TOTALLY FKD OVER

[~Laura and Nick~ 5]

Thinking of you

Stay strong!

[Urge To Race 2]

Kathryn,

I like these 2 estimates for you.... They are quite reassuring. You might not be that far away. Enjoy your trip to Lagos.

I'm sorry to hear about the trouble you are having with your case. I'm sure everyone here knows exactly how you feel right now. This waiting game is frustating, stressful, and draining. I pray that you stay encouraged, and not let this stop you. I filed for my husbands (CR-1) in June of last year, and it took precisely 13 months. I don't think you would have to wait 14 more months with your case, especially since your CR-1 is already approved. That's half the battle right there. If you use shortcuts, you can get through the NVC in no time. Be encouraged and God Bless you and your family!

Tiana

Since you already have the two NVC bills in hand, I would guesstimate your NVC time at about 6 weeks (conservatively).

2 weeks to receive, accept the payments and generate the two forms (Affidavit of support and DS-230).

You use James' shortcuts here.

1 week for NVC to receive/accept the forms.

2 weeks to case complete.

1 week to get your case to the embassy.

Look up what documentation is required by your embassy. The bare minimum is tax transcripts for last 3 years, letter from your employer and 2 months worth of paystubs, copy of your spouse's passport. You also may need police certificates and birth certificate of your spouse (possibly with translations).

Good luck! You can make it!

Thank you that is very helpful. I read your timeline and it doesnt make much sense to me but then again I havent really studied the CR1 process.. I guess now I have to

[Divine Mercy 0]

Divine Mercy,

Although you will not be able to persue the K-3 route, at least your petition has been approved There are reasons why things happen a certain way. For about a year from December 3 2006, my husband was denied entry into the US. That was the worst day of my life. I really had no desire to function. I felt let down by the Department of Homeland Security, whom sent my hubby back to Germany, and is also there to secure the borders of the US. And here I am in the military willing to fight any war that the US has to face, but not able to have the love of my life here with me to give me the energy and willingness to do my job. After a year of waiting, I realize that this distance has made me and my hubby stronger. Not many americans or really anyone can go through this. I think people who give up easily really dont know love or even want it. I want the love my pookie has to offer. And I want to give him all the love I have to give no matter how long I have to wait, even if it will take forever. Its a sacrifice for all of us to go through this process, but persistence and patience has gotten all of us this far. Dont give up and think of your children. They are one day closer to having their dad. You are one day closer to having the love of your life although the finish line seems distant. And I am sure he realizes all the sacrifices you have went through, are going through and will go through for him. Thats LOVE. I beleive in Karma and I beleive for all this time you and me have missed out, we will get ours a trillion fold.

You're very right. I just got off the phone with VSC when I wrote all that stuff. I was sooooo over emotional. I talked to my husband (about a hundred times) since then, kissed my kids and counted them as my biggest blessings. I'm ready to start climbing that hill again. I know he's right at the top waiting for me and I won't let him down. I'm sorry you are going thru so much and thank you for serving in our military. You are the real heart of this country.

Most of all I have to thank everyone in this group. I'm so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing caring human beings. No one in the real world (as opposed to this virtual world) can even pretend to understand any of this.

I count my husband and children as my blessings and I'm so grateful for them. I count VJ as a huge blessing too! Thank you all so much. I read and absorbed every word of every post and it really got me through the day. I wish I could meet you all and give each and every one of you a big fat hug. My husband is also touched by so much kindness pouring toward us in VJ. He sends his love and appreciation.

Now it's time to buckle down and start learning the CR1 process. I found my paperwork, I have no idea what I'm looking at though. It's a matter of remaining focused.

Since you already have the two NVC bills in hand, I would guesstimate your NVC time at about 6 weeks (conservatively).

2 weeks to receive, accept the payments and generate the two forms (Affidavit of support and DS-230).

You use James' shortcuts here.

1 week for NVC to receive/accept the forms.

2 weeks to case complete.

1 week to get your case to the embassy.

Look up what documentation is required by your embassy. The bare minimum is tax transcripts for last 3 years, letter from your employer and 2 months worth of paystubs, copy of your spouse's passport. You also may need police certificates and birth certificate of your spouse (possibly with translations).

Good luck! You can make it!

Thank you that is very helpful. I read your timeline and it doesnt make much sense to me but then again I havent really studied the CR1 process.. I guess now I have to

Two bills? I only see the I-864 bill. hmm. 6 weeks??????? OMG that is soooooo much better than I could have hoped for! Who schedules the interviews for the CR1? The NVC or the Embassy/Consulate?

[Divine Mercy 0]

Kathryn,

I like these 2 estimates for you.... They are quite reassuring. You might not be that far away. Enjoy your trip to Lagos.

I'm sorry to hear about the trouble you are having with your case. I'm sure everyone here knows exactly how you feel right now. This waiting game is frustating, stressful, and draining. I pray that you stay encouraged, and not let this stop you. I filed for my husbands (CR-1) in June of last year, and it took precisely 13 months. I don't think you would have to wait 14 more months with your case, especially since your CR-1 is already approved. That's half the battle right there. If you use shortcuts, you can get through the NVC in no time. Be encouraged and God Bless you and your family!

Tiana

Since you already have the two NVC bills in hand, I would guesstimate your NVC time at about 6 weeks (conservatively).

2 weeks to receive, accept the payments and generate the two forms (Affidavit of support and DS-230).

You use James' shortcuts here.

1 week for NVC to receive/accept the forms.

2 weeks to case complete.

1 week to get your case to the embassy.

Look up what documentation is required by your embassy. The bare minimum is tax transcripts for last 3 years, letter from your employer and 2 months worth of paystubs, copy of your spouse's passport. You also may need police certificates and birth certificate of your spouse (possibly with translations).

Good luck! You can make it!

Thank you that is very helpful. I read your timeline and it doesnt make much sense to me but then again I havent really studied the CR1 process.. I guess now I have to

Urge.. ur a rock! Always there with helpful information and ready to point out others helpful information. Thank you so much for ALWAYS being so helpful!

[Urge To Race 2]

Kathryn,

You should have an Immigrant Visa Fee Bill and an the Affidavit of Support bill (the I864 bill you have). The IV fee bill is mailed to the choice of agent. Since you were not pursuing the CR1, you/your husband probably never sent that in. Did you receive a DS3032, choice of agent form? The IV fee bill might be waiting until that is sent back. You guys can email that in and designating you as the choice of agent. That will generate the bill and get it on its way (there is a shortcut for paying the bill before you actually receive it once its generated)

Divine Mercy,

Although you will not be able to persue the K-3 route, at least your petition has been approved There are reasons why things happen a certain way. For about a year from December 3 2006, my husband was denied entry into the US. That was the worst day of my life. I really had no desire to function. I felt let down by the Department of Homeland Security, whom sent my hubby back to Germany, and is also there to secure the borders of the US. And here I am in the military willing to fight any war that the US has to face, but not able to have the love of my life here with me to give me the energy and willingness to do my job. After a year of waiting, I realize that this distance has made me and my hubby stronger. Not many americans or really anyone can go through this. I think people who give up easily really dont know love or even want it. I want the love my pookie has to offer. And I want to give him all the love I have to give no matter how long I have to wait, even if it will take forever. Its a sacrifice for all of us to go through this process, but persistence and patience has gotten all of us this far. Dont give up and think of your children. They are one day closer to having their dad. You are one day closer to having the love of your life although the finish line seems distant. And I am sure he realizes all the sacrifices you have went through, are going through and will go through for him. Thats LOVE. I beleive in Karma and I beleive for all this time you and me have missed out, we will get ours a trillion fold.

You're very right. I just got off the phone with VSC when I wrote all that stuff. I was sooooo over emotional. I talked to my husband (about a hundred times) since then, kissed my kids and counted them as my biggest blessings. I'm ready to start climbing that hill again. I know he's right at the top waiting for me and I won't let him down. I'm sorry you are going thru so much and thank you for serving in our military. You are the real heart of this country.

Most of all I have to thank everyone in this group. I'm so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing caring human beings. No one in the real world (as opposed to this virtual world) can even pretend to understand any of this.

I count my husband and children as my blessings and I'm so grateful for them. I count VJ as a huge blessing too! Thank you all so much. I read and absorbed every word of every post and it really got me through the day. I wish I could meet you all and give each and every one of you a big fat hug. My husband is also touched by so much kindness pouring toward us in VJ. He sends his love and appreciation.

Now it's time to buckle down and start learning the CR1 process. I found my paperwork, I have no idea what I'm looking at though. It's a matter of remaining focused.

Since you already have the two NVC bills in hand, I would guesstimate your NVC time at about 6 weeks (conservatively).

2 weeks to receive, accept the payments and generate the two forms (Affidavit of support and DS-230).

You use James' shortcuts here.

1 week for NVC to receive/accept the forms.

2 weeks to case complete.

1 week to get your case to the embassy.

Look up what documentation is required by your embassy. The bare minimum is tax transcripts for last 3 years, letter from your employer and 2 months worth of paystubs, copy of your spouse's passport. You also may need police certificates and birth certificate of your spouse (possibly with translations).

Good luck! You can make it!

Thank you that is very helpful. I read your timeline and it doesnt make much sense to me but then again I havent really studied the CR1 process.. I guess now I have to

Two bills? I only see the I-864 bill. hmm. 6 weeks??????? OMG that is soooooo much better than I could have hoped for! Who schedules the interviews for the CR1? The NVC or the Embassy/Consulate?

Edited November 28, 2007 by Urge To Race

[Divine Mercy 0]

Kathryn,

You should have an Immigrant Visa Fee Bill and an the Affidavit of Support bill (the I864 bill you have). The IV fee bill is mailed to the choice of agent. Since you were not pursuing the CR1, you/your husband probably never sent that in. Did you receive a DS3032, choice of agent form?

oops I sort of answered this in the May/June filers thread. I did get the Affidavit of Support bill and the DS3032. We never sent any of it in. We will now! (after I read the James shortcuts of course) thank you for stating what the IV bill is. Does that mean my husband won't have to pay a fee at the embassy when he has the interview (yeah yeah wishful thinking).

[Urge To Race 2]

Right, he should not have to pay a fee, you are paying it already. James' shortcuts detail the emailing in the details for the DS3032.

Kathryn,

You should have an Immigrant Visa Fee Bill and an the Affidavit of Support bill (the I864 bill you have). The IV fee bill is mailed to the choice of agent. Since you were not pursuing the CR1, you/your husband probably never sent that in. Did you receive a DS3032, choice of agent form?

oops I sort of answered this in the May/June filers thread. I did get the Affidavit of Support bill and the DS3032. We never sent any of it in. We will now! (after I read the James shortcuts of course) thank you for stating what the IV bill is. Does that mean my husband won't have to pay a fee at the embassy when he has the interview (yeah yeah wishful thinking).

[Divine Mercy 0]

Right, he should not have to pay a fee, you are paying it already. James' shortcuts detail the emailing in the details for the DS3032.

Kathryn,

You should have an Immigrant Visa Fee Bill and an the Affidavit of Support bill (the I864 bill you have). The IV fee bill is mailed to the choice of agent. Since you were not pursuing the CR1, you/your husband probably never sent that in. Did you receive a DS3032, choice of agent form?

oops I sort of answered this in the May/June filers thread. I did get the Affidavit of Support bill and the DS3032. We never sent any of it in. We will now! (after I read the James shortcuts of course) thank you for stating what the IV bill is. Does that mean my husband won't have to pay a fee at the embassy when he has the interview (yeah yeah wishful thinking).

That's great news! (when it comes to Nigeria.. I'll believe it when I see it.. they milk u for every dime over there)

[myangel2 0]

I'm so sorry to hear this..... I filed the CR-1 not really knowing much about the other options... Hold on it will be all-right since you have waited this long it won't be as long as you think. Your spouse will have his green card in hand once he arrives... And he will be able to work. Because they have increased the price for filing the forms now they say the speed of processing cases will be much faster so give it a little time...

[Divine Mercy 0]

I'm so sorry to hear this..... I filed the CR-1 not really knowing much about the other options... Hold on it will be all-right since you have waited this long it won't be as long as you think. Your spouse will have his green card in hand once he arrives... And he will be able to work. Because they have increased the price for filing the forms now they say the speed of processing cases will be much faster so give it a little time...

You've been waiting to get an interview scheduled in Lagos since June?????

Working right away is a big deal for Nigerians, you know what I'm talking about, I'm sure. That will be a def. blessing. It's the wait to get his butt here. It's all about the wait. My Aff. of Support bill says $70, I guess it would be good to see if that went up since then, I'd hate to send them the wrong amount. Did you use the James shortcuts?

[Lefreedring 0]

Way to go girl! Keep your head up, keep working at those documents, keep hope alive. We all get down sometimes; Very inspiring to see you getting up!

[rebeccajo 14]

Well, I'm glad to see you are feeling better.

I'm shamefully ignorant of the process through Lagos. It sounds like hell and I'm sorry you have to face that.

BUT....if it is as you say, that working right away when he does arrive in the US is important.....then this CR1 will be a long-run blessing for you.

Kathryn, many times here at VJ I catch flack for the very short visa processing time my husband and I had. It's true I haven't suffered the long separation times that many here have gone through. I know my husband and I weren't very good at being apart and I know that even though I can sympathize with you, I can't really relate to what you are going through.

That being said, I can testify to how difficult adjustment of status can be for K1/K3 beneficiaries after they arrive in the states, and how that can add unnecessary stress to the immigrant's adjustment, and to the marriage. I can tell you personally how frustrated we were to be turned down for mortgages because my husband did not have his residency; how employers didn't quite understand that a one-year EAD was as legal as a greencard; and how after a certain period of time some people who knew us started wondering why the government wouldn't issue my husband a greencard - what was 'wrong' with him?

When your husband arrives here - finally - on his CR1 - he will not have to endure any of that. He will arrive with greencard in hand. No one will unduly question his legal residency. No one will suspect his character. Employers will recognize that he is 'good to go' and won't think he's only in the country for the duration of his EAD. You will be able to begin your belated future as a 'regular' couple - the government won't be holding you back.

Hang in there. Your post today alarmed me.

Let me tell you this - this archaic, backward process is not WORTH being beat over. For me, I was determined that if my government continued to hold my husband a virtual immigration hostage, that they would eventually hear my voice. I've spoken with senators, congresspeople, and lobbyists over the issues that face all of us each day. I even had a short radio blip - it was pretty hysterical. DO NOT LET THEM GET THE BEST OF YOU! The public might be blissfully ignorant of immigration; they might be overly paranoid of terrorist types and they might be hellbent against 'illegals'. But I've never met ONE citizen, who when I sit down and explain to them what LEGAL immigrants go through to come to this country, that wasn't truly amazed, shocked and disgusted. There is a larger voice out there available to you - god forbid you should need it in this fight.

You know what they say - don't let the ba$tards wear you down.

Edited November 28, 2007 by rebeccajo

[C and J 1]

Oh Divine Mercy, that was such awful news I was really worried for you after reading your first post. This process, no matter how hard it is, is not worth a person's life. Even at the worst times, there are still things to be thankful for (your husband, your children), it's just hard to see the positives when the bad things seem so large and overwhelming.

I've read through the whole thread and am glad to see you have mustered the strength to continue on. You are not starting from the beginning, you are already past the hard stage and you've achieved so much to get to this point. You've found the positives for your current situation and they will be better for you in the long run.

Compared to the length of time you have already been forced to wait (3 years before being able to apply), the extra few months are not going to be as bad as what you have already endured. I am truly hopeful that the wait for an interview at Lagos is much less than the VJ estimates have shown. You will make it through this hard process and it will all be worth it in the end.

[Beauty for Ashes 257]

I have had a hefty delay as well Divine and its hard for people to realise how torn up it makes you and the strain it puts on your mind and heart.... MY delay put 7 months on top of everything and I just now got an NOA2 and I started this process in January with a fiancee petition. But I at least made it out of USCIS and for me thats the biggest thing and the hardest hurdle. Now its on to NVC and that garbage. But dont feel bad about expressiing your opinion.. Dont ... others are really so sad too

[Enlighten one :) 5]

Thanks for you reply. That is what i estimated by looking at everyones timeline. i just love the people here. Always willing to help and show support. have a great day everybody!

Since you already have the two NVC bills in hand, I would guesstimate your NVC time at about 6 weeks (conservatively).

2 weeks to receive, accept the payments and generate the two forms (Affidavit of support and DS-230).

You use James' shortcuts here.

1 week for NVC to receive/accept the forms.

2 weeks to case complete.

1 week to get your case to the embassy.

Look up what documentation is required by your embassy. The bare minimum is tax transcripts for last 3 years, letter from your employer and 2 months worth of paystubs, copy of your spouse's passport. You also may need police certificates and birth certificate of your spouse (possibly with translations).

Good luck! You can make it!

Thank you that is very helpful. I read your timeline and it doesnt make much sense to me but then again I havent really studied the CR1 process.. I guess now I have to