I797C

[papi]

i just received the I797C along with receipt# and get the below info online. I assume that it is not going to take the time listed below and that the verbiage regarding the 120/150 days is just standard operating procedure. Any feedback? also, what about writing the consulate to open the provisional file on approval? it this recommended?
--------------------------------

Your I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E) was received on December 10, 2004. We mailed you a receipt with information about processing. It is taking between 120 and 150 days for us to process this kind of case. We will mail you a decision as soon as processing is complete.

[utopiacowboy]

... in response to I797C, posted by papi on Dec 18, 2004

Judging from the online processing report, I would say that this is about right. You can write to Bogota but they're usually swamped with work and not inclined to give themselve any more work any sooner than they have to. They are usually fairly quick in sending out the packet once they get the file from the NVC. Actually receiving the packet is another story however.

[papi]

... in response to Re: I797C, posted by utopiacowboy on Dec 19, 2004

well, i read something about sending a letter to Bogota to open a provisional file on approval of the petition

[Michael B]

... in response to I797C, posted by papi on Dec 18, 2004

Texas Service Center? Count yourself lucky if they do it in 120 to 150 days. They took 10 months to do mine back in 2003 and they probably haven't gotten any better. Hate to sound like a wet blanket, but I don't want to give you false hope.

[papi]

... in response to Re: I797C, posted by Michael B on Dec 18, 2004

[This message has been edited by papi]

well, i am not clear what they mean by the 120/150 days. Does that mean to get to the Visa in that time or just approve the petition, which requires paperwork thereafter (packet 3, medical, interview, etc)?

[Michael B]

... in response to Re: Re: I797C, posted by papi on Dec 19, 2004

They are talking about approving the petition. To repeat, DON'T hold your breath about them completing this within 120 days.  When TSC finally finishes, her paperwork goes to the National Visa Center, from there to the embassy, then she has the medical and interview etc. The NVC and the embassy both do their jobs in a timely manner, but the TSC sucks....at least that's how it was when I filed in 2003.

[utopiacowboy]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: I797C, posted by Michael B on Dec 19, 2004

You can't compare your experience with the TSC in 2003 with what is happening now. When I applied for a K-3 from Missouri in late 2003, they were moving like gangbusters - my petition was approved in 61 days! Now, Missouri is moving like molasses in January - there is a 6 month wait for approval of a K-3. You are correct in pointing out that getting the petition approved is just the first part of the process - the rest of it can take nearly as long.

[papi]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: I797C, posted by Michael B on Dec 19, 2004

what was your timeline on the process once the petition was approved???

[kented]

... in response to Re: I797C, posted by Michael B on Dec 18, 2004

My I-129F date was 2/25 and my wife arrives in the US on Monday.  

If it takes 120-150 days...count yourself lucky.

[papi]

... in response to Re: Re: I797C, posted by kented on Dec 18, 2004

Kented, i going the K1 route, you went K3. different timetables