ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate Discussioni-134 notarized or not?
The new form specifically says a Notarization is not required since the USC is swearing under HEAVY penalty of perjury for a false submission etc...
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-02-24 15:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionlong version of birth certificates
What I have read from many previous postings is thatt a Birth Certificate was umacceptable when it does not list the Parents' names. So I think whether long, short or whatever,m if it does contain the names of the parents it should be acceptable. Of course there are some circumstances where the name of the father does not appear on the birth certificate. That usually comes up when the child is going to also be coming to the USA.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-02-27 16:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTranslating documents

Because the Tokyou embassy website says this:

Step 5: Complete fiancé(e) visa forms

* Form DS-156, Non-Immigrant Visa Application (two copies)
* Form DS-156(K), Non-Immigrant Fiancé(e) Visa Application
* Form DS-157, Supplemental Non-Immigrant Visa Application

K1 visa applicants must complete two copies of DS-156, and a copy of DS-156(K). Do not sign DS-156(K), we will ask to sign it at the interview. Each K2 via applicant must also submit two copies of DS-156. Form DS-156 must be filled out online. Handwritten or typed forms will not be accepted.

A copy of DS-157 is required for all male applicants aged 16 to 45 and for all applicants over age 16, male or female, who are citizens of or born in Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria.


So....she doesn't need one or does she?

Thanks...

You are right, it seems if that is what the Tokyo Embassy web site states re: DS-157. In a situation like that it is usually better to err on the side of caution and submit the DS-157. I think it is very strange.

The signature of the translator does not need to be notarized. Anyone can translate it if they are fluent in the two languages.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-03-03 19:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTranslating documents

And another off topic question, she doesn't need the DS157 since she's a girl right?
Thanks

1) Yes, you can do the translation yourself if one of you can attest to the fact that your are fluent and competent to translate in both languages.

2) Why does your fiancee's sex have any bearing on Form DS-157? If the Consulate reuires it in the email or Packet 3 sent out, she needs to fill out DS-157.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-03-03 17:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWOW!Atleast something happened..=)
Yes, well I hope this does bring good news. Keep the faith. But this story certainly seems strange. The Consulate saw something they did not like or did not agree with. Or they wanted USCIS to check something further.

I certaily hope the end result is positive.
Good luck...
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-03-04 14:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCo-sponsor has IRS issues
Actually there was another posting about a month ago from a person in the identical circumstances. They were the petitioner, owed back taxes and had a payment plan set-up with the IRS and were paying and in good standing. The Consulate will not even need to be aware but if by some chance the question comes up, always answer 100% truthfully. Say the co-sponsor is paying the bill off etc...

You will sail right through on this issue.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-03-05 21:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPacket 3 & 4 Received but confused
This cannot be right. How would the UAE Embassy in Washington have Packets 3 and 4 to send. The UAE Embassy in Washington knows nothing about Packets 3 and 4.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-03-05 21:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview in a few weeks, need advice!!
Well no one is allowed on this web site to either give legal advice nor recommend misleading the USCIS or DOS. And I am certainly not advocating either. But so far, all I have read is that he might have informed the medical examiner about the illegal stay. The medical examiner could include it in his report while not necessarily germiane. The other issue might be a falg showing up because he paid US taxes.

Other than those two items, the Consulate might not be aware of the predicament.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-03-07 01:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview in a few weeks, need advice!!
Even if he had stayed in the US, he would not have been eligible for AOS since he was not inspected. It is not an overstay if the entry was illegal.

They do not stamp passports leaving US because we do not have immigration on exits. The airlines or cruise lines or whatever collect I-94s.

So I still need to know how the doctor knew of the illegal stay in the US.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-03-06 01:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview in a few weeks, need advice!!
He would not have been eligible for AOS since he was not inspected upon entering the US.
Sounds like the doctor is going to write that on his medical chart and underline it.
How did the doctor find out that he was in the US illegally?
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-03-05 21:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI got approved on feb. 25
You got your NOA2 in 105 days. Congratulations and good luck with the next steps.

I hope all your family and friends are safe in Chile.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-03-03 14:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionApplication Fee
No Ann, we are not as far as you. I have received NOA1 Feb 8, 2010. That means USCIS in California will process my I-129F petition for me sometime. I do not know when, I hope soon.

We must wait for NOA2 or approval of the I-129F before my fiancee can arrange her Embassy appointment.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-03-06 01:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionApplication Fee

How far are you now with your visa? Do you have your interview appointment already?

Hi Ann.

Now I know why your English is so good. You are Pinay. My fiancee is Thai and we are working very hard on her English. I have been sending her to English school but she can only go on the weekends.

The exchange rate for dollars to baht and baht to dollars depends on the direction you change money. When we send US dollars to our loved ones in Thailand, yes, the rate is lower for number of baht per dollar (like 31) so the Bank or Western Union can keep some money. When I am in Thailand, like next week, I should be able to change money at the rate of about 32.5 baht for each dollar.

If you are selling baht to get dollars to spend in the US or to pay for a US debt like a Visa application fee, it could be higher so the exchanger or the Post Office can also make money. They might say 33 or 33.5 baht to the dollar.

Have your boyfriend/fiance send you more money. (just joking). :yes:
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-03-05 21:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionApplication Fee

Thank you so much. Yes, we have to pay at the Post Office too in Thailand. Oh, we are the same. Do you know, where I can find the rate for the exchange?

Thank you

The Bangkok Embassy web-site says to pay the equivalent in Thai baht for $US 131.00. The exchange is currently about 33 Thai baht per US dollar. I check everyday because I am leaving for Thailand on March 10 to visit my fiancee. So 33 * 131.00 = 4,323 Thai baht per person (per applicant). So you need to pay for two people. About 8,646 Thai baht for two people.

On the right side of this web page is Bangkok Bank's listing for Official Exchange rate. Right now they say 32.97 baht for 1 US dollar.

http://www.bangkokba...Pages/main.aspx

Good luck.

I want to hear about your interview at the Embassy. I think your English is better than my fiancee's English, so I am worried.

Edited by Audy_Rob, 03 March 2010 - 08:07 PM.

Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-03-03 20:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionApplication Fee

Hello. I'm back again to process my papers.

Does anyone knows where I could find the exchange for the application fee..

And do we have to pay as well for my daughter? or is it just only me?

Thank you!

1) In general the Visa fee is currently $US 131 with talk of it going to $US 350 soon. No one knows exactly when.

2) If your daughter is also applying for the derivative K-2 visa, then yes, you must also pay the fee for her.

It is consulate specific in that the particular consulate you use will tell you the amount to pay in local currency and what to do to pay the fee. For the embassy my fiancee will interview at, you pay the fee at the Post Office in Thailand. Then you mail the payment receipt to the Embassy. In some Embassies you pay the fee at the Embassy, etc... It varies.

Check the HCMC Consulate web site.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-03-02 19:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134
No, you are now filing the I-129F petition to USCIS for permission for your fiance(e) to request a K-1 Visa. Do NOT submit the I-134 at this time. No where does it say to submit the I-134 with the I-129F.

After the I-129F petition has been approved, it will move to NVC and then on to your fiance(e)'s Consulate. For the interview at the Consulate, you will need to submit one I-134 with supporting documentation for yourself and one I-134 with supporting documentation for your joint sponsor.

Supporting documentation might be one to three years tax transcripts from the IRS, paystubs from employers for the prvious six months, and a letter stating employment and current salary. Assets can be used in lieu of a joint sponsor or a short fall in the 125% of poverty level.

Good luck
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-03-08 15:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 and I-864 Questions
I was trying to post my answer when the mod moved your thread. :wacko:

1) NO to your first question. You both complete a form I-134. You the USC petitioner must complete an I-134 form and the joint sponsor/Dad must complete his own and separate form I-134.

2) I am not sure about the wording of the joint sponsor for the I-864 that you are reading. First, I-864 will be for AOS in a little later time. I know that while it might say the joint sponsor can be a household member that does not mean it has to be someone living in the SAME PHYSICAL house or residence. This question has been asked and misunderstood here before. It means the joint sponsor can be any person, including a non-family relation and they certainly do not need to live in the same physical house.

Good luck
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-03-31 15:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWHO CAN GO IN THE INTERVIEW
As other people have already stated, you must ask other people who will be interviewing at the same consulate. The US Embassy in Bangkok does not allow the USC to attend the interview. I heard although do not know for a fact that a USC got upset during the interview and hit the Consular officer about two or three years ago. So Bangkok is different.

What Consulate will you interview at and only ask for answers from the Consulate. If it is Ciudad Juarez, they have their own thread in this forum just for CDJ. You should ask there.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-04-02 14:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHorrible Email by AMERICAN EMBASSY RIYADH

re: transferring the case to Pakistan. Why did you not have all done there, to begin with? Smells like poor planning, IMO. No, I'm not knocking you, personally - it just reeks of poor planning.

@Darnell If you read their locations it says Riyadh. So I would take that to mean he is living there and it makes perfect sense to interview at the Consulate/Embassy where you are residing. I do not think there was any poor planning on their part.

@OP I am sorry you are in AP. It seems from many postings it is "standard practice" to make the applicants wait. As many others have said, there is nothing terrible in the email foreboding bad news or an unfavorable outcome.

Good luck
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-04-04 10:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterviewed today, Case is in AP
While it is never clear how long you will be in AP, I still think this is a very good report. It sounds like the Consular Officer wants to grant the visa, but as you said, he wants to check first if you need a waiver from immigration.

He is only checking on the need for the waiver so he can grant the Visa. If he was going to deny you the visa, he would not be checking to see if you need a waiver.

Be positive, I am sorry you do not know how long you will be in AP, hopefully the CO cares and will move the matter along very quickly.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-04-05 14:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterviewed today, Case is in AP

I had my IR-1 interview today at in Doha, Qatar. My wife and 6months old daughter was with me at the interview. We reached there at 10:15 am, got a number and waiting. Six people were in front of us. At 11:30 am we were called to a window, an Arabic guy checked papers, fingerprints, passport, and photos and asked if my daughter is an American, yes! She is. We were asked to wait.

At 12.15 pm we were called to a consular at different window and interview starts. We took lots of our pictures, printouts, bills and so on but unfortunately consular did not asked for even a single evidence but good thing was that he was the same consular we reported birth of our daughter five months ago.

Interview question started with my immigration problem back in 2006(did not attend school and got voluntary departure from Judge).He asked for my immigration papers. My lawyer prepared for a formal petition stating why I should not have a bar, so i gave that one. Some of the questions were

- Why u didn’t go to school
- Why u stayed in US for five month if u stopped going to school
- Who financed while staying there
- When i got married (we got married same yr i stopped going to school, so he thought marriage is my purpose for going to US but we were in love 4 yrs before we got married.
- Asked about how we met
- What i was doing back in 2002(time we first met and i was going to School)
- When i came back after graduation (graduation 2004, came back 2005)
- Asked me what i was doing after graduation
- What was my intention going to school second time?

Consular kept saying that he doesn’t understand why i stayed five months if i stopped going to school. I answered him that i was in the process of changing school.

Bottom line, i was hammered with questions asking why i stayed without going to school and what was my intention. No question was asked to my wife. Whole interview took about 20 min.

At the end consulate told me that he is NOT going to hold me for staying after school and also will NOT hold me for unlawful presence . He needs to check if i need any weiver from immigration side.He handed me with a white paper saying

X Section 221 (g)which prohibits..................................
Needs further processing.

Sorry to make the story long. After 3 yrs of waiting another journy begins..... :whistle:

Actually, considering how bad your situation is, this report sounds very good.

1) It is normal that the Visa interview is about you, the Alien beneficiary. It is not unusual that there were no questions for your wife. Questions about the beneficiary should be raised at the Petition stage or could be at the Embassy.

2) It is very good that the Consular officer said he was not going to hold against you those transgressions (violations of law or procedures) from your schooling and leaving school and overstaying your visa. Just be patient. It sounds good.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-04-05 13:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview Packet

Will we need to have both versions(English and Macedonian) filled out or just the English version? We already filled out the English online versions. I wonder if this is normal practice for some or all US Embassies?

No, you do not need both versions. Just the English version is fine. I think it is normal for some Embassies but certainly not all Embassies. My fiancee's Embassy sent out instructions for Packet 3 in Thai but the forms are only in English.

You should check form DS-156 because most if not all Embassies are using the new Electronic online DS-156 form which you submit to a server at the Department of State. It generates a bar code and a completed form for you to print out for DS-156. I would be surprised if there is a version of that in Macedonian. You should make sure you have filled out the correct version of the DS-156.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-04-05 14:38:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 evidence question - urgent
She can be included as an additional joint sponsor if it simplifies matters. But if you provide the tax returns and your father's W-2's only, then that should be fine.

You might want to add a page showing summaries of father's income versus jointly filed income with one sentence summary and explanation for each year you provide a tax return. You should probably provide three years returns.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-04-05 23:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNew Electronic Visa form
No, Bangkok still says DS-156. But the DOS web-site says the new form is preferred.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-04-02 12:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCFO requirements
You might not have been able to find your posting and the responses or answers if you posted in the wrong forum. Then a mod or person of authority would have moved your posting to a more appropriate forum to keep it organized and hopefully get you the best responses.

I believe you posted this is K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures which is really for I-129F or maybe questions before an I-129F is filed as well as issues with the USCIS in general.

Your question is about the K-1 interview, visa approval and so on which actually should be filed under this main Forum area: Family & Marriage Based Immigration (K1, K3, IR1, etc) to the USA

HOWEVER: better placed under Consulate and Embassy Discussion as that is what you are dealing with and that is where you are in the process.

Good luck
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-04-07 19:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionmedical examination in advance

Some of the documents expire in 6 months....it could take that long to get a NOA2 (not very likely, but possible).


Hey, lets hope not. But then again, VSC has slowed down...
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-04-08 18:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhat's the I-864 for?

I can't see if it should be the I-134 or the I-864 form that i take with me to the Consulate. It's for a K1 visa, anyone know?


You should go to the London thread and ask since you are going to the London Embassy. Normally for K-1, most Embassies want an I-134 for Affidavit of Support and the I-864 is for AOS and used to be K-3.

But I think London wants the I-864 for Affidavit of Support for K-1. Check the London Embassy web site or go to the London group here on VJ.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-04-08 18:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussioni-134
Basically they want to know VALUE of home or other REAL property minus what is owed on the property. You might owe if you have one or more mortgages (which is a loan to buy the home) or if there are any other legal claims for amounts due. Maybe if someone does not pay the property taxes then the County will file a lien (or encumberance) against the property.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-04-08 20:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Question

I don't make the required amount in a year to qualify, but my parents are willing to sponsor the petition, so do I fill out the form with my information and then have my parents sign it, or do my parents fill out and sign the whole thing? Just seems weird to have their information on our paperwork. Confused...
Thanks,
J

NO to both. There are to be TWO (2) completely separate I-134 Affidavits. You fill out one as the USC petitioner and your parents (actually one person I believe, mother or father) fills out their own version of an I-134. Each I-134 needs its own supporting documentation and evidence.

See the instructions for the I-864 on how to handle which dependents belong on which form. That is the alien beneficiary and dependents goes on the father's/mother's form.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-04-09 17:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIs what I have enough for I-134?

I 184? it's for my fiance visa, I-134 is the form i need to fill up for my fiance's interview. :)

Yes, I-134.

Be sure to provide copies of the stock account statements. More than just one months worth.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-04-10 01:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIs what I have enough for I-134?
If it is three times (and not five times) then it would be:

[(PovertyAmount * 1.25) - Current Income ] * 3.

That is three times the difference between 1.25 times the correct poverty line MINUS the current income which leaves the shortfall or amount to be made up with assets. Multiply the shortfall or amount to be made up times THREE to get the necessary amount in assets.

Editing to Clarify the other posting:

10 years is the length that the contract remains in force (with some exceptions) between the USC or joint sponsors and the US Government. It has nothing to do with calculation of assets.

Edited by Audy_Rob, 09 April 2010 - 06:50 PM.

Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-04-09 18:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionIs what I have enough for I-134?
It could be construe to mean five times for Alien fiance(e) and three times for Alien spouse.

In Section 29, page 9 of the I-864 instructions:

In order to qualify based on the value of your assets, the total value of your assets must equal at least five times thedifference between your total household income and the current poverty guidelines for your household size. However,if you are a U.S. citizen and you are sponsoring your spouse or minor child, the total value of your assets must only be equal to at least three times the difference.

But if it is I-129F and K-1, the fiance(e) will become a spouse very shortly after entering the USA. I believe three times would work but you might want to check with your Embassy or a thread here at VJ for your Embassy.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-04-09 14:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNotorized papers
No, they are both covered under the ONE I-134 you submit. It is just the size of the household goes from 2 to 3 for the I-134. You can actually look up the income required for 3 persons by looking at the form I-864P which gives the poverty guideline levels.

You are probably already in GUZ so I am hoping you see this before the interview.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-04-11 20:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNotorized papers
More than likely, if you are going to the Embassy interview, you are referring to the I-134 which does not need to be notarized. They tell you this in the instructions, by signing it you are swearing to the veracity of the information under penalty of perjury.

Pay stubs and tax forms cannot be notarized. I think you misunderstand the term and the process.

Nothing you describe needs to be Notarized.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-04-07 20:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVisa Denied
For the most part, most of the responses were well thought out and well-intentioned. Only a few were totally off track.

I have to see this was a very informative thread for me about the need to make sure your fiance(e) and petitioner are consistent. Also I now see a very real need for some preparation for the interview. Such as my fiancee and I have a joke about which day is our engagement day, we each have a different opinion. However if the Consular officer knew, he might not find the two different dates very funny.

In particular though in this case, I think there is a number of issues all adding up against the OP and the best way to overcome the obstacle is with a longer more concerted effort at showing mutual love through an extended courtship and perhaps a second later attempt at either K-1 or CR-1.

Good luck.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-04-08 19:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-160
Well that was a very good response from the Consulate/Embassy an very timely too. You cannot be any clearer than that.
Audy_RobMaleThailand2010-04-09 14:07:00
Thailandwaiting for packet 4...
Thanks for your replies Ning. I received an email yesterday evening with the interview date.
aahmedMaleThailand2012-01-17 08:59:00
Thailandwaiting for packet 4...
Thank you for your replies. We will wait to hear back from them via email. I will also try calling them during work hours. Can i talk to anyone in the embassy or move up to tier 2 customer service or something?

Thanks,
Afzal.
aahmedMaleThailand2012-01-16 11:12:00
Thailandwaiting for packet 4...
I am waiting for Packet 4 to arrive for my fiance in Thailand. Packet 3 never reached her and was returned to the Embassy. I received an email (Nov 22, 2011) from the Embassy notifying me that Packet 3 was returned and to confirm the address. I sent an email back to the embassy immediately with the address I have of my finance. I have sent her cards etc. so I know that I have the right address. I also sent a couple of emails requesting confirmation that the address of my fiance has been updated but no replies. It has been almost a month now.

She said she received a call from the company the Embassy uses to reach out to the Thai citizens and they said that she should receive a call about the interview date around Jan 15, 2012.

I have read through the Guides about Packet 4 and never heard of the embassy calling to inform the Thai citizen of the interview date.

What are my options? What would you do to find out if Packet 4 was mailed out? I definitely do not want Packet 4 to be returned by the Post office (after the experience with Packet 3). Do I need to schedule an interview via PIN#? Or does the embassy send you a interview date in Packet 4?

Thanks,
Afzal.

Edited by aahmed, 16 January 2012 - 09:12 AM.

aahmedMaleThailand2012-01-16 09:10:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)I-134 Question
I have a few questions about the I-134. Do you think I should anticipate an problems for my Thai fiance's visa application. I am currently working as a contractor in a reputable company for six months in a temp to perm situation. So while it is promising it is still a temporary position. My salary for the last 7 years has been more than the minimum required by the USCIS for the K-1 visa. I have some money in savings. I do not anticipate any problems in solely supporting my fiance until she is comfortable in the US and also starts working in the future.

I just got my NOA2 last week and am now preparing for the next steps. Will the visa petition get rejected because I do not have a permanent position? Any thoughts or advice will me much appreciated.

Thanks!
aahmedMaleThailand2011-10-13 01:21:00