hshah08

If he is flying from Pakistan directly to the States with no flight change in Europe (only a refuel somewhere) then his immigration should be done at the port of entry in the USA.

However if he has a stop over somewhere in Europe (Especially, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin) then tell him to be prepared, his immigration might be done before his flight departs for the US. Most of these Airports now have US immigration enclaves within and you get done and dusted beforehand with all your i-94 landing card completion and submission and brown sealed 'SECRET' envelope declarations including finger printing etc.

In all scenarios, tell him to keep his calm, be prepared to tell the whole (how we met, when we met, and jab we met ... including the) wedding story if the visa officer asks, which i'm 90% certain he will be asked. X-rays are seldom taken. I was told to give it to my doctor in the US if i like as it was not needed for my immigration. This process will more than likely take up to 10 minutes max.

Out of all the POEs so far, JFK (NY) has the most probability of issuance of a work authorization stamp upon arrival.

I cannot emphasize enough how important work authorization is to a new immigrant in the US. I do not think most of us understand what us new immigrants will have to go through here. Unless your fiance / wife / Husband (whoever is the US citizen) earns a fortune, there is no other way to survive but to beg in-laws for financial help to get you the couple through this not just for a month or two, but possibly up to a year. And not to mention having to live in basements or with in-laws for at least a year after the wedding just because you can't afford your own place.

Here's what my wife is having to bear just because she is helping me settle down with her in the land of dreams. This is the extra amount she would be paying out of her hard earned basic salary each month.

Last week we got the following done;

Medical insurance; an extra 484 Dollars per month on top of her own payments of 150 dollars. (Blue Cross Blue Shield) - 7608 Dollar total for the year to have us both medically insured.

Car Insurance: 631 extra for this year as i am a new driver in the US despite my 10 year old driving record from Ireland and Pakistan.

I-485 Adjustment of Status application cost: 1014 Dollars.

Rent: 600 dollars for a 1 bed kitchen and bath basement each month. (Previously she was living with parents). Thats 7200 Dollars extra each year.

No chance of a house mortgage yet as one of us (me) holds no prior credit history. Been told to wait a minimum 2 years before coming back to apply for a mortgage.

Add this all up to see for yourself.

SO please understand that a work authorization is utmost important from day one. The new immigrant spouse must work and start supporting as soon as possible.

TRY AND GET A FLIGHT TO JFK (with no stop overs or flight changes in between) AND REQUEST THE VISA OFFICER TO ISSUE A WORK AUTHORIZATION ON HIS I-94 card. Period.

Thanks for the suggestions. His port of entry is JFK . His sister and her husband lives in New Jersey and are mashallah well settled. He is going to them and when he starts working and find an apartment we will have our ruksati. I live in atlanta and live with my uncles. So there is just no point of having any financial support from my uncles since one of them is really bad. and he wants to only help financially so he can degrade other who he has helped. So I have already rejected this help. His brother in law will be helping him finding a job and getting settled inshallah. I know its not very easy... But yeh hopefully we ll figure out somthing inshllah. .....

His flight is from lahore to abu dabi and then to new york JFK. So im hoping everything goes fine at poe as he is already in flight and Im praying tht he gets here sound and safe. Ameen and Inshallah

waiting4rana; I am praying for wellmux too. Please update us on his current condition. we would very much like to know if he is doing alright. Inshallah.

Usmomo... I tried calling you but i thought i was dialing the wrong number. I cudnt find the right number for you.. I know its somewhere in my VJ inbox but since when they made changes to this website I am almost unable to use it the way i used it before. Its not been hshah08 friendly yet lol.... I wanted to talk to u and congratulate you on phone. what are the updates... and when r u guys planning to come over here?

Also I have a question if anyone could answer it. Please do so.... my husband's flight is in 2 days.... inshallah... I was worried about POE and the required documents. The white paper tht we got from embassy has some info... i want to double check....

all he need is that secret envelope, xrays, original documents and some forms tht he fills in the plane? right? I ll appreciate if anyone could answer this.

Mumtaz.... I am sorry i was unable to come to VJ since a while. I thought u were taking care of the spreadsheet.... I have had viral infections and really bad ear infection. My ear is still closed after I recovered from pain like 2 weeks ago. I still have really really bad cough and im getting worried if its anythign serious. Lemme know if u made any updates on the spreadsheet. Also I was thinking didnt u include USmomo inthe spreadsheet. I cudnt find her.

Tara... Please dunt stress too much... You need to stay physically and mentally healthy to take care of your baby. Be strong and think it of this way... for now you are father and mother both for baby stevie. What you are already doin is a lot. You have come through all the hard way... Now you are just so close. Inshallah it will be over soon. What's meant to happen will happen. And inshallah he will be here very soon. I always keep praying for you. You know when that time will come you wont be able to blv that he is going to be with you soon inshallah. My husband is coming to US on wednesday, the 31st. He is staying with his sister in NJ when he comes and he will inshallah be visiting atlanta on april 5th. Im counting days. and still unable to blv tht this is actually happenening to me in my real life. he will be with me only for two days and will go back to NJ. And then I dunt know when do I meet him before the shadi. He is going to be in usa and i still wont be with him (not to sound unthankful to Allah). Those two days with him are like dream. Im waiting for the moment when he gets an apartment and our families fix the dates for final rukhsati. anyways Inshallah baby stevie's dad is going to be with you soon. Be happy.

Wow... I see some good news here... Congrats Usmomo. Cant tell how happy im am for you. Everyone else who got out of AP many many Congrats to you guys. I have not been coming to VJ since last week. I have been sick... But I am sure happy just like eveyrone else. I ll give u a call soon Momo.

Update:

My husband got call from AMEX... He Alhamdulillah picked up his passport today.

The interview was on Feb 17th and we got Visa in Hand on Feb 25th. Eight days to be exact.

I was not saying tht they schedule interviews for the dates tht are during the first 2 weeks.

I meant to say they make schedules 'during' the first 2 weeks of the month.... for the interviews that are next month. Point is tht they make schedules for 'upcoming month' during the start of the 'previous month' and then send out letters...

Like our case was transfered to Isl embassy on Dec 31st. They scheduled our interview during the start of the January and sent us the appointment letter on Jan 11th. The interview was scheduled for February 17th; the upcoming month.

So they work on making schedules during the first 2 weeks of the month and send out letters. These appointment letters are usually for the interviews that are during next whole month. Hope u get my point.

This is what I have known and then the same thing happened to us.

Lashbanda: I am 'assuming', they might schedule ur interview during the start of March and u might be getting an appointment letter sometime during the start or the middle of March. Expect your inteview date sometime in April.

What I know is tht they schedule interviews during first two weeks of the month.... Not specifically the second week.

Just an update: Its been a week, havent got the passport back yet. My husband called embassy, they said he might be getting a call from Amex in next 2 to 3 days. Lets see how it goes.

Also, I have been reading on here how hard it usually is to contact embassy. But Shahid's call went through first time he dialed. Just wondering.

USmomo... Im nt going to Pakistan... .. the plan was if the interview result was Ap then I wont wait and have ruksati in pakistan.... My uncle (I have a god uncle and a bad one lol) was gona go to pakisttan with me for my ruksati....I had made my mind 100% for AP. I was able to make alternate changes in case of AP... like going to Pakistan and live with hubs and staying away from my uncle and his politics... Everything would have been smooth. Not to sound unthankful to Allah but the alternate plans made me kinda want to go to AP.

You know what when my husband told me no AP for the first 5 minutes I mourned... I was like Hell NOOoo... lol... But then after five minutes I was jumping where I was.... I was so happy with the thought tht he is finally coming.

having ruksati in USA might not be very smooth for me i guess... the time around my ruksati.. everyones gona be very nice to me especially in front of my in laws they ll pretend like they have kept me like a princesses.....The problem I have with them I do not want them to be nice anymore. They have given me real hard times.... Now I dunt want to fake a good time with them..... There r going to be probs when they ll try to contribute financially but I willhave to tell them NO... They have already started planning booking a hall in marriott....... I am kinda worried on how to tell them no and have a simple ruksati..... So yeh anyways....

anyupdates from ur side?

ZaheerShezadi. I am really sorry to hear all tht. Specially how you had to leave ur daughter at the airport. Ahhhh... Allah is testing you. Keep praying hard. You must pass this test since u r already in the situation and you cant fail. He cant keep you away from your daughter. She is just a little girl. And you are her mother. I am a pre law student, and I didnt think this is a possibility to keep a child away frm mother at this age. But once your husband comes here you guys will be able to show them tht u can keep her well fed and well sheltered Inshallah. This is going to be a time When ur X fails and you can celebrate your sucess time. Keep yourself strong and Say No to Fear. This is where we fail. we have lots of fears tht keeps us weak inside. Say No to fear. Initiate a step even if its hard and keep all your trust in Allah. Trust me.. it gauranteed... when we initiate a step in unfavorable circumstances only having a strong honest faith in Allah... then Allah makes us go through the end and grant us with success. If a person is having a trust in Allah... Allah wont do anything to fulfil the trust? Impossible....

Keep you faith Strong. These times are making you stronger. You are not going to be a person that have fears anymore. These situations only makes us stronger. I have experienced tht. I know I still have lots of fears .... but I have tried tht.... Taking a step with a trust in Allah... When nothing works out Allah makes u go through tht. Also do not forget to Thank Allah for what He has blessed you with. You have parents, a family, you have a loving husband mashallah and your second child is on ur way. Hope u r well fed and well sheltered. And the moments you r waiting for are right at the corner. Inshallah. I have lived without parents.... There have been times when I have missed them more than anything. In my own mind I have argued with Allah for why He took them away... But then I understood Allah has my best interest... if not in this world then the next final world. But I know Allah will not be unfair to me. If all these hardships makes me come closer to Allah then why not. I do not want to be one of those who have everything but they are not close to Allah. They have everything even then they do not Thank Allah. I will still Thank Allah for making me stay well fed and giving me shelter even if something important is missing.

These situations keeps us closer to Allah. The ones who have hardships in lives are the chosen ones. It gives them a reason to stay near to Allah. And if they only look at Allah, He comes closer and listen to them....

Keep ur self strong sweets... It will be over soon. The time is just around the corner when u ll be with ur two kids and ur husband.. Inshallah... Keep smiling and enjoy the time thinking about the baby who is coming soon Inshallah.

You are in my prayers.

I wanted to mention one thing here.... My husband told me tht 2 of other couples who were thr also got NO AP. It made me think tht we dunt have all those people on VJ who r getting out with NO AP. Our track sheet list only couple of cases with no ap right. Only our track sheet made me sure tht we will be on ap too.. which lead me to alternative plans to challenge AP and go to Pakistan for rukhsati.... I would have not cared otherwise even if we were in ap since all tht matters to me now is to be with my husband. And I was actually very very excited to go to pakistan in a month and see my husband and live with him. But Allah knows better.

So yeh the point is the actual percentage of NO APs is not quite as low as our AP track list shows. Since we dunt have all those people over VJ who goes to the interview. So those who have interviews coming. Stay hope ful and keep praying hard.

Also one more thing I wanted to mention. It no doubt Allah only who made this happen. I was thinking about how me and my husband have gone through the same frustrating experiences tht u guys goes through during AP.

My nikkah was in august 2008 but my uncle didnt let me apply until Feb 2009. Those 7 months were hard that I spent helplessly. He didnt let me get the mail sent to me by uscis. He use to take all the mails tht i had my name on and I never got my mail. So I didnt know wht was going on until I figured out tht I could track it online. Then the lawyer sent affidavit of financial support papers to be filled in once the case was on next step. But my uncle kept a hold on them and denied tht he had those papers. He spread the wrong news tht the case is already in isb embassyh. I inquired with them but had no records of our case. Things were getting worst, not to mention, since my uncle had to be a co sponsor with me. another 4 months gone in waist after the approval from USCIS.

The next bad thing was... my lawyer sucked (my uncle's personal lawyer)..... His assistant kept sending wrong forms to NVC based on her wrong assumptions. It happened three times tht NVC asked for missing documents and i was unable to figure out which those missing docs were since I never saw the ones tht lawyer was sending them. (She assumed tht me and my uncle were living on different addresses and sent two different I 864s from me and my uncle and an I 864 A from his wife). NVC only needed one I 864 from me and I 864 A from my uncle and thts it. Our case was forwarded to ISB and we were asked to bring the missing docs at the interview. My lawyer's assistant denied tht she was making mistake anywhere and insisted tht NVC is going nuts... I have been like what the hell. She handed me all the docs in my hand for the first time cuz I had to send those to my husband. Tht was the time I figured out where the problem was... and Ofcourse I had to create a scene at their reception desk and in her office afterwards. This was in January. all this fuss with lawyer and NVC took another 5 months.

So the point of telling u all this is... Allah test people sooner or later in a specific situation. I had to go through a lot of stress before the case was sent to ISB.

I was very sure the interview stage is also not gona be trouble free. Me and hubs realized thr were still some loopholes during the interview, like Embassy had my husband's wrong police certificate in their records... this was the one tht NVC refused because of a clerical mistake. My Lawyer actually sent in the wrong PCC again... even though my husband had the right one ready at the interview... but they didnt look at it..... So Yeah....

1 and a half year I spent like tht and I couldnt blv tht it was over when my husband told me NO AP. Your cases might be smooth ones before the AP stage... Mine was not... and Alhamdulillah I got out without AP.

Please stay Thankful to Allah... I had only spent most of this time thinking tht Allah has own reasons. So please hang in thr..... Allah might have his own best reasons to test you during AP... stay Thankful to him any and every way.

Thanks USmomo. I cant Thank enough for hopes and prayers from you.

Thanks everyone I really appreciate it You guys r the best

Congratulations Hshah for no AP i think ur husband will receive the visa in next week insha Allah.

Thanks a lot wellmux. We are praying for you too. Do u think it can be next week? Cuz what I came to know from Fiesal's and hopeful's experience tht after printing the visa they send the passport to US (DOS ?) for one last final review. And this process takes about a month. How can it be one week for us then? I just wonder.

Anyways... Im praying for you all. Inshallah it will be over soon.

I gota get ready for work now. I did not sleep last night. I have no idea how am i gona survive till 4pm.

Bye everyone. And hopefully when I come bck on VJ later today, I can get ur thoughst on this 1 week process thing.

USmomo. I just talked to ur mother in law. She is the sweetest person ever. Mashallah

I dunt want to get too excited. Cuz what I have learnt from VJ is tht isb embassy is unpredictable and random. Guys what do u think. am I getting excited for no reason. They just asked him two questions. and thats it. I will let u know everything in detail... once I talk to hubby in detail ... he went to isb with a frd and went to eat lunch now since he was so hungry. I will talk to him in detail.

What I know for now is... The CO was very nice and he showed him the english original copy of marraige certificate and asked him if he has the original urdu one. He showed him the urdu one. Then he asked him when did u last time talked to ur wife. My hubby was like I just talked to her in the parking. Then the second question was like when did u saw her last time. My hubby was like last night on skype. The CO started laughing/smiling. and thats it. My hubs didnt believe that its over.. so he actually placed his file in front of him containing pictures and stuff. The I 864 which we have been having problem with NVC. He did not look at anything. And returned him the original documents. Then he gave him the white paper with the courier details on it. He told him that he will get his passport in a week.

I am confused about tht part. Seriuosly.... cuz Fiesal and hopeful's passport and visa printing thing took about a month. So I just wonder how come its a week. And yeh people have been like coming back happy from embassy atfer they get the visa but then when they call back to check they get to know that they r in AP. So after getting over all the excitment.. I am kinda worried about it now. we cant say anything for sure right? until we get the visa in hand.

what do u guys say?

Best of Luck Hshah

we r praying for u guys , and also waiting for the good news

Thanks you so much. I cant Thank enough for these prayers.

GUYS GUYS GUYS..... NO AP..... Did u heard that right? NO AP......

NO AP

I remember some one here discussing the same situation and people were telling them that u might still be on AP. We didnt get any green paper. We got a white paper and they took his passport.

I just talked to my husband. He got out of the embassy. They gave him a white paper with the couriers on it. I will get back to u with details... in a while... I gota go and tell everyone.Its 3 am in the morning here. and I gota wake everyone up. Hahaha... I just called my mother in law... to tell her the news.

They said u ll get ur passport in a week. I dunt know how does tht work. My hubs was saying they were putting people on AP.

I will get back to u guys...

I Can believe for what happened.. I had made my mind for AP. And my wedding plans were 80% confirmed in Pakistan. It was almost confirmed that I ll go to pakistan for my rukhsati in a month. And look what happened...

NO AP Guys... NO AP.....

I ll get back to u in detail in a while.

USmomo..... I actually got ur messages. but I was unable to reply.... even though I so wanted to get in touch with you. I just started my new job and been crazy busy with that. I actually got chance to read ur interview experience. My husband is going to leave for Islamabad (today Pakistan's Tuesday). His interview is on wednesday Feb 17th Inshallah. Please pray for us.

Also I was wondering... when u have nikkah only....and when rukhsati is yet to be done. What do you tell them. Just to show that u r husband and wife, do u tell them tht u have lived together or what? I was just wondering. I havent had my rukhsati yet, we r only nikkahfied. Just wondering u know. Also almost how long it takes for a person to get done with the whole process on the interview day. just wondering if he ll be able to come out around 1 or 2 pm so i would be able to talk to him on phone. I wont be able to sleep whole night until I get to know the results. I have work at 7 in the morning tht day . Im thinking to take off from work, only if my boss let me :/.

Anyways guys please pray for us. His interview is on Feb 17th (that be Feb 16th evening in US).

Wow, Mashallah I see some good news around here. Many Many Congrats Ghayder and Fiesal. Wish you all the best in the future and Welcome to United States .

Mumtaz are you gona update the list or should I? Hope baby and you both are doing great.

I remember Usmomo's husband's interview is today and they might be on their way to embassy. Its almost 7 am over there in pakistan. I wish I could accompany my husband too but .. ... anyways Im so curious about Usmomo's case cuz they have asked for I 864 forms at the interview. Just like us. Man, I need to contact her... Hope everything goes fine with them at the interview. My prayers are with them.

I can totally understand how hard it is being away from their love one. This coming July will be two years that I left Pakistan, alot of special occasions and holidays we have spent apart. I'll tell ya , I came back to the states to visit my parents and to make a long story short. My mom passed away Dec 23 of "08". Tried to get our case expedited , so that my husband could meet her , but my attorney said that it could not be done. She so much wanted to meet him , as he wanted to meet her. With all this stress I now get migraines which I never had before.

Anyhow ... Enough of this. But ... I have faith and know we will be together. And yes it's very correct their are alot of people out their that is not as fortune as us. I'm very grateful to ALLAH for giving me my wonderful husband and my new family.

We all must stay strong and have faith in ALLAH that he knows best !

ALLAH HAFIZ

Maryam dont worry, It is only a test from Allah. It is Allah's way to tell us the importance of the person we love. Allah prepares us to spend good and bad times with the same person. I can say for sure, this visa thing only increased my love for my husband. The selfless love wouldnt have been possible otherwise or say I wouldnt have realized his value in my life. This AP suffering only makes the foundation of your relationship stronger. Both husband and wife realizes how much we have suffered and waited to see each other. Inshallah it will be over soon.

You know what... my husband's interview is on 17th this month. And my uncle doesnt care about AP. He thinks of it as going something wrong in the case. And what did he said last week, if the case goes into AP or there are any other problems with the case, I wont keep you in my house.

Haaa... what do I do now? I have faith in Allah and Im not a bit worried about it. Allah brought this situation to me and Allah will take me through. I only take it as a test now and try not to get frustrated.

Keep on praying for urself and others. I always pray for you

Also, Just realized that the Pakistani Channel ARY is showing 'The Arrivals' series on TV now , starting from Feb. This is just to show you guys I am talking about authentic stuff from authentic source of info and its no joke.

Anyways back to AP.

I have trust in Allah. I have suffered much without parents.. its only Trust in Allah that has made me move forward. I have used 'God Forbids' every where cuz the future threats are real.

The info that I have might not be accepted here on VJ. Only when u ll have a look at the information, You ll be able to judge my state of mind and where am i talking from.

Go google and youtube 'FEMA coffins in madison Georgia, FEMA concentration camps, Martial Law in America, World Deception, Obama's Deception'.

And if you happen to check these out and then wonder why is this happening... Then you must watch the series, 'The Arrivals'.... Its a wake up project. You will only Thank yourself for watching it and waking up on time. This information might be too much. Cuz I saw arrivals a year ago and gradually got introduced to other ideas. You will also understand why is USA giving hard time to Pakistan.

The point where I am standing and from where I am talking, you ll only get it if u happen to be aware of this information. Its spreading all over.. and im glad abt it, that why they call it ' wake up project'.

anyways I am sorry in advance if anyone gets any problems with this post. I typed a much bigger post before, then I had to edit it since I thought It might not be accepted on VJ.

But yeh I know Allah has better plans for us. I am gona meet my husband soon inshallah ... just like everyone else

If anyone is critical about these thoughts then dunt forget im not forcing any point of view upon you. So again be respectful when u comment on this. Cheers

Ok guys.... I dont mean to disappoint anyone who are waiting. I am also in a state of utter confusion. Hope everyone knows Olympic 2010 is in February .. Yes this Feb 2010 ... 12th to 28th in Vancouver, Canada. And the level of Terrorist attack is 'severe'.

9/11 proved to be an inside job... There are so many authentic documentaries over it. There is a report that points out all the warnings of possible terrorist attacks.... (not by Al..Q) but by insiders... just like 9/11. It will prove all the warnings and predictions with ongoing and recent happenings through original news sources. Also, This event has also been predicted in a recent novel: BC Red Snow. Also any big events usually have signs in the movies prior to them. In the movie 2010, British Columbia 2010 is mentioned. why that specific place?

Also watch out for possible Martial Law in America. Borders might get seized. This is predicted soon after the American dollar will crash... There are a whole lot of videos about it on youtube. Obama actually signed an executive order for martial law on January 11th 2010. This might only be a first step.

Im keeping my fingers crossed. My husband's interview is on Feb 17th. God Forbids if anything happens, we are almost screwed... Cuz they usually close embassies cuz of more possible threats.... And those who are already in APs... (God Forbids) might get stuck in a longer one. Cuz after the christmas failed attack they started demanding more information from those in APs. What will happen if God Forbids anything bad happens?

Watch out for these things... Im dead scared. If God Forbids anything happens... Without any wait I ll go to my husband. Im going in state of stress again. Cuz life is much more easier in America. But.. what do I know... Allah knows better.... our destiny follows us...

Good luck to you guys....

Please dont hate me for this information. This is not my opinion. This is the info that I have been coming across since last year. Its all over internet.

Please be respectful if you decide to comment on this. Again this is not what I think... this is only what i got to know.

May Allah keep all of us safe and i love ya all.

hshah just an update... we got the email to submit passport on dec 31, 2009... and submitted it jan 3 2010 and the visa was issued jan 27 2010

wow I see u had five months of AP.

Hey Congrats...wowwww... Partay Time .. I will update the list

Love u all