February 2017 I-129F Filers

[O.C 160]

Wow, the RFE % is quite high. I wonder what happened in the last week..or if they created stricter guidelines for approving/responding with an RFE. 

 

Lets see what today brings. Fingers crossed for a decent # of cases touched.

[mkm1993 92]

Hey y'all... so I've got a question that maybe some of y'all can weigh in on. It deals with flights... I am planning on being with my fiancé in Rio (Brazil) when she has her interview and hopefully if all goes well with the timeing of the approved visa we will come back to the states together... I've been eying flights on Expedia, one way, round trip etc. Like I said my hope is for us to return together to the states. I'm having a hard time deciding what I should do about flights when the time does finally come to buy them... she lives approx. 17 or 18 hours from Rio so I'm wondering if I should do a one way ticket and meet her there for the interview process or buy a one way ticket where she lives and then buy our tickets to fly to Rio for the interview. OR buy a round trip for myself to where she lives for my time there and then purchase tickets to Rio for the interview then when it's time to come home buy her a ticket? What are your thoughts and suggestions. I'm not setting anything in stone at this point because I have no idea about when our interview will be. I'm hoping September or October but who really knows. Someone with more flight experience could probably have way more wisdom than me on this. Thanks in advance. 

[mkm1993 92]

Also to start a new conversation besides all of us obsessing about why they aren't processing cases as fast as usual (because we all know it drives us insane lol) what are some ways that y'all are preparing for your significant others to arrive to the states... your  savings goals, your housing goals, your short term goals, your marriage goals etc. What are some discussions you and your sweeties have had about this? How do they think America will be especially if they live somewhere other than the continent of North America?  

[mkm1993 92]

8 minutes ago, hiepster said:

try this google.com/flights

 

Thanks 

[Alysia&Luis 522]

26 minutes ago, hiepster said:

try this google.com/flights

 

 

1 hour ago, mkm1993 said:

Hey y'all... so I've got a question that maybe some of y'all can weigh in on. It deals with flights... I am planning on being with my fiancé in Rio (Brazil) when she has her interview and hopefully if all goes well with the timeing of the approved visa we will come back to the states together... I've been eying flights on Expedia, one way, round trip etc. Like I said my hope is for us to return together to the states. I'm having a hard time deciding what I should do about flights when the time does finally come to buy them... she lives approx. 17 or 18 hours from Rio so I'm wondering if I should do a one way ticket and meet her there for the interview process or buy a one way ticket where she lives and then buy our tickets to fly to Rio for the interview. OR buy a round trip for myself to where she lives for my time there and then purchase tickets to Rio for the interview then when it's time to come home buy her a ticket? What are your thoughts and suggestions. I'm not setting anything in stone at this point because I have no idea about when our interview will be. I'm hoping September or October but who really knows. Someone with more flight experience could probably have way more wisdom than me on this. Thanks in advance. 

Yeah I have multiple flight options save in google flights for tracking.  Then when it comes down to it I will be able to make the best decision on if I will get to Peru for the interview or go before.  With the timeline for NOA2 looking later and later I might not get to go for the interview with work obligations in Aug/Sep.  I might just go for a nice visit in July, which is okay too

[T_P 872]

1 hour ago, mkm1993 said:

Hey y'all... so I've got a question that maybe some of y'all can weigh in on. It deals with flights... I am planning on being with my fiancé in Rio (Brazil) when she has her interview and hopefully if all goes well with the timeing of the approved visa we will come back to the states together... I've been eying flights on Expedia, one way, round trip etc. Like I said my hope is for us to return together to the states. I'm having a hard time deciding what I should do about flights when the time does finally come to buy them... she lives approx. 17 or 18 hours from Rio so I'm wondering if I should do a one way ticket and meet her there for the interview process or buy a one way ticket where she lives and then buy our tickets to fly to Rio for the interview. OR buy a round trip for myself to where she lives for my time there and then purchase tickets to Rio for the interview then when it's time to come home buy her a ticket? What are your thoughts and suggestions. I'm not setting anything in stone at this point because I have no idea about when our interview will be. I'm hoping September or October but who really knows. Someone with more flight experience could probably have way more wisdom than me on this. Thanks in advance. 

Something we have to state right away. This is going to be expensive no matter what, but it will be less expensive based on my previous experience with my partner if you do a roundtrip for your self and a separate ticket for your partner in same flight. 

[JayCee17 33]

1 hour ago, mkm1993 said:

Also to start a new conversation besides all of us obsessing about why they aren't processing cases as fast as usual (because we all know it drives us insane lol) what are some ways that y'all are preparing for your significant others to arrive to the states... your  savings goals, your housing goals, your short term goals, your marriage goals etc. What are some discussions you and your sweeties have had about this? How do they think America will be especially if they live somewhere other than the continent of North America?  

There are so many variables involved with planning due to waiting on the USCIS. This stresses me out because I can't plan any specifics; however, there are several things I have been thinking about. The housing situation is taken care of. I have a house and it's ready for my fiance and his son (14 yr old). When they arrive, I need to get his son enrolled in school. I'm not sure when we will marry. I wanted to do it as soon as he arrived, but his sister wants to attend. I'll be traveling to Ecuador in two weeks. I will be there for a month, so we will discuss that in more detail later; but we have talked about marrying at the courthouse and then having a larger wedding (renewing of vows) at a later date.  My fiance doesn't speak English, so he will be spending a lot of time learning the language. I currently have a master's degree and I am a high school teacher (Web and Digital Design); but I am finishing up my last graduate course in ESOL (English to Speakers of other Languages). I will be officially certified to teach him English and help his son as well.  We are an older couple (he is 53 and I am 49). We have experienced a lot in life so I believe we will be able to handle the difficulties. I know there will be some. I've been single for many years and my daughter (29) just passed away in August. He has also had a daughter that passed away. She was 13. I have traveled to Europe and South America. He was in the Ecuadorian military and has lived in Spain for many years. I just hope his son adjusts well. He and his father are very close, and he will have all the support he needs from the both of us; but he is still a kid. This is going to be challenging.

 

I thought that our applications would have been processed by now and I was hoping for an interview date in June while I am there visiting. It still may be possible, but there is nothing that can speed up the process. I have, however, gathered all of the paperwork needed for the interview process. We still need to get medical done and get several copies of their records (marriage/divorce, birth certificates, letter from employer, school transcripts). I know we will need certain original certifications in order to apply for jobs, school, licenses, etc. I hope to  get a letter of recommendation from his employer as well. I'm excited about our future, but also have a little anxiety. We just need to take one day at a time. I was very excited yesterday when I checked my case status online and discovered that the case logged right after mine received an RFE. I was hoping to get an approval yesterday...Still hopeful to receive one soon. My NOA1 was Feb 1.

 

Edit:  You guys make a nice-looking couple and young too!  What have y'all been preparing for?

Edited May 9, 2017 by JayCee17

[mkm1993 92]

1 hour ago, Alysia&Luis said:

 

Yeah I have multiple flight options save in google flights for tracking.  Then when it comes down to it I will be able to make the best decision on if I will get to Peru for the interview or go before.  With the timeline for NOA2 looking later and later I might not get to go for the interview with work obligations in Aug/Sep.  I might just go for a nice visit in July, which is okay too

Yes they seem to be more reasonable on prices for sure. Tickets are so expensive 😔😔😔

[mkm1993 92]

1 hour ago, JayCee17 said:

There are so many variables involved with planning due to waiting on the USCIS. This stresses me out because I can't plan any specifics; however, there are several things I have been thinking about. The housing situation is taken care of. I have a house and it's ready for my fiance and his son (14 yr old). When they arrive, I need to get his son enrolled in school. I'm not sure when we will marry. I wanted to do it as soon as he arrived, but his sister wants to attend. I'll be traveling to Ecuador in two weeks. I will be there for a month, so we will discuss that in more detail later; but we have talked about marrying at the courthouse and then having a larger wedding (renewing of vows) at a later date.  My fiance doesn't speak English, so he will be spending a lot of time learning the language. I currently have a master's degree and I am a high school teacher (Web and Digital Design); but I am finishing up my last graduate course in ESOL (English to Speakers of other Languages). I will be officially certified to teach him English and help his son as well.  We are an older couple (he is 53 and I am 49). We have experienced a lot in life so I believe we will be able to handle the difficulties. I know there will be some. I've been single for many years and my daughter (29) just passed away in August. He has also had a daughter that passed away. She was 13. I have traveled to Europe and South America. He was in the Ecuadorian military and has lived in Spain for many years. I just hope his son adjusts well. He and his father are very close, and he will have all the support he needs from the both of us; but he is still a kid. This is going to be challenging.

 

I thought that our applications would have been processed by now and I was hoping for an interview date in June while I am there visiting. It still may be possible, but there is nothing that can speed up the process. I have, however, gathered all of the paperwork needed for the interview process. We still need to get medical done and get several copies of their records (marriage/divorce, birth certificates, letter from employer, school transcripts). I know we will need certain original certifications in order to apply for jobs, school, licenses, etc. I hope to  get a letter of recommendation from his employer as well. I'm excited about our future, but also have a little anxiety. We just need to take one day at a time. I was very excited yesterday when I checked my case status online and discovered that the case logged right after mine received an RFE. I was hoping to get an approval yesterday...Still hopeful to receive one soon. My NOA1 was Feb 1.

 

Edit:  You guys make a nice-looking couple and young too!  What have y'all been preparing for?

Wow what a story... sorry to hear about your daughter. I lost a brother when I was 4 years old in 1998... he was 9 years old. If there is one thing I've learned through this entire process is patience. I am not a patient person at all.. I get very frustrated from time to time and find it affecting my attitude sometimes which comes off as frustration. My girlfriend is a little less fortunate than me being from Brazil... Americans have cellphones all the time with impeccable service for the most part there she is only able to use wifi for the most part. They lay by the day there which is unheard of... it's worse than prepaid... we talk every day none the less... so having her with me in person every day will be the most wonderful gift from God ever lol. Yes we are young... I'm 23 turning 24 July 17 this year and she is 20 turning 21 June 10 this year... I've never been the one to date just for the hell of it... I always wanted to date for my soulmate and eventual wife... The main thing that I've been doing to prepare is saving, saving and more saving of my money. I currently live with my mother but this will not remain the case when she arrives. I came across an estate sale and found several pieces of furniture that I had intentions to resale but decided to hold on to them for our home wherever that may beI've made list of things I will need to take for her interview and a list of things that she has to get... she talks pretty good English and was already enrolled in a class before we met just for the fun of it. She spends her days working in the morning and looking at different things about America online... researching the states, current fashions, a little bit of politics, crime reports lol, and a list of other things. Today she is out paying for her passport and getting that all ready... we are just waitin at this point. With great anticipation 😁

[mkm1993 92]

1 hour ago, T_P said:

Something we have to state right away. This is going to be expensive no matter what, but it will be less expensive based on my previous experience with my partner if you do a roundtrip for your self and a separate ticket for your partner in same flight. 

Very expensive lol!!thanks for the input 

[JayCee17 33]

9 minutes ago, mkm1993 said:

Wow what a story... sorry to hear about your daughter. I lost a brother when I was 4 years old in 1998... he was 9 years old. If there is one thing I've learned through this entire process is patience. I am not a patient person at all.. I get very frustrated from time to time and find it affecting my attitude sometimes which comes off as frustration. My girlfriend is a little less fortunate than me being from Brazil... Americans have cellphones all the time with impeccable service for the most part there she is only able to use wifi for the most part. They lay by the day there which is unheard of... it's worse than prepaid... we talk every day none the less... so having her with me in person every day will be the most wonderful gift from God ever lol. Yes we are young... I'm 23 turning 24 July 17 this year and she is 20 turning 21 June 10 this year... I've never been the one to date just for the hell of it... I always wanted to date for my soulmate and eventual wife... The main thing that I've been doing to prepare is saving, saving and more saving of my money. I currently live with my mother but this will not remain the case when she arrives. I came across an estate sale and found several pieces of furniture that I had intentions to resale but decided to hold on to them for our home wherever that may beI've made list of things I will need to take for her interview and a list of things that she has to get... she talks pretty good English and was already enrolled in a class before we met just for the fun of it. She spends her days working in the morning and looking at different things about America online... researching the states, current fashions, a little bit of politics, crime reports lol, and a list of other things. Today she is out paying for her passport and getting that all ready... we are just waitin at this point. With great anticipation 😁

Thank you and I'm sorry about your brother. It's a difficult thing to go through. I just want to say, hang in there. We cannot make this process go any faster. We just have to enjoy the time we have with our fiances' (either by phone or in person). Keep saving money while you are living at home. Things change when you move out. Sometimes I wish I could live back at home...lol. Anyway, good luck to you both. I am praying very hard for many approvals this week...of course for myself but also for everyone. It feels like we are all in this together.

 

[Dhanu and Justin 215]

Could anyone please tell me what the USCIS app is? Some members have mentioned it on here and I read that it gives you updates on other cases as well so I am trying to figure out what that App is. 

[O.C 160]

6 minutes ago, D&J said:

Could anyone please tell me what the USCIS app is? Some members have mentioned it on here and I read that it gives you updates on other cases as well so I am trying to figure out what that App is. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/case-tracker-searcher-for-uscis-immigration/id921827126?mt=8

 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spinachsoftware.immigration.uscis.casestatus&hl=en

[Dhanu and Justin 215]

41 minutes ago, Orit.d said:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/case-tracker-searcher-for-uscis-immigration/id921827126?mt=8

 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spinachsoftware.immigration.uscis.casestatus&hl=en

Thank you!!!

[tomohime 15]

3 hours ago, mkm1993 said:

Hey y'all... so I've got a question that maybe some of y'all can weigh in on. It deals with flights... I am planning on being with my fiancé in Rio (Brazil) when she has her interview and hopefully if all goes well with the timeing of the approved visa we will come back to the states together... I've been eying flights on Expedia, one way, round trip etc. Like I said my hope is for us to return together to the states. I'm having a hard time deciding what I should do about flights when the time does finally come to buy them... she lives approx. 17 or 18 hours from Rio so I'm wondering if I should do a one way ticket and meet her there for the interview process or buy a one way ticket where she lives and then buy our tickets to fly to Rio for the interview. OR buy a round trip for myself to where she lives for my time there and then purchase tickets to Rio for the interview then when it's time to come home buy her a ticket? What are your thoughts and suggestions. I'm not setting anything in stone at this point because I have no idea about when our interview will be. I'm hoping September or October but who really knows. Someone with more flight experience could probably have way more wisdom than me on this. Thanks in advance. 

Hi there! I'm also a beneficiary from Brazil. Some thoughts for you:

- If you have resources and time, it's probably a good idea that you spend more days in Rio after the interview, so you could get her passport with the K1 visa direct from the embassy (instead of having it mailed to her house, which who knows how long it would take). It seems the embassy doesn't take to long to have the visa ready.

- Tickets and hotels are cheaper around September/October. Expensive months are July and November-January.

- I *believe* you would save some money if you guys meet in Rio, travel together to her place (maybe by bus, so you can buy the tickets at any time, giving you flexibility to wait for the visa) and from there get a flight to the US.

- Last year, it was cheaper for me to buy a multi city ticket (arriving in Miami and coming back from Orlando) than getting a round-trip ticket to/from Orlando. And I'm sure it's cheaper to buy the round trip ticket than two one-ways.

- Another thing to consider is luggage situation. A law was just approved here, and flight companies now can charge per bag, or allow only one 23kg bag without extra fee. Before, we could travel with two 32kg bags for "free". So you could come with just a carry-on, and help her bring all her stuff to the US without paying too much more.