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Dani and Alex

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  1. Like
    Dani and Alex reacted to SusieQQQ in Do not attempt to travel to the US while tourist ban is in effect   
    Spouse of USC is one the allowed exceptions. (Hopefully the ban is over by then too...)
  2. Like
    Dani and Alex got a reaction from Jay Jones in How should we file taxes for the first year   
    @Jay Jones I saw in the August 2019 filers group you had questions about filing your taxes. This thread really helped me and has more details, if needed. Good luck!
  3. Like
    Dani and Alex got a reaction from nyj215 in August 2019 - AOS Fillers!   
    We're still waiting, our timeline is updated so you can check the dates.
  4. Like
    Dani and Alex reacted to bayfinest in August 2019 - AOS Fillers!   
    Today December 27, 2019 I received my EAD card😊🙏🙏.Thank you everyone for being a very important part of my journey. Without all the members that shares their experiences, struggles, mistakes, hardships, ups and down, problems and everything each of you faced during the immigration application, my journey would not adjudicated in a timely manner. Me and my husband struggles financially, and I don't have the resources to pay for the lawyer to get this done. Being on the dark was really an excruciating fact for all of us! To get everything done successfully, I read, learn, research, read again some more topics here at VJ then update myself with whats new at USCIS page. AND THATS IT! Please save your $$$$thousands, its not that hard....just follow all the instructions and everythings going to be okay. 👍
  5. Like
    Dani and Alex reacted to Nitas_man in New Healthcare Requirements for US Immigrants   
    Oh we’re gonna comment whether you like it or not.  No apology.
    Why?  You have no profile and no timeline and have labelled others as trolls.  
    I am wondering how this policy affects you directly.  

    The lack of healthcare has been determined to be a gap in current immigration policy enforcement.  Has nothing to do with wealth.  We (USC’s) carry and pay for health insurance for ourselves, spouses, and families.  At least the responsible ones do.  Even divorced USC’s are required by court order to maintain health insurance on their children, for their whole lives until they grow up.
     
    This requirement on us is exactly the requirement we expect on immigrant sponsors.  If it can’t be done, then the case should be denied.  If USC’s fail to maintain health insurance on their children, they get their wages garnished to cover the uninsured part (or) do jail time for contempt:  USC’s who do not pay their hospital bills also get their wages garnished.  
     
    I believe that those same requirements, the ones USC’s are held to for those they are responsible for, are appropriate for immigrants and their sponsors and IF they believe they are entitled to any different standard that USC’s are held to maybe they should rethink things.
  6. Like
    Dani and Alex reacted to BJM-SSM in August 2019 - AOS Fillers!   
    Oh just a little happiness for Christmas 🎄 
     
    I wishes Santa Wil send the good present to your guys soon 🙏🏻

  7. Like
    Dani and Alex reacted to emeline29 in August 2019 - AOS Fillers!   
    In a strange turn of events - my interview has been scheduled for Charleston SC for January 28th. My local office in GA was Atlanta but Charleston was technically closer so I guess they’ve taken my case. I spoke to a tier 2 rep today and they said I could attend my interview in Charleston if I wanted! We’re considering flying over from Colorado for it because then it’s done and out of the way. 
     
    Also - Charleston just happens to be my favourite city - we got married there! Very considerate of USCIS to give me an excuse to visit again! 😆
  8. Like
    Dani and Alex reacted to Taisland in August 2019 - AOS Fillers!   
    The first three letters in your receipt number is where your application is being processed at.
    These are the the service centers:
     – EAC – Vermont Service Center;
    – VSC – Vermont Service Center;
    – WAC – California Service Center;
    – CSC – California Service Center;
    – LIN – Nebraska Service Center;
    – NSC – Nebraska Service Center;
    – SRC – Texas Service Center;
    – TSC – Texas Service Center;
    – MSC – National Benefits Center;
    – NBC – National Benefits Center;
    – IOE – ELIS (e-Filing); and
    – YSC – Potomac Service Center.
  9. Like
    Dani and Alex reacted to ds2 in August 2019 - AOS Fillers!   
    Me too!!
  10. Like
    Dani and Alex got a reaction from subrina&fahad in August 2019 - AOS Fillers!   
    Hi everyone, do we know if the EAD and travel auth come from the same local office where we are waiting for an AOS interview? We're in Manhattan where the interview wait time is over a year and I hope that if they're backlogged with those plus the combo cards we at least don't have to wait Manhattan-level times for the EAD... Or if all of the combo cards come from the same place nationally we should be getting ours soon.
  11. Like
    Dani and Alex reacted to Sathya in August 2019 - AOS Fillers!   
    The GC Interview is managed by the local offices. i.e. Manhattan in your case. However, the EAD and AP cards are still managed by NBC. So, I hope you'll hear soon about your EAD and AP. Also, you might have to apply for a renewal too as the GC interview timelines are crazy!
     
    Hope this helps..
  12. Like
    Dani and Alex reacted to Andruha in New York AOS 2018 Filers   
    We had our interview today at Queens Field office. App for 12. Came at 11:30. Called around 12:45. Interview lasted about 15 min. Asked about how we met. Asked about how i became A citizen (im the USC). Took wifeys biometrics. About when she came here. When did our relationship start. How many times i came to visit. Asked me why didn’t i mary Wife while i was I her country. Was generally a calm and pleasant interview. Took pictures that i printed Out. Gave her additional documents i brought. Agent said that she needs to wait for biometrics check to come back and she will make her decision then. At first said she needs few days but then said it could take up to 3 weeks. I think Everything generally went well, except would be nicer to get a decision right away. (Aos from K1) 
  13. Like
    Dani and Alex got a reaction from Helenlc in August 2019 - AOS Fillers!   
    I'm wondering the same. We didn't get the text but got the letter on 9/12 that said our actual NOA date was 9/5. We still haven't gotten a letter with an appointment date for our biometrics.
     
    Does anyone also know if this biometrics appointment date/time is located anywhere other than the mailed letter we're waiting on?
  14. Haha
    Dani and Alex got a reaction from daesy in August 2019 - AOS Fillers!   
    No, I didn’t. I remember submitting something like that for our I129F and didn’t for this... no wonder haha. Thanks!
  15. Like
    Dani and Alex reacted to Greenbaum in APRIL 2019 K-1 NOA2 ----> NVC   
    The vaccinations that were given at the exam may suffice for AOS and may not. Without seeing the DS-3025 it is hard to ascertain just where you are. You will need to see a civil surgeon once you begin the AOS paperwork. They will transcribe to a form I-693 which you will use for the AOS.
     
    This is the updated USCIS policy manual and it describes what is required: https://www.uscis.gov/policymanual/HTML/PolicyManual-Volume8-PartB-Chapter4.html
     
    "Special rules may apply to certain foreign nationals who were examined overseas, including certain nonimmigrant fiancé(e)s or spouses of U.S. citizens (K visa), spouses of lawful permanent residents (V visa), refugees, and asylee dependents. Such foreign nationals usually do not need to repeat the full immigration medical exam in the United States for purposes of adjustment of status."
     
    And: https://www.uscis.gov/policymanual/HTML/PolicyManual-Volume8-PartB-Chapter3.html#S-B
     
    "K and V nonimmigrants applying for adjustment of status are not required to repeat the medical examination if the application was filed within one year of the date of the original medical examination."

    A second medical exam is not required for the K-1.
  16. Like
    Dani and Alex reacted to fip & jim in Autistic child ....Can we Expedite?   
    Hi Robin,
     
    We emigrated last July. My son is autistic. I don't have answers for your specific questions but I do have some thoughts for you to consider. Instead of pinning all your hopes on your case being expedited and this contributing to your anxiety, I would suggest that you plan for your son to be separated from either parent as a part of this process. 
     
    How do you communicate with your son? Do you use social stories or Makaton? I would start right now with introducing him to the emigration process in whatever way you feel will work with him. My son was also non-verbal so I understand the frustration and difficulties this causes. I was a single parent for 7 years, caring for my son solely, so you may conclude that I understand how scared you may feel right now. Look for charitable organisations that can help you tide over and give you essential support during this time. 
     
    First of all I would reiterate what others have said - get every document you can as evidence. Second, think of how you will prove that emigrating is in your son's best interest. 
     
    Unfortunately you have to be a fighter to get anything for your autistic child and I know how that can grate if that's not your personality. Your love for him will pull you through. There is no one correct way. Be flexible and proactive and know that, even though it may not seem so at times, you have a community that will try their best to help you. 
     
    Message me if you need. Sending you hugs and empathy. 
  17. Thanks
    Dani and Alex reacted to SimonBelgium in Building Credit Score - Tips & Tricks   
    Introduction
    Seeing how building a credit score is one of the biggest hurdles for an immigrant to tackle, and every now and then you see a topic pop up with a question about things like credit cards, buying a car and so on, I thought it would be a good idea to have a single topic to gather all tips and tricks in a single thread.
    In time, maybe we can incorporate this info into one of VJ's Guides...
    What is Credit Score
    The US Credit Score is a number between 300 and 850, which reflects your ability to handle credit. The official score is often referred to as FICO (Fair, Isaac & Company)
    There are 5 items that contribute to your score, each with a different weight:
    Payment History (35%): Any history of bankruptcy, liens, judgments, settlements, charge offs, repossessions, foreclosures, and late payments drops your score. Revolving Debt (30%): The amount borrowed versus available credit. Think Credit Cards. Length of Credit History (15%): Both the average time of accounts, as well as the age of the oldest account. These must be ACTIVE accounts. Types of Credit (10%): installment, revolving, consumer finance, mortgage. If you handle more than 1 type of credit, this is good. Inquiries and New Debt (10%): When making an inquiry for credit, such as credit card applications, shopping for a loan etc, your rating goes down. Why is this good or bad as a new immigrant
    As an immigrant you do not have a history in the US. This means you DO NOT HAVE a US credit rating when you arrive.
    The positive thing is that you also do not have any BAD payment history.
    The bad thing is, credit is a catch-22 problem in the US: You can't get credit without a good credit score, and you can't get a good credit score without having and using credit.
    Any cards, accounts or history you have or had abroad do not count. (One known exception, see below)
    What credit score ranges are there
    Excellent credit score: 720 and Up Good credit score: 680 to 719 Average credit score: 620 to 679 Poor credit score: 580 to 619 Bad credit score: 500 to 579 Miserable credit score: Less than 500 How to get credit so you have items reporting into your credit score
    A lot depends on your personal situation. Are you married, employed, do you have cash to open an account, and so on.
    Typically, you will need to find a bank or credit union first, so ask around.
    Once you have found a suitable financial institution, ask for a "Secured Credit Card". This is a card with a certain spending limit, which amount you secure through the financial institution by depositing the cash equivalent on a locked account.
    You can then use the assigned credit, and after the first month's statement is due, you will have items reporting into your credit score. You now have payment history, length of credit and revolving debt.
    Usually, your bank will replace the secured credit card with a regular credit card, increasing the limit on the card. Expect this after a few months, if you pay your statements on time.
    People coming in through a work visa can often get a company credit card, which makes life a lot easier!
    If your spouse has a good credit rating, the financial institution might also allow him/her to co-sign the credit card application. Check with the financial institution on the requirements they have. In theory any person (in the US) with good credit can co-sign, so a family friend, parents etc are fine too.
    How to get from decent to excellent credit
    OK, now that we have some things reporting into our credit score, how can we boost that score up?
    1. The number one rule: PAY EVERYTHING ON TIME, IN FULL
    2. Specifically to credit cards, the use of credit is important, more specifically, how much do you charge to your card:
    Per account, avoid exceeding 33% of assigned credit. Some people say it's best to have a utilization of 12-20% (Some say between 1 and 20%) The utilization is based on the amount due on the reporting date. If you buy a 900$ television on a 1000$ credit, but deposit 700$ before the reporting date, your utilization is only 200$, or 20% (Can anyone confirm?) Do not leave credit cards unused (When not using credit, this hurts your score). If you have a 500$ secured card, you could for instance use it to put fuel in your car every week or so. Do not close old credit cards, this hurts your account age! 3. Diversify. Get at least one credit card and one installment loan. You can get a secured installment loan through your financial institution. If you want to buy a TV for 1000$, but that 1000$ in a secured account at the bank, and have them give you a loan over 12 months against that deposit.
    Another option, typically when buying a car, is to get a car from a dealer who gives credit to "anyone". But ALWAYS ask if they report to the credit agencies (CRAs). Then pay the remainder of the loan after at least SIX months. The intrest rate will be ridiculous (over 20% in most cases).
    According to Equifax, having at least 4 (different) lines of credit are required to get a really good score (Credit Card, Mortgage, Car Payment, Student Loans, Personal Loans, Home Equity Loan for Credit, ...)
    My credit union actually suggested the following:
    a) Get a "personal secured loan" to buy a car. (basically: Put the money you would pay as a cash downpayment on a car, into a secured loan for yourself)
    b) After 90d of employment, you qualify for a "first time borrower" loan. Bring in the title to the car, and you can use the title to borrow against. You'd get a mediocre intrest rate (C-level credit).
    This would give you 3 lines of credit after about 4 months, which is pretty good !
    Age of Credit Accounts
    Even if you have a decent credit score after a few months, when the time comes you want to buy your first car, you might get rejected quite a bit on your loan, due to "no sufficient credit history". Although the average age of accounts only counts for 15% of the credit score algorithm, financial institutions will count this as one of the major factors for credit decisions. The solution is to get a large downpayment, and preferably work with the financial institution directly, not through a dealer.
    Credit Reporting Agencies
    There are 3 major CRAs in the US:
    TransUnion (http://www.transunion.com) Equifax (http://www.equifax.com) Experian (http://www.experian.com) They all have minor differences in how they calculate your credit score. By law, they are (each) required to give you one free credit report per year.
    What can affect your score negatively?
    (From TransUnion) Wondering when judgments and bankruptcies will no longer appear on your credit reports? Check the dates on records in your credit report. Generally, here's how long judgments and bankruptcies remain on a credit report: Bankruptcy Generally, Chapter 7, 11 and 13 bankruptcies appear as public record items on your credit report for up to 10 years after filing. Chapter 13 bankruptcy records are sometimes taken off sooner, 7 years after filing, depending on the credit reporting company’s policy. When you receive an Order of Discharge in bankruptcy, your creditors should mark those accounts that were discharged as "Included in Bankruptcy" and they will stay on your report for up to 7 years. Charge-off accounts Generally, if a delinquent account is charged-off, the charge-off record appears on your credit report for up to 7 years. Closed accounts Generally, negative or derogatory information about delinquent accounts remain on your credit reports for up to 7 years. Positive closed accounts (without late payments or other delinquencies) may appear for longer than 7 years. Collection accounts Generally, accounts sent to collections will be listed on your credit report for up to 7 years, beginning 181 days from the most recent delinquent period before the collection activity. A collection account’s status should change to "paid collection" once you've paid off the entire amount. If you settle with the collection agency for less, your credit report may list the account as "settled for less than full balance." Inquiries When a creditor or lender checks your credit in connection with an application, you'll usually see a "hard inquiry" on your credit report. Generally, these stay on your report for as long as two years, and may lower your credit score slightly. When a creditor reviews the credit report of an existing customer, or when you access your own data online, a "soft inquiry" typically shows up on your credit report. Soft inquiries don't lower your credit score or appear to businesses checking your credit. Judgments Generally, most court judgments, including small claims, civil and child support, stay on your credit reports for up to 7 years from the date they were filed. Late payments Generally, if you make a payment late, the delinquency could appear on your credit report for up to 7 years. Tax liens Under federal law, city, county, state and federal tax liens could stay on your report indefinitely. Generally, after the lien is paid, the record of it stays on your credit reports for up to 7 years from the payment date. One of the most important of these are the inquiries. If you want to get store credit or a new credit card, DO NOT JUST APPLY for one. Every time you apply for credit, your score will drop a few points, and the inquiry itself (Often referred to as "hard inquiry) stays on your report. Lenders who see systematic hard inquiries on a report see this as negative.
    However, when shopping for a car (and thus car loans), all hard inquiries within 14 days are reported as one. When buying a house and a mortgage, they are grouped into one for 30 days.
    Major Tip:
    VISA and MasterCard are basically payment PLATFORMS, where local financial institutions issue the credit through the platform. Your credit history and account reside with that financial institution.
    American Express (AMEX) however, issues the credit itself (Sometimes through local companies, but the credit file is shared with Amex --> This appears NOT to be the case: If cards in your country are not issued by American Express directly (Global Network Cards), they cannot be transferred.).
    If you have an Amex abroad, and have had it for more than 12 months, you can (in most cases) request a US Amex card to replace your foreign card. The advantage is, with a good foreign history, chances of approval are very high, plus, the age of your account goes back to the first issuance of your Amex card abroad !
    https://www.americanexpress.com/global-card-transfers/united-states.html
    Transferring Funds to the USA:
    Another point to remember is that transferring your foreign money to your new US account (for instance, to get your secured loan or secured credit card) can be a costly affair. Banks have 2 areas to make money off you:
    Transfer fee: Usually a flat fee or a fixed percentage. This is the fee that is generally quite visible. Exchange Rate: The exchange rate your bank will use is quite different from the real exchange rate on the market. For example, the exchange rate between the EURO and the US DOLLAR might be 1.330 on the market, but your bank might only offer you 1.290. That is a 3% difference you might not see ! After doing some research, I settled on TransferWise. (https://transferwise.com/u/b6f15). This seems to be the best platform so far for people in Europe (incl. the UK) to send money to the US. (Or from UK -> EU and vice versa).
    It takes a few days longer than most bank transfers, but other than that, I have found it faultless and easy to use. The people behind TransferWise are those that built Skype.
    Little disclaimer: The URL provided (https://transferwise.com/u/b6f15) is linked to my account and will allow me to accumulate friend referral benefits.
    There are other platforms that outperform high-street banks and Paypal, please feel free to comment below to add your experiences (and from where to where you sent the money). I would find it useful to add information on how to send money from Non-EU countries, and also how to send money to the foreign spouse / fiancee.
    Reading Tips:
    http://www.myfico.com/CreditEducation/articles/
    http://www.freescore.com/good-bad-credit-score-range.aspx
  18. Like
    Dani and Alex reacted to HappyGummyBear7 in CROATIA   
    Hello everyone!  I'm the US petitioner and my fiancé and I are in the home stretch of the process (crosses fingers).  Our case should arrive at the Croatian embassy later today.
     
    I look forward to completing this process and am impressed by how fast its been!
  19. Like
    Dani and Alex reacted to MelodyInC in CROATIA   
    My fiancé interviewed there last July for his k-1; it was quick and painless. Ten minutes tops. 👍
  20. Thanks
    Dani and Alex got a reaction from MelodyInC in CROATIA   
    Hi Croats! I'm the US petitioner and my fiancé is the only one of us who can read Croatian. We just got our interview scheduled for June 19th and are excited! FYI to those after us they said they are holding interviews on Wednesdays (but not every Wednesday).
  21. Like
    Dani and Alex got a reaction from Blueyz48 in APRIL 2019 K-1 NOA2 ----> NVC   
    @Blueyz48 Thank you! Looks like our countries shipped out at 13:00 today. Good to know they'll be there Friday
  22. Like
    Dani and Alex reacted to HopefulOne1 in APRIL 2019 K-1 NOA2 ----> NVC   
    We're waiting for the official package to come in the mail. We want to make sure our ducks are in a row and not rush through things.
     
    Just tried the DHL hack again and it worked! It's on it's way to the embassy and expected delivery is Friday 😀
  23. Like
    Dani and Alex got a reaction from Symphonyx2 in APRIL 2019 K-1 NOA2 ----> NVC   
    The DHL hack isn't working for me for Croatia either but my status is "in transit." I'm hoping it just hasn't updated for our countries and we'll still be on track. Historically Croatia has received the case in 2-3 days so it's not a long wait.
  24. Thanks
    Dani and Alex reacted to Greenbaum in APRIL 2019 K-1 NOA2 ----> NVC   
    No it will not say "ready". While you are pending a shipment date it will say "at NVC".  Once your file is packaged for DHL You'll see your status change to 1) "in transit" - shipment is in the air or soon will be at the embassy, 2) "received" - physical case file is at the Embassy and 3) "ready" - your case is ready to schedule and complete your interview per your embassy instructions.  These everyone's current state or status to their case file once they have received the case number.
  25. Thanks
    Dani and Alex reacted to TBoneTX in Law enforcement job prior to citizenship   
    Look forward to hearing the update.  Sincere best wishes.
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