CONGRATULATIONS ERIC I really hope everything works out for you guys. You have waited for so long and been so patient. Good luck



They should be scheduling May dates on April 1st if they do it like they usually do. You're right, I would keep calling once a week Maybe they'll get tired of you bugging them and give you a date

Congrats to Adrian on the promotion. You crack me up with the flirting thing

Sure Joanna:

This prayer is for everyone with an immigration situation:

Lord I know barriers to immigration are not your will. Like when you told Joseph to take Jesus from Bethlehem to Nazareth because people were seeking his life. Father you made all people and love has no barrier..therefore Lord I am asking that according to your will that every immigration barrier that is postponing the covenant of matrimony to be broken down..In the name of Jesus. I pray for speed in the processing of all AOS, Fiance and Spousal visas to those who will recieve this prayer. You said if I ask according to your will it will be granted. There fore here my prayer according to your devine will and let your name be glorified in the process. In Jesus name Amen.

Tell me about it. I pray that none of you will go through what Damien and I are going through - USCIS ordering a background check when you're so close to being finished USCIS will see our pretty brown faces again next week. This is draining.....

Hey everyone

I have a question.. I heard about some fee I had to pay paymaster. Is this so, when should this be done?

Yes Tenika there is a $100US fee that has to be paid at a paymaster in JA...you just have to have the recipt for the $100US fee at the interview...so you can do it anytime before the interview.
We had to pay the same fee last year when we tried to get Adrian a visitors visa.

Oh yeah and thanks for the prayer....we all need it here




Thanks Rhonda, yeah I told him he can flirt but nothing else , as long as he is getting tips for it I dont mind ... we surely can use the money and he can surely put on the charm. I told him we only have one goal in mind when it comes to work and that is to have some money saved when he gets here

Amen!!

Thank you so much Tenika

I probably should be more 'up' on this but why would it have been easier to get married and filed a K-3? And how is it that Dallas filers can do what others can't?

...better start reading up on this.

Congratulations Eric! - I can't imagine how excited you must be after such a long wait.

What's everyones plans for the weekend? I'm finally going to buckle down and do my taxes. Everyone else have a great weekend!
Michele

Keep your chin up and do what you have to do!! I really have to do some research beyond K-1 filing; but I have to ask why would they start doing background checks so late in the 'game' so to speak?
After I complete my taxes I really have to study up and

Keeping you in my thoughts...

Congrats!! Can you afford to take vacation time w/o pay?

Thank you thank you all.

It's not the K-3 that Ms Squitto was refering to I believe she was refering to the I-130 filed before the K-3. It appears that more priority is placed on these going through than a couple years ago. Sometimes they are approved around the same time. Conditionial Green card and SS card in the mail in a couple weeks. No Adjustment Of Status to deal with. Of course back in the days when I originally filed it took around 15 months, the K-3 was really needed back then.

I just hope this is an end to the madness...






Yes, but I suspect they will let me work out of the Kingston office, time will tell, but I probably won't be back from Jamaica until the 8th. I wish I could have taken the flight with her, but it makes no sense to fly back and forth for 6 days back in the states.

Okay, everyone I have finally gotten everything back and am ready to begin this process. I just have one question to find out whether this will be a problem. I have changed my name on all of my documents to my first name, maiden name and last name. When I sent the paperwork to have my passport changed, it was sent back with my first name, middle name, and married name. Will this be a problem since all of my other id's and documents use my maiden name as my middle but the passport uses my real middle name. I am planning on mailing everything first thing Monday a.m.

Great news Tenika. Indeed this does seem like a record. I hope everything works out for you.
Lee



Eric. you can officially begin the countdown now.

All the best.

Lee

Good morning. I have no idea why USCIS is doing this. We did everything the right way - no overstays, no RFEs, no denials, no arrests or criminal records, he got a job a week after receiving his EAD. We aren't the only ones -more people on the AOS thread are going through the same thing. On the flipside, I wish they could take their time so we won't have to lift conditions (2nd part of AOS process) in October - 90 days before our second year anniversary. So MAYBE Damien will get his 10 year card instead of a conditional green card. Wishing thinking.

Although we are beyond frustrated with the AOS process - I'm glad we decided on the K-1. I honestly don't think I have the strength to leave my husband (oppose to fiance) in JA. A long distance relationship is one thing but a long distance marriage is another. We orginially planned a wedding in JA until I met a few Jamaicans who were married to Americans for a year or two and still waiting for their visas. Or some didn't get a visa at all - I don't know why but it scared me.

And I'm glad Damien and I are going through this together including sharing the cost. If he stayed in Jamaica I would broke traveling to see him, more calling cards and I would have the responsibility of filing everthing on my own. Just my opinion.

Have a wonderful weekend. I'm on my way to take Damien to work and daughter to tutoring, go get weighed in , go the hairdresser and get my done nails. Take care.

Good morning everybody

I am unhappy because I'm at work and I really didn't want to work today I need 2 days off from this place to relax and get things done around the house. To top it off my boss waited until 2:00 yesterday afternoon to tell me that I had to come in today! Talk about short notice.

Hopefully some of you will check in today so I won't be on here all alone Joanna, are you working today girl? Holla

You're not alone

What do you think???? Of course I am working today....I swear I have been working everyday...but one day that will come to an end and I will have every 2 days off...just bustin butt trying to save....I am hoping we will have at least $5,000 saved before Adrian returns to JA for his interview .. I am so bad at saving but lately I guess since we have a goal I am doing pretty good at saving. Plus since Adrian might be getting a promotion on the ship, that will help out.

Anyway hope everyone has a good weekend

Some people AOS cases are transferrd to CSC then approved without an interview. Their green card just show up in the mail. They are lucky.

Good Luck , I hope you hear something soon...we all know the pain of this process...and I know I have a lot more to come.

I just wish I had the option of working or not working. Because I'm not in the Union here (I'm salaried) we just get TOLD what we're doing. We don't get a choice I don't mind working some Saturdays but it would be nice if it were up to me when I worked

Sounds like you guys are doing pretty good at saving $$$ Yes, it definately helps to have a specific goal in mind

Good morning guys, hope everyone is doing ok. I got package 4 recently and i have my interview schedule for 3rd of April, so i tried to make an appointment for the medical but the doctor's office keep putting me on hold when i call so i plan to go directly to the doctor's office monday morningand make the appointment.

Good Luck Robert, Glad to hear that things are going pretty smoothly for you (except for being put on hold ). Keep us updated, your interview is only a couple weeks away...let us know how it goes

Joanna

Good for you Robert. Where do you have to do your medical? Make sure you get your appointment in plenty enough time before the interview. Only a couple more weeks to go!! Will you be coming "home" right after your visa is issued or will you wait a little while?

Good plan Joanna . You're fortunate that you are able to work that much OT and that you get paid for it. I have some money saved up but with the cost of living here and taxes I wonder how long it will last if he doesn't get a job right away . I've been thinking about getting a second job since his work schedule won't allow him to look for a second job(if there were any jobs available in the first place). You already know...this process will drain you financially and emotionally .
Looks like I'm on a "smilie" kick today

Yes I am very fortunate to have the job I have and to be able to work OT if I choose to. I usually live paycheck to paycheck, so I have to say I am very proud of myself for the money we have saved so far. I just want to be able to have some extra money when he gets here so I dont have to work so much OT and can spend time on our relationship. I am usually a shopaholic but since I have been working so much it has kept me out of the stores

Aside from your passport, are the other "documents" that you're talking about legal documents or are they forms or other non-legal items? If there are any legal changes to your name send in copies of those documents/passports with your application; here in Connecticut we have to have legal name changes(marriage, divorce if you change your name back to your maiden name, or legal name changes) recorded in the town we live in. For my application I would be sending a copy of my passport, my divorce decree, and my legal name change after my divorce. Of course since you're married you would have to send your CMC too. Hopefully they will "get it" but you never know.

RHONDA WHERE ARE YOU?????? WHAT TIME DO YOU GET OFF WORK??????

As your fellow shopaholic, I can relate I can't even go to the mall. If I go there, I will spend money even if I don't "need" anything! I am obsessed with clothes and shoes. I have over 70 pairs of shoes Hang in there girl, you can do it



As you were writing this, I was responding to your post I get off at 2:30 today.

Me too . I've really tried hard not to shop as much lately but I will buy a couple new outfits for my trip to Jamaica. My addictions are: shoes 80+ pairs in my closet at any one time and I usally donate or give away about 20 pairs a year, and handbags, and clothes and jewelry and... I spoil myself rotten .

Well seems like we are all SHOPAHOLICS here...I think we need to start Shopaholics Anonymous!!!
Rhonda, I am the same way if I go to a store or mall I always buy "something"..even if i dont need it...and i LOVE the clerance rack..I cannot pass up a good deal...well ya'll have me beat on the shoes I have about 50+ pairs...I usually give mine to my supervisor when I am tired of them or decide I dont like them

I am also used to getting a pedicure every 2 weeks, but I have cut that out in order to save money, plus I have not been wearing any open toed shoes lately so it has not mattered that much

Adrian is also a big time shopper, but he just bought a dang $200 cell phone that he did not need (we got in a argument about this) so he better not buy anything else for a while....But we made a deal that since he paid so much for the phone I can splurge and get my hair straightened which is $100

Good Afternoon,

I just wanted say congrats to all of you with upcoming interviews Joanna before you know it you will be scrambling to get ready to go down soon also.You guys are in my prayers.Everyone have a great weekend Tee

Thanks Tee, every little bit of encouragement helps...I was kinda down yesterday...but i am better now.

So he did get the Razr, I've got Nickiesha's packed. Of course I expect when she sees what mine can do she won't want it any more. I tried to sway her before I bought it, but... Along with being an MP3 player, it can play movies and all the old Nintendo games. She loves the old Nintendo games.

Her phone is worth double what I paid for it in JA, so I suppose she could sell it. Toys... That was one of the biggest things I disliked about JA, the toys cost so much there.

Oh, now that is a sacrifice I can't imagine giving up my pedicure! I get my nails and toes done every 2 weeks too. Oh my gosh, if I stopped doing that I could save about $90 a month Don't tell Tony that

Great news!! Congrats





Congrats Eric!! Hope you don't have any trouble extending your time.

YAY!!! We got an approval email for our EAD today. Says we were approved on 3/16 - Michael is soooo excited

The papers that I was talking about was drivers license, credit cards, bank account. Everything has my maiden name as my middle name except for my passport. Well hopefully, this will work. Thanks.




I am sooooo bad also about shopping. Since I've not been working, I have been QVCing and HSNing it up like there's no tomorrow. Not to many stores here, nearest mall is 1 1/2 hours away. My retirement is no where near what I was making so now I'm getting scared about having spent so much. Just went today to furniture store and bought bedroom set. Hopefully, this has cured me, because I had to transfer money from my car savings. After I got home, I had a big wake up call.

1 1/2 hours to the nearest mall . I relocated about 1 1/2 years ago and I want to move again because it takes about 15-20 minutes to get to nearest malls/shopping areas, whereas where I lived before the mall was only about 5 minutes away; and I could hit 3 Walmart's and 2 Target's within a 10 mile radius and they were on my way home from work to boot!! When people come to my house and if I open my closets I say: "My name is Michele, and I am a shopaholic". They get the idea.



Congratulations! BTW Julie how's the pregnancy going? Feeling ok?

Michele

Doing great, thanks for asking I'm half way there I've been lucky enough to escape most morning sickness - and I've finally gained my energy back. That first trimester is harsh ....we are so excited because we find out the sex (hopefully) on the 24th!

"Have any of you regretted or doubted your decision once your SO was here?
-Are things just not what they were when you were still in the LDR?
-What do you think makes someone change their mind so quickly?
"

You all have excellent replies to this. I think what it boils down to, with the culture shock, is that it makes them TREMENDOUSLY needy. Even if they have been very independent in the past, which makes it doubly hard for them,and then they get GRUMPY. I mean, at first..your their ONLY transportation, or at least the only way of figuring out how to get somewhere. I imagine Guyana is more backwards than Jamaica, and with me somewhat working at home, my work went right out the window when he came. I had to fly to go get him, he had never done transfers, etc. etc. Just imagine someone that has NO conception of what life is like here, or how to get around, or how to read some of those big menu's in the restaurants (Lake still refuses to read menu's, he gets frustrated, puts it down and says no way can I figure this out). If its foods he is not familiar with, he gets frustrated. This is a grown man who knows how to read well, speak english well, and has travelled extensively. Same goes for job interview, filling out paperwork, etc. I did all the papers, and I didnt even ask him to help. I can only imagine going to another country that doesnt require much paperwork and having someone set this crap in front of me and have me help them fill it out. EEEKS!
And to date, I probably not doing him any favors, but I have been doing job applications. I HATE apps. I dont know bout where your from, but each company here wants their OWN. It takes me 1/2 hour to do each one and he has NO conception of the length of time it takes. He keeps telling me "In New York, he can go shop to shop and get a job, just like that!" and snaps his fingers. Perhaps this is true, but its NOT that way here. And the poor guy has never attended an interiew and I am applying for jobs I have no idea about. He had his first interview on Friday. I must admit, sometimes I get a bit irritated at his non ability to contribute financially as well, especially as you near the end of your pennies and your worried every day about money and so are they. I know its not his fault, but I also know we are way in the hole, and he is wanting to get a good job and then go home twice a year to help out with folks at home finances. If you GET a GOOD job here, you dont up and quit every six months, and I cant get him to understand THAT either. They also come from a country where men don't listen very well to women, so....even tho YOU KNOW stuff, they take a while to figure out that you really DO know what your talking about, but in the meantime, you want to conk them on the head. Repeatedly.
But now, on the other hand, he has done a LOT of housework, dishes, he brooms the floor every day, the outside front porch, cooks, and he has no end of patience. I love the man to pieces and dont have an ounce of regret. A few worries, (money right now, and his family, and My family) but no regrets. And he is a quick learner and a very hard worker. I am old enough to realize tho, even with AMERICAN men, you need to tell them what you want and need from them, so suck it up and let them know. Men are just idiots when it comes to women, no matter where they are from. I actually have to TELL him when I want a hug, I figured no use sitting around wishing, right? And I have to tell him, "ok, NOW I want some compliments.." Its really gotten to be a joke between us, cuz he will turn around and tell me HE wants some too.... But he came from a very non affectionate household and just really doesnt have a clue.
So, sorry I have rattled on again, but really, I think as long as you communicate, it will work itself out.
Jill

I have met only met one man in my life (just friends) who was in tune with my needs; of course he was already taken (sighing). The rest needed some encouragement, but were fast learners




How exciting!! Do you and Michael have any preferences as to the sex of the baby?

YAY Michael

We're both pulling for a boy, but I really feel that it is a girl. We'll be happy either way



Thanks

Hello all

Can anyone tell me if I need to supply the from for the vaccination supplement, or will the civil surgeon all ready have it... and also is there a list of the required vaccinations some where. David has a Dr's appointment tomorrow and I am going to try and get them then and just have the Civil surgeon fill out the required paper work only thing is I'm not sure what all he needs to have done. We have the Immunization record from the medical exam in Ja, I want to make sure they give him all the shots needed..I hope that made sense

Denise

Lots of trips to Ja WOW I'm jelious...Have fun.!!!!

Congrats on all the good news:
Jill
Tenika
Eric

Good luck Kelly!!!


Reflections was on point!!!

Hey Denise. How are you? Dave? and the kids? The civil surgeon office we went to already had the form but I print it off just in case. Take care.

-Have any of you regretted or doubted your decision once your SO was here?
-Are things just not what they were when you were still in the LDR?
-What do you think makes someone change their mind so quickly?


My two cents:

No dought's here.
Things are just what they were if not even better, because he's here to put his words/ love into action. I am truly blessed. Things are not absolutely perfect, but nothing worth having comes easy. I am not sure what makes someone change their mind, other than not knowing who they are them selves before starting into a committed relationship before hand. the LDR aspect of our relationship gave me plenty of time to sit and think. I am grateful for it.

WWWAAAHHHOOO....Congtats....I am sure Micheal is happy now

Good.....I'm stressed. I feel sort of bad for David cause he wants to work so bad, we went to Jiffy Lube to get an oli change, there was a help needed sign in the store, so he asked, the guy told him all he need was a drivers license so he got a job application, was ready to take it back when I told him that they would not hire him without work auth, well he did not believe me, cause the guy said all he would need was a DL and wanted me to ask if they would make an exception. So I feel bad, he was so dissappointed. So I'm trying to get the paper work in the mail. The kids are good. My daughter is driving me crazy.

Printed it off from where by the way.

I took the form and instructions that say if you had a medical for the K-1 that you do not need a complete medical only the supplement. The civil surgeon had the form but.




Congratulations Michael! Anthony and I are waiting for Bio for EAD and AOS.

WOW !! Thats great we can't wait