Lace

I see you're from Falls Church, VA. I'm from Springfield, VA. Maybe it's because of our surroundings as we're near the Capital but just about all businesses in the IT Field requires a Secret Clarance as they do work for the Federal Government. Some ask if I can pass and I really don't know if I could so I have been reluctant to apply. I guess I should put down can pass and than ask them about it.

Some say I can and others I can't. I guess it can't hurt to try but it takes 6 months for a secret clarance from what I've heard. I'm just looking for work with Government contractors rather than the Federal government themselves.

I am the US Citizen and my wife is here on a K1 Visa. Got married and filled for AOS. I've been hearing conflicting reports on this.

I know I won't be able to past for Top Secret and above clarances as my wife is not a US Citizen. Can I still meet the requirements? I have a clean record including driving, credit, and so on. If they (the government) is only looking at me I will pass with flying colors. Does my wife need to be a US Citizen for me to get a secret clarance? My entire immediate family members are US Citizen with the exception of my wife. I'm currently looking and this does make alot of difference to me and proberly others asking the same thing. Anyone want to share their experiences on this?

How do I find out what my service center is? I don't see one in Springfield, VA.

Only ones close are Washington DC or Baltimore MD.

I did as the I-134 is not legally binding. I had it on me but it's not worth it if you have to go through alot of trouble to get the paperwork. Showing them you make past the poverty line is fine (IRS Tax transcrip, 1040, W-2, letter from employer, etc etc etc).

On the I-864, however, I left my bank statement and assets out as that's legally binding. What if we wanted to sell the house and move elsewhere for example.

In my opinion, on the I-134, yes, if you have them easily accessable.

That really sucks. They hold all the cards. The only thing you can do is send, and resend the checklist. Make sure you check off the documents. Check the box itself. I would just send it to them again. Make sure you email them you sent it to them AGAIN.

From what I've heard the mailing system in Cambodia is not very reliable. I have heard of great reviews via DHL. Send it from the US and from Phnom Penh. It may cost abit.

While you're waiting you could start reading up on the AOS forum as that's going to be the next chapter. To give everyone a head start here's my AOS checklist.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;#entry1195465

Sorry for the double post. My PC frozed on me and I didn't think it got save. Feel free to delete this post.

Mine was pretty simple. It goes something like this.

Let it be known that John Doe opened an account with Name Of Bank on Date with a present balance of Amount Here.

Signed by Assistant VP

Just checking to see any new status and to also give encourgement. Don't give up. You are near the finish line.

This is just horrible to have to wait this long. Just keep emailing the US Embassy and calling DOS. Hang in there everyone.

Since I had them I went ahead and send it to them anyways. Figured can't hurt to be overly prepared. At least they can't say I didn't send them my Tax Return/Transcript, W-2, and so on. Actually they can. lol... There's been alot of suggestions to send in the W-2's. I would send them to have a peace of mind (easier said than done).

My wife will be going to school but I'll go ahead and send them in also. Thanks for the tip.

I-765 (Work Authorization) and I-131 (Advance Parole).

I'm getting ready to file AOS for my wife. I'm pretty sure we've got everything set. Please check if this is all I need to send.

1. Form I-485 and the following attachments:

2. Check for $1,010.00 for I-485 and biometric fee.

3. Certified Marriage Certificate dated August 3, 2007.

4. Copy of Nonimmigrant Visa (expiration date January 2, 2008.)

5. Copy of Entry Stamp to the USA dated July 20, 2007.

6. Copy of I-94 (front and back) dated July 20, 2007.

7. Copy of Cambodian Passport (expiration date March 2008).

8. 4 passport size photos

9. Immunization records (physical was completed in Cambodia as K-1 visa process) transcribe onto the I-693A by a USCIS approved civil surgeon in a sealed envelope.

10. Copy Of Birth Certificate from Cambodia and certified English translation (same copy given to the US Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia).

11. Copy of social security card (front and back).

12. Copy of I-797, Notice of Action II29F, Approval Notice dated February 20, 2007.

13. Form I-864 Affidavit of Support with supporting documents.

• IRS Tax Return Transcript for the past 3 years.

• Copy of Tax Return (Form 1040) for the past 3 years.

• Copy of W-2 for the past 3 years.

• Letter from employer showing salary, position, and base pay.

• Paystub for the past 9 months.

14. Copy of my passport.

15. Copy of my wife's passport.

16. Form G-325A, Biographic Information (wife only, foreign spouse).

Just giving a final check. As always, I am very greatful to this site and all members. It got us this far in our journey. Now our next journey begins.

Example of invalid address:

Your Address

123 George Street

Springfield, IL

What They Type

123 Gworge Street

Springfield, IL

Or

321 Gwobe Street

Springfield, IL

Or

123 George Street

Sprlmgfewld, IL

Yes, they can make typo. My street address was mistyped. They put a "w" instead of "e". My city was also misspelled. The post office was still able to find my location anyways. I would just ask them to email packet 3 to you and send it again. The Embassy in PP is a pain to deal with.

Your packet 3 is most likely sitting at someone's desk at the Embassy. They appear to do them in batches and update their system all at once. Meaning, once it stacks up is when they decide to update their system. Again, I am only speculating here.

It took over 4 months for the physical packet 3 to arrive to my us address in the US. Despite what they say they only mail the physical packet 3 to the USC. Take the lady's advice and email them. You want to be very specific in the email with dates. When you mailed packet 3, when the post office said they would arrive, and why is it taking them so long to get to it? The email does go into their system as when I called DOS the lady saw the entry. Basically, make it look as they are not doing their job and that the ball is in their court. That's politics for you.

From reading your post it *could* appear as the Embassy already send you the packet 3 and the ball is in your court.

I think you should give DOS a call. I got more info from them than the embassy in PP. Just hand in there.

Don't wait.

The US Passport is universally recognize as documentary proof of US Citizenship. That is all I used and have no problem whatsoever.

The problem is this... Your there with your fiance. It would suck if your fiance couldn't pick up their visa and travel back to the US together. Now you either need to make a decision to stay alittle longer in HOPE they're get it next Friday and travel with them back to the US. Go back to the US and return to pick up your fiance at a later date. Or have your fiance travel to the US alone. We were luck enough to have my fiance pick up the Visa on time that the both of us including both my parents all traveled to the US together. There's no better way for my fiance to start her new life in the US than this IMO. Imagine what would happen if she didn't pick it up on time?

Usually a fiance visa is quicker than a spousal (K3) visa. Just my suggestion but please don't take it as an expert opinion. If you are only going for the ceremonial wedding that still makes her your fiance as you will not be legally married.

Send in your K1 petition and go on with your life. Don't build your life based on the K1. I know it's hard but otherwise, you're get too caught up on it and sometimes forget what's important. Building up your relationship. Rather send it in and continue with your ceremonial wedding. Show it during your the interview stage. Your relationship is legit and you have nothing to worry about.

There will be lots of frustration and stressful moments for the both of you ahead. In the end it'll work out. You can't really plan a K1 Visa around a ceremonial wedding but it's easier to plan a ceremonial wedding around the K1. See my timeline. Or see the topic on Austria and ask them what the average time is. Every case will be different depending on the circumstances.

Few other important notes.

-You can have Pyramid do the Cambodian to English translation. The US Embassy had no problem accepting documents from them.

-For $45 USD you can have Pyramid fill out Packet 3 and they will also send it. Make sure to ask them to give you copies of everything. They send the required documents but ask them for a copy anyways. If you or your fiance isn't very familiar with this do so. This will save alot of headache and they know the local area and have connections with the local postal office. My fiance gave them the Packet 3 Pyramid filled out to the US Embassy during her interview with no problem.

-If your fiance is going to send it through the local postal office have him/her ask them to sent it out today nicely. Sometimes they sent it when they feel like it. Or take them forever if you piss them off. It's a different ball park there.

-When you get your police records it's now good for 3 months. They also charge extra for English translation. Accept their offer. The faster you need it the higher their price. Don't wait too long to get this done or you're end up having to pay a high price ($100+ USD).

-They only hand out Visas once a week between the hours of 3 - 4 PM only on Fridays. It's first come first serve. They ask the applications to enter 2 at a time and they call the names once inside. Many people missed it on their 1st week and had to come back and get it on the 2nd or 3rd week. There were over 200+ people trying to get their Visa on July 6th. By the time it ends most haven't even entered the building yet. And thus, had to come back next Friday. So when they open the gates everyone rushes in to cross the street which was not regulated. They hit a motorcyclist while dashing for the embassy door.

I plan on writing to my Senator my dissatisfaction on the following areas.

1) I was not allowed to wait inside the Embassy during my fiance's interview. It's fine they not allow me to attend as I don't plan on dictating how they run things. Rather they should take the safety of US Citizens into consideration. My embassy is right in front of me and I had to wait across the street for 3+ hours! It's pretty obvious I'm a US Citizen if I'm waiting in front of the Embassy. What if something were to happen?

2) They did not regulate the streets before allowing people to rush in line to get their Visa. This is not safe whatsoever. The people I spoke with felt they were being looked down upon. If they were already approved why not give them the dignity and pick up their Visa M-F 3-4PM instead of having them to rush in before they had to try another week?

I doubt anything is going to be done if enough people complains perhaps.

Hello friends,

I just got back to the US with my fiance. I know my signature is messed up now but I will fix that later. Now, on with the review...

Our interview was on July 2nd at 7AM. We got there at 6AM and waited. There were two lines and the guards asked my fiance to stay in the immigrant line (K1 is a non immigrant visa but they treat it like an immigrant visa). We were the 2nd in line. The guard calls each person to come inside one by one. When our turn comes the guard stopped me and asked if I was a US Citizen. I showed him my passport and the guard stated that I was not allowed to attend the interview with my fiance. This is still outside the embassy. He said if there's any problem I could come back at 1PM during the US Citizens hour to discuss. So I handed my fiance my passport and waited across the street. The rest is my fiance's account.

She was lead to a room where she waited alittle bit. They than called the first person in line to come up to Window 5. The person was missing an employment letter, her Cambodian ID, and a few other documents. She was told to come back with the needed documents to proceed forward. They asked her to leave the building and come back once everything is in order. They than asked the next person in line to come to Window 5 (my fiance). They looked through her documents and saw we had everything needed. They than asked her for some evidence. **************** IMPORTANT as I believe this is what the CO will review before the actual interview **************** She showed them our evidence including my passport with the boarding passes. The person gave her back my passport and said it isn't needed. They took a few pictures of my first, second, and third trip to Cambodia. They also took our Engagement DVD, about 5 engagement pictures, engagement invitation, guest list, engagement certificate, and also a few pictures of our engagement picture from our album (we hired a cameraman for our engagement ceremony). Than she was asked to proceed to Window 1 to pay the $100 visa fee (they accepted cash) and was given a number.

Since the original first person had left this left my fiance the first in line. She was nervous than and asked one of the other girls if they wanted to switch places. They decline her offer. When her number was called she saw a single Caucasian male. He looked at her carrying all the evidence and was just laughing and shaking his head. When she saw him smile she was no longer nervous. The CO greeted her in the Cambodian custom calling her bong even thou he's much older. My fiance put her evidence on a desk there and greeted him back. The CO looked at some of the pictures they took earlier and the first photo was of my sneaking a kiss on our cheek at the airport (I was caught red handed). My fiance said the CO saw that and again, he laughs. He stared at it for about 1 minute and kept smiling. While he was looking at that picture the conversation between my fiance and the CO went something close to this:

CO: When was the first time you meet your Fiance?

My Fiance: It was October 24th, 2007.

CO: 2007?

My Fiance: 2006!

CO: 2006?

My Fiance: 2007

CO: 2007?

My Fiance: No, no, no it's 2006! 2006! 2006!

The CO started laughing historically and my fiance was smiling.

CO: How many trips did he made to Cambodia?

My Fiance: This is his 3rd trip.

CO: Is your fiance in Cambodia right now?

My Fiance: Yes, he is waiting just outside the embassy.

CO: Did he came to Cambodia on his second trip? (Not sure if this is a trick question or what)

My Fiance: Yes, he came to Cambodia on his second trip.

The CO than proceed to look at my fiance to see if she was making eye contact, she was. My fiance smiled at him and he smiled at her back and looked through some of the other pictures.

CO: How did you and your fiance meet?

My Fiance: Both our parents knew each other since childhood. His parents ask him to stay with my family and I during his trip to Cambodia.

CO: Do you love your fiance?

My Fiance: Of course I do!

CO: Why do you love your fiance:

My Fiance: He's nice, friendly, respects both our parents including all my family member. Most of all, because he loves me.

The CO than saw the other 400+ pictures my fiance had with her and again, he started laughing and shaking his head. He began to look through the pictures they took from her earlier. He than saw the both of us with an elderly lady. He pointed at the elderly lady and asked my fiance who's she. My Fiance replied: My Grandmother. The CO than smiled and shook his head. He than told her to come and pick up her Visa on July 6th at 3PM.

One the way out my fiance dropped a few documents, pictures, etc etc etc. One of the security guard inside picked them up for her and proceeded to help her bring them out. He could clearly see she needed help carrying out. The guard also opened the doors for her. Outside I could see her smile from across the street. I knew what the results were. We came back on July 6th and picked up her Visa. We than stayed for our Ceremonial Wedding on July 15th (Yes, we planned this based on the Interview date). We are now here in the US and are taking a much needed rest.

The documents they took:

-Tax Returns for the past 5 years the 1040 form. (I also had my W2 and IRS Tax Transcript and copies of them but they didn't take either of them).

-My employment letter stating salary, length, and position.

-My employment letter with a newly earned raise.

-My County property value (I noted my home as an asset since I'm a home owner).

-Notarized 2nd letter of intent continuing my support for my fiance's K1 visa.

-The I-134 Old Version (I had both the new and old. They returned the new version back to us).

-Bank statement stating my present balance and when account was opened. Signed my a senior back admin.

-Most recent 3 or 4 pay stubs.

All in all, it went very well. Not sure if the others being interview were the same as my fiance was the first to be interviewed and she left right away after she passed. The most important thing IMO is to look at the CO straight in the eyes. Not to be afraid to smile (my fiance felt this helped). And to be overly prepare. It tells the CO alot when they can see great care was taken to prepare just for this interview and have all the documents and some ready. She also felt my being there helped as well.

I will put in a review in the Phnom Penh Embassy latter. Our passing mark will NOT have any impact on the performance of the Embassy. Meaning, well, since we passed let's give them a good review. How the staff behaves including the CO will from the start to finish.

I'm soooo happy right now.

I promise to do a full detailed report later. Anyways, just dropping in to let everyone know my fiance did great. She passed with flying colors. The interview itself lasted about 5 minutes with a few simple questions.

1) How did you and your fiance meet.

2) When was the first time he came to Cambodia.

3) How many times did he come to Cambodia.

4) Do you love your fiance and why?

That's pretty much it. We had a mountain of evidence to support our claim. I'll give a much more in dept report soon. Untill than, good luck to everyone on this journey and hang in there.

You should check out the example form.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;page=examples

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. We're both be wearing our engagement rings as well. I'll be leaving early Wednesday mourning.

My interview is coming up. It's been a long hard road getting this far. We both did our parts on the best of our ability. We had our disagreements on how things should be done but not on what's important. That is her being here with me. Not just for her but our future unborn children. At times I just want to scream out of frustration and at times, I even cried. Our journey is getting closer to it's BEGINNING and I want to embrace it. It must of taken me over 40 hours or more but I'm finally finished with all the documents for our Interview date this coming July. I have also complied a list of contact name and numbers for insurances just in case (Senator, Congressman, lawyers, my HR Department, and so on). One cannot be too cocky no matter how well they've prepared. I feel we are more prepared than most and I believe the system will see that. We did more than what's ask of us but that's OK. Do I have to call my fiance up and tell her I love her every night? No, I did it because I want to. We are doing this for ourselves, not to put on a show. The following is what I have already prepare. Feel free to add anything I'm missing. Neither myself or my fiance had any previous marriages or children.

Paperwork For US Embassy

-Electronic Copy Of DS-156 With The Bar Code

-DS-156

-DS-157

-DS-156K

-Passport

-Birth Certificate Plus A Certified Translated Copy

-10 or So Passport photos

-Police Records Plus A Certified Translated Copy

-Medial Reports And X-Ray Scan In Sealed Envelope

-Both Notarized I-134, Affidavit Of Support (One they send and newer one)

-Letter From Employer stating position, date of hire, title, and salary.

-Paystub From 08/27/2005 To Present

-Letter From Employer Showing My Raise

-Copy of my info from theworknumber.com (3rd party vendor that keeps track of employee infomation verification)

-Bank statement on when account was opened and present balance signed by the Assistant Vice President

-IRS Tax Return Transcripts For 2004 - 2006 plus copy

-Copy Of The 1040 For The Past 5 Years plus copy

-W2 For The Past 5 Years plus copy

Supporting Evidence:

Proof of 2nd trip

-Passport Stamps From My Two Trips To Cambodia

-Flight Itinerary Of My 2nd Trip To Cambodia

-Boarding Pass To And From Phnom Penh, Cambodia

-Passenger Receipt

-Baggage Claim Receipts To And From Phnom Penh.

-Tags On My Luggage

Proof Of Engagement

-About 200+ Pictures From My Camera (Only showing ten but let them know we have the rest if they want to look at them)

-Numberous Pictures From A Professional Photographer We Hired

-The negatives of our engagement pictures by the Professional Photographer we hired.

-Guest List (We invited over 300)

-Memory Card From Our Engagement On My Digital Camera

-Video Of Our Engagement We Hired A Professional Cameraman

-Copy Of Our Engagement Invitation

Other Form Of Supporting Documents

-Copy Of Original I-129F Petition

-Notarized 2nd Letter Of Intent Directed At The US Embassy

-Scanned copy of my passport

-NOA1 plus a copy

-NOA2 plus a copy

-Letter from NVC plus a copy

-About 200 Emails from both of us back and forth

-Over 200+ Pictures Of us together

-About $500 Worth Of Calling Cards

-DVD of my 2nd trip to Cambodia

-Christmas card she send me

-Valentine's day card she wrote to me

-Valentine's day card I wrote to her

-Boarding passes on the 3rd trip I'm making for her interview

-Myself And My Passport

My Parents Are Also Visiting My Fiance And Her Parents. They Want To Bring Their Daughter In Law Home With Them/Us.

-Copy Of My Mother's Flight Itinerary (She's Leaving 07/09/2007)

-Copy Of My Father's Flight Itinerary (He's Leaving 07/09/2007)

We are hoping my fiance will get her Visa in time and be able to leave with us. I can't think of a better way for her to start her new life than this.

Have your fiance talk with the travel agents down there. Ask them to 'hold' a seat for her. Once she's approved go ahead and buy that ticket. That's what I had my fiance did and had no problem with it. No extra charge either. The consulate advise you not to buy the ticket until the visa is in hand. From what I've heard you need to pick up your visa 1 week after approval.

The interview will be conducted in Khmer. The CO's are Caucasians but speaks Khmer perfectly. Tell your fiance not to worry about that. The CO's does look at all the evidence presented to them. Each interview was about 20 minutes but the question/answer only 5 minutes. Most of the time it's the CO looking at the evidence. They ask the questions listed here at VJ. Good luck.

By all means send it. Don't wait for the Embassy. They send the package to the USC, not the partitioner, don't ask me why. See my timeline I removed due to it being too long.

03/29/2007 Embassy Sent Packet 3

06/16/2007 Packet 3 Finally Arrived

Yes, these numbers are correct!

The Packet 3 is useless now as my fiance has already picked up her appointment letter. They used to be very good at replying back next business day. However, in the last 3 month or so it is taking over a month!!!! There really isn't a way to tell when your packet 3 arrives at the embassy. Whenever I call no one picks up (after waiting 45 minutes or more several times). Unless you send it from the US via a trackable carrier such as DHL. I also followed up with an email. That way it gets into their system and the ball's in their court. Once they process packet 3 they call your fiance to pick up the appointment letter. I would strongly recommend calling DOS shortly after that as they didn't give my fiance her interview date during the call.

It was set for July 2nd at 7AM when I called DOS.

When my fiance picked up her appointment letter it was set for July 2nd at 7AM.

If I didn't call DOS than we would of only been given a 2 weeks notice!

Don't mean to sound like I'm rambling but better to get the straight forward answer than the politically correct one.

Tip:

When your fiance go to pick up the appointment letter they interview close by. My fiance was able to listen in on the interview and heard all the questions asked. Have your fiance listen VERY closely as this will ease their nerve. I would even recommend staying a few extra minutes just to listen in.