Status Update: US Petition (v)

Oh Em Gee!

I woke up at around 6am knowing that I'd be expecting a package anytime today. I have been tracking my courier since yesterday's text I received from Air21.

I have been keeping track of it almost EVERY minute (yeah, I know it's ridiculously excited of me), but then at around 10 or 11am, our usual courier guy showed up and handed me my most-awaited mail of the year!

And behold:

Well, it has actually been 7 months since we became man and wife and 5 months ago when my husband first filed a petition. It shouldn't be a surprise anymore 'coz I am really destined to be where I should be, and that is with my D (I'd never find myself so cheesy like this. Ew.)

And with this, I now update my ongoing time line, which I intend to continue as our journey still does (after all!) continue.

Please click to enlarge

Some VERY IMPORTANT notes about the Immigrant Visa Packet (with emphasis on the RED words):

1. DO NOT OPEN, or even attempt to open, the visa packet (yellow envelope). You may only open the plastic pouch to retrieve the passport.
2. You will experience a significant delay if the visa packet is torn. You will not be allowed to board and difficulties will be encountered at any US port of entry. 
3. DO NOT DETACH the stapled "Immigrant Data Summary" in the visa packet.
4. The visa packet will be opened only by the Immigration or Public Health Service Officer at the US port of entry. 
5. Make sure that all personal information in the visa is correct before boarding. The visa can be returned if it contains incorrect data.

The next step is to affix my CFO sticker. I will provide a feedback on this later.

Status Update: US Petition (iv)

Yes, there's a new update! I just got my Packet 3 instructions via mail. It was no one's fault after all since I just counted the number of business days, and that I have to exclude the holy week from the count -- and it was all right. 

Anyways, once I got the packet, I sent in right away the DS-230 and DS-2001 forms to the embassy via fax. After 2-3 weeks, I may expect my appointment letter to be mailed right to our doorstep.

Oh, and by the way, I was also able to improve the time line, thanks to dipity. With this, I could always update and save all the stuff we've already accomplished.

Behold, a more detailed account of our journey!

click to enlarge, kudasai

Meanwhile, I wait again.

Status Update: US Petition (iii)

Here's our updated timeline:

D received an email from US Embassy Manila, which stated that they have already received the approved form I-130. In addition, they have also sent the instruction package for immigrant visa applicants (aka "packet 3").

I am so itching to get packet 3 already. They sent the email at around Holy Wednesday, so I am expecting delays because of the long holiday we had (holy week).

Still hoping for the best!  

Status Update: US Petition (ii)

I know I don't want to get my hopes up too high just yet. I sure hope Manila takes good care of my case. I really can't wait to be with him, permanently....

D & S's Timeline

 

Civil Wedding, Mandaluyong City Hall Submitted Paperwork for Petition Case forwarded to US Embassy Manila  October 26, 2009 December 16, 2009  February 25, 2010

November 4, 2009 January 25, 2010 DEERS Applications and ID Form I-130 Approved

It really had to be exactly a month from the time that i-130 was approved. lol

Manila is "one of the largest and busiest consular operations in the world." (source: US Embassy Manila), so I'm really hoping they'd put greater care since D is an active mil personnel, who may get deployed at any time (huhu!).

Keeping my fingers crossed.

Status Update: US Petition (i)

Today I received an email from the US Consulate in Japan stating that our form I-130 has been approved. Great!

So with this, I will be creating our timeline to monitor the progress of the petition to the road of unity for us newlyweds. Wish us luck!

This will also serve as a guide for the other applicants waiting for their petition. However, visa/petition processing time may vary dependent on the location.

S & D's Timeline

 

Civil Wedding, Mandaluyong City Hall Submitted Paperwork for Petition October 26, 2009 December 16, 2009

November 4, 2009 January 25, 2010 DEERS Applications and ID Form I-130 Approved