ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionINTERVIEW SCHEDULED DECEMBER 8
QUOTE (toma1 @ Nov 24 2008, 10:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Anna got her interview scheduled on December 8! Two weeks. BKK Embassy is really humming.

Can anyone tell me when she might expect to get the actual visa? December 10 is a public holiday in Thailand. I wonder if I am safe to make a flight on the 15th...


Official word from the BKK Embassy:

Yes, normally, it takes two business days. However, because of a Thai holiday on December 10, approved visa cases on December 8 should be ready for pick up by Friday December 12, 2008.

Edited by toma1, 25 November 2008 - 05:30 AM.

toma1MaleThailand2008-11-25 05:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionINTERVIEW SCHEDULED DECEMBER 8
Anna got her interview scheduled on December 8! Two weeks. BKK Embassy is really humming.

Can anyone tell me when she might expect to get the actual visa? December 10 is a public holiday in Thailand. I wonder if I am safe to make a flight on the 15th...

(LOL, I found out today that she printed 1250 pages of chat transcripts! HAHA! Think that's enough? She's also taking 50 photos of our travels around Asia.)

Edited by toma1, 24 November 2008 - 10:16 PM.

toma1MaleThailand2008-11-24 22:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical exam in Bangkok
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Nov 26 2008, 07:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes, check the embassy site for the list of approved doctors/institutions:

http://bangkok.usemb...instruction.pdf

They will have the proper forms. It should not be a problem getting the exam early (it's money for the doc, after all). My SO just got her exam in BNH and they insisted in doing the vaccinations at the same time ... the total cost was around 6,000 baht.



You can download the medical form and the physician list from the site. You can also wait until you receive packet 4 because THAT is the one that contains the medical form. There is no reason to do it early unless it is more convenient. It takes only one day, and it is NO LONGER a requirement to have this done before you schedule your interview.

The POLICE REPORT is what you want to do early! smile.gif
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-26 21:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhat documents are in Packet 4?
What documents are in Packet 4?

We never received it and her interview is Monday (she was notified by phone). We got the health check done... but is there anything else in Packet 4 that we should know about?
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-06 15:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpolice certificate
QUOTE (Linkin @ Dec 6 2008, 04:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have my interview on 16th of december at us embassy in london, i have all required documents but still waiting for the police certificate from Pakistan which is taking a bit delay but hopefull i will be having it before the interview date, my question is if i dont get the certificate from Pakistan on time but if i ask my brother to notorize and scan the copy of certificate and send it to me (if my certificate is coming on or after 16th of december) is embassy going to accept it or not. will this problem creat any further delay to issue me a visa. will they give me another interview date or will they say that if we are going to issue you visa but can't hand over to you unless u produce the original one.

waiting for a nice reply
many thx in adv
Ali


Well, first, they won't be happy about it, because when you sent in your packet 3 you certified that you already had all of the documents in your possession.

Second, I don't think your brother CAN help... it has to be certified by the police, not your brother.

Based on all of the issues I've seen with approvals from Pakistan, I wouldn't want to create any additional problems with them.
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-06 16:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhich Documents are Kept at the Interview?
QUOTE (sweet_peach @ Dec 7 2008, 11:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toma1 @ Dec 6 2008, 03:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (lsma @ Dec 6 2008, 03:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was given back my marriage certificate and my birth certificate - everything else they kept.

In fact I could see my file through the window and there was no sign of any of the photos we sent to USCIS - I bet they just throw them away after the approval!



Well, I'm talking about the photos that my fiancee is taking to the visa interview... not the ones we sent to USCIS. She is taking her album with 50 photos and hoping they don't keep it.

She's also taking 1000+ pages of chat transcripts... that contain a bit of personal info blush.gif innocent.gif

Did you take documentation of this sort and they ended up keeping it?



We took several photos to the interview and the consulate never looked at them and didnt want them. So she should be safe in not having them embassy take them.

About the chat transcripts do what i did. Go through with a black marker and mark out all the "good" parts. I also dont think you will need 1000 pages either. We took a emila / chart transcript per week with us to the interview and they never said anything about not having enough.

Good Luck....



Did they look through the transcripts or keep them? A friend of ours took a LOT and she said that they never even looked at hers. The CO just looked at the big stack of papers and nodded at it... haha...
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-07 11:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhich Documents are Kept at the Interview?
QUOTE (lucie&damon @ Dec 6 2008, 04:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toma1 @ Dec 6 2008, 01:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (lsma @ Dec 6 2008, 03:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was given back my marriage certificate and my birth certificate - everything else they kept.

In fact I could see my file through the window and there was no sign of any of the photos we sent to USCIS - I bet they just throw them away after the approval!



Well, I'm talking about the photos that my fiancee is taking to the visa interview... not the ones we sent to USCIS. She is taking her album with 50 photos and hoping they don't keep it.

She's also taking 1000+ pages of chat transcripts... that contain a bit of personal info blush.gif innocent.gif

Did you take documentation of this sort and they ended up keeping it?


Yes, they don't really look at the email or anything. and even if they ask to look at it, they will give you back your documents immediatly. They also gave back all the proof we gave for the I129 package.



Thank you. The people at the BKK embassy seem so nice compared to those in many other embassies and consulates. I wonder why?
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-06 16:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhich Documents are Kept at the Interview?
QUOTE (lsma @ Dec 6 2008, 03:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was given back my marriage certificate and my birth certificate - everything else they kept.

In fact I could see my file through the window and there was no sign of any of the photos we sent to USCIS - I bet they just throw them away after the approval!



Well, I'm talking about the photos that my fiancee is taking to the visa interview... not the ones we sent to USCIS. She is taking her album with 50 photos and hoping they don't keep it.

She's also taking 1000+ pages of chat transcripts... that contain a bit of personal info blush.gif innocent.gif

Did you take documentation of this sort and they ended up keeping it?
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-06 15:38:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhich Documents are Kept at the Interview?
Can someone tell me which documents the embassy keeps during the visa interview?

For example, do they keep our photos and other proof of relationship documentation? Or will those items be returned?
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-06 15:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTax Transcripts vs. Tax Returns for I-134
I am going to order these transcripts now. I'm sure they will be needed again. biggrin.gif

There are several options:
Return Transcript
Account Transcript
Record of Account
Form W-2, Form 1099 series, Form 1098 series, or Form 5498 series transcript

I know I need the first one. Is there any reason to order the others?
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-07 19:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTax Transcripts vs. Tax Returns for I-134
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Dec 7 2008, 06:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You have a different opinion based on what I assume are legitimate experiences. I accept that. The readers are free to choose their own paths when it comes to this. I don't understand what purpose you think you're serving by making such a big issue about the 5 minutes it takes to order transcripts. I've certainly never suggested it's unwise to use complete tax returns instead.


In my case, it was not the 5 minutes to order... it was the 2 week wait to receive.
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-07 18:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTax Transcripts vs. Tax Returns for I-134
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Dec 7 2008, 01:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You don't have to rely on the Consular officer or adjudicator understanding a complex tax return.


I have worried about this issue. (My tax return required "extra postage" if that tells you anything.)

Since I DID include the 1099s from which tax was withheld (because they were required to be included with the return), the total of all of the included W-2s and 1099s does not add up to the amount stated on line 7 (nor should it). But I wonder if the consular officer will know exactly which combination of forms should be summed to get that line 7 amount. I actually feared that including MORE 1099s than necessary could create more confusion.

Anyway, to make a long story short (too late), I wish I had gone the transcript route, but c'est la vie...
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-07 15:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTax Transcripts vs. Tax Returns for I-134
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Dec 6 2008, 11:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toma1 @ Dec 6 2008, 05:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Dec 6 2008, 08:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toma1 @ Dec 6 2008, 05:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I don't need to enclose all of my 1099s from consulting, do I? My income from my employer is WAY more than sufficient to prove I have enough income. In addition, the 1099s were not required as a part of my 1040 tax submission to the IRS because tax was not withheld, so I am just sending the forms that were a part of the 1040 as the 1040 is all they requested.

Also they only requested the most recent tax year in packet 3, so I only sent that.


You undoubtedly remember the counsel to read carefully, interpret literally and respond accurately. They did not request a 1040. The request is for a tax return. A tax return is not complete without the W2's and 1099's. Yes, if your W2 has substancially more income than the minimum, you'll probably get by.

Let this be a lesson to other readers. Transcripts or complete tax returns including all supporting documentation.

"1040" is not a literal interpretation of "tax return".


Haha, yes... OK I've sent all of my actual tax return now.

However 1099s are not necessarily part of the tax return. The 1099 form says:

Attach Form(s)
W-2 here. Also
attach Forms
W-2G and
1099-R if tax
was withheld.

(emphasis added)

That's why I assume that I don't need the 1099s that were not attached to the actual return that was mailed to the IRS.

Is that correct?


I get your point but the point of including a tax return is to to support your claimed income. Anybody can fill out a 1040 and if you want to fake your income, just add some "other income" for which you don't include 1099's. (for the I-134 not the actual tax return) If there's no evidence of income, the IRS would believe you. (They have any actual 1099's anyway but even if there were none, if you're willing to pay the taxes, they'll believe you had the income.) A transcript works the same way. USCIS or Consular officers will believe income in a transcript because if you were willing to pay tax on it, they're willing to believe it was real.

A 1040 alone proves nothing. If you have 1099 income, a 1040 with only W2's only proves part of the income, so include the 1099's as well or use a transcript. Consular officers may question a tax return that doesn't include evidence of all income claimed. Remember, that's the point, to prove the income being claimed.


Very good point. Yes, I see how that could be an issue if you had very little W2 income. However if one has six+ figures of W2 income the 1099 income should not cause an issue at the embassy, since the return itself already meets both the letter (entire tax return included) and spirit (enough income is proved) of the law in that case. Correct?

The strange thing is that you seem to have thought more about this issue than the OMB person that created the I-134 form, which states:

C. If self-employed:
1. Copy of last income tax return filed; or
2. Report of commercial rating concern.

Which means that even in the case of someone being totally self-employed, they are not asking for proper documentation in the instructions.
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-07 02:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTax Transcripts vs. Tax Returns for I-134
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Dec 6 2008, 08:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toma1 @ Dec 6 2008, 05:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I don't need to enclose all of my 1099s from consulting, do I? My income from my employer is WAY more than sufficient to prove I have enough income. In addition, the 1099s were not required as a part of my 1040 tax submission to the IRS because tax was not withheld, so I am just sending the forms that were a part of the 1040 as the 1040 is all they requested.

Also they only requested the most recent tax year in packet 3, so I only sent that.


You undoubtedly remember the counsel to read carefully, interpret literally and respond accurately. They did not request a 1040. The request is for a tax return. A tax return is not complete without the W2's and 1099's. Yes, if your W2 has substancially more income than the minimum, you'll probably get by.

Let this be a lesson to other readers. Transcripts or complete tax returns including all supporting documentation.

"1040" is not a literal interpretation of "tax return".


Haha, yes... OK I've sent all of my actual tax return now.

However 1099s are not necessarily part of the tax return. The 1099 form says:

Attach Form(s)
W-2 here. Also
attach Forms
W-2G and
1099-R if tax
was withheld.

(emphasis added)

That's why I assume that I don't need the 1099s that were not attached to the actual return that was mailed to the IRS.

Is that correct?
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-06 20:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTax Transcripts vs. Tax Returns for I-134
I don't need to enclose all of my 1099s from consulting, do I? My income from my employer is WAY more than sufficient to prove I have enough income. In addition, the 1099s were not required as a part of my 1040 tax submission to the IRS because tax was not withheld, so I am just sending the forms that were a part of the 1040 as the 1040 is all they requested.

Also they only requested the most recent tax year in packet 3, so I only sent that.
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-06 20:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTax Transcripts vs. Tax Returns for I-134
QUOTE (toma1 @ Dec 6 2008, 07:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Dec 6 2008, 05:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Dec 6 2008, 04:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MARM @ Dec 6 2008, 01:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My co-sponsor is not self-employed, but she will still be including tax returns OR tax transcripts for the past 3 years with her I-134 for my fiance.

My question is, what is the difference between tax transcripts and tax returns?

If she chooses to include tax transcripts (by requesting them from the IRS for past 3 years) will she need to include her W-2s?

My understanding is this:

If including tax transcripts, there is no need for W-2's/1099's
If including tax returns, then need to include W-2's/1099's

Someone correct me please if I am wrong or reassure me that if she is going to include tax transcripts (ordered by IRS), she will not need to include W-2s/1099s.

Thanks!
-MARM


You got it right.
I second that, The consulates treat the I-134 like a mini I-864 so use the same document standards at the I-864 or I-864EZ.

I-864EZ Page 5
QUOTE
If you provide a photocopy of your tax return(s), you must include a copy of each and every FormW-2 and Form 1099
that relates to your return(s). Do not include copies of these Forms if you provide an IRS transcript of your return(s) rather than a photocopy.
http://www.uscis.gov...orm/I-864EZ.pdf



My fiancee's interview is Monday and I didn't realize that the W2s were required for a K1. Is there any way the embassy may approve her without them?



OK, I have them. I am going to scan and email them right now!

But it would seem like the letter from my employer would be enough. I'm not even remotely close to the income limits.
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-06 19:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTax Transcripts vs. Tax Returns for I-134
QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Dec 6 2008, 05:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Dec 6 2008, 04:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MARM @ Dec 6 2008, 01:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My co-sponsor is not self-employed, but she will still be including tax returns OR tax transcripts for the past 3 years with her I-134 for my fiance.

My question is, what is the difference between tax transcripts and tax returns?

If she chooses to include tax transcripts (by requesting them from the IRS for past 3 years) will she need to include her W-2s?

My understanding is this:

If including tax transcripts, there is no need for W-2's/1099's
If including tax returns, then need to include W-2's/1099's

Someone correct me please if I am wrong or reassure me that if she is going to include tax transcripts (ordered by IRS), she will not need to include W-2s/1099s.

Thanks!
-MARM


You got it right.
I second that, The consulates treat the I-134 like a mini I-864 so use the same document standards at the I-864 or I-864EZ.

I-864EZ Page 5
QUOTE
If you provide a photocopy of your tax return(s), you must include a copy of each and every FormW-2 and Form 1099
that relates to your return(s). Do not include copies of these Forms if you provide an IRS transcript of your return(s) rather than a photocopy.
http://www.uscis.gov...orm/I-864EZ.pdf



My fiancee's interview is Monday and I didn't realize that the W2s were required for a K1. Is there any way the embassy may approve her without them?
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-06 19:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPACKET 3 WHAT IS SENT TO CONSULATE?
Wow, they are much more strict than BKK. You even have to translate everything into English. BKK accepts documents in both Thai and English...
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-07 16:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionINTERVIEW TODAY
THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!

My timeline has been updated with Anna's anticipated departure information...
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-08 19:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionINTERVIEW TODAY
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Dec 7 2008, 10:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations. Now clean the house.

Thanks!

Anna CLEARLY had a LOT of fun at her interview. Apparently she and the interviewer had a lot of laughs...

Some of the questions asked were:

What is your name?
(She answered)
Your English is very good, where did you learn?
(She learned English and German on her own.)
How many times have you met?
(This led to a conversation about me spending the entire summer in BKK. He asked how that was possible, and she told him that I was a professor and could therefore spend the summer doing whatever I wished. He joked about that being a nice job... and she said "do you know he can even take the entire year off at half pay and go to work elsewhere? We are hoping to go to London." He said "when?" And she said maybe 2010. [I winced at this honest reply...could this have caused a problem?? I wasn't sure...])
How did you meet?
(She told him that we met online and that I spent so much time chatting with her that at first she didn't really believe that I was a professor because a professor wouldn't have that much time to spend online... this conversation went on for a while....)
What was the reason for his divorce?
(She explained my ex's very conservative religious beliefs.)
What do you do for a living?
(She is a Key Account Manager for the largest stem cell banking company in Asia. The CO seemed surprised by this. He laughed and said that he did not know that Thailand had that technology. This led to a conversation about the different kinds of stem cell banking and the cost structures. The CO seemed interested and she gave him her card and told him to call her company... hahaha... she never misses an opportunity...)

That's all I know so far.. more debriefing later. I have a lot of work to finish up tonight! biggrin.gif
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-07 22:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionINTERVIEW TODAY
INTERVIEW COMPLETE! Anna was told to pick up her visa on the 11th!

They had problems getting her fingerprints and told her that she might need to come back for that... not sure if the situation was resolved yet because we could only talk for a minute and she had to hang up. I remember that the Thai police also said that it was hard to fingerprint her when she picked up her police report. The CO said, "Don't worry about it, some people are good in fingerprints and some people are good in smiles... you are good in smiles... biggrin.gif


kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

QUOTE (mkg265 @ Dec 7 2008, 09:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Do all the papers graded AFTER your wife passes her interview get A's?
If so, I've got a few to send your way...
Good luck!!

I had to add that you near my grandmother, Sun City Center. I remember the days when Bradenton was all cattle ranches!


Haha... I better check them all again to be fair!

The local builder still keeps 3-4 cows on the undeveloped property (now surrounded by developments) to maintain farm tax status!
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-07 22:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionINTERVIEW TODAY
Well... she should be in the Embassy now...
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-07 19:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionINTERVIEW TODAY
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Dec 7 2008, 01:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toma1 @ Dec 7 2008, 08:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sigh... I'm supposed to be grading my MBA students' projects, but I can't concentrate enough to get them done.

I feel guilty, because I'm sure they want to know their grades. unsure.gif


You've probably got about 12 hours to wait for the positive result. Grade those projects.


LOL, ya, I am... but it's just not a very efficient process at the moment...
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-07 14:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionINTERVIEW TODAY
Sigh... I'm supposed to be grading my MBA students' projects, but I can't concentrate enough to get them done.

I feel guilty, because I'm sure they want to know their grades. unsure.gif
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-07 11:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionINTERVIEW TODAY
Anna's interview is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST tonight (December 7), which is 7:30 AM Thai time on December 8. kicking.gif

(Of course, I doubt that she will be interviewed at exactly 7:30...)

No cell phones are allowed in the embassy, right? I think she has to leave it in her car and call me when she gets done...

Nothing to do now but wait... and clean my house. whistling.gif

Edited by toma1, 07 December 2008 - 11:31 AM.

toma1MaleThailand2008-12-07 11:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSome embassies don´t allow co-sponsors (El Salvador)
QUOTE (Karin und Otto @ Dec 9 2008, 12:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toma1 @ Dec 9 2008, 10:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Karin und Otto @ Dec 9 2008, 10:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
(As an aside - an USC is obligated to file an income tax return even when living abroad and regardless if his/her foreign earnings would/would-not be taxable.)


You do not have to file an income tax return if your gross income does not exceed certain limits.

Just an FYI to the OP and future readers (as we don't know the OP's financial situation so it would not be prudent to suggest offhand she doesn't need to file a tax return). Often times people do not file tax returns simply because they are misinformed. Most people should file tax returns (emphasis on most).

Source


I never suggested that the OP should not file. I was responding the the comment that I quoted.
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-09 12:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSome embassies don´t allow co-sponsors (El Salvador)
QUOTE (Karin und Otto @ Dec 9 2008, 10:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
(As an aside - an USC is obligated to file an income tax return even when living abroad and regardless if his/her foreign earnings would/would-not be taxable.)


You do not have to file an income tax return if your gross income does not exceed certain limits.
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-09 11:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNot all embassies allow co-sponsor for K1 Visa
QUOTE (Karin und Otto @ Dec 9 2008, 10:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
(As an aside - an USC is obligated to file an income tax return even when living abroad and regardless if his/her foreign earnings would/would-not be taxable.)


That is not true. You do NOT have to file a tax return if your gross income does not exceed certain limits.

Edited by toma1, 09 December 2008 - 11:11 AM.

toma1MaleThailand2008-12-09 11:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussiona consular officers perspective
QUOTE (himher @ Dec 8 2008, 05:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My personal experience with consular officers are that they are generally rude, arrogant, and love to flaunt the power that they have over the (foreign) applicants that come through the consulates and embassies, basically treating them at a slightly higher level than cattle. All government drones resent oversight of any kind, but in the case of the citizens back home it's too bad when this particular group of morons is reminded that they actually work for us as opposed to doing us favors by their very existance (the way they treat the foreigners that pass through our embassies).




First, let me say that I am not doubting ANYONE'S experiences. I am very sorry to hear them.

But I must also say in all fairness that my fiancee's experience with the embassy personnel in Bangkok was exactly the opposite of what you describe here. She came out laughing and talking with the interviewer who she described as sweet and funny. She said that everyone she dealt with was VERY nice. The finger print person couldn't get her prints right and she apologized and he said, "Oh, don't worry, some people are good in fingerprints and some people are good in smiles. You are good in smiles." I said, "It sounds like you had fun, honey." and she said. "I did! It wasn't like they interviewed me, it was like we had a conversation." She was done before 10AM. I think the entire experience made her even more excited to come here, even though she is having to give up a great job in Bangkok.

But of course YMMV...
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-08 19:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussiona consular officers perspective
Wow... I'm glad these consulate issues don't seem to occur very often in Thailand.

Well, good luck to all of you.
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-06 16:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionmedical sched
Wow... it seems even the medical exam is harder in the Philippines (like everything else). My fiancee walked into Bumrungrad in Thailand and was seen immediately. Good luck!
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-11 11:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNeed a postive, informative but urgent reply
QUOTE (Linkin @ Dec 15 2008, 06:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Laura+Tom @ Dec 15 2008, 04:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I hope you get it.


*******Got ma' Certificate at 11:22am on 15th dec*******************************



Congrats!
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-15 07:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNeed a postive, informative but urgent reply
WOW... that's great news. It doesn't get any closer than that!

Now don't miss that delivery... wink.gif

Good luck!
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-14 15:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNeed a postive, informative but urgent reply
QUOTE (Linkin @ Dec 9 2008, 02:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Dec 9 2008, 01:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (LorriQ @ Dec 8 2008, 10:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Okay, my mistake. It was you and pushbrk one one side and rebeccajo on the other - along with a few others. It was still not very nice however you look at it.
And everyone could learn from Old Max!


I'm not nearly as concerned about being nice as I am helping people set the right expectations. You don't want to read what I would call the three pages of debate. Priorities vary.


God help u guyz out! i wouldn't know that my simple question would made me feel dumb about why i asked in here! someone referred this side to ask any immi typo question, but i feel like my post is being so confussing as it shouldn't be! first of all i am one simple god fearing guy and i have my complete faith on god! second the reason why i asked this question so that i could be guided in a right way so that i could convinced the CO, Right at this forum i have now read so many stories ppl just brought up in here as their experiences for others! i am not the noly one going into the interview with the lack of one document. On top of that! if i am gettin' the visa then no matter what CO will be happy to stick in my passport, when i finish producing the original one.!

Anyways all i can say that pray for me and if i get the visa you guys will be the first to know!
God Bless You
Ali


Good luck... when is the interview?
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-09 11:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNeed a postive, informative but urgent reply
QUOTE (LorriQ @ Dec 9 2008, 01:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
you are being to literal! but seriously what do you call three pages of debate? And congrat by the way!


Did I debate somewhere? Maybe I forgot and I didn't review the thread... but I'm pretty sure the answer is no.
I just told him what I would do if I were in his place at this point in time.

And thanks! smile.gif
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-09 01:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNeed a postive, informative but urgent reply
QUOTE (LorriQ @ Dec 9 2008, 12:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Dec 8 2008, 10:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (LorriQ @ Dec 8 2008, 08:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How this turned into a theoretical debate, I'll never understand! no0pb.gif


In this case "never" would only be because you don't try. If you want to understand, spend a few minutes reading here.

http://www.visajourn...hp?showtopic=79

It's not about a rogue Consulate. It's about US National security and Pakistani male visa applicants. They are not treated materially differently in London.


Perhaps you misunderstand me.
The gent asked a muddled, but relatively simple question and it seemed to me to become an overblown debate on lies and the consequences (or possible consequences) of what you considered to be an outright lie. The debate that raged between you and Toma1 on this very thread is what I will never understand. And I really don't want to. The tone of both your posts was heated to say the least.
I am VERY well aware of the issues of National Security. Having recently been blessed with my Marine Son returning home from a sandbox considered "An Issue of National Security" I find myself very well educated regarding our government and it's policies regarding the Middle East, thank you.
As to your reference to the listed thread, maybe you should re-read it yourself.
Or better yet, may I suggest a piece written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann, perhaps you have heard of it? "Desiderata". May it calm your soul. I would be happy to post it for you.


"Raged?" LOL... I don't think so...
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-09 00:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNeed a postive, informative but urgent reply
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Dec 7 2008, 09:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We wouldn't have told him that this is what the consulate will do if it weren't true.


Are you saying that you know for certain what the consulate will do? Because that is what this statement means.

Personally, I don't have any idea. I know that I was afraid to send my documentation to the Bangkok embassy before my fiancee had the police report in hand, so I did not. I do not know what additional scrutiny a non-UK resident from Pakistan will receive in London, and I also don't know how many examples we have of such cases.

I am not trying to scare anyone. I am only stating what I would do if somehow I was dropped into his situation.

Finally, imagine that what to you seems unimaginable did occur and that some mean person asked why he certified that he had the document when he did not have it. Would it be a good idea to state, "I didn't want to delay my appointment."?
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-07 21:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNeed a postive, informative but urgent reply
QUOTE (Linkin @ Dec 7 2008, 09:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Old Dominion @ Dec 7 2008, 07:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
ummm.....at this point in time, there is a general suspicion abroad that there are some disreputable folks in Pakistan (and elsewhere, of coure) so in my view, it pays to provide incontrovertible proof to our consulates.


I didn't know that i would be seeing such replies that is basically turning the real material of my post.


The poster does not mean that YOU are disreputable, IMO. I think he/she is referring to folks like the Taliban and their supporters.
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-07 21:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNeed a postive, informative but urgent reply
QUOTE (Linkin @ Dec 7 2008, 08:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am not sure how to add up more Info in regards of my post.

But just to let all respected PPl in here especially Mr Pushbrk,,,,first of all I and anyone at this forum don't wanna mess around with embassy officials, secondly, i had a reasonable and true intentions to send the checklist earlier so that i could get an interview date on time so that I and my fiancee can be together before 1st of Jan...That her birthday date and mine is on 5th of january, on top of that we are plannin' to get marry in the same month so that we could mark this month with loads of celebrations day in it...but i got a delay thats realy ruining our plans,

you can now easily by reviewing the situation i have if i told lie or what???
I am a Pakistani citizen living in europe for abotu 6 years.


I understand that you want to be together, but you should understand that there is a difference between 1. not lying and 2. having a reason for lying.

What you have stated is number 2. (Discerning readers will note the unintentional, but nonetheless applicable double entendre...)

I'm really NOT being judgmental, but most U.S. authorities don't want to hear number 2. Sit through any day in court here and this becomes very obvious.

Some posters believe that none of this will matter and that the Embassy will simply ask you to bring the documentation later. I sincerely hope that is correct! My advice stands... take the copy and do NOT give the explanation about the birthdays that you have provided above. Good luck!
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-07 21:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNeed a postive, informative but urgent reply
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Dec 7 2008, 06:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Dec 7 2008, 03:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I also idly note that in today's day and age, if the visa applicant can manage to get his hands on a 'copy' of his police certificate, he can likely come to the interview with the original. Federal Express is global, you know. And copies can be forgeries of originals. If you want to continue to spar with speculations and opinions, then I will offer that were I a CO and someone showed me a copy instead of an original, I would look unfavorably on that.


I would look unfavorably on it too in that the visa would not be granted until I saw the correct document but not as unfavorably as I would look upon his not showing me anything after signing a statement saying he had the document in his possession. In other words, I wouldn't be as likely to conclude he was a liar.


I already know what one of my students would say...

"Oh, I'm sorry Doctor A, FedEx is SOOOO expensive and the instructions did not say that I had to supply an ORIGINAL, so I had my brother scan this and email it to me. I'll get that original document to you as soon as possible..."

And I would sigh, and say, "OK, get it in ASAP."

And before the next term I would fix the instructions to state, "ORIGINAL".
toma1MaleThailand2008-12-07 18:47:00