Highmystic

1 hour ago, MelOe said:

 in the US the officer at the airport would always ask me if I had friends or family there. I always said friends, and never specified that it was a boyfriend. They didn't ask. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong about this but I don't think I lied.

your boyfriend was just that a friend that happened to be a boy.  I say you did not lie. 

4 hours ago, debbiedoo said:

if you think health insurance is expensive, try getting sick or being hospitalized or needing surgery WITHOUT it....

Welcome to adulthood.

Actually, without the "mandatory" insurance from the "Affordable Health Care" plan,  I think rates have dropped a bit, since companies now have to compete with other companies.  It's like mandatory car ins, if there was no mandatory insurance some companies would move out of that state, and the ones who remain fights for the dollar with lower costs.

Recently my wife had a doctors visit, the big was $200,  then discounted for being in a group thing,  insurance ponied up and her total cost was a tad over $40.  I would have hated to pay the $200 out of pocket.  We pay for her $137 a month, health ins only as she gets dental etc at work even as a part timer.  So,  the OP needs to shop around and take care of it.  Being younger is a plus! 

1 hour ago, Greenbaum said:

History of others facing this same dilemma here on VJ have received a denial because they did not think to expose a misdemeanor or any other "arrest" circumstances that was either expunge from their record or dismissed. Those cases came to light when USCIS did a background check. Seems that those cases never go away at the Federal level. Just our experience. There are a ton of examples through out VJ history.

Yeah, wasn't suggesting the OP NOT report it, just that the OP can't get proof and USCIS will have to do their own work.

4 hours ago, Jennifer0220 said:

There is no certified court document. That's the problem. The state archive can't find it and neither can the courthouse. After 20+ years, it seems to be lost. I don't know what else to do or what to send in it's place.

 

I'm pregnant and this baby is coming in May, so I'm beginning to panic.

There is always the possibility that since you were a juvenile at the time, and since it was a misdemeanor at that,  the record was sealed from public information.  I would be willing to bet it is long gone, and the only evidence you will have is your own statement that it at one time existed. USCIS will no doubt fail to find any info either and have to take your word for it.  It's all you can do. 

On 12/16/2019 at 5:40 PM, Greenbaum said:

You are wrong. Sorry chap.

 

 

I somehow missed the additional testing in the post.. Thank you! 

6 hours ago, ram1009 said:

I've read several times that a K1 visa is valid for 6 months from the date of issue and yet my fiance's K1 visa clearly expires 30 Jan 2020 even though it was issued 10 Dec 2019.  Anybody know what is going on here?

The dates don't make sense to me.  All I know is that once a K1 is issued, the immigrant has up to 6 months to get where he or she is going, and once they make he POE,  they have 90 days to marry.  Maybe I'm wrong, won't be the first time.

8 hours ago, mandajoy98 said:

Hello Visa Journey,

PROBLEM: Its VALENTINES Day (everywhere is probably booked) and its five days before my birthday (Feb19). Not to sound spoiled but I really prefer not to have valentines day an anniversary, and my birthday all in the same week for the rest of our married lives. 

If anyone else has advice, please share down below.

Thank you

Funny on the time frame. Wife and I were married on the 13th, Valentine on the 14th, her birthday on the 15th.  3 gifts to buy for a 3 day celebration!  It's nice actually, as we use this nearly 1/2 a week for ourselves to have fun and enjoy life!!!

1 hour ago, Jorgedig said:

We have now been waiting just over a year for my husband's AOS interview.  He received his combo card in March of this year.  He sent in the renewal paperwork about a month ago, and shortly after, received the NOA1/180 day automatic extension letter.

We had a wait for interview for AOS   15 months.

1 hour ago, Loren Y said:

I have been waiting on a AOS interview reschedule since early October, and since that doesn't seem to be happening anytime soon as it is December now, I decided since you can file for your EAD/AP card renewal up to 180 days before it expires according to current guidelines, I got the I131, and I765 all filled out and ready to mail today. My wife's current card doesn't expire until April 2020, but I thought better early than late. Has anyone else filed this early? I remember the guidelines used to be 90 days I thought, or that was just some wrong information I read long ago while researching the whole K1 process? Either way the envelopes are on the way to their separate mailing addresses and I guess we will see what happens. Since they were sent to separate addresses will she still get the combo card like before? I know the I485 package was separated in Chicago and send out to different places, so I am assuming the same thing will happen here. They will get processed at their respective places, and a new card will be issued. Will filing early change the dates on the new card? Lets say it gets processed in February will she get a new card issued from February 2020 thru February 2021, or will it have a start date in April when the current card expires thru April 2021? Not a big deal I hope as I would think we should have our AOS interview and green card in hand by April, but the way USCIS works I am not too sure that will happen, so I am covering my Butt. Just looking for some examples from anyone that has actually had to renew their EAD/AP card so I can get an idea of how this will play out. I know I will get a letter extending the current card for another year once they receive and process the mailings. Has anyone had any issues with their current employer accepting the letter as work authorization if no physical card showed up? My wife is working now, and will still be working I am sure when her current card expires. Best case scenario we get the Green Card before that happens, but if not 2nd best would be a new EAD/AP card good for another year, and the last option is to show the letter extending her work authorization. Thanks for taking the time to read my babbling post, and any input is appreciated. Thanks for all the help in advance.

We sent in the wife's extension for her EAD at the 90 day mark, while waiting for an appointment for AOS,  We had he AOS about a month later from filing the extension.  Her GC arrived, and we just let the EAD go, figuring the GC would show as issued before they renewed the EAD.    We got an email that he EAD was mailed a  month later, but never received in the mail, so I assume they never sent it. Her GC was dated with the interview timing, and we never got the EAD so can't comment on the  extension date.

21 hours ago, Twomoles said:

Are there any movies that are historically accurate enough that could be watched that can help with the history part? Of course it is a fiction and somebody's vision, but some are more truthful than others. Family movie night could become educational. Specifically about the writing of the declaration of independence and events surrounding mid 18th century.

Dinesh D'Douza's "Death of a Nation"  was impressive for me.  Was not much in it that I didn't know, but there was only maybe one thing I disagreed with.  He also has other Documentaries out and books.  He was born in India, and immigrated with his parents to the US and is in love with the US.  Now, if you are a hard core leftest, you will have problems believing anything in it is the truth.  People do not want "Truth",  they want conformation that they are correct in their own beliefs of what is true.   If you go the book route, look for history books that are more than 40 years old, as written history changes and is written by the victor.

1 hour ago, Hickock said:

because the website language is ambiguous. It said 3 years from date of residence, which they SHOULD explain means from

I certainly understand your anger about it all, however, dealing with Immigration, "assumptions" does not hold water.  When it says "Residence",  a K1 is not a resident, they are a non-resident immigrant until which time they have their AOS. (Adjustment of Status from non immigrant to LPR).    When we went for wifes AOS, the IO told us, do not send in paperwork even a day before as they will just cash the check, say thank you and give you a letter to try again tomorrow.   I thank my stars I found this site early, back before filing for I-129 as there are people here that to me have more smarts than some of those so called lawyers will ever have, and there are some great people here who offer guidance for free from the "Been There Done That" crowd.  Best of luck to you and yours.

17 hours ago, nick050183 said:

I apologize if this has already been asked many times. I seem to be finding conflicting information. Some say the K1 is faster. Some say the K3 is dead and you use a I130 instead.

 

Can someone please help me out.

 

Thank you ahead of time. 

In the world of US visas, you have your choice between a turtle and a snail for speed.  In today's' world of high speed everything, Visas are slow.  For those who are pre-internet,  recall when you wanted to order something, you sat down and filled out the catalog order form, and mailed it in with a paper check, and waited 2 or 3 weeks for delivery.  Visas are far more waiting time, regardless of which road you take.  Not the answer to your question, just sayin',,

19 minutes ago, Duke & Marie said:

Of the three, be sure to pick the one for immigration purpose, not employer one (trips a lot of people up) ...immigration visa has two choices with or without fingerprints... without is fine for regular people’s.. the one with finger prints is for immigration as a doctor type people’s who preform medical processes on others if I recall correctly.. 

 

we sent without finger prints, no problems with it yet..

Surprising that one has to pay for that.  Then again, I should not be surprised at bureaucracy.  My wife, lived and worked in 3 other countries, so had to get 3 reports (no fingerprints), but also she did not have to pay for anything other than postage.  Lucky I guess.

12 hours ago, JeffandNadine said:

What is the most affordable way to get health insurance for my wife? 

My wife works part time at a job, but she has dental and eye at work for cheap,  but not general medical.  I found her a medical for $137 a month.  Not he greatest, but better than nothing for her age.  I on the other hand have Medicare and VA, so can't add her to what I have, since am self employed for the past 10 years.  Shop around.  We made several calls and settled on one.  Last time she was at a prompt care unit, she paid about $40 on a $175 bill.  so a bit over 20 percent co pay on that particular visit. 

18 minutes ago, ek1357 said:

Hi all

 

My case is slightly different to a lot of K1 applicants as we are both moving from the UK to America once my fiancé has been approved.

 

We are most likely looking at CA as we want to live somewhere with fair weather. I want to live somewhere safe and clean (don’t we all!) and with good job prospects- I come from a finance background here in the UK (and need to find employment very quickly since I’m the only one eligible to work!).
 

If anyone has any recommendations- or places to avoid!- I would be most grateful. 

I've lived in Cal before, and for me, I will never ever live there again.  One of the highest taxes, highest cost of living, high unemployment, etc, at least on the coastal areas, and highest in homelessness.  Other options would be Nevada (Vegas is always booming and growing, constant freeway building, constant new neighborhoods popping up.  Casinos being built, stadiums, etc.  a new hotel takes 3 to 5 thousand new employees.    I am in Arizona, for the past 30 years and do not expect to move unless we retire in Cebu, PH.    Arizona is also the hottest state, temp wise but lower tax and cost of living. (NV has no state income tax laws)  Arizona is pro 2nd Amendment (no permit needed to carry open or concealed) and my county just passed a resolution as a "2nd Amendment sanctuary county). 

1 hour ago, bagusohyeah said:

Hi Everyone,

 

I'm Gus from Oregon and waiting for my AOS from K1 to be approved.

 

I read that we can do volunteer work while waiting for the AOS to be approved. Can you suggest some great (and trustworthy) volunteer programs or websites?

 

Thanks a bunch!

Soup kitchens, homeless shelters, food banks,  a lot of things needed with church groups, etc.  I think I have read somewhere, when my wife was waiting for her EAD, that most people in the location should be volunteering.  Like you can't volunteer as a cook in a restaurant if everyone else working there are getting paid.

6 hours ago, boris64 said:

Report of Marriage to Philippine consulate. Optional. Not part of the immigration process)

Yeah, not needed for the process, however, it is something to show you are serious, besides the PhGov gets irritated if you don't file he ROM within a year.  I can see where it could come back to bite someone if they don't file at all, when they try to upgrade their PH passport in their married name with absolutely no ROM on file.  One "might" have to file that  prior to filing for changing or renewing the PH passport. 

39 minutes ago, Tiamartinez said:

I am a Canadian citizen, and my now husband is an American citizen. 

 

In December of 2018 My American boyfriend flew to Canada and helped me pack my car as we planned for me to drive my car down for a few months and stay with him to see where our relationship would progress. We got stopped at the border and they denied me entrance as I had a car full of items. Since then, I have flown back and forth from Canada to the USA numerous times. My most recent trip, I came and after 90 days we decided to get married. I am currently still here and we are in the process of filing all the paperwork. For the question "Have you ever been denied admission to the United States?" I have selected yes however, how would I word correctly on the document regarding the incident?

You did the right thing by answering yes.  Just explain it as it was, you were taking "some" stuff that you needed for an extended stay  so you would not have to buy things you already owned.  I went to Canada once,  didn't have a visa or passport at the time, (1999).  Since I had a one way ticket, and a PC and other gear and stuff, I was flagged, interviewed, they looked through my stuff, and I told them I was in a new relationship and wanted to see how it would work out so I didn't know if it would be 1 month or 6 months.  They were very nice, and they got on the phone and got me a 90 day visa letter.  I had my son mail my new passport up to me, and after the 90 days, I went back to the US for an hour, then traveled back in and got another 90 day stamp.  Things have changed I suppose with immigration agents and laws, but stick to the truth, as the truth never changes its story.

11 minutes ago, madiartzer said:

I just got my green card last week! I had heard from other people here on VJ that Texas is sort of strict about only accepting green cards, and so I waited until I had that! 

Yes, we may just have to go visit the DMV in person. I really don't want to have to 😫 hahaha, since it is out of town,  I work until 5 and it closes at 5, so I'll have to go during my lunch break. But I'll do whatever I have to, I guess!

I've found that "sometimes" when listening to the blah blah recordings, just hit "0" and it may connect to a live person.  It does not work if they changed it to "press 4 to speak to someone"... Worth a shot.

20 hours ago, Techniix said:

Hello everyone,

 

I've been reading around about other's experiences with the green card interview. Ours is coming up and there are some pretty consistent things I'm seeing that people bring but we don't have and I'm a bit worried.

 

 

Others gave good advice,  so I won't add to it, however since spouse if Filipino, have you filed the ROM yet?  In our interview, we had the copy from the PH gov, and she was impressed that we had it.  If anything, it proves that we were serious in marriage as if we didn't it would look like the wife did not want the PH gov to know about our marriage.  So, it can be an important side paper.

13 hours ago, Lovelypeach said:

Hi Everyone, I am a newbie and please pardon me if I post this to the wrong forum. 

So my question is: do I have to tell my fiancee living oversea about my previous marriage? ( it was divorced legally a year ago ) . I plan to petition her to United States to live with me next year 2020 , I was worry if the interview officer will talk about my previous marriage and then my fiancee will be surprise but the fact is I really want to hide my previous marriage. Does anybody know if I can hide my previous marriage to my new wife ? 

Thanks for any advice

Jamie,

Many had advised, and I agree with them all.  You can not hide it, and if you try, your fiancee may get a denial, or an RFE, and for my wife and I,  the K1 took 8 months,  some places longer, so if you want her there in 2020, you need to come clean about it.    I can understand your apprehension of her knowing, but it will come up sooner or later. I can think of a couple reasons why you want to hide your previous marriage, and it's not my business,  but get it out in the open before you spend thousands filing papers, and go down that road, and risking a denial due to lying.  Download the forms you will need, and LOOK at the questions you are to answer (under oath as signified by your signature).

2 hours ago, carmel34 said:

It is illegal to even ask about work authorization in a job interview. 

And I assume that covers paper application questions?  I know of someone who just applied for a county school district job and the application itself specifically stated "Are you a United States Citizen?"    Also, when my wife was looking for work, she would get these phone calls and the very first question out of their mouths,  "Are you a United States Citizen?"  

13 hours ago, Skood said:

You will probably get an RFIE at some point.
I forgot to submit an I-864 as well and got an RFE around a month after I had taken my biometrics. 

Can the OP take a filled in I-864 to the biometrics apt? 

23 hours ago, geowrian said:

2016, actually. It was needed when I filed for my now-wife.

We sent in one for each of us on a K1, that was Apr 2017 with an exp date of June 2017.  Maybe they just tossed them in the shredder as not needed. 

3 hours ago, Cndn said:

Hi

 

I am almost 8 months pregnant. For many reasons I want to give birth to my baby in my home country (Canada) and not the US. I came to the US on a K1 and filed for adjustment of status. I am waiting for the green card interview. I have my advanced parole/EAD authorization card. My interview has not even been scheduled yet but I think it will take place some time next year. My question is would giving birth in Canada cause any problems with my immigration? Would they have some issue with me not giving birth in the US? 

Can you check for Midwife and home birth?  A lot cheaper and the Midwife is connected with a doctor just in case there are birthing complications. My sister had a home birth.  Midwife takes care of it all I guess, the birth certificate and all.  probably some places won't allow home births.  Just a suggestion, and as another mentioned, since you are close, that your family come visit you in the US.  It would seem a whole lot easier on you.  Good luck with everything!