I-129F March 2017 Filers #2 Cause we are awesome

[Eric&Olya 881]

2 minutes ago, Estibaliz said:

LOL, so funny about the hair drier.

First time I went to visit for a long two months stay, I told him there was two things I needed that he didn't have: a hair drier and an iron  He bought the iron and now he uses it even more than I do, because he needs to wear more formal for the new job when he has to go to court, so he irons his shirts and pants. I bought the hair drier on Amazon... funny enough he has long (and crazy) hair, but he never dries it...

Right, an iron! Another thing that Eric doesn't have and I might need I wonder if all guys are the same

[Ste&Sel 151]

Come on NOA2 and anyone else still waiting. March 13th NOA1 was not a good day to be a part of.

[AnJ Co 1,676]

1 hour ago, Eric&Olya said:

We all used to talk to much, now the Aprilites are beating us by leaps and bounds

So, let's try to catch up 

 

Beneficiaries, what is the most useless thing that you absolutely must take to the States?

For me that would be old Christmas cards from my friends that I've been collecting for years.

 

Petitioners, what is the most useless (in your opinion) object you've bought/are going to buy for your beneficiary? 

Eric will have to buy a hair drier for me before I come, and you can see from our profile pic why he would never find it useful

Well, Ann has really REALLY long hair, and I know the importance of a hair dryer, so I Amazon one that mounts on the wall in the bathroom for her.  Useless to me (like Eric) but to her - priceless  

[AnJ Co 1,676]

Been busy for last 5 days, finally got one day off work - trying to catch up.  Since we got evicted, and I didn't get to tell @Alysia&Luis thanks for her reply about AOS......  Thanx!  The medical part had me confused, but it makes sense after you answered it.

 

@Ste&Sel I'm following you and really got excited the other day when you did an update on your timeline...... I was so happy then it was gone when I saw it was just housekeeping.  I can't imagine your strength - Stay strong neighbor.  Some day soon we will be able to congratulate you.

[pajobra 1,395]

1 hour ago, Eric&Olya said:

We all used to talk to much, now the Aprilites are beating us by leaps and bounds

So, let's try to catch up 

 

Beneficiaries, what is the most useless thing that you absolutely must take to the States?

For me that would be old Christmas cards from my friends that I've been collecting for years.

 

Petitioners, what is the most useless (in your opinion) object you've bought/are going to buy for your beneficiary? 

Eric will have to buy a hair drier for me before I come, and you can see from our profile pic why he would never find it useful

HAHAHA I was just thinking about that as I packed my boxes. I have a few drawings that my niece made for me when she was 4 she is now gonna be 12 in a few weeks. I asked her for some before I leave and she said she is working on a super special Auntie one. I also have a letter from an employer from years ago stating that I was such a great employee that they were sorry to see me move on but understood it was for better things. I keep it because it helps boost my confidence when I have a bad day.

 

HAHAHAHA Now if Chris was gonna answer that he would say Shampoo and Conditioner for probably a similar reason to Eric because my man is Bald.  He has shaved his head for a year or so now. Looks much younger.  Keeps his cute goatee though cause I love it.

[Eric&Olya 881]

47 minutes ago, Ste&Sel said:

Come on NOA2 and anyone else still waiting. March 13th NOA1 was not a good day to be a part of.

So unfair that you have to wait for such a long time

[Ste&Sel 151]

Just now, AnJ Co said:

Been busy for last 5 days, finally got one day off work - trying to catch up.  Since we got evicted, and I didn't get to tell @Alysia&Luis thanks for her reply about AOS......  Thanx!  The medical part had me confused, but it makes sense after you answered it.

 

@Ste&Sel I'm following you and really got excited the other day when you did an update on your timeline...... I was so happy then it was gone when I saw it was just housekeeping.  I can't imagine your strength - Stay strong neighbor.  Some day soon we will be able to congratulate you.

Thank, just sent an email to my expedite request, and denial a month ago to one of my elder friends. Who happens to be a personal friend of on of the House of Reps. for Florida. He is going to talk to him personally about our case.

 

But, March 13th and maybe even more is a tuff date, it was a Monday and according to case tracker there was over 2200 cases received that date. 406 plus was I129f....of those only 63 of them have been approved according to case tracker. 

 

But in love with the right girl, awaiting perfect timing.....but with a fight.

 

Congrats on you guys being together soon, what a feeling that must be.

[pajobra 1,395]

50 minutes ago, Ste&Sel said:

Come on NOA2 and anyone else still waiting. March 13th NOA1 was not a good day to be a part of.

Ugh I was really hoping you would have yours soon after we got ours because we were also March 13th NOA1 filers.  HUGs sure hope it comes quick.

[amishbaby 407]

Hello everyone!

 

It's been a rough week for me. Especially with school, and I have tons more I have to finish after writing this post but I had to make some time for my VJ buddies. I've missed you all so much, and just because WE GOT APPROVED FOR THE VISA YESTERDAY IN SYDNEY!!!!! (YES!!! WOOHOO) that doesn't mean I'm not going to frequent the boards and stop by to chat with all of you. I know AOS is another direction of problems headed our way and lots of patience. However, the best part of this entire process has already happened! He had his interview at 8:45am and I asked him if he would write his experience so I can share it with others, but to make it simple he was there from about 8:30 - 1pm but the interview itself was conducted under 10 minutes. So, a 10 minute interview roughly.

 

What makes this more exciting is the scare me and my fiancee had earlier this year when we sent our petition out. I posted and asked many others about my situation with the ESTA waiver. If you don't remember, my fiancee was denied a visa in November 2015. He applied in 2016,  not going to the interview because of a travel issue, then applied again in August 2016 and forgot his passport. They were pretty bad character calls, but that right there didn't seem to be an issue. Second, my mess up. I applied for an ESTA waiver for him, filled out the questions, and selected an incorrect answer. The question was, "Have you ever been denied a Visa?" I put no, and I did know about the visa denial at the time, but for whatever reason made a dumb mistake and should have noticed it. But of course I didn't. That destroyed me for months and everyone was telling me this was going to cause a denial and an 1-601a waiver. I believed everyone and started worrying more and more. I wrote a letter for him to show the consulate if it was brought up or just to have it because it would look better for us since we weren't intentionally trying to mess with the government. The only weird thing about this is he has only ever had one passport, period. I ask him all the time, and I feel stupid for asking him constantly, but it's so strange that he got denied for a vistior visa in 2015, then 2016 around September I applied for the ESTA for him to visit, and because I selected "no" instead of "yes," he obviously got the authorization  to come to America. I fixed the ESTA error and resubmitted for him with the correct answer, and then he got unauthorized. I know he can't use the ESTA ever again based off of that. But I had to fix the problem, or felt compelled to do it. I read many stories on here of people saying if they had invalid ESTA's they would be deported and sent back. I thought it was weird that it happened to him, even if it said it was a travel authorization. Can't CBP see  his past visa denials and ESTA's like that together?  We didn't discover any of this until literally after I started going through all our printed papers, including the ESTA paper. I started coming on VJ more frequently and people were talking about the ESTA, and the questions being asked. The one day when I was checking through our papers to see what I might have missed right after I sent the I-129F, I seen the authorization with the Q/A's to them and the only one that was incorrect was "Have you ever been denied a visa?" When I seen that, I freaked out and panicked and thought it was the end. Now I am here about 5 months later feeling surprised, and hoping everything goes smooth sailing from here on out. They didn't even ask him any questions about his past visa denial, his visa attempts, or ESTA error!

 

So, all I can say to you guys is, for those reading this now and in the future, don't stress or worry! I should have listened to many on here, but some did scare me a bit. I think from now on we should allow our feedback be the main determination. I see a lot of positivity on VJ. Here and there, you get denials and some not so amazing news. But when you really think about it, it shows through what people are saying. There's a high approval especially for the easy consulates, however, my condolences to the consulates that have a high fraud rating.... I really wish you all the best and hope for a fast approval, and speedy POE. You guys are some strong people, I tell you. I never once thought I would have the pleasure of joining such a forum of individuals who have strength, triumph, positive attitude and vibes, teamwork, empathy, knowledge, and the list goes on! I wish I could thank each and everyone of you individually, personally, for the gratitute I have because each one of you has helped me in some way, shape, or form grow and get me from first finding this website, to telling you all today about our approval!

 

It gives me even greater pleasure to let you all know that he received something from the consulate today, but were not sure, and were scared to open it because I remember reading that the visa cannot be opened and the POE has to be the one to do that. I don't wanna take any risk so I'm asking here.

 

We got this email, and the second email below it.

 

"Dear Cameron Marshall, 
Your document(s) have been collected from the US Embassy/Consulate 
The passport number being returned is ************ The airway bill for tracking is ************* 

You have chosen to have your documents delivered to the following location: 

*x*x*x*x*x*x*x*

If you have any issues or concerns, please contact us at www.ustraveldocs.com/au."

The one we received is the second one, I'm pretty sure. The pictures seem to match?

 

 

"Toll Priority ADVANCED SHIPPING NOTICE

The following has been dispatched from xxxxxxxxxxxxxx on 27 Sep 2017 to xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

ConNoteID           Service                                            Consignment Reference
*********         Auswide 1kg Satchel                                &************

Purchase Order   :
Other References :

Line Ref 1        Line Ref 2        Items   Description                             Kgs  L(cm) W(cm) H(cm) Qty Cubic   DG
=========================================================================================================================
                                    1       Documents                               1    0     0     0         0       N
TOTALS                              1                                               1                          0

 

For TOLL Track and Trace and POD access go to: https://online.toll.com.au/trackandtrace/showConnotes.do?system=xPxx&connote=xxxxxxxxxxxx

Toll respects your privacy.  Our Privacy Policy can be accessed at http://www.toll.com.au under Company Policies."

I changed the information around for his privacy.

 

 

Can anyone tell me what this is that came in? Is it his documents shipped back to him, or is it his visa? 

If it's not his visa, when can we expect for it to arrive? He's in NSW only about 6 hours from the Sydney embassy. 

My biggest question is, if this is the visa packet, do we leave it as it is or are we supposed to open this? I don't want him to open something by mistake or at all until I know for certain it's safe.  Hoping you amazing gals and mates can give me some feedback with it. And once again, thank you truly to the support you have given me and shown this past year! I've been on VJ since July 2016 trolling around and reading some of your posts, and I'm so glad I decided to open myself up to it. You can make some buddies on here, and feel free to message with any questions to those who wanna chat, or wanna ask me something. I've never wanted to help more people in my life since going on this journey. I think you'll see me here posting regularly, a year from now, helping out others just like others helped me. I will say, VJ has inspired me to write a blog and it has helped me learn a deep truth and figure out who I was. Yes, it was VisaJourney and the amazing people on here with their straight-forward, and candid way of speaking. It reminded me of an earlier time in my life when I was writing, and stopped. If and when I release my first book, (I'm doing it baby), I will make sure I post it back and thank the VJ community for their inspiration and their growing support, past and present. I will let everyone know when his flight is booked! Just have to make sure that's his visa before we pursue any further. And then, I'll let you all know how POE went!

 

As for my wedding, I keep trying to get a judge for the end of October but everyone is booked. Today or tomorrow I might get a call and have a date arranged. If not, we might just be able to have the wedding we truly want. My aunt is getting in touch with my other aunt to see if a pastor they know that has officiated previous weddings can do it. Otherwise, I really just wanna go the civil marriage route and find a court house, schedule a day, and have our reception another day, or if our date is available (probably not). The date of the reception was already chosen for November 11th, and it's a Monday and we wanted a Friday or a Saturday, but only certain days were available for this specific spot, and as strange as it sounds, we were planning on having our wedding day and reception separate. After realizing our reception is a Monday, it's a lot easier now to get our Wedding the same day. If we can do that, I'm going to try that method. But, after realizing our poor planning (I'm bad and pretty new at planning events), we'll take the November 11th, and hopefully find someone who will marry us that day, or towards the end of October. Hopefully. Call me crazy but were looking for a DJ for about 7 hours, haha. Around 1pm - 7pm, music and lights. Nothing too extreme. Beer available since it's in the back room of a private bar my mom practically owns. That might seem over the top but I just want it to be memorable for all of us and my friends/family. My long lost brother (literally long story, horrible father) was just introduced to me, he'll be turning 17 on November 8th. So, this reception is also going to be my way of spending time with him and giving him his first ever opportunity to celebrate something big, like his big sister's wedding.

 

My fiancee is writing a review of his experience with the Sydney Consulate. He says he rates it 5 stars, but he doesn't come on VJ, so he wants me to share it with you all.  I'll post it in the reviews, but in the March and April filers too.  So, after all that writing I have to say: DON'T STRESS! FOCUS! STAY HAPPY! MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL YOUR DOCUMENTS! BE EARLY! Oh, and don't take anything like a huge tablet or device in with you. It was a reminder that was sent to my fiancee. Most importantly, stay away from reading negative forums on VJ because I spent an exorbitant amount of time on threads that didn't help me and made my OCD worse. We can't speed this process up, but we can use outside sources... like I did, I used a senator, and some don't believe it helped but it's still something that gives you peace of mind if you're anything like me and have a hard time being patient. I'm the worst person in the world when it comes to patience. At least it feels like you're doing something if you opt in to try a senator. Wait at least 4 months before even trying though.

 

And support for the rest of you guys: 
You deserve it!

 

To those waiting NOA1, you're off to a good start, and you'll be getting it any day now. 
To those waiting NOA2, stay strong friends. This is the hardest part. You'll make it. Live each and every day. Sign up for Informed Delivery. Read when you can, because reading is good for the soul and takes your mind off of everything. Before you know it, you'll receive your next notice of action.
To those who received an RFE/ don't stress my loves. A lot of people get RFE's and most are simple stuff, like a new passport photo. Just read it thoroughly and send it out in a zippy, making sure you checked a few times that you sent everything they're asking of you and in the manner they want you to. You'll be fine, trust me. 
To those who got their NOA2, WOOHOO!!!!! Now go celebrate, this is a time to appreciate it, you know you're not very far from getting your official approval! This is the approval before the actual APPROVAL! Yeeeeeeahhh!! (I swear I'm not drunk writing this, lol. Just happy.)
To those waiting for the NVC to receive their case, now it's time to cool off just for a little. For me it was 3 weeks. For you, maybe 2. They say 2-6 weeks, give or take. Some are faster, some are a bit unlucky and slow. Eh, sucks how it goes but just remember one less step..... and then you'll have that case number. Call and keep calling because it takes forever for them to answer. I got an email luckily, but they failed to tell me about my case number on the phone even though they had it at that time. Grrrrr. The email with the case number was sent earlier in the day, but when I called nobody knew a thing. Check everything. 
To those who have their case number, track it like crazzzzyyyy while you wait for it to change from "in transit" to "ready" on the CEAC Status Tracker, and select immigrant (I am taking a guess, correct me if I'm wrong) and work ahead on packets 3 and 4 which can be found on the portal for most countries. I did, and had everything ready so when the time came I had packet 3 sent out the next day, and packet 4 was sent out the next day as well. The faster you send your packets, the faster you get your medical and interview done.
Packet 4 with the Sydney Consulate was scheduling the interview. I will say that the Sydney consulate doesn't tell you directly when to schedule your medical. It's very vague little bits here and there, but he did his medical with Anzac Square in Brisbane, and they were perfect, kind, and very caring! They tell you everything you need to know, what you're all gonna pay so there's no hidden fees, and make you feel like you're already approved when you didn't even go to it yet. 

Go kick the medicals' (you know what) and run towards that finish line like you were made to! 

Once you go into your interview, answer their measly few questions, which will seem like you over-exaggerated a little bit with all the extra papers you brought. But it's better to be safe than sorry. You'll get your approval, and feel the joy that all of us finally get to experience. Now I know what everyone is talking about. But once he gets through POE, this feeling will be nothing like that.

I'm completely overwhelmed, shocked, very talkative, and I'm having the biggest mood spike I've ever seen since I seen him! I know others have it harder right now and I feel so very sorry for those in AP or waiting. Just trust your heart loves, and know that he/she will be coming with you VERY VERY soon. If possible, ask your attorney, enquire with your senator (don't know much about this, so I apologize if I'm wrong), contact them for information. Every chance you can put in a little extra effort on your part, definitely wouldn't hurt as long as it's not excessive. I feel the pain for many on here, and want to reach out and hug each of you. Your turn is coming, you sadly had to be in the middle of something that you never expected to happen, but it did. Your love will be stronger than it was and ever will be. Trust. Strength bigger than all of us combined.

 

Stay in the light, where love is clear, with positivity, hope, faith and watch your future expand and grow in the right direction. 

I wish you all the best, and I will be back again with another long post like usual! 

I love you guys, wishing good news for each one of you today. xx

 

P.S. I know this is long but can someone tell me what this is? Are these returned documents or is this his VISA? Either way, good news today and hope many many more for the rest of all of you.

Edited just now by amishbaby

[pajobra 1,395]

1 minute ago, Ste&Sel said:

Thank, just sent an email to my expedite request, and denial a month ago to one of my elder friends. Who happens to be a personal friend of on of the House of Reps. for Florida. He is going to talk to him personally about our case.

 

But, March 13th and maybe even more is a tuff date, it was a Monday and according to case tracker there was over 2200 cases received that date. 406 plus was I129f....of those only 63 of them have been approved according to case tracker. 

 

But in love with the right girl, awaiting perfect timing.....but with a fight.

 

Congrats on you guys being together soon, what a feeling that must be.

Ours was not approved on the case tracker and still shows as received. We were at the time the tracker was down. So there might be others.

[AnJ Co 1,676]

Wondering what it looks like inside the CSC?  Here is a shot of the files and how the bins look that your petitions are placed in before they are chosen for adjudication.

 

As I understand it, any kind of binder you sent it in is stripped off at the Drop Box, along with any kind of sheet protectors, or anything else they really don't need.  The packets are 2 hole punched at the top and all look alike, except for the thickness of the file.  As in my case, that sucker was 3" thick (I heavily front loaded my application)

Edited September 28, 2017 by AnJ Co

[pajobra 1,395]

2 minutes ago, AnJ Co said:

Wondering what it looks like inside the CSC?  Here is a shot of the files and how the bins look that your petitions are placed in before they are chosen for adjudication.

 

As I understand it, and kind of binder you sent it in is stripped off at the Drop Box, along with any kind of sheet protectors, or anything else they really don't need.  The packets are 2 hole punched at the top and all look alike, except for the thickness of the file.  As in my case, that sucker was 3" thick (I heavily front loaded my application)

Holy Toledo Batman!!!

[Ste&Sel 151]

3 minutes ago, pajobra said:

Ours was not approved on the case tracker and still shows as received. We were at the time the tracker was down. So there might be others.

That is promising to know....it did take me hours to go case by case to build an excel spreadsheet, and i hope especially after all the RFE'S that they loaded were receieved back to them in June and July.

 

Sure hope they are approving and just not updating case tracker.

[Eric&Olya 881]

7 minutes ago, pajobra said:

HAHAHA I was just thinking about that as I packed my boxes. I have a few drawings that my niece made for me when she was 4 she is now gonna be 12 in a few weeks. I asked her for some before I leave and she said she is working on a super special Auntie one. I also have a letter from an employer from years ago stating that I was such a great employee that they were sorry to see me move on but understood it was for better things. I keep it because it helps boost my confidence when I have a bad day.

 

HAHAHAHA Now if Chris was gonna answer that he would say Shampoo and Conditioner for probably a similar reason to Eric because my man is Bald.  He has shaved his head for a year or so now. Looks much younger.  Keeps his cute goatee though cause I love it.

I don't even want to think about the kids' stuff. Everything that they own is incredibly valuable, of course Tons of drawings that I do hope can be all photographed and presented to their dad

[pajobra 1,395]

2 minutes ago, Ste&Sel said:

That is promising to know....it did take me hours to go case by case to build an excel spreadsheet, and i hope especially after all the RFE'S that they loaded were receieved back to them in June and July.

 

Sure hope they are approving and just not updating case tracker.

Oh I am sure there are tons of others. We got approved only because we got the noa2 in the mail otherwise we would have had no clue. I really hope yours gets approved soon.  Gonna follow you so I can see how you all are doing.