jess100

I wanted to address the negative attitudes we have seen on the rise recently in the upper/ immigration forums towards those who ask beginner/ simple questions, or have unusually fast or slow VisaJourneys.

First, there is a tone difference between the Progress forums- which are mostly for support and cheerleading, and the Info forums, which are mostly to have questions answered.   While all our forums are supposed to be welcoming to all and friendly, this is especially important in the Progress forums, which are not to discuss politics, or be negative towards  those fortunate to have their case dealt with quickly, or  critical of those who voice sadness about their own slow progress. These forums are there to uplift eachother!

Secondly- in the info forums, you may get bad news.  When a question is asked, our members are encouraged to answer truthfully, even if this may not be what the Op wants to hear, because it is important to be informed.  However, the emphasis is still on being welcoming and friendly.  If you need to give bad news, do so gently, and stick to facts; constructive criticism of the Op's plans ARE allowed, but the emphasis is on constructive.  No need to dwell on mistakes (or tell members they should be on 90 Day Fiance- that is a personal attack and automatic suspension), or  illegal actions in the past- instead, encourage and explain legal options for the future.  And ONLY legal options- as per our TOS, VJ does not support, condone or encourage illegal (immigration) actions, and such posts will be removed.

Ultimately, we are here to help all members, old and new, easy cases and complicated, those who write a fact filled bullet point post and those who are panicking and don't make much sense in their first post. Yes, sometimes questions can be easily googled, or answered via a search of our forums.  But if you feel that way, just scroll past- no need to criticise the OP for asking the question. 

Yes I did-I doubt they will do anything
 

Has he tried fulfilling the I-9 requirements by other means?
A valid state license and an unrestricted social security card will suffice....read the I-9 form itself and the list of B+C documents on it.
 
Regarding the stamp, yes the new system is atrocious (and worse than the old one, which was bad enough) and not fit for purpose....but unless you fancy trying a walk-in (limited success in most places, and a load of attitude to boot) all you can do is keep trying for the call back.
 
Just remember that the proof of status expires, and not the status itself. Might want to point out to his employer the very prominent notice at the top of the I-9 form instructions regarding anti-discrimination - https://secure.i9.talx.com/Popups/Documents/I-9InstructionsNew.pdf
"The refusal to hire or continue to employ an individual because the documentation presented has a future expiration date may also constitute illegal discrimination." 
 
 
 
 

I've been on VJ for a while and have been in this game for 11 years total.  I'm shocked at the number of responses lately that are snotty, arrogant, and demeaning to the OP, in this forum and others.  Maybe something is not an issue for YOU but you don't know the life circumstances of the OP-maybe there is a reason they need the case to go faster (sickness, dying parent, job loss, sick children, problems in country of origin to name a few) Maybe there is a reason they are confused (recently learning English, or getting bad advice from a lawyer both come to mind).
When I came to VJ there were rarely snotty answers and most tried to answer as best they could. If VJ had been this demeaning when I first joined I would have gone elsewhere.
Frankly it's sickening.  We are all in this because we are going through a tough process-we are looking for answers because we've not done this before and have no way of knowing how it works.
Can someone explain why in the past few years this has become a scary place to ask a question? Obviously I'm not talking about violation of the rules of VJ because they are dealt with.  I'm talking about demeaning someone for asking a question or having an opinion. Can anyone answer that?  Or does someone want to give a sarcastic answer to me for asking?

Regardless of how you feel about what is happening at the border be aware that the new acting director of USCIS is known for his "scorched earth" campaigns in Virginia against climate change, gay couples, abortion and immigration. It is not a coincidence that he was chosen. He is tweeting praise today to Trump for "getting things done" for denying asylum seekers at the border.  I think in the next years there will be far more denials.
Yes, everyone here is doing it legally, but that isn't a guarantee of anything. Before anyone says I'm jumping to conclusions and USCIS will continue to be fair and unbiased, think again.  I've been around the block a few times and have learned a few things that maybe you've had the luxury of not knowing.
Don't delay applying, have the best case you can, have a back up plan.

That's so interesting.  I never would have thought of these differences in countries so similar, except of course the horrendous medical system we have here.  It's so bad that it's usually the thing that gets between you and your health!

That's so interesting.  I never would have thought of these differences in countries so similar, except of course the horrendous medical system we have here.  It's so bad that it's usually the thing that gets between you and your health!

Yep My husband has the same issues....not walking everywhere is such a change, and we haven't a good bus system. So had to buy a second car!

I think there will be more questions about which airports were defended during the American Revolution. 
 

I think there will be more questions about which airports were defended during the American Revolution. 
 

I think there will be more questions about which airports were defended during the American Revolution. 
 

I think there will be more questions about which airports were defended during the American Revolution. 
 

I think there will be more questions about which airports were defended during the American Revolution. 
 

It's a bad idea to lie to them about anything.  Don't lie about where you lived! 

It's a bad idea to lie to them about anything.  Don't lie about where you lived! 

I'm not exactly sure where to post this since it might apply to everyone on VJ.  We just met with an immig attorney today. She told us that as of yesterday it's officer discretion whether an incomplete application and packet will get an RFE or be rejected in total.  Therefore, if your whole packet gets returned to you, you need to start over and pay the fee again.  In addition, if it's close to your deadline for applying (such as the 90 day time frame for ROC) you might find yourself "out of status" .  So a wrong fee, an incomplete form, or maybe incomplete supporting documents could be a cause for rejection .
 
This is all the information I have. I'm assuming it applies to all aspects of immigration where an officer views your packet-but am not totally sure of that.
 
If anyone has more information please post.  Maybe something more official can be a sticky. 

What do you all think about the supporting evidence we are submitting.  We don't mix our bank accounts because we both have businesses, and it makes taxes and accounting a lot easier to not mix these-we just pay from my personal account..  I'm concerned this will be a red flag-so do we have enough to overcome that? if it's not evident, I travel with my husband for his business-which is why there is so much business travel in the beginning.
 
 
 
INCOME TAXES
Copy of 2016 and 2017 tax returns showing both names, common address, and both businesses; SPOUSE has BUSINESS, LLC and US CITIZEN has rental apartments, seen on Schedule E.
 
BUSINESS
Copy of New York State Taxation & Finance Business Registration for SPOUSE'S BUSINESS, LLC showing US CITIZEN as contact person(printed directly from the website)
Copy of Articles of Organization for SPOUSE'S BUSINESS LLC showing US CITIZEN as contact person/responsible person.
 
BUSINESS TRAVEL FOR SPOUSE'S BUSINESS, LLC
 
DEC 2016 Smithsonian Art Market, New York City
Copy of Airbnb reservation for SPOUSE and US CITIZEN in NYC-reserved by US CITIZEN
Copy of US CITIZEN'S checking account showing parking & meals paid by US CITIZEN from checking account XXXX
photo of us in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral, NYC
 
 
DEC 2017-Smithsonian Art Market, Washington, DC
Airbnb receipt showing reservation made by SPOUSE and paid by US CITIZEN (ONLINE BANK; Card #XXXX)
copy of participating show artists naming SPOUSE
copy of US CITIZEN's bank statement showing that I paid food in DC?
Copy of tickets to Senate for both of us
 
 
MAY 2018- XXXX Art Show, Ulster Co. Fairgrounds, New Paltz NY
Copy of Airbnb reservation for US CITIZEN and SPOUSE made by SPOUSE (paid by XX)
Copy of ONLINE BANK debit card of US CITIZEN and receipt for cash withdrawl from Ulster Co. Fairgrounds, showing we both were at this show together for SPOUSE'S BUSINESS.
Copy of Woodstock New Paltz show brochure
Copy of check sent by SPOUSE to show orgaizer to participate in this event.
 
 
SEPT 2018- Art Show Ulster Co. Fairgrounds
Copy of payment by SPOUSE to show promoter
copy of hotel receipt paid by US CITIZEN
 
 
RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
 
Copy of US CITIZEN's Deferred Compensation Retirement Fund-showing SPOUSE as beneficiary
Copy of US CITIZEN's Retirement Account #2 “Confirmation of Beneficiaries” dated 7/2016 showing SPOUSE as beneficiary. (4 accounts/4pages)
Note that I have chosen that the children of SPOUSE also benefit.
 
BANKING
 
Copy of statement from LOCAL Credit Union that SPOUSE and US CITIZEN share access to SPOUSE's personal account
 
Copy of voided check of SPOUSE showing personal account number, and both names.
 
Copy of loan application from LOCAL Credit Union for SPOUSE for SPOUSE'S BUSINESS, LLC co-signed by US CITIZEN
 
Copy of US CITIZEN's LOCAL Credit Union account showing SPOUSE as the payable on death designation
 
Copy of US CITIZEN's BANK security box permissions showing SPOUSE having access.
 
Copy of bank account at BANK of US CITIZEN ( page screenshot ) showing SPOUSE having access. (bank does not have any formal document stating same).
 
We share a card linked to US CITIZEN's LOCAL BANK account__________for emergencies, but have never used it. How to show these are linked?
 
 
WILL AND POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
Copy of “Last Will and Testament” of US CITIZEN showing SPOUSE and US CITIZEN's daughter will each inherit a house.
 
Copy of Power of Attorney of US CITIZEN showing SPOUSE as having power to act independently as successor agent.
 
HEALTH/HEALTH INSURANCE
 
Copy of US CITIZEN health insurance “member eligibility” through Excellus Blue Cross/Blue Shield showing SPOUSE as covered person, downloaded from BC/BS website
 
Copy of health insurance “ID card confirmation” showing SPOUSE on US CITIZEN's BC/BS Excellus health insurance (BC/BS does not issue cards bearing covered person's name).
 
Copy of SPOUSE's bill for ENT (doctor) specialist in LOCAL CITY, NY
Copy of bill for SPOUSE's ENT bill paid by US CITIZEN from ONLINE BANK (bill pay account)
 
 
TRAVEL
MEDICAL TRAVEL
CLINIC, CA. AUGUST 2017
Copy of plane tickets to San Jose, CA. for US CITIZEN & SPOUSE to see Dr. XXX for tick borne diseases, at CLINIC .
Copy of Dr. XXXX's bill for US CITIZEN and SPOUSE both dated 8/8/17
Copy of Airbnb rentals in Sunnyvale, CA and Santa Rosa, CA
Photos of US CITIZEN & SPOUSE in redwoods camp ground near San Francisco, CA
 
RECREATIONAL TRAVEL
9-10/2016
Copy of Airbnb receipt for Maine __________date (to visit family)
photo of us and US CITIZEN's daughter and boyfriend at restaurant near Bristol, ME
photo of CITIZEN & SPOUSE on the dock in Bristol, ME
 
 
5/2017
Copy of Airbnb reciepts in Silver City, NM (reserved by/paid by -I will add this info) ..
Photo of us at Buckhorn Tavern, Silver City, NM
Photo of us at scenic pull-off on mountain road going to Ruidoso, NM
 
4/2017 CITY, MAINE
Copy of Airbnb receipt for Bristol, Maine (to visit US CITIZEN's family)
Photos of US CITIZEN & SPOUSE at Pemaquid Point lighthouse, Bristol ME
Photo of CITIZEN & SPOUSE at LL Bean store, Freeport, ME
 
 
APRIL 2018-Mexico City
Copies of plane tickets from Mexico City to NY for both of us (SPOUSE went to Mexico earlier for family emergency-US CITIZEN joined him later)
Photos of us in “Marco Polo Restaurant”, in CITY, STATE, Mexico
Photos in Mexico City near statue XXXXX
Airbnb receipt for Mexico City (paid by /reserved by)
 
AUG 2018 Philadephia, PA
Airbnb receipt for Philadelphia, PA
Photo of us at Independence Hall
Copies of our tickets to the Museum of the American Revolution
Photo of CITIZEN & SPOUSE with US CITIZEN's nephew, XXX in front of the Museum of Art
 
 
PHOTOS of WEDDING
 
Photos of wedding ceremony held at our farm on June 18, 2016 for family and close friends.
Photo of us getting tent and decorations ready
2 photos of the ceremony on our farm
1 photo of us planting an apple tree on our farm after ceremony
2 photos us at restaurant after wedding ceremony
 
PHOTOS with FAMILY
Photos of US CITIZEN family reunion, CITY, PA. June 2018 with US CITIZEN & SPOUSE in back, standing
 
CORRESPONDENCES
 
Thank you card from US CITIZEN's nephew, XXX stating it was good to see both of us in Maine. See above Maine trip.
 
Letter of close friend, stating knowledge of our relationship.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Hi,
You might be better off posting this in the family based visa section.  There is more traffic there.
It seems that if you can possibly find another person to co-sponsor your spouse that might be helpful. I think the best way to show rental income is with a tax return transcript from the IRS which shows everything you filed including the schedule E. It takes about 2 weeks to arrive after you call by phone and request it (it's painless)
It seems like cashing in the IRA would be a bad idea on so many levels (income tax hit, your future) that it should only be done if you have no other choice. 
I hope if you re-post you'll get some better answers

I have a word of advice and I hope I'm posting it in the right place.  During your K-1 process (or any other visa process) think seriously about what name the non-US person will use when she/he arrives, and applies for a Social Security card.  This is especially true for people from Latin America where four names (or more) is not uncommon.  If you don't plan ahead you'll have different names and initials on all important documents because many of those applications have room for only first, middle initial and last name.  Some have more space. Some allow for two last names. Some don't. Our bank could not fit my husband's name on the application so shortened it.....his medical records don' t match the insurance carrier, so claims get returned-and many many more.   If you clear this up and pick a name she/he can live with and then stay with that you can prevent a lot of confusion. 

I have a word of advice and I hope I'm posting it in the right place.  During your K-1 process (or any other visa process) think seriously about what name the non-US person will use when she/he arrives, and applies for a Social Security card.  This is especially true for people from Latin America where four names (or more) is not uncommon.  If you don't plan ahead you'll have different names and initials on all important documents because many of those applications have room for only first, middle initial and last name.  Some have more space. Some allow for two last names. Some don't. Our bank could not fit my husband's name on the application so shortened it.....his medical records don' t match the insurance carrier, so claims get returned-and many many more.   If you clear this up and pick a name she/he can live with and then stay with that you can prevent a lot of confusion. 

I have a word of advice and I hope I'm posting it in the right place.  During your K-1 process (or any other visa process) think seriously about what name the non-US person will use when she/he arrives, and applies for a Social Security card.  This is especially true for people from Latin America where four names (or more) is not uncommon.  If you don't plan ahead you'll have different names and initials on all important documents because many of those applications have room for only first, middle initial and last name.  Some have more space. Some allow for two last names. Some don't. Our bank could not fit my husband's name on the application so shortened it.....his medical records don' t match the insurance carrier, so claims get returned-and many many more.   If you clear this up and pick a name she/he can live with and then stay with that you can prevent a lot of confusion. 

I have a word of advice and I hope I'm posting it in the right place.  During your K-1 process (or any other visa process) think seriously about what name the non-US person will use when she/he arrives, and applies for a Social Security card.  This is especially true for people from Latin America where four names (or more) is not uncommon.  If you don't plan ahead you'll have different names and initials on all important documents because many of those applications have room for only first, middle initial and last name.  Some have more space. Some allow for two last names. Some don't. Our bank could not fit my husband's name on the application so shortened it.....his medical records don' t match the insurance carrier, so claims get returned-and many many more.   If you clear this up and pick a name she/he can live with and then stay with that you can prevent a lot of confusion. 

I have a word of advice and I hope I'm posting it in the right place.  During your K-1 process (or any other visa process) think seriously about what name the non-US person will use when she/he arrives, and applies for a Social Security card.  This is especially true for people from Latin America where four names (or more) is not uncommon.  If you don't plan ahead you'll have different names and initials on all important documents because many of those applications have room for only first, middle initial and last name.  Some have more space. Some allow for two last names. Some don't. Our bank could not fit my husband's name on the application so shortened it.....his medical records don' t match the insurance carrier, so claims get returned-and many many more.   If you clear this up and pick a name she/he can live with and then stay with that you can prevent a lot of confusion. 

I have a word of advice and I hope I'm posting it in the right place.  During your K-1 process (or any other visa process) think seriously about what name the non-US person will use when she/he arrives, and applies for a Social Security card.  This is especially true for people from Latin America where four names (or more) is not uncommon.  If you don't plan ahead you'll have different names and initials on all important documents because many of those applications have room for only first, middle initial and last name.  Some have more space. Some allow for two last names. Some don't. Our bank could not fit my husband's name on the application so shortened it.....his medical records don' t match the insurance carrier, so claims get returned-and many many more.   If you clear this up and pick a name she/he can live with and then stay with that you can prevent a lot of confusion. 

I have a word of advice and I hope I'm posting it in the right place.  During your K-1 process (or any other visa process) think seriously about what name the non-US person will use when she/he arrives, and applies for a Social Security card.  This is especially true for people from Latin America where four names (or more) is not uncommon.  If you don't plan ahead you'll have different names and initials on all important documents because many of those applications have room for only first, middle initial and last name.  Some have more space. Some allow for two last names. Some don't. Our bank could not fit my husband's name on the application so shortened it.....his medical records don' t match the insurance carrier, so claims get returned-and many many more.   If you clear this up and pick a name she/he can live with and then stay with that you can prevent a lot of confusion.