It's like anything else in Life, Nico... nobody can understand like those who are dealing with the same thing so that is where you find the most support. I'm the strongest person I know and i've been through much, much worse in my life...but I still knew the minute I found this website last year that this would be like home to me in the months to come because of the resources available and because of all of you going along this bumpy road with me. Coming here helps me to keep things in perspective.

Yes, the journey is rough, but it's also the means to an end.... and a new glorious beginning!

Let this week be the Start of April filers approvals!!!! Keep the Faith GUys/Gals!! Its so nice to know people that can relate to what i'm going through..Thanks to all...Approvals are on the WAY!!!

Hi guys, we have the internet connection up here in sunny Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides!

Ok, so I've been home a couple of days but things are rushing through my mind like a whirlwind right now hoping we can be through with all of this. I know the criteria before filing is having met in person is to have done so in the last 2 years. Well we met for a month in 2003 and a little less than a week in November 2007. Megan then also came to Scotland for nearly 3 weeks and I had been in the States with her for nearly 3 week when we filed for the K1 and then I stayed up until May 25th with her. Basically I'm asking if this is sufficient to have met the conditions?? I'm freaking out being up here and so far from my love.

And when are we going to see Vermont filers being approved again? It really seems to have slowed down looking at Igor's list

And looking back at all the NOA1s and the touches, am I the only one who has noticed that the most recent touches everyone has had is 26 days after their NOA1 was issued? Maybe I'm reading in to it too much but as far as I can see we are all the same!!

Good luck Graham... we're gonna miss you!

Nicoxcx... I feel the same way. This site really helps a LOT. All of you guys on here are great and it's so fun talking to you guys!

Happy Tuesday!

TWO YEAR RULE

Ok, so the letter from the Department of States says that I´m subject to the rule because I got a Skill that is in Brazil´s Skills List. They said Group 9 (A). So here it is:
9A. Industrial and Business
Administration and Management
(including, but not limited to:
programmers and Project Evaluation,
Business, Total Quality Management)
But what I really studied was Hospitality Management, that is different than all that, right?

So what should I do? Apply for the waiver or see what happens, since it looks like wether the rule applies or not depends very much on the way you look at it... Does anybodu know how far along in the process they´ll check my previous visas and about the rule?

Graham, as long as you provided proof of meeting since 2006 you are all set. It's once... in the two years previous to filing the petition. Don't start panicking now! 26 days??? Oh man.. you're going to have me checking numbers again arent you?

*checking...*

My first touch was 29 days from NOA1 and 36 from the day VSC received. Guess i'll go make a timeline now.

We like you too suzy!

Now where the H*** are those approvals VSC!?!?! We need to clear out March so we can move on!

Hi Fernanda...

My guess is that they see Hospitality Management as a skill you can use in Brazil and that it falls under one of those categories. I think it's the "including, but not limited to..." that allows them to say you are still subject to the rule.

So your passport says you are subject to the HRR rule and your paperwork and government state that you are not. Oui! I'd try contacting DOS again maybe including a copy of your paperwork and visa to see if they can help again since there is a discrepancy in your documents.

At the very least, you know that if you have to file for the waiver that you could most likely get the 'no objection statement' from the consulate to make that happen and it shouldn't be too long a wait.

Because I have no personal knowledge of this i'd advise you to talk to others who do. Ana&D would be a good start. I'm sure he/she wont mind you sending a pm. I also did a google search and found tons of links so I think it's time to put on your study cap!

I'm sure you have this but.... http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1296.html

This isn't defeat... it's just another bump in the road.

Hi Fernanda!
I also had to apply for a waiver of the 2 year rule...

I did that last year, before sending paperwork for K1.
As far as I know...at the USCIS level, being subject to the rule won't affect the processing of your petition. But you will need the waiver when u apply for your visa at the consulate. In my case it took about...2 and a half months to get the waiver...
So i strongly advise you to start the process so that you won't have to wait to long...
Asking for an advisory opinion from DOS is also time consuming...

To Kim: Ana&D would be she By the way just love your signature, so very creative!

Fernanda, I would advise contacting the embassy for further clarification. Be sure to provide them with description of your internship in Disney. Was it really skill-gaining or merely a summer part-time job? If it was just a summer job (like most on Work&Travel program), they made a mistake and this rule does not apply to you. Kim is right, "including but not limited to..." wording gives them lots of wiggle room. Well, if they do say that this stupid rules applies to you, Aleena is right, and you should apply for the waiver ASAP to have it at hand for the interview.

Thank you, Ana. My very talented kiwi man drew this picture from two others years ago then added the color with photoshop. We have a large version hanging in our house. I love it too and thought it appropriate for VJ.

WOW, he actually drew that??? That is one talented man you've got

Yes, he is very talented as well as extremely bright. He's also the most loving man i've ever known. I'm a lucky girl!

btw... love your avatar as well! Very cute!

Just to let you guys know how the job is going........

Had the first proper day today and got a confirmed amount of hours, 53.5 a week over 6 days and the 7th day is spent doing nothing! Work is good enough and the local people are ok but the people from the Mainland, like me but not including me, are just disgusting. The people I am sharing this rented accomodation with are the filth of the earth. They are smoking drugs while driving the hire cars and the driving is downright terrifying. And then the boss said I had to work in with his rota for flying home, he says the first time I'll be going home is June 20th. I don't think so there matey, I was told every two weeks and that's how it's going to be. I've already been on the phone to my mum telling her that if this didn't work out could I just come home and be with them. I am truly regretting the decision to leave Megan right now. I have done nothing but cry and I am losing faith with USCIS more and more every second. I hope we get approved soon as I kno what I want from my life and they are both 5000 miles west

Forgive me for the post but I'm just so distraught right now I've screwed up big time.

Awwww Graham... big hugs to you! I'm so sorry things are tough for you.

Russell is kind of the same boat as he's working a contract job right now that is well... beneath him. I don't want to sound cruel but the man has a master's degree and he's working with kiwi fruit with lots of people who are normally unemployed! Anyway, he feels very much the same as you are right now but he's been there for a while and this week will be his last. He pretty much keeps to his own and wishes the days away....all the while cursing the USCIS!

At least you know that if you are pushed enough that you have somewhere to go. Perhaps you can pick up a different job where your parents are? Even if it's just a few bucks before your interview comes. Every penny will help.

Remember, this is temporary! Your future is in front of you even if you can't see it clearly.

Also remember that money is not everything... far from it actually.

Graham, Im sorry things are so tough. Jamerson is in the same boat, too. He is working for his cousin- in a job that is not in his industry. Its a job, it keeps him busy and brings in a little money (not his usual)- he had to get an interim apartment (as we had hoped my divorce would have come earlier and we would have started the process earlier) - its pretty much a dump but its cheap and he didnt have to sign a lease..and basically is just counting the minutes until his interview. We both have tough days- last weekend was his. He spent the weekend calling me and crying with me trying to keep him strong.. knowing that MY breakdown will soon follow. I dont think people NOT in our situation understand. They cant. It is such a trying time for all of us and a tribute to our love for our fiances.. we are required to have 5x the strength of the average couple.

Hugs to you and hang in there.. tomorrow is another day closer.

Jill

How are we today ladies and gents???

I'm doing super great everybody!

I just signed up for Vonage b/c the Latin America plan lets me call Luis unlimited Plus it's sunny out today with a high of 70!!!!! woohoo go New York!

Otherwise, just waiting for a touch, approval, SOMETHING.

How is everyone else doing today?

We're hanging in there... as impatient as ever. I really wish we'd see some more approvals coming out of VSC. I keep telling myself that vj is such a small percentage we just dont know but really... it would do my psyche much good to see the rest of March move on through so they can be on to ours.

It's nice here today too but showers are expected for Saturday. I'll be having my daughter's sweet 16 at the house so not looking forward to 50 teenagers invading. Oh well... it helps the time pass!

Quick update for everyone, I am leaving this place on Saturday morning. The biggest regret I've had was coming here. Megan is due her doctor's appointment to hear the heartbeat on Monday and if I hadn't of taken this job I would of been there. They are cutting ours down to 40 hours, which I could get at home and taking the piss about when I would be getting to home to see my parents. So Mum and Dad are coming up on Saturday lunchtime to wait on me getting off the ferry. Going to have a week at home with them and then my brother has offered me a little bit of work at the pub he runs. Nothing much but much better than nothing.

Peace to everyone and good luck one and all.

Well Graham... you gave it a go buddy! Like I said yesterday, money isn't everything and look at it this way... it's a chance to spend time with your family before your move to America. I know you'd rather be with megan. Does someone she know have a camera that records mpegs or avi files?? She could send you a little video clip of the dr.'s apt and you could hear the heartbeat. Just a thought. Good thoughts now! Be happy!

We bought a video camera the day before we left for that very purpose I can't wait at all. And I know what you are saying about the family thing, although we did nothing but argue the day I came home. But a lot of tears have been shed by then and they are now driving 250 miles to meet me from the ferry, they rock!!!!

By the way 79 filers with NOA1 in March, 39 have NOA2 so we're past the 50% mark.

Out of 99 February NOA1s, 83 now have NOA2.

Our time is coming soon I hope guys. I'm praying every night and I'm not religious!!!!!

Well, i'm going to be selfish and say that i'm damn glad you'll have all this free time to post your numerical ramblings!!! They keep me happy!

We don't argue in my family... and we all live within a few miles of each of each other... there's loads of us... I know, we're weird! One thing that i've learned with age is not to sweat the small stuff... and it's all small stuff!! Enjoy them while you can... even when they're wrong!

If you need a server to store your baby stuff while you're away and to access online just let me know.

Welcome home Graham !

I know that you made the right decision for you and your fiancee and your baby. I also like when Graham rambles off numbers Kim, I have no mathematical capability so it's nice having you two around, hehe


My family is very small and very dysfunctional (lol) but we all love each other a lot. Enjoy every minute that you can with them! Pretty soon you'll need all your spare time to take care of that baby!

Back on Saturday to the land of the mobile phone signal and decent internet. This is the slowest of slow wireless connections.

Thanks for the offer on the server space, that would be amazing. We are buying one of those share station things so you can burn direct to dvd so my parents can see it too as the internet is not their strong point!!

I love numbers guys so I'm going to keep them coming

And Susita you have your own little part to play in our Journey, we both really like Kendall for a name so I think it it's a girl then that might just stick!!!!!

I'm sure Megan will be along later to have a look at what I've posted today, so if you do post a reply!!!!

Woohooo!!

I was touched today! Feels good to be violated

desenchantee, feels o' so good doesn't it?

Please do let us know if you are touched again tomorrow. You received your NOA1 exactly one week after ours is dated and we were touched last Thursday and Friday. That seems to be the case for many of us lately so perhaps it's a new routine at VSC. I'm curious.

Graham, are you familiar with FTP at all?

Brian, and all you other April folk.... where are you???

Anyone from April Filers who got any approval???? come on VSC, approve it now!

Yeah come on Brian where are you?!?!?!?! You're normally the GHF guy keeping our spirits going!!!

I've never used FTP at all but I kind of understand the concept. Drop me a PM if you want to Kim before you broadcast your own server on the public forum? Probably a really dumb statement to make to someone who manages their own server mind you!!!!

Hi lovely April filers.

Graham I'm sorry to hear your mini adventure didn't quite work out as planned. These experiences all happen for a reason and although it might not be clear right now I'm sure it will reveal itself to you soon. Megan I hope you and baby are well.

I'm all done with school and have gone straight back to work - I'm like a proper grown up! Yey. Its nice to be able to do the job I have been training to do for the last 4 years as when I get to GA i'm going to really struggle to find anything similar. Its also nice to think that I wont be stuck here for the rest of my life.

Glad to see a few of you are getting touched its a road that can only lead to a happy ending. Hope your all well and lookign forward to a lovely weekend.

Bex xxx

yeah... where is Brian? lol

Hi Bex! Good to see you girl. Ummm I know I read somewhere what it is you do but.... ?

Graham... thanks for the reminder. I'll pm you with some details later today.

Well I was hoping to wake up to several more VSC approvals today but I guess it wasn't to be...lets hope they come in as the day progresses!

I'm a property surveyor for a local authority WOOOOHOOOOO P.A.R.T.Y time. Not exactly the cut throat property developer I thought I was going to be when I left uni but there is plenty of time for that.

I think we need to send the VSC some cake. Today IS cake day (also known to many across the world as Friday) and I think their lack of approvals is a sign of no cake. I, on the other hand have had enough cake for at least half of them and it's not even lunch time yet.

Good Vibes April Filers!

Bex xxx

Hi, whereabouts in GA? I live in Marietta

There seem to be lot of people from the Atlanta area..
We just moved to Buckhead ( well, I'm waiting in Belgium now, but my fiancé is the USC and he's still there now)
But he works in Marietta and I volunteered in a kindergarden school in Alpharetta...

Maybe nice to get together when we all have this behind us

Nothing new on Igor's site today

Hopefully they get their fingers out soon and start pumping out these approvals.

I'm sitting in my little dungeon, I mean bedroom, in Stornoway for the last time. This ordeal is over tomorrow at 1.45pm when I get on the ferry and I get to see my parents at 4.30pm that day

yep Kim, was touched again today
keep on violating me!!

I wonder if there is some pattern going on at VSC??

There is definitely something funny going on that's for sure!!! Everyone how gets touched then gets touched again the next working day, bizarre!!!

Now 84 February NOA1 people have approval (85%)

Veeeerrrrrryyy interesting! Well, except that now i'm going to sit here speculating on what they're doing and watching everyone's timelines! Database checks perhaps?

Well at least you know that perhaps your approval will come exactly one week from ours!

Graham, I didn't forget about you buddy! Trying to plan my daughter's sweet sixteen party tomorrow and we have a houseful! Have a safe trip home and i'll pm you once i'm set to go.

Have fun with the sweet 16 Kim, you're not having MTV do my Super Sweet 16 are you?!?!?!

Has anyone at all seen where Brian is these days???

Oh and make that 85 now have NOA2 from February, 86% complete now

graham. Is it not ridiculous the parties those kids have???? I will admit that I spoil my kids more than most but ummm yeah, I don't care if you've got money or not, that's just crazy to spend that kind of dough on a party for a 16 y/o ...especially one who obviously just 'expects' it. Gotta question those parenting skills! I mean, what happens when those kids don't grow up to be trophy wives or god for bid...ever have to get a job and work for their $$$???

Well it was nice to see something coming from Vermont last night and, as much as i'd love to see April approvals, it was good to see that they are catching up on those 'left behind'. It just seems fair and just. Now lets get on with the rest of us!

No idea where Brian is. Maybe he's just taking a mental health break from the wait ...although that really doesn't sound like Brian. I do hope he checks in soon just to let us know he's ok.

I know there are a lot of other April filers out there 'browsing' ( I see your names viewing the thread when i'm here! ) Please come join the conversation even if you don't think you have anything to add. It helps everyone to know we're not alone.

Have a great start to your weekend folks! Here's hoping the new month brings us all much joy!

Thanks for the invitation.. I tend to be a bit shy around forums, unless I've been there a long time (which doesn't happen often). Still no changes in our situation.. Last touch (probably the only one) was on April 22, and tomorrow it will be two months since our petition was received by VSC. I try not to think about it too often, and avoid checking the USCIS site every day.... However, waiting is not easy, especially when one is closer to 50 than 40 as in my case, and feels the waste of every day very keenly.

These days Michael, my fiancé, is moving into our new home, which was bought on Wednesday (he represented me, since I don't want to visit the US when the visa is being processed). I should've been there with him, but the paranoia of our fellow human beings has prevented me from doing so. I won't say anything else about the issue, because when I once did here on VJ I got a couple of unpleasant responses... The only thing I will venture to say is that I can't help feeling we are being treated with unnecessary cruelty, especially those of us who, like me, have already left more than half of their lives behind them.

Thank you everyone for the advices on my HHR issue!
I´ve decided to apply for the waiver, I think that´ll be staying on the safe side. That´ll probably make my wait a little longer, but I just can´t stand the idea of having the visa denied or not being able to use it...
I contacted the brazilain embassy to get the no objection letter and turns out the responsible for it there is an old lady who doesn´t know how to deal with computers and takes forever to understand my questions... I think it´s awesome that they keep the older employees, but really, right now it just feels like my patience is being tested.

Does anybody else check the visa status twice a day? =)

HighwayStar: you´re afraid of being denied at the POE????? I took my chances last month and had no problems at all, didn´t enevn mention my fiance.

Fernanda, I think you are right Better to be armed than sorry Hope you will get your waiver really soon!

Well, we still hasn't seen NOA 1. Am speculating with numbers a lot lately, which makes my fiance laugh really hard . We found a new way of communication yesterday - he was trying to fix my computer for me through remote access program. Felt so close to him, watching my mouse move on its own. LOL.

Higway Star, waiting ain't easy regardless of age, unfortunatelly. I'm in my early twenties and still feel like I'm waisting time, since everything for me this days is "temporary". Temporary job, temporary living with da parents . It's like my life is put on hold for now. Untill US governmnet grants me permission to be with my man. The thing is, the whole process is aimed at preventing fraud, but yet so many ppl out there are still marrying for the visa only. And yet, us, people who actually can't wait to be with someone across the border have to learn patience...

Well, it's couple more months. And it's finally summer in Ukraine. Considering the fact that I can't stand to be cold, am so happy winter/spring is over .

I know the feeling of putting your life on hold... I´m graduating college and wanted to start graduate school, but that´ll have to wait til next year. I´ve said no to good jobs because they didn´t pay good, only had a chance of growing, but I´m not gonna be here for the growing part, what I really need is money, so I got a job I don´t like and has no future but pays better... I don´t feel like going out or doing anything at all, I´m just waiting... Talking though the computer isn´t too exciting either. He´ll miss my graduation and valentine´s day in Brazil (June 12th, I´ll be SO depressed) I´m missing his family reunion and birthday. I´m 23 and still haven´t learned how to be patient I want everything for yesterday! I feel like I´m waiting to start my life!

I wish people from VCS would read all this, right?

Most likely it will come this week....

Where do you live in Ukraine? My love is in Lviv. I've been to Kiev and Kharkov in the past...

By the way, it's great that you write and speak English. Olenka is able to as well

OMG, Fernanda, we have so much in common. I'm going through exact same things as you are right now! I graduated college, did my US internship and planned to go home for graduate school and decent job. Instead I met the most wonderful man, fell in love and now have to be patient and wait, wait, wait and be happy with my two part-time jobs, which are nothing exciting but do pay well so I can save smth up. You know what will be real overkill, if u tell me that your future husband resides in Florida, cause if VCS hurrys up and allows me into the country I'll be moving to Orlando . All I can say, we have to learn and be patient. As hard as it is. I just stay focused on the happy future we ought to have. And do my best to include him in all major happenings in my life even if it is through telephone/internet. Both him and his family try to keep me posted as much as they can too.

Both VCS and CCS need to read this and understand how much power over people emotions and feelings and happily-ever-afters they have!

Thanks! I hope we get it soon

I live in Rivne, which is like hour and a half away from Lviv. Actually, Lviv is one of my fav. cities in Ukraine because of the architecture. I lived in Kiev for a while but now am staying home with my parents while the process gets done, gives me a chanse to spend time with the fam. before I move.

My English is pretty good, since I lived in the US for way too long Did many programs as a student. Actually, a lot of Ukrainians speak English just because we are required to learn it in school. After Olenka moves to the States she'll be speaking with little acsent in a very short while, know from personal experience . By the way, I just adore how you call her "Olenka", Americans rarely use shorter and, how do you say that, cute (maybe ), versions of our names. It's usually Anna, Olena, Olga . I know that should mean a lot to her!

Yes, I like to call her that and she likes it very much. Sometimes Elen too....

How did you and Dave meet in Florida? Was it spring break? On a beach ?? heh



yes, definitely a good idea. You are a good daughter