Optimum's US Immigration Timeline

Petitioner's Name: Demi Beneficiary's Name: Demi VJ Member: Optimum Country: South Africa Last Updated: 2019-08-03 Add Comment to Timeline Register or log in to follow this timeline

Immigration Checklist for Demi & Demi:

Dept of State EB-2 Visa:     USCIS I-485 Petition:   USCIS I-765 Petition:       USCIS I-131 Petition:       USCIS I-751 Petition:   USCIS N-400 Petition:   Dept of State EB-2 Visa:     USCIS N-400 Petition:

EB-2 Visa Event Date I-129 Sent : I-129 NOA1 : I-129 RFE : I-129 RFE Sent : I-129 Approved : NVC Received : 2019-02-12 NVC Left : Consulate Received : Packet 3 Received : Packet 3 Sent : Packet 4 Received : 2019-06-05 Interview Date : 2019-07-25 Interview Result : Approved Second Interview (If Required): Second Interview Result: Visa Received : 2019-07-30 US Entry : I-140 Sent : 2018-07-27 I-140 NOA1 : 2018-07-27 I-140 RFE : I-140 RFE Sent : I-140 Approved : 2019-01-09 Comments : I applied for EB2 NIW and had my interview on the 25th July 2019. Before the interview, I was worried that the visa retrogression for employment based visa announced in the USCIS Bulletin starting on 1st August will have an effect if I am placed in Admin Process beyond July. My worry was also compounded by the fact that 25th July was the last immigrant VISA interview before the cut off date of retrogression. On the day of the interview, myself as the petitioner, my wife, my son and daughter (beneficiaries) went to the embassy with all documents we have ever heard on being requested by consular officer. My wife had to collect unabridged birth certificate and was also picked up that same morning by DHL for delivery while we were on the queue for at the embassy, luckily that was the last document we needed. Our interview was scheduled for 8am and we were at the embassy 30 minutes before then and at exactly 8am we were vetted and passed through the security with four heavy bags; one per person. Inside the embassy we went through the biometriy and all required documents: For me: Birth certificate, Degree certificate, marriage certificate ,2 passport photograph, old passport with US visa, our medical had been done 2 weeks before then and the result had been sent to the embassy earlier. For my wife she she was asked for only the marriage certificate and birth certificate; for the children only the birth certificate. Eventhough we made about 20 copies of family pictures, it was never requested maybe the consular officer was satisfied with the evidence collected. The interview session took place after taking an oath and a nice and firm lady interviewed us.I dont know why but i greeted and introduced my family one after the other lol. The questions: Because my wife studied in the UK for her masters, she asked for my own UK Police certificate as well. I told her that I was only there for a visit and never stayed beyond 20days.. She asked if I ever applied for labour certification, i told her no because i applied under the National Interest waiver and labour certification was not required She asked if i have a job offer; I answered that i have gone through 2 stages of interview and the company is only waiting for me to get job authorisation before they can proceed to the final interview. I also showed her the printed copies of the email communication which she said was not a job offer and returned to me. The CO then asked me how i will sustain myself without a job for 4 people. I replied that i have worked independently as consultant in my field for over around 3 years and had worked for many multinational and bilateral organisations. She wanted more proof , my wife then reminded me that i should give the evidence of properties and bank statement, which i did.. I was very nervous at this stage as she kept pushing the questions to know how i will explain but with my wifes prompt i regained my balance and it was smooth after the evidence presented. My nervousness came from the initial communication that she raised that my wife is hypertensive (She did not take her medication before the medicals.. Please avoid this mistake) The CO also asked for where i will be staying and I gave my younger brothers address with affidavit of support from him even though this is not necessary for my application type EB2 NIW. . CO also asked my wife about what she will be doing in the US and she answered her. After all these she told us to go and sit and for about 5 min working through our documents. She called us back and told us our visa is approved. We were happy, especially my children. Our status changed to Admin process that same day and the next day changed to issue. 3 days later we got our visa via DHL. I have written this long piece because i struggled to get anything on EB2 NIW in Johannesburg embassy while preparing for the interview. The joker is bring everything, relax and follow the process without panicking also try and get some job interviews communication, evidence of assets are critical, bank statement and be ready for any question in line with the evaluation of the CO. In my case God Helped me and I know He can help you too, just pray for his help.

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