"Filer" threads

[cshell 0]

Is there a way of searching for AOS people with similar timelines that are going through the same district offices?? As that would be very helpful.

As an "old timer" this is what I was going to bring up. Before the demise of the older site, there used to be separate threads for each district office. I don't know why this seems to have been eliminated but that was very helpful to see posts about the particular office one would be dealing with. If one is following all centers then it really doesn't help to see what another district office is processing; it's apples and oranges. Of course there would be an additional CSC-transferee required, since that wasn't really being done until more recently (than when we were going through it).

As for the "monthly filer" K-1 threads, I don't read those and I don't know if the encompass all service centers or if they are separated as they used to be in the "old days" by service center. If the thread is bundled together with all service centers I really don't see what benefit it would serve. When the ones for NSC, TSC, etc were separated you could get a good idea of what to expect and meet others going through your service center. That's how I met my fellow NSC parolees-turned-naked dancers

Yes, this does seem that it would be most helpful. As when I did the timeline search it was a big help but there is no dialogue-threads so I would need to individually PM people and valuable info would only pass to one person.

Capt Ewok could the timeline state what the person was adjusting from: K-1, K-2 J-1 etc also could it have your true district office. Such as I am NYC but my biometrics was done in Hempstead but I think that my interview will be in Garden City (if I have one) So nothing I belive will be in NYC

[no name 1]

I just figured this out on my own - then I saw your post! thanks - since I'm not up to that stage of local offices - it hadn't occured to me til now to to do a local office search - yes this is helpful - but it is dissapointing in that not many people fill in their timeline. Everyone wants info but but no one whats to take the time to input the info to help themselves and other! But if I hadn't read this thread I'm not sure if I would of figured out what to do.

- All the more reason monthly filer threads are a very small part of your VJ.

- You are indeed up to the DO stage, you had to put your DO on the forms when you filed your AOS.

- As far as the timeline thing, the front page of VJ says:

Welcome to VisaJourney!

New members: click here

Our goal is to educate and provide general information regarding family and marriage based immigration (K1, K3, DCF, etc) for a spouse, fiance, parent(s) or other close relatives to reunite and bring together families. If you are new to the site please take a look at some of our site's great features such as the Guides, FAQ's, Forums, Gallery, Example Forms and more. We provide you with a great array of general information useful in filing your I-129f, I-130, I-134, I-485 and other USCIS and immigration forms. We encourage all members to seek a qualified immigration attorney as this site is no substitute for the valuable help and advice a good attorney can provide! Please also be familiar with the Terms of Service before using this site.

Once again, we welcome you and encourage you to become a member of our growing community! Share your experiences and relax here knowing you are not alone! Make sure that you also take the time to add your information to our Immigration Timeline section! -The Visajourney Family

[cshell 0]

I just figured this out on my own - then I saw your post! thanks - since I'm not up to that stage of local offices - it hadn't occured to me til now to to do a local office search - yes this is helpful - but it is dissapointing in that not many people fill in their timeline. Everyone wants info but but no one whats to take the time to input the info to help themselves and other! But if I hadn't read this thread I'm not sure if I would of figured out what to do.

- All the more reason monthly filer threads are a very small part of your VJ.

- You are indeed up to the DO stage, you had to put your DO on the forms when you filed your AOS.

- As far as the timeline thing, the front page of VJ says:

Welcome to VisaJourney!

New members: click here

Our goal is to educate and provide general information regarding family and marriage based immigration (K1, K3, DCF, etc) for a spouse, fiance, parent(s) or other close relatives to reunite and bring together families. If you are new to the site please take a look at some of our site's great features such as the Guides, FAQ's, Forums, Gallery, Example Forms and more. We provide you with a great array of general information useful in filing your I-129f, I-130, I-134, I-485 and other USCIS and immigration forms. We encourage all members to seek a qualified immigration attorney as this site is no substitute for the valuable help and advice a good attorney can provide! Please also be familiar with the Terms of Service before using this site.

Once again, we welcome you and encourage you to become a member of our growing community! Share your experiences and relax here knowing you are not alone! Make sure that you also take the time to add your information to our Immigration Timeline section! -The Visajourney Family

trust me I treat the guides and FAQ'S as the all important word LOL I go to them when I am about to embark on paperwork or a new step - but sometimes you forget things as VJ is very vast. I wouldn't of been able to gotten to this point without VJ but inparticular the guides. I actually printed out all the FAQ'S and highlighted info - it is an amazing source.

Capt Ewok: Plus I love the abbreviations sections - a few new ones need to be added like OP- abbreviations that are used by posters but not necessarily uscis terms. I thought that this was near the top right of each page for a bit but it is no longer there - I liked the easy access

[~Nini~ 2]

As for the "monthly filer" K-1 threads, I don't read those and I don't know if the encompass all service centers or if they are separated as they used to be in the "old days" by service center. If the thread is bundled together with all service centers I really don't see what benefit it would serve. When the ones for NSC, TSC, etc were separated you could get a good idea of what to expect and meet others going through your service center. That's how I met my fellow NSC parolees-turned-naked dancers

Right now filer threads are being categorized into months with all the service centers bundled together, which in my opinion gives people a false sense of when their application is being approved. At least when it was categorized into service centers (which was before my time) it would offer a more well-rounded idea as to the duration of the processes.

Now that USCIS is amending their system though with CSC and VSC receiving equal amounts of applications, perhaps we'll see a difference in the length of times for K1s.

In all honesty, I'd rather people use the timeline search filter to get an idea as to what they're expecting for a wait time, but I do agree that the filer threads offer camaraderie. If people are finding a use for it, then I don't think we should get rid of them altogether. I think the concern is that people are substituting them for stuff such as the guides and the other areas of the forums, but all in all we have to be cognizant of the fact that each poster uses VJ as they see fit and takes what they want to get from it.

[bostonparis 0]

Ironically, rebeccajo, you posted here: undefined how when you started, you really liked the "K1 tracker" threads. You said:

There were UK threads, Canada threads, Philipine threads.....it really wasn't hard. Some were lengthy like the K1 monthly tracker threads. People made friends - they stuck together and helped one another out. At the same time, you had a feel for other things 'around the globe'.

I kinda liked it and it really wasn't all that bad.

So, it WAS helpful to you then, or at least you enjoyed the people you "met" there. So why do you want to see them stopped now?

[rebeccajo 14]

Ironically, rebeccajo, you posted here: undefined how when you started, you really liked the "K1 tracker" threads. You said:

There were UK threads, Canada threads, Philipine threads.....it really wasn't hard. Some were lengthy like the K1 monthly tracker threads. People made friends - they stuck together and helped one another out. At the same time, you had a feel for other things 'around the globe'.

I kinda liked it and it really wasn't all that bad.

So, it WAS helpful to you then, or at least you enjoyed the people you "met" there. So why do you want to see them stopped now?

Yes indeed I did post that. I was referring to former 'country' threads (which got lengthy - like the threads we are discussing now) within the 'Consulate' forum. And the fact that those threads were within the Consular forum. It's a similar concept as adding Regional Forums within the Consular Forum, which I have lobbied for both before and in this thread. So I did say that, but I'm not sure what you are trying to get at. There's no similarity at all to the matter we are discussing now.

Monthly filer threads are timeline driven by false data. The timeline function of VJ has the appropriate filters to obtain usable cognitive data. The filter could be improved to give monthly information, which would be helpful in locating your 'filer buddies'.

Everyone seems to have their panties in a bunch because I asked Admin to step in and curtail a behavior that is detrimental (IMO) to the site. I guess I hit a nerve because people also use these threads for socialization. That was not my intention. I was hoping an intelligent discussion could be had in where it was realized that these threads are more harmful than they appear.

I'm also amazed that you all give yourselves so little credit for being able to make friendships on the site without the filer threads. My friendships on VJ have formulated across visa types and stages of the process. I'm certain I am not unique and that new members could find their peers without participating in a 'false data' experiment.

PS - I'm unsure what an 'elitist' July filer is. Could you explain?

Edited July 31, 2007 by rebeccajo

[~Nini~ 2]

As mentioned a few times in the thread already, there seems to be a growing trend of hysteria towards the lack of approvals in specific filer threads. The attitude towards AOS filer threads is definitely calmer than the ones found in the K1 subforum - some people are using the filer threads to compare their timelines to other "faster" timelines and then freaking out because their NOA2 hasn't arrived yet.

I like the filer threads for the socialization factor (and believe me, I used to hang out there too) but I stopped going there because I felt like I was going to get my head snapped off if I said anything encouraging to people that were still in process. I guess I need(ed) a thicker skin to deal with the "lawl VSC filer got her approval early" punches.

[TracyTN 237]

I just read through this whole thread, and my head hurts.

First, I am an "elitist" July filer. SirLancelot merely said that anyone who sends their packet in AFTER July 25 will most probably have an August NOA1 date. If they end up having a July NOA1 date, he would add them to the list. Two people maintain the list, and it was very informative for me to see when people sent, when they were received, NOA1 date, biometrics, etc. We're also waiting for our information to be updated on the system... would you want to see separate threads for "I'm not in the system yet, and I'm a July 3 NOA1 date!"?

And as in any thread, sometimes there is incorrect information, but someone always steps in with the correct information. You "filer thread killers" seem to read through all the "filer" threads anyways, so you're there to help those who don't have all the answers.

I like my July Filer thread. I have something in common with these folks now, and it's nice to see familiar "faces" in there with words of encouragement.

Like Ewok said, there are four or five active "filer" threads in AOS. They're pretty long, yes, but clearly they're helping people.

The sentence I bolded above is the only sort of information I care about, which I can easily get from the timeline data. The filer threads (haven't looked at the AOS ones, so I'm mainly talking about the ones I've seen when I was in the K1 phase) maintain a list which only includes those participating in the threads, whereas the timeline data includes data on everyone who has maintained their timeline. Thus, you get a more data from using the timeline.

I just can't figure out why I should care if I'm a 'July filer' or an 'August filer' as long as I can use the 'see similar timelines' data. I can then PM or otherwise contact those folks to my heart's content - or I can just watch their timelines change with mine.

I assume Ewok went to some trouble creating and maintaining the timeline function, which now seem to be used about as much as the guides anymore. Oh well - I appreciate the timelines anyway.

I found and made good friends at VJ in all sorts of different ways prior to the invention of the filer threads. But if you see some kind of benefit from the threads, knock yourself out. I just hope you see that same benefit when/if you fall way outside the 'norm'.

[LaL 418]

It might be a great idea to update timelines with a lil button link that says something to the effect of: "who are my filing buddies?" and the return would be everyone who filed within a set perameter (no necessarily in a "month" but maybe 2 weeks either way, etc. etc.).

I have found, as being part of a semi-lengthy namecheck thread that many many people did not have timelines filled out. I kinda chalked it up to either busy with real life or just flying in to VJ because they got stuck. Either way - timelines are valuable for the site as a whole, BUT completely noncompulsory. What I am wondering is if this trend is being seen elsewhere and is it possible to shift the data tracking from one source (filer threads) and relying on another (timelines)?

For simplistic filing procedures & progress the timelines work quite well! I can say as someone who has been "stuck" twice, my data has been a bit skewed. That is why we track progress of namecheck in our thread. There is no simplistic timeline data for that. Maybe there could be. And maybe there could be a filer buddies listing button. Endless possibilities! hehe

This off the vein of my post but I often wonder about the discussion of noobs - as far as not reading the guides - what if they DID read the guides then this was the one little iota they missed. I think this could be the case more often than not and am I completely guilty myself ... Adding onto that, if one person is questioning it, chances are others are wondering as well. Skip over questions that may be personally annoying!

Edited for clarity

Edited July 31, 2007 by lal_brandow

[rebeccajo 14]

Laura - regarding another thing with "newbs" -

In a perfect world, it'd be great if we could get them to understand how 'subject to the Gods' a case can become and how 'irrelevant' timeline data can be. Maybe that's my main concern with the filer threads - the focus of the case becomes 'how quick can it happen'. IMO that is such an ambiguous goal for anyone trapped in immigration to set for themselves. About all any of us can do is prepare our case file as completely as we can, attach a check for the correct fees, put the right amount of postage on an envelope mailed to the appropriate office, then hold our nose and pray.

Immigration is not like any other 'business' process in today's modern world. The system is far from streamlined and the technology is close to archaic. In today's society, we find we can usually get most things accomplished MUCH more quickly than ANYTHING involving immigration. So.........the first thing anyone who is about to play this game should settle in their own minds is that everything else you know about modern-day business and paperwork does not apply in this scenario.

Also (and this is probably going to be an unpopular thought - but here goes) I do believe the younger the players, the quicker they become frustrated. I'm old enough to remember 'slower' - it took longer at the bank, longer at the store, longer to get a mortgage, etc. Today's world is faster, microwaveable. Younger people literally do not understand that everything they seek doesn't happen overnight. To some degree that's not their fault. Most of the world has caught up with them. USCIS/DOS/DHS has not.

In short - ANYTHING timeline or filer driven is, IMO, likely to cause our members more stress than advantages. It is important to be diligent in package preparation. It's important to stay 'up to speed' on your case. But is it important to keep track of a timeline you ultimately cannot control? I don't think so. That flies in the face of every stress management technique I have ever heard.

[bostonparis 0]

rebeccajo, someone in this thread called the July filers participants "elitists", so my remark was tongue-in-cheek.

[rebeccajo 14]

rebeccajo, someone in this thread called the July filers participants "elitists", so my remark was tongue-in-cheek.

LOL........guess I missed that.

[Arazia 0]

Well, as I maintain the May filer thread and it's list, you could easily say I'm biased about this whole topic. I also admit I haven't read through all the pages of this thread as it's getting a bit long. I update the May list every few days so it's information is always in the top few posts. It helped me to see other people who had similar timelines to me and helped me figure out what to expect.

Yes, the timeline function can be used for this, but to be honest... both when going through the K-1 and AOS, you see a number of people who update once, and never update again and it makes it difficult because you have to search through pages of data to find people in the same month as you who are actually keeping their information up to date.

Sure, I'll agree that if people are going as far as 'Monday filers' or 'First half of the month' filers or whatever that it's getting a bit overboard, but I have no problem with the monthly filer threads. Maybe they weren't around when some people started here, and sure it's great that they got through fine, but if it is helping even a handful of people, then I think it's worth it.

I plan on maintaining the May thread until most people are approved or someone changes the rules to say we can't have such threads.

[LaL 418]

Maybe that's my main concern with the filer threads - the focus of the case becomes 'how quick can it happen'. IMO that is such an ambiguous goal for anyone trapped in immigration to set for themselves. About all any of us can do is prepare our case file as completely as we can, attach a check for the correct fees, put the right amount of postage on an envelope mailed to the appropriate office, then hold our nose and pray.

Well I believe pretty much everyone would like to know how quick it can all happen. Or conversley how long can this take. Timelines are a "helper" but what I was trying to touch upon was if there is a shift to utilizing filer threads vs. timleline data. All of its a crutch. Its a climate, we saw it years ago, we see it now. I just think the fact that there is a shorter wait now does make the whole thing a little "exciting". A flurry of changes creates a climate of excitement. Seasoned members in AOS do it as well, maybe not to the extent that we see in other forums, but it's there.

[rebeccajo 14]

Well, as I maintain the May filer thread and it's list, you could easily say I'm biased about this whole topic. I also admit I haven't read through all the pages of this thread as it's getting a bit long. I update the May list every few days so it's information is always in the top few posts. It helped me to see other people who had similar timelines to me and helped me figure out what to expect.

Yes, the timeline function can be used for this, but to be honest... both when going through the K-1 and AOS, you see a number of people who update once, and never update again and it makes it difficult because you have to search through pages of data to find people in the same month as you who are actually keeping their information up to date.

Sure, I'll agree that if people are going as far as 'Monday filers' or 'First half of the month' filers or whatever that it's getting a bit overboard, but I have no problem with the monthly filer threads. Maybe they weren't around when some people started here, and sure it's great that they got through fine, but if it is helping even a handful of people, then I think it's worth it.

I plan on maintaining the May thread until most people are approved or someone changes the rules to say we can't have such threads.

Arazia, if you have time to read more of the thread, you'll see we are most concerned about the data being false. The month a K1 files has little to do with the speed they will be approved.