I-130 December 2016 Filers

[Sundee 270]

9 minutes ago, Daneandkathy said:

@Alexis9294 thats what I was thinking, wait until our date is past what the USCIS website is.

 

As far as traveling we were really nervous to apply for a tourist visa because

1) we were told since we were in the process of I-130 he might be denied, a visa or denied entry at our US entry point, since we have the intention of staying in the US eventually. We were told by other people doing I-130 and a lot of folks on this group as well.

2) we were not sure he would even be given a visa and the cost

3) because Macedonia has a high number of people who overstay in the US, it is never certain you will even get a visa. 

 

However:

 

since he had numerous prior visas from working on the ships he was given a 10yr visa almost immediately. The embassy just asked a couple of questions and the minute he said his wife was a US citizen they gave him the visa. 

 

at SFO where we entered he was allowed to go with me through the US citizen line and then I was given the 3rd degree about living out of the country, the  officer simply asked him if he had been to the US before, he said "yes on the ships" and she replied "ahhh a seaman welcome back!".... 

 

Depending on where you are I might recommend aiming for the west coast for entry point, as it sounds like they are friendlier, but no promises.

 

Hope this helps.... we are staying for 5mths and he was given 6mths allowance to stay... 

 

K&D

God was on your side and given that your husband had already been given visa's makes it so much easier

[stephanie918 46]

19 hours ago, Sundee said:

Do u have a iPhone? If so the app is different then it is on a android phone. I have iPhone and so I don't get the "near by" section either.... Sucks

yeah I do...

 

[nyokie 572]

Some of USCIS workers Probably was watching the news channels yesterday so they didn't had time to do any work like that .

 

 

so today they just might do the same thing.

[Alexis9294 11]

17 hours ago, Daneandkathy said:

@Alexis9294 thats what I was thinking, wait until our date is past what the USCIS website is.

 

As far as traveling we were really nervous to apply for a tourist visa because

1) we were told since we were in the process of I-130 he might be denied, a visa or denied entry at our US entry point, since we have the intention of staying in the US eventually. We were told by other people doing I-130 and a lot of folks on this group as well.

2) we were not sure he would even be given a visa and the cost

3) because Macedonia has a high number of people who overstay in the US, it is never certain you will even get a visa. 

 

However:

 

since he had numerous prior visas from working on the ships he was given a 10yr visa almost immediately. The embassy just asked a couple of questions and the minute he said his wife was a US citizen they gave him the visa. 

 

at SFO where we entered he was allowed to go with me through the US citizen line and then I was given the 3rd degree about living out of the country, the  officer simply asked him if he had been to the US before, he said "yes on the ships" and she replied "ahhh a seaman welcome back!".... 

 

Depending on where you are I might recommend aiming for the west coast for entry point, as it sounds like they are friendlier, but no promises.

 

Hope this helps.... we are staying for 5mths and he was given 6mths allowance to stay... 

 

K&D

Thanks so much for the information and congratulations on being able to go to the U.S.! My husband is British and he can enter under the visa waiver program so I'm sure it's a bit different. Instead of having to get a visa approved he just needs to apply for an ESTA online (and be approved) prior to flying to the U.S. but the problem is that we've been told it's up to the officers discretion...

 

Has anyone had their spouse enter the U.S. on an ESTA with a pending I-130? If so, can you please share your experience? My husband will have documents from his job, lease (rental agreement), return ticket, etc., to show that he doesn't intend to stay. Is this sufficient? 

Edited August 30, 2017 by Alexis9294

[MrsMcFarlane 3]

I woke up this morning to a bunch of alerts! Approval!!!!!!! PD 12.12!!! I'm literally under the eye of Harvey and I get this news!!! Talk about light in a dark time! Keep the hope!!! Everyone's day is soon to come!!!!

[martin bk 19]

2 hours ago, Alexis9294 said:

Thanks so much for the information and congratulations on being able to go to the U.S.! My husband is British and he can enter under the visa waiver program so I'm sure it's a bit different. Instead of having to get a visa approved he just needs to apply for an ESTA online (and be approved) prior to flying to the U.S. but the problem is that we've been told it's up to the officers discretion...

 

Has anyone had their spouse enter the U.S. on an ESTA with a pending I-130? If so, can you please share your experience? My husband will have documents from his job, lease (rental agreement), return ticket, etc., to show that he doesn't intend to stay. Is this sufficient? 

I came over to visit in June for 90 days on my esta. No issues with immigration, but yes it is upto the officers discretion 

sorry I'm not much help, But I was through immigration in less than 5 mins. He didn't ask me anything about my husband. Just told me to enjoy my trip. 

[Alexis9294 11]

5 minutes ago, martin bk said:

I came over to visit in June for 90 days on my esta. No issues with immigration, but yes it is upto the officers discretion 

sorry I'm not much help, But I was through immigration in less than 5 mins. He didn't ask me anything about my husband. Just told me to enjoy my trip. 

Thank you for sharing. Did you tell the officer that you had a pending I-130? And what was your Port of entry? 

Edited August 30, 2017 by Alexis9294

[martin bk 19]

4 minutes ago, Alexis9294 said:

Thank you for sharing. Did you tell the officer that you had a pending I-130? And what was your Port of entry? 

I flew into salt lake, he never asked about th I-130 I said I was visiting friends and family, he asked me what I was going to do while here and that was it, stamped my  passport and wished me a pleasant trip. 

[DILAW 94]

On 8/28/2017 at 11:41 AM, MrHanky said:

you mean for an inquiry?

I am not sure what you mean, but my spouse is from Yemen and 99% of USC married to Yemeni citizens will have to complete a long interview at the local USCIS to make sure the marriage is legit and not a fraud.  I have already gotten a RFE on 4/17/17 which I responded to on 4/22/17, but my case was transferred to the local USCIS on 6/1/17.  Now been waiting over 3 months to get my interview date at the USCIS (my interview) before moving on to the NVC stage

[From Tx 6]

1 hour ago, MrsMcFarlane said:

I woke up this morning to a bunch of alerts! Approval!!!!!!! PD 12.12!!! I'm literally under the eye of Harvey and I get this news!!! Talk about light in a dark time! Keep the hope!!! Everyone's day is soon to come!!!!

Wow! Congratulations!

[Daneandkathy 53]

APPROVED!!!!! 

Nebraska SC

PD Dec 16th, approved Aug 29th, received approval by email! 

 

Hang in there every one!!!!! They are moving along slowly

 

K&D

[Sundee 270]

2 minutes ago, Daneandkathy said:

APPROVED!!!!! 

Nebraska SC

PD Dec 16th, approved Aug 29th, received approval by email! 

 

Hang in there every one!!!!! They are moving along slowly

 

K&D

Yes I think I'm next in line. I'm Nov 30... 

I pray

[Alexis9294 11]

59 minutes ago, martin bk said:

I flew into salt lake, he never asked about th I-130 I said I was visiting friends and family, he asked me what I was going to do while here and that was it, stamped my  passport and wished me a pleasant trip. 

Oh ok, well I'm glad you had a smooth experience. I've heard mixed reviews; some people say if they don't ask, don't tell (about pending petition) while others say it's better to tell them about it upfront because if they feel that you withheld that information it's not good. So I don't know...but thanks for answering my questions. I appreciate it!

[Alexis9294 11]

2 hours ago, MrsMcFarlane said:

I woke up this morning to a bunch of alerts! Approval!!!!!!! PD 12.12!!! I'm literally under the eye of Harvey and I get this news!!! Talk about light in a dark time! Keep the hope!!! Everyone's day is soon to come!!!!

 

29 minutes ago, Daneandkathy said:

APPROVED!!!!! 

Nebraska SC

PD Dec 16th, approved Aug 29th, received approval by email! 

 

Hang in there every one!!!!! They are moving along slowly

 

K&D

Congratulations to both of you! I'm 12/6 PD at NSC...not sure what the hold up is but so many people after us are getting their approvals 😢😢 But I'm happy for you both and I wish you smooth sailing through the next phase of the process!! 

[MrsMcFarlane 3]

5 minutes ago, Alexis9294 said:

 

Congratulations to both of you! I'm 12/6 PD at NSC...not sure what the hold up is but so many people after us are getting their approvals 😢😢 But I'm happy for you both and I wish you smooth sailing through the next phase of the process!! 

My approval date says the 28th, I just got the alerts this morning. Some of you may already be approved and just don't know it yet hang in there, I'm sure it's right around the corner!🙏