Just a thought, but could he pay for just one class at a time or something? Then it wouldn't cost so much all at once. I'm assuming the $6000 would be for a number of classes. What about grants or scholarships or something? Just trying to think outside the box here

Good afternoon.

David passed the written test We were not worried about the drivers exam..she said he passed with flying colors.

We have one certified copy....It's been working fine, most places just copy it and return the original.

School is out of the question for us right now, When we get the work permit or green card which evers first..we'll work on getting a job that offers tuition renburstment(MSP) My job has a Cooperate Academy they offer different heath care degree's you can have the fees for school payroll deducted and get your money back when you pass the classes. The bad part is he would have to start off from the bottom... mantinence, dietary, or housekeeping. It's just an option. I'm really worried about finding a job that he will like doing. He said is hot picky but we'll soon see.

Tru dat

David was not in the best of spirts yesterday. The state Id fianlly came in the mail yesterday, they said it had to be checked out with the goverment before sending it to us..When it came it had a big NONDRIVER license stamped on it. Today when he passed the test, they said the same thing you think that she would just look it up in the computer. So he was upset about that, also I think that sitting at home is getting to him.

Hello Guys,

Just got into work....hubby drove me in My mother came with us of course. I know she was nervous as all get up,but he is doing ver well.I'm so proud of him.I feel you guys about our men trying too get jobs or further their education...you're not alone.

Leo passed the poker class,but he still has to get a casino license which cost $ 400 His class was already 400.He's getting very frustrated about not being able to help out.

Does anyone know why they can't get student loans? I mean they have to pay it back; it's not free. Does anyone know at what stage(visa) they would be able to apply for student loans? This girl I used to work with came from the Ukraine on a K-1 visa and received a degree before citizenship from our local state university. According to her account she received grants and financial aid . I wish I knew how to contact her now to find out how she did it. Dee had a good point about tuition reimbursement, I think you would have to go to an accredited school though.

One of our clients (we are a telemarketing company) offers student loans, and of course credit cards. These are only available to Permanent residents or US Citizens. It has never come up, but I assume a Conditional Permanent resident would also be eligible.

Yes Eric is right. You have to be a resident in order to qualify for financial aid.

so if we waited for him to recieve his GC he could get aid?

I'm not sure about the aid part, but credit in his own name yes.

.

This is great, really enjoyed this




I told Trevor to try to get 4, they only the minister 2.

Hey Everyone
I am working on my Affidavit of Support form , and need some help

Bank letter - My bank gave me the letter the form ask for minus informaition about amount deposited in the last year, they said they dont have that info, has anyone came across this and ran into a problem

I can get my last 3 years tax return info, but I dont have my W2'S for the past 2 years

Question 7 c - I have personal property at? For this quesition did you just estimate the amount of everything you own? And if you do, do you have to show some sort of appraisal for it?

Quesiton 11- That I ___ intend ___ do not intend to make specific contributions to the support of ther pseon named in item 3 (then they want exact contribution)
For this quesiton what did you guys put, because of course I am going to support him when he comes up, seeing he will have no job etc. but its not like I will be paying him allowance.

please give me some advice on this..I appreciate you guys help, it is priceless.

thanxs

Hey Kelly,

Are you going to JA in April, what date do you know yet?



Hey Dru,

I don't know if I'm definitely going or not. Soccer was the issue, but now it alllll depends on Craig. Our case "expires" on April 15th....and if he stays true to his word, he's working on the stuff that HE needs to get done to help finish up this part of it.

There is a travel agent trip to Negril on April 24th for 3 nights...it's $199.00 includes everything --hotel, airfare and all meals. I just need to work on who would watch my son.

I'm soooo flippin busy with the travel business and soccer and the part-time temp job has offered me a permanent part-time with VERY flexible (come and go) hours....that I just don't have enough time in the day to get everything done.

I haven't replied on this new site yet...I hope I did it right?!

Bank letter - My bank would not do this either. I made copies of my statements from the past year, highlighted all the deposits and ran a tape for the total. I included it in the packet that I turned over to them at the interview.....don't know if anyone ever looked at it -- it was never mentioned at the interview.

W2'S for the past 2 years -- I believe they really want to see them. If you can't get them I would call the IRS and request Tax Transcripts for those years -- it only takes about a week to receive them in the mail. That way you have proof that what you are saying you "filed" is the truth. I had my W-2's but also ordered the transcripts -- just in case.

Question 7 c - I have personal property at? Are you using assets as part of your support? I didn't because I made enough money on my own. Sorry, don't really know anything about this...

Quesiton 11- That I ___ intend ___ do not intend to make specific contributions to the support of ther pseon named in item 3 (then they want exact contribution) -- I can check this when I get home. I think I put something like I do intend -- then just put K-1 Fiance Visa on the line. But I will check when I get home.

Hi Kelly,

I'm not sure where the school is but I live near Mechanicsville. Which Sheraton are you staying at? The Marriott is very close to my house. I used to work next door to it.
[/quote]


Hi Ann,

We're staying at the Sheraton Park South--located:
9901 MIDLOTHIAN TURNPIKE
RICHMOND VA 23235

The Sheraton is about 25 min or so from the field, but it looks like a nice place and the price was right.

Kelly -- April 15th is coming up pretty fast. Aren't you freaking out? I would be!! I don't want to get up in your personal business BUT -- when will you know if Craig is doing what he is suppose to do? What exactly do you have to file before your extension expires? Too much stress for me.....you are much stronger than I am!!!

Eric...which credit company is it that will issue a card to a conditional perm. resident. we're having a hell of a time trying to get him a credit card...we've signed up for one of those semi-secured cards. we gave them $99 and they give him a $500 limit.

any info would be great.

Thanks Min
actually I meant 7 c, it reads, I have personal property the reasonable value which is..?
I was wondering if that is like clothes, computer, car etc. Not sure what to put there

thanks

I don't think you have to put anything there. That is more for if you are trying to prove you meet the income requirement through assets, property, etc. If you make enough through income to meet the requirement than you are fine and don't need to worry about that part of the form. If I remember right we left that part blank as my income was sufficient.




Amen to that You are very strong. I couldn't go through that...just the 2 months trying to clear up the 221g was enough to kill me - it definitely tested our relationship...I can't imagine longer than that.

Hey Mindy,

I'm not freakin out at all...just don't have time to be stressed about it. If we're meant to be, we will be...if not now, than definitely in the future. We both love each other very much and just know (and feel) we're meant to be together. As everyone knows, it is stressful and frustrating being so far away and not being able to hold their hands (literally) through this process. Craig is *supposed* to get the forms from I think it was packet 3 filled out, get a passport and get the Police Certificate and now that darn marriage certificate. I said to him last night that he needs to work quickly (US time, not JA time) !! to get that stuff done and if he wants this, us and our relationship as much as I do, than "he" HAS to do the next step....quickly. At this point, it's not up to me...cause I can't do the running around, so we shall see if he gets his rear in gear !!

If he doesn't, most likely no spring break trip for me and my son, I'll go on that travel agent trip and then we'll (me and my son) will go to the Dominican Republic in May or June. No sweat.

Plus you know....all of the BS I have to deal with from family.....that's another whole ball of ...argh to deal with !

Kelly

good luck Kelly!

Congratulations! I bet he is excited about that. Andre is on the phone right now trying to set up his drive test. He thinks he is ready I am not too sure about that

I am having a helluva time researching financial aid programs for which Squito would be eligible. I think once he receives his GC he would be eligible for some aid, but given the ridiculous wait in NYC for interviews it could take up to 4 years for him to get his GC. I want to move

Ditto to David! We wish Andre good luck too!

OOOOHHHHH my goodness I cannot believe it, I e-mailed the Embassy this morning before I left work and I just looked at my e-mail and they already e-mailed me back, I have e-mailed them 2 other times and never recieved a responce. Anyway I am happy that I got a responce they said that they are processing our case and should assign Adrian a May 2005 interview date soon....
Anyway I gotta get ready for work now...will chat later.

Joanna

Wonderful news!!!

I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed for May 1st!

I assumed there would be no difference, as I would expect someone to answer yes that they were a permanent resident, if they had conditional PR status, as there is almost no difference. Is the CPR the issue, or is it just the lack of a credit history?

Our client deals in only college students.

Wow Joanna, this looks promising. Get Ready!

Tenika -- like Jamie said, you only have to use assets if your income is not above the poverty level/guidelines. If your income is sufficient -- just leave all those lines blank.

Kelly -- Good Luck!! Whatever is meant to be, will be....

Dee -- Give Dave a big hug and a congratulatory kiss!! That is just great!!!

Joanna -- YEAH What a huge relief. Now at least you can begin to plan your future. Congratulations!!

Jamie -- Does Andre have a date yet? Here in Illinois you can just walk in and take it.

Ms. Squitto, Did you check the wait time for other locations in the state? I think Albany may be a lot quicker and it may not have the impact the moving to another state would have? Maybe you should inquire of other vjers who moved within the state.

Don't worry I never get this thing right. Hope everything comes together and falls in place for you. The reason I asked about April is that I will be in Negril 4/19-4/26, thought I might run into you. The 3 night deal sounds wonderful, oh to be that lucky.

Helping you hope for a May date soon




Congrats to Dave

Tenika,
For question 11. I used what they had on the example forms here in the VJ site.
N/A (K-1 visa process for permanent residence)


I just wanted to share the e-mail I got from the embassy...It is written kinda weird, not sure why they are saying they will "reschedule" the interview....they should just be "scheduling" it????

Hello:

Our we will reschedule Adrian Lindo for a visa interview in May 2006. Once the date is determined, we will mail a new appointment packet to him at 4 Golding Avenue, Mona P.O., Kingston 7, Jamaica. After receiving the appointment packet, he should independently contact one of the Embassy's approved panel physicians (listed on the back of the "Applicant's Medical History and Physical Examination" form) at least one week prior to the visa appointment, to schedule a medical examination.

If the appointment packet is not received, Mr. Lindo should come to the Consular Section's information window any Monday through Friday, between 7:15 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., to request a duplicate appointment packet. If everything is in order at the time of the interview, we should be able to issue the visa in four to five working days.

Regards,


Immigrant Visa Unit
American Embassy
Kingston, Jamaica

Kelly, I'll be in Jamaica the same time as you will. I hope you can go!



Since you spend so much time in CT anyways; why not come back home? If you can afford to live in the "gold coast" area you can still work in NYC and you're closer to your fam.

Congratulations to David and good luck to Andre on their driving tests.

Kelly and Jill(ChristineJames)...hoping that everything works out for the best

Joanna and Eric- wishing you the best for May interview dates

Looks like a few of us will be in Jamaica within the next few weeks-from what I can recount:

Jill (ChrisineJames) [are you packed yet?]
Kelly (luvtravelin)
Michele (Jamaica to CT)
Dru (woogietail)
Eric (eric_drewey)
Jax (BelwinMills)
anybody else?

Looks like a few of us will be in Jamaica within the next few weeks-from what I can recount:

Jill (ChrisineJames) [are you packed yet?]
Kelly (luvtravelin)
Michele (Jamaica to CT)
Dru (woogietail)
Eric (eric_drewey)
Jax (BelwinMills)
anybody else?


If I'm able to go....I don't know where they will be putting us and I'll be "working". Some of these trips don't allow us alot of down time. I'm going to work on the "sitter" part tomorrow, so that I can at least go on that trip.

We'll have to link up for those that will be in Negril !!

Count me in too . I will be going down down the second week of April.

Thanks everyone for your help on the affidavit question.

Hey all,
Congrats to Dave for passing the driving test, and luck to Andre.

Glad to see you back, Rhonda, missed your chatter...thats in a GOOD way. So sorry to hear you got sick tho on the trip.

Congrats, Joanna on Adrian's (hopefully) May interview.

And happy travelling to all's upcoming trips.

Lake got his green card in the mail TODAY..this morning. He really wasnt quite as excited as I think he should have been, but he was the day he got approved, and he called ALL his relatives and they were all too busy to really talk to him and I think that is what brought him down a bit. That and the job hunting...to be honest I havent really applied at the jobs here that pay the $5.75 an hour, which are a LOT...I really think its important for him to finish schooling first, so have been rather concentrating on that. But he is getting antsy to work...
I talked it over with him, bout the only higher paying job that MIGHT be easy to get would be loading trucks for UPS or DHL or FedEx. And they pay great for someone with NO contacts, international references, etc, at $8.50 an hour as opposed to under $6. I am just not sure what to do, but I do know he will probably catch pneumonia if he is out in the cold TOO much at this time of year, he is just NOT used to the cold weather yet and this is the time when one catches stuff...warm..cold, hot, chill. Silly weather.

Anyhow, I WILL post about the interview, been meaning to do it...it was pretty easy but as you guys might know it was a bit difficult to show joint financial stuff cuz Mom has a hissy fit at EVERY step I take to bring him into my life. Him not being able to contribute doesnt help, even tho its NOT his fault. The ONLY financial thing I had was that I had put him as joint user on 2 of my credit cards, and thats ALL. The only thing. I had other stuff but nothing financial. And we drive Mom's old car, I wanted to put him on the insurance so he could do a little practice driving around town, but she went ballistic over that, so....well...sigh....you know the "You KNOW if someone has an accident they could sue and take the house away???? and ...."etc. Hell mom, if I (meaning YOUR daughter) gets sued they could do the same thing. ok, cant say that to mom, she turns 80 this weekend...Soooo, imagine having been being real close to your parent all your life and LIVING with said parent and them being slow to accept???? Poor Lake is SOOOO patient, I swear guys, if I had a MIL treat me like my mom did him to begin with, I woulda left the country. He is one admirable man.
Damn guys, sometimes this is stressful, ya know. I hear ya bout family not accepting and ...AND....we all live together on top of that...so it gets a bit rough. I asked my sis if she had ANY suggestions...she cant think of any either, short of us buying a car and putting it in HIS name I guess...now...HOW are we gonna afford that, I am not working, HE is not working....
Know what ya mean, Mrs Squitto bout the government setting ya up to fail, by the time you pay all the fees and such, your so tapped out its all you can do to pay the bills and eat, let alone find a vehicle to get around in so you can get to work if you DO get a job. Here in Nebraska, its essential to have a car, all we have is bus service that runs from like 6:30 am to 8 pm, and it runs downtown to go across town, so you have to do a transfer, if you work across town, it takes 2 hours to get there IF you have a job that is within the time parameters the bus runs. That makes across town trips 4 hours each day! Unreal, hmm? And the city isnt THAT big..the bus system is just weird.
Well, off my rant, its time for bed, its just been pretty busy here lately. My sis was asked to increase her hours at work, while taking a $1.37 an hour pay cut! My niece inlaw still in hospital, but baby and her seem to be doing fine and are at 27 weeks Thursday (today I guess, wow) so hopefully if she has it, the babe should be ok. Lake is taking classes Mon - Thurs mornings and I have to get up early in the mornings...UGH, to take him. But he is doing great.
Hey, question for ya guys, if your guys want to go to college classes and they HAVE finished high school, would any colleges you talk to accept theirs? Lake doesnt even have access to his records since his school had a fire and burned down...and all ours SAY they need transcripts, etc...Just wondered how any of you handled that? I thought at first he didnt graduate, but then I did some follow up reading on the Guyanese schooling system, and the degree he got IS considered a high school equivalency but...the dodo forgot it back at home. So I figure he needs GED one way or the other...not sure but it cant hurt, can it? Crap, you know I have no idea where MY diploma is either, if I were to need it. Just one of those things you put away and dont think of any more.
Sorry to long, chat with ya all later, hugs and take care to all...
Jill

...adding Tenika to the list

Where's everyone staying? I'll be in Mobay. I think a couple of you will be in Negril the same week I'm in JA.

Is there a blank form of the DS230 listed on a website somewhere? Or does anyone have a copy that you can fax to me or email me a copy ?? I'm trying to help Craig fill out his information and it's frustrating to say the least (as you all know).

Thanks !

Kelly

Like Mindy said, I think you only need to claim personal assets if you don't make enough money to meet the guidelines (% above poverty level or whatever it is). I didn't use any assets - just my income.



That's great Joanna It won't be long now. Hang in there.

I'll be in Negril, wanted to do Ochi this time but Trevor couldn't get off from work, so it's back to Negril.

Good morning all

One more day til TGIF Why do the weeks drag by so slow and the weekends fly by? I just finished catching up.

Good luck with the driver's test Jamie & Andre. Make sure he practices parallel parking. Tony failed the test the 1st time because of that. They're pretty strict here. He did fine with everything else and passed it the 2nd time. The part that sucks is you have to pay EACH time you take it - whether you pass or not

Wow, sounds like a lot of you are going to JA next month. You guys can have your own little "reunion"! My friend Jackie and Craig (her Jamaican husband) and their 7 month old baby are down there right now. They had to bring the baby to show her to all his family She's such a doll.

Hope everyone has a good day.

Hey Rita,
Where you been girl? I know you can't still be on your honeymoon Let that poor boy come up for air We want to know how you guys are doing? How are the kids?

Myisha,
Same to you. You've been MIA lately. Check in and let us know you're ok.

I will be staying in Kingston, I exactly a resort type place, but at least I would be able to spend time with by boo

based on you guys suggestion, I know what to do for that question I asked about yesterday, thanks a mil!

Hey Kelly,
Look under "Examples Forms" here on the VJ site and you can get a copy of the DS230 form...it is a fillible forms that is where I got Adrains form from....Hope this helps

Hello everyone else, I am going to do my bridal registry today at Bed Bath and Beyond, I dont need too much but there are a few things we could use, my friend is throwing me a bridal shower at the end of April, she wants to have it before Adrian gets here so I dont have to leave him alone, while I go have a party.

So will chat later, Joanna

I will be staying at the Knutsford in New Kingston. This is a work trip, with hopes of an Interview before I leave, odds are against me there, but they said they'd try. Maybe I'll come back a little late with my wife..

Now....wouldn't that be wonderful!!

I love Bed, Bath, & Beyond! We registered at Kohl's (which I don't think you have in FL) and Target. Tony went to the Bridal Shower with me and helped me open the gifts Everyone wanted to meet him anyways. We had the shower 1 month after he got here and the wedding 1 month after the shower. NONE of it was planned until after he arrived in the U.S.!!! My mom is GOOD! We were just going to get married by a judge or something but my parents wanted me to have a "real" wedding with a shower and everything. It was small (about 30 people) but really nice.

Have fun registering - it's like shopping without spending any money Let us know when you're registered so I can go on-line and see what you want

Everything is working out. I'm very happy!!!!

And no....I'm not packed yet!!!!! But I'm an ol' pro at this.....I'll get it together in time. No doubt about it!!

good afternoon

We sooooooooooooooooooooo need this


Beat Stress Together!!

Your spouse can be the one to cause you stress, but often he is the only one who can help you chill out. Here are 9 ways to de-stress as a duo (some might even make you laugh your stress away!).

Hug it out
Give your partner a hug after a long day at work. While you embrace, rub each other's upper back with your fingers and knuckles. Massage in between shoulder blades and spine.

Share it
Spend time debriefing about your day, taking turns sharing how things went. Each of you should talk for at least two minutes. When your partner is sharing, try not to interrupt. Simply listen with all your attention. Having separate time to vent will make you feel heard and acknowledged, and will release some of that hot air that’s been brewing inside you.

Spoon her
Lie together, one behind the other. Focus on taking long, deep breaths in unison. No need to talk; let the physical contact and deep breathing relax both of you. This works magic if you are not getting along or are feeling overwhelmed.

Give mini massages
Have your partner sit in a chair, and stand behind it. Give a massage like a pro, applying pressure with your forearms on the muscles between the neck and shoulders. Ask if it feels good. When finished, switch positions.

Steamroll him
Have your partner lie face down on the carpet or a futon. Lie on your partner's midsection so your bodies form a plus sign. Roll your body up and down your partner's body. Ease up on your weight around the knees. Ask if your weight feels okay.

Re-connect
It's important to acknowledge your partner for the many wonderful things you offer each other. Take turns talking about all the qualities that you love about the other. Begin your sharing with "I love how you..." or "I love when you." Recognizing your partner makes him (and you) feel cared for and loved.

Put your feet together
Have your partner lie face down on the carpet or a futon. Place a pillow under his feet. Stand by your partner's feet and face away. Walk your heels on up the soles of his feet. Ask if he likes your foot pressure.

Dance it off
If you both feel worn out from a hard day, play some dance music and shake a leg together. Inspire each other to higher levels of enthusiasm and cardio exertion. Whatever was bothering you before you started dancing will vanish instantly.

Give a rub down
This is the world's easiest massage technique. Have your partner sit up in a forward bend. Make sure his legs are stretched out in front. Lie on your back about two feet behind your partner's back. Lift your heels up and place them on your partner's upper back. Rub your heels on the sore muscles between your partner's shoulder blades and spine. Ask if the pressure feels good. Switch positions.