2annie

I wouldn't be so sure. . .we had our cell phone in the car. . thought it was best that way. . we were kept waiting for about 1 1/2 hour . .when we arrive back home. . .we live with my mother-in-law, because she is not able to be living alone. . . and she had been freaking out. our appointment was for 11. . .she received a call from USIS around 11:30 and they asked where we were if we had left etc, where we had gone, . . and then told her that we had not come to the appointment and that they were concerned. . .we were sitting there waiting-remember?? And of course they knew we were there.

Such actions are irresponsible and reprehensible.

I am very happy for you, I ask you for your prayers as it feels like ours has gone way off-track and I am very depressed. I can hardly function at the thought

well that's would be good for us then as I'm sure we put on a show of very compatible

So were you guys approved or not ? and this interview was for green card or EAD as you said?

Nothing was indicated. . I have an authorization to work but I have not made use of it yet, I am wondering if that will be in my favor to work or not, because I also got harassed when I relied to the officer that the reason I married was so I could get a job? I said "no- I married for love!"

I miss-spoke as I am prone to do . . . because the interview was for adjustment of status. . . sorry for confusing you.

we were not handed anything

I believe the officer said something about sending the file to Chicago or another interview

we are afraid of the worst or do we start on a 601 now?

Because of the way I am. . .and usually on media I can carefully edit things out and look perfect. . .well almost!. . but in the real I am somewhat dyslexic in many things I do. . so I understand that this isn't looking good part. . it sounds doubtful

would anyone suggest trying to add a letter of explanation etc?

March 10, 2011 we got to the EAD interview in Des Moines, Ia

USIS Officer XXXXXXXXXXXX called me in on my own and swore me in, She asked preliminary questions of identity.

USIS Officer XXXXXXXXXXXX asked how I had procured a SSN number, in a tone which implied I had obtained it fraudulently and also demanded to know what I had done to get an Iowa Driver's License.

I replied that because I was needed to drive my Mother In Law to various appointments due to critical health and because my Canadian DR/L was about to expire I followed the protocol by applying for a SSN which would be denied and with the letter of denial, a copy of our Marriage License, and with evidence that I was applying for immigration I was granted a 6 month permit.

USIS Officer XXXXXXXXXXXX asked me if we had had a lawyer prepare our package for us.

My reply to her was no we did it ourselves, at which USIS Officer XXXXXXXXXXXX starred at me incredulously.

USIS Officer XXXXXXXXXXXX asked if I had ever been denied entrance

I replied yes to which she demanded circumstances.

It was an unusual situation when I was with a friend.

She was driving a u-haul rented in her name; I was along.

USIS Officer XXXXXXXXXXXX wanted a full story, but she kept interjecting other questions and derailing my thoughts. It felt like she was seeking ways to trip me up and contradict myself. I really felt USIS Officer XXXXXXXXXXXX was impatient because I would begin to answer a question and she would ask another before I could even finish answering the first one.

The following is what I intended to convey but was not able to

My friend was returning to her US home with a combination of stuff she bought, stuff I gave her, and some sentimental items from my past that I treasured and hoped that she could store and keep for me until I could turn my life around.

I am musical and had been invited to participate in the Mid-West BIX Music festival, and I had taken the steps to have return tickets attached to all of the things that belonged to me, and I had my instruments as well as bedding, clothes and what-all for a 3 month trip. I hitched a ride with her as I would be staying with her the duration. My plans were to enjoy myself fully, return to Canada to my work, and take some of my equipment, and return to my friends by car before fall to visit again, play a bit with new friends and bring the rest of my stuff back at that time. I was very worried that I would not be seen as trying to bring my stuff as purchased in the US and end up having to pay duty on my Canadian property.

Our stuff was all mixed in the truck.

Yes we were naive, because the crossing border was not impressed and we got separated. I sat in a hot dry office, and I had a raging migraine. I sat there for over 5 hours without even a bathroom break or a glass of water. I was fingerprinted and was questioned over and over about what were my intentions, and I found out later that my friend had been asked if she was trying to import me as a nanny?! (She had/never would have kids. . a medical certainty.)

They confiscated some items they said were paraphernalia, a wooden herb grinder, a glass pipe and another piece I thought was a vase, they called a bong and then told us they were turning the truck around and that with that current arrangement I was not allowed to enter the USA with my friend.

The confiscated items had belonged to my friend. My friend was allowed to cross over, but not with me we were told.

We returned to Canada, we slept in a motel in Brandon that night and pondered what to do. We were both very tired but arose the next day and I decided to return to BC by bus. My friend's husband, said he did not mind storing my stuff because it would be safe and I could drive up and retrieve it by car when I could. My friend dropped me off at the Greyhound bus depot and she made her way to return to cross alone, but was denied again. She returned to her home by flight.

Approximately 2 weeks after the incident I had already located a job and a place to live Mr Montoya from the Brandon Crossing called me personally to verify that I was in Canada. He also told me that I had been in a proper state with my possessions in that when they had investigated the contents of the truck on the following day that he had found all the return tickets attached to my possessions that I was planning to return with. He asked what I was planning to do next I did tell him that I was going to stay where I was and continue working because I was running short of funds and would not be traveling for some time.

Because I lived only a few miles along the Canada/Us border the opportunity came when I was wishing to cross to the USA to do some shopping there and the first time I crossed I asked an officer if I had permission to enter because I had been denied once. Where upon he looked up some information and told me there would not be any problems. I crossed back and forth as often as twice a week. Not once was there ever any stamp or any paper given at any of the times of crossing.

USIS Officer XXXXXXXXXXXX wanted more proof of an existing relationship.

Before I could answer or do anything she also stated that if there wasn't anything that wasn't in our package to them that she didn't have time to see it, nor was she interested. I asked her for permission to place my notebook on her desk to show her additional wedding photos, and the actual affidavits and other documentation.

USIS Officer XXXXXXXXXXXX stopped momentarily on a collection of Media com statements that my Husband and I had together at his house in Illinios, (which had just been sold of Jan 2011) from the year 2009. She drilled me as to why we would have been paying utilities and services for a house in which we had not lived in for over 2 years. She did not believe me when I said yes we had because we had occasionally been able to spend a night now and then and we went there to have lunch during the work week. USIS Officer XXXXXXXXXXXX just shook her head and told me that this interview was not going very well for me.

USIS Officer XXXXXXXXXXXX eventually dismissed me and called in my Husband

After a short while I was called in together with my Husband. my Husband asked if he could be excused to use the washroom, and he was told it was ok so he left. my Husband's Doctor has him on 2 prescriptions for high blood pressure, which after waiting over an hour after our appointed time was almost longer than he was able to wait

USIS Officer XXXXXXXXXXXX seemed bent of twisting our replies and telling us we were inconsistent.

USIS Officer XXXXXXXXXXXX then informed me that my Husband had just reported that the contents were mostly mine and that he had agreed to store it for me. To which I agreed that much of it had been but that I had already given her ownership, so I considered it hers except for the items I needed, which was primarily my musical equipment.. so not a good situation here also.

USIS Officer XXXXXXXXXXXX informed me that the Border Patrol has weighted a measure in ounces of marijuana seed within the contents and that there was a bong and a grinder! And she said she had the report. We were not shown the report, however.

I tried to explain that while much of it had been mine I had surrendered it to my friend.

Also, any seeds that I knew of were mixes of flower and vegetable seeds, many of which I had gathered. My friend was an avid gardener and was happy to use my collection The glassware that had been confiscated were collector items we had purchased for the beauty of the blown glass. Which in fact is true. Neither of us had made any attempt to hide them. The herb grinder had beautiful carvings inscribed. I saw it as decorative and possibly useful for shredding herbs for teas, etc.

USIS Officer XXXXXXXXXXXX seemed to think I was making it up, and told me that this was not going well for me. .

From there,, everything we said was called into question. I was asked how and why I had obtained an Iowa Dr License., and what I had done to obtain a SSI number, like I had committed some kind of fraud.

My Husband was queried as to why he had had 2 previous divorces, who was he working for when he had plainly explained he was unemployed currently. He tried to patiently explain that he was busy volunteering helping seniors and handicapped fill forms to help them get a IL State grant benefits that help them with some medical, bus, and rent or living costs that helps low-income situations.

USIS Officer XXXXXXXXXXXX asked why my Husband had not filled his income taxes for the year 2011.

I tried to say that I supposed it was that he was still waiting for the income statements to come in. She starred unbelievingly at me. By now I was feeling crushed and confused and I had been fighting a severe headache that had turned into a migraine.

USIS Officer XXXXXXXXXXXX then typed a number of statements the way she was hearing them. and asked me to sign an affidavit making a declaration of the same.

I read them and realized that these were partial truth and far from the real situation. I hesitated and I was told I had the option of not signing. I was wanting to comply, but not willing to say that her statements were the whole of the events. In the end I made a choice not to sign at this time due to it being incomplete and too open.

Ours did not go so well today. . we were picked apart with tiny details and our words got twisted and they kept trying to get us to agree with them. . were told it does not look very good for you

AOS interview with my hubby was last 11/09/2010. It was our 1st AOS interview but it was my hubby was being interview first for about 30 min. then i was interviewed next for 15 min. Then, the IO interviewed us together for 10 min. He took my I-94 and my Travel Permit. He did not tell us if i am APPROVED or NOT! Until now i am still waiting for the approval of my AOS. We check the USCIS..and my case status is still pending

Does anyone there have the same experience of what i've experienced from our interview? Do you have any idea how long should i wait???

We had our interview today with much the same. . we were grilled endlessly about unrelated details that were not relevant to any information needed for the paperwork and even told that it does not look well for you,

I'm closer to Davenport and called one CS in Clinton that wanted to charge me $600+!! It was ridiculous. Some CS's just rip you off and I don't think they should be allowed to. I think there should be a fee structure so that it's the same everywhere but I doubt that's gunna happen.

Hope you're able to find someone!

wow! we must be close to neighbors!! I was going to say the same thing. . .I called around and found a Dr Kapedella from Shaumburg with the most reasonable/ findable place without trying to navigate all of Chicago. I was able to be signed up under my hubby's ins and got the blood-work for vaccinations, and a flue shot and if I had thought (in time) to have the syphilis etc test it would have saved $75. This clinic only runs 2-3 days, and charged %150 to transcript. the whole thing was about a 5-min thing and he drew blood test for the STD's test so our cost was $210. plus a day and gas.

What point you are trying to make?

what makes ya think there is a point??

I was stating the facts of the mid-west

Bet you won't find very many Caucasians in the entire list!. . .we are in the mid-west and same issue here what we thought was available for under $300 as suggested in the USCIS site they are charging upwards from $450 to $850. within an hour of our address. . . and we located one who said that he was willing to do it for about $150, so of course we drove 4 hours to see him and ended paying $210. . . .Not a one could speak English fluently!

I got my EAD card today!! yippee!

I am in Iowa very close to Illinois. . .I was required to go to a local SSI office and ask for a number. . which of course is denied. . .but then I asked for a letter stating the denial. . with my receipt from USCIC I got a driver temporary for 6 months no problem and it is renewable as often as I need to.. . it may be similar. . .I did a search to find the process. . . good luck

to find out who your congress-person is go here Congress person lookup

Good luck

They are far and few between large metropolises like Chicago. . .and be sure to inquire the fees too. . . we found one about an hours drive and their fees began at 459 and went up to over 600. The best price was the outskirts of Chicago who were willing to fill in info that I already had evidence for. even there the quote was 150 but we pain 210

also .. . not one office was run by NATIVE-BORN USA or white. Most regular non certified Drs do not know what a licensed Dr is.

yeah. . .thanks for sharing that. . .I had tried also and it came back not recognized. . I thought I was being impatient and left it for a week

we mailed our I-130 , I-184 on Nov 10 by Fed-ex

and received notice by email Nov 17th;

Now the learning curve has lessened and the waiting and hoping curve has begun!

we got our emailed acceptance notice..

tnx Harpa

Ok! I have in hand now a receipt and a tracking number and mailed the entire package to Chicago. looks like all we do now is wait to about mid Jan or so I did not send the I-160. But since I worked so hard on it I kept it. . .you know. . . just in case I feel as nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof.

does anyone know if I can get a drivers license interim? Mine expires in Dec this year. I thought I had read somewhere that when you get a receipt one can apply for a temporary one??

so I have made it far more difficult than need be. . . I guess I would be set in the worst case then. . wow! what a relief. . .I was feeling so afraid and I fretted and sweated. But on the other hand I have had a huge learning curve and could quite easily help others now. . .thanks so much for all input

Here is what I am up against as I understand it

I will be determined to be in overstay the moment we turn in the i-130. correct? or no?

and we have lived as married already for 3 years, and only been married since July of this year, and I think there is a 2 year minimum?

today I got the medical in the mail, so I will be able to include that.

Would it be prudent to hold back the 601 until it is asked for then?

Looks pretty clear what they want.

Best you get it as perfect as you can, ASAP

wish you the best. . .

thanks Juliava, and kittyfang. I was thoroughly convinced that I was needing to say I was here un-inspected NOT REALIZING the message that gives. . therefore I made sure to say I was here legally, but in overstay. . . at some point once I know if it was accepted I would be glad to post my letters so others can learn from it. . . I have learned so much by reading other's accounts so I think sharing is caring.

I think I have it all together. . .finally. .

Contents of I-130 packet includes:

• Application Fee. $355.00

•Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative

•Documents establishing petitioner’s US citizenship

•Certified copy of birth certificate, social security card

•Form G-325A, Biographic Information with photo of the petitioner

•Certified copy of divorce decree of petitioner's previous marriages

•Photo copy of birth certificate, Canadian Passport,

•Form G-325A, Biographc Information with photo of beneficiary

•Certified copy of divorce decree of beneficiary's previous marriages

•Evidence of the bona fide marital relationship

•Copy of marriage certificate

•Copies of three individuals affidavits

•Photographs of wedding

•Proofs of ongoing relationship ie; MediaCom invoices,

a jointly named blank voided cheque.

Adding XXXXXXXXXX to my health insurance from work

- G-1145 – Form for E-notification of Application/Petition Acceptance not sure if I will include this

- Payment in the amount of $1,010.00 payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security

- I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, signed & dated #####

- Copy of birth certificate

- 2 passport photos

- I-693 – medical results

G-325A - Biographic Information, including residence and employment attachment for XXXXXXXXXXX

G-325A - Biographic Information, including residence and employment attachment for XXXXXXXXX

- I-864 - Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act.

o Copy IRS Tax Transcript for 2009 tax year

o Copy IRS Tax Transcript for 2008 tax year

o Copy IRS Tax Transcript for 2007 tax year

o Copy of payslips from the 2010 tax year.

- Copy of Marriage certificate,

Photocopy of passport biographical details page

I – 601, Application for Wavier of Grounds of Inadmissibility

letter from XXXXXXXX (wife) for consideration of Waiver process level 1 reason

letter from XXXXXXXX (husband) for consideration of Waiver process level 1 reason

letter from Patients Dr W confirming medical condition.

Letter from Genisis home health department confirming level of care needed by Patient

I-765 employment authorization

Not sure if it would be wise to send in the traveling authorization, . . .

Also just to clarify my initial question. . .I am in overstay as a visitor from Canada, My car broke down and the expenses kept mounting until I had no reserve. . then stuff happened and I was trying to help out by volunteering to help someone 9Now my MIL!)while I was here-USA - and then love happened and now I want to stay. . I erroneously stated that I had come un-inspected. . which I did not know the significance of and have since realized that I came correctly through a border patrol, however I have a passport that has no marks of any kind and I crossed many times and all I was asked for was a drivers ID which I passed over with my passport and I was asked the purpose of the arrival which I told them I was visiting friends. . .all of which is truth.

I have come back many many times and found useful information by tracking topics and people. . thank you so much for sharing and all the encouragement and help.

I think I have all the info I need and am ready to mail them. . if anyone has suggestions I am open to all

Just talking about one-self does not equal a true Narcissist. . .you really have to live with one to know them. . . they are impossible to deal with because everything and I mean E_V_E_R_Y_T_H_I_N_G!! revolves around them. They insert themselves into every little detail and always attempt to divide and conquer. Look up narcissistic personality disorder and when all those negatives line up you have a real Narcissist and I do live with one, and her only son is only now recognizing why he thought he was the crazy one for many years.

You should never choose to live with someone like that. but if you do. . .brace yourself for the expected unexpected ALL the time!

We were married July 10 on the banks of the Mississippi River. the day couldn't have been more perfect weather-wise and a huge flock of Canadian Gueess landed right next to us trumpeting and hooking like they all approved of my Canadian Landing!! The wedding was attended by dignitaries to paupers. Our State Rep was there with his wife and all other board of directors and even the halt and the lame.

We took no honeymoon. . .we are caregivers for his mom, he is an only. . . and I have been working to collect and gather all paper to file to stay. So far I have the body of the cover letter here as follows so I am hoping that some good folks will look it over

Contents of packet includes:

• Application Fee. $355.00

•Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative

•Documents establishing petitioner’s US citizenship

•Certified copy of birth certificate, social security card

•Form G-325A, Biographic Information with photo of the petitioner

•Certified copy of divorce decree of petitioner's previous marriages

•Photo copy of birth certificate, Canadian Passport,

•Form G-325A, Biographc Information with photo of beneficiary

•Certified copy of divorce decree of beneficiary's previous marriages

•Evidence of the bona fide marital relationship

•Copy of marriage certificate

•Copies of three affidavits

•Proofs of ongoing relationship ie; MediaCom invoices, a jointly named blank voided cheque.

•Photographs of wedding

I was thinking that I needed to send in the I-485 right away but then I read somewhere to wait for the approval for the I-130 to be processed.

Then I read somewhere else that if I plan on the I-485 that a I-601 wavier for inadmissible grounds is a waste of time. is this true?

what other documents do I send with the I-103 application? Should I send the I-130 right away? I know ASAP but I really want all the ducks in a row. .

I have a DR appointment tomorrow as my Hubby got me on his state ins, so I will hopefully get my medical records sent. OR. . .is it faster and cheaper to have the tests and go that way> ( my records are not likely to contain all the vaccinations over 57 yrs)