C and Lore

My wife's case was transferred from the National Benefits Center to the California Service Center. We live in Miami, Florida and our initial petition was processed in Vermont.

Anyone know what this means?

just checked that forum, no honest docs in South Florida as I expected. Its ridiculous, and like I said, the government owes it to their constituents to step in and help. But they wont, because the government is not for the people, its a business and as it doesn't do anything positive for 'their business' they dont care.

Well I feel relieved to know I'm not the only one being shafted. Long story short, I sent her to the cheapest of the shady which was still $180 USD. I dont know where I'll make that up at for the month, but as one poster said, they have us bent over backward, and are intent on giving us the shaft no lube... :-(

Jim is probably right, they cant be real doctors, so they sign up to make money with their medical licenses the only way they can. The sad thing is that A: I'm sure the government makes a nice penny from them getting approval to be 'civil surgeons' B: the government doesn't really care about their constituents otherwise like one poster said, they'd mandate that doctors cant charge more than a certain amount for certain 'services' or they'd have their own doctors working for USCIS, lord knows they require enough medical exams to afford doing it.

Hello all,

I'm back for some help again. My wife entered the country on a K-1 visa about 30 - 40 days ago. She had her required medical examination in August 2011 to get her K-1 visa in Argentina.

Fast forward to today, I am a bit strapped for money and need to file her paperwork so she can get a work permit as soon as possible. After reading the I-693 instructions it states that K-1 entries do not need to have another medical examination if the preceeding one used for the K-1 visa was within 1 year's time. Obviously since she did hers in August this would apply to her. However her vaccination was not complete, so her K-1 was issued on waiver. She got the remaining vaccinations before arriving and has all required shots now and records to prove them.

Unfortunately here in Miami there's a lot of scam artists and crooks, and the doctors we've contacted so far, refuse to follow the directions given on the USCIS site and want do everything from completing more tests

to doing the entire exam again. Meanwhile the stated directions from the USCIS say that if her vaccination record is not complete the surgeon must only complete the vaccination page and sign off that she's proven she had them. Not re-give all of them or do more blood, and medical exams.

So I have two questions. First, any of you from Miami, know of an honest civil surgeon close to the beach, or close to transit, that will provide the required vaccination verification without trying to take more than what is reasonably due?

Second, being that she has completed the medical exam, if I were to file without the updated vaccination record, would they USCIS reject the entire packet immediately based on the missing update to vaccination record, or would they merely delay setting up an appointment for interview for her green card?

For those who think I'm complaining about cost, I'm not, I simply wish to pay what is owed, not what people think, they can get from me. I appreciate any helpful information or advice.

We just wanted to update everyone and say thank you to the many that helped us over the last few months. She has finally arrived after a long time...hahaha. We know that there is a road ahead but its nice to have gotten over the first major hurdle of getting her here.

BTW anyone with a POE in Miami, its not bad. She waited about 1.5 hours to get in, but they were nice not rude pushy or questioning. Moral of the story, have your docs in order and present, it may take awhile but you'll be ok.

My fiancee and I were gifted some items for our future married life. Will she be forced to claim these items and pay taxes on these items? This is probably not posted in the right area, so if an admin can help and move it there.

However anyone with experience or knowledge on what she should do regarding her customs declaration, I would really appreciate it.

Two questions and I think I'll be all set.

1. Say she gets one of these stamps of employment authorized at POE, would she still be in violation of law if she turned around and used that stamp and SSN to get a job. (She's previously been in US under J-1 visa 2X so already has an issued SSN) We dont want her violating law, but at the same time, seriously need to get some cash flowing again.

I guess the second part wasn't really a question more of a statement, I'm not surprised this is coming up so often. We did our research. In addition to using this site frequently (as some of the regulars have seen) to ask questions, learn from others mistakes, and post experiences of our own, I additionally picked up two immigration books, one about general immigration one about immigration based on marriage and/or pending marriage (fiancee visa). Both agree with this site. It is super confusing when you've got the people who decide to or not to let your loved one into the country giving old or conflicting information.

I'm very confused. So this website and my immigration book state for my fiancee to work once she enters the US she must apply for and recieve employment authorization.

We just had our interview September 6th, which was very successful. We were asked only two questions. Nearly instantly approved. After approving us, she told us my fiancee would be stamped into the country when she entered and with the stamp she will be able to work. Once my fiancee recieved the packet yesterday at the house, she read the instructions that came with the packet gave similar information.

Has something changed? Which information is correct? Has anyone POE'd for K-1 at Miami recently (last 3-5 months)? Does anyone have any recent knowledge of how the process is working.

Once again I know how its supposed to be, but its confusing since the consulate is giving conflicting information.

Thanks!

what's really interesting is that LPR's filing for children over 21 is still only 5 months but LPR's filing for under 21's or spouses is backed up a year....seems like VSC has their priorities a little off. Best of luck. I filed Nov 2010 and my fiancee just got approved last Tuesday, so I know how long it takes and how frustrating it is. Hang in there you'll make it!

Best of luck!

I assure you she knows more than enough about me. I do not mean guide the interview as in control the questions that are asked and answered. Regarding being able to enter for the interview, unless the embassy in BA has changed their procedures, after reading several reviews on this site from others whom interviewed their it seems that not only do they admit the USC petitioner, but that they would prefer to see them there as it feels more like a real relationship.

There is no one trying to fool the embassy. I simply dont want them coming to the conclusion that we are married when we are not. Her family is not rich and neither am I, it was simply a ceremony for her family. There is not an intention to fool anyone. However should they bring up this ceremony, I want to be able to prepared to frame it as best as possible so they can see it for what it was not for what they want to make it out to be.

Regarding the deal, normally you cannot hold any ceremony in the catholic church without first obtaining a marriage license. At least this is what we were told was true in Argentina by her priest. They do not like having people whom have become married in the church however are legally single and free to marry. They like to keep it black and white, either a or b. She made an agreement with her priest that once we returned we would legally marry immediately and they made an exception for us only because of the circumstances of us needing to legally free to marry once entering the US.

I only want to be prepared as best as possible to present the best case as possible. Have we followed immigration law? Yes. Law says she has to be single and free to marry which she is. To the best of both of our knowledge's Argentine law does not recognize religious ceremonies as marriage unless it is accompanied by registration, application, medical tests, and blood tests, none of which were filed for or requested. Her DNI if she were to have it reissued today would state single. I ask only because I know some consulates in an effort keep more people out do not strictly adhere to US immigration law that if you are legally single by US and that country's law then you are single and qualify. I know some consulates look for the smallest reason to deny, even if its a stretch. I want to be prepared to make that stretch that much harder if possible. I'm not looking for anyone to give me a lie to use, or help make up any stories. I only want to know if the documentation I noted we have or could get would be helpful to prove that we are not legally married in the eyes of Argentine or American law.

If I wanted to prepare a lie or to fool anyone, I certainly wouldnt be asking on an uncontrolled website, perfectly open to the full purview of the US government and anyone else whom could or could not report the supposed lie. I thank you for your time, however your admonishment was unnecessary, and not helpful.

My fiancee prepared and sent our packet to the consulate. Unfortunately in her haste she forgot my mantra of 'its the quality not the quantity.' She sent literally almost everything she could find. Some she proofread some she didn't. Now after going back and reading the emails she included, she found that one of the emails she sent references our wedding ceremony we had planned for mid-June. Basically it says:

'If you dont remember my (insert item here), its ok. You can bring it when you come for the wedding.'

We also sent MSN chat sessions and about 40 some odd pics not including the 12-15 pics (all pics show us travelling around both countries, seeing family, etc. no party or wedding pics) I sent in the initial packet. I personally proofread the MSN chat sessions so I know nothing was in those even mentioning it. She's gone over the other things now and there's no mention in anything else she read.

My question is where to go from here? I dont plan to bring it up in the interview and she's going to get documents from her place of residence in Tucuman and where she's from Jujuy to show that the province considers her legal marital status to be single, however will the consulate be likely to consider this enough proof?

One more piece of information in case it helps. We did have a ceremony at the cathedral in Jujuy. We did not register or apply for a marriage license and worked out a deal to file all necessary licenses once arriving back in Miami. Also I did not take or apply to take any required blood or medical tests which are required by Argentine law for legal marriage.

She is in Argentina and her interview will be in Buenos Aires. I will be there at the interview to help guide the interview, but I want to make sure she's prepared. She has a tendency to ramble do to her trusting nature. Also should we enlist the help of a lawyer? If so does anyone know of a good lawyer. I tend to distrust them because its hard to find if they really know what they are talking about.

Any thoughts would be useful.

My fiancee prepared and sent our packet to the consulate. Unfortunately in her haste she forgot my mantra of 'its the quality not the quantity.' She sent literally almost everything she could find. Some she proofread some she didn't. Now after going back and reading the emails she included, she found that one of the emails she sent references our wedding ceremony we had planned for mid-June. Basically it says:

'If you dont remember my (insert item here), its ok. You can bring it when you come for the wedding.'

We also sent MSN chat sessions and about 40 some odd pics not including the 12-15 pics (all pics show us travelling around both countries, seeing family, etc. no party or wedding pics) I sent in the initial packet. I personally proofread the MSN chat sessions so I know nothing was in those even mentioning it. She's gone over the other things now and there's no mention in anything else she read.

My question is where to go from here? I dont plan to bring it up in the interview and she's going to get documents from her place of residence in Tucuman and where she's from Jujuy to show that the province considers her legal marital status to be single, however will the consulate be likely to consider this enough proof?

One more piece of information in case it helps. We did have a ceremony at the cathedral in Jujuy. We did not register or apply for a marriage license and worked out a deal to file all necessary licenses once arriving back in Miami. Also I did not take or apply to take any required blood or medical tests which are required by Argentine law for legal marriage.

She is in Argentina and her interview will be in Buenos Aires. I will be there at the interview to help guide the interview, but I want to make sure she's prepared. She has a tendency to ramble do to her trusting nature. Also should we enlist the help of a lawyer? If so does anyone know of a good lawyer. I tend to distrust them because its hard to find if they really know what they are talking about.

Any thoughts would be useful.

thanks. i'll try to post over there too. thats why i wanted to ask since i know all the consulates are a bit different (quite stupid that it is that way though).

One more piece of information in case it helps. We did have a ceremony at the cathedral in Jujuy. We did not register or apply for a marriage license and worked out a deal to file all necessary licenses once arriving back in Miami. Also I did not take or apply to take any required blood or medical tests which are required by Argentine law for legal marriage.

My fiancee prepared and sent our packet to the consulate. Unfortunately in her haste she forgot my mantra of 'its the quality not the quantity.' She sent literally almost everything she could find. Some she proofread some she didn't. Now after going back and reading the emails she included, she found that one of the emails she sent references our wedding ceremony we had planned for mid-June. Basically it says:

'If you dont remember my (insert item here), its ok. You can bring it when you come for the wedding.'

We also sent MSN chat sessions and about 40 some odd pics not including the 12-15 pics (all pics show us travelling around both countries, seeing family, etc. no party or wedding pics) I sent in the initial packet. I personally proofread the MSN chat sessions so I know nothing was in those even mentioning it. She's gone over the other things now and there's no mention in anything else she read.

My question is where to go from here? I dont plan to bring it up in the interview and she's going to get documents from her place of residence in Tucuman and where she's from Jujuy to show that the province considers her legal marital status to be single, however will the consulate be likely to consider this enough proof?

She is in Argentina and her interview will be in Buenos Aires. I will be there at the interview to help guide the interview, but I want to make sure she's prepared. She has a tendency to ramble do to her trusting nature. Also should we enlist the help of a lawyer? If so does anyone know of a good lawyer. I tend to distrust them because its hard to find if they really know what they are talking about.

Any thoughts would be useful.

I have been. my subject has been ****URGENT****BNS(NUMBER)****

thanks yllen. i'll make sure she gets that

thanks jac....however its a bit difficult as consulate refuses to answer any email, and they wont transfer calls to appropriate person if you call. the person stonewalls you, so unless you have a specific consular officer you request, they wont transfer. i know they sent packet however some (censored language) did not enter all of the address. which they cant blame on me, because i typed the forms to make sure they could be read.

thanks but i think my question was misunderstood. she is an Argentine national with actually brand new passport (had to renew last summer) my question is referring to the police certificates. is there some sort of national police certificate she will need?

One other question. She got the police certificates from all of the provinces she's lived in. Does she need some sort of national certificate?

well the overpaid line is more about venting and government jobs are usually good. anyway, if you cant type the information provided then you are overpaid since you're not doing your job.

anyway, on subject it seems like everyone's solution is the same as mine. i figured at worse they'd say no but at the end of the day at least they would have to communicate with us at either A: the corrected address or B: by phone to say we have to use their stuff. or either they would take the papers we sent.

as far as the doctors appt. she's going to schedule it when she knows about the interview. She will go to have the doctors appt 3 days before the interview. reason being is she's not from Buenos Aires. She is from the NW, which is 17 hours away. It'd be like driving Cleveland to Miami just for the exam and coming back. Its expensive to do as well. They say you get the results in 24 hours, so if she does this, she'll get them the day before the interview.

I'm just so frustrated. I knew back in early June something was wrong. I tried telling the Department of State Visa Office this back then that something has to be wrong. But all she could be bothered to do was slander a country she knows nothing about. They've been passing the buck for a month now, and now my patience is gone.

Anyway thanks everyone for your thoughts and input.

:

Our petition was approved April 4th, and the NVC notified us they sent out our petition to Argentina in a letter dated April 22nd. We still havent received the packet to send back to the embassy. I called the embassy through the 800 number and the international number, they refused to forward our calls to persons who could help. I called the NVC they refused to look into it. This was all before the second week in June. I emailed the embassy again June 30th to see if we could download the forms they require from their website, also ignored. I emailed my house representative, no one contacted me.

Fastforward to today. I found out that some overpaid immigration or State department official didnt correctly input her address. They left off her unit number and the postal code. Now the Visa office at the State department says, well if they dont contact you (embassy) then contact your congressperson. Well I did that before today and they didnt contact me back.

So my question of help is, does anyone here have any suggestions or been in this situation. I have no idea of what else to do. All else I can think to do is to just send the downloaded forms from the embassy website even though they havent been requested yet. Any suggestions, or contacts in the State department that could help.

when you say tax deduction are you referring to claiming her as a dependant on my taxes, or is there an actual deduction you can claim for this process? sorry for the naivete regarding this but i'm not a tax person so i ask for clarification when i hear this stuff

i guess my frustration on the fees is more related to the fact that just years ago i costed a fraction of this to do this process. I know at minimum AOS was tons cheaper. The cost of living has increased but not 100-200%. When I get charged that much more, then it feels like a rip. I'm not saying its not worth it, but I dont make 6 figures a year, I dont even make more than 50k, and I live in Miami which is easily one of the most expensive locales in the country, its just rough to make it through these kind of numbers.

But to be clear I know its worth it. And she knows I feel that way too.

ugh...just seems like the US government is trying to take advantage. I knew about the 1000USD when she gets back here. But not this. Sometimes I wonder if I should just go there. I can go there with 200USD plus marriage license, so much easier.

Thanks all for your help!

My fiancee and I were had our petition approved and documents sent to the Buenos Aires consulate. I paid the initial fee to file the petition with USCIS. Is there another fee to pay again for applying for the visa itself?

It appears like I have to pay another $400 USD for her interview.

Anyone with experience with this?