Kowatti
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Posts posted by Kowatti
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4 hours ago, pushbrk said:
Disclosure is at the medical exam.
Obamacare does not allow denial for pre-existing conditions and group medical through an employer doesn't either.
The issue will be whether you can AFFORD private insurance.
Correct, if it's employer-based through your job, however, I was turned down due to the pre-existing condition in the state I applied in.
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23 hours ago, mikesr said:
Hello,
I'm a U.S. citizen trying to put together a CR-Spouse visa to bring my spouse from Vietnam to the USA.
My spouse was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago. Should I bring up the cancer? Will I have to if I don't want to? I'm not sure what the medical checkup will entail.
I see there are some proposed changes on the table to legal US immigration policy regarding financial burden on the health care system that have me concerned. If they go through by the time we finish this process and get an interview, I'd prefer not to disclose.
On the other hand, it's affected many aspects of "our story" quite a bit, pretty much every aspect of our lives. Employment, living situation, future plans, everything we do.
We have other things to worry about but I would like to continue the process of trying to go back home together. Thanks for any input.
Hi. You have to disclose. As a cancer survivor, I can tell you that you will not be able to get outside/private insurance for her. One of the questions asked to qualify is "have you been diagnosed within the last 5 years" of cancer, kidney disease, & et. If you are employed in the US, you can add her to your employer-based insurance, although expect to pay a higher monthly premium. She doesn't have a disease that can be transferred to someone else, so I don't see the government denying her entrance into the US because of medical reasons. The problem would be "is she going to be public charge" case? The only problem I see would be how she can get the treatment she needs here, without healthcare insurance. Blessings to your wife for a positive outcome with her cancer.
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13 hours ago, Sunny_Skies123 said:
Hello,
I am currently in the process of doing the I-129F form to bring my fiancé from Canada to the US. I read online that USCIS prefers if you fill out the forms electronically and then print them. However, when I try to fill out the form online, it does not let me type in certain sections of the form. The problem is primarily in part 9 (address information), part 38 (previous spouse information), and probably other sections as well. I have tried downloading the form numerous times and it always happens. I hate to fill out the form in ink because I do not have nice writing. Any suggestions?
I also had a question regarding Part 8, Additional Information. When adding information, how do I indicate which Part and Item Numbers? I have to add a job for each of us in this section, do I use the same numbers and letters that are used in the main section of the packet?
- I lived in a dorm room for 3 months almost 3 years ago. Do I need to include that address on the form?
- I do not know my exact start/end dates for two of my jobs and I am not sure if I can get that information. Will that be an issue?
Thanks in advance for helpful responses!
Hi. When reading their info, I missed seeing the place where USCIS says they prefer you file I-129F form online vs hand-written. They don't discriminate on how the form is completed. USCIS is more interested in getting the form completed properly & honestly. To me, it was an advantage to legibly hand write & complete the form. Areas that I needed to explain, I was able to add an attachment explaining certain things. Also, there is a page towards the end that allows you to provide more hand-written information. You can type the form online & hand write in some. I prefer to just do everything the same, so ours was hand-written. We were approved in 5 months. Best wishes as you start your journey.
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12 hours ago, Dee & Will said:
We finally received our NOA2! We ended up getting the hard copy in the mail, however, the website hasn’t updated nor did we get an email. But we’re approved! I want to know what are the next steps we take. And what are the documents he will be needing to send me alongside the i129f. Will I be needing the physical copy of the NOA2 as well? Do let me know.
Congrats! Have a quick celebration & get ready for the next round from NVC and embassy, 🤣. If you read the info that Greenbaum created for April 2019 K-1 NOA2 to NVC, you will know each step. He did a great job of making things simple to follow, for anyone who needs help. Best wishes for the remainder of your journey.
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5 minutes ago, ZeeZeey said:
Hello Everyone,
Thank you to those who commented on my
last post and how many visit needed especially for a country like Nigeria. I will be visiting again soon for a second visit. I have some other questions regarding the I-129 and I will appreciate any help.
Our chat log from WhatsApp is a lot of pages (654 pages) and Facebook Messenger is 194 pages. Do I have to include all the pages together with the I-129 packet? Does it matter if the packet is heavy/bulky due to evidence provided.
Also, when we got engaged we were alone so I only have one picture of me with my fingers raised to my face to show the ring. Is it okay to send such picture as part of evidence? Thanks 🙏
Hi. They will not read all those log sheets. Think quality. I would include the picture showing your ring, if you took pictures with him, friends, family, I would include those also. You are at the I-129F packet stage & don't need extensive logs. Your fiance can take some to his interview later. Also, don't forget to include the letter of intent to marry, page with stamped visa, airline payment receipt, anything that shows the two of you actually met within the two years prior to filing. Take your time & read over the entire packet to check for anything that you might have missed, & sign where requested. You will do just fine.
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19 hours ago, Arewa said:
Know that now, reading from you guys... really appreciate the info 🙏
Hi. There is a vast amount of information on VJ. You can find just about any scenario. Start by going up on the upper left-hand corner to Forums, then drop down about 5 topics to "general discussion area" and you will find Africa: Sub-Saharan topic. There is a lot of information about your beneficiary's country. Best wishes on your journey.
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18 hours ago, Meryem467 said:
Hello, my husband and I live in Tennessee and he is here on a K1 visa. We have already applied for AOS. We are trying to lease an apartment and many apartment offices have told us that they will not lease to use because my husband does not yet have his Social Security number. Does anyone know if this is even legal or what I should do?
They are probably not discriminating. They need SS card to verify identity, criminal, credit issues, the legality of being in the US &, etc. Many apartment complexes are now performing not just credit checks, but also background checks. They will not accept certain crimes committed. I recently had to go through the same thing when I moved into my new apartment. Good luck.
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19 hours ago, ronniebreda said:
Amen! and this is why we live across the ocean from this mother (in law).
We lived with my parents (American wife) after marriage for a short time and luckily my parents were incredibly respectful, but it is no way to live married in Western Culture. We moved out ASAP and you should too. I understand finances and that is important, but your marriage will not be fully your own unless you move out.
Also, I am like your wife. I have not been accepted by my Dutch in-laws (especially the mother-in-law). The worst thing you can do is not stand up for your wife and let her be treated badly be your mother. Do not let your mother speak to your wife like that or treat her like that. Your parent's are gracious to let you live with them, but that does not allow disrespect. My in-laws have said awful things about me and my culture and treated me like I am not welcome and when we were first together, my husband did not stand up for me or our relationship. This creates resentment. BOUNDARIES. You need them. You chose your wife, your mother didn't. It is your own life. If you don't stand up for your relationship or wife, it will continue after you move out (it did even though my husband was 3k miles away in the US).Well said! You expressed my exact thoughts on this. 100% Agree.
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8 hours ago, Gianna & Meldon said:
I got my interview on April 2. And now the status say... VISA ISSUED!!!!! K1 VISA APPROVED!!!!!!! we can finally close the gap next month!!!
Thank you all for your support ❤️ wish you luck for everythingCongrats!. Best wishes.
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On 4/3/2019 at 11:27 PM, A3ap said:
I find the attached image helpful so I decide to share it
Great info. Thanks.
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41 minutes ago, Tashiba89 said:
I got the email from the NVC on 4/2/2019 with the case number. On https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/ it shows status as ready as of 4/3/2019 how long is it before we should expect email from the Embassy?? I have the invoice number because when I called the NVC they gave me both my case number and the invoice number. But we still need to wait for the email from the Embassy before he can go pay the fee so he can schedule his interview, is that correct?? Also my fiance is starting to gather all evidence now so we are ready for the interview. How many conversations or screenshots should we include?? We have been together for over 15 months now so it's a lot of conversations with talking everyday. Any advise on a good way to put together our conversations? What other things would be good to be preparing now at this point??? 🤷🏼♀️
Hi. Having your case#, now your beneficiary can complete the online DS-160. Make sure you print out the confirmation page because you will need that to pay the fee. I don't know how Algeria works, but with our case dealing with Dakar embassy, we didn't have to wait to hear from them before paying. Good luck.
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12 hours ago, Jjcouple said:
we're in Portland, Oregon.
I am Vietnamese American and I sponsored my wife who is from Vietnam this past year, we've been happily married and enjoying our lives together for the past 7 months now. We've been together for about 2 years almost now.
We are living at my parents house for the time being because we are doing the paperwork to borrow monies for a house. This experience has been hotter than dante's inferno.
To setup the context:
My mother is northern vietnamese decent (nguoi Bac) and she has been a naturalized citizen since 1984. My wife is also northern vietnamese decent (nguoi Bac) but her family has assimilated into southern vietnamese culture and traditions since after the Vietnam war when her parents moved and she was born (94'). Therefore, my wife is somewhat of a hybrid of northern and southern person. The common stereotypes for northern Vietnamese such as : Saying things in a beat around the bush fashion without actually saying things straight, or addressing every single person at the table before you eat, etc- are not true when it comes to my Wife.
My mother seems to think however that northern Vietnamese culture is superior/more classy/more correct/formal.
She exploded the other day and called my wife's family communist. Her dad is in the party, but her mother, her and siblings are not - plus everyone knows in this day and age this is basically for job stability/opportunity- their philosophy is not communist, far from it. It was a really strange outburst.
She says that the only reason she puts up with my wife is because I married her and i'm her Son, and that my wife is not northern vietnamese, and that her mother did not know how to raise her properly.
My mother than goes on to explain how my Wife is not a good daughter in law, i.e does not pay enough attention to the dishes, cleaning the house etc. I was in the middle of that, explaining to my mom that my wife immigrated from a totally new place, a new house and is learning the ropes here in the USA she needs some time to re-calibrate. She responds with no mercy whatsoever.
She starts to go off on us about how us being frugal with our money makes her and my dad lose face. My wife just got her paperwork approval so we had a short trip to Vietnam for my wife.
We did a costco Run and got my uncle (her brother) and my grandpa (her dad) some sweets/treats. On our return she asks us why we are so pathetic in that all we could give them was some cookies (mua duoc co cai bao banh thoi ah) I don't understand where this deep rooted shame or fear of loosing face extends from. After that comment she tells at the top of her lungs that she forbids us to visit my uncle and my grandpa. i almost lost it in laughter. Meanwhile in Vietnam we were told that just us being there and showing up all the way from the USA is already a great surprise and gift (but of course we don't just come empty handed). She compares what we bought for my relatives (uncle & grandpa) versus what we bought for her family (her mom dad, preteen brother, aunt, grandma)
and says that she cares more about her family than mine (and that I let my wife become like that) (lol again) but in frankness my family in vietnam is better off than most while my wife's family is not so much. AND other relatives in my family travel throughout the year to the USA and back, so my family has more access to foods/resources from the states. While my wife's family only now has her and Me. (but that's besides the point) the point is, forbidding us to visit my own family in Vietnam because she sees our frugality as bad and us being cheap does not make sense to me. It's an action that we take out of our affection, and we are not going buying a $1200 iphone or laptop for someone every-time we visit because it paints a "better picture"
Life in america is expensive, life in america married is even more expensive. My wife just got the paperwork to work. She works for my parents. After calling us cheap, she asks my wife why she has to be so accurate in her time keeping (she clocks in 30 minute intervals) and that in the past daughter in laws if were working for her husbands family would be doing it for free. I don't agree with this because we are going to file the taxes etc so duh- we are going to be accurate as possible.
I think that's all I have the heart to type out right now- let me know your experiences with this- especially for those of you in the Asian communities.
I'm trying hard to find a counselor who speaks Vietnamese in the portland metropolitan area. We are catholics at the vietnamese our lady of lavang church but that's been a sh*tshow too.
Regardless to what your cultural background is, it's not always a good idea to live with family once you get married. You are inviting them into your marital lives & it becomes difficult for them not to take sides. I would say get out of their house, rent a little house/apt until you are able to purchase your own home. Marriages have broken up from living with overbearing parents & family members. I am a Christian & we believe that your spouse should always come first. Take up for your wife when she is being insulted. Just my opinion. I wish both of you happiness for your future & good luck.
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24 minutes ago, Ella and James said:
My USC fiancee's income for 2018 was $20,000. He is self-employed and it is just me and him who will be in the household, currently it is just him.
Will this be enough at the London Embassy in the affidavit of support, or should we be at 125% instead?
24 minutes ago, Ella and James said:My USC fiancee's income for 2018 was $20,000. He is self-employed and it is just me and him who will be in the household, currently it is just him.
Will this be enough at the London Embassy in the affidavit of support, or should we be at 125% instead?
Hi. You should shoot for 125%. I would consider a co-sponsor for now & possibly also whatever assets he may have to make up the difference. Like everyone else is saying after you are married & it's time for AOS, you will definitely have to meet the guidelines. I wish you success.
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56 minutes ago, Russ&Caro said:
Many years ago (10?) I flew nonstop for business purposes from Atlanta to Dakar and back again on Delta Airlines. I don't know if Delta still flies that route. As others have stated, Atlanta's airport has a huge immigration facility. Took about 1 hour to get through the lines. Good luck. By the way, have you visited him in Senegal? What airlines did you use?
Hi. Yes, Delta is still active & has some pretty good straight routes. The only thing is, Delta goes through Atlanta, the airport is huge, & can be confusing to a new immigrant. I think Raleigh-Durham is the best option for me, but has more layovers prior to the last destination. Yes, I have been to Senegal & the Gambia. We are now waiting for the interview part. Just hope things work out & get the visa. I am trying to plan in advance, but no ticket will be purchased until fiancé has visa on hand. Thanks.
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5 hours ago, mimibao said:
After receiving 221(g) and having the 59-day administrative processing, the AIT just approved my K1 visa application and forward my passport along with the visa package to their courier for delivery today. The consulate said I shall receive my passport and visa package within three business days.
Below is our K1 timeline so far.
7/6/2018: File date
7/10/2018: NOA 1
10/31/2018: NOA 2, K1 petition approved (but we received the notification on 11/1)
11/26/2018: NVC received my case
1/4/2019: Fiance e-packet 3
1/24/2019: Interview at AIT ==>> receiving 221(g) for further administrative processing because my Ph.D. is in the engineering field. AIT requested my CV, advisor letter, research abstract, etc. I earned my Ph.D. in the U.S. The visa officer was very kind. But he didn't take my passport after the interview.
2/1/2019: AP document submission
2/2/2019 - 2/11/2019: Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year) and the consulate was closed.
Between 2/12/2019 and 3/28/2019, CEAC website updates 12 times. My visa status was: Immigrant Visa - Administrative Processing. It should be noted that the update on 3/25 was made between 8:00-9:30 am (EST). That could be a sign representing my administrative processing based on 221(g) was complete.
3/29/2019: CEAC visa status changed from "Immigrant Visa - Administrative Processing" to "Nonimmigrant Visa - Application Received." Also, AIT called me to ask me to send my passport to the consulate.
4/1/2019: My passport arrived at the consulate.
4/2/2019: CEAC visa status updated the date again but still showed "Nonimmigrant Visa - Application Received".
4/3/2019: CEAC visa status changed to "Nonimmigrant Visa - Administrative Processing" at about 9:30 am. The Visa Status changed to "Issued" at about 1:45 pm. The consulate emailed me a notification that they have approved my K1 application and forward my passport with K1 visa package to the courier.
Hope the above information can help some people who are waiting for their administrative processing based on 221(g). I genuinely appreciate my fiance who loves me so much and is willing to be patient in this process with me. I cannot wait to see him in the U.S. soon!
Wish all the best to everyone waiting for the K1 visa will receive good news from a local consulate or embassy soon.
Best regards.
Congrats! Best wishes.
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19 minutes ago, NicholeT said:
Good morning, you're welcome. I totally understand, I felt the same way. I wanted to make the travel as easy as possible for my fiance. The POE at RDU didn't take him long to get through at all, less than an hour! Thank you and best wishes to you as well💜
I feel so much better about his final destination here. He is already a little nervous, although he hates to admit it, lol. I want to make sure he feels comfortable & remember his first trip to US as a pleasant one. Thank you for taking time to help me out. You are an angel.
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13 minutes ago, Paul & Mallory said:
Charlotte or RDU international airports will be the closest ones to you in Wilmington.
My husband entered with a K1 at the Charlotte-Douglas airport last May. He was back there, after de-boarding, for a little over an hour. So I would expect there to be a bit of a wait between landing and coming out. Nothing was wrong in his case, they just seemed to be pretty slow interviewing everyone one at a time. He said they were not rude or anything, but very "stoic", was the word he used. Not overly friendly. But of course, that's not where they're there for. Gotta do their job.
I think all they asked him was when we plan on getting married, or if we plan on getting married within 90 days, something like that. Checked his papers and stamped his passport. He said the officer became much friendlier once he was cleared and congratulated him on his upcoming wedding.
Hi. That sounds good. As long as they are not rude & just do their job, that is what I want. Thanks for sharing. Greatly appreciated.
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1 hour ago, NicholeT said:
I agree that RDU would probably be the best POE for you to use as that is NCs major airport and international travel is common. My fiance came through from Jamaica (that is also the airport I use to fly international as well) and from what he said POE went smooth. The immigration officer took the sealed envelope, checked his visa of course and just told him to be married & AOS by the 90 days. I didn't want my fiance to use ATL as POE because it is huge and I felt he may not know how to manage being a first time traveler. It was confusing to me and I've flown several times lol.
Good morning. You just sealed it for me. Thank you so very much. That is the route I will book his flight. It's more convenient for me. The less stress he feels, the better I will feel about his first trip here. If POE is pretty good & smooth operation, without delaying him too much, that will be a blessing. I appreciate your input. Best wishes to you.
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4 hours ago, Jazzy28 said:
😱😱 I have always traveled Gambia > Senegal > Brussels > Chicago and never had a problem at customs so I chose the same path for my fiancé. 😬
My fiance interviewed in Senegal as well and his interview was a breeze.
PandT - good luck and hope it all turns out well. I honestly think the interviewers have their minds made up prior to the interview. Or at least a good idea on which direction their leaning based on what they reviewed prior to the interview.
Hello again. I just saw your comments on the interview questions. That's a help. Please, can you tell me what he did with his cell phone since you cannot carry it inside the embassy? Do they keep it for you until you are ready to leave? Thanks.
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4 hours ago, Jazzy28 said:
😱😱 I have always traveled Gambia > Senegal > Brussels > Chicago and never had a problem at customs so I chose the same path for my fiancé. 😬
My fiance interviewed in Senegal as well and his interview was a breeze.
PandT - good luck and hope it all turns out well. I honestly think the interviewers have their minds made up prior to the interview. Or at least a good idea on which direction their leaning based on what they reviewed prior to the interview.
Good morning. I am very happy to hear from someone who already went through the interview process. We don't know what to expect & fiancé has been a little stressed out about the unknown. You hear so many horror stories about Dakar Embassy. It is good to hear the interview was a positive one & not difficult. Please, will you share the interview questions with me? Was it crowded? I would greatly appreciate it. My best wishes to you.
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52 minutes ago, NDB052714 said:
Wilmington is a very small airport...it is international because it has customs facilities for private and charter flights arriving from international destinations. Commercial flights are domestic...from places like Charlotte, Atlanta, Newark, etc.
Hi. Yup! I found out the hard way, lol. Honestly, why call it an international airport. Thank God for VJ members like you educating me, I would have been thinking that fiance will land in Wilmington. Like a dummy, I was thinking because it's considered international & customs/immigration checking goes on there as well. Like I always say, what would I do without you guys? It's getting a little bit closer to the end, providing things go well. Fiance is putting every possible document they could ask for together + more. Now he will have to convince the consular our relationship is bona fide. Talking about stress. Thanks guys for your input.
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1 minute ago, millefleur said:
Ha, too true. Just because they say it's in their electronically doesn't mean mistakes don't happen! Best to try to avoid any errors in this process, fewer headaches for us in the long run.
Anytime a human being is inputting info onto a computer data system, yes there can be mistakes made. We are humans who are subject to making errors. Most government workers are already overworked & I can see how mistakes happen. They explain some things to us just to keep us from bugging them, lol. Some of it makes no sense at all 🤣.
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9 minutes ago, millefleur said:
Absolutely...I ended up calling CBP about it and they told me that erroneous POE stamps don't matter as it's all in the system electronically...but still. It's very confusing to see that wrong date in the passport! Double checking is always a good policy.
I agree with you. To us it matters that information is correct. Everyone is supposed to assume that the electronically input info is correct. I don't believe them. I like to see the correct info on documents. Just less stress for the visa holders.
Accuracy Of VJ Timeline For NOA2???
in K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports
Posted
Hi. As time passes, you will see changes in your timeline. What is predicted today, will probably be different 3 months from now. Mine continued to change from original date & ended up being 1 month earlier than the first timeline predicted. In the end, it was 100% accurate for us.