Congrats and good luck with your interview! Keep us VJers posted with the outcome!

Thanks again awaterlily on the good wishes for our upcoming interview. I will post the outcome.


Kaan,what a wonderful response you wrote to minikguvercin!! I learned a lot from it too!! Wow, what great people we have on this site!!

Take Care everyone,

Wendy

Hi Wendy,

Thank you for your sweet comments.

I hope everything goes well in the interview.

Have a nice weekend.

Kaan

Merhaba Everyone,

Glad to see activity here. I have been super busy, not much time to come and read the forum much less respond, as I would like too.

I have received messages from a few of you and please forgive me for not responding. I am having some time management issues and just plain tired.... seems like if its not year end, its month end or tax time....ect..ect..At times I don’t know why I chose accounting for a career! Just burn out!

About bread and other types of food/drinks......My husband can eat some serious pilav (rice). Also loves juice and bread also. He too uses LOTS of sugar in his tea, lol. I am told almost every morning to hurry up and dry my hair. yep...

Wonderful post Kaan! Great information.

Anyways, thought I would poke my head in and say HI. Glad to hear everyone is doing well.
Congratulations to those who have a new addition to the family

tesekkurler.
Peace
Debbie

Hey Kaan,

Thanks so much for your thoughtful response. It was extremely helpful! You do NOT talk too much. I read every word with interest!

I didn't know that you could get married to someone on a tourist visa and then just apply for an adjustment of status. Do I understand you correctly? Does this mean he doesn't have to go back to Turkey to complete the process? That if we get married, he could just stay here forever?

I also thought the practice of buying one's way out of army time in Turkey was no longer possible, as of 2 or 3 years ago.

Incidentally, I have a friend in Turkey with a Ph.D. who had to do 6 months. He said it was the best time of his life. Because he had an advanced degree, he was placed in a special unit, near Antalya, I think, with other educated people, and all they did was go out drinking every night (!). I hope your army stint will be just as pleasant.

Peace and Love,
Little Dove.

Helpful web sites....


http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

**************************************************
http://www.usatbd.com/TurkishConsulates.asp

http://www.turkishembassy.org/index.php?op...&Itemid=458

http://www.turkiye.net/lacg/

http://www.e-konsolosluk.net/QuestionBank/QB_MainPage.aspx

Thank you Debbie. I quickly checked the sites out ( I am at work). I can' t wait to throughly read through them. Hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far.

I am getting a little nervous as Yilmaz's interview is Monday. He seems to be calm (God Bless him). I guess I am nervous enough for the both of us. I have to remember what he said to me, "Think only good thoughts." (and a lot of prayers)

Take Care everyone.

Wendy

Hi Wendy

My hopes and prayers are with you and Yilmaz, do lets us know your good news as soon as you get it because I will be anxious myself to know that he got it!

I also agree with Yilmaz too, think only good thoughts and be positive! Talk to you soon,

Mina

Thank you so much Mina. Yilmaz has strict instructions to call me after his interview on Monday. I am sure I will not be getting any sleep on what will be my early Monday morning!!!

I really appreciate your good thoughts and prayers!!

Talk to you soon!!


Wendy

Hi Minikguvercin,

I have checked one more time, and found this link:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...page=i130guide2

Basically it says:

BE WARNED:
You must qualify to file for an I-130 in the US. Not everyone does, and in some cases doing so can be considered fraud and result in being deported and banned from re-entry into the US for a period of time. If you attempt to file and you do not qualify your legal status in the US can be placed in jeopardy. J1 Visa holders will almost always require a waiver and should consult with an immigration lawyer or the USCIS for more information. If you have any doubt, consult an immigration attorney.

If your fiance/fiancee came to the US on a tourist visa with the intent of immigration and marriage, and you are not yet married, then he/she should return to his/her home abroad, and the K-1 visa should be filed (using an I-129f) instead of the I-130 to avoid a denial, deportation, or even being banned from re-entry to the US.

If you are already married, and your spouse came to the US on a tourist visa with the intent of immigration and marriage, then he/she should return to his/her home abroad, and the I-130 (or along with an I-129f for a K-3 Visa) should be filed with the relative outside of the U.S. to avoid denial, deportation, or even being banned from re-entry to the US.

The above conditions are serious and can result in the separation of families for many years if not taken seriously.

I have read many posts here. There are many people who come here with tourist visa and get married and stay. It seems to me that the most important thing is that if they think you come here to get married, it is considered as fraud. But if you are a tourist and happen to meet someone that you want to marry, thats OK.

Thats something you should double check! Sorry I cant help you much on this:(

There is no way to escape from the military service. I dont know if you remember Mehmet Ali Agca who tried to kill the Pope, Jean Paul II in 80s. He was in prison for 20 something years, and the first day he was released, The Turkish Army wanted to take him to the service (I dont know if there is any other country which would accept a professional killer to join to their forces..But Turkey does! ) Anyway, later they found that he hasnt completed his service! in the prison yet, they took him back:) We will see, if he will do his military service after finishing his time in prison.

Your friends must have been lucky, I have heard really funny/sad stories about the military service.. I guess 3 weeks is enough for me, I am happy to pay and do it only for 3 weeks:)


Take care everyone..

Kaan.

Kaan,
Thank you for finding this information and posting it here. I was looking on the USCIS website and had a hard time to find it, the website has been upgraded (which is great).


Little Dove,
Please use caution when addressing your thoughts on a public web site. I know you don’t know this info, but please read the posts within visa journey to get a better understanding of the immigration process. Not knowing the laws could cause you grief. Or you can Always pm someone with questions as I am sure most people here would love to help you find the acutual Law on the subject you have questions about.

I wish you all the best in your immigration process.
Peace.

Debra

Merhaba Wendy,

I am so excited for you and Yilmaz! Wishing you all the best with your upcoming interview. Please let us know as soon as you can....

It is amazing how much one can forget a process so quickly, but I have. (it was an emotional nightmare for me) maybe that’s why, not so sure. Once we were together it became easy. Well, nothing about this immigration process is easy. But, you will soon see and feel the difference. I am always so excited to see couples reuniting.

Those web sites are more for Little Dove than most of us already in some type of process. However I did post links to the US Turkish Consulants here in the states as we too have to deal with the military issue.

We will be starting another process here in a couple months. (I-751, Petition to RemoveConditions on Residence) Smiling....and the new fee's kicked in on July 2007. joy-joy! Inshallah we will get past this one also.

Take care and best wishes.
Peace!
Debra

Merhaba Mina,

From the very first day we started talking, maybe 3 years ago cant really remember. But you have gone to Turkey many, many, many times (jealous) lol.... Have a fun and enjoyable stay. I wish you and Coskun many, many happy years together. Missing an anniversary here and celebrating it in Turkey is so worth it.

I won’t even start on the weight issue!

Give me a call when you have time. Would love to talk to you.

Best wishes Mina
Hugs!
Debra

Merhaba Debra,

Nasılsın? İyiyim, ya siz?

I thought I try a little turkish on you, but I don't know enough to carry a real conversation

It does seem like I do take alot of trips to Turkey, I wish it could be always! I do want to travel there more often and I will try to go there once a year if possible. I have a couple of turkish friends at work that go to Turkey every year starting at the end of June and returning back to work by Labor Day, how they do this is beyond me. I wish I had the luxury of living and traveling like this myself!

As for my weight lost I have been doing pretty good. So far I lost 16 pounds, that's because there's no BREAD in the house! Actually I cannot really blame it on the bread since there are so many good ones out there that can help to maintain your weight.

Thank you so much for your well wishes Debra and I will call you soon,

Mina

Hi Wendy

GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND YILMAZ ON HIS INTERVIEW TOMORROW!!!

let us know soon of your good news

Mina

Hi Wendy,
Our fingers are crossed for you and Yilmaz that he receives his visa on Monday! Best wishes! Keep us posted!
~Deb

For all those still seperated from their Love, may you have a speeding immigration process.

Thinking of everyone
Best wishes.
Peace to ALL.
Debra

Naber?! (whatsup!?)

I need to bring up the bread topic again! hahahah!!!!!!!!!

Several times when my husband are out at restaurant that doesn't serve bread... we'll place the order,
then after the meal comes my husband will say 'Ekmek nerede?' (where's the bread?)
It is so funny because I forgot he "needs" bread in order to eat anything!
So, I end up asking the server for a hoagie roll or hamburger bun... they look at me funny and I just
say "my husband's a foreignor" and shrug my shoulders! hahahahah!

I asked him why does he "need" bread with his meals... he says his throat feels funny when he's swallowing
food and there isn't bread with it. I contemplate if it is a psychological or physical need, and trying to understand
why Turks each so much bread...
Do you think it might have to do with that centuries/millenia ago, they were nomads and bread was readily available
more so then fresh vegetables or fruits?
My husband comes from a small village in NE Turkey and they rarely eat meat... mostly because the people cannot
afford it, except a few times a month. I noticed that they ate lots of bread to make up for the lack of meats.
They eat lots of vegetables, rice, bread, fruits, and hazelnuts!!! OMG the hazelnuts! My husband village grows hazelnuts
and they eat the little nut 24hrs a day! Each time I would visit my husband, he'd send me back to US with kilos of hazelnuts!
And for my birthday, guess what he mailed to me? HAZELNUTS!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)


But then I remembered when I visited my friend in Bursa who was from a wealthy family, they ate just as much
bread... and CHEESE! OMG the bread and cheese! I got so sick... ekmek ve paynir - kahvalti, tost - ogle yemegi, ve
peynirli veya spinakli boregi - askam yemegi!!!!!!! yardim lutfen!!!!!!
I would tease my friend whenever the commercial "Turkey welcomes you"... I'd add... "and so does their bread and cheese!"
JK - yayla peynir is like heaven!

Ohh tell me about it Danya!

I also do the same whenever we go out to a restaurant and I have to make sure to ask for the bread or he won't feel full, I could never eat that much bread in my life!

Well since he has been in Turkey I was able to keep my home "bread-free" and I was able to stick to my weight lose program I was able to lose 17 pounds, but for how long I don't know because once he gets back home the house will be smelling like bread again! So much for will power

Anyway I wanted to say hello to everyone here and hope everyone is doing well. I will try to write again soon when I get back from Turkey, just 3 more day left before I'am there

Take care always everyone,
Mina

Have a wonderful trip to Turkey Mina! Relax, enjoy, and eat lots of bread!!! Can't wait to hear about it when you return! Take care.
~Deb

Thanks Debbie,

I will try to enjoy this trip more because I think it will be a long long time before I can go again, so I will try to visit more places and enjoy the time I will have there for now.

Interesting that you should mention about eating bread while I'am there, well there goes my diet
It's going to be kind of hard to resist all the wonderful food out there, really really hard!

Anyway I will let you know all about my trip when I get back and hope to hear some of the other couples good news on their visa process, good luck to everyone.

Mina

Hi Everyone,

I haven't written in awhile. Going through some stuff. But anyway, I just want to thank everyone again for all their good wishes and support.

As you can see by my signature, the outcome of the interview was not a good one. We now have to go through the waiver process. I know this is going to be a long road and much more separation time!!!

Thanks again and I hope all is well with everyone and their loved ones. Take Care.

Wendy

sorry to hear about your interview outcome. On the upside of things, at least the overstay was the only cause for denial. Although the waiver request time requires you to remain seperated a bit longer hang in there...the odds are great that it will be approved.

If you haven't found it yet, there is another forum on VJ that is waiver specific.

Prayers and good wishes to the both of you...keep us posted.

Regards,

awaterlily

Thank you so much for your good wishes, awaterlily. BTW, is that a picture of your child. What a beautiful child!!!

Thanks again,

Wendy

Your welcome.

The pic is our lil' Yasemin. She was born in June.

Does anyone know what the process and requirements are for acquiring a Turkish passport based on marriage to a Turkish citizen?
When we got married in Istanbul last year, the gov't official that performed the ceremony said that I would be eligible after 3 years.
But I have no idea how or where!

Hi Dayna,

The Department of State says:

"A U.S. citizen may acquire foreign citizenship by marriage, or a person naturalized as a U.S. citizen may not lose the citizenship of the country of birth.U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one citizenship or another. Also, a person who is automatically granted another citizenship does not risk losing U.S. citizenship. However, a person who acquires a foreign citizenship by applying for it may lose U.S. citizenship. In order to lose U.S. citizenship, the law requires that the person must apply for the foreign citizenship voluntarily, by free choice, and with the intention to give up U.S. citizenship."

This is the link:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1753.html

It seems a little unclear but I would interpret it to mean that if a country claims you as a citizen because of marriage or birth then you do not lose your U.S. citizenship. But if you actively apply for the citizenship it could jeopardize your U.S. citizenship. Of course, I am not expert, but that's the way it appears to me. Please let me know if you come across something different.

Kaan

Thanks for the info!

Do you think that the Turkish embassy in USA might know what paperwork I need to complete in order to become a Turkish citizen through marriage?

This is the Turkish Embassy link with information about citizenship application.

http://www.e-konsolosluk.net/ConsularServi...pe=7&ID=203

It says you need to stay 5 years in Turkey. Unfortunately it is in Turkish, not in English. May be your spouse can help you about translation. You can also download the application form.

Again, I would double check, it may cause you to lose your US citizenship.

Good luck,

Kaan

My husband's AOS interview has been scheduled, and we were sent a list of documents to bring to the interview.
And I need some help!

They want a certified copy of our marriage certificate. We were married in Turkey and only have the original marriage booklet.
How would we get a certified copy? Would we need to get it from the Evlenme Dairesi in Turkey? Or would the Turkish embassy in USA
be able to give it to us? We only have a certified translation.

We also need a translator since my husband doesn't speak English. Am I able to be the translator or can a non-relative Turkish speaker
come with us to the interview? Does the translator need to be licensed/certified or can it just be anyone who is capable to translate?

My husband came on a K-3 non-immigrant Visa and had his medical exam in Istanbul. Does he need to have a new medical exam done
or was it sent with the packet that we gave to the customs officer?


Thanks!

Dayna,

I believe certified translation is OK, there is no certified copy of a marriage license in Turkey. Just bring the original Turkish marriage booklet!, and also your certified translation.

I dont know if you can be a translator...

Maybe it would be a better idea to ask these questions in K-3 forums, i am sure there are more people who have had similar experience. In our forum, there are people with K-1, F1, H1 etc... visas.. K-3 forum, there are more people with similar cases, i am sure it would be more helpful.. This is the link:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showforum=81

Sorry I cant help you much.

Good luck in your interview.. Let us know how it goes..

My interview will be on next monday.

Kaan

Where is everyone??? Let's keep this thread on the first page!

Any VJ updates, summer vacations, going back to school, etc? Please share!

awaterlily

Hi awaterlily and Everyone!! Yilmaz and I are still waiting on our I-601 waiver. It has only been 1 month, so I am sure we have much longer before any news.

Since I work for a school district in the transportation department, things have picked up with the start of school. Having beautiful weather in PA. Today was very hot, but there was a breeze that was nice if you were standing or laying in the shade.

I now summer is winding down, but is anyone planning any trips? Anyone going to Turkey in the near future?

iyi gunler,

Wendy

Merhaba,

Just working, working and more working ...no vacation this year.....just gathering next set of paperworks (I-751) and trying to get some sun in before it leaves for the next 9 months ;-( Maybe we will be able to go to Turkey next year. Just hard for me to get away from my job for a good amount of time.

Any how....Take care and lets keep talking ;-)

Best wishes
Peace,
Debra

Hi Everybody!

Hope you all enjoyed the summer. Resul and I have been busy working too... It's hard being on different schedules and trying to do things together, but we did a few day/weekend trip to Atlantic City and area boardwalks. But the big news is that I'm having Gastric Bypass surgery tomorrow morning! I have been pursuing this since April as it is a long process to be approved by the insurance company. So I will keep you all posted as I hopefully become the incredible shrinking woman!

Take care!
~Deb

Wow Debbie this day came so soon for you!

My thoughts and prayers will be with you tomorrow and hope everything goes well and easy for you with a speedy recovery

Mina

Ohhh dear Debra you really need to take some time off from work this year cause it can really affect your health, I should know this being that I did end up in the hospital this past April dued to stress and over-working!

It's too bad we all live in different states because I would suggest us girls all meeting at a spa for some nice pampering and relaxation from work and the husbands

what do you say???

eitherway take care of yourself always,

Mina

[/quote]
Hi awaterlily and Everyone!! Yilmaz and I are still waiting on our I-601 waiver. It has only been 1 month, so I am sure we have much longer before any news.

Since I work for a school district in the transportation department, things have picked up with the start of school. Having beautiful weather in PA. Today was very hot, but there was a breeze that was nice if you were standing or laying in the shade.

I now summer is winding down, but is anyone planning any trips? Anyone going to Turkey in the near future?

iyi gunler,

Wendy
[/quote]

Hi Wendy,

Just as you mention about anyone going to Turkey in the near future? I had a thought that would be so nice if we were to plan for next year if possible for any of the couples here to actually take vacation next year and maybe possibly meet in person in Turkey!

Wouldn't this be lovely to meet with all the "Just Turkish" couples going through this crazy maddness of Immigration process to actually meet in person in this beautiful country where we all have same commone interest?

Ohh well it's only me again Wendy with my wishful thinking again!

Mina

Couldn't agree with you more awaterlily about keeping this thread on the first page!

Sorry I didn't come online before to post about my recent trip to Turkey last month. I got kind of busy trying to prepare for my husband's return, just 5 more days before he is home again

It was wonderful to go back to Turkey again, I do miss being there and away from everything and of course it is always so hard to come back to the USA!

We went to Bodrum for our second Anniversary and as always we had a good time being there My husband loves the beaches and the nightlife in Bodrum. Espeically this one disco called the "X BAR" seems to be very popular with the tourists, but what I can't get over are the women that go topless at the beach! I don't have the nerve even if I wanted to get an even tan all over I wouldn't have the nerve to go topless!

But all in all we had a great time!

Speaking of sharing, do tell us more about your little one???

Mina

Hi Mina,

Love both your ideas. The one about the spa (I hear Hershey Hotel has a very nice one), and also the one about meeting up in Turkey. I think this would be great if we were able to pull it off. Keep those good ideas coming!!! Oh, and I am so happy for you that you only have 5 more days before your love is back in your arms!!

Deb,

Good luck tomorrow. I will keep you in my prayers. A very good friend of mine had the surgery over a year ago. She has lost a lot of weight.

awaterlily,

Thank you so much for making this thread back on the first page.

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Take Care,

Ciao,

Wendy

Gastric Bypass surgery.......I am so excited for you Deb.... wishing you the best!

Please keep in touch and let us know how your doing.


Peace!
Debra

Mina,

Lets go.......

Yes, I am realizing this the hard was Mina. ;-( This year has been hard on me, lots of medical issues. I am burned out so very much these days. I don’t know what to say any more and year-end comes quickly. For those of you who don’t know but I am an in-house accountant / hr manager/ accounting manager////// etc, etc, etc..
I just want to QUIT..!!

Pampering...yes..! Relaxation.....perfect..! I need a year off please....lol
Yes, it would be great to get together....in Turkey..... ;-)

So back to work I go...................
Take care.
Debra

Hello Mina, Debra, Wendy and all!

Great to hear you had an enjoble trip in Turkey - to Bodrum. Funny you should mention the topless tourists. I forgot about them!
I, too, sometimes wish we all lived closer - sure would be nice to meet all of you! Hang in there Wendy, believe us, this process will all be a fleeting memory soon enough!

Our baby is three months old now and so darn cute! She's smiling, laughing, and discovering her hands and feet. She's our little bunny! ;-)

cheers,
awaterlily

here's a pic of our daughter at two weeks old:

Ohhhhh sooooo cute!!! what a little angel

Thanks for the continued encouragement awaterlily.

Your little one is so beautiful (cok guzel!!!) Thank you for sharing the picture.

Hi Everybody,
Just wanted to give you an update that my surgery went well on Monday and I was sent home on Wednesday . It feels good to be home. Still sore, but getting a little better every day. Thanks for all your good wishes. I'll keep you posted...
~Deb

Hi Deb,

So happy to hear everything went well and you are back home and on the mend.

Best Wishes,

Wendy

Thanks Wendy!

Just wanted to say "Merhaba" to everyone. (and we were slipping down the list again). It was a cok guzel day in PA today. Blue skies and mild temp. Unfortunately it only made me miss my love more. I wanted to share this beautiful day with him.

Deb - I hope you are feeling better every day.

Mina - Did Coskun come home yet?

I know that one of the members that received their visa (Tanya), back in July will welcome her love this Saturday.

Does anyone else have any news?

iyi gunler,

Wendy

Deb -Glad to hear your surgery went well. we wish you a speedy recovery!

Wendy - we're also enjoying beautiful end of summer weather. We went apple picking on Sunday and stopped by a farm that is open to the public. They have a little store where they sell homemade ice cream and a variety of other dairy items. We bought some yoghurt (omg - it is delicious!)
But, I'm really looking forward to making apple pies!

Let's keep this board active!

cheers,
awaterlily

and.. here's a new pic of our little sweetie: