jawi876

How long do you have to reply to the RFE?

And did it tell him to have the complete medical again, or just get those 3 sections filled out on the I-693?

It was a yellow form that stated we had to return within 87 days. We have to complete Part 1 (Page 1), Part 2, Item 5 (Vaccination Section), and Part 5 (Civil Surgeon's Signature). It states not to include x-ray films, and to submit the letter with the medical. The I-693 has to be in a sealed enevelope.

We also cannot obtain a copy of the missing DS-3025. A said that they never gave him a copy...just the sealed enevelope that was taken at POE. I truly hope the vaccination card we have is enough. This is so freaking frustrating.

Hey yardies......been a long time since I been on here! Got a silly question that I'm sure someone will know the answer to.....I will be in the ATL area in 2 weeks and was wondering if anyone can recommend any Jamaican restaurants? I will actually be satying about 2 hours away from there in Alabama but we might go to the ATL for the day to hang.....Thanks a bunch

There are several...my husband only likes one though...he is VERY VERY picky. It is Island Cafe on Memorial Drive in Decatur, GA (may even be considered Stone Mountain)...Island Cafe has been around for quite some time...and I have always liked it more than the others.

HOORAYYY that you got the bio letter, sorry bout the RFE tho

i hope it works out w/ your dr, but if not.. do some research.. we found a CHEAP one on the list of cs's that would have put roger's immunizations on tne form for us for $65 bucks!!!

when is the bio appt??

I hope we can get it done with little hassle and as inexpensive as possible...considering how much we pay in Jamaica for the 1st medical. The Bio appointment is January 11th. A should be back here around the 6th or 7th...hopefully the 6th and we can try to walk in on the 7th.

That's a tough one...I would imagine that the current I-134 will suffice because her birth is not registered at this point. It will be right at interview time, but the I-134 is not legally binding like the I-864. You will be able to add baby JaP on that one for AOS.

On the other hand, what would it hurt to fill out the form again and send it to him? Maybe you can enter Baby (Last name) and DOB. Better yet, send a letter explaining why the baby was not added because you will not know for sure until after delivery.

I know I didn't help much...because I truly have no idea. Best bet is to call before his interview and ask the "powers that be".

Got Biometrics and RFE in the mail today. Biometrics on 1/11/10 and RFE for I-693 just like everyone else. This process is the dumbest thing I have ever seen. Why require the medical and sealed results just to request the same information later? FRUSTRATING....aarrrggghhh.

Can I get the I-693 done while my hubby is away, or does he have to be present for the transcription?

Got the Biometrics Letter (dated 12/15/09 and postmarked 12/22/09) today as well as the dreaded RFE notice (dated 12/22/09) for the I-693. A and I didn't have the DS-3025, so we sent in a copy of his receipt for the Medical exam and his complete vaccination record. Hopefully he will be able to get a copy while he is in Jamaica.

My PCP (Primary Care Physican) is listed on the USCIS website as a Civil Surgeon (never knew this)...only thing is that I was forced to choose alternate insurance because my company dropped the one I had. DRATS! I wonder if he would still do it for us without charging an arm and a leg. HHmmmmm...I'll call him tomorrow. I wish I could take the documents to him before the 1st of the year...but A is not here with me.

Were there any touches a week or so after the checks were cashed?

Nadda...not a one!

When it's over 30 days from your NOA1 receipt you can call them and do a service request for a biometric appointment.

I have to wait the full 30 days? I'm afraid that they sent something already and we didn't get it. I'm only worrying because hubby wants to fly back here in time so we don't have to reschedule the appointment.

I wonder if it got delayed because of our Infopass/Emergency AP request. *Sigh*

Hello guys, first and foremost i would like to greet you a belated Merry x-mas and advance happy new year.....I hope you do have a great time with you love ones ,,,,,,,,,,,

I just read from the official website of US EMBASSY in MANILA that there's a proposal of increase of non- immigrant visa

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The application fee for K visas for fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens would be $350.

The Department will not begin collecting the new proposed fees until it considers public comments and publishes a final rule. In order to view the proposed rule and to submit comments, please go to www.regulations.gov.

and if you guys would like to know more about it heres the link http://travel.state.gov/news/press/press_4603.html

GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Absolutely absurd! There is NO valid reason to increase the Visa fee from $131 for Fiancee' visas to $350, while the other visa types only face an increase of about $20.00 give or take. Maybe this increase will cause more couples to consider the CR1 instead. Thanks for sharing!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well!

Where oh where is my biometrics letter? Why is it taking so long? Should I be worried? I guess it's a good thing since my husband is back in Jamaica right now on Emergency AP...but I would feel better knowing something was happening.

Cereza, there's a new form you can attach to the front of your paperwork, to sign up for email and/or text alerts.

G-1145

I wish I had known this too. Dang. The good news is that they cashed my check on 12/7/09!

Question??????

Do you get three individual case numbers (one for I485, I131 and I765), or is there just one number for the entire file? I got a number on the back of the check...but the status check online is not recognizing the number. Does it start with MSC?

You will get 3 case numbers. Add 1 to the number at the back of your check - that should be your I485 case number. Yes, it starts with MSC.

THANKS! We got them in the mail Saturday, and you are spot on about adding 1 to the number on the back of the check. The other two were not consecutive numbers with the one for the i485. We are officially waiting on the red tape process now. LOL

Thanks LadyC and Quana...

I still have not received NOA1s in the mail. I'm not sure why it took them 6 days to even cash the check...so I guess I have to count 7-8 days out from the date the check was cashed.

I just wish this process was all behind me...I'm tired of the waiting game and red tape already. Maybe, its because I went through this before with ex-husband. I am ready for him to start working too. I have been very diligent about not making him feel bad because he can't work...but it has been an extreme hardship lately.

Do you get three individual case numbers (one for I485, I131 and I765), or is there just one number for the entire file? I got a number on the back of the check...but the status check online is not recognizing the number.

You will get individual NOA's (and unique receipt numbers) for each of the AOS/EAD and AP. Presumably only one could be printed on the back of the check - the CRIS system is notoriously inaccurate so it may take a while before they show up online. Once you get your NOAs, you'll know they have them and are processing them.

Does it start with MSC?

Yes

Thanks a bunch! You guys are always right on time!

hey Jawi; some people can't see the numbers online until they do biometrics that's what happened when we filed it was available the next day praying for a speedy APPROVAL

luv ya!

Lawny ---

Me too lady...me too! How long is biometrics typically? I know the USCIS site states about 30 days...but does it normally take that much time based on VJ cases?

when i tried mine at first it didnt work either. When i got the NOA in the mail the numbers were off by 1 number so it was actually onenumber higher then what was actually stamped on the check. Even then it didnt show up for a few days.

Wow! You got approved very quickly! Congratulations! Thanks for the speedy reply as well...very helpful information.

Jawi, I got 3 numbers. The case status wasn't available online yesterday (the day I got the email/texts), but they are today.

Thanks Nat. I was starting to get anxious that they sent the entire case back because I didn't include the I-693...LOL It was such a relief to see that check cashed tonight...we were both so happy. So the number on the back of the check is probably for the actual I-485. Well let the journey begin!

Question??????

Do you get three individual case numbers (one for I485, I131 and I765), or is there just one number for the entire file? I got a number on the back of the check...but the status check online is not recognizing the number. Does it start with MSC?

Cereza, there's a new form you can attach to the front of your paperwork, to sign up for email and/or text alerts.

G-1145

I wish I had known this too. Dang. The good news is that they cashed my check on 12/7/09!

Question??????

Do you get three individual case numbers (one for I485, I131 and I765), or is there just one number for the entire file? I got a number on the back of the check...but the status check online is not recognizing the number. Does it start with MSC?

Police Shut Down Usain Bolts Super Party In Jamaica

Jamaican Police shut down a benefit dance promoted and emceed by world champion Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt in rural St Ann parish. The thousands of fans who assembled for the event were forced to leave without seeing Vybz Kartel who was scheduled to headline the event. The dance helped to raise funds to build a community center in Bolt's home town.

Deputy commissioner of Police, Glenmore Hinds says the show was halted after it ran two hours past the legal shutoff time. Under Jamaica s Noise Abatement Act, live events should be halted at 2am.

This happens a lot at Priory Beach in St. Ann too...it is a real drag/bummer. I would have KILLED to be at that show though. *sigh* I can't believe it will be 2 years in August since I have been to Jamaica.

i can not sleep this is crazy ...

I KNOW this feeling first hand trust me...I hate you are going through it...prayers that you sleep well.

awww I missed Jawi and Ells...

Ells recaps the hell out of some posts don't she!

Miss you too Tee...I can't believe how much I have missed...there is no sense trying to go back because then I would miss even more of the recent stuff. I feel like my VJ life is slowly slipping away...*sigh* I don't get to come on at work...and there is no rest for the weary at home. I was able to get on tonight because hubby went to bed early...but I'm about to call it a night too.

Much love to my ladies of VJ...***mmmuuuaaahhh***

Awww...you ladies both made me remember the day my hubby got here. It seems like so long ago...but it has really only been a drop in the bucket. It feels so good.

Char I am in Atlanta too and we did not get any snow...what part of town are you in? A was waiting on it all day because of the weather report...but nothing. I asked him if he didn't get enough of it in Canada...he just thinks it will be different snow in Atlanta I guess. LOL

Hi Yardies...

Always Blessed I'mj so glad you are ok. God is great and he kept you safe.

Friday: Well Garfield came into JFK @ 9:25pm (Air J was actually on time) it took him about 45 min to get out. When I say him I was jumping up & down waving my arms so he cane see me. He gave me a kiss and said see I made it. Well I put on his coat but did not zip it up. When he step outside and felt the NY cold air he FROZE...me and my sister fell out laughing at him. I zipped his coat up and gave him a kiss. The reunion was off the chains......

Saturday: We got up ate breakfast and then went to see my sister, aunt, dad and a few friends all the time it was raining in NY then we headed home around 3:15pm. When the rain changed to SNOW his mouth fell open. I said baby its snowing. He call JA and told his mom he looked like a big kid. We got home after 9pm (after we went to see my daughter at her college, pick up another daughter, went to see my friend and did grocery). We finally went to sleep after midnight and did not wake up until 10:30am.

Sunday: we went to the laundry and then I took him to the mall...when he saw the inside of Arundel Mills Mall he was floored. I have never walked the entie mall but I did today. The man wanted to buy everything but I talked some sense into him. Now we are home and he is cooking us a late dinner.

I sooooooooo LOVE my Hubby

I found you Lady C!!!! Hi I miss you!

Hi girlie whats up? I went looking for your Rum Cream on Friday but could not find any...Sorry

Good Morning Everyone! I wanted to thank everyone for their well wishes and congrats. I wanted to give you guys and update on his arrival so I apologize in advance for being so long-winded....

Airport

Ivan made it in on Friday around 5pm. It took almost a hour and a half for him to emerge out of the terminal so I was starting to get a little worried that he was held up in immigration. But he told me that the plane landed and did not have a gate so they were stuck on the runway for a while. Anyway, my brother and I just waited patiently. Him and my brother had never met, so he kept pointing at every dark-skinned brother asking if that was him. He finally emerged with his white t-shirt on looking so lost and my brother knew immediately it was him. I quickly ran over and we hugged a kissed. The whole experience was surreal because I could not believe my honey was finally here.

We walked over to baggage claim to find that his bags were not there, so we came to the Delta baggage claim counter to see what was up. That was Ivan's first gay male encounter in the US. This guy was flamin' times 10 and Ivan couldn't even look him in his face to answer the questions. In the most feminine voice ever, he was like "Where is your baggage claim ticket?" Then he started humming negro spirituals!! Ivan is looking at my brother like WTH ! I had to step in and save the day! I answered all of the questions and found out that his bags could be arriving on the belt within the next 45 minutes. After we left out of the office, everyone fell out on the floor laughing because he was way over the top. Meanwhile, he was starving so we decided to grab a bite to eat while waiting. Of course, Ivan was looking perplexed at all of the menus . There was Wendys, A chinese restaurant, Domino's pizza and a soul food restaurant. He opted for soul-food and had his first experience with many more to come....After, we ate, laughed and talked. We were finally able to get his bags and walk to the car. Luckily, I had bought a coat, hat and gloves because when he walked outside to the car, he was like It was about 40 degrees.

Friday Evening

After we left the airport, we went to Atlantic Station. This is an area that has restaurants, shopping, movie theatres, bowling alley etc...We walked around to look at the Christmas decor. Then we went to Fox Sports Grille to have some drinks. After we left there, it was well after 9pm so we had to rush off to get my daughter by 11. I think he was really amazed by all of the buildings and scenery. He would often try to get me to describe what things were like, so I think he was just amazed to finally see it. We then drove home and on the way stopped at the liquor store to get his favorite drink, Appleton Rum.

After we left there, we picked up my daughter from daycare (they had parent's night out from 6-11). When she walked out to the car, she was like, " I thought Ivan was supposed to be coming." Then mid-sentence, she looked up and saw him. She walked up to him, looked up and said, Hi! You are from Jamaica." "My mommy said she is going to take me there." He picked her up, kissed her and that was the sweetest moment. They had never met at this point and only talked on the phone so I couldn't believe they were finally meeting. After that we got home, he had his first encounter with the dog. We were laying on the bed and the dog jumped on his chest and stared him done. He started freaking out, like get him off. The dog finally jumped down. I guess that was their male bonding moment. Although, I don't think Ivan has gotten used to the idea of having da dog in the house.

Saturday

We woke up around nine and was immediately greeted by the kids (my daughter and the dog). Ivan opened the blinds to look outside and It was snowing!!! He was like OMG!! I was too...Because we don't get much snow in Atlanta. We then cooked breakfast together. We didn't get a chance to get to the grocery store, so we had to put some things together for breakfast. But, it was so nice to be able to eat as a family. My daughter is a very picky eater, but seems to like everything he has cooked thus far. After we ate, she then harrassed us about putting up the Christmas tree. I told her that we wouldn't put it up to Ivan arrived. And she had not stopped worrying me since he stepped foot in the door. We put on a reggae CD and put up the Christmas tree. Later we went walking through the n'hood in the 32 degree weather. After about 15 minutes, he was ready to bring his rass in the house. We hung around the house for the rest of the afternoon and watched movies. Later, my brother and him got out on the weight bench in the garage, took off their shirts and the testosterone kicked in. They are flexing, comparing back muscles and seeing whose smedium shirt fits the best. My daughter and I were looking like WTH!!

That evening, we packed up in the car to get out. We found a local Jamaican restaurant that is attached to a grocery store. We ended up spending like $35 on a few things, but I was so happy that he has a place close by to get groceries. We later ate at the restaurant and the food was ok. We later took my daughter to Toys R Us. Which Ivan thought was way over the top. He then got his 1st experience at the mall, which was very overwhelming. After we got a couple of sweaters, shoes and visited Sephora to try on all of the colognes. He was ready to roll!! We got home chilled for a minute and decided we were going to hit the club. We had planned to go to Club Intrique where Serani was performing. It was free before 11:30. But we ended up making it there too late and the cover was $25. I was like hell-to-the-no. So we ended up, going to Club 426 next door. When we got there it seemed kind of dead, but Ivan was happy that they sold Magnum Tonic...After about an hour the club was packed and jumping and all you could hear was blop, blop, blop... We had so much fun and it felt so good to hear him day several times that he felt like he was in Ochi. We left about 2:30.

Sunday

We woke up and realized that we were late for church. Ivan made peanut porridge for breakfast and we decided to go the noon church service. Everything was good there and he seemed to enjoy the service. We missed our "Marriage Without Regrets" class so we will have to catch it next Sunday. I'm a little nervous about that because he seems a little hesitant to take the course. Its the typical black male mentality that, "no one can tell us how to be married. " But we will see how that goes. Well I have a meeting coming up so I need to get back to work. Sorry to be so long-winded, but I probably won't get to be on hear as much so I wanted to give everyone an update.

Enjoy your day!!

I didn't see a topic for December AOS filers yet.

I mailed my package on Dec 1 (AOS/AP/EAD) and it was delivered yesterday.

Hey Nat...mine was delivered on December 1st...so I'm joining you in the wait again.

Wow...it's been a long time since I have been on VJ. I don't know what's going on anymore...I feel like Sophia from the Color Purple when she finally came home...."Yalls doan know me no mo... "

Somebody care to fill me in on the latest and greatest? I don't have time to go back and read. I used to be able to read pages and pages to catch up...but I have about 20 minutes before I have to start getting ready for work.

BTW...we finally filed AOS paperwork...that $1010 was a BEAST!!!!!

He is a smart man...and he will do fine sis. He just has to put down the joystick and buckle down...stop being stubborn about it. You want me to rough him up with my neckbrace? LOL I think you so whisper the questions and answers in his ear in your sexy voice...with a little bit more panting when he gets it right. LMAO...

I can't wait until I get to this point too. I will be frantic and asking for your advice for my stubborn husband too.

My DS-230 was expressed mailed on Oct 23rd and I emailed the embassy in Kingston on Oct 26th requesting a date for November 16th because my SO was already coming here to celebrate our birthdays on the weekend of the 13th. Yeah!!!!!! I got it. I would advise everyone to request a date if they want to, just make sure its a lil bit more than 10 days ahead, in order to have the medical done. 18 days to go Thank you JAWI and NAT for suggesting it.

"Good day:

As requested, we have scheduled you for a visa interview on November 16, 2009, at 8:00 a.m. Attached is a copy of the appointment letter."

You are welcome. I'm just glad my cover letter has helped so many make this process faster.

My DS-230 was expressed mailed on Oct 23rd and I emailed the embassy in Kingston on Oct 26th requesting a date for November 16th because my SO was already coming here to celebrate our birthdays on the weekend of the 13th. Yeah!!!!!! I got it. I would advise everyone to request a date if they want to, just make sure its a lil bit more than 10 days ahead, in order to have the medical done. 18 days to go Thank you JAWI and NAT for suggesting it.

"Good day:

As requested, we have scheduled you for a visa interview on November 16, 2009, at 8:00 a.m. Attached is a copy of the appointment letter."

who did you email the ds-230 to?NVC or the Kingston Embassy? Can I see your sample email letter?Thanks.

My cover letter is in the thread entitled "Yardies filing a K-1 Visa...there is a better way"

Good Morning ladies!

Good luck and best wishes today ashly! cannot wait to hear the great news!

so today the babies are 16 months old......i cannot beleive how quickly the time is going....i was warned by everyone that time flies and to cherish these moments becasue before you know they will be grown up......how true that is becoming.....

and tomorrow marks the ending of 1 year of our 2 year ban......just 1 more year to go until our family can be together and Richard will be eligible for another interview......i pray the next year goes as quickly as this past year has gone and that i can time out our filing as perfectly as Mrs. P did!

Hope everyone has a fabulous day!

You have the most positive outlook...I can't believe they are 16 months already...man it seems like last month they were celebrating turning 1! I'm glad it was only a two year ban...I was thinking the minimum was 3 years. Thank God for miracles.

ooopppsss....

Heavensent I know this feels like one more huge hurdle to cross...but trust God. Everything will be just fine...the Embassy can request the medical results without him having to go get them...I think that is what Islandwoman posted once. I'm rooting for you guys...such a sexy couple. Much love.

Mrs. P...5 more sleeps huh before you are sharing your bed with hubby and listening to him snore as he knees you in the back and slaps an arm across your face or nestles his butt into your stomach.

How many more sleeps for you Ms. Tee?

Nat...I just sent in what he got from the Embassy. I didn't go to a civil surgean to have them put on the new form.

Nat I haven't done it yet...I'm worried now because I don't know if A brought any forms with him. He left the entire folder that I sent him in Jamaica. I'm so glad it wasn't originals or we would be SOL. I will ask him about it later tonight though.

Dills what does the form from the Embassy look like?

hey you all

here are my boys.David the bigger one weighs 5lbs 2oz and jacob the smaller one weighs 3lbs 15.7 oz .He will be in the hospital for an additional week.I will keep you posted of his progress.

T.WEBB

Awwwwww Jakie! They are precious and so handsome already! Oh what I wouldn't give to hear their little sighs and grunts and cooing.