ontheedge

Congrats Ontheedge, you must be so excited! And I don't think Jamerican is gonna be happy to read she's expecting, lol!

OOPS! Sorry. I impregnated the wrong person.

Hey Yardies!

I don't post a lot, but I still read and root for you guys!

Today's a special day! My hubby is FINALLY coming for good.

I'm not the neatest person in the world and he's a neat freak, so I'm frantically trying to get the house in order so he doesn't run screaming back to JA.

I am having anxiety about getting pregnant and remaining pregnant. I'm making the sacrifice to do this (I already have two kids from my previous marriage) because he's never had a child, but at 39, I felt I was pushing it until I saw Jamerican's news! Congrats lady! That gives me hope. I don't want to end up doing fertility treatments, so I'll pray that the mechanics are still working.

I'll keep you all posted on the conception trail.

BTW, CONGRATULATIONS SHREWDIE! God blessed you with a short and sweet interview. You deserve it. He'll be here sooner than you know.

-Karen

LOL - at least he decided you were worth the effort - My cousin and I are going to Atlantic City tomorrow - We got a romance package on our comp points - Hotel room, chocolates, a bottle of wine, and two tickets to a show - Guess you are supposed to use it with your SO, but Oh well, we're gonna be each other's date!

Nothing wrong with that Sus enjoy. Tomorrow me my daughter, cousin , and aunt are going out to dinner we are each other's date.

Hey Beautiful Bellas,

Just wanted to say Happy Valentines Day to all. I've been incognito for a while due to a horrific house renovation project. I think my sweetie will be coming up Feb 24 so we will finally begin the next leg of our journey.

Thanks again to everyone who has and continue to show me support!

Have a very fruitful night!

Ontheedge, I didn't realize you were in CT - me too - What part are you in?

Depending on where you are, there is a huge JA community in CT

Sus,

I'm in New Haven. Where are you?

We should get together. Have you started the process yet?

-K

Congrats girl!

When is he coming over?

Its disappointing for me, but he's thinking early March. He has to give one month's notice at his job and then will get some work done on his house and come over.

The job situation is a real bear here and I am so scared he will give up a decent job and not get one here. He's in technical/engineering field, so I told him he should be fine. Those fields always need people. He could also finish up his degree if nothing materializes right away.

I have to keep remembering that he is making a huge transition. Although he's visited many times. Its different when you live here and go through the day to day grind.

Is there a transition group or can we start one that will help our mates as they transition into a new life here?

congrats ontheedge!!

Thanks. I'm so glad its all over. Now the hard part, helping him find a job here. He has a good position in JA, and his parents are truly scared that he won't find one here.

-K

Sending best wishes to Ontheedge for today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YES!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you ladies!!! It's finally done. Ontheedge is overtheedge now!

It feels so surreal!

Here's my experience:

I flew to mbj on Saturday, visited with his parents and my grandmother and my uncles in St. Elizabeth and then we drove up to Kingston on Sunday afternoon. We stayed at Christar Villas and planned to walk to the embassy, but it looked like a hike, so G drove up and parked at a makeshift lot right across the street. You pay $300 Jamaican and your car is pretty much safe. We got there at 7 a.m. There were two lines in opposite directions, both lines fed into the embassy entrance. After standing in the longer line for a few minutes, we realized this was the line for visitor visas and that the the opposite line was for family-based visa appointments. Don't listen to the chicks in the yellow shirts. The guys in the black shirts know more of what's going on. The women were telling us it was based only on appointment time.

We went through security and went on another line and handed one of the officers our appointment letter and went into the waiting area. We got into the waiting area at about 8 am for our 9 am appointment time. (G strongly believed that it was first-come first-served.) We ended up waiting until around 10:30 a.m. to get called to the first window. The lady verified the info and told us we'd be called back up again.

This long wait allowed us to hear some of the questions other couples and family visa applicants were being asked. The young blond woman with the attitude was there living up to her reputation. She asked people some pretty rude and intrusive questions. "Have you ever been arrested?" "Are you sure about that," "Do you plan on being in trouble with the law?" She turned down one man who couldn't remember the names of his step kids and told him to bring his wife back.

I prayed she wouldn't be our interviewer.

She also turned down a lot of people applying for fiance visas. She requested that the fiance come back with them. She also told many children to come back when DNA had been confirmed.

Many couples were asked to speak into a phone separately. One interracial couple brought their gorgeous baby with them. This still didn't seem to be enough proof of their commitment to each other for the blond B. She asked them many questions separately for at least 20 minutes. They had a huge wedding album and a screaming baby. They finally got approved.

**Please know that they are watching you before you even go up for the interview. The waiting area has a camera. They've probably already made up their minds before you get up to the window. So if you go in there and don't interact with each other (even if its out of nervousness) they will notice.

Our second call up to the window was by another agent. My prayers had been answered. The blond woman didn't have our fate in her hands.

Our agent asked very few questions, mostly of me. "When did you get divorced?" I told her five years ago and she also asked whether I was born in Jamaica. I told her I had been. She barely asked G any questions. When did you meet? How long have you known each other? She also asked for proof of our relationship. She barely looked at the album we slipped under the window.

She had a smile on her face the whole time. We didn't get asked any questions separately. We didn't even have to lift up the phone.

She congratulated him and sent him to the DHL desk.

He'll pick it up in Mobay in two weeks.

I was expecting them to ask for the second copy of the Police certificate but they didn't.

When do we get our originals back???

I think the experience varies based on which agent gets your case. It might not have been so easy if the blond woman had been our agent.

Good luck to everyone waiting for the interview.

Advice: Have a positive attitude and try not to show nervousness.

-K

***Also, The drama with the medical ended well. He picked it up on the 9th. and brought Mrs. Armstrong a box full of fruits and vegetables from the country as a thank you.

Sending best wishes to Ontheedge for today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YES!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you ladies!!! It's finally done. Ontheedge is overtheedge now!

It feels so surreal!

Here's my experience:

I flew to mbj on Saturday, visited with his parents and my grandmother and my uncles in St. Elizabeth and then we drove up to Kingston on Sunday afternoon. We stayed at Christar Villas and planned to walk to the embassy, but it looked like a hike, so G drove up and parked at a makeshift lot right across the street. You pay $300 Jamaican and your car is pretty much safe. We got there at 7 a.m. There were two lines in opposite directions, both lines fed into the embassy entrance. After standing in the longer line for a few minutes, we realized this was the line for visitor visas and that the the opposite line was for family-based visa appointments. Don't listen to the chicks in the yellow shirts. The guys in the black shirts know more of what's going on. The women were telling us it was based only on appointment time.

We went through security and went on another line and handed one of the officers our appointment letter and went into the waiting area. We got into the waiting area at about 8 am for our 9 am appointment time. (G strongly believed that it was first-come first-served.) We ended up waiting until around 10:30 a.m. to get called to the first window. The lady verified the info and told us we'd be called back up again.

This long wait allowed us to hear some of the questions other couples and family visa applicants were being asked. The young blond woman with the attitude was there living up to her reputation. She asked people some pretty rude and intrusive questions. "Have you ever been arrested?" "Are you sure about that," "Do you plan on being in trouble with the law?" She turned down one man who couldn't remember the names of his step kids and told him to bring his wife back.

I prayed she wouldn't be our interviewer.

She also turned down a lot of people applying for fiance visas. She requested that the fiance come back with them. She also told many children to come back when DNA had been confirmed.

Many couples were asked to speak into a phone separately. One interracial couple brought their gorgeous baby with them. This still didn't seem to be enough proof of their commitment to each other for the blond B. She asked them many questions separately for at least 20 minutes. They had a huge wedding album and a screaming baby. They finally got approved.

**Please know that they are watching you before you even go up for the interview. The waiting area has a camera. They've probably already made up their minds before you get up to the window. So if you go in there and don't interact with each other (even if its out of nervousness) they will notice.

Our second call up to the window was by another agent. My prayers had been answered. The blond woman didn't have our fate in her hands.

Our agent asked very few questions, mostly of me. "When did you get divorced?" I told her five years ago and she also asked whether I was born in Jamaica. I told her I had been. She barely asked G any questions. When did you meet? How long have you known each other? She also asked for proof of our relationship. She barely looked at the album we slipped under the window.

She had a smile on her face the whole time. We didn't get asked any questions separately. We didn't even have to lift up the phone.

She congratulated him and sent him to the DHL desk.

He'll pick it up in Mobay in two weeks.

I was expecting them to ask for the second copy of the Police certificate but they didn't.

When do we get our originals back???

I think the experience varies based on which agent gets your case. It might not have been so easy if the blond woman had been our agent.

Good luck to everyone waiting for the interview.

Advice: Have a positive attitude and try not to show nervousness.

-K

2009 Yardie Interview Schedule

Member Name --- Visa ---- Date Case Complete --- Interview Assigned on --- Interview Date

Ontheedge------ CR1 ---------- 09/30/08 -------------- 11/24/08 ------------- 01/12/09 (9am)

LadyT---------- CR1 ---------- 09/23/08 -------------- --/--/-- ------------- 01/21/09

IslandWoman---- K1 ----------- --/--/-- -------------- --/--/-- ------------- 01/22/09 (9am)

made2luvg------ CR1 ---------- 10/07/08 -------------- xx/xx/xx ------------- xx/xx/xx

Pecky---------- CR1 ---------- 10/10/08 -------------- 01/06/09 ------------- 02/18/09 (730am)

Shrewdgal------ CR1 ---------- 10/28/08 -------------- 01/06/09 ------------- 02/19/09 (830am)

Meliss3108----- CR1 ---------- 11/18/08 -------------- xx/xx/xx ------------- xx/xx/xx

Shellybelly07-- CR1 ---------- 11/18/08 -------------- xx/xx/xx ------------- xx/xx/xx

Islanddream---- CR1 ---------- 12/05/08 -------------- xx/xx/xx ------------- xx/xx/xx

CONGRATS! Shrewdie and Pecky. You could probably go for Valentines. Good luck!

I'm getting pretty nervous! Especially since we won't know if the medical will be ready to be picked up on Friday!!

Word of advice to all...Schedule your medicals ASAP and if they give you a date that is too close to the interview date, try to get one sooner. You will have less heart stress.

My hubby had to "fren up" the woman in charge. Mrs. Osbourne I believe. As long as im don't get too frenly and it works, then i'm fine wid it.

I'll be sure to give you guys a detailed report on Jan. 14. I won't be bringing my laptop.

Take Care!!!

Ditto! I certainly understand your frustration. However, under no circumstance should you cancel the interview. Try to see if your husband can pick up the medical results in person. The Embassy will accept it as long as the envelope remains sealed. In the event that the medical isn't ready, still go to the interview. Worst case scenario: Your hubby may be given a pink slip. As long as he has a clean bill of health, he will be approved at a later date. Try to enjoy your holiday.

Thanks for the support you guys! I will be sure to keep the interview date.

They said its 14 days for him to pick it up. I hope it is ready for him to pick up by the 9th. So frustrating! I hope a miracle happens and its ready. They should expedite or do something!

Having lived in Jamaica early in life and experienced the painfully slow bureaucracy first-hand, I really should have been more prepared for this. But I thought you could only schedule the interview when you knew the interview date.

Oh well.

I'm glad you allowed me to vent! You are all truly wonderful women!

Your responses made me feel better!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I'll keep everyone posted on the outcome and on how the interview goes.

Help Me Yardies!

My hubby had his medical done today in Mobay, but he was told it might not be ready for the Jan. 12 interview date.

We scheduled the medical as soon as we got interview date. They knew about our interview date, but still gave him a Dec. 30 medical.

Now they're saying they would need 14 working days. I can't believe this will derail our plans. After waiting for almost 14 months, we might have to reschedule the interview!! Can't believe it!

Any advice would be great.

-Karen

2009 Yardie Interview Schedule

Member Name --- Visa ---- Date Case Complete --- Interview Assigned on --- Interview Date

Ontheedge------ CR1 ---------- 12/01/08 -------------- 09/12/08 ------------- 01/12/09 (9am)

LadyT---------- CR1 ---------- 09/23/08 -------------- --/--/-- ------------- 01/21/09

Pecky---------- CR1 ---------- 10/10/08 -------------- xx/xx/xx ------------- xx/xx/xx

Shrewdgal------ CR1 ---------- 10/28/08 -------------- xx/xx/xx ------------- xx/xx/xx

Hi Marie,

Thanks for doing this. Slight change: I got case complete Sept. 30 and Interview assigned on 11/24

All the best,

Karen

Thanks Pecky! I hope you and Shrewdie get Jan dates too.

JGay, I'm praying that the interview will be a breeze.

Can you please give me a rundown of the steps for the Medical. Should he just call the Mobay place to set an appointment?

Let me know the procedures step by step.

Thanks,

Karen

He can call now to make an appointment for the medical...just make sure they give you a date that is about two weeks before your interview so you can get it in time to pick up...remember always opt to pick it up the medical rather than have them mail it to the embassy for you...you also need your interview letter for the medical...mine came in the mail about 9 days after I got my date and hubby's received his about 15 days after we got the date and it was in time for the medical...on the interview letter they give you a website to go to to print out the medical form and items you should bring to the interview....the website is www.immigrantvisas.state.gov.....also make sure your husband brings 4 passport size pictures, his passport, the medical form filled out, and his immunization card, if he has one, to the medical...that should be it...when he calls for the medical just let them know that it is for a visa and then the will transfer you to someone else and they will ask you what date is your interview...

Thanks JGay. This is Extremely helpful. Good Luck!!

-Karen

Thanks Pecky! I hope you and Shrewdie get Jan dates too.

JGay, I'm praying that the interview will be a breeze.

Can you please give me a rundown of the steps for the Medical. Should he just call the Mobay place to set an appointment?

Let me know the procedures step by step.

Thanks,

Karen

JGay, how are you doing? Tomorrow is the big day!!!

Doing great.... ....my husband is leaving soon to go by his sister today since she doesn't live to far from the embassy...about 45mins away...We went over the things he definitely can not forget to bring like his passport pics, medical, interview letter, and his passport...then he has his binder of evidence...we are going to go over some questions they might ask tonight...I'm kinda nervous though...he is too...but I told him as long as you speak the truth they should be nothing to worry about....

I GOT AN INTERVIEW!!!!!

January 12

Thanks to everyone who has offered advice and help along this horrible process.

Shrewdie,

I am praying hard for You!! I want us to celebrate together in Jan.

-Karen

I FINALLY GOT AN INTERVIEW!!!

January 12 at 9 a.m.!!!!

Thanks to everyone for prayers, help and advice!!

any news anybody?

when is the next time they schedule interviews?

I got excited when I saw your post, thought we had news!!

You're next with the news, I feel it!!! Have you tried calling?

no, but i know ontheedge is a month ahead of me adn she didnt get an interview date for december

pecky is about 2 weeks ahead of me and didnt get one either

Im praying hard for a january interview!

I know. The next time they schedule is technically the second week in December, but I'll still call once a week anyway to see if something has changed.

New Appointment System at the US Embassy in Jamaica. Do you guys know how this will affect us?

Here's the full story from Friday, Nov. 14 Jamaica Observer: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/2...MENT_SYSTEM.asp

I called this morning and the guy said, "unfortunately your case has not been scheduled for December!!!" I hate this process with a passion! I have never felt so powerless in my life.

Seems as though only a few cases have been scheduled for December. Taking into account the Holidays!!!

Guys, Pick up a copy of December/January JAMROCK Magazine if you can. I have an article in there about dealing with stress compounded by relatives at the holidays. Don't think its on newstands yet, but keep a lookout. I'll be taking my own advice.

-Karen

Since she's been careful not to actually apply for the visa, there's not much you can do. Maybe start a blog about your experience to warn other men. Marriage agency would have been a red flag.

Good luck and I hope you find true love.

GUESS WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE GOT AN INTERVIEW DATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....................DEC 3rd at 7:30am.......Thanks to Shrewgal she put it in my head to call since dates were given out for Dec already....yeah....i am soo happy...hubby is in school and has his phone locked off so can't even tell him the good news until 9:pm tonight.......he is going to be so estatic...well not really since he is a JA man...nothing excites him...

Thanks everyone for your prayers and well wishes.....

OMG!!! Congratulations!!!! I've been praying for you guys!

Your timeline seemed even more unfair than mine.

Gorgeous couple by the way!

Good luck on the interview.

-Karin

Hey guys. Can anyone recommend a good web site that I can purchase a one way ticket from MBJ to the US? I want to buy it for my fiance. I would like his port of entry to be JFK so he can try to get an EAD...

Mobissimo.com and farecast.com both let you buy tickets from mbj.

-Karin

October Yardies

Name

SunnyJa

Dates

10/4/08-10/16/08

Location

Ocho Rios - Private Villa in Mammee Bay

Purpose

Interview 10/7

Name

Islandwoman

Dates

10/10/08-10/15/08

Location

Hanover/family - Ocho Rios - Sandcastles

Purpose

Visiting - vacation - ???

Name

Honeychild

Dates

10/13- 10/19/08

Location

Ocho Rios- Fishermans

Purpose

Rooksin...( j/k...ummm vacation and visits)

Name

MrsPalmer

Dates

10/13-10/19

Location

Montego Bay-El Greco Resort

Purpose

1st Wedding Anniversary

Name

Journee1125

Dates

10/13/08- 11/03/08

Location

Negril

Purpose

SO Bday Party is 11/01/08

Name

solsoeur

Dates

10/17 thru 10/21

Location

Negril

Purpose

Visiting/Vacation

Name

Marlita

Dates

10/18 thru 10/22

Location

Kingston

Purpose

Interview 10/21

Name

Forbes

Dates

10/19 to 10/23

Location

Kingston - Alhambra Inn

Purpose

Interview 10/21

Name

Jski

Dates

10/20-10/23

Location

Kingston/Liguanea - with her family

Purpose

Interview - but this might be postponed??

Name

Marie87

Dates

10/21-10/28

Location

Manchester/Negril

Purpose

Wedding/Family

November Yardies:

Name

Roxcie-Joe

Dates

11/04/2008-12/3/2008

Location

Kingston

Purpose

Conjugal Visits

Name

MSNELLY

Dates

11/13/2008-11/19/2008

Location

Negril-Rondell Village

Purpose

Vacation-Visiting

Name

Unruly Gal

Dates

11/16/2008 - 11/25/2008

Location

Negril -- Samsara (probably)

Roehampton (outside Montego Bay)

Purpose

Celebrate our first anniversary (dating)

December Yardies:

Name

Journee1125

Dates

12/1/08- 12/15/08

Location

Negril

Purpose

My Bday Party is 12/06/08

Name

Sus

Dates

12/26/2008-1/6/2009

Location

Unknown yet, lol - Maybe Portland

Purpose

My birthday!, Conjugal Visits, relaxation, maybe wedding...........

2009 Yardies

Name

Tonya

Dates

1/09/2009-1/21/2009

Location

Maybe Negril and Ochi

Purpose

My birthday!, Conjugal Visits, relaxation, maybe wedding...........

Name

Trelawny

Dates

06/19/2009-07/12/2009

Location

Trelawny, St. James, St. Ann, St. Andrew, St. Elizabeth, Westermoreland and St. Thomas, Hanover, Clarendon, Manchester, St. Mary

Purpose

Mi no now yet...wen mi find out mi we mek unuh know

Name

Ryon4life

Dates

11/8/08- 11/12/08

Location

Breezes Runaway Bay Resort & Golf Club

Purpose

SO Birthday

Just got a great deal at farecast.com.

Oct. 31-Nov. 3

Short and sweet trip.

His house or anywhere other than El Greco

I'd find the cheapest tickets I could and stay with him.

Thanks for all the advice and support.

I'm thinking beginning of November I'll steal some time and go see him. Phone sex can only do so much.

isn't that the truth...just gotta do it... it is all worth it

Okay. I booked it. Oct. 31-Nov. 3 (Gotta come back for the big vote!)

I got a hella deal on Farecast.com. $352 roundtrip, nonstop. They must have heard my whining about the cost.

Now let's see if my ex or my mom will babysit.

-K

I know. Its so hard to judge, but its harder for me to visit. He has more time off from work, but the relationship needs tending to after a three month separation. I guess I'll have to pay the money and go. Some things are priceless.

How do you keep the relationship going with so many stressors/obstacles???

Hi Karin -

I have seen stories of successful visits, I have seen stories of not so successful trips - I don't think anyone can predict whether it is okay or not - it's the luck of the draw and the mood of the immigration officer on that day.

I know it can be really hard sometimes. My SO and I were separated for 5 years and he didn't have a visitors visa. He got denied twice. So I always had to travel down there. It's definitely hard..all I can say is stick to it. And be understanding to him and ask that he be understanding of you with the long distance thing.

Wow! I feel bad for complaining about my situation. How has your SO adapted to life here? My hubby is leaving a relatively decent job and is scared about finding another one here, especially in this economic downturn.