Leedah

This topic is going to the wayside now.

We all know that the wait is maddening and tough to say the least.

However, one thing plays into these situations. Most people who choose to marry non-citizens are level headed and patient.

Think about it. A person HAS TO be level headed enough to step outside of their comfort zone to even leave the U.S. and travel to another country.

The average U.S. citizen didn't own a passport until recently and that was due to new regulations that required passports for cruise ships, etc. Heck, the past vice-presidential candidate JUST got a passport LAST YEAR. And that was the GOVERNOR of a STATE!

So when we travel to foreign lands, we learn to adapt to cultures that are not usually our own. We learn when to keep our mouths shut to avoid unlawful police and when to speak up while haggling with local merchants.

We learn how to be patient AND LEVEL HEADED from the situations we encounter.

And that is what makes us usually choose to marry the non-citizen in the first place.

Patience & Level Headedness.

Patience when our SO says a word that is not quite translated correctly in English.

Level Headed when our SO's (who've probably never been to the U.S.) tell us how the U.S. is and why we (the citizen) should listen to their "version" of the U.S. (lol)

Patience when well meaning strangers (coworkers, friends, family, etc) wonder why your not with your SO and why its taking so long (why do folks think being a citizen implies an automatic ticket to the U.S.)

Level Headed enough to file the paperwork to start the immigration process.

People on VJ are a different breed. These people are doing for themselves and their SO's what the average person would just pay an attorney thousands of dollars to do. After reading this post, I ask everyone one of you to give yourself an empowered pat on the back.

I still say its best to be patient and wait or go to your SO and wait the process out there.

Why give in to your emotions at this crucial time? No matter what people want to say, the U.S. is still more free and a better place to live than most other countries. I've traveled and lived in more countries than I can count and I still look forward to getting off the plane and seeing the "Welcome To The United States of America" signs when exiting to the gateway.

You will be with your SO soon enough. Be patient.

I DEFINITELY don't think you should cancel your K1.

Why not just go back to China for about 3 months (if you can) with your sweetheart and wait it out together???

Simply get a street address type mail box. Have your mail sent to you their in China. (USCIS wont forward mail, but a 3rd party will).

Trust me, if you go the K3 or regular I-130 to CR-1 route, you WILL wait longer than the K1 . For some reason the K1 is usually faster than other routes, however that changes from time to time depending on the service center your at.

Again, don't chunk your petition. Your just throwing away your "place in line". Refiling again as a married couple doesn't make your wait faster and you'll be more pissed off than you already are. PLUS this would most likely put a SERIOUS strain on your marriage....and that's something no couple needs...especially a new couple just starting out together.

Hope my advice helped you.

Good luck on whatever you decide.

Leedah

Self-Proclaimed Bystander

ya know, i've done that before. So now he knows.

Anyway, I've decided to just keep away and pray about the whole situation for two weeks. I always believe that a clear decision can always be made when your thoughts are focused only on your creator and you have a clear mind.

I'll let you all know what happens.

Leedah

I originally submitted all documents (I-864 and a co-sponsor) to NVC. They approved everything and sent it to the embassy.

Well I have some bad news.

It seems that my husband went to the interview and was told that he needed to bring proof from me of my income. I would think its check stubs, etc. Had to find this out by calling the state department instead of my husband since he wouldn't talk.

My husband then became frustrated and upset when I called back and said I knew what happened. He told me that I purposely didn't give them my paycheck stubs and the "right papers and that I was "trying to stop his visa". Huh??? (the case was approved at NVC- they don't approve until they have what they need, right??)

Now he has told me that I "wasted his time" and that i need to go my way and he is going his way.

He also put me on the silent treatment and he turned off his cell.

So guys, i'm heartbroken but I can't say I didn't really see it coming. He is very immature mentally.

Now, I have to make the heartbreaking decision to cancel the case and move on.

This is hard since I thought it was legit and I knew him for almost 5 years (since 2004). Whoa is me.

Well I found out what happened (based on husband).

He said they approved him but he must bring back evidence to prove the income that I stated.

Obviously this information was in "THE EMAIL" that I had asked him to print out atleast 3 days ago.

The same email that he did not "get to".

I knew that the consular would want this information in order to approve, so I was prepared and decided to simply email my scanned recent paychecks and other needed info to him. But alas, no matter how much a wife does, it is always THWARTED by the man. hahaha.

We'll see what happens next. I am too through with all this mess.

well the interview is in a few hours.

I am frustrated beyond belief.

i scanned and emailed about 11 documents and evidence that my husband would need for his interview.

Did this days ago while at work and it took 2 hours to do.

Husband "flashes" me on the phone tonight and says "can I go to the internet to get the docs"?

I was shocked that everything wasn't ready and the interview is only a few hours away.

I'm starting to think i want this visa more than my husband does. hmmmmm.....

So unprepared all the time.... Ugh.

fyi: he's going to the interview (CR-1) with nothing but his passport & medical report. We've been married for over a year.

Anyone know what could possibly happen with nothing but these 2 docs and what i sent through NVC?

everything has already been sent to NVC. NVC sent everything to embassy by DHL.

I just keep seeing on other forums where it says the spouse must bring original documents. I don't get why the spouse must give the consular the exact same items that NVC already sent in the packet by DHL.

Any idea's?

Leedah

Hi all.

My hubby is scheduled for his interview on thursday and I'm wondering what he needs to bring with him.

I already sent the originals to the marriage, his birth certificate and his police certificate to NVC and they sent it DHL express to the embassy in Dakar. Soooo, since THEY have the originals to everything, what exactly would he need to bring with him?

Also, my case was an expedite all the way through, so when would he possibly get his visa to travel here?

Thanks for any info.

FYI: if I have to give anything to my husband, i would have to scan everything and email it to him. (due to the interview being so fast). Would they possibly accept the scanned and printed version of whatever they might need?

Thanks,

Leedah

Hi all.

Hubby has his interview on Nov. 6th at 7am (will be 2:30am in the morning where I am ...eastern time)

I can't believe its finally here!!!!

After almost 2 years, I will get to actually live in the same house with my husband.

Counting down to the day.

Leedah

Hi all.

I am trying to figure out how to get an interview at the Dakar Embassy.

Our case was sent from NVC on an expedited status on the 22nd of Oct. I tracked it on DHL and know that it was signed for by a "Mr.Kane" on the 27th. So, what happens next?

I've checked on the Dakar embassy website and it says to buy a pre-paid calling card to schedule an interview.

Here's the problem...

1. Husband lives in Gambia (an 8 hour drive overland to Dakar),...so how can we get this phone card WITHOUT going all the way to Dakar JUST for a calling card?

2. Since his case was expedited instead of sent the regular way (with NVC scheduling everything), will it even make sense to get this "magical" phone card to schedule an interview? Isn't expedite suppose to mean EXPEDIENTLY?? LOL.

3. My husband went to get his medical already (didn't tell me and who knows why he did this), but I don't know whether they will accept a medical that wasn't really asked for yet. Yes, I told him after the fact that they (embassy) use special doctors to do the medicals and that you CAN NOT open the results. I guess he will learn the hard way (AFRICANS DRIVE ME MAD!!!) (And I am african-american by the way hehehe)

Anyway, trying to find out how to schedule the interview and how long it could take to get one. I sent an email as did my husband (Who knows what he wrote as he's not computer literate ...ohh lawd *shaking my head & rolling eyes*).

Thanks for any help to guide on this.

Leedah

plz add me also.

CR-1

Waiting to get interview at embassy.

Case was expedited from NVC on Oct.22,2008 to dakar embassy.

leedah

I am still trying to get my own interview scheduled at the embassy.

Plz update the spreadsheet to include my complete case (oct 21, 2008)

I doubt very seriously that this is a real case.

I mean, come ON!

We all have our issues with our spouses. I for one have gotten pissed at my hubby and posted about how to CANCEL the whole damn thing ,...then a few days later get some news about the case and I'm on here all gushed up and happy . Crazy emotions are the norm when it comes to being away from your spouse for any length of time. It is irrational and we all KNOW IT! We all have our moments... if not days.

But this case smacks of fantasy.

Who in the world would go through the MOUNDS of paperwork that USCIS makes us do, then endure the waiting (while stalking that online case update system ), thennnn to finally get to NVC only to hurry up and wait some more?? Oh, and don't forget the turmoil of wondering if your SO is even going to get approved in the first place at their embassy.

THAT is what WE VJer's go through daily. So I am hard pressed to believe that someone who went through this is gonna just leave their loved one (even if they don't love'em anymore) at some airport and hop on the next bus of a boyfriend/girlfriend.

Sorry for the run on...but ....I must be just dense cuz I'm not fallin for this one.

Tootles

Leedah

Hi all.

I received an expedite for my husband from NVC to the Dakar embassy (he is in Gambia).

I am wondering what is the process now? I called NVC and they say that since it was expedited, they don't handle it anymore and I need to call the state dept or the embassy in Dakar.

I also check the NVC payment page for clues...I have found that my case is not even registered with NVC anymore through that site. I also did the DHL check and found that 2 cased were sent off on the 22nd of Oct 2008 to Dakar.

Anyway, I looked online for the embassy website & called to schedule the interview. Got an automated message that said something about buying a phone card to speak with an operator???

Huh?

Anyway, just sent an email to their consular requesting some info or atleast an interview date (included all pertinent info & case #).

Anyone have a clue as to what could be going on here? I'm almost wondering if I should have requested an expedite. I requested one at USCIS and got it and naturally requested the same (with the approval letter) at NVC and got it also. But now that they are through and my case is complete, I seem to have been thrown off the "NVC Ship" . Don't THEY usually schedule interviews and medicals? Hmmm....

Any comments are appreciated.

Just called NVC.

Case approved today per the operator. (got an expedite).

Waiting to here about the interview date.

Anyone know what comes next after the case is approved and sent to the embassy?

Does the interview get scheduled or do they start the medical? Just curious?

I got an RFE (by calling NVC & speaking with the operator).

Operator let me know that I needed to send in the ORIGINALS of my husbands birth certificate, police clearance and our marriage license. I nearly had a fit!!!

But, I guess we can always get copies. DAG NABBIT!!!!!!!!

What more do these people WANT! Arrrrrg.

When are you heading to Senegal?

I will be going soon also.

By the way, I go visit my hubby every 3 to 4 months and sometimes once every two weeks (have Delta pass), and I have never needed a visa for Senegal.

Leedah

Forgot to update, folks.

husband NOA2 approval: july 28, 2008

NVC sent info: aug.5th, 2008

Sent I-864:Oct.8, 2008

Sent DS-230: oct. 13, 2008

Hi all.

I recently sent in the I-864 package for my spouse to the NVC.

I also have a cosponsor and sent in their tax info and form also.

I just called the NVC and the automated system said: "awaiting the return of the biographic forms from the petitioner. Once this packet is received, allow 6-8 weeks for the reviewing of all your documentation and you will be notified of the outcome of the review."

What biographic forms are they requesting?

I am assuming that it could be the DS-230 part 1 and part 2. My husband has sent those to me by DHL and they should be arriving soon.

Other than that, what could it be??

By the way, should this case complete by the end of october, what interview would NVC possibly give?

Thanks again.

I am sending off the I-864 for my spouse to immigrate on the CR-1 and need some help.

I have a co-sponsor and am going to be sending off the I-864 package tomorrow morning.

I have worked on and off for temp companies and therefore haven't made alot of money.

At the present time, there is no work at my temp agency and I have applied for unemployment.

However, the tax period ending for 2008 will have me meeting the income requirements.

My question is:

On question 22 on the I-864, should I put unemployed since I am not on an assignment, though I am technically still employed at my temp agency?

Should I put the income that my tax transcript shows for 2007 (not much) or put down what I think I made this year for 2008?

Also since I have applied for unemployment at my Department of labor office this past week, how will this go over?

Also, my cosponsor (he's a permanent resident and i'm the citizen) has sponsored two other people to immigrate. Will this be an issue?

Any advice is appreciated.

Husband is the agent at this time. I tried to be it, unfortunately when the DS3032 was sent to him, he said that he never received it. I, of course received a copy of it without the barcode on the top. I made an email with all pertinent details (the DS3032 in email form) and sent it to my husband. I then instructed him how to send it to the NVC email and to tell them that I would be the agent for him. However since he said he received "some type" of forms, I assume its the 864 info since I never got anything else but the first fee bill.

Hi All.

I am making my decision whether to cancel a petition for my husband that was approved in July.08

Due to some marital issues, I may need to file for divorce and cancel the petition.

I am wondering how would I go about canceling considering it was already approved at the USCIS level and I haven't sent in the I-864. I actually only paid the $70 and sent the AOS fee bill. So far, I believe that my husband has received the 864 in his country.

My questions...

1. How to cancel at NVC.

2. If husband has the 864 forms, is it possible for him to simply sign my name and send it to someone else to "doctor up"? He does have a relative here in my state that was supposed to be the co-sponsor for him and me. This person has sponsored 2 other people to immigrate, so I know he has the money to sponsor. That also probably means he has the money to "doctor up" whatever my husband wants it to say.

3. If he somehow gets "the ball rolling" without me and manages to get here without me even knowing (through falsifying the 864 and using the guy as the co-sponsor) will I have recourse? If he got here somehow, more power....but I do not want to be held liable for that support form if he managed to fake my info and signature. I know it is legally binding until the person works 40 quarter hours, becomes a citizen, dies or goes back to their own country permanently.

4. Since we married in his country and I didn't register the marriage license anywhere except sending it to USCIS, will I need to divorce in his country or can I simply do a pro se divorce myself in my state?

Thanks for any answers.

Hi this is Leedah.

What was the question...?

yep it was an expedite.

I was out of the country when they finally sent it, so I actually got it before. They also had sent an RFE so I had to fly back to send them that info. Either way, the approval went pretty fast after they got the requested info.

Leedah.