gingerblue

Guess what came in the mail today???? His Green Card!!! And it's sure pretty and shiny and gorgeous! We had great fun with a magnifying glass trying to read all the hologram stuff on the back.

This has got to be a record....from K1 to green card there were no glitches, no RFE's no problems at all. Just smooth sailing and everything went as expected. All that sick worry for nothing.

We mailed our AOS application on July 24th and got the card today. That's just over TWO months! Truly amazing.

Would someone mind updating the spreadsheet? Oh, and would you mind correcting the date for the approval....it was 9/29. Thanks!

Happy, happy, happy! And awfully glad to be done with this part.

Ginger

My husband's kids are already raised. And he moved here to be with me and my THREE kids (16, 14, and 10). From the very first day we decided on some basic ground rules and we've not varied from that.

WE are a united front. We always, always, always back each other up, no matter what. If we disagree on parenting (which we often do), we discuss it alone, NEVER in front of the children. We are a family unit and we do things for the good of the family. Gary comes to all school functions, he supports the kids equally with me in their endeavors. Gary is not their father, makes no attempt to be their father. They have a father. But Gary deserves their respect, just like any other adult in their lives. In the beginning he didn't discipline at all, he just reminded them on things that I'd already said. He was my "other eyes". Over time he has been able to discipline them more and more and they tolerate it because he's fair and just and treats them all equally. Gary does most of the school transport...that's given him the opportunity to have contact with them and they get to learn to rely on him and see that he works for their well being as much as I do. Our goal with things isn't so much "raising" the kids, as protecting a home environment. We don't allow anyone to be disrespectful, make messes, we have rules and routines, etc. But we do discuss the needs of the kids and we do identify behaviors in each kid that we're "working" on.

And I assure you it's NOT smooth. My middle child is profoundly behaviorally disturbed and we've had to deal with authorities and hospitalizations and she even had to be removed from our home for four months this year. During that time she lived with her father, who incidentally just got married to a woman who had never had children. It did not go well. My ex did not support his wife's efforts with our daughter and his wife left him over the conflict with our daughter. My ex returned her to us.

Bottom line, raising kids is HARD work. It is divisive even in established marriages. Dealing with a new marriage, kids, adjusting to a new country all at the same time is very hard work. And in order to be successful you have to communicate and plan how you're going to face parenting challenges together.

I think the key to a good step-parent situation is the attitude of the couple...you've got to back each other up so they never see a way to divide you. Because divide you they will. Dealing with ex spouses is just like the kids...don't let them divide you. Because they'll try also. And it's always better to approach the ex spouse as an ally rather than an enemy. They're also your parenting partner, even if they act like children. You have to be careful to uphold their parenting as well. And ensure they uphold yours.

And the advice about spending time with the kids is very good. Gary tries to find ways to connect with each of them. I think it's working....they roll their eyes at him just as much as they do at me. They think we're both terribly old and boring and embarrassing.

OMG, OMG, OMG! I just got an email from CRIS. Card production ordered!!! I read it and re-read it to make sure. Yes, it's for the I-485. Yes, that means we're approved!

This is so strange as we only just got the AP letter and EAD card in the last couple weeks. We weren't expecting anything from them for another six weeks at least.

Of course I'm not relaxing until I get that card in my hot little hand. I know everything will work out and I know I worry too much. But there's been a part of me that's worried through this entire process that somehow we'll be one of the ones where it all goes terribly wrong and I would end up losing him. But it looks like it's a go!

Also, would someone mind updating our info on the spreadsheet? I'm sure others are checking and this info would certainly help morale!

*doing the happy dance*

USCIS must be busy lately indeed! We got emails concerning the approval of the EAD and AP on 9/10. We got the AP letters on 9/14 and the EAD card on 9/18.

Next he goes to get his drivers license. And now we get to hold our breath for the next step....will they send any RFE's for the AOS? I'm so freaking worried about that one.

Hi guys, we're another couple posting a quick note so that we can be added to the spreadsheet. All info is in my sig line, I think. Also we didn't use the I-693 and there was no TST.

We had the biometrics last week and are now eagerly awaiting the AP and EAD. Heck, once we have those the green card can take its own sweet time. We're together and happily married...that's what counts!

Hi there, a happily married K1 couple here, getting ready to file the AOS. Are we supposed to send the relationship evidence when we file the I-485? I assumed we were supposed to, but now when I start gathering the info I see nothing about it. I do know we need relationship evidence at the interview, yes, but do we send it when we file for AOS in the first place?

Especially interested in any UK couples who have done this recently as I know they're trending toward not having interviews at all as of late. Honestly...how would USCIS be comfortable skipping the interview unless they had relationship evidence for the couple? This suggests they had it already?

I'm so confused by all of this.

Thanks!

Gary had the interview this morning for our K1 and it was APPROVED!! Now just 38 more days until he flies home to start our new life permanently together. My god, this is a wonderful feeling.

Hooray so happy! He did pay for quicker posting as he works all next week so no one would be home to sign for it. It arrived this morning and he laughed at whoever opens the envelope as he said it says on it in huge writing "Not to be Opened" haha...

So yup we are good to go!!!! Plane ticket is all bought and he should be arriving on the 28th!!! 10 more sleeps YAYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!

Thank you again for all your support here this place has just been amazing!

Oh I'm so happy for you guys! I've been watching you two since you're so close to us in the timelines, and it's a wonderful thing to see that the wait is nearly over for you!!!

The "once he/she is here it will be better economically" may be true but it also might not. So you're asking the US public to take a chance that it will work out as you hope but in the mean time, you can't actually afford one more dependent. And from my POV, if you can't afford one more dependent, you can't afford to bring over a fiance (not even a spouse but a fiance).

They also say that one of the worst reasons to remarry is the hope that you'll be better off financially. Money problems from the get go turn into relationship problems and that also decreases the chance that it will work out as you hope. And in turn, that means that we're (the US public) are taking an even greater chance than you probably realize.

Nothing is guaranteed, not even a huge income. The US has to make their decision based on statistical realities. I'm just saying that there are times and circumstances where a lack of income has a valid explanation and that explanation isn't always "hard times" or lack of ability to take on one more dependant. You are absolutely correct that marrying with the expectation of a better financial future is a trap that doesn't always work. However, it is not hard at all to make enough money to surpass the 125% line. If one is free to work and isn't in school, disabled, or raising a mentally ill child.

It is true that by far most immigrants are coming from countries where the typical resident is not as well off financially as the typical resident of the US. But it's not an absolute. And yes, the US is suspicious of situations where the beneficiary has money. It looks too much like one is buying their way into the US. But again, this is not an absolute. There are many countries which have the same or better standard of living than the US. When those people immigrate, they get to bring their assets and work history and employability. That should not be dismissed. My fiance has MUCH more resources than I do, financial and otherwise. Yet I am the one this process focuses on. That was my only point.

Sometimes the petitioner has a low income because they have circumstances which will change once their fiance moves here and they can be married. In my case, I'm a single mom with three kids, one of whom has behavioral problems and can't be left home alone (there is no daycare for 13 year olds). Between transporting kids (three different public schools, and our town does not bus) and needing to be home to supervise (and transport to practices, therapists, doctor appts) after school, I can only be available to work 5 hours a day. I cannot....CANNOT...carry a full time job right now. I've tried. Of course, the minute my fiance comes, that frees me up to get a full time job. Which trust me, I cannot wait to do! (This mom ####### gets old.)

Lack of income does not always equal lack of initiative. Sometimes people, especially single mothers, have extenuating circumstances that will resolve with marriage.

Also...quite often, the beneficiary will bring assets when they immigrate. And skills. And a job history. Sure, he can't work for the first few months, but he will be able to work soon. And make a heck of a lot more than me. At his level of employment, a job search will likely take longer than getting the EAD anyway.

Not every immigrant is poor and unskilled.

Sorry to rant, but this issue drives me nuts. I'm seriously worried about not getting this K1 approved and yet our income potential next year surpasses the 125% threshold many times over. But all anyone wants to focus on is my income right now.

I see your time line and is very similar to mine. I am in the point where i have sent everything to NVC. I see you did your medical exams very close to teh date when the consulate received your information. Are the medical examas something that you can do in advance or do you have to wait for the arrival of any package??????

Things are different for each embassy. In London, when you get Packet 3, it includes a phone number to call the doctor's office where you set up your appointment at your convenience. It can be before or after your interview, but preferably before. Gary got lucky and got an appointment right away. I have no idea what is typical for Peru, though. You might want to check the regional forum for some answers specific to your country. They're all different, LOL!

Good luck to you....it's not much longer now!

It's true they seemed more interested in her father & mothers annual income rather than their assets. The interviewer asked us to proof of this income, which we have now done, but we have also added a second family member as a co-sponsor just in case. The courier picked up the documents last week along with my passport, so everything should be o.k now.

All the best for your case, I'm sure everything will be fine

I guess I'm just worried because you have the officially required information (her father's assets) and they refused to consider them. What if they refuse to consider the info I've provided? Then I have nothing more to provide. I've sent it all already.

But yes, I guess I just need to relax and stop worrying. If we're denied then I cross that bridge next Tuesday. I hope you find out soon and get that wonderful visa in your hands!!

Ginger,

Just make sure that appraisal is done on both homes, and even tho its on the market in the UK its still assets - make sure he has mortgage redemption statement also, just so that it shows equity and not a red line saying ohhhhhhhhhhhh goddddddddd my house is upside down! You should be fine luv - again an appraisal is great, but what is more important is what is owed if anything!

God Speed on that interview.!!!!!

LOL, I sent him so much information! Appraisals for both properties (my house and my parents' farm) and my mortgage statement. Interestingly, my parents' farm is free and clear...no mortgage...and THAT was impossible to show. So they made a statement and notarized that. I even got my ex to give a signed notarized statement about child support as he pays more than the court ordered (it would take 3 years and $$$ to amend as I've moved to a new state). Heck, I even sent a notarized statement explaining my education, employment history, and reason why I'm not working right now.

But...will they look at all of that? That's my fear. I'm afraid they'll see my income and employment and stop right there.

Thanks for the encouragement. I need it. This wait is killing me, and with the concerns over the economy, I'm a ball of nerves over here!!!

Oh this freaks me out! Gary has the inteview on Oct 21. I am the USC, and I am not working but will be doing so as soon as he gets here and can take over kid duty. I have some money (house equity and child support income) but I just miss the threshold. But my parents are sponsoring. However, they're retired. They do have income from investments and they included the appraisal for their farm (far surpassing the threshold). Plus, Gary has assets in the form of a house that's on the market in the UK. In short, we meet the guidelines spelled out in the I-864, but how much importance are they going to put on the fact I don't have a job????

You said you provided evidence of her father's assets, but that was not enough??? I thought the co-sponsor's assets counted?? Now I'm freaked out. Great.

Responding to OP's statement that his mother has a green card but lives overseas....

It is very common for some immigrants to look at a green card as sort of an "express" travel visa. I know many people who have green cards but live in their home country and come to the US once a year on vacation to see family "to keep their green card active". These people don't realize what a precious and wonderful thing a green card is and they see it as merely a tool to allow them to travel when otherwise they wouldn't be able to. They have NO intention of taking up true permanent residence in this country and no interest in US politics or supporting our fine country.

Those of us who are going through this long immigration process often don't realize that to many, many people visas and green cards are truly tickets to getting access to the US and they TRULY don't see ANYTHING wrong with it. They have no idea that it is fraud, that it's unethical, that it's just plain wrong. They see all of our visa options as a "buffet" of options and they'll do what they can to fit into these slots. They often think of immigration rules as something to be circumvented and overcome rather than rules that are in place for a reason.

I know someone who was illegal for many years, tried to get a green card by marriage (pure fraud) but the LPR took the money and ran before filing. He then got a green card under amnesty in the 1980's and eventually was naturalized. He is a tax paying, employed, voting, productive citizen now. His mother has a green card but lives in Poland, she comes every year to visit family and keep her green card active. His nephew came here once on a travel visa and overstayed, and got a job using a fake green card and SS card. Recently this man told me that he's getting ready to get married (for real) but his new wife is illegal and has been for a very long time. He had utter confidence that there would be no problems with the AOS. He had NO idea that this could mean deportation for her and a 10 year ban!!! He told me I was being silly, that sort of thing doesn't really happen if you're careful. Again he just sees laws as something that get in your way of getting what you want. (And these are the same people who get denied and then complain loudly that things are unfair.)

We forget sometimes how differently people from other countries interpret the presence of government in their lives.

Ok I keep checking all with similar timelines to ours but hopefully we could maybe just post here once we or future spouse got packet 3's from London Embassy here....

Our approval was on 8/8/08 with it supposedly arriving in London on 8/21/08....we are still waiting for P3 to show....

We got our NOA2 on 8/5 and he received packet 3 on 8/21. He has already had the medical on 9/1 and sent packet 3 back on 9/6.

You do not need to have a history of earnings, its what you earn at the moment.

Never seen it mentioned here that it matters what currency they are in, as long as that currency is negotiable.

I thought for the AOS (I-864), they wanted a history of earnings. I think three years of tax returns, correct?

And I would expect currency would be fine (cash in a foreign bank, for instance) but what about foreign real estate? (It's negotiable and liquid if the darned market would behave!!!) I am referring to the AOS part, now. I know real estate works for the embassy phase. In London at least.

Wow, most excellent. You guys gave some wonderful advice. Thank you all so much!!

Yes, I realize the I-134 and the I-864 are different. But after reading VJ for so long, I begin to confuse what the embassy will want and what I read on here. There is such incredible misinformation on this very topic.

I'm not worried about the actual dollar amount, because the equity in his house is greater than 125% for five people for three years. So as long as a statement of the value/mortgage/equity of the house can be provided to the embassy then apparently it will be sufficient for London's purposes. If this asset can be used for the embassy then we're good to go and won't need a co-sponsor at that point.

A related question, then, is will it matter that the asset is not held in the US? (obviously not) But it's one of the things you see on VJ, that assets don't count unless they're US funds. The London embassy site does mention that you should include your plans for how to transfer the money to the US. So I assume they are understanding that anyone in this situation is transitioning their assets. Which we will want to do the minute that darn house sells.

Okay, lets fast forward a bit. On to the AOS part. Let's assume the house DOESN'T sell by then. Can we use it as an asset for the AOS procedure? I realize that yes, the beneficiary's assets can be used in the I-864. But is there a requirement that they're in US funds? Will UK owned real estate count for this?

And yes, everyone says that the USC's income is what the AOS people want to see. But that's not gonna happen. Even if I were to get a job making that kind of money, I wouldn't have a history of it for the last several years. I need to do this on assets (and a small amount of income that I do have). My parents will co-sponsor if necessary, of course, but if it's not necessary I don't want to go there. And if my fiance's assets in UK real estate counts, then I won't need a co-sponsor at all. See, another option is to rent out the house and not sell it at all until the market gets better. It's still an asset, in my eyes it should count, but I guess I need to know if it will count at AOS time.

Nich-Nick, thank you! I had read most of that already but it gets so confusing, especially when you start reading the forums around here and people seem to have different requirements at their embassies. My parents are retired and I doubt their income meets the levels. But their assets easily do. They're not worried about the IRS...just general paranoia. It's always hard when you're asking a favor of others because you need to respect their wishes (even if I do think they're a bit overcautious). See, I'm not sure we really need to use them at all, but I don't want to get to the interview and be rejected because my fiance's house is UK assets or because it's not sold. I'm just trying to be prepared, LOL.

Pandora...Oooh, another option on selling the house. I'll suggest it to him. At this point we're exploring all options. That house needs to be sold and we're eager sellers (anyone want to buy a house in the UK)? LOLOLOL.

MargotDarko...well the equity in his house exceeds three times the 125% for us and my three kids. The big question is whether or not the Embassy will consider it to be a usable asset. Plus I have equity in my home as well. And I receive child support. (An aside to previous poster's comments...I am not working right now because my middle one is special needs and needs 24/7 supervision.) Plus my fiance has a consultancy business in the UK that will continue after he moves.

Boiler...please elaborate. I really need to know more about self-sponsorship I think. What do you mean by a few thousand?

Okay, I get the idea that London is pretty flexible about self-sponsorship. But what about when it comes time for the AOS?? Everything I read on visa journey seems to be focused on the finances of the USC but that's just plain illogical when the beneficiary is self supporting and not at all likely to become a public charge. I know some embassies will not allow self sponsorship, but what about the USCIS during AOS? (thinking aloud...of course his assets become mine once we're married and then I can claim them as assets in the AOS process, right?)

Thanks guys...please keep the suggestions coming. We're expecting NOA2 this week (knock on wood) and we want to be prepared for the next step.

Logic is that most people won't sell their assets to support their son in law!

USCIS would rather see someone like you with a steady job and earning enough to support you and hubby.

*sigh*

I didn't ask that.

Does anyone have some experience with the question I'm asking? Preferably someone who has dealt with the UK embassy?

(Thanks, though, Haole. Our situations are vastly different.)

Reposting from embassy forum...I think I need UK specific advice.....

I'm the USC, petitioning for my fiance who is in the UK. I do not work, but my fiance has substantial assets tied up in his house. It's up for sale and has not sold yet (thank you UK housing market), so therefore we are asking my parents to co-sponsor for the I-134. We don't need them for the AOS because by then we're hoping my fiance's house will be sold and he will be able to self sponsor for AOS. My parents are retired with little income and are planning to use their farm's value as the asset on the I-134. (The value of the farm far surpasses the I-864's requirement, and has no mortgage.)

Question is, do my parents need to get an appraisal for the farm or is a mere statement of its value sufficient evidence? Since this is a huge favor on their part (they don't want the govt knowing their assets!) I really hesitate to ask them to get an appraisal ($400) if one's not necessary. (I know if would be necessary if we were to use them for the I-864).

Does anyone have any suggestions or additional input? This is so confusing. Seems this entire process is designed for a wealthy USC and poor beneficiary. Seems to be little provision for the beneficiary to be the one with the assets!

Also, if anyone sees a problem with this logic, let me know. I'd rather have this figured out BEFORE we get to the interview, LOL!

Thanks guys, I'll ask over on the UK forum.

We met online (on Flickr) and knew (in our hearts) within weeks of emails. We had even discussed marriage before we met face to face. And before he flew here, we were SO VERY nervous because we were so afraid that this whole relationship we had built up would fall apart once we touched. Well, it didn't. It just got stronger.

When you're long distance, you can't resort to physical connections. If you want to be together, you have to TALK. And after 15 months of many hours each and every day of sharing every detail, we know each other better than most IRL couples.

We "knew" before we met, but it's been all the time we spend together in person and on the phone that have made us strong. How we met is irrelevant at this point.

And I agree with everyone about how I'm so tired of people assuming it's not a "real" relationship. Every single one of my friends have met him, repeatedly, and yet nobody asks about him. It's really weird, it's like they're afraid to ask about it because they're just SURE we've broken up and they don't want to offend??? People don't respect that I need to be home to call him at certain times. I'm no longer single but I'm not one of the "couple" people, either. I tend to avoid others because nobody understands and I get tired of defending myself about him. I can't talk about him to people...they just change the subject. Like I said, very weird how people react to it.

There is no requirement to have appraisal that I know of. There is no request for that. Dont read into this what isnt there is my suggestion.

The process isnt designed for the wealthy at all. They dont seem to follow the laws that we do.

There are provisions for the Beneficiary to have the assets. The problem is those assets are in a different country. Have your B F transfer his assets to you in the USA or deal with the laws as they apply to you. Thats what we all had to do.

Hmm, that's not really very helpful. This is my very first question asked on VJ and I don't feel very good after reading this. Feels a bit...um...mean. I hope you didn't mean it that way.

I didn't ask about dealing with the laws and I'm not trying to circumvent them, why would you think I was? What laws were you referring to? Perhaps there's something I don't know about?

I just wondered if anyone knew if real estate has to have an appraisal for use with the I-134. Of if we even need a co-sponsor at that point if the beneficiary has real estate in the UK.

I ask this specifically because I do know that London looks differently upon the beneficiary's assets than many other embassies do.

I'm the USC, petitioning for my fiance who is in the UK. I do not work, but my fiance has substantial assets tied up in his house. It's up for sale and has not sold yet (thank you UK housing market), so therefore we are asking my parents to co-sponsor for the I-134. We don't need them for the AOS because by then we're hoping my fiance's house will be sold and he will be able to self sponsor for AOS. My parents are retired with little income and are planning to use their farm's value as the asset on the I-134. (The value of the farm far surpasses the I-864's requirement, and has no mortgage.)

Question is, do my parents need to get an appraisal for the farm or is a mere statement of its value sufficient evidence? Since this is a huge favor on their part (they don't want the govt knowing their assets!) I really hesitate to ask them to get an appraisal ($400) if one's not necessary. (I know if would be necessary if we were to use them for the I-864).

Does anyone have any suggestions or additional input? This is so confusing. Seems this entire process is designed for a wealthy USC and poor beneficiary. Seems to be little provision for the beneficiary to be the one with the assets!

Also, if anyone sees a problem with this logic, let me know. I'd rather have this figured out BEFORE we get to the interview, LOL!