rtor1

Well, I completely understand you. We deal with relationships on a different manner and some people probably don't understand it. To be honest I do thing you're both too young and just started your relationship so I would definitely invest more time on it before moving forward. I would be extremely pi**ed off if my boyfriend use such words because I would get it like: '' I don't care if you're going or not, it won't change a thing '' (Again, some people might not understand but that's how some brazilian girls are and I am one of them)... There is absolutely nothing wrong that he is going to his friends house, I agree with it but just don't like his tone but I am sure he didn't mean to hurt you..Some people are just straight forward like that and it's completely different from the relationships we have in Brazil for most of the times (When we date is pretty much like a marriage), but it doesn't mean he doesn't care.. It took me a while to get used to my now husband, it was weird at first to accept that he is okay with the fact that I was going out with my girlfriends in Brazil and it (You know what I am talking about...In our relationships over there - Not all of them of course - we basically don't do a lot without our b/g friends). And you need to think if thats the life you want for yourself because for a couple of months (Or even more) you won't have a lot to do and you will be basically staying home waiting for him and if he gets home later it will probably get you frustrated because he will be pretty much your only person you will be interacting with for a while... If I were you I would wait a little bit more and see how y'all deal with the distance (Sometimes it's good because you have time to think, missing each other - or not - can give y'all a clue if you want that kind of commitment)..

''Stop Working'' is what you will hear the most, however there is a way to keep working without affecting your AOS even though you don't have an EAD (Just to make it clear that I am not trying to beat the legal system but I am not saying anything illegal): You can be hired as a contractor (1099 Work)! I have no clue about the tax processes in regards to the company (In this case your husband small business) or if there is a restriction depending on the type of business or the fact you're both related and etc..Just keep in mind you can work without your EAD as a 1099. Please check this out just to clarify a little bit:

http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/will-doing-1099-work-without-an-ead-cause-my-adjus-1719492.html

However, you mentioned you don't have any US Document and I a SS Number would be required before the end of the year to maintain compliance with IRS Guidelines. Ideally, the subcontractor’s Social Security number is obtained before any payments are made to maintain compliance with IRS guidelines. If no Social Security number is obtained by the time the ''employer'' fills the Forms 1099-MISC, they should leave the identification number box empty, but still submit the report to the IRS.

Well,

Sorry that i will be another one telling you that it doesn't make sense AT ALL.. Don't know if you guys were really desperate to get married or what, but why in the world paying all the fees related to the K1 then? You mentioned you didn't want to get married on a tourist visa, however you could have done it and then returned to Brazil or even getting married in Brazil...But whats so ever. Sorry, I don't know your current situation but apparently you didn't take care of the stuffs you were supposed to: Why not filling for AOS right after getting married or on a reasonable time manner? As of now you could have your AP/EAD...I believe that money was not the issue since you're considering to apply for the CR1 + Returning to Brazil.. Drivers License? Depending on the State you can get a DL before receiving your GC (I got mine as soon as I got here and I still don't have my GC)...And the cold truth: You think that having your Green Card is the magic pass to find a job? I don't know your skills, experience and etc, however finding a job here can take a while (Of course depending on what you're trying to do). And I assume you read the news about Brazil, right? The Economy there is slowing down (I would say it's going downhill) so the money you would be making to help moving out from his parents home would be 4x times lessened, unless you get paid the big bucks and you mentioned you're only 22 so I can't say if you have that much experience to find a job that fulfill your needs that fast and with so many digits compensation. And one more thing: You miss your family (I bet we all do) but you're intend to come back here for good and they won't be moving with you so how does it change?

I can be wrong, judgmental or whatever you can call it, however I think you're trying to spend some time apart to make sure you want to go further with this relationship that costs you so much (Being away from the family, friends and etc). If so, it's okay to have doubts, sometimes a time out is needed so we can organize our thoughts and etc, however being ''bored'' is way to far from a reasonable reason to leave everything behind. Have you ever thought how your CR1 Interview could be if you got asked why you returned to Brazil (I assume they will ask you why, it seems obvious).

Anywhoo, think before making such a move and being sorry later. If you need somebody to talk to you can reach out to me..

One thing I'm in doubt is the "traducao juramentada" document they ask for k1 applicants.

It's not clear if it needs to be "autenticada" or just filled and signed. Or because it's "juramentada" it needs to be filled and sign in front of the co.

Hi, you're misunderstanding what ''autenticada'' vs. ''reconhecimento de firma'' means, ''autenticar'' means to prove the authenticity of a document copy comparing with its original version, ''reconhecer firma''or ''notarize'' is when you sign the document and get the stamp to prove it was you signing it. Anyways, you don't need to notarize anything neither sign it there, you can sign prior to your interview and they won't bother about it, however if you have doubts just take a blank version of the document and sign it there whenever they ask you (If so).

Thanks for the comments! The consulate must of been watching this forum because I just received the email from them that they received the application from the NVC!!! hehe

Hi, sorry, I took forever but you got your answer. I bet that if you contact them they will say you should wait to be contacted and blah blah blah. The reality: I believe that they don't do anything with your DS prior to your interview (They scan the bar code there), so what would be the difference to fill it before or after being contacted by them? I guess it doesn't matter AT ALL. I filled mine before and it was all fine (I had to submit another one later one because I made a mistake). For instance: When we fill for a tourist visa the first thing we have to do is filling the DS-160 and until then the Embassy don't even know we exist (I know that K1 and B2 are completely different but it's just an example and additionally the system is just the same!)

Good luck.

Hi,

I am really sorry about your situation and feel really frustrated that he didn't care you were changing your whole life to come to the US and start over. Nobody changes plans just because a library card, so I believe he somehow didn't want this relationship anymore and has been a coward to tell you before your big move. Keep in mind that y'all just started the ''real life'' together and by now y'all should be living the best of it: When you count the seconds to have your husband back home, when he supports you, make you feel welcome and comfortable and etc. You're not having any of this by now so can you picture your future? Sorry, but I don't see it getting any better. I know it's hard to give up on somebody you love (Even though he is showing you he doesn't deserve your love), going back home can be hurtful because we somehow feel we failed, there will be questions from friends, family, coworkers and etc. But the sooner the best and for sure you don't deserve living like because these situations generally end up with one letting him/herself go and that would be you! It might sound a little revenge but if I were you I would just pack my stuffs and leave without even talking to him just to prove you don't need his *** for anything and you do great by your own!!

Good luck!!

Hi,

Reaching out to them thru the phone is a challenge. I know that a tourist visa (B2) has NOTHING to do with a CR1 Visa, however the system itself is the same. My cousin got her interview june 29th to come to the US as a tourist and attend to my wedding and something like 4 days later she had her visa on hands, so what I am saying is that this delay probably has nothing to do with the glitch they had. Maybe they are performing additional checks or just finishing their paper work (AP - Even though it still shows ready).

E-mailing them is an good option since they generally reply in 2 business days.

Good luck.

Thank you for your response,

I think I didn't explain very well, the details: He DOES have LOTS of documents, proving his medical conditions, because he is SO damaged, he said he could even retire sooner because of those problems he has on his body. He's not working ''ON FIELD'' he works in a office, because hes body is so messed up, he can't do much for his sniper job as before. He did 32 MRI's and there's still more 2 coming + 2 surgeries in his body, he already been through many surgeries because of his job. He's basically in ''stand by'' until they have to retire him early for his body being so messed up.

So he has all the proof he needs about his medical conditions and that he needs me there for those surgeries. He takes so many pills to ''hide'' is pain and damage that the military spends thousands of dollars to his meds&treatments and etc...

Do you think his medical CONDITIONS would be a good argument still?

Oh, ok, before you mentioned that he COULD get a statement so I thought he didn't have anything to state his condition.

To be honest with you I don't know the severity of his case and if it could be considered as an extreme urgent situation (One of the expedition criteria. Please check: http://www.uscis.gov/forms/expedite-criteria)but it's worth to call the Military Hotline. Our request was easily approved and he didn't even need to provide anything than than his ship name (Not even his schedule was demanded). But first of all you need to make sure about your waive situation!

Hi,

If I am not mistaken the K-3 is no longer in use and the spouse visa is called IR1/CR1.

I have no clue about your waive issue and the best option for you (I'd rather having more experienced users giving you their feedback), however let me tell you about the Military situation since I am familiar with it: The primary answer is NO. The simple fact that he is in the military and on active duty doesn't grant you any expedition benefit, UNLESS there is a specific situation to justify the expedition, for instance: He is in a soon to be deployed ship and need to get married before his under ways (That's how my case was approved for expedition even though we tried it REALLY close to the normal timeframe to have it adhjucated). Second, if he has that many issues he needs a Military Formal Medical Assessment, especially because all the damages caused MUST be treated and additionally he gets additional money for each injury. You mentioned that 'he can pretty much get any medical statement' so I assume that now he doesn't have any kind of medical assessment and to be honest, with that many problems he wouldn't be on active duty once everything comes up since his mental issues can be considered a harm not only to himself but to others, and if so I don't know if y'all could benefit from the Military Status to start your expedition process or you should go thru the normal route (Not sure if the Military Option includes non-active duty personnel). You can call the Military Hotline and get more info: http://www.uscis.gov/military/military-help-line

But I have one advice: If you decide to call, just be very careful how you expose this situation if he doesn't have yet an official diagnosis and is not under the proper treatment as he should be.

Good luck.

Expat1,

The "illegal" issued was mentioned by the OP in another forum in which she asked the same thing and I told her to keep her license as it is. She told me NO since it is illegal to do so, I told her it doesn't make sense to be illegal but I guess she was just being concerned about doing things the way she believes is the right way.

And additionally I was told to go back there with my GC in hands to extend it, however it will be a conditional 2 years GC and they will probably issue the new license matching my GC expiration date.

As I told you before in other post you mentioned the same thing, here in VA if you try to get another license it won't be issued according to your Visa because your Visa is an one entry one and it is no longer valid once you're here. They will give you a license according to your I94 expiration OR 1 year when you take your AOS NOA1. Since you have your valid until 2016 I don't know if they would be able to issue a license with a shorter expiration date, it doesn't make too much sense tho. When I told you about it you mentioned that is for SURE illegal to keep your license under your maiden name and that's the reason why you want to change it. When I went to DMV they wanted to issue mine under my maiden name since that's what matches my passport so I doubt it's illegal, otherwise they wouldn't try to give me one under my maiden name. But I can be wrong. I live really close to DMV and I will ask about it bc I have been curious about it since the other post where you told me you were fully sure it would be illegal to keep your license. Good luck.

Hi,

Yeah, that's exactly what I mentioned before: The Statement. I just signed at home and gave to the person who collected my documents. To be honest I notarized it but there is no need at all (I just did because I was sooo nervous and etc). They just collect it and during your interview the CO just makes you sign something else (NOT the same document) and he explains that it's just to make sure you know you need to get married in 90 days and etc. To be honest I definitely don't know why they request this Statement if you sign something else in front of the CO, but that's how it is!

One thing I'm in doubt is the "traducao juramentada" document they ask for k1 applicants.

It's not clear if it needs to be "autenticada" or just filled and signed. Or because it's "juramentada" it needs to be filled and sign in front of the co.

I had no clue about these changes, I was definitely taking into account my experience back in March, 2015.

Nothing needs to be certified by local registry (Please keep in mind I am talking about the Statement. Copies of BC, for instance, should be certified IN CASE you don't have the original BC with you and any other documents they request original + copy). At least for me I didn't have to sign this statement (Available on their website) in front of the CO. The only thing you sign during the interview is another statement reinforcing that you know you have to get married within 90 days upon your entry, however it was something he gave to me there and it's not available on the website.

The sworn translation should refer to documents in another language other than portuguese or english. If any other language it needs to be translated by a sworn translator and the Embassy provides the list: http://portuguese.brazil.usembassy.gov/pt/translators.html).As I mentioned before we need our bc translated for the AOS anyways.

OH MY GOODNESS, YOU ARE AMAZING! You literally answered and broke down every single thing the way I needed to hear it! LOL! thank you thank you thank you SO MUCH! I feel much better now, and I really appreciate that you took the time to go into so much detail for me! and congrats on everything!

You're welcome! Feel free to contact me if you need! And one correction: Item 5 I said that generally VDRL and x-rays are taken at the same day of your interview, but its the same day of your medical appointment (Not interview!). And also I highlight something about it: When people take their exams on the same day of their medical appointment and IF the medical appointment is schedule one day before the interview, keep in mind your records WILL NOT be there for your interview. It's not a problem! If your visa is approved they will wait to issue it once they have all the documents they need. Some people have their medical appointment one week before the interview and sometimes their records don't make on time for the interview and what's the reason for that: The x-ray usually takes up to 3 days to get to the medical office and then he needs to fill out everything, send to the consulate, the consulate needs to receive and process it. So, it can take more than a week! What I did to make sure my records would be there for my interview: I lived in Rio and few miles away from the doctor officer. So I took my exams one week before my medical appointment, which happened one week before my interview!!

Good luck!

Hi, let's go. I just had my interview in march this year:

1. Your fiancé is brazilian, right? If so I assume all his documents are in portuguese and if so, NO translation at all is necessary for the interview. As you read documents in english OR portuguese doesn't require any translation. However there is a tip thinking ahead: Birth certificate must be translated into english for the Adjustment of Status NOT K1 Interview.

2. Yes, reports can be gathered online and that's how I did. I mention that in Brazil some States do not have an online option and the applicant should get it from the police site or whatever. I assume your fiancé can get it online and if so it's perfect, no problem at all. Usually the Federal Report expires in 90 days and State Report in 6 or 4 months. I got all my reports a week before the interview or closer. To be safe just get a little bit before because we never know if we will have system glitches or stuffs like that. Once you get them online you don't need to do anything about it, they have verification codes and they can check it's legitimacy.

3. After NOA2 (I would say 15 days to be safe) you can call NVC and get your case number which will start with RDJ. To provide you the case number they will ask your USCIS receipt number, your and beneficiary dob. You don't need the RDJ number to fill out the DS 160. While filling the DS you will be asked the case number and you can add your USCIS receipt number, there is no problem at all with it and people are used to do so. In Brazil we DO NOT schedule the interview, they will assign you a date and send you the date and further instructions (Portuguese and English) for you and the beneficiary, so you can fill the DS-160 whenever you want BEFORE your interview of course. Later on the beneficiary SHOULD receive an interview letter at her residency (I say SHOULD because sometimes they never get this letter due to delivery issues and etc, however it's NOT a problem). My letter got at my house something like 2 weeks and a half after they contacted me via e-mail. The letter itself has nothing different from the e-mail they sent you, except the fact they add the visa type or something like that (We know it's K1 but they call K1-BRL). DS-260 is not an online form, it's a paper form that you fill PART 1 and take with you to the interview, nothing else. Some people say you need to sign the form there but you can sign before (I completely forget to sign mine and they didn't ask me too so I gave them a no signed form and everything went fine).

4. In Brazil we don't pay anything related to K1 online, the fee (260USD if I am not mistaken - They will let you know). Everything will be collected there before your interview. It's one fee.

5. Medical: I don't know where the beneficiary will have his medical done (RJ, MG, SP or Brasília), however it's not recommended to schedule your medical appointment until you know your interview date because they will ask you when it's going to be and additionally they basically control everything according to your interview date (When is the best moment to send the records to the Embassy..The Embassy puts all the records together as well according to interview dates). Once you know when your interview will be you can call the doctor officer and you will receive instructions by email (At least here in Rio). Everything is simple and straight forward: You will know what shots you need and exams as well (VDRL and Lung X-Ray for K1) and they need to be taken BEFORE the interview but everything can be done in the same day. Generally people who travel for their medical appointment have the x-ray and VDRL done at the same day of their interview. Usually people take care of their shots before and for free (dT, Influenza, Varicella* and MMR) - Varicella* is not for free for adults, however if had chicken pox before you don't need the shot (I don't know if other doctors request proofs but not in Rio). If you have all your previous records proving you took MMR, dT and Varicella you don't need to worry about it, however I guess that dT needs to be reinforced (Not sure, please check with the doctor). Influenza is the current year one. I know that in Brazil they just started the 2015 shots. When I had my appointment they didn't have the 2015 influenza and he just checked it was not the season for that shot and everything was fine. Exams and shots are not handled at the doctor officer (At least in RIO). The instructions will describe where you need to have your exams (Again, talking about RIO) and shots you can take wherever you want, you just need the records. The truth behind it is that the vaccination is NOT a K-1 requirement but required for the AOS. If you don't have any shot you will get your K1 (Of course if approved), however he will give you the paper as INCOMPLETE and you will need to take care of it in the States before the AOS (I recommend taking it in Brazil since it's free* - Except varicella). I like to highlight that the varicella shots are generally taken in 2 doses and depending where it's taken the second dose (Reinforcement) is taken 3 months after the first one (I went to Prophylaxis Lab and second dose was taken 1 month after the first one - 150 BRL each dose).

6. Interview you need 2 passport style pictures (Oh Gosh, 2 or 3? I forgot but you can check the instructions online as well) and medical appointment we don't need passport style pictures but 3x4 (Smaller) and I don't remember exactly how many but I guess we need 6. Generally when we take 3x4 pictures it comes on a 8 pictures combo so you will be fine!

Rtor1, thank you for your understanding and for the link. It is helpful, but also worrisome since it seems that the change of country could take a long time. Our Approval expires in September.

Milimelo and TBoneTX, we were coming to the forum for advice and solidarity. We have done our research, we have written and called the embassies + NVC (always busy) and since there is nothing official on the US websites, that is why we were looking for any small detail of advice here. Each case is different, yes, but whether or not it is possible and whatever issues came up for other people - we just want to be ready.

You're welcome and good luck! I hope it works fine!! I am sorry that some people here don't feel like helping other members and are so quick to throw their harsh words. Moderator, thanks for pointing out their ''chief question'' if we can call like that, I know how to read but I also can read between the lines and understood they came here for more support, further details and etc maybe because of their ''secondary''question looking for people who successfully went thru the same. They never said their case would be like everybody's else and again and to some people similar experiences can be helpful. I wonder what's the purpose of this website if people's experience can not be taken into account to help in whatever issues we can have during our journey? You know what? I am done with this website because lately I have been feeling very uncomfortable to come here and post a question or something like that. Everybody is so ready to use their smart mouths to judge and treat people like they're so stupid for not knowing the answers for their questions.

Hi,

milimelo, they're just asking for people who successfully changed their interview country to understand a little bit more about it and assess their chances to do so, it's not a matter of having a ''crystal ball'' but experience exchange and that's why we're all here.

Anyways, OP you should contact them asap and please take a look at this forum: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/519781-change-country-interview/

You will find people who went thru the same and maybe it can be a good source.

Good luck.

I thought that petitions from the Philippines were automatically expedited.

I was completely considering the last name issue. Users are right and you need to go to your local clerk and file a petition for name change. Keep in mind that in some places (For instance here in VA) you can't change your name unless you're a legal resident for at least 6 months. They should have instructions and forms online. Here it takes up to 6 months to be successfully completed.

Yup, my bad! USCIS, sorry just got caught with NVC but it's actually USCIS.

Hello!

I have doubts about something: On my AOS I had to put my "legal name" and then the name I wanted on my green card. Ok.

I got my EAD with my new name, which now has my second name as my first name, and my husband's last name. I went to get my SSN with my EAD and they said they could not issue me a SSN because my "new name" doesn't match the name on my passport. She said I needed to keep my first name.

I don't understand it. Why can't I use my second name as my first? Is not like I am inventing a name.

Can someone help me?

Thanks!

Hi,

Like everything here in US it always depends on who you get to. I was able to change my name with me certified marriage certificate. First the young lady refused to do so because she told me I had to let ''Immigration'' knows about my marriage and I said it didn't make sense, explained the K1 process and eventually she changed my name on it mainly because I was backed up with SS info. Just tell them it wouldn't match your passport because it's your maiden name and that's what's the K1 Visa means: Entering into the US SINGLE to get married to an US Citizen.

Please check: https://faq.ssa.gov/link/portal/34011/34019/Article/3749/How-do-I-change-or-correct-my-name-on-my-Social-Security-number-card?

Also show the attendant the SS requirements: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm

As of now you don't have your stamp but make sure to take your AOS I-797 to prove you're currently on the AOS process, don't forget your I-94, EAD, Marriage Certificate, passport and any other kind of ID you have.

After 205 days waiting at Texas Service Center I got approved; Two weeks later I called NVC and they said I have to wait 35 days to call them. After 35 days nothing happened and I called them yesterday and today and now they changed the answer; they said it talked at least 35 days after approval; a lady gave me an email address to send my NOA2 and they were going to see what happened, I emailed yesterday and I still don't have any answer...

I would like to know if some early may approvals are in the same situation, because from this website I can see many timelines of people who got approved after me and they already have a case number from NVC, and some others have the consulate appointment date...

Is there anyone in my situation, I am getting desperate......

Hi,

I am not a recent approval but I have seen many cases of petitions that were accidentally shipped to the NRC (Storage Facility). Call NVC and try to reach out to the Supervisor and mention the possibility of your case being routed to NRC instead of NVC, they will probably give you assistance. Additionally there is a lot of VJ members with this kind of experience. Good luck.

Hi,

In my opinion (Personal opinion) I wouldn't show anything related to money in a high fraud country such as DR, I believe you have many other evidences and I assume everything will be okay. Try to walk on their shoes: They don't know you guys, they don't understand the hardships so I believe they would automatically assume he is using you for money.

Good luck.

Glad that worked out for you but I am not taking risks driving around with the wrong information. It clearly says that if you have legally changed your name (not just put it on the marriage license) you should change it on your driver's license. Banks seems to work differently depending on who you go to. As an Au Pair I was told I needed to get a SSN to open a bank account and then there was a bunch of Au Pairs who opened accounts without it.

Yeah, it's always different depending on who you go to and the same with DMV. I was able to get my DL under married name but they wanted to see my husband's ID as well to do so. Once I got my Military ID the bank changed my name. When I was here on a J1 Visa I didn't need a SS to open an account with Bank of America but now I needed it to be added into Navy Federal.