department of Homeland Security".

Despite their claims, I know that these children (some are 17) coming across the southern US borders have NOT been vetted. Nor do I believe that the Syrian refugees are being vetted. How can they be vetted without any background information?? Duhh. And they want to investigate K-1 Visa waiver program... eruhhh I mean the K-1 Fiance' Visa program

Ft. Worth PD was very interesting place for me in my early years. Many of my bubbles were popped about human nature, on both sides of the law. It was obviously before cell phone cameras, so all I will say is I saw some very bad things done by my co-workers. And told I had a choice to either write them up as I saw, write up what I 'think' I saw. So I left. I don't include that part of my life in my resume, and only mention it for a story to tell. But I did like the city...it was still very quiet downtown back then, still the panther city.

NOW today---I wrote down a complete description of my perfect job before I started applying (from overseas). I then applied to those positions that met those qualifications. I had 5 interviews (phone - I was overseas) in a very short order. Got 3 2nd on-site interview appointments (I had to schedule a plane).

1st interview was in San Antonio. Interviewed on a Friday, was offered the position on Monday--at the exact salary/benefits I had written down (then they tossed in a substantial yearly bonus, which I had never gotten before). I did go to the other 2 interviews, West Virginia, and Wisconsin; mainly because of the free trip, I had never been to those places. West Virginia would have been awesome for the location (same salary, and max for that company at that position), but I recalled that one criteria on my perfect job was close to my parents, so I turned that one down. Wisconsin was a no-brainer, way to cold for this Texas boy, and again not close. But I enjoyed the trips!

The story for the trip to the first interview is not believable, and is one I will not tell until I am settled down into my normal life, with semi-normal family (no such thing as a normal family). Based on what you said, you sort of know, but don't believe everything...that was scaled down

I got through to Aisha today. We were able to talk for more than 1 minute without the phone cutting out. Yes, there is a lot of fighting going on in her area. Tomorrow all the children are going to be kept home, because there is word it is going to be bad. She told me not to be worrying, it is okay.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

What are the documents needed by Us embassy Philippines? Thanks for your help

Here is what is needed for your interview at USEM Manila. http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/1178798/feb2015/K1-K2%20Applicant%20Interview%20Preparation%20Instructions%20-%20English%20_February%202015_.pdf

[Jaime & Aisha 46]

Despite their claims, I know that these children (some are 17) coming across the southern US borders have NOT been vetted. Nor do I believe that the Syrian refugees are being vetted. How can they be vetted without any background information?? Duhh. And they want to investigate K-1 Visa waiver program... eruhhh I mean the K-1 Fiance' Visa program

A couple of weeks ago Syrians coming from Mexico gave themselves up at the Laredo international bridge. We (USA) took them in. Why I ask? Why not, at the bridge send them back to where they came -- Mexico. Let the Mexican's deal with them. Why do we have to 'detain' them on our side?

That easy for these folks to get to the USA. And yet we are doing it correctly, while being questioned as if we're potentially bad people.....

[Ted & Janine 31]

Ft. Worth PD was very interesting place for me in my early years. Many of my bubbles were popped about human nature, on both sides of the law. It was obviously before cell phone cameras, so all I will say is I saw some very bad things done by my co-workers. And told I had a choice to either write them up as I saw, write up what I 'think' I saw. So I left. I don't include that part of my life in my resume, and only mention it for a story to tell. But I did like the city...it was still very quiet downtown back then, still the panther city.

The story for the trip to the first interview is not believable, and is one I will not tell until I am settled down into my normal life, with semi-normal family (no such thing as a normal family). Based on what you said, you sort of know, but don't believe everything...that was scaled down

I got through to Aisha today. We were able to talk for more than 1 minute without the phone cutting out. Yes, there is a lot of fighting going on in her area. Tomorrow all the children are going to be kept home, because there is word it is going to be bad. She told me not to be worrying, it is okay.

Don't get me wrong. I believe your story and I am sure that was just the foam from the cold pitcher of beer.

I can relate to seeing bad things at the S.O. by co-workers. Fortunately, I knew the Sheriff and was very close to a detective sergeant. I guess you could say that I was a whistle blower. I was appalled that things like that could happen. Those were the days that cameras were not in every single intake, holding area, fingerprint room, dispatch office, and on and on. No dash-cams and like you said, no cell phones cameras. Amazing that drugs and sex could be so prominent on the inside. There were days that I felt like I was part of the mafia. Was told that we are all "family". My years of growing up in New York left a very lasting impression in my tiny brain. The word "family" was a scary word and I wanted out. The end result was me leaving and eventually the "well trusted" officer in question... lets just say he has a new family.

Hopefully your lady is safe. Can't imagine having to worry about my lady being in a situation like that. My only concerns are typhoons. Fortunately she lives on somewhat higher land

[steph&max 13]

Hi everyone,

I think I'm writing this more for support than anything because I am so down about this whole process. I personally think it's because I'm spending Christmas without the love of my life and I am still waiting for my NOA2 after receiving NOA1 November 13th...... I see a lot of other folks have received theirs, even though they received NOA1's after we did, but I know that doesn't really mean much in the greater scheme of things!! I know my worry is pretty irrational, but I think I'm just emotional because this process is hard enough as is, without having to be separated at Christmas time! I am from South Africa and wonder if it is because I'm from Africa........ I don't know. Right now I am thinking way too much!

Congrats to everyone who has already received their NOA2's - I pray that I can join you and celebrate soon enough (before Christmas!!). Merry Christmas everyone xxx

Hi and welcome!!! I got my NOA1 the 18th so I'm a bit later than you but I still feel your pain.

My fiancé is usually very positive and calm but this past week seeing people get it and not us yet starts to get to him too.

I was getting very anxious, but decided to just try to see everything like: it will happen in its perfect time. Everything will happen when it's supposed to.

Still I know that doesn't help much but it does calm you down a bit. So maybe try to think that way too, and let us remember we will get a whole lifetime with them soon ?

I wish you and everyone from early NOV gets it early this upcoming week, the perfect Christmas present!!

Merry Christmas to you all ! ?

[Kay00 0]

Thank you all for the warm welcome and congrats

[Ted & Janine 31]

A couple of weeks ago Syrians coming from Mexico gave themselves up at the Laredo international bridge. We (USA) took them in. Why I ask? Why not, at the bridge send them back to where they came -- Mexico. Let the Mexican's deal with them. Why do we have to 'detain' them on our side?

That easy for these folks to get to the USA. And yet we are doing it correctly, while being questioned as if we're potentially bad people.....

Agreed. The bleeding hearts of America want to focus on the problems of everybody else. They fail to recognize the problems here. We can't afford to make them our problem. Sign me up for the "Send Them Back" campaign.

Now they want to place them at Ft Hood?? Hmm... a training facility with live ammunition in progress, tanks, jeeps, and lots of other dangers. Yes!! That makes perfect sense!

I had this crazy thought (just temporary) to send my lady through Mexico and let her cross the U.S. border. Why would this be appealing? Easy citizenship, healthcare, housing, job placement. Oh wait... even better. Go to Syria and take the boat. No, I don't believe that there is a 2 year vetting process. I might get slammed for saying that.

I prefer to do it the correct way. We definitely go through a more strict process. Plus... we have to PAY for it.

[Kay00 0]

Congrats on getting through the minor hurdle.

As the rest of us are now preparing for the RFE, could you from your experience share your wisdom on this. It is an unknown, and so can be a little 'scary'.

Would it be possible to share what the RFE was about in your case, and how you handled it?

If not, no problem.

Thank you!

Our application was fairly easy so I was pretty confused on why the delay in approval. So after 45 days, I got a RFE that I did not answer a question on whether I had a criminal record or not, which I don't. I was surprised, as I thought I triple checked everything.

The RFE was an easy fix, being that the approval came within a week. They sent me a document asking the same question, I answered, signed and sent the documents the next day.

I remember feeling sad when many Oct filers were getting approved as my Fiance and I continued to wait. At some point I was wishing for a RFE just cuz I just needed to hear from them.

Don't lose hope, I'm pretty sure you'll hear something pretty soon, keep up the faith!

Edited December 20, 2015 by Kudar2016

[Ted & Janine 31]

Thank you!

Our application was fairly easy so I was pretty confused on why the delay in approval. So after 45 days, I got a RFE that I did not answer a question on whether I had a criminal record or not, which I don't. I was surprised, as I thought I triple checked everything.

The RFE was an easy fix, being that the approval came within a week. They sent me a document asking the same question, I answered, signed and sent the documents the next day.

I remember feeling sad when many Oct filers were getting approved as my Fiance and I continued to wait. At some point I was wishing for a RFE just cuz I just needed to hear from them.

Don't lose hope, I'm pretty sure you'll hear something pretty soon, keep up the faith!

Great story!

Very true. Don't lose hope and keep the faith

[Kehinde 45]

Thank you all for the warm welcome and congrats

Hello Kudar. It is nice to see another Nigerian filer. I have been waiting for noa2 for 46 days, but now reading your experience I hope I don't receive an RFE, but like you said it would be better than just waiting.

[Kay00 0]

Great story!

Very true. Don't lose hope and keep the faith

Yeah! Thank you. You guys are so supportive and uplifting, it's nice to have that during this process. Long distance is definitely not easy...very soon, we'll all be with our sweethearts #lovewins

[Jaime & Aisha 46]

I had this crazy thought (just temporary) to send my lady through Mexico and let her cross the U.S. border. Why would this be appealing? Easy citizenship, healthcare, housing, job placement. Oh wait... even better. Go to Syria and take the boat. No, I don't believe that there is a 2 year vetting process. I might get slammed for saying that.

I prefer to do it the correct way. We definitely go through a more strict process. Plus... we have to PAY for it.

That is toooooo funny. I was told the same thing at work. Why I'm going through all the trouble, aggravation, emotional roller-coaster of a Visa when I could just go pick her up in Mexico, and come across just like that.

I learned way way way early in life there are people who do wrong and sail through life just fine and dandy. Some even prosper financially. Not criminal wrong, just general things. Then there are people who can't spit on the sidewalk without being called on the carpet as if a felony had been committed. And I belong to group 2.

Which is fine. I prefer doing it the right way, I have a conscious...and know right from wrong.

So now, where's that dang NOA2 or RFE

[Kay00 0]

Hello Kudar. It is nice to see another Nigerian filer. I have been waiting for noa2 for 46 days, but now reading your experience I hope I don't receive an RFE, but like you said it would be better than just waiting.

Aww! My naija sista! Great to see you too.

I'm sure you should hear something pretty soon. Mine took 48 days to be exact. I'm rooting for prior to Christmas for you! I pray 4 the best 4 you and everyone else still waiting. Keep us updated so then we can chat on how to go about the next steps in Nigeria lol