nooneufo

I sent the I-131 in with the I-485 which did ask for the marriage certificate (both were ACCOed as one with index tabs). (Received back one NOA for each so I have two recipt numbers). I did not send two copies of the marriage certificate, as I did not see a request for one in the I-131 instructions. Now I am wondering about the need for stating you have sent the I-485, but I thought I had read this was a given from the instructions on the first page as follows: For the passport Identity page, we copied the front page of the passport showing her picture and information. For the I-94 page, it was a copy of the I-94 front and back, and of the entry visa from the consulate with her picture, and the page of the entry stamp to the US from customs.

I checked the status of our travel document request and see we are being sent a request for additional evidence. I have called the number given and can not get past a machine, which says to call the business office where we applied, which was the Chicago box address (What number is that, and why is it not on the web page telling me that number instead?). So while I wait for the letter, I am wondering if anyone else has had this happen? I have checked my copy and find nothing obvious missing. Here is a list of what I sent. I-131 I-131 Part 7 letter of explanation Passport Identity page Copy of I-94 with non-immigrant visa showing present status 2 ADIT photos (Full face)

Haha, thats funny! 4=1+3 4=2+2 4=3+1 4=2.5+1.5 4=1.39+2.61 4=etcetera. Here are some recent number of days from P1 to P3 (from 001) 85 167 175 52 163 211 101 56 59 471 I note by your time line that you do not have a date when Guz received your paperwork from NVC. Until they receive it, you won't get the P3.When you call DOS, I would ask the question, "has Guz received the paperwork and entered it into their computer? and What date did this happen?" Some recent number of days of NVC to P3 times are as follows. (from CFL). I would not be worried yet, as is often the case, by the time a person posts, it arrives the next day or three. 39 35 61 63 71 46 47 36 57 47 39 39 28 51 58 47

This is very interesting.. and maybe the Third Party post in the 'GUZ speaks' forum could ask if this is a worthwhile approach; to be preemptive and proactive (prior to the interview)... I know that one person I talked to was worried to do this in case the person did not really send anything to GUZ. Then, would the person open a can of worms.. creating 'First party issue' (sorry, can't think of a decent term for falsely self-incrimination)... 167430[/snapback] I think that the consulate has answered that this approach would work. (Assuming you know about it, as warpbored has noted) See below partial quote from the consulate here: http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=13283 I think this is reasonable, if you are doing an objective and honest assesment of your situation. If you had used a meeting service, visa service, or dealt with some other person within your situation (like your beneficiary's boss/co-workers) and they have now given you some kind of indication that they are going to do a third party on you, I would hope a clearly written explanation of the facts of the situation to the consulate will provide a positive resolution before the interview.

Simply put, no. The data so far suggests no correlation between what service center the initial application goes through, (which determines the speed of approval) and the results of the interview. The data goes on to suggest strongly that once your application arrives at the Guz machine, everyone is treated equally. My take is pretty much you need to be prepared with the proper documents, based on your situation. Very simple really. But because of the complexity of the paperwork, it seems much more difficult, especially when your personal life is involved. I am pretty strong on the opinion that we should not see denials of CFL members if they read and prepare. Concerning third party issues, I think this can be dealt with premptively, if the person were willing to be proactive on the issue. I think this requires a letter outlining the situation before the interview naming names and explaining the situation to the consulate if you think you might fall into this catagory. I would also add that there seems to be an implied correlation between those who get a blue slip and the kinds of posts they produce (perhaps 25-50%). The general impression from the total, is that there is much less information provided by those with blue slips before hand of their progress through the process. Often lots of questions are asked as to the particulars of what their situation is before help can be provided when they are blue slipped, as often they have no signature line. At one time, I had thought this could be because people don't post until they have a problem. I am more of the opinion now it is incorrect preparation for their situation. Often what we see is the emotional response to the situation, not the objective view. Guz has told us they don't even look at the file until the interview happens, so that if the VO has to take a big picture look at the file, and your stuff is not together before the interview, one could expect a problem if you did not have the general things needed obvious in the file.(for example for a K1, obvious things like how you met, some photos, travel tickets, previous marriage clearly ended with supporting documents, etc, that are easy to see). Based on the number of people who have posted about their petition preparation, ( and the series of polls I asked about this) this seems to be a factor. Then the supporting evidence to fill out any obvious questions at the interview. There is a faq on the question types and averages, that supports this view (DavidZixuan post, link to this please).

Based on the latest total trends of CFL and 001 (K1/K3), I would drop it to: P3 - P4 = 40 days P3 - Interview = 80 days Assuming of course no further delays. If we go on the publicized goal of 6 months start to finish for the visa process, then we would say three months before Guz, three months after Guz. We have one CFLer at a total of 180 days start to finish (K3), and two recent 001's at 125 and 134 days (these are K1's). Most are still at around 200 days or longer, and a couple 500 days as well recently.

The basic answer to this is once your information is entered in the computer at GUZ, everyone appears to be treated the same. There is no statistical data that shows that where your are located makes a difference at this point of the process. It does before NVC though. In answer to the question of why it seems that some one is ahead of other, the answer again is once you are at GUZ, it appears that it is first come first served, after the name check is completed, on a weekly P4/interview assignment. You have to look at it on a week by week basis on the P4 dates. Imagine all the petitions sitting in a stack for each p3 month. Yours is on the top. Then they go through the stack to do an assignment. Now your paper is on the bottom. Now they send the stack out, you might be assigned an interview at the beginning of the month, but because your paper is at the bottom of the stack, it does not get typed up and sent out until the ones before it are sent out. Imagine this stack being shuffled each week as the name check completion, is checked for completion. Some recent data from CFL (sorted by P3 date) P3----------P4---------Interview 06/07/05 09/24/05 10/11/05 06/08/05 08/31/05 10/19/05 04/20/05 09/29/05 11/03/05 06/22/05 10/03/05 10/27/05 06/22/05 10/02/05 11/22/05 06/15/05 08/30/05 10/20/05 07/08/05 10/19/05 11/29/05 07/12/05 10/22/05 11/17/05 07/18/05 09/29/05 11/08/05 07/05/05 10/03/05 11/22/05 07/19/05 10/12/05 11/14/05 09/08/05 10/13/05 11/07/05 Some recent data from 001 (sorted by P3 date) P3----------P4---------Interview 06/23/05 10/02/05 11/30/05 06/27/05 10/01/05 11/04/05 06/30/05 10/01/05 11/22/05 06/30/05 10/10/05 11/30/05 07/01/05 10/01/05 11/17/05 07/02/05 10/22/05 11/29/05 07/04/05 10/04/05 11/22/05 07/10/05 10/04/05 11/17/05 07/19/05 10/19/05 11/14/05 07/24/05 10/18/05 11/09/05 07/26/05 10/18/05 11/18/05 07/28/05 10/17/05 11/10/05 07/30/05 10/19/05 11/02/05 08/02/05 10/18/05 11/23/05 08/03/05 10/19/05 11/15/05 08/15/05 10/19/05 11/30/05 08/30/05 10/20/05 11/02/05 08/31/05 10/19/05 11/14/05 09/02/05 10/19/05 11/15/05 09/09/05 10/18/05 11/09/05 09/09/05 10/18/05 11/09/05 09/11/05 10/19/05 11/23/05 09/12/05 10/19/05 11/23/05 09/12/05 10/18/05 11/30/05

I would be careful about making plans that require being somewhere at a specified time. My SO was directed to the wrong line, waited 2 hrs to get to the agent window, then to be advised she is in the wrong line, sent to the back of a new line. Two hours after that she comes out. She could read the signs just fine, but the customs officers don't always make themselves available for questions like "Excuse me, but I think you've sent me to the wrong line" because you are just one of thousands that day, and some appear to have failed to get their merit badge in orienteering (and human relations).

When we were there for our interview, an American man walked to the front of the line past everyone followed by a very obviously pregnant woman. They let both of them through. My assumption is he was allowed in with her, although I have no evidence for this (They walked through all the lines I could see until entering the building). This was when you still picked up the visa the next day. The next day, he came by himself at the appointed time, and picked up the paper work without her (I saw him arrive then leave with the package). Perhaps there are exceptions made for this kind of case that you can ask about?

Here are the last 20 or so people who have provided the needed information to calculate the time from NVC approval to their P3. I would say a reasonable average is thirty or less days based on previous older data that seemed to indicate that they get these out usually within two weeks or less from when GUZ enters it into the computer ( so whoever told you two weeks, it seems to fit the data gathered as well, sparse as it is). (The numbers fluctuate because we can not get everyone to reliably give the same P3 date, which is the date printed on their P3). (The second set of less numbers are from those who gave the P3 date and a GUZ computer entry date, of which the data get even more sparse). Therefore, I would say if you don't get it in two weeks, it would be reasonable to start calling. Numbers of days from NVC approval to P3 (My assumption is two weeks for mail from NVC to GUZ, then two weeks from Guz to P3) 57 53 7 41 50 91 31 34 39 35 61 63 71 46 47 36 57 47 39 39 28 28 58 51 15 Number of days from Guz computer entry to P3 date. 31 31 7 5 12 43 9 5 37 13 36 34

My SO bought a single burner unit in China to bring with her in her luggage. Made by a company called "Vantage". I hooked up a 5 gallon propane tank to it and she has cooked on it for the last four months twice a day, and I have yet to change the bottle. It sits on top of the stove taking the place of the right side burners. Although I have gas to the house, I decided to use a seperate tank for this burner, that way we take it outside to cook as well when it is nice. It looks like it will last another week. I am impressed with it, and how hot the food stays after she cooks with it. I thought for a while perhaps I should just get rid of the gas stove, since it can not compete with the obvious efficiency. Then I thought about the oven and said maybe we should keep it to bake things like bread. She said we should keep it, but that cooking bread on the burner is not a problem either. If only all gas stoves were as good as this one, which was low cost. It gets so hot, the inner metal ring is sagging ( She says this its only there to provide additional heat). I plan to smelt the computer down on it for the gold. I figure it should take less than 15 minutes.

Excepting the recent two blue slips attributed to third party issues, here is where the compilation concerning the past 3 years blue slips are; excepting one who is pending, (another third party issue) all have been overcome. http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11959 I think we did have someone who had this problem as well, mixed with other problems. I would also follow warpedbored's advice, it sounds like this can be dealt with.

From this site http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/scn...nal/index.htm#H NOTE: Please assemble all fee payments on the top of each and every case, whether or not the case is filed with one fee payment or multiple fee payments. When multiple applications are simultaneously filed (such as an I-485, I-765, I-131, and I-824) place all checks together on the top left of the I-485. And on the I-485 instructions under fees on page 3 and 4: You may submit one check or money order for both the application and biometric services fees, including fingerprinting fees. Fees must be submitted in the exact amount. Do not mail cash. Fees cannot be refunded. All checks and money orders must be drawn on a bank or other institution located in the United States and must be payable in United States currency. And the reason I chose to send seperate checks was here http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/nbc...m#FamilyPackage What are acceptable means of paying fees? The Lockbox will accept the following financial instruments for payment of fees: money orders, personal checks, and cashier's checks. Note that personal checks are acceptable, provided there are not any previously received checks that were returned due to insufficient funds from that account. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH. Be sure checks are properly completed including signature and the correct date, and that they are made payable to “US Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.” Please note that if more than one Form is filed using a single check and just one is found to be unacceptable, ALL Forms will be returned.

I read the following in the link... seems to say 'refrain from using ACCO'... Please refrain from using ?ACCO? style fasteners and/or staples (However, it is ok to staple the fee to the top of the primary application package.) 161846[/snapback] In part 6. from http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/scn...nal/index.htm#H In preparing your packet, please take note of the following: 1. Do not use binders or folders that cannot be easily disassembled. 2. Use ACCO fasteners to hold together thick or bulky applications or petitions. Two-hole punching the top of the material for easy placement in the file is appreciated. 3. The use of tabs assist in locating items listed as attachments. The tabs should be placed on the bottom and not the side for ease in filing. 4. Avoid using heavy-duty staples; instead use ACCO fasteners or heavy clips. 5. Avoid submitting originals unless specifically required (Forms I-94, Labor certifications, etc). Avoid submitting oversized documentation when possible. Although you did recall correctly here http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/nbc...m#FamilyPackage What specific steps can applicants and their representatives take to avoid delays in processing certain applications/petitions through the Lockbox? General * Please do not send original passports or other valuable personal documents. Make copies of your original documents and submit the copies with the application/petition. * Copies of all documents, including odd-sized documents, should be on 8 ½ x 11 paper. * Please refrain from using “ACCO” style fasteners and/or staples (However, it is ok to staple the fee to the top of the primary application package.) Maybe someone should try to get an official clarification on this. Although they accepted my ACCO bound papers.

I did the following cover letter on our AOS papers, which I also followed the recommended ACCO binding at the top with the index tabs at the bottom (The ones you can print on your printer to make it a neat stack of document.) (at officemax, Avery self-adhesive tabs #16281. Here are the blank templates http://www.avery.fr/us/Main?action=softwar...twarecode=4115) If you want my printed template PM me an Email address. That web page for binding is http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/scn...nal/index.htm#H I also make use of this webpage for information as well: http://www.cebu4luv.com/fw/ Yes, we submitted the I-485 and I-131 bound together in the order listed on the cover letter. My thought was the act of separting the two , since it was in the same order, would cause both to be processed without loss. Probably this did nothing at all. I also made two complete copies of this stack of documents, bound the same way including a copy of the three checks. For the original, I put the photos in a zip lock bag and stapled it to a blank sheet. For my copies, I just copied the photos. I did not put any original documents in, because I know they will lose them, which is why I put the statement at the bottom, and the instructions says they dont need originals unless they ask for them . I did the same with the K1 petition. I-485 and I-131 ORIGINAL SUBMISSION Cover Letter For First name/Last name Axx xxx xxx Name Address Address The Date U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services P.O. Box 805887 Chicago, IL 60680-4120 Nature of the submission: I-485 and I-131 ORIGINAL SUBMISSION To Whom It May Concern: Enclosed please find my Form I-485, Form I-131 and supporting documents for First/last Name Axx xxx xxx. Contents include: Payment in the amount of $315 for I-485 Payment in the amount of $70 for Fingerprint/Biometric Payment in the amount of $165 for I-131 I-485 Birth Certificate and Translation Passport page with non-immigrant visa 2 ADIT Photos Vaccination supplemental form to I-693 G-325A I-94 Evidence of Status Fiancé petition approval notice I-797 Marriage Certificate I-864 Tax returns for 2004, 2003, 2002 for I-864 Recent Pay Statements for I-864 I-131 I-131 Part 7 Letter of Explanation Passport Identity page I-94 with non-immigrant visa to show present status 2 ADIT Photos Copies of documents submitted are exact photocopies of unaltered documents and I understand that I may be required to submit original documents to an Immigration or Consular officer at a later date. Thank you for your attention. Signed, First/Last Name

We always see a range of the number of days wait from a P3 to P4 and corresponding Interview. While it is heartening to see one person get an interview in 60 days, and their total process time of 6 months (That is the shocker for me), I would like to see more numbers before assuming a significant overall speed up, and an indication that the name check process is being done quickly. We know that if GUZ would schedule the interview the moment the name check was completed, we would see faster processing times. We have seen this happen before, where the tail end people within an interview month group can get a faster interview. If Scheduling is done each week, I would also expect a faster turn around if this will become the new method of handling the paperwork. Need more numbers I think. For November Interviews so far: Number of days from P3 letter date to Interview date (In P3 date order) For CFL Members 232 197 188 170 170 145 153 118 60 Number of days from P3 letter date to Interview date (In P3 date order) For 001 Members 263 258 253 215 182 189 198 155 169 148 151 160 130 145 153 139 141 130 As some people know, I have long argued that your P3 date is what matters for tracking. When the numbers are ordered by P3 dates we can see the appearence of a reduction in time for each interview month by this method.

This web page was very useful for us. http://lingua.mtsu.edu/chinese-computing/faq/pc.html

Here are all the K3 wait times I have for the last year from the NOA2 to when their application left NVC for Guangzhou of CFL members who gave these dates. Number of days 95 31 30 5 14 77 26 Same thing for all the K1's 127 75 18 36 41 43 28 21 21 54 17 24 18 13 22 34 29 25 21 21 8 31 94 92 147 27 24 29 24 86 22 24 24 12 21 21 20 25 20 42 14 12 21 22 11 14 11

Recent data shows it is taking around 220 to 240 days from NVC Case Complete to Interview date (For CR1's). A more accurate amount of wait time is the date from when Guangzhou has the actual paperwork from NVC to the Interview which recent and the past years data still show an average of 170 days. The wait time for the P4 corresponds to the K1/K3 P3 letter date wait times of around 120 days which is why calculations are most accurate from that date of the paperwork physically arriving at GUZ, and the reason why that is the date you will want to find out. Somebody did quite a bit of good research on tracking CR1's paperwork and perhaps someone can post that thread here for you. To date, there is no indication of faster processing going on at the consulates new location.

Last months results show that it took between 90 and 130 days from the date on the P3 to the date on the P4. It also took between 125 to 175 days for most, from the P3 date to the Interview. Recent trends had the P4s coming out every 4 weeks with around 60 days notice. This changed recently back to the previous years methond of both 60 day and 30 day notices, or P4 notices every two weeks. There is no indication of a speed up in interview times from the previous 12 months. By the information you have provided, it is assumed you mean you got your P3 entered into the computer at Guz on 7/8/05. (the more inportant date is the one on the actual P3 letter itself). Using this date, based on previous data, (and nothing changes) one would expect that you could see a P4 around the next set of notices in November. An Interview as early as December. If this recent change to every two weeks there is a set of P4 notices, it is possible you could see a P4 in mid-October, with a late November interview. (I would not make plans based on that). The most important thing to know, is because you are now getting the standard email answer about being in the que for an interview, and you have information that you have passed a name check, based on the previous pattern concerning the standard answers like this, there is nothing to worry about, and you are not behind others within your P3 group. What is not often understood, based on the data, is that it does not matter how long you have waited before your P3 papers are sent out from Guangzhou, your application does not exist until that date. At that P3 letter date, you now exist, and so far the data shows your place in the interview wait line is based on that date alone for an interview. As is often stated here, one must be very patient, and use the wait time to prepare for the Interview.

I can understand your concerns. You should keep in mind that based on previous data you are not too slow yet, and fall easily within the average range of the wait times for a November interview. Based on the last three P4 sets, it appears we could possibly expect the next P4s to start next week. October CFL interview times from P3 to Interview ranged from 127 to 262 days of wait and an average of 172 days. A mid-November Interview would put you right at that average. The main question I would think you want answered is concerning the name check. One way to get this information is to call DOS at 1-202-663-1225 and press 1 then 0 then 0. Have all the information handy like your GUZ number, beneficiary name and birthdate (all the information on your NOA2). I would ask the question "Can you tell me when the name check was completed?" and if a clear answer is not happening, "Are we waiting to be scheduled for an Interview?". You could also try this with GUZ email, as usually they have a tendency to send a certain generic response that make it appear that the name check is complete and your can expect an interview in a few months. This usually means a week or two later you get the P4.(Just kidding, but it often happens this way.) I don't think it is time to worry yet, unless you have definite information that you are waiting for a name check.

I have stated this more than once that we, my SO and myself, read and studied everything we could about every VO/interview we could find both on CFL and 001 to understand the kinds of questions that would, or could be asked. We had discussed the likelihood of getting the person under discussion in this thread for the reasons I have also stated before, which are that the evidence points to the appearance that they get the cases that appear more complex. Not that they don't pass them, just that some of these cases have more complex questions sometimes. We assumed that this VO may be one, based on the long history, who has more experience, and so naturally gets the more possibly complex cases. (Therfore making it appear that this VO is a hard VO, when the evidence suggests they are no harder than any other). Did this study help us? Yes, I think it did, and my SO thinks so as well, because it gave her confidence. We specifically prepared for this VO, or whoever we think is this VO, and my SO was happy that we had done this (whether it was this VO or not). That study also resulted in the compilation of the blue slip data. I find nothing wrong with the use of identifiers for various VO's, so long as the intent of the ID is not derogatory. (I would gladly use their names, or numbers, or handle if they would like to give us one). In my own opinion, many here have received the benefit of those who have gone before, of their experiences with the different VO's, and to assume that this information is of no use I think is short sighted. Since there seems to be little recourse for American citizens to respond to American government workers working in far away posts, I feel it is useful to be tracking what they are in fact doing. So far as I can tell, the person who has been identified appears to be doing nothing wrong. I think so long as the VO's actions are discussed, that nothing will be done wrong. All data, no matter how small or insignificant is important to people in this process. It is thanks to those people who created and have kept CFL running that those who follow are not in the dark as much as they were back before there was a CFL. Or for that matter, those who don't find out about CFL and wing it themselves and have difficulties. (You know, those other people who are denied while CFL'ers are getting passed). All information I think contributes to making sure future CFL'ers are best prepared for anything. I think this means gathering and compiling all information, no matter if it seems important or not, until the visa process for our loved ones from China receive the same speed of processing that everyone else around the world enjoys.

Inconceivable!!!

I am wondering what, if any preparations you have done with regard to insuring your SO is taken care of in case of serious illness or death of yourself. I know some people expect that their SO might go back to China, and I would expect that to be a possibility. However, I am thinking more long term, for example ten or twenty years from now, perhaps they may not think that going back is really an option for them. Mostly I am wanting to know peoples thoughts, and actions they have taken to take care of their loved ones in case of bad things. If you are older than your SO, say ten or more years, have you discussed the possibility of you dying and how she can take care of herself when you have gone? For example, do you put your SO on your deed to the house, or do you set up a trust? Have you educated your SO on what financials to take care of? I know these are things we always hear anyone should be doing for their family, but I am wondering how you have educated your SO on the methods used in America. My SO is always asking the why of things when it comes to American government paperwork, and I always have to answer that asking why when it comes to such paperwork is a bad idea, because sense often can not be made of it. But I do want to prepare her for things in case the worst should happen. I appretiate hearing about what you have done, or are thinking of doing. Any pointers, or how-to's as well.

If I undersatand the rules at the Social security office, an Alien only needs to show 2 documents that show: Age Identity, and U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status. It says they will accept the passport for age proof, and the K1 visa should show alien status. This is all we took to them, and it was no problem for us (Why we did this before getting married). Same experience too for getting marriage certificate, Passport alone was enough. No one has asked for birth certificate. If your state won't accept a passport for ID for getting married, how about a neighboring state? Can you go to your state office and get a state ID? Usually states will issue one, if you have a SS #, sometime without as well. Can your XM get a drivers permit?, or does he have an IDP? Either of these would get you your two ID's. For your stolen drivers license and SS card, would it not make sense just to get them in your name, then the moment after you change your name, apply for new ones? Meaning, wont they just give you replacements right away? Hope you get your mail soon.