January 2017 I-129F Filers

[Miina 28]

14 hours ago, MaxG said:

Great news! I just got my NOA2. My case was approved on March 29.

 

My timeline so far:

• 01/06 - I-129F package sent via FedEx
• 01/09 - I-129F package received at USCIS Lewisville, TX facility
• 01/13 - $535 check cashed
• 01/16 - NOA1 - Received e-mail and text message my paperwork was submitted to California Service Center
• 03/29 - NOA2!!!!!!!!!!!!! - no email or text message. Just decided to check the USCIS site. Go figure.

So what are the next steps? My fiance is pregnant. Due date is estimated between August 15 and August 20. Any chance I can get her to US before then? Any issues at the embassy I should be aware of?

 

Just FYI, I am a native of Ukraine as well, living in USA for almost 20 years now. US citizen and the works :-)

Amazing! Congratulations!!

Im back in Central Asia after a wonderful visit to my dear fiance! It was so difficult to say goodbye again, but hopefully next time I see him I wont have to leave again!

 

I noticed in @geowrians report that they are already processing some 27th December cases, so that combined with @AkesAngels yesterdays crazy surprise happy data makes me super happy and optimistic!
 

Have a great day everyone!

[Klitt3rJ 22]

23 hours ago, MaxG said:

Great news! I just got my NOA2. My case was approved on March 29.

 

My timeline so far:

• 01/06 - I-129F package sent via FedEx
• 01/09 - I-129F package received at USCIS Lewisville, TX facility
• 01/13 - $535 check cashed
• 01/16 - NOA1 - Received e-mail and text message my paperwork was submitted to California Service Center
• 03/29 - NOA2!!!!!!!!!!!!! - no email or text message. Just decided to check the USCIS site. Go figure.

So what are the next steps? My fiance is pregnant. Due date is estimated between August 15 and August 20. Any chance I can get her to US before then? Any issues at the embassy I should be aware of?

 

Just FYI, I am a native of Ukraine as well, living in USA for almost 20 years now. US citizen and the works :-)

Congrats @MaxG !!!! 🎉 You and I have exactly the same timelines so maybe I'll be soon as well 😂😂

[AkesAngel 585]

Sorry for not getting up stats today ... had 2 shots yesterday and it knocked me out really bad. Tomorrow may be better I think.

Got the scans done but dont feel like getting data together today, but will include them tomorrow.

[NatO23 235]

1 hour ago, AkesAngel said:

Sorry for not getting up stats today ... had 2 shots yesterday and it knocked me out really bad. Tomorrow may be better I think.

Got the scans done but dont feel like getting data together today, but will include them tomorrow.

Don't worry about it - just focus on feeling better! We all appreciate your hard work so much, and a missed day or two isn't the end of he world at all. Rest up, hope you feel well soon.

[pardiiix 18]

1 hour ago, AkesAngel said:

Sorry for not getting up stats today ... had 2 shots yesterday and it knocked me out really bad. Tomorrow may be better I think.

Got the scans done but dont feel like getting data together today, but will include them tomorrow.

I can help if you want. Whenever you feel better, teach me how you do this magic of yours 😀☺️.

[dystopia 112]

1 hour ago, AkesAngel said:

Sorry for not getting up stats today ... had 2 shots yesterday and it knocked me out really bad. Tomorrow may be better I think.

Got the scans done but dont feel like getting data together today, but will include them tomorrow.

 

Not a problem at all. We are all thankful for what you do. Feel better!

[MaxG 18]

On 3/24/2017 at 4:06 AM, KimchiLumpia said:

Hi January 2017 filers!  

I'm a November 2016 filer and wrote this post because in the next few weeks, some of you will be receiving your NOA2 approvals.  And there are a lot of questions and confusion on what happens next after the NVC processes your case and what to do when you receive your NVC #.  Since I just recently completed the process, its fresh in my mind and would like to share my experience. 

I hope this helps clarify things for everyone:

 

Many new VJ members mention that there is good specific information regarding how to file a K1 Visa I-129F petition, but, where is all the specific information on how to schedule an interview or medical in my country?  What do I do now that I've received my NVC #?  Where do I find this information?

Once you have your NVC # you can use it to track your case on the CEAC website here:

https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?eQs=o/iS8zDpeAKjMWCuebHqOw==

Once your case is received at your fiance's foreign embassy and says "Ready", you will be able to start scheduling your medical and interview.  This is where it gets a bit tricky and country specific.

Before you are able to schedule a medical or interview, your foreign fiance's embassy will mail a step-by-step checklist of items required to be completed first.  This checklist is what is loosely known as "Packet 3".  I say loosely, because every country is different.  Some countries literally call it "Packet 3".  Some countries call it a simple "Checklist".  Some countries call it "instructions".  Some countries have no name for it. 

Regardless of what it is called, this Packet 3 checklist will be mailed to your foreign fiance.  However, some VJ members report they never received their Packet 3 checklist in the mail.  Fortunately, many countries have this Packet 3 checklist available on their US Embassy website.  Realize however, every country does this differently.  

For example:

Canada's Embassy website provides a downloadable Packet 3 checklist PDF: https://ca.usembassy.gov/visas/fiancee/

Ukraine's Embassy checklist is directly written on their website:  https://ua.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/fiancee-visa/how-to-apply/

 

This Packet 3 checklist generally includes: Submitting your DS160 online, getting your affidavit of support evidence, getting your police records report, and other information required at interview. 
 

Now remember: THIS CHECKLIST IS COUNTRY SPECIFIC!!!!

 

If you read the links above:

In Canada, you are to schedule your interview first THEN schedule your medical.
In Ukraine, you are to schedule your medical first THEN schedule your interview.

So when a VJ member gives you advice on what to do, make sure that advice is geared specifically to your foreign country.

If your foreign fiance's embassy website has the Packet 3 available, and your CEAC status shows ready, you do not have to wait for the official Packet 3 letter to arrive in the mail before you can start scheduling your medical and interview.

This has been confirmed by many VJ members, including myself.  My Canadian fiance and I scheduled her interview and medical 2 weeks before receiving our Packet 3 letter in the mail.  

Some feel more comfortable waiting for their Packet 3 checklist to arrive in the mail before starting scheduling their interview and medical appointments.  That's perfectly acceptable too.  Do what makes you most comfortable.

I took my time to write this post because I had a ton of questions myself regarding what to do with my NVC#.  Fortunately, I connected the dots with the help of the VJ members here.   And, I want to help others answer the same questions I had. 

If you've received your NOA2 and are waiting for your NVC #, I recommend checking your foreign fiance's embassy website and see what their packet 3 checklist requirements are.  Your fiance's foreign embassy will have the latest information, fees, and forms as well.

Remember, your CEAC status must first be "Ready" before you can schedule your medical or interview.  Just make sure you take the proper checklist steps that are specific to your country prior to scheduling your medical or interview.  

According to some member's profiles, VJ has been around more than 14 years.  I don't think there's a immigration scenario the collective members here hasn't read, seen or gone through personally.  So if you're uncertain or need help, just ask!  

 If any Canadian filers have any questions, let me know!

Hope this helps...and good luck to everyone on their Visa Journey!

So now we ultimately wait for 2 weeks until we get the NVC number? It doesn't look like I can fill out DS-160 until I have it.

 

According to the K-1 timeline, it's 2 more weeks for case to be transferred to NVC and then another 1-4 weeks for the case to reach the embassy. Can it really take that long to reach the embassy?

[Nghi T Pham 35]

I just received NOA2 hard copy in mailbox today. So happy 😀

[KimchiLumpia 315]

2 hours ago, MaxG said:

So now we ultimately wait for 2 weeks until we get the NVC number? It doesn't look like I can fill out DS-160 until I have it.

Once your case is received at the NVC, it can take a few days to several days to receive your NVC#.  It took about 5 days for us to receive our NVC# once the NVC received our approved petition.  Also, if you wish, you can start filling out the DS160.  The DS160 is completed online.  You can start filling in the info, save your work, and submit/add to it at a later time.    

 

According to the K-1 timeline, it's 2 more weeks for case to be transferred to NVC and then another 1-4 weeks for the case to reach the embassy. Can it really take that long to reach the embassy?

If you read my timeline, from our NOA 2 approval to NVC receiving our case took about 3.5 weeks.  It took about 5 days for us to receive an NVC#.  

Every country is different when it comes to their embassy receiving your case.  I'll say this, things definitely move faster at the NVC level though.  The longest wait by far is waiting for your NOA2. Just hang in there...and good luck..  

 

[glmg21 330]

3 hours ago, MaxG said:

So now we ultimately wait for 2 weeks until we get the NVC number? It doesn't look like I can fill out DS-160 until I have it.

 

According to the K-1 timeline, it's 2 more weeks for case to be transferred to NVC and then another 1-4 weeks for the case to reach the embassy. Can it really take that long to reach the embassy?

Around two weeks is normal. It's worth noting that you can fill out the DS-160 now and save your progress online, and then just have to add the case number and submit once you have it.

 

You can also start doing the affidavit of support requirements while you wait, which can take some time.

[alexo 3]

3 hours ago, Nghi T Pham said:

I just received NOA2 hard copy in mailbox today. So happy 😀

Congrats! Did you receive the e-mail yet? Or see an updated case status? Also, what was your NOA1 date?

[Nghi T Pham 35]

35 minutes ago, alexo said:

Congrats! Did you receive the e-mail yet? Or see an updated case status? Also, what was your NOA1 date?

My NOA1 was 23 Jan , received RFE on 07 Mar and reply by 17 Mar. Get text for NOA2 on 27 Mar and received NOA2 mail today.

Edited April 1, 2017 by Nghi T Pham

[TiruRiru09 49]

Were any January cases approved yesterday?

 

 

[AkesAngel 585]

Cases for January updated 3/30/2017: 4
Approved: 2
RFEs: 2
Other: 0

 

Cases for January updated 3/31/2017: 2
Approved: 2
RFEs: 0
Other: 0

*Only cases starting with a receiving date of Jan 1 onward*

 

Details for January (3/31/2017): https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1QbA9c-L-c1cXFuMXMwMUgyQjA

 

Spoiler

Rec'd Date	Current Day	Previous Day	Touched Cases
1/3/2017	189	189	0
1/4/2017	65	65	0
1/5/2017	52	52	0
1/6/2017	94	94	0
1/9/2017	262	264	2
1/10/2017	90	90	0
1/11/2017	74	74	0
1/12/2017	85	89	4
1/13/2017	142	142	0
1/17/2017	376	376	0
1/18/2017	108	108	0
1/19/2017	199	199	0
1/20/2017	154	154	0
1/23/2017	333	333	0
1/24/2017	142	142	0
1/25/2017	116	116	0
1/26/2017	132	132	0
1/27/2017	322	322	0
1/30/2017	301	301	0
1/31/2017	186	186	0

 

[Martin & Rona 157]

14 minutes ago, AkesAngel said:

Cases for January updated 3/30/2017: 4
Approved: 2
RFEs: 2
Other: 0

 

Cases for January updated 3/31/2017: 2
Approved: 2
RFEs: 0
Other: 0

*Only cases starting with a receiving date of Jan 1 onward*

 

Details for January (3/31/2017): https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1QbA9c-L-c1cXFuMXMwMUgyQjA

 

  Reveal hidden contents

Rec'd Date	Current Day	Previous Day	Touched Cases
1/3/2017	189	189	0
1/4/2017	65	65	0
1/5/2017	52	52	0
1/6/2017	94	94	0
1/9/2017	262	264	2
1/10/2017	90	90	0
1/11/2017	74	74	0
1/12/2017	85	89	4
1/13/2017	142	142	0
1/17/2017	376	376	0
1/18/2017	108	108	0
1/19/2017	199	199	0
1/20/2017	154	154	0
1/23/2017	333	333	0
1/24/2017	142	142	0
1/25/2017	116	116	0
1/26/2017	132	132	0
1/27/2017	322	322	0
1/30/2017	301	301	0
1/31/2017	186	186	0

 

Is USCIS on strike??????

 

Are you kidding me, they only processed 6 cases in two days.  

 

Wow, at this rate we won't get processed until December.