AaronM

You have to apply for the I-130 and I-129F. Which cannot be filed when that foreign fiancée/spouse is in the USA. They consider that as marriage fraud. And the non-American citizen will be deported. If you are here in the USA as a tourist you cannot marry an American citizen. Also if your here as a student you cannot marry an American citizen. That's what the K-Visa is for so you can stay legally with all the benefits of being married and your not a tourist or a student. The government considers this as marriage fraud. You will have a hard time proving why you both want to get married (government will think you only want to be married to come to USA and live here). If you violate your status of being in the USA. You will be banned from re-entry for 10 years or life.

Yes $$ the whole process is expensive. From the petition to the air fare to adjustment of status to removal of conditions to us citizenship and also staying above the income guidelines. so they will not become a public charge. costs into thousands of dollars. it sucks and all of us has to go through it

Does the US embassy already have her passport? If they do and they process the visa same as Us embassy in Philippines. They will just place the visa in the passport. and attach that to a plastic bag. And insert all the documents for the port of entry in a yellowish brown envelope. With the edge of the envelope cut at an angle for security purposes. so when she leaves the country and enter the US at the port of entry. they can look inside the envelope without opening it. DO NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE if you do it will void the (K Packet) and she will be banned from entering the United States and sent back to that country. Only the Port of entry officer in the USA can open the K-packet (envelope). THERE IS NOTHING IN THAT ENVELOPE YOU HAV'NT SEEN ALREADY. If you are an American citizen you can enter a us embassy just be using your passport. I'm sure you don't need an appointment. But I believe she can only get her passport there cause it's in her name. If you are already there in her country it doesn't hurt if you go there with her

We just received a letter from USCIS today. Asking for Form 1722 from IRS. I guess when we sent the N-400 our W-2 and copy of 1040 were not enough for them. I don't like to pay a tax professional to prepare our taxes when we can do it our self. I just got done requesting transcript of tax form for the last 3 years from IRS which will take 5 to 10 days to get in the mail. I just hope this is the right tax information USCIS needs at the interview. We are still in line for interview scheduling since October 14. We can't wait for all this to be over with the government it has been over 5 years with all the processes

Hello,

I am working on the I-864 and I am not really sure what documents to send. I have never worked in the US, so I don't have a W-2. Can I just send a copy of my tax return? Should I just send it from one year?

Also, my income is below the poverty level, so I will have a joint sponsor. Even with my assets I am nowhere close to the required income requirement. Should I even bother claiming any assets, then?

Thanks!

My wife k-1 visa was issued March 05, 2009 and expired on May 20, 2009 . She entered the usa on April 03, 2009 , and we got married April 21, 2009 . her 2 year green card was issued August 15,2009 and exprires August 15, 2011 . We took the trip to the philippines November 23, 2010 and got back to usa December 07, 2010 . So 14 day trip , i guess it makes since why the officer at port of entry crossed out her visa . Since it's allready expried , but my wife is a permanant resident , why the officer wrote 17 days on the admitance stamp under stay until . Does not make that much since to me , and i hope this does'nt cause us any problems when we file removal of conditions . Even when we left the philippines at the international airport in Manila . The security asked for our certificate of marriage . but when we arrived in usa the officer at the port of entry never asked us for the certificate of marriage . Just the tickets passports and permanant residence card .

My wife is already a green card holder ( 2 year permanant resident ). My question is , has anyone ever experience the officer at the port of entry make a big X mark using a pen on your visa that is already used and exprired prior to your recent travel back into usa . And also remove your I-94 from your passport page . And on the admitance stamp that was stamped on the visa page it says stay until , the officer wrote 17 days . Thank you

I'm looking at the fees for AOS and wondering, will I end up paying $305 additional just for the sake of being able to travel sooner on Advance Parole? In other words, if I want my upcoming newly married wife and I need to leave the country in mid July, do I have to request AP? My fiancee is expected to arrive stateside by the end of this month.

Thanks

As what was already said before . If you file the AP and EAD , at the same time you do not need to pay extra for the AP or EAD . It's included in the AOS $930.00 fee not counting the $80.00 for biometrics . total $1,010.00 . Now if you want to work right away , file your EAD and if you want to go back to your country before AOS is finished then file for AP . Anyways , the AP is only good untill you get aproved for the AOS . Then at that point you don't even need a AP your green card will alow you to return back into the USA . As long as it's still valid ( not expired ). And with employment the EAD is only good to have if you allready have a job and your permanent residence is about to expire . So you can continue to legally work .

i find the health insurance and the general healthcare system here a lot more complicated than the philippines. although our medical facilities is mostly third world, and most people don't have health insurance but for as long as you have cash hospitals will admit you. the big difference too is that alternative medicine is still the main source for common ailments, and one would not seek a doctor unless the problem is something they can't self-medicate for.

what i'm trying to say is your wife will eventually understand and accept it, like i did. the system really is so different from what she's been used to that's why to her it's a big deal and she doesn't want you to be financially burdened that's why she didn't go back for her appointments.

in any case, you have to support her for now by not arguing with her because she's definitely still grieving. let time pass and focus on other happier/more pleasant things.

if she's still in her 20s and even early 30s, you have plenty of time to have a family. right now help her get back her normal mindset so she can forgive herself and move on.

hope she gets better. god bless

PS did she take insulin when she was still in the philippines?

She did when she was dianosed August 2006 , but could'nt aford the medicine and it was before i meet her . Yeah she is still grieving . And no one thinks of the man , Oh i forgot men don't feel any emotion . Thank you Zen Den , for your reply

I just bought an Alienware computer and looking at the invoice noticed that it comes with a liquid cooling system. I've never personally had one before, but had a friend who did years ago and ended up demolishing his mobo, gfx card and HD when it leaked. Does anyone have any experience with liquid cooling?

Some people use Distilled water for the cooling , because Distilled Water will never boil due to the heat of the computer . Make sure its always filled with water . Maybe this was the problem your friend had .

im pregnant and i enjoy going to the doctor i did all the lab test that they require here and until now we haven't pay anything yet i got some medicine that my OBGYNE gave me and i only pay $3 its really diffrent here unlike in the Philippines once you go to the doctor you were wondering how much is your bill after, but here once you entered at the the doctors office sign a paper with your initial check out after then see you next check up appointment

My wife is from the philippines , and the medical bills are from the USA . April 03, 2009 is when she arrived in USA , and we were married April 21, 2009 . and the first doctors appointment was in late june . After she received her Social Security Card , because it's required for insurance . All the medical bills was before her pregnancy . Diabetis during pregnancy , can cause birth defects ( Spinal Bifida , ect. , and even death ). Not just to the unborn baby , but also to the mother during pregnancy or at the time giving birth .

My wife had a miscarriage last October 2009 , she is Type 1 diabetic that takes insulin everyday . We told her doctor , we were trying to start a family . And he told us that when she is pregnant , we need to come back to the doctor . Which my wife was ok with that . But she changed her mind after seeing all the medical bills , for her treatment of her diabetis . To stop all the fighting we were having due to all the medical bills i gave into her , by not having her go to the doctor . Now she blames me , and herself , we have our own private insurance . And as many times i have tried to explain to her how the medical insurance works here . She still does'nt understand , and thinks we can't afford anything . Now she does'nt even want a family of her own , i can't change the health care system here . And no matter what , even if we have a baby , we would still be paying something insurance does'nt pay for it all .

I noticed that my first name and middle name is written in the given name

is that ok?

sample

Surname - AMUL

Given name - Jefferson Samaniego

Samaniego is my middle name

Yes it's ok , Last name First name Middle name . (Or sometimes Middle initial only)

You don't need to do anything if your faincee has not yet moved into the united states with you . Wonce you arrive into the U.S.A. you then have residence into the United States . And you use that address , when you file the AOS . But if the alien moves while into the united states you must file the form AR-11 Alien Change of Address with USCIS within 10 days . And a fiancee of an american citizen does not have to file the form I-865 - Spouncer Change of Address . UNLESS , you have moved to another residence within the U.S.A. prior to filing the form I-864 Affidavit of Support ( (1) You file the I-864 Affidavit of Support , then (2) you move to a different residence .

But if you were already married prior to entering the USA , then you must file the AR-11 and the I-865 . Only because you were required to adjust status before entering into the USA , and the I-864 was allready filed before the entery into the USA .

Well...to begin with we are just about to begin the process of applying for a VISA. I leave for the Philippines on February 5 and will meet for the first time February 6. We are both very excited to meet face to face. After I return I will start an official time line of our events. So be watching for that to come.

My question is this however. She has her name misspelled on her birth certificate and her passport has the exactly same spelling with the same error. She wants to change the misspelled name on her birth certificate and has applied for the change, however that is not suppose to be completed until next month. Will there be a problem if the spelling of the name is different on her passport? OR should she just wait until she gets her VISA and arrives in the states to change the name spelling. OR should she change the name on her passport to match the birth certificate. Her funds are very tight...and I will probably have to pick up the cost and my thinking is to just leave everything the way it currently is and see about making the change once she arrives here...anyone else have this problem.

One more thing...can anyone give us anything we need to do during are meeting that will help with our process of getting her VISA? I am really very nervous about my upcoming trip...I fly from the states to Tokyo and then to Manila. I have never flown before so any help with this or things I need to know would be greatly appreciate.

Thanks.

JD & ON

When a person is born in the Philippines , there information gets put into a civil registrar at the local province their birth took place . Then when the parents or the person that was born ask for the birth certificate , that information on the birth needs to be sent to the national satistics office located in manila, philippines . Where they make the birth certificate , then from there the birth certificate gets sent to the person requesting the birth certificate . So to get the name changed cause it's an error , try to fix it at the civil registrar where her birth took place . The name change supposed to happen next month , when you hav'nt even meet yet in person and when the visa process takes 6 month to a year . No , i don't see you would have any problems because of her name change . Now if she would have her name changed after she receives her visa then you would have many problems .

When you go to the philippines , and if you both plan to get married there in the philippines . Have her apply for CERNOMAR (Certificate of no Marriage), and make sure she has a current photo id (SSS Photo ID) is the best (Social Security Systems). I will explain why in the philippines divorce is illegal , there is only two things that removes a marriage in the philippines , which is (a) death of your spouce (B) annulment , which i believe has to be within 30 days after marriage takes place . And for the ID , it's to prove who she really is . And the SSS ID is the most powerfull form of government issued ID in the philippines . And for you , you need to get an Affidavit in Liue of Contract to Conduct Marriage for American Citizens . From the US embassy either in Cebu or Manila , and ofcource you need your passport .

You need to prove you both meet in person within 2 years prior filing the petition , this is what i did (1) take photo's of both of you together (2) keep all receipts (3) Keep all boarding passes . When i meet my fiancee now my wife in the philippines , i used all the photos we had of us together . and the boarding passes from the both of us in cebu pacific . Which on the boarding pass , it says your name, date, age, and where you will be sleeping on the ferry . Take my advice while your there take your fiancee with you on an extra trip around the philippines using a ferry , it will do you both good . And in the future help you by establishing the requirement of meeting in person within 2 years of filing the petition . And the last thing when you put all this together have her send you a xerox copy of her photo id (Passport or SSS ID) cause if not all this just looks like just two people having their picture taken together . Or two people just on a ferry boat together , but not spending any time together .

And lastly , don't trust anyone in the philippines . I had my wallet stolen from a pit pocket in a bus from davao to lupon , and the people working on the bus were all involved . When some people in the philippines see an american , all they see is $$$$. Not all criminal types are in america , they are all over the world . And i have to say this the philippine people are very good people . There is more good ones than bad ones

They will not return the money order , cause you used two money orders . 1st for $1,000.00 and 2nd for $10.00 . There is a limit you can make out the money order for and that is $1,000.00 . And with money orders for the retailer to comply with anti-money laundering laws . This comes from a person , that works in retail . We used two money orders in our aos , and we experienced no problems . By sending two , money orders for the filling fee of aos . If you are too worried about the money orders , just write an explination of why there is two money orders there instead of one . And also if you read in the instructions for the filling of the aos ( Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), you will see in the directions it states , make all money orders payable to USCIS not DHS . (Make all money orders !! does'nt that mean more than one money order ). If they only except 1 money order only , they would of worded it differently by just saying . Make your money order payable to USCIS not DHS .

Sometimes it takes time. I'm lucky we're closed to Chicago. Do you have a tracking number for your shipment?

No shipment number (not fedex or ups), we sent the package in postal mail to the chicago lock box . No way we can check the status , only thing we know is the money orders not yet cashed .

Does anyone know how long it should take for the NOA on I-485 ?. We sent it June 11, 2009 , from Iowa to the Illionois Lock Box . It's been 11 days allready with no NOA from USCIS saying they recieved it . Is this normal ?, thank you .

My husband got an extension to file his 2008 taxes, and I am wondering if we will need to file them before sending our AOS packet in, or if it would suffice to submit 2007 return, with 2008 extension to file and the 2008 W2. his income is way over what is needed if that makes any difference. It is my job to do his taxes and I've been busy doing immigration paperwork! Anyway to submit the AOS application without the 2008 return?

You should have your 2008 taxes filed in IRS first before you do the i-864 affidavit of Support , so it will show up with your income when you file your taxes ( it will show your filed your taxes this year ). If his income for 2008 is above the federal proverty guidelines , then all he has to show is his income from the last year . If he doesnt meet the federal proverty guidelines for 2008 , he will have to show his income for 2008 2007 2006 , and still if his income for the last 3 years don't meet the requirement . He still needs to have a co-sponsor . When you do the aos , thats when you file the I-864 Affidavit of support . You send both aos and I-864 together

I am filing for AOS for my husband and we are filing up the I-864.

I understand that the income for the household of 2 should be 18,000. My annual income this year is 19k-20k. Do i need to fill out 1-864A for my brother to help me with my income. My brother lives with us. he has more annual income.

the federal proverty guidelines is not $18,000.00 . It is above $18,212.00 not $18,000.00 . ( Your annual income for year 2008 * 125% + $18,212.00 = adjusted federal proverty guidelines based on your annual income - Your annual income for 2008 = if the total equals a negitive amount you meet the guidelines , but if it equals a positive amount then * that total by 3 (*3) . Thats how much you need to use in assets , if your annual income for 2008 was a total of 19k-20k , then im sorry your dont meet the federal proverty guidelines . You need to have made about 21k last year , you will need a co-sponsor . Not unless you have $3,000.00 in assets

Hi! How are you guys?

I just want to share my experience to you and I hope it will help with your situation.

I arrived here in US last November 2008 and I think 4 or 8 days after, I applied for SSN and too my surprise I was approved for that. All I did was filled out the form at the SSN Office, took a priority number until I was called. They asked for my passport with my I-94 and visa attached to it. Then I think I paid something but not that much. I think that was only $25 then the lady gave me a receipt and informed me to wait for my SSN card in the mail. After a week, my SSN card arrived on the mail. And so far I haven't got any problem applying one.

With regards to other situations, I think the problem is with them. I think they made an error and they didn't realized it until you complained. They always covered it up some some bullshit reasons and made us think like we're buying it. Some of them are such an ####### for making us look like we're dumb enough.

But what I can advice you right now. Please don't stop maing follow-ups to your wife's SSN. If they find you guys annoying then so be it. If you want to write a letter then go on. Because most of my friends who applied for SSN doesn't seem to encounter such problems like this. So annoy them more if you could until they will provide what you want. That's their job.

You paid $25.00 for your SSN , that's illegal for them to charge money for your SSN . It says that applying for a SSC , or SSN is allways free .

Hi! I want to ask to those who have their name changed to married name @ SS office. Do you still have your previous number when u were single? Or do they give a new number? Thanks!

Get your social security number first ,( you have too use the same name when you entered the USA at the POE , cause the SSA will send it too DHS to see if your entry into the USA was legal .) Then when your SSC arrives in the mail , and if your not married yet . Wait untill after your married , and use your Marriage License , to apply for a new SSC at the SSA . Then you will recieve the new SSC , with your new legal name change , and no documents get sent to DHS again . For the aproval of your name change for your SSN , cause the SSA will do it themselfs .

I heard one of the locations had a nicer staff but I can't remember which one.

Also....after her interview if she is approved should she go right away or wait for the Visa to be delivered.

The reason that I ask is that I will be there during that time and it may be helpful for me to go to the CFO with her if they let me.

Also I keep reading that she should take her NBI clearance and other forms with her. Doesn't the Embassy keep these? So she will have to get more originals or can she copy them and bring those?

Do the CFO first , that what we did . It will help show the Usembassy a bonfidal relationship , at the time of the interview . But after you have your visa in hand , you have to go back too the CFO either in Manila or Cebu City to get the sticker in the passport . Then they will put a dry seal on one of the passport pages , and attach the guidence and counseling certificate to the passport . ( To get the sticker in passport after the visa , is a whole day thing , so you will need to be there early when they first open ). Or you may need to come back the next day to finish the pdos

Hi Everyone,

I need some help on Joint Sponsor. I need as much information as you can give me about joint sponsor.

The thing is I'm trying to get my second cousin to be a joint sponsor,

but I also want to inform her as much as I can about everything.

Like what it entails, how long will she be liable etc. I'm currently not working because I'm a full time student

and graduating this month with my Master Degree. So I will be looking for a job.

After this, can I become completely liable for my hubby or she has to remain liable etc.

The more info the better!!

Thank you for your help!!!

All the information affidavit of support entails is provided on the i-864 , mostly means you cannot alow the person you are sponsoring government benifits . Like social security , and food stamps . And you are agree with taking care of the person , not asking for any help , how long your cousin will be liable ? untill the person gets his or her Green Card ( Perminant Residence ). If you are not currently not working , thats not good cause the embassy can see it as your fiancee may still become a public charge will in the usa . You still need income to support her , having your cousin support both of you and herself is just too much . And the usembassy knows that , maybe you should get a part time job before the time comes for the interview . If not you may experience problems getting her visa approved . Again all the information you need is provited on the I-864 , you just have to read this instruction that come with the form . If its a I-134 , the instruction apply for the I-134 its allso on the forms , but still the same rules apply for both I-864 and I-134 together . I mean if you supplied the I-134 , you are bound on that for the time stated on the I-134 . And then when you file the I-864 , you are bound to that for untill the sponsored immigrant gets their Green Card ( Perminant Residence ). Or can prove that the Sponsored immigrant has worked themselfs with 40 qualifing quarters of work in the USA ( 10 years )

Hi guys,

Are co-sponsors allowed for the I-864 affidavit of support?

Thank you very much

Co-sponsor are allowed for the I-864 , but some embassy do not alow Co-sponsors for I-134 . It just depends what country , but for the adjustment of status you will be ok when you file the I-864 .