WE GOT OUR VISAS!!!!!!

We finally got confirmation from the Philadelphia Consulate that we got our visas!

The reason we have not received them yet is because they cannot be processed until July 2nd. They will be mailed to us on July 5th. I incorrectly thought that our visas would start on August 29th, the day we arrive, but apparently our official visa (i.e. student visa) does not actually start until October 1, the first day of classes. From August 29th through September 30th, we will be on the unofficial "tourist visa," which allows anyone to enter the country for up to 90 days. Because our official visa does not start until October 1, it cannot be processed until July 2 which is within the 90 day time frame. The vice consulate in Norfolk spoke directly with the Philadelphia consulate who assured us that "we are good to go" and once the second of July comes, our visas will be official.

Wish I had known that before today. Still, it is quite a relief knowing that we will be legal when we arrive. All the work has definitely paid off!