AubreyJ

I guess I'm kind of an old timer... I've just gotten so busy now that my hubby's here, but I still come on to lurk occasionally too

Yeah, we had to get the big pink one with the shiny seal too

Is there any way to get your advance parole faster? It looks like it's been taking about two and a half months on the timelines. My husband has a really big job waiting for him in Canada if he can be there next month. Is it possible if you pay some extra 'fee' or something?

I would stop the checks.... they will return the packet to you asking for another check.... dont know about a fee... but I would rather pay a small fee than loose the whole amount for AOS....

Kezzie

That's what I thought to, but I talked to two people on the phone who told me that I would end up paying it anyway, in addition to the fee. Are they full of it?

So, I originally read the directions on the AOS and EAD applications wrong, and sent the whole package to the Nebraska service center. Of course I later realized it was supposed to go to the Chicago lockbox, but it was already in the mail. After a few weeks of hearing nothing, I called the customer service line, and the woman on the phone told me that if I didn't hear anything back after a month, I should send in another application to the Chicago address. She also told me that if the first one later got processed there would be no problem just cancelling it and getting my money back.

Well. I finally sent in the second application, and lo and behold, my checks from the first one were cashed and I got the NOA1s. Now, the second application has still not been processed, and as of yet, they have not taken my money. I called back to the service line, and they told me that I'm sh!t out of luck and will never get my money back, and when I try to cancel one application, they might just cancel both and I'll have to start all over. Well, that's a lot of money for us, and a heck of a lot of trouble, so seeing as nothing is in there system yet, I would like to prevent this from happening!

So we sent a letter to Chicago asking them not to cash the checks, but is there anything else we can do? They warned me on the phone that if we block the checks at our bank we will have to pay a fee on top of the already said amount... (is that a lie?) Sigh. It's such a frustrating system, and I now get the feeling the people I've talked to already do not have a clue what they're talking about.... any ideas?

So will it be like I never sent it in, or will they have a record of it? It will be really late then, and I'm starting to worry...

OK, so after checking and rechecking everything a million times before I sent off the AOS package.... I had a minor lapse in proper brain functioning and sent the whole thing to Lincoln, not Chicago. I just realized this today, and I will call them on Monday... but I'm freaking out. Do you think it's destined for the black hole, or might they forward it on to the right place? What should I do?

Wow. I just read the entire conversation aloud to my husband. I can't even say how much I sympathize with you. We find ourselves having arguments about the same exact type of things that end up seeming so silly later. The language is a big one, and strange (to me) customs. Kanyiri- Awal laughed SO much about 'that time of the month'.. I still am not supposed to walk over his legs then..

Anyways.. we have argued a lot. BUT each time we do, we have the strength in our relationship to work through it together. And it is a difficult process, but it really makes us stronger each time. We are fighting less and less now, and I really believe that one day it will subside almost altogether. I think that you just need to remeber what it is that holds you together- not these small things that end up being almost superficial later. Especially when we argue about things like language, I have to breathe, step back and realize that no, English is not his first language, and it's difficult for him, let alone our customs and culture. I think all of the things that others have suggested are good ideas- help him meet others and make sure that you have some time to yourself to breathe. You will work through it, and when you do it will be that much better.

Congrats!!!!

Thanks for all the support everyone. I think right now that's just what I need.. Yes Awal is a very good honest and prayerful man, and he wants to help, but it's funny what you say Kanyiri, because he voiced the same fear about sending money. That yes, of course he wants to help, but he doesn't want to be taken advantage of.

As far as being together, we haven't even gotten married yet, (Aug 14) let alone applied for advance parole, and his father, even if he theoretically could, would never leave his town, let alone the country.

We did end up getting the family a phone.. we'll see how that goes. I think right now we just need to be strong, supportive, and prayerful, and I thank you all for that help

Has anyone else had to deal with this? Awal's father got sick soon after he arrived here, and has been in and out of hospital for surgery. They told him he was doing better and walking around, but now it's taken a turn for the worse again, and he's back in the hospital for some reason.

No one will tell Awal what's going on as to not worry him. I feel really helpless right now- I don't know what to do except comfort him, but I can't say "oh, it will be alright" because I really don't know- no one has even told him exactly what he's sick with.

As far as I know there's no way for him to go home right now without endangering his chances of ever coming back to the US again. We can send money and occasionally call when someone-who-knows-someone-with-a-phone happens to be able to go to his house.... but I really don't know what to do. Of course Awal keeps telling me not to worry myself, but I see him thinking about it all the time. I'm really feeling confused right now. Why did this have to happen just when he arrived? Has anyone else had a similar situation? Any support or guidance on what I can do to help?

I can't seem to make the search function work in my favor.. so if someone would be so kind as to explain to me..

I believe I have been told that as long as you marry within the 90 days of your k-1 visa, you don't have to apply for AOS right away. My fiance's visa expires August 20th, but I won't be able to sign the affidavit myself until a little into September. Is there a problem waiting a few weeks? Is there a time limit, conditions, or any problems in waiting until then to file?

Thanks for any help!!

Sorry if this is a silly question, or if it's been answered... but what should I put for question 3 on the SS-5 form for a K-1 visa holder? Legal Alien Allowed to Work or Not Allowed to Work or Other...?

Thanks!

I agree with that sentiment completely! It's already a really hard process to go through, and I found that the only person I knew who understood what I was going through was across the globe. But this website changes everything with all of its supportive people. You are with a good family, and I wish you the best in all to come!

Congratulations and have a wonderful reunion!

So Awal has only been here two days now. He's taking a nap right now because I think it's just so much to take in. I remember sleeping a lot while I was in Ghana, and now it's him. I think you sleep a lot when you have so much to think about and process.

We've already done a few things and walked around - we even went up the biggest skyscraper here to look at the life, and I think it's just so, so, so different for him. He almost fell off the escalator in the airport and nearly smashed his face in on a revolving door today! It's really the little things. It's already been very hard for him to understand why we have so much and Ghanaians have so little (for me as well) But over all he likes it and the people, and it enjoying himself- it's just a lot.

I think patience and understanding are just the most important things. Because yes, it is going to be hard in the beginning. But imagine a person travelling such a distance just for love! What a strong love it must be if they are willing to give up everything just to be with you.

The food or water here is making him a little sick here already too. I've been making just rice things for now.. but I think it's just the bacteria.

And I have to say, it's so strange that for a full year I've just been working toward this one thing. And now that it's here.. it's like I'm on a whole new journey. Amazing.

I'm on my way to get my honey!!! Would you believe my heart is pounding? I'm soooooooo excited!! See y'all when I finally make my way back out of the cave..

That's absolutely awful.. My heart and prayers are really with you.. you are so strong, I don't know how you do it.

Unfortunantly, from our experience I could not tell you how to get in without a appointment or sooner because we diid have an appointment... why ours was a week and yours is three months, though, god only knows..

Also, we did not have the medical sent in the end, Awal hand delivered it himself. He had to pay to get a copy of the Xray from Holy Trinity and then bring it to Akai and pay again to get another copy of the other results. But at least he was in control of where they ended up.

I really hope that everything works out for you. I know it will, but the waiting time is terrible.

Have you checked out transit visa requirements for Ghana in Amsterdam??

I have no idea, but just asking. May be required.

It is required.. which is the only reason he's not already here!! I think that's the stupidist reason for a visa that I can think of... grrrrr.

So, he's going direct from Ghana to AMS, then direct from AMS to SeaTac? Man, those are two really, really, really long flights. Make sure he knows to take himself for a walk every hour or so, and lay off the sauce.

Yes, it is a daaaamn long flight.. I've taken the route four times. It's awful. Awful. And the eight hour layover doesn't help any! (Actually, I think for him it's even longer..) I'll definitely tell him to wear comfy clothes and walk around.. that's good advice.

Thanks for all the advice everyone.. and it's true- it's crazy how much we take for granted- that's one thing this whole process has really, really taught me. Especially when I came back from Africa, but even now that I'm reacclimated, when I take a step back and look at our world the complexity of it just awes me..

And yeah, I know the best advice is to always just ask someone.. he's perfectly capable... but I feel like I'm sending some lost child on a wild goose chase or something.. lol. I think that's the psycho-obsessive side of me coming out

Well, the day has finally come! My fiance will be leaving his country on the evening of the 21st. Now, this will be the first time ever flying for him, and I will not be there to help him along, so he has requested a step by step list! First of all, I'm not even sure of all of the steps myself as I'm not a frequent flyer and when I do, I just kind of follow along.. Plus he will be transferring in Amsterdam, where I have never been, and of course, I have never had to go through any of the immigration lines at the airport. (His POE will be Seattle)

So.

First step. Go to the airport!! Ha.. go to the counter and show ticket/give large bags. Then go to where that person points you (it's hard to work around vocab like 'check in' and 'gate'!) (I remember having to fill out a form somewhere along here.. but can't remember what it was..) Then he'll have to go through security, which means putting the small bag through that machine, and walking through the...'door?' Then he gets to wait..

Once on the plane, he has to look for his seat number which will be on his ticket. From here I'm lost though.. I don't remember any of the numerous forms that one has to fill out, and they're probably different for a citizens anyways, plus I don't know the Amsterdam airport at all.

So how does he change planes, what are all the different documents he has to fill out, and then what's involved in arriving in Seattle? To make things more complicated than they already are, he's going to bring such a substantial number of gifts that he'll probably have to declare them too. It never seemed this complicated when I was flying, but now to explain it, it kind of does! Ideas?!

Well, I just quit my job today. I know- the worst timing in the world.. but I just can't be there anymore..

So.. I've been thinking of sending what little money I have on over to Awal to buy a crapload of crafty stuff to sell here. But I have no idea what's involved in all that. Anyone done anything of the sort or have any idea where to start looking for information?

Doh! I lied.. he doesn't have a transit visa yet, so he's coming next Friday... I think that's the silliest visa I ever heard of...

My step mother is a lawyer, and she told me that she never picks the smart ones if she can help it.. that they could ruin your case...

Yay!!

NOT AKAI NOT AKAI NOT AKAI NOT AKAI NOT AKAI!!!!!!!!!

::cough::