ArianneChris

@Boiler Just mentioned it. Our company does have staffing needs that need to be met that would be the only reason to do an H1-B

 

@CEE53147 I don't think I mentioned anywhere that they would not accommodate local students first. You may want to start a separate thread if you want to discuss something different. 

@aleful Thank you for clarifying all the options. I had a rough idea that those were the options but it's always nice to have more knowledgeable people verify. 

 

@NuestraUnion Thank you for going through the options as well. I'm definitely going to research the F1 visa. 

Another option we might give a shot is an H1-B visa from our company. We have staffing needs in our company that we haven't been able to find a local person for and my mom is a great candidate. Will have to dive deeper into that research.

 

@CEE53147 There are some pretty affordable non for profit schools for autism here where we are in FL. There are more expensive ones usually around $30-40k /year. The most I've seen in the US is $100k / year in the higher cost of living areas. 

@milimelo @aleful Thank you for clarifying that. I actually had an immigration attorney advise me to file for my parent as LPR and after reading the guidelines I realize that I can't. I guess I'm not working with that attorney any more...

 

@NuestraUnion Thank you. Could you share what you mean by private schooling? My sister is NZ citizen and can come over via ESTA but only for 3 months at a time. Is there a separate visa that is tied to private schooling? Proof of funds for tuition would not be an issue

@geowrian I see. So there really is no way even if things were to speed up just a little that she'd qualify for a visa while she's under 21 :(. For now the 7-ish years via mom's LPR filing seems to be the fastest option. I file for mom when I turn USC and she files for my sister. But since my mom is my sister's primary carer (if it wasn't her it would be me...) We'd both be US residents but she would need to be with my sister since she's unable to care for herself. 

@Boiler I have. I believe autism is more an emotional / social disability vs a "medical" issue though. I've actually worked very hard, non stop, taking calculated risks, for the last 2 years and built a business so that money wouldn't be an issue for any life decision. As of right now I could set up a fund specifically dedicated to my sister earning consistent 6-10% annual returns every year and just the interest alone each year would be enough for living expenses, care, spending allowances and any medical needs. She is also an heir in my will and beneficiary in life insurance plans 

Because of what is potentially a 7-15 year wait, moving back to New Zealand is a significant consideration so we can be with family. I do love living in the US and love growing our business which generates plenty of jobs and stimulate the local economy, and the growth would halt if we were to manage from overseas.

@NigeriaorBust I feel like all it's ever done the past several years is keep slowing down   I read some older posts here on this forum and everything was always faster years ago

 

 

 

Thank you for sharing!

Thank you so much for helping! 

 

I currently have my citizenship n-400 pending (estimated approval date July 2018 according to uscis online estimator. applied July 2017)

I am currently an LPR (filed for ROC, but was eligible to file for n-400 before ROC got settled)

Once citizenship is approved, I plan on petitioning for my mom (around 1 year wait time)

Then, once my mom gets her green card, she wants to petition my younger sister 

The problem is, my sister's date of birth if Dec 1997, so she will be 21 on Dec 2018

 

If I get my citizenship July 2018 and it takes my mom 1 year to get her green card, it would be July 2019 before she could even petition for my sister (and she would already be 21.5 years old)

 

If I file for my mom under my LPR status right now, is it possible that she might get approved sooner than July 2019?

Are there any other options I'm missing?

 

My sister has autism. Otherwise she would have H1-B as an option like my brother who is now 25  

 

Hello, I just wanna ask if you don't mind, did your case status online change first before you got the RFE in the mail? Thank you in advance. :-)

Yes, the case status changed online before I got the RFE in the mail.

Thank you! I just printed the USPS confirmation out. I guess I'm just paranoid now. I thought it was rare that they lose your medical from the K1 visa but they seem to have misplaced mine hence the RFE. I do hope that they have it and just didn't update status. I'd hate to receive a letter asking me to leave the country in however many days. This whole process is just way too stressful.

Dr Richard Lucey

710 Underwood Ave

Pensacola, FL

Had a good experience there. The office staff were very knowledgeable about the I-693. I brought all my vaccination records and TB test. Total cost for the medical and I-693 was $150 which I thought was very reasonable. I did need an extra blood test that cost $40 from an outside lab.

Hi VJ members,

I recently sent a Response to RFE for my I-485. The RFE was addressed to me on September 22 and is due on October 30, 2014.

I mailed the RFE letter, along with the evidence they requested (new I-693 since somehow they do not have my medical from K1) to the Columbus Ohio Field Office via USPS Priority Mail. USPS confirmed that it was delivered there by October 10, 2014. However, as of today, there has been no change on the online status (still says RFE was mailed Sept 22), nor have I received a letter saying that they received my Response to RFE.

I am quite anxious as I know the Due date is on October 30, 2014, and if they do not receive the response, my petition will be declined. Do they usually change the online status once receiving an RFE response? Is there any way I can contact the office and know that my case has indeed been received by them?

Thank you

Where did you get $500 from?!

Even if the civil surgeon insists on a full medical, that should only set you back c. $200 - find one that actually knows what an I693 is and you're looking at $50-100 - there's a thread on here somewhere that lists helpful civil surgeons in your area...

• 32504 - Pensacola, FL
  • Dr. Richard W Lucey

    710 Underwood Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32504

    (850) 477-3453

• 32505 - Pensacola, FL
  • Dr. Minh Cong Pham

    2812 West Cervantes Street, Pensacola, FL 32505

    (850) 429-0474

There are two civil surgeons who are within driving range (75 minutes):

Dr Pham quoted me "at the most $500" and said he couldn't tell me exactly how much it would be until the medical as it is different person to person

I only got hold of Dr Lucey's secretary and she said the generic "I can't tell you how much it would be" response as well.

I'll look for that thread. Even $200 sounds reasonable compared to the $500 quote... I feel like my green card is taken hostage and all I can do is pay the ransom

Thanks for the input. I truly appreciate it. Upon researching similar cases here in VJ and given how far I would drive for an INFOPASS I will most likely just spend the $500 or however much it is on a new I-693. Still terribly upset with this incompetence that I paid thousands of dollars for... oh well

Thank you for your reply.

Will it really not be sufficient to reply to the RFE with the reasoning behind not needing a I-693? I am thinking that since the Columbus Field Office does not usually process AOS applications, they might have missed it. I believe I do have every shot required, even the HPV (all 3 shots), but those were removed from the requirements I believe and thus do not show on my DS3025 (see attachment).

My plan is to send these as a reply:

1) Cover letter addressing the reasoning behind not needing the I-693 with reference to the other included documents

2) copy of Instructions for I-485 with highlighted Page 4, 7 c http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-485instr.pdf

3) copy of Instructions for I-693 with highlighted Page 5, 3 a http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-693instr.pdf

4) copy of my K1 visa in passport

5) copy of my entry stamp in passport

6) copy of Change of Address letter from USCIS (They actually sent my RFE to my old mailing address, even though I received the change of address confirmation from USCIS on May 14, 2014. My spouse also filed for a separate change of address and received a confirmation letter).

It states on http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-693instr.pdf

What if I am a K nonimmigrant visa holder and already had a medical exam overseas?

If you were admitted as a:
A. K-1 fiancé(e) or a K-2 child of a K-1 fiancé(e); or as a
B. K-3 spouse of a U.S. citizen or a K-4 child of a K-3 spouse of a U.S. citizen; and
C. You received a medical examination prior to admission, then:
1. You are not required to have another medical examination as long as your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is filed within one year of your overseas medical examination, and the medical examination did not reveal a Class A medical condition, or if you did have a Class A medical condition, you received a waiver of inadmissibility and have complied with the terms and conditions on the waiver.

Hi all. I was wondering if anyone has encountered a similar RFE?

I am adjusting from a K1, my timeline is pasted below. I got an RFE on Sept 22, 2014 asking for I-693. The RFE box checklist was checked for "Form I-693, Medical Examination. A USCIS Civil Surgeon must complete the medical examination and immunization supplement. These original documents must be returned to USCIS in an envelope sealed by the civil surgeon's office. USCIS notes you submitted a copy of your Vaccination Documentation Worksheet; however, USCIS does not have evidence you completed your Medical Examination for Immigrant, and the Vaccination Documentation Worksheet you provided was not sealed by the civil surgeon".

I thought that this I-693 was supposed to be in the sealed brown envelope that I handed to the Immigration line at POE? I had no access to this document as it was in the sealed brown envelope. I only had a copy of the DS-3025 which I included in my AOS packet.

I received this letter from the Columbus Field Office. Is it an overflow office, and perhaps they are inexperienced with K1 adjustment AOS?

Thank you

Timeline:

K1 Visa Event Date Service Center : Vermont Service Center Transferred? Texas Service Center Consulate : Auckland, New Zealand I-129F Sent : 2013-03-08 I-129F NOA1 : 2013-03-12 I-129F RFE(s) : transferred July 10 RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2013-07-23 NVC Received : 2013-08-22 Date Case #, IIN, and BIN assigned : NVC Left : 2013-08-26 Consulate Received : 2013-08-28 Packet 3 Received : 2013-09-07 Packet 3 Sent : 2013-09-09 Packet 4 Received : 2013-09-11 Interview Date : 2013-09-19 Interview Result : Approved Second Interview
(If Required): Second Interview Result: Visa Received :

2013-09-26

Adjustment of Status Event Date CIS Office : Jacksonville FL Date Filed : 2014-01-14 NOA Date : 2014-01-21 RFE(s) : Bio. Appt. : 2014-02-20

You will have a chance to tell your story like others have said. But, unless you are in severe financial hardship, I believe that it will be a red flag for your RoC. You have the choice of moving to where she finds a job and finding a job there.

If you are just bringing clothes and small things, I would vote for bringing an extra luggage or two aboard with you. It really is much cheaper than going through freight companies. Since I had family coming over to visit, I just got them to bring extra things that didn't fit in my bags.

You could even call your GP's office and ask if you have any vaccination records. Most people don't have them.At the worst case scenario, you get a couple extra shots because you don't have records. I needed one extra shot (I can't remember what it was now...) but it only costed $20 more.

The medical at CityMed was quick - took about an hour. Everything you need is in the building so it's handy (x-ray, blood test). Although, I believe all their approved US immigration doctors are women. You do need to strip down and have the doctor visually inspect you. It was awkward, but I'd imagine it'd be more awkward if I was inspected by a doctor of the other gender. If you don't mind, then it's alright. I think there is one (or two) male doctor in Remuera you could go to if you prefer a male one. The only downside is the blood test site is in a separate building a few minutes away.

All the best on this last leg of the journey!

Basically, you can fill up all the forms right now. You'd need to obtain

-birth certificate

-police clearance for any other country you lived in for more than 6 months

-I-134

-vaccination records if any?

Congratulations!

Pretty much everything can be done and filled up right now. Once you receive the case number from NVC you can also schedule your medical. You can either wait for packet 3 to get the medical forms, or get some at the consulate

The consulate will not accept your copy from the MoJ. Packet 3 will contain a waiver for MoJ to send the police certificate directly to the Embassy. This is quick and hassle free. If you have lived in any other country for 6 months or more after the age of 16, you will need a police clearance from that country.

Your USC fiance should send you a completed I-134 with supporting evidence as well.

Read these for specific info:

http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=New%20Zealand&cty=Auckland

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/450429-auckland-consulate-packet-3/#entry6466886

The Auckland Consulate is very quick. You can get your visa ready in 2-4 weeks after your paperwork arrives at the consulate.

Oh, one piece of advise, you can drop off your documents at the consulate directly instead of mailing it (which would add a day at the most). But since I was at the CBD everyday, I just dropped my documents off. Saved me the hassle of worrying if it got there.

Sometimes you receive a reply in about a week, sometimes it can take a month. TSC (around a month) was known to reply to RFEs much slower than CSC (about a week) did about a month ago, I'm not sure how it is now.

I believe this is common. Having immigrated to 2 different countries, this has always been the procedure. If you have to do it, just pick a doctor of the same gender.

But they are right, if she did the K1 route, then she shouldn't need to do another medical.

Oh, gosh, run from that company. Loss on 401K? geez... what is the point?

My husband is a developer and he gets 4 weeks off a year. I know Google gets 5 weeks.

I know! It's like they're saying "Here's how much we care about you and your future..."

Anyway, thanks for the input. It's good to hear that I'm not the only one thinking that those benefits are quite bad. He just graduated this year and took this job because it meant he didn't have to relocate and he could save more money that way. I can't wait til I get an EAD and get a job so he can start looking for a different one.

I have found so many text messages, and facebook messages, and after 8 days we got married, 8 days of marriage and 3 days after AOS was filled.

Of course I didn't want my marriage to last 8 days, specially after everything we all go through to get here.......he denies the whole thing, saying that are just texts, "a man thing, to see if we still got it" but is really hard to trust again....

As you said, I gave up my country, and I know everyone does, but when it happens to you, you really realize how bad it feels....

Thank you for your support, and now just time will tell

I'm so sorry to hear that. "a man thing, to see if we still got it?" wow... just wow... I would be very upset if my fiance ever says that. And if he really means it, then I will most likely leave him. Hopefully you can talk with your husband and clear things up. If just talking to him doesn't help... can you talk to any family or friend of his that can maybe help you talk to him, or at least ease your concerns? I dunno... I think you'd like to clear things up sooner rather than later.

I don't think I could ever stand being MARRIED and apart for a year or more. Being engaged is different. Right now, not being with my fiance, the love of my life, is already so hard. But I know it would be so much harder for me if he was my husband. Some people don't really think those two are any different, however. But I know I just wouldn't bear it. I'd love to just be with him, even if he comes home at 6pm or so. I'd love to be able to cook food for him, wake up next to him, welcome him home. Those things I could never do if we were apart. There are things you can do to speed up the process for the K1 -> AOS. For example, we will marry 2 weeks after I get to the US. Sure, it will be a little ceremony, but that speeds up the waiting time.

I guess if others are considering going a CR1 vs K1. My advice would be to be pro-active in planning AHEAD of time. Plan your wedding, if possible get married the week after (that was our initial plan, but it was too close to new year's). It will take a week or two to get the marriage license back. Have all your paperwork ready to send the day it gets back. All these help lessen your wait time for AP and EAD. I am hoping to have applied for AOS a month after arriving at POE, then I would have EAD and AP about 4 months after I get to the US. I could apply for jobs and just be waiting for my EAD to start. I can take classes or do volunteer work to increase my marketability. etc.

I am so sorry that you are going through this. I can only tell you what I would do if it was me. I would definitely pack my bags and leave. People are different, you may not be the same as me. But if you were... then, this is what would happen I would never forget this. I can forgive, but never forget. Every time I remember those long hard months when I almost drove myself crazy just waiting waiting waiting... thinking of leaving everything I know and love behind for the love of my life. It was worth it to me. But what did he do? ... He took the most precious thing I could ever give to someone - my trust - and thought absolutely nothing of it. If you were already married, I would probably stay. But since not yet... I would leave. If he REALLY loves you. He will go after you, leave everything HE knows behind, and follow you.

There is still a lot to go back to - your family, friends, not being an "alien" in a country, possibly an easier time finding a job, your favorite restaurants and cafes - . You will find someone who is worthy of the selfless love that you can give, and that you can trust wholeheartedly. Don't settle for less.