Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
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 $600 at Uncle Sam. Thanks for all the responses! Maya ETA: Oh, and we do travel back to Nepal every other year (which is more often than we can afford!) so that, among other things, my husband and son can see their family, including our son's birth mother. So the passport is a necessity either way. Edited by maya62, 14 February 2012 - 04:24 PM.	maya62	Female	Nepal	2012-02-14 16:20:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	When is a US passport not sufficient...	The answer is: NOBODY. For my daughter who is 16 and a PR, the officer who interviewed me told me that a Cert. of Citizenship for her is NOT a requirement. He told me the advantage of having it is that if she lost her passport, that would be proof of her citizenship. But, I will get her a passport card too - which will be proof of her citizenship if she lost her passport. The officer also told me that if I don't have a cert. of citizeship for her, when I apply for her passport, I have to provide evidence of her journey to citizenship. My take on this that, I have no problem with providing this evidence when applying for her passport. I have been providing evidence and more evidence throughout this process, what is hard about providing evidence of how my daughter is eligible for citizenship (when applying for her passport)? My decision: I will NOT be applying for a cert. of citizenship for her. I am NOT ready to part with 600$ for N600. Hmmm... I like that idea... getting the passport AND the card. Maybe I'll hold on to the card even after I let him have the passport. Might save us a lot of time if he loses the passport. Thanks Jupiter07!	maya62	Female	Nepal	2012-02-13 17:05:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	When is a US passport not sufficient...	I have read this forum for a while and have searched for information on this topic. I have seen, on several threads, inferences that there may be times/situations when a US passport will not be sufficient to prove that a child (who derives their citizenship from a naturalized parent) is now a USC. I have not seen anyone spell out a specific instance where this actually happened. In one thread, someone was asked to provide the name of an institution that they maintained had that requirement (a CofC). They did not return to the thread and provide details. So I am curious. Of course I want our son to have whatever he needs to get along and thrive in this country, but I also don't want to spend $600 on a certificate that he may never need or use. So I am asking for specific evidence that ANYONE has ever been told by anyone that their passport is not sufficient proof that they are a naturalized USC, and that they could not do or qualify for something without an official Certificate of Citizenship. Thanks!	maya62	Female	Nepal	2012-02-13 17:02:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	When is a US passport not sufficient...	Here is our situation: My husband is a new USC as of last month (yay!). Our son (my stepson) is 16 and came here with his dad on a K1/K2 visas in 2005. We have lived here together as a family since that time. So he is now, also, a USC. So here's my question: Under what circumstances would a US passport (for our son) NOT be sufficient proof of his citizenship? It works for CPB/re-entry into the US, getting a driver's license under tighter DMV rules, opening a bank account, proving to an employer that one is a USC eligible to work, so who, precisely, would say "a US passport is not sufficient, you need a Certificate of Citizenship". Has this actually happened to ANYONE, and what were the circumstances? Thanks for any information about whether we actually need to spend more money!! maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2012-02-13 16:21:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N-400 MAY 2011 FILERS	I am tickled to report that my husband (and derivative son... lol) are now US citizens! We had a nice time at the federal courthouse in Charlottesville. The asst US atty that presented the 52 (!) applicants to the judge told the audience that he was the son of Iranian immigrants and watched his dad become a US citizen when he (the atty) was 10 years old. I think he did a fantastic job with all the names. And the judge was a character! He joke around a bit... a pregnant woman came up for her certificate and he said "Two for the price of one!" and the DAR ladies who were handing out little flags gave her two. He also told everyone that he really appreciated them doing things the hard (but legal) way. It was a really nice time. Feels good to turn that bad boy red. And best wishes for those racing to the finish line! Please preview post before you Add reply to make sure you have edited correctly Instructions for adding/updating yourself (or assisting others) to this list: 1. DO NOT DELETE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. 2. Please make sure you are using Rich Text Editor as your message setting. 3. Click "Reply" on the most recent/updated posting version of this list. 4. Remove the "Quote Coding" at the top and bottom of the list. 5. Always use [Courier New] Font and font size [2] 6. Red Font="I'm A United States Citizen"! **For more detailed instructions with screen-shots "CLICK HERE"** ============================== N-400: MAY 2011 Applicants ============================== ====================================== USCIS Dallas/Lewisville, Texas Lockbox ====================================== UserName.........|Sent.....|ChkCashd.|NOA......|Fprints..|Int Ltr..|Intview..|Oath.....|FieldOffice......| =================|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=================| Daniellej006.....|04/28/11.|--/--/--.|05/02/11.|07/05/11.|--/--/--.|08/18/11.|09/28/11.|Tampa, FL........| United States Citizen! uscwifey.........|05/03/11.|--/--/--.|05/12/11.|06/14/11.|10/17/11.|11/16/11.|12/02/11.|New York, NY.....| United States Citizen! cherr1985........|05/04/11.|--/--/--.|05/05/11.|06/03/11.|--/--/--.|09/20/11.|--/--/--.|Atlanta, GA......| pkash2010........|05/07/11.|05/13/11.|05/16/11.|06/22/11.|11/04/11.|12/08/11.|--/--/--.|Washington, DC...| Helwardman.......|05/09/11.|05/13/11.|05/16/11.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|12/06/11.|12/22/11.|New Orleans, LA..| United States Citizen! Itareis1.........|05/09/11.|05/12/11.|05/16/11.|06/06/11.|07/05/11.|08/23/11.|09/28/11.|Oklahoma City, OK| United States Citizen! gte221j..........|05/10/11.|05/13/11.|05/13/11.|06/08/11.|08/22/11.|09/21/11.|09/23/11.|Atlanta, GA......| United States Citizen! lovelylili.......|05/11/11.|--/--/--.|05/17/11.|--/--/--.|06/20/11.|07/25/11.|07/29/11.|Atlanta, GA......| United States Citizen! amboston.........|05/11/11.|.$ order.|05/16/11.|06/27/11.|07/13/11.|08/25/11.|08/31/11.|Boston, MA.......| United States Citizen! carpe diem.......|05/12/11.|05/18/11.|05/17/11.|06/14/11.|07/28/11.|08/31/11.|09/20/11.|New York, NY.....| United States Citizen! maya62...........|05/12/11.|05/18/11.|05/23/11.|06/24/11.|11/03/11.|12/08/11.|01/20/12.|Washington, DC...| United States Citizen! soch.............|05/12/11.|05/18/11.|05/16/11.|07/05/11.|10/21/11.|11/21/11.|01/12/12.|New York, NY.....| uham10...........|05/13/11.|.$ order.|05/16/11.|06/21/11.|08/08/11.|09/14/11.|--/--/--.|New York, NY.....| Early FP done 06/03/11 MikenHuong.......|05/16/11.|05/20/11.|05/23/11.|06/15/11.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Pittsburgh, PA...| joemaria.........|05/16/11.|--/--/--.|05/20/11.|06/01/11.|06/27/11.|08/01/11.|08/05/11.|Atlanta, GA......| United States Citizen! Twellspeak.......|05/17/11.|05/19/11.|05/21/11.|06/14/11.|08/15/11.|09/20/11.|11/04/11.|Hartford,CT......| United States Citizen! Sil_Dan..........|05/18/11.|05/24/11.|05/24/11.|06/16/11.|08/01/11.|09/06/11.|09/19/11.|Miami, FL........| United States Citizen! MSR_DC...........|05/23/11.|06/01/11.|05/26/11.|07/07/11.|11/16/11.|12/16/11.|12/16/11.|Washington,DC....| United States Citizen! BeverleyFL.......|05/25/11.|06/02/11.|06/03/11.|07/12/11.|08/05/11.|09/06/11.|09/28/11.|Tampa, FL........| United States Citizen! No-Ten...........|05/31/11.|06/09/11.|06/03/11.|06/30/11.|09/15/11.|10/19/11.|11/16/11.|Norfolk,VA.......| United States Citizen! ================================ USCIS Phoenix, Arizona Lockbox ================================ UserName.........|Sent.....|ChkCashd.|NOA......|Fprints..|Int Ltr..|Intview..|Oath.....|FieldOffice.......| =================|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|==================| Romeonan.........|05/02/11.|05/10/11.|05/09/11.|06/06/11.|06/20/11.|08/03/11.|08/26/11.|Chicago, IL.......| United States Citizen! venkatap.........|05/05/11.|05/11/11.|05/14/11.|06/06/11.|06/16/11.|07/21/11.|07/29/11.|Cincinnati, OH....| United States Citizen! MeIzWatin........|05/10/11.|05/13/11.|05/13/11.|06/22/11.|07/08/11.|08/29/11.|10/26/11.|Santa Ana, CA.....| United States Citizen! c-Low............|05/11/11.|05/16/11.|05/16/11.|06/29/11.|07/08/11.|08/29/11.|10/26/11.|Santa Ana, CA.....| United States Citizen! vanessa_r........|05/17/11.|05/23/11.|05/20/11.|06/13/11.|06/16/11.|07/21/11.|08/26/11.|Reno, NV..........| United States Citizen! lucky_star.......|05/19/11.|05/26/11.|05/27/11.|07/07/11.|08/10/11.|09/14/11.|09/14/11.|Denver, CO........| United States Citizen! kasdfg...........|05/19/11.|05/23/11.|05/24/11.|06/19/11.|08/15/11.|09/19/11.|10/26/11.|Los Angeles, CA...| United States Citizen! lewisC...........|05/24/11.|06/01/11.|06/04/11.|06/16/11.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|St. Paul..........| In line for scheduling since 6/22 cappucino........|05/25/11.|06/01/11.|06/01/11.|08/29/11.|09|01/11.|10|07/11.|10/19/11.|Portland, OR......| United States Citizen! ticosax..........|05/25/11.|05/31/11.|05/31/11.|07/01/11.|08/18/11.|09/21/11.|10/26/11.|Los Angeles, CA...| United States Citizen! Trini08..........|05/26/11.|05/31/11.|05/31/11.|07/15/11.|08/05/11.|09/12/11.|09/20/11.|Chicago, IL.......| United States Citizen! mimhnhut.........|05/31/11.|06/03/11 |06/07/11.|07/25/11.|08/01/11.|09/14/11.|09/28/11.|Santa Ana, CA.....| United States Citizen! sherabi..........|05/31/11.|06/08/11 |06/07/11.|07/22/11.|08/12/11.|--/--/11.|09/28/11.|San Bernardino,CA.| United States Citizen! sf-bkk...........|05/31/11.|06/06/11.|06/08/11.|06/28/11.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|San Francisco,CA..| sfoboy85.........|05/31/11.|06/03/11.|06/03/11.|07/15/11.|08/04/11.|09/07/11.|10/14/11.|Las Vegas,NV......| United States Citizen! ================================= USCIS Lincoln, Nebraska Lockbox ================================= UserName.........|Sent.....|ChkCashd.|NOA......|Fprints..|Int Ltr..|Intview..|Oath.....|FieldOffice.......| =================|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|=========|==================| Maeve............|05/18/11.|...N/A...|05/27/11.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|07/13/11.|09/15/11.|Cincy, OH.........| He's finally a citizen!!	maya62	Female	Nepal	2012-01-20 17:49:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N-400 MAY 2011 FILERS	Oops... SORRY!	maya62	Female	Nepal	2011-12-15 16:22:00
Asia: South	Nepal has been added to the list of Embassies!	There should not be any problem getting photos made from digital, and fast, in Kathmandu. We used a couple of places right in Thamel. One of them is a modern-looking (compared to everything else in Kathmandu) camera shop on ground floor facing the Tridevi Marg, approximately across the street from the building where Fire & Ice Pizza is, and that little brick ATM shrine... lol. I remember it being green and white with lots of glass. I think it's the same building (or a close neighbor) as the one where KEEP used to be and probably NorthFace still is on an upper floor. We had tons of pictures from the village of friends and family (from our visit after we got the visas) and wanted to send a set back to the village with his brother before we left... I think they turned the whole thing around in an afternoon for us, prints and cd's both, and at a fairly reasonable price. But you can just ask around, especially at the hotels or maybe Pilgrim's Books... I am sure there are LOTS of shops like it that are catering to the tourists and will work fast to earn your rupees. I don't think they'll want the photos and other evidence of relationship until the interview, but considering the limited information available about how the Consulate in Ktm works, the interview could be very soon after he delivers packet 3. I guess if I were you, I'd spend at least a couple of days when you arrive visiting your favorite old haunts and any friends and/or family that are around, take a few more pics together, get them developed, and then submit packet 3. You could even go with him to the Consulate to drop it off, if you are planning to be with him at the interview anyway. Getting excited for you! Maya Edited by maya62, 20 February 2007 - 04:45 PM.	maya62	Female	Nepal	2/20/2007 16:42
Asia: South	Nepal has been added to the list of Embassies!	Thanks for adding the review. I read it, well done! Things sure don't sound so busy there in Nepal. Come in for interview the next day after giving packet 3?! WOW! I was impressed that your fiance had everything ready enough to get the visa the next day! Well, he only had a small sample of evidence of our relationship (copies only) and a replica of our I-134 package (again, just copies), and maybe a dozen more pictures. Apparently, that was enough! He's very brave, imho, and does what has to be done. I don't think Nepal gets too many K visa apps. There's a way to figure out what number you are from the case number assigned by the DOS. I did it at the time, but I forget now exactly how it's done. At any rate, by the formula, I think we were case number 004, and that was in the fall of the year! Thanks for adding the review. I read it, well done! Things sure don't sound so busy there in Nepal. Come in for interview the next day after giving packet 3?! WOW! I was impressed that your fiance had everything ready enough to get the visa the next day! So I guess I shouldn't be sweating too much - if I send in the petition in March to VSC we should still be good for June interview??? Yeah, I remember waiting for things anxiously, too. Remember, he's working on Nepali time... lol. Hang in there... you'll be posting your interview in no time! We'll be rooting for you! Maya et al... LOL, too true... I grew up with 'Hawaiian time', but come on!!! Wonder how he'll adjust to the 'New York minute'... There are just so few cases going through Kathmandu, it's hard to tell what kind of schedule the Consulate will have. I think "Ma and Timi" went through quite fast, too. Their timeline says they received packet three on Dec 4 and she had her interview on Dec 11 ! Also lightening fast compared to every other Consulate I've read about. As for the New York minute, now that will take some adjusting! I don't think I could do it! Oy.	maya62	Female	Nepal	2/20/2007 8:42
Asia: South	Nepal has been added to the list of Embassies!	Yeah, I remember waiting for things anxiously, too. Remember, he's working on Nepali time... lol. Hang in there... you'll be posting your interview in no time! We'll be rooting for you! Maya et al...	maya62	Female	Nepal	2/16/2007 14:26
Asia: South	Nepal has been added to the list of Embassies!	It's true... Nepal is now on the list. Thanks Captain! I added a Consulate review from our faulty memories (the interviews were about a year and a half ago!). I invite others to do the same. Best wishes, Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2/16/2007 11:46
Asia: South	What is needed after NOA2	Namaste Raj, Congratulations on getting your petition approved! The next step takes place in India, so I don't think you need to worry about missing mail or friends needing to mail anything while you are gone. The petition package will go to NVC and then on to the Consulate in India you will be using. The package is also making a transition from USCIS (part of DHS) to a different agency: The Dept of State (DOS). You probably won't be dealing with USCIS again until your fiancee arrives, you get married, and file for AOS, EAD and/or AP. For now, just be sure that your fiancee has everything she needs from you for her interview at the Consulate... Evidence of your Relationship, the I-134 package, maybe a little reassurance about what to expect at the interview itself. The Consulate's packet 3 will tell her what else to provide (which application forms, fees, medical info, police certificate(s), etc...). I think I remember reading that there are some things about the process in India that are a little different from other countries, and hopefully someone will be along soon to explain. Best wishes and have a wonderful trip! Maya Edited by maya62, 28 February 2007 - 11:02 AM.	maya62	Female	Nepal	2/28/2007 11:01
Asia: South	Bought my ticket for KTM!!!	ELW, Thanks. I worried at the time about scaring my hubby (then fiance) about the interview with all those questions, but I've always felt better with more knowledge rather than less, so I imagined he might as well. When he called me after dropping off packet 3 and said the interview is TOMORROW, I was so glad we had spent some time on prep. We just ran through the most common questions one more time by phone (just a few easy ones to make him feel confident) and he did fine. As did his son who was 9 at the time! I'm sure your SO will do fine. I imagine he speaks english better than most Americans... Best wishes, Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2/28/2007 14:27
Asia: South	Bought my ticket for KTM!!!	D, I just found my email to mero maya about getting ready for the interview! It's posted here: http://www.visajourn...mp;#entry746476 Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2/26/2007 15:53
Asia: South	Bought my ticket for KTM!!!	Woo hoo!! That is awesome! Man, you are so lucky to be able to spend so much time! I hope you have time (in between earthquakes and avalanches, of course) to update us every so often on how you are doing. I've had pretty good luck with Thai Air, and the service is wonderful. Gotta love a direct flight from NY to Bangkok. When we flew back the last time, we flew right over the North Pole! Someday I hope to take Austrian Air the whole way, but they don't fly to KTM during the monsoon. Hey, do you mind sharing contact info for Tashi the Travel Agent? I'll check with him before I buy. Right now it looks like the best prices for July are going to be buying direct from Thai Air... Well, looks like you are in for an exciting spring... following your I-129F package and counting down the days until your flight. Too cool. Best wishes with the final touches on the petition... Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	2/26/2007 9:29
Asia: South	West Bengal Stalinist regime perpetrates peasant massacre (India)	Not to stray from India, and I know the Maoists in Nepal have ties to those in India, but I wouldn't exactly say they've won yet. They will likely be a strong minority in the new constituent assembly, but still a minority. I doubt we'll see a Maoist PM or a Maoist majority in Nepal anytime soon (please, please let me be right!). In fact, there was apparently a strong march (10K people per the news) against the Maoists in Kathmandu just a couple of days ago. I worry about my in-laws, too, in Nepal. We are going to visit in June... about the time they are scheduled to have elections... yikes! Maya Maya, maoists (Naxals, JVP, Sendero-Luminoso, etc.) never have cared for elections--only for wrecking of societies. They never have a vision for reconstructions. (shown by Naxals' most frequent attempt to boycott elections) OK... this is not comforting I wonder if the Nepali Maoists will try to boycott the very elections they have been clamouring for. Things are such a mess. Still. I am trying to have hope that they have submitted (kind of) to being held in UN camps, have surrendered some of their weapons, and have reached an agreement about what portion of the Assembly will be CPN-M seats. Am I being completely naive? http://news.bbc.co.u...sia/6474303.stm	maya62	Female	Nepal	3/21/2007 10:54
Asia: South	West Bengal Stalinist regime perpetrates peasant massacre (India)	Poor people in India are getting shafted with this whole globalization business. They are trying to hold on to what is theirs but the powers-that-be don't plan to allow that. The Maoists who won in Nepal have allies in the Bengal/Jharkhand region and all hell is going to break loose in within the next few years. Not to stray from India, and I know the Maoists in Nepal have ties to those in India, but I wouldn't exactly say they've won yet. They will likely be a strong minority in the new constituent assembly, but still a minority. I doubt we'll see a Maoist PM or a Maoist majority in Nepal anytime soon (please, please let me be right!). In fact, there was apparently a strong march (10K people per the news) against the Maoists in Kathmandu just a couple of days ago. I worry about my in-laws, too, in Nepal. We are going to visit in June... about the time they are scheduled to have elections... yikes! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	3/21/2007 8:03
Asia: South	Filers from india, nepal and south asia	Well I think the India filers will be more helpful to you, but if you're interested, I did post an Embassy Review for Nepal recently that you may find helpful. Best wishes, Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	3/9/2007 16:41
Asia: South	India and Pakistan both eliminated from the World Cup	http://www.transparency.org/ OK... I did the wine/Idol thing and that was good for two nights, but not a long-term fix. For anyone else who's interested... please check the above link. Has anyone heard of this group, or run into them overseas? Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	4/6/2007 8:56
Asia: South	India and Pakistan both eliminated from the World Cup	Okay, I'm gonna attempt a hijacking on this thread (sorry Ari). Does anyone have any suggestions about anything a lowly concerned world citizen can do to help combat the corruption that is rampant in countries like Nepal and India. It really is on my mind all the time. What can be done??? I know it's bad here, too, and we need to work on our own "house". But it just sickens me to see politicians (and NGO's!!!) lining their pockets when there are people starving on the streets, not getting access to basic vaccines and kids dying by the thousands of preventable disease.... sometimes I think my head will explode, but there are so many unskillful solutions out there, so much mis-directed goodwill.... <rant over> Any ideas about good resources/books/programs/organizations that are worth investigating and/or supporting to help increase "transparency" of these governments? Do I just need to go home and have a glass of wine and tune in to American Idol??? Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	4/3/2007 15:51
Asia: South	Best wishes Nagaraju & Eileen (ELW)	Wow, that's fantastic Eileen... congrats to you both!! Best wishes for a safe trip to the US and a happy reunion! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	4/18/2007 10:38
Asia: South	Best wishes Nagaraju & Eileen (ELW)	Since India is ahead of us as the world turns, and it is already almost tomorrow there... I didn't want to miss the boat on wishing Nagaraju and Eileen best of luck for a successful interview Friday! Like I told my (then) fiance... be calm, be honest, and don't be afraid to let your love show! We'll be thinking of you! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	4/11/2007 13:02
Asia: South	Breach candy medical	Pardon me, and I hope the OP has found the information he/she was seeking. I just wanted to comment on this name "Breach Candy", which strikes me as one of the oddest, apparently-English place names I have ever seen. Does anyone know the origin of this name? Is it actually a Hindi name that just looks English? This thread is the second place I have seen it in a matter of days, after not having seen it my whole life before now. I am reading Family Matters by Rohinton Mistry and it is in there, too. Thanks for any insight anyone has. Hope no one minds me borrowing this thread to ask... A Curious Maya Edited by maya62, 19 April 2007 - 07:25 AM.	maya62	Female	Nepal	4/19/2007 7:24
Asia: South	WE GOT IT!	Congratulations!!	maya62	Female	Nepal	5/25/2007 8:23
Asia: South	He Arrived Safely!	Oh wow, can't believe I missed this! Congratulations to you both, and especially to Nagaraju for surviving the grilling at JFK. Ick. Finger motions?!? That is appalling... poor guy. But now you are together at last. The rest is easy, imho, because you will be there to support one another and can walk each step together. Best wishes for a smooth transition to your new life together and a successful job hunt! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	5/29/2007 10:02
Asia: South	God is GREAT...Visa Approved	Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Ayilliath!	maya62	Female	Nepal	6/12/2007 7:49
Asia: South	Nigerian going thru India? Red flags	Regarding your family, sometimes they ask if the beneficiary's family approves of the match (for instance, they asked whether my husband's parents approved of our relationship, during the interview), but they usually never ask about the petitioner's family, so don't worry about that. Not to be contrary or anything but I'd try to get your fiance ready for that and/or any other question at the Consular interview phase. He may not know the answers to everything, but he needs to know they can ask that kind of question and he must answer honestly, even if it's to say "I don't know". My fiance (now husband) was not asked what my family thought about our relationship, but he was asked for details about my family. Best wishes! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	7/13/2007 12:42
Asia: South	New Delhi Interview Experience	Congratulations! The details about the Consular experience will no doubt be comforting and useful for those going through New Delhi... great write-up! I'll second what you say about documentation and shepherding and double-checking as the paperwork moves along... there are too many opportunities for problems as things move around between countries and govt agencies NOT to be very proactive about the whole process. Staying on top of things can really save time and avoid problems in the long run! Best wishes for continued success in the US! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	7/16/2007 11:21
Asia: South	Big Age difference in K1 and Indian Man !! Pls Help !!	Dang, you know I thought of you specifically when I tried to go back and edit to remove the "very" in front of "unusual" in the 5th paragraph! But I was too late... I'm sorry if I contributed to your angst. I can't claim any particular insight into Hindu customs... I can ask S tonight and see what he says. But in the meantime, I'd ask G if he knows of other examples of Hindu men marrying older women, especially if it is documented somewhere. Anthropologists love to study and write about this kind of thing... maybe there's a book or article somewhere. That's what saved us (I think). I really think the best way to overcome these potential red flags is to document as much evidence of relationship as you can. Did you wear a kurta surwal to the Consulate? I think it is GREAT that the CO asked you if you are Hindu. Let's hope she made a note of it. But you know, I think it is G's intent, rather than yours, that is more likely to be questioned. So I'd focus on that. You guys spent a lot of time together during your short courtship that I don't think sham couples would do, so I'd make SURE to document that well (I'd write a page for question 18 and tell all about what you did - especially meeting his family- prior to getting married... it's not exactly like you waltzed into the Little White Wedding Chapel - or whatever you call it- in Las Vegas the day after you met... ). And my understanding is that urban Hindus are more likely to be more open-minded about these matters and flexible with their customs than rural Hindus (and please nobody flame me for that wild generalization... I'm well aware there are probably many, many exceptions to that statement). As for calling Ktm, I'd find whatever is the cheapest way to call often and still receive some kind of good documentation of the calls. Call me stupid, but I just used my regular long-distance so it would show up on my home phone bill. But we only did that a few times.... Sorry I can't be more help. I'll do a search for anything I can find about Hindu marriage customs and let you know if anything useful turns up... We prayed to Ganesh and Buddha both... I think it helped. Hugs, Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	7/31/2007 16:03
Asia: South	Big Age difference in K1 and Indian Man !! Pls Help !!	Hi Amlan70, This is just my understanding of some of the things you ask about: When you apply for a tourist visa, the CO will be interested in evidence that indicates you will be returning to India, and not staying in the US permanently. Proof of strong ties to your country, in addition to your letter of invitation, will help... I suggest you read this: http://www.travel.st...nials_1361.html It's not that DOS doesn't issue tourist visas to people your age, just that they are less likely to issue tourist visas to people from "high-fraud" countries (I believe India would qualify) who do not have strong ties to that country. Younger people tend not to be quite so "tied" as older people, and young, unmarried men tend to be, some might say, even less "tied" to anywhere in general. I see you have gotten some good suggestions in the K-1 forum. I agree with those posters that you may have better luck with your USC fiancee visiting you. And if I were you, I'd meet first and if you still feel the same about this woman, go for the K-1. Having done some considerable dating via internet in my single years, my experience was that I could get very enthusiastic about a certain individual, only to find when we met that there was no "chemistry" as they say. I hope she is everything you hope she will be. And as to the age difference. When you get to the stage of Consular interview (you will be interviewed at the US Consulate that serves your area), they will be interested in determining whether or not you have become engaged to this woman for the purposes of immigrating to the US. If your relationship is not within the cultural norms of your society, this can raise a red flag for the Consular Officer. I have limited knowledge of Indian customs, but I know in Nepal, it would be very unusual for a Hindu man to marry an older woman/divorced woman/woman with children from a previous marriage. I'm not assuming you are Hindu, or assuming anything (I hope), but I suggest you look at your relationship through the eyes of the CO. And if you think you have an obstacle there, do what you can to overcome it with evidence that your relationship is real. As someone else said in another of your threads, multiple visits is very good evidence. It should be noted, however, that multiple visits by the USC only really indicates the USC's intent (ie, not being paid to marry someone so they can immigrate and get a greencard). And I've also read from more than one source that hand-written cards are better evidence than emails because they show effort, which is something "sham" arrangements apparently lack. Well, I hope this post isn't discouraging. You can definitely do what you are setting out to do, and I hope everything turns out just how you'd like it to. But move forward with your eyes open, and accumulate as much evidence as you can. Whoever flies to meet whomever, be sure you save all your boarding passes! And take lots of photos on different days, with different people, in different places, wearing different clothes. Well, that's longer than I intended! Sorry to be so wordy. Best wishes, Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	7/31/2007 13:21
Asia: South	an interview experience from a friend of mine..	Yikes! That is a scary story! Preparing your fiance(e) for the interview is like walking a tightrope. At least it was for us. You want to be sure they know enough to feel comfortable with whatever question is likely to come their way, but you also don't want to overwhelm them and scare the cr@p out of them either. It's a fine line. I'll track down the list of questions/suggestions I put together for S and post it here soon. Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	8/14/2007 7:42
Asia: South	Certain Specifics about Tourist Visa !!! Pls Help	Amlan, I think you have already thought about all the angles and come up with what ties you do have. All you can do now, imho, is document them as well as possible. Numerous people have said that it is difficult to get a tourist visa from India to the US, so this poster is not saying anything new, really. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try. Just be prepared for either outcome. I think you are worrying yourself sick about something over which you have very limited control. Just be positive, do the best you can, and adjust your plans based on the outcome. Best, Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	8/22/2007 14:54
Asia: South	Certain Specifics about Tourist Visa !!! Pls Help	I imagine mentioning a specific event in the letter wouldn't hurt, but in my opinion, the very best thing is to be perfectly honest. It is too hard to keep track of half-truths, especially when there are other people involved. And if the Consular staff ever thinks there is any dishonesty, that would be big trouble! Best wishes! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	8/21/2007 8:11
Asia: South	Certain Specifics about Tourist Visa !!! Pls Help	Namaste Amlan, As I've mentioned, I think the Consulate is going to be most interested in documents that show you are likely to return to India. In my opinion, items a, b, and c are OK, but item d (the letter from your Institute) is good. I don't know anything about the documents mentioned in item e. Regarding item f, do you have a letter from the institution about the campus interview after your proposed trip to the US? That might be helpful, too. I'm sorry, I don't know the answer to your question about the lease on the apartment. As to which Consulate you go to, I think it is a moot point since you don't get to choose (as far as I know). But I do think they will all be looking for the same thing: documents which indicate strong ties to India and therefore a likelihood that you will return to India after your visit to the US. Whatever paperwork you submit to the Consulate when applying for the tourist visa, I suggest you make a separate, complete copy for your records. I would not be surprised if the Consulate later compares your tourist visa application to your K-1 visa application, so you want to make sure that all the information is the same on both. Best of luck, Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	8/20/2007 8:59
Asia: South	JFK POE	Journeyman, K1 and K3 visa holders are usually given 2 year conditional permanent resident cards when they apply for adjustment of status because they are immigrating based on a fairly new marriage. I have heard of people whose AOS interviews were very close to their 2 year anniversaries, who got very sympathetic and alert IO's who waited to order card production until after that 2 year wedding anniversary and thus were able to order production of a 10 year green card. But most get 2 year cards first, then remove conditions and get 10 year cards. Leastwise that's my understanding... Cheers, maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	8/29/2007 12:18
Asia: South	JFK POE	My husband got the temp EAD at JFK and I think both of us were really glad he did. He worked for the first 90 days instead of sitting around the house. He then took some time off while we waited for the 1 year EAD... we had pre-arranged this with the employer. I think it really helped his mental state to be a contributor right away, rather than a "dependent". I think maybe a lot of men have difficulty being a "dependent" when they have always been socialized to believe they should be "providers". But everyone is different... it may not work for you, especially with that gap between the temp EAD and the 1 year EAD. Although some people believe you can work in between there... I haven't ever seen any conclusive documentation that it is OK or is NOT OK to work through that gap. Best wishes! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	8/28/2007 13:00
Asia: South	JFK POE	My understanding is: if the immigrating spouse checks "yes" in the box on the DS-230 form (asking if you want a SSN), then he/she will get one in the mail (only if you enter with CR-1) a few weeks after arrival in the US. You might want to search or ask this question on the CR-1 forum or the Working in America forum.... Best of luck! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	8/3/2007 12:01
Asia: South	JFK POE	I wrote this post a while back for a guy who was meeting his fiancee at JFK... I found it with the search function. We came through 2 years ago, but from what I've read, it hasn't changed much, if at all: It is quite straightforward. I came through in fall of 2005 with my now husband and stepson. It looked like it hasn't changed for about 50 years, so I doubt it's changed in the last two... USC's go to the right in the Customs Hall, your fiancee will go to the left. If she's not sure[which line to enter], there will be a CPB officer around there to ask. She will go to a little booth where a CPB officer sits. She gives him/her The Sealed Envelope (from the Consulate) containing all her paperwork and her passport. The officer will open the envelope and go through the papers and enter a few things in the computer. He/she will then probably ask her to do some minor biometrics (fingerprint, photo, maybe retinal scan.... I can't remember exactly). Then the officer will tell her to go to a smaller room off to the left. This place really looks like time forgot it... very 50's post modern bureaucrat style... dingy and unattractive. Lots of chairs there to collapse in while they finish the paperwork. There's a big, elevated counter at the front where another officer will look over her papers and put the I-94 in her passport and probably stamp the back of it with the temporary EAD. I checked my husband's passport for the temp EAD before leaving this room [because we REALLY wanted the temp EAD and arranged to detour on our entry, just to go through JFK and get the EAD]. Then she walks through the doors to the inspection area (with those routine questions from the Ag inspectors about what she's bringing into the country... ). And THEN she walks through another set of doors where YOU are waiting for her and you all start your new life together!! Best wishes.... Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	8/3/2007 8:25
Asia: South	New Contact Info for Kathmandu Embassy	Thanks for the update, Pattu Rani. But what surprises me the most about your post is that you got an email from the Embassy in Ktm!! I had several occasions to deal with them in person, by phone, and by fax. When we tried to DCF in March of 05, I'm pretty sure I tried emailing them when I emailed my Congressfolk, but got no reply ... how in the world did you get an email from them? Too cool. M	maya62	Female	Nepal	8/31/2007 7:59
Asia: South	Feeling hopeless	Hi Pattu-Rani, Sorry to hear you are feeling discouraged, and I hope I didn't contribute to it! I think bszoom42's advice is very good. I'd get those affidavits... as many as you can. I don't think your intentions are going to be in question. Everything about you indicates a sincere, sustained interest in the region, the religion, etc... that I doubt is typical of a scammer. I think what the Consulate will be interested in is anything that sheds light on your husband's intentions. To this end, anything that shows effort on his part will help, imho. Hand-written letters, cards, packages, documented phone calls that he paid for... stuff like that. That's just my opinion. The travel together, I think, is excellent. Who said that doesn't count for much?? I would do as bszoom suggests and document where you went, when, and with whom, and include photos. A little album to submit with your package to the Consulate, I think, might be in order. You want to PERSONALIZE your submission, imho. Tell your story a little. And be sure to review all the dates etc... with your hubby so he doesn't give conflicting information at the interview. And if there's a line on your petition (like there is on the I-129F) about how you met, tell the story there, too. Write a page or two (everyone here said no more than a page... well, I wrote a page and a half because that's the shortest I could make it... you can probably see from this post I have a problem keeping things short.... ). And if you run into a snag at the Consulate phase (I think you will breeze through USCIS), you want to be on it like white on rice. Immediately. And by all means possibly: email, phone, fax, even in person if possible. Call out the Senators, Congressman/woman, National Guard, the Girl Scouts. Everybody. That's just my opinion. When I faxed the Consulate (when I found out S's interview was the next day and I couldn't be there as planned), I put all my contact info on the letter (two phone numbers, a fax number, and two email addresses, including my work email addie which happens to end in .gov) and asked them to please call me immediately if there were ANY questions or problems. I wanted them to know I was going to be VERY PROACTIVE. So, that's just my $ .02. I think if you massage this thing, it WILL go through. Heck, it might sail through with no problem at all. But your best bet is to throw everything you have at them (in a nice, slightly mushy, feet-not-quite-on-the-ground way), and be ready to follow your petition through NVC to Ktm, help assemble packet 3, and be available for anything the Consulate might need to feel comfortable issuing the visa. And don't forget Ganesh... maybe a little cheese for his mouse, too. hugs, Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	9/10/2007 15:42
Asia: South	Fiancee's K-1 Visa Approved	QUOTE (Tinker @ Sep 13 2007, 12:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Congratulations.....all the C.O. really asked me about was Jim's motorcylce And that, in a nutshell, is the difference between an interview at a low-fraud consulate vs a high-fraud consulate! Congratulations to you both! And that was a nice, detailed account of her experience, too. Very helpful. Best wishes for a safe trip to the US and a sweet reunion! Maya	maya62	Female	Nepal	9/13/2007 7:45