ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Woo, good luck Mara! I'm excited to hear that stuff might be moving on with your case.

I've written about it on the board elsewhere, but we had some problems when trying to get the SSN.

I waited 14 days to make sure that I was in the system, and when we went to get my #, the woman said that although I had a K1 visa, the POE entered me on a F1 visa. She told me to go and get this sorted first and come back. I tried calling so many numbers but got nowhere, so made an infopass appointment.

USCIS told me that in their system, I was listed as a B2 visa! They told me to go back to the airport I entered and get them to correct this.

I went to get my SSN today and she told me it will take another 7-10 days to get my #... nothing but trouble there. We can't do anything until I have this number but hopefully it won't take too much longer.


GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-06 16:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Glad you're so happy. smile.gif Congrats, let us know how it goes.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-29 10:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Everyone is leaving the August thread? Feels like the end of an era...

I will still hang around because I too want to know what Mara is dealing with.

I can't wait for the day you post in here with a APPROVED smile. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-28 09:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
I'm feeling a lor better about missing my friends now. The shock is wearing off.

Bill said NOWHERE will be open on July 4th... guess I was reaching with that one. We haven't planned anything for a wedding yet, we're waiting for my SSN so we can get a marriage license and then will think of when to do the legal marriage. None of my friends and family can make it so we want to wait for the actual wedding. I'm hoping someone will slip us some mini-honeymoon money for a weekend or something so we can acknowledge getting married, but at the moment, we're busy saving for the AOS fee and apartment deposit, so it looks unlikely.

Sorry to hear about your leaving, Mara. Have a safe trip, and focus on the positives. I hope everything goes smoothlu for an August POE. Are you hoping to have had the interview by then? As I fear that you'll be in the US when there is K1 proceessing to be done in Australia.

You're almost there, Badgerella.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-22 12:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
I'm going to see if we can have the legal wedding on July 4th. As a little joke, seeing as America declared themselves independent from England on that day.. we're declaring ourselves legally together on that day. wink.gif We'll see.

I would advise filing the AOS fairly quickly if your fiance wants to work or travel. Personally, even though I would like to settle in a little first, I already have a possible job offer on the line at Harvard and have been told that the EAD is essential if I want to be paid. So I'm giving myself the couple of months to settle in while waiting for the EAD, then I have the option of working when I want afterwards.

And we're going to get the SSN 2 weeks after POE to make sure it's in the system. It's important for us to apply for a drivers permit and add my name to accounts (as evidence for AOS).

Congrats on getting your fiance here. smile.gif It's been a tough week for myself, there's been a few tears already as I miss my friends so much, but my fiance has been amazing, always there to give me cuddles, words and cups of tea.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-19 10:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
I'm here, guys...

Feels bittersweet. I feel so happy to be with my fiance but I'm still in shock over saying goodbye to my friends. There were lots of tears and cuddles, andI keep melting down in stores and everything when I think of not seeing them again. I hope this feeling passes.. I don't miss England yet but I miss my friends terribly.

Anyways thanks everyone for all of the help and support.. I can't believe we made it. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-16 11:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Well done Fred.

Guys, this is it!

I've still got things to pack but the party starts at 1pm and goes until 2am.. then I'll be waking in a few hours and leaving for the airport. I'M SO SCARED!! I hate goodbyes.. (don't we all).. I feel sick thinking about saying goodbye to my bestest friends in the world. Hopefully I'll be seeing them very soon. My fiance will take real good care of me during this time.

Thanks so much for all of your help and support, guys. Of course I'll stick around (for that much awaited AOS and to see how you're all getting on) but for a few days, I'll probably be settling in.

See you on the other side of the pond!! biggrin.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-13 02:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Awesome, I love hearing good news.

I won't be around too much as I have the last bits of packing to do, and I have an all-day party tomorrow. Of course I'll show you the pics when they eventually come out (as it will take time to put them on after all the US business!)

I'll come on to let you know I'm leaving though. smile.gif

Good day everyone!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-12 05:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Congratulations, HW!

Also congrats Sam on your wedding day. That sounds like an interesting date.

Happy birthday to Milena. tongue.gif

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-11 04:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
We're all hoping for good news for you, Mara. And we'll always keep up with your case, you're still an August filer. smile.gif

I'm so happy for you, HD. I love seeing your status updates while you're together with Aaron.

Edited by Gemmie, 09 June 2009 - 04:02 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-09 16:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Well sounds very positive, Mara. When you go to Australia, you can gather all of the packet 3 documents that you need, right? What if your interview comes in when you're back in the US though? It's really good to know that within a few weeks, you will know! After all of the waiting.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-09 09:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
It's very quiet in the August thread since most of the chatterboxes are in America. tongue.gif

I wanna come too!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-09 06:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Good luck with the p3, Hyena.

I am so bored with sorting and packing!!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-08 06:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Candy,unfortunately, applicants in the middle-east are often put in AP/AR due to extra security checks. Most of this is done within a few months, so don't panic too much. I think 6 months is the maximum. I know that seems like a pain, especially not knowing anything, but you're in the waiting list (so to speak) and will have your visa.

Mara, what did the lawyer suggest? Are you doing anything to celebrate your engagement anniversary? I know it's not what you anticipated a year on, but at least you're together for it.

Hyena, you're waiting for packet 3, right? Do you have everything ready to go as soon as it hits your mat? If so, give the consulate a call, you've been waiting a month now.

I hope everyone recieves some news soon.

Here are some professional photos from our final ball together:





A couple of my girls weren't able to make it.. but I've grown so close to them over the past 3 years, I'm so sad to leave them behind. <3
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-07 11:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Good luck! smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-05 03:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Thanks Mara, have you and Chris gotten anything from the lawyer on your options?
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-03 14:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Thanks! It feels great to have finally finished..

I'm really missing my fiance.. last night, all I wanted was a cup of tea and a cuddle with him. Now that I've finished university, I can only wait and prepare.. I'm starting to sort out my stuff today (throwing out stuff I don't need, piling the stuff I want to take). Course I can only take 2 suitcases because I can't afford to ship all of my stuff over, so it's hard to decide what I NEED and what I WANT.

A week and a half to go! biggrin.gif

How are you guys doing in the US? Adjusting?

Edited by Gemmie, 03 June 2009 - 06:58 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-03 06:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
It's not a job offer yet, I've just contacted the person to ask for more information. I was just feeling very happy about the prospect. Thank you. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-03 06:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Good luck, HW. smile.gif

I have FINISHED UNIVERSITY!

And I've recieved an amazing offer, someone I know has a sister working for the hospital in Harvard as a psychologist, and says she might be able to get me an internship. That would be amazing! I have to ask whether I'm allowed to do this with a EAD or if I have to have a greencard, etc.. but awesome.

She's also from my town in England. ohmy.gif Creepy!

Edited by Gemmie, 03 June 2009 - 06:18 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-03 06:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Has Dani arrived yet?

She's probably enjoying her husband-to-be. biggrin.gif

COME ON, TIME!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-01 02:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
You still have 2 days, Dani?

I have 2 weeks, I just want it to be over already. I hate dragging out the goodbyes and preparations.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-29 16:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Good idea, Mara. Let us know what he says. Or she... let's not be sexist. wink.gif

So you actually went to the PI, Fred? I wondered why you took a flight and disappeared for ages, except to say it was hot. laughing.gif Congrats on your reunion!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-28 05:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Consulting a lawyer might be the best thing, just bear in mind that many of them give awful advice. So many people on here were told to marry and adjust on a tourist visa (intentions or not).

I'm also concerned that they'll look at your situations before you came to the U.S (you leaving your job, petitioning for the K1 twice) and decide that you had every intention of coming to the U.S to immigrate. We all know that's not the case, and we want nothing more than to have you stay there with Chris because you've both suffered so much with the legal process... but the AOS might be just as stressful if they have reason to believe that everything was planned with you staying in mind.

I understand what you mean, the last thing you want to do is apply for another visa and wait another year apart.. that's why I was wondering if you could CR-1 together, but that means moving back to Australia with Chris, and he's probably not in the position to do that. sad.gif

Let us know what the lawyer says. I hope they give you information about your rights having been screwed by the government not once, but twice... this is all bullshit, there should be something to protect you after this.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-27 10:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
I agree, maybe the best thing is to get married while you're in the states and look to other routes. The K1 seems to absolutely hate you guys, or at least the processors of the K1.. so sorry this is happening to you guys.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-27 05:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
laughing.gif Thanks Dani, I wish we were Charlie's Angels, we would gladly kick USCIS's butt for Mara.

Edited by Gemmie, 26 May 2009 - 07:48 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-26 07:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Me and my bestest friends in the whole world, from this weekend. biggrin.gif


GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-25 17:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
QUOTE (Leo and Lioness @ May 25 2009, 05:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
this week i'm going to be with my baby love finally after almost a year without seeing each other i'm so happy wub.gif


I always respect those who have managed to go so long without seeing their loved ones. good.gif

So happy for you.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-25 15:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Congrats to you and your wife, Maliciant.

I've had an amazing weekend.. partied with my bestest friends last night and spent today shopping, having lunch, taking a walk in the gorgeous sun. biggrin.gif 3 weeks today I leave for the U.S!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-24 12:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Well then I hope the kids are in bed. whistling.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-22 12:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
I agree, I was waiting for happy news!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-22 06:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Awesome. We haven't set a day yet, but we've asked them about the SSN and they said to bring me in with some documents and they can set me up right away. Bill is also under the impression that we can just go to some kinda courthouse and get married in minimal time. So we shall see..

Looking for jobs is going to be stressful.. I'm hoping I can use contacts too.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-21 06:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
biggrin.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-19 07:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
She's on Facebook and is settling in with her lover. biggrin.gif

Her response when I asked how the US was:

"Great! Wonderful! Amazing! Aaahhhhhh"

Edited by Gemmie, 19 May 2009 - 05:55 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-19 05:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
It really is amazing to see (most) people with countdowns until the big move considering last year we were all moaning about how sad we were. smile.gif I feel proud that we've all managed to do this (and you will, Mara).

Edited by Gemmie, 18 May 2009 - 06:09 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-18 06:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Oh Mara sad.gif It might come on Monday! I know you're too hurt to even begin to get your hopes up, but there's always the possibility. Keep hoping and getting support from your lovely Chris. (Bw, apparantly you don't need to be living together for 6 months to do DCF - someone told me this on VJ, though don't know how true that is, or if you even want to consider it at this point).

We're all thinking of you.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-17 05:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
QUOTE (Chris & Mara @ May 15 2009, 01:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Haha Dani, I hope you like it!!!!

For me I think the hardest part at times is how different food is, driving on the wrong side of the road/car and the odd word that in Australia means something totally different.

For the most bit however I have found people here have been really friendly to me and "love my accent" and want to hear more about where I am from smile.gif


Yeah, I think the American family will be surprised at how different the language is when my British family come to visit. I try not to use those words so they're going to see just how British I can be. good.gif

I have a pretty normal accent as far as being English goes, but the ol' Yanks love it. One thing I can't get used to is the volume levels.. we always get Americans over here shouting to each other, no matter where they are, and it's the same in the U.S, everyone seems to shout; and I always get told to speak up! But my volume is pretty normal, it's that ya'll used to shouting! unsure.gif

Congrats on the EAD! It's the same in the U.K with foreigners, I think.. people are generally quite friendly, but I have heard my housemates (who are Japanese and Turkish) say that they've experienced some negative things, apparantly when they hear your name (even if you have an English accent).
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-16 06:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
QUOTE (MARM @ May 14 2009, 04:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Gemmie @ May 14 2009, 05:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wow lots has happened in here.. I've been so busy with schoolwork, as I'm working on my dissertation as well. MARM, I didn't know you (or was that your fiance?) a psychologist.. great to know I'll know ONE in the states.. wink.gif


I'm the psychologist, fiance is the IT guy& accountant. smile.gif


Same as us! I'm the psychologist, fiance is the IT consultant. biggrin.gif Though I'm not actually allowed to call myself a "psychologist" until I get accredited, but you know what I mean.

Congrats on the AP and probably EAD, Maliciant and wife! I can't believe how fast you've flown through this process!!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-15 05:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Wow lots has happened in here.. I've been so busy with schoolwork, as I'm working on my dissertation as well. MARM, I didn't know you (or was that your fiance?) a psychologist.. great to know I'll know ONE in the states.. wink.gif

So happy for you getting your visas, Donna.. been a long time coming.

Also congrats on your MAYBE-NOA2, Mara.. like you, I'll wait until you recieve it for real, but it's nice that someone showed an interest in your case, and now you have someone to contact too! smile.gif

Fred, I imagine you're just dying for the next week to pass. I have 4.5 weeks to go, but time has gone so quickly lately that I'm not at all worried..

About AOS, we're going to get the SSN 14 days after arrival, and then apply for marriage certificate. I'm not sure that I need to bring ALL of my medical results from the past (not that there's much there, I've always been pretty healthy) and ALL of my school papers? As long as I have my London Medical papers, my chest x-ray, and my university degree, that should be fine?

Hope everyone is having a good week.


GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-14 05:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
QUOTE (Badgerella @ May 12 2009, 12:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Speaking of life in the US and the like.. what kind of documents did you all bring with you or plan to bring?

The sealed envelope, of course... but what about everything else? Birth certificates, school degrees/diplommas... drivers licences? It's starting to eat me alive, all the preparation for things I know, in fact, so little about.

I passed one part of a big exam today.. 3 2/3 to go. And thesis and two or three seminars. Uhoh. But, things are moving and it feels good to have accomplished at least something.


Well done on passing the exam. good.gif

I got an A on my psychology essay (about mate-choice, interestingly) today, good news all around.

As for documents.. the brown envelope, the X-ray, birth certificate, NOA1/2, tax returns and all the other financial info that I brought to the interview.. scrapbooks of my friends, portfolios of my university work, my degree is being posted to me.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-12 12:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 fillers
Um, you'll have to ask the school about that. I don't think anyone here is going to Kentucky or knows what isrequired for school enrollment. I know that in Massachusetts, you can enroll in state school after 6 months of residency and private schools after 1 year (showing a green card).

Research in your local town/school.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-12 06:46:00