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Gosia & Tito

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  1. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from cnhad830 in Double Last Name after marriage   
    She changed her name to mine when we married (meaning, the last name I have in my US documents (I am the USC, but naturalized). My last name is not so "American" (I am originally from South America). We did not do the 130 as she came on a K-1 and then did the AOS (which did not include the 130); in the forms for AOS we used her new married name and in the boxes where "Other" names were, her maiden name. Her SSN and drivers is with her new married name.
    When we travel we use the name in the passport (her original name) because that is what must match the boarding pass, but notice that we do not yet have GC (which will come in the new married name). I don't know if the GC will list her original name. When traveling, we'll use the name in her passport, which she will not change, and will carry the marriage cert (when traveling abroad) just in case. I'd think that as she gets inspected at customs, they will see 'other' names and her maiden when they check the GC.
    Poland does not recognize dual citizenship and does not reject other citizenship a Polish wold have, that is, when a Polish is in Poland, he/she is Polish regardless of any other citizenship he/she might have and while same Polish person is outside of Poland then he/she would be also recognized as citizen of the other country (perhaps is same in Ukraine, but notice the 'not recognize' is different to 'not allow'). In your case, you would need to check whether that could become a problem; that is what led us to keep her Polish documentation same. The only reason we would register our marriage in Poland is if we move there permanently, which is not very likely; though we might move to France or the UK within the next 5 years and I'll be looking into that
  2. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from car0593 in Taking Alaska cruise without a green card   
    What if cruise gets in trouble, like the recent ones in the Caribbean, and is then towed to the nearest port where everybody is required to get off?
  3. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from Allie D in My brother was denied F1 Visa because of my citizenship help   
    Exactly.
    OP: I believe that is the root of the denial. Student visa applicants have in the vast majority of cases already been accepted into a college/program, then that college provides paperwork as to the acceptance and this paperwork plus documentation supporting the financial aspects is what leads into the visa.
    In your original posts, you noted that he would study "aviation or accounting", which seems to be saying he is not accepted into a college yet and he would only later decide and apply. There is no guarantee of admission into a college, except for private ones that will take you as long as you pay their tuition. Aviation is very expensive, and there are very constraining rules for foreigners (thanks to 9-11), which esentially have closed the field for all but rich foreigners. Accounting means a 4-year college, and an admission process.
    Admissions don't happen overnight, even if he is inthe US it would be a 6-7 month process. What would he do for that pereiod of time. The student visa is granted to start studies within a short period of time, couple of months usually.
    I believe that is the problem here. You don't just go asking for a student visa, to come into the country and then figure out what would you study. Even for non-college type of studies, inclusive to aviation. The prospective student has to be accepted first. Otherwise is kind of asking for a fiance/e visa without having a fiance/e and then come to the country to 'find' one.
    SO, for specific advice: your brother has to go to an admission process to a school/college, then be accepted, then can he ask for a student visa. With the financial supporting documentation; and here is where your aid might kick in: if the college is in the area you live, you can offer a housing support for example, which reduces his overall financial liability.
    The college/school will provide him, during the admission process, the estimate costs of living, tuition, insurance, etc; such that it is clearly spelled out how much money -minimum- per year he must have to support his studies. Then he provides strong documentation that he has those financial resources, then the possibility of a visa is strong.
    I don't believe, like others have noted that the fact that you are a citizen would count as much at that point -a lot of first hand experience here-; but it does when there is no specific admission to a program.
    Good luck
  4. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from CAPRICEJAH in Report rude consular officers   
    As a prior K-1 I feel your pain, but you might want to consider the following below.
    And please don't go into "he's already with his spouse, he does not understand/care/<your favorite word here>". We had our share of uncertainty and drama.
    Here is what you need to consider, and I'm not defending the CO:
    The rate of visa rejections in Ghana is high, that is directly related to a insufficient documentation, fake documentation perhaps, overstay of citizens from Ghana, possibly scam relationships (we'll never know is this is the case since there are no stats and no one in their right mind would post such a case here (except the affected partner possibly), etc
    The higher the rate the more rejections a country has, there is a correlation and some would call it Catch-22
    COs have a procedures manual, but there is a lot that is left to their discretion. Unfair sometimes? Absolutely. Take into account that when in doubt, they will vely likely deny. I would.
    Most important: it is not a right but a privilege for the prospective immigrant to obtain a visa and live in the US. Not saying the the US is making you a favor by approving; we are people after all; but that is an important distinction that gets lost in the frustration of a denial. Think of it this way: if you apply for a job in a company, you are given the opportunity to apply, while you might have a right to hold a job, it does not mean a right to the job you applied for in that company
    Or, this other way: you apply for a loan at your local bank. You are given the opportunity to apply .It does not mean an automatic approval of a loan.
    Yes, we are talking about people lives, families and not jobs or loans; but principle is similar.
    Put it this way: no one is stopping your SO to move to your country. If the love and relationship is that strong and what matters most, why would your SO not move there?
    I was ready to do so and leave everything behind if our case had not been favorable.
    Hope your journey ends up well.
  5. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from N and J in CAN GREEN CARD HOLDER GET STUDENT LOAN?   
    Not sure what happened..but here it goes again:
    Most lenders are going to ask if you are a citizen, permanent resident or non-resident. Technically you are not yet permanent and when documentation is asked, it will be clear your GC is conditional. The reason they ask is because they want to get their money back and for that to happen, they need to be able to get with someone that is around. Now, many lenders would give you a loan if you have a co-borrower that is a citizen or permanent resident.
    Couple of things to take in consideration:
    student loans cannot be discharged in a bankruptcy
    think about saving some money before starting or study and work. There is nothing better than graduating with no loan to repay...it gives you a lot of options
  6. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from koolgurl in Help! Tourist Visa Cancelled   
    PLaying devil's advocate here:
    If you had broken up, how did he know your flight and arrival date/time?
    A CO would logically think that you had contacted him. Of course, it is all possible that you have common friends and someone might have tipped him, but these are the kinds of things you would be asked in case you get an opportunity for a review of the decision or later if your now husband files a petition on your behalf.
  7. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from Merrytooth in Report rude consular officers   
    As a prior K-1 I feel your pain, but you might want to consider the following below.
    And please don't go into "he's already with his spouse, he does not understand/care/<your favorite word here>". We had our share of uncertainty and drama.
    Here is what you need to consider, and I'm not defending the CO:
    The rate of visa rejections in Ghana is high, that is directly related to a insufficient documentation, fake documentation perhaps, overstay of citizens from Ghana, possibly scam relationships (we'll never know is this is the case since there are no stats and no one in their right mind would post such a case here (except the affected partner possibly), etc
    The higher the rate the more rejections a country has, there is a correlation and some would call it Catch-22
    COs have a procedures manual, but there is a lot that is left to their discretion. Unfair sometimes? Absolutely. Take into account that when in doubt, they will vely likely deny. I would.
    Most important: it is not a right but a privilege for the prospective immigrant to obtain a visa and live in the US. Not saying the the US is making you a favor by approving; we are people after all; but that is an important distinction that gets lost in the frustration of a denial. Think of it this way: if you apply for a job in a company, you are given the opportunity to apply, while you might have a right to hold a job, it does not mean a right to the job you applied for in that company
    Or, this other way: you apply for a loan at your local bank. You are given the opportunity to apply .It does not mean an automatic approval of a loan.
    Yes, we are talking about people lives, families and not jobs or loans; but principle is similar.
    Put it this way: no one is stopping your SO to move to your country. If the love and relationship is that strong and what matters most, why would your SO not move there?
    I was ready to do so and leave everything behind if our case had not been favorable.
    Hope your journey ends up well.
  8. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from B-2-Z in Report rude consular officers   
    As a prior K-1 I feel your pain, but you might want to consider the following below.
    And please don't go into "he's already with his spouse, he does not understand/care/<your favorite word here>". We had our share of uncertainty and drama.
    Here is what you need to consider, and I'm not defending the CO:
    The rate of visa rejections in Ghana is high, that is directly related to a insufficient documentation, fake documentation perhaps, overstay of citizens from Ghana, possibly scam relationships (we'll never know is this is the case since there are no stats and no one in their right mind would post such a case here (except the affected partner possibly), etc
    The higher the rate the more rejections a country has, there is a correlation and some would call it Catch-22
    COs have a procedures manual, but there is a lot that is left to their discretion. Unfair sometimes? Absolutely. Take into account that when in doubt, they will vely likely deny. I would.
    Most important: it is not a right but a privilege for the prospective immigrant to obtain a visa and live in the US. Not saying the the US is making you a favor by approving; we are people after all; but that is an important distinction that gets lost in the frustration of a denial. Think of it this way: if you apply for a job in a company, you are given the opportunity to apply, while you might have a right to hold a job, it does not mean a right to the job you applied for in that company
    Or, this other way: you apply for a loan at your local bank. You are given the opportunity to apply .It does not mean an automatic approval of a loan.
    Yes, we are talking about people lives, families and not jobs or loans; but principle is similar.
    Put it this way: no one is stopping your SO to move to your country. If the love and relationship is that strong and what matters most, why would your SO not move there?
    I was ready to do so and leave everything behind if our case had not been favorable.
    Hope your journey ends up well.
  9. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from B-2-Z in Working in the US (without EAD) as K-1 Visa Holder   
    "It can't get much clearer than that. (from the SSA standpoint"
    Good luck trying to explain the DHS inspector an the judge presiding your hearing that "the SSA is ok with me working". Simply put, SSA will not be at your deportation hearing to defend you...
    ​This has been debated ad-nauseam before. I can understand you are new here but that does not change things.
  10. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from TBoneTX in Tips for finding work in America?   
    From your experience, are foreign qualifications and/or experience useless in America?
    If what you do requires a licence, then you need to secure one in the US. Other qualifications, certifications or experience do help, but more so in a broad/international organization.
    There might be some reservations that you might not know how business is ran in here (US, TX, Dallas) and that depends on the organization.
    As you say you work in one of the big4, first thing I'd do is to look for a transfer. Not so much a blind search on your internal job site, but networking (I also work in a large transnational and networking is king). You might need to settle for an intermediate position while something down your alley comes up, but there are some caveats: it might be a downgrade and sometimes, depending on the org, that is not easy to overcome.
    While GRC is the same anywhere, many might not see it that way and would say things like "it is done differently in the US"; what they mean is operationally, but they don't even realize it and/or don't know what they are talking about. Be ready to speak the US lingo, or TX lingo in this case.


    What tips could you recommend for job hunting effectively in the US?
    Make sure your resume is checked thoroughly by a professional. The way resumes/CVs (no one does CV here) are written is quite different.
    Since I see you are coming on a K-1, be prepare to not work for 2-3 months + any time before marriage. Unless it is a transfer and some arrangements can be done, you will not have a work permit for some time.
    Headhunters/recruiters also play a role; you might want to locate a good one in your area. How? If your transfer efforts are not progressing, perhaps by then you have made enough acquaintances in this Dallas office that one could be recommended to you.
    In all cases of making contacts before arrival and immediately after: do mention you are in a path of a GC, with specifics as of timeline (see more on that below) because these days, many orgs don't want to take the time and effort of sponsoring you unless you are at least mid level and/or bring something special to the table.
    If there is any US-sought-up certification, you might want to start working on that. For example CISRCP (I'm in IT and know about this one)

    What didn't work for you?
    Just sending resumes blindly. You might get something and not saying to not do it, but don't underestimate networking and the foot on the door you have by working in the same org that has an office in Dallas. If anything, be selective and focus on you getting a job/career rather than 'just getting a job'.
    I'm going to stress again that you will not work for some time; as I think you are driven; the exact time will depend on when you marry and file for AOS + 2-3 months (which is the time your work authorization will take).

    How long did it take you to find work?
    THis is a question that deserves a depends. The market is quite good now, especially in TX, as long is not in an oil and gas. With all the red tape since Enron; there is a lot more in GRC and it seems to be growing every year. A few years back, when the job market was as bad as it could be, it took about 3-4 months; but not in the risk and compliance field. I'd say that you have a decent chance of joining a consulting org, but maybe not so much in the specific field you want, at least not initially.
  11. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from B-2-Z in Tourist Visa Wife Deported After Honeymoon Cruise   
    "Joshua didn't file to have Liza's status changed because he was told it was unnecessary by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services."
    Aha, in other news, he was also told by an unknown source that pigs fly
  12. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from Ning in Thoughts on my current hardship letter for my wife's ban please!   
    A few comments below. My sympathies to you and wife, but IMHO, your case is weak. You need to see this objectively. I can't tell if it is the case, but I'd think USCIS would verify the information related to the country in question. Good luck and wish you best
    Computer Science, a field that is just developing in Peru. Getting a job in Peru doing what I know is highly unlikely – simply not true; it might not be as advanced in some areas; but also, you would need to describe what specific areas of CS are you talking about. A BS in CS is most commonly working technical/engineering software development and in many cases just standard business/IT; some do some more advanced aspects like computer graphics and these days perhaps some big data related –on the data analytics side, not on the infrastructure; A MS would get you in more ‘sophisticated’ areas of CS where most of the real CS action is with the Feds. These days Security related is also a big side of CS. You omit to say that with your degree/education, you could start your company and make a very nice living. If you think not possible, you have not been there long enough or have not done sufficient research.
    average Peruvian income which is around 500$-600$ - that is for non-professionals or low end professionals in non technical areas; professionals have a higher income; but you need to also tell the whole story: you don’t need nearly as much to live in there, my estimate is 500-600/month on the low end but comfortable, and about 1500-2000 in average (and high end for many there) with housing the highest expense on the Miraflores and San Isidro areas; but why not Jesus Maria or areas of San Miguel or Pueblo Libre around la Catolica U?, I won’t deny that if you want a more comfortable setting, you'd need to have another 1-2k; but so would you if you live in SF for example.
    faces very high rates of unemployment – simply not true. I also go to Peru quite a lot and know very well that those stats you have are not quite reflecting reality. If you spend as much time as you say, you know that too and that there is a high level of entrepreneurship, which makes it look like people is unemployed, but not the case
    place that is chaotic and dangerous in the best areas – relative to say Tennessee, probably; relative to some of the “bad” areas of NY, Chicago or LA, very doubtful; as I said, I also go over there quite a lot and never had a problem, mind you I don't tempt fate, so walking around with a laptop is not a good idea, I get a cab, and usually call one of the 'secure' companies ;I'm sure you know all this. Not to say I never will have a problem but in about 10 years going over none, and I’ve had more crime related problems in some of the US and European cities than in South America and Peru
  13. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from usmsbow in Family visiting for my wedding in US- how to deal with their visa   
    Poland is not yet in the VWP
    Also, I'd ask why would mother not be asking for B2 in London?
    I'd think that would give a much stronger evidence of return?
  14. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from Asia in Very complicated situation   
    Since you mention not divorced; first thing you want to do is to file for separation, as in today/tomorrow; while you prepare filing for divorce. If you are still married, any debt he incurs is also yours. Not sure what state you are, but in most, you can serve by publication, that is, if he can't or don't want to be located, it is published; you might want to get a family attorney if you do not know how to do this.
    If every soon to be ex-husband refused to sign papers, many people would still not be divirced.
    Second, I would think you can still press charges, that is, if you wish to do so and have proof, like hospital.medical exams of the broken nose and sexual assault; you must understand that not having documented proof might not get you anywhere, but that is for an attorney to define.
    Third, his immigration issues are his; your focus needs to you in you and your family. Other than making an infopass appointment and bringing documentation you would hopefully have; not much else you could do there.
    As I noted above, focus on your protection, financially and physical and worry less about his immigration matters.
  15. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from trublubu2 in Very complicated situation   
    Since you mention not divorced; first thing you want to do is to file for separation, as in today/tomorrow; while you prepare filing for divorce. If you are still married, any debt he incurs is also yours. Not sure what state you are, but in most, you can serve by publication, that is, if he can't or don't want to be located, it is published; you might want to get a family attorney if you do not know how to do this.
    If every soon to be ex-husband refused to sign papers, many people would still not be divirced.
    Second, I would think you can still press charges, that is, if you wish to do so and have proof, like hospital.medical exams of the broken nose and sexual assault; you must understand that not having documented proof might not get you anywhere, but that is for an attorney to define.
    Third, his immigration issues are his; your focus needs to you in you and your family. Other than making an infopass appointment and bringing documentation you would hopefully have; not much else you could do there.
    As I noted above, focus on your protection, financially and physical and worry less about his immigration matters.
  16. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from Ning in Rent or Buy Advice   
    Assuming you don't have major ties such as an important job, school, etc; then IMHO, I'd say tpo move East with some time before arrival of Josh and prepare for arrival.
    I would not buy house just yet, and instead settle with a job and a short term (6 month-1yr at most) place to live; then on arrival look for a stable place together.
    The stress of someone arriving to the country is big enough to add a search for a job and a place to live, even temporarily
  17. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from WombatWombat in Irrational husband adjustment issues and removal of condition   
    If you wanted a child, you've got one.
    I'm assuming that you did not really want a child; in that case, do not even concern yourself about the 600 for ROC; you would to think abou the long term outcome. Does not look good, from what you say.
    I'd get a one way ticket and send him home; before doing that, cancel all credit cards or remove him from such , as well as other bank accounts, etc.
    If he wants toys, he can work for that, like any half way decent person.
    Some people nevre change, and you mihgt have one of those.
  18. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from Teddy B in Is this process legal and practical?   
    Borderline IMHO, and there is a fine line on utlimate intent. Not sure that I would call it fraud myself; but you need to keep in mind that immigration laws are not black and white and there is a lot left to the subjective opinion of the official in charge. Someone with a bad hair day might make life tough for you
  19. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from TwoChickies in Is this process legal and practical?   
    Borderline IMHO, and there is a fine line on utlimate intent. Not sure that I would call it fraud myself; but you need to keep in mind that immigration laws are not black and white and there is a lot left to the subjective opinion of the official in charge. Someone with a bad hair day might make life tough for you
  20. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from pdking5000 in Buying a home when married vs before marriage   
    You will always get "it's going to increase soon" stories. Remeber that your lender is making a commission, no loan no commission. You want to shop around exhaustively for best conditions (and that is not only the rate itself, but total cost of the loan; then taxes in the area, etc). WIth Houston traffic what it is, you might want to live not far to where your daily activities, commute, etc is.
    Raising credit rating by 40 points is quite a big jump IMHO, and that could take quite a while.
    WHile there are more supply and hence better prices in this time of the year, and until Aug/Sep, also consider that same as you, many parents shop for houses exactly for the same reason your fiancee is: school district.
  21. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from Morningmist in I messed up badly   
    How about joint taxes
    Better than a web site screen shot, the actual title documents
    Better than bank account webpages, actual statemetns covering 2 years
    Health care documentation
    Car(s) title/insurance
    DOn't get hung up on utility bills, those are not as important
  22. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from Marco&Bettina in Will I get banned If I return to my country?   
    This is dangerously sounding as if you would fix things only to get a greeen card. If you get things fixed and apply for AOS, and later for ROC, you will need to prove yours was a bonafide and continous marriage. Bonafide does look like initially, continuous not so much.
    And your story changed from 'going back and make money to visit aunt' to 'things are not so good in Greece and want to stay here'
    It all may be because of not so good knowledge of the immigration laws, but still.
  23. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from Romet in nightmare k1 marriage   
    1.And there is proof of that alleged rape, such as a police report, etc; right?
    2.This is your house, correct? Meaning title is solely on your name. You get to decide who lives there or not. In other words, brother is trespassing if you say so. A simple call to your local police can do the trick. That plus a restraining order so he cannot come back. Your wife might leave, but perhaps that is best and would make things a lot easier.
    3. You can get "hurt", that would be assault and if you press charges, that is jail time and deportation, plus bye bye to Obama's executive action.
    4. Talking to him about him: have a couple of friends over at a time he is there, let your friends know you are about to kick out the brother. Then you kick him out. Have the restraining order on the ready. If he becomes abusive, call the cops. There might be a lot of drama, not your problem. If you act fast and decisive it will be over before anyone can react. DO not engage in negotiations, discussions, etc..Swift action is the name of the game
    4. That he can't work is not your problem. Where he is going to stay is not your problem either. He is a big boy. If he doesn't like it he can go back to Mexico
    5. I'd hold AOS indefinetely until you are fully convinced the situation grants it.
    6. Love is love, but it requires honesty and commitment, neither of those has she given you.
    7. The petition for K-1 has material misrepresentation: children not declared. IMO, sufficient to make the K-1 void. In fact, you are risking future complications. If you are still interested in pursuing a life with this woman, I'd be checking with an attorney. This kind of material misrepresenations have a knack to come back and bite you
    8. I have the feeling you have already decided on a course of action and are just looking for confirmation here
  24. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from Marco&Bettina in nightmare k1 marriage   
    1.And there is proof of that alleged rape, such as a police report, etc; right?
    2.This is your house, correct? Meaning title is solely on your name. You get to decide who lives there or not. In other words, brother is trespassing if you say so. A simple call to your local police can do the trick. That plus a restraining order so he cannot come back. Your wife might leave, but perhaps that is best and would make things a lot easier.
    3. You can get "hurt", that would be assault and if you press charges, that is jail time and deportation, plus bye bye to Obama's executive action.
    4. Talking to him about him: have a couple of friends over at a time he is there, let your friends know you are about to kick out the brother. Then you kick him out. Have the restraining order on the ready. If he becomes abusive, call the cops. There might be a lot of drama, not your problem. If you act fast and decisive it will be over before anyone can react. DO not engage in negotiations, discussions, etc..Swift action is the name of the game
    4. That he can't work is not your problem. Where he is going to stay is not your problem either. He is a big boy. If he doesn't like it he can go back to Mexico
    5. I'd hold AOS indefinetely until you are fully convinced the situation grants it.
    6. Love is love, but it requires honesty and commitment, neither of those has she given you.
    7. The petition for K-1 has material misrepresentation: children not declared. IMO, sufficient to make the K-1 void. In fact, you are risking future complications. If you are still interested in pursuing a life with this woman, I'd be checking with an attorney. This kind of material misrepresenations have a knack to come back and bite you
    8. I have the feeling you have already decided on a course of action and are just looking for confirmation here
  25. Like
    Gosia & Tito got a reaction from Pinkrlion in Letter asking us for more evidence!! :(   
    On the home mortgage:
    In most states, wife's are supposed to be in title -regardess of who is in the mortgage (that is, if the house or a refi happened after marriage. If not, then it is not your house, no matter whether you have a joint account paying for it)
    Same with car, in most states, a joint title can be held. I did gave my wife a car too, but we are both in the title.
    It seems you do not have much documented proof of financial commingling, and that is the problem.
    How about joint filing taxes, other loans where both are in the loan paperwork, benficiary of 401 and/or life insurance, healthcare benefiiary trhu job, trips together (with itineraries).
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