Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	After interview K-1 PLEASE HELP	Agree you should ask this question in the Foreign Embassy forum, or the Regional forum for N. Africa. Agree it is unwise to purchase plane tickets before the visa is in your hand! It may help (check with others who are going through Casablanca) for your USC fiancee to contact the consulate to inquire about the status, ask if there's anything she can do, just express an interest in what's going on... Best wishes! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2006-12-15 10:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Minimal Tuberculosis	Our son was allowed to enter the US without question despite having a clear positive on his skin test. In fact, no one in either agency (DOS or USCIS) said one word about it through the entire process and he now has his 2 year green card. What is even more disturbing is the fact that we wouldn't even know there was a problem if I hadn't, out of curiosity alone, questioned the results of the skin test myself (I'm the USC wife/stepmom). I just happen to work for a public health agency, so as soon as he arrived here in the US, we followed the recommendations of our public health medical director, which was to get a chest xray (clear) and then start Isoniazid daily for 9 months. That was what was recommended for his specific age and history (vaccinated as a newborn with BCG). Your treatment may be different. I think those who have suggested checking with a doctor in your area are correct. You may want to start at your local health department, if you have one. TB is of public health significance - which is why it is part of the immigration process - and they may have a system in place to help you at the lowest cost. I agree, you should begin treatment as soon as possible and continue until you are completely finished. It is my understanding that completing the recommended course of medication can result in a far lower chance of developing full-blown TB later in life. Keep any and all documentation associated with whatever action you decide to take. If you test positive at your medical exam, you can show them that you are taking appropriate action. Best wishes! Maya Edited by maya62, 26 January 2007 - 12:56 PM.	maya62	Female	Nepal	2007-01-26 12:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Huge Age Gap (24 years) (American/Mexican)	If the difference in ages contravenes the cultural norm, there could very well be a question at the Consular interview stage. Is it common in Mexico for younger men to marry older women? If not, then the CO may very well have reservations about the fiance's motives in applying for a visa. I agree being there if possible, even if you have to wait outside, is a good idea... that shows your support/commitment and you are available if they have questions. And please do heed Andrea and Oskar's experience and make sure your fiance is well prepared for his interview (without scaring him to death... it's a fine line, imho). We were in the same boat once upon a time (I am 7+ years older than my husband). I did my best to prepare my husband (then fiance) for his interview. Here is a generic version of an email I sent to him about preparing for the interview. I got all of these questions from various lists and interview stories here on VJ. Only you can judge whether it is appropriate to send such a thing to your fiance. I'm sure it would freak some people out and that could be counter-productive. The next thing to do is to start preparing for the interview. Please print out this document and review it whenever you have a few free moments. Here are the most important things to remember about the interview: 1. Be calm and confident. You already know most or all of the answers. 2. Give short answers. Some people get into trouble by providing too much information. A short, polite answer is best. 3. Be polite and calm, no matter what happens. Smile. Let your love show a little. This is a list of questions that have been asked in actual visa interviews. Most people are only asked a few questions. Usually, a visa interview is short…. just a few minutes, just a few questions. If you and I are asked questions separately, it is very important that we give the same answers. Even though this is a long list of questions, many of them are very simple. Some questions are really the same as another question, but asked in a different way. The more comfortable you are with these questions, the better. It is possible that they may ask other questions that are not on this list. If you are not sure of an answer, it is OK to say “I don’t know” or “I’m not sure”. Questions they may ask you about yourself: What is your birthday? How old are you? Do you have any brothers and sisters? What do you do for a living? Do you speak and understand your fiancee’s language? When did you get a divorce? Do you have any children? How many children do you have and what are their ages? Have you ever applied for a traveling visa? To what countries have you been? When did you go there? For how long? How did you get there? Are you a member of a terrorist organization? Aren't you afraid to go alone to the US? Have you ever been to the US? Do you have any family in the US? Why do you want to come to the US? Why do you want to marry the petitioner? Are you happy to be leaving? When are you going to leave? How do you feel about leaving your family? Will you be sad? When will you leave for the US? To which city are you going? Are you happy? Does anyone object to you taking your son out of this country? How does your family feel about you marrying an American? What do your parents think about this? What kind of profession do you want to do? What subjects have you studied in school? Do you want to study? What is your plan? What are your hobbies and interests? What is your religious background? Did you fill out these forms yourself? Who helped you fill the forms out for the K-1 visa? Why did you decide to print out all these emails? Have you been married before? What is your ex-wife’s name? Why did your first marriage not work out? Questions they may ask you about me: What is your fiancee's name? Can you write her name? How old is your fiancée? What is your fiancee’s birthday? Where was your fiancée born? Where did your fiance grow up? Where does your fiancée live now? Can you write her address? What does your fiancée do for a living? What does she do at work? What did your fiancée do in the past for a living and for how long? What is your fiancee’s job title? What is your fiancee's salary (income)? Did your fiancée go to university (college)? What did she study? What is her degree in? Do you talk about her degree? What is your fiancee’s religious background? What is your fiancee’s religion now? Does your fiancée speak or understand your language? What is the color of your fiancee’s eyes? What is the color of your fiancee’s hair? Are your fiancee’s parents alive? What are their names? Where do your fiancee’s parents live? What do her parents do (for a living)? Does she have any brothers or sisters? Where do they live? Does your fiancee have any children? Do you know that your fiancée was married before? What is her ex-husband's name? When did your fiancée get a divorce? Does this matter to you? Why did her first marriage not work out? Have you met your fiancee’s family? Why have you not met your fiancee’s family? Has your fiancee met your family? What are your fiancee’s hobbies and interests? What does your fiancée do for fun? What is your fiancee’s favorite food? What color does she like best? What kind of music does she like? What car does she drive? What first attracted you to your fiancee? Please tell me something about her. Are you willing to marry her? Why do you want to go to the USA to marry her? Why do you want to marry her? How do you know she is the one most fit for you? What do you love about your fiancée? Which character/quality/nature do you like best about your fiancee? What do you and your fiancee have in common? Questions they may ask about both of us: Where and when did you first meet your fiancée? How did you first meet your fiancée? How do you know each other? How often have you met? Who made the first move? How long have you known your fiancée? How long have you been corresponding with your fiancée? When is the last time you saw your fiancée? How many times has your fiancée visited? What are the dates of the visits? What did you do when she visited? When did she come the last time? When did she leave? Why did she come here? Where did your fiancée visit when she was here? Have you taken any pictures of your visits together? When and where did you take these pictures? How do the two of you keep in touch (communicate)? In which language do you talk to each other? What do you have in common with your fiancee? When did you decide to get married? When did you get engaged? When did you propose to your fiancée? Do you have a ring? Do you have any wedding plans? When are you getting married? Where are you getting married? When are you going to have the wedding? Will your parents be at the wedding? If you can’t marry, what will you do? (Correct answer: return to my country) Are you planning to have children? Where will you live (in the US)? Best wishes! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2007-02-26 15:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Surprise! We got our Interview Date!!	Wow... congrats!!! Very exciting! Best wishes for smooth sailing! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2007-03-06 13:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	does fiance's daughter need to be at interview?	hello, my fiance's daughter will follow her at a later date (or we'd like to keep that option open) and we stated that her daughter will follow at a later date on our forms. today, i looked at the interview schedule online and our case # is listed two times. i assume for 2 people (my fiance and her daughter). also, there is a blank on the interview appointment letter that is to have the names of family members not required to be at interview. there are no names listed. i was under the impression that her daughter will have to go through an entirely different process at a later date and not need be present at my fiance's interview. i think i not be correct. can anyone explain? thank you I'm sure I'm not the best person to answer this, but this post has slipped on to page 2 without an answer, so.... BUMP. Did your fiancee file paperwork for her daughter when she filed her own visa application(s)? How old is her daughter? How soon will she be following to join you? I believe she must follow within 1 year. I believe each Consulate has its own rules about K2 interviews, but my husband's son, who was 9 at the time, was interviewed in Nepal. Sounds like they are expecting to interview your future stepdaughter. Here are some FAQ's about K2 visas that may help: http://faq.visapro.com/K2-Visa-FAQ.asp Maybe someone who did the "follow to join" thing will come along with more info (my stepson traveled with us back to the US, so I'm not sure about the details/timing of "follow to join"). Best wishes! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2007-03-15 08:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	DAUNTING PREP FOR PACKET 3	OOPS I think the link I posted above sends you on a wild goose chase... another link to a list of forms where I don't see DS 230. Try here instead: http://www.visapro.c...DS-230-Form.asp Sorry!	maya62	Female	Nepal	2007-03-13 15:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	DAUNTING PREP FOR PACKET 3	Try here: http://www.travel.st...forms_1342.html Best wishes... Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2007-03-13 15:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	I am so pissed	Man, I'd be on the horn to my Senators (both of them) and Congressperson (the one from my district) like YESTERDAY. Or even go into their office in person, if at all possible. Find out who the immigration liaison is and ask for a face-to-face with them. Be very nice but persistent. I always thought the name of the game in this situation was to keep the paperwork at the Consulate. Maybe someone can verify if that's still true... I do believe the Consulate is required to respond promptly to inquiries from Senators and/or Congresspersons. So sorry this has happened to you. Best of luck! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2007-03-08 09:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Everything just gets better ... not!!	Second Rebeccajo's post... I've been late on my car insurance payment before and I was told the same thing by my agent.... please do check with her insurance and be SURE they won't pay. My guess is that they will. Hope your luck changes very soon! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2007-04-09 09:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	what happens now!!??	So, here is some update: I called the embassy, and had to wait for a while till they took my call. I told the lady who answered, that I accidentally opened the envelope that I was not supposed to open ... and she said I had called to the wrong department, but that she would ask her colleague about what to do. She said that there is no problems; I should only send the envelope back to the embassy - and they will send it all to me again in a new sealed envelope... What a good relief! I can sleep tonight, and I know now what to do... ... and the best thing; I will go to the usa to my honey during october! //jani "Sending" anything that important gives me the willies (probably just because of our experience with mail in Asia, and I'm sure Sweden has one of the best mail systems in the world), but in order to avoid further hassles, I would definitely send the package through some kind of very reliable service with tracking, or hand-carry it back to the Consulate. Just a suggestion. Best wishes to the OP. Maya (who made a much worse mistake than you!)	maya62	Female	Nepal	2006-08-28 11:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Seperate I 134 for child?	I sent separate but identical, original I-134's for my husband and stepson. Worked OK for us... Best wishes! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2007-09-04 12:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	K2 Visa Denied...Family in Distress We need help!	QUOTE (pj1959us @ Sep 9 2007, 03:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> If you have paid for a lawyer s/he needs to be handling this for you...and pronto! They made an error not issuing the K-2 in this case (as you well know) but with her age this must get corrected soon so that she has time to arrive in the US and adjust status before she turns 21 (you don't want to take the chance she will be refused adjusting as some have due to their age...that's a whole other nightmare!). A K-2 still has the right to "follow-to-join" up to a year after the K-1 has been issued....it may be best for you to try to work from the original petition if at all possible. If you've never received the official refusal, it could still be considered a live petition. Since you are now married if you try for a NEW visa, it will be refused because you were not her stepfather before she turned 18 and she can't get the K-2 (since you're now married) and they will have that excuse to refuse the visa. See what I mean? Until your wife receives her GC she won't be able to apply and it will be in a different preference category and will take quite some time to process. If your lawyer isn't going to help or drags his/her heels or doesn't involve Congressional intervention, then you contact your Representative and Senator to help. (Sometimes they don't quite understand the K-1/K-2 so be SURE they know what you're talking about...I had to educate ours a little bit...but once she understood she was very helpful in expediting it for us). I'm so sorry this happened and wish you the best of luck. I agree with this poster, too. From your timeline it appears you are in the US and were married a little over a month ago (congratulations, btw). If you have not done so already, I suggest getting ALL AOS (and EAD/AP if applicable) packages ready to go as soon as Veronica gets here. You could send the others in now and file hers separately if you want, but she needs to adjust as soon as possible. So sorry to hear of this difficulty. Hopefully soon it will just be a "war story". Best of luck... Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2007-09-10 09:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Unble to attend Interview	Unless I am seriously confused, the OP will not be getting a greencard from the Consulate, either. The Consulate (hopefully) will issue a visa.	maya62	Female	Nepal	2007-10-16 09:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Our Frankfurt Interview	Well I hope someone comes along who can advise you about contacting the Consulate in Frankfurt. If I were you, I would stay right on top of this and contact the Consulate as soon as you find out the best method. I do agree that them keeping the passport is a good sign, but more information would be a whole lot better. Did they give him any papers? Best wishes, Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2007-10-17 15:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Visa denied	I agree the process is stressful, and yours, it sounds, has been more stressful than many. But there are plenty of folks here who have weathered situations just like yours and prevailed in the end. I guess it depends on the amount of determination (which I'd say is directly proportional to the depth of feeling for one's SO, but that's just my opinion). If you decide to take action, I think getting in touch with senators and your congressman/woman would be a good next step. If you want to try to keep the package at the Consulate (if it's not too late now), I'd take this next step immediately. Best wishes... Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2007-10-31 07:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Visa denied	Tried to edit... too late.... From looking at your timeline (interview was October 3... yikes) I thought I should clarify what I meant by proactive, since it has already been nearly 4 weeks since the interview! By proactive I now mean: get on the phone NOW and initiate contact with Sens/Reps, call/email/fax the Consulate persistently until someone clarifies your situation for you until you know exactly what you need to do, and do it yesterday! If the person you talk to doesn't help, ask for their supervisor. Also, check in the forum for your SO's country and see if anyone there has any country-specific ideas for you. Sorry to add pressure, but if you hustle now, there's a small chance you will save yourself a lot of trouble... go! I think a lot of CO's would expect that, in a bonafide relationship, if the visa is denied, fireworks should be starting. Someone should panic. I know I would! I guess everyone's different... Best wishes, and please let us know how things go... Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2007-10-30 15:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Visa denied	You need to take action now and keep that package at the Consulate if at all possible. If you don't have enough evidence, think of any little thing that may help them build a picture of your relationship... more photos, emails, phone records, travel documentation. If you have questions about this, or need ideas, post what you have done (ie, trips, communication, etc...), and what you have sent with your original submission, and people can probably give you more ideas and concrete suggestions. Contact both your US Senators and your US Rep immediately and ask to speak with one of their immigration liaisons. Explain your situation and that time is critical (nicely). Ask for their help. I've read about people turning situations like this around, depending on what has taken place already, but it requires a very proactive approach. Good luck! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2007-10-30 14:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	should I attend fiancee interview?	In my opinion, it shows support and is one more piece of evidence that the relationship is genuine, and you are available in case there are any questions or problems. I had planned to be in Kathmandu for my (then) fiance's interview, but the Consulate surprised us by giving him an interview date the day after he turned in Packet 3! (see our Consular review) It looks like others who have interviewed in Kathmandu have also been given fast interview dates. I just wanted to mention that because I bet your petition package is already in Kathmandu by now, and if your fiancee turns Packet 3 in quickly, she may even have her interview before you get there! Best wishes for a smooth interview and safe journeys... Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2007-12-21 13:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Ask the Embassy. Your Top Questions will be answered by an actual Consulate Officer	QUOTE (JVKn @ Nov 27 2007, 06:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Why is JFK the only POE granting K1s a temporary EAD stamp? and is there a plan to change this in the future so that all POEs grant this benefit? Saludos, Caro It's a good question, but.... I believe the temporary EAD (and POE stuff in general) falls under the jurisdiction of the Dept. of Homeland Security, and not under the Dept. of State (which is the agency in charge of the Consulates)... so we'll have to wait for a brave DHS official who wants to make the same generous offer the Colombian Consulate official has... Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2007-11-28 08:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Ask the Embassy. Your Top Questions will be answered by an actual Consulate Officer	I could be mistaken, but it seems like on VJ we see many beneficiaries emerge from their Consular interviews unsuccessful, but without a clear understanding of exactly why the visa may not be granted, and no piece of paper giving a reason. I would like to know what is the best way in these cases to respectfully insist that a reason be given in writing, to either the petitioner or the beneficiary or both, as to why the visa will/may not be granted. Also, it might be helpful to learn what, if any, recourse is available to those who would like to challenge the finding(s) of the CO at the interview. What is the recommended process? How can one handle such a situation in such a way as to keep the petition/application package at the Consulate until things are resolved? And are the answers to either or both of these questions specific to the Colombian Consulate, or might they apply anywhere? Just a few ideas from my reading here. We're through all that, but I bet others would find the information useful. Thanks... and thanks VERY MUCH to the Colombian Consulate in advance for providing this rare opportunity! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2007-11-27 12:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Interview	QUOTE (malishka36 @ Feb 25 2009, 02:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> He has also herd from people in his country (Nepal Visa office) that they are very strict on US visa now (because of our new President) and only want to give it to musulim people ?? and out of 1,000 only 2-3 people will get a visa. ####### is that about ?? I never heard of that. The USCIS has already approved his application I dont think they can do that it's discrimination. I agree with PR... that sounds like a complete fabrication. Please don't worry about it. Best wishes for a successful interview! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2009-02-26 16:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	k1 visa rejected at chennai consulate	Sauron, I am sorry to hear this. However, there is a fallacy in what the CO told your fiancee. If you are indeed legally married under Indian law, there should be no need to go over there and get married "again" (as you mentioned in your review of the Chennai consulate). As you have seen, that is the point of the USCIS appeal from 2003. You should be able to simply file a K3 application as things now stand. I can't really advise you, but I can tell you what I would do ASAP ASAP ASAP, while the petition is still at the Consulate. I would contact a reputable Indian immigration lawyer in this country, hopefully one who has professional contacts in Chennai who work with the Chennai consulate. I would explain the situation and see what they recommend. I would also explain to them that I am planning, imminently, to do the following: I would also contact both my US Senators and my US Rep and ask to speak to one of their immigration liaisons. Explain the situation, tell them about the appeal ruling and the instructions of the CO, and be sure they understand that I am trying to turn this thing around BEFORE IT LEAVES THE CONSULATE. And I would write as diplomatic a letter as possible to the Consulate about this and FAX it to them, along with a copy of that appeal and a detailed explanation of why I believe I am not legally married under Indian law (and point out that apparently the CO believes the same, otherwise why would he have advised your fiancee to get married "again"). And I would make it clear, to the liaisons and in my letter to the Consulate, that I believe that my fiance signed that affidavit "under duress". That's what I would do. I think many people, when faced with the prospect of further lengthy separation, would leave no stone unturned in the effort to change the outcome of this. That, in itself, is good evidence of your sincerity. I'll post this in your thread about the denial, too, in case anyone wants to offer alternatives or thinks that my ideas are not advisable. I wish you all the luck in the world. Maya ETA: To be clear: I would definitely try to overturn this decision first at the Consulate (not the same as a formal appeal), before I would start all over. But I would start all over before I would try a formal appeal. To try to get this turned around at the Consulate, my understanding is that you need to act FAST. And the folks who seem to me to have the US end of the Batphone to the Consulates, are the immigration liaisons that work on Congressional staffs. Edited by maya62, 09 April 2008 - 07:55 AM.	maya62	Female	Nepal	2008-04-09 07:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Visa Denied	I can't claim familiarity with the US Consulate in Kenya, but I have read about previous immigrant marriages, and the prospective immigrant having family (especially close family members) that have already gone through marriage-based immigration, both listed as possible red flags. Add that to a mis-step in the interview and the overall picture may have looked suspicious to the CO. I am not in any way saying it is justified, just that that looks plausible given what I've read thus far on the thread. What I am not seeing is an urgent sense being communicated to you that you must RUN, do not walk, do not pass go, do not collect $200, to do whatever you can to keep your case at the Consulate. If it were me, here is what I would do first thing tomorrow morning (I'm writing this at 7:30 pm EDT, so too late to do this today I think): Get a hold of the immigration liaisons for both US Senators and US Rep and request in no uncertain terms that their help is desperately and immediately needed to get the case re-reviewed at the Consulate. Find out from them any other suggestions they may have to facilitate this. It is my understanding that a LOT of time, effort, and heartache can be avoided if the decision is reversed before the package is returned stateside, rather than having to either appeal or get married and re-apply. Call, email, and/or fax the Consulate until you get an answer and ask: why was the visa denied? What can I send you that will help to clarify things for you? Will you schedule another interview (and if they will, invest in a trip to be with your fiancee if at all possible)? I wish you best of luck... Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2010-04-06 18:39:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Does US recognize original citizenship?	We are still waiting on AOS, but never too early to start learning, eh? Just thought I'd post this link I found... someone may find it helpful. Unfortunately, my husband's country is on the "NOT" list. Best wishes, all you citizens of the Earth! Maya <singing "Imagine there's no countries...."> http://portal.cuny.e...page/002891.htm	maya62	Female	Nepal	2006-05-08 12:29:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Naturalization Interview Scheduled!	Congratulations Meauxna and DAH! (I'm jealous... hiking and diving in Mexico. Y'all have fun!) Maya Edited to add: PS. Maybe I should know this already, but I have to ask: what does the "A" in DAH stand for now? Alien? A country name? I know, I know, curiosity killed the cat, but I'm nosey too! Edited by maya62, 22 May 2006 - 08:14 AM.	maya62	Female	Nepal	2006-05-22 08:11:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Naturalization Success-the US has a few more citizens today	To Meauxna and her DAH, Heartfelt congratulations! What a great story and well told. The flag was a stroke of genius. It's wonderful that you've reached the light at the end of the tunnel (and to hear that it is possible). Very best wishes, Maya, Chyangba, and our little monkey (our son)	maya62	Female	Nepal	2006-07-20 12:26:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	How does the child citizenshi Act work?	You may find this page and/or the links on the right side of this page helpful regarding USCIS requirements. http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD And regarding DOS requirements for a passport (for child under age 14): http://www.travel.st...minors_834.html I think Jaynel is correct... my guess is that your child is a USC already by virtue of your naturalization, assuming the child is your natural child and is under 18 years of age. But that's just a guess. I wonder if an Infopass appointment might steer you in the right direction? Best wishes, Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2007-07-26 13:19:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	timing of naturalization vs.	Thanks for your reply, Nick. Wow, sounds like an ordeal. Timing is everything with the kids, eh? We are lucky my stepson was only 9 when we started the process. He has been able to ride his dad's coat-tails the whole way thus far, although I think we had to do a separate AOS app/fee for him if my memory serves me (usually not). The 14 year old/10 year greencard thing is a pain, but not nearly as much of a nail-biter as if he were about to turn 18. I do feel for you. I think basically we have nothing to lose by applying for Citizenship at the earliest possible date and hoping it goes through before he turns 14. I'm not above making an Infopass appt to discuss the 14yo thing with them (and hope that it might help move things along, especially if the I-751 has to be processed before the N-400 can be processed). And if we have to apply for a second 10 year greencard for him within weeks of getting his first 10 year greencard (grrrr), and while we are awaiting approval on his father's N-400 (double grrrr), so be it. I do plan on applying for passports for both of them the minute my husband gets naturalized so we are done with all this. Maybe even a certificate of citizenship for our son... Thanks again for the feedback, Nick. Best wishes finishing up with your stepdaughter, if you are still working on it. Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2009-01-26 11:53:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	timing of naturalization vs.	Thanks very much for the replies, Dimples and Motu! Is it at all realistic to think that, if my husband has his N-400 ready to go on Aug 8 (the earliest he can apply), he might get his oath before Feb 1 (our son's 14th birthday)? And our son becomes a citizen the moment his dad does, right? Thanks again! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2009-01-26 09:29:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	timing of naturalization vs.	Sorry, this is slightly complicated. We have filed for Removal of Conditions as of early Nov 08. We are expecting 10 year greencards for my husband and son, if all goes smoothly (knock wood), near the end of this year 2009. Our son will turn 14 soon afterward, in Feb 2010. It is my understanding that, if we were not planning to pursue Naturalization, he would have to reapply for a second 10 year greencard immediately after the first one is issued, because of the 14 year old birthday requirement. But we are planning on pursuing naturalization, for which the 90 day window opens in August of this year, if I understand correctly (at that point, they will be 90 days from the 3rd anniversary of the issuance of their LPR status in Nov 06). My question is this: If we have our naturalization application (for my husband) ready to go on the first possible date in early August, is it possible or even likely that he will be naturalized (and therefore our son will be too) before we have to apply for that second 10 year greencard for our son? I've looked at the timelines for the Wash DC local office and it looks like it can take anywhere from 2 to 7 months to get from app to oath. One couple had their oath on the same day as their interview, which was only 2 months after they filed! How'd they swing that??? Thanks for any light anyone can shed on this... Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2009-01-22 17:13:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Citizenship interview with conditional PRC	I think we are likely to be in this boat... sending in the N-400 hopefully this August, while we still have a pending I-751. My question is this: How soon after getting US citizenship are people able to get US Passports? Thanks! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2009-03-30 16:02:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N-400 docs gathering!	I am confused re this issue of documents needed... please excuse my piggy-backing on this thread... Do we still need to submit things that prove the validity of the marriage at this point? I am talking about the kind of things that we submitted with the original petition and with AOS, like photos of us together, cards/mail addressed to both of us, proof of jointly owned stuff, proof of trips taken together, utility bills, etc... ? I looked in the guides and in the instructions for the N-400 and didn't see any such instruction, but I don't want to leave it out if it is necessary. I'm getting rusty at this USCIS stuff! Thanks! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2010-01-16 13:11:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Green Card update for Teen?	Oy, this topic gives me heartburn. We tried to do the right thing regarding this requirement, and I still don't understand why we were not successful. We filed an I-90 2 days after the month following my son's 14th birthday and USCIS sent it back. You can find the whole story if you search maya62 and look for a posting entitled "immigration question on OT *gasp*". I am still so confused. My son's 10 year greencard expires in 2018, and it was just over a year old when he turned 14. He thinks he was fingerprinted when he did biometrics for the 10 year card, but none of us can remember for sure. Now we are about to file my husband's N-400, and we want to go to Nepal this summer. My son's 10 year GC is now a whopping 2.5 years old. So I just have one question: With all the confusion surrounding this issue, has anyone EVER heard of ANYONE who had trouble re-entering the US with their teenager because the teenager did not have an updated greencard issued after the age of 14??? I'd really like to know. Maya PS If we do go before my husband gets his citizenship (and our son), I will be taking ALL the documentation of my ATTEMPT to get him an updated greencard along with us to Nepal, and be ready to present it upon re-entry if we have any problems... I'll also be taking the phone numbers of our congressmen and hopefully names and direct lines to their immigration liaisons! GRRRRR hopefully I'm just worrying about nothing (that is usually the case)...	maya62	Female	Nepal	2011-05-05 18:29:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Resubmitting Evidence for N-400?	We sent in only evidence that was accumulated since our last submission (ROC), so about 2 years worth of bills, joint account statements, photos, letters, car stuff, insurance stuff. It was still probably way more than they wanted, but we've gotten this far doing nice fat submissions, so why quit now? I won't know what to do after this is over and I go to take a photo of family still thinking "will this photo be good for our next package to USCIS??". Good luck to everyone! Maya`	maya62	Female	Nepal	2011-05-26 15:45:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	travel after N-400	sounds great.. thanks Namaste Prince, I agree. In fact, we just went back to Nepal right after my husband's biometrics appointment. We were gone for 2 weeks and got back about 10 days ago and still no interview letter. You can get a pretty good idea of average waiting times between events from the threads on this forum that list all those who filed in a given month. Its not a guarantee, but there are certainly some timing patterns that most seem to share. I agree with those who have suggested to travel between biometrics and interview. So, for example, if you want to go home for Dashain, you might file in mid September with hopes of a biometrics appt in early to mid Oct, then leave right after that for your holiday. Several people who filed in May (like we did) were able to do their biometrics early on a walk-in basis, too, so you may want to check with your local office to see if that is an option. Subha kamana, Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2011-07-22 14:16:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	unusual attitude	Well I wouldn't take it personally. Maybe someone peed in her Cherrios that morning, or maybe they have instructions to be @$$holes every 10th interview. Or maybe someone in her family just died, so better yet, answer her hostility with compassion. Could be anything and may not have anything to do with you. Just be cool, shepherd your application through the process carefully, and give them what they ask for. You're almost there! Best of luck... Illegitimi non carborundum! maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2011-11-02 07:47:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Interview review - Fairfax, VA	Oooh, we're going through Fairfax as well. Sorry you got the PMS girl. On a brighter note, the interviewer we had for AOS in Fairfax was a nice woman. I think she was originally from Eastern Europe somewhere, based on her accent. Congrats!!!	maya62	Female	Nepal	2011-07-14 14:22:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	US passports for father and son	Sorry our situation was not clearly stated in my original post! My husband and stepson immigrated together in fall of 2005. They are both LPR's and my stepson lives with us full-time. My husband is about to take the oath of citizenship next Friday. My stepson will turn 16 less than 2 weeks after my husband becomes a USC. We will be applying for passports for both as we travel back and forth to Nepal every couple of years. Aaron thanks for the info, and Brother H, thank you for the info and the link. It looks like it applies only if we submit passport applications before my stepson turns 16. So we'll just wait. Interesting though, that kids over 16 do not need this form. Has anyone ever had trouble getting originals back from DOS when submitting them for a passport application?? And since the one Certificate of Naturalization applies to both passport applications, is it advisable to do them A) together or B) father first, then son (when we get the Certificate back from the first application process)? Thanks! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2012-01-10 09:09:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	US passports for father and son	We are so looking forward to my husband's oath ceremony next Friday! I have a few questions about applying for passports. Looking ahead, we would like to get US passports for my husband and our son (my stepson). Our son is about to turn 16 in February. From reading here and on the USDOS website, it doens' t look like there's substantial difference between applying for a 15 year old and applying for a 16 year old, except that the former will result ina 5 year passport and the latter will result in a 10 year passport. Can anyone think of a reason to rush and get the apps in before he turns 16? We have no immediate travel plans. It looks like we have to apply in person because they are both first-time US passport applicants. It also looks like my husband's Certificate of Citizenship is proof for both of them of US citizenship (along with birth certificate and translation for our son, as well as proof of legal entry, which I assume is his cancelled visa in his Nepali passport) . So should we just hand it over at the post office and hope that all the info stays together??? I am so nervous about giving them the originals of all of those documents, including his foreign passport!! Are they reliable about returning this stuff?? I can't imagine trying to replace his Nepali birth certificate or passport. We'd probably be soaked for beaucoups bribes. Last question: they want permission from both parents. Our son's biological mother is in a remote village in Nepal. We have a letter from her stating that she wants her son to go live with his father in the US, but it is not official in any way. Nepal is not party to the Hague Convention. But I have met her and it is clear that we have her blessing to have him here with us. The USDOS says you should/can write an explanation about why the other parent is not present, but I wonder if anyone has submitted such a thing, and if so, what did it say? Thanks for any insight anyone can offer! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2012-01-09 17:04:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	When is a US passport not sufficient...	Thanks to everyone for their answers and opinions. Jupiter is right... our situation is straightforward... no issues. And he just turned 16. And I would love it if our situation was: do we spend the $600 on a CofC or do we spend an extra 2 days at Disneyworld this spring? But it's not. The question is whether or not we spend $600 on a CofC or put it in his (too small) college fund. So far no one has posted an instance where their child was adversely affected in any way by not having a Certificate of Citizenship, so I'm not getting all excited about throwing another $600 at Uncle Sam. Thanks for all the responses! Maya ETA: Oh, and we do travel back to Nepal every other year (which is more often than we can afford!) so that, among other things, my husband and son can see their family, including our son's birth mother. So the passport is a necessity either way. Edited by maya62, 14 February 2012 - 04:24 PM.	maya62	Female	Nepal	2012-02-14 16:20:00