Leasel7

I'm so sorry you had to go through this alone and can't imagine why they would want you to come to an interview without your husband. My husband's AOS application was recently transferred over to CSC -- which means NO INTERVIEW -- and I don't know why they don't put service members at the top of the list for this streamlined process, especially since they are more likely to be deployed right now.

Thank you for your husband's service to his country. I'm sure he will be safe and hope he gets home soon. I grew up a Navy brat, still live in a Navy town (Norfolk area), and work for the Navy, so I have all kinds of appreciation for our sailors!

Marie, I found all the information I needed for my (then) fiance's K1 visa right here on Visa Journey. I did not need to pay any money to an attorney or an immigration website. We are married now and awaiting his adjustment of status. I recommend that you take a look at the guide for the type of visa you will be applying for. (See the "Guides" tab at the top of this webpage.) That will give you an idea of what you need to put together the application package. And if you are with your sweetheart right now (since you mention that you are away from home!), you can start working on gathering some of the stuff you will need. (E.g. for the K1 visa, you need proof of having met in person within the past few years, so you would want to keep airline ticket stubs, hotel receipts, photos of the two of you together, etc.) Good luck!

Go here:

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html

To get the form to apply for a SSN for your husband. Most likely he will need to get his SSN before he can get a Drivers License, however I am not familar with the rules in Virginia, so you should look them up on the website for the Virginia DMV:

http://www.dmv.state.va.us

I'm in Virginia also and have been looking into requirements for getting a driver's license for my husband. (My, my have things changed since I was a teenager and got my first driver's license!) According to DMV guidance, to obtain a driver's permit/license, you must show "proof of your complete social security number (if you have been issued one)". The guidance explicitly states that you must have a social security number for a commercial driver's license, but it seems that it is not needed for a general driver's license. Here's the reference:

http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/pdf/dmv141.pdf

Yeah, I know, all too often with the government common sense does not apply, but in this case it does! You only have to pay one biometrics fee for AOS and EAD when you send them in at the same time. (Not sure if common sense still would apply if you sent the EAD application in separately, but one would think they don't need to do biometrics more than once.)

Does anybody know if all you need to bring is just an ID and the appointment letter nothing else??? I would hate to have my husband go there missing something!!

Diana

My hubby had his biometrics appointment on July 1st, and all they wanted to see was ID (his passport) and the appointment letter. I was carrying the NOAs for his I-485 and I-765, but not only were they not needed....the guy at the 1st desk thought I had an appointment letter of my own and was ready to check me in as well!!!

My husband just had his biometrics appointment on July 1st, and all he needed was his passport and the appointment letter.

We just received email notification that our AOS case was transferred to CSC yesterday! Here's our info:

Congratulations and thanks for sharing your experience. My husband & I will also be going through the Norfolk office....soon, I hope!

Yep. Here's a link to the thread where Billsgirl was talking about contributing to this article:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...ndpost&p=241777

Here's what's on the USCIS website (emphasis -- in red -- is mine:

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-485.htm

Where to File:

Special Information for Persons Living in the Dallas, Texas Area:

The Dallas District office is conducting a pilot program designed to test our ability to complete the adjustment of status process within 90 days of filing, eliminating the need for interim employment and travel authorization documents and their associated costs. Should you choose to participate in the pilot program, and if you are eligible, you will be able to schedule your appointment time through InfoPass. If your application is complete, you will have your interview for permanent residence on the scheduled date. Read about the Pilot Program at http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/dal...ot_overview.htm

For all other persons:

Effective December 1, 2004, if you live in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, as well as the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands of the United States,

You will need to mail your application to:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

P.O. Box 805887

Chicago, IL 60680-4120

Or, for non-United States Postal Service (USPS) deliveries (e.g. private couriers)

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Attn: FBASI

427 S. LaSalle – 3rd Floor

Chicago, IL 60605-1098

Effective April 1, 2005, if you live in any of the following states Alaska, California, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Washington,

You will need to mail your application to:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

P.O. Box 805887

Chicago, IL 60680-4120

Or, for non-United States Postal Service (USPS) deliveries (e.g. private couriers)

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Attn: FBASI

427 S. LaSalle – 3rd Floor

Chicago, IL 60605-1098

Welcome and good luck, Justin & Tracy!!! I just love a post that starts out with "Howdy Y'all"!

1. My first few months in the states was difficult for me. I can write english very well, but speaking is kind of hard for me especially when I'm with a group ( like his family or friends). I had difficulty expressing myself whenever I am with his family and friends. Because they talk so fast or some topics that I don't know of. I cant count the numerous times that my husband complained to me that I am not being friendly to his family and friends. I am trying so. I can answer one question at a time when his friends and family ask me but with lengthy conversation I really have problem. I told him many times that I need to adjust first because its not my first language but keeps telling me that I am offending his family. I told him that you should understand me first because I'm new to your country. I realy like his family because they are so nice people, and I never snobbed them. I answer them nicely whenever they ask me. One question at a time, though. His family also have a hard time understanding my pronunciation. That is why I speak the words many times before I could be understood.

My husband -- who lived in Hawaii for four years and speaks fluent English -- has had a similar experience. The first time he came to visit for 3 weeks, he was so quiet in social settings that some of my family and friends thought him to be unfriendly, when in fact he is quite the opposite. He says that in his culture when you visit the home of strangers or mere acquaintances, it is customary to be quiet, but I also think he had to adjust to a social setting (US east coast/south) that he was not accustomed to, so he was proceeding very cautiously. And lastly I think he found being the only non-white person in a social gathering (as is often the case for him) to be a bit awkward, but he is getting past that. I hope your husband can learn to be more considerate and try to imagine himself being in your situation, but ultimately this problem should solve itself as you become more comfortable in your new setting and gain confidence.

2. I don't drink alcohol. Never like the taste the firs time I tried it. Whenever we are with his friends, along with the wives, they drink alcohol a lot and wine. It's just amazes me that they drink it like water. When the wives offered me a drink, he often told me that I should drink it. I really tried drinking wine and beer but afterwards, I got sick for 3 days. He thinks that I was not being friendly again. A lot of occasions he feels that.

It is so wrong for your husband to push alcohol on you. I do not drink alcohol at all, and most of my friends are merely moderate drinkers, as is my husband. Being around people who are drinking heavily is awkward, but fortunately rarely necessary for me. For you and your husband, this is a significant difference in lifestyle. I hope you can be a good influence on him, and perhaps the two of you can form some new friendships with couples who take a more moderate approach to alcohol use. In the mean time, please stand your ground and don't allow him to mold you into something you are not. Perhaps some marital counseling would help him see declining to indulge in alcohol use does not equate to being unfriendly.

3. One time when were at the mall, there were so many people and he asked me to walk fast. He walked faster than me so I told him to wait. But I think he did not hear me good. So, I had to walk double time. He thought that I was already walking beside him and he started to talk but realize that I was still few steps away from him. When I reached him, he was upset and told me straight that I embarrased. I said that I did not mean to because he was walking too fast. I kept quiet because I did not want to argue.

I have experienced this with my husband along with other men, so I think it's just a man thing and a general lack of thoughtfulness. Hopefully now that it came up, maybe he'll take it into consideration the next time you're walking together and slow his pace down if you begin to lag behind instead of getting mad. (I have to confess that when a guy does this to me, I usually slow my pace down so much that he is forced to stop and wait for me. After that, usually he realizes he is walking too fast and slows down.)

4. He does not like holding hands on public. He said that only teenagers do that. I reasoned out to him people who love each other are not shy to hold hands. Its not like we are kissing on public. But in fairness, he is affectionate when we are alone. But I notice, Im always the one initiating the hugs or kissing, or caressing. He just reciprocate it after I do it. But for a day that I try to see if I will not hug or kiss him because I want to know if he will initiate it, he tells me that I'm not being affectionate.

I'm not sure how old your husband is, but I don't think this is unusual for American men of a certain age and culture. My father has never been particularly affectionate in public or otherwise; I think it is a function of how he was raised. I think younger American men are more likely to be affectionate in public.

5. On my 3rd month here, I saw my husband watching porn online. I asked him why is he watching it? he said it's just nothing. But I told him that Im not comfortable him watching porn because it makes me feel like he is seeking pleasure from the net, and makes me feel like I am not enough for him. After few days he did it again. I dont know how many times he does it. But 2 days ago, when I was looking for files for on " my documents" to look for a recipe, I saw a folder file, with lots of naked women pictures with sexy pose. I asked him right away why is he saving them. He said its nothing. It does not mean a thing. I told him that he hurts me. He said ok , do you like me to delete it? I told him even if you delete it now, you will put files again. We had this discussion before. I told him again about my feelings about it. And he said that I mean so much to him. Not the porn. He deleted it. Yesterday when I was taking a nap ( it was only like 3:00 pm) I woke up and saw him on computer looking at porn again. I told him calmly that he is looking at it again. All he said was yes. And continued watching it. I got up from bed and told him that I'm going to drive to the store and buy a bread. I was hurting so much. I felt like I could not trust him. When I came back he said he was sorry , and that he was only bored. I did not feel the sincerity of his apology. I felt so hurt because if he truly loves me he should not do things to hurt me especially since I told him already that hurt me.

After reading a longish Visa Journey thread on this topic, I know my views on this are in the minority...but I think what your husband is doing is completely unacceptable. If he loves and respects you, he needs to find some way to entertain himself beyond ogling pictures of naked women on the internet. Perhaps this is a hobby from his post divorce/single days that he hasn't let go of yet, but I find it troubling that he persists knowing that it hurts and upsets you, and didn't stop when caught in the act. Hopefully you are not dealing with a pornography addiction.

7. He has this savings account with his wife name still on it. I asked him to remove her name on that account many times because he is not married to her anymore. But he kept telling me that its nothing. The his ex wife does not know about it. I told him that if he could put the name of his daughters instead, not his ex wife. I dont mind that. He does not need to put my name there. On his checking account, our names are on it. Im the one paying all the monthly bills using the check. Sometimes, I think thats why he put my name there.

After reading 1-5, I think this is the least of your worries. As others have stated, I think your husband sounds inconsiderate and controlling. Instead of taking your wishes and needs into consideration, and respecting your personal morality and life choices, he is attempting to mold you into what he wants. I personally think trying to push you into drinking alcohol and condemning you for being "unfriendly" when you are still adjusting to a new culture and becoming comfortable conversing in another language is mildly abusive. Why isn't he explaining to his family that you are still adjusting and becoming comfortable with conversational English instead of heaping condemnation on you?

Let me echo the others who are recommending marital counseling. Your husband has been married before and may be retaining some of the same behaviors that doomed his previous marriage. Please stay strong and stand your ground.

Oh, and one last thing...

He also says I love you to me, and even says many times that he loves me more, and that I could never find someone who would love me as much as he does.

I wonder how your husband defines "love". Do you have a Bible in the house? If so, ask your husband to read I Corinthians 13...."Love is patient, love is kind" -- doesn't sound like you are experiencing a whole lot ot that kind of love.

The day after Ms. Ux's Kayone became Mrs. Ux she called the Vietnam Vets to have all my bachelor furniture hauled away together with 3/5 of my life-long wardrobe

You have a way with words, Mr. Ux! This story reminds me of a newlywed coworker from years past; we worked in the men's department of a local store. As soon as her hubby (a naval officer) went on deployment, she immediately discarded all his clothes and replaced them with garments more to her liking. By the time he returned, there wasn't much he could do about it.

I am still fighting this battle with my husband of five months....many of our evenings out begin with the words "is that what you plan to wear?" Recently he did some painting in the bathroom, which was great except that he opted to use his most expensive pair of pants to paint in. With oil base paint. Sigh. Everything else he has is either athletic shorts or jeans.

My kudos to Mrs. Ux for her achievement....and your dining room looks great!

Sounds like they want what is known around here as "NOA2", which is the I-797 Notice of Action from whichever service center processed your K1 application indicating that the application was approved by USCIS. Did you include the NOA2 in your AOS package? If so, perhaps they lost it.

Also, presumably you sent photocopies of your wife's passport, including her K1 visa, which would further serve as evidence that an immigrant visa petition was filed on her behalf.

I have no idea what "(1&2)" means....maybe someone else can shed some light on that.

I know nothing about DCF but just wanted to say it's nice to see another Pacific Islander on the forum! My husband is Polynesian (from the Solomon Islands). Good luck to you and your husband!

Lots of information and advice on this topic can be found in these two threads:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...ndpost&p=241616

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...ndpost&p=240672

In both situations an RFE was issued requesting proof that the USC makes 125% of the poverty guideline, and in both cases the USC's income now clearly exceeds 125% of the poverty guideline but did not during prior tax years.

Second, regarding addresses - you are referring to form G-325A. SPEAKING OF WHICH, where does it state that I should file it? I am going to file it, but I don't recall seeing it anywhere on official site that I should file it. What did I miss?

For starters, check out this site's K1 Guide:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...om&page=k1guide

and then if you want official confirmation, here's a link to similar information on the USCIS site:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...om&page=k1guide

Bottom line, both you and your fiancee will have to fill out a form G-325A as part of the K1 package.

Reminds me of an Australian uncle's advice regarding sharks....just make sure you're not the furthest swimmer out!

But getting back to bears... I do have a healthy fear of them at the moment, having just finished "The Grizzly Maze", a book about the demise of bear enthusiast Timothy Treadwell, who ran out of luck after spending 13 summers amongst the bears of Katmai National Park in Alaska. According to the book, trying to run away from an aggressive bear is not a good idea, but the good news is that the more people you have with you, the less likely the bear is to attack.

See Jaci's post on this thread:

If I remember right, her then fiance was denied the K1 visa, and the consular officer later told her that he was too immature, or something to that effect. Jaci is a hero; she married her fiance and is still fighting the battle to get him to the US. (BTW...excellent interview advice in Jaci's post as well!)

Also here's another post from an "older woman" who did get asked about the age difference at her K1 interview:

To add my own experience....I am 12.5 years older than my husband. He went through the US embassy in Papua New Guinea for his K1 visa, and there was no mention of the age difference whatsoever during his interview. So in our case the "older woman" issue simply did not come up.

(And thanks for the props, Shonjaved!!!)

Hi Pris, here's the info from USCIS about where to send the I-485:

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-485.htm

Where to File:

Special Information for Persons Living in the Dallas, Texas Area:

The Dallas District office is conducting a pilot program designed to test our ability to complete the adjustment of status process within 90 days of filing, eliminating the need for interim employment and travel authorization documents and their associated costs. Should you choose to participate in the pilot program, and if you are eligible, you will be able to schedule your appointment time through InfoPass. If your application is complete, you will have your interview for permanent residence on the scheduled date. Read about the Pilot Program at

http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/dal...ot_overview.htm

For all other persons:

Effective December 1, 2004, if you live in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, as well as the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands of the United States,

You will need to mail your application to:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

P.O. Box 805887

Chicago, IL 60680-4120

Or, for non-United States Postal Service (USPS) deliveries (e.g. private couriers)

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Attn: FBASI

427 S. LaSalle – 3rd Floor

Chicago, IL 60605-1098

Effective April 1, 2005, if you live in any of the following states Alaska, California, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Washington,

You will need to mail your application to:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

P.O. Box 805887

Chicago, IL 60680-4120

Or, for non-United States Postal Service (USPS) deliveries (e.g. private couriers)

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Attn: FBASI

427 S. LaSalle – 3rd Floor

Chicago, IL 60605-1098

BTW, my mother is from Melbourne....Essendon area!

crazyinlove, I am so sorry to hear about what happened. I well remember your fiance posting about the problems with his parents and felt bad for you at the time, but this betrayal is much worse than anything they could inflict. I can't begin to imagine what would motivate him to cheat on you while going through the trouble to get you here on a K1 visa...but the fact that he was unwilling/unable to take on his parents for treating you so badly tells us something about his maturity level. The cheating may be his way of attempting to end the engagement and detach from you with minimal direct confrontation; some men tend to end their current relationship by getting involved in a new one first; that way the outgoing lady friend is less likely to cling.

Anyway, I know this is very painful, but let me echo the others who have said it is better that you found out now, before giving up everything you have in Australia to come to the US for him. Take good care of yourself and know that you deserve so much better than this.

I'm sorry, by "original" I meant the one issued from my country, on my language - Portuguese. When I sent the birth certificate I sent just the translated one. Dumb me, I know, but now I'm sending everything they asked for - the one in Portuguese and the translated one.

My question is - Am I the applicant or the beneficiary? Are they really asking for mine or my husband's birth certificate???? (I promise I'll stop making stupid questions)

These are not a stupid questions...I also find this to be kind of confusing Normally I would think applicant = US citizen, but in this case the RFE is for the I-485 (correct?), which you (the non US citizen) filled out, so I think you are the applicant they are referring to. Besides which, the US citizen does not have to supply a birth certificate as part of the Adjustment of Status application.

Earlier today I read about a somewhat similar situation, only it happened at an embassy at the time of the K1 interview; the K1 applicant brought only the translated birth certificate, not the original. She could not get the visa until her parents went to city hall, got a certified copy of the birth certificate, and then express mailed it to the embassy. So I am guessing that you are absolutely right in thinking that the RFE is for your original birth certificate.

Just adding my thanks and appreciation...I have been helped many times by information posted by both Yodrak and Aussiewench.

And I had to spend 6.50 for 100 of them because it was the only box I could find! What am I going to do with 99 fasteners!

You'll need another one for Adjustment of Status, so now it's only 98 you have to worry about!!!

(I, on the other hand, couldn't find the box of fasteners I bought when putting the K1 visa application together, so I had to buy another box of 50....from the local Office Max.)

With the Affidavit of Support do you also have to show that you have medical coverage for yourself and your soon-to-be husband or wife? I make well over the 125% poverty level but I'm curious if they want to see medical coverage?

Keith, I filled out the I-134 for my (then) fiance's K1 Visa application and more recently the I-864 for his Adjustment of Status. Neither asks for any information on medical coverage, and I've never heard of that question being asked during a K1 interview either.

Also, I'm paying child support on my son, I have just one more year to pay. Will they look at this during the K1 Fiancee Visa interview? The amount of my child support is stipulated in the divorce decree, thus far I have been approved through the USCIS and through the NVC, still waiting on Packet #3 from Guangzhou, China.

Anything is possible, but after hanging around this website for a year, I have yet to see anyone report this subject coming up during a K1 interview, where they are typically more interested in establishing that you have a valid relationship. They are more likely to ask your fiancee if she knows how many children you have, their ages and names, etc. Seems like the child support you are paying would be of interest only in so far as it affects your ability to support your fiancee financially, so if your income exceeds the poverty level for a household of three (you, your fiancee, your son) you should be fine.

That's all I know, perhaps someone with experience in the child support area or who has been through the same embassy can shed more light on this.