Chapinygringa

I've searched the archives for info about the Guatemalan embassy but
I'm wondering if anyone has had a more recent experience with a K1. I
am waiting for approval from Nebraska, but I wonder after I receive an
approval, how long does it take to get Packet 3, 4 and the interview.
Any advice? Thanks.

Toni D

    >From: [email protected] (chapinygringa)

    >'ve searched the archives for info about the Guatemalan embassy but
    >I'm wondering if anyone has had a more recent experience with a K1. I
    >am waiting for approval from Nebraska, but I wonder after I receive an
    >approval, how long does it take to get Packet 3, 4 and the interview.
    >Any advice? Thanks.
We did the I-130 with my spouse being in Guatemala. I think it took about 4
weeks to get the packet 3. Once my attorney received the packet, I sent it to
my husband in Guatemala via DHL. He went to the embassy in person and
delivered the packet and received his appointment a couple of weeks later. If
you go in person to make the appointment it's much faster than waiting the 3
months or so if it is mailed to the embassy. I went to Guatemala for the
interview. Long lines. I don't know if it's the same procedure for the K-1
but the embassy website gives more information.

www.usembassy.state.gov/guate-
mala

Klaus Schneider

[email protected] (chapinygringa) wrote in message news:...
    > I've searched the archives for info about the Guatemalan embassy but
    > I'm wondering if anyone has had a more recent experience with a K1. I
    > am waiting for approval from Nebraska, but I wonder after I receive an
    > approval, how long does it take to get Packet 3, 4 and the interview.
    > Any advice? Thanks.


My fiance is from Guatemala City and we are looking for the same
information. We filed the I-129F with the CSC mid-July and hope for
approval within the next week or two. So yes, any information on the
Embassy in Guatemala and the K-1 process there would be greatly
appreciated.

I heard that the are for the most part cooperative and prompt when it
comes to dealing with the paperwork. We found out (my fiance called)
that it is enough to have a faxed copy of the approval (2nd NOA) for
them to release the paperwork. Good Luck with your petition. Are you
filing I-129F or I-130?
Klaus&Karla

Chapinygringa

[email protected] (Toni D) wrote in message news:...
    > >From: [email protected] (chapinygringa)
    > >'ve searched the archives for info about the Guatemalan embassy but
    > >I'm wondering if anyone has had a more recent experience with a K1. I
    > >am waiting for approval from Nebraska, but I wonder after I receive an
    > >approval, how long does it take to get Packet 3, 4 and the interview.
    > >Any advice? Thanks.
    > >
    > >
    > We did the I-130 with my spouse being in Guatemala. I think it took about 4
    > weeks to get the packet 3. Once my attorney received the packet, I sent it to
    > my husband in Guatemala via DHL. He went to the embassy in person and
    > delivered the packet and received his appointment a couple of weeks later. If
    > you go in person to make the appointment it's much faster than waiting the 3
    > months or so if it is mailed to the embassy. I went to Guatemala for the
    > interview. Long lines. I don't know if it's the same procedure for the K-1
    > but the embassy website gives more information.
    > www.usembassy.state.gov/guatema-
    > la

Thanks,Toni...I'm sure you know that every bit of info makes a huge
difference at this point. I appreciate your message.

Chapinygringa

[email protected] (Klaus Schneider) wrote in message news:...
    > [email protected] (chapinygringa) wrote in message
    > news:...
    > > I've searched the archives for info about the Guatemalan embassy but
    > > I'm wondering if anyone has had a more recent experience with a K1. I
    > > am waiting for approval from Nebraska, but I wonder after I receive an
    > > approval, how long does it take to get Packet 3, 4 and the interview.
    > > Any advice? Thanks.
    > My fiance is from Guatemala City and we are looking for the same
    > information. We filed the I-129F with the CSC mid-July and hope for
    > approval within the next week or two. So yes, any information on the
    > Embassy in Guatemala and the K-1 process there would be greatly
    > appreciated.
    > I heard that the are for the most part cooperative and prompt when it
    > comes to dealing with the paperwork. We found out (my fiance called)
    > that it is enough to have a faxed copy of the approval (2nd NOA) for
    > them to release the paperwork. Good Luck with your petition. Are you
    > filing I-129F or I-130?
    > Klaus&Karla

We filed the I-129F on August 1st, but I've heard Nebraska is much
slower. I was going to call today to find out if they would accept
the faxed approval> its great to know they will accept that>

Klaus Schneider

[email protected] (chapinygringa) wrote in message news:...
    > [email protected] (Klaus Schneider) wrote in message news:...
    > > [email protected] (chapinygringa) wrote in message
    > > news:...
    > > > I've searched the archives for info about the Guatemalan embassy but
    > > > I'm wondering if anyone has had a more recent experience with a K1. I
    > > > am waiting for approval from Nebraska, but I wonder after I receive an
    > > > approval, how long does it take to get Packet 3, 4 and the interview.
    > > > Any advice? Thanks.
    > >
    > >
    > > My fiance is from Guatemala City and we are looking for the same
    > > information. We filed the I-129F with the CSC mid-July and hope for
    > > approval within the next week or two. So yes, any information on the
    > > Embassy in Guatemala and the K-1 process there would be greatly
    > > appreciated.
    > >
    > > I heard that the are for the most part cooperative and prompt when it
    > > comes to dealing with the paperwork. We found out (my fiance called)
    > > that it is enough to have a faxed copy of the approval (2nd NOA) for
    > > them to release the paperwork. Good Luck with your petition. Are you
    > > filing I-129F or I-130?
    > > Klaus&Karla
    > We filed the I-129F on August 1st, but I've heard Nebraska is much
    > slower. I was going to call today to find out if they would accept
    > the faxed approval> its great to know they will accept that>

OK, I have some updates for you on the embassy in Guatemala and they
are not that great. First of all our I-129F was approved on September
30th which was of course a happy moment in this ordeal.

I immediately scanned and e-mailed the Approval Notice to my fiance
but the sad story is that the embassy would not accept it to open a
"Provisional File". So, they lied to us!!!

Not to worry, it get's even better!

On October 16th the message on the INS website changed from the
standard approval message to this:

Receipt Number: WAC022335XXXX

Application Type: I129F, PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status:

On October 16, 2002 the appropriate American Consulate or port of
entry was notified by cable, telephone, or fax of the approval of this
case.


Of course my fiance immediately contacted the embassy but the lady on
the phone insisted that this means absolutely nothing and that they
would not release any paperwork until the actual I-129F petition was
received. I am sure you can imagine how angry and frustrated we are.

I only hope this lady is on the bottom of the command chain, is dead
wrong and knows absolutely nothing about the K-1 process.

Furthermore she insisted that she has none of our names or a case
number in the computer. Now the case number she is referring to is NOT
the INS assigned case number. The embassy generates their OWN case
number when they receive the I-129F package.

Our hope now is that someone else will be entering the approval
information cabled or faxed from the INS into the embassy computer
system and THEN they will give the documents to my fiance. Otherwise
we will have to wait until the actual I-129F arrives.

Here is another tidbit of information maybe helpful to you: For a
small fee the embassy uses a courier service to deliver their
documents because the mail system in Guatemala is so unreliable. I
speak from experience, they already lost a document package I mailed
to my fiance in August. Now I have to figure out what to do when I
have to send the I-134 and accompanying documents to Guatemala.

I will keep you updated on the "progress" we are making with these
idiots.

Klaus&Karla

Matthew Udall

OK, I have some updates for you on the embassy in Guatemala and they
are not that great. First of all our I-129F was approved on September
30th which was of course a happy moment in this ordeal.

I immediately scanned and e-mailed the Approval Notice to my fiance
but the sad story is that the embassy would not accept it to open a
"Provisional File". So, they lied to us!!!

>Many consulates won't open a provisional file and dispatch packet 3 when presented with a copy of the approval notice. Some won't do so even when they receive a cable from a Service Center. But even when I'm dealing with a post that says it won't do this, I "still" fax them a copy of the notice along with my cover letter and copy of the G-28 (requesting they open a provisional file and dispatch packet 3 to the beneficiary), and I "still" send them my shipment which is a complete attorney certified copy of the entire I-129f submission, an attorney certified copy of the approval notice, and an original G-28 signed by the petition... with another cover letter requesting them to open a provisional file and dispatch packet 3. Can't hurt to try, and I had good luck even with posts that normally won't do this (Guangzhou comes to mind, and I've had Montreal do this for my clients even though I've seen reports in the group saying they won't open a provisional file).

Not to worry, it get's even better!

On October 16th the message on the INS website changed from the
standard approval message to this:

Receipt Number: WAC022335XXXX

Application Type: I129F, PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status:

On October 16, 2002 the appropriate American Consulate or port of
entry was notified by cable, telephone, or fax of the approval of this
case.

>Don't put too much stock into that message. The automated system is updated by computer the moment the contract worker keys in the approval data into the database. A human being does not update it. I've been all over the CSC many, many times, and they have a special shelf set up where they place approved I-129f where a cable is to be sent. The shelf has a slot for Moscow, one for Warsaw, and one for "all other posts". Once your case is approved, an officer gives it to a contract worker who keys in the approval data. The approval notice is automatically generated and mailed, and the phone system is automatically updated. Your file is then moved to the shelf I mentioned. They can take up to 30 days to assign someone to go send the cables (once enough cases build up to justify assigning someone to go do a bunch of them. So even though the message might say what it says, that does not mean the cable has actually been sent yet. Its not a perfect system, and now that you know better hopefully you won't see it as them lying to you.

Of course my fiance immediately contacted the embassy but the lady on
the phone insisted that this means absolutely nothing and that they
would not release any paperwork until the actual I-129F petition was
received. I am sure you can imagine how angry and frustrated we are.

>Yes I can, but again, some Consulates want to wait for the actual approved petition and supporting documentation to arrive before doing anything. That is their decision to make.

I only hope this lady is on the bottom of the command chain, is dead
wrong and knows absolutely nothing about the K-1 process.

>That could very well be.

Furthermore she insisted that she has none of our names or a case
number in the computer. Now the case number she is referring to is NOT
the INS assigned case number. The embassy generates their OWN case
number when they receive the I-129F package.

>True, and they won't do this until they open up a file for your fiancee. Its helpful to have the Consulate Case number listed on the DS-169 (actually, I think they gave it a new number now) when she sends it to them.

Our hope now is that someone else will be entering the approval
information cabled or faxed from the INS into the embassy computer
system and THEN they will give the documents to my fiance. Otherwise
we will have to wait until the actual I-129F arrives.

Here is another tidbit of information maybe helpful to you: For a
small fee the embassy uses a courier service to deliver their
documents because the mail system in Guatemala is so unreliable. I
speak from experience, they already lost a document package I mailed
to my fiance in August. Now I have to figure out what to do when I
have to send the I-134 and accompanying documents to Guatemala.

I will keep you updated on the "progress" we are making with these
idiots.

Klaus&Karla

>Good luck Kalus and Karla. I've got a case at the CSC right now that will be going to Guatemala City. I've actually processed a couple of K-1 cases through that post.

Regards,
Matthew Udall
Attorney
http://members.aol.com/MDUdall/fiancee.htm

Toni D

    >From: [email protected] (Klaus Schneider)
    >Date: 10/18/02 1:25 PM SA Pacific Standard Time

    >OK, I have some updates for you on the embassy in Guatemala and they
    >are not that great. First of all our I-129F was approved on September
    >30th which was of course a happy moment in this ordeal.
    >I immediately scanned and e-mailed the Approval Notice to my fiance
    >but the sad story is that the embassy would not accept it to open a
    >"Provisional File". So, they lied to us!!!
    >Not to worry, it get's even better!
    >On October 16th the message on the INS website changed from the
    >standard approval message to this:
    >Receipt Number: WAC022335XXXX
    >Application Type: I129F, PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)
    >Current Status:
    >On October 16, 2002 the appropriate American Consulate or port of
    >entry was notified by cable, telephone, or fax of the approval of this
    >case.
    >Of course my fiance immediately contacted the embassy but the lady on
    >the phone insisted that this means absolutely nothing and that they
    >would not release any paperwork until the actual I-129F petition was
    >received. I am sure you can imagine how angry and frustrated we are.
    >I only hope this lady is on the bottom of the command chain, is dead
    >wrong and knows absolutely nothing about the K-1 process.
    >Furthermore she insisted that she has none of our names or a case
    >number in the computer. Now the case number she is referring to is NOT
    >the INS assigned case number. The embassy generates their OWN case
    >number when they receive the I-129F package.
    >Our hope now is that someone else will be entering the approval
    >information cabled or faxed from the INS into the embassy computer
    >system and THEN they will give the documents to my fiance. Otherwise
    >we will have to wait until the actual I-129F arrives.
    >Here is another tidbit of information maybe helpful to you: For a
    >small fee the embassy uses a courier service to deliver their
    >documents because the mail system in Guatemala is so unreliable. I
    >speak from experience, they already lost a document package I mailed
    >to my fiance in August. Now I have to figure out what to do when I
    >have to send the I-134 and accompanying documents to Guatemala.
    >I will keep you updated on the "progress" we are making with these
    >idiots.
    >Klaus&Karla

When I had to get the packet 3 to my husband in Guatemala, or when our lawyer
had to send documents to him, we sent it DHL. Everything got there in a timely
manner.

When my husband got the packet 3, he went in person to the embassy and they
gave him his appointment date and the related documents. Don't rely on the
mail or the embassy to send things. Actually, you get an appointment date a
lot sooner when you go in person. Of course there are long lines so plan on
spending the day. When we finally had the appointment, everything went well.

Chapinygringa

Hi! I haven't been reading much lately, so I was glad to see your new
post regarding Guatemala. First of all let me say congrats on the
approval! We are still thinking 2 more months to get that out of
Nebraska. Secondly, the news about the provisional file is depressing
to say the least. I emailed them the same question a few weeks ago
and they forwarded my email to Immigration, but they never responded.
I can call during the three hours each week that they take calls from
the public, but haven't bothered so far. Any new info, Klaus? I work
advocating for clients in the government health system and my advice
is for you to call the embassy yourself. Ask for names of the people
you speak with and document their response. It is amazing how an
answer will change once you get names. Also, this bit of info came
with my first email to the embassy...use the email contact below if
you feel it will help. Good luck.

Dear ,

Since K1 visas are handled by our Immigrant Visa unit, I am forwarding
your
message to the chief of that unit, Linda Lee ([email protected]). She or
one of her assistants
will be happy to answer your questions.

Best regards,
Marietta Bartoletti
American Citizen Services


[email protected] (Toni D) wrote in message news:...
    > >From: [email protected] (Klaus Schneider)
    > >Date: 10/18/02 1:25 PM SA Pacific Standard Time
    > >OK, I have some updates for you on the embassy in Guatemala and they
    > >are not that great. First of all our I-129F was approved on September
    > >30th which was of course a happy moment in this ordeal.
    > >
    > >I immediately scanned and e-mailed the Approval Notice to my fiance
    > >but the sad story is that the embassy would not accept it to open a
    > >"Provisional File". So, they lied to us!!!
    > >
    > >Not to worry, it get's even better!
    > >
    > >On October 16th the message on the INS website changed from the
    > >standard approval message to this:
    > >
    > >Receipt Number: WAC022335XXXX
    > >
    > >Application Type: I129F, PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)
    > >
    > >Current Status:
    > >
    > >On October 16, 2002 the appropriate American Consulate or port of
    > >entry was notified by cable, telephone, or fax of the approval of this
    > >case.
    > >
    > >
    > >Of course my fiance immediately contacted the embassy but the lady on
    > >the phone insisted that this means absolutely nothing and that they
    > >would not release any paperwork until the actual I-129F petition was
    > >received. I am sure you can imagine how angry and frustrated we are.
    > >
    > >I only hope this lady is on the bottom of the command chain, is dead
    > >wrong and knows absolutely nothing about the K-1 process.
    > >
    > >Furthermore she insisted that she has none of our names or a case
    > >number in the computer. Now the case number she is referring to is NOT
    > >the INS assigned case number. The embassy generates their OWN case
    > >number when they receive the I-129F package.
    > >
    > >Our hope now is that someone else will be entering the approval
    > >information cabled or faxed from the INS into the embassy computer
    > >system and THEN they will give the documents to my fiance. Otherwise
    > >we will have to wait until the actual I-129F arrives.
    > >
    > >Here is another tidbit of information maybe helpful to you: For a
    > >small fee the embassy uses a courier service to deliver their
    > >documents because the mail system in Guatemala is so unreliable. I
    > >speak from experience, they already lost a document package I mailed
    > >to my fiance in August. Now I have to figure out what to do when I
    > >have to send the I-134 and accompanying documents to Guatemala.
    > >
    > >I will keep you updated on the "progress" we are making with these
    > >idiots.
    > >
    > >Klaus&Karla
    > >
    > When I had to get the packet 3 to my husband in Guatemala, or when our lawyer
    > had to send documents to him, we sent it DHL. Everything got there in a timely
    > manner.
    > When my husband got the packet 3, he went in person to the embassy and they
    > gave him his appointment date and the related documents. Don't rely on the
    > mail or the embassy to send things. Actually, you get an appointment date a
    > lot sooner when you go in person. Of course there are long lines so plan on
    > spending the day. When we finally had the appointment, everything went well.

Klaus Schneider

[email protected] (chapinygringa) wrote in message news:...
    > Hi! I haven't been reading much lately, so I was glad to see your new
    > post regarding Guatemala. First of all let me say congrats on the
    > approval! We are still thinking 2 more months to get that out of
    > Nebraska. Secondly, the news about the provisional file is depressing
    > to say the least. I emailed them the same question a few weeks ago
    > and they forwarded my email to Immigration, but they never responded.
    > I can call during the three hours each week that they take calls from
    > the public, but haven't bothered so far. Any new info, Klaus? I work
    > advocating for clients in the government health system and my advice
    > is for you to call the embassy yourself. Ask for names of the people
    > you speak with and document their response. It is amazing how an
    > answer will change once you get names. Also, this bit of info came
    > with my first email to the embassy...use the email contact below if
    > you feel it will help. Good luck.
    > Dear ,
    > Since K1 visas are handled by our Immigrant Visa unit, I am forwarding
    > your
    > message to the chief of that unit, Linda Lee ([email protected]). She or
    > one of her assistants
    > will be happy to answer your questions.
    > Best regards,
    > Marietta Bartoletti
    > American Citizen Services


Thanks for your message!

It is kind of nice to know that we are not alone going through this
ordeal and we certainly appreciate any information we can get. Well,
it looks like we even caught the attention of the almighty Matt Udall
(We're not worthy!!!) Just kidding, I think there is a lot of good
info in his response, stuff we would otherwise never find out about.

No, as of today no news yet!

Karla will call the embassy again tomorrow (Thursday) and will
continue to do so at least once a week until we get an answer. I will
tell her to ask for names just as you suggested and we will see if
that is getting their attention.

I will also craft a nicely worded e-mail to Linda Lee but I think I'll
wait a little while before I call them directly. I have the feeling if
we just leave them alone and let them do their thing (whatever that
is) it will be just as expedient.

I will keep you posted on any changes.

Klaus
    > [email protected] (Toni D) wrote in message news:...
    > > >From: [email protected] (Klaus Schneider)
    > > >Date: 10/18/02 1:25 PM SA Pacific Standard Time
    > > >OK, I have some updates for you on the embassy in Guatemala and they
    > > >are not that great. First of all our I-129F was approved on September
    > > >30th which was of course a happy moment in this ordeal.
    > > >
    > > >I immediately scanned and e-mailed the Approval Notice to my fiance
    > > >but the sad story is that the embassy would not accept it to open a
    > > >"Provisional File". So, they lied to us!!!
    > > >
    > > >Not to worry, it get's even better!
    > > >
    > > >On October 16th the message on the INS website changed from the
    > > >standard approval message to this:
    > > >
    > > >Receipt Number: WAC022335XXXX
    > > >
    > > >Application Type: I129F, PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)
    > > >
    > > >Current Status:
    > > >
    > > >On October 16, 2002 the appropriate American Consulate or port of
    > > >entry was notified by cable, telephone, or fax of the approval of this
    > > >case.
    > > >
    > > >
    > > >Of course my fiance immediately contacted the embassy but the lady on
    > > >the phone insisted that this means absolutely nothing and that they
    > > >would not release any paperwork until the actual I-129F petition was
    > > >received. I am sure you can imagine how angry and frustrated we are.
    > > >
    > > >I only hope this lady is on the bottom of the command chain, is dead
    > > >wrong and knows absolutely nothing about the K-1 process.
    > > >
    > > >Furthermore she insisted that she has none of our names or a case
    > > >number in the computer. Now the case number she is referring to is NOT
    > > >the INS assigned case number. The embassy generates their OWN case
    > > >number when they receive the I-129F package.
    > > >
    > > >Our hope now is that someone else will be entering the approval
    > > >information cabled or faxed from the INS into the embassy computer
    > > >system and THEN they will give the documents to my fiance. Otherwise
    > > >we will have to wait until the actual I-129F arrives.
    > > >
    > > >Here is another tidbit of information maybe helpful to you: For a
    > > >small fee the embassy uses a courier service to deliver their
    > > >documents because the mail system in Guatemala is so unreliable. I
    > > >speak from experience, they already lost a document package I mailed
    > > >to my fiance in August. Now I have to figure out what to do when I
    > > >have to send the I-134 and accompanying documents to Guatemala.
    > > >
    > > >I will keep you updated on the "progress" we are making with these
    > > >idiots.
    > > >
    > > >Klaus&Karla
    > > >
    > >
    > > When I had to get the packet 3 to my husband in Guatemala, or when our lawyer
    > > had to send documents to him, we sent it DHL. Everything got there in a timely
    > > manner.
    > >
    > > When my husband got the packet 3, he went in person to the embassy and they
    > > gave him his appointment date and the related documents. Don't rely on the
    > > mail or the embassy to send things. Actually, you get an appointment date a
    > > lot sooner when you go in person. Of course there are long lines so plan on
    > > spending the day. When we finally had the appointment, everything went well.

Chapinygringa

Hey Klaus: Wow it's been awhile that you are waiting for Packet 3..any news???
Bobbie

[email protected] (chapinygringa) wrote in message news:...
    > Hi! I haven't been reading much lately, so I was glad to see your new
    > post regarding Guatemala. First of all let me say congrats on the
    > approval! We are still thinking 2 more months to get that out of
    > Nebraska. Secondly, the news about the provisional file is depressing
    > to say the least. I emailed them the same question a few weeks ago
    > and they forwarded my email to Immigration, but they never responded.
    > I can call during the three hours each week that they take calls from
    > the public, but haven't bothered so far. Any new info, Klaus? I work
    > advocating for clients in the government health system and my advice
    > is for you to call the embassy yourself. Ask for names of the people
    > you speak with and document their response. It is amazing how an
    > answer will change once you get names. Also, this bit of info came
    > with my first email to the embassy...use the email contact below if
    > you feel it will help. Good luck.
    > Dear ,
    > Since K1 visas are handled by our Immigrant Visa unit, I am forwarding
    > your
    > message to the chief of that unit, Linda Lee ([email protected]). She or
    > one of her assistants
    > will be happy to answer your questions.
    > Best regards,
    > Marietta Bartoletti
    > American Citizen Services
    > [email protected] (Toni D) wrote in message news:...
    > > >From: [email protected] (Klaus Schneider)
    > > >Date: 10/18/02 1:25 PM SA Pacific Standard Time
    > > >OK, I have some updates for you on the embassy in Guatemala and they
    > > >are not that great. First of all our I-129F was approved on September
    > > >30th which was of course a happy moment in this ordeal.
    > > >
    > > >I immediately scanned and e-mailed the Approval Notice to my fiance
    > > >but the sad story is that the embassy would not accept it to open a
    > > >"Provisional File". So, they lied to us!!!
    > > >
    > > >Not to worry, it get's even better!
    > > >
    > > >On October 16th the message on the INS website changed from the
    > > >standard approval message to this:
    > > >
    > > >Receipt Number: WAC022335XXXX
    > > >
    > > >Application Type: I129F, PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)
    > > >
    > > >Current Status:
    > > >
    > > >On October 16, 2002 the appropriate American Consulate or port of
    > > >entry was notified by cable, telephone, or fax of the approval of this
    > > >case.
    > > >
    > > >
    > > >Of course my fiance immediately contacted the embassy but the lady on
    > > >the phone insisted that this means absolutely nothing and that they
    > > >would not release any paperwork until the actual I-129F petition was
    > > >received. I am sure you can imagine how angry and frustrated we are.
    > > >
    > > >I only hope this lady is on the bottom of the command chain, is dead
    > > >wrong and knows absolutely nothing about the K-1 process.
    > > >
    > > >Furthermore she insisted that she has none of our names or a case
    > > >number in the computer. Now the case number she is referring to is NOT
    > > >the INS assigned case number. The embassy generates their OWN case
    > > >number when they receive the I-129F package.
    > > >
    > > >Our hope now is that someone else will be entering the approval
    > > >information cabled or faxed from the INS into the embassy computer
    > > >system and THEN they will give the documents to my fiance. Otherwise
    > > >we will have to wait until the actual I-129F arrives.
    > > >
    > > >Here is another tidbit of information maybe helpful to you: For a
    > > >small fee the embassy uses a courier service to deliver their
    > > >documents because the mail system in Guatemala is so unreliable. I
    > > >speak from experience, they already lost a document package I mailed
    > > >to my fiance in August. Now I have to figure out what to do when I
    > > >have to send the I-134 and accompanying documents to Guatemala.
    > > >
    > > >I will keep you updated on the "progress" we are making with these
    > > >idiots.
    > > >
    > > >Klaus&Karla
    > > >
    > >
    > > When I had to get the packet 3 to my husband in Guatemala, or when our lawyer
    > > had to send documents to him, we sent it DHL. Everything got there in a timely
    > > manner.
    > >
    > > When my husband got the packet 3, he went in person to the embassy and they
    > > gave him his appointment date and the related documents. Don't rely on the
    > > mail or the embassy to send things. Actually, you get an appointment date a
    > > lot sooner when you go in person. Of course there are long lines so plan on
    > > spending the day. When we finally had the appointment, everything went well.

Klaus Schneider

[email protected] (chapinygringa) wrote in message news:...
    > Hey Klaus: Wow it's been awhile that you are waiting for Packet 3..any news???
    > Bobbie
    >
Hi Bobbie,

I wish I had better news but we are still waiting for the embassy to
even confirm receiving the Approval Notice or the I-129F. Karla had
called the embassy last Thursday and luckily had a more pleasant
person on the phone. This lady was actually willing to give some
information! She reconfirmed that they wait for the actual paperwork
of the petition before they open a case. She also said not to worry
yet because it usually takes a minimum of four weeks for the Petition
to arrive from the INS. Her suggestion was to call at least once a
week to check on the status. Well, we are in the fourth week now and
so we hope to have some "Good News" here pretty soon. Karla will call
again tomorrow and I will definitely let you know if there is any
change in status.

Also, if you have any questions or information you want to share
off-line don't hesitate to contact my on my regular e-mail
([email protected]).

Thanks for you concern!
Klaus&Karla
    > [email protected] (chapinygringa) wrote in message news:...
    > > Hi! I haven't been reading much lately, so I was glad to see your new
    > > post regarding Guatemala. First of all let me say congrats on the
    > > approval! We are still thinking 2 more months to get that out of
    > > Nebraska. Secondly, the news about the provisional file is depressing
    > > to say the least. I emailed them the same question a few weeks ago
    > > and they forwarded my email to Immigration, but they never responded.
    > > I can call during the three hours each week that they take calls from
    > > the public, but haven't bothered so far. Any new info, Klaus? I work
    > > advocating for clients in the government health system and my advice
    > > is for you to call the embassy yourself. Ask for names of the people
    > > you speak with and document their response. It is amazing how an
    > > answer will change once you get names. Also, this bit of info came
    > > with my first email to the embassy...use the email contact below if
    > > you feel it will help. Good luck.
    > >
    > > Dear ,
    > >
    > > Since K1 visas are handled by our Immigrant Visa unit, I am forwarding
    > > your
    > > message to the chief of that unit, Linda Lee ([email protected]). She or
    > > one of her assistants
    > > will be happy to answer your questions.
    > >
    > > Best regards,
    > > Marietta Bartoletti
    > > American Citizen Services
    > >
    > >
    > > [email protected] (Toni D) wrote in message news:...
    > > > >From: [email protected] (Klaus Schneider)
    > > > >Date: 10/18/02 1:25 PM SA Pacific Standard Time
    >
    > > > >OK, I have some updates for you on the embassy in Guatemala and they
    > > > >are not that great. First of all our I-129F was approved on September
    > > > >30th which was of course a happy moment in this ordeal.
    > > > >
    > > > >I immediately scanned and e-mailed the Approval Notice to my fiance
    > > > >but the sad story is that the embassy would not accept it to open a
    > > > >"Provisional File". So, they lied to us!!!
    > > > >
    > > > >Not to worry, it get's even better!
    > > > >
    > > > >On October 16th the message on the INS website changed from the
    > > > >standard approval message to this:
    > > > >
    > > > >Receipt Number: WAC022335XXXX
    > > > >
    > > > >Application Type: I129F, PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)
    > > > >
    > > > >Current Status:
    > > > >
    > > > >On October 16, 2002 the appropriate American Consulate or port of
    > > > >entry was notified by cable, telephone, or fax of the approval of this
    > > > >case.
    > > > >
    > > > >
    > > > >Of course my fiance immediately contacted the embassy but the lady on
    > > > >the phone insisted that this means absolutely nothing and that they
    > > > >would not release any paperwork until the actual I-129F petition was
    > > > >received. I am sure you can imagine how angry and frustrated we are.
    > > > >
    > > > >I only hope this lady is on the bottom of the command chain, is dead
    > > > >wrong and knows absolutely nothing about the K-1 process.
    > > > >
    > > > >Furthermore she insisted that she has none of our names or a case
    > > > >number in the computer. Now the case number she is referring to is NOT
    > > > >the INS assigned case number. The embassy generates their OWN case
    > > > >number when they receive the I-129F package.
    > > > >
    > > > >Our hope now is that someone else will be entering the approval
    > > > >information cabled or faxed from the INS into the embassy computer
    > > > >system and THEN they will give the documents to my fiance. Otherwise
    > > > >we will have to wait until the actual I-129F arrives.
    > > > >
    > > > >Here is another tidbit of information maybe helpful to you: For a
    > > > >small fee the embassy uses a courier service to deliver their
    > > > >documents because the mail system in Guatemala is so unreliable. I
    > > > >speak from experience, they already lost a document package I mailed
    > > > >to my fiance in August. Now I have to figure out what to do when I
    > > > >have to send the I-134 and accompanying documents to Guatemala.
    > > > >
    > > > >I will keep you updated on the "progress" we are making with these
    > > > >idiots.
    > > > >
    > > > >Klaus&Karla
    > > > >
    > > >
    > > > When I had to get the packet 3 to my husband in Guatemala, or when our lawyer
    > > > had to send documents to him, we sent it DHL. Everything got there in a timely
    > > > manner.
    > > >
    > > > When my husband got the packet 3, he went in person to the embassy and they
    > > > gave him his appointment date and the related documents. Don't rely on the
    > > > mail or the embassy to send things. Actually, you get an appointment date a
    > > > lot sooner when you go in person. Of course there are long lines so plan on
    > > > spending the day. When we finally had the appointment, everything went well.

Klaus Schneider

[email protected] (chapinygringa) wrote in message news:...
    > Hey Klaus: Wow it's been awhile that you are waiting for Packet 3..any news???
    > Bobbie
    >
Hi Bobbie,

Sorry, but still no news from the Embassy in Guatemala. It's been 6
weeks now since the approval!!! Very encouraging, isn't it? What
really ticks me off is that our plans to spend christmas together are
slowly but surely going down the drain. Last week I left a message for
Matthew Udall (search on "Question for M. Udall...") asking (among
other things) about the length of time it takes for paperwork to get
to an embassy. He said not to get too worried yet and 5 weeks is not
that much time. He also said there is no way to track the paperwork
from the INS to the National Visa Center and then on to the embassy...
in his words: it's pretty much a dark hole until everything gets to
the embassy.

Have you heard anything from this Linda Lee yet? Now I am very tempted
to send her a few lines but it would be nice to know that they respond
to e-mails.

Klaus
    > [email protected] (chapinygringa) wrote in message news:...
    > > Hi! I haven't been reading much lately, so I was glad to see your new
    > > post regarding Guatemala. First of all let me say congrats on the
    > > approval! We are still thinking 2 more months to get that out of
    > > Nebraska. Secondly, the news about the provisional file is depressing
    > > to say the least. I emailed them the same question a few weeks ago
    > > and they forwarded my email to Immigration, but they never responded.
    > > I can call during the three hours each week that they take calls from
    > > the public, but haven't bothered so far. Any new info, Klaus? I work
    > > advocating for clients in the government health system and my advice
    > > is for you to call the embassy yourself. Ask for names of the people
    > > you speak with and document their response. It is amazing how an
    > > answer will change once you get names. Also, this bit of info came
    > > with my first email to the embassy...use the email contact below if
    > > you feel it will help. Good luck.
    > >
    > > Dear ,
    > >
    > > Since K1 visas are handled by our Immigrant Visa unit, I am forwarding
    > > your
    > > message to the chief of that unit, Linda Lee ([email protected]). She or
    > > one of her assistants
    > > will be happy to answer your questions.
    > >
    > > Best regards,
    > > Marietta Bartoletti
    > > American Citizen Services
    > >
    > >
    > > [email protected] (Toni D) wrote in message news:...
    > > > >From: [email protected] (Klaus Schneider)
    > > > >Date: 10/18/02 1:25 PM SA Pacific Standard Time
    >
    > > > >OK, I have some updates for you on the embassy in Guatemala and they
    > > > >are not that great. First of all our I-129F was approved on September
    > > > >30th which was of course a happy moment in this ordeal.
    > > > >
    > > > >I immediately scanned and e-mailed the Approval Notice to my fiance
    > > > >but the sad story is that the embassy would not accept it to open a
    > > > >"Provisional File". So, they lied to us!!!
    > > > >
    > > > >Not to worry, it get's even better!
    > > > >
    > > > >On October 16th the message on the INS website changed from the
    > > > >standard approval message to this:
    > > > >
    > > > >Receipt Number: WAC022335XXXX
    > > > >
    > > > >Application Type: I129F, PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)
    > > > >
    > > > >Current Status:
    > > > >
    > > > >On October 16, 2002 the appropriate American Consulate or port of
    > > > >entry was notified by cable, telephone, or fax of the approval of this
    > > > >case.
    > > > >
    > > > >
    > > > >Of course my fiance immediately contacted the embassy but the lady on
    > > > >the phone insisted that this means absolutely nothing and that they
    > > > >would not release any paperwork until the actual I-129F petition was
    > > > >received. I am sure you can imagine how angry and frustrated we are.
    > > > >
    > > > >I only hope this lady is on the bottom of the command chain, is dead
    > > > >wrong and knows absolutely nothing about the K-1 process.
    > > > >
    > > > >Furthermore she insisted that she has none of our names or a case
    > > > >number in the computer. Now the case number she is referring to is NOT
    > > > >the INS assigned case number. The embassy generates their OWN case
    > > > >number when they receive the I-129F package.
    > > > >
    > > > >Our hope now is that someone else will be entering the approval
    > > > >information cabled or faxed from the INS into the embassy computer
    > > > >system and THEN they will give the documents to my fiance. Otherwise
    > > > >we will have to wait until the actual I-129F arrives.
    > > > >
    > > > >Here is another tidbit of information maybe helpful to you: For a
    > > > >small fee the embassy uses a courier service to deliver their
    > > > >documents because the mail system in Guatemala is so unreliable. I
    > > > >speak from experience, they already lost a document package I mailed
    > > > >to my fiance in August. Now I have to figure out what to do when I
    > > > >have to send the I-134 and accompanying documents to Guatemala.
    > > > >
    > > > >I will keep you updated on the "progress" we are making with these
    > > > >idiots.
    > > > >
    > > > >Klaus&Karla
    > > > >
    > > >
    > > > When I had to get the packet 3 to my husband in Guatemala, or when our lawyer
    > > > had to send documents to him, we sent it DHL. Everything got there in a timely
    > > > manner.
    > > >
    > > > When my husband got the packet 3, he went in person to the embassy and they
    > > > gave him his appointment date and the related documents. Don't rely on the
    > > > mail or the embassy to send things. Actually, you get an appointment date a
    > > > lot sooner when you go in person. Of course there are long lines so plan on
    > > > spending the day. When we finally had the appointment, everything went well.

Toni D

    >From: [email protected] (Klaus Schneider)

    >Sorry, but still no news from the Embassy in Guatemala. It's been 6
    >weeks now since the approval!!! Very encouraging, isn't it? What
    >really ticks me off is that our plans to spend christmas together are
    >slowly but surely going down the drain. Last week I left a message for
    >Matthew Udall (search on "Question for M. Udall...") asking (among
    >other things) about the length of time it takes for paperwork to get
    >to an embassy. He said not to get too worried yet and 5 weeks is not
    >that much time. He also said there is no way to track the paperwork
    >from the INS to the National Visa Center and then on to the embassy...
    >in his words: it's pretty much a dark hole until everything gets to
    >the embassy.
    >Have you heard anything from this Linda Lee yet? Now I am very tempted
    >to send her a few lines but it would be nice to know that they respond
    >to e-mails.

I guess I'm a little confused about this post. I've dealt with the embassy in
Guatemala and for starters they are very hostile toward *anyone*. The only
time I dealt with them on the phone was just asking general questions. What
I'm confused about and I hope someone can clarify for me, is the waiting for
the embassy. The packet 3 from the NVC was forwarded to my attorney and then
we sent it to my husband in Guatemala and he went directly to the embassy with
is to schedule his appointment for the packet 4 and list of medical doctors.
Did you or did you not personally receive the packet from the NVC? Maybe things
have changed since we filed or I'm missing some of this story, but it seems to
me that you should have received something from NVC to forward to your
spouse/fiance. We didn't have to wait for the embassy to notify my husband or
for them to send him anything. Can anyone clarify?

Chapinygringa

Hi Toni: It may be different with a K3 (that's what you guys did,
right?) K1 doesn't deal with the NVC, but centers like Nebraska or
California instead. The K1 process goes that you get the letter (2nd
NOA) from INS and then you have to wait for INS to contact the
Guatemalan embassy. The embassy won't release any paperwork or
schedule an interview until they get confirmation from INS.
Apparently, it can take a couple of months. Frustrating to say the
least.
Love to hear more details about what to expect from the interview.
Any surprises??

Also:

Klaus: Hi.
Do you also keep tabs on the Dave Hollis site?
http://www.davehollis.com/k1/list.php

Giovanni and I are listed on there with an intial date of 8/01/02.
Right next to our entry is another couple dealing with Guatemala.
They got 2nd NOA from INS on 9/20/02 (from Calif, I think) and got the
paperwork from the embassy on 11/9/02. (a little over 7 weeks). They
have the interview scheduled for 12/17/02. Just thought you'd like to
see another timeline. Maybe you guys will be able to have Christmas
together afterall??? Good luck, Bobbie




[email protected] (Toni D) wrote in message news:...
    > >From: [email protected] (Klaus Schneider)
    >
    > >Sorry, but still no news from the Embassy in Guatemala. It's been 6
    > >weeks now since the approval!!! Very encouraging, isn't it? What
    > >really ticks me off is that our plans to spend christmas together are
    > >slowly but surely going down the drain. Last week I left a message for
    > >Matthew Udall (search on "Question for M. Udall...") asking (among
    > >other things) about the length of time it takes for paperwork to get
    > >to an embassy. He said not to get too worried yet and 5 weeks is not
    > >that much time. He also said there is no way to track the paperwork
    > >from the INS to the National Visa Center and then on to the embassy...
    > >in his words: it's pretty much a dark hole until everything gets to
    > >the embassy.
    > >
    > >Have you heard anything from this Linda Lee yet? Now I am very tempted
    > >to send her a few lines but it would be nice to know that they respond
    > >to e-mails.
    > >
    >
    > I guess I'm a little confused about this post. I've dealt with the embassy in
    > Guatemala and for starters they are very hostile toward *anyone*. The only
    > time I dealt with them on the phone was just asking general questions. What
    > I'm confused about and I hope someone can clarify for me, is the waiting for
    > the embassy. The packet 3 from the NVC was forwarded to my attorney and then
    > we sent it to my husband in Guatemala and he went directly to the embassy with
    > is to schedule his appointment for the packet 4 and list of medical doctors.
    > Did you or did you not personally receive the packet from the NVC? Maybe things
    > have changed since we filed or I'm missing some of this story, but it seems to
    > me that you should have received something from NVC to forward to your
    > spouse/fiance. We didn't have to wait for the embassy to notify my husband or
    > for them to send him anything. Can anyone clarify?