lee&jeniebee

Sure has been quiet around here, how is everyone doing?? We got our biometric appointment letter, that is our big excitement!! Hope everyone is doing well..

supposedly means you aren't going to get interviewed and they are just processing your green card. the problem is people have been waiting months for them to finish processing. in my humble opinion i'd rather get interviewed!!

(p.s. i got transferred, boo)

Hi Dizzy! Does the transfer effect your EAD card or just the Green card itself? This transfer thing is looking like "governmental efficiency" or "military intelligence" or some other kind of oxymoron!

Oh well....

craziest thing just happened. 6 days ago i got an email that aos was transferred to a uscis office. then i got another email saying the same thing today. what in the world!

Why do some people get transferred? I don't understand?

correction, I don't know if dependent is the right term, but you could married /jointly.

Dizzy, your right, I ran it both ways and Married filing jointly is much better. I may have screwed up when I Efiled, it asked "resident alien" or "non-resident alien" and I checked Non-Resident alien, oh well, it's filed now.. I should have checked the "resident alien" because since Aug. 13 she (Jen) has been residing here... just love taxes!!

I couldn't help myself all this talk about taxes I am curious to know how we should file since we are all now Married. Here's what I found out.

QUESTION: Recently married my husband is an immigrant, in process to receive green card. However, we have not received anything from INS. And his status has now turned to illegal alien. Can I still claim him in this coming years taxes?

ANSWER: You can file a joint return with him, but he will need a taxpayer identifying number or social security number for you to do so. Use IRS Form W-7 to apply for a Taxpayer Identifying Number. A copy is here: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf

The application is mailed with your tax return. From the IRS:

"What are the revised application standards for ITINs?

Effective immediately, each ITIN applicant must now:

* Apply using the revised Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number ; and

* Attach a federal income tax return to the Form W-7.

Any applicants who meet an exception to the requirement to file a tax return (see the instructions for Form W-7) must provide documentation to support the exception."

The tax return and W-7 are mailed to:

Internal Revenue Service

Austin Service Center

ITIN Operation

P.O. Box 149342

Austin, TX 78714-9342

Also: "You may also apply using the services of an IRS-authorized Acceptance Agent or visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in lieu of mailing your information to the IRS in Austin. TACs in the United States provide in-person help with ITIN applications on a walk-in or appointment basis. Applicants outside the United States should contact an overseas IRS office to find out if that office accepts Form W-7 applications. The IRS's ITIN Unit in Austin issues all numbers by mail."

( Answered 10/18/11 10:23am ,Views by community 60 )

You can also file Married filed separtely but it truly depends on the couple. Hope this info is helpful.

Don't use the term "illegal alien" there is a huge legal difference between illegal alien" and "out of status." I am looking at filing as "head of household" that seems to be the best I have seen so far. I was hoping to claim my wife as a dependent but it looks like that can not be done.

Hi guys!! I hope everyone had a great holiday season and is doing well. This was the best Christmas I think I have ever had! Okay, now it's 2012 and I am thinking about taxes, some of you must have researched this. Is there any tax advantages out there floating around while we are in this AOS filing stage? So far my wife doesn't seem like a tax liability but adding her to the family last fall does not seem to help either? Seems like the most information I have seen is on the IRS web page but I was surprised that I couldn't find anything on visajourney? Any thoughts??

Lee

I have read a few times that when your fiancee' arrives in the U.S., you are to get her a Social Security card ASAP and not even wait a few weeks until you are married. Why? Why the urgency??? Also we have run into this problem with the Manila airport. For some foul reason, these fools need to know WHO paid for the plane ticket. WHY do they care WHO paid for the ticket? What and WHY do they need to know? Answers???

If you get the ssn before the wedding, you have to march back to the ss office and change her name, we waited until after the wedding to get the ssn, it was easy.

As for the the Manila airport, I booked the ticket for my fiancee online I think it was expedia? There was no issues at all, she went through the airport without a hitch.

Regarding the medical in Manila, anybody have any trouble booking a room and paying for it in advance by using a credit card from the USA so your Fiance can just show her I.D. and they will give her the room ? I know this can cause some troubles. Do you have any experiences in this ? Which hotel ? What procedures ?

Does she have to have a copy of my credit card with her ? Did you use Agoda.com or call directly. Help me ?

I had to go round and round with Marriot Manila to get approval for her to arrive before I do with just her I.D.

I used agoda, just make sure that your Fiancee has the voucher they will email you..

Help!! We have read many topics and statements on this useful site about filing late(after the I-94 expires)for AOS, but none give a clear-cut, definitive answer. My Fiance arrived October 31st, we were married on December 18th, her I-94 expires on January 29th, so with all the preparation for the wedding-and then Christmas, we are somewhat short for cash this month. The fee for filing for her AOS is $1070.00, so it's going to be tough this month with all the other usual bills I have to pay. My question is,--will we be penalized or will she be at any risk if we file in February or March?

This is a good question, you guys are fine, no worries. My wife arrived here in August, the wedding in September now she is out of status as her I-94 has expired. It would be almost impossible for someone to come here on a K-1 and not end up "out of status" for some period of time. In fact I dare say it's not possible to get the GC by the time the I-94 expires. You would think that after the wedding you and bride could waltz into the local USCIS office and get an extension of the I-94 since you are married and have gone through with the conditions of the K-1, but no. When you apply for the AOS and receive NOA #1 some say your status is "pending" but there is really no such thing, you are out of status period. Oh well, there is nothing that we can do about it but file the AOS, I will shut up now...

My last question was answered with a little research. This post is to just "gripe" As I have been going over the AOS packet double and triple checking things (ready to mail today) I am hung up on my wife's "status". As best I can see her immigration status is: "OUT OF STATUS" her I-94 and visa have both expired. I know and understand that every person who enters on a K-1 visa encounters this, but why is it this way? After the wedding why can't you drive to the nearest USCIS office and have something extended? I have read that once you have NOA #1 for the AOS that your status is "pending" and that is baloney, there is no "pending" show me the US code. I will feel better when we have the green card in hand, sorry to gripe.

I wish all of the Decemberites a wonderful and happy Christmas, remember last year? hahahaha Wow, what a year it has been! Take care!!

Lee

Hi guys!! We are getting ready to send off our AOS packet, question?? We are not planning on traveling outside of the USA until 2013, so should we even bother with the AP? Once Jen has the 2 year green card (in the next 120 days? hopefully) she can exit and re-enter the USA with the green card correct?

Thanks to everyone who has sent a post to update us on your status, it's great to hear what you are doing these days.. Take care.

Lee

Congrats everyone! we are all here! one year later!

I think i'm probably the last of the decemberite getting my SSN and AOS stuff done.

We finally got married in SF on tuesday (13 dec) and I'm starting the paperwork for everything esle!

Question:

For SSN: What did you guys tick for: Citizenship (legal alien allowed to work? legal alien not allowed to work? others?)

Anyone in the SF area found a good civil surgeon?

We are still working on ours as well, hope to get it in the mail next week.. Oh well!

Hey Guys! I haven't forgotten anyone...I just haven't sent AOS yet!!! We discovered we have a little visitor on the way :) ...and i just haven't had the energy to fill out forms!! Exciting!!! But I can't wait to feel human again!

Congratulations!!!

hello, my EAD just got approved but my AOS is still pending... i have some application on banks here in US PT/FT.. if ever they call me for an interview is my EAD fine even i dont have yet my GC...?

one of the bank where i submitted my application called me today bcoz i passed their assessment test online and i am scheduled for bank branch interview but it was cancelled, ( 2nd time i applied on this bank- first i just tried w/o my EAD/ GC, and again with my EAD)... but the girl in the HR is insisting that they need my AOS card not the EAD, i am telling them that i am legal to work here in USA bcoz of my EAD now that's why i applied again... i am so confused right now... do really banks here dont honor the EAD...? or the HR employee dont know about EAD...? She is telling me that they will only consider me if i already have my GC..

To me it seems like the bank HR person is violating your civil rights, I am not a lawyer but that is how I see this.. Good luck...

Just want to say hello to everyone and congratulations to so many! Dizzy, love the picture, beautiful!! Mari, so happy to see everything is working out, oh, we want pictures!!

Jenie Bee arrived August 13th, we were married September 10th, and all has been like a dream come true. You have all been great, this is a nice family to be a part of, sincerely. We have been chipping away at the AOS and our goal is to send it off by the end of October.. Take care and for those still not together with their loved one, hang tough, it's worth it, Godspeed!

Lee (AKA: Rex)

I found my fiance a position at a hospital and they want her to start as soon as possible once she's here. How long of a process is it to get her working papers? I need to give the hospital an estimated time of employment. I will be scheduling her Embassy Interview for the second week in September and plan on being together the middle of October. Thanks to anyone who has any advice for us. Greatly appreciated!

I think about 4 months after she arrives would be realistic. My fiancee arrived August 13th, we are not seriously planning on her looking for work until after the first of the year.. Good Luck!!

Lee

To everyone still waiting to be with your loved one, still doing what needs to be done, going through this difficult visa journey process, let me tell you: It's worth it!!!!!!! Jenie Bee arrived Saturday Morning and life has been absolutely magical and spectacular! In fact words simply can not describe how this weekend has been. All doubts, worries and concerns brought on by time and distance, USCIS etc. melted away within minutes. Yep, I am on "cloud nine!"

Thanks for everyone's help, and Godspeed to the rest of the Decemberite Family!! Onward to AOS!!!

Lee

Hellooooo Decemberite Family!

Well, I have some great news today: K's father is out of the hospital and FINALLY HOME recovering. <sigh of relief> It was a rough past 2 months but we got through it and survived. Thank you to all who sent prayers and well wishes. It was a great support for us.

I'm going to Turkey next month. Now, all K has to do is get his wedding socks and we're moving forward ... full steam ahead!

I'll have more of an update later!

Love to you all,

Mari and Kadir

Great news!!!

Hi to all Decembrites!

Just an update! My SPUTUM CULTURE test turned out Negative... Thank you all for the prayers!

YES!!!!!!!!!!

Our POE is tomorrow!!! I'll be getting our things ready for AOS within the next couple of weeks. Here we go!

WOW! WOW! WOW! Cool!

Hi,

What is the best way to book my fiancee's flight to the states? I am planning to go to Manila and get them. The travel agent I talked to says they can not book flight for non-us passport holders.

We looked at Philippines travel agencies, also Hawaiian air (my favorite) many many places and ended up getting Jenie Bee's flight through expedia. I wanted her POE to be Portland, that was a requirement. The price was good and no baggage fee from MNL to USA through Delta. So we are happy. When I go to the Philippines, Hawaiian air usually has the best rates but you have a 24 hour layover in Honolulu, no biggy for me..

Congrats Marcia and Danny! It was about time.

I got a letter from the embassy today. I thought it was packet 3 but it turns out to be something of an RFE, requesting evidence of my Canadian citizenship. I sent them what I could just now, hopefully it is enough. I am getting pretty tired of RFEs though.

You guys are awesome and you have a great attitude!

Dear DECEMBERITE FAMILY I would like to share with you that finally we got Noa 2 . I'm probably the last but happy.

Mariiii what next ??? Love you all

I read this and can see Mari's slipper wizzing past me this time, new target. Quick put on your bike helmet!!

Congratz!! Happy for you!

Hi Guys!! Jenie Bee will arrive August 13th! So excited! Ok, I have been breezing over my newly started AOS file, I have Jen bringing several true copies of her birth certificate as well as medical vaccination records (they did give her 2 vaccinations at her medical exam). My question is: can you think of any other documents that would be helpful to gather before she runs off to POE? Although the AOS is a little more complex, my thinking is: after we have gone "down the road" with the K-1 this AOS will not be difficult, well, ok, it will be difficult writing that big fat check to stuff in the packet!

hi all,

My visa application was approved today.

The questions they asked me were:

how did you get to know each other?

Have either of you been married? (I said no. first time. and last time).

Do you have any kids? (no)

What job do you currently have now? Do you have a job in US?

What does you fiance do?

What are your wedding plans?

They focus their attention mainly on the evidence provided.

Being work nerds, we did a powerpoint that showed the timeline (when we first met..date...and showed all the trips we had made).

she used that as her reference mostly..in fact...she stopped me from explaining the different times we had met...

At the end, she said to me, "its nice to have such an easy and straightforward case for a change!".

Your visa has been approved. Please collect your passport and papers a week from now. It is valid for 6 months.

HAHA.

apart from the questioning..what was gruelling was the wait.

a 45mins wait to submit your documents and have a lady check it. she also asked me questions (see above)

a 2hour wait to meet the officer where she asked more detailed questions.

the interview was weird...it was a room full of people waiting (for immigrant and non-immigrant visas)...you have to stand at the window and talk to them.

I thought it would be a private room..with nice "comfy chairs"

i saw a lot of people tip toe-ing....and you also hear a lot of people's stories (everyone hears all your answers!)

i saw a couple get turned down at the first lady because the guy couldnt get his wedding date right, and some other issues...she was quite hard on the questioning.

Congratz!!! Also nice work on your prep for the interview, super organized!