Jamaicagyaldat

FINALLY GUYs....we have our step-daughter here. We had a final interview on February 15th in which I and her father attended. They questioned me more than anyone else and they finally approved her. We ended up getting medical records proving her father was her father versus doing DNA. They were happy with that. So she arrived on Friday with her father. We had some drama while we were in Jamaica and my brother in law was murdered in front of us at a party. Shot 5 times over a girl! The girl arranged his murder. Its been real difficult, but we are all finally back here.

Anyway, guys help me with all this that went on, I have no idea what to do next!! Is there a guide after she arrives? She is 17 and do I have to apply for something to get her green card or what?? Help help help. I know i need that before i can apply for her social. Can someone direct me.

Can I please ask why they requested the DNA testing? We are getting ready to petition for my stepson. My husband wasn't married to the child's mother but is named on the child's birth certificate as his father. I emailed the consulate in Jamaica to get information about the DNA testing and they stated that we wouldn't know if the DNA testing would be needed until the interview. Do you think we should go ahead and get the DNA testing done before the interview? I went through all kinds of changes with USCIS trying to get my husband here. It took almost two years for the entire process. I don't want to have the same issues with the child. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Honestly I think it is just what they feel like doing. Her dad is on her birth certificate and we have more than enough paperwork, pictures since she is 3, she is 16 now etc. Multiple trips with both of us and pictures to support those trips etc. First they are requesting school or medical records. If we can not provide those then they want DNA. However, DNA can not be ordered unless they change the paperwork to indicate DNA. The DNA lab said in Minneapolis that they could do it, but sometimes the embassy in Jamaica wont accept it if it has not been ordered, therefore its best to wait until they say to do it, otherwise you could incur paying the money twice.

ITS HERE! Interview scheduled for January 10!!! its such a nice feeling!

NICE GOOD LUCK!

Congrats evoria on getting your NOA1!

MSC is the Missouri service center and some family based immigrant petitions have been sent there lately for processing. I don't think you will be able to find a processing time on the USCIS website as MSC does not typically handle this type of petition. If you search here on vj you should be able to find a few threads about people being processed or transferred to Missouri. Some people are saying that getting sent to Missouri will result in a faster processing time than the slowing CSC or VSC but I don't know if there is enough info to call it a trend yet.

Good luck and speedy process!

That is good news if you can get the records! Hopefully they will issue the visa after you send that in.

Did you already order and pay for the DNA kit?

No not at all. Because we can't get the DNA testing as the papers the embassy gave my step daughter only indicate medical or school records requested NOT DNA. They only said tht verbally.

our interview was oct 1st and they requested dna, i am still waiting. 520 dollars for the two dna tests. one done in the united states, and the other test has been waiting at the embassy for ever....then we had to send them to st andrew's hospital to pay another 50 dollar fee and get a receit to bring to the dna test that we havn't even gotten an apt for yet.

WHY? OMG that is awful! We are able to do the dna here and they actually email the results and mail the kit down. Then the kit is given to embassy in which they call her back in for that test and give resulsts at the same time. However, what happened is I got the paperwork and they had not requested DNA on the paper. They only requested school records with both their names on it, so that is what I am trying to get now. OH MY GOD these people! I just hope they are happy with the school records!

I just hate those awful people. My husbands name is on her birth certificate. We have pictures with her since she was 5. AND they still want a DNA testing.. Are you kidding me!

Nothing has happened. We did not get to go due to hurricane. They closed the embassy and our appointment was canceled. I facebooked the embassy and they replied back with they will be emailing and calling with a new appointment time. As of yet, 10.31.12, we have not heard from them with a new time. We were stressed as we had to send my husband back home from Florida where he got stuck en route. Another plane ticket. BUT you know what it is what it is. As long as my daughter is safe in Jamaica from the hurricane and everyone is acounted for we can deal with the rest. So now I am just waiting...

Something in this process will go your way and you will get your daughter here.

I'm sure you've already seen this from the embassy website:

Individuals with appointments to apply for visas or to collect DNA samples on October 24th should not come to the Embassy. Their appointments will be rescheduled, possibly for November 7. The Embassy is in the process of contacting applicants directly.

http://kingston.usembassy.gov/pr_10232012.html

Hope everyone stays safe and you can get this sorted out.

Yes I have. But it doesnt address the 25th as of yet. I called but they said no news yet.

YEAH well husband stuck in Florida. All flights were canceled due to hurricane. Now we waiting to hear if they will close embassy tomorrow too. We faxed what we needed too. BUT we have the originals. So all I can hope for if they remain open that they understand why she doesnt have the originals and hope they are nice to her as we are not there with her. ARranged for our friend to take her to embassy if hurricane passes. WHAT A MESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Good luck with the interviews luvwtrNamy and Jamaicegyaldat. Cant wait to hear how everything goes!

THANKS guys!!! I cant wait either!!! SO EXCITED...HEY I think I posted this, but the embassy called and wanted another copy of her dad's greencard...so everyoen bring an extra copy if you want too!

We prefer that he completes the school term before making the move.

The CO only said 'do not make any plans until the visa is in your hand because you never know what can happen'. I guess he said this because although they approve you on the spot they may find something that can make them change their mind. This even happens with visitors visa, I know someone who waited almost 3 months to get back the passport with the visa in it and this person did not have a bad record anywhere.

WOW okay yeah that makes sense. I remember that did happen with my husband. They forgot to fingerprint him etc...changed ticket 3 times. So yeah its a great reminder!!

No plane ticket yet. I am taking the CO advice and not book anything until the visa is in hand. Looking for a December entry date.

Questions:

1. Who is filing for you?

2. Have you ever travelled out of Jamaica? Where? Did you go by yourself? Did the Boston Winter shock you?

That's it.

Thanks for all the support guys. I appreciate it.

Nice! IS there a reason you would wait until December? I mean that isnt what they said is it. It is usually 5 to 7 business days they have their visa and can go.

We are happy!

The interview went well yesterday and my sons visa was approved. He was only asked 4 questions. It should be ready for pick up from DHL next week this time.

YAH CONGRATS!!!!!

Yes a copy of the packet we sent andsome more pictures showing us with her since she was a baby. I don't have another copy of her birth certificate. should probably get another one while we are down there. although I think they are supposed to give the original back at interview. My husband just sent me a message that when he took her to the medical yesterday they gave her all her shots even though she has records. Poor baby. She is so little and just got those shots a year or so ago! I can't stand that they did that to her.

When does your husband leave?

Leaving on the 23rd. Yes they do that alot. Poor baby indeed.

Hope all goes well for you and your family!! My husband leaves on Sat to go help with the medical and all for our little one. I'll be heading down next week in time for interview! Again Good Luck! I'll be sending good vibes your way.

Are you going with all the originals and copies you made? Im not sure what I should send. But I think that is all I can imagine.

thanks everyone..im getting so nervous!!!

Hope all goes well for you and your family!! My husband leaves on Sat to go help with the medical and all for our little one. I'll be heading down next week in time for interview! Again Good Luck! I'll be sending good vibes your way.

Great! My husband is only going to the interview due to all the things going on here with my moms death and getting things settled up. So I will be anxiously waiting! : )

Hi everyone. Well not long to go now. We are all getting excited. We got a call from the embassy to bring a copy of my husbands green card for the record at the embassy. Hope the interview goes well and she can come to the US within a week or so.

Finally Case complete at NVC! Waiting for interview date

YAH GOOD DEAL!

What about a police record. I know this sounds ridiculous but you never know what they will ask for.

If the child is 16 and over they must have a police record. If they ar 15 and under no police record needed.

Hi all, can anyone tell me if the Father of the child has to prove he has legal custody for the Visa. My husband has had his child for the past 3 years. The child is 5 right now.

In Jamaica no....just pictures, on birth certificate etc.

i was hoping your interview would be before mine so that i would know what will happen better. since your situation is so close to mine. my step kids are in jamaica hoping and praying to join us soon here in the us. medical cost me $700!!!! for two kids. 10 shots each!@

WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT no way hose. Max it should be is $200.00 for shots each. Are you sure that is what they used the money for!! : )

is your husbend's name on the birth certificate? was he and baby mama married? did you do a paternity test? do you expect one?

Are you askaing me??? Yes husbands name is on the birth certificate. Non they were not married. No we didnt do a test and no we wouldnt expect one. They are exactly cookie cutters of each other!

It's understandable why you would not be up for going. The parent-child relationship (as you know) must be proven between the child and her father, so it certainly isn't going to harm your case by sending your husband. It also is not a requirement that the petitioner be there, as you may recall meeting isn't even one of the conditions for a stepparent to petition a stepchild.

I think her current guardian (sorry I can't remember who that is) could also take her to the interview but whether this would be advisable might be a question for the other Jamaica filers.

Take your time to heal

Thanks everyone. I called the Visa Center. They said since she is 16 no one has to go with her. 15 and under need someone. We will send my husband anyway. Her guaradian has now left to. So thats out! LOL. Poor girl. But I decided hey we just need to send him cuz she will be way too nervous by herself.

I also used the photo tool on the DOS website to make sure the dimensions were correct

Direct link photo tool

Main page with photo tool link

It's saved my sanity as far as worrying about having enough pictures.

HEY does anyone know...

I just lost my mom and I am not really up to going to the Embassy with my step-daughter. My husband (her dad) would just go in my place. I sent an email to the Embassy but I have not heard anything. Do you think that would be a problem?

It's a link that allows you to download embassy specific documents for the interview. Some countries provide better info than others. When I looked at the Kingston they were just documents for obtaining the police record, so I guess not very helpful to you. Oh well.

I'm sure you already looked but the embassy info page here does say 4 photos for the medical and 4 for the interview. http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Jamaica&cty=Kingstone

No matter how many they say you need it always ends up being a different number. I had the the kid's mother send me the passport photos electronically so that I can just keep printing as needed. I will be bringing quite a few with me when we go for the interview so we will be prepared for whatever number they throw at us.

MAN what a good idea!!! Never even considered that!!! Thanks for the idea!

Congrats to luvwtrNamy and jamaicagyaldat!

So happy for the both of you - that's pretty neat you have dates so close together

jamaicagyaldat - Is this link helpful at all? http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3830.html

No it only pertains to NVC. No fun at all. Well I send 4 passport pics to medical so maybe thats how they do it now..they go to the medical appt and not kingston. Oh well I will just have her take like 6 more! LOL

I got an apt early october. my step kids in jamaica will go take the medical monday morning. god willing this will be a fast end to this long expensive stressful process. I will keep you guys informed. So we can be support for each other.

YEAH GIRL VERY GOOD! I hope so... i just set up the medical for Oct 2 for my step daughter. I hope it all goes well. Pass any info to me you have!! : ) GOOD LUCK

Received interview date for Oct 18 email received yesterday. My husband was excited. Already made appointment to do the medical.

Congrats to luvwtrNamy and jamaicagyaldat!

YAH good deal! Congrats and thank you. We all are going around the same time!