titotomas

Hi folks,

I was hoping someone could give me a rough idea of what the costs would be as well as the timeline we could expect if we were to try to get my wife's mom to visit us here in the U.S. from the Philippines. We aren't wanting her to be able to immigrate for good as she has a life, home, and family back there, but only to come for a visit. We'd start with the I-130 as our only avenue, correct? I'm looking at the USCIS processing chart and it LOOKS like they are working on I-130's that were submitted prior to October, 2005. By my calculation that adds up to five years before we could ever hope to SEE a visa. That sound about right? It also looks like that particular form would be $355 to file followed by others. Also right? What other if any avenues might we explore?

Hoping someone can help with a little insight into this. Someone (or a couple of someones) in my wife's circle told her that it could be done in a few months or under a year, and this (as far as I know baseless info) has unfortunately caused a conflict.

Avenues to explore for a visit of a couple of months? Processing times? Costs associated with?

Oh yeah, for some reason I've never been able to get OUR timeline adjusted here at VJ, but Riza is a U.S. citizen herself now, and has been since 4/2009.

Advice gratefully accepted.

T & R

Ten years? TWENTY THREE years?? For a beloved family member of a U.S. citizen??? When we accept "political refugees" into this country and waive fees... I should have known....

We were fortunate on our K-1 process with application in Oct 03, arrival in June of 04. I figured maybe double that, it'd take "a couple of years". But this is incomprehensible....for a family member that we are willing to vouch for and sponser... This immigration system really IS broken. There's no point in even trying. I'll probably be retired and ready to go over THERE by then.

Thanks for the responses, guys.

Tom

Hi,

Been quite awhile since we posted, but something new has come up. Riza (and Jan) became a U.S. citizen last year, making her eligible to bring family members such as siblings over. Her sister would be much better off here with us, do we've decided to try for it. I've started preliminary research on how to do this, but am a bit confused. Seeing as we started from ground zero as a brand new K-1/K-2 and got to where we are with our own wits and only the help of this group, we thought we'd start by asking a few questions here.

How exactly is this relative thing done and what does it end up costing? It appears that she (her sister) would become a permanent resident by virtue of having a US citizen sibling (my wife). If I understand correctly, we'll start with the I-130 petition which is $355.00 to submit? Then what? What are the steps here and (importantly for our budget) what kind of fees can we expect to get spanked with to the point where we have Cecilia safe and secure, a brand new PR, installed in her own room here and taking for that job at the McDonald's or whatever down the street?

Thanks in advance for responses.

Tom

Hi guys,

In a quandry as to what to do at this point. At first, wife (PR) wasn't sure she should apply immediately for citizenship, but has decided she definetly wants it for her and our daughter (my step-daughter age 9) who by now is completely "americanized". (Can you say: "nuh-UH!" and "Totally AWESOME, Dad!") LOL. The kid is growing up in this country and most definetly an American girl, even if she isn't "legally so"! Here's the concern, though:

Their Pilipinas passports expire in another month. We need to renew them, but wife is extremely stubborn (and tighter than I am with a dollar) and she says it'd be a waste of money since she is going to go for USC. I would agree as we haven't LEFT the U.S.A since they got here, but for one thing; the current USCIS processing times. We're in Minnesota (not sure I changed that on our profile, I better go look after this) and the current USCIS St Paul office processing chart looks like it is running (at this moment) ten months for an interview on the N400 (mom), and over one year for the N600 (kiddo). What scares ME is the dependability of the U.S government to stick to that timeline since we have a trip back to Manila planned for March of 2010.

I suppose we can go ahead and apply for everything including the passport renewals (just in case), and then if the citizenship thing goes through in time it's all good.....provided they could then get their new and then needed United States passports in time....... Aaugh!! This is why I have white hair....

Thoughts?

Tom and Riza

Thank you very much YuAndDan

Just a small question I did not understand very well....

"$330 (Before July 30) for N-400 if daughter is less than 18 years old when you become citizen, then N-600 should be filed needed to file or fee ($460 after July 30 $675 after) now pay for her"

So I have to fill a separate N-400 for her with separate cheque for $330. She is 9 years.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

You put this link for Certificate for Citizenship. What is that? When should we apply, at the same time?

5 I have an answer.

And what is the answer?

Thank you very very much YuAndDan

What I was saying is you daughter will automatically be considered to be a US Citizen after you naturalize.

1. Does my child qualify for automatic citizenship under the CCA?

Under the CCA, your child will automatically acquire U.S. citizenship on the date that all of the following requirements are satisfied:

• At least one parent is a U.S. citizen, (When you naturalize)

• The child is under 18 years of age, and (YES)

• The child is admitted to the United States as an immigrant. (And YES)

2. Do I have to apply to USCIS for my child’s citizenship?

No. If your child satisfies the requirements listed above, he or she automatically acquires U.S. citizenship by operation of law on the day he or she is admitted to the United States as an immigrant. Your child’s citizenship status is no longer dependent on USCIS approving a naturalization application.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

So you first get yourself naturalized, then worry later about getting daughter's citizenship cert by filing form N-600

Thanks from us too. We have this exact same situation right down to the 9 year old daughter, and are just getting to the naturalization part.

T & R

Best to wait for the five year point and not play with fire..... No real reason TO push for the 3. So sorry about your marriage, though as someone else said, that's a topic for another board. Just one thought though.....people....ALL people are not infallible, and none are perfect. Forgive and move on? I suppose that would depend on what her behavior/demeanor was after the infidelity was discovered. Nuff said. Good luck.

T & R

Thanks folks,

Yes, I wasn't worried yet honestly, but it is nice to hear what is happening with other folks. Feel a bit more reassured.

Have a godd day.

Tom

We lived in an apartment hotel back in the day when they first immigrated and we got the original green cards for wife and kid. Because of that we used a P.O. box since the mail wasn't real secure at home. I asked this specific question of the officer when we did our interview and he said "no". "No P.O. boxes, we have to have a physical address to send them to."

Maybe a work address or a friend's?

Tom

Hi Guys,

Minnesota here. Just browsing and saw that Texas and Nebraska (to name two) are behind, so I guess it's a general thing.

Filed in January here, NOA1 date is 1/24/07. Followed up with Biometrics appointment which we completed no problem. Now we wait. Today is 11/9/07. This is what brought me here to VJ today, getting concerned. Looks like others have the same issues though. May we all get approved soon!!

Two questions:

1; Anybody get called for an actual INTERVIEW for the removal of conditions, or cards just appearing in the mail one fine day?

2; Has anyone here actually had their year come and go with no action? If so, what did you do, what happened?

Tom and Riza

Yodrak....call your U.S. Senator...right now. He/she will have someone in the office DEDICATED to ironing out these kind of problems (been there, done that). Congress is the watchdog. No bad reflection on you, either.

N 400 is now going to $675 ####### not fair this really sucks used to be $300 something. We better start saving now lol.

Ouch!

I have all these fees x2. It really sucks.

Yeah, me too times two... *sigh* Guess they (USCIS) figures it's worth it to US to keep the people we love, so we'll pay it. Guess they have to find some way to pay for the program changes they are proposing as well.... which I feel are a slap in the face to all the rest of us who "jumped through all their hoops".... (Sorry Ewok, don't mean to get political...I'll be quiet now )

Hi guys,

There was a piece yesterday in the Minneapolis Star Tribune (http://www.startribune.com/587/story/1213416.html) which, to highlight mentions, major changes in fees on the horizon:

"• The application fee for citizenship would increase from $330 to $675.

• The fee to apply for status as a legal permanent resident would go from $325 to $1,010 for most applicants. Those 79 and older or younger than 14 would pay $930.

• The cost of work permits would rise from $180 to $340.

Most fees include the cost of fingerprints, which were $70. The agency will continue to waive fees for military members applying for naturalization.

For more on the new structure, www.uscis.gov."

Brazenly enough, the USCIS page elsewhere still proclaims that "citizenship is the greatest gift the government can bestow upon an individual". Kinda of expensive "gift", I would say. What I expected to be a $330 or maybe $660 expense could conceivably now be $1,350.00. My girls are sooo worth it, but still.....geez.

Anybody up on this? Does it apply to those already in the process? We haven't applied for citizenship yet, it'll be another year before we can for the wife. And, what about kids? We have an 8 year old as well. Up till now (in the PR stage) she has been "riding on her mom's coat tails", being included in her mother's paperwork without additional fees for the most part. Wondering if we are going to get burned twice on the citizenship deal. If so, I better start saving now!!

Anybody?

Tom

Just a point of clarification - a K-3 is not a fiance visa - it is a spousal visa. The OP and her husband are not eligible for a fiance visa as they are already married. As well, different consulates have differing requirements for the financial support - some do use the I-134, the others use the much more stringent affidavit of support required for the AOS (I don't recall the form number, I'm sorry, but it is listed in the Guides).

Another clarification - the AOS affidavid of support is not for 10 years - it is until one of 3 conditions occur: a) the sponsored individual becomes a US citizen B) the sponsored individual obtains 40 quarters of employment with SS benefits which usually equals 10 years but can be considerably longer - or never if the individual does not work, or c) the individual gives up their permanent residency by leaving the country for good.

You are facing a challenging dilemna because your emotions are involved. This is your husband and you want to make things work, but you are seeing distressing symptoms that all is not well with this relationship and it may never be well. Anyone who has ever been in an abused relationship will tell you that the abuser almost always apologizes for the abuse and promises not to do it again. They may even succeed in behaving for a few weeks or even a few months. But that is all. The patten of abuse is very deeply ingrained into their personality and requires serious counselling to combat. Time will often prove whether they will succeed in keeping their promise or not.

But you need time to know and immigration makes time a scarcity. I know you want him here legally but what I would advise doing is not to submit the AOS application yet, if ever. Give yourself that time to see if he will work hard enough to keep that promise. It is unlikely USCIS will come after him over the next few months, and if you do decide to proceed, any overstay he incurs will be forgiven. It will mean that he won't be able to work and that will be a challenge. See if he is willing to volunteer somewhere to keep himself occupied. Let him know that he needs to provide this proof that he can keep his promise to change, that love is not enough. If he succeeds and you get half a year from now and he shows every evidence of keeping his promise, then consider again if you want to proceed with the AOS and its virtually lifetime commitments of support. If he fails to keep his word, then you have given him enough opportunity to change and he has not. Let him know you will not be submitting the Affidavid of Support for his AOS. From what you have described I think within that time you will have seen enough evidence to realize what decision you need to make.

In the meantime keep in close contact with your family and friends and if you even feel the slightest bit concerned for your safety or well-being, leave him, leave the house, leave everything and go where you are safe. You will know then that he is unlikely ever to change, and you can take whatever steps are necessary to separate your lives. It is not your responsibility to give him the means to stay in the US. Good luck.

Here's another man's perspective: Spirit, dear lady, the same posts are appearing over and over again, with the same advice. The attached is one of the best ones I have seen so far, and I am still browsing this thread. What does this tell you???

You are thinking with your heart. Don't. That is what your BRAIN is for. I was in an abusive relationship myself at the end of my previous marriage (yes, it happens to guys too....when the thought process is through the HEART). My family and friends were telling me one thing, all I could think about was "saving my marriage". My father had to threaten to disown me if I went back to her. I was too close to the situation to be able to SEE. Years later I look back and say "what was I THINKING??? She had moved IN with her BOYFRIEND for gawd's sake!" This is where YOU are, you are too close to the situation.

Do take the advice of all these good people. It would not be repeated again and again in so many ways if it was NOT solid. LISTEN to your family. Listen to your friends (which includes those at VJ here). I myself found being alone can be bad, but NOT being alone could be worse.

Good luck

Tom

It will most DEFINETLY send up "red flags" in a USCIS officer's mind. By your statement, you came here in February. Playing Devils' Advocate and looking at it from their point of view, since this is only May and you have lived with your mother in law 'for a few months', you "basically never lived with the 'husband' at all". They will not look at this as a valid marriage for that reason alone. My only suggestion (if you even WANT to remain in the U.S.); go to them BEFORE it is time, before you HAVE to. YOU go to THEM. Start a paper trail. Document what happened, and where, and how, and who was involved, and why you did what you did, etc, etc, etc. Maybe consult an immigration attorney (though I realize money is tight for you). Hate to sound so pessimistic, but I don't see this working out (though stranger things have happened). On the personal side of your troubles, abusers are chronic, and without help it would be rare for him to just change his ways, it is a frame of mind and won't go away on it's own.

Sorry for your troubles. Best of luck.

Just make sure that your friend has sufficient documents to show that their marriage was entered into in good faith. These documents should show co-mingled finances, things the couple does together, insurance(s), etc.

Here's a bit more info: Evidently I was misunderstanding a bit, lost in the translation as it were, between MY wife and our friend. (Filipinas....I love my wife to death as I always have....but sometimes I miss a lot....and when you have TWO of them and are trying to interpret.....sigh. ) Evidently the hubby isn't just "dumping" her, he (the USC-let's call him John) wants the marriage to end amicably due to his own family reasons. Reportedly, they have been on him for the "culture clash" all along, and he is caving in to family pressures. Right or wrong, that's the story, and let's not even get off on that tangent....I don't think it's right of him either. Regardless (and the point of this post), the wife (let's call her Jane) is okay with that, but wants to remain here. They have been married I BELIEVE for slightly under two years. I understand from this forum that two years is the magic number, as far as proving the "good faith" part. What I am concerned about is where they go from here so she doesn't get denyed/deported. It WAS a good faith marriage that didn't work out. Currently they are still living together as man and wife (at least in outside appearance)as John is willing to help in any way he can to allow her to stay. To further confuse (or maybe help) the issue, she has developed a (platonic) friendship with another guy that could develop into more......later, much later. That guy (let's call him Jim) is another personal acquaintance of mine, and is willing to do anything HE can to assist Jane in staying here. (Note: my personal advice to HIM has been to stay OUT of it, let her get herself clear of the immigration thing without any assistance from HIM, and THEN develop a relationship, advice he has been following. Jane has the same viewpoint as I do on that subject, which eliminates the confusion question of "is she jumping from one guy to another handy one?".)

Quite a story, eh? Any other feedback is welcome. My personal conclusion (especially since Jane is insisting on doing this ON HER OWN sans assistance from Jim) is that this, while a very sad story, is above board with nobody "playing games". Jon and Jane didn't work out. Jane wants to stay. John will help anyway he can, including "rooming" with her for now. Jim stands in the wings......

Later,

T

Thanks for the feedback, guys. And, special thanks to whoever re-posted my original post in the correct forum. I missed the "Effects of Major Family Changes...." forum at 2 AM and put my post in the AOS forum. This forum, in and of itself, is of great help. So many sad stories....glad I am not among them myself.

Later, T

Hi Folks,

Looking for help for a friend. This is NOT us, either!! Hehehe! I haven't been real active on the list, but rest assured my beloved wife and I are doing fine. This topic really does apply to a friend. Now, then;

We have a friend whose husband is ready to dump her, plain and simple. Nice guy, huh? Anyway, she's a sweet lady, extremely hard worker, but not qualified to get a work visa. She is a CONDITIONAL permanent resident coming up for renewal (removal of restrictions) in a few months, and suddenly hubby has decided she can just go back to the Philippines where she came from. A marriage counselor I am not, and why this is happening is beside the point... Is there not a provision in the immigration procedure for just this sort of occurence? She wants very badly to stay here in the U.S., and has in fact been working 2 jobs. Ideas?

Thanks, Tom

Hi all;

Putting the I-751 together for wife and kid and it's time to write the check(s). (I love this part...)

I have 1 I-751 at $205, plus will need two biometrics at $70 each. Adds up to $345. How many checks should I send?

One check for everything?

Two for wife (petition and biometrics $275) and daughter (biometrics $70)?

Three for everything seperately?

Tom

Melo,

I too am so sorry for your loss. I can relate; while I was in the Philippines in 2003 visiting my now spouse, my own mother died unexpectedly back here in the U.S. Through my siblings we decided it would be best to proceed, so she was actually buried before I even gothome. I console MYSELF and rest easier with the knowledge that Mom knew I loved her, she knew how much she meant to me, and we ALWAYS said "goodbye" whenever we parted. I hope that you too, can think of this and find comfort in it.

God bless.

Tom

Hi!

Time has moved along faster than we realized, and it is time to start the application process for removal of conditions on wife's and daughter's greencards. They were issued 4/7/05. Seems like yesterday!!!

Question: Do I need to file TWO seperate form 751's (with accompanying fees for each)? The kid is 8 now, and is not my natural daughter (though I am the only dad she has ever known). She has her own permanent resident card just like mom, of course.

Tom

I MAY have answered my own question, but would appreciate someone brighter than me confirming it.... LOL Was just looking at I-751, section #5 has a section for "dependent children". I am guessing that "NO", I do NOT have to file a separate 751 for the kid (and pay the additional $275 fee), BUT according to the instructions I DO have to pay an additional $70 biometrics fee.

Total; 1-I-751 form

$275 fee for mom,

additional check for $70 for daughter biometrics.

Is this correct? :-(

Hi!

Time has moved along faster than we realized, and it is time to start the application process for removal of conditions on wife's and daughter's greencards. They were issued 4/7/05. Seems like yesterday!!!

Question: Do I need to file TWO seperate form 751's (with accompanying fees for each)? The kid is 8 now, and is not my natural daughter (though I am the only dad she has ever known). She has her own permanent resident card just like mom, of course.

Tom