
CMJuilland
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CMJuilland got a reaction from Chancy in b-2 tourist visa
I understand how overwhelming the whole process is when you’re just starting out. And it definitely has more than enough flaws. However, that’s the system you are dealing with, and it won’t change any time soon. Like others have said, if you have any option to get together somewhere to get married or get married via Utah Zoom and then meet, I’d also strongly suggest you do that to then apply for a CR1 instead of a K1. It’s way easier (and cheaper!) down the line, not to mention a lot less restrictive. (see @Crazy Cat’s perfect overview).
I know (and remember) things are really tough when you’re in a long distance relationship, and longer and longer processing times don’t make it any better. However, there is no way around long flights, taking time off, and putting certain aspects of your life on hold, sadly.
The best thing for us to do when we were just starting out was reading and learning everything there is to know (knowledge is power!). You made a good start by coming here; this site has taught me everything (and more!) I needed to know, and even just other people’s experience will make your journey a lot easier.
Best of luck to both of you on your journey!
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CMJuilland got a reaction from OldUser in b-2 tourist visa
I understand how overwhelming the whole process is when you’re just starting out. And it definitely has more than enough flaws. However, that’s the system you are dealing with, and it won’t change any time soon. Like others have said, if you have any option to get together somewhere to get married or get married via Utah Zoom and then meet, I’d also strongly suggest you do that to then apply for a CR1 instead of a K1. It’s way easier (and cheaper!) down the line, not to mention a lot less restrictive. (see @Crazy Cat’s perfect overview).
I know (and remember) things are really tough when you’re in a long distance relationship, and longer and longer processing times don’t make it any better. However, there is no way around long flights, taking time off, and putting certain aspects of your life on hold, sadly.
The best thing for us to do when we were just starting out was reading and learning everything there is to know (knowledge is power!). You made a good start by coming here; this site has taught me everything (and more!) I needed to know, and even just other people’s experience will make your journey a lot easier.
Best of luck to both of you on your journey!
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CMJuilland reacted to Crazy Cat in b-2 tourist visa
The immigration process requires a great deal of knowledge, planning, time, patience, and money. A failure in any of those areas can cause delays, additional agony, and heartbreak. There are significant difference between a K-1 and a CR-1. Good luck on your journey. You have found the very best source for accurate immigration information.
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CMJuilland reacted to Crazy Cat in b-2 tourist visa
Visa Journey has a step-by-step guide which thousands have used to navigate the immigration process.
BTW, immigration fees are going WAY up soon.
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CMJuilland got a reaction from powerpuff in b-2 tourist visa
I understand how overwhelming the whole process is when you’re just starting out. And it definitely has more than enough flaws. However, that’s the system you are dealing with, and it won’t change any time soon. Like others have said, if you have any option to get together somewhere to get married or get married via Utah Zoom and then meet, I’d also strongly suggest you do that to then apply for a CR1 instead of a K1. It’s way easier (and cheaper!) down the line, not to mention a lot less restrictive. (see @Crazy Cat’s perfect overview).
I know (and remember) things are really tough when you’re in a long distance relationship, and longer and longer processing times don’t make it any better. However, there is no way around long flights, taking time off, and putting certain aspects of your life on hold, sadly.
The best thing for us to do when we were just starting out was reading and learning everything there is to know (knowledge is power!). You made a good start by coming here; this site has taught me everything (and more!) I needed to know, and even just other people’s experience will make your journey a lot easier.
Best of luck to both of you on your journey!
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CMJuilland got a reaction from swalker in b-2 tourist visa
I understand how overwhelming the whole process is when you’re just starting out. And it definitely has more than enough flaws. However, that’s the system you are dealing with, and it won’t change any time soon. Like others have said, if you have any option to get together somewhere to get married or get married via Utah Zoom and then meet, I’d also strongly suggest you do that to then apply for a CR1 instead of a K1. It’s way easier (and cheaper!) down the line, not to mention a lot less restrictive. (see @Crazy Cat’s perfect overview).
I know (and remember) things are really tough when you’re in a long distance relationship, and longer and longer processing times don’t make it any better. However, there is no way around long flights, taking time off, and putting certain aspects of your life on hold, sadly.
The best thing for us to do when we were just starting out was reading and learning everything there is to know (knowledge is power!). You made a good start by coming here; this site has taught me everything (and more!) I needed to know, and even just other people’s experience will make your journey a lot easier.
Best of luck to both of you on your journey!
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CMJuilland got a reaction from Daphne . in b-2 tourist visa
I understand how overwhelming the whole process is when you’re just starting out. And it definitely has more than enough flaws. However, that’s the system you are dealing with, and it won’t change any time soon. Like others have said, if you have any option to get together somewhere to get married or get married via Utah Zoom and then meet, I’d also strongly suggest you do that to then apply for a CR1 instead of a K1. It’s way easier (and cheaper!) down the line, not to mention a lot less restrictive. (see @Crazy Cat’s perfect overview).
I know (and remember) things are really tough when you’re in a long distance relationship, and longer and longer processing times don’t make it any better. However, there is no way around long flights, taking time off, and putting certain aspects of your life on hold, sadly.
The best thing for us to do when we were just starting out was reading and learning everything there is to know (knowledge is power!). You made a good start by coming here; this site has taught me everything (and more!) I needed to know, and even just other people’s experience will make your journey a lot easier.
Best of luck to both of you on your journey!
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CMJuilland reacted to Dashinka in b-2 tourist visa
Yep, my now wife applied twice in 2013 for a B2 and was denied both times. We had a similar feeling, but then decided to move on and proceed with the K1. My recommendation today would be to pursue the spousal visa as with processing times of a K1, Adjustment of Status, Work Permit, Advanced Parole today, a spousal visa makes way more sense. That wasn't the case in 2014/2015 where K1s were getting GCs in 5-8 months.
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CMJuilland reacted to Crazy Cat in b-2 tourist visa
Some of us have been around here for a while. Your situation is quite common. Unfortunately, your plan is flawed. Spending more time together is beneficial for multiple reasons. However, meeting inside the US is not likely, and a CR-1 spousal visa is a better option, imo.
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CMJuilland reacted to Daphne . in b-2 tourist visa
Why do you think you don’t have enough proof for the K1 yet? You met last year, I assume you also have pictures of you 2 together and the boarding passes/passport stamps?
She will very likely not get a tourist visa, many before her have misused a tourist visa to just enter the US and adjust status (even if they had a child/children back home).
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CMJuilland reacted to Crazy Cat in b-2 tourist visa
She will not get a B2 visa. My advice: Marry, meet outside the US, then start the spousal visa process.
Every couple has their own priorities, and each couple must decide which visa is better for their situation.
K-1
More expensive than CR-1
Requires Adjustment of Status after marriage (expensive and requires a lot of paperwork)
Spouse can not leave the US until she/he receives approved Advance Parole (approx 6-8 months)
Spouse can not work until she/he receives EAD (approx 6-8 months)
Some people have had problems with driver licenses, Social Security cards, leases, bank account during this period
Spouse will not receive Green Card for many months after Adjustment of Status is filed.
A K-1 might be a better choice when 18-21 year old children are immigrating also
In some situations, marriage can affect certain Home country benefits, making a K-1 a better choice
A denied K-1 is sent back to USCIS to expire
CR-1
Less expensive than K-1
No Adjustment of Status(I-485, I-131, I-765) required.
Spouse can immediately travel outside the US
Spouse is authorized to work immediately upon arrival.
Spouse receives Social Security Card and Green Card within 2 or 3 weeks after entering the US
Opening a bank account, getting a driver's license, etc. are very easily accomplished with GC, SS card, and passport.
Spouse has legal permanent Resident status IMMEDIATELY upon entry to US.
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CMJuilland reacted to Rocio0010 in I - 751 January 2022 Filers
As of 11:42 of today my N400 is submitted!
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CMJuilland reacted to Crazy Cat in Wife's N-400 Interview is Scheduled!!!!!
Final update: My wife naturalized this morning at the Plano Event Center, Plano, Texas.!!!!!
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CMJuilland reacted to Crazy Cat in Wife's N-400 Interview is Scheduled!!!!!
Thanks, everyone! Words cannot express how much I appreciate each one of you.
My wife and I now say a "fond" farewell to USCIS....LOL!!
I have deleted all my visa related emails from April 2016 to present.
I have deleted all my I-751 and N-400 files!! USCIS no longer controls our lives!!!!
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CMJuilland reacted to Crazy Cat in F4 Covid Backlog and aging out
Covid didn't alter the number of visas available. The long wait is due to number of people applying vs number of visas allowed per year for that category. Petition approvals are fast. Visa number availability is very, very slow.
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CMJuilland reacted to JeanneAdil in Why wouldn't you file for citizenship?
WOW we flew into Zurick in 2020 4 days and i loved it
If u can , take a car and drive down the coastline (say from Casa to elsouria) atlas mts on one side and Mediterrian changing to Atlantic on the other
Old world city and that or Fes with their beautiful silver and old market place is well worth the trip.
i would go and live there to establish residency
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CMJuilland got a reaction from B_J in Why wouldn't you file for citizenship?
It’s so interesting to read everybody’s take on this. Thank you all for sharing your stories.
For me personally, I applied for naturalization as soon as I could (with the obligatory day or two for padding due to USCIS’s apparent inability to create accurate case dates). While I was born and raised in Switzerland and spent 34 years of my life there, I feel so much more at home here in the U.S. than I ever did anywhere in Europe. Even my parents say every time they visit how much more they see me fit in here as opposed to there, which must be weird for them.
I’m in the lucky position of not having to worry about giving up any citizenship as neither the U.S. nor Switzerland care at all. However, while I’m technically a dual citizen and while the Swiss passport is at least on par with the U.S. one, I consider myself lucky and proud to be an American and only ever travel on my U.S. passport (even when I go to Switzerland).
Also and finally, contrary to a lot of other Europeans who naturalize, I stand by my declaration to “bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law”. This might be because Switzerland’s take on firearms differs quite significantly from other European countries.
I’ll keep reading this thread; again, thanks everybody for sharing.
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CMJuilland got a reaction from usmsbow in Why wouldn't you file for citizenship?
It’s so interesting to read everybody’s take on this. Thank you all for sharing your stories.
For me personally, I applied for naturalization as soon as I could (with the obligatory day or two for padding due to USCIS’s apparent inability to create accurate case dates). While I was born and raised in Switzerland and spent 34 years of my life there, I feel so much more at home here in the U.S. than I ever did anywhere in Europe. Even my parents say every time they visit how much more they see me fit in here as opposed to there, which must be weird for them.
I’m in the lucky position of not having to worry about giving up any citizenship as neither the U.S. nor Switzerland care at all. However, while I’m technically a dual citizen and while the Swiss passport is at least on par with the U.S. one, I consider myself lucky and proud to be an American and only ever travel on my U.S. passport (even when I go to Switzerland).
Also and finally, contrary to a lot of other Europeans who naturalize, I stand by my declaration to “bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law”. This might be because Switzerland’s take on firearms differs quite significantly from other European countries.
I’ll keep reading this thread; again, thanks everybody for sharing.
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CMJuilland got a reaction from Crazy Cat in i751 -> N400
Based on your profile, you have been a LPR since February of 2016. If the physical presence requirements were met, you would have been eligible to file two years ago (or even four years ago under the 3-year-rule). Best of luck with your N400 journey. It’s the last leg.
And wow! Your ROC was crazy long!
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CMJuilland got a reaction from JeanneAdil in Why wouldn't you file for citizenship?
My wife is thinking about this on and off for Switzerland once eligible later this year.
Unlike many other countries, Switzerland allows naturalization for spouses after six years of marriage along with a few requirements, even without ever having resided there (I personally think that’s misguided, but I don’t make the laws there). Come June, my wife will fulfill all requirements necessary (except the language requirement is a little weak, but we’re working on French and a little German now). While citizenship wouldn’t confer any more property owning rights as a non-resident, she would still find it a cool thing to have.
And completely off topic: @JeanneAdil, I hope I can visit Morocco sometime this year!
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CMJuilland reacted to TBoneTX in Why wouldn't you file for citizenship?
A busload of Arkansas politicians was driving down a country road when suddenly the bus ran off the road and crashed into a tree in an old farmer's field. The old farmer, seeing what happened, went over to investigate. He then proceeded to dig a hole and bury the politicians.
Later that day, the local Sheriff came out, saw the crashed bus, and asked the old farmer, "Were they ALL dead?"
The farmer replied, "Well, some of them said they wasn't, but you know how them politicians lie."
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CMJuilland reacted to TBoneTX in Why wouldn't you file for citizenship?
Another reason to naturalize might be the ability to qualify for jobs that require U.S. citizenship, and possibly also security clearances (others can confirm or refute this).
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CMJuilland got a reaction from Dashinka in Why wouldn't you file for citizenship?
It’s so interesting to read everybody’s take on this. Thank you all for sharing your stories.
For me personally, I applied for naturalization as soon as I could (with the obligatory day or two for padding due to USCIS’s apparent inability to create accurate case dates). While I was born and raised in Switzerland and spent 34 years of my life there, I feel so much more at home here in the U.S. than I ever did anywhere in Europe. Even my parents say every time they visit how much more they see me fit in here as opposed to there, which must be weird for them.
I’m in the lucky position of not having to worry about giving up any citizenship as neither the U.S. nor Switzerland care at all. However, while I’m technically a dual citizen and while the Swiss passport is at least on par with the U.S. one, I consider myself lucky and proud to be an American and only ever travel on my U.S. passport (even when I go to Switzerland).
Also and finally, contrary to a lot of other Europeans who naturalize, I stand by my declaration to “bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law”. This might be because Switzerland’s take on firearms differs quite significantly from other European countries.
I’ll keep reading this thread; again, thanks everybody for sharing.
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CMJuilland got a reaction from mam521 in Why wouldn't you file for citizenship?
It’s so interesting to read everybody’s take on this. Thank you all for sharing your stories.
For me personally, I applied for naturalization as soon as I could (with the obligatory day or two for padding due to USCIS’s apparent inability to create accurate case dates). While I was born and raised in Switzerland and spent 34 years of my life there, I feel so much more at home here in the U.S. than I ever did anywhere in Europe. Even my parents say every time they visit how much more they see me fit in here as opposed to there, which must be weird for them.
I’m in the lucky position of not having to worry about giving up any citizenship as neither the U.S. nor Switzerland care at all. However, while I’m technically a dual citizen and while the Swiss passport is at least on par with the U.S. one, I consider myself lucky and proud to be an American and only ever travel on my U.S. passport (even when I go to Switzerland).
Also and finally, contrary to a lot of other Europeans who naturalize, I stand by my declaration to “bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law”. This might be because Switzerland’s take on firearms differs quite significantly from other European countries.
I’ll keep reading this thread; again, thanks everybody for sharing.
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CMJuilland got a reaction from Dashinka in Bringing the rest of the family
Assuming that your wife is a green card holder, there is no way (yet) for her to sponsor her married daughter. Green card holders can only sponsor their spouses and unmarried children. Unfortunately for her, she’ll have to wait until she naturalizes to even think about sponsoring them (and it won’t be quick)…
https://www.uscis.gov/family/family-of-green-card-holders-permanent-residents