South African K1 Visa applicants

[pretendthisisfun 107]

I have a question for those who have recently received their police clearance back in South Africa.  How long did it take for you to receive it and did you have any issues?  I have been looking into using a service for this, but if everyone here got theirs back quickly without issue, it might be a waste of money.  

 

We just got our case number from the NVC today, so we are excited about the next steps.  

[Confusedtinybird 41]

2 hours ago, pretendthisisfun said:

I have a question for those who have recently received their police clearance back in South Africa.  How long did it take for you to receive it and did you have any issues?  I have been looking into using a service for this, but if everyone here got theirs back quickly without issue, it might be a waste of money.  

 

We just got our case number from the NVC today, so we are excited about the next steps.  

It took FOREVER for my husband to receive his Police Clearance. This was several years ago, but we waited months and months and then there was an issue with delivery. The company claimed that they had picked it up but they never did, and then they charged our credit card. It was a mess.

 

I know several people that used bunnyhop.co.za and docassist.co.za

and were very happy with the service.

[pretendthisisfun 107]

41 minutes ago, Confusedtinybird said:

It took FOREVER for my husband to receive his Police Clearance. This was several years ago, but we waited months and months and then there was an issue with delivery. The company claimed that they had picked it up but they never did, and then they charged our credit card. It was a mess.

 

I know several people that used bunnyhop.co.za and docassist.co.za

and were very happy with the service.

Thank you for sharing!  We used Immigration Boutique for several documents related to her British Passport and they offer the service, too.  I'm really happy with what they've done so far and don't really mind the extra money.  I'm curious about everyone's experiences with this.  She is concerned about whether or not the SAPS will give her a hard time when she wants to take the fingerprints with her to send to the service rather than having the police send it on to Pretoria.

[Confusedtinybird 41]

13 minutes ago, pretendthisisfun said:

Thank you for sharing!  We used Immigration Boutique for several documents related to her British Passport and they offer the service, too.  I'm really happy with what they've done so far and don't really mind the extra money.  I'm curious about everyone's experiences with this.  She is concerned about whether or not the SAPS will give her a hard time when she wants to take the fingerprints with her to send to the service rather than having the police send it on to Pretoria.

I would definitely use a company to help with the PCC. They can act as the middle man and can get it much faster then you will be able to on your own. One less thing to worry about!

[LuFlolady 881]

19 hours ago, Mozam said:

Welcome to a new week, everyone! Hoping we all see some more progress. 

 

Today we finally received our Packet 3 info after emailing them directly. They sent it to us within the hour. So, for anyone reading this in the future if you don't receive your packet within a few days and your case is marked "Ready" feel free to shoot them an email. 

 

I do have a question. I didn't see any information about send in a copy of the passport or anything. I thought I read something here that stated something about how we need to email them a copy of the passport info page or something. Am I making this up? 

No u r not making it up we emailed copy of passport and DS160 confirmation pages....its in the instructions in our 3...just re-read it maybe u just missed it...it request those items and also say u must bring the originals to the interview with u

[LuFlolady 881]

4 hours ago, pretendthisisfun said:

I have a question for those who have recently received their police clearance back in South Africa.  How long did it take for you to receive it and did you have any issues?  I have been looking into using a service for this, but if everyone here got theirs back quickly without issue, it might be a waste of money.  

 

We just got our case number from the NVC today, so we are excited about the next steps.  

Congrats on ur case number and we had no issue getting the police clearance

[Mozam 147]

2 hours ago, LuFlolady said:

No u r not making it up we emailed copy of passport and DS160 confirmation pages....its in the instructions in our 3...just re-read it maybe u just missed it...it request those items and also say u must bring the originals to the interview with u

My P-3 letter doesn't say that. However, my P-3 letter also instructs me to complete the DS260 which isn't correct information. I emailed them back to ask them to clarify (even though I know we don't need to complete the DS260) and I got a response that said "Our records indicate that packet 3 was sent to you.  Please follow the instructions." So, I suppose I need to call them. 

 

What email did you send this info to? I've been emailing with this email: JohannesburgIV@state.gov , but I know there is another email address I was using to correspond with them earlier. 

[Mozam 147]

Also I received two emails from them yesterday one said, "Interviews:  Services are by appointment only Thursday from 8AM to 4PM." The other email said, "Interviews:  Services are by appointment only Tuesday and Thursday from 1pm." Curious to see the appointment times that will be available....if they ever open up. 

[Mozam 147]

So follow-up to my adventure in trying to get the correct P-3 Packet. I called and quoted her the line that says the DS-160 is "including applicants applying for K visas". She just kept repeated a script that said something to the tune of we are an outside entity if the applicant has received direct communication for the consulate he needs to follow and complete the given information. If you have any doubt you can write your concern again through email and they will assist you. 

 

We've already email them. They gave us the line that we have already received Packet 3. So, then I asked her if there was a direct number to call the embassy and she said they do not have the information to supply. All they can do it direct you to links where information might be available and help schedule and pay interview fees. 

 

So....suggestions? I know what I need to do in theory. However, I don't want something to be wrong in their system. I know and have complete the DS160. I just want the correct P3 packet and to be assured that they haven't made a mistake. 

[Mozam 147]

1 minute ago, Mozam said:

So follow-up to my adventure in trying to get the correct P-3 Packet. I called and quoted her the line that says the DS-160 is "including applicants applying for K visas". She just kept repeated a script that said something to the tune of we are an outside entity if the applicant has received direct communication for the consulate he needs to follow and complete the given information. If you have any doubt you can write your concern again through email and they will assist you. 

 

We've already email them. They gave us the line that we have already received Packet 3. So, then I asked her if there was a direct number to call the embassy and she said they do not have the information to supply. All they can do it direct you to links where information might be available and help schedule and pay interview fees. 

 

So....suggestions? I know what I need to do in theory. However, I don't want something to be wrong in their system. I know and have complete the DS160. I just want the correct P3 packet and to be assured that they haven't made a mistake. 

Oh my goodness. Rolling my eyes right now. Just received an email with the correct K1 instructions a minute after posting this rant. Guessing me calling them did do some good even if the lady on the phone wasn't of much assistance. 

[madameMaison 204]

20 minutes ago, Mozam said:

Oh my goodness. Rolling my eyes right now. Just received an email with the correct K1 instructions a minute after posting this rant. Guessing me calling them did do some good even if the lady on the phone wasn't of much assistance. 

What a journey and path this seems like it's going to be... 😧 YIKES! 

[madameMaison 204]

I'm hoping our file gets shipped in today or tomorrow's batch. We received our case number last week, I've already filled in the DS160 , so now it will be good news if my case arrives by next week and we can get the ship moving. 

 

 

@Mozam your information is extremely helpful, and I realize that there will be a lot of direct emailing and calling to do when the file arrives at the consulate because it seems communication from the embassy is sketchy. . 

 

I look forward to hearing about what you find out about the interview and medical appointment schedules , AND I AM HOPING you will get to get it all done in December. 🌼

[madameMaison 204]

Does the SA consulate allow us to have our American fiancé at the interview with us on the day?

[Mozam 147]

33 minutes ago, madameMaison said:

What a journey and path this seems like it's going to be... 😧 YIKES! 

 

It's honesty not too bad. We've made it this far so this stuff isn't much. I much prefer being able to solve a problem rather than hearing silence for 6-7 months. 

 

Also, not everyone will have to call. I think I just happened upon someone not paying attention when attaching a file to an email. 

[MozambiqueSoninha 50]

8 hours ago, madameMaison said:

Does the SA consulate allow us to have our American fiancé at the interview with us on the day?

They do allow you to have them there.   They may be asked to wait outside or they may be allowed in.   That said - I have read some posts recently warning against it for K1, as they may invite them in and also ask to interview them to corroborate answers.  As long as you are both ready for that potential - then I would say it is fine.   

 

Also a thing I keep seeing with K1 interviews is to MAKE SURE there are no photos, mentions or hints that any type of engagement ceremony happened - they often see this as a wedding, even if it wasnt, and causes cases to be rejected and told to file for CR1.  I know in Mozambique the "anelamento" or engagement is often done and no wedding takes place due to funds - so they DO NOT like to hear about it.  Not sure if the culture in SA is similar.  

 

As my lawyer told me before our AOS interview -  They HAVE to ask you certain questions - give the most basic answer possible, if they need more they will ask, but if you give them too much which leads to a string of doubt, it is their job to pull on it and see where it goes - I think this is where people go bad on K1 interview - they get asked about how they met ect - and go into too many details like engagement celebrations and going away celebrations in anticipation of marriage.