I got an email from the embassy this morning. They said my husband's visa has been issued and he has to be in the States by March 9, 2014.
Most of you know our story. We were in AP 16 months when our visa got denied because the embassy said we were not legally married because I am a Christian and he is Muslim. We hired an immigration attorney and won our appeal. Our case was sent back to the embassy where we were kept in AP almost another 2 years.
My husband is strong and he kept our marriage together through the long wait.
I want to thank all my friends on visa journey that supported us and encouraged us through the years.
Yes, file for AOS, do t leave her In Limbo... Also, since you are leaving so soon after her arrival, on a personal note, please be sure to take some time to prepare your spouse for being left alone in a strange country so soon after her arrival... That is a big culture shock and an adjustment difficulties will only be compounded being alone...
Let him apply for the visa since it is obvious at thi point you have other priorities (your kids). Not to mention if you are not financially able to get your children back, your are certainly not ready to take an overseas trip or bring a man from overseas as both of these endeavors are extremely expensive. The k1 visa process runs in excess of $5000 which it sounds to me, at the moment that money could be better used to get your kids back no? You are free to chat and Skype and have a great friend over there, but I would hold off on any plans for you to visit or bring him over till you get YOUR house in order... Bringing another dynamic/person into this situation is not a wise move. If he can come visit, great... If no, then wait...
Truer words have never been spoken. What parent would put a man she doesn't know before her children? I'm trying not to be judgmental, but if someone goes to meet a man she doesn't know, knowing ahead of time she will most likely lose her children forever, deserves what she gets. Just sayin'
You really need to talk to others who have gone before you. Not to sound harsh, but your understanding of immigration and visas through Morocco, or any other country for that matter, is naive. It isn't just meeting in order to be approved, especially through morocco, you have to prove an ongoing, bonafide relationship, chatting online for a few months and only one meeting to appease the consulate just isn't going to fly. And financially you will invest a few thousand in the process just in fees and other incidentals, not including traveling costs. And what about the affidavit of support? You are a struggling single mother, whose children are at risk of being taken away for good if you travel to meet him. As a mother myself, it is appalling that you would risk the custody of your kids for some guy you barely know who lives 7 thousand miles away. You say you will go " if you have to". Why would you? Why? I would die before I put some man I don't know over my children. Do you know anything about his culture and religion? Does his family really approve? There are so many red flags in your case and you really need to do some studying about getting a visa through morocco and talk to other women who have gone through his consulate.
Sounds like you need to prioritise your children and meanwhile he can apply for a visitor visa.
The good news is that there is no restriction of how many times you can apply or how frequently, so if he at first does not succeed, try try again.
"Don't use your Son as a crutch. He is a teenager and if he has his Mum then he can stay there and you can both visit. Maybe your Son will like living in the Phil. I have many coworkers whose children are going to school over there by choice."
Really? I can only wonder what kind of parent you are. This is crappy advice. Believe me, growing up without the presence of your father changes you for life. I have experience with this. 3 years is a small sacrifice for a healthy child.
I have read many of your comments in the recent past, every single one of them you suspect the beneficiary had some ulterior motive and they are only out to scam their significant other. If someone was going to scam they wouldn't go through the entire process, get married, and then decide to just leave to go home without adjusting status. Scammers don't do that, they do everything in their power to get that green card in hand and then follow through with their plan. If she was going to scam her husband why on Earth would she go home with no hope of coming back unless a new petition was filed, and then go through the entire process AGAIN? You need to stop trolling threads accusing everyone of being a fraudster.
If getting your insurance card denied at the hospital is a bad exsperience, then yes. I paid for the 50,000 coverage and got none.
You should deff go with some of these other recs and just forget about Atlas if you were thinking of them.
We used to use the Patriot America plan. I would post the website but it gets removed by the censor. You can do a google search. We liked that plan because it had some coverage for acute onset of preexisting conditions. Up to $50000 IIRC. It is almost impossible to get any type of coverage for a prexisting condition with visitors insurance, so we felt better having something although we never had to test it out.
We only used the insurance once when my father in law broke his ankle but they covered everything and the billing worked just like our US health plan. Hospital took the insurance info and then we got bills in the mail later. Paid a $500 deductible and then 10% coinsurance on everything else. He had an ER visit and 2 orthopedic follow ups that were all covered.
Even if you met on a FREE dating site?
Not everyone paid entirely for their spouse to come here. My wife worked and saved during our 1 year engagement because she wanted to be able to buy her own plane ticket and have some coin while she waited for her work permit.
Now my wife makes near as much as I do and will likely surpass me in the next 5-10 years. I don't feel like I bought anything. I almost feel like *she* bought *me*.
Hi All
I have started this thread in this specific sub-forum because I will be using Australian colloquialisms (sayings) and spelling. I don't know whether being from Australia will make any difference,.. whether it be my documents don't need to be translated, or if our people fill in stuff differently (like the medical - explained below).
I started the thread itself though, because can't find any one central page that has ALL the documents for AOS, EAD and AP listed. This list relates to me and my case, but it is also the BASIC list because my case is simple, i.e. I don't have any kids or anything else remotely difficult to worry about. I didn't get any RFE's while doing K1 (here's my K1 thread: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=206016 ), and I'm aiming for the same this time around too. I have read and re-read the instructions several times. I read every line, and not just stuff related to me, just in case it's got a little note (this actually happened on one form) that might affect me. This list is IN NO WAY a substitute for you also reading through the forms, but I hope that it helps you get an idea of when you should start sourcing things (like paperwork for the affidavit of support) and making sure you have everything you need before you get to your applying "deadline".
On that note, there is no "deadline" for applying for AOS, as long as you marry within 90 days of arriving on your K1 visa. However it is recommended that you apply before your I-94 expires as some people have experienced issues with ICE (not deportation, just hassles and on 2 occasions I've read about, being locked up until a judge tells the ICE person they were wrong and being forced to pay fees as well as immediate AOS), but just as many (if not more) have had no issues and applied for AOS years after their I-94 expires. My main reasons for applying ASAP is because I want to work and I personally don't like not being "sure" of my status. Also, if there is a period of 180 days between your I-94 and the date your AOS is processed, you MAY encounter a ban on trying to re-enter the US if you leave and try and use the AP document. For that reason, try and apply for AOS well before 180 days after your I-94 expires... just to be safe.
Also, there is currently only one fee payable, being $1,070.00 for the AOS, EAD & AP (updated 23 Nov 2010: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5be73dc5cb93b210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=8a2f6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD ). In July 2007 the fee for AOS changed and the rules altered so that if you send the EAD and AP at the same time as AOS (or while it's pending) the fee for EAD and AP are waived. Whether you apply for EAD and AP at the same time as AOS the fee remains the same and whether you think you need them or not, as the fee is waived, it's always better to have than not have, "just in case".
So here we go
Definition of terms:
I-94# - Is the admission/departure number on the I-94 card (full image here: http://www.visajourney.com/gallery/albums/...mmigration1.jpg )
A# number - Alien number - can sometimes be found on your visa under "annotation" starting with A0 then 8 digits. Also found on your NOA2 above the beneficiaries name (image here: http://www.visajourney.com/gallery/albums/...F-NOAs/NOA2.jpg )
AOS - Adjustment of Status - Applied for after entering the US on a K1 visa and marrying within 90 days. Changes status to "conditional permanent resident" and you will be sent a green card. This process takes around 90 days however it can take MUCH longer.
AP - Advanced Parole - Allows you to re-enter the USA while your AOS is pending. You are allowed to leave whenever you want, but doing so without the AP document (or green card) means you will not be able to re-enter. Leaving without it also results in your case being considered "abandoned".
CO - Consular Officer - In this thread related to the person actually processing my documents
EAD - Employment Authorisation Document - Allows you to work whilst the AOS is being processed, as long as you have a SSN of course. Once you received your GC your EAD is no longer needed
GC - Green card - short-form for green card so I don't have to keep typing it
IO - Interviewing Officer - The person who will interview me (if needed). Apparently not every case requires an interview. Lets see if I can be one of the few who don't need one
Non-Immigrant Visa Number - This is the RED number found on your visa (image here: http://www.visajourney.com/gallery/albums/...after_entry.jpg )
RFE - Request for further information - Received if something you mailed in is incomplete or missing. It doesn't cancel your case, just slows things down a fair bit, so doing everything to prevent getting one is your aim
First things first. VJ does have guides:
VJ AOS Guide: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k1k3aos
VJ EAD Guide: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k1k3ead
And also example forms:
Example forms: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;page=examples
The guides suggest doing a cover letter. Personally I'm doing a cover letter for each separate case (AOS, EAD and AP). I have read that the CO's don't tend to read the cover letters so really why bother, BUT I'm not doing it for them so much as for me. Filing so many documents means a lot of stuff to remember and I also think it looks neater and prettier. Also, while reading through the instructions I go through and fill in the cover letter with the attachments needed so I don't forget anything.
The USCIS has actually put together their OWN page of tips for putting together a package for mailing: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD I haven't decided if I'm going to hole punch yet or just bulldog clip as it seems that while it's appreciated it doesn't change anything so if I have a hole-punch available... maybe.
I ALWAYS go to the USCIS website to obtain forms: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD as this way you always make sure you have the most up-to-date form. Also, remember to check the filing location as it may have changed since the form was made. To do this, always make sure you go to the main form page (not the pdf, the place that links you the .pdf) such as this for AOS: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD and line four says "Where to file". In this case it tells you it depends on the category you are applying under, on other forms it might say "check the form" or "check the instructions".
As stated on each form, originals are only required when it specifically says "original" (like the forms with official signatures) otherwise copies are sufficient.
--AOS--
- G-1145 – Form for E-notification of Application/Petition Acceptance **See Note 1**
- Payment in the amount of $1,010.00 payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, signed & dated #####
- Copy of birth certificate
- Copy of K1 visa in passport
- 2 passport photos (US passport size) - name and alien number printed lightly on back in pencil or felt pen
- Copy DS-3025 – Vaccination record (completed), dated ##### **See Note 2**
- G-325A - Biographic Information, including residence and employment attachments (1 copy as of July 2009)
- I-864 - Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act, completed by #####
o Copy Federal income tax return (usually a 1040 or something like that), including W-2, Form 1099s & Schedule for most recent tax year (or IRS tax transcript which I prefer)
o Copy Federal income tax return (usually a 1040 or something like that), including W-2, Form 1099s & Schedule for second most recent tax year (optional)**See Note 3**
o Copy Federal income tax return (usually a 1040 or something like that), including W-2, Form 1099s & Schedule for third most recent tax year (optional)**See Note 3**
o Letter from #####’s employer (optional)
o Pay stub(s) from the most recent six months for ##### (optional)
- Copy of I-797 - Notice of Action, Approval of K1 petition, dated ##### (front & back)
- Copy of Marriage certificate, dated ##### (front & back)
- Copy of I-94 – Arrival/Departure record (front & back)
The two items listed below are on the VJ AOS Guide, however NOWHERE on the forms, or their instructions is it mentioned that these items are required. These items only serve as additional information. You are required to bring your passport to the interview (if you have an interview) so perhaps by mailing this information you might not need to have one. Ultimately more info is better than less info (within reason of course) so it can't hurt. Personally I'll be including them in my parcel (in my attempt to avoid an interview ) but it makes sense that they're not needed as your Alien number is your identifier now (where with the K1 your passport number and then case number were).
- Photocopy of passport biographical details page
- Photocopy of USA entry stamp dated #####
Note 1: This form is now available that requests that you receive and email and text letting you know your application has been received http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD
Note 2: There is a huge point of contention on VJ regarding whether or not to send DS-3025 or if you will require form I-693 (immunisations only). The reason for this is, the paperwork clearly states that if you COMPLETED your immunisations PRIOR to your K1 interview in your home country (and thus your medical information is complete in the paperwork you handed in at POE (and subsequently forwarded on)) then only the copy of the DS-3025 is required. HOWEVER some people who assumed their info was complete and sent in the DS-3025 received an RFE requesting they submit a form I-693. Further information is mentioned on this VJ thread: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=101202 So whether you go to the trouble of obtaining one so you don't risk and RFE and thus a slow-down is up to you. Personally I am in the process of calling Civil Surgeons (CS's) in my area to find our their fee. If the fee is reasonable we might do it just so we don't risk the RFE but at the same time i honestly think my form is fine and I have all immunisations filled in, either with dates or "not age appropriate". I'll let you know what I decide and then what the outcome is. Remember though every case is different, no matter how similar they might be.
Note 3: Tax information is only REQUIRED for the most recent tax year. Question 25 on the I-864 still requires that you indicate your earnings for the most recent tax years, whether you provide evidence of this income or not. There are two tick boxes in that question, where you can indicate whether you are only including the most recent tax year, or the three most recent. I personally prefer to send in IRS transcripts so that you are sure that you have not excluded any tax information and I also prefer to send in all three years of tax information just to "be safe". Information for obtaining the transcripts is located here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/235331-aos-ead-ap-from-k1-the-aussie-way-doc-list-included/page__view__findpost__p__3614293 .
Here is a the Civil Surgeon "phone book" from the USCIS website: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=of...office_type=CIV
Here is a VJ thread that lists good CS's and their prices: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...231026&st=0
--EAD--
- G-1145 – Form for E-notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
- I-765 - Application for Employment Authorisation **See Note 1**
- 2 passport photos (US passport size) - name and alien number printed lightly on back in pencil or felt pen
- Photocopy of passport biographical details page **See Note 2**
As we're applying together with the AOS then the following isn't REQUIRED, however if you choose to include it, it's up to you, like i said before, more info is better than less info
- Copy of I-94 – Arrival/Departure record (front & back)
- Copy of Marriage certificate (to show name change) **See Note 3**
Note 1: Being adjustment applicant's, we're under category c9. You will see there's also a category for K1 and K3 visas (a6) but this is for when you're not applying at the same time as the AOS.
Note 2: It actually says "If no prior EAD has been issued, you must submit a copy of a Federal Government-issued identity document such as a passport..." as well as some other examples but personally I think the passport is the easiest one.
Note 3: The next issue for me (being female, married and changing my name) is my passport is still in my maiden name. For that reason it seems to make sense to include a copy of my marriage licence. Although these things are included with the AOS application, they can always shred multiple copies
--AP--
- G-1145 – Form for E-notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
- I-131 - Application for Travel Document (Advanced Parole)
- 2 passport photos (US passport size) - name and alien number printed lightly on back in pencil or felt pen
- Copy of K1 visa (to show present status)
- Photocopy of passport biographical details page **See Note 1**
As with the EAD, this isn't REQUIRED but I will probably include it because the AP form doesn't actually have a space for "prior name":
- Copy of Marriage certificate (to show name change)
Note 1: It actually says "copy of an official photo identification document showing your name, photo, and date of birth". Like with the EAD example, passport is easiest I think
General
An important thing to remember is if you change your address at ANY stage while you are an LPR (or their sponsor) you are required to change your address within 30 days of moving. There are penalties for not doing so. The USCIS has an online change of address service but you STILL need to actually post a form to them. Here's the site: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=coa . The reason for the paper form is so it's changed on the masterbase.
The current postal details for these forms (as of 3 Dec 09 ) is:
File at:
USCIS
P.O. Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120
For courier/express delivery:
USCIS
Attn: FBAS
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
I, like most, will be submitting my forms by express mail so I'll use the bottom address
PAYMENT
It's important when writing the cheque that you write:
"One Thousand Ten and 00/100" or it might be returned.
Here is the USCIS link outlining the cheque writing requirements: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD because if you're like me, it doesn't make sense to write it that way and I wouldn't have written it like that but their wish is our command
Hope some of you find this useful If I've forgotten something, or stuff doesn't make sense, please let me know
**Edited to add further definitions - 27 Feb 2010
**Address for filing changed and fixed on here - 10 March 2010
**Edited to add Biometrics review link here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/235331-aos-ead-ap-from-k1-the-aussie-way-doc-list-included/page__view__findpost__p__3909156
**Edited to add - AOS approved 7 July 2010. Without RFE, Without interview. I simply followed the above guide and make sure my documents were completed properly.
**Edited to add - new AOS fees as of 23 Nov 2010: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5be73dc5cb93b210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=8a2f6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD
As of today, she's officially an American! Just want to say thank you to all the VJers and especially the RUB forum for helping me keep my sanity (mostly) throughout this process! Oleksandra's VisaJourney is finally done! Now her mother's is just about to begin!
First, let's review our vocabulary.
1. If you are giving somebody money or buying them things then you are "generous" not "cheap". You are very generous.
2. If somebody does not appreciate your generosity then they are "selfish" and "greedy". Is this who you want to be with?
Whether the girl from the Philippines is college educated, has kids, or is poor is irrelevant. Selfish and greedy can come from anywhere. Those are the people you should avoid.
And somebody said that good girls from the Philippines do not ask for money. That is very true. When my fiance and her family have a financial problem, it is incredibly difficult to get them to tell me about it and to find out how much would help them. I always get the same answer "don't worry, we'll be okay." You are simply being used for your money. What is going to happen when you run out?
If I were you, I'd be very very worried. She already has her visa in hand? There are plenty of women in the Philippines, and in other countries, who just want a loving relationship and don't care about money and appreciate generosity. You have a very serious problem.
And by the way, did you say you sent $100 for her and her kid to go to Jollibee? Really? That's insane.
You need to really think about what your future is going to be like. If things don't change, you need to run from this as fast as you can.
Best of luck.
She is nothing but a cunning and manipulative woman who is out to milk you for all your money. You need to use your head, you already know the answer to this, and when she's done with you and she has her greencard and you've filed for bankruptcy, watch her leave you for the next rich man she can target in America. There are girls like this and everyone here (except you) can smell her from a mile away. Sorry to be blunt, but you don't deserve this and you are just putting yourself in the path of the regret. I hope you realize this before its too late!
Sounds like you need to get a second job to accomodate her spending habit.
She is a your common "Gold Digger"
Kick her to the curb, don't let her come to the USA she will break you and put you so far into debt that you will never see daylight again
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