Orientalelf

On 10/12/2022 at 4:53 PM, OldUser said:

@Orientalelf what does your case status say?

I've never had luck seeing updates on the website, it merely says case was received. I've gotten my NOA1 already, but no sign of the biometrics waiver?

Hi everyone ~ I look at the spreadsheet occasionally and am beginning to worry why we haven't received our biometrics waiver/status update? We lived in Tennessee but moved to Texas in June 2022, has anyone else not received their biometrics status update yet? 😣

 

Jumping onto the November train finally! We filed back in November but only received a text notification, no hard copy of the NOA1 yet --- online updates have never updated for me --- slightly worried. 
 

Hello everyone! Just wanted to give a quick review of my AOS interview today (K1) at Nashville, TN office:

Timeline:
AOS Filed - Aug 09th, 2019
NOA Hard Copy - Aug 16th, 2019
Biometrics twice (Finger prints failed) - Sep-Oct, 2019
Interview "ready to be scheduled" - Oct 18th, 2019
Interview Date Scheduled - Dec 10th, 2019
EAD/AP combo card received - Dec 10th, 2019

The process went by very swift for us. Got into the building at our designated time and showed the 2 security guards our ID's and appointment letter. Then had to put all folders, coats, watches, keys, belts and shoes into the tray to be scanned (we didn't bring our purses or phones in). Walked through the metal detector and was told to report to window 1. Walked up to the lady and handed her our ID's and appointment letter again. She looked through everything and gave us a number. We waited for about 5-10 mins and heard a faint call of our number (so keep your ears open!). Was met by a gentleman officer, who greeted us and had us follow him into a separate office/room. Was told to stand to take the oath and proceeded to sit together (husband and I were not separated). Officer was friendly and nonchalant at the same time (we didn't feel too stressed). The beneficiary (me) had to take a picture with his little webcam on the desk scan fingerprints of both my index fingers. Then he went through the first few pages of my I-145 form and asked to see the following documents:
- My passport
- Husband's ID (drivers license)
- My birth certificate (original)
- My husband's birth certificate (original)
- Marriage certificate (original)

After marking down that each one was legitimate on my I-145, he proceeded to ask me from the form:
- My full name now
- Name prior to marriage
- Date of birth
- My husband's full name
- Date of birth
- My current address

Next, he asked me if I wanted to submit anything that would go towards his consideration (I asked him to clarify and he said "things that had a co-relationship"). I handed him copy's and original statements from our bank, credit cards, health insurance, 401k retirement, letters of recommendation, marriage photo album, wedding invitation, drivers license + my state ID (to show same address). He then read through all the mandatory pages (about committing crime etc) within the form and after each one had me answer. All of them were "No" and each time I answered he'd put a check mark next to each one. Then he asked me to sign the last page to confirm all we went through.

Then, he began to ask me to tell him "all about us", "how we met" etc. He specifically asked me (the beneficiary) to be the core speaker (and told my husband he could chime in if needed). I went right from the beginning, explained that we met through a game - all the way up to our visits (showing him pictures, chat logs etc.) - right through to our wedding day, honeymoon and current living status/life. He was quite pleasant and laughed with us a bit which was nice. After that, he asked if we had any questions (we asked about an address change), and he escorted us out of the room and back towards the security guards. The entire thing lasted about 30 mins.

It made us feel good that he commented on how legitimate our relationship felt to him and commented on us checking our status online, whether we would be approved or not (he said if there were any other docs he would need after the interview, he would issue an RFE). If not, the green card should just "surprise" us in the mail - his words lol

All in all, it was such a quick process! I prepared 3 folders THICC with documents, copies, evidence etc. But he didn't look at anything but the above. Very friendly experience and we hope to hear some good news soon (apart from the combo work permit/AP card I received when I got back home!). 

Hope this helps! 
 

Hey guys! 

After 2 failed fingerprint attempts at my Biometrics, we got scheduled for an interview as of October 18th!

Joining the August boat! Recieved our hard copies today! 😃

Sent Aug 09th
Text Messages Aug 18th
NOA recieved date Aug 16th

@Wuozopo Hello again!

Without me having to create a new thread, would you mind taking a look at our checklist. I'm nervous as August is our last month before my I-94 expires. Would really appreciate it (and of course, thank you for all your advice so far. We wouldn't have gotten through London, UK without you!). 

- G-1145 Notification of application/petition acceptance

- Cover letter

- money order payment of $1225 made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”
I-485 Application to Adjust Status:
- 2 passport photos
- copy of birth certificate
- copy of Passport biographical page - do I need the other stamped pages too?

- copy of K1 Visa

- copy of electronic I-94
- copy of NOA1 + NOA2 from I-129F 
- certified copy of marriage certificate
- Knightbridge document DS-3025 - can I just photocopy this? 
I-864 Affidavit of Support:
Petitioner
- I864 form
- copy of his birth certificate
- tax return or statement in lieu of tax return saying why not required to file

Joint sponsor (father-in-law)
- I864 form

- proof of US citizenship or LPR status (required of a joint)

- retirement statement
- ss statement
- savings/dividens 
Household member (mother-in-law)
- I864A form

- proof of US citizenship
- marriage certificate
- dividens - confused about what evidence mom should provide here?
I-765 Application for Employment Authorization:
- (2) passport-style photos 
- copy of passport biographical page

- copy of K1 visa

- copy of electronic I-94

I-131 Application for travel document (Advanced parole):

-  (2) passport style photos 

- copy of passport biographical page

- copy of K-1 visa

- copy of electronic I-94

I've read a million threads and gotten some conflicting information, but am I right so say I don't need to do 3 cover letters? Thanks again and I hope you don't think of me as rude to tag you like this  

3 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

 

If Dad has a Social Security statement that gets sent out each year saying how much benefit the next calendar year's going to be, then that is like an "employer letter" that people often mention. Same if he draws a pension from a company he worked for. Get a statement from HR or the retiree benefits department stating his monthly pension. That's "employer letter" #2.

 

Does Social Security + Pension = $26,662 without getting into dividend and stock values yet? 

Does Mom happen to draw Social Security yet?

Okay, yes, SS + Pension = $26,662 without dividend/stocks and mom does not draw a social security.

2 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

 

If you read the instructions to the I-864, it explains a lot of this. If Dad can't claim you on his tax return as a dependent then you are not in his household count for this form. You are not an immigrant. You are the US citizen. 

Dad+Mom+the Immigrant (your spouse) = Household count of 3 for Dad's form. Dad requires $26,662. 

 

I'm lost on Dad's income.

Does he get at least $26,662 in a pension and/or social security per year? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry for the confusion, I am the beneficiary writing this (when I say me, I mean the immigrant). 
Dad does get at least $26,662

1 hour ago, pushbrk said:

Previous jobs and previous pay stubs say nothing about his "current income".  If Dad can document sufficient current income, using SS declaration letter and Retirement income declaration or statement, there is no need to show or document any assets.  Unless the petitioner is claimed as a dependent on Dad's tax return, she is not part of his household size.

Dad has a social security statement, retirement statement and stocks/dividends (Vanguard) that add up to the amount $26,662 and over. 
Mum's name is on the Vanguard dividends, but she is only a beneficiary on dad's social security and retirement fund. 

Thus, does mum need to fill out a I-864a? 


 

15 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

@Orientalelf

The use of I864a is an option when nobody earns enough. It allows household members to pool their funds. For example if petitioner made $15,000 and Dad made $15,000, neither qualifies. BUT because they live under the same roof and are related, they can combine for a household income of $30,000.

 

In your case, since petitioner has zero income, it's kinda strange to fill in an I-864 with zero and unemployed, then bring in the Dad on the petitioners I-864 with a big income plus the Mom. 

 

In my opinion, it would be a much "cleaner" application if you did this--

 

Petitioner

I-864 (because that is required)

Tax return or statement in lieu of tax return saying why not required to file.

Nothing else because you make zero.

 

Dad

I-864

Proof of US citizenship or LPR status (required of a joint)

Tax transcript

Something that shows Dad qualifies on his salary alone like employer letter, pay slips, W2. A tax return does not break down what is Dad's income and what is Mom's.

Dad can add Mom to Dad's I-864 as has household member, but then she needs to do an I864a and include her proof of income too. Theoretically, if Dad makes enough on his own and clearly proves it with things mentioned above, he should not need to add Mom at all.

 

Head counts

Petitioner-  himself and immigrant= 2

Co-sponsor- Dad, Mom, Immigrant, and ?? (Are you the 4th because they claim you as a dependent on their tax return?)

 

 

Thank you @Wuozopo you always seem to come to our savior (and I'm thankful!). 

I understand everything up to the mom's bit.
- Mom and dad file taxes jointly, but mom has zero income.
- Dad is retired (and makes enough on his own but it's a combination of stocks+retirement income etc.) that has mom's name listed too!
- Ex. tax returns show mom's name listed as the spouse, stocks/bonds shows mom's name listed as the beneficiary.  
Thus, would mom still need to do the I-864a? 

Proof Dad is showing:
- IRS Tax returns, W2's for previous job
- Previous pay stubs
- Bank Statement (savings)
- Retirement income statement
- Stocks/bonds 

Head count confusion
Cosponsor dad - has dad and mom and myself (the immigrant?) as dependent on him. - is that right?
AND Petitioner lives at the same address and is "technically dependent on his parents"  but legally, is not dependent on their tax return. 
So would cosponsor put 3 and petitioner put 2? 

Thank you again! 



 

Sorry for the repeated question but I'd just like a confirmation for 2019! Thank you's in advance! 
AOS stages after K1 marriage and confused about which form to file?:
- The petitioner currently has no income, but lives in the same household as the joint sponsor (father).
- We all share the same address, a household of 4 people.
- Joint sponsor (father) files joint taxes with his wife (housewife, no income). 
Thus am I correct in saying = Petitioner (I-864), Joint-sponsor father (I-864a), Mother (I-864a)? 
Petitioner puts a household size of 2, joint sponsor and mother would put 4?   

On 4/10/2019 at 9:51 PM, LukeU said:

I can't quite find the post now and I've been digging. But somewhere in the UK forum (could have been generic K1 one also though ) is a person who lives in France I believe, but has a UK passport, is a UK citizen. I didn't see any issues on his posts so all been well it'll be the same. 

 

You've been honest, if they ask, you work and spend a lot of your time there? That doesn't mean that you're not a UK Citizen, hopefully the embassy is ready to reply with additional information for you. 

Thank you so much for this LukeU, I actually got a response from the embassy directly that I was permitted to do it in London as long as I was a citizen, didn't matter if I have lived in the UK or not! Very happy and excited to complete this final stage  

4 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

 

My common sense answer because I have no memory of anything exactly like yours...

I would answer truthfully. If you live and work in Thailand, then so be it. You aren't really dealing with gov.co.uk and what they define as residency. It's the American government and you're a British citizen interviewing in London. I don't think they'll be arsed about the rest. 

 

A couple of examples I do remember. A Pakistan citizen in overstay on his expired student visa in the UK  interviewed in London. They weren't bothered that he was in England illegally at that point by UK government rules. The Americans aren't the enforcers for UK visa rules. Not their job.  Another (I can't remember specifics) was an African national who had been in the UK but had left. She came back to London as a tourist and stayed with an uncle for her interview. I know she had asked permission from the embassy and they said "no problem". 

 

You didn't say why you want England over Thailand. If it's not an intent to commit fraud or hide something, then you're probably fine. 

 

 

Thank you Wuozopo, I hope no questions are raised but just for good measure I've e-mailed the embassy. 
We transferred because Thailand wouldn't allow co-sponsers for students. 
 

13 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

 I travel back and forth but the last time I was in London wasn't long enough (for the 6 month mark they have to say I'm a resident again etc.).

 

Who is "they"?  Who did you ask?

 

As of right now those two things will be "Thailand". I'm stressed the officer is going to question why that is and the reasons for doing the interview in London 

 

What is your reason?

(1) The part about residency is in accordance to gov.co.uk, I'm a citizen by rights of the UK being my home country, but I'm not a "resident. I have to be in the UK for at least 6 months first and was concerned that it would be a problem come interview time. 
(2) Reasons for questioning is that things don't add up? 
- I'm putting down a UK address as my current home address.
- My workplace and parents addresses are for Thailand.
> Thus the officer might say, how long have you been living at this UK address? Do I say I haven't been or do I put a Thai address down? 
 

Hello everyone, me again (sorry to keep opening new threads) but our case is now "ready" at the embassy and I'm having a bit of panic attack with the DS-160.

The DS-160 asks for my parents addresses and my current employer. As of right now those two things will be "Thailand". I'm stressed the officer is going to question why that is and the reasons for doing the interview in London OR deem me ineligible for London (as I do not currently live at the residential address provided). I travel back and forth but the last time I was in London wasn't long enough (for the 6 month mark they have to say I'm a resident again etc.). Should I ask London whether I am eligible again? I e-mailed them prior to the transfer but didn't state I was currently still in Thailand, I just provided a residential address and proof of citizenship and they said I was eligible   

Will the officer be concerned of where I'm working at the moment, where I've been living or how long I've been in the UK? 
Will they be suspicious as to how I'm earning money or how I'm living in the UK without a job? 

Any help would be more than appreciated!

 

@O-J Congratulations!!! Omg I'm so relieved to read this as my fiance is still a student as well! Going to take your tips on getting a university letter! 

 

On 3/20/2019 at 2:04 AM, Wuozopo said:

This is in lieu of a private response to your fiancé.

 

Household of four needs a sponsor who makes $32,187. See this for the guidelines https://www.uscis.gov/i-864p

i assume you are fully supported by your dad?  London as approved K1s on on only the 100% figure, not the 125%. 

 

Assets can include his cash savings, money in a checking account, stocks/bond values, money market accounts, or even real estate.

Any use of assets by someone other than the fiancé or spouse has to be FIVE times what is short on salary.

 

Your father will get a pension statement from HR before retiring saying how much he will get. Or he can ask for one. You can use that at the interview just like an employer letter. Anytime you read "employer letter" in a post, substitute in "pension statement from HR". Anytime you read "salary", substitute in "pension". Got it? 

 

So let's say pension total will be $22,187 per year. He falls short of the "salary" needed by $10,000. So he needs to come up with FIVE times $10,000 in assets to make up for that part he falls short.  Now this is the rule of the stricter affidavit of support I-864. For a K1 in London the only written law in the Foreign Affairs Manual is the officer has to be convince your fiancé will not become a public charge. It is really subjective.  (And note--the link provided to you to the website** Im mi help ** does not apply to a fiancé or I-134. That is for spouse visas or when your fiancé applies for her greencard after marriage.)

 

Evidence accepted for a K1 in London.

No, pay stubs are not a requirement. I know your fiancé was concerned Dad would not have pension pay stubs yet. Not needed. He'll have a statement from HR saying how much his pension will be. London will take anything that proves income for a K1 visa. They do not demand a specific proof. Some use tax return. Some use employer letter. (Did you sub in pension statement then? Just checking.) Some have been approved on only a W2 without a tax return. One said he just showed one pay stub. Anything is okay. 

 

So your dad provides a pension statement from HR. It won't reach the mark. To prove his assets he can provide a recent bank, savings, or financial investment statement. He may get statements from Edward Jones, Merrill Lynch, or another financial firm detailing the current value of his stock/bond investments. Do the math and see if he will have enough. And keep in mind the officer can approve if he thinks it's close enough and your fiancé will not become a public charge. It is subjective. 

@Wuozopo Thank you! Much appreciated as always  

On 3/15/2019 at 9:49 AM, Wuozopo said:

My wife always uses the  expression from her grandma, you can't squeeze blood out of a turnip, meaning if you haven't got one, you can't bring one. I personally wouldn't call Knightsbridge because I'm not convinced they are the sharpest tools in the box. Show up, bring the Thai report (in English), and say this has been my doctor for the last x years---deal with it. If you haven't noticed, I'm old and don't put up with non-sensical things that don't make sense. And I've been with my American wife for 10 years and her ways have rubbed off on me. 

 

Being told to go register with a new doctor to bring a blank report because you have no history at that surgery is stupid. They only want it to make sure you aren't hiding anything like depression meds or some serious illness. Well you could have overdosed 8 times in Thailand and had cancer and syphilis two years ago and the shiny new doctor in the UK would have nothing to report. Right?  You could omit anything you wanted to. So what's the logic in that? I am sure the doctor will be more sensible about it because you are an exception to the general group that comes in.  And that's my soapbox for the evening. Cheers!

@Wuozopo Thank you very much for this response. I'm going to have to make sure I have everything ready from Thailand. Could I be cheeky and ask another question? Sorry, I keep running into concerns and appreciate your responses greatly.

RE: I-134F 
We're using my fiance's father as the sponser (my fiance is a student). He works for the state and makes over the 125% poverty line, however, this April he is going to be retiring (effective April 30). We have all the information required (employment letter, 4 months pay stubs, 1-3 years of tax returns), but will be this void due to his soon retirement? He will be getting a tirement fund but the office cannot state how much that is going to be yet. So, my question is what do I bring with me for the I-134F now? Should I go ahead with the letter anyways and have them state he will be getting a retirement fund as well (plus) their bank savings on top? Or should we only go with bank statements? Thank you! 

5 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

Forgot to address this when I answered. If you submit the DS-160 (visa application) at some point, then it shows you are indeed working on the visa project and haven't dropped into a black hole. It doesn't have to be right away....maybe a month or so after your case is already in London and they have sent you the instruction letter. Since you are in no hurry, you can just wait on that letter or the one from NVC that tells you your new case number. No point in hanging on hold to the NVC just to ask the case number and if it's been sent yet. That's for people who are trying to jump the queue and rearrange the order that London wants you to do things. 

Thank you so very much Wuozopo, very detailed and easy to understand. So glad this part of the processes isn't difficult. However, I've just found out from a another memember something in regards to GP Summary's. He is German and has not been registered with a GP before, in my case, I was registered with one a very long time ago. He said in order to register with a new GP they required a proof of address but I don't have one?! This is definitely going to cause a problem when I get to knightbridge and have nothing to show but my Thai GP summary... would calling Knightbridge be a good idea? 

6 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

 

You have one year to finish the London part after they notify you by letter that they have received your approved petition file and you may begin the K1 visa application process. If you do nothing for six months, they send a second letter asking Do you want a visa or not? We haven't heard from you. 

 

The petition approval (NOA2) has a 4 month expiration. If you don't interview before the expiration date, you bring to your interview a new letter of intent from the American fiancé stating she is still free to marry and intends to marry you within 90 days of your arrival in the US on a K1 visa. It's that easy. That information is written in one of their FAQs. 

I am applying for a K-1 visa, I have heard that I need a letter from my fiancé(e) to reaffirm the petition, what is this?

If the visa interview is scheduled more than 4 months from the date the petition is approved, the applicant is required to provide an original letter from the petitioner, confirming that they both remain legally free to marry and that they intend to do so within 90 days of the applicant’s entry to the United States.  There is no requirement that the letter be notarized.

Your answers are life savers and thank you to @LukeU as well! So to clarify again, (because we're going to be over the 4 month mark for sure!) when I finally do get to the interview, I just bring a new letter of intent and that's it!? I don't need to inform the embassy before hand and they won't be contacting me until the 6 month mark? Have I understood that correctly? Thanks.  

Hello again, very sorry to start a new thread but have some questions I would truly appreciate help with, thank you!

Our K1 just got a LND case number at NVC and we're awaiting it's arrival in London, (is there a way to check online that it's arrived?). During this time I am feeling overwhelmed with how to realistically line everything up as I'm still in Thailand (case was moved from Thailand > UK) and have some worries below:
(1) GP SUMMARY - I'm getting a full letter etc. from my GP in Thailand, however, I know I still need one in the UK. Haven't registered with one since I was 13, and want to know how long it would take me to 1. Find a GP and 2. Get a check-up and obtain the summary? 
(2) Is there a time limit on how long I can take to go through with the embassy process? It's going to take a month to get things completed in Thailand before I am able to travel and probably longer before I can schedule the medical, interview (without getting the GP summary first)? 
(3) My time line right now is, fly to America at the end of April, stay there for 1-2 weeks whilst I drop off my things (schedule the medical and interview), fly to London (do Gp summary), do medical and interview. Is that realistic?






 

Hoping to get an answer to whether it's possible to change embassies at NVC? We missed the mark at uscis and after contacting NVC we're feeling unconfident. They told us due to getting thousands of e-mails every day, getting to ours at the same time our case got there may or may not be an option. We're looking to call and send e-mails out every week in hopes that a miracle will happen and the timing will work itself out, has anyone been successful? Thank you in advance!

Also, someone once told us it's possible to change embassies when completing the DS160? 
 

TDLR; Bangkok > London / Recieved NOA2 Feb 6, 2019.  

Hi all and @Greenbaum! 
It's happened, we finally got approved after almost 12 months. But now we've run into another problem. We're trying to change embassies from Thailand to London but missed the mark at uscis. Now it's on it's way to NVC and we're stressed to try and find if and how NVC can change embassies for us. Someone once recommended changing it when doing the DS160, but I doubt this is true. Contacting NVC, they've said they get thousands of e-mails everyday, so getting to ours right when they recieve our case might be a stretch. We're hoping to call and send e-mails every week, is there anything else we can do?