Good Monday morning everyone in MENA.  How was your weekend?  Mine was typical:

talk to my husband

miss my husband

talk to my husband some more

still missing my husband

work on petition

cook

clean

grocery shop

talk to my husband some more

still missing my husband

Weekend is over:

Monday starts out:

Get up

talk to my husband

get ready for work

And still missing my husband

Anyway - hope you all had a great weekend and that you have a good start to a new week.  Maybe this week will bring in some good news for many of you.  I hope so.

Hi,

I'm Canadian and I entered the US to visit my girlfriend for a few weeks in LA (I came in April). I had a return flight but I ended up staying longer than I had intended. I entered the US across the border and then flew to LAX. I just told the border agent I was coming to visit a friend. I had every intention of returning back to Canada and back to my job. I ended up resigning from my position and we're currently living together (joint lease, banks etc.). I proposed to my USC girlfriend and now we wanted to look at options for us before we get married. Additionally, my gf got naturalized just this week. 

We were told that we could just get married and then file for AOS as I didn't intend to marry when I entered the country. I've also read that this can be a risky route. Our concern is when would be the best time to get married. Ideally for us it would be in December, but that makes me 3 months overstayed. Also would it be any concern since my gf just became a citizen - as in would they be suspicious that I might have come here with the intent to stay and just waited for her to become a citizen. Does it matter at all when we get married? Should we get married before my 6 months are up? I've also read that the longer I wait to get married from when I entered, the better my odds for getting approved.

How can I present my situation most favorable for my application for AOS.

Thanks a lot

Hi there,

Approaching the end, finally. I have my medical appointment booked for July 3rd, so now I just have to fill out and send off a few more forms to the embassy.

They're all quite straightforward, but form Form DS-156-K says that I have to attach proof of engagement in order to apply. I don't have a ring, though, and it's all just verbal. We're minimalist people and won't be worrying about a ring (yet!) as our priority is saving as much money as possible so that we can start our life together in the best way (an expensive ring will not help us with this one bit).

So, what can I send them? In the very first forms we sent we had the signed declarations of love/proposal etc, is that not enough?

Thanks

Hi!

I'm just beginning this process and I have been reading up as much as I can, but I'm still so confused about many things and could really use some help and advice. My fiance lives in Australia and I visited him for the first time in person in Australia from May 10-June 19th. He is coming here on the VWP next Monday and will be staying for close to three months (July 1-September 21). I want to file for the K-1 while he is here, so that if it takes 5 months as I've seen in most places, we can at least be together for the first three months and will only have to be apart for, hopefully, two months. I have several questions though regarding the process, including what will happen when he enters the country this time around. (It was SO much easier going to Australia! Got my visitor visa in five minutes online, which is good for a year, and was asked no questions at all upon entry.)

1- What will happen when he gets here? What kinds of questions will he be asked? He is concerned because he really isn't sure what to expect, and neither am I. I've never been questioned upon entering any other countries (and I've visited many countries) so this is all very new and strange to me.

2- Will it take 5 months? Is there any hope of it being shorter? Would it be possible for him to come back on the VWP after, say, a month after going home so we can be together? I know he would then have to go back to Sydney for the interview, so we could just book him the return flight straight away and then change the flight to an earlier date if he can be scheduled for the interview. Would this be suspicious? It wouldn't be illegal, as his intent WOULD be to visit me whilst waiting for the visa approval.

3- I'm confused about the service center thing, and extra confused about the official processing dates search. (The only center that even lists K1 is Vermont, and the processing time says October 26th, 2012 or something to that nature.......huh?) Why don't the other service centers list K-1? And it seems that, from what I'm reading, Vermont is the slowest. Can I choose to send it to a faster one, even though I live on the east coast? I really don't want to send it there and have it take an excessive amount of time because it's a slower center.

4- I'm concerned about the affadavit of support. I am a 21 year old college student and I still live at home with my mom, and my fiance has only just turned 20. He works in Australia and plans on getting a degree in America once he gets citizenship. He currently lives with his mom. I'm not working currently as I am in school. When he comes here, he would be living with me and my mom and will be quickly getting a job, and his mother will be sending him $100/week until we are stable, which is more than enough to live on if you aren't paying rent or utilities. So we definitely will be fine as we will be living with my mom, but she isn't going to want to sign any paperwork or give her banking/work information for this. I'm already asking her to do so much by him moving in for a few years until we get on our feet, I can't ask her to do any more. Will this be an issue? There's no way in the world I'd ever apply for government support as it's something I don't personally believe in. I don't believe people should be getting support from the government, they should support themselves or their family should support them. It's not fair for that money to be taken out of the paychecks of hard workers.... anyway that's just my rant. I would NEVER do that but I wouldn't know how to prove that to the government. Not to mention, his mom would never let him live poorly, if he needed money she'd give it to him, she makes more than enough. Can she sign anything saying she will be sending him money? Would that count?

5- What is the total cost of the K-1 visa? And then, how much does the Adjustment of Status cost? All I keep seeing is "pay the required fees" but I haven't seen an actual NUMBER for the total cost.

6- Do I HAVE to change my name after we are married for proof for an adjustment of status? I haven't officially decided if I want to change my name ... I am close with my family and I love my Russian heritage and Russian last name. I may ultimately decide to change it but I only want to do that if I want to on my terms, not be forced to.

.... I *think* those are all of the questions I have at the moment, but I may end up having more later on! .... This whole process is frustrating, and I wish we had the freedom to just be together and function like a normal couple rather than having to wait to be together and jump through so many hoops to get there. Couples from the same country have it so easy, I'm jealous!

Thank you all in advance for your help!! I'm so glad I found this website to help me through this insane process.

My fiance is in military he only send me a copy of his w-2. do I still need a copy of his ITR even he is in military? hope anyone can help me. thanks

Hi every one, i have gotten NOA3 and waiting for interview instructions. i want to find out how to pay my interview fee in Lagos Nigeria, also who picks interview date? myself or the embassy? thanks.

Hi VJ-ers!

Please can someone guide me on where to go after NOA2 is received?

What are the steps? Found some posts on VJ but they take me round in circles and I am not sure what the next step is for us...any help appreciated !

NOA1: 27th Feb 13'

NOA2: 21st June 13'

WHAT DO WE DO NOW???

Thanks in advance!

I just filed for my AOS (yesterday) and together with it i sent a I-131 so I can travel abroad and visit my family. I read the usual processing time for an advance parole is 90 days, and I was wondering if it would be safe to book a trip for mid-October. That would be roughly 3 and a half months from now. I know no one can give me an exact answer as processing times may vary, but i think I might risk it anyways, as it will be a lot cheaper to buy the tickets with so much time to spare.

On a slightly different note, I am worried I'll get called in for a biometrics ap or an interview while i'm outside the US.  I haven't seen my family in over a year and am really looking forward to traveling. ..I guess I'm just trying to get some peace of mind...

At my interview date we were two couples in total to have interview that day. Both of us given 221(g) letter asking for financial support in USA. Basically they want to make sure you earn more than poverty line, which is about 14,000USD a year! Or at least 60,000USD in assets (stocks, property, etc.) 

Be prepared because it was a total turn off for us as we thought we are done! Get your bank statements and FUTUR Salary certificate ready! We didn't have it and so for that reason given 221(g) letter which means we should prepare it and send it to them. 

I don't know when I get my visa, but I am sure it takes longer than what I thought! 

Please tell me how long should I expect to wait for this? 

Best for all! 

Hi,

So my fiance and I lodged our K1-Petition I-129F and it was documented to be received on the 15th Feb at the Texas office.  My alien # was apparently assigned on the 22nd Feb. We hadn't heard anything for months until recently - on the 21st June we got the below email.

 

 

From: USCIS <USCIS-CaseStatus@dhs.gov>

Date: Fri, Jun 21, 2013 at 12:16 PM
Subject: Case Status Information for Receipt Number: EAC1390206558
To: FIANCE EMAIL ADDRESS


*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***


The last processing action taken on your case


Receipt Number: ####


Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)


Your Case Status: Initial Review


On June 21, 2013, we transferred this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E) to another office for processing because they now have jurisdiction over the case. We sent you a notice of this transfer. Please follow any instructions on this notice. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.


During this step, USCIS initiates the background checks of the applicant/petitioner and identifies issues that may need to be addressed either during an interview or by asking the applicant/petitioner to submit additional information or documentation. USCIS reviews the applicant's/petitioner's criminal history, determines if there are national security concerns that need to be addressed, and reviews the application/petition for fraud indicators.

If you have filed an I-485, I-589, I-751, N-400, I-90, I-821, I-131 or I-765, you can expect to receive an appointment notice to appear at an Application Support Center to have your fingerprints and/or photographs taken. The timing of your appointment is determined by the number of applicants ahead of you that also need a biometric appointment.  We try to schedule biometric appointments as quickly as possible and in most cases you will receive your appointment notice within 30 days of submitting your application. We will send your appointment notice approximately 14 days ahead of your scheduled appointment.   It is important that you keep this appointment.  If absolutely necessary, you can request that your appointment be rescheduled however, please be aware that rescheduling may delay the processing of your application. Please follow the instructions on your appointment notice if you need to reschedule.  Occasionally, you may receive an appointment notice to appear at an Application Support Center to have your fingerprints taken when you have filed a form other than those listed above. In these situations, you may receive your appointment notice more than 30 days after submitting your application or petition.



If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results

listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current

processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.


*Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Check Processing Times.


*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.


Sincerely,


The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

My huge freak out came from breaking down the wording and the fact we haven't received a NOA of any kind. Are we suppose to have one by now? My second freak out is the wording "we transferred this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E) to another office for processing because they now have jurisdiction over the case" Does this mean that potentially our paperwork went to the wrong office and has been pushed to where it needs to be OR that it is just moving through the general motions and on track?

On the basis of the general average of the initial petition process etc i hope to hear of an approval in the next 30 days or so... FINGERS CROSSED, but this may not be the case if the paperwork has been rerouted and we may have to wait even longer than expected.

Can anyone please put my mind at ease with any kind of information?

There are a number of things in motion too which are frustrating. I am visiting my fiance for 2 1/2 months in September - November (and wanted an NOA to prove I am going through the official channels but visiting) and was hoping to have the petition side of things home and hosed by then and in the throws of finalising the actual VISA side of things and an interview at the Sydney Consulate by the time I get back. I have received a redundancy (this is a fantastic thing) from my current employer with my termination date being on the 1st Sept. If this whole process is pushed out by months sadly I am going to have to linger in Australia for a hell of a lot longer than I was initially expecting and potentially have to find a job in the short term when I return from the US!

I have looked over a multitude of the forums, links and processes and the flow chart etc. I am just a little concerned now the more i read and thought i should just ask the general population for any info!

Thanks in advance for any assistance anyone can offer.

I'm not quite sure where to post this...hope this is the right place...

My fiancée will leave her child in the Philippines with her mom after her K-1 is approved. The child is 3 years old...and she intends to bring him to the US in another 8-10 years. (We fully understand we'll have to petition again at that time...and wait a long time for visa approval.)

My question is this: What is the best way to enable her mom as a legal guardian during this time? There will, no doubt be things for a parent or legal guardian to sign or authorize (school? medical treatments? domestic air travel?). If her mom has the same authority as a parent, or is the legal guardian, seems this will solve a lot of future issues. Whatever is done, she would want the option to revoke or reverse any authority granted to her mom in the future.

Does anyone in this forum have experience or knowledge in this regard? Can my fiancee just get a power of attorney granting her mom to act on her behalf for matters pertaining to school, travel, and the health and welfare of the child? Or...does a Court have to get involved here?

My fiancee will speak to a lawyer before she leaves...but we'd like an understanding of this BEFORE she sees a lawyer.

We are doing the sputum testing now. If the tests are negative what is the next step? St Luke's said that we should cancel our current interview appointment and THEY will be the one to reschedule it for us. Anyone have any experience with this? I don't want to cancel our apt. and wait for St Luke's to reschedule us if we can/or should do it ourselves???

Thanks

I applied for SIV at the beginning of 2013. I never heard from them until very lately. In the middle of 2013, however, I applied for a Fulbright scholarship and I was granted a J1 visa. I started my program and am through the first quarter of my two years educational journey. Last month, I received an email from the SIV team informing me that my application has been considered and I could file an i-360. I filed the petition and USCIS immediately approved it. I have now received a notification that I need to file an i-485 form to change my status from non-immigrant to immigrant. My question is: what will happen to my educational benefit after the change takes effect? Will Fulbright continue funding my school given that SIV happened later? I am becoming an immigrant because I served for the U.S. government in Iraq and my life is under direct threat, should they act on my scholarship and refute it because I cannot meet the 2 year foreign residency requirement due to the fact that I served for them? Any thoughts?