ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North AfricaPregnancy Test Question
Is this the test you took this morning? If so, two lines = pregnant, one line = not pregnant.
mercyFemaleCanada2006-10-13 11:11:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims & Christmas

For whatever it's worth, I normally say/write "xmas" to avoid the Christ portion. I've become less and less of a fan as the years go by. We do secular xmas in my family which = eating and gifts and out of town family coming home. I have finally convinced my mother to forgo gift giving. Other than that, I don't mind seeing my neighbors' lights, but that's pretty much it. Oh, my husband isn't happy with the plan to end gift giving. This is pretty much the greatest invention of the western world, in his opinion.


The X, when used in xmas or Xian, is an abbreviation for Christ.
mercyFemaleCanada2006-12-16 15:24:00
Middle East and North AfricaIssues you may need to discuss with your MENA SO
If Green-eyed girl considers herself Palestinian, who is anyone here to contradict that? Who here knows her family history, what ties they keep with Palestine, how often they visit, if they still have family there, etc. I'm willing to be no one.

I'm of mixed European descent, like many North Americans, but I consider myself solely Canadian. I actually get sort of annoyed when people ask me where I'm from/what I am. That's just me though, doesn't mean everyone has to do it. For my family, we don't maintain any kind of ties with our European heritage, we don't even know if we have any family over there, so it wouldn't really make sense to say "I'm German" or whatever. I grew up in a small town that is almost predominantly Portuguese. The kids I went to school with were mostly 1st and 2nd generation Canadians, but all of them considered themselves Portuguese first, even though none of them had ever been there. If a family immigrates, but holds close the ties to the country they left, it's easy to see how even generations later could consider themselves to be from that country. Particularly if they were forced out of said country.

If my husband and I stay in the US and have children here, by right of my citizenship they will also be Canadian citizens. They will be able to have a Canadian passport, and even if they never live there, I would hope they hold Canada close to them. The same would go for if we moved to Canada, they would be US citizens by right of my husband being a USC. No matter what, our kids will be citizens of both countries and will be raised to think of themselves that way.
mercyFemaleCanada2007-01-08 15:23:00
Middle East and North Africayour fiance/husband's first night in america...
I know this is a bit up thread by now, but I wanted to comment on alcohol and cooking, my husband is a recovering alcoholic (three years on Friday!), so I do a lot of label reading and recipe adjusting. It's surprising how much alcohol is actually retained when cooking/baking, so if your SO refrains from alcohol, avoid using any. Here is a chart that shows how much remains after varies cooking times/methods. It's also surprising what actually as alcohol in it; I had no idea that most cooking sprays contained alcohol.
mercyFemaleCanada2007-02-06 21:52:00
Middle East and North AfricaLittle Mosque on the Prairie - seriously!!
CBC often puts their programming on the website after it's aired, so even if it doesn't get played in the US you might be able to see it online :)
mercyFemaleCanada2006-12-12 14:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProof of Meeting
Nope, nothing special at all. As far as I remember, my fiance actually printed them himself(on photo paper). Just several pictures of us spanning our relationship.
mercyFemaleCanada2006-09-24 21:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProof of Meeting
I wouldn't worry too much, I think the evidence you have is fine. We only submitted pictures and our petition was approved. Fair or not, I don't think that the burden of proof is as heavy for Canadians as it is for other countries.
mercyFemaleCanada2006-09-24 21:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance visa to expire
cris77, it's hard for us to completely answer your question without more details, mainly what country your fiance is from. For example, I've heard it's near impossible for say a Russian woman to get a tourist visa. Not getting married within the 90 days will make it harder for you, regardless of what course of action you both decide on. You've been given some very good advice so far, and I just wanted to add that I think the best thing you can do is just sit down with her and have a serious heart to heart talk and find out what you both want, why she doesn't want to marry, what her fears are, etc and hopefully you'll both end up on the same page or at least come to a decision. Best of luck..
mercyFemaleCanada2006-10-01 15:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAPPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Address wrong.

I just called the NVC. They asked me to type in my receipt number, i did and they had no record of me so I could not continue the call.
Does that mean it has left there and gone to the Embassy already? How long would it normally take from approval to the Embassy receiing? Its 14 days tomorrow.


Don't use the automated system! Make sure you speak to an live operator. I think you press #1 for English and then #2, and you should be put in line to speak to someone. They take calls until 12 or 12:30am Eastern. The automated system is not for K1 visas. You asked me how long it takes for the package to reach the consulate, and I think it varies. They told me to wait a week before calling the consulate to see if it arrived, but it got there in 2 days. Yours has to go overseas though, so it'll probably take a little longer. Once they send it, give it a couple days and then call everyday until it's there.
mercyFemaleCanada2006-10-10 17:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAPPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Address wrong.
Make sure you contact both the NVC and your consulate to follow up. I changed my address at the NVC, but they did not forward the new address to the consulate, who had already sent packet 3 to my old address. It wasn't a huge deal though, they just changed my address and sent a new package out, but it did probably lose me about a week as it took them a few days to send out the new package. So start calling the NVC now, and after they transfer your case to the consulate, start calling them as well.
mercyFemaleCanada2006-10-10 15:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat I Learned About Evidence
When we originally petitioned we included 4 or 5 photos of us together and that's it. The only RFE we got was the IMBRA one. At the service centre level they just want to know that you've actually met each other within the past two years, it's at the interview level where they want evidence of a relationship.

China Rob, I completely agree about the lawyer. You aren't paying them to do anything you can't do yourself, especially with this site.
mercyFemaleCanada2006-12-01 15:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestouches????

Kayz: Good luck to you, mate. Hope you get your NOA2 soon. But realize, when you are complaining, that there are other people here not lucky enough to live in the Vermont Service Center region and get theirapproval in two weeks. Some have been waiting 3 months or longer... :whistle:


:thumbs:
mercyFemaleCanada2006-12-14 14:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestouches????
Don't worry too much about touches, my fiance petition was approved without any touches.
mercyFemaleCanada2006-12-13 23:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresA few questions about the K1 process
You don't need to prove your relationship in your I-129F petition, you only need to provide evidence that you've been together within the past two years. Evidence of relationship comes at the interview stage. We only sent in a couple of pictures with our petition and didn't have any problems.
mercyFemaleCanada2006-12-28 11:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOpinions on attorneys
We didn't have an attorney, and we weren't aware for this site until months after we applied. The K1 application is pretty straight forward, but I'm glad to have had VJ for the rest of the journey. Like everyone said, as long as your case isn't complicated in some way and you are willing to take the time, you can easily do it yourself. Here's a personal example, when I was having my interview both other couples there that day were missing things they needed and mentioned that their lawyers had not told them to bring these things, whereas I had everything I needed because I personally took the time to know what was going to be asked of me. Best of luck with whatever you decide!

Edited by mercy, 30 December 2006 - 08:57 AM.

mercyFemaleCanada2006-12-30 08:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting each other during K-1 process (Canada-USA)
I thought AP was good for multiple trips.
mercyFemaleCanada2007-01-13 15:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting each other during K-1 process (Canada-USA)
Like everyone else said, she can visit you during the process. I crossed back and forth several times, and spent many months staying here while we waited for the K1 to be approved. I never had a problem crossing, but she will probably want to bring ties to Canada (lease, bills, letter from work, proof she goes to school, etc) with her.

Once she has the greencard, she can visit Canada whenever she wants, regardless of the two year condition. It's while the application is pending that she has to stay in the US, unless you apply for and receive advance parole. Good luck with your journey.
mercyFemaleCanada2007-01-13 13:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWorst time of year...
I really don't think that devilette meant any offense, I think there is just a different mindset between those of us who were around during the IMBRA fiasco, and especially with those of us who went through IMBRA hell, and the more recent filers. My petition took 164 days to be approved, it took 256 days in total before the visa was in my hand and I certainly wouldn't wish that on anyone. devilette's original advice is probably the best you'll get in this process; patience, patience, and more patience. CSC has always been slower, that is unfortunately just the way it is. However, VJ is such a small slice of the immigration pie, it's hard to say what they're doing at CSC. Hopefully you'll all get the good news you want very soon.
mercyFemaleCanada2007-01-15 18:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWe have started our long journey....

I checked my account today and the check cleared for the petition. :dance: So I fill like something has been accomplished. I know we have a long way to go but it is a start.

I sent pictures of us together and my passport showing when I was in Australia. My phone bills are scarrrrrrrrrry so we have proof of that for sure. LOL I am excited. (L)


I'm sure that will be good enough for the petition. They just want to know that you've been together within the past two years. We only sent a couple of pictures and had no problems. It's at the interview where you need to prove your relationship. Here's hoping for a speedy journey for you!
mercyFemaleCanada2006-12-13 23:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPrevious K1/permanent resident: Will it cause problems?

Great; thanks! I am a natural born worrier, so... On to the next thing to worry about, I suppose.


mercyFemaleCanada2013-12-30 20:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPrevious K1/permanent resident: Will it cause problems?

So eight years ago I never thought I'd be doing this all again, but here I am--old VJ account and all. I married a US citizen back in 2006 after going through the K1 process. I did the AOS, which was approved quickly, and removed the conditions as soon as I was able. I ended up moving back to Canada not long after that and separating from my husband. After it was clear that was for good, I voluntarily gave up my permanent residency at a POE (less than a year had passed since I left), and divorced in Ontario. Since then, I started dating my long time best friend who happens to be American, and we recently submitted a K1 application. I did everything by the book last time, including giving up my residency, but I'm still concerned with how it might affect our case now. Anyone have any experience with this?

 

 


mercyFemaleCanada2013-12-30 20:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhether the 212 (a) (7) (A) (i) (I) will affect my eligibility to K1

Hey~I got the same experience! 212 (a) (7) (A) (i) (I) too! I'm filing CR1 now.


cindy0908FemaleTaiwan2014-05-27 05:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2014 filers

 

 

Yay Congrats!

 

Congrats!

 

 

Holy #######! You're not wasting any time LOL. Congrats and don't forget about us! :D

 

Andre received the papers I sent him today and will send them out either tomorrow or Monday. The good thing is that Loomis Express gets them there ASAP so at least it will all be in their hands very soon! I hope Montreal stays "on the ball" like they have been lately so we can get our visa soon :D Luckily I have been so busy at work that I haven't even been thinking about it and I will continue to be really busy for awhile so it definitely helps keep my mind occupied. We're patient people. We don't mind waiting.....just not for too long :D

 

Montreal has been so much faster than the immigration guide lead me to believe! They should be super quick with your documents and approval! :D

 

I was lucky that my visa was issued at exactly the same time as the school year ended, so I am done work and figure "why wait?!" :D :D :D

 

Hoping for a speedy approval for you and Robynne!


 

 

Yay Congrats!

 

Congrats!

 

 

Holy #######! You're not wasting any time LOL. Congrats and don't forget about us! :D

 

Andre received the papers I sent him today and will send them out either tomorrow or Monday. The good thing is that Loomis Express gets them there ASAP so at least it will all be in their hands very soon! I hope Montreal stays "on the ball" like they have been lately so we can get our visa soon :D Luckily I have been so busy at work that I haven't even been thinking about it and I will continue to be really busy for awhile so it definitely helps keep my mind occupied. We're patient people. We don't mind waiting.....just not for too long :D

 

Montreal has been so much faster than the immigration guide lead me to believe! They should be super quick with your documents and approval! :D

 

I was lucky that my visa was issued at exactly the same time as the school year ended, so I am done work and figure "why wait?!" :D :D :D

 

Hoping for a speedy approval for you and Robynne!


froschundblumenFemaleCanada2014-06-19 16:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2014 filers

We were APPROVED!!! I'm so happy. I can't thank everyone here enough. I'm sure we would've had RFE's, 221g's and way more meltdowns if it wasn't for all of you. You guys rule and I'm so glad we all went on this visa journey together :)

 

Congrats!!! :D :D :D


Visa in hand, planning to travel.... TOMORROW!!! :D :D :D :D :D


froschundblumenFemaleCanada2014-06-19 12:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2014 filers

Is 4-5 weeks their "Generic" answer when you call NVC? That's what they keep telling me

 

Definitely a generic answer. I called every day from about a week on and every day they gave that time frame in the same tone of voice. Lol.  After two weeks, they finally had my case. :D


froschundblumenFemaleCanada2014-06-18 17:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2014 filers

 

I am so happy for you!!! I really hope they issue ours within a week of getting out paper!!!!

 

 

Any word from Robynne???? I am anxious to hear how it went!!

 

I'm eagerly awaiting Robynne's update! Been thinking of her today with fingers crossed!

 

Will they let you know when they receive the paper?


froschundblumenFemaleCanada2014-06-16 15:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2014 filers

issued today!! :D


froschundblumenFemaleCanada2014-06-16 13:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2014 filers

Congrats!!!! Sounds like a great interview experience! :D :D :D

 

 

Thank you!! We were approved :) here's our review!

Jake emailed ahead of time to request that I be on the list to accompany him!

We arrived in London around 715, mosied around and landed in front of th embassy at 8:06 for our 9 am appointment. Outside there are three lines (or queues)--one for US Citizens on embassy business (avoid) and two queues for visas---the first queue is a sign in. They took our DS160, appointment letter, and passports. They checked my name on the list too and wrote me down on the appointment letter. Then you go all the way back to the end of the line of the second queue (took us until 830ish) for security. We got through security by 9:05--you can bring water and stuff and small electronics like kindles and iPads, though you won't use them!

We walked around by following easy signs and up a few stairs to reach reception. They looked at our passports, letter, and DS160 then placed a number on our letter. We walked into the waiting area and took a seat for maybe 10 minutes. We were called up to the window by 920. It took about five minutes--a polite if stoic American fellow took Jake's prints, then his original birth certificate, his passport, his police certificate, and returned th medical chest x rays to us. He said he didn't need our copies. I then handed over my affidavit of support, and he only wanted the forms, the letter from my employer, and my 2013 tax transcript--he didn't want my 2012 one! And really all he asked for was my transcript. He took our receipt and courier arrangement receipts. He also asked us when Jake would be traveling for the wedding--we told him. He wrote it down then told us congratulations on being engaged.


Then we waited another 15 minutes. We were called up around 945 for the interview proper. The guy looked mean at first, and after he had Jake scan his prints and take the oath, he loosened up. I was waiting behind him and he said, "Ma'am you can come right up to the window to be with your fiancé. Just know the interview is directed at him not you, and I'll only address you to embarrass him." We laughed and relaxed a lot more. He asked jake these questions in the following order:

How did you meet?
When did you meet? (When was that?)
When did you decide to get married?
When are you getting married?
So you're going to return to Indiana?
Did you like Indiana?
--he then went on a fun little tangent about being offered a job in Indiana and being glad he ended up in London, which made me laugh because as a non-Indiana native, I sympathize.
Where else in the US did you visit?
--he was interested in our travels, he asked Jake how we got place to place, etc. when he said we visited Vegas the officer asked:
You didn't get married in Vegas did you?
--we both made faces and laughed as we said no.

He then said, "Well you guys your visa is approved! Congratulations!" He then handed back our original police cert and birth cert copies and said two weeks, but more likely one week or less!! In the end he was chatty and kind, funny even.

We walked out the doors approved and relieved at 9:56 am. Now we are celebrating before heading back to Edinburgh late tonight!!

Thank you all for all of your support -- now we just hope it all goes smoothly in AP, issuance, and courier stuffs. We are looking at a POE for July 5th, a courthouse wedding on July 11 (Jake really wanted 7/11) and a lovely big ceremony with dresses, kilts, and dancing in mid September. We will keep everyone posted, but thanks!!!


























 


froschundblumenFemaleCanada2014-06-16 09:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2014 filers

If I was in your situation, I would base all my decisions on the assumption that they are going to find out about this at some point.

 

Just for clarification, you were arrested (read your rights, fingerprinted etc.), went to trial, and the case was dismissed at trial?

 

Do you have any documentation whatsoever proving that there was a dismissal or that the charges were never filed? Did you have a lawyer?

 

I would write a letter explaining, in detail, what happened, when you realized you had forgotten to disclose this to USCIS, and what you have done since that point to try to rectify the situation (ie: I went to the police office to obtain proof of dismissal, but my case has been archived and fingerprints destroyed. My police checks have been consistently clear of any record since it happened. I was never charged and never underwent any form of sentencing for the charge) I would bring this to the interview, but only offer it up if the issue is raised.

 

I would go to the interview, answer honestly, and in the meantime prepare as much documentation as you can to prove that this is a non-issue.

 

I'm so sorry you are having to stress about this. Everyone makes mistakes.


froschundblumenFemaleCanada2014-06-14 16:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2014 filers

 

 

 

It does suck. Andre said the lady he got was in a bad mood. What were we thinking picking Friday the 13th LOL. I feel like they were nitpicking but what can ya do.....just wait :) Our hopeful POE is July 23rd so hopefully that can still happen. Nothing worth having is easy and I cannot imagine my life without my amazing man. This whole process has truly made me love him even more and anything we have to go through is worth it.

 

:D :D :D I second those last two sentences. Stay strong!


froschundblumenFemaleCanada2014-06-13 17:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2014 filers

Our status went to administrative processing on Monday, then to "issued" on Wednesday. It was delivered today! So nothing to worry about for you two. :)

 

Ah, thank goodness! Why do they have to word it saying it could take "several weeks or longer"?! It's like they enjoy toying with us. ;) Thank you, Tina!
 


froschundblumenFemaleCanada2014-06-13 17:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2014 filers

Did other people's CEAC status change to Administrative Processing after their approval? I know that they do this sometimes and it just means that your visa is being put into the passport, but this doesn't mean I won't still freak out and go "OMG THEY ARE GOING TO DENY ME POST-INTERVIEW!!!!!"

 

 


Edited by froschundblumen, 13 June 2014 - 05:10 PM.

froschundblumenFemaleCanada2014-06-13 17:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2014 filers

 

LOL Ok so here it is...

 

Leave it to me to be the first one to get a 221g LOL :). They are needing the original of my divorce decree which I do not have so I sent Andre a certified copy. Little did I know, the courthouse does not give a raised seal unless you asked for it. SO...I went today and got a new one with the raised seal and sent it Express to him today...It is guaranteed to get there by Thursday. I am a little sad, but keeping the faith that they will issue the visa as soon as they get this stupid thing! Luckily, we are not on a time crunch really and our goal of him coming here is still attainable. Everything else was fine, but they did not keep his passport. They said to Fed Ex it to them with the new divorce decree.

 

UGHHHHH :(

 

How irritating! That sounds like an easy fix, though! It sounds like they will approve as soon as they receive it!


froschundblumenFemaleCanada2014-06-13 12:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2014 filers
I need an update from Abby! Ive been thinking about you and Andre all morning!
froschundblumenFemaleCanada2014-06-13 10:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2014 filers

 

Congrats!!! That was a really fast interview. I bet you are so happy!

 

 

Thanks,I really hope its an approval! I am so nervous!

 

 

He just arrived there. He said it is beautiful and he will take lots of pictures. He just checked into the hotel! He said his room is REALLY small LOL This just seems crazy :)

 

I can't believe we're next in line.

 

Upcoming Interviews

June 13th- Abby&Andre

June 16th- byrd_75 & paddington_bear

June 19th-MichelleRenee

June 23rd- Nikki181

June 24th- VicAus

 

No need to be nervous! It will definitely be an approval! :D :D :D
 


froschundblumenFemaleCanada2014-06-12 18:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2014 filers

Good luck tomorrow! Can't wait to hear about your approval! :D :D :D

 

My taxi driver asked why I had travelled all the way to Montreal for just one day and when I explained, he said "Ahhhhh, now I understand everything. Love will take you anywhere in the world."

 

 

 

So many things going on right now for everyone!!!!!

 

Congrats to cz&zm on the approval! Congrats to Tina& Johan for the issued status! I am getting so nervous! Andre leaves tomorrow for Montreal. He decided to make a weekend trip of it since he has never been there and probably won't go again so he wanted to site see. It is an 8 hour commute one way. The things you do for love LOL

 

Upcoming Interviews

June 12th- tina:)

June 13th- Abby&Andre

June 16th- byrd_75 & paddington_bear

June 19th-MichelleRenee

June 23rd- Nikki181

June 24th- VicAus

 


froschundblumenFemaleCanada2014-06-12 08:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2014 filers
I wrote up my review for all you Montreal folks! If you have any specific questions or things that you are worried about, let me know and I'll answer if I can!
froschundblumenFemaleCanada2014-06-10 15:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2014 filers
Approved!!!!!! Will share a full run down on my train home.
froschundblumenFemaleCanada2014-06-10 08:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2014 filers
I will hook Andre up with everything he needs to know. Do youknow where he is staying in Montreal?
froschundblumenFemaleCanada2014-06-09 16:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFebruary 2014 filers
Does anyone have any specific things thry would like to know about the interview or Montreal process? I will keep note of specific things if anyone has worries! My interview is tomorrow morning!
froschundblumenFemaleCanada2014-06-09 10:21:00