Russian Women Discussion
RWD Discussion Groups => Immigration and Visas => Topic started by: Hammer2722 on May 05, 2012, 08:22:55 AM
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Well, I am officially starting the K1 docs for my Olenka. First thing I realized is that I could not find my birth certificate. Have no clue where it is. My mom has the original but since it has a raised seal it is not accepted by the government so I had to order copies from my birth state's office of vital statistics. Hoping to get these in the mail next week. Let the fun begin!!!!!!! :clapping:
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Well, I am officially starting the K1 docs for my Olenka. First thing I realized is that I could not find my birth certificate. Have no clue where it is. My mom has the original but since it has a raised seal it is not accepted by the government so I had to order copies from my birth state's office of vital statistics. Hoping to get these in the mail next week. Let the fun begin!!!!!!! :clapping:
Congrats Hammer!
But, I am not sure I understand the bold part. The original raised lettered seal is the one you need. You should only need copies of it though for the K-1. What did you use for a passport?
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Well, I was at my birth state's website and there was a statement that said the federal government no longer accepted the old birth certificates with the raised surface notarized stamp. For my passport, I had to order certified copies of my birth certificate with the stamp but not raise surface. I can't seem to find the last copies that I ordered so I just ordered new ones.
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Well, I was at my birth state's website and there was a statement that said the federal government no longer accepted the old birth certificates with the raised surface notarized stamp. For my passport, I had to order certified copies of my birth certificate with the stamp but not raise surface. I can't seem to find the last copies that I ordered so I just ordered new ones.
For the K-1 you'll only send copies anyway. Although they may require you at some point to show it. I don't they they ever did ask for mine. Ordering a certified copy probably isn't a bad idea, just to have one on hand when you need it. I haven't heard anything about the original notarized certificate not being accepted. Seems it would take precedence over a certified copy. In 04, I had to get mine from my Mother as well for a passport but it was useless as the folds were ragged and tore. I settled for and ordered a certified copy. I don't think I have had to use it since.
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Yeah, it makes no sense to me either but I figure it better to be safe than sorry. I want to make sure this process goes smoothly. :cluebat:
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Just follow the instructions.
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Today's update! I just mailed out the I-129F package for my Lena today and created my visa timeline on VisaJourney.com everything is now in motion. Thanks to all for your well wishes and keep us in your prayers for a smooth process!!!! With any luck, I will be going to meet Lena in Kiev for her interview in Oct or Nov!!!!! :clapping:
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Good luck and speedy response from the USCIS.
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Today's update! I just mailed out the I-129F package for my Lena today and created my visa timeline on VisaJourney.com everything is now in motion. Thanks to all for your well wishes and keep us in your prayers for a smooth process!!!! With any luck, I will be going to meet Lena in Kiev for her interview in Oct or Nov!!!!! :clapping:
Congrats and hope all goes smooth as a baby's butt :D
I don't want to curse it but keep checking on it. Packets do get stalled. FWIW
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Congrats and hope all goes smooth as a baby's butt :D
I don't want to curse it but keep checking on it. Packets do get stalled. FWIW
Thanks all, will most definitely be keeping an eye on things for sure....
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Wishing both of you a speedy process and hope she gets here with you before the Holidays!
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Congratulations. I wish you the best and I hope your petition gets sent to the fastest service center.
It is good that you found Visajourney. There will be many other men and women who filed at the same time. So read the visajourney forums to stay current.
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Today's update! I just mailed out the I-129F package for my Lena today and created my visa timeline on VisaJourney.com everything is now in motion. Thanks to all for your well wishes and keep us in your prayers for a smooth process!!!! With any luck, I will be going to meet Lena in Kiev for her interview in Oct or Nov!!!!! :clapping:
I was advised a few years ago to accompany my fiancee to interview, it is a plus, also it can you get you into embassey much faster than standing in line.
Good luck with the process!!!
Hammer....you started thread saying 'my Olenka' and now she is 'my Lena'!!! ;)
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Best of luck to you Hector. I hope it goes fast and smooth.
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I was advised a few years ago to accompany my fiancee to interview, it is a plus, also it can you get you into embassey much faster than standing in line.
Good luck with the process!!!
Hammer....you started thread saying 'my Olenka' and now she is 'my Lena'!!! ;)
I also call her my little monster. LOL We have lots of pet names for each other.
I too have heard that be there with her can get her into the embassy faster vice being alone and having to stand in a long line. Hope its true.
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I also call her my little monster.
Even after 12 years of marriage if I call my wife that, I'll be eating Alpo for the next 6 months.
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I also call her my little monster. LOL We have lots of pet names for each other.
I too have heard that be there with her can get her into the embassy faster vice being alone and having to stand in a long line. Hope its true.
FWIW I've never been to the embassy in Kyiv. If you state your case in the K-1 packet, there is really not much else you can do. Yes you being there will put her in the fast lane for an interview on that day but, you being there will make no difference on her approval or not. Again, if you state your case well enough, she will be approved. It's a given unless there is ample cause to not grant it to her. Is it worth a trip just to keep her from standing in a long line? (there is no right or wrong answer here). Once she is approved it is time to prepare for her arrival and the pressure and expense that comes with it.
Being at the embassy with her is all good and noble but, seems to me maybe a waste of some precious time and resources that will be need soon enough and elsewhere.
I didn't go to the interview with my wife. I was glad I didn't and still am
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Even after 12 years of marriage if I call my wife that, I'll be eating Alpo for the next 6 months.
You needs to learn hows to keeps yer wimmin in line :D just kidding
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I was advised a few years ago to accompany my fiancee to interview, it is a plus, also it can you get you into embassey much faster than standing in line.
It does ..it is...it will.
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Her name for me is worse, LOL. Ask your wives what a Mavpa is if you don't know. One of the great things about our relationship is the sense of humor we share with each other.
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I too have heard that be there with her can get her into the embassy faster vice being alone and having to stand in a long line. Hope its true.
A scheduled K1 interview should give your girl priority in line. As an American they will make sure you are one of the first to enter. Once you enter though it does not mean you will be the first to be interviewed. We were almost last. The questions she will be asked will probably be easier with you there. This was the case with our interview at least. You can go out and celebrate afterwards which is nice, but it is an additional expense right before many others as FP mentioned.
Udachi and congrats, you are almost together!
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Thanks all, I just got an e-mail from the DHS Lockbox yesterday. They recieved my packet are forwarding it the USCIS processing center in Cali. Now to await the official NOA1 :clapping:
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In Moscow they asked my wife 1 question. Glad I didn't go there. They don't let you up to the window anyway. You must wait in another room.
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In Moscow they asked my wife 1 question. Glad I didn't go there. They don't let you up to the window anyway. You must wait in another room.
Yeah, I have heard that in Ukraine they sometimes will let the US Fiance into the interview. I'll be there mainly for emotional support cause I know she'll be very nervous. Not that I'm really worried at all though.
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Thanks all, I just got an e-mail from the DHS Lockbox yesterday. They recieved my packet are forwarding it the USCIS processing center in Cali. Now to await the official NOA1 :clapping:
Why are they sending it to Colombia? Do they outsource the same way as call centres? :D
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Why are they sending it to Colombia? Do they outsource the same way as call centres? :D
Kiwi, you are a ball buster. ;D
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Today's update! I just mailed out the I-129F package for my Lena today and created my visa timeline on VisaJourney.com everything is now in motion. Thanks to all for your well wishes and keep us in your prayers for a smooth process!!!! With any luck, I will be going to meet Lena in Kiev for her interview in Oct or Nov!!!!! :clapping:
Congrats Hammer! I will be watching you timeline. I am gathering my documentation and hope to mail my package by the end of the month.
-K
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Let the fun begin!!!!!!! :clapping:
At least before the real work begins...
In any case enjoy this very special time.
Wish you two the very best!
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Well, I am officially starting the K1 docs for my Olenka. First thing I realized is that I could not find my birth certificate. Have no clue where it is. My mom has the original but since it has a raised seal it is not accepted by the government so I had to order copies from my birth state's office of vital statistics. Hoping to get these in the mail next week. Let the fun begin!!!!!!! :clapping:
That reminds me of my situation at work. Can't they just let you by with your social security card and your DL instead?
Getting a copy of my birth certificate would be difficult for me if I have to contact the state that I was born in... I was actually born in another country as my dad was in the military. Not sure if I would contact that country or contact the military base I was born on.
It would suck if that base were closed down by the time I needed my birth certificate.
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That reminds me of my situation at work. Can't they just let you by with your social security card and your DL instead?
Getting a copy of my birth certificate would be difficult for me if I have to contact the state that I was born in... I was actually born in another country as my dad was in the military. Not sure if I would contact that country or contact the military base I was born on.
It would suck if that base were closed down by the time I needed my birth certificate.
I believe that you can also use your passport instead of your birth certificate.
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That reminds me of my situation at work. Can't they just let you by with your social security card and your DL instead?
Getting a copy of my birth certificate would be difficult for me if I have to contact the state that I was born in... I was actually born in another country as my dad was in the military. Not sure if I would contact that country or contact the military base I was born on.
It would suck if that base were closed down by the time I needed my birth certificate.
At some point in the future, not even considering the situation of marrying a FSUW, you are going to need your birth certificate. I would start working on getting it now . . . before the need is at hand.
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Yeah, already got it. Had to order it online from NJ. Also got a letter from my company HR Verifying my employment. Now, just waiting for that NOA2!
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pembas,
I had a similar (father-military ) background,and no birth certificate available.
Bases do close, deployments arn't always to a US military base either.
I am a US citizen and i've held a passport as long as I can remember, and
my passport worked just fine for a K1 filing and all the follow up.
Getting passport without one is a little challenge, filing a K1 not so much.
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Congrats hammer! and good luck
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Now this is really weird!!!! I just got this e-mail from USCIS today:
Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)Your Case Status: Card/ Document ProductionOn August 14, 2012, your document I129F, PETITION FOR FIANCE(E) was processed and mailed to the address on record. If you have not received it within 30 days of August 14, 2012, contact customer service at [color=rgb(0, 173, 237) !important] [size=1em !important]1-800-375-5283. If you move while your case is pending, please call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.This step applies to applications that result in an applicant receiving a card (such as a "green card") or other document (such as a naturalization certificate, employment authorization document, travel document, or advance parole). Applications will be in this step from the time the order to produce the card/document is given until the card/document is produced and mailed to the applicant. You can expect to receive your card/document within 30 days of the approval of your application.If you do not receive your document, please contact our National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from [/color]USCIS[color=rgb(0, 173, 237) !important] within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283. *Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at [/color]www.uscis.gov[color=rgb(0, 173, 237) !important] under Check Processing Times.
It seems that my gals green card is getting prepared. Except, we're still in the waiting for NOA2 stage. LOL!!!!! Methinks that someone at USCIS screwed up!!!!! What are the odds????? ;D [/size][/color][/font][/color]
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I would call to make sure everything is correct. Its been a couple years since I did mine, but no card should be given for a fiance visa until after she does her adjustment of status in the US. I think a K3 is different, but not sure. still I would call.
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Yeah, I'm going to call tomorrow. I believe that someone at USCIS might have entered a wrong WAC number wrong and sent the e-mail to me. It was probably meant for someone else.
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Yeah, I'm going to call tomorrow. I believe that someone at USCIS might have entered a wrong WAC number wrong and sent the e-mail to me. It was probably meant for someone else.
Then again, maybe you've won the lottery! Whoever is responsible for assessing whatever is provided was just so impressed by your paperwork that they felt the next couple of intermediate steps weren't necessary! :ROFL:
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I told my fiance about this and she said that maybe a USCIS guy saw her photos and decided that she would get her green card right away! LOL
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I would call to make sure everything is correct. Its been a couple years since I did mine, but no card should be given for a fiance visa until after she does her adjustment of status in the US. I think a K3 is different, but not sure. still I would call.
A K1 is for a fiance visa. A K3 is similiar to a CR1 ( already married) but is now essentially no longer used.
Hammer
Did not read this whole thread but if you filed for a K1, there is still quite a bit you will have to go thru yet. After NOA2, then comes preparing for the interview at the embassy. Then entering the US. then getting married, then filing for AOS ( 2 year green card, EAD, and AP) then another interview before finally getting her green card.
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A K1 is for a fiance visa. A K3 is similiar to a CR1 ( already married) but is now essentially no longer used.
Hammer
Did not read this whole thread but if you filed for a K1, there is still quite a bit you will have to go thru yet. After NOA2, then comes preparing for the interview at the embassy. Then entering the US. then getting married, then filing for AOS ( 2 year green card, EAD, and AP) then another interview before finally getting her green card.
I realize that we have a long wait to go before getting the green card. I believe that they screwed up either by sending this e-mail to the wrong person (me) or the subject topic was sent in error and what they meant to send me was a letter confirming my recent change of address. Either way, I'll find out when I call them today.
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WHAT ?! The government screwed up? Seriously? OMG !! How is that possible? I mean..it's the government for Pete's sake. :cluebat: This is why you need to be on top of everything as you go thru all this.
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Just once, I wish that a govt screwup would actually benefit us rather than hurting us the way it usually ends up playing out! ;)
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It appears to be just a blanket form type letter covering a multitude of different topics doesn't it?
Of course it could just be a mistake, it isn't conceivable one could get a GG before an interview. No way would they pass up application fees :o
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I just got off the phone with USCIS. They confirmed that it was probably a misaken form letter because they do use template letters. They were supposed to send me the change of address letter.
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Looks like the CSC has been moving pretty fast processing I129F applications. They are already working on May petitions. I sent mine in early June. At the pace they are going, I may just get my NOA2 by late September!!!!!! Keeping my fingers crossed!!!!! :clapping:
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I just got off the phone with USCIS. They confirmed that it was probably a misaken form letter because they do use template letters. They were supposed to send me the change of address letter.
Some of those form letters are automatic. I sent in both tracks of the CR-1 at the same time, and got a form letter with a check list to send in the DS230 part 1. So naturally, I thought something was wrong with the one I sent, i.e., they lost it, or something wasn't exactly the way they wanted it... so I wasted some time trying to find out exactly what was wrong with the first one, only to find out everything had been approved two days prior to the date on the form letter.
I was told that sometimes the form letters are triggered due to the order in which documents are filed/entered by them. Uhhhh, ok. Seems by now they would have processed enough of these to have such little quirks unquirked... oh wait... yeah.. I just remembered who we're dealing with... ;D
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Well, Yesterday I was curious about the status of my K1 pettition so I went to the USCIS site to check on it. I find a message on my account that states a letter was sent to me but the USPS returned it as undeliverable!!!!!! I immediately call USCIS to find out what the hell is going on. Apparently, they sent the letter to my old address even though I verified with them that they did indeed have my new address some time ago. It figures that the morons in the USCIS managed to screw this up.
They had to send a a special request to the CSC to resend me the letter to my new address. I'm hoping that it was the NOA2 that was sent. They would not tell me what the content of the letter was. I'll keep my fingers crossed while I wait for the re-sent letter. .... Man, is this frustrating or what?
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Well, Yesterday I was curious about the status of my K1 pettition so I went to the USCIS site to check on it. I find a message on my account that states a letter was sent to me but the USPS returned it as undeliverable!!!!!! I immediately call USCIS to find out what the hell is going on. Apparently, they sent the letter to my old address even though I verified with them that they did indeed have my new address some time ago. It figures that the morons in the USCIS managed to screw this up.
They had to send a a special request to the CSC to resend me the letter to my new address. I'm hoping that it was the NOA2 that was sent. They would not tell me what the content of the letter was. I'll keep my fingers crossed while I wait for the re-sent letter. .... Man, is this frustrating or what?
You should have never moved. You'll probably have to submit a change of address every time they send you a letter going forward. We moved after we got married and all through and right up until my wife got her GC it was a losing battle. The odd thing was, some correspondence came to the correct address and addressed properly. Some ended up at my son's house who's name is different, address is different and he lived across town. We litterally changed our address to the same address at least 6 times. A real work of art is the USCIS
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Yeah, I have a feeling that I will be having to call them again in the future. :arguing:
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Just called them again today to verify that they do indeed have my new address and they confirmed it. Now I'll just have to stay on top of them and check the website regularly. :wallbash:
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Hammer, doncha just feel like you're their secretary at times ?? Wait until AOS, AP etc. go in as a bundle - the potential for mistakes increases exponentially. Eventually all of it will come together.
My wife had to wait almost 18 months for a Social Security number because, as SSA put it, "Some clerk in Texas screwed up".....
Is your lady well-prepared for (and confident about) the impending interview?
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Is your lady well-prepared for (and confident about) the impending interview?
Well, I plan on being at the interview with her so we plan on "studying up" before hand. ;D
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Yeah, I have a feeling that I will be having to call them again in the future. :arguing:
I was being facetious with "you should have never moved" line but, you soon come to find that is actually, how they'll treat you and their mindset. It can get so frustrating.
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I was being facetious with "you should have never moved" line but, you soon come to find that is actually, how they'll treat you and their mindset. It can get so frustrating.
I know what you mean. I may be regretting moving by the time all this stuff is over. LOL :cluebat:
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Apparently, they sent the letter to my old address even though I verified with them that they did indeed have my new address some time ago. It figures that the morons in the USCIS managed to screw this up.
USCIS screwed up on my wife's documents too. On the I-129F I stated she was living in Libya and answered the questioned "Where would your financee like to take the interview?". I answered Ukraine, they delivered to Libya. Lost time.
Although USCIS does a lot of things twice, it keeps them busy and it's job security.
Well, I plan on being at the interview with her so we plan on "studying up" before hand. ;D
You will sit in a waiting room for awhile. An employee will study your documents and probably read your phone records, airline tickets, email correspondence between you and your fiancee to verify your relationship. Your fiancee will be called up to a window. Walk with her to show you're there in support but you will be told to sit back down and your fiancee will do the interview alone. She can do it in English or native language.
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I just got a surprise today!!!!!!! :clapping: This week I had to deal with the USCIS sending my NOA2 to my old address. I figured it would be another 2 weeks till I got the letter re-sent to me. Well, today my girl told me on Skype that she just recieved a letter in the mail telling her that her K1 packet was in Kiev and that she needed to get her documents ready and call for her interview. WTF???? Here I was expecting to have a delay but lo and behold, they had sent the K1 docs quite a while back!!!! Man, am I shocked to all hell!!!!!!! :o
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As I understand it; you are getting certain packets in USA and your gal is getting certain packets in Ukraine.
Her getting a packet in Ukraine sooner than expected doesn't help with your USA situation of not getting a packet yet . . . does it?
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As I understand it; you are getting certain packets in USA and your gal is getting certain packets in Ukraine.
Her getting a packet in Ukraine sooner than expected doesn't help with your USA situation of not getting a packet yet . . . does it?
The only thing I was waiting for was the NOA2 (letter of petition approval) which apparently they sent but to the wrong address. They are re-sending it to my new address. At the same time they sent the original NOA2 to me, they must have just forwarded the approved petition to NVC and then from there to the embassy in Kiev because Lena got her packet 3 letter today in her mail box. So everything seems to be moving along regardless of the address SNAFU on my end. I still plan on keeping tabs on things. You just never know with the govt..... :wallbash:
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she needed to get her documents ready and call for her interview.
YOU have to pay for that call and will be alloted a certain amount of minutes to talk. You, instead of your fiancee, can call and schedule a date. You can also ask questions to help you prepare.
http://ukraine.usembassy.gov/fiancee-step3.html (http://ukraine.usembassy.gov/fiancee-step3.html)
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YOU have to pay for that call and will be alloted a certain amount of minutes to talk. You, instead of your fiancee, can call and schedule a date. You can also ask questions to help you prepare.
http://ukraine.usembassy.gov/fiancee-step3.html (http://ukraine.usembassy.gov/fiancee-step3.html)
Yes, Billy I understand this. Lena and I have agreed for me to do this but she wants me to wait till she gets her Passport. She had to re-new it because it was expiring in less than 6 months. She want to be sure she has it in hand before making the appointment which I will call and make after we agree she is ready. :)
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Well, I just got another letter but it seems what I got re-sent was a letter from the NVC that I never got. I thought they were re-sending me the NOA2. Will I be needing this NOA2 later on down the road or can I just move on and work on the interview since this letter does say that my application was approved?
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Well, I just got another letter but it seems what I got re-sent was a letter from the NVC that I never got. I thought they were re-sending me the NOA2. Will I be needing this NOA2 later on down the road or can I just move on and work on the interview since this letter does say that my application was approved?
IIRC, there isn't anything for you to do. They should be sending her notification of the interview and she needs to be there
You should be able to look up your case online. Have you done that?
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IIRC, there isn't anything for you to do. They should be sending her notification of the interview and she needs to be there
You should be able to look up your case online. Have you done that?
She's already gotten the letter from the embassy. We're just waiting for her to get her renewed passport to arrive before setting the interview appointment. I just went online to USCIS and found out I can submit a form I-824 to have them re-send me the approval so no worries there. :clapping:
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What's the hold up with the pp?
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What's the hold up with the pp?
Her passport expires in the next 6 months so she had to renew it. It takes about a month. Its only been 2 weeks so have to wait another 2 weeks. I don't want to make an appointment without having it in hand knowing how Ukraine works (or doesn't) LOL
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Finally got the NOA2 on Friday. I had to send in some special form to have them re-send me a copy. Now waiting for Lena's Passport renewal before making the interview appt.
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Well, I am officially starting the K1 docs for my Olenka. First thing I realized is that I could not find my birth certificate. Have no clue where it is. My mom has the original but since it has a raised seal it is not accepted by the government so I had to order copies from my birth state's office of vital statistics. Hoping to get these in the mail next week. Let the fun begin!!!!!!! :clapping:
Pray tell. So what happened to YOUR Olenka?!?
Your last post in bold said you only needed to make the call for her interview? Fast forward to today, that's a different gal you're holding.
What happened? Spygate? Nefarious background check result, or you just found a bigger, better deal than your Olenka? (LMAO)
You got all her family members so excited, too.
The MOB, man...like they say in the NBA - IT's FANTASTIC!
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You need to change the category of the J1 visa research-->clinical. The information is available in the DOS website. You can change to a clinical J1 or apply for new J1 if you complete the research program before starting the residency. You can not apply to an H1B if you do not do the 2 yeas.