MissK

Hi everyone. My Norwegian fiancé has his interview in Stockholm on Thursday! It's exciting, yet still nerve-wracking. We're just ready to have it over with!

In the meantime, I'm trying to pull some ideas together for the wedding. Does anyone know any good Norwegian love songs? I asked my fiancé and he's clueless! I thought I'd ask on here to see if anyone had any ideas.

Do you want songs in norwegian or just norwegian artists?

Is it for danicing or the cermony? There is a lot of sloooow songs...

I have no idea what kind of music you like but here are some suggestions (that have norwegian lyrics):

"Den finaste eg veit" by Hellbillies is a beauty of a love song and is commonly used in weddings! Fin=nice, lovely etc. Here it means something like"You are the most lovely person I know". Perfect both for ceremony and first dance! Would be my number one pick:)

Other suggestions:

"Du og eg" by Bjørn Eidsvåg Slow and nice song, beautiful lyrics.

"Bruremarsj fra Lødingen" Halvdan Sivertesen. Brur= bride, weddingmarch from Lødingen. Funny and upbeat, will appeal to "older" generations. Would maybe use it for dancing......

"Kjœrlighetsvisa" Halvdan Sivertsen "Lovesong"

"Gje meg handa di ven" "Give me your hand" I love it, but some people think it's for funerals..... But I know people who have used it for weddings.

Sadly not to many great songs in norwegian but there is a lot of nice ones in swedish he he.

Have more suggestions if you only want norwegian artists!

Thank you Nola! Very good information! It is nice to be prepared.

I flew back from Sweden to Norway with Norwegian without a passport, no problem. Just bring picture ID!

As for the medical, I think you will be fine doing it after the interview but they will need the medical to approve you.

But if the Embassy says it's ok to do it in Sweden it should be!

And the embassys e-mail answering system.....ahhhhh....remember that as being a pain in the butt!!

I also did an early walk in. Easy peasy, in and out in 30 minutes even with a little crowd there!

Alaska- congratulations with our new baby! So happy for you:) Kram

Hi everyone! Long time no see. Not much has been happening, immigration-wise, so I keep forgetting to check in! (And whoa, the site looks different!) A few weeks ago, I suddenly got a bunch of USCIS alerts on my phone and got all excited, only to find out that they were confirmation notices that we'd changed our address. Well, duh!

In non-immigration land, though, (almost) everything is great, except that we've been trying (to no avail) to get Aaron added to my primary checking account since he arrived. It's an online account through Capital One 360 (formerly ING Direct). We had no problem getting a joint account at BoA pretty much the day after he arrived, but CO360 just will not budge. Part of it is probably his lack of a credit history, which I haven't been as conscientious about addressing as I should have and he doesn't really understand the importance of. We applied for some sort of newcomers card for him a few days ago, and hopefully he'll get approved for that and we can start the ball rolling. The CO360 account is just too convenient for us in so many ways that it doesn't make sense to switch banks, so they had better come around at some point.

In other news, though....

...he got a job! He's in school, primarily, until he can boost his education level enough to be competitive for jobs in this area, but we wanted something stable and part-time with regular daytime hours, and my friend/ex-coworker mentioned an opening at her (my former) company. He applied, got an interview, and got the job: the first job he ever applied for in the U.S. I'm so amazed and proud. He's been there a week so far, and if all goes well it will take him through school and provide a giant boost to the family income. Which couldn't have come at a better time, because...

...we bought a condo! Somehow, we managed to keep the wedding affordable enough that we had enough left for a down payment once the dust settled. The new place is gorgeous, in a much more appealing neighborhood, twice the size of the apartment we were renting before (and with extra storage space, a shared porch/yard, and our own parking space, to boot), and the monthly cost to us is the SAME. Best of all, it has 3 bedrooms! One for us, one for guests, and an extra one. Which couldn't have come at a better time, because...

...we're having a baby! I'm due around Thanksgiving.

What a year! And to think that last year at this time, I was sitting on the edge of my seat convinced that the NOA2 would never come and Aaron would never get over here and even if he did, how did I know that we'd get along well and be able to make a life work together. And somehow, pretty much everything fell into place <knock on wood>. Happy, happy, happy.

Ok this brought tears to my eyes! Yes! What a year for all of us! And congratulations on having a baby:) Yeah!

I'm doing ok, having my ups and down days but are settling in ok. I have found it hard not work......Planning a loooong trip to Norway this summer. Just got my employment card and are looking to start work as soon as I can get something when we return in August. Anxious to start working!!

Got two debit cards and a credit card early on and my credit rating is buiding slowly, thankful for that! Great to hear how everybodys doing:)

Has anyone here shipped a container from Scandinavia to USA or vice versa? I'm trying to find options (and costs) of shipping some furniture.

I got a quote from a couple of companies in Norway before I moved. I asked about shipping my bed (kingsize) and up to seven boxes of stuff. They would charge me 30.000 NOK (about 5000 dollars) for that!!! And that was without customs charges here in the US...no thanks....

But there have to be something cheaper than that....

I haven't, but I did look into it the other way around and it seemed like it would be pretty expensive.

We got our visa yesterday!

Congratulations!!!

Hi all!

Finally got a NOA 1 date for our AOS, March 18. I had to resend everything because I signed the wrong signature box for my sons I-485. Also got an appointment for biometrics for next week but did a walk-in two days ago. That was a breeze, in and out in 25 minutes. Our cases says initial review on the USCIS site except my I-485 says acceptance....

On the USCIS site it says that our case is being processed at the National Benefits Center. Or will it be transferred later?

So finally got my drivers license! That feels great.

Mary, it took 5 weeks to get my social security card, a looong wait that is!

Well if you grew up there...

For me personally, I want to see the tourist-y stuff. Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square etc etc... That's what I've seen in movies and television, I want to see that stuff in real life too. Then when I have seen it, I can go about finding other stuff. I don't necessarily need to go up in the Statue of Liberty, just to name one example, but at least I want to see it (I hate waiting in line and I'm not waiting for hours to go up, take a peek and go back down again, besides, I'm afraid of heights).

That said, I don't want to just rush through things just to be able to say I've seen it either. If we go to Ground Zero or the Guggenheim, we're gonna take enough time to check it out thoroughly. So that's why we will probably plan to see one or two things, and save the rest for a future visit. Knock one thing off the list at a time, so to speak.

I went there in January, love it! But we were sick 2 out of 4 days so that was a little sad. I have been there a few times before many years ago and did see a Broadway show then. Would love to again, but it's so darn expensive too! (or do someone have some tips?)

We did Top of the Rock (Rockefeller center) this time, I would absolutely suggest you do that instead of Empire State, the view you get is much better. And then you can look at Empire State from the ground ha ha!

Spring break and we are spending it at the arctic circle!!

Anchorage had nice spring temperatures but then my son and my husband thought it would be awesome with a little (?) drive (7hrs later) to Fairbanks. So we went from 35 F to -2F.... That just killed my spring feelings

That's worse than Sweden!! Brr.... I'm so ready for spring!

Bummer.....got the whole package back today. I signed my sons I-484 in the wrong box, as the person preparing the form....

Not a big thing, but everything is taken apart and stapled together so should I redo all the forms (there is an I-797 attached to every form...) or just take those notices off and change the signature and resend everything as is? Advice?

It took me over 3 weeks to get a text and letter for NOA1 of AOS. Don't worry too much

Such a relief to read! It seem like everybody get it after just a few days:)

Awesome. I was told the same thing. Now I will try again with the EAD card to change her SSN.

I just changed it with my marriage certificate.

Worried now, I sent out AOS packet two weeks ago tomorrow and still no text/e-mail message or NOA1....

Promised myself I would not obsess over AOS but I would just like to know it is in the system....

So sorry to hear that Jay Jay.... That just sucks big time....Cheating just infuriates me...

Help everyone. I sent my 130 & 485 in on 19th. Feb and USPS confirmed delivery on. 21st Feb. I have not yet received email/sms confirmation and money order has not been cashed. I am worried. What do you guys think?

I sent mine on the 20th and it was delivered the 23rd and still nothing....starting to worry but then I'm not alone!

Hi guys! Joining you as I sent in the AOS papers on Wednesday:) So before Christmas we should all have our green card, right!? Well, at least I feel so less stressful being with my love now filing I did filing K-1 and not knowing when we would be together!

So has anyone got any plans or thoughts of visits back to their motherland?!

Yes! The plan from the start was to go back this summer. Out of my two best friends one is getting married and the other is having her first baby, I want to be there! And I'm missing both friends an family.... Plus escaping the HOT and HUMID Virgina summer to the COOL Norvegian summer is a plus.... But seriously, this will probably be the last time I can go back for longer than two-three weeks for a very, very long time.....

Hello All,

I am a bit confused on these two above. Do I send the I-765 in with the packet for the I-485? That is an additional $380?

Thanks for any help in advance.

Johnny

Yes you can file the I-765 with the I-485 and you don't have to add the 380 dollar fee. The total fee for AOS is 1070 dollars and that includes the employment and advanced parole application if you include that.

Sounds like a great time Bork! And happy belated birthday!

Well things is starting to coming together here too. I have been working on our AOS and finally sent it off today (there have been days where I thought, why the *ell did we not get married before we started all this...) oh well. I still get to play housewife a few more months.... Which so far have been busy with getting everything set up, visit from Norway and it's great to have time for my son right after school.

I got two bank accounts, one joint with my husband, I got a secured credit card with a 500 dollar limit, I got my social security card (twice, decided to add my husbands last name). Now I'm just waiting for NOA1 from AOS and then we will go to DMV to finally get my drivers license. Then I can go to buy wine alone!!! (sometimes I can't even get away with my passport as they have to scan the ID!!!) ANd wine is of course not the most important thing...

It feels like life is finally starting to get together again! Yay!

I can't edit previous post so I did it like this... Not starting to get tighter, but together again!!

Sounds like a great time Bork! And happy belated birthday!

Well things is starting to coming together here too. I have been working on our AOS and finally sent it off today (there have been days where I thought, why the *ell did we not get married before we started all this...) oh well. I still get to play housewife a few more months.... Which so far have been busy with getting everything set up, visit from Norway and it's great to have time for my son right after school.

I got two bank accounts, one joint with my husband, I got a secured credit card with a 500 dollar limit, I got my social security card (twice, decided to add my husbands last name). Now I'm just waiting for NOA1 from AOS and then we will go to DMV to finally get my drivers license. Then I can go to buy wine alone!!! (sometimes I can't even get away with my passport as they have to scan the ID!!!) ANd wine is of course not the most important thing...

It feels like life is finally starting to get tighter again! Yay!

So when do you plan on sending your AOS?

Did it today!

Not sure if it's the same in all the states, but in FL, you have to have the NOA1 from the AOS in order to get your license (that may also be just to exchange it)

Good luck with the AOS It's a lot easier than the K1 packets

You are absolutely right! But in Virginia you can get a license with your social security card, proof of residency (bank statement, lease/morgage, utility bills), marriage certificate and an unexpired I-94 that still have more than 30 days left to expire! I missed that 30 days window and now need to wait for NOA1..

Congratulations Mary! Beautiful photo!!

I sent out our AOS packet today! So happy to finally have it in the mail....but as I read through here now we only submitted 4 passport photos....and no pay stubs....so we will see....I really hope this goes without a RFE as we want to travel back to Norway for the summer....

Good luck everybody!!

I'm the really slow one!!! Haven't even sent in Aos papers yet. I'm working on them now.... Decided to change my name so another trip to the SS office this Monday, hope it's coming in fast so I can go get my drivers licensce already!

Congratulations Mary!! FInally:) SO happy for you!

Beautiful picture Afoysowa, looks like a beautiful day:)

So we got a certified copy of the marriage license today, so just need to get together the AOS papers fast.

I got added to my husbands bank account today (joint account) and got a debit card. I already have my own bank account with my own debit card. I was approved for a secured credit card, 100 dollar deposit and 500 dollar limit! Great! feels like things is slowly starting to come together;)

Darkmoonfaerie: So sorry to hear about all you are going through, such a though ride for you. wish you all the best!

Mary: so happy to hear things are finally moving along for you!

KT : congratulations on your wedding!

Update from me; got married last week on a beautiful cermony on the beach! Finally got my SSN after 5(!!!) weeks. Getting ready to start on the AOS papers. But do I have to order a certified copy of the marriage certificate? Did not do that, so we will probably get just an original? I will have to call them on Tuesday. I do have an bank account and a debit card. Gavin: how did you get the credit card? No drivers licenese yet as I have to have NOA1 from AOS I think.

It does depend on the DMV for your state. I think I read somewhere that it was possible to get a driver's license without NOA1, but it would not be something I would rely on. NOA1, my driving license, passport and a bank statement showing my name and address was what I took with me. They need proof you live in the state - Again this was just the DMV for Virginia, others might be different.

On the DMV for Virginia website it had a little wizard that you could go through to make sure you had the paperwork you needed before going. Here's the link for the VA one https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/apps/documentbuilder/intro.aspx

On the SSN, 2 weeks after POE is what most people say about going to the SSN office to apply. I applied after a week and they had me on the system, then it took another week for it to come through the post.

Sorry, I should have mentioned that I asked because I know you are in Virginia and I am too;)

Thank you for the link!