Jump to content
coraliesolms

Immigration PTSD..

By coraliesolms in Canada

 Share

12 posts in this topic

Recommended Posts

coraliesolms Rising Star

coraliesolms   47

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: South Africa
 Timeline
Posted

LOL.. I was talking to some family members today in South Africa, and they said once I got myself settled in the USA that I should go back to SA for a visit (I reside in Canada at the moment).

I got to thinking.. after this stress and mess, IM NEVER SETTING FOOT OUTSIDE THE US AGAIN!!

Anyone else feeling a slight case of immigration Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?? (lol, I think it should be listed as a valid mental disease). :bonk:

Invictus..

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the Pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll.

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

William Ernest Henley

Link to comment
Share on other sites
zenaxe Rising Star

zenaxe   22

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted

LOL.. I was talking to some family members today in South Africa, and they said once I got myself settled in the USA that I should go back to SA for a visit (I reside in Canada at the moment).

I got to thinking.. after this stress and mess, IM NEVER SETTING FOOT OUTSIDE THE US AGAIN!!

Anyone else feeling a slight case of immigration Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?? (lol, I think it should be listed as a valid mental disease). :bonk:

Too funny. Hey I'm in BC too awaiting ....what's your timeline?

2007 Nov 30: Met in Las Vegas, Nevada

2009 Jul 13: Proposed/Engaged in Sedona, Arizona

2009 Dec 26: Married in Tucson, Arizona

USCIS

2009 Dec 30: Filed I-130

2010 Jan 02: I-130 delivered

2010 Jan 07: NOA1 - email - CSC

2010 Jan 11: Received NOA1 hardcopy

2010 Mar 24: NOA2 - email & text - NVC

2010 Mar 29: Received NOA2 hardcopy

I-130 was approved in 76 days from NOA1 date

NVC

2010 Mar 30: NVC received - case# assigned - emails given to NVC

2010 Mar 30: Opted in - DS3032 emailed to NVC

2010 Mar 31: Received AOS bill & DS3032 - paid AOS

2010 Apr 05: Online payment portal confirms paid AOS(Apr 2 processing date)

2010 Apr 05: Sent I-864 package

2010 Apr 15: EP confirmation email

2010 Apr 15: IV bill generated & paid

2010 Apr 15: Email confirmation - receipt of DS3032

2010 Apr 16: IV bill confirmed paid - sent DS230 package

2010 Apr 19: NVC operator confirms I864 & DS230 documents have been received

2010 Apr 21: AVR confirms all documents received Apr 19th

2010 Apr 23: Email from NVC: case complete - confirmed by NVC - sign in fail

Completed in 24 days

CONSULATE

2010 May 27: Email from NVC - consulate received file - interview Montreal Jul 27th

2010 Jun 16: Medical @ Woking Medical Centre, Vancouver, Canada - APPROVED

2010 Jul 27: Interview @ US Consulate in Montreal, Canada - APPROVED

Your interview took 201 days from your I-130 NOA1 date

2010 Aug 13:POE Washington - APPROVED

REMOVAL OF CONDITIONS

2012 May 14 - mailed I-751

2012 May 16 - delivered @ CSC

2012 Jun 18 - I 551 stamp

2012 Jun 28 - biometrics appointment NOA notice date Jun 7

2012 Dec 20 - approved

Link to comment
Share on other sites
coraliesolms Rising Star

coraliesolms   47

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: South Africa
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

Hi there,

fellow SA here :) i too sometimes feel a bit of ptsd but it goes away when i see how much my fiancee loves me :) where abouts in the US are you?

Going to be in Missouri...and you?

Invictus..

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the Pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll.

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

William Ernest Henley

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Aklem Contributor

Aklem   0

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted

Hey I know how you feel!

My mother wants me to visit after all this visa stuff is over with and I'm already going to be visiting her a few months while I'm waiting for the Interview in Montreal. Shes in Quebec and I'm in Manitoba, lol. I told her after it is all done I don't care I'm going to save up and get her on a plane to Minneapolis since it would be her turn to visit next!

Married: 12/18/08

Sent I-130: 01/30/10

NOA1: 02/05/10

Touch: 02/09/10

NOA2: 03/24/10

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Krikit Grand Master

Krikit   1,163

Posted
Filed: Timeline
Posted

I definitely had PTSD but I was the opposite; I couldn't wait to leave the US to visit family and friends. It was even more pronounced being held captive by the K-1 AOS process. I was used to coming and going as I pleased, so not being able to do so was sheer agony. I love the US, but I certainly wouldn't ever pronounce that I'm never stepping foot out of it again. Because I will. :)

iagree.gif
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Deb+Steve Proficient

Deb+Steve   13

Posted
Filed: Citizen (pnd) Country: Australia
 Timeline
Posted

I've had it twice ... South Africa to Australia (received my citizenship) and had to go and marry an American and do it all again. It wasn't as stressful the first time because I wasn't separated from my love then ... :bonk:

OUR JOURNEY SO FAR: (dd/mm/yyyy)

18/09/09 - CR1 NOA1

16/07/10 - POE LAX (256 days NOA1 to interview)

27/09/10 - Aussie/American bun in the oven due May 10, 2011

06/01/11 - Submitted change of address online to USCIS. Mailed I-865 for sponsor. Neverending!

05/05/11 - Bouncing baby boy arrives

10/07/12 - Sent I-751

13/07/12 - I-751 NOA1

Link to comment
Share on other sites
antda Experienced

antda   13

Posted
Filed: Other Timeline
Posted (edited)

LOL.. I was talking to some family members today in South Africa, and they said once I got myself settled in the USA that I should go back to SA for a visit (I reside in Canada at the moment).

I got to thinking.. after this stress and mess, IM NEVER SETTING FOOT OUTSIDE THE US AGAIN!!

Anyone else feeling a slight case of immigration Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?? (lol, I think it should be listed as a valid mental disease). :bonk:

Am currently in Buffalo NY :) i am thinking that a lot, more than average go through PTSD what with all the changes but as the saying goes, time and tide heals all :)

Nicole+Trav-Likewise, I have had "immigration PTSD" too...(I love that new phrase!..:)...)

So I totally understand you from there..:thumbs:

In fact, because of all this, "immigration stress", my other medical conditions got worse, and I almost lost my son because of all this extra stress....

No joke...I even have the medical paperwork and other paperwork to prove it...lol..

At times like this, I really do think about filing a lawsuit against the USCIS...anyone else care to join..

(just kidding..I'd never win..and Im broke anyways..I'm stil in debt from paying all those application fees...)

But the point is, yes, I have suffered enough with immigration, just like you and others have too......

And I'm glad that it is all over now with me in dealing with the USCIS, now that I have citizenship....:)

Don't worry though...As it will be all over soon with you too...

Time does heal all (well most) wounds...:)

Good luck with your journey too...Hope this helps. Hope you are able to heal after all of this too..

Ant

P.S. What a co-incidence, I'm near the Buffalo, NY area too..Feel free to PM me if you want to chat further too.....

Edited by Ant+D+BabyA

**Ant's 1432.gif1502.gif "Once Upon An American Immigration Journey" Condensed Timeline...**

2000 (72+ Months) "Loved": Long-Distance Dating Relationship. D Visited Ant in Canada.

2006 (<1 Month) "Visited": Ant Visited D in America. B-2 Visa Port of Entry Interrogation.

2006 (<1 Month) "Married": Wedding Elopement. Husband & Wife, D and Ant !! Together Forever!

2006 ( 3 Months I-485 Wait) "Adjusted": 2-Years Green Card.

2007 ( 2 Months) "Numbered": SSN Card.

2007 (<1 Months) "Licensed": NYS 4-Years Driver's License.

2009 (10 Months I-751 Wait) "Removed": 10-Years 5-Months Green Card.

2009 ( 9 Months Baby Wait) "Expected": Baby. It's a Boy, Baby A !!! We Are Family, Ant+D+BabyA !

2009 ( 4 Months) "Moved": New House Constructed and Moved Into.

2009 ( 2 Months N-400 Wait) "Naturalized": US Citizenship, Certificate of Naturalization. Goodbye USCIS!!!!

***Ant is a Naturalized American Citizen!!***: November 23, 2009 (Private Oath Ceremony: USCIS Office, Buffalo, NY, USA)

2009 (<1 Month) "Secured": US Citizen SSN Card.

2009 (<1 Month) "Enhanced": US Citizen NYS 8-Years Enhanced Driver's License. (in lieu of a US Passport)

2010 ( 1 Month) "Voted": US Citizen NYS Voter's Registration Card.

***~~~"The End...And the Americans, Ant+D+BabyA, lived 'Happily Ever After'!"...~~~***

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Miranda&John Enthusiast

Miranda&John   0

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (pnd) Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted

I have developed a POE complex. I'm afraid to attempt to cross the border or fly out of an international airport LOL

Although I surely won't even attempt it until I have the greencard in my hand the end of April!

Our Timeline - AOS from J-1 & J-2

10/03/09 - Wedding in Reno, NV

01/14/10 - I-485, I-130, I-765 & I-131 filed

01/25/10 - Checks cashed, NOAs sent!! (Day 1)

01/28/10 - NOAs received - dated 1/25/10 (Day 3)

02/04/10 - Biometrics letter received! (Day 10)

02/16/10 - Biometrics appointment, Modesto, CA - COMPLETED! (Day 22)

03/11/10 - Received interview notice - April 15, 2010 in Fresno, CA (Day 45)

03/18/10 - AP Approved (for my daughter - not me)!! (Day 52)

03/24/10 - Touch I-485 and email that RFE received on 2/18/10 (Day 58)

04/05/10 - INFOPASS appointment -- was told NBC must have decided not to process AP or EAD because interview was so soon. (Day 70)

04/13/10 - Email - EAD Card production ordered, Touch on my AP (Day 78)

04/15/10 - Interview @ 10:30am - APPROVED!!! Email - Green Card production ordered! (Day 80)

04/16/10 - My AP received in mail (no approval email), ANOTHER email EAD Card production ordered, Touch on I-765, I-485 & I-130 (Day 81)

04/20/10 - Green card status changed to post-decision activity, Touch on I-765 & I-485 (Day 85)

04/26/10 - Greencard RECEIVED!!!! (Day 91)

Our Timeline - ROC

02/09/12 - I-751 Filed

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Hugglebuggles Experienced

Hugglebuggles   60

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted

You'd be surprised how relieved you feel when you finally have that Green Card in your hand! Travel as a PR is easy! There's no reason to be afraid of leaving the US.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
coraliesolms Rising Star

coraliesolms   47

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: South Africa
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

Well Im glad Im not the only one. Mines especially worse because I had a visitors visa and the last time I went to go and see my hubby they pulled me into the "back room of doom" and cancelled it. Treated me like a criminal, made me cry and escorted me out of the airport and sat with me until someone picked me up..everyone looked at me like I was a drug trafficker or something!!!! Definately scared of POE. Even with my visa in hand Im gonna be sweating bullets crossing over!!

Thanks to all for the wonderful replies. Its nice to know Im not completely off my rocker just yet :)

Invictus..

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the Pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll.

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

William Ernest Henley

Link to comment
Share on other sites
antda Experienced

antda   13

Posted
Filed: Other Timeline
Posted (edited)

Well Im glad Im not the only one. Mines especially worse because I had a visitors visa and the last time I went to go and see my hubby they pulled me into the "back room of doom" and cancelled it. Treated me like a criminal, made me cry and escorted me out of the airport and sat with me until someone picked me up..everyone looked at me like I was a drug trafficker or something!!!! Definately scared of POE. Even with my visa in hand Im gonna be sweating bullets crossing over!!

Thanks to all for the wonderful replies. Its nice to know Im not completely off my rocker just yet :)

Coraliesolms-Sorry that you were treated badly when you wanted to visit your husband too.

Hope that this doesn't happen to you ever again! Btw..Where was this? Seriously...you can file a complaint or something...

Lol..A similar thing happened to me too when I had a visitor's visa...They interrogated us for 2 hours non-stop....

And at the very last minute, finally decided to give me a visitor's visa...

Proved them wrong...Decided to stay, get married, and filed the AOS instead...

(see my vj timeline for more info...)

But yeah, it was a scary experience, indeed! Never want to go through with that ever again...

Lol..Isn't there something called "innocent until proven guilty"...I guess not....sigh...

Hope your POE isn't as bad as your previous experience...

On the bright side, at least you have a visa when you cross over then, so that's a good thing...

Good luck on the rest of your journey, and good luck at your POE too..

Remember: You are not alone through your immigration journey....

We've all "been there, done that", in some way or other, and have our "immigration battle scars and PTSD experiences" to prove it...lol.......

Ant

Edited by Ant+D+BabyA

**Ant's 1432.gif1502.gif "Once Upon An American Immigration Journey" Condensed Timeline...**

2000 (72+ Months) "Loved": Long-Distance Dating Relationship. D Visited Ant in Canada.

2006 (<1 Month) "Visited": Ant Visited D in America. B-2 Visa Port of Entry Interrogation.

2006 (<1 Month) "Married": Wedding Elopement. Husband & Wife, D and Ant !! Together Forever!

2006 ( 3 Months I-485 Wait) "Adjusted": 2-Years Green Card.

2007 ( 2 Months) "Numbered": SSN Card.

2007 (<1 Months) "Licensed": NYS 4-Years Driver's License.

2009 (10 Months I-751 Wait) "Removed": 10-Years 5-Months Green Card.

2009 ( 9 Months Baby Wait) "Expected": Baby. It's a Boy, Baby A !!! We Are Family, Ant+D+BabyA !

2009 ( 4 Months) "Moved": New House Constructed and Moved Into.

2009 ( 2 Months N-400 Wait) "Naturalized": US Citizenship, Certificate of Naturalization. Goodbye USCIS!!!!

***Ant is a Naturalized American Citizen!!***: November 23, 2009 (Private Oath Ceremony: USCIS Office, Buffalo, NY, USA)

2009 (<1 Month) "Secured": US Citizen SSN Card.

2009 (<1 Month) "Enhanced": US Citizen NYS 8-Years Enhanced Driver's License. (in lieu of a US Passport)

2010 ( 1 Month) "Voted": US Citizen NYS Voter's Registration Card.

***~~~"The End...And the Americans, Ant+D+BabyA, lived 'Happily Ever After'!"...~~~***

Link to comment
Share on other sites
coraliesolms Rising Star

coraliesolms   47

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: South Africa
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

Coraliesolms-Sorry that you were treated badly when you wanted to visit your husband too.

Hope that this doesn't happen to you ever again! Btw..Where was this? Seriously...you can file a complaint or something...

Lol..A similar thing happened to me too when I had a visitor's visa...They interrogated us for 2 hours non-stop....

And at the very last minute, finally decided to give me a visitor's visa...

Proved them wrong...Decided to stay, get married, and filed the AOS instead...

(see my vj timeline for more info...)

But yeah, it was a scary experience, indeed! Never want to go through with that ever again...

Lol..Isn't there something called "innocent until proven guilty"...I guess not....sigh...

Hope your POE isn't as bad as your previous experience...

On the bright side, at least you have a visa when you cross over then, so that's a good thing...

Good luck on the rest of your journey, and good luck at your POE too..

Remember: You are not alone through your immigration journey....

We've all "been there, done that", in some way or other, and have our "immigration battle scars and PTSD experiences" to prove it...lol.......

Ant

Thank you SO much for those words of encouragement!! I really need em today! Im hoping to get my visa next week or the week after, I will definately post when I do :)

Invictus..

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the Pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll.

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

William Ernest Henley

Link to comment
Share on other sites
 
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Ask our VJ Immigration Lawyers.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing
- Back to Top -

Important Disclaimer: Please read carefully the Visajourney.com Terms of Service. If you do not agree to the Terms of Service you should not access or view any page (including this page) on VisaJourney.com. Answers and comments provided on Visajourney.com Forums are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Visajourney.com does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. VisaJourney.com does not condone immigration fraud in any way, shape or manner. VisaJourney.com recommends that if any member or user knows directly of someone involved in fraudulent or illegal activity, that they report such activity directly to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. You can contact ICE via email at Immigration.Reply@dhs.gov or you can telephone ICE at 1-866-347-2423. All reported threads/posts containing reference to immigration fraud or illegal activities will be removed from this board. If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by contacting us here with a url link to that content. Thank you.
×
×
  • Create New...