groomit

Only option for a US permanent resident is to file form I-130 to USCIS, and then file N-400 and become a US Citizen as soon as they can (5 years after becoming a US Permanent Resident). When you do become a citizen, you can get the pending petition upgraded from F2A to IR-1 Un-limited Class Visa.

Thanks YuAndDan...

Not good news but at least I know now...LOL

Groomit

Hello VJ Forumers,

It seems that DCF is only allowed for USC and not for US permanent resident. Can somebody confirm (and kill somebody's hope)?

If so, what would be the best choice to sponsor a spouse from France for a US permanent resident???

Thank you for your comments.

Groomit

Hi All,

It's been a while I haven't posted anything in here, so I guess that means I do not have any trouble since then...LOL

Well, today, I have a question regading DCF in Vietnam. Do US Embassy/Consulate in Vietnam accept Direct Filing Consular?

Here is the situation:

A cousin of my wife just got married here in the States,

She is vietnamese,

She is still in the States (tourist ViSa to be expired soon I think),

Her husband is US Citizen.

Question:

Should she leave to Vietnam no matters whether DCF is allowed or not in Vietnam?

Please, forumers, any of your suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks all!

Groomit

hey Iouta,

Go check my past posts out...I think I mentionned about fees in US Embassy in Paris.

Errrr...obviously, the richer he is, the better for you..lol

Hi All,

Okie, this question has probably been asked a couple of times. ...but here is the context.

Married in 10/2005, wife USC.

Got Green Card in 10/2006.

I was interested in NAVY's careers and went to see a recruiter. Unfortunately, only US Citizens are eligible to apply for job in NAVY. I explained my case and the officer told me that I could apply for citizenship right now without waiting for the 3-year green card expiration ???

He said that if I had a statement saying that my citizenship application was in process, I could then apply for job in NAVY...

So, question : has anybody heard about such a thing???

Thx,

Groomit

Why is there so little Cambodians here? Even so, where are the Thais? Not many. The Vietnamese community here seem to be striving. If you are Thai, or Cambodian come in here and say Hi to me.

Not Cambodian but since there are only few Lao in there, just wanna stop by and say HI...

Hi all,

I've been living in Chicago for more than 4 months now, moved from France Paris to live with my wife.

I've been looking for a job since last october 2006, mainly used websites like Careerbuilder or Monster, sent more than 50 applications...even if I mainly focused on opportunities that required the use of French, I haven't received any positive answer, almost none feedback!

I did not think it would be that difficult to find a job in Chicago since I had 9 years experience, spoken French/lao, fluently in English + wide knowledge in Spanish...It's like the american dream is turning to american depression.

I'm gonna give a try to these recruiting agencies + immigrant association around here...

Good luck all

Groomit

I have another question. For those of you that completed the medical in Paris (physical/vaccinations, blood test, and chest xray) - are the 3 different doctors offices far apart?

Phycal/vaccinations=just go to your current doctor and ask for the required vaccinations. BRING vaccination certificate to the official consulate doctor. DONE

Blood test & chest Xray=medical center very closed to US Embassy Paris (I walked from med lab to radiology center :thumbs: )

I think the person maybe wanted to say "j'ai vraiment envie de toi," which means "I really desire you."

Yes definitly the right sentence is "j'ai envie de toi'=I want you...nite meaning....lol

Hi there,

I'm not a part of a France/America couple, but I hope I can be a part of this thread anyway!

My husband is from Algeria, but lived the past 10 years in Paris, which is where we met 5 1/2 years ago. I lived there for a year to be with him, and studied at the Sorbonne, which was the best year of my life! I speak French fluently, and French is actually the primary language we speak in our household.

Living in France vs. living in America is quite different. The French are used to free healthcare, a great public transportation system, and a more relaxed way of life. Coming to the US, the healthcare insurance system sucks, public transportation is non-existant in some cities, and most people live for their jobs. However, it's a bit easier to find work here, and I've found (in my experience anyway) that racism isn't as rampant. I love each country, and can see the plusses and minuses of both.

Having said all that, I miss Paris! Amed and I are thinking of going back to settle there once he gets his U.S. citizenship. I was there for a year, though, and had the right to work part-time, and only got one job offer out of the countless jobs I applied for. I couldn't even take that job because I was still waiting on my carte de sejour, and they needed someone immediately. I found that you almost have to know someone in order to get your foot in the door and get any kind of job.

What does the French half of the France/US couple think of being in the US? I know that KittyKat said that she's having a hard time finding work. Did you find it easier to find work in France? Are there things here you appreciate more than France? What do you miss from your home country?

I think this is a very interesting thread!

Yeah I believe this thread is open to anybody who wants to leave any comment. :thumbs: ..So please feel free to come back so the French network is raising up :dance:

According to my short experience in USA (3 months), people here mostly live to work, there are plenty of people who have 2 or more jobs so obviously they don't really have time for hobbies. People look more hurried even "speed" with the French meaning...LOL...

I think I will lose soon the meaning of week-end here since my wife has a flowershop open 7 days/week :help:

But the good sides are that people look more dynamic, enthousiathic...even if sometimes it is too much because reminds me the "american imperialism" something like "the world belongs to them"... :blink: !!! PAS TAPER OK...LOL

I most miss the french relaxed life, this life after work, the RTT...and definitly all my 40 days vacation!!!! :crying: ...

Also the food in general, maybe it is me but evert kind of product looks bigger here, taste different...even the pork meat looks and tastes funny

Also having hard time searching for a job but not desperate yet... :blush:

Catch you later

Hello all,

Luckily, the 24 hour supermarket down the street from me here in Seattle has Bleu de Causses, Roquefort Papillion, and Sel de Ile de Re. I just wish I could find some of that Bretagne butter....

ehehheh.... :dance: lucky you!!!!

Here in Chicago I haven't found yet any store which sell french products, I mean I have seen lots of things that brings a french label...but made in USA!!! So obviously they taste different... :crying:

Hi frenchies!

I just moved from France 3 months ago exactly and been living in Chicago with my wife...Actually it is really cold comparing to the usual weather in Paris. With the current low temperatures, my poor feet are frozen all the time...LOL...

Well, that is great idea to creat a thread for couple like us... :thumbs: , so we can share our experiences.

As for me, I am now currently seeking a job, did not think it would take that long :wacko: But maybe I don't do it the right way...

Where do you other frenchies live in USA?

Good luck for all of you !!!

I entered the states September the 1st through Chicago o'hare with a IR1, i went to the resident line and it took 5 minutes. Painless and stressless.

I was quickly welcomed to the United States by a very nice officer.

The whole process, endorsement, customs and health department for my cat, took something like 30 minutes.

Same POE...but I was less lucky that day.

There were about 20 people waiting there, only one officer was in charge of checking that immigrant's orange envelop...He mostly spent his time talking to numerous unoccupied co-workers who were walking around...

Finally, he called me, took my fingerprints, gave passport back (3 mins). NONE QUESTION.

I wasted about 2 hours, sitting down but upset .

Conclusion : Immigrant, enter US thru Chicago POE...it lasts longer but NO WORRY !!!

R2nald,

Again me,

just replied to yr message.

Double check about your marital status...remember that MARRIED couples only are eligible for DCF !!!

Read, read again VJ GUIDES...and carefully follow MC Meauxna's instructions !!

Good luck

Groomit

Hello VJ forumers,

Sorry for not posting before regarding questions about DCFing in France (packing my stuffs before taking off on sept )...but as usually, MEAUXNA has the right information (advertizing for someone )!!

I just want to say again that YES DCF is possible in Paris for eligible couples (further info :http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?autocom=custom&page=dcf ...thx for yr excellent job MEAUXNA ).

Yes, DCF is, accordingly to my own recent experience, the fastest and easiest way to get your immigrant visa (got it within 2 months).

I spent more time waiting in the line than for interviewes...officers were mainly women...but friendly ... (except the cashier ), they did not read cover letters but just checked quickly that all required documents were included in your petition, a couple of questions...that's it !

And YEs, i think DCF does costs a little bit more (about 700 euros total/1 applicant)...but it's really worth it considering the time you can save!!!

ATTENTION ! opening hrs are going to be changed soon, so plz double check on US EMBASSY's website before going to Paris.

Good Luck,

Groomit

hummm...anybody has feedback about getting a job in USA?

Groomit

Hi People,

I'm very interested in reading this post because i'm gonna settle down in Chicago, IL very soon, so obviously i'm kinda anxious about process of getting a job over there.

I have about 9 years work experience (maintenance, customer service, project leader), operational english, some knowledges in spanish that need to be refreshed, native french and lao ethnic.

Have an equivalent of associate's degree.

Just wanna know if anyone around Chicago area has any feedback about job search for foreign people ???

Thx for sharing ,

Groomit

Men/fathers also left or are leaving their home country without their kid(s) and probably for similar reasons than women/mothers... I just want to say it because most posters are women and readers may think that's women's concerns only... but be sure that I (and most men too) do understand your questioning and pain.

I'm moving to USA this coming september but w/o my 10 y/o daughter that is used to live with me since her early 3 y/o (i have custody).

Well it wasn't easy and still at all to take this decision but as most of you mothers, I tried to take account of her wishes.

She wants to stay here because she's also very close to her mother, she's used to spend lots of time/vacation with my older brothers' kids, she's obviously scared by a new life where she will hardly make friends due to language boundary...etc etc...

All her reasons are understandable.

I also know how uncertain my future life will be in USA (especially financial aspect) even if my US wife has job, house...etc...Such a move can be a real disorder in particular she feels forced to follow me !

SO in my mind, it would be better to wait until my situation over there is clear and my daughter enuff mature/informed then she can decide where she wants to live...

Anywayz, i think there is NO ideal choice but just listen to our kids' choice...we all lose something.

Groomit

Congratulations, groomit!

Travels safely & let us know when you get home.

meauxna

Thx a lot MEAUXNA for sharing yr time/knowledges thru yr usefull GUIDE and posts

Be sure that you helped and are helping people on this forum and, at least, me

As my future is known, i'm wondering which is the best way (low commission, reliable) to transfer my little money to USA B) B) ???

Anyone has good advice about it ??

Thx

Groomit

Last but good news about my case.

Interview was re schedulled to june 1.

On june 1, visa interview was kinda very simple :

about 1 hr wait before been called,

1st to check all documents ready (original birth cert missing ) : 10 mins

2nd take out Credit Card ...hardest time during interview : 4 mins max

3rd interviewed by US officer (cool lady), she just took a look at documents and asked me to mail missing BC but she said i wwould get my visa : about 10mins max

That's it for interview.

When back home i mailed same day BC.

JUNE 13th, VISA ISSUED !

RECEIVED VISA ON 15th !!!

Well, i want to thank all of you for your preciousssss HELP and advice

Departure schedulled on begining of sept 06.

Groomit

Hi Marie...

Obviously, sadie33138 is right...

When ready with all documents requested

+ hubby present

+ hubby's CC in yr handbag (secret code in mind)... :devil:

Then u can start DCF B)...

Good luck

PS : i'm also dealing with US EMbassy Paris thru DCF

Hi VJ forumers,

Back here to give latest info about DCF processing.

04/07/06 : I-130 interview at US Embassy Paris

04/12/06 : Police certificate issued

04/19/06 : Letter from US Embassy giving visa appointment + instructions about medical examination

Next steps :

05/04/06 : medical examination

05/23/06 : visa appointment

Groomit

Hmmm.. Does France have a Visa Waiver Program with the US? My thoughts would be to DCF just yourself while you get yourself a job and settled in the US. Then have your daughter come in the school holidays for short stays until she gets a little older, and makes a more permanent choice. That way she isn't missing out on both her parents. Your daughter is lucky she has two loving parents who are able and wanting to care for her. My ex does not want custody nor can he provide it, he just wants to stop me from taking my daughter to live in the US for 2.5 years. He also has not ever paid support for her ever, yet he can afford a lawyer?!?!

You have to laugh at how crazy laws are sometimes

Anyways, as for the I-130, have you yet filed that for your daughter or not? I'm not sure of the time limit for completing the process once you file, if any? We just filed and paid for all 3 of ours and had our interview a couple of weeks ago, now pending a court order, or a consent order or a death certificate of my ex. I think the court order is our only chance there! If you haven't yet filed it, I'd hold off for a while. We only lodged ours because we know we will win in the end, as it's in the best interests of the children and what they want too.

Best of luck with your situation, just keep reminding your daughter of other ways you can stay in touch thanks to technology She just needs to know that you are there for her.

Yeah VWP works between US/France...

I also think that the best choice is I first settle in US then according to evolution on her new life with her mom (schoolar results, conditions of life...) AND if she wish to live with me, i would drag her to US.

As she's 10 y/o soon on april , I think I have to listen to her wishes...ANyway she will be soon mature enough to show firmly to both parents her own decisions...

Groomit

Immigration with kids can be even harder as you have come to realise. But don't lose hope! How does your daughter feel? I.E have you asked her what living arrangements she would like? Just make sure she knows that it's because so many people love her and want her in their lives Try to reach a formal agreement with your ex, if not take it to court. Court is ugly and expensive, so if you can come to a compromise beforehand - definitely go that route. I'm stuck at the mercy of the Court right now and its horrid. Although I am confident I will win at trial, it's the mere fact that he is keeping my husband and I apart..and my ex is enjoying it. Although we've never had shared parenting and he has never supported our daughter in any means, he still has the right to drag me through the courts. Oh, and being self-represented makes it oh so much better NOT!!

Good luck mate!

Yeah, i already talked to my daughter about the fact that i may move later this year to US and what arrangement she would like.

She until now answers she doesn't want to follow me over there because of reasons i can well understand (new country, new language, none friend...etc). Beside her own reasons, i'm also not sure about how my life over there will be (job for ex) and I will be dependant for months at least in the best case.

Concerning my ex, she also said she would not allow me to get our daughter over there...By the way, she hasn't paid any contribution since last november 2005 and she's asking court to surppress her financial support.

I haven't complained yet...

In that case, could it be possible to cancel sponsoring my daughter while I-130 is processing ? I'm kinda sure that this situation will delay any approval...

Groomit

Yes. Any immigrating child needs their own I-130 & I-864 and also to be present at the interview. The child will also need a medical and you will need to satisfy the consulate that you can legally move the child to the U.S;

*Any minor child immigrating with a parent or who has been petitioned for on his or her own must submit custody information. This may include a court “Order of Residence” & “Relocation Order” verifying sole custody to the immigrating parent, OR a signed and dated affidavit from the child’s other parent advising of his/her knowledge and consent for the child to live in the United States which should include a copy of a photo ID of that parent, OR a death certificate of the other parent.*

Hope this helps.

Thx for yr answer...yeah that clarifies a lot about wat I have to do...But also shows that i will meet some problem because of course, my ex will not accept to allow our daughter to immigrate with me (got custody but shared parenting)

Anywayz i haven't got a clear decision from my ex...

I thought of petitioning for my daughter and if she still did not want to immigrate AND my ex still refused her to follow me over there, then i would let her stay in FRANCE with her mom.

Groomit