Chicagoguy 2

I remember I took over the whole dinning room table with documents. Checking and then rechecking. Then I made two copies of everything. Originals went to Immigration, 1 copy to fiance in Russia so she could see what we were up to and last copy for me as a backup. It took me weeks to gather everything.

I put it in a 3 ring binder with tabs. Next I mailed it BUT I FORGOT THE CHECK ! Stupid. It was immediatly returned to me and they had thrown away my beautiful presentation. It was assembled their way with a two hole Acco binder at the top. Later I learned they don't like guys like me who go overboard. I was told by Gov. rep "Just Follow The Instructions".

I don't think my stupid mistake even cost me 1 week. I was lucky.

Citizenship is next for us. After U.S. passport we will be finished ! About 4 years from first arrival.

I guess I am asking what is "entire case file" ?

I have never read about anyone opening one before and living to tell about it

We probably have enough homes for everyone

Congratulations Gage and wife. It is my guess that many of the posters here either need help with the forms or have something go wrong. We don't hear of the many successes. Also, many people arrive here without knowing about Visa Journey.

We had almost the same timeline as yours. Keep all Russian documents up to date and travel as if she is still Russian when entering there and as US person when arriving here. I told my wife that there might be advantages we have never considered in being citizens of two countries.

What is in the famous sealed envelope ?

I forgot a check alltogether But I lost less than 1 week. I think they saved my place in line. Really.

When I am trying to get into the Forum's the listings won't stand still. They keep moving up and down and make it more difficult to enter.

Why do you keep asking him for so many answers ? Maybe you should just be strong and do what YOU need to do.

Good Luck

I sent my wife an exact duplicate of what I sent to Immigration. I do not know if the original was forwarded to Moscow or not but when she went in for her interview she had her copy with her. The Embassy employee saw it and reached out and kept it for himself so now she would have nothing at P.O.E.

However, in the interview itself he only asked her 1 question and then said yes. She spoke no English.

She sailed through P.O.E. in Chicago with no questions.

Isn't that the GSA warehouse that burned down in Texas last night ?

It is my guess that your husband has become an alcoholic. It happens. But people can improve IF they are willing to change.

This is the most difficult part and usually involves treatment and usually joining and attending Alcoholics Anonymous.

Not sure if you can wait for this transformation. It might be a very bumpy road and it might never happen.

Maybe you could try an Alanon meeting just to talk with others who might help you.

I once tried for some help with my representative - Jesse Jackson Jr. - and he faxed Immigration immediately and their reply was in essence "Screw you Junior Representative from Illinois". So best to go to your Senators !

There was a poster at another site who worked at Vermont Service Center and he strongly advised against big packages. It had a negative effect. My Russian wife was able to print some type of log or summary. Try that.

Follow The Money. Put your son first but it might be best for you to consult a divorce lawyer now. What you do now might cost you some $ now but if you make a wrong move it could be really big money down the road.

Let her go home. Columbia is not a third world country and she has a support system there.

I am wondering if Embassy in Washington has an expedited service - maybe for a little more money ?

Same day for us.

Maybe get a job in Egypt with an American company with an eye towards eventually getting into U.S. by way of them ?

When I was working on K-1 I assumed it would be better for me or give me some advantage to be neat. To stand out. I sent in my file in a three ring binder with tabs and a fancy cover. Soon after it was returned to me for some minor infraction on my part. I don't remember what is was. But now they had re-arranged it in THEIR way - like Gary says. Two hole punch at the top with Acco binding.

On another web page I go to an employee in Vermont said people like me annoy them He suggested that we just follow the instructions - Duh.

At any rate I was lucky and mine was granted in fair time.

I suggest that everyone listen to Gary.

Agree with Steve D. About the same for me. Just utility bills and 1 bank account. But I did include tax returns [ receipts ] and a copy of my will.

Wait a few more weeks and mail from the new address ?

I used transcripts for Removal of Conditions and from day I mailed it in until 10 year Green Card was in my hand was 85 days. People are still waiting from June and July and I was in Sept. I have wondered why mine was so fast. Nothing else special except maybe good pictures and my will showing my wife as beneficiary.

Maybe we should recommend to everyone on VJ to use transcripts instead of returns. It is a better form of proof and avoids the RFE.

Sam, I dont even know what to say. I know you have fought with everything you have to bring the two of you together. Its a damn shame that people can be so cruel and ungrateful. But God is watching...and God dont like ugly. I know you must be in so much pain, but my dear pick yourself up and try with everything you have to keep it moving and remember that time heals all wounds. Im praying for you and I send to you BIG HUGS!!! xoxoxoxoxo

Time wounds all heals.

I believe that living at 125% of the poverty line is possible. BUT what if emergencies arise. Like health issues. Maybe we should check to be sure couples have decent health coverage. I am on Medicare and not working so I have no coverage for my wife. Good coverage is very expensive. I am always mindful of my late wife's hospital bill. 1.2 million $. How would you like to open that envelope ?

Our plan now is to pay small Dr. bills but she goes back home for the big ones.