Kim & Gesner

My husband and I are in the middle of ROC. We filed in August and waiting. He seems to be taking it all in stride but I am biting at the bits because of our current situation. In December, I went on a cruise with friends and then had a trip to Texas to visit family for the holidays. He had a trip to Haiti to see his kids for the holidays. All was going well until my 36 yr old brother was admitted to ICU due to flu complications. Then my husband's uncle who we were caretakers for had a stroke while we were gone (he was under his sons care at the time) - His son had a lot of dislike for us and i am not sure why. We took care of his father, excellent care based on the dementia nurse who came weekly. But anyway, to make a long story short, my trip to see family ended up being a trip to say goodbye to my brother. He had coded Dec 16th, was out for 26 minutes and left on life support with minimal brain activity. The family as a whole decided to take him off life support Dec 27th as this was his wishes. When I got back to Florida Jan 4th, I came home to find a note from the son (husbands cousin) that we must pay $900 a month and have utilities put into our name or leave the property. He had the utilities cut off so we had NO electricity, water or anything. At this time, the uncle had not passed away but was in a nursing home. He passed away January 8th. We did not have the money to change everything over so suddenly as we literally had NO warning of this.

With my brother's passing and leaving 3 young sons for my elderly and disabled parents to care for, my husband and I made the decision to move to Texas. He would stay and rent a room from a church member and I left to come to Texas to find a job and get on my feet here before he comes. We need at least one income coming in. So our separation is not in ANY way due to marriage problems. I did mail a letter to USCIS explaining our situation and temporary addresses as I was instructed to do when I called about changing the addresses since we have a pending petition.

So my question is: is this likely to cause any problems? I know right now August 2014 filers at VSC are getting a good share of RFE's. It seems to me our situation is prime picks for an RFE. Also, once he moves here, is it hard to get a job with the extension letter?? That is the only thing he is really worried about is that no one will hire him with an expired GC and 1 yr extension letter. Anyone have any experience with this?

Also, does our situation put us at risk? We hate this time away, it's very hard on us. We have both been through a lot emotionally. I lost my grandmother Nov 16th, my brother Dec 27th and my husband's uncle Jan 8th. Then the stress of coming home to everything turned off, quick decisions, the actual move for me, the time away from my husband when we are really needing each other most. And now the worry that this temporary situation is going to hurt us. I am beyond stressed at this point so I thought maybe I am worrying about nothing. I know you guys can provide good feedback and advise so here I am.

Great! Thank you both for your help!! We really appreciate it!

My husband and I married back in 2012 and we are in ROC right now. We have been talking about bringing his daughters (11 & 8 yrs old) to the US. I have been reading and just wanted to get more "eyes" to look and see if I am correct in the process.

1) He LPR or (US Citizen) I petition for the girls (I-130) = $420 each

2) Once the I-130 is approved, we apply for their visa to come to the US = $320 each

3) After they arrive, we have to do the AOS process = $1040 for each one

Is this correct? Also, where does the I-864 come into play? What petition does this get submitted with?? Is there any difference in benefits to him or I petitioning?

Thanks for your assistance

Yes, I know I need one for each. Wow, a year? Nothing I can do about that so I will just file and hope it doesn't take that long, but be prepared either way. Thank you again.

Thank you so much for your quick reply. Yes, they are both under 18 (10 & 7). We have been sending money weekly, but their mother says she is not able to care for them anymore and we worry for their well being. So I will get this filed right away and pray it doesn't take too long.

My husbands green card was approved in October 2012. Now we are looking to bring his two daughters from Haiti as their mother is not able to care for them. I understand we have to petition and I am checking all of that out now. We are also filing later this summer for removal of conditions on his green card (marriage under 2 yrs) so will we have to wait until his conditions are removed and he petitions or can I petition for them as my step daughters? And if so, even if I petition, do we still need to wait until after his removal of conditions? We would love to file ASAP so they can hopefully be here to start school this fall (if it can happen that fast)

Thanks in advance for any advice!!

Thank you!! I will print that tomorrow

My husband and I went through the immigration process and he has had his green card one year now. We are talking about bringing his daughters from Haiti but I have been reading on here and it seems very confusing. I have tried some links (some work, some do not). I read that Haiti has one of the highest amounts of petitions for family members and it can take years???

Our girls are 10 & 7. Any advised or guidelines anyone can offer would be a huge help! I work 12 hour days plus a 45 mile commute each way and not looking for anyone to walk me through this, just need to know the basics, the forms required, the timelines on average. Can I petition as their step mother or does he need to? Do we still need to meet the income guidelines but now for a family of 4? Just any advice at all that can be offered.

Thanks in advance!

Kimberly

Happy New Years everyone!! I am in Florida now, been applying for jobs but now that the year is new, something should come up soon! My son left today for the US Navy so it's been an emotional day for me. I hope all is well. Congrats on the approvals that came through since I last posted.

So this is my last week in Maryland (thank God!). My last of work is Friday and Saturday I board the AutoTrain and head to Florida!!! I cannot wait to see Gesi, it's been over a month now! I have 3 job interviews lined up, one for Monday at a Doctors Office, two others after I return from my visit to Texas. My son leaves for boot camp Jan 2nd and going to spend Christmas in California with his fathers family so I booked a flight to go see him and my family.

I am glad everyone is doing well.

Kim, I failed the driving written test too!! I couldn't understand some words, hubby told me to do it in sanish, but I tried again the next day and it went fine, haha! then I had to do the road test and I alsmost failed after 10 years driving, and I told the guy, well!!If americans didn't had this huuuge cars it would be easier!! And he said: oh! you have a foreign license, then you didn't need to do this, you should have brought it to the counter.....

I don't think Gesi has even tried to take his again. He is studying the book. He also has a drivers license from Turks and Caicos but I am not sure if that holds any value or not!!

My interviewing officer said I could get a stamp, but there was a sizeable queue and I didn't really want to hang around. I didn't have an I-94 as I entered on the VWP. I just want to get the online updates now so I know it is being taken care of!

Hey there!! Congrats on your approval!!!!

The LPR needs to update their address by filing the AR-11 online (and better if they also send a paper copy) within 10 days of moving.

The USC/sponsor needs to update their address by filing an I-865, one source says you have 30 days, another says 10. This is only available in paper form. They will receive confirmation of the change, the LPR will not.

Wonderful! Thank you! I submitted his online, I will print mine and mail it out Monday, thank you!!

My husband's AOS was approved in October and this month he accepted a job in Florida. I am completing my 30 day notice with my current employer and will be moving Dec 8th. He is already there and has begun working. We will stay with his uncle until after the new year when we will start looking for a place in Florida and things calm down from the holidays. I know we have to submit a change of address so will we need to submit a change to his uncle and then again once we find our own?? Can I do the change of address through the USCIS website where we checked our status?

I checked the USCIS site and it has an option for the USC and Resident, do we have to submit a change for both of us? It's really confusing. I thought since we are married one address change should be suffice but I guess I could be wrong.

Also, since he is already there but I haven't moved yet, when should we submit the change. I read a 10 day notice... he's been there over 10 days already. I hope that doesn't cause any problems. Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!

My husband's AOS was approved in October and this month he accepted a job in Florida. I am completing my 30 day notice with my current employer and will be moving Dec 8th. He is already there and has begun working. We will stay with his uncle until after the new year when we will start looking for a place in Florida and things calm down from the holidays. I know we have to submit a change of address so will we need to submit a change to his uncle and then again once we find our own?? Can I do the change of address through the USCIS website where we checked our status'? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

I got the job yesterday after 8 hours of testing and interviews. Starting pay of 30k with full medical benefits. I start on Dec 10th and couldn't be happier! Filled out the I-9 yesterday and got a call to say that it had all been verified today, also had to let them take a clipping of hair for a drug test - no big deal for me as I've never taken anything bad in my life!

I'm feeling pretty confident about my interview next week as a result

Congrats!!! That's great!! Gesi got his first paycheck in the US, he was so proud! Although I wish he would have taken a picture of it, but he didn't. I have two weeks left in Maryland, I miss him like crazy!

Yes, the blood clot remained the same size. She needs to come back in 2 weeks for control. So happy that we avoided surgery.

Ohhhh such wonderful news!!!!

Wow I am so sorry to hear that happened to you and your child, how horrifying!! I am glad CPS cleared it, that's such a scary thing to go through. When my oldest son (19) was just a year old, his dad was putting together a play house with a slide we had bought him for Christmas. Tradition in his family is gifts are opened Christmas Eve so that night, he's building the playhouse, I am cooking dinner and I hear this loud scream. Austin had decided to go down the slide when his dad took a trip to the restroom, well it wasn't bolted yet and the thing collapsed on him. We took him to the ER just to clear any problems due to an internal cyst on the brain he'd had since birth. These people totally separated and questioned us. I was so scared because we did nothing wrong. Three hours later we were cleared and go to go home. He had a bruise on his face but nothing more, thank goodness!!

So it happens. It's scary to go through but at least we know these hospitals are doing their job.

But sadly, several years ago an old classmate of mine dropped his daughter when trying to get her in the top bunk of her bed. She cried, and they checked her out and she eventually went to sleep with nothing apparently wrong. The sad thing is, she died overnight due to massive brain swelling. Had they taken her in, even being questioned, she might have been saved, but he didn't. Due the fact he had been drinking and smoking marijuana, he was charged with involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 50 yrs. He is still in prison fighting his case. He was 24 when his happened, he is now 32 yrs old. This was in Texas where laws are very extreme. I know he didn't mean to do it, it was neglect on his part and I wish he had taken her in to be checked, but he didn't. So if there is a silver lining in your experience, be glad you were cleared and can go home. You did the right thing!!!!

Gesi is working on getting his drivers license as well, he failed the first test. He even took it in Haitian Creole, lol but he said the words were very confusing. I told him next time maybe try spanish and see if that works. I sent him with his uncle to get an I.D. and he pushed for a D.L because he could get it that day vs an I.D which would take up to a week and now its been 2 weeks and he has no ID, no DL.... lol

Anyway, I am just working, trying to find ways to stay busy.

Wow the group really has died down hasn't it?? There used to be pages upon pages of new entries.. now, there is hardly anything new. I know everyone is busy moving on with their lives, working, traveling, etc but maybe people will check back occasionally to catch us up on life.

Same here, everything moving by so slowly. Gesi has started his job in Florida but not excited about the pay, much less than he was making and he said by time they take out for taxes, well...he isn't very excited. He is already looking for a part time job as well. As for me? I am just finishing up my time in Maryland. Got a call about an opening at the hospital in Florida I've been applying to. She said she has an opening coming up mid-December which is perfect as I will be there about that time. I booked a flight to go home to Texas to see family and my son before he takes off for the Navy Jan 3rd.

I am just gathering boxes and preparing to leave. I miss Gesi so much but I know I will be in Florida soon, Dec 9th to be exact. Then I fly to Texas Dec 11-16th. Not much else going on with us.....

Goodness, that's scary!! We just got approved 2 weeks ago and my husband got a job in Florida (with his uncles help) and we got him a flight out the next day. If immigration came to our door, they wouldn't see anything because not much of his stuff is left here, but of course they would also see boxes of stuff packed up. I have also put in my 30 days notice at work and have bought my one way auto train ticket to Florida for December 8th. I just couldn't pack up and leave due to my job, so I am staying behind to finalize things. But that is still a scary thought nonetheless!!

Oh my gosh. I just got an update that my interview is scheduled for dec. 13!!!

I don't know if I should be happy or freak out!

Congrats on getting your interview date!!!!

Approved on spot!

(I think even before we got there)

Awesome!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!

Okay everyone, can you tell me what date the ROC will take place, I want to make sure I understand the right date.

The office here required Gesi's EAD and Passport or some other form of ID. Since he didnt have anything else, he used his passport. We were in the office over 3 hours!!! We got there at 12:30pm, left a little after 4pm. It was busy and all we could do was watch their stupid "Star Trek" commercials. Couldn't even text, check facebook or anything without their rent a cop security telling us to get off our phones or go outside. Definitely wasn't a pleasant experience..... lol