Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
United Kingdom	Bringing food items into the UK	When I go to visit my husband in England later this week I am bringing two suitcases, one for my clothes and toiletries, and a second one that I will use to bring back some of my husband's things (so we can save shipping $$ later). Since his family knows I am bringing what is essentially an empty case, I have been bombarded with requests for American candy and snack items. Frankly, it's a lot of stuff....enough to fill the whole case. As long as all of the items are individually permissable to bring into the UK, do you think I'll have trouble bringing the stuff in? Should I group things together and label them as to who gets what, to help show that they are gifts and not all just for one person? Because I already have to be prepared to prove that I am returning to the US, I don't want to add something else that is likely to be a big hassle/cause for scrutiny. Thanks, JenM	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-09-11 14:34:00
United Kingdom	Triple Checking - DS230 for UK spouse	Okay, we're not too far from the two-month mark since we sent off our I-130, and with any luck we'll be in the happy company of those who have recently been approved in 60-70 days. I've just typed up the DS230 for my husband to sign, and want to triple-check that I've got this right: 1. He only signs Part I now, and takes part II to the interview. 2. Since I am going to act as his Agent, he should send the DS230 and all other forms back to me once signed, and I will send everything to the NVC for him when the time is right. When the Interview rolls around, he'll need the original Part II to take with him, as well as copies of anything else they require/request. Am I right? Thanks, JenM	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-10-05 15:40:00
United Kingdom	Concerns about contents of Police Certificate	If you are REALLY worried over it, I think you might get a better answer from a solicitor than a police officer. We didn't want to have to go that route since it seems all of the solicitors in York wanted a consultation fee to answer a single, generic question! After the kind responses we got right here in this forum we've decided not to give it another thought. Thanks! JenM	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-10-06 16:07:00
United Kingdom	Concerns about contents of Police Certificate	Have you ordered the police certificate? They are good for one year. I'd order it and then see what's on it. You're getting on in the process a bit and I think you're going to be needing it soon anyway. First of all, thanks everybody for not making any sort of comments ... I've seen some really uncalled for responses to people's situations on VJ, and it's good to know that at least the UK forum is a bit more compassionate and less cynical! We sent for the Police Certificate last week when I was over there, but the officer we spoke to was woefully inexperienced and didn't offer to ask anybody else. We wanted to brace for any possible unpleasantness, but I guess we'll just have to wait to see what's in the envelope. Your insights reinforced my suspicion that his record will be clear ... and yes, it's the only thing he's been involved with that even remotely concerned the law! Thanks for your input. JenM	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-10-05 14:29:00
United Kingdom	Concerns about contents of Police Certificate	We really thought twice before deciding to post this here, but our desire for the information outweighs our fear of being judged in black and white by relative strangers. If you are inclined to respond to this post, please keep your comments constructive. My UK husband's ex-wife got a restraining order against him when they split ten years ago. He discovered that she was cheating on him when she came home late one night with a split lip. She tearfully confessed that her boyfriend had smacked her and begged Richard for forgiveness ... and then had the nerve to ask him to take revenge on her abuser! My husband left her that very night. She told her mother the next day that it was Richard who had hit her, and her mother persuaded her to get a restraining order. It wasn't her wish, but she didn't want to admit the affair to her parents and by that time was in way over her head with her story. Years later my husband and his ex are on excellent terms (she's actually a very nice - if a bit stupid - person), and when I was just in England she approached me with a letter she'd written "to make things right" if the restraining order shows up on his police certificate and complicates our case. The letter recounts the entire sequence of events and clearly states that he never touched her and that the order she filed was bogus. She had it notarized as well. We have three questions: 1. Will a restraining order without a formal charge/arrest or conviction show up on a UK police certificate? 2. If it does show up, will the letter help at all? 3. If the letter will help, would it have the secondary effect of getting her in trouble for filing a false order? Thanks for your advice. JenM	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-10-04 15:36:00
United Kingdom	223 Days Later.....We're Approved!!!	Bets of luck to you for a wonderful lifetime of togetherness - at last!!!! JenM	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-10-06 16:01:00
United Kingdom	Decree Absolute	My husband got a certified copy and, without any information to instruct him that it might be needed, he simply wasn't satisfied that there was no official signature. He brought the copy back, left it with the clerk, and picked it up the next day after a magistrate had signed it. The magistrate simply wrote on the bottom of the decree that it was an authentic copy of a legal decree and signed his name. They were very understanding about the whole situation. I know it's hard to find places to make color photocopies of identification cards or legal documents, but my husband persuaded a print shop to allow him to make copies of several itmes on one of their color copiers while they turned a blind eye. So we have a clear, color image of both the red crown stamp and the ink signature. A good "separated from my love" story works wonders! JenM	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-10-10 12:00:00
United Kingdom	Temporary stay in the UK	These folks can help you. Good luck! http://www.talk.uk-yankee.com/ JenM	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-10-10 11:44:00
United Kingdom	Where in the UK are you from?	If you get a chance, go down to Torquay, right on the southwestern coast. It's so beautiful down there! I love Cribbs Causeway in Bristol. I'm sure you've been there! When I lived in England, I was so excited to find a TGI Fridays...they actually had one near Birmingham too! My husband Richard is from York. It's a beautiful city and I love that part of the country, but to be honest I prefer Cornwall/Devon. I went to "Live 8 - Africa Calling" at the Eden Project last summer (big Peter Gabriel/Real World/WOMAD fan), and we spent some time touring the Southwest. Torquay was definitely a highlight, and I hope to go back someday soon. I spent my first three trips to the UK avoiding all things American (though I have lunch at TGIFriday's regularly at home), but I admit that after a week or two I always start to feel the Starbucks tractor beam. In a few weeks we'll be in Llandudno, Wales for a fortnight, but no fear of seeing a Friday's there I don't think! Are there any members here from Wales? I don't think I've seen any around. JenM	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-08-30 20:03:00
United Kingdom	London Embassy CR-1: So how long we lookin' at?	Thanks. And to you as well!	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2007-02-20 13:31:00
United Kingdom	London Embassy CR-1: So how long we lookin' at?	The NVC sent my paperwork mid November to the Embassy. I got a letter from the Embassy dated Jan 17th stating that my interview will be held on Feb 28th. Hope this helps. It does, thanks. Did you try to contact them at all before you first heard from them, or did you just hang out and wait? What was the first contact they made with you? I've been trying to take this process one step at a time, so I haven't retained much of what I've read about this stage. Would you mind giving me a basic outline of what has happened in your Embassy phase so far? Good luck with your interview - it must feel great to be so close to the finish line! JenM	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2007-02-20 12:00:00
United Kingdom	London Embassy CR-1: So how long we lookin' at?	Hi, Everybody. I've been away from the forum for a couple of months - a lot going on at home. I'm sure I've missed a lot of posts, and though I am trying to catch up I'm sure I'll still miss some things. Our CR-1 case was just sent off to London from the NVC last week. By current estimates, about how long before we are likely to get into the system and get rolling there? Can someone with recent experience give me an idea of about how long is it taking to get an interview these days? I just found out that an English grocery opened here in Columbia, SC a couple of months ago. Yay! Big help! It has a surprisingly good selection. Thanks, JenM	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2007-02-20 09:32:00
United Kingdom	Final fees	Well, with the assignment of an interview date looming large on the horizon, we're making final financial plans. As I recall, the cost of the medical in London is somewhere around £200. Are there any other fees that must be paid in the Embassy phase? Do we pay the DHL fee to have the visa sent to my husband after his interview? Thanks in advance for your answers! JenM	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2007-02-21 10:34:00
United Kingdom	April 12 CR-1 Interview	Is there anyone here who has recently had a CR-1 interview in London? What sort of questions were you asked? What personal documentation (letters, e-mails, photos, etc.) were you asked to provide? We were surprised to find that the packet my husband received made no mention of bringing any of this sort of thing to the interview. He's a little nervous that he won't be adequately prepared. Your insights would be very helpful indeed. Thanks in advance. Jen	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2007-03-20 11:38:00
United Kingdom	London interview this morning - results	For those about to interview for a CR-1 visa, my husband had his interview this morning and said he was in and out in half an hour. The only question they asked him was "What do you plan to do for work in the US?", and the rest was just paper shuffling. They didn't ask to see anything at all pertaining to our relationship - just the official stuff from their basic list. He said the staff was polite and helpful and the process was organized and efficient. They didn't have his file from his medical last week, but they allowed him to go pick it up after the interview. When he returned, they said he'd have his visa within a week. No sweat! Good luck to everybody whose turn is coming up soon! Jen	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2007-04-12 08:01:00
United Kingdom	WOW! Visa arrived 24 hours after interview!	Did he pay SMS extra for a faster delivery? My husband called them a few weeks ago to ask about delivery options, and they said they had a special service that was a bit more expensive. We're thinking of going with that if it's actually an option because he's already booked his flight and would like to avoid having to change it. All I know is that it came via DHL. Whether they offer different levels of service through that courier I'm not sure, but he had been told it would take 3 to 5 business days, so whatever that option is ... take it! How long after the interview is the flight booked for? We gave it some extra time just in case something went wrong, so he isn't flying until April 29. Visa in hand on April 13, he doesn't feel that was a mistake. The closer it gets to his departure date, the more he realizes he wants to/has to do to before he leaves. You can plan all you want, but be prepared ... there's still a million things you won't think of until crunch time!	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2007-04-13 20:14:00
United Kingdom	WOW! Visa arrived 24 hours after interview!	So he's in York is he? So are we, at least until we close on the house. York's not a big place; it wouldn't be the weirdest thing in the world if we knew some of the same people. We're in Huntington near Monks Cross. Richard lives in New Earswick, as do his parents, and his 23 year old son Daniel. Last name Messruther. I probably shouldn't post the last name, but at this point, what the heck! I love York, and the original plan was that after we married I would move to live with him there, but after he spent more time in the States and compared the relative cost of living/housing, he felt our life would be better in America. A pity, in some respects. There are things in York that are simply unmatched here. One example I'm almost ashamed to admit my affection for: Berwick Kaler in the annual Panto! Edited by Sockmonkey, 13 April 2007 - 08:07 PM.	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2007-04-13 20:06:00
United Kingdom	WOW! Visa arrived 24 hours after interview!	Yesterday I posted about my husband's CR-1 interview, just after he called me to let me know it was complete. His interview was at 10.30 AM. Today, at just before 1.30 PM, his visa arrived at his home in York! I thought he was joking when he told me, but he scanned me the proof. A 24 hour turnaround? INCREDIBLE JOB! Hopefully this is exactly what the rest of you have to look forward to. I'm so impressed with the treatment and service he got from the embassy. Amazing. Jen	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2007-04-13 19:06:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	Holiday time at the NVC	Do you think it's likely that the current stagnation at the NVC might be in part because USCIS is speeding up? With I-130's being approved so quickly lately, I've wondered how the State Dept would handle the potential bottleneck. Maybe these 65-70 days approvals are both a blessing and a curse?! JenM	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-10-16 14:13:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	IV Bill - Current Info Needed	Jen, The IV Bill does come with a return addressed envelope. If you have a friend you can trust to place the IV Bill payment slip and money order together in that envelope then that would be the way to go. That friend would also need to put the amount enclosed ($380) on the IV Bill slip when it arrives. Ah! That'll do it! Thanks a million, as always. JenM	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-12-05 17:00:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	IV Bill - Current Info Needed	I am going to visit my husband in England next Tuesday, and the NVC informs me that my IV BIll should be in my mailbox just after I leave town. Aussiewench answered most of my questions about this already: I will leave my money order with a trusted friend, who will mail out the IV Bill in my absence. Here's the catch.....mail it to where? Aussie wasn't 100% sure of the current address when I asked on the CR-1 forum, so I'm expanding my search to another relevant forum to increase my chance of getting the answer I need. I want to have the envelope ready to go so my friend can simply take it to the post office. What is the correct address for sending in the IV Bill? Please answer only if you are sure your info is up-to-date. Thanks! JenM	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-12-05 16:19:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	London/UK Interviews	Is there anybody here whose Beneficiary had his/her interview in London/UK? What sort of questions were asked? How long did the interview take, and what was requested in terms of documentation? This question is coming waaaaay in advance of when we'll need it, but it will help us to know what is most imperative for us to save, and what we need to do/get in the next few months that we don't already have. Thanks in advance for your input! Edited by JenM, 30 July 2006 - 09:31 PM.	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-07-30 21:31:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Another I-130/I-485 question	Whoa. Did I just see in another new thread that the I-485 has to be filed with the I-130? I read the K-3 guide here on VJ, and it only said to include the G-325A. I thought the I-485 came later. Am I wrong? Also, when sending the G-325A, IF THE SIGNATURE AND DATE IS IN INK, can the rest of the information be photocopied? It would be a huge timesaver if the details could be filled in only once and the form copied then signed individually. I spoke to two attorneys and also called the USCIS site this morning, and have finally clarified the travel issue I posted about (incessantly) over the weekend. Here's the deal, according to all 3 sources: The problem with my husband visiting me is not that there is a petition in progress, it is that we are married. A husband or wife entering the US to visit a USC/PR spouse is assumed to have intent to immigrate, and is therefore not supposed to attempt entry. The reason why the pile of documentation to prove he/she will return to their home country is still an "iffy" proposition because technically it isn't allowed. As such, my husband and I have decided to go ahead and file the I-130 and get this monster moving (thus my questions, above). As for our trip, we will simply have to cancel. This is very, very traumatic. Why isn't this travel rule made clear on the State Department/USCIS websites? I know there's no good answer to this - unless of course it is in there someplace and we simply didn't know where to find it.	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-07-31 09:54:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-130 form question	JenM, Are you your husband's wife? If so, write your name down as such. On the other hand, if you decide to not include yourself, I think the USCIS will figure it out. Yodrak As a matter of fact, I am. I asked because I have obviously already identified myself on the form as his wife. Didn't want to be redundant if it wasn't expected of me. Thanks for the verification.	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-08-01 12:47:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-130 form question	First, congratulations on the recent approvals! I am filling out our I-130 today. On page 2 it asks "List husband/wife and all children of your relative". I am the wife/petitioner. Should I include myself on this list?	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-08-01 11:57:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Okay, a couple more I-130/G-325A questions	Sorry for the duplication, folks. My computer froze for a sec when I submitted this post, and when I checked the board it hadn't automatically posted so I assumed it was lost. My bad. Is there a way to delete a post? And thanks, Yodrak, for the quick answer.	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-08-01 15:05:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Okay, a couple more I-130/G-325A questions	Holy Moly. I finished the I-130 form, and have moved on to the G-325A's. I called the USCIS line with three questions. The good news was that I only waited on hold for three minutes. The bad news was the girl I spoke to apparently started her job TODAY, and I left the exchange with more questions than I had before. Should've come here and asked you folks first. 1. At the bottom of each page On the G-325A there is a bold box with instructions in the box(es) there, or my UK husband's? I ask because I have come to understand the term "applicant" to mean the Beneficiary of the petition, and I can think of logical reasons for both possible interpretations. Believe it or not, the USCIS girl didn't know the answer. 2. Also on the G-325A: Near the bottom on the left there is a box that asks "This form is submitted in connection with application for:" and gives three options, "Naturalization", "Status as Permanent Resident", and "Other (specify)". I know it isn't the first one, but in my process towards a CR-1/IR-1 or K-3 am I correct to go with "Status as Permanent Resident"? If not, what is the "Other" I should specify? Again, the girl didn't know. She said "I think you're supposed to put the number of the form you're filing the G-325A for" but she didn't sound the least bit sure! 3. Finally, I understood that I am supposed to fill out a complete set of four G-325A forms, and that my husband is to do the same. This USCIS representative volunteered in the course of her non-answer of question #2 (above) that I was to fill in two forms and he was to fill in two forms. Wha??? My final question to her, by the way, was about the whole "Is Yahoo Personals a marriage broker?" question. She said I needed to call an attorney. *sigh* I'm filling out the form in advance today, and I'm just going to check "no" unless anybody gives me a really good, educated reason to say "yes". Thanks for your assistance with this stuff today. I am eager to finally put something on my timeline and get these forms out the door! Edited by JenM, 01 August 2006 - 02:45 PM.	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-08-01 14:41:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-129F and I-130 both approved	You can also opt to do the K-3 interview, keep the CR-1 option open..enter on the K-3, then return to the consulate for the CR-1 interview. Many take this option as if finance permits it is in general less time consuming then AOS and less of a pain in the butt. Interesting. So you can actually take residence in the US on the K-3 and leave the CR-1 running? All one would have to do is go back to their home country and interview when their date came up, then claim the CR-1 when it's all finished? This sounds like a great idea for our situation, actually, when we get to that point. Sure would beat sitting around waiting for AOS! So how does that work, in terms of leaving the country so soon after arrival? Isn't there a restriction on travel before status is adjusted? Can you have paperwork going for AOS from the K-3 while you're waiting on the completion of a CR-1, so all bases are covered? Edited by JenM, 01 August 2006 - 06:22 PM.	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-08-01 18:19:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Three I-129F Questions	Don't worry about the pic issue. USCIS simply accepts standard passport size pics which are pretty much same format. I sent the same pics for both applications and they never complained. Thanks again, S-M. You have been a major help today.	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-08-01 21:46:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Three I-129F Questions	3) On the actual I-129F form, question 20: Your fiance(e) will apply for a visa abroad at American embassy or consulate at: Does this refer to the interview that will take place later on? If so, I know there is an embassy/consulate in London (he's in the UK), but are there other locations in the UK as well? How do I know which to provide? Thanks again for your help. 3) Yes, it refers to the Embassy where the interview will take place. Someone from UK can answer about what Embassy to mention. Make sure, you don't leave any blank on the applications and submit al the documents that USCIS asks for. Thanks for that. Okay, UK crew - my hubby lives in York. A link from the State Dept wesbite seemed to indicate that London is the only one in England. Is this so? Also, still not clear on the "3/4 frontal view" thing with the photo. Going to get them done tomorrow. ?????	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-08-01 21:09:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Three I-129F Questions	Okay, nearly done filling out forms now. On the I-129F: 1) In the instructions, page 2/3, "What Other Documents Do You Need?", I read the following: Give USCIS a passport-style photo of yourself and a passport-style photo of your fiance(e), with both photos taken within 30 days of the date of filing this petition My local pharmacy can give me six photos at a time (I want to have some back-up). Since it will be at least 30 days between the day when I mail the I-130 and the day when I mail the I-129F, do you think it's okay to use the same set of photos for both forms, or are they expecting them to be different? Of course I'm assuming that the recipient(s) will know or care ... . 2) From the same photo instructions: The dimension of the full frontal facial image of you and your fiance(e) in separate photos should be about one inch from your chin to the top of your hair in 3/4 frontal view The photo instructions for the I-130 did not include the part about the "3/4 frontal view". Do they mean that for the I-129F they want photos taken in 3/4 profile? If so, I guess that answers question 1 ... . 3) On the actual I-129F form, question 20: Your fiance(e) will apply for a visa abroad at American embassy or consulate at: Does this refer to the interview that will take place later on? If so, I know there is an embassy/consulate in London (he's in the UK), but are there other locations in the UK as well? How do I know which to provide? Thanks again for your help. Edited by JenM, 01 August 2006 - 08:21 PM.	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-08-01 20:19:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	A couple of I-130/G-325A questions	Thank you. I have the forms filled out and ready to go.	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-08-01 15:22:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	A couple of I-130/G-325A questions	Holy Moly. I finished the I-130 form, and have moved on to the G-325A's. I called the USCIS line with three questions. The good news was that I only waited on hold for three minutes. The bad news was the girl I spoke to apparently started her job TODAY, and I left the exchange with more questions than I had before. Should've come here and asked you folks first. 1. At the bottom of each page On the G-325A there is a bold box with instructions for the "Applicant" to enter his/her name. On my set of forms, should that be my name, or my UK husband's? I ask because I have come to understand the term "Applicant" to mean the Beneficiary of the petition, and I can think of logical reasons for both possible interpretations. Believe it or not, the USCIS girl didn't know the answer. 2. Also on the G-325A: Near the bottom on the left there is a box that asks "This form is submitted in connection with application for:" and gives three options, "Naturalization", "Status as Permanent Resident", and "Other (specify)". I know it isn't the first one, but in my process towards a CR-1/IR-1 or K-3 am I correct to go with "Status as Permanent Resident"? If not, what is the "Other" I should specify? Again, the girl didn't know. She said "I think you're supposed to put the number of the form you're filing the G-325A for" but she didn't sound the least bit sure! 3. Finally, I understood that I am supposed to fill out a complete set of four G-325A forms, and that my husband is to do the same. This USCIS representative volunteered in the course of her non-answer of question #2 (above) that I was to fill in two forms and he was to fill in two forms. Wha??? My final question to her, by the way, was about the whole "Is Yahoo Personals a marriage broker?" question for the I-129F. She said I needed to call an attorney. *sigh* I'm filling out the form in advance today, and I'm just going to check "no" unless anybody gives me a really good, educated reason to say "yes". Thanks for your assistance with this stuff today. I am eager to finally put something on my timeline and get these forms out the door!	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-08-01 14:50:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Medical Exam	I think if you do it that way you have to have duplicates of everything. The AOS option in the US much more cost efficient IMO, as a second medical exam is not needed, and you don't have the added expense of a trip back to home country. Hmmm. I guess we'll have to weigh things when the time comes. After we send the AOS package and get the NOA1, we can apply for the EAD, right? And that takes about three months, according to the VJ guide. When he gets the EAD, he can work (and get a SSN), correct? How long does the EAD last? Maybe as I learn more I won't think it's worth it to make the necessary accomodations to go back and finish a CR-1, but I've heard horror stories about the length of time people have waited for green cards in South Carolina. Are there any other Palmetto State residents here who can comment on this? Why does it take so long in one place as opposed to another?	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-08-02 23:13:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Medical Exam	I have been reading with much interest all posts/threads concerning the proposition of coming to the US on a K-3 and going back for the CR-1 interview. When the time comes, this really is a good plan for my husband and I. So if he does this, does he have to have two separate medical exams, or will the first one count for both visas? If one will suffice, is there anything else between the two processes that can be shared, or will we have to resign ourselves to paying for duplicates?	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-08-02 18:40:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Lawyer or No Lawyer? Lining up the ducks!	Thanks, everybody who answered this thread - both on and off the board. For the moment I think we're going to start the process alone ... well, not truly alone, as we have you folks here to keep us company as we go.	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-07-30 21:27:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Lawyer or No Lawyer? Lining up the ducks!	Thanks for that. It was very helpful. I think I will consult an attorney, just so I can at least be assured that our case is a straightforward as we think it is. Knowing that some attorneys might offer a half-and-half plan such as the one you describe is comforting, too. As this process wears on we will no doubt become more confident in the Immigrations environment, so we may not feel the need for help down the line. Edited by JenM, 30 July 2006 - 07:06 AM.	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-07-30 07:05:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Lawyer or No Lawyer? Lining up the ducks!	Hi, there. My name's Jen, and my new husband and I are just beginning the whole K3 process this weekend ... the complexities seem staggering right now, and I'm wondering if we might be better off just hiring an attorney. Would anybody mind sharing some pros and cons about going that route? Regrets for the path you've taken either way? How much will this probably, honestly cost us with and/or without an attorney? And in case we do go it alone: Is it true the AOS process can be started well before the K3 is complete? At what point can we begin it? My husband has a good savings and I have a decent job, but we can't wait forever for him to start working, if for no other reason than he is the kind of guy who needs to be busy and feel like he has a purpose! Also, I just sent my passport to be corrected after our July 2006 marriage, and it will be at least a month before I get it back. Should I wait to send in the I-130, or is the other option of sending in a copy of my birth certificate really just as acceptable? I'll end with the mother of all silly questions ... are color copies preferable to B & W ones when sending in any sort of documentation? I can't tell you enough how glad I am to find this forum. Ay yi yi, this is crazy stuff. Love's a powerful thing, ain't it? Edited by JenM, 29 July 2006 - 11:45 AM.	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-07-29 11:42:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Immigrant travel during application process	After reading so many things here that contradicted what I gathered from my own inquiries, I got curious and called US Customs (877) 227-5511. I wasn't on hold for very long at all, and the woman I spoke to was both patient and polite. She gave me the number for the Customs people at my husband's intended port of entry in Newark (973) 645-3239. I spoke with an officer right there at the "gate". After I explained my situation, he told me what he personally would consider good evidence to permit entry - it wasn't very much at all. He cautioned me that he knows of other officers on his rotation who are much stricter, and advised me to call back on the next shift and ask the same questions of another officer. I did, and this one said he'd require a lot more. He stopped me when I said my husband lives with his parents (father is ill) and said that without evidence of a lease or mortgage, he simply wouldn't let him pass. Yeah, I think I'm just going to go to England instead! I convinced Continental to give us credit for his ticket even though it was no refund/no exchange fare, and we will be able to return all of our attraction tickets and get a refund on our hotel without a problem. Lesson learned, and with little damage all things considered. Thanks everybody for your input. We're just not adventurous enough to attempt it. Sorry I've been a spazz since I signed on. I'm starting to get a grip and a plan, so I'll be much less manic henceforth! Jen	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-08-01 10:03:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Immigrant travel during application process	Jersey Girl, you're a gem. And thanks for your own take on things, CutienPurg. I'm inclined not to risk it and just wait until the next trip is over. I would gladly change the plan and go to the UK, except that it's a prepaid vacation package with no chance of refund. We'd be losing about $3,500 if we cancel. I'm somebody who has to have something solid to project ahead to, so at least if I tell myself I'll be in the UK for Christmas I won't feel as bad for having to wait to submit the I-130. My husband probably wouldn't be able to bring enough documentation with him to "prove" he isn't abandoning the UK when he visits. He lives with his parents right now because his father had a heart attack recently and his mom couldn't care for him alone. His dad is better now, but once we met he continued living with them to save money for our own plans. That lack of a mortgage or lease (and utility contracts) would make his chances of getting in very dicey. We want this process to go as well as it can, and to be turned back at a POE would be beyond traumatic, especially since this trip is basically our honeymoon (he had to return to the UK two days after our wedding). So it looks like I'll be mostly just lurking here for a while. I'll have nothing new to report, so I won't waste everybody's time with my personal chatter!	Sockmonkey	Not Telling	England	2006-07-30 07:26:00