chuckb

Why can't grandpa marry grandma? not his grand-daughter.

Simple question with a simple answer, because grandpa CAN marry a pinay grand-daughter....they're so desperate over there it doesnt matter what he looks like or how old he is, as long as she can get to U.S. and he's a big fat wallet to boot, then when he kicks it she gets all his money and shes in the U.S. Sick, I know, but thats the way it is, some folks will go to no lengths to have a young trophy wife on their arm. I've seen some of the pics on here and its borderline child molestation.

so you're saying that all pinays that marry much older men are desperate golder diggers... interesting.

Yeah you could say that, what other reason? Old sagging b@lls? Yeah thats really attractive... and what could they possibly have in common anyway, a 20 something with a 40 something is odd but acceptable, but a 20 something with a 60 something is never real, don't care what anyone says, its not normal. It's just sick.

Things that are different make others uncomfortable. Tis a shame that so many people are ready to judge others based on their comfort zone.

When I was in the Embassy in Manila waiting for wifes interview, I met one of the nicest girls. She was so pretty I hardly think she could qualify for desperate anywhere. Her Fiance was in his 60's, she was 29 never married. They met in a Coffee Shop, and believe it or not fell in love. Yeah, that's an age spread! Who am I to judge?

My wife is 17 years younger than I am. Perhaps you classify me as strange too. My wife was hardly desparate, didn't have any thoughts about wanting to come to the US, and very pretty IHMO. She wasn't looking for money either, we had that talk, and I thought she was going to cry because I implied she was a money grubber. Quite simply we met and fell in love, believe in love at first sight? I didn't before I met her. She had many others courting her at the time we met, some with a lot more money.

We courted for several years, and are very happily married today. I don't think I could ever find another soulmate. Maybe, but most people don't find that kind of relationship once, much less twice.

Oh yes, if that's what you are into, an 18 year old wife is obtainable. I personally wouldn't want to go through the growing up pains again! (That's a bit judgemental.) But then again, it might be the best thing that ever happened. All I'm saying is that things aren't always what they appear. Who are any of us to call it sick, or a trophy wife, etc. It is what it is...

Chuck B.

I keep hearing about this form but when i got my package from the consulate it did not include one and the instructions i recieved does not refer to this form they just refer to ds230 part 1 to be returned and ds160 to be done online . my package has a ds 156k page that says use with ds 156 . is that a problem or is that form just for certain situations i'm not getting a reply from the consulate so i just did what instructions said

http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/form_ds160.html

The above site says that the DS-160 will eventually replace the DS-156, is being used now at some consulates, and eventually replaces the DS-156K as well. I'm not sure why DS-230 Immigrant Visa App, but the K-1 visa is a little strange anyway. Looks like you are OK to me, but what do I know.

Good Luck

Crazy world out there. I still say the less government or anyone else is involved in what I say or do, the better. Why would anyone subject themselves to the "process" unless they really know that what they want is waiting at the end? I would never want to go through the BS again. But then maybe I am one of the lucky ones that will never have to do it again.

There are good reasons for prenups. I just think it's a personal choice, and in some cases, a neccessity. Someone before made a very good case for that...

I don't want any more regulation of my life and choices by the government than is already in place, less if I had my way! Even if it might be for my own good. Who is better qualified than myself to make decisions that affect my own life? I firmly believe that prenups are a personal choice, and should remain that way.

I decided that after two divorces and getting taken to the cleaners the second time, not that I was real happy about the first outcome either, that I would never marry again without a Prenup. If I ever married again It is just plain stupid to let the courts do to you what they do, when there is a way to avoid it.

Guess what, when I found the one I truely wanted to be with, and knew it in my heart and soul, none of the material BS mattered. We talked about the con games that do happen, and that simply didn't apply to us. No Prenup, if I hadn't been young and stupid, I would have had prenups for the first marriages.

Our relationship is based on love, understanding, and trust. It's a much better way to live than before. While I didn't realize it during the other marriages, the trust, or the love and understanding part was lacking. It takes all three ingredients to truely be happy. They say that it takes a lot of effort to make a marriage work. I say that if you really have love, understanding, and trust in a marriage the effort comes naturally. Who needs a prenup?

This has been one long journey I must say. Today my wife and I received notification that she is scheduled for a interview next month to establish her permenant residency and obtain the card.

The problem is that I am a victim of this economic crisis and the company that I was working for went out of business at the end of September. I just recently started receiving unemployment benefits and have been seeking other types of employment in the mean time with no luck.

My question to this forum is does my unemployment checks count as part of our income for immigration purposes, we are a family of 6 people and need to be earning at least $40.825 annually in order to meet the guidelines for the affidavit of support for the State of Hawaii? My wife does work but only earns $26.000 annually which will not be enough unless immigration counts my unemployment benefits.

I don't want to ask immigration this question directly for I know that they will quote me directly what the rules are for the affidavit of support. Prior to being let go by my company I was earning close to $75.000 yearly. I want be able to produce a letter from my employer because there isn't one .

Any suggestion outside of just taking a $300 per week job right now in order to get this interview over with?

When you filed, you had the documentation to show that you met the requirements, as I understand your situation. I doubt that anyone will ask any questions. Hope for the best, but tell the truth if asked. You have the potential to meet the requirements, that should be good enough. Don't go out of your way to tell them anything they don't need to know. You should be OK, Just tell the truth if asked.

From the USCIS site:

Citizenship of Children

The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees citizenship at birth to almost all individuals born in the United States or in U.S. jurisdictions, according to the principle of jus soli. Certain individuals born in the United States, such as children of foreign heads of state or children of foreign diplomats, do not obtain U.S. citizenship under jus soli.

Certain individuals born outside of the United States are born citizens because of their parents, according to the principle of jus sanguinis (which holds that the country of citizenship of a child is the same as that of his / her parents). The U.S. Congress is responsible for enacting laws that determine how citizenship is conveyed by a U.S. citizen parent or parents according to the principle of jus sanguinis. These laws are contained in the Immigration and Nationality Act.

In addition, Each year, many people adopt children from outside the U.S. The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (CCA) grants those children the ability to automatically become U.S. citizens when they immigrate to the United States.

---

That really clears things up! I don't think the CCA of 2000 applies because this isn't an adopted child. However, you stated that it applies to more than adopted children, so I may be wrong.

A CR-2 visa is a Conditional Resident Visa. This is based on the length of Marriage. If less than two years, then It is a CR-2, if more, then it should be an IR-2 visa. Since your wife is a USC, why is marriage being considered? It could be because of residency requirements, but I'm not sure. In any case, I think that the GC is supposed to show up in the mail before the visa expires, and all you should need to do is keep it current.

The catch is that the CR-2 would require a petition to remove conditions, in two years. The IR-1 should give you a Permanent Resident card good for ten years. Maybe, it doesn't really matter, because with the GC you should be able to get her citizenship as soon as she gets here.

Somebody help me out, I'm doing the IR-2 route for my step-daughter, but this is not quite the same situation.

You mentioned that your wife is a USC, are you? What is your status? If you are both USC, and the child is yours, then I think that the process should have been much easier. I think that there might have been an easier path. In any case, I think you are in good shape based on what you have said so far...

Chuck B.

Then check "Married", Separated is NOT divorced, and NOT free-to marry. A person that is separated is still married to their spouse.

Thank you very much.

Yeah, a fine point, but yeah.

05/2000 to present is fine.

Agreed on that. That's what we did...

OK, very well explained! Thanks!

To be able to file under the 3 year rule she would have to be still married to the USC and still living with the USC, as she is now divorced she can not apply for citizenship until she has been a LPR for 5 years and meets all the other conditions of citizenship.

That is my understanding of the "law." Far be it for me to understand it...

Hi, Everyone! This question is for a friend. She has been a LPR for 3 years and been married for 3 1/2 years but now divorce, is she eligible to apply for citizenship? Thanks!

She must have the GC for ten years, no conditional stuff. Why not?

I believe that you have to wait for five years if not married to a USC, to file, but as long as legal for any reason...

Awww, that's so heartbreaking. Welcome to visajourney. If you need any UK specific advice, don't hesitate to send me a message. The guides here are incredibly helpful and the people are really friendly.

hi a question for you or anyone to answer....when Kara files I-129 in USA bo i need to send over my documents to her in original form or photocopies?

Ouch, tough question! Some of them need to be original, and others don't. I'm trying to remember what is required, and the requirements have changed since I filed mine... I helped on one recently, though....

The G-325a can be signed by the petitioner as the petitioner according to the USCIS help line, for the fiance.

Pictures, well I'd think original!

Anything else, I'd think photocopies would be fine. For the I-129f I can't remember any other requirements, till the Interview. Maybe I'm geting old...

thanks chuck

you can order a copy of the filed return or a transcript

transcript is free copy of return is 40 bucks

Learn something new everyday! Ah, life is good!

As the other posters said a transcript is fine. I've only made copies of my returns, which requires the W2 forms, a transcript does not...

Chuck B.

I just got my approval for i 129f petition well got it online not in the mail yet but has been sent just wondering what to expect next and best steps to take i am starting to gather my financial stuff but had some questions on what i should gather

i have a copy of tax transcript from 2007 but not actual return should i order the actual return

i dont have a savings other than 401 do i just put whats in my checking account or do i need to gather info on my 401

my work info should be pretty ez

any help on what to expect next is appreciated

You need to show you are above poverty level either earnings or assets or a combination of both (try not to confuse them if you can help it!). Using Assets, you have to show at least three years of poverty level. I-134 if I remember correctly is 100%. I'd still be prepared to show at least 125% of poverty level. You have to show that for the AOS and the I-864 eventually. If you can show it on earnings, I wouldn't worry about Assets. Transcripts are fine, would be better if you had three years of tax return data, but if I recall, not required fo the I-134. You'll need it later though...

Thought you could only order a transcript of a return? Maybe I'm missing something...

Chuck B.

What a tough break, my sympathies.

I totally agree with telling the truth to any Immigration Officer. If you don't, it may bite you someday, but it's only what you tell them that can hurt you. If they don't ask, you don't need to tell. Be it right or wrong, this is true in almost any situation.

I know, some people think that this is the same as lying, but we all do this in some way or another. You have to know where to draw the line, your self interests are at stake. Be truthful, but don't tell all you know, especially if it will likely hurt you, as it did in this case.

If they ask a direct question that hurts your situation, then so be it. Likely, an honest answer will earn you respect, and maybe a chance, because you aren't hiding anything. You just demonstrated that.

As PSHBRK said, there is "truth", and then there is "truth."

Just don't understan why on earth in USA, they charge for incoming calls and incoming text messages

I am not much of a phone person, but still charging for incoming is sooo wrong.

Because people are willing to pay for them.

If you don't want to be charged for incoming services, do not give out your phone number and/or keep your phone turned off unless making a call. Not too hard.

I have no choice to text him as it costs a lot to call to his country!

You have plenty of choice. You could not call! You could send e-mail. You could record a voice message and send THAT e-mail. You could use Skype....plenty of choices...you simply don't choose them.

Wow, Nigeria isn't as bad as some countries. Rebtel shows 9.9 cents to a landline, 19.9 to a Cell is a little high though.

Yeah, if you have broadband service calls can be cheap, I don't know if it's available. I agree about Cell calls both incoming and outgoing being charged sucks. It's always been that way in the US far as I know. Most other countries don't charge for incoming calls. Look out for outgoing though! I think it was a marketing test that went amok, or everyone would pay for both ways. It's a matter of bandwith no matter what, and paying for the investment.

Exactly why am I being quoted?

I said I knew people that RAVE about MJ, and just gave my own experience with VOIP.

Did I somehow offend?

It just happened to be the last post and I replied. Certainly I'm not offended, are you?

Sucks when there really isn't anyone to vote for that really inspires confidence, doesn't it...

I'm not looking for a debate, just expressing my humble opinion!

The last election wasn't much different, except I was sure who would not get my vote. This is a big country, and this is the best we can do for canditates?

we can have the detail bill calls from the magicjack

I really don't know about detailed billing. MJ offers international calling and supposedly it's ATT, though they can't legally say that, so they say. I've never used it, if the cost was lower, I would. It's comparable or lower than most International rates, but not as low as Rebtel.

I use mine to dial a local phone number that connects in the Philippines where one of the MJ's is located. They can call the US for free, and I can call them for free.

If you are looking for International calling and detailed billing, I use Rebtel, it's cheaper to the Philippines. I don't know about for you. You can check at: www.rebtel.com

Good Luck,

Magikjack is just another flavor of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP).

They've been around for years. A local mechanic raves about his.

I was an early adoptor to Vonage, and didn't like it because of the subscription service.

Currently I use Skype, and have rarely been disappointed.

The only time I can remember being disappointed was when I was using it in France

to call NVC. Took many calls to get through, and then I was on hold, and in the middle of talking to

a supervisor at NVC (we know that's not always easy) the call dropped.

Could've been the internet connection, could've happened with any VOIP

...so I really can't blame Skype...but it was a major disappointment.

All that the original poster said is out there on the internet, and more... Does any company advertise shortcomings of a product? The best I'd hope for is to read the fine print, and make my decisions based on that. It's there, but not necessarily in a form uncomplimentary to the product. There are raving reviews, and scathing reviews. I chose to think that if there are people happy with it, I might be happy too. After all it's cheap.

BTW, I'm not associated with MJ in any way, I just own two of them. Where else can you get free calls to the Philippines at this price? I'm all for saving money...

That said, you get what you pay for. At the price, it can't be beat. You want a live rep on the phone, you have to pay for it, at the MJ price, what do you expect? The Tech Chat support is better than nothing, and surprise to me, actually pretty good. My only real complaint is that it is difficult, if not impossible, to get back to the same person that you explained the problem to five minutes ago.

Yeah, I've had problems. The Tech Chat can be frustrating. It took me Months to finally get one of them working properly. For the record, it wasn't all MJ's problem. I had several problems. I finally got the problematic MJ replaced, along with a faulty powered USB hub, and I love it, it works. I'm still not totally convinced that the original MJ was defective, but I don't really care, it's working!

The second MJ has never given me any problems. Of course, you have to have a computer up and running all the time. That's not always easy in the Philippines...

For what you are paying for, free calls to anywhere in the US and Canada, from the Philippines? Free calls to the Philippines to a local number? For my buck, I'll take it, even though I'd like a service more like Vonage! I don't want to pay for it though...

For what it is worth, I asked one of the Tech Chat people if they were going to come out with a Server version of the MJ. (Just connects to the Ethernet, No computer required.) They assured me that in the future they will make one. Assuming the cost is reasonable, Vonage will have a run for their money!

I also use skype, it is very reliable, and has some really cool features (that I'll probably never use). It's really a good way to go, but it requires a computer up and running too, near as I can tell, correct me if I'm wrong. My Skype phone is a USB phone. I hate the phone, but like the service. It's also about $100 a year for about the same service I get with the MJ. Lets see, two MJ's with the five year service option, about $200. Skype for one year on two computers, about $200...

That's my two cents worth...

Chuck B.

At five yeras old, most children live at the moment so I am sure she will be just fine. She will probably miss familiar faces but as long as her Mom and you are there her adjustment period will be easy.

My two nieces arrived here on a K2 visa, they were 14 and 16 respectively. It was hard for them to adjust school because the system is quite different. Back in the Philippines we graduate high school at age 16 but here its 18 and because they have already school records, it has to be evaluated and compared to the subjects here. They wanted to go back but eventually they adjusted less than a year and are happier now. The eldest have several admirers and have crushes, lol. So far they are doing good and looking forward to playing in the snow again.

Goodluck, I am sure your family will be just fine.

I'm quite sure she will do well, that would be a good age to adapt to the US. We have three that came here at ages 8,9, & 10, three years ago.

The oldest spoke English reasonably well, and read English enough to understand the basics. Her schooling was private, and somewhat better than the schooling the younger two got. She is excelling in our schools, her English vocabulary is somewhat limited (as expected). She hits me up for words that I have to break out the dictionary the explain them, so I don't think vocabulary is a problem. She gets mostly all A's, on the Honor roll, and all that.

The younger two understood a little English, but reading it wasn't happening. After three years, they are still having some difficulties with reading comprehension, but their spoken English as good or better than any other 5th grader. Reading is key to doing well in almost all subjects, so they both suffer because of it.

My point is that putting kids into second grade when they don't speak or read English is difficult. They soak up the spoken language like a sponge, but the written language is usually a problem. They missed the basics and playing catchup is not easy. They get even further behind while they are learning the spoken language. Hence, they miss even more of the the basics. I am quite proud of them for trying so hard, and having a good attitude even when they know they are behind.

The schools here have an English as a Second Language (ESL) program due to the Latino population here. It helps, but naturally it is not oriented towards Tagalog! The ESL program does lend them extra assistance with reading and pronounciation. They do get extra one on one teaching which is a help. The ESL teachers mentioned that many ESL students take several years to become fluent in speaking English, at least we're ahead of the game there!

The biggest problem I saw with ESL is that at times it seemed they were learning more Spanish than English! That's not all bad though, the oldest is doing better in Spanish classes than many of the native speakers in class.

That said as background, I would guess that a five year old will be speaking English and ready to learn to read by the time they are teaching the basics here. I think it is about the best time you could ask for to bring them here, other than even younger. It's not a walk in the park, but with time, patience, and understanding, they will learn and succeed.

Depends on what you want. I want our kids to remember their culture, I want them to be Filipino Americans, and proud of it! The younger you bring them here, the harder it is for them to remember. Our kids are older, and I think it makes it more difficult for them, but they haven't given up and that is key to their success.

Good Luck, it will be an experience of a lifetime! The ways of Americans are not always the ways of Pinoys. Our kids miss their friends and family in the Philippines, but they have adjusted very well. They get Filipino food at home sometimes, but love Pizza and Chicken Nuggets! As well as more healthy American foods! Nope, No Jolibee here, just Asian Markets in Denver (70 Miles away). They ride the School bus just like other kids and are very popular with this other kids.

There are more Filipinos (mostly adults) here in Colorado than I would ever have imagined before bringing them here. They get that interaction too so they won't forget their heritage. The Middle child didn't want to speak Tagalog anymore until we took him to the Philippines last summer. Now he answers in Tagalog rather than English when Tagalog is being spoken. It's all good. They have Internet and use it to talk to friends and relatives in the Philippines. In many ways, they have the best of both worlds.

BTW, they like the winter here a whole lot more than I do! Kids adjust better than adults, but then again, I thought that it was just too darned hot in the Philippines until I spent several months there. It isn't so bad being warm! It's chilly here today...

I think that I have said enough, it's just that the subject is near and dear to me! I'm sure you will be fine.

wow... you know i never thought i was the type of person who could have a relationship like this... but every time i get to see my husband on cam it's like the first time again... i am planning a trip now in Jan wither or not he has his visa... always nice to have something to look forward to you know???

i've started sending things to him... stuffed animal i slept with for a week and sprayed my perfume on with a love note

another time a box full of scraps of papers and phrases for him so when he opened it all my love and happiness fell around him.

his favorite american candy etc.... he loves the little surprises and he gets so excited and wants to talk to me. I love how it helps him and he loves to share it with me

my ticker says the exact date of our last kiss but it's almost 5 months now.....

It is difficult. I waited too long myself, but the end justifies the means. After several years, it is hard to remember how hard it was to wait. It is totally stupid dealing with the process, but in the end, it makes you stronger. Provided it was meant to be...

Hi! Does anyone from the Philippines have any experience as to how long the visa release would take for kids who are minors in the IR2 category? Separate petitions were filed for each and they are on an expedite basis. Thanks.

It's a matter of time. How much, nobody seems to know. I brought Kids here on the K-2, that was the same as the K-1, and quite easy considering.

Now I am in the waiting game for another Kid. I'm hoping sometime next Spring based on the Process time reports. The last update I see was from July 31. Makes it sorta hard to plan on anything!

Good Luck, the good news is that things happen, the bad news is that you never know when!

Nobody responded to my post. But that's fine , for i feel better now. I have read a lot of information in this forum that actually answered my questions.

I would like to share though, that CSC finally updated my i-130 petition to my husband from F2 to IR1 and approved yesterday.

Here's my timeline:

June 15, 2003 - Got Married

Dec 1, 2005 - Applied I-130 PR

Dec 8, 2005 - Received NOA1

July 31, 2007 - N400 (90 days before my 5th year in the US)

Jan. 8, 2008 - Fingerprint Schedule (asked to reschedule - i was out of the country with my husband)

Feb. 18, 2008 - Fingerprint Rescheduled

Aug. 27, 2008 - Interview (passed)

Sept. 26, 2008 - Oath Taking

Sept. 28, 2008 - Called CSC to upgrade I-130 TO IR1

Oct. 7, 2008 - Faxed Upgrade request to CSC

Oct. 8, 2008 - Received a letter from CSC re. 9/28 request - Petition still pending.

Oct. 17, 2008 - I-130 petition approved (online)

Good for you, I would guess your situation was unique enough that nobody wanted to respond for fear of being wrong.

Congratulations...

Hi everyone:

I am confused about greencard divorce. I got my GC in April 2008 for 10 years to 2018. Recently, my husband wants a divorce. How will this affect my GC status if I get a divorce since I only got my GC 6 months ago. Does it have any bearing in my status since my GC is so new? I have been married for almost 4 years. We have no kids but have properties together.

Also, do I need an immigration attorney or a regular divorce attorney will be enough?

Please help.

Thanks.

I'm a little confused about your timeline, How did you get married four years ago and just now get the GC? Doesn't really matter though.

As I understand it, there is little anyone can do to you once the Conditional Status is removed. You are a LPR. As long as you maintain/renew that status, or become a Citizen, you are legal. It's all in your hands. It doesn't remove the legal obligations of the I-864 from your husband. But that's not really your problem either...

Regards,

OH WOW its cheaper than Vonage. We have to pay $239.99 for their Annual Residential Premium Unlimited Plan. Before that it was $24.99 per month. THIS is just $19.95 per month.

Its the same concept, you need a broadband connection, unlimited calls to US/Canada and you can pick any US area code. Except the voice gateway is a LOT smaller and you connect it to the computer's usb port.

Vonage's voice gateway is connected directly to the modem (thru ethernet ports). Both the computer (ethernet port) and phone (RJ11) are both plugged in to the voice gateway.

Whaaaaa i am amazed! Im going to get that for my family when i move to TX. I thought of leaving the Vonage voice gateway but they dont know how to configure it or set it up *scratches her head*.

Oh sorry.... im rambling hehe. This excite me! Its a must buy! (Parang ahente ako no hahaha)

For comparison: Magic Jack - http://www.magicjack.com/1/index.asp

Vonage - http://www.vonage.com/

For those who doesnt know: THESE are PHONES that uses broadband (cable or DSL) internet connection instead of a regular phone line.

Ping, buy the Magic Jack here in Philippines. We only pay one time payment of P4,500. Thats it. No monthly fees. No $19.95 a month.

I too am using a Magic Jack in the Philippines, and we love it. Works great, calls are clear, etc. Unfortunately, I have one here in the US and it has been, and continues to be a problem. I believe that sooner or later the issue will be resolved, but it can be a time consuming process.

It is cheap if you have Internet service and a powered on and running computer. For the price, I could toss the one I'm having problems with and buy another Magic Jack that works. It is really a great product when it works.

The cost in the US is $39.95 for a years service Canada & US LD included. There is an alternative Premium service for about $100.00 that includes 5 years. A good deal as they want about $20 per year for additional service. I'm not trying to sell anyone, anything. I've read the bad reviews, and the good ones. Works for me as a good cheap solution.