WFinished's US Immigration Timeline

Petitioner's Name: W Beneficiary's Name: X VJ Member: WFinished Country: Vietnam Last Updated: 2024-03-12 Add Comment to Timeline Register or log in to follow this timeline

Immigration Checklist for W & X:

USCIS I-129F Petition:       Dept of State K1 Visa:     USCIS I-485 Petition:   USCIS I-765 Petition:       USCIS I-131 Petition:       USCIS I-751 Petition:   USCIS N-400 Petition:

K1 Visa Event Date Service Center : California Service Center Transferred? No Consulate : Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam I-129F Sent : 2018-04-15 I-129F NOA1 : 2018-04-20 I-129F RFE(s) : 2018-10-17 RFE Reply(s) : 2018-10-29 I-129F NOA2 : 2018-11-21 NVC Received : 2018-12-10 Date Case #, IIN, and BIN assigned : 2018-12-13 NVC Left : 2018-12-26 Consulate Received : 2019-01-02 Packet 3 Received : 2019-01-07 Packet 3 Sent : 2019-01-11 Packet 4 Received : Interview Date : 2019-02-25 Interview Result : Approved Second Interview (If Required): Second Interview Result: Visa Received : 2019-03-04 US Entry : 2019-03-07 Marriage : 2019-04-03 Comments : Processing Estimates/Stats : Your I-129f was approved in 215 days from your NOA1 date. Your interview took 311 days from your I-129F NOA1 date.

Port of Entry Review Event Date Port of Entry : Los Angeles POE Date : 2019-03-08 Got EAD Stamp : No Biometrics Taken : No Harassment Level : 0 Comments : Soon as my Fiancee and I landed I guided her to nearest TSA Officer and asked for directions for her K1 Visa. It was kindly explained to us that she still needed to go to the Visitor Line and that I may go with her. I guided my Fiancee to the Consular Officer and explained I was American and that this is my Fiancee on her K1 and then proceeded to hand over our Passports and her sealed envelope. The CO opened the documents and then looked them over. He stamped her passport and wrote a specific date and explained to her that she needed to get Married to me by this specific date. He handed me the passports & Customs Declaration Form and told me she was good to go and that we could go ahead and proceed to hand over our Customs Declaration. We thanked him and walked over to the next part which was Customs Declaration. The TSA Officer looked it over and told us good to go and said that we can go on ahead and grab our luggage and take it to the next drop off. It was a fairly easy process in LA and the way the quickly guide people to the Passport Check Ins moves smoothly. I was able to stand beside and guide my Fiancee throughout the entire process.

Adjustment of Status Event Date CIS Office : Columbus OH Date Filed : 2019-07-08 NOA Date : 2019-07-12 RFE(s) : Bio. Appt. : 2019-08-09 AOS Transfer** : Interview Date : 2019-10-29 Approval / Denial Date : 2019-10-29 Approved : Yes Got I551 Stamp : Greencard Received: 2019-11-06 Comments :

Lifting Conditions Event Date CIS Office : Nebraska Service Center Date Filed : 2021-08-05 NOA Date : 2021-08-09 RFE(s) : Bio. Appt. : Interview Date : 2022-12-06 Approval / Denial Date : 2022-12-08 Approved : Yes Got I551 Stamp : No Green Card Received : 2022-12-08 Comments : Biometrics Letter received on 9/16/2021 - Waived on 9/9! This case never got an Interview as the file was never sent to the Columbus Field Office but we did have the N400 Interview. I will update this once the N400 is fully updated. The ROC Case Was approved on December 8, 2022. Got another Letter in the mail saying that a 10 year green card will not be sent out due to passing the N400. Marking her Lifting of Conditions for same day as approval then.

Citizenship Event Date Service Center : Online CIS Office : Columbus OH Date Filed : 2022-08-21 NOA Date : Bio. Appt. : Interview Date : 2022-12-06 Approved : Yes Oath Ceremony : 2023-02-09 Comments : I filed online on Sunday 8/21/2022 and received an online notice that the Biometrics are being reused. On 10/18/2022, received a notification through the Lawfully App that an Interview has been scheduled at the Columbus, OH Field Office. ** Columbus Field Office ** Okay, we just got home. Here is an update on how my wifes Interview had went. Long story short is that she passed the N400 Exam and it is currently pending approval. I was sweating parts of it lol and I am also bad at remembering things so here is what I do remember.  So for some reason we only did the N400 interview due to our USCIS location not receiving her ROC application. That is why she is pending because they need to approve that before they can approve her N400. She started off reading a tablet that said something about "Which or What State has the largest population in the United States?" Then her first attempt at writing was supposed to be like "California has the most people" but she wrote California have most people. Then her second attempt was something about New York but she wrote it as Newsyork not realizing the s was supposed to be a space and that New York is actually two words, and she missed a word or two for the rest of that sentence. Her last attempt though was about Washington (Later I found out she honestly thought they were talking about Washington D.C. lol) and she got this one correct. Cannot remember if it was about Washington being the father or if it was about Washington State though. After this it was immediately into the Questions and she answered the first 6 correct. Hell, I don't even remember what they asked her and when I asked her about it, they were completely different than what I had thought they were lol.  After the questions they jumped immediately into the N400 application to correct anything that needed correcting and then during the first like 40ish questions that needed to be basically "No" she ended up saying "Yes" to owing taxes on the Federal, State, or Local level and I was behind her shaking my head no and the Immigration officer asked her about Taxes that led her up to stating no she didn't owe any taxes and she pays her taxes in full. It also led to my wife being asked a surprise question not apart of the original 6 and she got asked out of the blue if she knew when income taxes were due. lol Luckily, the wife caught on and knew the answer. We were then asked if we had any other papers to submit for further evidence and being the prepared type that I am... I had two books made up for this interview. 1x for the ROC with updates on everything that we did since the filing of her ROC, as well as a book for her N400 with updates notating everything we have done between the filing of her N400 and today to also include a very detailed summary on what she also or well I made her leave back to Vietnam to see her Parents for 4 weeks. (Her mom was having heart surgery so I made her return). So, she passed her exam and was given a letter stating that she had passed and her approval was pending. If they need anything else they will send us a letter and if she is approved then they will mail her a letter stating her Oath Ceremony. Also, to note apparently since I was not sure traveling to Puerto Rico is not considered leaving the Country just in case anyone else was interested and wondering about that. Oath Ceremony Will Be Scheduled December 7, 2022 We recommended that your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, be approved. Your case was submitted for quality review. December 7, 2022

Member Reviews:

Consulate Review: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Review Topic: K1 Visa Event Description Review Date : February 25, 2019 Embassy Review : HCMC, Vietnam US Consulate Review My Fiancee and I arrived around 05 something. The usual people you read about in reviews were there trying to carral you into chairs that sit directly across from the Consulate but you do not have to as they charge you for it and then when they learn that you know of there little scheme they pretty much tell you to go away cause if we stand around then others will follow suit. Basically, it was bad for their business. It will seem like you cannot wait across the street but you actually can. If you are standing in front of the Consulate and looking at it then you will notice the left half has zero barriers while the right half has a barrier that covers the entire right side and even wraps around as well. I had my Fiancee ask if we were actually allowed on that side and he did not care. Only thing I did not ask was if we were allowed within the barrier (just poles). From the center leading to the right are multiple entrances. The door furthest to the right is marked Entrance/Visas. I assume that if you ignore the people trying to place you into a chair and actually ask the Guards that most likely, you can wait and be the first in line. After you line up to enter the premises. Beneficiary needs to have at the ready 1x Passport, 1x Interview Confirmation Page with the Case # written largely (not small like mine or they have you redo it lol) at the top right corner, and 1x visa photo. Petitioner if there needs to have Passport at the ready for ID Checks. They will start a 2nd line but unsure what that line is actually for. Entering the premises: The newly created 2nd line enters first, they wand down each person, tell you to turn off any cell phones and to keep them in your hands and then check any bags/backpacks/shoulder bags that you might have. Then the 1st line that formed enters in the same fashion. Security Checkpoint: Once you enter the premises you are filed line after line into 4 main lines. Then, starting with the far left you’re slowly filed into the security checkpoint where they will scan your bags, you walk through a metal detector and hand over your cell phones where they will give you a nice big plaque so you can retrieve your phones before exiting the premises. Check-In: After you go through security you are directed to the left where there is a lonely desk with a single person. This is where the Beneficiary initially checks in and then you are directed back down passed the security doors. Next Steps: Once passed the security doors the Beneficiary is directed into a new line (not sure what this is actually for) and the Petitioner if there is directed to go sit down. Feel free to have the Petitioner go sit down as none of the documents will be needed at this point. I think here the Beneficiary still only needs the passport, visa photo, and interview confirmation page still and that's it. At this Window, the Beneficiary is issued a Number. This number is very important as it is the number they will call you guys on. Windows 1 through 7 seems to be where they want only the required Documents. Once called upon, the lady asked me these questions: Are you the Petitioner? - Yes What do you do for a living? - Currently Unemployed Veteran. Oh, you are a Veteran? - Yes. Please have a seat. - Not till I help her pull all these documents out of the bag for her. Her issued number was 2031 and then when it was called on this is where it got really stressful for my Beneficiary because I had all the documents listed in order per the Revised 2018 edition and within classified folders. This person made her remove everything from the binders quickly to where she started placing documents out of order and then getting confused. I made her hold them and took them from her after that point because they made her come sit back down. I told her to relax and I took the rest of the papers out and she only took to them what they requested. She almost snapped under the pressure from this lady. She is glad I was there. To add a small note here: We had an Engagement Ceremony on 11/25/2018 and immediately within that week or two I had us do update Intent to Marry Letters stating we were still single and willing to get married. I also had her get a freshly updated Eligible to Marry Letter as well. Wouldn’t you know it? They actually requested her Eligible to Marry Letter So I am glad that we spent the time and money to get her a new and updated and translated Eligible to Marry Letter. Afterward, we went deeper into the room where windows 11 through 20 were. I noticed there were 3 cameras. 1 at the far end of each part of the room and another almost in the center. I decided to pass th time by embarassing and teasing the hell out of my Fiancee because she was that nervous. Especially, after what the first window had put her through making her stress out and almost snap under the pressure. I also reorganized her documents for her so she could have an easy time. Finally, after an unknown amount of time had passed. Her number was called. We went up to Window number 15 where a lady with red hair and an interpreter awaited us. I greeted them and told them who we were. I was never told to go sit down but this is where it got funny… Redhead: “Are you ready?” Fiancee: “Yes.” Redhead: “Did you read the pamphlet that was handed to you on Domestic Violence?” Fiancee: “Yes.” Redhead: “Do you have any relatives in the U.S.?” Fiancee: ”No.” I cock my head and look at her funny with that “You silly girl” look. lol Redhead: “How did you meet your Fiance?” Fiancee: “I met him through my Cousin **** who introduced him to me over Facebook so I could have someone practice English with me but I fall in love with him instead and I don’t know why.” I just smirked and was like shit and once I started to laugh a little the Redhead giggled a little to… Redhead: “Let’s go back. Are you sure you do not have any relatives in the U.S.?” I was like omg now she is able to correct herself… Fiancee: “Umm..” I am thinking like omg come on… :’( lol “Redhead: “What about your Cousin?” Fiancee: “She lives in Columbus, Ohio. Oh shit. I forgot.” I lost it at that point and was just like omg we are so doomed and I slapped my forehead but I couldn't stop myself from laughing… Redhead: “When did you first meet?” My Fiancee looked at me and I just said no worried I barely heard her too and I asked her to repeat the question because neither of us could hear her clearly from where she didn't realize she was too far back. She apologized. Redhead: “When did you First meet?” I looked at her and said “Come on. You got this I know you know it.” Redhead: “You can answer it if you know it.” As she looked at me. I grinned. “We first started talking on or around October 13th, 2017 when her Cousin first introduced us. Redhead: “How about in person?” Me: “The very next month. November 2017 when I flew there to meet her in person.” Redhead: “Wow. You guys fell in love pretty fast eh?” Me: “Hahaha yeah.” Fiance: “I love him though.” Redhead started laughing and then said: “Congrats. Your visa has been approved.” My Fiancee jumped and cheered with joy as she nudged me and told me that was a lot easier than she expected and told me good job on my Interview since I ended up answering her questions for her and that she was jealous because she wanted to answer them cause she did know the answers.. Roflmao. After that, we heard a "good luck guys" from this couple that went the Spousal route and they had just passed their Interview as well. I was like "Woah hold up. We just got approved too". The two girls gave each other hugs of congrats and we made lunch celebration plans or well they did before we could even ask them if they would like to celebrate together. We headed for the exit and turned in the plaque to get our phones back and then exited the premises. Notes: Back in 2018, people were handed an Approval Slip and then told to go see that lonely person at the lonely desk as I described from the beginning for the Check-in. This was where you reported last and could request to expedite your Visa to about 1 week instead of the 2 weeks. Now for 2019, you can choose premium shipping to expedite,as well as update the shipping address all at once upon scheduling your K1 Visa Interview online. Here on VisaJourney, I have a private chat with 9 of us total. Only 6 if the 9 of us have had Interviews so far from January 2019 to Feb. 25th, 2019. Here are the odds of Approvals, Blue Slips, & Denials: Approvals: 3 Blue Slips with Approvals: 3 Blue Slips with Denials: 0 Denials: 0 We even had one couple in the group to where the Petitioner could not attend the Interview due to Work and his Fiancee soloed the Interview and was Approved. So the odds are about 50/50 for a Blue Slip but do not lose face as wants you to give them what they want you will end up most likely getting an Approval. Questions for the Petitioner Overall: Are you the Petitioner? What do you do for a living? When did you first meet? When did you first meet in person? Questions for the Beneficiary Overall: Did you read the Pamphlet about Domestic Violence? Do you have any relatives in the U.S.? How did you meet your Fiance? I’ve noticed some people post about the heat and what to wear. I wear dress pants with a long sleeve dress shirt. I dressed to impress for my Fiancee. They have ceiling fans and it still felt cool. It was not that hot and we were there up till about 11-ish or something like that. I hope this helps for those of you doing the K1 Visa Interview for 2019. Rating : Good

Timeline Comments: 28



*Notice about estimates: The estimates are based off averages of other members recent experiences
(documented in their timelines) for the same benefit/petition/application at the same filing location.
Individual results may vary as every case is not always 'average'. Past performance does not necessarily
predict future results. The 'as early as date' may change over time based on current reported processing
times from members. There have historically been cases where a benefit/petition/application processing
briefly slows down or stops and this can not be predicted. Use these dates as reference only and do not
rely on them for planning. As always you should check the USCIS processing times to see if your application
is past due.

** Not all cases are transfered

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