ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Citizenship General DiscussionMotivations for citizenship.
There is an awful lot of good about this country but a lot of bad as well. I don't seem to have any dealings with the government that runs smooth and is handled by people who seem capable of doing their job. I would hate to have my life in their hands. Along the war injuries one relative who was a vet used the VA hospital for his medical care because it was free, by the time they were done with him they had him so messed up he ended up blowing his brains out. Sad.
TurboguyMaleRussia2008-09-24 19:26:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionMotivations for citizenship.
QUOTE (mattr @ Sep 21 2008, 12:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For me it's voting (and i'm so pissed off I won't be able to vote in November huh.gif and making sure I won't be subjected to some crazy policy that would get me removed from the US of A. I've been living here for 10 years and love it, I feel i'm part of this country and I want to contribute more than just paying taxes, I don't want some jerk to decide that i'm not worth it or that i'm not up to his or her standards.

Mattr.

Sorry you are going to have to miss this election. I am sure a lot of people think the right to vote is important. It is a shame that so many who can vote don't. I think people often feel there are so many who vote that thier vote won't matter and I think history has shown that sometimes a few votes do make a difference.

Thanks Mattr, Richie and to all those who have participated so far. I hope more can take the time. You are a great group of people and my wife apprecites the help very much.
TurboguyMaleRussia2008-09-22 05:02:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionMotivations for citizenship.
My name in Iren and I am Turboguy’s wife.

First of all I want thank everyone who participated in my survey. Thank you!
I very much appreciate every suggestion expressed here concerning my survey. I modified question #10 to include voting for all levels of government. I would like to add the option "I do not know" to question # 18 (Do you plan to live the rest of your life in America?) but it turned out to be an impossible thing to do after survey has been published. All the survey’ software allows me to change is the wording of questions.

NickD, I did not include the opportunity for a wife and a husband to live together in my list of motivations since permanent resident is allowed to live in America all his/her life without applying for citizenship. I believe this incentive is an important consideration for obtaining permanent residence but not particularly for obtaining citizenship.

Some have mentioned they apply for USA citizenship to avoid being kicked out of the country in case of any new laws affecting immigrants. Others have mentioned that an important motivation was to never have to deal with the darn USCIS again. Question 17 allows you to specify these reasons and any others. When I summarize the results of this survey the motivations will not be listed as "other" but specified separately.

Edited by Turboguy, 20 September 2008 - 12:31 PM.

TurboguyMaleRussia2008-09-20 12:28:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionMotivations for citizenship.
QUOTE (NickD @ Sep 20 2008, 09:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
As a natural born USC that just happened to meet my soulmate from a different country and we both wanted to the spend the rest of our lives together, the country we would live in became of secondary importance. The key factor was us being together. Even building a log cabin someplace, washing our clothes in a creek, and raising chickens, we would be happy living in peace and together.

I agree with everything you said and with this part our feelings were the same. We were trapped in A/R for a very long time and explored places to live if we could not get here into the USA. We looked at living in her country and looked at living in another country that would allow us to be together. At the time we finally came out of A/R we had even picked the spot and decided what business venture we would be engaging in to try to put some food on the table. I am happy that we did not have to go that route but I think for many being with someone we love is more important that where we are with them.

Thanks again for sharing the ideas, comments and suggestions.
TurboguyMaleRussia2008-09-20 09:07:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionMotivations for citizenship.
Thanks for sharing all that. It was very interesting. I agree a part A and part B would have made it cleaner and easier to use but I don't think the software she was using allowed that.

I believe she plans to do a little tweeking today to the questions but to change too much might throw the statistics off since there have been a number of votes already. I guess what I mean by that is that if there are too many options for later visitors that were not available to the first voters then it may create problems for her in her analysis of it.

I am rapidly understanding that a major reason for many that she did not think of to include is for people to never have to deal with the darn USCIS again and to put all that behind them once and for all. I think if she can add that question to the list it will be a popular choice. I will suggest that to her and hopefully it can be added.

Thanks for the suggestions. They are all very helpful.
TurboguyMaleRussia2008-09-20 08:54:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionMotivations for citizenship.
QUOTE (vanee @ Sep 19 2008, 11:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A few suggestions:
  • Don't make questions mandatory. Or if you do, make "I don't know" or "Other" an option. I couldn't submit my survey results because I don't know the answer to the last question. Many VJ couples have considered living in the non-USC's country for part of their lives together.
  • Include "To be free of USCIS" or something like that as a reason as it will be one of the most common reasons for this particular audience.
  • Instead of repeating "one of three most important motivations for you to obtain US citizenship?" with every choice, I suggest starting the choices with "Please read all the following 10 questions before answering them. Target three of the most important motivations for you to obtain US citizenship from those listed here." Then you've said it once and made the survey easier to read.
Good luck. It sounds like an interesting project. smile.gif

Thanks for the suggestions and comments. She is going to try to tweek the survey today to incorporate some of the changes you all have suggested. The software she is using will let her look at the respones and if someone does for example answer yes to all the questions instead of only three as the survey asks she can know that.

She is going to try to incorporate an "uncertain" as an option in the last question.

The early responses so far have been very good. Those who have taken the survey so far have made her a very happy woman. Actually she was virtually jumping up and down with excitement with the good start. I really found the early results of the survey very interesting and some of the priorities people expressed really surprised me. To me it is a very interesting project and we both really apprecaite everyone's help and hope more can take her survey.
TurboguyMaleRussia2008-09-20 05:56:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionMotivations for citizenship.
I would like to ask for your help by taking a short survey (18 questions) about an immigrants motivations to become a citizen of the USA.

My wife is an immigrant herself and a college student. This survey is a project for her statistics class. Anyone who has applied for citizenship or is planning to apply can participate. It would help me very much if you could take her survey. When it is done I will post the results so you can see how your motivations compare to others. PLEASE HELP.

If your spouse is the immigrant who has or expects to apply for citizenship please ask him or her to fill in the survey or ask about their motivation and do it for them. The more responses I get the more it will help her.

Any suggestion concerning this survey are welcome. Please follow the link below for the survey.

http://www.my3q.com/...?url=vwrw/95753
TurboguyMaleRussia2008-09-19 19:34:00
Canadanoa2 expiry
That is a pretty common thing. Usually the Embassy will automatically extend the due date buy you can e-mail them and request an extension if it makes you feel more comfortable.
TurboguyMaleRussia2007-05-12 21:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThe "No, Nothing Yet" Thread
I can understand that and respect that. Most people on the forums are great people with a lot of kindness, understanding and support but there are always a few who like to create turmoil and put others down.

I am not sure how much free space is in my prayers at the moment but I will squeze you in somehow.
TurboguyMaleRussia2007-04-29 09:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThe "No, Nothing Yet" Thread
I think a lot of us would like to hear more about why you were denied in Egypt and how you dealt with it. I am guessing you were turned down for a K-1 and are doing a K-3 now. Am I right? The way mine is going so far I am trying to be mentally preparde for anything that might happen. I do think the USCIS needs some serious reform.
TurboguyMaleRussia2007-04-29 07:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsanyone frm here exp. big delay frm nvc
Have you called and asked them about it. It is possible you are in Administrative Review. I was held up at NVC for 5 months in A/R as were many others.
TurboguyMaleRussia2007-07-20 05:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember filers....
Sometimes when the snow starts flying in Pennsylvania I envy those who live in places like Texas and California but when it comes to K-1's I sure don't. I sure hope you all get approvals soon. This is a frustrating process and it sure would be nice if they could find some way to speed it up.
TurboguyMaleRussia2007-02-21 20:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI sent my petition on April Fool's Day

Well you are almost finished with this part of the process.  To be honest I would be surprised if you were not nervous.  In the long scheme of a life spent together a few days here and there won't even be remembered but going through the process they can seem like a lifetime. 

 

She should have her visa soon and be with you before you know it.


TurboguyMaleRussia2013-12-02 06:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI sent my petition on April Fool's Day

Congratulations LT,  I know this process seems to take forever while you are doing it but once she is here and you have built your life together when you look back it seems like it went quickly.

 

It is always smart to hold off buying tickets.  With my first fiancee I was so sure of things that I didn't wait and ended up throwing the money away on her ticket. 

 

I am sure the AP will go quickly and she will be here by your side soon.


TurboguyMaleRussia2013-11-30 09:01:00
Middle East and North Africasorry for posting here
Your best solution is to contact the embassy and ask for a delay in the interview date until a time you are sure you will have the passport. I could be wrong about this part but I belive you are allowed two delays or postponments.
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-11-06 09:03:00
Middle East and North Africahow to proove ties?
I hate to throw cold water on you but it looks to me that he has no ties. You could try family ties and yes a letter from the cyber cafe might help a bit. I hope you have good luck, I think it will not be easy.
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-11-09 09:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuick question about time to use an IR-1

What are you talking about? The OP used a fiance visa for HIS fiancee (now wife) and is now asking about his son's wife.

Thanks everyone.  NLR is correct.  I am asking about my son's wife.  They were married in the Philippines on Dec 28th.  I know a lot about K-1's having done one with my wife 7 years ago and we have been married now for just over 6 years but I have no experience with an IR-1 and am trying to help my son out with some good advice.  Sorry if my post was confusing.  

 

It sounds to me like if it is taking nearly a year they should get busy and file and as long as they have 6 months to use it then there should not be a problem with her work contract.


TurboguyMaleRussia2014-01-15 12:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuick question about time to use an IR-1

I have a quick question about the IR-1.   How long is it good for or in other words how quickly must it be used?    Here is the background.  My son just married a woman from the Philippines.   She is under a work contract in Hong Kong and won't be able to join him in the USA until the contract expires at the end of 2014.   I have done a K-1 with my wife and when the visa was issued it was good for 6 months.  In other words she could come anytime within 6 months of issue.  Is it the same for an IR-1?   

 

If it is the same it would give them a little more leeway in when they apply.  I think they would like her to be able to come as soon as her contract is completed but don't want the visa to expire before she is able to come here.

 

Thanks,


TurboguyMaleRussia2014-01-15 10:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAge Difference

For what it is worth I am 37 years older than my wife and we were approved for her visa without any problems.   When we had an interview for AOS they seemed to grill us non stop but the interview for her visa was not a problem.   

 

Theoretically they can't really pass judgement on who can fall in love and marry (within legal limits) but if the couple seems to have something questionable such as age difference they might look a little closer.  


TurboguyMaleRussia2014-01-15 13:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresjust being paranoid!!!

Did you call them today so that you know that it is still there? If not, maybe your petition is already on its way to Frankfurt and you'll get your packet 3 soon. If I remember correctly, they don't send you an email/letter to let you know they processed and forwarded it. (I might be wrong though - it's still early for me, haha ;) ).

After all, it's only there since march 22, that is not THAT long... . Hang in there, I bet your packet 3 will be on its way soon.


Unless they have changed the program since last year they do send you a notice from NVC that tells you it has been sent to the embassy and giving you the case number it has been assigned so you can track it there. Usually the embassy has it about the time you get your notice. Good Luck
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-03-26 08:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures*sigh* More job confusion
I am looking at this a little differently than everyone else and perhaps I am all wet but to me, what they are going to look at hardest is your previous years tax return and your w-2's. I don't know the timeline on your visa plans but if you are "going to get a job" that pays you the money you need to support a spouce You are not going to have either of these. Next they will look at your last three pay stubs to know that your income is still in place and finally they will look at the letter from your employer to know the likleyhood of your income continuing into the future.

My recommondation is to look for a co-sponsor. Remember the I-134 is not enforced so someone co-sponsering is risking nothing. Of course the truth and convincing someone of the truth are two different things. Good luck
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-03-26 09:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview and Age Difference
The life expectancy for a 78 year old man should be about 10 or 12 years. I would think that is give or take a few and a honeymoon night with an 18 year old could about 10 or 12 years off that.
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-06-04 12:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview and Age Difference


That is really not that much age difference. Sometimes they look a little closer at a couple with a bigger age difference but they can not refuse it for that reason.

I had a much bigger one last year. My (former) fiancee was 27 and I was 63. I have heard of cases where the only question they asked the fiancee in the interview was "How are you today" Mine got a pretty good grilling and she had a bit of an attitude which was normal for her anyway. We got a 221G (intent to deny) but got the visa a few weeks later with a fair amount of effort. My gal missed a couple of questions which was the reason for the 221G I would recommend you spend a little time reviewing anything they might ask. Someone advised me not to do that so she would be relaxed. If I had not followed that advice I would have been much better off.

Just for the record my gal kept her attitude and ended up going home after 89 days in the USA. I will likely be filing a new K-1 with my new gal here in a few weeks. Still a big age difference but not quite as much. This one is 37.

Good luck. Check down on the regional discussion here for Russia and you might find more info.


Turboguy,

What questions did she miss?


She never did tell me what one was other than she missed it. The one I know about is they asked her the name of my kids. She knew I had two grown kids but it was not something we spent much time talking about. Actaully she could have picked any two american sounding names and the interviewer would not have known. It is not on the information they have anywhere as far as I know. I have a feeling my current gal could not answer that and she met them two weeks ago. Now that it has come up, maybe just for the fun of it I will ask her and see if she gets it right.
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-06-02 23:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview and Age Difference
That is really not that much age difference. Sometimes they look a little closer at a couple with a bigger age difference but they can not refuse it for that reason.

I had a much bigger one last year. My (former) fiancee was 27 and I was 63. I have heard of cases where the only question they asked the fiancee in the interview was "How are you today" Mine got a pretty good grilling and she had a bit of an attitude which was normal for her anyway. We got a 221G (intent to deny) but got the visa a few weeks later with a fair amount of effort. My gal missed a couple of questions which was the reason for the 221G I would recommend you spend a little time reviewing anything they might ask. Someone advised me not to do that so she would be relaxed. If I had not followed that advice I would have been much better off.

Just for the record my gal kept her attitude and ended up going home after 89 days in the USA. I will likely be filing a new K-1 with my new gal here in a few weeks. Still a big age difference but not quite as much. This one is 37.

Good luck. Check down on the regional discussion here for Russia and you might find more info.
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-05-28 08:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew 1-129F with IMBRA section.....should i wait before mailing my package off?
A stupid thought that just passed through my mind that i will throw out. (Hypothetically for me) would it make sense for those not waiting for the new form and going ahead and applying with the old to answer the new questions on the draft version of the 129F in the cover letter. It seems to me that this could give them the information that they would send you an RFE to get?
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-06-13 08:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A form question
Think of it this way. When the company changed their name, the old name is not any more. The company you worked for is the new name of the company. Same with address. If they moved they have nothing at the old address so it is of no interest.

You have to remember you are dealing with the government. Once you confuse them they do not have enough reasoning ability to ever figure it out. Just us the KISS system and you will be fine.
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-06-13 08:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresso the NEW I-129F forms is still not available????
I am not sure where I saw it but I did read the new form would be availble starting the 25th or 26th of June. One advantage of not waiting is there are probably a lot of people sitting on their hands waiting for the new one and there will likely be an avalanche of new filings as soon as the new form is available. You can get ahead of that now even though the RFE will slow you down.
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-06-15 08:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAccused of rape
The new 129 form is available. If you read it you will see a question about past criminal history. It says if he was ever "convicted" of a crime it must be reported....... You should not have to worry about it from an application standpoint.
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-06-16 22:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureson K1's proof of relationship
Just keep this in mind. With your original filing whatever you send, you will never see again. That is why you don't send originals of things like birth certificates. You do need originals of birth certificates, divorce decrees and things like that for the interview but they won't keep them.
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-06-15 08:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie question, and I did try researching before asking.
There is no 2 year waiting period after a divorce to do a K-1 or K-3 visa. There is a need to apply for a waver if you are doing a K-1 and have done one within the last two years. The time frame you mention makes me think that is where the confusion is coming from.

I have never heard of a state that required you to be divorced for 2 years before re-marrying. If there is one and it is yours just go somewhere else.
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-07-29 16:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSad news, how do I cancel the petition??
I had to cancel a K-1 visa application last year. Mine was not as far along. Since the paperwork is in Manila that is who you should write.

You need to write them a letter, siteing the case number and tell them you are cancelling the applicaton and wish to have it withdrawn without prejudice. Don't expect to hear back from them for a while but eventually you will get a letter.
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-09-06 09:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion on How to Assemble the I-129F
I think they really prefer one package fastened with the acco fastners. At the interview your packet will be there still fastened that way but two or three times thicker than when you sent it.

The Acco fastners are really hard to find at staples. They do have them. I looked for an hour and even though I am a guy and guys never ask directions, I asked and in a few minutes was out the door with my fastners.

Darn IMBRA. I have enough fastners left for 98 more fiancees and they are only going to allow me one.
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-11-06 09:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswaiver
As I understand your question, it has been less than two years since your last K-1. Yes, you need to do a waver. If they deny it then you would have to wait for the two years to be up. I am in the same boat myself. I will be applying for a K-1 in 4 weeks and am 3 months short of the 2 years.

From what I have heard so far there is a good chance it will be approved if there are no other problems but who knows for sure.
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-11-08 10:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAssistance?
When I first found my way here nearly two years ago I was planning to use an attorney but wanted to learn as much as I could about the process and what I would be facing. The more I read the more I realized that doing it yourself is the faster and easier way. I will add, as Luis said, as long as your case is pretty straighforward.

I have heard some real horror stories about using an attorney. There are some good ones and there are some bad ones and an advertisement that someone has a 100% success rate is not an assurance they are a good one. In fact if someone advertises that they have a 100% success rate and will get your visa faster than doing it on your own, I would look at that as a red flag. There is nothing they can do that will speed up the process and it is false advertising.

Using an attorney you have an extra link in the chain. Insted of the paper work going right in you have it going back and forth between you and your attorney and it sitting on his desk until he gets to it. You have an extra set of eyes and fingers that can make mistakes. You have the correspondence going to him and not to you so you have less of an idea of what is going on if he does not forward things to you.

I had a friend who used an attorney and the attorney mailed his K-1 in the exact same day I mailed mine both to the same center. I gained a month on him in the process.

If you have complications then it is another story.
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-11-09 09:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEnglish translations of foreign documents
Yes, you are right FWAGuy. That makes sense.
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-11-12 11:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEnglish translations of foreign documents
I will agree that anyone competent in both languages can do the translation as long as they have a notarized signature and the proper statement.

However, Someone correct me if I am wrong. I was under the impression that the police report was not considered a document and did not need to be translated. Birth Certificates and Divorce decrees and things like that are documents. I am not sure I am right on this but last year when my former fiancee and I did it we submitted the police report in Russian with no problems.
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-11-12 09:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance doesn't speak English very well yet...
Why don't you just fill out the forms for him and send them to him for his signature. If you need any other info such as old addresses he can give them to you on the phone.
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-11-06 09:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresgot NOA2!
Congratulations. I think that one just broke the world speed record. I expect to be filing mine in 3 weeks. I wish I could be so lucky.
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-11-15 00:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIF I DONT MARRY AND GET BACK,
Yes, she would have to return home and start a new K-3 visa.
TurboguyMaleRussia2006-11-20 21:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusChange of plans.... going to Russia. I need some help though.

The other suggestions of Dominica are going to be wildly expensive and involve transit VISA's through the EU and possibly other countries depending on where the flight lands.

If she were to go through Frankfurt, CDG or Madrid there is not transit visa required. If she goes through London there is.

It is more expensive for her trip but far less for ours and a big time savings for us.

I will agree with the comments about how much the men in Egypt and Turkey hastle you. It was probably our biggest complaint. Still we enjoyed the trip and it was cool to see things like the Pyramids and Sphinx. There are a lot of people trying to scam you. You can end up paying $ 100.00 for a camel ride or $ 5.00 for the same ride.

Thialand was also great. We did Phuket and had our own cottage with a flower garden/forest setting adjusant to the beach for right around $ 100 a night. Very romantic and very affordable. You need to watch the sun there. Even avoiding it we both got bad sunburns.

Edited by Turboguy, 02 March 2010 - 06:38 AM.

TurboguyMaleRussia2010-03-02 06:37:00