J&P!

Thank you everyone who took the time to answer, will call USCIS today.

Few have answered in a very condescending way- We both can read and if you read my previous post I clearly said we haven't changed our address and hence was worried.

Best

PJ

Just checked our case status on USCIS- its been almost over 8 months since we filled our AOS still no update on my card or interview.

Today the case update says this "On March 18, 2013, your address was changed relating to the I485, APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS that you filed."

Does anyone know what this means? We have changed or mailing address and this status update was after he filed for service request.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

PJ

Hi there. You may want to try MeetUp. If you go to the following link you can do a search on "Indian" (or whatever your area of interest is) and it will bring up all kinds of groups for you. You can also change the area to search by clicking on the links just above that search field. (Top left-hand side.) Good luck!

http://www.meetup.com/find/

hey 'Krikit',

Thanks for the suggestion I am already a member, and have joined all the international development/ affairs met up.

Thanks

Hello VJ's,

I have found this website very useful with my K1 and AOS(under-process)!

Its been over 5 months I am here but still have no friends, its a struggle Hence I though should create a topic where I can arrange a meet up or at lest make friends with whom I can eventually met up.

So if you are in DC area ?trying to find a job, want to meet new people, still adjusting here in the US please reply back will be nice to met up or get to know you.

A little about me, Originally a Indian who have lived and traveled and worked around the world, fell in love with a Italian american 5 yrs ago (L) .

thanks

Thank you so much for the detail information @ Dildopage!

This forum has made my life so much easy

Once again thank you so very much everyone.

x

Thank you for the answers, I appreciate your help.

Just to be sure I dont have to go to the SSN office until I get my green card then? Good news saves me allot of time

Thank you once again.

best

px

Hello Everyone,

Once the EAD is approved do I have to go to scial security office and get a new card? I got my SSN soon after I came to USA and it says valid for work only with DHA authorization?.

The SSN office is really far from the city and I dont drive, just wanted to make sure I can work with EAD and my SSN.

I hope some one will be able to help.

Thanks

Dear Original Poster (OP),

AFTER you get your green card and possibly a re-entry permit and IF your husband is working abroad with UN/American company/etc... You should definitely look into expeditious naturalization via 319(b) if you want to become a US citizen relatively quickly. If you're eligible for 319(b) it means you do not have to wait the 3 years to apply for citizenship because you obviously wouldn't pass the residency test for normal naturalization applications.

Best of Luck

Thank you Gnasa, we are looking at possible options

good day

I understand your worry. I am in a similar situation myself. But like Harpa said, there's plenty of false information floating around online about this. Any absence from the United States can be interpreted to mean that you've abandoned your residency, but the rule of the thumb is that absences of less than 12 months will not hurt your residency, especially if you can show how/why the absence was intended to be temporary and your plan was to return to the US the whole time - and that you maintained ties to the US during your absence.

I got my GC in July of 2011. August this year, me and my husband moved to India because of his job. He has a company that does work here, and remaining in the US would have required him to travel here for at least 2-3 weeks out of every two months, which is not really ideal. So, we moved here. I plan to be back in the US by early June 2013, since I have to file for ROC by early July. I will be gone for less than a year, I can show that our move was because of my husband's (USC) job required him to come here - temporarily - and that our plan was always to return to the US and reside there. I am keeping bank accounts open there, we'll of course file taxes there normally in 2013, I've kept my phone plan and only put it on hold so that there are no fees accumulating while I am gone, and my visa is a temporary entry visa.

I didn't get a re-entry permit, for two reasons. 1) I woke up to the possibility of getting it too late - my biometrics wouldn't have been scheduled until after I was planning to be out of the US, and 2) I really didn't feel like spending the money it costs to file for it (over $300 I believe). I also didn't see how it would really make a difference - I know with 100% certainty I'll be back in the US before I have been gone for 12 months. I also plan to come for a shorter visit back around the 6-month mark, just to make things easier for myself - and to see friends and family of course. Re-entry permit protects an LPRs status during absences of 12-14 months, so I didn't really see the benefit of getting it for an absence of less than 12 months - but, as said by Harpa, you can always get it for peace of mind.

I think you'll be fine. Just make sure you're not gone for 12 months, maintain ties to the US, be prepared to show how your move was due to his work, and have all your ducks in a row and paperwork in order. I'll let you know how things go when I first come back to the US.

Hello Little_My,

So nice of you to share your experience. I have lived in India most of my life and boy I miss it so much.Hubby didn't take the position as am still not settled and we have to much to sort out here in USA. he is going to Haiti for 3 months which should be fine, I guess. I would love to hear your experience in India though.

Take care and best luck.

Poonam

I lived in Haiti for two years, both in a relatively small town and in Port-au-Prince. It is challenging, but I absolutely loved it. I have been back in the US for three months, and not a day goes by that I don't think about Haiti or reflect upon my experience there. For nearly a year, I worked for an international development organization in PauP, and they only provided me the bare minimum. I was responsible for my own housing and transportation outside of work hours. I took tap taps and motos and integrated myself into my little community and did just fine. I had air conditioning, indoor plumbing, hot water, TV, etc. With the accommodations and benefits the UN provides, you should be fine. (I also lived in Leogane where I had far fewer western comforts, and I also did just fine. Actually preferred it in some ways.)

PauP has some very good restaurants, Western grocery stores, etc. It is much cheaper if you bring basic toiletries with you. It's also cheaper to buy fruits and vegetables at the outdoor markets. You should send a Haitian to do your bidding for you until/unless you feel comfortable haggling over price. There's not much in the way of shopping. There are a few boutiques, but the selection is small and the price high. One of the boutiques (Saga) has a sale very year, and that's the one and only time I'd recommend shopping for clothes in PauP. You can also find good stuff on the street. It's all second hand stuff, but I equate it to vintage shopping. I've purchased really cute second-hand tops for $3 max.

I did not speak Creole before going to Haiti, but with the help of locals and my fiancé, I learned the language very, very quickly. I'd advise you to learn some basic phrases before you go. It will go a long, long way. Haiti is so much more than what you see on television. It is beautiful. The people are warm and friendly. Even PauP is very diverse. Lower Delmas, upper Delmas, Petion-ville, Frere, Jacquet Toto, Cite Soleil, Silo, downtown...all PauP and all very, very different. 99% of the foreigners I met in Haiti loved it and are trying to figure out how to get back.

I'd be more than happy to answer any other questions you may have. And when I come to PauP for my fiancé's interview in October, I'd be happy to meet you and take you to some of my favorite places.

Thank you so much for your reply. He has decided not to take the 1 yrs position as the company is not going to provide me any support, no accommodation or emergency support which sucks.Anyways so now he is leaving in 1 week for 3 months to work in Haiti for a international NGO not UN this time. I would be so very thankful if you could help me with some information on what to pack please I will PM you in a bit Thanks.

Best

p

Hi J&P,

I just saw this thread and I live pretty close to you in Woodley Park! I don't think I can really help you out in finding a job other than just tell you to be persistent and keep checking on Craigslist. That's how I found mine and will be starting within the next couple of weeks! However, if you want some company, PM me and we could go and have a drink or something! I don't really know a whole lot of people here yet either and am anxious to make new friends!

-Eve

Hey Eve!

I live in Colombia heights, will PM you and it will be so much fun to met up with you. Thank for the job advice I got my EAD today and will start my official job hunt from now. Thanks px

An LPR can leave for up to a year without needing a re-entry permit. If you want, you can get a re-entry permit to be on the safe side and avoid questioning at POE about your proof of ties to the US.

You do not yet have a GC, however. Has your file been transfered to CSC? Do you have any expectation on when it will be approved? You can travel for short trips on AP, but I wouldn't use it to travel for months and months. A Reentry permit and AP are different things.

Avoid reading websites on this matter. There are prevalent rumors that contradict the official policy of USCIS, which is up to a year, no reentry permit needed. An absence of any length can be used to determine if you have abandoned residency, but for a finite period abroad with concrete plans to return, I wouldn't spend to much mental time on that possibility.

Thank you 'Harpa Timsah'!

Agree the more I read on this matter the more confused I get. I am thinking of calling USCIS and letting them know whats happening and may be send a copy of his contract to them, if he takes the job.As I said am waiting for AOS , if all goes well I should get my conditional green card by September last week or by Nov 1st week 2012.

Thank you once again! I am hoping to hear from someone who has been in my situation.

Hello Everyone!

We are waiting for our AOS, biometric was on aug 6th 2012 and case has been transferred to local office.

Hubby is close to getting this job with an international NGO in haiti, he is a urban planner so travelling is very common with his job. The problem is the position is for 1 yr starting in NOV 2012 and we both don't want to be separated, the only reason I left all behind was to be with him here in USA. I feel very frustrated and I know he wants this job and might have to turn it down because of me.

here are my questions.

1. Can I travel with him for 1 year? we will be returning back every 6 month to see family here for a week.

2. I did try to read up on this but the answer is not very clear, do I need to file a re entry permit? I still have my AP haven't left US since I am here.

3. Has anybody gone through the same situation?

4. I read that leaving the country during Conditional green card may result in losing the green card, now if my entire purpose to come here in US was to be with my man and he needs to travel can they really take my green card?

Can anyone please help me? I am so upset I feel I am in jail I am still adjusting here and my in laws are difficult people, cant live with them :lol:

Please please help me. I am losing it . :help:

I hope this can help, I am use to living alone, its been 5 yrs now anyways here is what I do.

Every month once I use to get paid, I will 1st pay all my bills, like rent, mobile, internet etc. then do my monthly grocery shopping and keep some money a side for milk, yogurt, eggs, bread and fresh vegetable. No matter what I would never go out of budget. Then a very small amount of money for going out, i would usually met my friends at a picnic, at my house or theirs, that way I saved by not paying to eat out, Carried my own lunch, made most of my food home and if I am busy spend 1 day in a weekend to make food for entire week.

As if now I don't work but I do the same with my husbands money and it really works!

Thank you so much.

We are waiting to hear from the company for the final verdict on the interview, if we take it will PM you guys. Thank you so much. (F)

Your US immigration process should be the biggest concern. If you leave before your green card has been approved I believe your application will be considered abandoned. Even if you manage to come back for the interview (if you have one), you will have problems returning after two years away. I hope someone else with a more detailed understanding of these issues will come along to comment. You have invested a lot of time and money on immigration - I would think very carefully before throwing away the progress made so far.

Hey slangofoil,

Thanks for replying. We both will make sure the immigration is sorted before I leave the country. Anyways will not leave until Nov-dec and hopefully will know better how and where my case stands with USCIS.After working so hard it would be a foolish to ignore the immigration rules/ process.plus we just got to know the company will not sponsor me however will pay for my rent here in USA and job for me in Haiti will be tough as I dont speak the local language.

Thank you so much.

My wife's parents are Haitians. She has never been to Haiti herself, but her parents travel back home every year in recent times. Hearing from them have really changed my views on Haiti. They say that not all of Haiti is poverty-ridden. In fact, whenever they visit they would stay at one of my wife's uncle's house which is located in a middle to upper class section of the country. So I take it that not all of Haiti is filled with slums. So I guess if you were to move there it would be best to choose one of those areas.

Prior to frequently going back in the last few years, my in laws have never been back to Haiti in something like 30 years. My wife told me that they were so impressed with the area they were staying that they vowed to some day buy a house there.

Thanks you for your reply. I think poverty is not my concern security and career is more important. Will know soon know if I will go with him or not, his company will not sponsor me so we need to figure out how will i get there and language is my biggest draw back, even if I can find a job , I don't speak french or creole.

I live in DC, this 90 is a different type than the constant 90 degrees you will be feeling there.

coffee maker 1st

iron, dvd player, laptop, movies, radio, flat screen tv, bedding, towels, soap, favorite bath items, sunblock(plenty), favorite shampoo, reading books, flashlights and batteries, favorite cookies and candy.

Thank you so much.

You are in Dc too? nice.

OOh men the list is long ;)We will know how the job works out might PM if I need more help. Thanks you so much.

Best px

I have been to Haiti, things are changing slowly. The new President Sweet Mickey was a well known musician. Proverty is rampage because they still have not recovered from the major earthquake a couple years back. In PP, new buildings are being constucted. Food, would be your basic carribbean staples.

Th weather is very hot, so pack wash and wear. French is spoken along with an native patwah language.

Thank you again! we are in DC and trust me it over 90+ everyday since I am here(April)so I think weather will be comparable or worst.We both don't speak any french or native so will see how the job interviewer takes it.If you were suppose to relocate to Haiti what will you pack for 2 yrs? Tv, radio, movies, fan, iron,coffee maker? we both love love Caribbean food so that a plus.

Once again thank you!

I could be wrong, but I think if you are out of the USA for a certain amount of time, your green card becomes invalid. Unless you have US citizenship?

Hello Sherrybaby,

Thanks you so much for replying. That is our 2nd concern I am waiting for my AP and EAD which is due in 1 month and if we decide to move it will be in 2 months. I hope to get my AP by then,travel to Haiti with him and settle things up and return back for interview.Plus Haiti is only 2 hrs flight.

Best

px

I know Haitians who wouldn't move back to Haiti. Will you'll be living out of one of the hotels that are still standing, proverty is rampage. Have you ever lived in a country with this kind of proverty before?

Thank you so very much for replying, I have been so tense.I have spend allot of time on reading about Haiti and think I have a better understanding now.I have lived in India for 10 yrs, but not in poverty( India is very big and people are either poor or rich).I have a bit of experience is washing my own laundry, no electricity, poverty and very poor hygiene.

Can you help me with any information? on what food will we get there? what to pack? I think his NGO will give us accommodation, health care, car and other basic stuff. Its a big step but we both are young(25-28) and have no kids, and this experience will really boost our CV. A bit freaked out though? Have you been their?

Thanks again.

anyone plz?

Hello everyone!

Hubby is trying to get this job in Haiti based in port au prince, will be working for a UN as operations director for slum rehabilitation.

Its been 4 months since I am in USA, still adjusting to life here and been out of work since march He would like me to make the decision if we should move to Haiti, it a 2 yrs position.I am not sure and hence thought I should ask on the forum, I don't have many friends here and the forum has always helped :dance:

Do you guys know anyone who have worked for NGO in haiti? hows life in haiti? from clothing, medicines, housing? what should we pack? I did try to look on expat forum not much out there.I am a bit worried

It will be ideal if a local from Haiti who have traved in Usa Could help me.

Plesea help me guys. :help:

Well, the question is pretty straightforward.

In case the officers turn you away at Port Of Entry and you literally have to take the next available flight home, who pays for you to go back?

Do you have to pay yourself or is it covered by your roundtrip ticket?

Does anyone have any experiences?

Although I am not very sure, I use to watch this show in the UK, border petrol or something like that, in case if the immigration is not letting you in they buy you your ticket to return. Kinda deportation?

Not sure lets other member ans too.

On networking, be sure to check out DC Web Women: http://dcwebwomen.org/

While it is primarily for women working on tech fields, it would be a great way to get to know people and perhaps they can help you get a sense of any HR-related openings within their companies. I've made some really great friends through that organization that I am still in contact with despite living on the other side of the country.

I completely forgot to mention this group to you earlier, which is a on my part since I was a co-chair of one of its committees and super-active in the org when I lived in the area.

Thank you thanks you thanks you!!

Px