I129F April 2017 filers

[Estibaliz 3,037]

5 hours ago, vcpdragon said:

and so ... 

I decided I'd give the ol' telephone approach a try again today around 16:30 .. I called and gave my normal spill about I had received an approval notice, but the app still shows RFE received, told the gentlemen I spoke with that I would like to speak to a tier 2 about it, and in the usual manner they transferred me ... 76 minute call back time.  Got the call back, lady picks up the phone and verifies me and says how can I help you, I said, "Well, I am hoping your going to tell me this approval notice I got on my phone is true" wasn't a lie people ... I've gotten approval notices on my phone, they just weren't mine  Anyways ... you can get away with that kind of stuff with a southern dialect ya know,OK OK ... Anyways, She says to me and I quote, " Well let's see here ... I see an order for approval, but until you have the letter in hand you are not approved" "WHAT?!" I said, "Am I approved??" then she said it again, "I see an order for approval but until you have the letter in hand you are not approved" ... I talked with a good friend of mine .. a fellow VJ'r and he thinks its an approval but isn't finished processing yet ... After I have settled down here a bit I think so too, but I am too scared to be happy, and too happy to be scared ...  This is just too much y'all ...  So does anyone really know what's going on here ... order of approval. I mean I guess until the status updates and i have the letter I should manage my emotions and expectations, but it sure beats the pat response of .. we received blah blah blah ... So what do you all think ??? 

That's the kind of news I love to wake up to. So ok, she didn't plain say "You are approved" (I'm pretty sure my CO at the interview didn't say those specific words either), but that doesn't change the meaning after the wording.

After all, it was mostly a matter of time and when, so good to know that's still the case and you'll have your NOA2 pretty soon 

[Tanya@D Starcher 585]

Congratulations !!!  i told you, all will be ok ! happy for both of you !

[vcpdragon 306]

3 hours ago, Estibaliz said:

That's the kind of news I love to wake up to. So ok, she didn't plain say "You are approved" (I'm pretty sure my CO at the interview didn't say those specific words either), but that doesn't change the meaning after the wording.

After all, it was mostly a matter of time and when, so good to know that's still the case and you'll have your NOA2 pretty soon 

Yes, I think so ... and maybe by end of November interview time! I am excited and happy here, so good days coming! Guess I better finish remodeling this house now   

[fatima& abdi 168]

22 minutes ago, vcpdragon said:

Yes, I think so ... and maybe by end of November interview time! I am excited and happy here, so good days coming! Guess I better finish remodeling this house now   

I guess it's time for u guys to be happy so yeah it seems it's an approval im happy for u and wish me luck too with my rfe to be approved  ☺

[Estibaliz 3,037]

I've just added my Embassy review to my timeline, so I thought I could share that with you too, also adding a bit more of personal information, in case someone might be interested on the experience, specially people going through Madrid soon, but not exclusively

 

Interview: 21st October, 2017, 11:30 am (Madrid Embassy, Spain)

 

I live in Asturias, so I flew that same morning to Madrid for my interview. I took the train (line C1) at the Airport T4 to go to the clinic first to pick my medical exam results. It's an easy 25 minutes ride, with 5 stops to Recoletos, and the price is really cheap (2.70€), so that's the better option if you have the time.
Everyone was professional and nice at the clinic, as usual, and I got my sealed envelope with the results, plus a copy of the lab tests results for my records and also my DS3025, that was pending due to the need of confirming through serology that I was immune to varicella. I was, so the form was marked as complete. Actually I am super immune, lol, as you have to be over the 165 mark on antibodies and I was over 1,100
That took less than 5 minutes and then the walk from there to the Embassy is about 25 minutes along preppy Serrano Street. Well, I was actually sitting in a park reading for a bit, because it was too early to go

 

I arrived at the Embassy around 11:10am (20 minutes before my interview). I'm not going to mention times regarding the different steps and waits, because I don't wear a watch and they keep your phone, but I can tell you I was out at 11:55am, so the whole stay and process took just 45 minutes.
There was a nice Spanish lady outside the Embassy along with a security guard. The lady greeted me good morning and I told her I was there for an interview at 11:30, so she asked my name to check my appointment on her PDA and also wanted to see my passport. I've heard they doesn't let you in if you arrive over half an hour before your interview, but I can't confirm that since I was there just 20 minutes before time.
Another security guard came out at that moment, and the lady told her she had three people to go in (a girl, a man and myself, that was the last one to arrive), so he prompted us in and proceeded to the security check individually. You have to put in your belongings on a plastic tray and take off  anything metal (rings, belt, keys...), just like at the airport.
So when it was my turn, they scanned my tray and I went through the arch. Of course, I beeped. I told the guy I was sure that were my boots, because they have a metal zipper. He still asked me to take off my glasses and go through the arch again. I beeped again, so he used the hand detector and confirmed it was my boots.
Then he asked what was on my purse, apart from the USB and mobile phone, if there was any other electronic devices or things they have to keep. I told him I only needed my folder with the documents and my passport, so they could keep everything else on my purse. He asked if I didn't need my wallet too, but I told him I had already paid everything, so it was ok. He took my purse and gave me a number to pick it when I was done.
Then he told me to cross the door, and go upstairs to the left, and then it was the left door there.
(FYI: I've been told by a girl that had her interview two days before me, that they don't take your belongings if you are carrying a backpack or something big like that, and they tell you to go to a pub nearby where they have a wardrobe to keep your things for 2€).

 

You enter a small hall, where there's a machine for you to take your number. It has different options (like Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visas), but I didn't even have the time to check before a very nice lady, that spoke perfect Spanish but with a very slight accent, came out and asked me what I was there for, and get the number for me (B-203, Non Immigrant Visas).
She walked me into the room and to another lady in the back, and they both asked for my name and passport again. They put a sticker in the back with my name and interview appointment and place another paper inside the passport (sorry, don't ask me why, but I didn't even check what was that, but I think it was same as the sticker in the back). When they were checking my passport they seemed confused for a second, because I, of course, wear glasses on my passport picture, since that's how it works here in Spain, for all official ID's, so they wanted to make sure I wasn't wearing glasses in the pictures I had for the visa, which I could confirm. Talking of which, I have to tell you they never asked me for any passport pictures at the interview, since you have to send one beforehand as part of packet 3, and apparently that suffices. I had taken new ones because the ones I was using would be 6 months old 4 days after the interview, but never needed them.

 

So I took a seat in the waiting area as indicated. It's quite a small room, and not intimidating at all. There's probably like 30-40 seats and 12 windows, I think it was. There's a screen where they show the numbers called, not in any particular order. For what I've seen B letter is for the fiancé visas, because I could see that B-200, B-201 and B-202 before me were fiances too. Because the space is quite small and the CO's use the speaker often to talk to you, I could hear how they were interviewing other girls before me, and asking the typical questions (how you met? have you ever been in the States? when did he propose? do you have a ring? where does he work?... I'll make a list of my personal questions when I come to that point).

 

It wasn't that long until I was called to a window (number 3), where a nice Spanish lady smiled at me and greeted me good morning. She asked for my passport first thing, and then disappeared for a couple minutes, which she apologized for when she was back. First thing she asked for was the payment fee confirmation, that I saw her attach to other documents, including my passport picture, in a folder.  
She then asked me for my medical exam results. I showed her first the letter where you have to put a picture and they stamp at the clinic, because they had told me there that was required, but the lady said it wasn't, and they only wanted the two sealed envelopes with the x-rays on a CD and the medical results themselves. She gave me back the CD after sealing the envelope with tape and also stamping it profusely, so they can be sure it hasn't been opened.
She gave me my original birth certificate back and asked if any of us had been married before. I told her my fiance had been married, but I hadn't sent his divorce decree because I understood they were only asking for my personal documents on the check list. She confirmed me that was the case, but still said is better to include the divorce decree, because the CO's normally don't care about it, but better safe than sorry. I couldn't agree more on that, and I actually told her I would have had her taken the copy anyway, for my peace of mind. So she checked the original and added the copy to my documents. I saw her going through the rest of my paperwork, including the i134 and all the supporting documents and she said that was it.

She explained to me how when I got the visa package that was going to be another sealed envelope I shouldn't open, but that it was going to be clearly marked as such, and anyway they would mail it inside another envelope (or two), so I could open everything until I founded the heavy stamped one.
She told me I would be called again by the same number for my biometrics and interview in a few minutes, and to take a seat and wait.

 

So after another wait, not too long (10 minutes or less?) my number showed on the screen again: window 6. The CO was an American young lady that greeted me on Spanish and said we would be doing the sworn and biometrics first thing. She quickly switched to English. I had to raise my hand and swore and then she took my fingerprints. This took a bit because I have a sweaty hands problem when nervous, which I apologized for, but she said it was ok, not my fault. Actually, the problem was I was pressing my fingers too hard against the machine, so worried I was the read wasn't clear enough

Actually, small story here... when Gary and I first met in person I was really embarrassed about my sweaty hands, which I had already told him beforehand. He kept saying it was ok and that was actually cute  but we still had to stop and dry them a bit once in a while. I know, disgusting... I should have understood that guy really loved me right then and there, lol. But the best thing was just a couple of days after first meeting in person, my hands stopped sweating, so comfortable I felt with him. So yep, there we had another sign of it being true love  And this is really important, guys, because it turned out Gary loves holding hands, so we are one of those couples that walk around doing so all the time  *cheesy*

 

So after the biometrics, the CO started with the interview. I have to say she was professional and ok, but not particularly friendly, as I don't reckon she ever smiled and I'm sure she didn't say congratulations either once we were done.
So here is the list of questions she asked to me:
- How did you meet? I said FB, so she asked me to elaborate a bit, and I continued to do so for the rest of the questions, but without babbling.

We met on FB on 2013, around the summer. He started talking to me because I used to have a picture sitting on the Iron Throne, from 'Game of Thrones' back then, so we started discussing the books. Back then we just talked occasionally... Then in May 2014 we started talking again, and I remember the date because my dad had just been diagnosed with a cancer (it wasn't a bad one and he's perfectly fine now), so Gary was there for me, we started to talk more and more often, and that was the start of it...
- When did you first meet in person? February, 2015
- Where? Las Vegas. Gary was living in Hawaii back then, so it was a two week vacation for both of us
- Have you ever visited him on the States? Twice, two months at the start of 2016 and three months, January to March, this year
- Have he ever been in Spain? He came last year, a week in July, before he had to start his new job
- Did he meet your family? Yes, my sister, parents, cousins...
- What does he do for a living? He works as a probation officer for Salt Lake County... I'm pretty sure I never told he was one of the good guys, lol
- Was he married before? Yes
- What happened then? Seriously... but ok. I said the marriage was a failure from the start, but they still kept trying for a while because they have a kid.
- Was she a US citizen? No, she's from the UK
- So did she ever live in the States? No, she never lived in the States... but you know, they got married in Seattle, so I'm sure they wanted to know what's going on there.

I want to point out the importance of these four last questions. Our case was pretty straightforward, and the only thing that could raise questions was the fact Gary had been married to a UK citizen for 10 years, but he never petitioned for her, she never lived in the states and he never lived in the UK either, due to the fact the marriage failed from the start, they just didn't get a divorce for a long time... My point is they know your case and what they are asking you, even if the questions come so fast that it seems pure routine.

 

Anyway, after that she said something like that was enough, and everything was fine, she didn't ask for any proof of relationship. I'm not going to lie to you, I'm not sure about everything she told me then, but I know she was talking about the 90 days to get married and adjust status and how they would send the passport and visa package back, and quickly dismissed me. So I asked if that was it and she said yes and I just said thank you and goodbye.

 

I walked out and once you are outside the Embassy someone from security gives you your belongings back and, yep, that's it, you are good to go.

 

So a fairly quick and painless experience... though I'm still rating it with a 4 because, when you are feeling anxious and in that position, you would like to have someone a little bit more friendly interviewing you. But she was professional nonetheless, as I said before, so kudos to her. 

 

So now you know how that was  Long story, right?

 

You all have a great weekend. I'm sure there's more good news coming your way, if not today, next week. Keep your chin and spirits up.

 

 

[krizia 322]

3 minutes ago, Estibaliz said:

I've just added my Embassy review to my timeline, so I thought I could share that with you too, also adding a bit more of personal information, in case someone might be interested on the experience, specially people going through Madrid soon, but not exclusively

 

Interview: 21st October, 2017, 11:30 am (Madrid Embassy, Spain)

 

I live in Asturias, so I flew that same morning to Madrid for my interview. I took the train (line C1) at the Airport T4 to go to the clinic first to pick my medical exam results. It's an easy 25 minutes ride, with 5 stops to Recoletos, and the price is really cheap (2.70€), so that's the better option if you have the time.
Everyone was professional and nice at the clinic, as usual, and I got my sealed envelope with the results, plus a copy of the lab tests results for my records and also my DS3025, that was pending due to the need of confirming through serology that I was immune to varicella. I was, so the form was marked as complete. Actually I am super immune, lol, as you have to be over the 165 mark on antibodies and I was over 1,100
That took less than 5 minutes and then the walk from there to the Embassy is about 25 minutes along preppy Serrano Street. Well, I was actually sitting in a park reading for a bit, because it was too early to go

 

I arrived at the Embassy around 11:10am (20 minutes before my interview). I'm not going to mention times regarding the different steps and waits, because I don't wear a watch and they keep your phone, but I can tell you I was out at 11:55am, so the whole stay and process took just 45 minutes.
There was a nice Spanish lady outside the Embassy along with a security guard. The lady greeted me good morning and I told her I was there for an interview at 11:30, so she asked my name to check my appointment on her PDA and also wanted to see my passport. I've heard they doesn't let you in if you arrive over half an hour before your interview, but I can't confirm that since I was there just 20 minutes before time.
Another security guard came out at that moment, and the lady told her she had three people to go in (a girl, a man and myself, that was the last one to arrive), so he prompted us in and proceeded to the security check individually. You have to put in your belongings on a plastic tray and take off  anything metal (rings, belt, keys...), just like at the airport.
So when it was my turn, they scanned my tray and I went through the arch. Of course, I beeped. I told the guy I was sure that were my boots, because they have a metal zipper. He still asked me to take off my glasses and go through the arch again. I beeped again, so he used the hand detector and confirmed it was my boots.
Then he asked what was on my purse, apart from the USB and mobile phone, if there was any other electronic devices or things they have to keep. I told him I only needed my folder with the documents and my passport, so they could keep everything else on my purse. He asked if I didn't need my wallet too, but I told him I had already paid everything, so it was ok. He took my purse and gave me a number to pick it when I was done.
Then he told me to cross the door, and go upstairs to the left, and then it was the left door there.
(FYI: I've been told by a girl that had her interview two days before me, that they don't take your belongings if you are carrying a backpack or something big like that, and they tell you to go to a pub nearby where they have a wardrobe to keep your things for 2€).

 

You enter a small hall, where there's a machine for you to take your number. It has different options (like Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visas), but I didn't even have the time to check before a very nice lady, that spoke perfect Spanish but with a very slight accent, came out and asked me what I was there for, and get the number for me (B-203, Non Immigrant Visas).
She walked me into the room and to another lady in the back, and they both asked for my name and passport again. They put a sticker in the back with my name and interview appointment and place another paper inside the passport (sorry, don't ask me why, but I didn't even check what was that, but I think it was same as the sticker in the back). When they were checking my passport they seemed confused for a second, because I, of course, wear glasses on my passport picture, since that's how it works here in Spain, for all official ID's, so they wanted to make sure I wasn't wearing glasses in the pictures I had for the visa, which I could confirm. Talking of which, I have to tell you they never asked me for any passport pictures at the interview, since you have to send one beforehand as part of packet 3, and apparently that suffices. I had taken new ones because the ones I was using would be 6 months old 4 days after the interview, but never needed them.

 

So I took a seat in the waiting area as indicated. It's quite a small room, and not intimidating at all. There's probably like 30-40 seats and 12 windows, I think it was. There's a screen where they show the numbers called, not in any particular order. For what I've seen B letter is for the fiancé visas, because I could see that B-200, B-201 and B-202 before me were fiances too. Because the space is quite small and the CO's use the speaker often to talk to you, I could hear how they were interviewing other girls before me, and asking the typical questions (how you met? have you ever been in the States? when did he propose? do you have a ring? where does he work?... I'll make a list of my personal questions when I come to that point).

 

It wasn't that long until I was called to a window (number 3), where a nice Spanish lady smiled at me and greeted me good morning. She asked for my passport first thing, and then disappeared for a couple minutes, which she apologized for when she was back. First thing she asked for was the payment fee confirmation, that I saw her attach to other documents, including my passport picture, in a folder.  
She then asked me for my medical exam results. I showed her first the letter where you have to put a picture and they stamp at the clinic, because they had told me there that was required, but the lady said it wasn't, and they only wanted the two sealed envelopes with the x-rays on a CD and the medical results themselves. She gave me back the CD after sealing the envelope with tape and also stamping it profusely, so they can be sure it hasn't been opened.
She gave me my original birth certificate back and asked if any of us had been married before. I told her my fiance had been married, but I hadn't sent his divorce decree because I understood they were only asking for my personal documents on the check list. She confirmed me that was the case, but still said is better to include the divorce decree, because the CO's normally don't care about it, but better safe than sorry. I couldn't agree more on that, and I actually told her I would have had her taken the copy anyway, for my peace of mind. So she checked the original and added the copy to my documents. I saw her going through the rest of my paperwork, including the i134 and all the supporting documents and she said that was it.

She explained to me how when I got the visa package that was going to be another sealed envelope I shouldn't open, but that it was going to be clearly marked as such, and anyway they would mail it inside another envelope (or two), so I could open everything until I founded the heavy stamped one.
She told me I would be called again by the same number for my biometrics and interview in a few minutes, and to take a seat and wait.

 

So after another wait, not too long (10 minutes or less?) my number showed on the screen again: window 6. The CO was an American young lady that greeted me on Spanish and said we would be doing the sworn and biometrics first thing. She quickly switched to English. I had to raise my hand and swore and then she took my fingerprints. This took a bit because I have a sweaty hands problem when nervous, which I apologized for, but she said it was ok, not my fault. Actually, the problem was I was pressing my fingers too hard against the machine, so worried I was the read wasn't clear enough

Actually, small story here... when Gary and I first met in person I was really embarrassed about my sweaty hands, which I had already told him beforehand. He kept saying it was ok and that was actually cute  but we still had to stop and dry them a bit once in a while. I know, disgusting... I should have understood that guy really loved me right then and there, lol. But the best thing was just a couple of days after first meeting in person, my hands stopped sweating, so comfortable I felt with him. So yep, there we had another sign of it being true love  And this is really important, guys, because it turned out Gary loves holding hands, so we are one of those couples that walk around doing so all the time  *cheesy*

 

So after the biometrics, the CO started with the interview. I have to say she was professional and ok, but not particularly friendly, as I don't reckon she ever smiled and I'm sure she didn't say congratulations either once we were done.
So here is the list of questions she asked to me:
- How did you meet? I said FB, so she asked me to elaborate a bit, and I continued to do so for the rest of the questions, but without babbling.

We met on FB on 2013, around the summer. He started talking to me because I used to have a picture sitting on the Iron Throne, from 'Game of Thrones' back then, so we started discussing the books. Back then we just talked occasionally... Then in May 2014 we started talking again, and I remember the date because my dad had just been diagnosed with a cancer (it wasn't a bad one and he's perfectly fine now), so Gary was there for me, we started to talk more and more often, and that was the start of it...
- When did you first meet in person? February, 2015
- Where? Las Vegas. Gary was living in Hawaii back then, so it was a two week vacation for both of us
- Have you ever visited him on the States? Twice, two months at the start of 2016 and three months, January to March, this year
- Have he ever been in Spain? He came last year, a week in July, before he had to start his new job
- Did he meet your family? Yes, my sister, parents, cousins...
- What does he do for a living? He works as a probation officer for Salt Lake County... I'm pretty sure I never told he was one of the good guys, lol
- Was he married before? Yes
- What happened then? Seriously... but ok. I said the marriage was a failure from the start, but they still kept trying for a while because they have a kid.
- Was she a US citizen? No, she's from the UK
- So did she ever live in the States? No, she never lived in the States... but you know, they got married in Seattle, so I'm sure they wanted to know what's going on there.

I want to point out the importance of these four last questions. Our case was pretty straightforward, and the only thing that could raise questions was the fact Gary had been married to a UK citizen for 10 years, but he never petitioned for her, she never lived in the states and he never lived in the UK either, due to the fact the marriage failed from the start, they just didn't get a divorce for a long time... My point is they know your case and what they are asking you, even if the questions come so fast that it seems pure routine.

 

Anyway, after that she said something like that was enough, and everything was fine, she didn't ask for any proof of relationship. I'm not going to lie to you, I'm not sure about everything she told me then, but I know she was talking about the 90 days to get married and adjust status and how they would send the passport and visa package back, and quickly dismissed me. So I asked if that was it and she said yes and I just said thank you and goodbye.

 

I walked out and once you are outside the Embassy someone from security gives you your belongings back and, yep, that's it, you are good to go.

 

So a fairly quick and painless experience... though I'm still rating it with a 4 because, when you are feeling anxious and in that position, you would like to have someone a little bit more friendly interviewing you. But she was professional nonetheless, as I said before, so kudos to her. 

 

So now you know how that was  Long story, right?

 

You all have a great weekend. I'm sure there's more good news coming your way, if not today, next week. Keep your chin and spirits up.

 

 

Wow!!!! I’m glad you’re done with the first process! You deserve the approval (although all of us too) you’ve been very helpful. I wish you more happiness! Maybe we could see each other there along with other VJ members lol 

[Estibaliz 3,037]

4 minutes ago, krizia said:

Wow!!!! I’m glad you’re done with the first process! You deserve the approval (although all of us too) you’ve been very helpful. I wish you more happiness! Maybe we could see each other there along with other VJ members lol 

Thank you, I'm glad too!

I couldn't agree more with you. We all equally deserve an approval. I'm not saying visa fraud is not a thing, but we are just poor victims of love, wanting to have the same normal daily life than any other average guy or girl has

 

And yes, a VJ reunion is only a possibility, lol.

[JayMar2019 2,741]

1 minute ago, Estibaliz said:

Thank you, I'm glad too!

I couldn't agree more with you. We all equally deserve an approval. I'm not saying visa fraud is not a thing, but we are just poor victims of love, wanting to have the same normal daily life than any other average guy or girl has

 

And yes, a VJ reunion is only a possibility, lol.

Congratulations my favorite April Filer!!!

 

I meant to tell you this earlier but life got in the way. I'm truly happy for you and Gary. Part 1 of this race for you is over!!!!

 

Praying that I'll soon start my next steps, just waiting on my "Golden Ticket" any day now!!!

 

Hopefully we'll stay in contract throughout the rest of this process!

[fatima& abdi 168]

25 minutes ago, Estibaliz said:

I've just added my Embassy review to my timeline, so I thought I could share that with you too, also adding a bit more of personal information, in case someone might be interested on the experience, specially people going through Madrid soon, but not exclusively

 

Interview: 21st October, 2017, 11:30 am (Madrid Embassy, Spain)

 

I live in Asturias, so I flew that same morning to Madrid for my interview. I took the train (line C1) at the Airport T4 to go to the clinic first to pick my medical exam results. It's an easy 25 minutes ride, with 5 stops to Recoletos, and the price is really cheap (2.70€), so that's the better option if you have the time.
Everyone was professional and nice at the clinic, as usual, and I got my sealed envelope with the results, plus a copy of the lab tests results for my records and also my DS3025, that was pending due to the need of confirming through serology that I was immune to varicella. I was, so the form was marked as complete. Actually I am super immune, lol, as you have to be over the 165 mark on antibodies and I was over 1,100
That took less than 5 minutes and then the walk from there to the Embassy is about 25 minutes along preppy Serrano Street. Well, I was actually sitting in a park reading for a bit, because it was too early to go

 

I arrived at the Embassy around 11:10am (20 minutes before my interview). I'm not going to mention times regarding the different steps and waits, because I don't wear a watch and they keep your phone, but I can tell you I was out at 11:55am, so the whole stay and process took just 45 minutes.
There was a nice Spanish lady outside the Embassy along with a security guard. The lady greeted me good morning and I told her I was there for an interview at 11:30, so she asked my name to check my appointment on her PDA and also wanted to see my passport. I've heard they doesn't let you in if you arrive over half an hour before your interview, but I can't confirm that since I was there just 20 minutes before time.
Another security guard came out at that moment, and the lady told her she had three people to go in (a girl, a man and myself, that was the last one to arrive), so he prompted us in and proceeded to the security check individually. You have to put in your belongings on a plastic tray and take off  anything metal (rings, belt, keys...), just like at the airport.
So when it was my turn, they scanned my tray and I went through the arch. Of course, I beeped. I told the guy I was sure that were my boots, because they have a metal zipper. He still asked me to take off my glasses and go through the arch again. I beeped again, so he used the hand detector and confirmed it was my boots.
Then he asked what was on my purse, apart from the USB and mobile phone, if there was any other electronic devices or things they have to keep. I told him I only needed my folder with the documents and my passport, so they could keep everything else on my purse. He asked if I didn't need my wallet too, but I told him I had already paid everything, so it was ok. He took my purse and gave me a number to pick it when I was done.
Then he told me to cross the door, and go upstairs to the left, and then it was the left door there.
(FYI: I've been told by a girl that had her interview two days before me, that they don't take your belongings if you are carrying a backpack or something big like that, and they tell you to go to a pub nearby where they have a wardrobe to keep your things for 2€).

 

You enter a small hall, where there's a machine for you to take your number. It has different options (like Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visas), but I didn't even have the time to check before a very nice lady, that spoke perfect Spanish but with a very slight accent, came out and asked me what I was there for, and get the number for me (B-203, Non Immigrant Visas).
She walked me into the room and to another lady in the back, and they both asked for my name and passport again. They put a sticker in the back with my name and interview appointment and place another paper inside the passport (sorry, don't ask me why, but I didn't even check what was that, but I think it was same as the sticker in the back). When they were checking my passport they seemed confused for a second, because I, of course, wear glasses on my passport picture, since that's how it works here in Spain, for all official ID's, so they wanted to make sure I wasn't wearing glasses in the pictures I had for the visa, which I could confirm. Talking of which, I have to tell you they never asked me for any passport pictures at the interview, since you have to send one beforehand as part of packet 3, and apparently that suffices. I had taken new ones because the ones I was using would be 6 months old 4 days after the interview, but never needed them.

 

So I took a seat in the waiting area as indicated. It's quite a small room, and not intimidating at all. There's probably like 30-40 seats and 12 windows, I think it was. There's a screen where they show the numbers called, not in any particular order. For what I've seen B letter is for the fiancé visas, because I could see that B-200, B-201 and B-202 before me were fiances too. Because the space is quite small and the CO's use the speaker often to talk to you, I could hear how they were interviewing other girls before me, and asking the typical questions (how you met? have you ever been in the States? when did he propose? do you have a ring? where does he work?... I'll make a list of my personal questions when I come to that point).

 

It wasn't that long until I was called to a window (number 3), where a nice Spanish lady smiled at me and greeted me good morning. She asked for my passport first thing, and then disappeared for a couple minutes, which she apologized for when she was back. First thing she asked for was the payment fee confirmation, that I saw her attach to other documents, including my passport picture, in a folder.  
She then asked me for my medical exam results. I showed her first the letter where you have to put a picture and they stamp at the clinic, because they had told me there that was required, but the lady said it wasn't, and they only wanted the two sealed envelopes with the x-rays on a CD and the medical results themselves. She gave me back the CD after sealing the envelope with tape and also stamping it profusely, so they can be sure it hasn't been opened.
She gave me my original birth certificate back and asked if any of us had been married before. I told her my fiance had been married, but I hadn't sent his divorce decree because I understood they were only asking for my personal documents on the check list. She confirmed me that was the case, but still said is better to include the divorce decree, because the CO's normally don't care about it, but better safe than sorry. I couldn't agree more on that, and I actually told her I would have had her taken the copy anyway, for my peace of mind. So she checked the original and added the copy to my documents. I saw her going through the rest of my paperwork, including the i134 and all the supporting documents and she said that was it.

She explained to me how when I got the visa package that was going to be another sealed envelope I shouldn't open, but that it was going to be clearly marked as such, and anyway they would mail it inside another envelope (or two), so I could open everything until I founded the heavy stamped one.
She told me I would be called again by the same number for my biometrics and interview in a few minutes, and to take a seat and wait.

 

So after another wait, not too long (10 minutes or less?) my number showed on the screen again: window 6. The CO was an American young lady that greeted me on Spanish and said we would be doing the sworn and biometrics first thing. She quickly switched to English. I had to raise my hand and swore and then she took my fingerprints. This took a bit because I have a sweaty hands problem when nervous, which I apologized for, but she said it was ok, not my fault. Actually, the problem was I was pressing my fingers too hard against the machine, so worried I was the read wasn't clear enough

Actually, small story here... when Gary and I first met in person I was really embarrassed about my sweaty hands, which I had already told him beforehand. He kept saying it was ok and that was actually cute  but we still had to stop and dry them a bit once in a while. I know, disgusting... I should have understood that guy really loved me right then and there, lol. But the best thing was just a couple of days after first meeting in person, my hands stopped sweating, so comfortable I felt with him. So yep, there we had another sign of it being true love  And this is really important, guys, because it turned out Gary loves holding hands, so we are one of those couples that walk around doing so all the time  *cheesy*

 

So after the biometrics, the CO started with the interview. I have to say she was professional and ok, but not particularly friendly, as I don't reckon she ever smiled and I'm sure she didn't say congratulations either once we were done.
So here is the list of questions she asked to me:
- How did you meet? I said FB, so she asked me to elaborate a bit, and I continued to do so for the rest of the questions, but without babbling.

We met on FB on 2013, around the summer. He started talking to me because I used to have a picture sitting on the Iron Throne, from 'Game of Thrones' back then, so we started discussing the books. Back then we just talked occasionally... Then in May 2014 we started talking again, and I remember the date because my dad had just been diagnosed with a cancer (it wasn't a bad one and he's perfectly fine now), so Gary was there for me, we started to talk more and more often, and that was the start of it...
- When did you first meet in person? February, 2015
- Where? Las Vegas. Gary was living in Hawaii back then, so it was a two week vacation for both of us
- Have you ever visited him on the States? Twice, two months at the start of 2016 and three months, January to March, this year
- Have he ever been in Spain? He came last year, a week in July, before he had to start his new job
- Did he meet your family? Yes, my sister, parents, cousins...
- What does he do for a living? He works as a probation officer for Salt Lake County... I'm pretty sure I never told he was one of the good guys, lol
- Was he married before? Yes
- What happened then? Seriously... but ok. I said the marriage was a failure from the start, but they still kept trying for a while because they have a kid.
- Was she a US citizen? No, she's from the UK
- So did she ever live in the States? No, she never lived in the States... but you know, they got married in Seattle, so I'm sure they wanted to know what's going on there.

I want to point out the importance of these four last questions. Our case was pretty straightforward, and the only thing that could raise questions was the fact Gary had been married to a UK citizen for 10 years, but he never petitioned for her, she never lived in the states and he never lived in the UK either, due to the fact the marriage failed from the start, they just didn't get a divorce for a long time... My point is they know your case and what they are asking you, even if the questions come so fast that it seems pure routine.

 

Anyway, after that she said something like that was enough, and everything was fine, she didn't ask for any proof of relationship. I'm not going to lie to you, I'm not sure about everything she told me then, but I know she was talking about the 90 days to get married and adjust status and how they would send the passport and visa package back, and quickly dismissed me. So I asked if that was it and she said yes and I just said thank you and goodbye.

 

I walked out and once you are outside the Embassy someone from security gives you your belongings back and, yep, that's it, you are good to go.

 

So a fairly quick and painless experience... though I'm still rating it with a 4 because, when you are feeling anxious and in that position, you would like to have someone a little bit more friendly interviewing you. But she was professional nonetheless, as I said before, so kudos to her. 

 

So now you know how that was  Long story, right?

 

You all have a great weekend. I'm sure there's more good news coming your way, if not today, next week. Keep your chin and spirits up.

 

 

Thank u estibaliz for sharing ur experience ( I was looking forwad to read it ). I'm happy that u are closing this page and moving to the real happy life . Best of luck dear , and I hope our turn is coming cuz really we deserve it . ☺ 

[Estibaliz 3,037]

32 minutes ago, Trinab80 said:

Congratulations my favorite April Filer!!!

 

I meant to tell you this earlier but life got in the way. I'm truly happy for you and Gary. Part 1 of this race for you is over!!!!

 

Praying that I'll soon start my next steps, just waiting on my "Golden Ticket" any day now!!!

 

Hopefully we'll stay in contract throughout the rest of this process!

Thank you! I was missing you, really! I'd even checked your profile a bit ago, because I was a bit concerned on how you'd be doing and thinking of message/ mention you

 

Life getting in the way is sometimes a good thing, since it helps time passing by faster, so hope it was that kind of 'life getting in the way' case, because I know how anxious one can feel when their time is getting closer. Hope you two are keeping it together. 

 

Can't wait for your approval and I have to make sure to be around for that 

[Estibaliz 3,037]

23 minutes ago, fatima& abdi said:

Thank u estibaliz for sharing ur experience ( I was looking forwad to read it ). I'm happy that u are closing this page and moving to the real happy life . Best of luck dear , and I hope our turn is coming cuz really we deserve it . ☺ 

I'll close this chapter when my Visa is issued and, even better, I can put my hands on it  But yay, so close

Thanks a million for your kind words and crossing fingers here for your approval any day now than your RFE has been received. So close!

[spike198 506]

4 hours ago, vcpdragon said:

Yes, I think so ... and maybe by end of November interview time! I am excited and happy here, so good days coming! Guess I better finish remodeling this house now   

Nice!!! We haven't heard a thing. Of course.. it'll be 17 days on Monday and my patience and attitude are shot. 

[CE and JR 92]

On 9/21/2017 at 10:16 PM, Melodica256 said:

you're the only other person i've seen loner than mine. stay strong. this time next year, we'll be laughing about the wait.

@Estibaliz Congratulations!!!! well done!

 

 

 

 

On 9/22/2017 at 1:38 AM, LabOz said:

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/profile.php?id=267432

 

Sadly there is another April filer at 171 days  @ChinaSandeep

 

 

 

On 9/22/2017 at 5:38 AM, JosephRose said:

Hi there! I see you are also still waiting for your NOA2 like us, 172 days of waiting.. no RFEs, Let's keep our faiths and hopes high, ours should come soon.., :-)to all who got approved recently we're jealous but happy for you guys..At least, there's progress.. 

 

On 9/22/2017 at 10:58 AM, AJay00md said:

Hello everyone. I am not an April Filer I received my NOA1 on March 23, 2017 and now is 184 days with no NOA2 so to make my journey more realestic and comparible I will stay here.

If I still don't receive a response in weeks I will move to May filers. Either way I hope to get a NOA2 before 🎄 Christmas 

On Monday is going to be our 160 day!!!... so you guys are not alone... I guess according Igor list there is a bunch of us, unfortunately...

 

we still haven't heard anything. My fiance raised a electronic inquire (nothing yet) and will check with senator next week...

 

we will see what happens (It seems common names -as mine-) will make the process longer for checking names and/or background check...

[Estibaliz 3,037]

30 minutes ago, CE and JR said:

@Estibaliz Congratulations!!!! well done!

 

On Monday is going to be our 160 day!!!... so you guys are not alone... I guess according Igor list there is a bunch of us, unfortunately...

 

we still haven't heard anything. My fiance raised a electronic inquire (nothing yet) and will check with senator next week...

 

we will see what happens (It seems common names -as mine-) will make the process longer for checking names and/or background check...

Thank you!

 

Guess I should be glad to have a weird name and last names, even if jokes at school were a common thing and I usually have problems when they don't type them right

Hope you heard from them soon about your NOA2. About time indeed!

[Estibaliz 3,037]

@MeliiGo Were you the one asking for help with Ciudad Juarez Embassy a few days ago?

I just saw this post on February, and thought I would let you the link here in case it was somehow helpful