IslandLady

I WANT MY CASE NUMBER!!!!!! :angry: :angry: :angry:

Wow. I pray that you'll go into this weekend with your Case # & IIN!

OK...I agree wholeheartedly with you on Skype and all those wonderful communications thingies! And yes, I'll get up at 4:30 or even earlier for love. he's worth it And YES YES YES reunion This thread is so much fun and so supportive! It's fabulous!

(road trip)

Yes yes yes!!

Just not between June 1-7 as I'll be in Canada

LOL. Summer is a very busy time for me too.

I'm definitely up for that! Let's meet in South Dakota where I'm at

Road trip!!! Road trip!!!

I'm reading through the posts and multi quoting, when I realize I'd better stop or my response will take an entire PAGE of posts!!!

Thank goodness for Skype. And free long distance to Canada!!

Mr. Sheeshka and I spend our entire evenings and weekends with Skype on. At night we both go to bed and talk on the phone until we fall asleep. With the two hour time difference, he usually listens to me sleep. He has said it's hard for him to fall asleep now with out a phone jammed between his head and the pillow! There's been more than one occasion my alarm goes off at 5:30 and wakes him up at 3:30!

I BELIEVE in Skype. Skype is what has kept my husband and I communicating day in, day out, night in, night out. Thank God for Skype, Magic Jack, and Blackberry Messenger. We're also thankful for overseas calling plans and calling cards. Sheeshkabelle, you guys aren't alone... my husband and I spend hours together doing our separate things and then talking about it... on Skype! It's so bad that one day he was looking for something and yelled my name to help him look for it, forgetting that this wasn't one of my visits!

You're welcome - anytime!

LOL sometimes Trav's alarm wakes me up through my skype headset!!!! GRRRR!!! I don't wanna be up at 4:30!

...Not even for love huh

IT is wonderful to talk to people going through the exact same thing.

For a while I couldn't log on here and read things during the USCIS stage. We had such a long wait, I hated seeing people that filed months after us getting NOA2s, flying through NVC, and getting interviews, while we sat in CSC. (for the past year, we have been the longest to get through USCIS, with out an RFE)

It got to the point we doubted ourselves. That we made the wrong decision and I should have kept my application for PR in Canada going. It took forever to get through USCIS, but there was a silver lining to that. Darnell, of all people (LOL), pointed out. Because it took so long we could get an IR-1 visa and tell USCIS to stuff it for the next 10 years. Or we could file for his citizenship after three years of his IR-1, and tell USCIS to stuff it for good!

Then I started to cheer up. I started to make friends, I found an awesome kindred spirit in Shell. I have someone to share triumphs with, and someone to cry with me. I have a whole community of people that UNDERSTAND!! Sure, your family backs you up, but they don't understand. They don't know what it's like, the paperwork, the stress.

When I see people getting their NOA2, their cases complete, getting interviews it makes me happy. I get excited for them! They now have their happy ending. Eventually we all will have ours too!

That's a BEAUTIFUL post... and I identify with what you're saying. This is such a unique journey - it's so comforting to find a community of people who know EXACTLY what you're going through, who offer help and advice, and who are generally understanding and non-judgmental.

I think I'm gonna miss THIS thread when my case is complete, interview date set, visa approved and in hand... what do y'all say, REUNION anyone???

I was just on the phone with my Wife's senator office and we email them the same package that was sent to NVC, i call them back to confirm that they have it, they do. Now the woman was about to call my wife to get from her signature before taking action, Yay!!! i am being proactive

Puzzled: yesterday morning, an agent told me my DS-230 packet was being reviewed. Last night, and again this morning, the agents asked when did I send the packet (I told them when it was delivered to them). They then said "It takes 15 days to process and update your case ma'am".

Have they stopped giving updates? It sounds like they didn't even LOOK at my file!!!

I just talk to my wife, she said she is going to scan them instead she was not able to drive back to home and stayed at work a coupld of minutes. The baby went down to her belly so she could not even walk out the office and get in her Car.

Praying for you and your wife, Rujby.

Called NVC for the first time today. The guy just told me to wait 15 days after the USCIS approval before calling. Wouldn't even tell me whether our case has been received or not.

Wow. Doesn't matter - call them again tomorrow anyway.

I finally got my NVC case number today Now we get things moving.

Yes! Progress!

She is currently scanning the document and i ask her to send them directly to her email so i cna double check and make sure that everything is correct to be sent. Once correct i will be the one to email the supervisor Sue using her email ( my wife ). After we sent the email she will make the call to her Senator's office and inform them that she is sending the requested documents

Wow Rujby! This is sounding very good.

This is strange, I have never heard of an adult whon had to take that many shots. If you would look at the sho5ts that are required most of them are required as a child so an adult would only be taking those that are requirements for an adult. Also, never knew anyone who had to take a series of shots, unless your wife showed signs of TB that would be different.

I'm thinking these same thing. Based on the info I read at this link - CDC - Technical Instructions to Panel Physicians re Vaccinations (scroll to the bottom of the page to see the table), I surmised that I would need 3-4 shots, depending on what's available here in Jamaica:

1. Tetanus booster
2. MMR (maybe?)
3. Varicella (available in Ja? Not sure)
4. Current 'flu shot (available in Ja? Not sure)

NO his regular GP did the blood test. He chose to have the titres done instead of getting shots, apart from Tdap which is a booster that we all are supposed to have every 10yrs. He knew he had MMR shot, and the chicken pox as a child...sure enough, his blood test showed immunity so he didn't have to repeat them.(i am a nurse so I knew this could be done instead) He hates jabs and deals better with blood draw?!

at the blood draw vs jabs!!! Thing is, I don't know that the titres are available in Jamaica either

Hi, just wait for the medical and get the shots. The dr's are now being very picky and they are not accepting the shot records from the clinic. Plus, the clinic may not have the shots med you will need so don't stress your self out before hand.

Thanks Life... that's what I've been hearing, which is why I posted the question. I don't understand the logic though: so they only accept the shots that they themselves give? Wow. I'm leaning towards the option you're recommending - I don't want to spend twice the time and money for immunizations.

my wife had the same issue. lost her vaccine card and could not find records in buff bay, so she took them again. its about 4 or 5 shots. there is one that has a 6 week period between first and second shot. my wife will get the second in 2 weeks. you should start right now...

Your wife's interview has just been scheduled, right? How soon will she be doing her medical? Has she spoken to anyone at the facility to find out if they will accept the shots that she's gotten already?

......i have some serious vertigo going on here. Just got off the phone with NVC. John informed me...from what it SOUNDED LIKE...that our expedite has been accepted, we're just waiting on montreal to schedule us. WHAT!?!?!??! Is it possible I heard him wrong?!?!?!?!?!

well i am booking flights because all the signs are lining up, it is also my sister and stepson birthday. lol

Nice!

WOW so happy to see all the wonderful news today! Interview dates and expedite approvals, how amazing is that?! :dance:

Today I got my AOS approval Now just the IV approval and case complete! The phone operator said that he didn't see the IV package as received but I'm thinking that they are just putting it in the system. Hopefully by Friday a CC :thumbs:

Let's keep the good momentum going

CONGRATS!

We're gonna have to put a PG-13 rating on this thread in a minute....

Thank you!!! :dance:

How do I even adjust my actual timeline?! LOL

SIGH....my husband is cranking "sexy and I know it" in celebration. Really?! What a goofy man

Hey guys, just called back NVC now they are seeing the AOS as paid . Saylin i asked about the new price and Jim said its $230, i asked about the $74 and he said its 230 flat, no additional but we will find out on Friday, but he said invoices wont be released until after Friday. i hope that is not another wait until Monday to pay a bill. 1st time i ever want to pay money so badly....

Yay... celebrate every step forward! I'm curious to see what will happen to the $74 fee... from what I've read it's a security fee that's not affected by the reduced fee for the IV application.

may 8 at 730am

Wow, that's my birthday... so you KNOW that's a good sign . All the best, and please keep us posted with your progress!

Question,

I am really tempted to call NVC to see if they received my file yet. Do you think I should? or should I wait till Friday?

Sure you could, even though it tends to take about a week or more for them to get the cases. But it won't hurt to call.

Yes definitely i need to be there, i am used to see big bellies in the street and had never touched one. Now i have my own i want to feel the baby moving under my hand when i am touching the belly. These days i look at pregnant women in the streets more often trying to imagine how my wife walk, sit, lay down, drive, how she is when clothes on and bunch of ideas crossing my mind. This is the first time in my life i am gonna have a child, first time i got a woman pregnant for me, i missed most of the months as she is 6 months now i do not want to miss the 8th one

That was BEAUTIFUL, Rujby!

Really? That's a shame...if you have documentation that you've had the shots, it shouldn't matter where or when you get them. Did you call the visa medical facility where you will be going to ask about this?

I'll be calling them tomorrow.

:star:AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

CALLED DOS GOT INTERVIEW DATE MAY 21ST 7:30am.

AFTER CALLED NVC JUS TO HEAR IT AGAIN :star: :star: :star:

and this is my 1st time callin DOS!! waw im so happi, i literally started shaking....

what a blessed day...

i love you all on VJ, SAYLIN!! and everyone else who hae been a great support and help :wow:

Yay!!!

finally got it today

Fantastic abg! What date & time did you get?

At your age you should only need Tdap, MMR & Varicella. The Varicella vaccine is not available in some countries, so check on that. My husband had a blood test (titres) done for proof of immunity to Measles/Mumps/Rubella & Varicella (instead of re-doing shots), and only received the Tdap vaccine at his local doctor. You can have vaccines done by the panel physician but they charge quite a bit usually. If you can get some for free at your regular doc. I recommend saving yourself some money. Their are other optional vaccines but most are recommended for ill, elderly, or children.

Thanks Trojam227. I've been reading some posts from Jamaicans that say sometimes when you get the shots on your own within 4-8 weeks of the medical, it causes a problem and the panel physician re-schedule the medical - which of course effectively delays the whole process. That's why I want to find out the experiences of people here in Jamaica. As you've pointed out, if starting the shots on my own means saving money and time, then that's what I'll do. But I don't want to unnecessarily risk any delay in the processing of my case.

I should be studying for an exam, but I did some research.

It's taken me a few days, but, here is the reason why DoS can see things USCIS and NVC can not:

....

Thanks for all that hard work, and thanks for sharing your research!

Here's the most awesome t-shirt ever!

FABULOUS t-shirts!

In Dominican lingo GUAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!! :dance:

(MERENGUE DANCING HERE)

MAY 7TH AT 6:45AM finally!!!!!! Best news ever!!!!!!! Steph and I are close dates so we better meet up that weekend!

That's really good to know!

OOOOOOH news! The congressman's written back to my husband...sounds like they're needling DOS and the Embassy to pony up with an expedite yee haw, y'all!

Congratulations to you both! This is so exciting!

Thanks... I also think it's high time to stop with the country music references...I'm fixin to break out in a twangy song any moment now

Called DOS about 45 min ago...Interview May 4th 6:00am. Happy beyond words.

Yay!!! for you!

Your Dr. should know what shots you may need. There is no problem in getting them done now. This way when you go for your physical through an required Dr through the embassy you will not have to get them then. It may say you money in the end. I had my husband make sure his was all set just knowing in the end that he is going to need them on record.

Thank you

SAylin 2 GOOD news!

1.MY dad's situation is much better but still in ICU.

2.I GOT A CASE COMPLETE EMAIL YESTERDAY AT 11 am. :dance: :dance: PLZ update me.CASE complete on 04/10/2012.

CONGRATS!!!!!!

Question to Jamaican filers who've gone through this before:

I'm approaching the end of my NVC processing. I figure that at BEST, I'll get an interview date for at LEAST one month away. Should I start getting my shots now, or should I wait on the medical? I have no vaccination records from school days, so I'll have to start all over again. I'm in my early 40s ( I'm told that age determines what shots/boosters are needed).

That's where we Canadians are spoiled. We're so used to just going across the border with no issues, that the immigration is a shock!

That's why I'm SOOOO thankful for VisaJourney. All this information and support from strangers around the world... It makes this process a LOT easier to go through. If I didn't learn all the things I have from this website, we'd probably be still waiting on the DS-3032 packet to arrive in the mail from NVC... And being in a community like this reminds me that hubby and I are NOT alone... there are SO many other people who can identify with our journey!

I like your fancy signature by the way

Why thank you ma'am! (said in a Southern drawl while bowing)

And that brings up a question Mr. Sheeshka and I discussed not too long ago.

If we knew in the beginning how hard this was going to be, would we have continued the relationship?

We both knew how hard this would be - we're Jamaicans, and the US embassy here is pretty strict. But we've been through very tough times before, and the Lord has ALWAYS brought us through. So we've been approaching this as we do every other undertaking - ONE step at a time (including my occasional bouts of panicked freaking out LOL). But yes, this relationship is TOTALLY worth this immigration journey!

It IS true... i had no clue until after i got married and even then, i thought the USCIS step was the only step... silly me for not reading more into it at the time... and most people don't know that there is a process to coming here legally... the ones that have an idea, don't think it takes as long as it does... my mom was telling me that back when she filed a petition for my dad ~26 years ago, that it was just one petition she filed, submitted a bank statement, he had his interview, and he was here after only 2 months!!! talk about simple and quick!!! lol... i was telling her of all the stages there are now, the number of forms to fill, all the other documents and paperwork to submit, and then all the fees and she couldn't believe it... times have changed ALOT!!! my dad thought i was doing something wrong with the filing because it was taking longer than a couple of months...LOL

Those were the good ol' days... before 9-11 and immigration fraud. Good thing is, we've got bragging rights: we're survivors of a much TOUGHER system!

Isn't that true?! When I started dating Trav, he had friends who would just say "oh, just come down here, get married and don't go back - that's all you need to do." Yeah, that's all you need to do if you figure you look good in prison gear awaiting deportation!

... hence the sometimes intolerant comments I see sometimes in response news articles discussing immigration, legal or illegal. Many people never think that one day THEY may be a stranger in someone else's country!

LOL, so true. My mom knows someone who had a daughter-in-law from Brazil who was pregnant. They decided that the visa process was going to take too long and they wanted her to give birth in the US so they snuck her through the border with Mexico. I would never take that risk because I wouldn't want to have the threat of my wife and step-daughter being deported at any moment, not to mention it can be dangerous to make an illegal crossing into the US from Mexico.

I agree - there are some risks not worth taking, because the consequences of failure are SO dire and FINAL. It's really best to try to prepare, present the best case you can, and settle down for the long haul knowing that the process won't last forever.

WOW...that's a huge risk to take with a pregnant person! The dangers are real, and I'm sure they're far worse than what we read about in the news too. I'd say there's something to be said for doing this process, surviving it, and being fully able to live as a free permanent resident/citizen - with no fear of deportation unless you get stupid! It may take a long time, it may be painful, but being able to live a fully normal life with our spouses at the end is a huge plus!

I've got no color, no bolding, no italics... and right now, no signature

OK, got it. Here's how: I typed in my signature again, then selected all of it and removed all formatting (by clicking the AA icon on the top left of the post box). THEN separated out the resulting plain text paragraph back into lines. Got my signature back.

Thanks Saylin!