TheBears

Congratulations to all of the great news!

Rani and Raja, just one slight hiccup which can be taken care of easily. No worries.

Ladies... be sure to let us known when you get your GC/SSC in the mail. Or whatever you have to do to get them. 'Cause we sure as heck don't have any experience with this.

Congratulations to everyone with good news!

MSP, I'm happy to see you're back with us, too.

Did any of you June interviewers include the I-130 copy in your/SO package? Is this necessary? What about the NOA2/Approval of Petition?

Yes, Ma'am. Husby had a copy of every document we ever sent or received during this process. He actually forgot it at home and had to turn around to get them. Of course, they weren't used, but we both have the idea of "better safe than sorry."

And....

Week Four!! What's up, you guys? You guys are going to do great!

Week Four

(06/21/2010) Tokyo.Lovers (06/20/2010 7:00 PM EST)

(06/21/2010) Lilib (06/20/2010 7:30 PM EST)

(06/21/2010) Happyfreckles (06/21/2010 8:00 AM EST)

(06/22/2010) LoveRani (06/22/2010 1:30 AM EST)

(06/23/2010) Yuryromero (06/23/2010 8:00 AM EST)

(06/23/2010) Cndwife (06/23/2010 8:00 AM EST)

(06/23/2010) JorgeP (06/23/2010 9:00 AM EST)

(06/24/2010) Estefani22 (06/24/2010 10:00 AM EST)

Good luck!

YEAH!!!! Congratulations, Julissa!

Christi!!! What's up, Dear?

You're the sponsor. The sponsor of the beneficiary. If you need help meeting the guidelines, there is a joint sponsor. That's it.

For you... Beneficiary's sponsors = You and your parents.

You'll want to make sure your spouse knows the name of your current employer(s) and your job title(s). Other than that, as long as your income meets the minimum guidelines, you should be fine.

CR/IR cases are allowed to have joint sponsors. The CO makes the final decision at the interview, but NVC checks for completeness before an interview is scheduled. For more information, review the Department of State website and the I-864 form itself.

If it's available to be paid, pay it. AOS and IV are two separate but parallel tracks.

You're gonna be great, Miss! I'm going to get very little work done tomorrow while clicking refresh every 5 minutes to hear your news.

I would go over each and everyone of your red-flags (age difference, cultural difference, met online, short courtship, previous relationships, kids, religious differences etc. -- whatever may be applicable to your case, you'd know best) and have strong evidence and confident answers prepared in order to rebut it.

Casa is one of the highest-fraud consulates in the world and it is a different beast altogether. You need to focus, prepare and respond adequately. Be prepared for an AP post-interview.

Good advice! Not only for Vanessa but for everyone. Thank you, Dear.

Yes, you are right. I'm ok with AP and am prepared...it's the send back to USCIS we are trying to avoid because who knows how long that will take. The only red flags from your list we have are that we met online (although it was 4 years ago) and the religious difference. Thanks for the ideas and keep us in your thoughts, if you can.

Yay!!! I'm so happy that you've prepared for several possibilities. Vanessa, you're gonna rock it!

JULISSA!!! PAUL!!! NESH!!! Here we go!!! Yay!

Raph, Bajan.... what's the word?! We're super excited to hear the good news!

Christi, Delfo, Cucumber, Ken... today's the day! Good luck!

With the I-130, I didn't even think to copy the back of my BC until about a month after I received the NOA1. We had no problems. Does she have a copy of his passport bio-data page? That will work fine to prove citizenship and place of birth.

Kari, did you get my reply to your long message?

Yes, sir. Just waiting for input from a friend before sending a reply.

Guys, don't be worried about the interviews. Just be prepared. Things change over time. Bangkok is progressively becoming more thorough in their interviews of potential residents. I don't think this is a bad thing. Our relationships are real. They are worth the time and effort we have put into them -- from the initial communication, the first trip, up through this process. We want to be together; this is one of the things we have to do to make that happen.

Scott, I have no idea what you're talking about. We don't take a long time in the restroom; you're just impatient.

Here you go, kids. June in all its awesome-ness!

Week One

(06/01/2010) Deb+Steve –Approved!

(06/01/2010) Sassyandswoop – Approved!

(06/01/2010) Cherish_Berries – Approved!

(06/01/2010) yobmica@guilar – Abnormal X-Ray, Waiting on Sputum Cultures

(06/01/2010) Emmamama – Approved! Pending Document Submission

(06/02/2010) jrd4508 – Approved!

(06/02/2010) Oliver-Chris – Approved!

(06/02/2010) Me&Fresco – No Word?!

(06/03/2010) Chintu – Approved!

(06/04/2010) Blessmeindeed – Approved! Pending Document Verification

Week Two

(06/07/2010) yuenashleysl – Approved!

(06/08/2010) TheBears – Approved!

(06/08/2010) aday8411 – Approved!

(06/09/2010) SeanJohn – Approved!

(06/09/2010) Sandra/Ahmed – No Word?!

(06/10/2010) Complicatedmuch – Approved!

(06/10/2010) Nj328 – Approved!

(06/10/2010) Nqb_tomm – No Word?!

(06/10/2010) Hobokenworkingman – Approved!

Week Three

(06/14/2010) Raphmadu (06/14/2010 8:00 AM EST)

(06/14/2010) Bajankutie (06/14/2010 9:00 AM EST)

(06/15/2010) Christi and Ian (06/15/2010 3:00 AM EST)

(06/15/2010) Delfo399 (06/15/2010 8:00 AM EST)

(06/16/2010) Cucumber (06/15/2010 8:00 PM EST)

(06/16/2010) KenN (06/15/2010 9:00 PM EST)

(06/16/2010) Estrellademiel (06/16/2010 7:30 AM EST)

(06/17/2010) paulthind (06/16/2010 10:30 PM EST)

(06/18/2010) the_nesh 316 (06/17/2010 10:00 PM EST)

Week Four

(06/21/2010) Tokyo.Lovers (06/20/2010 7:00 PM EST)

(06/21/2010) Lilib (06/20/2010 7:30 PM EST)

(06/21/2010) Happyfreckles (06/21/2010 8:00 AM EST)

(06/22/2010) LoveRani (06/22/2010 1:30 AM EST)

(06/23/2010) Yuryromero (06/23/2010 8:00 AM EST)

(06/23/2010) Cndwife (06/23/2010 8:00 AM EST)

(06/23/2010) JorgeP (06/23/2010 9:00 AM EST)

(06/24/2010) Estefani22 (06/24/2010 10:00 AM EST)

Week Five

(06/28/2010) LA&MA (06/27/2010 8:30 PM EST)

(06/29/2010) Vanessa1 (06/29/2010 3:00 AM EST)

(06/29/2010) Sassythea (06/29/2010 8:00 AM EST)

Congrats and Good Luck!

Both types have a chance to fall into AP.

From the stats on the ladies, the CR/IR cases that have been put into AP have been for 200-300 days. The K cases in AP have been stuck for 120-180 days. Either way, it's not a nice thing to go through.

Tom! I have (kinda) good news. One of the girls who interviewed a few weeks before Teaw was called in for an FPU interview on the 10th. Hopefully that means they're going through their stacks. As a possibility, look at your calendar. Do you think you'd be able to take off on short notice in the next month? I know you don't want to go for FPU, but if she gets called back for another interview (and they aren't going to tell her it's FPU), you would need to be there for her to pass. But for now we're focusing on the good: Bangkok is getting their butts in gear, and preparing for the worst: An FPU interview. I'm sure you have gone over your previous relationship with Teaw already, but go ahead and give her all the details again. Just in case.

I read the review. It's unfortunate that we didn't have more info like that sooner. I could have prepared Teaw better for the onslought of attitude the 3 people interviewing her had. While the reasons for a divorce in the past or whatever should not be their concern, it's unfortunate they put people on the spot and try to break them down. I know Teaw was very nervous not knowing what really to expect. Of course, your man being an attorney I am sure helped greatly in being able to hold up against them. For most of the women I am sure they feel very belittled at the interviews. Oh, well. Still waiting. Wrote the embassy for an update 3 days ago and have heard nothing back yet.

So when is he coming over here, Kare?

I don't know if it would have helped. I know I wasn't prepared for the way it turned out, so I can't imagine that he was. We were expecting a quick interview with questions about why the divorce took so long and about my son. We weren't expecting him to get grilled about The Ex's citizenship status.

I agree that his work experience probably helped him think quickly on his feet and keep calm.

For other women, though, I'm sure it's very stressful if they encounter a very abrupt CO or rapidfire questions. I'm thankful he was able to interview in Thai. His English isn't bad, but he's very self-conscious about it. I know it would have tripped him up.

I hope you hear some news soon, Tom. Have you called DOS to check on your status?

As for when he's coming over, it's going to be August or September. He has cases he's committed to up until then.

Wow Kari. First congratulations. But I had no idea it would be soo difficult. I thought for sure a Thai-Thai (I thought you were Thai that acquired US Citizenship) would be an automatic.

I am very concerned about Bangkok now.

I have 2 possible red flags. One I have practiced with fiancee. The other I need to review again to make sure she knows more details.

Thanks very much and best of luck with the next steps in your lives.

Thank you, Rob. I thought it would be easier, too.

Be sure you tell Audy everything that you know and that she understands it. All those little details -- like where my ex-husband lived while we were apart -- are important.

I still think the AP thing is sort of a relationship "test." We'll put them through hell, and if they still are together, then it must be real.

I don't think so. Only because you submit the evidence before and then AP is just a waiting game. There is no more evidence submission. It's just waiting for the embassy to call you. If it were a fraudulent relationship and you had paid a good amount of money to someone to get into the US, you wouldn't end the relationship just because you had to wait a while longer. You would wait it out until you got the final answer. If it were me, I'd probably be happy that I didn't have to waste time creating bogus evidence anymore -- no more sweet e-mails every day, or phone calls for an hour in the morning. I'd take the time to be with my real partner and attempt to spend as much time with him as possible before being apart for 3 years.

Woooo!! Week Three!!!

Week Three

(06/14/2010) Raphmadu (06/14/2010 8:00 AM EST)

(06/14/2010) Bajankutie (06/14/2010 9:00 AM EST)

(06/15/2010) Christi and Ian (06/15/2010 3:00 AM EST)

(06/15/2010) Delfo399 (06/15/2010 8:00 AM EST)

(06/16/2010) Cucumber (06/15/2010 8:00 PM EST)

(06/16/2010) KenN (06/15/2010 9:00 PM EST)

(06/16/2010) Estrellademiel (06/16/2010 7:30 AM EST)

(06/17/2010) paulthind (06/16/2010 10:30 PM EST)

(06/18/2010) the_nesh 316 (06/17/2010 10:00 PM EST)

Good luck!

Hey, Guys!

Sorry I disappeared. I needed a break.

Congrats to all the good news that has been happening!

Here's our review, for anyone going through Bangkok. Or anyone at all.

Good morning, Everyone!

Here's the experience and review.

I'm sorry for the delay. Husby took a little while to calm down before writing it, and then I took my time translating it.

Hope it helps!

Interview Date: June 8, 2010

Husby woke up around 3, with his lovely Wifey calling around 3:30 to make sure. We went over the documents, what they were for, when to use them, etc. and he was out the door. Twenty minutes into the drive, he goes "Oh... #######!" Lovely, Dear. He forgot the copies of all of the forms and documents we sent to USCIS and NVC. So he went back for them. We should have taken this as a sign.

He parked and hopped on the BTS. Getting off at Ploern Chit, he walked the rest of the way to the Embassy. He started at the wrong door and was to go around to the other side. Again, this should have been a sign.

He finally made it to the right place and promptly struck up a conversation with the others waiting. When they were let in, he passed the guard with no problems. (Remember: Leave your phone and electronics in the car.) He gave his documents to the prescreener. She took the new I-864 but ignored the new DS-230. Good enough. The wait began.

Silly man, he doesn't remember in which order he was called. He wasn't first, but he wasn't last. It was around 10 o'clock. There were two COs conducting interviews -- a man and a woman. The man was being very abrupt with the interviewees and speaking loud enough for everyone else to hear what was going on. The woman was alright. He was called to Window 6 with the woman.

Things started out straightforward enough. The oath, the fingerprints, the signature.

What is your wife's name? Mrs. Bear.

How did you meet? On Skype.

When? April 2005.

When was the first time she came to see you? March 14, 2008.

Where? Australia.

How long were you in Australia? 1 year.

What were you doing there? Working and studying.

Do you know Charles? No. (Former joint sponsor's husband. Long story.)

Did you know your wife was married before? Yes.

Do you know when she got married? April 26, 2004. No, 2005.

Is that what your wife told you? I'm sorry. I remembered incorrectly. It was 2005.

At this point, the woman walked away to consult with the man. Woo! Let the fun begin.

And when did you meet her? April 2005.

Did you know she was married at the time when you met her? Yes.

<Nothing. Just a look.> We were friends for a long time. After a while, her marriage didn't go well. They weren't living together when we started being together.

She has a child, did you know that? Yes.

Are you ready to have a child? Yes.

You've met him? No, but we talk on the phone.

Alright.

Your wife is American, right? Why aren't you interviewing in English? Because usually we speak to each other in Thai.

<Picking up a copy of one of the cards I sent to Husby.> Did your wife write this? Yes.

And you wrote this one? <Pointing to another card, this one from Husby to me.> Yes.

She understands it all? Yes.

How does she know how to speak Thai? Oh... because her ex-husband is Thai.

Huh? Her ex-husband is Thai? She only wants to date Thais or what? Ummmm. <Poor guy! And ####### at the lady! Completely uncalled for.> He's an American.

Oh? Yes.

So her ex-husband got his citizenship this way, too? No. I don't know. He may have naturalized with his parents or something.

So he went to the US only for citizenship, right? I don't think so.

But he's Thai? Yes.

So she did the same thing as with you, right? No.

How does your wife know her ex-husband? They went to high school together.

How can your wife speak Thai? Her ex-husband is Thai. When they lived together, they spoke Thai at home and English when out and about.

Oh. So where did she learn? You mean from a school? She didn't. They spoke it at home.

Mmhmm. And how long has she been speaking Thai? I don't know. Since before we met.

And why did she and her ex divorce? <Confused for a second.> Because he wasn't being a good husband. He wasn't taking care of her or the baby.

But she was married to him when you met and you knew about this? Yes.

<Writing on a piece of paper.> You can come pick up your visa on June 18 at 1 PM. <Amazed.> Thank you.

He took the piece of paper and walked back to a seat to check over all of the documents the CO returned. We had talked that he would double-check them while he was still with her, but that would have been a bad idea in this case.

We knew that we had this red flag in our case. My ex is Thai. He was born here to Thai parents, so he has citizenship since birth. Husby and I have gone over this a few times, but I can see how he could be confused. Citizenship and visas are confusing subjects. We also knew that it might be a problem that I took so long to divorce my ex. We weren't living together for several years, but neither of us wanted to bother going through the divorce. Our lives were fine. One day Husby started talking a lot more about the future than he had previously. So I started the divorce process. Husby and I started out as language partners and remained that way for quite a while before becoming an item. I don't know if the CO read my evolution of relationship letter or not, but I clearly explained our situation in that letter. I suspect she did read it and didn't think it too terribly important. Until she found out that The Ex is Thai, that is. From there, she must have suspected that my previous marriage (and by extension my current marriage) were fraudulent so that Thais could have a path to American citizenship. This isn't the case at all, and I think she was able to understand that.

In all, the interview alone took about an hour. It was in Thai because that's the language we use to communicate with each other. Husby said several cases took longer than the 5-10 minutes I had told him about. There were several trips for consultation with the male CO. Because of that, I can only thank God that we were not put in AP.

Whether this is a result of a general policy of additional scrutiny when compared to previous cases or of the merits of those individual cases presented that day is uncertain. I would say both are probably true.

Advice for Others:

Know your red flags. Pull out your Hater Vision goggles! Think of all the negative things in your life. You may not consider them to be negatives – I don't view my previous relationship as a negative – but others may. An answer of "I don't see anything that could be a problem" is always a wrong answer.

Know your partner. Make sure your partner knows you. If you have a past, be sure your partner knows just as much about it as you do. No secrets. No lies. No being stingy on the details.

Bring evidence to support it all. If you previously made a visa petition for someone else, bring the Denial Notice. Or receipt for the flight back. For me, I have a copy of The Ex's birth certificate and passport. I could have sent that to Husby. He could have pulled it out to show the CO that The Ex has jus soli citizenship. That would have been the end of it.

The trend is that Bangkok is becoming more and more strict about who they are approving. They are examining documents and details. Be prepared for this.

Review of the Embassy Staff:

Husby didn't have any problems with the staff. They were polite. The CO was firm when trying to figure out if our case was fraudulent or not and threw the questions at him rapidly. The interpreter wasn't friendly during that part, either. They were doing their job. They had to ascertain to a reasonable degree of certainty that I am not selling a ticket to citizenship and that Husby was not buying. I'm happy that she followed up on her suspicions.

Thank you to the March/April NVC group and the Thai K-1 group. You all have provided support, humor, and knowledge. Husby and I appreciate you and wish you the best throughout all of your journeys.

Thank you! Still super happy.

SJ!!! You're up! With Sandra close after! Good luck you two!!

Thank you! There is absolutely no way we would have made it through without our VJ family.

They grilled him about my ex. The Ex was born here (American citizenship) to Thai parents (Thai citizenship). The CO had some idea about him only having Thai citizenship and flat out asked if The Ex came to the US via an illegal marriage to me (for immigration only). Husby is getting lunch now. He'll write up his experience tonight and I'll call him again to dissect everything. I'm happy.

Aday.... What's the word? I'm cheering for you!

Got it! Visa to be picked up on the 18th. (8 business days vs. the previous standard of 3)

Details tomorrow.

Thank you all for the well wishes.

APPROVED!!! Thank you, Lord! :dance: He'll pick up the visa on the 18th.

Details to come tomorrow. I promise.

Thank you, everyone, for your advice, support, and well wishes. Heaven knows we needed it.

I'm sticking around for sure. I've got to be here to hear all of the rest of the good news.