carpe diem

Mefrie, unfortunately I cannot offer anything in the way of advice, but I am hoping for a good outcome for both of you. You're in a really tough situation but the good thing is that you came to realize how much you love him. You will find a solution, whatever it is. Things can only go up from here!

To some of the posters attacking Mefrie for doing things the "illegal way": As she correctly points out, she is not asking help circumventing the immigration laws. She is merely asking what, given the current situation, their lawful options are, and whether marrying her boyfriend at this point would make things better or worse from an immigration law perspective, which is perfectly appropriate. Yes, the OP's boyfriend violated the immigration laws. They are both paying a very high price for that. The OP is forthcoming about the situation; she doesn't ask for pity or indignation, she is simply asking how best to proceed from here. In the more general forums, I've seen countless questions from posters who overstayed their visas, and nobody seemed to think much about it. Although the arrest of the OP's partner appears to change their situation dramatically from an immigration perspective, he wasn't more or less "wrong" than others who overstayed by a significant amount of time-- he just happened to be caught.

This is a frustrating process for all of us-- and for some more so than for others (I will admit it was relatively painless for me and I count myself lucky). But please try not to project your frustration about your own situation on others who are looking for advice, and who could use a bit of support in these very trying circumstances.

Best of luck to all of you who are separated from your loved ones!

Dear sadwoman,

I agree with all the excellent advise others have given you.

Also, and I don't know if this should give you comfort or make you brace yourself, I think adjustment may take some time, and will require a lot of initiative from your part, and perseverance as you often won't see immediate results of your efforts. When I came here, I was very, very lonely for quite a while, even though I was a student at a university (one problem was that I kind of fell in the middle of a program so the other students had built their social networks already). As much as I loved my boyfriend, I really missed my close friends and the comfort of the network I had built back home. I had lived abroad before but that was different as I knew it was going to be temporary and I was in a program with others in the same boat. I struggled with the enormity of the decision I had made, and the terrorist attacks in New York (I arrived there days before September 11, 2001) didn't make things easier.

Fast-forward seven years, and I believe I have as good a social life here as I would have back home, except that I miss having my family around. I have a few very good friends here, as well as lots of people with whom I enjoy hanging out, and we regularly have family and friends from overseas over. I would say the first two years were really hard, and for me things started looking up when I started spending more time on a hobby that brings me in contact with others with the same passion. I still feel down sometimes, but I think that's mostly the result of my psychological make-up.

So my advise would be: Accept that it will take time to get fully comfortable here. Undertake as many activities as you can handle (work, volunteer activities including on the current political campaigns, sports, religion, etc.) that will get you in regular contact with others, but don't set yourself up for disappointment by expecting too much too soon, as the kind of friendship and trust you write about takes time to develop. Try to find people from your native country with whom you can meet up every once in a while. Talk to your family and friends back home regularly and be as open as you can, there's nothing wrong with admitting that things aren't easy. Even if they can't always relate to your life here they can offer a listening ear-- and if they hear about the challenges you're facing they'll be all the more excited when your life here turns into a success story, and it will! Most of all, allow your husband to help you. Be honest with him, and discuss how he can help you. And, as others have said, do not hesitate to seek professional help if you know deep down that it's warranted. Depression is not a character flaw or a personality defect; it is a medical and psychological condition that many people can get under control.

Best of luck!

Gracias Vi Mazzella...

Thanks for the answers regarding the name change. And for the removal of conditions, I know I can still do it even when I'm not with him anymore. The problem is that because we got married in MD, this state won't grant divorce but after a year of separation. So I've done some research, and apparently, USCIS can give me an extension of my current status until I have the divorce papers; then I can remove the conditions.

Being a husband is not about being a maid. I like to take care of my house too. I have worked since I got my EAD, and before that, I brought all my savings to help him pay for bills, mortgage, groceries, etc. He never included me in the mortgage title, and he just told me (5 minutes ago) on the phone that he didn't do it because it would have raise the rate. That after SWEARING he had tried and that the company had not done anything. So I have been paying $500 per month for 2 years and a half for a house that isn't mine, and worse, I don't even have a "lease agreement" that would keep my credit floating. When I bought my car, I needed him to be my co-signer because I had not enough credit. I have made those payments on my own; he has not put a penny on them. Now that I tell him to pay at least half of it until my credit gets a bit on its feet and I can refinance it by myself, he tells me that he'll take the car or that he'll hire a lawyer. He also said, as the top cherry, that I came here planning on leaving him:

Before I met him, I had an awesome job in Venezuela. I was a manager at the French Chamber of Commerce. I had friends, I had my family, I had my place, I had my car, I had 40 pounds less and I didn't have to take cymbalta. Yes, I came here to take advantage of a high school teacher who lives in a white trash Baltimore neighborhood, with hookers and junkies across the street. Yes, I stopped hanging out with diplomats, enjoying my social life and level, my organic (and affordable) food and wonderful weather... just to leave him.

That's the jewel I married. Sc.... the GC. This is not the only country in the world.

All I will say is that I have a hell of a lot more admiration and respect for someone who chooses to be an underpaid high school teacher, especially if he/she teaches children in a poor neighborhood, than for a manager at a chamber of commerce who views hanging out with diplomats as a major perk.

(As I don't intend to offend others who work at a chamber of commerce I should add that I generally also hold teachers in higher regards than members my own profession-- I don't mean to put down the OP's job but have a problem with the condescending tone of her posts when describing her husband and her surroundings here.)

Hi everybody,

I just checked my email and had received the "card production ordered" message from USCIS!

Thanks for everything; it was great to undertake this journey with all of you, and I will check in regularly to find out how everyone is doing. I hope all Feb filers will get their cards soon and I wish all of you best of luck building a life in this country, and lots of happiness in your marriages.

Edited to add a special thank you for AnthonyJulie, you're the best!!!!

Yes, you could still visit her on vacation.

You are aware that you should be able to lift the conditions on your two year green card on your own?

JaEnglishGirl,

What beautiful baby!!

Barb

Thank you

He's mercifully sleeping now lol, he's a holy terror!

But a very cute holy terror, at least! Love the photos of your son.

]

awwwwwwww don't worry you non canadian non colorado resident..you'll always be a resident here!(at VJ) and in a couple of weeks you'll get that straight swipe license(I don't blame you for hating the road test..i've been teaching my daughter to drive..and damn..I forgot how strict the rules are!)good luck with your interview! make sure you let us know how it goes!

S

Thanks Shawna!! Good luck teaching your daughter to drive:) I remember when I learned, my Dad finally just decided to break down and get me lessons since my 16 year old back-talking and know-it-all attitude was too much for him. And his random pulling of the emergency brake whenever he felt like I wasn't stopping fast enough was pretty unnerving for me. I ave very vivid memories of that time!

Yes, I am definitely a VJ resident. Wouldn't THAT be a strange and interesting nation if it were officially formed??

Just wanted to give an update on our case.

We had our interview today in Chicago. Longest part was the wait. Didn't see an officer until 45 minutes past our appointment time. The Officer was nice, no big deal at all.

Interview Questions:

Are you working now?'

Married before?

Latest pay stub?

Are you a terrorist?

Have you been arrested?

First time applying for immigration?

Ever been deported?

SUPER SIMPLE!!! No personal questions, no request for evidence of a bonafide marriage (probably helped that we had our daughter with us).

She approved us on the spot - name check already cleared. She said the card would take 2 weeks.

I called her later and asked her to send us an approval letter. She is sending out today. We're going to try and make an INFOPASS appt. and get the passport stamped with a I-551 so we can make travel plans and not wait on the card.

HOORAY!!!

Thank you Visa Journey and members. This was the single greatest resource for information during the entire process!!

Congrats! Sounds simple and easy! I will remember to ask for the letter and/or stamp too, at my interview!

LMAO! her stepdad had to do some of the really hard stuff(like taking her on the road(ANY road!!) because even in parking lots..we were having ...ahem..**cough** mother/daughter issues about EXACTLY how one drives a car!! BUT..we did get past that part....and she is actually a very good driver..now I get to deal with things when I'M driving..like..**Mom..don't you think you're braking a bit late**..OR..**Mom...2 hands on the wheel**..hahaha...I guess thats what I get for all my preaching!

Haha-- I can so relate to not wanting to take the test again, and also to the mother-daughter issues, having been in the car with my mom who looked completely freaked out the entire time. Except my mom had every reason to be scared. It took me only ... six tries before I passed (ok, this was in the Netherlands, I'd like to think the test is a bit more rigorous as lots of people pass on the third try but six is a bit much). Actually it may have been seven. To make things worse, I only passed when I took some special exam for nervous people, with an examiner who spoke very calmly and had a reassuring manner. For a while I thought I would get the hang of it but now it's ten years later and the few times I've been driving I needed someone to guide me more or less like an instructor. Thankfully I live in one of the very few places in the US where a car is absolutely not needed.

After the Biometrics, only you receive a RFE you pretty much won't get anything until the AP and EAD are approved (if you applied for it). After that it's silence (again unless RFE) until the interview or transfer notice.

The time it takes for the AOS varies depending on your local office. Check some here http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/aosstats.php?cfl=

and go on the USCIS website as well for processing times https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/ptimes.jsp.

Chill, it can be lenghty with some offices.

I just now got something after 9 months of absolute nothing.

Congratulations Cecy-- I've read some of your posts and noticed you're a bit of a USCIS veteran (if not as much as some other VJers). Best of luck with the interview!!

question: my case-status says that my file is at the national benefit center. (since.....04/13).

but when i look at the processing times for the national benefit center, there is no informationa for I-485.

are there any other filers whose papers are at the nationalal benefit center?

I have no idea how their logistics work but when I click on my I-30 and I-485 applications on the USCIS website they still indicate that my case is at the National Benefits Center location, and I had my interview already.

Finally, my interview notice came.. It'll be on July 22.

Yay!!!! Congratulations, I'm so happy for you!

What a ridiculously early time. Don't oversleep and best of luck!

I know there are people who have waited yearsssss..........but thats when something goes seriously wrong with the case. I am hoping thats not us or anyone else here. I was comparing my timeline with the average cases...... and I think I am allowed that. I bet when you were waiting for your case to be approved you were only monitoring the normal cases and not taking the cases which took years to be approved into account.

It is very easy to be patient and advise others when one is all done him/herself.

Actually while I was waiting a MONTH for my NOA, I managed not whine or wallow in self-pity or moan about others who filed after me getting their biometrics etc before me.

JaEnglishGirl-- I remember a LOT of posts from you when you were waiting for your NOA and for your son's AP expressing your anxiety and impatience in one way or another, and some statements to the same effect in your signature, although you seem to have edited these out now, which of course you're perfectly entitled to do. I know there are some "whiny" posts of myself early in this thread when it took a bit longer for me to get my checks cashed and get my NOA, and I vividly recall checking my online bank account and this forum like a maniac and feeling frustrated when the applications of others seemed to go faster (until I forced myself to get a life again). It doesn't help anyone to hold yourself up as the gold standard, or to characterize other people's venting as "whining" or "wallowing in self-pity" -- and yes, you did that at least implicitly (Soulprovider's post explains why). There's also no need to be rude when someone takes issue with what you say (and I know you're going to ask me to point out to you where you did that so I'll respond to you that I refer to the last sentence in your 10:44 am post-- and yes I am aware that our opinions on what constitutes rudeness may differ). I do have to say though, and this is intended as a compliment, that I think you'd be a terrific lawyer-- maybe you already are!

To acouto and stillness-- my last post about trying to live your life while going through the process was written with the friendliest intentions, even if it may not have come across that way. To give some background, about two weeks ago, something really awful happened to an immediate family member (who is going to be ok but it will be a long process, I don't want to give details). Although it is difficult to maintain perspective when dealing with a seemingly arbitrary bureaucracy and your resulting sense of powerlessness, sometimes life throws something at you that forces you to do just that. Or you watch the news and see people who have just lost their children in an earthquake.

Of course, regardless of what's going on in the rest of the world, the immigration stuff is critically important to each of us, and even more so to those for whom it has been a while since the last milestone. And as I have said before, this is the best place to vent-- and sometimes that makes it better already. All I can say is that sometimes, when I feel frustrated or unhappy or mistreated, it seriously helps to just sit down, count my blessings, and remind myself that even if a lot of things are out of my hands, I can try to control how I respond. I know it's hard to do, and I don't do it often enough myself, but at least give it a try!

ours is a marriage based K-3 visa AOS. I was thinking it would be processed faster than others.......... guess i was wrong. :crying:

i am seeing people who filed in march getting greencards. Not fair

Some people on here have waited YEARS for their green cards.

You haven't even waited six months which is supposed to be the average wait time according to the USCIS.

I know there are people who have waited yearsssss..........but thats when something goes seriously wrong with the case. I am hoping thats not us or anyone else here. I was comparing my timeline with the average cases...... and I think I am allowed that. I bet when you were waiting for your case to be approved you were only monitoring the normal cases and not taking the cases which took years to be approved into account.

It is very easy to be patient and advise others when one is all done him/herself.

I know it's easy for me to tell you not to obsess and you're perfectly entitled to do so, also I know that this is the perfect place to vent and perhaps the only place where others understand the need to do so, but for your own sake, I ask you to try to chill. For what it's worth, I was very obsessed the first two weeks or so and checked about every 20 minutes to see if my check had cashed and was worried I didn't get a NOA although everybody else seemed to. Then at one point I just decided to stop worrying about it as it doesn't change anything-- and if I get my card a few months later than some others, so be it.

There are no indications that your application is headed the wrong way-- it's just not one of the super fast ones and you may have secretly hoped or expected it would be. Now get yourself away from the visa websites and do something fun with your spouse/family/friends or make plans to do so. Life is too short!

Hi,

Had my interview in NY this morning and was approved!

The lady was very nice, asked how we had met, asked where my wife worked, asked me to describe my wife. She looked at my wifes pay stubbs and employmet letter. She spent along time looking at our photos, and chatting with my wife about them. She took the joint bank account info and utilty bills as evidence.

Was slightly nervous when she asked me why I entered on AP when i was on a H1b, but the H1b has expired, she looked puzzled and not happy about this, then it was ok.

She approved me, and knowing i`d traveld recently for work asked if i needed to again soon. I will be traveling for work next week so she said she would try and stamp my passport with the 551. She went and asked her boss and came back with the stamp, stamped the passport and explained what it meant. She told my wife it was very very rare for her to give a stamp. I would be receivning the card in the mail within 60 days, likely to be 2 weeks. Explained the conditions of the green card and that was it.

Completly happy, my visa journey has been 10 years now, since i forst applied for my H1b, so happy to able to live a normal life with my wonderful wife.

cheers

Peter

Congrats Peter! So they didn't ask you whether you had worked as a prostitute in the past 10 years or engaged in illegal gambling, whether you had been a nazi, a member of a Communist Party, guilty of genocide, or were planning to overthrow the US government? I thought these questions were standard fare (I recognize some of them from applying for F-1 visas) but now I'm thinking that maybe they had some concerns about my case.

We really are more or less on the same track (not just the same office) I too started my visa journey 10 years ago, and have progressed from F-1 to H-1B and now the GC-- well, still no official approval on the USCIS website but I think I'm pretty close. It will probably get approved 1 day before our second wedding anniversary-- but I'll take it.

Why don't you have a job? It not only gives you some cash in your pocket so he can't use that over your head, but it can show you what life in the US is suppose to be like, and give you some independence.

Is there any way you can go to visit family for a long time? This could give him some time to think about it for awhile. Although personally I would never expect an abuser to change.

I dont have a job because we just got my greencard though its permanent already, we never applied for ead or ap. So we just recently applied for ssn after i got my greencard. I really want to work, i could find a job since i also graduated BS Computer Technology but my husband seem to think that this is all what im waiting for, to be able to work because after all he said im a gold digger. My god, i only want to work because i been stuck in this house for almost 2 years now and its not wrong to want to work especially when he keeps blaming me for a not financially stable life. Thats why even if he dont give me any money, i never really complain to him because i believe what he said that this is all my fault. Because he pay all his money to the uscis. Oh by the way, it still keep on going, him calling me names, just a minute ago before he go to work, him calling me dumb and that's one reason i totally lose confidence of myself. I dont believe i have courage to really face the world alone because he took all the confidence i had before. I should hate him but i still love him. He thinks he is the victim here and i am not and that i should just be grateful for what he did to me. It seems to him, i should repay everything he did for me even if it means i have to just believe in everything he said or any names he calls me. That i dont have any right to complain on the way he treated me just because he brought me here. Thanks for all the advises, im really scared to leave him. Im scared that people will be laughing at me because of a failed marriage, im scared about a lot of things. But i really appreciate all the advises. thank you

Ok, I know it's not much but let me try to make you feel a little bit better about three things. First, your written English is excellent, much better than that of many immigrants who have succeeded here. It will only get better, especially if you start working, try to read the newspaper every day, read books in English, etc. Second, please don't believe your husband when he says you're dumb-- not that a university degree necessarily equals intelligence but there are a lot of folks out there, myself included, who could never get a BS in computer technology. Third, you may mean you're afraid of the reactions in your home country which I cannot comment on, but here in the US, if people would laugh at those who had a failed marriage, there would be a lot more laughing going on (and you'd be in a huge crowd of folks that are being lauged at). As far as I can see there's very little stigma attached to being divorced in most communities.

Please get the help you need and take good care of yourself.

Yea, take a trip to Peru - it's a WONDERFUL country. I recommend Lima and Cusco (although VERY touristy) for sure. Visit M.P. - take the 4-day hike if you can.

Visit Lake Titicaca too!!!! That's so worth it - and then travel down to La Paz if you have the time/money/desire to.

Peruvian food is EXCELLENT.

edit: Rio de Janeiro is one of my favorite places, so I think you should definetly go there. Buenos Aires is a beautiful city too. There is not much to see in Uruguay (believe me, I studied for a semester in Montevideo). I mean, there are some nice beaches, but not comparable with Rio.

Aw too bad-- I just looked into the logistics of getting a permit for the Inca Trail and there are none available until the end of September. I'm going to look into other ways to go to Machu Picchu but the hike was a big draw for me. Maybe I'll put the Peru trip off until next year-- and then I'll secure the permit months in advance and plan everything around it! It does look like a great country so it remains high on my list.

I also just discovered that I actually have a bit more time than I thought -- more than 3 weeks -- so I'm now thinking about going to Argentina, initially it seemed a bit difficult to plan a good trip there in the time I had.

Anyway, as you say all of my potential destinations look great so I can't really go wrong and I'm very excited about the upcoming trip. Thanks for all your advice everyone!

Thanks all! And best wishes to fellow Feb filers bluegreen, Leafgal and Lili-- I keep my fingers crossed for you and I'm sure you'll have good news to report soon!

Receipt Number: MSC************

Application Type: I485 , APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS

Current Status: Card production ordered.

NEED I SAY MORE?

Congrats Darkhorse-- it's a good day for the Dutch! Enjoy it while it lasts because I am afraid that next week won't be so great for our country (for those of you who don't follow this: the European Championship soccer is about to begin and the Netherlands is in the so-called "group of death" with Italy and France...).

I had my interview today, in the Federal Building in NYC. The officer was very friendly. He asked how we met, asked to give him photos and other evidence, then asked whether I had worked as a prostitute in the past ten years, whether I was a communist, guilty of genocide, and planning to overthrow the US government (hard to not crack a joke at that one). He pretty much said that there were no problems and that I was going to be approved.

It wasn't clear to me whether my application was approved on the spot-- he did say I was going to be approved as he saw no problems and when I asked if there was any way to be approved after our wedding date to avoid having to file for removal of conditions (our two-year anniversary is in July) he said he could not do that and that I was going to get a conditional green card in the mail in 4-6 weeks. At the end, the officer hand wrote my alien no., today's date, his initials and something with "pending" in my passport but didn't stamp it and although he took my I-94 he didn't take my AP or EAD cards. Does anyone know what that means?

He also recommended that I don't travel until I have the green card "in case there are problems." However, I already have travel plans. In addition to his notes in my passport I still have AP and a valid H-1B so I hope I will be covered, but if anyone has any thoughts on this or some horror story of a would-be immigrant being detained on JFK in this situation I'd love to hear from you.

It has been wonderful to go through this whole process with the Visa Journey community, and I'm very impressed with the resources on this site, this forum, and the expertise of many participants (seriously, some of you should consider a career in immigration law). Thank you for everything!

Hey all!

Congrats to all new approvals!!

We came back a day later from Jamaica due to a flight cancellation and I checked my mailbox at 3am, and there was my greencard!!!!!!

Hoping my son's is not too far behind!!

Congratulations!!

Congratulations JaEnglishGirl!

I had my interview today, in the Federal Building in NYC. The officer was very friendly. He asked how we met, asked to give him photos and other evidence, then asked whether I had worked as a prostitute in the past ten years, whether I was a communist, guilty of genocide, and planning to overthrow the US government (hard to not crack a joke at that one). He pretty much said that there were no problems and that I was going to be approved. It wasn't clear to me whether my application was approved on the spot-- he did say I was going to be approved as he saw no problems and when I asked if there was any way to be approved after our wedding date to avoid having to file for removal of conditions (our two-year anniversary is in July) he said he could not do that and that I was going to get a conditional green card in the mail in 4-6 weeks. At the end, the officer hand wrote my alien no., today's date, his initials and something with "pending" in my passport but didn't stamp it and although he took my I-94 he didn't take my AP or EAD cards. I'll ask the forum community at large whether anybody knows what that means. He recommended that I don't travel until I have the green card but I figure that between his notes in my passport, the AP and my H-1B I should be able to re-enter without consequences. I guess I'll still have to wait in the slow tourist line on JFK though-- just one last time!

I hope there will be approvals and interview notices soon for everyone who is waiting. I'll definitely keep checking in!

Sorry to hijack this thread, but I'm planning to take a 2.5 week vacation in July and Peru is one of the destinations I'm considering (the others are Rio de Janeiro and surrounding area and Buenos Aires / Uruguay). Is this a good time to visit Peru? I know it's not going to be very warm but with my skin that's actually an advantage. Also, since my husband can't take time off I'll have to travel by myself, what should I prepare myself for traveling as a woman alone? I do speak a bit of Spanish and will probably pick up more when I'm there. Lastly, are there any great restaurants you can recommend in Lima or Cuzco (I'm not a very adventurous eater in terms of the animals I'll eat)? Anything other than the obvious tourist attractions that I should not miss? Thanks a lot for any responses!

Oh and Susita, which Peruvian restaurants do you recommend in NY? I only know Pio Pio, and like it.

The dollar is low, so visiting Peru isn't as great as it was in the past, but that doesn't matter to some people. It's winter now, so I personally wouldn't want to go right now, but it all depends. Cusco is cold right now, and most people end up going there to see Machu Picchu.

There are tons of great restaurants in Lima. I was sick with an intestinal infection in Cusco, so I didn't eat much there, but in Lima ... Punto Azul was fabulous (between Miraflores and San Borja somewhere, sorry) but most of the good places were little hole in the wall places whose names I can't remember. Most of the food in Lima is good...I didn't like much in Cusco. Too much starch and utilitarian food.

Just be aware. I'm very obviously gringa and I was with family but in taxis they warned me to keep my purse out of sight, not to talk to the taxi drivers et cetera. In Miraflores some crazy homeless guy grabbed my breast but there wasn't much I could do after the fact. Hold onto your purse at all times. Common sense, really.

Thank you very much Athena-- yes I'm very western European looking, live in NYC and my profession is rightly or wrongly associated with big money so I'll probably have to be quite careful including carrying my passport and one bankpass under my clothes (something I've only done when traveling by night train in Europe) and not always being honest about details like where I live, what my job is, etc. I also decided I won't let anyone buy me a drink.

The low dollar sucks-- but that's the case almost everywhere... I could stay in the US but am taking my first real break after four years of very hard work so this is my treat to myself and a way to really get away. I got excited about Peru as it seems to have a great combination of cultural history and beautiful nature-- for these reasons I am leaning toward picking Peru over the other two destinations I was considering.

Sorry to hijack this thread, but I'm planning to take a 2.5 week vacation in July and Peru is one of the destinations I'm considering (the others are Rio de Janeiro and surrounding area and Buenos Aires / Uruguay). Is this a good time to visit Peru? I know it's not going to be very warm but with my skin that's actually an advantage. Also, since my husband can't take time off I'll have to travel by myself, what should I prepare myself for traveling as a woman alone? I do speak a bit of Spanish and will probably pick up more when I'm there. Lastly, are there any great restaurants you can recommend in Lima or Cuzco (I'm not a very adventurous eater in terms of the animals I'll eat)? Anything other than the obvious tourist attractions that I should not miss? Thanks a lot for any responses!

Oh and Susita, which Peruvian restaurants do you recommend in NY? I only know Pio Pio, and like it.

The dollar is low, so visiting Peru isn't as great as it was in the past, but that doesn't matter to some people. It's winter now, so I personally wouldn't want to go right now, but it all depends. Cusco is cold right now, and most people end up going there to see Machu Picchu.

There are tons of great restaurants in Lima. I was sick with an intestinal infection in Cusco, so I didn't eat much there, but in Lima ... Punto Azul was fabulous (between Miraflores and San Borja somewhere, sorry) but most of the good places were little hole in the wall places whose names I can't remember. Most of the food in Lima is good...I didn't like much in Cusco. Too much starch and utilitarian food.

Just be aware. I'm very obviously gringa and I was with family but in taxis they warned me to keep my purse out of sight, not to talk to the taxi drivers et cetera. In Miraflores some crazy homeless guy grabbed my breast but there wasn't much I could do after the fact. Hold onto your purse at all times. Common sense, really.

Thank you very much Athena-- yes I'm very western European looking, live in NYC and my profession is rightly or wrongly associated with big money so I'll probably have to be quite careful including carrying my passport and one bankpass under my clothes (something I've only done when traveling by night train in Europe) and not always being honest about details like where I live, what my job is, etc. I also decided I won't let anyone buy me a drink.

The low dollar sucks-- but that's the case almost everywhere... I could stay in the US but am taking my first real break after four years of very hard work so this is my treat to myself and a way to really get away. I got excited about Peru as it seems to have a great combination of cultural history and beautiful nature-- for these reasons I am leaning toward picking Peru over the other two destinations I was considering.

Sorry to hijack this thread, but I'm planning to take a 2.5 week vacation in July and Peru is one of the destinations I'm considering (the others are Rio de Janeiro and surrounding area and Buenos Aires / Uruguay). Is this a good time to visit Peru? I know it's not going to be very warm but with my skin that's actually an advantage. Also, since my husband can't take time off I'll have to travel by myself, what should I prepare myself for traveling as a woman alone? I do speak a bit of Spanish and will probably pick up more when I'm there. Lastly, are there any great restaurants you can recommend in Lima or Cuzco (I'm not a very adventurous eater in terms of the animals I'll eat)? Anything other than the obvious tourist attractions that I should not miss? Thanks a lot for any responses!

Oh and Susita, which Peruvian restaurants do you recommend in NY? I only know Pio Pio, and like it.

Congrats, everyone on all the approvals, etc. And I hope those who are getting touched regularly are enjoying and appreciating the attention!! Maintian I am really pleased to hear about your EAD finally! Shawna, glad you visit home went well. AnthonyJulie, THANKS for keeping the list so organized!!

I am in Canada at the moment. I came back to sort out my apartment and my storage and visit my parents. I have to say it was kind of sad clearing up my place and preparing it for tenants:( But, I am learning something about trade-offs - my wonderful guy is a pretty great substitute for a nice apartment!

While I have been here, my SS card arrived in the mail back home (one week after my visit to the office to apply), and I received a touch recently on my I-485. Since I already have an interview date, I am REALLY hoping the touch was not because I am getting one of those cancelled interview letters....

I have a question:

If I am not approved immediately at the interview, do they take my AP papers away?? I need to travel out of the country quite soon after my interview...

Does anyone know?

I have the same question-- I'm planning to go on a long overdue vacation three weeks after the interview and my H-1B might run out as I'm about to take a leave from work (although maybe there are no visa consequences since I'm taking an unpaid leave and not quitting my employment). Hmmm I think I'll start worrying about that after the interview, if needed.

Congrats feraina that is wonderful. Sounds like a very pleasant experience.

Thanks! Hope everyone else has an easy ride too.

Some of you may remember that I was at one point wondering whether it's possible/worthwhile to maintain my husband's GC status, since I was contemplating a move to Australia for a new job. As it turned out, I got a second job offer from UCSD (and I accepted it two days ago), so we'll be moving to San Diego this summer instead! This green card came at a really good time!

Now we just need my husband to find a job in SD too, and then we'd be all set to start our new life. Well, there's still the wedding to plan, but that's a pleasure to be savored, I'm not in a huge hurry. We want to invite all of our tango friends to the wedding (and the non-tango folks too), invite a live tango orchestra, set up a tango dance floor, and dance the whole night away!

Congrats on the job too and best of luck with the move and the job hunting for your husband.

Wow all wonderful news Feraina! Best of luck with everything.

OMG AT LAST :-

Application Type: I765, APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION

Current Status: Card production ordered.

On May 21, 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.

I hope the appointment letter will be on its way soon God willing.

PMAC, yours is on it way.

That is excellent news Maintain, I am happy it has finally been approved for you.

I'm so glad for you Maintian! Great to see a post from you with the happy dance emoticon instead of the depressed one.

And congrats to everyone who got the GC approved!