JANUARY 2020 I-129F K-1 FILERS

[B, J 13]

On 7/7/2020 at 4:18 PM, Christian Alvarad said:

Can I ask whats the RFE about??

Im from Guatemala too, all the best.

Hi, today I received the Request for Evidence. It's two pages long.

 

Page 1 has basic information about what an RFE is, and when the due date for response is.

 

Page 2 has a header which says "SUBMIT PASSPORT-STYLE PHOTO." Underneath, it says, "With the filing of the instant petition, you provided a photo of you; however, it does not meet the passport-style photo requirement. Therefore, submit (1) one passport-style photo of [PETITIONER NAME]."

• Using a pencil or felt pen, lightly print the name on the back of the photo.
• Do not staple through any part of the photo.
• Enclose the photo in a glassine or paper envelope.
• Staple the envelope to this notice when returning it to this office.

"PLEASE RETURN THE REQUESTED INFORMATION AND ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WITH THIS ORIGINAL REQUEST ON TOP TO: [USCIS address]."

 

---

 

I will say that I did include a picture of myself, but maybe I forgot to put my name on the back. Or maybe it wasn't 2x2 and didn't exactly meet the photo requirements. This time, I went to the store and had them take a picture of me and cut it to be 2x2 (passport photo at Walgreens).

 

 @Greenbaum Inside the envelope I received in the mail, it had an empty envelope inside addressed to USCIS so that I can send all the stuff back. But in the directions it says to put the photo in an envelope, then staple the envelope to the notice.

 

So I think I will put the photo in a blank envelope and staple that envelope to the back of the RFE page, then put all that in the envelope they gave me and ship it to them. (Yes, I'm probably over-thinking this, but I only have one chance to get it right.) Does that all sound right?

[Greenbaum 12,259]

11 hours ago, Brandon & Josue said:

Hi, today I received the Request for Evidence. It's two pages long.

 

Page 1 has basic information about what an RFE is, and when the due date for response is.

 

Page 2 has a header which says "SUBMIT PASSPORT-STYLE PHOTO." Underneath, it says, "With the filing of the instant petition, you provided a photo of you; however, it does not meet the passport-style photo requirement. Therefore, submit (1) one passport-style photo of [PETITIONER NAME]."

• Using a pencil or felt pen, lightly print the name on the back of the photo.
• Do not staple through any part of the photo.
• Enclose the photo in a glassine or paper envelope.
• Staple the envelope to this notice when returning it to this office.

"PLEASE RETURN THE REQUESTED INFORMATION AND ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WITH THIS ORIGINAL REQUEST ON TOP TO: [USCIS address]."

 

---

 

I will say that I did include a picture of myself, but maybe I forgot to put my name on the back. Or maybe it wasn't 2x2 and didn't exactly meet the photo requirements. This time, I went to the store and had them take a picture of me and cut it to be 2x2 (passport photo at Walgreens).

 

 @Greenbaum Inside the envelope I received in the mail, it had an empty envelope inside addressed to USCIS so that I can send all the stuff back. But in the directions it says to put the photo in an envelope, then staple the envelope to the notice.

 

So I think I will put the photo in a blank envelope and staple that envelope to the back of the RFE page, then put all that in the envelope they gave me and ship it to them. (Yes, I'm probably over-thinking this, but I only have one chance to get it right.) Does that all sound right?

Yes, that is what you should do. Include the photo that you are sending to them in an envelope after marking as instructed by the RFE instructions, then attach to the back of the RFE letter. Insert all in the return envelope. Make sure you have made a copy of everything so in the event this needs to be attended to again you'll have your evidence. Good luck and stay engaged. 

[Christian Alvarad 17]

23 hours ago, Brandon & Josue said:

Hi, today I received the Request for Evidence. It's two pages long.

 

Page 1 has basic information about what an RFE is, and when the due date for response is.

 

Page 2 has a header which says "SUBMIT PASSPORT-STYLE PHOTO." Underneath, it says, "With the filing of the instant petition, you provided a photo of you; however, it does not meet the passport-style photo requirement. Therefore, submit (1) one passport-style photo of [PETITIONER NAME]."

• Using a pencil or felt pen, lightly print the name on the back of the photo.
• Do not staple through any part of the photo.
• Enclose the photo in a glassine or paper envelope.
• Staple the envelope to this notice when returning it to this office.

"PLEASE RETURN THE REQUESTED INFORMATION AND ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WITH THIS ORIGINAL REQUEST ON TOP TO: [USCIS address]."

 

---

 

I will say that I did include a picture of myself, but maybe I forgot to put my name on the back. Or maybe it wasn't 2x2 and didn't exactly meet the photo requirements. This time, I went to the store and had them take a picture of me and cut it to be 2x2 (passport photo at Walgreens).

 

 @Greenbaum Inside the envelope I received in the mail, it had an empty envelope inside addressed to USCIS so that I can send all the stuff back. But in the directions it says to put the photo in an envelope, then staple the envelope to the notice.

 

So I think I will put the photo in a blank envelope and staple that envelope to the back of the RFE page, then put all that in the envelope they gave me and ship it to them. (Yes, I'm probably over-thinking this, but I only have one chance to get it right.) Does that all sound right?

Well, that sounds pretty easy!! You will get approved soon!

Good luck!!

[B, J 13]

29 minutes ago, Christian Alvarad said:

Well, that sounds pretty easy!! You will get approved soon!

Good luck!!

I sure hope so! Thank you. 😊

[waitingmoar 5]

NOA1 Jan 2, 2020.

 

Day 198. 

[Ruviol 6]

Noa1 Jan 17 

187 days!!!!!

[d99gr81 9]

NOA1 - 1-28

 

173 days 😔

 

any update on uscis funding? I read there was plans to fund them but has bill been or will be passed? 

[TT & R 6]

6.5 months and still no NOA2.  This is really ridiculous.   How long does it take to do background checks....look at passport stamps...airline tickets/photos/ hotel receipts/ letters. Really a disservice to families around the world to have to be separate due to slow inefficient bureaucracy. 

 

2 more weeks and I can inquire about outside normal processing time.

 

Wish we luck 

[Greenbaum 12,259]

20 minutes ago, T and E said:

6.5 months and still no NOA2.  This is really ridiculous.   How long does it take to do background checks....look at passport stamps...airline tickets/photos/ hotel receipts/ letters. Really a disservice to families around the world to have to be separate due to slow inefficient bureaucracy. 

 

2 more weeks and I can inquire about outside normal processing time.

 

Wish we luck 

Can I share somethings with you that I learned long ago about this process?

    • "the man with the gold makes the rules"
    • it will take as long as it will take 
    • no one with any certainty can tell you when some process will be completed
    • Your sense of urgency will never be equaled to what USCIS, NVC or your embassy demonstrates
    • Your journey is not going to mirror someone else's experience - yours and theirs are not the same
    • They only promised you a YES or NO answer. Never an exact time that their decision would be completed
    • Lowering your expectations will make you a much more relaxed individual

Good luck on your journey 
 

[B, J 13]

Update:

 

There has been a recent processing action taken on your case.

Application Type: I129F, PETITION FOR ALIEN FIANCÉ(E) 

Your Case Status: Request for Evidence Response Review 

On July 21, 2020, we received your response to our Request for Evidence for your Form I129F, PETITION FOR ALIEN FIANCÉ(E). USCIS has begun working on your case again. We will send you a decision or notify you if we need something from you.

[waitingmoar 5]

Day 201.

 

Update for me too:

 

"Request for Initial Evidence Was Sent

 

On July 21, 2020, we sent a request for initial evidence for your Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). The request for evidence explains what we need from you. We will not take action on your case until we receive the evidence or the deadline to submit it expires..."

 

Any statistics/insight into what my chances might be for approval? Does it depend on which evidence they might be looking for? What might be turnaround time?

Honestly, at this point, just knowing that they're looking at it and some update makes me feel slightly better...but not sure if this is something to be celebrated...

[Greenbaum 12,259]

4 hours ago, waitingmoar said:

Day 201.

 

Update for me too:

 

"Request for Initial Evidence Was Sent

 

On July 21, 2020, we sent a request for initial evidence for your Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). The request for evidence explains what we need from you. We will not take action on your case until we receive the evidence or the deadline to submit it expires..."

 

Any statistics/insight into what my chances might be for approval? Does it depend on which evidence they might be looking for? What might be turnaround time?

Honestly, at this point, just knowing that they're looking at it and some update makes me feel slightly better...but not sure if this is something to be celebrated...

Technically speaking, an RFE is a written request for more information and documentation that USCIS mails out if they believe that they don’t yet have enough evidence to approve or deny a given application. An RFE normally is a minor item and should not be looked at like it's a denial but an opportunity for you to complete your application. USCIS would not send out an RFE if they were going to deny your application. It's just a step that they must take and once they have your information and it meets their approval then you should be seeing your NOA2.

There are many varying degrees of RFE's. Some as simple as not "ticking" off a question. Others forgot the fiancé(e) letter and then others who met on a website and now need to prove that it wasn't a marriage arrangement website.

Once you get your RFE, read over very carefully as you only have one chance to reply accurately without causing undue harm. Once you know FROM THE RFE what it is set out to correct and to include "everything" they are asking for. Then reread the RFE to ensure you are compliant. Make copies of everything for your record and send back using their instructions which are contained within the RFE. If the RFE requires a signature, PLEASE don't forget this. Include the original RFE letter along with a cover letter explaining what you are including in your reply. Like a checklist format. Once received at USCIS your case will begin adjudication where the agent had left off. No one can tell you how long it will take so be patient. 

[RicFromOhio 10]

On 7/7/2020 at 12:57 PM, AmberS said:

Approved! Brazil, NOA1 January 21, 2020 and NOA2 July 7, 2020. 

Congratulations!    My wife is from Brazil, so we will be watching your timeline to see what we are in for with regards to the embassy timeline there. We also have a NOA1 of Jan 21, but we are at the Potomac Service Center and are still waiting for our NOA2.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

23 minutes ago, RicFromOhio said:

Congratulations!    My wife is from Brazil, so we will be watching your timeline to see what we are in for with regards to the embassy timeline there. We also have a NOA1 of Jan 21, but we are at the Potomac Service Center and are still waiting for our NOA2.

@AmberS is a K=1 filer and you're a CR-1. Totally different processes. Compare your journey to hers is not very prudent. I suggest you move over to the CR-1 conversation so that you don't miss anything that is important to your processing. Good luck and stay engaged. 

[RicFromOhio 10]

2 minutes ago, Greenbaum said:

@AmberS is a K=1 filer and you're a CR-1. Totally different processes. Compare your journey to hers is not very prudent. I suggest you move over to the CR-1 conversation so that you don't miss anything that is important to your processing. Good luck and stay engaged. 

Sorry, I jumped into the wrong thread.