KGEH

Was wondering if anyone has filed aos without the travel doc (I-131)?

Just trying to double check amount paid without.

Fyi- I did go ahead and plug in a date on the form that said do not proceed without appointment letter, and the embassy sent the appointment letter the following day with the date I chose. Wish this was all more clear cut.

I'm sorry. Im still really confused and can't locate the thread dealing with this issue. You just went ahead and plugged in a date without an appointment letter?

We have registered, completed the online ds-160 and paid the visa fee but get a page that's says we should enter date received in appointment letter. It's been three weeks since we registered and have gotten nothing by post or email. Calling the embassy only gets us an angry employee rereading the page that states we need to enter the date received in letter. Emailed embassy with case number, passport face page, and ceac number.... And all that we get is the 3 page instruction manual (which states we should schedule an appointment online!) Are we doing something wrong?

Just an update on this topic for others who have similar questions: After consulting with three attorneys, I was assured that a drug arrest makes one inadmissible into the US, even if the crime is marijuana under 30grams. The under 30 grams clause makes one qualify for a waiver in which the applicant must prove EXTREME hardship if beneficiary were unable to join them in the US. We must go through the k-1 process and be denied before we can file the waiver, which will take an additional 5-6 months for approval. In total a year long process, and a recommendation that an attorney is hired for preparation of the waiver.

The government nah love love.

...

Had a consultation with a second attorney and was told pretty much the same thing. That a drug conviction results in a bar from the us, and a waiver is needed.

My understanding is that the fact that he has an arrest is grounds for inadmissibility under the moral turpitude law. I have no concerns about him smoking ganja and not passing tests etc.

I've also lived in Jamaica for the last two years re: Comment about hear say. Try being the only whitey at the standpipe in a garrison community. I know all about the chop chop business.

Are you a lawyer Hypnos?

The attorney said the 212h can only be used if we are married. I'm wondering why he would have recommended it knowing my partner has never been to the states (I.e. Been deported) as well as telling me it can be filed concurrent with the spousal visa.

Homosexuality is also illegal in jamaica. I don't need opinions on what one thinks is moral or immoral behavior. I just want to be with my partner.

I consulted a lawyer today. I was told that any drug offense makes one Inadmissable to the us, the exception being (the clause) 15 years have passed and being able to prove one had been rehabilitated. This does not apply to our situation. He is able to get his record expunged, but the k-1 applications asks specifically ask about crimes that have been sealed or expunged, so that has little bearing.

I was advised that getting married in jamaica and then filing for an I (h) 212 waiver under psychological hardship would be the best way to go. Apparently this entails collecting all my medical records, being interviewed by a forensic psychatrist, and an additional 2-3 month wait on top of what is currently a six month wait. It was estimated to cost about 10k us in total to prepare all the documents and for filing fees. As someone who has worked in non-profits most of my life, this is an astronomical sum.

He did reassure me it is not hopeless, and that we can be together in the states- it's just a costlier and more time consuming process. My partners father died yesterday, just three days after I moved back. A lot to swallow in a single week. Pray for me.

I'm confused about the medical exam- clearly he uses marijuana. From what I've read admitting to simple experimentation 10 years ago results in the one year ban. Even if he is able to produce a clean test at the time of medical, admitting to use at any point in ones life will result in a one year waiting period?

I'm mostly concerned about the criminal offense and the clause I've attached above. I've also read a simple one time offense of 30grams or less wont result in a denial. Seems difficult to find clear information on the topic.

Atari- I'll say it again- he uses ganja for religious reasons. He was born and raised a Rastafarian. He is tremendously disciplined (works nearly 12 hour days, 7 days a week,) a business owner, and a respected member of his community. Please withhold judgement about the quality of his moral character. This is the man I love, you hear?

Admitting to smoking marijuana 15 years ago to a physician will automatically result in a one year ban? Or would the ban be in effect from the date of the arrest? How dose this exception clause come into play?

(ii) Exception.-Clause (i)(I) shall not apply to an alien who committed only one crime if-

(II) the maximum penalty possible for the crime of which the alien was convicted (or which the alien admits having committed or of which the acts that the alien admits having committed constituted the essential elements) did not exceed imprisonment for one year and, if the alien was convicted of such crime, the alien was not sentenced to a term of imprisonment in excess of 6 months (regardless of the extent to which the sentence was ultimately executed).

And as it stands with the charge for a small amount of ganja- that would be grounds for a denial of a k-1? We have been co- habitating in Jamaica for over a year. Would it be best for me to return and marry there? Hire legal help?

I know it was less then an oz, but could have been reduced to a spliff due to the police taking their cut of the ganja I.e. Corruption. What sorts of questions does a panel doctor ask? Like I said- just beginning to explore this process and have little knowledge of what it all entails and what kind of road blocks may be encountered.

Anotherlostsoul- no offense taken. My future husband is a Rastafarian and it is part of his religious practice. I am also from a US state that has legalized marijuana, and hold the personal conviction that it is less dangerous then alcohol.

Less then 1oz.

I'm unsure of what was documented (tremendous amount of police corruption) but less then five marijuana cigarettes.

Can you say more about that? I just moved back from Jamaica yesterday (us citizen) and am just beginning to explore what seems like a very overwhelming process. Any information you can provide would be helpful.

My Jamaican fiancé was arrested with a small amount of ganja last October (big surprise, right?) How will this affect the K-1 visa application process?