Black Velvet

I moved the topic.

Ditto what YuAndDan said.

And no - your POE and where you live now make no difference whatsoever.

Thanks!

Mawnin,

A mi again...fawurd... How did your spouse/fiance/fiancee adjust to the US and did he/she have family here? For those from a different background, did your family/friends except the marriage (as if it matters). Just curious. Thanks.

Had to throw this in...lady ijust walked into my office her WIG is leaning...cho let me go tell her, hope she's not offened. Looks like Chaka Khan.

Lawny

My husband has been here for a little over a month. He is adjusting well. Kevin has nuff family in America. With the exception of Christmas & New Year's, we talk to his family by telephone. Kevin doesn't want them to think that he is going to ask for any thing. I feel like none of his relatives broke their necks to get him here so no love lost if they don't communicate.

My family accepts Kevin because they know the struggle. Our cultures are similiar. My family is from Panama. I really don't care about acceptance. Only outsiders like co-workers had to say negative things like "What if you are being used for a green card?" I can worry about others. That's why I love about this website. People have issues that mirror mine.

Likkle more,

Kelia

EAD but no SSN

My husband received his EAD card today. We immediately went to apply for a social security card. The representative stated that he is not in the system. We were instructed to return to the SS office on January 18th. JFK was my hubby's POE. However, we live in Atlanta. I don't think that matters. Is this typical? How does Homeland Security communicate with SSA? Please advise.

Thanks for the info on the green card.

OLIVIA (THAT'S MY MOTHER'S NAME),

NO, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO NOTIFY THE USCIS. IF YOU LOOK CLOSELY AT THE NOTICE OF ACTION (I-797 C), IT SAYS PETITION FOR FIANCE/SPOUSE. ALL K-3 FILERS, MUST SUBMIT A I-129 (FIANCE PETITION) & I-130 (SPOUSE PETITION).

YOUR QUESTION REGARDING THE I-864 SEEMS LIKE YOU WOULD PREFER TO GO FOR THE CR1/IR 1. WHEN YOU FILE THE K-3, YOU ARE ALSO FILING FOR THE CR-1/IR-1.

GO TO http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=compare

REVIEW THE CHARTS. BETWEEN THE K-3 AND THE CR-1/IR-1, THE BETTER OF THE TWO IS THE LATTER.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE APPROVAL DATE, IF THE INTERVIEW IS NOT GRANTED BY THE EXPIRATION DATE. MY APPROVAL NOTICE EXPIRED ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2007. HOWEVER, MY HUSBAND'S INTERVIEW WAS NOT UNTIL NOVEMBER 13, 2007.

DECIDE WHICH VISA K-3 OR CR-1? THEN TAKE IT FROM THERE.

INCOME GUIDELINES DEPENDS ON THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD. CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE REQUIREMENTS.

http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/07poverty.shtml

I KNOW THAT THIS IS TONS OF INFORMATION TO PROCESS. HOPEFULLY, I DID NOT CONFUSE YOU.

Hello,

My case has been completed for almost a month now, so I was wondering, how do I know when the interview date is? Do they tell me on the phone when I call NVC?

Thanks!

Call (202) 663-1225. Provide the representative with your case number. He or she will know if an interview has been scheduled.

Is there a number to call to check on the status of a temporary green card? My friend's husband arrived from Jamaica about a month ago (CR-1 Visa). He has his SS card; however, the green card has not arrived.

Hubby and I never got the chance to take a honeymoon trip, and since Gavin was born Christmas Eve, we've pushed back our honeymoon from this year to next year (we're going back to JA this year). Initially Barbados was the planned destination site, but I'm still considering other islands. For those of you that have been to other islands please post your experiences, photos, tips, etc. Thanks!

Jonesie,

I know how you feel. Since my hubby is also Jamaican citizen, we visited Barbados, St. Lucia & St. Vincent.

Barbados was a week-long trip. We stayed at Butterfly Beach Hotel in Oistens. The hotel was a 3-star at best. However, there were restaurants in the vicinity. Our room also had a kitchenette. Therefore, we cooked a few times. The bus is easy to use. If you prefer to take a stroll, there is a supermarket close to the hotel (10 min walk). On Friday, there is a fish fry in Oistens. That a chance to hang out with the locals. We had a blast at Club Xtreme (Saturday night).

I flew from Atlanta to Mo Bay. Then, my hubby and I flew on the same flight. St. Lucia was great! We rented a scooter for a day. Since the island is small, we took a mini tour. We also went to a concert where Jamaican artists performed. There are two airports. We arrived at Hewanorra Airport. That was too far from the hotel (Bay Gardens Inn). On the flip side, the hotel was conveniently located near a mini mall and the beach.

From St. Lucia we traveled to St. Vincent for a one-day trip. The island is small and there wasn't much to do. All three countries are members of Caricom. Thus, no visa is required for Jamaicans. Click on the lick for a full list of Caricom countries.

http://www.jis.gov.jm/special_sections/CAR...mberStates.html

I hope that this information is useful. If you have any questions, send me a PM.

Hi,

I had a quick question - Can I accompany my spouse for consulate interview...will I be allowed to go along with her?

(this is for Mumbai consulate)

Thank you, appreciate your reply.

Cheers

I attended my husband's interview without any problems. You should be allowed to enter the Embassy. After all, you are the petitioner. To be on the safe side, bring your passport. Also, e-mail the Embassy your question MUMBAIIV@state.gov

Good luck!

hi all, .

would like to ask , whats the difference between hiring a lawyer for cr1/cr2 application or do-it-myself thing..

aside from paying extremely expensive fees to the lawyer, can they make the process faster?

hope members here can give me their ideas.

thanks a lot

larry

Larry,

Please save your money. I wasted money on an attorney. VJ has pertinent information to guide you through the process. There is no such thing as a dumb question. When in doubt, post your question. Using a lawyer will not expedite the process. I agree with YuandDan, go for the CR-1 Visa. Upon approval, you will not have to file any additional paperwork for two years. Good luck!

My fiance is really nervous. We have been trying to think of sample interview questions that will be asked at the interview.

Missy,

Tell your fiance not to fret. The interview is just a formality. The Embassy official simply wants to know if your relationship is legitimate. Therefore, he should know all pertinent information-

Where did you meet?

How did you meet?

Your full legal name, address, phone number, names of your relatives (If he has met your family)

How do you two communicate?

How often do you visit him in Nigeria?

Has he ever been to the US?

Just tell him to think before he speaks. Repeat the question before answering. Reminder: He is not coming to the US to work nor attend school. He wants to come to America to be with his fiancee (soon-to-be wife). Good luck to the both of you.

Hello and Congrats to everyone on moving forward in life. I'm new to the community. I joined back in Dec but couldn't figure out how to post. Thanks Gill. In the beginning, I checked the website 2-3 times a week but I've been working a lot lately. Wouldn't you know, my job blocked the website, therefore, I only have access at home. I was determined to post because I wanted to get in on the fun. I look forward to chatting with you all. Please let me warn you in advance. My patois is in the newborn stage

Thanks

Bridget

Bridget,

Welcome to the Yardie thread! Don't worry about learning patois, Gill will have you speaking like a true Jamaican in a few months. Likkle more!

Kelia

My fiance, Len received his visa today. We are busy making flight arrangements. I'm so happy! God is so good!

Everyone have a nice weekend!

Pam

Pam,

Congratulations! Were you able to find Len's ticket? If not, purchasing a one-way ticket is an option (AA, Delta & Air Jamaica). Let me know if you need any help.

Mrs. Scott

Voilà, our journey is over. My IR-1 visa (immigrant visa) was granted yesterday.

My appointment was at 1pm at the US embassy in Paris. We showed up at 12:15 pm and they didn't want to let us in so we came back at 1pm, time of the appointment.

After 10 mins, I had to give my letter of appointment to someone. I was called again and this time, she shecked my documents and asked for my medical. Asked a few questions like "When are you coming to the USA?". I answered I didn't know exactly. I was caught off guard as I can't go to the US if I don't have the visa. She told me I had 6 month to enter the US and to go sit down, the officer would call me for my interview.

By the time I was called, it was 4pm already and she just asked where I was going to live in the US (whate State) and where was my husband and that was it, she said congratulations, you'll get your visa in 7 days, don't open the sealed enveloppe we will give you bla bla bla bla...

It took less than 20 mins for everything. The wait lasted for 3 hours though.

Some tips: it wasn't mentioned anywhere that I had to bring en enveloppe (Fedex, DHL...) so I had to go to the post office and send it to the US embassy.

My husband had to scan the appointment letter he received or I was unable to do my medical on time. I received my appointment letter 1 week exactly before the interview and during that week, you had Christmas day and New Year's day. With doctors on vacation, I would have never had the time to do all this on time.

Good luck to everyone! It was way easier than I thought!

Congratulations! Welcome to the United States of America.

Kevin's EAD card was produced today!

Wow! The process took less than a month.

Here is a copy of the e-mail from the USCIS.

Receipt Number: EAC08XXXXXXXX

Application Type: I765 , APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION Current Status: Card production ordered. On January 4, 2008, we ordered production of your new card. Please allow 30 days for your card to be mailed to you. If we need something from you we will contact you. If you move before you receive the card, call customer service. You can also receive automatic e-mail updates as we process your case. Just follow the link below to register.

We're on a roll! Kevin has been adjusting well to the United States. We spent time visiting relatives in NY & CT. Not once has he complained about the cold weather nor missing Jamaica. I'm so proud to be Kevin's wife.

But Jawi, you added some additional info to JaEnglish post....Congratulations Jonesie and Drew - having baby Gavin must be such a Christmas joy...

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas yesterday. God bless you all!

I have not been on the board in about a week. I just wanted to wish my VJ Buddies Happy Holidays! Kevin and I are in New York spending time with the family. I will chat with you all soon.

Congrats, Tam. You look so beautiful and proud.

Thanks JG...Thanks Gill.

Yeah Gill, hair is going grow in your palm if you do that!!!

Job well done, Tamieka!!!!!! I'm so proud of you.

Mrs. Scott

Hi everyone!

We finally got to the embassy stage!!! Now Im waiting for packet 3...

Our case left NVC on Nov 29th and we did the tracking thing with DHL and according to that our petition was received at the embassy on Dec. the 3rd so now Im wondering how long does it normally take for the embassy to send you the packet 3??

Any experience from El Salvador?

Thanks in advance

Debbie S.

Debbie,

My husband never received the Packet 3 (Jamaica). I suggest that you e-mail the Embassy to request that your fiance pick up the packet in person. Once your date has been scheduled, go ahead and make an appointment for your SO's medical. Here is a link of authorized doctors in El Salvador-

http://travel.state.gov/pdf/medical/SNS-ME...N-0001-0707.pdf

I hope that is information is useful. Unfortunately, most Embassies do not have downloads for Packet 3. That's too much like right! Good luck.

Oh you wise ones

I have been reading a lot of posts and almost all forums and there are mentions of packets #3 and #4. What are they and what exactly do they contain? For all that have completed the journey through the embassies, especially the Jamaican one, what exactly does especially packet #3 contain.

I think that packet #4 contains the appointment letter and instructions on getting your medical done, but I am drawing a blank on #3. Correct me if I am wrong.

Just want to clear this up for myself.

Thanks in advance.

Claire

Claire,

The Packet 3 contains information on the medical and necessary documents that the beneficiary needs to bring to the interview (e.g. police certificate, birth certificate, etc). The Packet 4 is simply a confirmation letter. It states the date and time of the appointment. Be sure to post these types of questions on the Yardie (Part 5) Thread. The procedures are slightly different from country to country.

Sugar Honey Iced Tea....I GOT THIS IN MY EMAIL JUST NOW!!!!

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: EACXXXXXXXXXX

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On December 13, 2007, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.

I GOT MY NOA2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously, I want to thank everyone who helped me get through this part of my journey!!!

I sincerely and honestly LOVE YOU GUYS!!!! I don't know what I would have done without you guys!!

BLESS-ED,

Gill

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR APPROVAL. YOU DESERVE IT. YOU MAY WANT TO WAIT A FEW DAYS & HAVE KEN SUBMIT THE DS-230 (PART I). AS YOU ALREADY KNOW, THAT FORM MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE AN INTERVIEW CAN BE SCHEDULED. LET ME KNOW IF YOU DON'T RECEIVE YOUR PACKET 3 IN A TIMELY FASHION.

Bless,

Mrs. Scott

My case completed October 26, still no interview date. I have called almost everyday this week, NOTHING!!! I called department of state and was told that Kingston is so backed up that it is taking close to six months once the case get tot he embassy. I really dont believe it when someone on here has an interview date for January with case complete a a couple weeks before mine. I have asked if it is undergoing some additional review, NO. if something is wrong, NO. I can not figure out what it could be. Anythoughts. Also how many people going through Jamaica have January interviews, because I am beginning to wonder if its just our case.

thanks

The scheduling of interview for K-3 filers is done at the Embassy, On the other hand, the NVC arranges the CR-1/IR-1 interviews. Had I not contacted Senator Isakson's office, I would still be waiting for an interview. Is 202-663-1225 the number that you are calling? I agree with Jomo's girl. Please don't try to figure out this process. It will drive you nuts!

Goodnite everyone. Just wanted to spread the good news that my husband has an interview 1/28/08. I'm soooo excited and happy that we're finally coming to an end of the process. Question....I've asked him before to find his vaccination records but he nor his mother know where they are. Has anyone gone to a clinic and gotten them done before the actual medical appt?

Congratulation on obtaining an interview! Are you going to attend with your husband? I agree with Kimmy. Just let your husband go to the medical and pay the required vaccination fees. Also, be sure to have him get a copy of his shot records before he leaves the doctor's office.

after 2 days of attempting to get his learners permit. mr jengles finally got thru..this is when it helps to know the law...in nys u can get a license without having a social securty card. All u need is a letter from SS stating that your visa is ineligible for you to recieve a SS number, plus six points of identification (i.e. passport, health card etc)

Yesterday even though he had two letters from SS. They made him go to a SS office they were "familiar with" then it had be a certain form. They lady at there SS office basically gave him the same letter. Today they pulled him out of the test room to review the letter again. But they couldn't find fault with the letter and he had his six points.

Congratulations Mr. Jengles. Is there a waiting period for the road test?

Besides one CS I have heard will take your SO's shot records and put them on the form for like $10, all the others people have talked about have forced and charged for an office visit and very expensive shots. I would wait and see.

Do you not have his shot record from childhood? Does his mom or other family member?

It may be cheaper in the long run to have someone in JA run that down for you either by finding it or by going to the doctor's office and asking for another.

A friend is going to get a copy of my husband's shot records on Monday. I will keep you posted. You have been extremely helpful. Have a great weekend!

On October 29, 2007 my husband had his medical done at Dr. Banbury's office in Kingston, Jamaica (K-3) . Unfortunately, he was not given any paper work (e.g. lab results, vaccinations, etc). I know that my husband is in great health. Otherwise, he would not have been granted a visa. However, I can not file for AOS with proof of shots. The doctor's office will not fax a copy. Should I contact a civil surgeon in the US? I believe that there is a test that can be administered to see if the vaccine is in his system. Please advise.

Contact a DCS in your area. They will determine what shots, if any, he will need and give you the I-693a in a sealed envelope for you to submit.

Some peeps get by without it! BUT SOME DON'T.

Best not to take a chance.

Thanks for the info.