sexymackeral

Any update guys? It know nitsirk7562 already received the NOA 2. Congrats bud.

I believe I have hit a serious depression cycle now. 206 days and counting... become numb lately to everything...

196 days (6.5 months) for me today. Everyday that goes by feels like a week....

January 2014 TSC K1 filer here....still waiting on NOA2! My Senator's office was useless, Congressman's office told me that "it shouldn't be too much longer" and that was weeks ago. E-request that I submitted USCIS never replied.

Anyone have any luck with an infopass appointment to get a status update or to at least push a little? I've checked the SRC numbers around mine and all of them have been worked on in some way or another (RFE or approval), yet mine....nothing!

I would suggest looking into a secured credit card if you aren't able to get approved for a regular card. This is how I started out and many younger folks who don't have any credit history. In time you will build enough credit history to qualify for regular credit cards.

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/10-questions-before-getting-a-secured-credit-card-1.aspx

What is a secured credit card?

A secured card requires a cash collateral deposit that becomes the credit line for that account. For example, if you put $500 in the account, you can charge up to $500. You may be able to add to the deposit to add more credit, or sometimes a bank will reward you for good payment and add to your credit line without requesting additional deposits.

Hey! I used to live in Atlanta- I miss it so much!! I'd suggest looking here for English classes:

Dekalb County public library (typically free and usually offered at all libraries in ATL area -Fulton, Dekalb etc)

http://www.dekalblibrary.org/literacy/english-as-a-second-language.html

Meetup- Free english classes

http://www.meetup.com/Free-English-Classes-in-Atlanta/

The International Rescue Committee has free ESL classes. They typically serve the refugee population, but it's worth a shot to ask if their ESL classes are open to the community. They're in Decatur area. (404) 292-7731

Georgia Perimeter College (verify if he'd be considered in-state residency for tuition, if so it's pretty cheap)

http://www.gpc.edu/esl/

Literacy Volunteers of Atlanta

http://lvama.org/index.php

Ga tech has an intensive english program, although I don't know how expensive it is. Same with Emory University (and probably most universities in the ATL area).

http://www.esl.gatech.edu/iep/intensive-english-programs

As a malaria researcher, reading all of your comments about anti-malarial medications I feel....disturbed. Without getting into a huge debate about pharma vs. natural medication, whatever you do: 1) talk to your doctor 2) be informed about your health and the medications you are taking (there are some good and some very bad anti-malarial medications both western and non-western) 3) do something to prevent malaria, because you know what's a really terrible side effect? Dying.

Whether you sleep under an insecticide treated bed net all night, every night or take chemo-prevention (anti-malarial pills), be proactive about maintaining your good health in a foreign country. As we say in public health...prevention is better than cure!

As far as visiting general advice:

- for "gifts" for everyone who wants [expects] one, and pretty much everyone does, I go crazy at the Dollar Store and stock up on things (candy, toys, lotions, hair bands... you name it).

-Drink bottled water

-Carry extra toilet paper (for the inevitable bout of diarrhea)

-stash your money in multiple places

-have multiple copies of your passport in multiple places

-register your trip with the US Embassy, so that they can alert you if there are any sudden problems in country

-Be gentle with yourself and realistic in your expectations- there will be culture shock. Depending on your personality, you may hide in your hotel room the first day you arrive until hunger forces you out and makes you cross that craaazy overwhelming 8 lane road where there seems to be no logical pattern to when cars are coming and going (haha if you're at all like me!!). Or you may not even be fazed. I get like this every time I go to a new country... and I've lived in various parts of Africa for years! Your fiance will help you, let him and lean on him for support.

-don't bring travelers checks and maybe bring 1 credit card for emergencies (or have some other method for quick money emergencies); bring cash. Big bills like $50s and $100s get the best exchange rates usually, and some places won't even exchange currency lower than $20 bills

-For aggressive people or people that are bothering me, I usually just try to ignore them and move to the other side of the street.

-Be firm when you say "no" and self-assured

-Be "street smart"...keep your valuables out of public view, try not to pull large amts of money out in public, don't wear fancy jewelry, don't leave laptops in hotel rooms- put in hotel safe etc.

-Don't let anyone carry your bags for you

-When shopping, if you pick something up and hold it in your hands, you're seen as very interested to the seller and they will try their hardest to get you to buy it. Either just look at items with your eyes or be prepared for some hard-sells.

-it is HOT, be prepared and wear clothing that is appropriate and breathable

Otherwise, be safe and most importantly, have fun!!