mofatsd

Hey Frips,
As a fellow USC'er living abroad with the hubby and *only* using assets for the AOS I can tell you what we did (and it looks like you have enough especially having a driver's license, bank account and the schooling). We have a bank account in the US and two major credit cards that are constantly showing transactions (as all those birthdays in the US!). That seemed to be enough. We are using my mother's address as we do not have a house in the US as of yet and that is just our 'principal' address' - when we get there we will be put up in temporary housing by my husbands employer.
We had no issues with the domicile with that information and if you are relying on any part of your AOS in assets alone you will receive a warning 'checklist' after your 60 days (or after they review your case) -- don't freak out about it, it's merely a statement that says NVC isn't the one to look at assets and determine if it's good enough, that's up to your consular official. You need to make sure it's enough and that you have assets that can be converted to cash within 1 year (without putting strain on the family). Our interview went fine as we had cash that was over the poverty line so nothing else was asked.
Good luck and praying you get through fast!
Oh dear, everytime I see your case on here I cringe. I'm so sorry that you've been put in this lengthy process! Praying my little heart out for you dear!
I know folks have resolved this question for you, but just to shed some light - anytime a NVC rep makes comment on your account (and they make comments every time you call, get a case complete or any other form of movement with your case) that could possibly trigger a mail. Not all comments on your account trigger movements (if you just call in and they say wait and you hang up...that will probably not trigger anything).

Hey Frips,
As a fellow USC'er living abroad with the hubby and *only* using assets for the AOS I can tell you what we did (and it looks like you have enough especially having a driver's license, bank account and the schooling). We have a bank account in the US and two major credit cards that are constantly showing transactions (as all those birthdays in the US!). That seemed to be enough. We are using my mother's address as we do not have a house in the US as of yet and that is just our 'principal' address' - when we get there we will be put up in temporary housing by my husbands employer.
We had no issues with the domicile with that information and if you are relying on any part of your AOS in assets alone you will receive a warning 'checklist' after your 60 days (or after they review your case) -- don't freak out about it, it's merely a statement that says NVC isn't the one to look at assets and determine if it's good enough, that's up to your consular official. You need to make sure it's enough and that you have assets that can be converted to cash within 1 year (without putting strain on the family). Our interview went fine as we had cash that was over the poverty line so nothing else was asked.
Good luck and praying you get through fast!
Oh dear, everytime I see your case on here I cringe. I'm so sorry that you've been put in this lengthy process! Praying my little heart out for you dear!
I know folks have resolved this question for you, but just to shed some light - anytime a NVC rep makes comment on your account (and they make comments every time you call, get a case complete or any other form of movement with your case) that could possibly trigger a mail. Not all comments on your account trigger movements (if you just call in and they say wait and you hang up...that will probably not trigger anything).

Hello Hello Hello.
Another busy day of prep work, closing accounts, finding random coins under couches, cleaning and taking care of the kiddies. Whew, packing up your life in 2 months with 2 little ones in tow really is crazy!
We've got just 2 months and 1 week to go before we cross our fingers and hope for the best over in the US. Staying in a Townhouse for a couple of months before we can actually find something that we would like to purchase and start a whole new life there.
To the folks that are waiting, I'm still praying. I hate that NVC is down but I also pray that the blizzard isn't as bad as last years was - then that would probably cause NVC to be down for weeks instead of just a day and a half. It seems that the bad weather isn't going to be as bad as they are letting some flights return to NYC. Crossing fingers the reps will be in the office and working hard on everyone's cases.
I think I'll keep checking in - give you an update, a few lines and few hugs. I also can't wait to hear Solenta's case get updated and be reunited finally with her hubby. Lots of love. MoFatsD, over and out!

Hello Hello Hello.
Another busy day of prep work, closing accounts, finding random coins under couches, cleaning and taking care of the kiddies. Whew, packing up your life in 2 months with 2 little ones in tow really is crazy!
We've got just 2 months and 1 week to go before we cross our fingers and hope for the best over in the US. Staying in a Townhouse for a couple of months before we can actually find something that we would like to purchase and start a whole new life there.
To the folks that are waiting, I'm still praying. I hate that NVC is down but I also pray that the blizzard isn't as bad as last years was - then that would probably cause NVC to be down for weeks instead of just a day and a half. It seems that the bad weather isn't going to be as bad as they are letting some flights return to NYC. Crossing fingers the reps will be in the office and working hard on everyone's cases.
I think I'll keep checking in - give you an update, a few lines and few hugs. I also can't wait to hear Solenta's case get updated and be reunited finally with her hubby. Lots of love. MoFatsD, over and out!

Hello Hello Hello.
Another busy day of prep work, closing accounts, finding random coins under couches, cleaning and taking care of the kiddies. Whew, packing up your life in 2 months with 2 little ones in tow really is crazy!
We've got just 2 months and 1 week to go before we cross our fingers and hope for the best over in the US. Staying in a Townhouse for a couple of months before we can actually find something that we would like to purchase and start a whole new life there.
To the folks that are waiting, I'm still praying. I hate that NVC is down but I also pray that the blizzard isn't as bad as last years was - then that would probably cause NVC to be down for weeks instead of just a day and a half. It seems that the bad weather isn't going to be as bad as they are letting some flights return to NYC. Crossing fingers the reps will be in the office and working hard on everyone's cases.
I think I'll keep checking in - give you an update, a few lines and few hugs. I also can't wait to hear Solenta's case get updated and be reunited finally with her hubby. Lots of love. MoFatsD, over and out!

Hello Hello Hello.
Another busy day of prep work, closing accounts, finding random coins under couches, cleaning and taking care of the kiddies. Whew, packing up your life in 2 months with 2 little ones in tow really is crazy!
We've got just 2 months and 1 week to go before we cross our fingers and hope for the best over in the US. Staying in a Townhouse for a couple of months before we can actually find something that we would like to purchase and start a whole new life there.
To the folks that are waiting, I'm still praying. I hate that NVC is down but I also pray that the blizzard isn't as bad as last years was - then that would probably cause NVC to be down for weeks instead of just a day and a half. It seems that the bad weather isn't going to be as bad as they are letting some flights return to NYC. Crossing fingers the reps will be in the office and working hard on everyone's cases.
I think I'll keep checking in - give you an update, a few lines and few hugs. I also can't wait to hear Solenta's case get updated and be reunited finally with her hubby. Lots of love. MoFatsD, over and out!

That seems plenty enough - we had well over for a family of 4 so they didn't even ask just during the interview they check marked the box that says 'meet' after flipping through. We gave certified documents from our bank, and then we did have an appraisal done for the two international houses we have. But we had enough in savings so she didn't even look through the appraisals. Good luck!!
Ugh. Seriously praying for you - I really feel this process is a Russian Roulette kinda process. Sometimes you spin the wheel and you get a nice person on the phone who helps you and walks you through the process and other times they just cut you off and treat you like you aren't even a human being. And the same with the embassy - sometimes you walk in that office and they've had a crappy day and they are just putting their frustration out on the first person that walks to the window and other times they are super nice and lovely. So sorry your hubby had one that was having the bad day. But thankfully you have nothing to hide and you will get through soon enough. Praying for you!
OMG. Was there even any reason why they denied?? Do you have to resubmit the documents and go all over again?? I am so sorry that this has happened - and so in awe that you keep your head up high and know that you will get through this! All the best!!
Get it in quick - some of the time if you resubmit after you had already sent in your documents they will just add it to your file (using the same AOS/IV cover page) and then they don't treat it as the latter date being the date that starts your 60 days. The sooner the better because if you send it in before a rep gets your case there is a good chance you can avoid the additional 60! Good catch and good luck!!

You will get 1 checklist and it will be confusing but if it is just talking about assets and that the CO will make the final judgement. It will go on to say if you don't think you have enough assets to cover you then you should resubmit a new AOS form with co-sponsors. If you are above the poverty line and have liquidable assets (they can be turned into cash within 1 year) then you are fine and the CO will accept with no issues. (only if you are right on the border line is when they have some questions).
Good Luck!!

You will get 1 checklist and it will be confusing but if it is just talking about assets and that the CO will make the final judgement. It will go on to say if you don't think you have enough assets to cover you then you should resubmit a new AOS form with co-sponsors. If you are above the poverty line and have liquidable assets (they can be turned into cash within 1 year) then you are fine and the CO will accept with no issues. (only if you are right on the border line is when they have some questions).
Good Luck!!

I think these folks LOVE to see you wait. Like waiting is the one thing they can do that makes us go absolutely INSANE.
...Waiting for Visa, had the interview on Friday, of course it's a holiday today, so no Visa until probably Wednesday or Thursday...
I know I know...I am SOOOOO incredibly grateful, just the waiting for all of us is enough to...

Yay! Are we going to be close? We are looking at homes in Barrington - hubby will be working around Hoffman Estates. Perhaps we will be due in for a coffee break when I reach?? I'll need all the friends I can get seeings how we will be starting a brand new life there. Be warned though...I've lived in Europe too long and drink coffee like water.
Yay! All the frustrations and wait amounting to this big day (aka the big move day) is all worth the wait. I know it never feels like it when you are actually at the waiting process but this comment proves that the move day makes you forget all the waiting!! Congrats!!
Whoo Hoo and yay for you getting over to the interview thread. Partying together and just for my daughter (who loves My Little Ponies)...

I just saw your other post that said that you guys got the magical N/A's! Now this message is just a memory and the joy and happiness is filling you!!
Oh I think I'll be around...May take a break around April when we move but will be around for sure...there are way too many folks going through stressful times just like I did and if I can be any help or encouragement, it's the least I can do for what others have done for me.
Sorry. You will. This process will test your patience. But if anything it will teach you that you aren't drowning, only practicing to keep your head above the water which means that the tough times and waiting may feel like an eternity while you are waiting, being on the other side of the waiting game makes me realize that it's all over and that big sigh of relief is the best feeling in the world. And I'm not bragging, just giving you hope that you will feel the same way I do. It will take time though. Write your feelings down in a journal, go and figure out a hobby which will keep you occupied through these tough days...and as always come back to this thread when you feel like you can't take it anymore and your pulling your hair out - we will be here to support and give hope (hopefully!)
Thanks dear, will still be here praying for you on Feb 19th and upwards!! Lots of hugs and I will be around, promise!!
Keep your head up. Another month (as much as I hate to say it) feels like forever, especially when you are the end of things but soon it will come to an end. You've got this and 30 more days won't stop you now!!

Oh fantastic!! That's really great news. We will probably be staying in West Dundee for a couple of months in one of those townhouse places and then afterwards start searching for a home. I will definitely take you up on that coffee, I would love some tips if you have any ~ I was going to try to find a good forum besides the city data forum.

Yay! Are we going to be close? We are looking at homes in Barrington - hubby will be working around Hoffman Estates. Perhaps we will be due in for a coffee break when I reach?? I'll need all the friends I can get seeings how we will be starting a brand new life there. Be warned though...I've lived in Europe too long and drink coffee like water.
Yay! All the frustrations and wait amounting to this big day (aka the big move day) is all worth the wait. I know it never feels like it when you are actually at the waiting process but this comment proves that the move day makes you forget all the waiting!! Congrats!!
Whoo Hoo and yay for you getting over to the interview thread. Partying together and just for my daughter (who loves My Little Ponies)...

I just saw your other post that said that you guys got the magical N/A's! Now this message is just a memory and the joy and happiness is filling you!!
Oh I think I'll be around...May take a break around April when we move but will be around for sure...there are way too many folks going through stressful times just like I did and if I can be any help or encouragement, it's the least I can do for what others have done for me.
Sorry. You will. This process will test your patience. But if anything it will teach you that you aren't drowning, only practicing to keep your head above the water which means that the tough times and waiting may feel like an eternity while you are waiting, being on the other side of the waiting game makes me realize that it's all over and that big sigh of relief is the best feeling in the world. And I'm not bragging, just giving you hope that you will feel the same way I do. It will take time though. Write your feelings down in a journal, go and figure out a hobby which will keep you occupied through these tough days...and as always come back to this thread when you feel like you can't take it anymore and your pulling your hair out - we will be here to support and give hope (hopefully!)
Thanks dear, will still be here praying for you on Feb 19th and upwards!! Lots of hugs and I will be around, promise!!
Keep your head up. Another month (as much as I hate to say it) feels like forever, especially when you are the end of things but soon it will come to an end. You've got this and 30 more days won't stop you now!!

My lovely dears from around the world.
Well all the stress, the wait, the pangs, the checking online every 2 minutes to see if CEAC is updated (take a breath) the calling, the waiting, the 'your patience is appreciated', the grumpy reps, the late night forum updates, the wait to see if someone two days before your paperwork submission got a CC, the word CC and what it means to us all. The many short forms that we now know (CEAC, CC, AP, DS-260, DS-261).
The word Checklist was the scariest word in our vocabulary.
It now has come to a close for me. We were in the embassy for merely 30 minutes before everything was closed out and the words, 'good luck with your move to Chicago' fell out of the consular officials mouth. Next week we should have his passport/visa in hand and the uphill planning and leaving will commence.
Lots of love to you all. I will try to be online as much as possible these next couple of months as I'm moving and prepping.
I pray that everyone will soon realize, just like I did, God never gives you too much where you can't handle it - whether you think you can't, you can. It may seem like a long time to be without your loved one but when you push harder and finally the wait is over, you will realize you can. This is a temporary pain that will result in happiness in the long run.
I will update my pages accordingly. Good luck! <3

My lovely dears from around the world.
Well all the stress, the wait, the pangs, the checking online every 2 minutes to see if CEAC is updated (take a breath) the calling, the waiting, the 'your patience is appreciated', the grumpy reps, the late night forum updates, the wait to see if someone two days before your paperwork submission got a CC, the word CC and what it means to us all. The many short forms that we now know (CEAC, CC, AP, DS-260, DS-261).
The word Checklist was the scariest word in our vocabulary.
It now has come to a close for me. We were in the embassy for merely 30 minutes before everything was closed out and the words, 'good luck with your move to Chicago' fell out of the consular officials mouth. Next week we should have his passport/visa in hand and the uphill planning and leaving will commence.
Lots of love to you all. I will try to be online as much as possible these next couple of months as I'm moving and prepping.
I pray that everyone will soon realize, just like I did, God never gives you too much where you can't handle it - whether you think you can't, you can. It may seem like a long time to be without your loved one but when you push harder and finally the wait is over, you will realize you can. This is a temporary pain that will result in happiness in the long run.
I will update my pages accordingly. Good luck! <3

My lovely dears from around the world.
Well all the stress, the wait, the pangs, the checking online every 2 minutes to see if CEAC is updated (take a breath) the calling, the waiting, the 'your patience is appreciated', the grumpy reps, the late night forum updates, the wait to see if someone two days before your paperwork submission got a CC, the word CC and what it means to us all. The many short forms that we now know (CEAC, CC, AP, DS-260, DS-261).
The word Checklist was the scariest word in our vocabulary.
It now has come to a close for me. We were in the embassy for merely 30 minutes before everything was closed out and the words, 'good luck with your move to Chicago' fell out of the consular officials mouth. Next week we should have his passport/visa in hand and the uphill planning and leaving will commence.
Lots of love to you all. I will try to be online as much as possible these next couple of months as I'm moving and prepping.
I pray that everyone will soon realize, just like I did, God never gives you too much where you can't handle it - whether you think you can't, you can. It may seem like a long time to be without your loved one but when you push harder and finally the wait is over, you will realize you can. This is a temporary pain that will result in happiness in the long run.
I will update my pages accordingly. Good luck! <3

My lovely dears from around the world.
Well all the stress, the wait, the pangs, the checking online every 2 minutes to see if CEAC is updated (take a breath) the calling, the waiting, the 'your patience is appreciated', the grumpy reps, the late night forum updates, the wait to see if someone two days before your paperwork submission got a CC, the word CC and what it means to us all. The many short forms that we now know (CEAC, CC, AP, DS-260, DS-261).
The word Checklist was the scariest word in our vocabulary.
It now has come to a close for me. We were in the embassy for merely 30 minutes before everything was closed out and the words, 'good luck with your move to Chicago' fell out of the consular officials mouth. Next week we should have his passport/visa in hand and the uphill planning and leaving will commence.
Lots of love to you all. I will try to be online as much as possible these next couple of months as I'm moving and prepping.
I pray that everyone will soon realize, just like I did, God never gives you too much where you can't handle it - whether you think you can't, you can. It may seem like a long time to be without your loved one but when you push harder and finally the wait is over, you will realize you can. This is a temporary pain that will result in happiness in the long run.
I will update my pages accordingly. Good luck! <3

So I still have a couple of credit cards and an active bank account which shows constant transfer of money into it over the years that I have been away, I guess being away for 10 years does kinda put you on edge. But we do have a firm case that shows that our intent to re-establish domicile is there, relocation specialists, Realtors and such so I think we'll be alright. Tomorrow, sheesh, can't believe it's tomorrow!!

Aw dear, I'm sorry - but you can't say that you didn't try. When I put my request in I told my husband that there is a chance that they will deny us and then we would have to wait which was something we needed to prepared about and what losses that would cause. Once we went over it we told each other that anything they would throw at us we'd somehow get through and that is exactly what you will be able to do too...although it's a long road have faith that there will be a very wonderful ending.

Aw dear, I'm sorry - but you can't say that you didn't try. When I put my request in I told my husband that there is a chance that they will deny us and then we would have to wait which was something we needed to prepared about and what losses that would cause. Once we went over it we told each other that anything they would throw at us we'd somehow get through and that is exactly what you will be able to do too...although it's a long road have faith that there will be a very wonderful ending.

Welp. We are scheduled for interview - On Friday!
While hubby was getting his medical done, we got the e-mail from our embassy - super laid back and chilled, just saying we've received your husband's case when would you like to come in for an interview - Wednesday or Friday? Because Wednesday is already packed with plans today we decided to go on Wednesday.
So 9am is our interview, we gotta make a 1 hour drive to the embassy - God willing we will be out of there after midday to eat lunch and celebrate.
I guess the only thing I'm a bit afraid about is the domicile. While I have credit cards a bank account all at my mothers address I'm wondering if that will be enough evidence to prove I have one there...I would think so but you can never be too careful!
Where's Ameridutch? Anyone heard? I am praying they have heard something good!

Expedite can happen even after you get a checklist - That's what I ended up doing (because of financial issues) - It doesn't mean the CC gets expedited faster, it just means that, if your embassy approves, NVC just pulls your files and ships it over to the embassy and they will of course do the review of your papers and interview.
So the way that theorists on this site believe is that reps get a work load to complete over the week - it's just a stack of everyone's files and while some rep really take their job seriously and bang out more than what their weekly workload requires of them (hence some reviews that are at later dates gets completed) vs. the reps that either do less or just enough to float them by. Unfortunately it really is the luck of the draw of which rep gets your stack of files. It's sad to say that that's how we think it's being done, but I worked in a call center environment for quite sometime and can say that's basically how the process (generally) works.
So I'm so sorry that you are waiting over your 60 days for your checklist - this is unbelievable. And I am actually raging with you because thinking that they can't do checklists faster when all they have to do is check the one area that has the error. I really believe if we got someone with a six sigma belt would probably drop to the floor looking at all the errors that are being done in this process.
Chin up though, it's almost done. I know that when you are super close to your answer days feel like weeks, hours feels like days...we are here and try to keep yourself busy right now. That will hopefully make the time go by a little bit faster (easier said than done, I know). We are here for you!

Welp. We are scheduled for interview - On Friday!
While hubby was getting his medical done, we got the e-mail from our embassy - super laid back and chilled, just saying we've received your husband's case when would you like to come in for an interview - Wednesday or Friday? Because Wednesday is already packed with plans today we decided to go on Wednesday.
So 9am is our interview, we gotta make a 1 hour drive to the embassy - God willing we will be out of there after midday to eat lunch and celebrate.
I guess the only thing I'm a bit afraid about is the domicile. While I have credit cards a bank account all at my mothers address I'm wondering if that will be enough evidence to prove I have one there...I would think so but you can never be too careful!
Where's Ameridutch? Anyone heard? I am praying they have heard something good!

Welp. We are scheduled for interview - On Friday!
While hubby was getting his medical done, we got the e-mail from our embassy - super laid back and chilled, just saying we've received your husband's case when would you like to come in for an interview - Wednesday or Friday? Because Wednesday is already packed with plans today we decided to go on Wednesday.
So 9am is our interview, we gotta make a 1 hour drive to the embassy - God willing we will be out of there after midday to eat lunch and celebrate.
I guess the only thing I'm a bit afraid about is the domicile. While I have credit cards a bank account all at my mothers address I'm wondering if that will be enough evidence to prove I have one there...I would think so but you can never be too careful!
Where's Ameridutch? Anyone heard? I am praying they have heard something good!

Expedite can happen even after you get a checklist - That's what I ended up doing (because of financial issues) - It doesn't mean the CC gets expedited faster, it just means that, if your embassy approves, NVC just pulls your files and ships it over to the embassy and they will of course do the review of your papers and interview.
So the way that theorists on this site believe is that reps get a work load to complete over the week - it's just a stack of everyone's files and while some rep really take their job seriously and bang out more than what their weekly workload requires of them (hence some reviews that are at later dates gets completed) vs. the reps that either do less or just enough to float them by. Unfortunately it really is the luck of the draw of which rep gets your stack of files. It's sad to say that that's how we think it's being done, but I worked in a call center environment for quite sometime and can say that's basically how the process (generally) works.
So I'm so sorry that you are waiting over your 60 days for your checklist - this is unbelievable. And I am actually raging with you because thinking that they can't do checklists faster when all they have to do is check the one area that has the error. I really believe if we got someone with a six sigma belt would probably drop to the floor looking at all the errors that are being done in this process.
Chin up though, it's almost done. I know that when you are super close to your answer days feel like weeks, hours feels like days...we are here and try to keep yourself busy right now. That will hopefully make the time go by a little bit faster (easier said than done, I know). We are here for you!