Birdie

Thanks so much.... I just made an appointment for wednesday, and the place is close enough to me.

I am so angry the some info about this whole process is so hard to find. I feel really defeated right now. Its rather upsetting.

I appreciate your help alot. <3

Ugh, So i could have applied for it and i would have been aloud to leave the country? I can't believe i didn't know this. No where did i find that it was covered in the Price.

I am so sad.

Thanks for the info guys <3

Ugh, the one thing i didnt want to happen, is happening.

My grandmother is sick, I am hoping things dont get worse at home, i didnt really prepare for something bad to happen, i tried to remain positive and hoped it wouldn't happen.

I am currently waiting on my work auth, I just had my biometrics for the AOS and EAD. I didn't apply for the I-130 to allow me to travel, we just couldn't afford it.

My question is, Am i aloud to travel?

If not, WHEN will i be aloud to travel?

Are exceptions made?

I am from Ireland and god forbid anything were to happen, It would break my heart if i couldn't be there.

any help would be so appreciated!

Thank you. :(

Hi everyone.

Hope you are all doing well and the process's are going smoothly for you all

I just did my Biometrics for my AOS and EAD on wednesday, it was nice and easy. I just have a couple of questions about what happens next.

How long is the wait usually? I know its longer for the AOS, I realize that, but how long is normal for the Green Card to arrive?

And also, do i need to apply for a social security number or is it sent with the green card, I am under no illusion that its going to be that easy, i mean it is the government we are talking about and i doubt they would make it easy all of a sudden.

Thanks in advance <3

Birdie.

Please try to look on the bright side...... Don't say ''they are depriving me of my passport to keep you out of the USA'' Say... ''good, they have my passport, this could go well and everything will be fine'' Look at things positively and you will have a positive outcome.

I lived everyday in fear that SOMETHING would go wrong, and for SOME reason, i would never get my visa and wouldn't get to come back to my love. But i never gave up hope. as hard as it gets (and we all know how hard it gets) you can't loose sight of what all this struggle was for.

Its such a shame you had a bad experience at the interview. But be positive. I promise things will work out for you.

You are both in my thoughts. I wish you luck and best wishes that you get your passport back (visa included), very very soon <3

Hi Everyone. Hope you are all doing well with your visa process's.

I was just about to send off my I 485 Form, Luckily for me i always check VJ before i post anything, it seems if i didnt, i would probably be missing half of my paperwork lol.

anyway, I am just gathering the information now. After some initial panic thinking i didnt have what they needed, all is well now, but i just have a couple of questions that i cant seem to find the answers for in other topics.

the affidavit f support that i need to attach to the AOS, Can someone tell me why it is a different longer one? The last one my husband signed was only 2 pages. and do i need to fill it out or him??

While going over the pages of information and instructions that come with the I 485, On page 8 it gives address' that one should send the forms to, BUT then i read at the bottom of the checklist here on VJ that everything should be posted to a place in chicago, and nothing should be sent to the local uscis office, so should i send both the I 485 AND the I 765 .

This is really confusing. If someone could put me on the right track i would really appreciate it. There is so much to get through, my brain is fried!!

Thanks in advance guys. <3 <3

Hey everyone,

So I am back with the other half In Philly, everything is going great, although his hours just got cut to part time, which sucks because well i cant work and there are bills to be paid etc etc, We are planning to be Married July 17th (his birthday ) But I am going out of my mind trying to come up with the money for A) The marrige papers and stuff for that and B ) the AOS.

I just wanted to know, Is there any sort of temporary work visa i can get? And when do we apply for the AOS?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

<3

Hi guys,

I was just going through my paperwork for my interview tomorrow, I was wondering if i need to bring passport photo's with me to the embassy??

I am super panicing!! But excited too.

Also, is there a link anywhere with maybe an Interview checklist i could look at??

<3 Thank you guys!

Try not to stress out Nothing you can do right now except go to the interview on Monday. I am guessing if it was something important they would have left a message.

As far as getting your visa, my fiancee got hers the next day. But, this is from US embassy in Belgrade, might be different in other places.

Good luck!

Thank you

congratulations

My interview is taking place This Monday, June 8th!!! I am scared!!!!

Hey Guys,

Hope you are all doing well!!

So my interview is on monday, and i have been doing pretty ok up until this point, Then my mother calls to say there was a missed call from the embassy. Immediatly i freak out, they didn't leave a voicemail or anything like that, I just wondered if anyone has had a call from the embassy a few days prior to their interview, and also any idea's why they would have called?!!

I called them back but they said they were closed till monday and that i should try then, but my interview is monday so it's kinda not going to work.

And one more thing, Those of you who had your interview and been approved, IF you didnt recieve your visa on the day of the interview, How long was it till you got it?

They say i should get mine within the week of the interview, But does it actually come on time/??

Love.

A very stressed out Birdie. <3

Hey everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well and having some luck with their visa journeys.

We are finally coming to the end of our journey, its been long and very testing to say the very least, But i wouldnt have been able to get through it with my head in one piece were it not for this site and the great advice everyone has given.

I do have a couple of questions though that i haven't got any solid answers for. I hope you can help.

So my interview date is june 8th, I am aware that the embassy in Ireland don't issue the visa on the same day, it takes aprox 1 week. I wanted to return to the US by the 19th of june, Do you think this is realistic??

Also what would happen if i were to return to the US and have my visa sent on to me? Do i need to have it when i arrive at the airport?

What happens at the airport? Will i be questioned or anything like that? Searched even??

I am worried about my luggage also, I really would rather not have to ship anything, Have any of you got any advice on the actual moving part!!!

And one last thing, I have just for the first time seen the AOS fee.....i had NO idea about it and its a little bit of a shock lol. How and when do i need to go about doing that??

Sorry for all the questions, if anyone can help it would be such a relief.

Again thanks for all the wonderful support!!

Love

Birdie.

Well congratulations and I hope you have a happy life together.

1. I will always suggest waiting to buy plane tickets until you have the visa in your hand. Be prepared to lose some money if you buy them sooner, but usually not more than $200 for a ticket change. If you can live with that, go for it. Check the ticket change policies. I would allow TWO weeks just to be safe.

2. NO, for one thing you will not have your passport...oops, forgot about that? You give them your passport and when it is returned your visa is inside. You need it to enter and activate (cancel is more correct) the visa and receive the benefit of being able to pay $1010 for AOS. Without the canceled K-1 visa and I-94 marked "K-1" you cannot apply for AOS.

3. What happens at the airport can vary. Boiled down, my wife filled out the I-94 and presented her passport and sealed envelope. They didn't ask any questions, stamped everything and told her "get married in 90 days". That's the short version without mentioning waiting in line, finding the I-94 cards, etc. but that is usual travel BS, nothing to do with the K-1. She was not searched and you are no more likely to be searched than ony other time you come to the US, it is basically the same procedure. You COULD be searched, you COULD be asked questions, but that can happen anytime. It has happened to me and I am a citizen.

4. Depending on the airline they allow two bags for free, 27kg maximum for transatlantic flights. But check your airline for baggage rules, that is the general rule of thumb for European flights.

Shipping things is a good option. Ship all your winter clothes by slow boat. It will take 3 weeks or so, but what's the rush? Take what you need, will you be returning very often? Take an empty suitcase when you go. I did that on several trips before Alla came and we got a lot of her stuff here that way. Your electrical appliances won't work here unless they have a transformer, like computers and telephone chargers, then you need an adaptor for our electric outlets. So leave behind the iron, hair dryer, curling iron, alarm clock, etc. No use here. Speak to your fiancee, find otu what things are cheaper here, I think you will find lts of things cheaper. Do not load up your things with cosmetics you can buy cheap here (I use that example as they are very expensive in Ukraine) Books are heavy, ship them if you need them. We sent four good size boxes of books several months before Alla came, they were on the shelves when she got here.

Find out what is cheaper there and stock up. Alla is in Ukraine right now. She will buy a years supply of contact lenses, get an eye exam, stock up our medicine cabinet with over the counter medicinal products, MUCH cheaper in Ukraine and even plans a dental check up for her and the boys. I know on this trip she will save us enough in the next year to pay for an AOS...and enough to pay for at least her plane ticket, maybe two.

So decide what you will need for the next few months, what you can replace cheaply and what you can save by buying cheaper there. I don't know about Ireland so much but clothes and shoes are much cheaper here than in Ukraine, Alla says "almost free".

Ah, the AOS. yes $1010! Welcome to the USA! (you will acually get a letter that says that for your money, but I said it FIRST...for free) It is suggested you file this within the 90 days but I understand from the posts here, nothing terrible happens if you don't. I don't know, we filed in under the 90 days. You MUST get married within 90 days, do NOT forget to do that!

Hahaha thank you SO very much for that info, it was very helpful, and definitly put my mind at ease.

I also found this while browsing site slooking for info about the AOS.

''Time periods for filing for adjustment of status on K1

Posted Sun, 02/08/2009 - 22:39 by Phil

I've been answering a lot of questions online in various forums, via email, etc. lately about the time frame for adjusting status after marriage on a K1 visa. I'm not sure why this happens, but perhaps people do not understand the K1 visa process. It could be that they cannot afford the adjustment of status filing fees. (The fees are quite expensive--about $1400 now.)

In any case, there is a 2 year deadline to file for adjustment of status for K1 non-immigrants. If you are unable to afford the fees for the adjustment of status petition you can request a fee waiver but they are difficult to obtain.''

This helped also.

Thanks again, you are wonderful!!

And dont worry.... we are getting married as soon as i get back!!! I am so excited!!

Um...this post, wherever you got it (not VJ obviously) is wrong. Had this been posted on VJ, he would have been jumped all over by other members. The 2 year limit applies to K-3 NOT K-1 visas and the fees for K-1 AOS are exactly $1010...not $1400. I have heard, variously, that the limit for K-1s is 90 days or 180 days beyond the 90 days or no limit. All here on this site., but not two years, that is the requirement for K-3. K-3 is a multiple entry visa and does need need an AP to travel back home and can get an EAD good for two years without adjustment of status, different animal entirely. The I-485 instructions are somewhat contradictory. One rule says if you are out of status you cannot file the I-485, you have to use the I-130 and that is a whole 'nother can of worms, but then it seems to give an exemption for "fiancees of US citizens that were married within 90 days" and then gives no specific limit on time frame for how long this exemption applies.

Fee waivers are more than extremely difficult to receive with a family and marriage based visa, since you also have to submit an affidavit of support. You would be saying "I can afford to support my wife, really I can, but after a 9 month + process I can't afford $1000 for an AOS fee." Don't go there, really, DON'T go there.

I played it safe and filed in under 90 days, but that's me...safety guy. I don't mess with the USCIS...not when it involves my family. My wife kinda depends on me to "care about those things". Were it me I would beg the $1000 from a family member or something just to get it done, and old (not so old, really)nervous Alla would chew her manicure right off if she had this hanging over her head and I would never get a moments peace.

Things become more difficult for you if you go beyond 90 days. You cannot get an AP for example, you cannot work, of course (i know there is a debate about K-1s working but at any rate any authorization to work ends at 90 days when the I-94 expires and I am not opening that can of worms here) it is just not desireable to be "out of status" too many problems for me.

WOW!! Thank you so much Gary!! I was totally relaxed about that piece of info....that is actually on a LEGAL ADVICE SITE!!!!! Luckily we have a friend who is willing to lend us the money, so we can file as soon as i get back and as soon as we are married!!!

Your advice has been great. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer them!!

<3

Hey everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well and having some luck with their visa journeys.

We are finally coming to the end of our journey, its been long and very testing to say the very least, But i wouldnt have been able to get through it with my head in one piece were it not for this site and the great advice everyone has given.

I do have a couple of questions though that i haven't got any solid answers for. I hope you can help.

So my interview date is june 8th, I am aware that the embassy in Ireland don't issue the visa on the same day, it takes aprox 1 week. I wanted to return to the US by the 19th of june, Do you think this is realistic??

Also what would happen if i were to return to the US and have my visa sent on to me? Do i need to have it when i arrive at the airport?

What happens at the airport? Will i be questioned or anything like that? Searched even??

I am worried about my luggage also, I really would rather not have to ship anything, Have any of you got any advice on the actual moving part!!!

And one last thing, I have just for the first time seen the AOS fee.....i had NO idea about it and its a little bit of a shock lol. How and when do i need to go about doing that??

Sorry for all the questions, if anyone can help it would be such a relief.

Again thanks for all the wonderful support!!

Love

Birdie.

Well congratulations and I hope you have a happy life together.

1. I will always suggest waiting to buy plane tickets until you have the visa in your hand. Be prepared to lose some money if you buy them sooner, but usually not more than $200 for a ticket change. If you can live with that, go for it. Check the ticket change policies. I would allow TWO weeks just to be safe.

2. NO, for one thing you will not have your passport...oops, forgot about that? You give them your passport and when it is returned your visa is inside. You need it to enter and activate (cancel is more correct) the visa and receive the benefit of being able to pay $1010 for AOS. Without the canceled K-1 visa and I-94 marked "K-1" you cannot apply for AOS.

3. What happens at the airport can vary. Boiled down, my wife filled out the I-94 and presented her passport and sealed envelope. They didn't ask any questions, stamped everything and told her "get married in 90 days". That's the short version without mentioning waiting in line, finding the I-94 cards, etc. but that is usual travel BS, nothing to do with the K-1. She was not searched and you are no more likely to be searched than ony other time you come to the US, it is basically the same procedure. You COULD be searched, you COULD be asked questions, but that can happen anytime. It has happened to me and I am a citizen.

4. Depending on the airline they allow two bags for free, 27kg maximum for transatlantic flights. But check your airline for baggage rules, that is the general rule of thumb for European flights.

Shipping things is a good option. Ship all your winter clothes by slow boat. It will take 3 weeks or so, but what's the rush? Take what you need, will you be returning very often? Take an empty suitcase when you go. I did that on several trips before Alla came and we got a lot of her stuff here that way. Your electrical appliances won't work here unless they have a transformer, like computers and telephone chargers, then you need an adaptor for our electric outlets. So leave behind the iron, hair dryer, curling iron, alarm clock, etc. No use here. Speak to your fiancee, find otu what things are cheaper here, I think you will find lts of things cheaper. Do not load up your things with cosmetics you can buy cheap here (I use that example as they are very expensive in Ukraine) Books are heavy, ship them if you need them. We sent four good size boxes of books several months before Alla came, they were on the shelves when she got here.

Find out what is cheaper there and stock up. Alla is in Ukraine right now. She will buy a years supply of contact lenses, get an eye exam, stock up our medicine cabinet with over the counter medicinal products, MUCH cheaper in Ukraine and even plans a dental check up for her and the boys. I know on this trip she will save us enough in the next year to pay for an AOS...and enough to pay for at least her plane ticket, maybe two.

So decide what you will need for the next few months, what you can replace cheaply and what you can save by buying cheaper there. I don't know about Ireland so much but clothes and shoes are much cheaper here than in Ukraine, Alla says "almost free".

Ah, the AOS. yes $1010! Welcome to the USA! (you will acually get a letter that says that for your money, but I said it FIRST...for free) It is suggested you file this within the 90 days but I understand from the posts here, nothing terrible happens if you don't. I don't know, we filed in under the 90 days. You MUST get married within 90 days, do NOT forget to do that!

Hahaha thank you SO very much for that info, it was very helpful, and definitly put my mind at ease.

I also found this while browsing site slooking for info about the AOS.

''Time periods for filing for adjustment of status on K1

Posted Sun, 02/08/2009 - 22:39 by Phil

I've been answering a lot of questions online in various forums, via email, etc. lately about the time frame for adjusting status after marriage on a K1 visa. I'm not sure why this happens, but perhaps people do not understand the K1 visa process. It could be that they cannot afford the adjustment of status filing fees. (The fees are quite expensive--about $1400 now.)

In any case, there is a 2 year deadline to file for adjustment of status for K1 non-immigrants. If you are unable to afford the fees for the adjustment of status petition you can request a fee waiver but they are difficult to obtain.''

This helped also.

Thanks again, you are wonderful!!

And dont worry.... we are getting married as soon as i get back!!! I am so excited!!

They will take your passport and affix the visa to a page. At least that is what happened in my wife's case. So you wont be able to return to the US on the VWP without your passport. Plus there will be the sealed "brown envelope" that you must give to the passport official at the airport. They will take that envelope and enter you into the system.

As far as luggage, check with your airline as to their limits and extra weight charges. Decide what you would really like to have immediately and bring it with you. Have your fiance come over to Ireland empty handed and that will give you twice as much capacity.

Read the guides here on VJ to familiarize yourself with the AOS. That will happen fast as you will be out of status 90 days after entry. Don't forget to get married.

Good luck!

Ok so, we need to get married AND file for adjustment of status before the 90 days is up right? Do we have to wait till we are married to actually file? and how much time do we have, is it just the 90 days???!

Sorry, i have only just seen this AOS thing now and its kinda scary!!

Thank you for the heads up its much appreciated!!

Hey everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well and having some luck with their visa journeys.

We are finally coming to the end of our journey, its been long and very testing to say the very least, But i wouldnt have been able to get through it with my head in one piece were it not for this site and the great advice everyone has given.

I do have a couple of questions though that i haven't got any solid answers for. I hope you can help.

So my interview date is june 8th, I am aware that the embassy in Ireland don't issue the visa on the same day, it takes aprox 1 week. I wanted to return to the US by the 19th of june, Do you think this is realistic??

Also what would happen if i were to return to the US and have my visa sent on to me? Do i need to have it when i arrive at the airport?

What happens at the airport? Will i be questioned or anything like that? Searched even??

I am worried about my luggage also, I really would rather not have to ship anything, Have any of you got any advice on the actual moving part!!!

And one last thing, I have just for the first time seen the AOS fee.....i had NO idea about it and its a little bit of a shock lol. How and when do i need to go about doing that??

Sorry for all the questions, if anyone can help it would be such a relief.

Again thanks for all the wonderful support!!

Love

Birdie.

Hey guys.

Quick question.

My interview date is June 8th. I am planning to be back in Philly on the 12th, do you think that IF i don't get the visa that day, will i still be able to fly that weekend? Or should i wait till i get it?

i was hoping to be back by then, would it be a problem do you think??

Wait until you get the visa because even if you dont have the visa in your hand you still kind of have one, it is in the process of being issued. I'd say wait just to be sure that the same thing that happened to Kat&Allie doesnt happen to you. Are you planning to go for a visit or to activate the visa, because if it is just for a visit I'd say maybe can you try and go the weekend before or something? Woo hoo though for having a date I bet you are soo excited! wow that isn't a lot of notice they are giving you, I hope you dont have to travel far for the interview.

And no I havent heard anything yet. I am SOOO MAD that someone who got the NOA2 after I sent in my p3 has an interview date. I am trying not to let it get to me but its very aggrivating, im at about 250 days since NOA1 and still nothing. Which makes it hard to plan a 900 mile move. Hopefully I will hear something soon. I'm calling again on Friday and also going to visit Charles on the same day, but only for 4 days

Oh my god i can't believe you haven't heard anything yet!!! I had some trouble with the embassy too, but i called them every single day for months till i got an answer, i drove them mad i am sure but i didn't care!! Hang in there girl, it will come soon for you i really really hope!!! I will keep you in my thoughts and send positive vibes your way

As for my trip, i am actually going to activate the visa. I know in some cases they IF they dont issue you you with the visa on the same day as the interview, it takes 1 week for them to post it to you, OR they ask you to go back the next day to collect it. i am really hoping that its one of the latter, i really dont wanna hang around lol, i wanna get back asap!! So i guess i should wait till i have the visa, the interview is the 8th, think i'd be safe enough booking the flights for the 16th?? and would immigration stop me at the airport i wonder?!!

Luckily i don't have far to travel, dublin is a small place and the embassy is less than an hour away

Keep me posted on whats happening with you ok?!! <3

The very best of luck

Hey guys.

Quick question.

My interview date is June 8th. I am planning to be back in Philly on the 12th, do you think that IF i don't get the visa that day, will i still be able to fly that weekend? Or should i wait till i get it?

i was hoping to be back by then, would it be a problem do you think??

Soooo whats everyone up to? I called DoS today, no interview yet. I was really crossing my fingers and hoping for one since my birthday is monday and that would be the best present ever. Oh well cest la vie. Birdie, did you get a date yet?

Hey!!

I just got my packet 4. Interview date june 8th!! Any word on yours yet??

Hey guys,

So glad to see so many of you have had your interviews and passed.

I am still waiiting

Sent my DS-230 1 to the embassy on monday, collected my medical exam results today.... please god let the interview be soon.

good luck to you all who have interviews coming up!!!

question 11.

''that i .....intend.....do not intend to make specific contributions to the support of the person(s) named in item 3.

(if you check ''intend'' indicate the exact nature and duration of the contributions. For example, if you intend to furnish room and board, state for how long and, if money, state the amount in United States Dollars and state whether it is to be given in a lump sum, weekly or monthly, or for how long)

And 1 more thing......in the very last section, the Oath or Affirmation of sponsor.... just near the end it says ''My commission expires on________''

Neither of us has a clue what that means at all.??!!! any help would be greatly appricated.

1.I do not intend (that's the easiest)

2.they want u to notarized Affidavit of support (I heard the new one does not need to be notirized)

ok, so if he writes ''do not intend'' does that not mean he wont be supporting me/??

thanks KAT & Allie for the heads up!!! I am alot less stressed over the work question now hahaha. the whole affidavit of support is boggling both myself and james, from questions 8 onwards, it would seem that it doesnt 'HAVE' to be him that is my support when i am in the USA, HOWEVER it obviously has to be him??? i mean who else would it be? lol.

i would appreciate some help with this though, IF anyone can....

question 11.

''that i .....intend.....do not intend to make specific contributions to the support of the person(s) named in item 3.

(if you check ''intend'' indicate the exact nature and duration of the contributions. For example, if you intend to furnish room and board, state for how long and, if money, state the amount in United States Dollars and state whether it is to be given in a lump sum, weekly or monthly, or for how long)

And 1 more thing......in the very last section, the Oath or Affirmation of sponsor.... just near the end it says ''My commission expires on________''

Neither of us has a clue what that means at all.??!!! any help would be greatly appricated.

Ok so...obviously he is going to room and board, and it isn't going to be a weekly or monthly thing, it will just happen i guess, and it is going to be forever.....so should he just write that?? i mean it is a little confusing?? right??

I tried to call the embassy for help but of course, they dont answer, and they are closed till tuesday because of easter.

In other news, i had my Medical exam today. it went awesome, The Doctor was really helpful and filled me in on some things. which was cool, and gave me copies of anything he signed.

How are you all getting along with your process?? any interviews had yet??

Hey guys, glad to see everyone's case is moving along

I received my paperwork from the embassy, Finally, I made my appointment for my medical exam, It is on Thursday YAY!!

The day after they sent my paperwork, i got another letter from the embassy, saying the medical exam has changed significantly, I now have to call my local healthboard to request ALL of my vacination records. Bit of a set back as our health system tend to take their time with things. anyway i thought this might be useful info for you guys.

Also one thing that is bothering me, they ask what i work at currently. Because of this recession i have no job , i have been working as a photographers assistant BUT its not really a full time thing, I am worried this will go against me, and also they are asking what i plan to work at if i do get my visa and go to the states, i had wanted to go back to school but hadnt really thought of what EXACTLY i was going to work at. any thoughts on it?