BOS_LHR

I feel like if you file for naturalization beyond April 15 there's a good chance they'll require 2016 taxes. At least, I remember this happening back with the I-130 filings - people who could conceivably have their tax returns done but hadn't included them with their filing were later RFE'd for it. I don't want to take the chance, given how long and crappy the process already is. I'm going to file 2016 taxes the minute the last of my paperwork comes in so that our online tax return transcripts should be available around the time we're eligible to file the N-400 (beginning of April). 

Oh Soloenta, I so hoped to see good news for you I'm so deeply sorry. There are many wonderful people here on VJ who have been through what you're now enduring, I hope with their guidance and lots of love from your friends and family that you'll get through this

Oh Soloenta, I so hoped to see good news for you I'm so deeply sorry. There are many wonderful people here on VJ who have been through what you're now enduring, I hope with their guidance and lots of love from your friends and family that you'll get through this

There is AP: Wait until a decision is made, days, weeks or even years.
There is plain Denial: Start from square one with a better prepared case.
There is Denial with 3-10 years period of inadmissibility: Successfully apply for a waiver or wait out the said period.
There is Denial with permanent inadmissibility: Must successfully apply for a waiver (if eligible) to restart on the VJ path.
I have come across cases where CO's had the authority to place inadmissibility decisions for non-immigrant visas. I'll be surprised if they have the same authority regarding immigrant visas, especially those involving USC relatives.
At this point, I suggest we give our dear friend some time and space to get the facts straight and within the proper context, regarding the interview outcome. Hopefully, there will emerge a clear path to take, moving forward, toward a successful conclusion.
On a separate note, it is really disgusting how USC spouses are subjected to this gruesome process when others are not. For example, I was on an employment-based category. And while I was grilled over my own academic credentials, no second thought was given to my wife and she was awarded the immigrant visa with only the marriage certficate as evidence!!!

Yes you qualify. Nothing to do with your UK taxes.
You are correct this form and TurboTax are geared more to Americans working abroad with their questions. They want to make sure the American really lived abroad legitimately and isn't trying to get some kind of a tax break for a long holiday. The American could possibly get allowances for housing he was required to keep while he maintained his home in the US. Mostly ignore those housings questions.whatever it takes for TurboTax to move on. Either put nothing or say anything to your house...rent, own, anything...because you aren't going to get those deductions.
No to family living with you abroad (UK). No to maintaining home in US. No to contract. No to visa (you didn't require a visa to work abroad in the UK.)
Employer is foreign employer who paid the money you want to exclude.
Edit: I answered that as if I was speaking to the immigrant. That is Otter, right? But you get what I mean.

I couldn't ever! Hoping hard your interview is coming soon Soloenta, you've been through so much and still find so much in you to give to others. You've earned several lifetimes worth of good karma as far as I'm concerned!

I couldn't ever! Hoping hard your interview is coming soon Soloenta, you've been through so much and still find so much in you to give to others. You've earned several lifetimes worth of good karma as far as I'm concerned!

Happy belated Thanksgiving to everyone here. I couldn't help but think of you all during the holiday yesterday, I know how awful this time of year can be and I just wish so much better for all my fellow international couples. It's such a long, hard road, and missing special days together is salt in the wound. But you'll get there, and your happiness will be all the sweeter for the simple joys and deeper appreciation you'll cherish. I'm thankful to live in a world so full of love worth so much sacrifice. Hugs to you all

It's about dang time they stopped demanding originals through mail!

Yours was one of the first names I looked for NVC is unbelievable. No one from 2013 should be waiting anymore, let alone from so early in the year. This system is a disgrace

Generally the AOS and IV fees are only payable at the same time if you have a lawyer have not needed to submit the DS-261. For people without lawyers, once the DS-261 is processed the IV invoice will unlock for payment.

Generally the AOS and IV fees are only payable at the same time if you have a lawyer have not needed to submit the DS-261. For people without lawyers, once the DS-261 is processed the IV invoice will unlock for payment.

My two cents... no one should be made to feel bad for having concerns about completely changing their lives. That's a big dang deal. I would go to the ends of the earth for my spouse because what we have is worth it, I can't imagine anyone more perfect for me, and I'd do anything I had to in order to preserve that. Does that mean I'd never be afraid? Never sad or unhappy? Certainly not. It's ok to grieve the life you leave behind while celebrating the life you're building. It's natural and healthy. There's a process in coming to terms with such a huge, life-altering decision, and it will take longer for some people than others.
That being said, OP seems to have a more complicated situation than just that, having confessed she is new to serious relationships and probably not ready for marriage. That's a real concern on top of the regular upheaval of leaving your whole world behind to start fresh somewhere new. I add my voice to the chorus of people advising to wait. Let the relationship grow -- let yourself grow -- and see where you end up. Rushing to file as soon as it's legally feasible is unnecessary and probably very unwise. You've had a shock learning what the process will really be like, so I recommend doing much more reading, both about the filing process and the experiences of others upon moving to the US. Take time and educate yourself thoroughly so you can make the best possible decision for both of you.

BTW Immigration doesn't screw up your names. The transfer of information from the CBP and the SSA is what messes up the names. The software isn't very compatible and it's a very common issue.
What do you mean by MSP immigration???

That's wonderful, congrats! Have a safe journey

Ceac shows visa issued, yay! I can pick it up today from the consulate. So extremely relieved

DS-230 is 100% obsolete. Everyone submits the electronic DS-260 now.

It's not dramatic at all. I know how strongly my husband feels about human rights in the UK versus US... I think seeing how different things are in our two countries underscores the expectation that the UK cares more about its citizens (i.e., takes better care of them). To have them turn their back on you must have been an incredible shock and disappointment. Seems like our governments betray us no matter where we choose to make our homes, but it's never going to be ok, and it's never going to be an easy thing to get over. It makes my stomach churn just thinking about it.

Edit: My initial response assumed your friend is the petitioner. My apologies. You didn't specify so I'll respond for both.
If petitioner: If he can't afford rent, the government will question why he wants to bring another person here to be dependent on him. They won't rush that process along just to end up with a new homeless US resident. Your friend should worry first about having a stable home, not about getting the intending immigrant here ASAP. I'm assuming he either meets income requirements for the AOS or has a joint sponsor who's helping him. If not, that's another big issue to overcome.
If beneficiary: it's possible. He could attest to having literally nowhere else it's possible for him to go and see if NVC has a shred of mercy. The criteria for expedite are the same as at USCIS, so he'd essentially have to demonstrate he's in an emergency situation that poses danger to him. You can call NVC and speak with supervisor to expedite the request or send an email.

It's official. Just called nvc and got case complete. Just squeaked into September! THANK GOODNESS.

If you've been denied a US visa in the past, you need to indicate that on the DS-260 by answering "yes" to that question. It's cut and dry; they're not concerned with reasoning behind the decision at that point. Checklists don't seem to be issued for the DS-260, but you absolutely need to be honest about this at the interview and bring any related documentation you may have. The consular officer will know you applied for a visa and didn't get it, so be prepared.

If you've been denied a US visa in the past, you need to indicate that on the DS-260 by answering "yes" to that question. It's cut and dry; they're not concerned with reasoning behind the decision at that point. Checklists don't seem to be issued for the DS-260, but you absolutely need to be honest about this at the interview and bring any related documentation you may have. The consular officer will know you applied for a visa and didn't get it, so be prepared.

If you wait till they ask then you're doomed. One of the first things you need to do at the Consulate is present a signed statement before the formal interview begins explaining the mistake and admitting the visa denial and explaining the circumstances. I would even send an advanced email copy to the embassy once they receive my case.
If the CO decides you were hiding it on purpose, you'll not only get denied... you might actually receive a ban from re-applying for a number of years.

If you've been denied a US visa in the past, you need to indicate that on the DS-260 by answering "yes" to that question. It's cut and dry; they're not concerned with reasoning behind the decision at that point. Checklists don't seem to be issued for the DS-260, but you absolutely need to be honest about this at the interview and bring any related documentation you may have. The consular officer will know you applied for a visa and didn't get it, so be prepared.

There are some journalists that took interest in the USCIS backlog, they may be good people to contact for this as well. An article ran that interviewed several VJ members, it's around here somewhere. Additionally, I exchanged emails with the following two people:
Julia Preston
National Immigration Correspondent
The New York Times
620 Eighth Avenue, 3rd floor
New York, N.Y. 10018-1405
Neil Munro
White House correspondent
The Daily Caller