ziia

Dear fellow forum dwellers,

I have a tricky situation, and really hope some of you will be able to offer valuable advice.

I will start a MBA next September. I will apply for a F-1 visa soon.

My longtime girlfriend (she's American) studies in the university I'll be going to.

(I lived in the US for many years --with a H1-B visa-- and moved abroad for professional reasons).

We've been thinking about marrying for a long time, and we planned our wedding for May. All was great, until I was told that the wedding will lead to the F-1 visa being refused. And then goodbye MBA!

I have no intent of becoming an immigrant. We plan to leave the US after my MBA and her masters (our graduation dates will be the same). Its a great country, but the world is huge and we live only once.

But I understand the immigration officer will most likely not believe me.

Is that right? Should we go through the incredible hassle of postponing the wedding?

Thanks for your time,

J

I don't have too much experience with this but yeah, the IO will most likely not believe your story. Postponing the wedding might be a good idea.

He cannot live in the UK or travel here as he is on parole for possesion of drugs and a fire arm.I was not involved or charged with any of this,but I had to get the B2 visa as I have a criminal record for petty theft 23 years ago,and the crimes of Moral Turpitude are somewhat confusing.

I'm sorry to hear about your troubles. I do agree with justashooter that you can try the k1 route. Did your boyfriend pay his taxes to the US government?

This may have been answered already but my search of forum headings didn't find it so I started a new topic - forgive me if I am repeating myself. I have just completed my N-400 then checked the Document Checklist one last time before I mailed it and it says, 'If you have answered yes to questions 1 through 15 in part 7 (time outside the United States) of form n-400 send: A written explanation on a seperate sheet of paper. - There are not 15 questions in part 7. they do the same in part 8 which in fact has 8 questions and they talk about 1 through 5. Am I going mad or is this some new form that I am missing?

Thanks - KT

I'll be glad to help you if you copy/paste the links to the web pages related to what you are saying.

I looked over the N400 instructions on the USCIS web page and I don't see what you are talking about. Though the guides on VJ are extremely helpful, they might not be updated. Follow the USCIS's web page N400 instructions.

I received a letter schedule an interview yesterday. In an interview appointment

letter with the message that the time between interviews take approximately two hours.

I would like to know that. Your have been meeting letter. Is the same?

It has to read. Some people see that just ten or fifteen minutes only.

I feel confused now.

No offense but what in the world would they have to talk to you about for 2 hours?

Do you know when you receive a receipt from USCIS that it usually says it takes 150, 200 etc days to process your application but you get the response faster than that? Well, it's the same thing. It's called formality and it's the same standard response for everyone. Don't worry about it, I'm sure you'll be done in just a few minutes.

We did bring her to the ER doctor yesteday,forgot to mention that,another appointment to the OB next week for further check up...Monday also will be her appointment for Psychological evaluation.....I dont know if the word Raped is the word to used but as what she told me..everytime they had sex he is forceful....just for instance like she watching on tv..all of the sudden he would grab here and just like I said in the previous post even when she is sick she would force her despite the word NO coz she dont feel good physically...like a different personality....and when she would tell him what his being doing,he would say...he didnt remember that....what my sister is trying to tell us that this man had two personality...she couldnt understand...sometimes he is nice and all of the sudden change his mood of behavior....unpredictable...

I believe we do the police report too...we've talked about it...thank u all GOD BLESS YOU....

rape verb

/reɪp/ v [i or T]

to force someone to have sex when they are unwilling, using violence or threatening behavior

source: http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=65455

Good luck to you.

Thank u all for the reply..it was a big help...yesterday Had to change the mailing address...and we probably go forward from here...right now she is so scared to go back...I dont want her to go back either...Im scared what he will do...He is been trying to call her thru cellphones....but my sister wont answer...she scared of him now....

What is her option right now?..The AOS was been filed already...and waiting for biometric appt.Ive been reading about this Self Petion..VAWA...Divorce?...It feel likes this marriage is falling apart....

Yesterday too..my hubby confront him on the phone...they become friends thru a mutual friend also but not that close..he told him that my sister is delusional...pretending that he havent done wrong to my sister...my sister was been silence for quite sometimes about this abused...we talked but she tried to hide everything coz she told me, she doesnt want to bother us about their problems coz we have our problems too...and that she want to worked out the marriage and she had high hopes that maybe things will change and he will change for a better....but she was wrong...

I told her..forcing you to have sex even if you say NO is against your right....developed a fear with your husband is not a healthy one....we didnt filed a police report either...my hubby think it would be best to solved the problems without police involvement....he was concern that he might be more violent if we did that...with his unpredictable behavior...we are concerned..that he would harrass us also....Im worried at the same time..coz I had a child too....

Pls...share me your wisdom about this...what is her option right now....Thank u again...GOD BLESS YOU ALL..

She is your sister, a little piece of you and she is in desperate need of help. Please take her to the doctor immediately. This is not a matter to wait out and see if she feels better a week, two weeks from now. If she is bleeding internally and it doesn't stop, she could be seriously injured. You also have to call the cops, let them know what happened. Your sister can ask for a protection order against him contacting her and if he breaks that order, he will go to jail immediately. If you are scared because you think that might get him mad and come to hurt you, not going to the police will not change the situation. On the contrary, he will see that he can get away with this kind of behavior(because you won't do anything about it) and come back for more, continuing to harass your sis.

We have laws in America and they are there for exactly these types of situations. We don't live in a 3rd world country here to be afraid to get out of the house because of people like your sister's husband. If this guy doesn't have a criminal record already(i'd be surprised) he won't come back to hurt no one after he finds out of the protection order. If he already has a record of violent behavior filed at the police station, then he'll be going to jail right away.

This is not the time to worry about her status. You know why? Because if I were to tell you that her green card can not be obtained if she's not with her husband, then what would you do? Send her back to live with him? I'm not saying that you will but this why this question is illogical and in contrary to your desperate cry for "help". It just makes what you said that happened seem less genuine. I'm not saying that what happened is not real but focusing on anything else aside her well being and safety at this moment is a little disturbing to me.

I don't mean to be harsh but please focus on giving her the medical, psychological aid she needs. Give her support and understanding and for god sake do the right thing and call the police. Worrying about what might happen tomorrow makes you freeze in position today. Wanting to live in US under these circumstances is not something I personally understand. I'm doing my best not to judge your/her intentions though. How was her husband before they got married? Your sister never suspected that something might be wrong with his head before she got here?

I'm wondering exactly what to do on the 4th of July when it rolls around. It's a light hearted question. People will be celebrating and as an Englishman I don't feel that I will be able to celebrate the true meaning of the 4th of July.

The holiday day, fair enough, but the actual reasoning, I can't. (They kicked us out, after all.)

To other immigrants from the UK, how have you dealt with it and how have you 'celebrated'?

Me, I might display the English flag and expect to get some stick.

If you can't celebrate the true meaning of the holly day, then just enjoy the holly day....meaning have some food, have some beer, enjoy the company you have, have some lighthearted laughs and let all your troubles go . Being upset on what the ancestors did does not do anybody any good....we don't live in the past, we always live in the present celebrating the future. If US is going to be your new home, it's up to you how you decide to lay your bed.

I am not exactly sure about this, but when someone replies, that gets the ball rolling.

It's my understanding, right or wrong, when the Border Patrol can't find your A-File, they create the T-file, A for Alien, T for temporary. Several months ago a person experienced major delays due to the fact the Border Patrol created two A-files for him with two different Alien numbers. Can't recall how he made out.

Just seems like one of the agencies makes an error, and we have to pay the price, suggest you contact your congressman or senator, whichever has the best immigration help for them to make an inquiry into your case. But you may want to wait a couple of weeks more first, unless they also lost your T-file.

Apparently, they keep track of when we leave and come back, a bit dense on this subject.

It happened to me. They assigned me two different A numbers, perhaps because they created 2 different files. I have no idea. The thing is that delayed the arrival of my Green Card for over one whole year. I made several infopass appointments, inquiries over inquiries, calls to the Chicago immigration office and they directed me to the California office...it was a mess, just so in the end for them to tell me they misplaced my file. They kept switching the blame from one office to another when they couldn't blame FBi anymore(I had proof my fingerprints and name check got cleared). They miraculously found it once I got the governor and my representative involved.

I'm not sure what to tell you, OP, but having to wait for a governmental agency is quite familiar and happens a lot. Give them a call and ask how much waiting is involved or just ask for your state representative's help.

Ok we are vacationing in Moldova so my wife can see her family in Aug. She has her Green Card(10yr) and her Moldova passport has been changed to her married name.. Will there be a problem with her leaving Moldova after two weeks there ? ..I ask this question because it took a Visa K-1 the first time she left, So we just don't want any surpises

Why would she have a problem? It's not like you kidnapped her or something lol. She came here on a valid K1 visa, has legal status, GC and Passport and Moldova is not a communist country . Nothing else she needs. Don't worry, have a safe flight and a beautiful vacation.

I had known from a friend that I have to changed my address and that The time to do this is within 10 days. I feel horrible for any of the consequences its been 40days now that I resided in my new address and just today after knowing the information I electronically filed AR11 to uscis. Can anybody console me? Do i have to faced a severe penalty of any amount,jail, or anything? would i be forgiven by uscis for my ignorance? I really feel so bad

File AR11 now and don't worry about it, really.

Hi all,

I'm having my interview next week and I was wondering if I need to take in state taxes along with federal? We've filed federal but haven't filed state yet. Should I do it before the interview?

Any other thoughts on the process?

Most likely the IO will only ask for the federal taxes but there is a chance for him/her o ask you for the state taxes as well. I would definitely file the taxes before the interview but not only because you have the interview. You don't want "mom'n'paps" to come knocking at your door few years down the road, trust me .

And it says:

If copies of a document were submitted as evidence with your N400 application, the originals of those documents should be brought to the interview.

My question is do they keep the original papers that i will bring to my interview or do I still need to photocopied all the originals that im bringing if in case they will ask again photocopies of the said documents?

My appointment schedule is at 7:00 AM , what time the USCIS opens?how long the interview process it will take?

My IO only asked for originals to look at. He did not require copies of anything because I already submitted copies when I sent my N400 pack. If you want to be cautious, make copies of the docs you bring with at the interview, just in case.

If your interview is scheduled at 7 a.m. then they are supposed to be "working" by then so my guess is that they open at 7 a.m. or earlier than that. Be there earlier(6:30-6:45) so you can be the first to come out as a "winner" . The interview doesn't last long. Mine took 15-20 minutes. In about 5-10 minutes you'll be done with the test and the other 10 will be spent looking through the N400 you completed and the originals of the copies you submitted. Best of luck future American

Nick, I am very surprised the IO asked your wife to keep the divorce papers. That is very strange. They should have had that already, waaaay before her N400 interview.

This is regarding a case of my sister.

She got married to a US citizen and he turned out a jerk.

To remove the conditions, she had to apply for a waiver based on extreme cruelty and she got it approved.

Her lawyer told her that she is eligible to apply for citizenship after 3 yrs of the marriage.

I saw the citizenship application but it says that she needs to be living with her husband to apply after 3 years.

Can someone please help me how I should file her application so that she can get approved?

Thanks,

If she is divorced, she is eligible to apply for Citizenship in 5 years minus 90 days from the date her first Green Card was issued.

Hi. I'm sorry to hear things didn't work out. I don't know the answer to all questions but I am from Illinois too, so here is what I know:

• 1. Am I correct in the fact that divorce, at this point, will not effect my husband's status as a ten-year greencard holder? It only means that he has to wait until he's a resident five-years to apply for citizenship (as opposed to the three if he were still married to me)?

That is correct.

2. Does anyone have any advice when it comes to do-it-yourself/uncontested divorce for the state of Illinois? Recommendations of good books/lawyers/websites/guides would be helpful. I consider myself responsible for my husband, since I brought him to the U.S. and even though our relationship isn't working, I do not plan on 'kicking him out' as he cannot support himself.

As Jim suggested, a quick google search might prove to be helpful. There are many guides online on where to go and get the papers you need and how to go step by step through the whole process. A good idea would also be for you to get a mediator. He/she will guide you through so you can do things faster and fill out the paperwork correctly.
It is very nice of you to help him and not kick him out. Illinois is absolutely a disaster of a state, in my opinion, when it comes to finding jobs. And they say Midwest should be the place for the "working class" lol. Now the job market is "moving" a little bit but on a scale compared to other states, 11.something unemployment rate(countrywide that rate went down a bit) as of last month places Chicago almost to bottom of the list with just 4 other US States. Anyhow, that's not something that important but I salute your sense of responsibility. I'm sure your ex is not happy with the situation either. Good luck to you.
In Illinois, even though you live in the same place, if you have separate rooms and have not had physical relations in 6 or more months, then you can wave the 2 years separation and get divorced. You might want to state irreconcilable differences if you want the divorce to be pronounced within a month or two.

3. Does anyone know if filing for divorce on grounds of 'adultery' could be harmful to either of us? It is a misdemeanor in Illinois, but as far as I can tell, it is not often prosecuted. I don't think we qualify for a divorce under 'no fault' in Illinois, as we still live together and I am still financially responsible for him.

Do not file on those grounds unless you want to get a lawyer and wait and wait and wait until you'll actually be divorced. Yes, you do qualify for "no fault" if you live in the same place, separate rooms. It is called separation period since the day he moved out to another room and have not had sexual contact with him.

5. If, after the divorce goes through, I do apply for a k-1 for my boyfriend, can I expect any major differences between the process the first time and the second? Do you think they will be more harsh in reviewing a second petition? Is there a higher likelyhood of interviews at the AOS/ROC level?

I don't think that you will encounter problems of any kind when you decide to get married with your UK now boyfriend, later fiance.

Good luck

be reminded that you are advising the OP to advise his GF to continue an illegal act. this is in violation of the terms of service for this site. i am sure a mod will note this, as they do monitor threads related to illegal presence.

Oh...I didn't think of it that way. It was an unintentional mistake. If I can't edit my post, I will notify the moderators myself. Thx for bringing my attention onto it.

K dont think i ever got a fuzzy feeling from people i never meet before....

JimVaPhuong, MacTO, rika60607, Vanessa&Tony...thank you so much for your answers.....

and im sorry i kinda got upset...

what happened is that her mother is about to do something that can destroy our lives.

but the problem is not that...if it wasnt that it would be something else...

Jimmy Shirley: Omg, sorry to hear that !! REALLY....

everything is fine now...as they always get..never been this confused in my whole life.

never been this lonely in my whole life..

i have ..NO idea what im doing..ALL i know for sure is, that i love her more than anything, and she feels the same. and that we BOTH want to spend the rest of our lives together, thats the first option.

but we know...that we will have a MAJOR fight in 1-2 months. and again 1-2 months..and each fight will last hours and days of pain.

things that SHOULD..for GODS SAKE TAKE 10 min to solve takes us 1 day to solve.

anyway... i hear u guys on all and how it looks like....

i can really prove the marriage is real..i really can..and we are going on our trip to see my family for the first time after all

I just...feel that if i dont look after my self..who will?

i dont want to end up on the street with 2 bags, and have to be shipped back with my tail between my legs...

the timelines and how it looks ...... i mean...the uscis REALLY can say WITHOUT ANY proofs that "You filed a divorce pretty soon after u got the GC. WHY should we give u a 10 year card? Real marriage? Not a good enough reason enough to get approved, DENIED!!!!"

????? they really can do that ???

jeez...lawyer is not an option..cant afford it

i REALLY DONT WANT TO think of these things................

but the agony and shaking and anxeity i feel when we´re fighting and she acts like she could easily through me out just like that...........

parden my language....when u realize life is a b-i tch........u see that it has puppies as well!!!!!

I have no idea of what chance you have to get approved because i'm not an immigration officer and also I can't read minds. I just wanted to say that I really feel for you, dude. Keep strong, this too shall pass and soon enough it will be a memory of the past. If you two can't stay married to one another(for whatever reasons) do not prolong it...get a divorce and then deal with everything one step at the time, the correct way and whatever happens, happens. I just want to remind you that VJ is an awesome place to ask for advices in terms of immigration. It is not a counseling place. People tend to look at time line and give advice on that. They may seem harsh but at least you should appreciate their honesty. The criticism should give you an idea of what you might face from an immigration officer BUT REMEMBER that no one here is an immigration officer and NO ONE KNOWS with certainty if you'll get approved or not. We can NOT predict your future. Your life and how it went, the whole truth and whatever, only you know and that's what matters. Don't try to guess your future because you can't and no one can do it for you either. So, ride this through, do what makes you happy, be correct and do your best, fill out the paperwork you need in case of a divorce, close your eyes and cross your fingers, bite your lips, "spit in the soup", do some kickboxing to take your mind off things, stack up on patience and hope for the best. As far as being alone, we all are...and you'll eventually get used to it just like I and most did. Sometimes it's better being alone than trapped in a crappy abusive situation with shady people you can't trust or talk to around you. Keep it up and try not to think so much...i have the feeling that thinking might be a sport for you. Sometimes it does more bad than good . Good luck

I am getting ready to file for divorce. Hubby has already said he will qualify for food stamps on his income (like his buddy). (He just received his 10 year green card after lifting conditions.) This is true, but does that mean I am going to have to pay back the government if he gets food stamps for the next 5 years? Please advise if you have any info. I know my obligation stops for citizenship, remarriage, death, or leaving the country. BUT he could milk this for a long time to come. He is perfectly able to work, but still does not make much income. Help!!!

I seriously won't let that keep me awake at night. Just focus on your divorce and getting your life back on track. The chances for the government to come after you are very slim. Good luck and take care of yourself, girl.

Am I right in thinking I can apply for my citizenship on 25/4/2011 - I received my Green Card 25/4/2008?

Also do my hubby and I need to submit tax info with the application? that part was not so clear in the guidelines.

Thanks!

If you are still married to the petitioner, you can file for citizenship 3 years minus(-) 90 days from the date you received your Green Card. If you are no longer married to him you'd have to apply after 5 years minus 90 days. Yes, the taxes are very much required. They're actually quite vital

I had brought our camera along to take photos (as had been taken for my own oath-ceremony at Hopkins Plaza in Balto) but was told at the door "no cameras, cellphones, ipods, ...by order of judge...". Not sure if if is due to integrated name-change petition (I didn't petition to change name--as it would mean much change in bank, credit-card, ...) or different in MD vs VA.

Sorry to hear that. The name change has nothing to do with taking pictures. When I took my Oath they said the same thing, no videotaping, cellphones need to be off but they were ok with us taking pictures as long as we didn't photograph the US Seal(The Eagle) and the flash of the camera had to be set on off.So no one took pictures at your Ceremony? That's strange.

Hi Everyone,

Really, there should be other things to worry about when it comes to his work as a president...

Uhmmm yeah, like...experience on the Resume concerning the job position he applied for

More positive changes need to be done about this country! Still waiting for those changes......

I do think it matters and very much so, where one is born in order to become a president of a country. It's a very vast subject to go into but i'll leave it as an opinion for now . If we go into politics, we'll never ever end this thread, I promise you that

Yep, strictly a verbal test, hopefully, your IO can speak English in an understandable fashion. Made my wife think, why me, God! But she memorized the questions and answers so well, could make out what she was asking with some clarification.

Ha, make sure you know the four men-months of the constipation that deal with boating.

I had all my questions(and answers) recoded on a cd I would listen to on my way back and forth to work. The question came first(just like in the booklet) then it was a pause for me to have time and answer it out loud and right after that it came the recorded correct answer. I totally recommend everyone does that. It makes the whole thing so easy and when you're in front of the officer, even if you're nervous or whatever, you remember everything like it's no big deal.

In the interview, do they ask a question and you answer it, or do they ask a question and they give you the choices to select from and then you answer?

The reason I ask is that makes a difference in how to study for the questions.

Thanks for you help. Have a great day.

You have to know everything by heart. They won't give you any peace of paper with choices to choose from. They ask, you answer and that's about it. You won't even have the question in front of you on a piece of paper to look at, you just hear it from them. Hope this helps.

Hey, we totally agree on that. But usually when I travel somewhere my goal is not to have an ideological standoff with an immigration officer but to be admitted into that country.

You are one stubborn man. Not too often i get to chat with people who turn and twist it, bake and shake it like you do . Don't get me wrong, it's great and what's even better about it is that you make sense and put my brain to work, so kuddos to you for that.

Logically, the officer might think i'm standoffish if he lives in a communist state of mind and has a case of unjustified power trip.If many US Passports don't have the COB on them, then the question would not arise in the first place, it will fall out of habit.

It is every person's right to decline to answer anything they don't feel comfortable answering and it's ALSO the officer's right to deny or accept me based on my cooperation at the border.

On the same note that we should spill our guts out no matter what question the POE officer asks us...what if he asks me a very personal question? And by personal I mean very personal...you get the idea. What would you do? Tell him? I would refuse to answer and that is my right. Unless he explains to me how the color of my bed sheets helps the border security, then asking me where I was born is THE SAME thing.

Hi All,

I ran across this question and I wanted to clarify...

If someone obtained a GC through marriage to a USC and they got divorced, then they wait 5 years before applying for naturalization. The document checklist M-477 (I believe) says include all documents of previous marriages but it is right under the 3 year requirements. Does this apply to all applicants or only if someone is applying based on a 3 year residency with a previous marriage? What if this person was married in their home country and before any of the AOS occurred?

Cheers!

If you're applying based on the 3 year rule, then all docs of previous marriages and divorces are needed. If instead you're using the 5 year rule, then you don't need to submit any docs about previous marriages or divorces.

nm

lol I like this pic .

So do we throw in the towel all at once or one at the time? .

Italian man, I don't know why you keep repeating this question.."what if they ask you what country you were born in?" My answer is if the COB is not in my American passport, I have a right to refuse to answer. Not lie, not deny, not approve, nothing, just decline to answer. Then those POE officers in the foreign country can let me in or not based on what I say or don't say.