sbarbie1914

On 5/29/2020 at 5:00 AM, AEE12RD22 said:

Does anyone have info on when the embassy there will be opening back up? 

it looks like the D.R. may extend their state of emergency until July 1.  I doubt the embassy will open any sooner.  I am sure the embassy website will announce their opening as soon as they know something.  All we can do is wait...we should be used to that by now, but it's still hard.

My husband and his two children are immigrating from the D.R.  We are now at the NVC stage.  Still gathering paperwork to be uploaded and getting passports for the children. 

When we got married in Florida we used his passport as ID.  No SS number required.

I went to the local IRS office back in early February to get my husband's passport verified while he was visiting and to apply for a ITN.  We had to submit our tax return at the same time.  I got the ITN mid March and nothing yet on my tax return.  I read that the IRS stopped processing paper returns due to the corononavirus and will begin again when processing centers reopen.  They also said not to file electronically if you already filed a paper tax return.  So much for trying to file early this year. 😔

I am wondering if it would just be cheaper to take your belongings with you on the plane and pay the bag fees.  They don't have to be in a suitcase, but maybe something sturdy like a Rubbermaid or Sterilite bin with a lid.  This is a method used sometimes for overseas orphanage donations.  Drill a hole through the lid and into the lip of the bin, secure with plastic zip ties.  Most airlines allow 62 linear inches of baggage, so something under 20 gallons like this one.  You also have to make sure it is within the allowed weight limit, but these containers are relatively light and sturdy.  Besides, who couldn't use more storage bins when moving into a new home. 

The I-129f only has a slightly faster processing, by a few months.  By waiting 9 months to file the I-129f, it really wouldn't have helped.  The processing times for I-130s at Nebraska are now 12.5-16 months, putting your application approval around March-June 2020.

Category:

I-129f for K3/K4 visas

My stupid RFE was:

In the I-129f packet, that I sent to USCIS, I included a copy of my I-130 application.  This caused the processor to believe I was filing both at the same time even though I included a cover sheet stating the purpose of the packet.  They sent the entire packet back saying I didn't enclose a fee.  After several frustrating phone calls to the USCIS I concluded that they believed I was sending a new I-I130/I129f application and didn't include the $535 fee.  I ended up resubmitting the I-129f with everything except the copy of the I-130 application and it was accepted.

What I learned:

Don't include a copy of the I-130 with your I-129f application.  It only confuses them.  Only include the Notice of Action from your accepted I-130 application.

I keep getting notifications on my case tracker app...maybe 20 yesterday and 1 this morning, but nothing has changed.  It keeps saying "your case has been received..." Weird 🤔

I used Adobe Editor and it allowed me to use N/A.  You may want to try a different editing software.

I just applied for an ITIN for my husband a few days ago.  You will need the W-7 application along with certified supporting documents, such as the foreign spouse's passport or driver's licence.  You may be able to get a certified copy from the foreign embassy or if you submit the original, the IRS will return it to you.  My husband was visiting, so we went in person to the IRS taxpayer assistance center here in our town via appointment.  We brought our completed 1040 and related documents, the W-7 application and his passport.  The agent certified his passport and submitted the W-7 application along with our 1040 from the office.  She said it would take 9-11 weeks to obtain the ITIN and then our 1040 would be processed.

If you can find them in Columbia, Space bags or similar, for compressing clothing to fit more into your suitcase...but be mindful of luggage weight limits by your airlines.  Also, 25 gallon plastic bins with lids secured with plastic zip ties if extra luggage is needed.  Again, check your airlines size and weight limits before packing.  Those 25 gallon bins hold a lot especially if the clothes are compressed.  Good luck.

13 hours ago, Siddsgal said:

Hi there! 
My husband and I are not in your situation so I can’t speak from the same place as you are in but I do understand depression and isolation when feeling like I didn’t have an identity, that was the majority of my adult life. Oh, I’m the US citizen, my hubby lives in Mumbai.
As I’ve been reading through this conversation, first thing that I thought was how this is a great example of what happens to so many couples. The goal for so many is being together or coming to the US instead of the goal being working towards a long life together filled with happiness, love and laughter. You are now realizing why that goal doesn’t work out so well lol. 

Im someone that honestly doesn’t leave my yard more than once or twice a week and that usually is only to go to my folks farm 1/10th mile away and I can go days without talking to anyone except my husband, my daughter and my mom; I know how much that messes with your head!! I also live in the country, 10 miles from town and town has 900 people in it. I have to travel an hour to get to the closest town with a stoplight and it only has a population 2000 people😂. I also have been without a car for the last few months so I know what your going through, we just don’t have Uber or anything like that by me lol. 
You unfortunately on top of the isolation,  also have the huge let down of life not being what you thought it was gonna be and are having to face the realization that your husband is flawed and you’re not always gonna like him cuz he’s gonna let you down and get irritable.

Im thinking that u probably feel like you’re trapped in a lonely, isolated world, in a life that you don’t want and to top it off, are probably feeling guilty for not being happy  cuz you know there’s a lot of us that would give a limb to have our spouse fall asleep next to us. Correct me if I’m wrong please😁!! 
I also have felt the same things you have, well minus the falling asleep next to my husband guilt cuz he’s not here yet lol. 
What has helped me, along with the medication I’m on and the therapy I was in, (my therapy was over the phone so I didn’t even leave my house for that😂) was using my mistakes and dumbness over the years that sorta landed me in the life I’m in now, to try to help others not make the same mistakes I did. 

Have you thought about maybe trying to help prepare others online that are coming over here on a K1 visa, get prepared for the reality of what life’s gonna be like for them? There is a huge lack of info for fiancés and spouses that immigrate here about what life is really gonna be like, so many seem to have the rose colored glasses on that it sounds like you and your husband did. 
There are 1000s of people out there that need to hear your story, that need to have someone like you prepare them for what the reality of life is gonna be like for them when they get here. Where you see a lack of purpose in yourself I’m seeing you as someone that this immigration world desperately needs!!! 
My husband and I spend as much of our time talking about how we’re gonna handle the major problems that are gonna come from him moving here. I live in cold, snowy Wisconsin in the middle of nowhere where you can’t hear anything but the birds and the wind blow; he lives in a city that had almost 5x as many people in it as my entire state does. He doesn’t like people lol but the complete lack of external stimulation is gonna be really tough for him, just like it’s tough for me when I go to Mumbai. We are trying to think of and find solutions to the problems that we are gonna have before he sees American soil for the first time. There is not much info from people about what sorta challenges we should prepare for tho, this is why I see your situation as a huge opportunity for you to help so many & that in turn will probably really help you feel better as well! Bonus is that you don’t have to even go anywhere to do it😁

Ok, my thumbs hurt from pecking this book long message out so I’m done talking now😂
 

I agree that posting about this topic is crucial for others who are preparing to make the transition to live in the U.S.A.   Maybe us American spouses can use more empathy for the foreign spouses and their adjustment period.  It would be great if the foreign spouse can visit the U.S., where they intend to live, ahead of time, although not all are as fortunate.  My husband already had a travel visa for the U.S. before we met.  I think this helped my husband a lot.  He lives in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, with over 3 million people, noises and crowds all day.  My home city is much smaller with about 200,000 people and everything gets quiet at night.  He was shocked that he couldn't get a haircut at 10 P.M. here.  

Fortunately, there are some other Spanish-speaking people here, which he's met a few, and he already has a driver's license from his country, which is valid to drive in Florida.  He drives when we go places and a few times he's used the car on his own to go to the grocery store or gym.  

I can only speak for myself, but if I lived in a small town and my husband was not happy with it, I would be willing to move to a place that we both could agree on.  I don't think that is such a huge sacrifice for me when my husband is giving up everything to move here.

Teacake, I want to commend you for doing everything you know how to do to make the situation work.  I think you are doing a great job and with the helpful suggestions of the other posters I think you will find your way to be much happier.  

I thought I'd put in my 2 cents since I have nothing better to do with all this waiting for some movement on my petition.

I am somewhat of a beauty product junkie.  I can't go to Walmart without throwing some beauty product, that I didn't need, into my basket.  I don't shop at Sephora and such, but I have splurged on products on Amazon.  However, I tend to go back to the old tried and true things that work for me. 

A few years ago I had a skin reaction to something so the dermatologist suggested I used Dove soap on my face.  It cleans well and doesn't dry out my skin so I've been using it for years.  It's a real bargain too and I use it in the shower as well.  As for moisturizing my face, I use CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion during the day but at night I alternate between Alpha Skin Care Enhanced Renewal Cream with 12% AHA and a beauty bargain from Walmart, Advanced Clinicals Retinol Firming Cream, which really tightens my pores and smooths my skin.  

As for my hair, I love Wen cleansing conditioner, but it is definitely on the expensive side.  My husband is Dominican, so when he found out how much the Wen costs he freaked out a little.  It costs about $40 for a 3 months supply.  Not a huge expense, but $40 means more to him than it does to me, so I stopped using it for now.  I am still trying out a few other brands, so i can't recommend anything yet.  However, I love the old fashioned VO5 hairdressing that comes in a tube.  I remember my grandparents using it when I was a kid.  I use a pea size amount to tame frizzies, add shine and a hint of soft control.  It never makes my hair greasy, but always soft and shiny.  So cheap too.  I have to warn you that it is a tad stinky, but the smell fades quickly and I put hairspray on top of it anyway, so that masks the smell.

I am not a lipstick kind of girl, but do enjoy a variety of lip glosses.  Right now my favorite is Vaseline Rosy Lips.  It's a pink tinted, rose scented lip balm in a tiny Vaseline jar.  Love, love, love it.  My husband likes a lip balm as well, but when he tried this one it was definitely more on the feminine side because of the pink tint.

While professional document translation can be quite expensive, it is not necessary if you know a friend or relative who is fluent in both languages.  Most translation companies charge by the word.  

According to the USCIS and Code of Federal Regulations 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3):  "Any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS shall be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator's certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English."

The petitioner or beneficiary cannot translate the documents since this would be a conflict of interest.  There are some good tips on ***removed***:  https://www.***removed***/translation-of-non-english-documents-for-us-immigration/

I-130 IOE # August 13, 2019

I-129 LIN # November 4, 2019

I sent an I-129F.

My I-130 PD is August 13, 20919.  I filed an I-129 on October 3 and waited nearly 4 weeks without hearing anything.  No mail, no email (submitted G-1145 in both application packets) and finally October 26 I received a large packet in the mail from USCIS.  Inside was a copy of my I-130 and I-129, each with a letter of refusal on top.  The reason stated was that there was no fee or incorrect fee.  So, I went to the bank to see if the cashier's check I included in my original I-130 had been processed.  They gave me a copy of the front and back of the check showing the Dept. of Homeland Security stamp when it was deposited.  So, went online and found where I could upload documents and sent an email about the situation.  After 2 days I didn't hear anything, so I called their ridiculous automated phone line.  After going around in circles a few time I just randomly pressed a number just to be able to talk to someone.  The operator was nice enough.  I gave her the receipt numbers off each of the refusal letters I got, which were different from my original I-130.  Both the new numbers began with LIN.  My original I-130 receipt number began with IOE.  She was not able to understand why I received those letters of refusals.  She said she would have a supervisor call me back.  Two hours later, a mean, nasty woman called me back.  She kept snapping at me, wouldn't listen to me and I ended up hanging up on her as she was no help at all.  I called back a third time and got someone else that was more helpful.

So, this is what we figured out.  When assembling the I-129 packet, I included: a cover letter stating the purpose of the filing and what was included in the packet, form G-1145, form I-797-C (Notice of Action 1), form I-129F, a copy of the I-130 I sent previously, a copy of my birth certificate, a copy of my divorce decree and a copy of my marriage certificate to my beneficiary spouse.  Well, apparently whoever processed my packet mistook the I-130 and I-129 as being filed jointly, processed them with new receipt numbers, and denied them both because there was no payment included in the packet for what they believed to be new applications.  So much for a cover letter stating the purpose.  Lesson:  do not include a copy of the I-130; only the notice of action form.  I resent a new I-129 packet last Friday and I am still waiting for a receipt notice.  Fingers crossed.

I typed using a PDF editor because I don't have great handwriting, but the font was fine.  I think once I had to make the font smaller to squeeze in a long address.

It is open enrollment for my state provided health insurance now.  From what I read in their provided materials is that I can add a foreign spouse to my insurance as long as I provide a valid marriage certificate, and also for my step children with birth certificates showing my husband as the biological father.  So, I was in the process of filling out the necessary information online and it asked for a SS# or Tax ID number.  I was planning on getting the Tax ID number when I file joint income taxes around February or so.  I called the benefits provider to find out if I could give them the Tax ID number at a later time.  The young woman put me on hold several times to apparently ask a supervisor.  They ended up telling me that I would have to wait until next open enrollment, meaning my husband and children will not have health insurance until 2021.  The way it looks now, with this new law going into effect, I may have to have some kind of temporary health coverage until then.  Either that or my workplace benefits catch up with the new law going into effect and allow immigrant family members to be added outside of the open enrollment period.  Bummer

I just read all 73 pages of this thread to get caught up on this topic.

My husband and i were originally going to file for the K-1, but after discussing the pros and cons we decided to get married and file for the CR-1.  A few days after I sent the application, I realized that his two children needed their own I-130's, with another $535 each.  Meanwhile, some plumbing problems and car problems have sidelined my ability to file for their I-130's any time soon.  So, I am going to apply for the K-3/K-4 visas to bring them all at the same time.  It's my understanding that we don't have to file for an adjustment of status if we wait on the I-130's to be approved.  The K-3/K-4s are valid for 2 years.  I think it would cost us less to have them return to the Dominican Republic for their embassy appointments rather than the expensive AOS paperwork.  I would like to get the children here before school starts in August 2020.  Fingers crossed.🤞

Our NOA 1 receipt date is 8/13/2019 and we also have IOE number.  I don't personally think it will be any faster, but if it is, then great.

I agree that your letters of intent were sufficient.  It is quite possible there is an error on the part of the USCIS.  However, there are some better examples of letters of intent to marry on the internet.  If you are going to re-do them, do a more professional looking letter.  It wouldn't hurt to pad the letters a little bit with more personal info.  For example, mention that you discussed wedding arrangements over the phone and decided a civil ceremony at such and such location and etc.  Shows you've made some effort in the wedding arrangements and it is more personal for you.  

Good luck

Proving a bona fide marriage to someone you've never lived with is definitely a challenge.  I am in the same boat as you.  In my I-130 application I included the 4 trips we've taken to see each other:  photos, airline tickets, Airbnb reservations and credit card receipts.  Meanwhile I am adding my husband to the utility bill, making him the beneficiary to my life insurance policy and I am looking into filing taxes with him as a dependent (I am still looking into this one).  I also plan on adding him to my health insurance, if possible, when open enrollment comes around in October.  When he comes  back for his next visit in December we will look into getting a joint bank account.  Hopefully I will have these things ready in case I am asked for more evidence or at least bring these to the embassy appointment.

I don't know if you can add each others names to bank accounts.  You would have to ask each bank that.  My bank requires that in person and his passport or foreign driver's license as proof of his identity.  

I admit that the utility bill is not necessarily a joint asset, although mine has a deposit associated with it, which is an asset.  As assets are shared, so is debt.  A utility bill, among other things, can show the mingling of two lives.  The fact that the officer is "requiring" such evidence before the marriage has even taken place is even more ridiculous than providing such evidence after the fact.

Not sure what Jorgedig means, but in Florida, for an immigrant to get a driver's license they need 3 proofs of residential addresses.  I plan on adding my husband to the utility bill, my vehicle registration, automobile insurance, open a joint bank account and make him the beneficiary of my life insurance.  I would think some of those would meet the criteria of "joint assets" as well as provide the means for him to get his driver's.  Can they see through that?