ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTravel Question

You can travel as long as you enter the US back while your gc is still valid.  Bon voyage!


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-04-28 10:25:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionRemove the condition on Green card! Joint filling requirement

Hi, i have one question your help is much appreciated :

if u have been battered (victim of domestic violence) by your us citizen spouse while you are on CR1 visa , and the relationship didn't ended by a  divorce or separation,

Can you as a (conditional resident ) apply together with your husband to remove the condition based on marriage and the abused husband can file jointly with his wife?

OR its not possible for the US abused husband to file jointly with his wife because violence history  happened before ? ans she must apply to waive the joint filling requirement?

Thank you, waiting for your  :help:

 

You can ROC provided you are still living together.  If you are separated the condition to be removed cease to exist. You can go the VAWA route, but if the abuse began before you arrived in the US chances are he will not change by magic the moment you set foot in this country.

 

Good luck!


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-04-29 10:16:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionDivorce waiver interview approved, but pending background check?

Pretty much as the title states, I filed I-751 with waiver due to divorce, got an interview, she approved me on the spot and took my expired GC, said that I should have my GC soon, but "They forgot to run background checks on a few of the packets" so it might be a bit longer. I wasn't concerned when she said it (AFAIK I'm squeaky clean!), but now I realize I should have paid a bit more attention to what she was saying, rather than rejoicing in it all being over.
 
It's been a week since the interview and I've not received any news or notice of GC production - should I be doing things to track or check in? I'm guessing this is normal, but I'm also eager to have GC in hand so I want to be on top of it if there's more I can be doing.
 
Thanks in advance - your info has been invaluable to me, and prevented many a meltdown.  (L)




If you are sure you don't have any skeletons in your closet, the background check is just a formality. It doesn't help with the anxiety but you need to keep a level head knwing that even if there was noting else pending in your case, it would take a few weeks for your card to be produced, mailed and delivered.
You have no reason to panic, so just try and calm down and let the process run its course - easier said than done I know.
I hope you card is in your hands soon. Hang in there!



JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-07-15 17:29:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionDoes the gov send you anything when it's time to remove conditions?

I did not receive a letter but I like the smart phone idea if you are forgetful. I just never forgot mine.

*After I posted I saw what myafi1989 said and that must have been why I never received one, but I will still not bet on them reminding you just in case for some other reason you still don't get one.

 

Here is another one:  Tape a note to the smoke alarm batteries, so when you change them you'll be reminded to check the expiration date on your GC as well...


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-07-15 10:40:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionDoes the gov send you anything when it's time to remove conditions?

2 years is a long time.  address can change, phones, and computers can change, so I'm trying to find the best way to remember to remove the conditions in about 2 years.  Do you actually get an email sent to you, or do you remember it on your own?

 

Few suggestions:

 

1 - Make an entry in your calendar so that your smartphone will alert you when the time comes.

2 - Make several entries in your calendar so that your smartphone will alert you - every 6 months? - to check the validity of your GC.

3 - Jot down a reminder on your last year's taxes and every year going forward.  Chances are you will need to look at your past year's taxes when filing the current year.

4 - Tie the renewal date to your wedding anniversary, passport renewal, DL renewal, solstice/equinox, etc.


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-07-15 09:54:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionRemoving the conditional on hardship grounds

In that case your concern doesn't apply.  I am not saying your question is not valid, so much as it is not applicable to your case.  You need not worry about ROC on hardship grounds because it doesn't apply to you. 

 

 

 

 

 

it is definitely a legitimate marriage and we live together happily. I didn't know though that hardship means fake marriage. thanks for clarifying

 


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-09-03 09:37:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionOut of the country with expired Green Card

Hopefully someone else will have had first hand experience on this, but for the time being I'd urge that she call the US Consulate in Moscow and find out if anything can, or indeed needs to be done to get her back stateside.

 

 

My wife went to Russia with our 2 year old to visit and her Green Card expired while there.  I am in the process of filing for her 10 year Green Card but am concerned that Moscow won't let her leave Russia and the U.S. won't let her in with the expired card.  What are my options?

 


Edited by JohnR!, 04 September 2014 - 01:28 PM.

JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-09-04 13:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportso@s

hi folks.am a us citizen..i filed the i 130 for my wife on december 2012,and i still waiting for the approved .is ther anybody have a similar case .thank you

 

Have you been notified that your application was received or has your check been cashed?  It should not take this long for the USCIS to send you an ACK at least.

 

If you received either of the above, consider giving them a call to check where the application stands.

 

Good luck!


JohnR!MaleMonaco2013-05-28 09:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsUSC getting dual citizenship in beneficiary's country?

Hi everyone,

I am a US citizen and I filed an I-130 for my Ugandan husband on May 1. I'm leaving next week to visit him (woohoo!) and during the visit I'm thinking about getting either permanent residency or dual citizenship in Uganda since all they need is proof that we're married and then apparently I'm approved within weeks! I was going to do it at some point anyway and this way I won't have to worry about visa fees ever again.

My question is whether this will have any negative effects on our pending I-130 petition and later my husband's visa application? Does anyone have any experience with doing this at the same time? Will the US even know about it? Will it make it seem like we aren't actually planning to live in the US? Also, would there be a difference between dual citizenship vs. permanent residency if USCIS even cares to know about it?

I'm going to the Ugandan immigration office in Kampala next week after I arrive to see what the requirements are, but my biggest worry is how it will affect the I-130, if at all. We are definitely planning on living in the US but with the horrible wait times that USCIS is reporting, it seems like I'll be planning a few more visits before this is all over. I wish the US made this as easy as Uganda does!

Any insight would be appreciated!

-Kristina
Oops.. I posted this twice. Please reply to the other thread while I figure out how to delete this one!










 

It will not affect your I-130. Technically you could lose your US citizenship by willingly taking citizenship in another country but that is seldom a cause pursued by the Dept of State. 

 

I have acquired foreign citizenship through marriage for several years now and it was never an issue during my spouse's immigration process.

 

Good luck!

 

check out this link:  http://travel.state....enship_778.html


Edited by Gegel, 14 August 2013 - 11:03 AM.

JohnR!MaleMonaco2013-08-14 11:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportswhy most people on here get the i130 approved in 3 months and mine is going to be 6 months and still NOTHING?

The wait is hard and the centers are running behind - they have been sending out advisories to that effect. 

 

Face Time & Skype to the rescue!!

 

Hang in there..


JohnR!MaleMonaco2013-08-14 15:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI-130 and I-129F approved simultaneously.

If I-130 and I-129F forms are approved simultaneously. What does this mean for the rest of the visa application process?

 

 

Since the I-130 is for family and the I-129F is for fiance/e, they are never filed together for the same person.  Are you filing for your spouse or fiance/e?


The I-129F will be closed.  Which is why K-3 is obsolete.

 

 

 

 

Since the I-130 is for family and the I-129F is for fiance/e, they are never filed together for the same person.  Are you filing for your spouse or fiance/e?

 

Except for K-3 of which I did not think...


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-02-12 16:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsUSCIS has turned my marriage into a joke...

 

How are people blaming the US government for their bad or hurried decisions? Most of us knew that immigration would be a lengthy and expensive process when we made the decision to start dating.  If you enjoy stating the obvious then why not try responding to newbies posts in the welcome section. What we didn't know was that USCIS would make the bad and hurried (yes your comments are more applicable to them than to us) decision to stop processing I-130's and process DACA filers instead. Nobody was expecting a turnaround of three weeks on their case (although the evidence from K1's shows it can easily be done) what we wanted was for an acceptable level of service for a process that we paid for. We haven't received that.

 

I was referring to the very title of this thread...

 

I don't dispute for a second that the process is frustrating, nor do I take the separation and the anxiety lightly.  I must however point out to the mob mentality that has taken over many because of what the USCIS may or may not be doing in regards to DACA.  Everything you hear or read are just allegations because there is no visibility as to how the system works.  My point is that the entire process is already bad enough that one should not need to seek additional reasons to further one's exasperation.  I was dispensing some tough love.


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-02-24 15:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsUSCIS has turned my marriage into a joke...

 

Because the point of this was to let people vent and tell their stories. I find it ludicrous that people like you expect others to bottle their feelings up inside - even on the internet.

Why isn't it OK for people to come on here and share their stories and frustrations?

 

 

I was venting.  I was sharing my frustration.


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-02-24 14:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsUSCIS has turned my marriage into a joke...

Sorry but I have to be honest here, 90% per cent of you here made a decision to get in a foreign web site and find someone abroad,or had arranged marriage with people living abroad or by "accident" met the guy/girl online, whatever?  others met their partners when travelling abroad or studying here,then why all this complain come from?. We  are our choices, you made a choice to have a long distance relationship or started a relationship when living here and not being a GC holder yet, and  USCIS has anything to do with that, they have to scrutinize everyone entering in this Country t's their job. Let's stop with the bs  about talking of illegal people, they are here over 20 years without status and any amnesty, then they are not taking your place with USCIS. 

 

 

+100.

 

While I agree that the USCIS is not the easiest agency to deal with, I find it ludicrous that some should presume to blame the US government for their bad or hurried decisions.

 

People don't realize that the immigration service of any country - not the US alone - will not cater to their designs or desires.  That is the nature of the beast and something to be considered before entering into a long distance relationship.


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-02-24 14:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsuscis returned photos after approval

our case was approved on May 19 at Nebraska service center.

my husband got a package in the mail with the 8 wedding photos that we submitted for evidence and a letter say that

they are returning the originals and they should not be re-submitted unless requested.

this ever happen to anyone else??

 

return date of photos may 15

approval date may 19

 

I never heard of it before.  I think whoever did it, did so out of the kindness of their hearts.  I'd take is as a good sign!

 

Good luck!


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-05-21 21:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsPassport and Visa delivery

As an added precaution IMHO wait until they have their passports on hand before buying their tickets. 


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-06-11 08:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApproved at London!

 

:lol: We've avoided each other for 99% of our time on this site, I'm taking a special liberty to celebrate the occasion! ;) I promise it won't happen regularly!

 

Enjoy it, and break some rules.  It is a long road and you deserve all the celebrating you can get!


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-05-19 10:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApproved at London!

Thank you for enduring the medical and interview! You've been amazing handling things since case complete, the visa process was a true team effort and I'm so lucky to have you as my partner through it all ^_^ Time to celebrate! :joy:

 

Oh, come on... get a room already!!!    :rofl:


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-05-19 10:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApproved at London!

Blimey!!!  Congrats!!!!!!!


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-05-19 10:25:00
PhilippinesWhat race your baby is .. ?

1338474928[/url]' post='5410286']
..., what race do you put for her ...


How about 'human'?
On a more serious note, she is a doll!! Congrats!
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-05-31 10:34:00
Philippinesmeet new friends

1338510275[/url]' post='5411530']
just arrived here in fortson,georgia last may 26...anyone here near or at the same area??


Have you tried your community center? It is like FB, except it's live.... ;-)
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-06-01 11:43:00
PhilippinesFast track to citizenship

a lot of people confuse green card (permanent resident) and citizenship.. so i'm thinking that's what happened here..
i can't tell you how many people assume that a green card equals citizenship.


:thumbs:
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-06-22 13:52:00
PhilippinesQuestion # 3 on ds 175

My finacee was asking about question #3 on the ds 157 about the Full Name (In native alphabet). Hers is only english, so should she just put her full name there in english or put none since she had already put it in question 1 & 2?


Be safe and have her enter her full name again as it is shown on her passport.
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-07-13 08:36:00
PhilippinesResignation from work

Hi VJ'ers, Just a quick question: When would be a good time to resign from work during the K1 Visa process. Thanks in advance


When you hold your passport and visa in your hands. Any sooner might be too soon. Play it safe. Good luck!
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-08-06 09:03:00
PhilippinesGoing to the USA

I have never flown coach on an international flight before. I am about in 3 weeks. Should I be scared :)



There is no reason to worry of be scared. It is just very uncomfortable... You'll be ok...
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-08-31 12:15:00
PhilippinesGoing to the USA

The other Filipina was asking the flight stewardess for assistance with her luggage that was tightly lodged on the overhead compartment. The stewardess which was in her late 40's rudely told her that she can't lift anything heavy whatsoever and she should ask someone else to help her. I was shocked!!! Posted Image


I am no fan of the airlines, but I do have to tell you that some passengers have way too much weight in their carry on. The flight attendants can help you accommodate the luggage, but the passenger should do the lifting of their own bags.

If you can't lift it you have no business bringing it into the aircraft.
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-08-31 10:55:00
PhilippinesGoing to the USA

Thanks everybody.... I know Asian carriers are ALOT better but quite frankly due to my budget I have to go with Delta. I know it sucks but it's what I have to go with. Just trying to get people's experiences is all.


If you are flying coach, it makes no difference. Service sucks in all airlines, in coach, beginning with the seats themselves.
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-08-31 09:22:00
PhilippinesWhich airline to choose?
If you're flying coach, both will be equally good or bad. IMHO, check which one has the best fare and save some money in the process. Having said that expand your search to other airlines that may offer direct or connecting service to LA from MNL.
Good luck and congrats on your visa!
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-09-11 07:24:00
PhilippinesHELP!!! Impossible to get a POLICE CLEARANCE
In that case I believe you may get assistance from the Saudi consulate or embassy in order to obtain the police clearance.
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-09-18 08:57:00
PhilippinesWhen to buy plane tickets through K1 process

Hello just wondering if anyone can share their experiences on buying the plane tickets for their fiance through the K1 visa process.

I have no idea when i should try and buy ours. It would be nice to get them 3 months in advance in order to get the lowest price but with all the waiting on approvals and everything it looks like i will have to purchase them a week after she gets her visa or something


Im planning to go there for a week then come back to the U.S with her. I also am thinking it would be better to get a round trip ticket for her as well just in case she has a change of heart. I heard its cheaper then a one way ticket anyways


It would be a mistake to buy non-refundable tickets until she has her visa on hand. However, if you can find a ticket that does not carry a steep fine for changing dates, you may consider risking it. In the end the penalty for changes should not outweigh the fare difference.
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-06-08 13:53:00
PhilippinesBringing a Dog to the USA

1342432899[/url]' post='5528613']
How long are you queartining the dog for?


There is no quarantine in the continental US, except for pets arriving in Hawaii.
JohnR!MaleMonaco2012-07-16 07:55:00
PhilippinesI-134 Form Questions about Age

You're fine.  The information you submitted was correct on the date the form was signed.


JohnR!MaleMonaco2013-07-23 08:48:00
PhilippinesGuidance on what to do

You can apply for her visa (K-1 if she is your fiancee or IR/CR if you're already married) and she can do her paperwork in Japan, if she resides there.  The USCIS will send her process to the consulate with jurisdiction over the place where she lives based on her permanent address.

 

Good luck!


JohnR!MaleMonaco2013-07-26 12:04:00
Philippinesi felt a bit humiliated durig my physical exam

 

i feltl a bit humiliated during my physical exam today. i could be wrong or  just been sensitive but it made me cry. i was not able to hold back my tears in McDonald near St Luke's clinic. it started when she asked me about vaccination and i said i didn't received any vaccination since birth.
doc. how come?
me. i spent my childhood in rural and during my 1st grade at school the nurse didn't gave me any shot.
doc. oh! its good thing that you were able to study( in sarcastic way)mabuti nman at nakapagaral ka.....who is your petitioner?
me. i said his name my fiance
doc. how did you meet?
me. through chat
doc. ang lalakas ng loob nyo! you were all courageous(sarcastic way) then i think she ask how do we communicate and i answered by chat then she said aba magaling! then physical exam....
i wanted to say something but i think of my fiance and just forget my pride.
 
NOTE: im just sharing 

 

 

 

Suggestion:  Write a formal letter of complaint to the US Consulate in MNL.    A doctor must be authorized by the US Consulate to perform physical exams and they make a bundle of money as a result of such 'endorsement'. 

 

For all you know others have been treated in the same questionable manner and your complaint could be another one in a series.

 

On a more immediate note, don't let that affect you.  Good luck.


JohnR!MaleMonaco2013-08-05 10:27:00
PhilippinesAfter Entering to United State whats next?

Welcome!

 

Once you receive the certified copy your marriage certificate - about 4 weeks - you can start the process of AOS.

 

Here is the link to more info on AOS ---> http://www.uscis.gov...000082ca60aRCRD

 

Good luck!


JohnR!MaleMonaco2013-08-12 13:16:00
PhilippinesDo you really have to bring these thing again to the interview?

Be safe.  Bring everything you have along for the interview; just in case.


Edited by Gegel, 13 August 2013 - 10:02 AM.

JohnR!MaleMonaco2013-08-13 10:02:00
PhilippinesInfant in a Seat: Booking Through Delta Airlines

Hi VJ's,

 

I just booked our flight to the Philippines through Delta Airlines.  Delta isn't really my #1 choice but from our location and travelling with a baby, Delta was a practical choice.  I should say, the pricing was good, but they are NOT too honest when it comes to reserving a ticket for Infant/Child (50% of adult fare). 

 

When i called their customer service last week prior to booking our flight, I called them to inquire about their Infant fare ( purchasing a seat under the 50% discount fare), i was told to book our reservation first ( me and my husband ) then call them with the confirmation number.  Which I did only to find out that my reservation doesn't give any infant/child discount.  The customer service told me I can avail of a 25% discount if I upgrade.  What a BS is that.  The total fee for an upgrade with our baby's 25% discount cost more than just going ahead and purchase a ticket for her with the same amount under an adult fare.  

 

I wish Delta would be clear or HONEST on this.  

 

So, for any other VJ's who will be travelling with an infant. I recommend calling them than booking your fight online.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Therein lies the rub.   The child discount is only applicable to some fares and not to others.  If you are flying one-way, make sure that 50% of a full fare is not a better deal. 

 

On a personal note, you would be better off booking a ticket for your child then running the risk of a full flight and having to carry him/her on your lap the entire trip.


JohnR!MaleMonaco2013-09-03 13:56:00
Philippines1040 or Tax Transcripts?

One more question about this... do they keep any of the tax forms or other personal financial info we use during the interview?  I think I remember reading somewhere to black out any account numbers or SSN's on the documents.

 

They will keep all the documents, so make sure you don't send in any originals.  If you send tax transcripts they do not need to be notarized.  Simple copies will do.

 

Good luck!


Edited by Gegel, 17 March 2014 - 12:09 PM.

JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-03-17 12:08:00
Philippines1040 or Tax Transcripts?

 

Still doesn't matter if it is a 1040 or transcript, no where does it state a tax transcript is preferred by the USEM. This is solely your personal opinion, unless you can provide a link from USEM stating otherwise, for you to state "it is preferred by the consulate" is misleading and actually inaccurate.

 

I may have expressed myself incorrectly.  Both transcripts and tax forms are accepted.  The consulates however prefer transcripts.  Besides they are more reliable.


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-03-17 12:04:00
Philippines1040 or Tax Transcripts?

 

Maybe that is true for Monaco but the embassy instructions letter for USEM states clearly - tax return (and W-2).   They have no issue accepting a tax transcript but there is nothing in the embassy instructions letter stating they prefer a transcript.

 

It is not a rule, indeed.  The difference is that with the transcripts there is lass paper to be looked at, and the transcripts are official, hence their being preferred over the 1040s and W-2's. 


JohnR!MaleMonaco2014-03-17 11:51:00