R and L

Thanks to all for the replies!

Well I failed because I turned to right too slow (ok, almost stopped as was checking if there is pedestrians as there was a pedestrian crossing) and the examiner then decided to intervene - which means a fail. I should have driven faster that left turn.

My second mistake I didn't really understand actually. I was doing a left turn in an intersection and when I was in the middle of the intersection ready to turn left she yelled and intervened again. But I don't really understand what I was doing exactly wrong? Hesitating maybe a bit?

Well, I feel a bit relief to hear that almost everyone fails the first attempt here in CA! Thanks Laure&Colin!!!

Haven't done my second attempt yet as was so embarrassed of my first fail that wanted to drive more and improve my skills. But even though I can understand that I could be more assertive in my driving I still think my examiner was also very tough and felt like she expected absolutely perfect driving! I wish I could just have it like EmigratingSwede! Jealous!!

Nylonmac, my driving test was over 20 minutes actually!!! Hmm...driving school wouldn't hurt (my hubby suggested the same) but I'm still being stubborn (and stupidly proud ) that I guess it takes a second fail for me to go and knock the driving school's door. Even though true, even one lesson might help me to clarify the CA rules in driving!

Well, I hope I can post here that I passed on my second...fingers crossed!

Oh I was so sorry to read what you're going through Saylin!

I know that a lot of people are advising to just let go of him, but personally I'm kind of person who likes to see things fully through so I can accept that I did my absolute best. So that I never need to regret that "what if..."

I've been with my hubby for 4 years and honestly it's been ups and downs and some arguments have been heavy! But we have made all our fights through, even fights that it felt like our relationship has comes to its end, it didn't. Deep down the heavy fights our love has been thankfully stronger.

So I don't know, maybe there truly exists relationships that the couple doesn't have issues, but I've never been in one. The things you're facing are really really heavy, but maybe some marriage counseling would help? I understood your hubby doesn't want to go to one, but maybe you could still try to change his mind in that? And he really does need to stop communicating with this girl! It's really not helping your relationship at all!

(F) keep strong!

I've actually realized that when I visit Finland I really enjoy things that I didn't pay attention when living there. Like last time I was there I was so happy having a walk in this foggy, drizzly, cloudy day! And when it was the time of the year when it's pretty much few hours sun light and other times pitch dark (and even when it was "sun light time" it was basically cloudy) I was honestly loving the atmosphere

Of course, and above all, I miss my family and friends - especially my mom!!

I also miss the great health care, public transport (especially trams!) and rye bread! Every time I'm in Finland I immediately start by eating some proper rye bread!! Last time I ate full month the same exact rye bread sandwich because it's so bloody good!!!

But I'm so happy to be with my hubby and finally have a normal married life where I don't need to see him going to the airport's security check knowing that I can't be hold by him for some time again - or vice versa, me flying away from him. I really love that I don't need to think about the time difference to call him! I love that he is now in our bedroom having a nap and I'm just some feet away from him in the living room. So I'm so incredibly happy to be without rye bread actually

I was curious to know how many times my VJ friends had to do their behind the wheel driving exam before passing?

I'm so embarrassed as have had my European driving license FOR YEARS and now when I did my "behind the wheel" driving test - the first try - I failed!! Thankfully passed the written the first time, but humiliating that failed the driving portion!!

So now I'm trying to drive more and once got some more confidence back after my first fail will try my second time (and third, fourth...if needed )

But what I did realize that the mistakes I made would probably not have been so crucial in my driving test in Finland and that was such an eye opener that the next time I'll try to show my driving skills I got to be super super smooth and conscious!

How many times did it take to you guys to pass? What were your experiences? (I think my driving instructor was a crazy woman who yelled immediately if I hesitated the next move even for a second!!! And now I'll bet I get the same crazy woman again next time and I'm already preparing my tough butt attitude to be prepared with her totally terrified!! )

oops, replied at the same time as jaejayC ... Similar reply

It takes about 5 months to get NOA2 (so that would be something like September/October for you guys).

Then, as you are applying for CR-1, you're file needs to go through NVC processing. That can take approx. 1-2 months.

After you're case gets approved at NVC, they send your file to the embassy.

I don't know what's the interview waiting time for the embassy you have, but count time for that.

And after the interview is approved, you most likely have to go through AP, which can take time. I'm sure somebody else can advice better on that since my hubby and I didn't need to go through AP.

And after the most likely AP, you're finally done - meaning visa in hand

So unfortunately September/October is just regarding the NOA2. Not until case is completed. Sorry to tell you this, but just try to have A LOT of patience!

And just for the comparison, even the faster countries take at least 7months altogether (the whole process: NOA2, NVC, Embassy interview), and that's when one doesn't need to deal with AP. And yes, AP is unfortunately very typical to MENA countries.

Good luck!!

Fun topic!

There are of course things in here that I'm not so crazy about (especially super expensive health insurances and very bad public transportation system) but there are a lot of fun things too:

- Was thrilled when I realized post comes also on Saturdays!

- Banks are open on Saturdays

- Cheap gas!

- Roads are wide - so much fun to drive when there is space!

- Supportive vibe!! One time hubby and I were in this one museum and walked down the hill (mostly people visiting use a complimentary light train) and suddenly this one couple stopped us and just sincerely were telling us how great it was that we walked down the hill! I couldn't believe it, never have had people -not even people I know- congratulating me for walking down a hill:) I thought it was so funny and sweetly expressed the vibe in here.

- When you go hiking other hikers say "Hi" to you when walking by

- Kinko's office/Fedex office give you complimentary staples, rubber bands etc

- You can get free coffee at the bank and many times hardware shops etc have at morning time free coffee&donut

- People get all excited to hear your different accent (first I was little bit uncomfortable about it, especially as I thought my English is pretty fluent, but then started actually enjoying it. Also brings a lot of laughter when I pronounce words sometimes in a funny way!

- public toilets are often kept in a good condition

- art museums with art from the big names - just incredible

- and I really, really enjoy the nature and national parks in here!

...and of course the FOOD:

- Also I agree, INN and OUT burgers are so, so yammy!

- The bagels in Donk'n Donuts

- Buffets in Indian restaurants

- cheap fruits and vegetables

- cheap Domino's pizza

- Real burritos

- French vanilla and hazelnut creamer in dark roast coffee

- Trader Joe's supermarket has GREAT frozen rasberry and pear pie (made in France)

- Yogurt blend ice-cream (though I'm not sure how healthy "yogurt" mixture it truly is...)

- Indian, Persian, Mexican, Lebanese supermarkets and restaurants

...ok I'm hungry now!!!

I landed on the 25th March and haven't got anything yet either.

But soon been here for a month so would assume that welcome letter and GC are on their way..

You know Helsinki Embassy is also pretty fast in replying on emails so if you ever have questions that you can't find answers on the official websites or here on visajourney, my suggestion is to email them (to the immigrant visa email address.) I sent them emails more than few times and they always replied to me kindly and usually within 1-2 days...sometimes even on the same day!

But sounds like the fee problem is solved, just wanted to write the above in case you get any tricky questions.

Good luck!

Well I've been in similar kind of situation. I had been visiting my husband in US last year:

1)first from April to June (this visit was 70 days),

then we went to Europe for a month,

2)Second visit from mid July to early October (85 days)

Then back to Finland for 2 months.

3) Third visit from early December to mid February.

The first trip I had only my return ticket to show I'm returning (was lucky at POE and no deeper questioning.)

Second trip we had our NOA1, my return ticket and I even mentioned I was with my US husband (no problem, again lucky at POE.)

Before the third visit I did purposely stay 2 months away as frequent LONG visits can cause questioning at POE and I had already been in US quite a lot.

On third visit I was way more prepared as I had already visited 2 times for longer periods. I had our NOA1 and NOA2, my medical done with doctor's letter from it, letter from my doctor in my home medical clinic as I had to do still few things when I return, email from the US embassy in Finland saying that it's ok to go visit US with WVP while CR-1 is pending (- adds them saying but it's up to the POE to decide though -), my return ticket and all our CR-1 application papers with the receipts from all the payments we had paid for the process. It was in the last stages of our CR-1 process, so I had no job in Finland and was living then with my parents. So didn't really have all the "good" proofs, like rent or job, that would show that I'm returning of course.

At POE the officer asked who am I visiting in US, and I said my husband. He did ask me few extra questions (including that he is American, when did we get married and where, the length of my previous visits, when am I going back) to which I replied honestly and clearly (I think it's good to say exact dates and times, clear answers). He wrote something to his computer and then welcomed me in. He didn't ask to see any proof (my return ticket etc) but I think it was good thing to be prepared.

You've been visiting frequently, but the good thing is that every time you also returned. As you've already decided to go, then I would advice: dress smartly, answer honestly and clearly, and have any letter or paper you could think of for showing you're clearly coming back. Maybe your USC fiance could write a letter that you are her fiance and that you are traveling back (with the exact date of return) and that then you will be in your home country until the K1 process is done. Or any similar kind of letter?

On the third visit I was also prepared that they might send me back as our CR-1 was pending, so I guess it's good to be prepared for that. Luckily was welcomed in, and I hope you will be too! Whatever happens it's at least good proof to show at the K1 interview that you've been visiting your honey a lot.

Good luck!!

(would be nice to know if all went well btw, which I hope it will!)

so excited, I forgot too mention it...it's January 13!!

Congratulations!!

We got also our interview appointment scheduled today!! The funny thing though is that as we thought our NVC stage would take longer, I flew to US to visit my hubby and will be leaving only after our currently scheduled interview appointment - which is already on January 4th! - so we need to reschedule. Medical done already also, so just figuring out now the new interview date.

It's really funny, now when I'm here with my hubby, all has started going super fast and smooth!

Anybody who's Ds 230 delivered on Dec 6th(info from DHL courier), waiting for Case Complete?

Mine is delivered on Dec 6th. waiting to hear Case Complete

SmileAlways, our DS 230 package got delivered on 2nd December and we got case complete on 8th December. So hopefully you will be getting your case complete very very soon!!

Always send the packages to the address on the cover sheet. The only exception is if you send them together.

And no, you don't need a photocopy of the form. The purpose of the photocopies is so you can get the originals/certified copies back at the interview. You just need to send photocopies of the marriage and birth certificates.

Thanks so much dear Saylin!! (F)

Hubby sent yesterday (Thursday 12.1) the IV package, and it will arrive to NVC next day, that is Friday 12.2!! AOS package arrives also Friday so all material will be there on Friday!! Just crossing fingers we don't get any RFEs!! What a week, when it finally started rolling, it rolled nice and fast, all bills and papers done and sent within week's time.

We are about to submit the IV packet! Few questions:

1) Do we send the IV packet in the same address as the AOS packet? (I know the address is in the coversheet but read something somewhere and got all confused )

2) Stupid question, but do we need to send also a photocopy of the DS-230? We have the original civil documents with the required photocopies, but what about the DS-230? We didn't photocopy the I-864 on AOS package either, so hoping it's ok..

...so thrilled things are moving! But at the same time get all these worries of all the little details

By the way, congratulations for all the guys who received interview date recently!! Congrats!!

Saylin, Saylin, Saylin,

Interview dateeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee: January 12th, 2012. I am so excitedddddddddddddddddddddddddddd!!!

Congrats!!!

Thank you Saylin and SmileAlways!!

Yay, feel great to be able to fill the dates...meaning things finally moving!! Little joys of the crazy process

Ok, feeling like my brain is totally offline! How did you guys manage to put your timeline on your profile so it shows in below of your each comment???

Thank you so much Canadian_wife and EAbbas!

And yes, we'll have all those papers as copies for me too! Definitely, better to be prepared! Thank you for the tip!!

(F) (F) (F) (F)

Hi!

Once our CR-1 case is completed at NVC and our file is sent to the Embassy, is there something still to be done?

I know with the K-1 applicants need to send the affidavit of support etc papers to the embassy, but with CR-1 isn't that all done with the NVC?

So my question, are there any papers, documents, forms that need to be received from the embassy and sent back to them before the interview can happen? Medical needs to be done, but is there anything else?? We've heard about the package 3 and 4, but don't really know what they consist of and if they require something to be done?

(F) Thank you if someone can clarify this to us! (F)

Thank you Saylin!! Will call NVC just in case once customer service opens, but relief to hear that it should be just the invoice getting ready! Thank you!! (F)

Any idea why my hubby can't pay the I-864 fee? Is it because it's weekend??

When he logs in to the online payment portal it says:

"Sign In Failed

* Please be advised that the case that you have attempted to access is not eligible for further processing by the National Visa Center at this time. Please click on the Contact the NVC hyperlink if you believe that you have received this message in error."

Our nvc case number and IID number should be correct as we managed to sign in successfully on Thursday (but then our I-864/AOS bill wasn't yet ready to be paid by nvc)..

YEEEEEEESSSSS!!!!!! Finally we are moving!! We got our nvc case number and sent immediately the DS 3032!! I-864 bill says still bill not invoiced but at least we are moving. And got our IID as well !!!!! :)

Question though, I wonder if we should try to send an expedite request? We have few reasons that we could try our luck, but feeling it's a slight chance (but a chance still of course, never know). BUT if we do send the expedite request, does it slow down the process because they need to process it? Just trying to avoid any delays now, we've waited so much already.. But if it doesn't affect to the process, then we might as well try to send the expedite request..doesn't hurt to try! What do you guys think..or Saylin, do you know how does it go?

Thank you everybody for the support!! :)

Loricap: Actually our service center is also California...there's Texas service center on my timeline as I don't seem to be able to change it to the correct one...But yeah, that's been the main problem that California service center didn't mail it on time. Which is sad and made us wait even longer now. If they would have mailed our case in the normal time schedule, we would have probably be over NVC as well, waiting for the interview by now...

I'm so, so, so, so frustrated! And wondering if there is anything that I or my hubby could do?

We got our NOA2 on 6th October, then after it was not received at NVC after 15 days we emailed NVC to locate our file from USCIS.

So finally on 2nd November, our file was received at NVC. And then now, nothing, no nvc number and the days keep on going! Argh!

So is there anyhting we can do?? It feels so unfair that after it took almost a month for our case to be even received at NVC, that now we still have to wait 20 days or longer to receive our nvc case number? AND I'm shocked to see that cases that arrived to NVC AFTER our case have gotten their nvc case numbers!

Is there anything we could do?

Also, it's really weird that one email said our case arrived at NVC on the 3rd of November, then one time when I was speaking with the NVC operator they said the date it arrived was 2nd November, and today the operator said it arrived on 31st October?

please, if there is anything we can do??

2011 income matters MUCH more than 2010--it is the estimate of your current income and that is the primary test, but if it is not recurring, then the embassy folks will give it a haircut or discount it altogether, so don't assume that the full $25K will be counted as income--it might be, but maybe not. And also list it as an asset because that is what it is assuming it is still in the bank.

That's what we were so surprised when NVC replied that they look at 2010 tax return, and thought that doesn't 2011 income matter? But I assume NVC customer service has certain scripts that they read, which is understandable. Above all, GREAT that 2011 matters more than 2010! (Well my hubby still didn't pay much taxes in 2010&2009 as he was temporarily abroad a lot, but 2008 his earnings in the tax return are well beyond the poverty guideline, so he'll send them all the 2008, 2009 and 2010 tax returns.)

Yes, won't be leaning that NVC/embassy counts the whole 25K, but better that than nothing still.

So my hubby can put the 25K to both, to estimated income of 2011, and also on the asset section? Maybe he'll attach also a letter stating and clarifying that he put the 25K also as asset, but it's also his estimated income of this year 2011...I guess it's always good to clarify them the situation and then they can decide what they want, but at least they are aware.

THANK YOU so much again Magical! :)