ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurestravel tickets
I never use travel agents, they're way too expensive. They never really do get you the "cheapest" flights, especially when a percentage goes to themselves.

I use Expedia, it's cheap and compares airline prices.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-12 04:29:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAny tips for maintaing sanity while in the visa journey process?
We just started our process too.

Try to keep busy. Working, spending time with friends/family, hobbies... focus on the next time you'll see each other. Even if it's not until the end of the process, this time next year it will be over. And don't allow yourself to talk about the visa process everyday. I know it seems hard because it's on your mind, but the more you act normal (talk about your day, the future, plans etc), the faster time will fly. Worrying makes it slower.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-16 05:15:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhy is K3 so much slower at VSC ?
I see. Thanks for the information.

It seems there aren't many advantages for the K3 over the K1 or IR-1 but of course it's all down to personal choice and circumstances.

I think it's a common complaint on VJ about spouses/fiance priority with many people believing their case should take priority over others due to their marital status. Not sure I entirely agree with that, as it opens up a whole can of worms. There are always many aspects to consider; for example, did the spouse-petitioner know that the wait would be longer than a K1 and decide to get married anyway? What if a fiance-petitioner has been with their partner for a lot longer than a spouse-petitioner? Should time together take priority? What about older petitioners? Should their case go first because they're not as young as others? What about a few petitioners that are more depressed than others? Bottom line, in my opinion, is that we're all waiting this horrendous amount of time, some a lot longer than others for many different reasons.

I wish you a speedy journey.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-04 15:18:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhy is K3 so much slower at VSC ?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe it's because K3 holders don't need to go through AOS once arriving in the US... you're essentially applying for a greencard. With the K1, you're applying for the right to remain in the US whilst you apply for your greencard, which takes 3-9 months.

All in all, people that go through the K1 route wait much longer to attain their greencards than people who go the K3 route; it's just that they're in the US for a portion of the wait.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-04 07:58:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDenied entry; Are we banned?
I think the papers that she signed were to claim that she was withdrawing her use of the VWP... basically, if she doesn't "willingly" withdraw her "application" to use the VWP and leave the US, she can be deported and that is subject to a real ban. It's telling her that she can either leave by will, or by force.

Your wife isn't able to use the VWP again (at least not in the next 5 years) but it shouldn't have any affect on your visa. That is an immigrant visa, and overrides any waiver programme.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-07 07:17:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew Member - Long Story
It's about residency, not marital status, unfortunately. I think they figure that after a long period of time of living in the US, the non-USC would have filed for citizenship (so hence if you moved to the UK and wanted to move back, you'd have the same rights to just walk right in without paperwork). It's such a shame that you had problems with the GC.

I hope you have a speedy process, I think the DCF is the best option for your circumstances. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-08 15:47:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTraveling on VWP while K3 in process
Considering saying boyfriend myself, except I've said fiance a few times in the past and don't know if they have that on file. Plus I don't want them to drag it out of me that we're engaged..
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-17 12:04:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTraveling on VWP while K3 in process
That sounds awful.

To be fair though, what does his religion have to do with it? It's not like they know he's Muslim unless they ask him, and they wouldn't need to do that. Plenty of people have been sent away, regardless of religion.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-17 07:39:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTraveling on VWP while K3 in process
I've been let in every time (7 times) and told them I came to visit my boyfriend or fiance (once engaged).

I didn't even know this could be a problem until I found VJ and read some of the posts. Now I'm terrified that the next visit will be the one I'm denied for. A lot of it depends on how often you visit and how long you stay for.

I think you have to fill in the green form still, as it's for immigration and customs. You're not a US citizen so I would fill it in. One of them about what you have with you, and one about your intentions/background.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-16 13:12:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarrying while being in the US on b1/b2 visa
People in these thread have been SERIOUSLY mis-giving advice, and blowing things out of proportion. Please do not respond if you do not know the correct information.

Most people here applying for a K3 visa have married in the states on a visit. There's nothing llegal about it.


Kailey:

- You are allowed to travel on your B2 visa as long as you show strong ties to your country. Yes you might not get in, but you also very well could. I've gotten in to America about 4 times when we were a couple and about 4 times after we were engaged.

- You are allowed to marry on your B2 visa but do not openly discuss these plans with the officer. (he reason why they may deny you entry is because they worry that you'll STAY AFTERWARDS and not go home). If you're certain you're returning home, then it's fine.

- A life-time ban comes from misrepresentation which can happen if you ever lie about something; for example, if they ask if you intend to get married on the visit and you say no. But you've never once said you're going to lie, so ignore that.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-15 05:20:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarrying while being in the US on b1/b2 visa
QUOTE (YMR @ May 14 2009, 04:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I would recommend you to read the guides that are here in the website, then you will be able to understand better the whole process.

Don't get offended, but yes it is considered fraud, and you can have a hard time during your status adjustment.


No, it is not fraud.

Let me ask, those of you that are married and applied for a spousal visa; was that not "fraud"? No, because you're entitled to marry, just not live there (visa-free).

To the OP, filing for a K1 is faster and you have just as much chance as being able to visit each other through that process than if you filed a K3. In fact, if anything, it's easier to successfully enter as being married is one step closer to looking suspicious.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-14 10:19:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarrying while being in the US on b1/b2 visa
People give her a break, she's not doing anything wrong by using a tourist visa to get married. It's no different than people from Canada/England travelling to the U.S visa-free and getting married - THEN GOING BACK TO THEIR HOME COUNTRY.

She never stated anything about staying in the U.S - in fact, she said she would leave and come back for visits in the future.

To the OP, people wait months for a K1 because it means you can marry and stay in the U.S without having to leave. People wait for a spousal visa when they're already married because it means they can join their spouse in the U.S without having to leave. The key is LIVING there, not marrying.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-14 05:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS 156 36. Has Anyone Ever Filed an Immigrant Visa Petition on Your Behalf?
no0pb.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-15 05:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpicture proof for interview
I would advise to do whatever feels comfortable and sufficient for you. I'm going to create a scrapbook full of both old pictures (that I originally sent with the package) and new ones from trips since then... also receipts, boarding passes, phone bills and all that jazz. smile.gif

Even if you don't NEED them, you might feel better taking them along.

Unless you're asking if you need to bring the original packet (with pictures) plus more copies.. in which case, I don't think it's needed.

Edited by Gemmie, 12 August 2008 - 01:11 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-12 13:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCan My fiance use Photocopy of I-134?
I assume it has to be the original seeing as the CO at the interview are the ones wanting to see it.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-15 04:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionGuaranteed a job in the US
Hmm personally, I wouldn't tell them unless you have reason at the interview to feel that you need the leverage.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-16 12:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI'm so Depressed!
Try and relax... I've read a few people that have had to wait for their visa and it's come within a few weeks. You'll probably recieve it any day now and you'll forget all this pain. smile.gif

And yes, get your fiancee to call again for another update, it will probably be on its way!
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-19 05:35:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical Concern-past suicide attempt
Please fill in your country information.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-06 14:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical Concern-past suicide attempt
What country is this dealing with?

I know that in London, they'd probably get you to get a doctor's note confirming that you're fine now - and you're not a threat to yourself or others.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-06 14:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSara's Thread
Awesome.

I'll be checking in for the good news on November 19th. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-23 18:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHow often do you guys communicate with your spouses abroad

And what happens if you are the one always callingyour spouse, and your spouse NEVER calls you?...and your the one spending up to $150 per month to call?....what happens if you e-mail your spouse everyday,...but your spouse NEVER emails you???....

But yet you talk like only 1 hour a day on msn messanger?...


I would tell him that it bothered me, and ask him to contact me more often..?
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-10-14 13:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHow often do you guys communicate with your spouses abroad

Judging by others' responses, I guess we didn't talk as much as other couples did, but it was enough for us. Please don't set the standard for your relationship based on what others do in theirs. It's a relationship between you and him, and you need to judge things relative to what you need and feel, not to some outside standard you want to impose.


Agreed. Relationships need to be based on what is normal for you.

Me and my husband spoke daily for at least an hour, and the days we weren't able to talk, I felt lost. I'd have to send him text messages telling him what I was doing, how my day was, etc. It sounds unhealthy, but I guess it's because I didn't handle the distance too well and the only thing that kept me going was communicating so frequently.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-10-13 15:59:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionIt's all over ...
Congratulations you two... you have worked so hard and you have made it!!! smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-17 10:10:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionDual British and American citizenship?
QUOTE (Aussielad @ Jun 9 2008, 01:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (katej0203 @ Jun 7 2008, 02:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am still at the beginning of the process, but am wondering...

I am presently a British citizen, and will eventually reach the stage where I am to consider having an American citizenship. I dont have any family based reasons to apply for it, but it would save me having to renew a green card in the future.

Can I keep my British citizenship too? Does anyone have both? Any opinions?




O.k.....first of all....you have a LONG way to go before you even begin to *think* about that....one day at a time.

Second of all....will ALL Brits STOP ASKING ABOUT DUAL CITIZENSHIP....for crying out loud READ....it gets asked here every single forsaken day!!!! there must be 100+ topics on "dual british/u.s. citizenship"....READ!!!!!!!

sorry....but after so many years on this vj board i think i've finally xploded....anyone else feel the same?


What can I say, we're all proud of being British. biggrin.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-17 10:15:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionYou Thought the USC N-400 Test was Hard
UKC

29%

:lol:
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-23 13:09:00
CanadaNew here - introducing myself!
Welcome to VJ!

Even I browse the Canada forum biggrin.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-06 06:08:00
CanadaWhat does your family call you?
Funny enough, my mummy called me Gemmie (God rest) hence my screenname.

My real name is Gemma but Gemmie is reserved in real life to close people.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-03 12:20:00
CanadaHPV vaccine question
I have to completely agree.

I called my doctor surgery a few weeks ago and they had no idea what this vaccine even was... they called me back once they asked around, and told me that they would advise not having it done as it's still in the early stages. It's only being released to schools this September. I told her that I needed to have this done for immigration and she told me to come back in a few months once they have more information and didn't feel comfortable giving it out so early. She did however say that I could get it from another practise for an expensive price.

I don't *want* the vaccine even though I'm under 27 and have only had one partner... I think it should be my personal choice and I don't want something so "new" in my body, potentially as a test subject, potentially as a money-making process.

I'm going to wait until AOS because apparently it's not needed at the stage of K1. Having said that, I've heard that people that adjust status who haven't been subjected to the K1 don't need it anyway!

Ridiculous..
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-10-07 10:34:00
CanadaUS citizenship anyone?
I never wanted to be a US citizen because there are many laws that I don't agree with, and I feel they've put a large amount of stress on my life just because I happen to love one of its citizens. I constantly have to prove that I'm not trying to sneak into the country, that I'm not trying to break their laws, that I have genuine love to a citizen. To stand up and swear that I drop my alliegance to my own country made me angry...

Now that I've had time to think about it, I think I will go for dual.

Simply because I don't want to have anything to do with this ridiculous immigration system any longer, it's already getting tougher as we speak, with new laws coming into order from January. I want to be able to be done with it, and finally be free to live my life without having to prove anything to anyone.

I will always be BRITISH first and foremost, and simply 'have access to a US passport' second. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-07 08:22:00
CanadaOff Topic Forum...
I love Boston!! Of course I might be biased as I'm moving to MA and Boston is the heart! It just looks so beautiful, especially in the winter. The colours, the lights, the snow... their subway is easy to use, and the city has so much history. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-10-29 08:14:00
CanadaOff Topic Forum...
Man, I love lurking in the Canadian forum..
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-10-10 12:36:00
CanadaADD - ADHD - hyperactive - have you encountered this with your children
When I was in school, NO ONE had ADD or ADHD.

And I'm only 21. Just sayin'.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-08 13:37:00
CanadaReally missing him!
3 months apart is then norm for us unfortunately as it's not as easy crossing the ocean.. now I have no idea when I'll next see him. sad.gif

Try not to worry.. I've told POE I'm visiting my boyfriend or fiance 8 times and only had problems once.. even then, it was a lot of questions but I got through.. and we had filed for the K1 already for 2 of those trips.


GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-22 10:26:00
CanadaReally missing him!
I understand, I really miss my man too.

I doubt I'll get to see him for the next 5-6 months as he needs to get a full-time job and start earning the money for us to get our own place. I can't keep going over there every 2-3 months as I never know if I'll make it through POE and that just would be devastating. The thought of going possibly 6 months apart without smelling him, feeling his warm neck when I cuddle into him, hearing his voice next to me in person, tickling each other, everything that I love about being together... it really hurts.

My friends are happy for us but unfortunately cannot understand what it takes to be apart for so long.. they tell me that I should be used to it by now as we've been apart for 6 years since we met online. Or they tell me that it's not that long, and then complain about how much they miss their own partner who they see several times a week.

I try to think of the positive things.. not having to say goodbye at that damn airport again, not having to have that timer ticking down on me from the moment we're together again.. just get past this stretch and you're together.

Things are difficult afterwards too of course, but this longing won't be there anymore, which is what I will miss the least. smile.gif
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-21 18:30:00
CanadaDesperate Housewives
I find it hilarious when people on TV shows have something dramatic happen to them, so decide to move to the U.S and live with family (for example, in the British soap 'Eastenders' when Kat and Alfie moved to America on a whim for about 5 years now)... so they literally throw some clothes in a bag, grab their passport and go to the airport!!

My fiance gets annoyed at me because I'm always like "WHATEVER, YOU NEED A VISA!!"

laughing.gif

Edited by Gemmie, 12 May 2009 - 01:07 PM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-12 13:06:00
CanadaThe internet and you
I'm pretty much the same, a bit quieter in person.

I met my fiance online.. we met in person almost 3 years afterwards. I flew to Boston for just 4 days because I wanted the security of knowing if things didn't go well, I could go back within a few days. Things were amazing, and I left feeling happy for that, but crushed because I knew that we had a huge journey to take to have each other. We also didn't have sex for absolutely ages. We were each others' firsts, and he knew I had some issues about stuff, so told me he would wait forever if he had to. We talked a lot about it before doing it, which worked for us.

Looking back, I can't believe we waited so long for everything, but it showed me that he had the patience and communicative nature that I needed. We were so young when we met (I was just 16, hence why we took 3 years to meet) and I feel it's worked for us because we've kinda grown together.

Edited by Gemmie, 23 May 2009 - 08:21 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-23 08:19:00
CanadaHow did YOU find out about VJ?
I was on Google asking a really specific question (about the process) and VJ was the first thing to pop up! Because it has ALL the answers.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-05-26 05:02:00
CanadaHomesick
QUOTE
I guess I don't know why you would resent America because things are different, Gemmie. Why shouldn't they be different? They're American, not Canadian. You wouldn't move to most any other place on the planet and expect things to be the same, would you?


Oh, I know it's not logical or fair.

I haven't even moved yet but whenever I go to the US on visits and think about how I'm going to be leaving my "roots" behind and living there, I suddenly see many faults with everything around me. I miss British things and I miss my loved ones. I know that doesn't seem logical either seeing as I haven't moved yet, but I think it's my way of preparing myself for the change. To tell myself that I'm not going to see them for quite a while, and this is the reality of how it's going to be, and instantly I find fault. It's a way of holding onto my identity.

I know that once we go through with this, I'll start building my own life there. I'm worried that I won't find friends and he doesn't have any either so I can't share his. I'm worried that I won't be able to drive for a very long time as I need to take tests and get a car; that I'll just find myself craving British food and TV, and not be able to find it; that I'll long to see my family and friends; that I'll lose touch with myself.

I do want to move of course, I'm just looking at the negatives here because I know we're talking about Homesickness and I know what's to come. Like gypsyangel, I look forward to getting our own place, starting a family, making new friends.. I'm just nervous of the change.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-04 07:53:00
CanadaHomesick
I think it's funny that everyone seems to believe that moving to the US from a country like Canada or England must be easy... the culture is similar, the language is the same, etc.

I've tried to explain how it's adjustment to another country where there ARE differences and you lose familiarity from back home... that's pretty damn hard, and it's not a holiday as some people seem to think it is.

I anticipate being homesick, and missing everything British. Truth be told, sometimes when on a long visit, I find myself resenting American things because it's not the same, and no one can see it.
GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2008-11-03 07:56:00
CanadaAnother good reason not to get a lawyer
A friend of mine was going through the K1 process about 2 years before me with her Irish fiancee. Her process took about 10 months because of waiting for the lawyer to get back to her. She told me the advice that she heard from her lawyer and I remember it scaring the ####### out of me at the time. She told me all about how the interviewers will sit you down and ask you every dirty detail about your relationship to test if you're real... and also that the lawyer was asking the same kinda questions, so I should be prepared. huh.gif And to take a huge book of evidence proving you're a couple.

Of course at the interview, they only asked me about where my fiance worked and about how many times we met.

Edited by Gemmie, 02 October 2009 - 10:46 AM.

GemmieFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-02 10:45:00