ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDoes there exist an expedited mail option to a different lockbox for I-129F packets on USCIS website?

Does anyone know if we can throw a few extra bones to a company like fed-ex to get the packet done quicker at that location?
 

 

Nope.  Packages that arrive at both addresses land in the same pile, and are *more-or-less* processed in the order they are received.  Fed Ex, UPS, etc. will take your money, but it doesn't speed up processing...just when the package arrives at USCIS.

 

Regards,

Bill


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-09-08 13:33:00
ThailandInfo Pass

I went to the Infopass site, selected Thailand, and said I wanted an appointment to speak to someone.  It returned "no appointments are available at the office you selected".  It didn't ask me for a specific date or anything.  I'd say that's a "no".

 

The USCIS web site entry for Bangkok says that you can call and make an appointment or just show up, though without an appointment it's first-come, first-served and you might be at the end of a very long line.  I'd call and make an appointment.

 

Regards,

Bill

 


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-06-09 19:37:00
Australia and New ZealandExchanging the Money.

 

Thanks for your input.
 

Very cool.  Happy to help.

 

Regards,

Bill


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-09-03 11:55:00
Australia and New ZealandExchanging the Money.

If you open an account with a bank that has branches both in the U.S. and in Australia, can you move money between the two countries without an exchange fee?

 

For example, Citibank has branches in Australia.  But I don't know if they will let you deposit money in AUD and withdraw it in USD without fees.

 

Regards,
Bill


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-09-03 11:32:00
VietnamFew Questions....

She is, and her family is traditional Catholic.. Having a wedding without having it down on paper work? No gonna happen. I want to be 100% married to her. We have already talked about it. It's now just getting to the paperwork part.


My wife and I were unable to get married in the Catholic church because my first marriage (Justice of the Peace, divorced years ago) was never annulled. I'm not Catholic...the church said they were taking this stance to protect my current wife.

You might want to check with the church and see if it's going to be a problem.

Care,
Bill
Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2011-06-26 12:29:00
IMBRA Special TopicsAmerican fiance has domestic violence charge - please help!

You said that he got scratches from it and he was hurt worse than her.  That sounds like "battered" to me.

 

I'd check it.  He's already reported the crime earlier in the document.  It seems like a valid defense.  I don't see it as an automatic disqualification...if anything, he is being open and honest about what happened.

 

Regards,

Bill

 


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-07-29 15:35:00
USCIS Service CentersTier 2 information

The new one is http://www.dhs.gov/f...5658440339.shtm


First time I've ever seen this. Thank you.

Care,
Bill
Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2011-06-27 22:48:00
USCIS Service CentersMailing a Response to RFE Lee´s Summit MO
Your RFE went to the correct address.

It appears that 64002 may be a "dummy" ZIP code. Looking it up at USPS.com says:

> This is a UNIQUE ZIP Code used for a specific company or organization.
> The actual city in 64002 is...
> LEES SUMMIT, MO
> While it's not correct, some mailers mistakenly use this ZIP Code for
> HOMELAND NBC, MO

Where zip code 64081 is a "regular" ZIP code. I think 64081 is the "base" ZIP code for Lee's Summit, Missouri...the others are subordinate to it.

Care,
Bill
Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2011-08-21 11:56:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Psych eval for my I-601

My wife filed a non-resident (alien) tax return in the U.S. for the years she was here as a student and also worked at school.  If someone hasn't been filing tax returns, they may need to bring those up to date.

 

Regards,

Bill

 


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-09-05 11:24:00
United KingdomProblems gaining paperwork

The gentleman I originally got the information of told me that they are minor offenses and a while ago, that if I just give the Embassy the correct dates and the official 'offense name' that I will be ok with just that.


Unless you have that gentleman's name, job title, and phone number, plus a statement in writing, then I'd get the paperwork instead. Better to have it than not have it. You can always get the paperwork, not turn it in, and have it with you in case of an interview.

As I said my fiance wants paperwork for every eventuality, I printed off the application for the data today and it states on it 'Not to be used in conjunction with Immigration to the United States"


If you need it at some point down the road, it's a lot easier to get it now. It can also come up if you or your fiancee wants to do certain work for the government or defense industries.

How would I go about getting a letter to present if needed? Is it really necessary to have one? Is it important for the Medical, or the interview or only for AoS?


If you were sick and you're now better, and you're not currently in treatment, I don't think you need any paperwork. In the U.S., most of the questions are around whether or not you were hospitalized for your depression. If you're still taking medication to stay functional, then it's a medical issue and you have to declare it. If you're okay and don't need continued treatment, I'd dance carefully around questions like "...mental disorder..." Tell the examining doctor the circumstances, and stress that you're fine now and no longer in need of treatment.

If an IO asks you a direct question, you have to answer it honestly. But you don't have to volunteer too much information.

Care,
Bill
Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2011-08-15 09:03:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUS marriage recognized in Russia

Try this link:

 

http://www.visajourn...ized-in-russia/

 

Regards,

Bill

 


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-05-27 21:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFiling Fiance visa

You could *ask* for a police certificate for the daughter just in case, but I don't think you're going to need one.  I seem to remember that there was an age cutoff, but I don't remember if it was 14 or 16 or 18.

 

If you're going to request one for your fiancee, it wouldn't hurt to request one at the same time for the daughter.  It shows extra effort, and I think CIS enjoys that.  "You went and got a police certificate for an 11-year old?  Why?"  "Because we wanted to have *everything* ready for your review."

 

Regards,

Bill


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-09-04 08:57:00
ChinaP4 / Document Turn-in

We received our P4 in the mail yesterday and it says "interview date" Aug 24th, 12:30pm. :thumbs:
However, it doesnt say anything about a "document turn in/finger print day or time". Where do I get this? :wacko:


Were fingerprints done earlier in the process? Did you send in enough paperwork that you don't need a separate date to turn it in?

If all else fails, take all your papers with you to the interview. If you're not sure, take *two* copies of everything or at least a copy of your originals. That'll make it easier on your IO, and easier is good when it comes time to make a decision.

Care,
Bill
Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2011-08-09 09:39:00
ChinaDocument turn in and Interview

Can someone give us a run down on the actually process of each or point me in the right direction via a link? ie - how early should we arrive for doc turn in? Interview? Do we go to a certain area? 4th floor? 5th floor? Where can I go? I wait? How long should I expect to wait?


You don't say where your interview is at.

At the top of each page, on the menu bar, click on "Reviews: Embassy/USCIS & POE". Look up where you're interviewing and read the reviews. They usually give you information like how early to get there, where you go, and so forth. My interview with my wife is this Friday in Dallas, Texas, and the reviews helped us to be ready for it.

Care,
Bill
Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2011-08-16 20:04:00
ChinaGZO Electronic Processing with CGI Stanley schedule interview

You have an appointment letter.  CGI says "...beneficiaries will be contacted by the U.S. Consulate General..."  If you have a written appointment letter, I would think that overrides any requirements from CGI.

 

Wouldn't the CGI system apply to a first-time applicant...not someone who already has their interview appointment?

 

I don't think you need an appointment through CGI right now.  You've got an appointment letter, in writing, telling you where and when to appear.  I think you're all set.  Remember to be early.  Good luck.

 

Regards,
Bill

 


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-08-28 16:52:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanMistake on Biographic information(G-325a)

Yes, that's a problem.  You want to make sure and say something about it as soon as you get in the interview.  They probably won't go look for her in advance, but you don't want there to be any discrepancies.  It doesn't seem like something they'd throw the application out over, but make sure you have all of her information with you.

 

Regards,

Bill

 


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-06-08 11:19:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)FEES

When paying either bills its states that you should have your router number, where would i get my router number if im paying with a credit card? thanks maybe a simple question to some but i just want to be prepared...


An ABA routing number (not a router number...that's a computer term) is a nine-digit number that identifies one bank from another. If you look at a check in the United States, there are usually two sets of MICR (the "computer-looking" numbers) numbers at the bottom of the check:

123456789 000987654321

The first number is the ABA routing number, and the second is the checking account number.

As others have already pointed out, you can't use a credit card.

Care,
Bill
Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2011-07-01 10:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK1 processing: medical examination and interview only vancouver?

I'm residing in Manitoba, Canada.
For the medical examination and interview, do I have to travel to Vancouver to have them done?


You need a doctor that is approved by the Consulate. Their list includes "British Columbia and the Yukon Territory".

There is a Winnipeg Consulate. You might contact them directly and see if they have a list of approved doctors in Manitoba.

Can you do your interview in Winnipeg, too?

Care,
Bill
Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2011-06-12 09:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMy beneficiary (fiancé) doesn’t have a job

...so if she puts unemployed it should be ok.


Correct. If she did have a current employer, they'd want to know, but don't leave it blank...put "unemployed" so that they know her status.

Care,
Bill
Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2011-06-13 16:58:00
US Citizenship General Discussionfiling for citizenship

Can you file for citizenship without hearing any response from I-751 (removal of conditions)?

Tell me why you can and tell me why you cannot?


http://www.uscis.gov...ticle/M-476.pdf

Your Green Card has to be valid for at least six months before you can apply for Naturalization (page 13). If you've filed I-751, that suggests that you may have a conditional Green Card that's about to expire. You have to renew the Green Card before applying for Naturalization if you're within six months of the expiration date. I see nothing else in M-476 that discusses the removal of conditions.

Now, the argument that will be made is that you can't be in a conditional status and apply for Naturalization. USCIS is easily confused if you have more than one application going at a time. The officer reviewing the naturalization application may refuse it until the I-751 processing is complete, but that doesn't have to be due to a regulation...it can be just the officer's gut reaction that one item should be done before the next one starts.

My guess will be that you can file, but that the application will be delayed until the I-751 processing is complete. They could also reject the application (and keep your fee!), but I can't see a written reason why.

Care,
Bill
Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2011-08-29 15:15:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionAfter applying how long to get citizenship?

My Russian wife has been in the US 3 years plus a few months. She wants to apply for citizenship on the basis that I, her husband, am an American citizen. How long is this process taking and how probable is success? My wife's English is above basic but far from fluent?

As her husband, will I be required to provide documentation or am I out of the picture?

Thanks!


The rule is under Section 319(a), and says (in part) "Have been a permanent resident (green card holder) for at least three years" and "Have been living in marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse during such time".

When she got her first green card (and if she came in as your spouse, that would likely be the one with the Conditional Relationship and the two-year expiration date), there was a Date of Issue on it. The three-year period starts on that date. It's not the date she arrived in the U.S...it's three years from the date of issue of her green card. I'll assume that the Conditional Relationship restriction has been removed and she now has a 10-year card...the three-year period still starts as of the Date of Issue of her *first* green card.

She certainly has to prove the "marital union" part, which suggests to me that you're going to be a part of that process. Not only will you need to "provide documentation", but you may also be interviewed so that the immigration officer is convinced that your marriage is still healthy.

I can't speak to "how long" it will take. I think the chances of success are good as long as she meets all the requirements. Read the instructions for the N-400 form for the details.

Remind her that she needs to take a written test as a part of the naturalization process. She is likely going to have to understand enough English to pass the test. There is an exemption process that allows her to take it in her native language with an interpreter present, but these are rare.

Care,
Bill
Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2011-11-18 19:50:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionPotential new job, change of state

Remember to file your change of address when you move.

 

That may or may not change your regional office.  If so, then your file will be "transferred" to the new office.  You'll be notified when they need to talk to you, and it'll tell you which office now has it.

 

Good luck.

 

Bill

 


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-03-17 13:17:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionTranslation Firms

My wife is Indonesian, so her birth certificate was written in Bahasi.  She had the original certificate (yellowed paper, tape on a tear, embossed and tax stamps). 

 

We used a company called XXX out of Los Angeles, California.  Not only did we get the English translation, but we also got a letter from them that their translator signed "under penalties of perjury" and a "California Proof of Execution by Subscribing Witness", also notarized.  I think I faxed it to them since I didn't want to give them the original.  I know I found them online.

 

It's gotten us through the initial green card and now the permanent green card, and we plan to use it again for the naturalization process.

 

I can't remember how much we paid, but it was a relatively small amount.  They were also fairly quick in the turnaround.

 

Regards,

Bill

 

Edit:  removed the company's name since I didn't feel I should post it publicly in here.  I'll send it to the OP privately.


Edited by Bill and Vicky, 17 March 2014 - 04:09 PM.

Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-03-17 16:04:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionShould I mention all the mailing adresses?

I read that as "where did you live during the time", not "what mailing address did you have".

 

I had lots of Post Office boxes, but I put our physical addresses on that paperwork.

 

Regards,

Bill


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-03-17 16:13:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionLost canadian Passport

 

Er...isn't that a little overboard on the hyperbole?

 

2) I agree that the passport holder should apply for a passport right away (just because not having a passport is so odd these days), but if she already has a police report to hand for the lost passport, why would that be any less suitable than having a passport?

3) By your logic, anyone who has recently lost a passport or has only an expired passport and has an interview pending should either go to the interview facing near-certain denial of their petition or delay their interview till they've acquired a new passport, right?

 

At the end of the day, were I to be the petitioner in this case, I would certainly seek a new passport without delay; however, not getting one will not put her in the scenario you've described above.

 

Hyperbole?  I call it paranoia, but I like your word better.  (smile)

 

From the N-400 instructions:

 

> The following is a list of documents to bring with you to your Form N-400 interview:  (all in bold print)

 

> Permanent Resident Card.

> State-Issued Identification.

> Passports and Travel Documents.  (again, each item in bold print)

 

So, she shows up with a two-year-old police report saying that she lost her Canadian passport, and when asked about it she says she never got a replacement because she didn't need to.  You don't think the IO is going to have an issue here?  She's not going to get quoted the instructions from the N-400?  This is the same agency that freaks out when you don't bring them evidence for every traffic ticket you've ever had.  And I've seen IOs that were ready to reject applications for the smallest detail.

 

A police report is not a passport.  For example, she can't travel to Europe on her police report.

 

Expired passports are acceptable per the instructions.  And "recently lost" passports would be grounds for a delay in filing the paperwork or asking for a delay in the interview.  Obviously you don't have the required documents.  Please don't help me with my "logic"...it's bad enough in here by myself.

 

I guess we view the process differently.  I assume that USCIS doesn't *have* to grant citizenship to anyone it doesn't want to.  I make sure that I have everything they ask for, and more, and in multiple copies.  If my wife lost her passport, I guess we'd have to make a quick trip to the consulate to replace it because I would never let her go into an N-400 interview without a valid passport. 

 

Of course, the OP's daughter can do whatever she wants.  My point is...why make it difficult?


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-03-28 14:43:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionLost canadian Passport

But, why not get a replacement Canadian passport?  Why make it difficult on the Immigration Officer who will have to make a unilateral decision about whether to approve or deny the application?  They expect you to show up with your passport.  If you don't (whether it's required or not), they're going to ask about it.  Saying something like "the passport is not required" is just going to make the IO's eyebrows pop up and then there will be all sorts of other questions.  Remember that they are paid to be suspicious.

 

I don't know how much of a pain or how expensive it is to get a replacement Canadian passport, but is it worth the risk of a rejection by CIS?

 

Good luck.

 


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-03-28 13:40:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionDifferent Middle Name in School leaving certificate

It can't hurt to put an additional name in there if it's going to avoid some confusion.  Bring the documentation with you to your interview, and if they ask explain what happened.

 

Regards,

Bill

 


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-04-28 13:56:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWhat are the real benefits of filing early N-400? Or, the real benefits of the 90-Day Early Filing Provision?

In the case of my wife and I (she's an LPR), I'm going to file the N-400 next week...about 85 days before the three-year anniversary of the date on her green card.

 

Even if magic occurred, the skies were sunny, and someone managed to do her interviews and all of her paperwork in advance...the *earliest* she could be given a naturalization certificate would be the three-year anniversary of the date on her green card.

 

The catch here is "90 days".  If you file 91 days before the anniversary, your petition can be rejected as "too early" and returned to you.  You may or may not get your fees back if that happens.

 

So I'm going to wait the extra week from the 90-day point just to be safe.

 

Regards,

Bill


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-05-21 17:07:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionDivorce papers need to be attached to N-400 ?

She was arrested and incarcerated.  She needs documentation for it.  Even if it's been expunged.  How about the arrest record?  You may need an attorney to draft a motion for a judge to sign explaining that it's all over and done with, but you will need some paperwork.  If the IO has to dig for information or feels you're not sharing everything, you're going to leave with an RFE at best.

 

Regards,

Bill

 


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-07-19 22:31:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionTaxes Owed when filing N-400

Same thing here.  We're on an installment agreement since 2012.  I got the last three years worth of tax transcripts, a copy of the initial letter authorizing us to start the installment agreement, and a current invoice from the IRS showing that we're still in compliance.  I sent copies with the N-400 and saved the originals in case they want them during her interview.

 

Regards,

Bill

 


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-08-05 15:12:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionHelp! Please

I had all my studies done in mexico (currentl halfway my career) what can i do to make them valid in the USA?

 

You need a copy of your transcript (the courses you've taken and the grades you've received).  You should also get whatever the course catalog looks like so that someone can look at it and say, you took ABCD 1234, here's what is covered in that course.

 

You'll then go to the American college or university and ask if you can transfer the coursework to that university.  They will have an office that reviews your transcript and course descriptions and decides if they meet the equivalent coursework at their university.  If so, then you will be told what you have already completed and what you still need to do.

 

If there is more than one university or college in your area, you can try each one and see if your coursework is more satisfactory at one than another.

 

If you're going to school in Texas, the chances are good that they've seen a Mexican transcript before.

 

Good luck.

 

Regards,
Bill


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-08-05 15:30:00
US Citizenship General Discussionwhen I expect the yellow letter?

In our case, my wife had her biometrics appointment on 20 Jun and got the "inline" yellow letter dated 14 Jul. 

 

There's also a school of thought that the whole thing is tied to your green card anniversary.  In my wife's case, her original green card was issued on 19 Aug 11, so 19 Aug 14 would be her three-year anniversary.  The current thinking is that you'll get your appointment or inline letter about a month before your three-year anniversary, and your appointment will be scheduled for about a month *after* your three-year anniversary.  So we've been assuming her interview will be around the middle of September.

 

Be sure and look at the U.S. Citizenship forum, especially any posts that say "N-400, Mmm YY Filers".  Find the month that you filed your paperwork, and you can see what others have reported as their dates.  That may help you figure out how soon you should see your own paperwork.

 

Regards,

Bill


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-07-29 15:30:00
US Citizenship General Discussionrescheduling of interview

I echo the above.  Bring a copy of the appointment letter to your boss.  Explain the circumstances.  See if they can give you a day off without pay.  It's the federal government, you didn't mean for this to happen in the middle of your new job, etc. etc.  Most employers will understand that you need a day off for an official appointment with immigration.

 

Don't reschedule if you can avoid it. 

 

Regards,

Bill

 


Bill and VickyMaleIndonesia2014-08-19 10:59:00