Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	I-134 question.. co-sponsor was not born in US..	My posting has been referenced regarding my husbands recent interview at the Naples consulate. Whether it can be verified by internet I am not sure, however, my husband was shown a correspondance from the Department of State to US Consulates stating something like "due to current financial events they are requesting that consulates be extra diligent in confirming petitioners still meet income requirements" and it had a list of things for the consulate to check like recent pay verifications, bank accounts, employment validity etc... and it had something about "calculating real value of assets such as house etc" but he did not have a chance to read it all and since that part did not pertain to our situation he did not retain that info... it was in more formal govt mumbo jumbo, but the CO pointed to it and paraphrased that they needed further information. It was not exactly a secret document, but it was in a big binder that the CO referred to and was dated from August. When my husband showed the asset info from Italy and his letter of employment she showed him this letter and proceeded to ask for a current bank statement showing that we had the liquid assets in an account in MY name. My income was iffy since I own my own business, so I produced the doucment and the visa was issued... Not sure how many consulates are following this advice but better to be safe then sorry. To the OP, there is a chance that they will not ask, or that they will RFE for it... Roll the dice or go with the secure route and send it in anyway. If you have a stubborn co-sponsor then wait for the RFE if you get it... All it costs is time...	christeen	Female	Italy	2009-11-27 00:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Is a 401-K considered an asset?	Yes... as long as it can be liquidated then it is an asset... You need 3x the difference between what you earn and 125% poverty level	christeen	Female	Italy	2009-12-10 21:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Why can the Embassys be so confusing?!	QUOTE (Leeander and Stac @ Dec 22 2009, 01:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> So am looking at two diff pages on the London embassy website, one page says i need to fill out and send forms; ds 230, ds 156 +copy, ds 156k +copy, ds 157+copy and ds 2000! n then the checklist obviously. Then the other page on same site says only forms ds230, ds 156 +copy, ds 156k, ds 157 + copy. So which one is right?!!!! For the London embassy to clarify. And also, question on originals, do i need the original tax returns form sponser n co sponser, or is just signed copys ok from them to show at interview? With the sponsers or co sponsers affivdavit, do they also need to write a letter accompanying it? If so what does it need to include? There are way too many people saying way too many things, i know everyones diff but that is why i decided to post cause after looking i was finding too many answers for me. Thank you for answering To be honest, other than plus of minus a copy, the forms they are asking for look the same, not sure of the confusion... However it is always better to err on the side of caution and put a copy of everything in the package... Copies of Tax returns are fine since originals are most times sent to the IRS when filed	christeen	Female	Italy	2009-12-22 13:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Small tear on the side of sealed visa envelope - HELP!	QUOTE (grinchus @ Dec 2 2009, 04:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (grinchus @ Dec 2 2009, 11:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Darnell) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> ... But - if it's a TEAR or a RIP, and IF you have any concern - you can go back to the consulate, they can RE-SEAL it for you... It's a PITA to do this, so examine the packet again... see if CUT or RIP. I can't check it as I am in the U.S. and the envelope is in Italy. I will ask my fiance' if it is a cut or a tear. From the way he described it, it sounds like a cut made by the clerk. Thanks. Hi all. Darnell, thanks for making me freak out again. JOOOOOOOOOOOKING!!! I appreciate your help, and it's good to check everything and make doubly, triply, sure. My fiance' said that it is not a tear. It is clear that it was not made by someone's hand or fingers, but that it's a little cut. So it seems that all is well. It didn't help that my fiance' described the envelope in question as "tutto sfasciato" when he first told me about it, which means "completely ripped to shreds." He is a very colorful Neapolitan who tends towards hyperbole and histrionics, which is mostly extremely endearing and wonderful, but in this case since we're dealing with US immigration bureaucracy, I would have preferred that he describe it as "a teeny, tiny little cut." ho capito... sempre tragico!!! non preoccupare	christeen	Female	Italy	2009-12-02 23:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Do Tourist Visa's Freak You Out?	QUOTE (Shani682 @ Dec 24 2009, 03:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> If you have no strong ties to your home country and are dirt poor the US embassy will treat you like you'll want to come over and stay for good illegally... Good reason! My first ever US visa was a B1/B2 valid for 1 year... I don't think I was treated badly at all as they treat everyone the same (with suspicion - if you have nothing to hide, sure you're not gonna stay here illegally then you'll have no problem!) So I used that a few times, when it ran out I applied for another and got granted a 10 year multiple entry tourist visa... It's all about trust, and if you get denied they usually have good reason... That's why I recommend before getting married on a K1 to try and visit on a tourist visa first, you should think twice about marrying someone the US embassy would not even allow into the country as a visitor! Scuse me, but mine is fron Italy, not exactly 3rd world and was a Staff Chief Engineer in charge of a 4,000 person cruise ship and the still treated him like ####### upon entering at Miami... So I believe it is more then just a screening process, it also has a lot to do with a power trip from certain officials... 14 years coming and going from the US, a VWP country (which by the way non VWP countrys have such a difficult road compared to European/Canadian countries) and they still give #######??? I would not exactly base my judgement or worthiness of a fiance upon the whims and attitudes of USCIS or Consulate opinions of whether they grant a visitor visa. Can you say ELITIST????	christeen	Female	Italy	2009-12-25 20:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Do Tourist Visa's Freak You Out?	Totally get where you are comin from... My husband has worked for a cruise ship for 14 years and came in under C1/D visa (crew member) and they are real a$$holes about that.. Especially in Miami... Every time he got put in the "cage" as they call it.. The glass box for extra processing!!! He is always terrified about US immigration... When he finally entered with the IR1 he was so nervous... Now he has traveled with his GC and he is SHOCKED at how different he is treated!!!	christeen	Female	Italy	2009-12-24 01:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	k1 visa, co-sponsorhip refused	No need to clarify to me... I was just making a point for you in case you have not thought about some of the challanges that face the two of you.. Apparanlty you have... I have just seen a lot of posters here who have not so clearly thought through what they are doing and what they are expecting. I am glad to see that you have thought about these things and that your SO seems to be prepared to share the load with you... However, this does not solve your dilema... It seems that you have considered wisely as to WHY you are doing it... But, As others have suggested, you need to start to think of HOW you are going to make it happen. One cannot discount the importance of financial security of some sort in a relationship, it is not everything, however with special needs children it is something to consider. Right now, your options are to re-file the K1 or find a way to get married so you can have your co-sponsors income considered OR find a way to get certified and earn enough income... I cannot imagine your situation, however you have to start to think of how you are going to make it happen. So far, all I have seen from your posts is all the reasons why you cannot make it happen. If something is important enough, you do what it takes to make it happen... It will certainly not be easy, but rarely are the great things in life... You are not a kid and seem to have a grasp of what you need and want and it seems you have found you match... Now just make it happen... Do what you have to, make arrangements with parents to help, have you SO work, save and assist you financially... do what you need to do. And right now, you need to decide to re-file K1 or find a way to get youself over there and get married... I wish you the best in your journey	christeen	Female	Italy	2009-12-17 00:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	k1 visa, co-sponsorhip refused	Not to belabor a point, however, it sounds like you have your hands full as it is and frankly, the reasoning the "he has been faithful and did not do anything bad or disloyal" seems like a pretty weak arguement for marriage... He has stayed strong, but he was not there, actually dealing with all the chaos and situation you are in... Marriage does not solve anything and how will it be once he comes here?? Lest take a little walk in the future.... he comes over here, he cannot work because of AOS and EAD... So he is stuck in the house all day with the chaotic kids... Between the two of you cant afford a pot to piss in so you are both stuck there, indebted to the whims and moods of those who support you, not able to do anything and what?? You are going to leave to go study and work and leave the kids with him all day??? He cannot work as he is waiting for his EAD... this is a recipe for future posts about how your SO is not adjusting and you are argueing and miserable??? Marriage is not all rainbows and butterflies, it takes hard WORK and even in good times it is trying sometimes... And lets be honest, your situation is not exactly the smurf magic forest over there.... Sorry, but it sounds like you need to get a hold of your own personal situation before you add another layer on top... On one hand you say how your family can help you, then you say that they cannot??? I personally would say that you are not at a point in our life for marriage and bringing another weight to put on your shoulders... Think carefully... However, if this is something ou insist, you need to find a way to get married and file CR1... "She steps down from her soapbox now"...	christeen	Female	Italy	2009-12-16 23:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	May I bring to the interview my laptop?	No electronic device of any kind no CD's Cassettes, DVD’s VHF will not be accepted as proof of bona fides as well. Remember at the pre-screener window your docs need to fit under the window, 1”Hx12”W no hardbound folders or anything over ¾” will go under! The pre-screeners can get a lil-piss sometimes if you have to pull stuff out and mess around so keep everything manageable. There is no "window" at the Naples consulate... It is a lady at the desk	christeen	Female	Italy	2010-01-03 22:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	May I bring to the interview my laptop?	Well, i have all the pictures, e-mails and so on on my laptop. Does anybody knows if it could be brought to the interview? In that way i can also show all the times i've been here with my g/f because the stamps on the passport can only say that i've been in the USA (19 times since we met ) Naples does not allow computers or cellphones...no electronic equipment	christeen	Female	Italy	2010-01-03 18:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Refusal & green worksheet gave after interview... please help	You need to submit your original birth certificate, the baby's birth certificate and fill out the 134, that is the first things to satisfy their requirements. Even though you do not earn enough and have a co-sponsor, you still MUST submit that... Once you get that back on track, check craigslist or look for a "weekly" efficiency apartment or extended stay hotel that rent by the week with a kitchenette. In a few weeks when the baby is strong enough you can return to Jordan... You will need to think of an alternate plan for income since your fiance will need to adjust status and apply for work authorization so it will be a few months after entering the USA until he can work... Good Luck and congratulations on the baby	christeen	Female	Italy	2010-01-10 14:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Foreign Fiance Assets - Affidavit of support	We received our NOA2 for a K1 visa almost a week ago, now we're collecting all the docs for my interview at the US consulate in Naples, Italy. My fiancee doesn't earn enough to reach the poverty line (she's a student and has a part time job) but she's got money in a savings account that would be more than enough to comply with the 3x1 rule (or 5x1 required by our consulate in Italy). Do you guys think it is alright to go just like this, or should we preferably get a co-sponsor within her family? Also, what documents do we need to prove her income and amount in her savings account? Is the affidavit of support form enough or do I need to bring any further proof with me? Naples will require that you show a bank account in the US citizens name with the required assets. You need to bring bank statements. For Naples that should suffice.	christeen	Female	Italy	2010-01-10 16:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	I-134 Co-sponsor can't provide employer letter	There should be no reason for this policy (providing the employee, your sponsor asked for the employment letter) other than the possibility that employees may get all or a portion of their pay "off the books" - in that case there may be a problem with proving the sponsor has the means by which he can act as a sponsor. I would ask the sponsor if this is the case. The employment letter doesn't have to indicate how good the employee is, just how much he makes. Theoretically no, but it is a policy of some companys that across the board, they DO NOT provide employment letters. to OP; just bring paystubs/proof of employment and you can print out bank statements (specifically showing deposits) and bring those if you like	christeen	Female	Italy	2010-01-13 14:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Tears in Visa envelope	They are normal, they put a small cut in the corner in case they need to look in to be sure they have the correct person... No worries... Edited by christeen, 13 February 2010 - 11:33 PM.	christeen	Female	Italy	2010-02-13 23:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	The big brown envelope	A mis-staple should not be an issue...	christeen	Female	Italy	2010-02-20 11:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	co-sponsor	Why is it rare for them to accept co=sponsors with K visas? I am bit nervous because my boyfriend is trying to come from Ireland and my parents have to be co-sponsors since I am a student. A bit worried now.. :/ Just an FYI, the US does not have a "boyfriend visa"... You might keep in mind to refer to him as your fiance in all communications as this is a vital distinction.	christeen	Female	Italy	2010-03-29 18:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	K1 interview	The Naples interview was fairly straightforward.. They asked him a few questions and were pretty serious folks but not mean at all, just businesslike. When we went through a few years ago they had a big emphasis on the financial stuff, not sure if they are still like that? But the mailbox they deliver the passports to at the end of the day had a LONG line, so get there early to avoid the wait! Good luck!	christeen	Female	Italy	2013-04-01 20:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Fiance Visa taking way too long. help please	AP has NOTHING to do with you, the USA citizen and EVERYTHING to do with your fiancé. Name check (AP) can be a big black hole as they are waiting for background checks to clear. Unfortunately, this may also slow down with the govt shutdown as they rely on federal agencies to complete these checks. You might check with the AP area of VJ as they can give you info and support... Good luck and hang in there...	christeen	Female	Italy	2013-10-01 23:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Petitioner unable to be at beneficiary's interview (split topic)	There is no requirement for us U.S. citizen to be present	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-01-11 14:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Kabul Embassy asking for engagement video	they asked for my engagement video when my fiance took the video after their review they told us that the video shows a marriage ceremony not engagement. our case was denied now starting spouse visa What happened to you is exactly what I was thinking the embassy was trying to prove... I am guessing they have had a bunch of couples who have been doing a "ceremonial marriage" before coming over on the k1 and they are onto this trend... To the OP be careful, if your engagement ceremony looks or smells like a "wedding" you might find yourself in the "too married for a k1 and not married enough for a CR1" situation. This is why so many people warn against the big ceremony that looks like a wedding before the k1 visa.	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-02-11 10:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Cenomar for K1 interview	CENOMARs is phillipines specific...	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-02-20 00:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	please help, I'm going crazy	Don't get too upset missing the "wedding on actual valentines day" thing... From a practical point of view, Waaaayyy overdone and commercialized and every anniversary would mean overbooked restaurants, overpriced flowers and overbooked hotels... So better off you getting your OWN day for your wedding and anniversary! Hope you get the visa soon...	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-02-20 00:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Drug Test at Med Exam and Legal Prescription Drugs	If the drugs he is currently taking fall under controlled substances in the USA.. Yes. He should be prepared with prescriptions. Although others have mentioned in Phil they don't usually test? Besides, You said he was on a cough medicine in January with morphine ... If it was back in January there should be no issue... Unless there is other drug use you are specifically concerned with.	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-04-26 14:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Drug Test at Med Exam and Legal Prescription Drugs	Marajuana is NOT legal according to the federal govt.. It is a class A drug and NOT legal (even though state law contradicts this, it is something that will eventually need to be rectified in the legal system, but until that time, per the US govt it is not legal to smoke pot.. Period) . So it would not be recognized as a prescription drug, regardless of the state laws... Morphine has a different chemical,signature than heroin... The responsibility for determining the abuse of such drug lies with the prescribing doctor, not the US govt. if they find morphine, hydro condone, oxycodone etc... In the system and the person has a valid prescription for this medication, then of course the govt will not question it's presence in the system. However, it will be brought up,the underlying condition which dictates its use.	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-04-26 12:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Drug Test at Med Exam and Legal Prescription Drugs	If he was prescribed a medication by a doctor (with the exception of drugs classified as class A, having no medical value aka. Cocaine, heroin, marajuana etc..) then no issue, they are testing for substances illegal	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-04-26 10:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!! IM SOOOOOO SAD!!!!!!!!	If it gets denied (or sent back with recommendation to revoke where they let it sit and expire) the. Your next course of action would be to find a way to marry and file CR1 ... You obviously managed to get over there at some point in the last 2 years, you will need to do some planning to go again... Good luck	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-06-16 18:08:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N-400 February 2013 Filers	I included all the above (we are filing after 3 years with 10 year green card) but I included a copy of our car insurance together, our mortgage together and a joint bank statement. But I guess I am not overly worried about proving legit marriage, been married over 10 years now...	christeen	Female	Italy	2013-01-18 16:13:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Travelling After applying for Citizenship	Just to reassure people here: It is perfectly fine to travel internationally during naturalization process. I went to Canada for 7 days after my interview, but before the ceremony. Your green card and passport is all you need to get back to the US, and you'll have to mention that you traveled to the USCIS officer when asked, but that's it. There are no complications or delays related to that, assuming the trip is of normal vacation/business kind of trip for a few days/weeks. Ok... Thanks... Sorry, moment of panic, thanks for reassuring me	christeen	Female	Italy	2013-02-20 18:08:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Travelling After applying for Citizenship	Ok.. Just want to clarify... It IS ok to travel after applying for citizenship? We applied in January, did biometrics in February and have the interview in march... Each week or so, he has to leave the USA for a day or two for work (repairing ships)... My understanding is that he brings info regrading each trip to the interview and we will be ok... Also, between the interview and oath,meh will inevitably have to leave the country for work, will this be an issue? The first response to this thread got me a little worried. Can someone clarify for me?	christeen	Female	Italy	2013-02-20 17:15:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Anybody experience with getting passport same day?	All Good to know... We are going to have to do this as well in Miami!	christeen	Female	Italy	2013-03-04 12:30:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	How to travel with dual Citizenship ?	Thank-you for the information! I second the global entry vote! At some airports they also have a fast lane for security going to your flight. At miami airport, when the CBP line is hours long, I zip by, get the bags and then go through the special global entry customs line saving me literally 2 hours of BS! If you travel outside the USA, it is the best $100 you can spend!	christeen	Female	Italy	2013-03-05 10:18:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	sticky situation	On an additional note... The above case is a very important lesson on WHY doing things correctly and above board and not trying to cheat the system is important not just for the sake of honesty, but for the sake of personal protection. The woman in question was ASSAULTED and because of her (and he employers) actions to avoid paying taxes, has left her vulnerable and unable to speak out in her defense because of fear of getting caught. What would happen if say she got seriously hurt while working, or did damage? Everyone's hands are tied and true justice cannot take place. I know times are tough end everyone wants to save a buck or make an extra buck, but at what ultimate cost. My advice would be to file back taxes (this eliminates whatever the employer might have as leverage for not reporting him), and not go back. My conscience says to report him, but I do sympathize with her situation and his position in the community and have to honestly say that would be a scary prospect. If all else, I would say she learned a valuable lesson about protecting herself by working within the system not under it. Making things right will lift what I am sure Is a big weight off her shoulders moving forward... Come clean with uscis, they can forgive if you make it right, not if she continues to lie. it might cause her case to be looked at more carefully, but in the end I do not think it will cause her to be denied. She needs to tell uscis that her employer refused to file a w2 of her and she did not known how she should file and she really needed the job at the time and she wants to make it right. The employer will look way worse taking advantage of a vulnerable immigrant for a cheap laborer.	christeen	Female	Italy	2013-03-12 14:07:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Traveling during the processing of N-400	No issues whatsoever... Just be sure to give them the info on any trips you make ( between the filing and interview as well as between the interview and oath).	christeen	Female	Italy	2013-03-20 12:21:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Civics test question	Just one needed (or even close to one of the answers is usually enough).	christeen	Female	Italy	2013-03-20 15:11:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	My son got refused for applying U.S. Passport from USPS. HELP!	Don't know about you... but i had a lady at my post office who asked me "what country is italia"? When I was sending a box to Italy... With that in mind there is NO WAY I would trust them with getting my passport right! Just sayin... Get a supervisor or go someplace else!	christeen	Female	Italy	2013-03-30 19:09:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Freaking out about Interview	When they ask the questions from the application,meverything is to the best of your knowledge... Sounds to me that to the best of your knowledge, you are an upstanding lpr and should be an upstanding citizen as well. If you have not lied to gain advantage then your should be ok. Keep the anxiety in check, keep calm and move forward, don't get sidelined by fears... Keep focused and you will be fine, deep breath! (We all know where your coming from and give in to moments of unwarranted panic)... You'll be fine Totally understand the worry my husband and I have our interview on Monday and I'm doing a little freak out as well. In the end if you have all your papers in order it should be fine. Deep breath... You'll be fine too!	christeen	Female	Italy	2013-03-12 20:36:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	one day passport!!!!!!	At the Miami office we used a credit card...	christeen	Female	Italy	2013-04-09 16:59:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	one day passport!!!!!!	He had the latter from the ship he was attending with his reservation, plus a letter from his employer stating he was scheduled for a job on Sunday leaving the USA. I talked to one guy there who made a fully refundable reservation and planned to cancel it (hence the fully refundable option) because he had not made his actual flight reservations yet... He showed them the reservation confirmation.	christeen	Female	Italy	2013-04-08 09:50:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	one day passport!!!!!!	Just did it in Miami yesterday... Total with $60 expedite fee was $225 for passport and card. Made appointment at 9 am, had to prove traveling, then picked it up at 2 pm...	christeen	Female	Italy	2013-04-07 23:01:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Time outside of the US N-400?	Hubby traveled 7 days after arriving on GC so don't worry. You just list all your trips, if they are not over 6 month... No worries. We had over 80 trips in just over 3 years (husband fixes ships outside of us) so no problems... You'll be fine	christeen	Female	Italy	2013-04-09 16:55:00