sowens

Congrats!!!! Good luck at the interview!!!!

Sherry

I couldnt wait to see how things went for you, so I had to peek in! Congrats!!!!!!! Have a safe trip home and look forward to hearing all the details.

Sherry

Good luck at the interview!!!! It's nice know you will be with your hubby soon. I know how stessful it can be, being seperated for so long. I am sure you are sooo excited!Travel safe and enjoy the reunion. Oh and let us know how the interview goes. Good luck again and our prayers are with you!!

Sherry

Congrats!!!!!!

Congrats and Good Luck!!!!! Our prayers are with you!

Sherry

RIMASH,

If the customer service said they have it, then I wouldnt worry too much. I have had an experience where the system said one thing and the customer reps corrected it. Not to my benefit, but in this case it worked out for you! If you spoke with someone that can SAY that they received your case, then you have no worry about the auto systems delay. The system updates at it's own pace, and is subject to error. Congrats on getting to this stage and good luck with the rest of the process!!!

Sherry

I am glad you werent caught up in a longer wait. Let us know when the interview is scheduled, Good luck!

Sherry

To be honest with you I always heard from the NVC that it would take 4-6 weeks to process anything, but it always took less time. Both our I-864 and the DS-230 took about 3 weeks to get reviewed and sent to the embassy/consulate in Brazil. So don't believe everything you hear from them cuz they just give you a longer stretch of time to be on the safe side.

I would normally agree, I was told so many times that it would be 2-4 weeks, and that was the standing line I was fed. Then on one occassion when I rang the rep. said 4-6 weeks. I was taken back a bit so I asked them to repeat the time. "4-6 weeks, Maam" ARRRRRR!!!!! The time is stretched and to top it off I get called Maam!!! That word makes me feel so old!

I thought it was just another case of the rep. not knowing what they were on about. So I rang back a little later and asked again. Same response. I asked why the sudden change in processing time frame, and the rep (who seemed very polite and knowledgable and did not call me Maam) said that they were all given a memo stating that they had a back log due to the time off from the holidays. Our case has been processing for 2 weeks as of the 25th so who knows? I'll just be as patient as I can and wait it out.

Hope it goes quickly for us all!

Sherry

JahanXChris -

Congrats on the DL and good for you for not backing down. Some of the ppl at the DMV here in NC can be a bit rude at times. However some of the questions that ajames asked, I think you may not have answered correctly. Then again, the longer you are here in NC the more you will see, some towns are a bit different and will go with their own methods. By the locations you were mentioning

(there are hardly any jobs in the little town we are in and I must commute to either Concord or Charlotte NC for a decent job

I am assuming that we may live fairly close to each other. I have a few comments on the situations you discussed though.

When you go for the Learners Permit you will have to pass a computer exam which will test you on topics covered in the Driver Handbook. There are about 30-35 questions and if I remember correctly, you must get atlast 25 correct...was so easy, just common sense questions.

That all depends on the DMV location. The town that I am in has a small office and when you are called back to take your test they hand you a form and ask you to sit at a desk (like in school) and you have to fill in the bubbles with a pencil. Then the examiner calls you over to their desk when they see you are finished writing and either hand grade or slide it into a computer to calculate. Then they do your vision test, road sign, and then finally your driving(road ability) test. Smile for the camera and pay your fee. POOF! all done. Some of the newer (more recently updated/built DMV offices offer computerized exams, eventually they will all get around to it I guess. I do agree the test is easy and common sense questions.

You will need their Social Security Card or a document issued by SSA showing their SSN. They will also need to establish their proof of residency in NC which can be done by producing a joint bank statement showing address, any correspondence from the USCIS showing your fiance/e's address in USA...this could even be the NOA1 for your AOS. A utility bill is also fine.

For ID, they need atleast 2 documents atleast one of which shows the date of birth. The SSN card is accepted as one form of ID! So you need one more showing the DoB. That can be your marriage certificate so you wont have to show your passport at all BUT they may still ask to see the passport as in my case. But when I refused to give up, they accepted the SSN card and marriage certificate! And lastly, you need about $15 for the fee.

If you are getting a license, learner's permit or an ID card for the first time in North Carolina, you will need to provide proof of:

• Your Residence Address ie;utility bills, bank statements mailed to address, rental/lease agreement
  
• Your Age and Identity ie;passport, birth cert., marriage license
  
• Your Social Security Number or a valid Visa issued by a US Government Agency
  

When making application for an identification card, learners permit or drivers license, it is required by law that you provide DMV with a valid Social Security Number, or a valid Visa issued by a US Government Agency, if you are not eligible for a Social Security number.

About liability insurance, it is NOT needed for Learners Permit. You will need it when you go for the road test to get your DL. You can add your fiance/e to your policy before OR after the marriage.

For a driver's license you will also need to show proof of Automobile Liability Insurance if you will be driving a personal vehicle or something other than a fleet vehicle (rental car, company car).

The N.C. General Assembly has enacted legislation to require some (but not all) driver license applicants in North Carolina to submit proof of automobile liability insurance coverage in order to obtain a North Carolina driver's license. Proof of liability insurance coverage applies to those:

• Applying for an original license, including transfers from out-of-state;
  
• Whose licenses are being restored after revocation or suspension; or
  
• Awarded a "Limited Driving Privilege" by the court.
  

This does not apply to applicants who do not own currently registered motor vehicles and who do not operate nonfleet private passenger motor vehicles that are owned by other persons. In such cases it is required that a certification of exemption (DL-123A) be signed at the driver license office.

The exemption restricts the driver to the operation of "Fleet Vehicles Only".

Fleet Vehicles refers to rental cars etc.

In my experience but am not 100% positive, all drivers must have liability insurance. Including those with a driving permit. (someone has to be responsible for accidents etc.)

You can add your fiance/e to your policy before OR after the marriage.

Insurance can be carried on anyone who is residing in the main policy holders household. They do not have to be related.

Getting the SSN is *MOST* important as soon as your fiance/e is here because it is not only required in NC for a marriage license, it also helped us open a joint bank account with Bank of America by simply showing my SSN and passport (with valid I-94).

Again, this may be a location aspect. My husband and I went to the registers office and applied for a marriage license showing only his passport. No other documents were required and we had our ML in about 20 minutes. We also have a joint bank account with Bank of America and had no issues when asked for a SS#. We simply explained that we were in the process of applying for an IV and the banker used his passport as verification (he also had some sort of card from his country. I think it was like a SS card for Ireland but not sure.)

ajames, I would recommend as the OP said and definitely start the ball rolling while your I-94 is valid. It will keep the DMV from giving too much hassel.

Hope this was helpful and good luck with your journey and the move to NC!

Sherry

Hiya all,

What are we doing way down here........BUMPING this up!

I agree with John & Annie. I would check into a smaller airline and see about a different departure city. JB seems good and Southwest to Atlanta or Raliegh NC is also an option. Sometimes at the begining of the year Continental has some good prices on flights to Ireland. Good luck on the search.

Any word on the interview Josh?

Hope everyone is doing well.

Sherry

Are you going by VJ timelines? I wouldnt depend on them as some of the members do not keep thier timelines current. I am sure your petition will get there soon, relax and get ready for the interveiw. You are at the homestretch now and will be with your SO in no time at all.

They are a bit behind in processing etc. from the "holiday rush". That was what the customer service agent said today, though I think this will pertain mostly to CR1/IR1 visa's and not K-visa's as they are generally "in & out" of NVC since they do not get the amount of processing that an immigrant visa goes through.

Pulteseller,

According to your info, you applied for a K Visa and would not be able to get info on your case from the automated update system. They do not enter K Visas into the system due to their short stays at NVC. You need to call and opt to speak with a customer service agent. They can assist you in updates.

Good luck and a speedy process for you both!

Sherry

I spoke with someone from NVC today and they stated that the processing time from the receipt of the DS230 till case complete has changed. It is no longer 2-4 weeks but now 4-6 weeks. Sooo not what I wanted to hear, but I guess we will just have to wait and be patient. I hope eveything goes smoothly for you! Good luck with the rest of your journey.

Sherry

Wong,

I am sorry that you were exposed to someone of such ignorance and cruelty. I have to agree with some of the other posters, in your hubbys defense. He did have a tattoo needle at his neck. However, I see where your coming from in wanting him to defend you. As others have said, talk to him about this and let him know how you feel. Its not always easy to adapt to a new life, but talking alot helps.

As a suggestion, unless it's totally necessary, I recommend that you do not argue with his friends. Take up your grievances with your husband (simply have a calm conversation and express what you feel) and allow him to resolve them for you.

JMO, but I wouldnt tell anyone not to stand up for themselves, no matter the situation. Some people thrive on bullying others as long as they know that they can get away with it. If you back down once it makes it harder to stand up for yourself in the future. I really dont think its her hubbys place to deal with her grievances, but to help her deal with them.

Congrats!!! Good luck with your interview! If you dont mind can you please fill in your timeline and or signature so that others can get an idea of your wait in this process? Check the embassy info page (link below) and embassy reviews. Lots of great info on there from others who have been thru Dublin. Keep us updated and let us know when they schedule the interview, and again CONGRATS!!!!

http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/inde...&cty=Dublin

Also you can go to the Irish thread in the regional discussion and post, there are lots of great people there and they will offer any help that they can.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=112

Sherry

I havent had any experience in this situation, but I am sure there will be others to come along shortly and help out as well. What I found is the following......

I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: A citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States may file this form to establish the relationship to certain alien relatives who wish to immigrate to the United States. A separate form must be filed for each eligible relative.

I am not sure if age of child makes a difference, that may also be another factor. I would suggest that you look at the guides at the top of the page along with the FAQ page. Good luck and a speedy Journey.

Sherry

LOL Boiler, that is the first good laugh I have had today. Thanks! Well if thats the case, then they just screwed another Spurs supporter (my husband). Match day can get tense around our house, LOL.

The thing is, I ring this number daily, enter the case number daily, and listen to that annoying recording repeat it backdaily. It was definitely something on thier end.

As much as I wish the first one to be true Jajo, I did ring an operator and they said that it wasnt complete. Thank you anyways for the advice.

Just gonna have to wait it out and hope for the best. The lady that answered was really nice though and even apologized for the mistake. It wasnt her fault but it was nice of her to try to make me feel better. Hope everyones case is moving along smoothly and your not going mad like me!!

Sherry

I am STUNNED beyond belief, but mostly heartbroken. I am wondering if this has happened to anyone else. During my lunch hour I rang the NVC as I had sent some documents via priority mail on 1/8/07. I knew that there wouldnt be time for them to review our RFE and make a decision, but just wanted to see if they had entered them into the system yet. Knowing that they are entered and on the processing wave again was all I wanted to hear. Instead I got a message stating that the case was complete and being forwarded to the embassy in Dublin. I immediately burst into tears of joy, rang my husband to tell him since it wasnt expected. Then I rang NVC back to hear the message again, but this time the message was different. It was the original message that said it was waiting our RFE documents. #######? I dont get it. How can the message say complete one minute and not the next? I am just completely baffled by this. Has anyone ever heard of this before? Has this waiting done my head in? I can safely say that functioning on a daily basis has not been an issue before, but after today I am begining to think the govt. is trying to make me loose my mind. Any thoughts on this or something similar happen to anyone else? Please tell me I am not crazy.

Sherry......(who maybe going crazy)..........to be determined

Truffles,

After reading your post I did a quick search on DHL and seen that there has been several packages sent to the London Embassy since the 14th. some in or around the 21st. Hopefully one of them was yours, good luck and GOD bless.

Sherry

Colleen, Congrats to you both! WOW, didnt know it was coming that fast. Sooooo happy for you and Gavin, congrats again and all the best to the both of you!

Sherry

Orimai, just a suggestion, but if you had someone prepare your taxes for you ie; a private CPA or a branch firm like H&R Block. I would try ringing them and explaining the situation. They can either send a copy of your W-2's or have them picked up by a trusted relative or friend. Some places will do this for you especially if your a regular client. I would say that it should be a copy of your W-2 as I sent my tax return and was given an RFE. When I asked why I was given the RFE for my W-2 the NVC stated that since I was using a joint sponsor I had to furnish W-2's for the last tax year along with the return. It doesnt make sense, I know, considering the joint sponsor more than covers the need, but that is why I was delayed. Just hope to help you out and not let you get caught up in further delays. Good luck and I hope things go smoothly for you.

Sherry

As I said Hanster, I sent the 1040 since that is what I was told. A 1040 is a U.S. individual income tax return by definition, so I can only assume that there really isnt a difference. From the impression I get, you ask for an IRS tax transcript when you cannot locate your 1040. Then again, I have someone prepare my taxes, this is not an area that I deal with. LOL. It seems that you have sent the appropriate forms so you should have no worries. Good luck and all the best for a speedy process.

Sherry

Sheey,

did they ask for the W2s of the joint sponsor or the main sponsor? the reason I am asking is that I sent my application last week and i included tax transcripts of both the main sponsor and joint sponsor but only included the W2 of the joint sponsor since my the main sponsor (my wife) barely made any money and we are basically using the joint sponsor to qualify since the he makes more than enough money to sponsor me.

I am sorry you received an RFE and I hope the same does not happen to me or else then i would have to feel sorry for myself too.

good luck and hope your application gets processed quickly

Hanster,

The NVC told me that I only needed the tax return for last year and that W-2's were optional. I sent the 1040 for both myself and the joint sponsor. The RFE is for my(main sponsor) W-2's. They said that the RFE was sent because when using a joint sponsor the main sponsor has to send the W-2's and they are no longer optional. This is not a problem, I have them, but didnt send them since I was told the 1040 would do. I didnt make enough money last year as I only worked part time and wont meet the guideline. I really am sorry but it sounds like you did the same as myself. Hopefully with alot of luck, you can slide by. Unfortunately I wasnt able to, and I even sent a cover letter explaining why my income was so low and why I only worked part time. I was caring for my elderly grandfather who was sick, I lived with my parents to care for him so that they could continue to work and not have financial problems. This was a more manageable arrangement for them as I had little to no bills compared to theirs, and we had no intetentions of allowing him to be put away in a home. The strange thing is, the 1040 will reflect the same income as what the W-2's, so the RFE in itself is the frustrating bit. Good luck, I hope you get through as quickly as possible.

Sherry

We got an RFE for our case. I am so aggravated, frustrated and every other word I can think of. I know this is my fault, and should have double checked the packet. I really want to kick my own BUM at this stage. When I was putting our packages together I rang the NVC and asked all sorts of questions, the fella that answered the phone was so nice and helpful, he even went over the entire form and listed all the documents that I would to send in, but gave me a bit of information that wasnt exactly correct. He had said I wouldnt need bank statements since I wasnt claiming it as an asset and that I wouldnt need W-2's since they were optional and that the 1040 tax return was sufficient. I am sure it wasnt intentional on his part but it happened none the less, so just a heads up, make sure you triple check all forms and if they sat to send it, SEND IT! When I called and asked why I needed an RFE for these documents after I was told I didnt need to send them, the lady on the phone said that some cases vary and that with the income that I provided and the fact that I was using a joint sponsor the documents would be needed after all. This is not a major problem, I have the forms, but cant send them until I get my RFE from NVC as it has a bar code that has to go along with it. Then we will be back at the start of waiting 2-4 weeks even though they have everything else they need from us. This is because they take the mail and process it in the order that they receive it. Not an unfair situation, I cant expect to be bumped in front of others when they are waiting as long if not longer than us, just frustrating to be so close and then have it snatched out from under us. Too bad I cant fax the info to them. LOL.

Sorry for my long rant everyone, just needed to vent a little, even though its a situation I made for myself. I just hope that this shows or helps others. Always double and triple check your packets and if they say they dont need something. Send it anyways. I guess it is better to be over prepared than to get an RFE.

I hope everyone a speedy journey and GOD bless.

Sherry

Congrats!!! Good luck at the interview!

Already posted on the other thread Riz, just wanted to tell you congrats again! I am sooooo happy for you. Good luck on a speedy interview and God bless.

Sherry