ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly '08 filers
That must be very difficult, Aubrey.

I agree that it makes more sense to wait a while until you bring Andy over. If you're struggling with your own expenses, I can see why you feel it's best to hold on before adding another person to the mix. I know that he's been struggling to find a job also; Bill had the same problem. He couldn't find a stable position for 2 years and this April, he finally got something. smile.gif

Bill was here for 2 months with me, and for some stupid reason, they decided that us students could live off £500 a month for 4 months ($1500), including rent (which is over half of it) and bills. I found it very hard to pay for the both of us, and it put a bit of strain on the relationship at times as we often miscalculated our budget and ended up blowing through everything too quickly. We learned a lot about what it takes to handle money together, and how much it really costs living together when one is unable to work.

Things will turn out fine in the end, I'm sure of it, even though it's hard to read others making the move right now. I sometimes find it frustrating knowing that it would have been almost 11 months since we filed until we were able to be together. Just know that your own time will come, and you'll be posting exciting news.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-29 03:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly '08 filers
Best wishes on the weddings!! I'm so happy that Kai is home, Meri! smile.gif Been following your story.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-25 02:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly '08 filers
Good luck, Terri. You'll do fine. Congrats on the wedding date. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-02-04 10:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly '08 filers
Congrats on the interview and flight dates, Terri!!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-30 14:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly '08 filers
Like Aubrey, when it comes down to "can I put food on the table and pay my rent?", it's something to worry about. I'm not a huge fan of money or material things either, but it's a dim fact that it's important.

Anyways it doesn't matter, don't want to talk about that over the happiness of the bouncing bundle of joy! smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-16 16:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly '08 filers
It's only a big deal because we have very little, and it's *affecting* my life as an individual and as a couple.

Otherwise we would all not worry about it.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-16 13:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly '08 filers
Congratulations, he's gorgeous! A perfect little family reunited in a matter of days. smile.gif


Aubrey, I understand how frustrated you are feeling.

I'm the foreign one but I've been paying for everything too. Bill doesn't have a full-time job, and the job that he does have is literally a few hours a week which goes towards paying back his student loan from a couple of years ago. I'm a student, so am living on my student income which is barely enough anyway, but I'm also paying for the flights to see each other (roughly every 3 months) and the visa fees, leaving me scraps to live on! It's hard, it really really is..

All we can do is try to keep plodding on through the hard financial times, because things will get better. Once the process goes on and the EAD comes through, etc, it will be easier to bring in some cash and it will help not having immigration fees for a while.


Again, congrats on your little Ryan, Shannon and Nick! smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-16 13:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly '08 filers
QUOTE (mohammedwalks @ Jan 13 2009, 11:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
im sorry im sorry but i want to be honest. im jealous of people that are getting NOA2. i almost lost my baby today. we are soooo tired of waiting and waiting. Peopl ask me everyday when she is coming and i have to say the same thing im waitng on immigration and it hurts. my fiance does not go outside because it is taking so long. when she does need to go people say to her....wow you are still here. that angers me soooooo much. it hurts to my bone. i dont know how much more time i can take. i HATE immigration i swear i wish i could just...............
i can sleep, i cant focus at work, i cant eat. im loosing it. i try to be stong when i talk with her on IM but today i broke down and cried. i tried to stop but the tears kept coming. she would tell me it is ok and i would stop, but then cry again.................im crying now. im so mad.gif that i have started to cry instead. what can i do? can i move there? i will do anything i dont care. but this is killing me i swear.........i dont know what to do. im lost


I'm sorry you've had to wait so long.

It's easy for people to say they understand but it was a different story when they were waiting and complaining for a few months for approval and are now on the final steps. That's not an attack on other filers, I just think it's hard to understand what Mohammed feels when your visas are coming in within weeks and he's still waiting for a NOA2.

I can't imagine how it must feel. Try to hang in there, people get approved after 5-6 months often.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-14 07:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly '08 filers
Chelle, I know it's awful. But just think that what you're feeling now is the worst of it. The first few weeks are numbing, but it does get better. Hold on, you're almost there...
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-12-02 08:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly '08 filers
CONGRATS SHANNON!!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-12-01 18:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly '08 filers
QUOTE (PB&JAM @ Dec 1 2008, 12:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Gemmie @ Nov 30 2008, 04:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Cham, it must be awful not seeing Kai in 1.5 years, I admire that you've been able to stick it out..

We've been very lucky indeed to have a total of 9 trips between us (over a period of 3 years since meeting in person) but sometimes I question why I do it to myself. Getting to see him, touch him, love him physically is something amazing, but the heartache that follows is something devastating, as you know..


wow! 9 times! how can u afford that?? I'm sure I'm not alone here...have u guys ever contemplated ending it with your SO just cause you couldnt handle the pain? I thought forget it, i'll just be single and live with my cats and be the crazy cat lady! luv.gif jest.gif But then I realize, what on earth would i do? He has my heart, my future, my life is with him. Feel stuck between a rock and a hard place at times. I cant be without him yet I cant be "with" him...
Ok, enough of my pity party, I cant wait for tomorrow and these next 2 weeks! dancin5hr.gif


I'm a full-time student, so am VERY careful with my student loan and use it to pay for my flights. I also get quite a lot of time off (about 6 months per year) so am lucky there.

Yes, sometimes I've been really frustrated with having to wait to be with him for "real" and during fights, I've said hurtful things like how I want to end it because I can't take it any more.. but he knows that it's just the frustration talking and that I don't mean it. And I always tell him so, after saying it. I just need to vent and say something extreme sometimes to express how miserable the distance and process makes me feel. He handles it a lot better than I do, and can patiently wait a long time knowing that the end will come. We both know that as much as I yell and mope about everything, I'll hang in there until the end. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-12-01 09:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly '08 filers
Cham, it must be awful not seeing Kai in 1.5 years, I admire that you've been able to stick it out..

We've been very lucky indeed to have a total of 9 trips between us (over a period of 3 years since meeting in person) but sometimes I question why I do it to myself. Getting to see him, touch him, love him physically is something amazing, but the heartache that follows is something devastating, as you know..
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-30 19:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly '08 filers
QUOTE (ChelleKeith @ Nov 30 2008, 11:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello everyone,
Wow I havent read here for a couple of days so had to catch up. How sad it is to read people being rude , really upsets me. We are all here to help each other through these hard times not to make people upset or sad. I was lucky to get my approval and Yes I am happy about this but am also sad for all of you that was before me and still waiting. I wish you all the luck and also want to thankyou all for the congrats and the support that you gave to me even though it must be so hard for you all waiting. This shows how great everyone is ... even when you want yours you still are happy for the rest. You are all special people.

I have been very lucky to have been able to spend so much time with Keith, tomorrow morning very early I will be leaving england and having to kiss my baby goodbye once again. Even though we have been able to spend the last 6 months together it is going to be very hard to leave him. I dont want to go sad.gif but it is the right thing to do as we both have alot to do while waiting for the interview etc.

I dont know how to be without him , I dont know how to be strong right now and my tears wont stop. I am not trying to sound selfish as I know alot of you have been without your loves for so long and here I have been with him but I cant help feeling like this inside. My heart is breaking as I am so tired of goodbyes.. He says not goodbye , but see you soon

Last night he put my wedding ring on me, he said we are married now in our hearts and when he comes home he will get me another one to match for the wedding. He says a piece of paper is just for legal means but in his heart I am his wife , this made me very happy.

To everyone, your time is coming, I pray for fast approvals for all of you because you are great people and have waited long enough. I send big hugs to you that will be apart during the holidays as I know how hard its going to be. Thank god for the internet and webcams cause without that I think we would all go crazy.

Love to you all
Chelle


I really feel for you, Chelle.

I've had to say that goodbye myself 10 times and it never gets any easier. Bill always has to practically drag me off the floor and give me the strength to walk through the gate. I haven't physically thrown up since I was 9 years old, but I come pretty close at those times.

I also know how it feels to be in the situation where everyone (both on VJ and around you in person) keeps telling you that you're lucky to have gotten to spend time together.. even if they're right, it doesn't make it any easier. I always tell the people around me that THEY are the lucky ones, having their loved ones around every day and night, never having to go through unlimited amounts of paperwork, never having to count down the months. I've had my closest friends tell me not to be upset and instead focus on the good times, until they then find themselves missing their boyfriend "like crazy" after 2 days of seperation. That instantly rips away any credibility that their advice had because I know that no one understands unless they've had to hug goodbye at the airport for an unknown amount of time. You're incredibly brave Chelle for going out to England after your man, and for getting the courage to leave. I know you feel you have no choice, but you do.. you've chosen to do the right thing and wait patiently for what you want.

This is your last time having to say goodbye at the airport.. (unfortunately, I'm going to endure another 2 times before I can kiss goodbye to that awful feeling).

A matter of counting the weeks and you'll be back together again for good..

Edited by Gemmie, 30 November 2008 - 03:10 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-30 15:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly '08 filers
Cham, don't panic.. many people say that the interview was nothing compared to how much they stressed themselves out over it. In the UK you're only asked a few questions about the relationship, rarely asked to show anything, they care more about finances... it's probably similar to Australia, just double check with the consulate experiences.

They're not going to consider your age for a moment, I think. They're not allowed to make moral judgements, just "are they together and can they support them"... questions will probably be based around the time you've met, what you do, your family, etc... he will do completely fine. You'll wonder what all the fuss was about. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-23 07:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly '08 filers
QUOTE (Rob&Dawn @ Nov 20 2008, 10:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Gemmie @ Nov 20 2008, 10:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrats on the approvals!!

Question about this:

QUOTE
If asked I was just going to say I was visiting friends & family.
My take on it is - Don't lie at POE but don't offer information they don't ask for.


People say that often on here, but.. isn't it a lie to say your purpose is 'to visit friends and family' when you're there to visit a fiance, and also have a fiance visa pending? I mean it might not be a good idea to mention the visa part, but when you have several stamps at that airport and say it's because you're "visiting friends and family", it seems like a straight out lie to me..


Glass half full or half empty?
There have been a few posts from people who have said at POE 'i'm visiting my fiancee' and they get turned back. This has even been with proof of ties to home country, employment letter etc
In fact when i visit i will be visiting family & friends so it's not an out & out lie.
Is your fiance's parents not going to be your family? and his friends your friends?

I guess you say whatever makes you comfortable, but sure as hell i'm not going to say anyhting that will give POE a perfect opportunity to turn me away.


After 8 visits, half empty. tongue.gif

I've always said boyfriend and fiance, hence why I'm anxious to suddenly change that to "friends and family".. I don't know what they have on file, or if they'll take that as lying if they probe further.. technically though yes, they are my family and friends (or soon to be)..
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-20 18:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly '08 filers
Congrats on the approvals!!

Question about this:

QUOTE
If asked I was just going to say I was visiting friends & family.
My take on it is - Don't lie at POE but don't offer information they don't ask for.


People say that often on here, but.. isn't it a lie to say your purpose is 'to visit friends and family' when you're there to visit a fiance, and also have a fiance visa pending? I mean it might not be a good idea to mention the visa part, but when you have several stamps at that airport and say it's because you're "visiting friends and family", it seems like a straight out lie to me..
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-20 17:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly '08 filers
That must be very hard. It's awful when extra weeks or months are added on to the expected time frame. We're expecting our visa around March but I won't be able to use it until July as I still have uni... and even then, I might have to wait until my ceremony. I'm dying to be with him and make the big move so that we don't have to be apart any longer! I understand your difficulty in dealing with it.

Here's hoping you get Keith home with you very very soon. In a while, the painful wait will be over. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-17 12:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJuly '08 filers
QUOTE (Cham @ Nov 17 2008, 05:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Chelle,
I am SO sorry that he is doing this to you and I think it is unfair and BS if you ask me. He could do that here in the states WITH YOU. Sorry I do not mean to sound so harsh or mean but it sounds like he is butt-kissing mom and dad.
I realize it is important to pay them back, BUT if they wanted him happy they would say okay go and we will make a contract for you to pay us back. HE IS AN ADULT. He will have bills the rest of his life.
I think it is BS to make you WAIT all this time KNOWING the pain and expecting you to be so patient and loving and saying yes dear no dear. GIVE ME A BREAK. Kai would never do this to me and if he did LORD HELP THE MAN.

ALso His mother sounds selfish to have the ex wife arrive. Sorry she may be the mother of her grandkids but how self centered and selfish of her to do this to YOU. Even if you are NOT there she needs to respect that and SO does your man.


I don't think his parents were the ones wanting him to stay and pay back the money. I think he wanted to do it for peace of mind. I personally think that if you're about to leave everything behind to move countries to be with your fiancee, it's reasonable to want to pay off the debts that you have in your home country before the move.

I wouldn't mind if my fiance wanted to stay an extra few weeks to pay back his parents for letting *us* stay together for 6 months.

But it also depends how long he plans on staying... if it's going to be a case of months as opposed to weeks, then I would probably have a problem with that after the long wait to be together.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-17 07:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
We would like any indication that our file is ok now Vermont, please. sad.gif tongue.gif

Edited by Gemmie, 19 August 2008 - 03:14 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-19 15:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Well done to you guys recieving NOA1! smile.gif

You're now officially in the game!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-19 04:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Aug 18 2008, 08:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Gemmie, never seen anyone get an RFE for that sweetheart. wink.gif

Now here's the real question... did you answer Part C, Q2 on the I-129f???? Lots of people miss that because it's preceeded by a military question and many are RFE'd for it.. most common one i've seen. wink.gif You would think they'd fix that but I guess that would make too much sense. whistling.gif

Even if you get an RFE it doesn't seem to take too long to resolve normally. It's the security checks that can hold people up now. sad.gif

I'm going to make a wild assumption that both centers will soon speed up processing times. wink.gif Stay strong people, it's coming and when it does all you're feeling now will dissipate! smile.gif smile.gif smile.gif


Thank you so much... I was waiting all day to get home and hopefully have an inspiring post from you! It's such a relief to know that nobody (yet) has had a RFE for this. Sorry, I panicked!

You know how it goes when you're waiting for your chance to file.. you have nothing else to do except check your packet. The forms, the evidence, the letters... it would just suck so much to know we made a simple mistake. But I feel relieved now, and ready to wait for our NOA1 again. smile.gif

Part C... We answered "not in miltary", followed by "no" for have you ever been convicted of.. and left the next one blank as they didn't relate to us (reasons for convictions)... I do remember seeing people get confused about this, so we double-checked that it made sense. I assume we're supposed to leave that blank anyways.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-18 15:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
I feel knocked back already.. our check hasn't even been cashed yet and we've already realised that we have a RFE coming our way for not printing off 4 copies of the employment supplement. 4-5 months of waiting for an RFE.. sad.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-18 07:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
We filed on the same day as you Mark, so hopefully we'll get our check cashed today. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-18 04:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Ahhh... a noice Kim post..
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-16 12:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Don't panic, that's normal. Vermont has been taking a while to give the NOA1 (from where you're given your filing number) lately... sometimes up to a month.

I'm sorry to hear that your attorney wasn't very helpful in compliling the packet. Now that you've found VJ, your process should at least FEEL a lot smoother from the support.

You're quite lucky to have spent almost 2 and a half years together in person! My fiancee and I have also been talking (and mostly together) for over 5 years and have only spent a total of half a year together physically. Others have seen each other even less.

smile.gif

Edited by Gemmie, 16 August 2008 - 04:17 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-16 04:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Welcome to our waiting room. smile.gif

Seems to be quite empty at the moment but I assume others will join us as the month goes on!

Your baby is adorable!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-15 17:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Thank you!

Ours was recieved on 8/6 too so looking hopeful. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-15 14:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Sorry if this is a stupid question... how do you get your case number from the bank? I assumed it was on the NOA1?
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-15 11:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
QUOTE (Michelle.S @ Aug 14 2008, 10:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i know everyone must feel the way i do being away from Rob, but it's horrible, really like an addiction, a craving to have a hug from him (and no mums hugs don't quite cut it), i just get so frustrated sometimes i want to scream sad.gif

i guess it's because i know i won't be able to get back to see Rob until we get the visa

sorry guys, just being grumpy and missing him heaps


Hun, don't feel that you can't be grumpy on this forum! Whenever I feel miserable about the situation, I don't go to my family or friends because I feel they don't understand the situation as well as VJ does... I always feel a little better after visiting here because I see people going through the same thing, and even holding onto each other and waiting together. That is really inspirational to me. smile.gif

I'm incredibly lucky as I'm planning to visit him next month... but I hate the depression upon getting back. I tell myself that this time next year, the K1 process will be over. I will be in the US with Bill and we'll be planning the next step TOGETHER!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-15 05:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
It's only been a week... VSC is still working on cashing/sending out NOA1 for July filers!

Expect it sometime around the end of August / beginning of September.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-14 11:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAugust 2008 Filers
Our petition was FINALLY sent today.

kicking.gif

It's been sitting on my fiancee's desk since JUNE... because his boss is shitty and hasn't paid him for months (we're working on taking this further with him). Luckily, a family member let him borrow some money to send the packet.

So we'll hopefully be getting notification of it arriving tomorrow evening and then we wait for our NOA1.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-11 16:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJune 2008 Filers!
Congrats!! Come on June!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-16 07:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJune 2008 Filers!
Congratulations.

The links to the guides are at the top of the page.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-11 07:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJune 2008 Filers!
Congratulations on the NOA2!! You guys are next!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-10-24 04:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJune 2008 Filers!
I agree that during the summer, especially the end of June and July, they slowed down a lot. It was taking an average of 3-4 weeks for the NOA1, but we filed in August and were extremely lucky to get it in 2 days!!

Sending you June filers good vibes, this is YOUR month!! smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-10-08 02:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsPacket 3 Questions
QUOTE
Simple answer - Yes


No, you don't have to re-submit the same information as before.

Before, they wanted evidence of meeting within 2 years, intent to marry, proof of citizenship etc.. now they're asking for evidence for an ongoing relationship (phone bills, cards, chat logs, etc), criminal record information, medical information.. none of this was submitted before.

In London, this is not even "submitted" but taken to the final interview with you. The only thing we had to do with packet 3 was fill in some forms and send it back saying that we're ready for interview and have gathered all of the documents. You'll need to check the Guides for what to do in your Consulate.

This is for the BENEFICIARY, not the petitioner. Did your fiance recieve anything??

The information the petitioner has to fill out is about financial information, but as far as I'm aware, that's also done for the interview.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-25 02:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWho wants to join my angry rant thread?
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ May 3 2009, 04:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sherri and Matt @ May 3 2009, 09:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
............ no matter how awful you think things are for you, there are always others who have it worse.........


Sherri -

I'm glad to see you say this.

I'm four years down the road from you in this process. You've heard from a lot of other people in this thread who are at varying stages. Some ARE in worse predicaments than you. And some are united now, but went through something worse than what you probably will.

Most get along just fine with no problems - eventually. Some of us get held up at one stage or another (we did) but it passes. And a few..............they are the ones my heart breaks for.

All I can say to you is this.........one day this will seem a distant memory. It will be a part of your 'story' - your journey as a couple and maybe someday as a family. Your courtship will be a different tale than most of the people you know and it will - in time - be a very special testament to your commitment to each other and your marriage.

Believe it or not, there will come days in the future where you will sit together in the same room, not touching or speaking. Maybe reading quietly together or just lounging on the sofa. Your life will become 'normal'. I know this is something you long for desperately now and trust me - that day will come.

But don't ever forget (on those normal days) when you lift your eyes from your distraction to look at that man who came from so far away and gave up everything he knew to be with you - don't ever forget what it took to get you to normalcy. Don't every forget about how you dealt with differences of the clock to find time to communicate. Don't ever forget about the money you spent to visit each other.

Marriage is normal. Life is normal. Your separation one day will pass. But the things you learned while separated - they can actually be a boon to you as an 'old married couple'.

It is for us. We are 'real'. Real life and not a fairy tale. But with just enough of a 'fairy tale' start to our story to make us special to each other. And that's all that really matters.


That's a wonderful post, Rebecca. smile.gif

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-03 11:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWho wants to join my angry rant thread?
I understand exactly how you feel, Sherri.

We decided to start this process 3 years ago but I had just started university. We were naive to the immigration process and thought it would only take a few weeks (!) so I would be able to move over and get married in the summer, and then come back and finish my studies. Of course it's nothing like that, so we waited 2 years..,

We finally got to the point where we could file, but my fiance's boss went through some financial problems and couldn't pay him for about 6 months. This meant we didn't have the money to apply, even though it was only $455... everything he had went on loan repayments and bills. We applied last August (another few months after we intended) because family loaned us the money.

It was a very long and difficult process. It took almost 5 months to be approved, and then because of other circumstances, we couldn't get a medical booked for a while; we did the medical, but THEN my fiance's boss went through "personal problems" and never filed his tax returns until after the tax return date, which means we couldn't be ready for interview.

More waiting... we got the taxes filed, sent off for interview and then waited a month for London to give us an interview.

2 years of waiting to apply.. 8.5 months for the process.. it's been hard. I thought that when I got here, I would be escatic, but truth is, I feel exhausted. My fiance has agreed to get the ball rolling on the AOS process because I was the one to do all of the research and paperwork for the K1. I feel I need a break from USCIS for a while, and never want to look at forms again, but it's what we have to do. All of us... luckily, when one of us falls, the other can carry the immigration process for a while.

As well as the process, you have people constantly asking you when you'll be able to get married, why you have to apply for a visa when "you're not foreign, you're British..." (yes, people are that ignorant), why it's taking so long, and yes even making comments about how the relationship isn't going to work out after the long wait.

Your time will come very soon.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-03 06:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsRe: The 6 month club
Ours took almost 5 months for NOA2 and that was pretty normal at the time.

Don't expect your process to take 6 months - that leads to disappointment.

On the other hand, don't expect to end up in the 6+ month waiting thread - that's a minority of the members on this board who have had awful luck and treatment. We all hope that they get their approvals ASAP and most of them do (with the exception of people like poor Sara).
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-08 05:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNever Been Touched
It's only been 2 months.. we waited almost 5 months without a touch and then we were approved.

Touches aren't important. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-08 16:40:00