Time Frame

[Michael B]

Received 1st "notice of action" today. It was dated Feb 14. I mailed the petition Jan 18 and know from the return-receipt that they received it Jan 21. It SAYS allow 60 to 90 days....

Here's a funny...earlier today I called the INS 800 number and told them today was 30 days since I filed the petition and that I had not received any acknowlegement, they said "You're not even suppossed to make an inquirery unless it's been at least 60 days"...I told the woman (polietly) "That is NOT an acceptable response" and she said "Well, I'm just reading from the paper that says what I'm suppossed to tell you". Then I called my congressman's office, talked to a nice lady in his office who agreed that 30 days with no response was too long and said they have a lady in the office who handles INS problems and she would have her call me. Then I went out for 1/2 hour and the mail was in when I got back. I called and told the first lady "I'm impressed, your office works FAST"...at first she was confussed, but then I said "Remember, I called a few minutes ago with an immigration problem" and she said "Yes, I recognized the caller-ID, but Janice was in a meeting, I didn't think she had called you back yet". I said "Well, she didn't, but I got the paper I was looking for in the mail just now". She said "But your case isn't settled? The paper just says they are working on it?" --"That's right" --"OK, but hey, let us know if they don't work fast enough and we'll see what we can do about it".

[JunFanDallas]

... in response to Time Frame, posted by Michael B on Feb 19, 2003

Well, I know how anxious you guys are.  I have been there, done that.

But if I may....

You guys obviously went the K-1 Visa route for some reason, right?  It obviously wasn't for speed, as everyone clearly knows the fastest way to get a bride here is via the DCF method.  

So, if it was because you needed/wanted the reassurance of the 90-day period, then you guys should look at this an an opportunity to get to know your prospective wife better.

If it was because you didn't have the time/money to travel repeatedly, I will tell you that you are in for a shock.  The expenses/time associated with travel during the courtship process is the cheapest part of the whole deal, by a longshot.

Especially you, MichaelB, as you got engaged to the only girl you spent time with, and on your first and only trip to Colombia to boot!  You are in a high risk situation, and should look at this as an opportunity to take your time.  

I know, I know...you really know her better than I could possibly comprehend because you had talked to her on the phone for months, emailed each other endlessly, blah, blah blah.  (which buy the way, the amount of $$ you have spent on phone bills could have no doubt paid for at least one more trip down South)

[Craig]

... in response to Time Frame, posted by Michael B on Feb 19, 2003

Hey Mike that's sort of good news and I hate to be a downer but just to keep you abreast of the situation, here's some info. First I can tell based on the 60-90 day processing time on your Notice of action (NOA) your doing your visa application in the Texas Service Center (TSC) That's bad news for you and me and anyone else who has to file there. I also have a 60-90 notice from the TSC that was about 96 days ago. I'm considered one of the short timers I know of people on 150+ days. My NOA was Nov 15, 2002 and not even a word plus the TSC won't respond to my congressmen's inquires. My next move is to file a writ and take them to court

[Dash]

... in response to Re: Time Frame, posted by Craig on Feb 19, 2003

I keep reading about some of you who are currently going through the visa application and many of you claim that you are seeking help from your Congressman.  For those of you who have successfully finished this process, did you seek help from your Congressman?  Do you feel that this speeded up the process?