I-129F November 2016 Filers - Part 2

[AkesAngel 585]

Cases updated today: 23
Approved: 7
RFEs: 0
Other: 16

*Cases for November only, data from Geos scan*

 

Cases for December updated today: 98
Approved: 70
RFEs: 7
Other: 21

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

 

Details for December only: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1QbA9c-L-c1akZoMVBhenZRenM

 

Spoiler

Rec'd Date	3/21/2017	3/20/2017	Touched Cases
12/1/2016	12	12	0
12/2/2016	3	3	0
12/5/2016	31	31	0
12/6/2016	49	49	0
12/7/2016	3	3	0
12/8/2016	40	42	2
12/9/2016	61	69	8
12/12/2016	94	110	16
12/13/2016	37	39	2
12/14/2016	52	56	4
12/15/2016	118	122	4
12/16/2016	136	145	9
12/19/2016	354	372	18
12/20/2016	244	246	2
12/21/2016	270	270	0
12/22/2016	260	260	0
12/23/2016	306	306	0
12/27/2016	492	492	0
12/28/2016	242	242	0
12/29/2016	98	99	1
12/30/2016	99	99	0

 

[KimchiLumpia 315]

12 hours ago, Chelleyandaaron said:

When you get your NOA2:

 

petitioner: prepare your i-134 and the supporting evidence and send it to your fiance/e

beneficiary: fill in most of the ds-160 and save it for filing when your case status reaches ready

either: call the NVC to get your case number about two weeks after the NOA2 date

beneficiary: get your police record check (ready for the medival and interview)

 

When you get your case number from the NVC (beneficiary):

 

get your vaccination records and any relevant medical records (and any outstanding vaccinations)

schedule your medical

file your ds-160 and try to book your interview when case shows as 'Ready' on the case tracker* (you might not be able to book your interview until you have the letter from the embassy)

 

* see previous posts for how to track status

 

I'd like to add clarity to this post regarding scheduling the medical and interview after receiving your NVC case number.

Many new VJ members always mention, 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?  Where do I find this information?

First, after receiving your NVC case number, you will take that number and track your case on the CEAC website here:
https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?eQs=o/iS8zDpeAKjMWCuebHqOw==

Once your case is received 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 country will send 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 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.  

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.  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.  

And if you're not sure....ask!  Especially make sure to ask those who's foreign fiance share the same country.

I hope this helps others connect the dots on their visa journey as well. I think I'll go to bed now. 

Edited March 22, 2017 by KimchiLumpia

[Chelleyandaaron 528]

10 minutes ago, KimchiLumpia said:

I'd like to add clarity to this post regarding scheduling the medical and interview after receiving your NVC case number.

Many new VJ members always mention, 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?  Where do I find this information?

First, after receiving your NVC case number, you will take that number and track your case on the CEAC website here:
https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?eQs=o/iS8zDpeAKjMWCuebHqOw==

Once your case is received 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 country will send 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 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.  

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.  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.  

And if you're not sure....ask!  Especially make sure to ask those who's foreign fiance share the same country.

I hope this helps others connect the dots on their visa journey as well. I think I'll go to bed now. 

I would absolutely concur on the country specific element.  Really once you have your NOA2 it is hugely advisable to search the country specific boards here on VJ. I used the London K1 boards for information about the interview and medical. 

 

Up to receiving the NOA2, this is the best place for November filers - after that - do google the information you require - because in alomst 100% of cases someone has answered your question on another thread.

 

As an example - @KimchiLumpia has said to wait for the letter from the embassy/consulate before scheduling the medical/interview - In the UK this was not necessary.  If you have researched well enough and followed the K1 guidelines on VJ - (which are extensive and very useful and take you step by step through the requirements - search for them if you haven't used them yet) - you can schedule the medical with just the case number and you might be able to schedule the interview before the letter arrives (although you will need it for the interview).

 

Almost every question you could ask here after your NOA2 has an answer somewhere on VJ.  There are boards for many countries and even if they aren't active now, they will have information from previous users.

 

READ and GOOGLE - someone else has already been through what you are going through.  And they have posted about it on VJ.

[KimchiLumpia 315]

21 minutes ago, Chelleyandaaron said:

I would absolutely concur on the country specific element.  Really once you have your NOA2 it is hugely advisable to search the country specific boards here on VJ. I used the London K1 boards for information about the interview and medical. 

 

Up to receiving the NOA2, this is the best place for November filers - after that - do google the information you require - because in alomst 100% of cases someone has answered your question on another thread.

 

As an example - @KimchiLumpia has said to wait for the letter from the embassy/consulate before scheduling the medical/interview - In the UK this was not necessary.  If you have researched well enough and followed the K1 guidelines on VJ - (which are extensive and very useful and take you step by step through the requirements - search for them if you haven't used them yet) - you can schedule the medical with just the case number and you might be able to schedule the interview before the letter arrives (although you will need it for the interview).

 

Almost every question you could ask here after your NOA2 has an answer somewhere on VJ.  There are boards for many countries and even if they aren't active now, they will have information from previous users.

 

READ and GOOGLE - someone else has already been through what you are going through.  And they have posted about it on VJ.

If you re-read my post, I never stated one must wait for their official Packet 3 checklist letter to arrive by mail before they can begin scheduling their interview and medical.

I stated that some VJ members report never receiving their Packet 3 checklist letter in the mail.  So, they got the Packet 3 checklist letter through their country's embassy website.  My emphasis in the post was to make sure that one shouldn't worry or be confused about Packet 3 checklist instructions from a country other than their own.      

My Canadian fiance and I scheduled our interview and medical two weeks before our official Packet 3 letter arrived in the mail.

So to confirm, as long as your CEAC shows ready, you can start the process of scheduling the medical and interview w/o officially receiving your Packet 3 checklist letter in the mail.  I have done this and so has @Chelleyandaaron without problem.
 

Edited March 22, 2017 by KimchiLumpia

[JSWH 262]

Hi guys! Just wanted to let you know that I had my interview at the Embassy this morning. My visa is APPROVED! 

I was extremely nervous but the interview was easy. The Consular Officer was a young lady who was very nice to me. The interview was conducted in English. I was asked several simple questions: how we met, how many times we visited each other, whether my fiance was married before (we both were), what I do for living, what my daughter studies (she is in the US in college and will be follow-to-join on K2).

Then CO said that everything in our case looked fine and our visa was approved. However, the visa will be issued after the results of my medical  exam arrive to the Embassy. I had medical a week before the interview and was sent for further TB tests which take 6 weeks to be ready. The CO kept my passport.

 

I am thankful to all people on VJ who shared their knowledge and experience with the others, who were very patient, supportive, and helpful. Good luck to all of you who are still waiting. It's tough but one day this journey will be over and you will be with your loved ones.

[minemar 96]

3 hours ago, KimchiLumpia said:

I'd like to add clarity to this post regarding scheduling the medical and interview after receiving your NVC case number.

Many new VJ members always mention, 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?  Where do I find this information?

First, after receiving your NVC case number, you will take that number and track your case on the CEAC website here:
https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?eQs=o/iS8zDpeAKjMWCuebHqOw==

Once your case is received 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 country will send 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 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.  

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.  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.  

And if you're not sure....ask!  Especially make sure to ask those who's foreign fiance share the same country.

I hope this helps others connect the dots on their visa journey as well. I think I'll go to bed now. 

Thanks!  I know that the fact the process varies from country to country is really confusing.  For example in Mexico you can't schedule your medical or interview without the consulate invite (package 3) and it is very frustrating cause the mail service in Mexico is really slow and they sometimes misplace your correspondence.  So I'm in a terrible position. I once read that the petitioner receives a copy of it but so far I'm not sure that's true.

 

So I'm a bit worried that I'll never get my invite letter and I'll have to travel to the consulate and getting printed there which means more money and time wasted. 

 

Canadians are very lucky to be able to print their checklist. 

 

 

[llaz 232]

5 hours ago, KimchiLumpia said:

I remember you posted that you were considering cancelling your I-129F petition.  I can only imagine the wait and agony seeing other people who's petitions were sent in December already get their NOA2 approval.

Maybe a vacation to visit your fiance is in order.   I wish you good luck and prayers that your guys' approval happens soon!

 

Yes, my fiancee and I talked after hearing everyone's suggestions and decided to stick with it. It is slightly annoying, even 1 acceptance a day for Nov 3rd (even if its not mine) and I get excited but this 0 business lately has been really difficult and especially frustrating. 

I am considering trying to get an extended leave of absence with my job and renting an apartment down there for ~3 months.

[KurtBear 58]

Any southafrican fillers that can tell me what there packet 3 requirements were??? I just did my birth certificate today and I'm affriad it won't be ready by the time of my interview we are in nvc stage now

[Kevin&Kanyanat 172]

Called the NVC on Monday 3/20/17 and they said should be completed within two weeks, but they haven't received it yet. 

Called today and was given the NVC Case number and invoice number. Was told it was just entered in the system yesterday. He said it should ship to the embassy possibly next week.  Just posting so everyone knows they are working on them.  

[Afraye 30]

So good to see another Nov filer getting approved!! My interview is tomorrow morning....finger crossed that everything will go well....pretty nervous right now?

[egoguen 2]

6 hours ago, KimchiLumpia said:

I'd like to add clarity to this post regarding scheduling the medical and interview after receiving your NVC case number.

Many new VJ members always mention, 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?  Where do I find this information?

First, after receiving your NVC case number, you will take that number and track your case on the CEAC website here:
https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?eQs=o/iS8zDpeAKjMWCuebHqOw==

Once your case is received 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 country will send 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 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.  

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.  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.  

And if you're not sure....ask!  Especially make sure to ask those who's foreign fiance share the same country.

I hope this helps others connect the dots on their visa journey as well. I think I'll go to bed now. 

Do you have to pay an additional fee prior to scheduling your interview? I just emailed packet 3 and remember reading about a fee but assumed it was with the ds160. I'm hoping our packet 4 is sent back as quickly as yours so we can go ahead and schedule!

[Rick & Apple 233]

2 hours ago, kurt&eva said:

Any southafrican fillers that can tell me what there packet 3 requirements were??? I just did my birth certificate today and I'm affriad it won't be ready by the time of my interview we are in nvc stage now

 

http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=South Africa&cty=Johannesburg

[KF & OS 109]

We got the NVC number. We heard about NOA2 03/08/2017, so if u got approved the same day, call up NVC on the non-immigrant line.

[KimchiLumpia 315]

46 minutes ago, egoguen said:

Do you have to pay an additional fee prior to scheduling your interview? I just emailed packet 3 and remember reading about a fee but assumed it was with the ds160. I'm hoping our packet 4 is sent back as quickly as yours so we can go ahead and schedule!

According to the official Grenada Embassy government website in Barbados, step 6 states your visa fees are paid at the embassy on your interview day:

https://barbados.usembassy.gov/iv-k_1_visas.html

To be have a bit confirmation, you should post this question in the Grenada portals section on VJ.

[KimchiLumpia 315]

59 minutes ago, egoguen said:

Do you have to pay an additional fee prior to scheduling your interview? I just emailed packet 3 and remember reading about a fee but assumed it was with the ds160. I'm hoping our packet 4 is sent back as quickly as yours so we can go ahead and schedule!

Ok, I just read one of your posts in the Grenada portal.  So your fiance is actually a resident of Canada?  

If this is the case, after you email returned Packet 3 to the Canadian Embassy, they will reply with Packet 4 instructions.  The Packet 4 reply from the Canadian embassy was fast.  It took literally 12 hours to receive.|

In your Canadian Packet 4 email, you will find information on scheduling your interview.  On the interview scheduling website, you will pay your K1 Visa fee of $265 - we paid $358 CAD.  Also, the Packet 4 email is what you will print out and bring to the interview along with the checked listed items as requested in Packet 3 and 4.  

Hope this clarifies everything for you.