Krystina and Andy

Absolutely, sorry. We did file through Chicago. Live in Dallas, filed in Chicago. Apologies, between the K-1, AOS, etc etc it's all muddled in my head...

We couldn't do DORA because they closed the program in September.

My husband's work permit has not come yet. We filed in December for the Adjustment of Status, plus the work authorization. Got knocked back on Xmas-eve with an RFE because I had been living in the UK for three years as a student, so they wanted sponsors and tax stuff from those people. We got all that stuff together from my family, which took a while because they all own businesses, so it was more of a going through CPAs and what not, sent it all back in in Feb, didn't hear anything.

We called in April and was told it was still "processing". Next week will be 90 days since we resent. Is this normal or is there something really wrong here?

Also, reading conflicting info about Advanced Parole. If we have a trip tenatively planned to Bali in October for our anniversary, are we eligible for that? Or can he only travel for family emergency or business purposes? Sorry if I'm out of the loop here, haven't been able to keep up with the site because I'm working two jobs to keep us afloat, seeing as how he can't work yet, bless him!

We filed in Dallas, Texas btw.

Then should you not have filed your AOS via Chicago and not Dallas?

We couldn't do DORA because they closed the program in September.

My husband's work permit has not come yet. We filed in December for the Adjustment of Status, plus the work authorization. Got knocked back on Xmas-eve with an RFE because I had been living in the UK for three years as a student, so they wanted sponsors and tax stuff from those people. We got all that stuff together from my family, which took a while because they all own businesses, so it was more of a going through CPAs and what not, sent it all back in in Feb, didn't hear anything.

We called in April and was told it was still "processing". Next week will be 90 days since we resent. Is this normal or is there something really wrong here?

Also, reading conflicting info about Advanced Parole. If we have a trip tenatively planned to Bali in October for our anniversary, are we eligible for that? Or can he only travel for family emergency or business purposes? Sorry if I'm out of the loop here, haven't been able to keep up with the site because I'm working two jobs to keep us afloat, seeing as how he can't work yet, bless him!

We filed in Dallas, Texas btw.

My husband's work permit has not come yet. We filed in December for the Adjustment of Status, plus the work authorization. Got knocked back on Xmas-eve with an RFE because I had been living in the UK for three years as a student, so they wanted sponsors and tax stuff from those people. We got all that stuff together from my family, which took a while because they all own businesses, so it was more of a going through CPAs and what not, sent it all back in in Feb, didn't hear anything.

We called in April and was told it was still "processing". Next week will be 90 days since we resent. Is this normal or is there something really wrong here?

Also, reading conflicting info about Advanced Parole. If we have a trip tenatively planned to Bali in October for our anniversary, are we eligible for that? Or can he only travel for family emergency or business purposes? Sorry if I'm out of the loop here, haven't been able to keep up with the site because I'm working two jobs to keep us afloat, seeing as how he can't work yet, bless him!

We filed in Dallas, Texas btw.

Well now that I'm hearing from some of you guys that are experiencing the same problem, I am definitely taking this further. I'm a journalist and I'm going to use all of my contacts to try and investigate.....I definitely think that there is a story here.

If anyone else has had a similar experience, please PM me, or you can email me at k dot schleicher at yahoo dot com. <Sorry, I don't need anymore spambots coming after me! It clogs up my iPhone.>

I just wanted to post our experience with two civil surgeons today in case anyone ever searches about it. We were gobsmacked by our experience, and really hope that no one else has a repeat!!

We printed the list of civil surgeons from the USCIS website, and I put numbers alongside the nearest ones to our home for my husband to visit today. He had his vaccinations checked when he had his K-1 medical in London, but we knew he was probably going to need an MMR booster. My husband called ahead and asked about the price for the form ($35) so he made his way there while I was at work.

He called me at work 30 minutes later, and said that the doctor (Dr. Oscar Molina) told him he required two more shots. The doctor told him that the total for the shots and the form would cost $850.00. My husband stated that this seemed unusually high, but the doctor contended that since Andrew had several of the shots he required, he could do the other two and the form for the bargain price of $600.00. I told Andrew to tell the doctor where to go, and get the hell outta there.

We called number 2 on the list, and the receptionist stated that she couldn't give us a price over the phone, so to come on by and show the doctor our information. My husband sent me a text about twenty minutes after he arrived, saying that the doctor said he only needed one shot (the MMR booster) and the form would cost $35.00. The total came to $90.00!!!!

Obviously, we were mortified. The fact is, we could have paid the $600.00. It would have stung, but it wouldn't have ruined us. The thing that disturbs me beyond no rest is that there are many, many people out there who have visited that office, and they have been so spectacularly ripped off.

I am definitely taking this further (I'm a journalist by the way.) I just wanted this to be on the forums for future reference.

Good luck to you all,

Krystina and Andrew Disney

I am so very confused. We got our interview date in the mail today, and I have everything that they have listed on the forms, but I am so worried because as I read posts on here, I'm not sure what we are meant to bring?!

Do we need to bring the original packet that we sent off (the application), and include the original of the NOA1 and NOA2? ( I don't have them because even though they know I live here in London, they still sent them to my mom in Texas) It doesn't say anything about this on the forms they sent us, but I suppose we could get it together. Also, I read somewhere I needed to fill out another letter of intent, and he needs to take more evidence that we are a couple with him? I know it's best to be prepared, but it doesn't say this on the "What to bring to the interview" section of the forms, so I was wondering if maybe it was embassy-specific.

Also, I'm still a little concerned about my affidavit of support. As I said before, I'm a student in London and have been since I was 17, so I have nothing to show them, and I didn't file a tax return because I don't earn any money here (called the IRS just to make sure that was ok). My parents are his sponsors and they have done the forms and got letters from their employers etc. Will this be ok? Or do I need to fill out the form and get it notarized to show that I earn nothing?

Feel like I'm at the last hurdle but am struggling to hop over it...any help is much appreciated. I've been searching through the forums, but am just getting confused.

That's great advice, thanks. I appreciate it so much.

For the visa it is allowed for someone other than the petitioner to provide sponsorship, however for AOS in the USA after marriage, YOU will be the primary sponsor, and you can use a parent as a joint sponsor.

If you have not been filing IRS returns while over seas, you may have to file a late one even for ZERO income, us citizens may be exempt from paying taxes on foreign income, but are not exempt from filing a return every year.

For AOS you will file I-864, and that form requires a copy of tax return attached to it, or a letter explaining why you were exempt from filing.

Check http://www.irs.gov/faqs/index.html

Hi guys,

My first NOA was in feb, I got two touches twice in a row and then didn't hear anything until we received the packet from the embassy through the front door this Saturday!!

There is hope...the system is just not working properly right now. Best bet is to call, that's what everyone advised but I never got through... Good luck!

Well Im number one. I was touched twice 14 days ago and now nothing.

Any more like me?

I recieved notice of NOA1 Feb. 2nd. I guess that counts as a "touch". Since then, nada, zip, nothing. Not that I really care or think about it very much or check for a touch all the time and read of all the NOA2 from Feb filers. Sighhhhhhhhhh, more patience.

Call NVC. You are quite possible further along than you think. We are not "formally" approved yet by the morons at CSC, but our papers are already in Manila.

I just have a quick question after reading the guides about the affidavit of support. It said on the forms that the U.S. fiance is ALWAYS the primary sponsor, but the issue is I have nothing at all (except a savings account here in England), I'm a student living in Great Britain, met my fiance during my studies and am moving back to Texas when we get his visa. I know that I can have co-sponsors, but what do I submit?

Both of my parents have agreed to be sponsors, my dad is self-employed, his tax return states that he made a loss last year but he owns around six residential properties, a lot of stocks and bonds, and is submitting a financial evaluation done by his CPA directly to the embassy (he doesn't want me to know how much he makes). Plus the required forms by the embassy.

My mom and stepdad are submitting a letter from their employer, their tax return and other supporting documents, again plus required forms.

What should I fill out? Do I fill something out even though I don't have much? I have a full-time job in England, and have managed to save about $9,500 in the last four months, though I know that doesn't meant the income requirement. Any help is much appreciated! I'm a little worried.

Just in case someone every needs the same information in the future, Andrew rang Hampshire police, who said that it might/might not be on record, it depends on the individual force.

Also, a caution is not a conviction, and if you were cautioned, even if you appeared in court, you have not been charged with a crime, nor have you been convicted. You can call the data protection officer who can look up your records and tell you whether or not the caution is still on your record.

We are still answering yes to the arrested question, but am going to put in a letter explaining that it was a caution and not to do with selling drugs and women!

Thanks for the help. I understand the technicalities of the question, it's just so difficult to tick yes, seeing as how he has never sold drugs or been a pimp! It just makes it look like he is admitting to selling drugs or prostitution, when really, all he is admitting to is that he was arrested.

Oh well. I'm sure it's not the first time someone has had to look like a felon, and I'm sure he'll have the opportunity to clear it up, even at the interview stage. I wish it was separated in to two questions!

How do I pull a report and verify? Sorry, naive in matters regarding the police!

Hi,

Been reading up on the police records and certificates. Sadly, I did not realize that I could have ordered this a month ago, and I received our packet from the London embassy in the mail today. I have a question about his arrest record.

When he was much younger (but old enough to know better), he was arrested twice for being drunk in public. Once he was arrested because his mates were stealing flower pots from people's front gardens, he was cautioned and let go the same night, and the second was a bit trickier.

He was drunk, of course, and he threw a rock at some hecklers behind him and his friends. Well, being drunk, his aim was not at its best, and the rock hit and broke a store window. He had to appear in Magistrate's court, where he was cautioned because it was his first offence, and he paid a fine for the court costs and for the repair of the window. He's not sure if this is going to be on his record, but of course, we will just roll with the assumption that it is.

What do we answer in terms of have you ever been convicted, arrested or charged with any crime? He technically wasn't charged for anything, but he was arrested. I know it must seem self-explanatory, but I'm just trying to be sure.

It says exactly:

Have you ever been arrested or convicted for any offense or crime, even though subject of a pardon, amnesty or other similar legal action? Have you ever unlawfully distributed or sold a controlled substance(drug), or been a prostitute or procurer for prostitutes?

Selling drugs and being arrested for breaking a window falls under the same category!

Any help is much appreciated...thanks x

It sounds like a conviction to me. Your best bet is to pull a report and verify.

Even if he wasn't convicted, the question asks if he'd ever been ARRESTED OR convicted. And he's been arrested, so you've got to disclose it. Besides, it'll look worse if you don't answer yes, and they find out later about these events, it'll look like you lied about them, so it's always better to disclose.

Thanks for the help. I understand the technicalities of the question, it's just so difficult to tick yes, seeing as how he has never sold drugs or been a pimp! It just makes it look like he is admitting to selling drugs or prostitution, when really, all he is admitting to is that he was arrested.

Oh well. I'm sure it's not the first time someone has had to look like a felon, and I'm sure he'll have the opportunity to clear it up, even at the interview stage. I wish it was separated in to two questions!

How do I pull a report and verify? Sorry, naive in matters regarding the police!

Hi,

Been reading up on the police records and certificates. Sadly, I did not realize that I could have ordered this a month ago, and I received our packet from the London embassy in the mail today. I have a question about his arrest record.

When he was much younger (but old enough to know better), he was arrested twice for being drunk in public. Once he was arrested because his mates were stealing flower pots from people's front gardens, he was cautioned and let go the same night, and the second was a bit trickier.

He was drunk, of course, and he threw a rock at some hecklers behind him and his friends. Well, being drunk, his aim was not at its best, and the rock hit and broke a store window. He had to appear in Magistrate's court, where he was cautioned because it was his first offence, and he paid a fine for the court costs and for the repair of the window. He's not sure if this is going to be on his record, but of course, we will just roll with the assumption that it is.

What do we answer in terms of have you ever been convicted, arrested or charged with any crime? He technically wasn't charged for anything, but he was arrested. I know it must seem self-explanatory, but I'm just trying to be sure.

It says exactly:

Have you ever been arrested or convicted for any offense or crime, even though subject of a pardon, amnesty or other similar legal action? Have you ever unlawfully distributed or sold a controlled substance(drug), or been a prostitute or procurer for prostitutes?

Selling drugs and being arrested for breaking a window falls under the same category!

Any help is much appreciated...thanks x

It sounds like a conviction to me. Your best bet is to pull a report and verify.

Even if he wasn't convicted, the question asks if he'd ever been ARRESTED OR convicted. And he's been arrested, so you've got to disclose it. Besides, it'll look worse if you don't answer yes, and they find out later about these events, it'll look like you lied about them, so it's always better to disclose.

Hi,

Been reading up on the police records and certificates. Sadly, I did not realize that I could have ordered this a month ago, and I received our packet from the London embassy in the mail today. I have a question about his arrest record.

When he was much younger (but old enough to know better), he was arrested twice for being drunk in public. Once he was arrested because his mates were stealing flower pots from people's front gardens, he was cautioned and let go the same night, and the second was a bit trickier.

He was drunk, of course, and he threw a rock at some hecklers behind him and his friends. Well, being drunk, his aim was not at its best, and the rock hit and broke a store window. He had to appear in Magistrate's court, where he was cautioned because it was his first offence, and he paid a fine for the court costs and for the repair of the window. He's not sure if this is going to be on his record, but of course, we will just roll with the assumption that it is.

What do we answer in terms of have you ever been convicted, arrested or charged with any crime? He technically wasn't charged for anything, but he was arrested. I know it must seem self-explanatory, but I'm just trying to be sure.

It says exactly:

Have you ever been arrested or convicted for any offense or crime, even though subject of a pardon, amnesty or other similar legal action? Have you ever unlawfully distributed or sold a controlled substance(drug), or been a prostitute or procurer for prostitutes?

Selling drugs and being arrested for breaking a window falls under the same category!

Any help is much appreciated...thanks x

Hi all!

Just to let you know for your sake, we didn't receive an NOA2 in the mail, haven't had a change on the website since our last touch which occurred May 8th, but today when the mail came, we received his packet from the embassy in London. So, this means without us even knowing, we were approved, the packet left CSC, went to NVC, and then on to London.

They sent all the medical interview stuff and forms, so I just wanted to let everyone know, I was manically checking the website every other hour, which hasn't even been properly updated. Still says "received and pending" even now! I just don't think they are updating the site appropriately.

Hope everyone hears about their case soon, if you already have, congrats as well!

Please let me know when you know. I hope the webssite hasn't been updated!! Never thought I would say that....Thanks!!

We got touched twice then waited over a week for the NOA2 email to come. Who knows what they do during that delay. Hang in there, its so worth the wait!

Aww, thanks. That's the kind of stuff I need to hear! I'm ok just so long as I know it's any day now. I'm checking it constantly, even at work! haha.

Thanks Jenny!

Sounds like someone at CSC is starting to look at your case.

Yeh, I know, it's exciting. Was just wondering how long it took everyone else from the second touch to the NOA2?

Hi guys,

Filed in January, received NOA1 in Feb. Last week, we got "touched" twice, in two days...it's been over a week and nothing.

Is this normal? How did it happen for you?

Really tired of waiting to go home now...can't wait till we can get back to the U.S. Let me know how it went for ya'll.

Krystina x x

Thats what we are doing too. Lookign to get married around then. I just went around, talked to all the people (cakes, photos, reception) and explained the situation. They are all being really flexible (since we are doing it on a weekday) and said to just give them a call when we know a date. Once the visa is in hand, I have my list of numbers ready to call so it will hopefully get pulled together ASAP after that Good luck!!! You should make that October date, at least we better get our interviews by then

Same here! Getting married on a weekday, didn't bother booking a Saturday...they love you if you are doing it during the week! I think we'll get it done, you can only remain positive right. It's just that our case is so traditional and what I would consider to be text book, I've got everything I need, but its just a case of them actually looking at it. We'll see! You just never know....good luck x

While October sounds a long way away I would be careful about planning any wedding. A couple of RFE's or other issues and you may still be waiting for your NOA2 in Oct. I am not trying to be negative it is just there have been many people on here with wedding plans that they could not keep. If you make them, be flexible. You would best to wait in my eyes.

Thanks for the advice, I'm not anticipating any RFE's, as I'm sure no one does. It's a little more straight-forward for us, we met here in England, live together here in England, so we had plenty of evidence and what not. I didn't have to get together like flight details, emails and all that. As far as sponsors go, both my parents offered to be sponsors, both make enough money to do so comfortably, and we already have a down payment together for our first house. He doesn't have any criminal record, has only ever lived in England... but of course, you never know.

I think I'm going to stick with October, I cleared it through several forums, and everyone that replied anticipated that we were going to be ok with that. Of course, I have until April/May to confirm a place, and my cake maker, photographer and florist are all family friends, so they are on stand-by for me. It's late October, so we'll see.

Thanks again,

Krystina and Andrew

Ok, we got our NOA1 today. We looked at the TSC service times, which state that the average is 93 days. I understand our petition is now at CSC, but it says they are processing cases from July 2006? How quickly does this move? We are trying to set a wedding date for October, but we're just confused about the timelines. Some of the consular timelines say 204 days, is that from starting the app or from when you get the interview date notice? Realistically, what are we looking at from your experience, time-wise? We are together in England now, but I have to leave at the end of October. When i asked before, most thought that we would be there by then...what do you think?

Stressed!

Thanks

I believe if you look in the guides it will show you exactly how to fill out the G-325A. I don't remember off hand how to do it.

An attachment letter on how you met seems like it would be clear enough. Make sure to mention you've lived together since a certain date.

As far as evidence goes you could use pictures, any other bills at all that is in both your names or possibly show things sent to the same address with your names on them (even if its not together?). You can also send letters from people who have seen you together. Your parents, friends, landlord if they know you live together, etc.

Ok, sounds good. About the form, I did mention in my post that the example in the guides was the one I was looking at. I know that the G325A from can be used for a variety of applications, and in that particular example, it was ticked "naturalization". I guess with a K-1 you aren't filing for naturalization, so I suppose I'll keep my answer the same.

Thanks for your help, seems like I'm never quite finished with this thing!

1) On the G-325A example form on this website, the example has the box marked "naturalization" but I'm just filing for the K-1, so do I mark "other" and then put I-129F Petition for Alien Fiance? I assume that's correct but don't want to chance anything.

2) We both live in Britain, therefore both of our addresses are here in Surrey. On the question, where does your fiance intend to live in the United States, we've put my mom's address because we will both go back there to house-hunt for a while after we get married. I mentioned it in my attachment letter on how we met, is that going to be clear enough or should I do something else?

Also, what evidence should I provide them. We don't have any plane/train/bus tickets because we met and live in the same town. I think I might be able to find a water bill in both our names, but my name is misspelled on it. I have pictures of us in the UK and in the US, what else could I do?

Thanks in advance...

I'm going to send the papers tomorrow, and both my parents agreed to be sponsors. Thanks for that, I've been confused about the timelines. Seems like it was taking most people 12 months... we have a very uncomplicated case. Hopefully it will all go to plan. Thanks for the advice.

If you go the I129F route you should be able to be in the US by October 31. It is currently taking 6-9 months to get everything approved. But again no guarantees. You will need a sponsor if you haven't been working, but as long as you have that it shouldn't be a problem.

Nevermind, it's not really an option for us. It's all so hopeless.

Hi,

I was posting on a K1 thread and several people told me to look in to DCF. I've looked at the rules, and I understand the basics, but I'm so confused as to what's the best option for us.

We want to be back in the United States by October 31st this year. This seems very unlikely as we would have to file through the TSC. I'm the USC, and my boyfriend is English. We live together in the UK, and I've been here for two and a half years. I don't have any property in the US. I have to leave the UK this October because I have LLR on a student visa. My question is this:

If we get married in the UK, is there anyway we can leave together before the end of October?

I don't believe that I will violate the terms of my visa if I marry a British Citizen. Even though I have LLR, if we get married, can I file the petition for him? It says on the website that you can't file if you are on a student visa. I know some people have said that even though they were LLR, they still were able to file the petition. What do you reckon? I've read so much today and am so confused.

Thanks,

Krystina

Hi,

I was posting on a K1 thread and several people told me to look in to DCF. I've looked at the rules, and I understand the basics, but I'm so confused as to what's the best option for us.

We want to be back in the United States by October 31st this year. This seems very unlikely as we would have to file through the TSC. I'm the USC, and my boyfriend is English. We live together in the UK, and I've been here for two and a half years. I don't have any property in the US. I have to leave the UK this October because I have LLR on a student visa. My question is this:

If we get married in the UK, is there anyway we can leave together before the end of October?

I don't believe that I will violate the terms of my visa if I marry a British Citizen. Even though I have LLR, if we get married, can I file the petition for him? It says on the website that you can't file if you are on a student visa. I know some people have said that even though they were LLR, they still were able to file the petition. What do you reckon? I've read so much today and am so confused.

Thanks,

Krystina