Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	One-way flight OK for K1 visa holders?	Thank so much everyone for your advice! Ozzy is purchasing his ticket today. At his insistence, we confirmed this with the US Embassy in Turkey, and they also assured us that it doesn't matter and he should buy the ticket that is most convenient for him, whether it be one-way or round-trip. I'm still awaiting the final details from him, but he's tentatively planning to arrive at JFK on Sept. 22! Not so very far away now. I'm SO excited...but secretly a lil nervous too. I want to make him feel as relaxed and at-home as possible after he arrives. I'm afraid he's going to be in for a huge culture shock going from busy Istanbul to my little farming/residential town in the middle of Nowhere, USA!! Any hints or suggestions from people who've been through this? What helped you or your SO the most in making the adjustment to life in the US? I would love to hear from you!!	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2007-08-28 11:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	One-way flight OK for K1 visa holders?	My fiance's K1 visa has been approved and he is now in the process of buying his ticket to the U.S. I'm sure this was probably covered before and I apologize for reiterating (i am still figuring out how to search through the forum)...but is it ok for him to purchase a 1-way ticket to the US? He is being told that he must buy a 2-way ticket since it is his first time here, but that just seems ridiculous to me. Also, should he try to get a direct flight or doesn't it really matter (other than the obvious additional risk for losing luggage, etc.?) Thanks to anyone who can help me answer these questions. He is very stressed out over these issues and wants to make sure he does everything correctly (bless his heart ) ~Tanya	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2007-08-27 08:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	K1- visa - Are photos realy needed	If you have no photos and can't make a special trip, you'll need to send some sort of evidence with your application (plane tickets, boarding passes, etc.) that you visited your fiance in the past 2 years. That is crucial and a little hard to prove without photos, but you could try it and see what happens. At worst, you might receive an RFE and need to make that trip after all... If approved, I would also bring lots of evidence of an ongoing relationship (phone bills, chat logs, emails) with you to the interview. I think it would also be very important, in the absence of photos, that you go with your fiance to the interview. Your presence and interaction with your fiance will be the most convincing evidence of your relationship at that point. For what it's worth, we brought photos to our interview and they were never even asked for. I did send several with the I129 petition but of course have no way to know if they were looked at or not. Good luck! ~Tanya	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2007-08-30 13:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Everyone going through Administrative Processing in ISLAMABAD	I forgot something really important; Brothers and sisters, whatever i have mentioned in my previous post is a personal experience and an overview of what me and my wife are going through at present(only delivered since it was sought). Under no circumstance do i claim to be either, an expert or a consultant in such matters. I do not intend any harm to anybody via my views as expressed above. My suggestion is solely intended for the viewing pleasure of the interested party and not as any legal advice or suggestion whatsoever. Any disagreements to my previous post or the above said may be kept to one's self only as i am not interested in hearing what others think. Good luck to all.	Lamb_Alley	Male	Ireland	2010-03-30 23:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Everyone going through Administrative Processing in ISLAMABAD	Also I have a question if anyone could answer it. Please do so.... my husband's flight is in 2 days.... inshallah... I was worried about POE and the required documents. The white paper tht we got from embassy has some info... i want to double check.... all he need is that secret envelope, xrays, original documents and some forms tht he fills in the plane? right? I ll appreciate if anyone could answer this. If he is flying from Pakistan directly to the States with no flight change in Europe (only a refuel somewhere) then his immigration should be done at the port of entry in the USA. However if he has a stop over somewhere in Europe (Especially, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin) then tell him to be prepared, his immigration might be done before his flight departs for the US. Most of these Airports now have US immigration enclaves within and you get done and dusted beforehand with all your i-94 landing card completion and submission and brown sealed 'SECRET' envelope declarations including finger printing etc. In all scenarios, tell him to keep his calm, be prepared to tell the whole (how we met, when we met, and jab we met ... including the) wedding story if the visa officer asks, which i'm 90% certain he will be asked. X-rays are seldom taken. I was told to give it to my doctor in the US if i like as it was not needed for my immigration. This process will more than likely take up to 10 minutes max. Out of all the POEs so far, JFK (NY) has the most probability of issuance of a work authorization stamp upon arrival. I cannot emphasize enough how important work authorization is to a new immigrant in the US. I do not think most of us understand what us new immigrants will have to go through here. Unless your fiance / wife / Husband (whoever is the US citizen) earns a fortune, there is no other way to survive but to beg in-laws for financial help to get you the couple through this not just for a month or two, but possibly up to a year. And not to mention having to live in basements or with in-laws for at least a year after the wedding just because you can't afford your own place. Here's what my wife is having to bear just because she is helping me settle down with her in the land of dreams. This is the extra amount she would be paying out of her hard earned basic salary each month. Last week we got the following done; Medical insurance; an extra 484 Dollars per month on top of her own payments of 150 dollars. (Blue Cross Blue Shield) - 7608 Dollar total for the year to have us both medically insured. Car Insurance: 631 extra for this year as i am a new driver in the US despite my 10 year old driving record from Ireland and Pakistan. I-485 Adjustment of Status application cost: 1014 Dollars. Rent: 600 dollars for a 1 bed kitchen and bath basement each month. (Previously she was living with parents). Thats 7200 Dollars extra each year. No chance of a house mortgage yet as one of us (me) holds no prior credit history. Been told to wait a minimum 2 years before coming back to apply for a mortgage. Add this all up to see for yourself. SO please understand that a work authorization is utmost important from day one. The new immigrant spouse must work and start supporting as soon as possible. TRY AND GET A FLIGHT TO JFK (with no stop overs or flight changes in between) AND REQUEST THE VISA OFFICER TO ISSUE A WORK AUTHORIZATION ON HIS I-94 card. Period.	Lamb_Alley	Male	Ireland	2010-03-30 23:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Everyone going through Administrative Processing in ISLAMABAD	hey everyone- I haven't been online for a while- it was too depressing with the whole AP situation so logged in after a while. My hubby got a call today from Islamabad stating that they want him to email all the phone numbers he has been using for the past 5 years. Has anyone had a similar request? I am just happy to hear something from their side a month after the interview. Even if we do not get the visa issued right now- at least hearing something just calmed down my soul a bit. Thanks! At the end of the week 7 after my interview i received a phone call from the embassy too, an extremely stiff voiced man spoke without any pleasantries simply confirming with me who i was and then telling me right away that my administrative processing lacks further required documentation ordering that i must e-mail my CV (Resume was the word he used) on the same day in order to process anything any more. He then dictated the e-mail address to send that CV on, told me the file format he wanted it in, and hung up bang on. He didn't even tell me what sort of a CV he actually needed. It appears that 'they' (you decide who 'they' could be) are trying to find even a slightest fault / error/ or a minor discrepancy in our submitted documents to decline the application, after what happened on christmas day. Rest assured my friend a visa consul officer is the only citizen after the presidency or the top ranked bureaucracy in the US who is not answerable to anyone, or is not punishable under any section of the US law in any court in the US or abroad for any decision he undertakes regarding issuance of visa to citizens of high alert countries. He/she simply reserves the right to decline applications upon his/her own disposal as and when it suits without acknowledging the true eligibility of the applicant. So basically however 'ODD' or 'Common' request he/she makes ..... must be fulfilled without any further do. Mind you, DS-156, DS-157, DS-156K, DS-230 Parts 1 and 2, And G325A ...... are all Bio data forms in true fact containing our Resume' / Curriculum Vitae / Biodata ... or whatever they call it in the States and were submitted by almost all of us applicants already during the interview at the embassy. Hell ..... these completed forms even contain more information about us applicants than we actually even know about ourselves. So the question arises why do they further need information from us ...? I suggest ...... qhayder .... put a heavy stone on your heart to quash the anger and give the embassy what they want.	Lamb_Alley	Male	Ireland	2010-01-14 09:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Everyone going through Administrative Processing in ISLAMABAD	Assalam o Alaikum Feisal and all friends over this thread, Been following this AP thread a while now, and i wish to congratulate Feisal not only on getting your visa in Hand finally but also for the tremendous effort you have placed in getting all us AP victims from Pakistan together under the same roof of this thread to share whatever needs sharing. Its an uphill struggle, a terrible everyday pain that we have to go through all along .... isn't it? Bitter, and sourly, this menace called wait, it rots our relationships to the extent where even our dearest and our most cherished seem to drift further and farther away each second. This feeling of uncertainty, the excruciating speculation, the sharp pangs in the heart, and the dead legs which fail to support one every few hours forcing us to find a seat quick before we sprawl over the living room floor ..... aaah my dears .... these spasms of severe neck pains, i'm sure will remain an unforgetable memory with us all our lives. i don't know what will happen tomorrow, or where will it all end for us ....... but to all my dear brothers and sisters out there sharing the same feelings as me .... i wish you best of luck .... i really wish u all the best ..... and even better than it ..... if there was ever such a thing. God will Shine His blessing on us soon.	Lamb_Alley	Male	Ireland	2010-01-13 18:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	April 2009 Filers	Thanks I just wish ...... someday ..... i could breath openly and without fear once again. Every second every moment of my life since we decided to undergo this unimaginably excruciating process passes with an anticipation of the most dreadful outcome. I'm sure you guys know exactly how it feels, i'm only trying to put words to it. What will happen .... what won't .... our lives .... our futures .... our happiness ..... the prospect of having a better life ..... what will it all turn to in the end of this K-1 process? She has given up so much for me .... yet willing to give up even more so ....everything that she has .... she ever had .... to be with me .... to bring me to this country unknown to me in all respects ... and i accepted this fate .... just for our love ... how will i ever be able to thank her for loving me so much where nothing matters to her but me ...... And yet its only a chance ..... Luck ... Chance .... 'Luck by-Chance' whether this visa thing gets approved or not.	Lamb_Alley	Male	Ireland	2009-06-22 09:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	April 2009 Filers	QUOTE (Victor&Cory @ Jun 20 2009, 07:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> But do you have access to the copy of the cashed check? The case # should be printed on the back. Thank you. The number definetly and most certainly exists, i have been checking the application status through it since i discovered it. But NOA1 is still the issue, we never recieved it. I have been advised by a few knowledgeful comrades at another forum that getting this exclusive application number which shows at the back of the cheque means one obtained an NOA1 status automatically but the question then arises as to why does an NOA1 status not appear on the screen during online checking of my status. Only shows application pending, No touches, No progress whatsoever. Even after more than 60 days. Edited by Lamb_Alley, 20 June 2009 - 03:26 PM.	Lamb_Alley	Male	Ireland	2009-06-20 15:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	April 2009 Filers	QUOTE (Victor&Cory @ Jun 20 2009, 06:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Didn't they print your case # in the back of the check? Nope. We only know that the cheque was cashed thru bank statement. No other proof.	Lamb_Alley	Male	Ireland	2009-06-20 12:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	April 2009 Filers	Lucky some of you guys at least got your NOA1s.	Lamb_Alley	Male	Ireland	2009-06-20 12:03:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Wendy and Yilmaz, we are SOOOOO happy for you! Tebrikler!!! It couldn't have happened to a nicer couple So Awaterlily was right about St. Nick bringing your approval LOL...I guess he even saw fit to drop it off a couple days early Have a warm and happy holiday, as I'm sure you will now that you know your love is really on his way Love Tanya & Ozzy PS: I had more dancing men up there, but got an error message when I tried to post that said "you have posted a message with more emoticons than this board allows" LOL, I didn't know there was a limit on such things	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-12-23 16:15:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	It is quite possible to live here in the US and raise your children according to the Muslim faith. I personally know families who do so quite successfully. Your faith, your family life, and your children's upbringing is what you make it. Of course it is more difficult than in a predominantly Muslim country, but certainly not impossible. In an interfaith marriage, however, the spouses kinda went into the deal knowing they were going to have both...or else they went in with unrealistic expectations... GL with your application to remove conditions......and yes, I hear it is taking a very looong time. [/quote] Congratulations! It has been over 4 months since I applied to remove conditions, no words from the USCIS yet. As I said somewhere else on the forum that Ithink they know who celebrate Christmas and who does not and act accordingly...in giving 'presents'... wendya, it is good to be open-minded. But this issue is very very important. It never goes away. Living in a foreign country and wanting to raise your children according to your cultural sphere is very very difficult if not impossible in inter-national/ inter-faith marriages. Even when people say they are not religious they still celebrate Christmas.Muslims do not. If I want my children to be Muslim how can I let my children to be subject to Christian/pagan rituals? When it comes to faith we can not say let us have both. [/quote]	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-12-20 21:42:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Wow congrats Aunt Wendy Gosh...an answer on your waiver can't take *too* much longer...can it? I hope not... I am nowhere near ready for Christmas! We definitely spent too much on our ski vacation last month (it was worth it tho). I get paid again on Christmas eve and I have a feeling I'm going to be one of those people out there shopping until the stores close... How about you? Hope you have a warm and happy holiday! Tanya QUOTE (wendya @ Dec 20 2008, 09:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (tanyakaraman @ Dec 19 2008, 07:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Wendy! How are you? I hope all is well! Happy Holidays... Hi Tanya, Ozzy and Family. I am good, thanks. Still waiting (15 months and counting!!). Yilmaz's youngest sister that got married a little over a year ago is pregnant!! Are you guys ready for Christmas?	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-12-20 13:10:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Wendy! How are you? I hope all is well! Happy Holidays...	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-12-19 19:01:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Congrats!! That was fast! Our GC seemed to take *forever* to come... Good luck with the move, new job and your husband's job search! QUOTE (camistanbul @ Dec 18 2008, 08:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Happy Holidays to everyone!! We received my husband's green card in the mail today -- best Christmas present I could ask for!!! We're moving to San Francisco next month... I have a job lined up, but my husband is fretting a bit about finding one out there for himself. Hopefully something will come through, I feel positive about it. Anyway, I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year's and that 2009 brings your visas quickly and your loved ones closer to you.	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-12-19 08:33:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Happy Holidays to you too...and everyone! Julia, I bet you are sooo excited about your upcoming trip! Iyi yolculuklar! ~Tanya QUOTE (awaterlily @ Dec 18 2008, 12:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Happy Holidays	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-12-18 13:22:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	I have read that although Obama's father was raised Muslim, he later became an athiest.... QUOTE (internetkafe @ Dec 18 2008, 09:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28292113/ This is a loss for Obama's father. I see that if the immigrating parent is not a follower of any religion it does not matter as much.Giving a part of you, leaving a part of you in a foreign land to turn into something you hate seeing. Obama's grandfather was arrested and beaten to death just because he resisted the British when they occupied Kenya. His second name Hussein comes from that grandfather... By the way awaterlily,it seems you have exceeded your photobucket limits....	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-12-18 11:14:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	My husband and I are raising my 3 children (from a previous marriage) together. He is Muslim but not strict. I was raised Christian but no longer choose to "label" myself as such (I am not an athiest...I just don't feel the need to put a denominational label on my belief in God). Obviously, my children were raised in America all their lives so Christmas has just always been a tradition for them, and one that they obviously look forward to and enjoy. We view the Christmas tree and gift giving as a non-religious custom, although obviously it is related to a religious holiday for Christians. After all, the christmas tree originated as a pagan custom I believe, and my husband loves the fact that Santa Clause himself (though Christian) originated in Anatolia (at least according to one legend). My husband celebrates Christmas with us and just considers it a part of the New Year celebration. We also celebrate the Muslim holidays such as Ramadan and Eid. As far as religion goes, I make every effort to educate my children about different religions, although admittedly, they do have more exposure to Christianity...simply because of where we live and my family, etc. I do feel that one's faith is a personal decision and it's one that I want my children to make based on their own education, experience and just what they feel is the best fit for them. I'm sure, however, that when/if my husband and I have our own children together, there will be a much more balanced input from his side, and that will be fine with me....even welcomed We often discuss moving back to Turkey someday as well. I believe that children should be exposed to and taught as much as possible about their (and their parents') heritage, history and religion. Those things are an important part of who they are. QUOTE (internetkafe @ Dec 15 2008, 09:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I did not know Debra and John did not have kids together.I posed the question for everyone in this thread.I do not know who has kids and who does not.But thanks for replying. Do you know if Obama was born out of wedlock? It must be very difficult for the children in similar situations to be able to find their identity. Even after they decide which id they would like to carry as a grown up people will see them as they wish. Obama's choosing Christianity is a loss for his late-father in my opinion. I asked the question also to people who do not have kids but planning to have. Just to make them think about it.It is not easy. By the way, congratulations on your spouse's green card approval, awaterlily.	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-12-16 14:07:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Congrats!! QUOTE (awaterlily @ Dec 8 2008, 04:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> great news - checked our USCIS online status and our 10 yr PR card was finally approved and card production ordered today!	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-12-08 21:47:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Hi Erika, In addition to what Awaterlily said, I attached a letter from my employer on company letterhead stating my salary, length of employment and a statement that my employment with them was likely to continue on a full time basis indefinitely. Try it...and attach a letter explaining everything, and attach a copy of your most recent paystub with your YTD income highlighted and circled. As for waiting for the 2008 W2...does anyone know if she has a time limit to submit everything?? If there isn't, that could just be the ticket. Oh and about the interview date... as Awaterlily said, you could go ahead and let them schedule you, then request a change for a later date. On the other hand, if you are able to wait for your 2008 W2's to come in, then submit package 3 with your 2008 income, you might end up with a March interview anyway and kill 2 birds with one stone. I guess I was lucky in that my office is a bit overstaffed and I can pretty much take time off whenever I want as long a I have it on the books. My big issue was coming up with the $$ for the plane ticket... So it might be smart to check to see if there are any deadlines to submit the package 3 documents (I can't remember if there are or not). If you find there aren't, you might just want to wait. Thats just my 2 cents though...you've gotta do what's seems best for you! Good Luck!! Tanya QUOTE (ErikaAndHamit @ Dec 7 2008, 02:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> How did everyone manage to make it to their fiance/spouse interviews at the foreign embassy with work and all? I am hoping Ankara allows us some choice in the interview dates. Do you know anything about this? AND my work wants all requested time off by the 12th of his month for Janaury and February 2009...yikes!!!! Would Ankara ever agree to an interview in late January if we send packet 3 documents late this month?? (we haven't sent any of the requested documents from packet 3 yet-I'm still paralyzed with indecision...lol) We jut got this packet a few days ago.... Problem 2: I have like $46,000 gross income to date for 2008 (more than enough), but for 2007 only 17,500 because I was a student. Ankara wants only 2007's W2 OR the most current bringing me to my next concern..... I want to wait for my new W2 on Janauary 20th because I am so afraid they will question my income from 2007 which is hardly enough for 5 people, but I was in school.... PSHBRK said I should simply write a letter explaining this and attrach it to the I-134. Will I be fine?? Isn't January 20th too far away if we send packet 3 documents this month? .....I want to go to this interview 100%, but work wants to know what days I need off by the 12th.....I am in a pinch..what should I do or what would you do? Help Frozen with indecision, Erika Thanks for ny input in advance!	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-12-07 17:17:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Merhaba awaterlily! Tesekkuler ve sana da iyi bayramlar! We'll be celebrating too for sure...hopefully with some yummy lamb. Tanya QUOTE (awaterlily @ Dec 5 2008, 11:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Just popping in to wish you all ... ?yi Bayramlar! will you & your families be celebrating? we're not making a sacrifice but will celebrate small scale with a nice lamb dinner.	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-12-05 15:06:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Wow, congratulations Debbie! I hope your delivery goes smoothly on Friday! As for the lifting of conditions, I don't really know how difficult it is as we haven't reached that point yet, but I do know that we plan on doing it ourselves without a lawyer's assistance (as long as it doesn't involve rocket science, I am a DIY kind of girl )and lots of others here on VJ have as well. Hopefully one of them will come forth with some tips for you! I have heard that the process is currently taking quite a long time... Best wishes to you and your husband and your soon to be arriving beautiful bundle of joy!! Tanya QUOTE (Deb_Res @ Dec 3 2008, 09:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Merhaba Everybody! I know I haven't been on here in ages... But we had quite a surprise on April Fool's Day when I found out that I was pregnant! Who would have thought I'd become pregnant, naturally on our own at the age of 43, and 6 months after my gastric bypass??? God is good! I have had a fabulous pregnancy without any complications and I am actually giving birth to our little angel girl on Fri. 12/5. I just found out yesterday that she has to be a c-section since she is lying sideways in me and not down in the birth canal... But she's coming exactly on her due date and she's already over 8 lbs.! We are very excited and feel very blessed that this miracle has happened to us... Meantime... I received a call from our lawyer's office informing us that we need to make an appt. to start the lifting of conditions process for Resul. His anniversary is on 4/24/09. I saw online that the application fees alone are going to cost us over $500! My lawyer has not told me the cost of this service yet, but I'm imagining it will be well over $1000 which we can not afford with a new baby coming in days! My question is for those of you who have gone through this process is it something we can do on our own and how difficult is it? I looked at it and it seems do-able, but just want some opinions. Are they very tough with this process? I have seen that it has taken about a year for people to get their 10 year green cards, is that correct? Any info and advise would be great! If you don't hear back from me right away you know what I'll be doing! I will post some pics once our angel arrives! Take care and good luck to all! ~Debbie	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-12-03 09:45:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Yes, I think that is the best thing for you to do Julia...just try to concentrate on the positive things you have coming in the next couple months! I hope you have an awesome Thanksgiving with your family! And I know I don't even need to wish you a wonderful time in Turkey with your love over Christmas break That just goes without saying... As for me, we were planning to go to Turkey for Thanksgiving to see Ozzy's parents (his father has been ill lately...), and if all had gone as planned, we would have been there right now. But we weren't sure if the money we needed was going to come in time, so we postponed the trip. We did actually end up having the funds we needed after we decided not to go...so I'm kinda disappointed but...oh well. We'll plan to go in the spring or summer. We are going to drive up to Vermont tomorrow morning and try some skiing for the holiday weekend, so that should be fun... As for the baby gift...hmmmm...I'm not really sure what they don't have in turkey that we have here...I'm sure a gift from the heart would be appreciated by all though Happy TURKEY day to all!!! Tanya	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-11-26 16:44:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (JULIAFERNO @ Nov 22 2008, 06:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (tanyakaraman @ Nov 21 2008, 08:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Julia, So sorry things are taking so long for you guys, and taking such a toll emotionally. It's good that you are able to come to an agreement/compromise about it though, and May is a much more reasonable deadline than the end of January. Here's hoping that the visa comes thru before it even becomes (more of) an issue. Whether it does or not, just remember that even if things don't turn out exactly the way you wanted, if you find a way to be with your soulmate (whether here or somewhere else), you'll always have everything you need to be happy and fulfilled in life. You two are fortunate in that a "plan B" or even a "plan C" are options for you. Meaning that you have the option of moving to Turkey or somewhere else (I remember you talking about Costa Rica....). For Ozzy and me, if he didn't get his visa, I think it really would have been the end of us because I don't have the (legal) option of moving to another country with my children...and I couldn't have continued to buy plane ticket after plane ticket to go over there to see him on my pitiful salary! But you guys are young and you're obviously well educated...you'd do well anywhere you decided to live. With that said, I think his chances of getting his visa are excellent...I just hope it happens within the time frame of the next few months!! It would be sooo difficult to have gone thru all this waiting and then cancel it and always wonder what if you'd just waited a few more weeks... Try not to let things get you down...and definitely don't let them take tear your relationship apart. This is just a test. If you can get thru it together, you can get thru anything that the future holds... Tanya Thank you Tanya and Wendy for your encouraging words. I don't know why things have been so hard lately...I guess neither of us imagined that he wouldn't be here by now. I was quite sure we would be spending the holidays together this year here in Ohio. Even after he was put in AP we were thinking 2-3 months. Now that it is going on 4 months and we know of people who have been in AP for over a year, it is hard to see that light at the end of the tunnel. It feels like we are in for the long haul. I do know that someone on VJ whose fiance is from Iran (all Iranian visa applications are processed in Turkey) and was in AP finally finished AP a few weeks ago, after about five and a half months. Maybe that is a sign of how long AP is taking in Turkey right now. Sibel's (miamiwife) husband has been in AP a month longer than Onur, meaning they have been waiting about 5 months now. If they get their visa soon, my hopes will be raised. Although I am fearful that the holidays are going to slow work down at the embassy. Wendy - I don't think what you read about no decisions being made until Obama is inaugurated is true. The Turkish embassy is updating their security clearance site and adding new case numbers to the clearance list every week. If that were the case, I don't think we would see that happening. And, I have seen several people complete AP in the AP/Waivers forum in the past month. I could be wrong, but from what I've seen visa applicants are being cleared and visas are being issued on a continual basis. I can't imagine how hard it has been for you to wait 14 months to hear a decision. Onur and I have been waiting four (on top of the 8 months prior to his interview) and it feels like an eternity. I hope we both hear something soon. Sibel too. It will call for a big celebration in the Turkish forum Well, Tom Petty didn't sing "the waiting is the hardest part" for nothing...and what's worse is you have no real idea of HOW LONG it's actually going to take. That's gotta be soooo incredibly difficult to deal with! I think it's totally normal for that to become overwhelming at times. I guess that's the best thing about this forum...we can support each other when we need it...share stories and advice, and try to help pass the time....it's the best thing we can do for each other... And yes, there will definitely be a BIG Turkish celebration with lots of dancing men on this forum when those in AP and waiting on waivers finally get their visas!! Keeping my fingers crossed for SOON!!! So stay strong & think positive....that day WILL come.... Tanya	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-11-25 11:16:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Julia, So sorry things are taking so long for you guys, and taking such a toll emotionally. It's good that you are able to come to an agreement/compromise about it though, and May is a much more reasonable deadline than the end of January. Here's hoping that the visa comes thru before it even becomes (more of) an issue. Whether it does or not, just remember that even if things don't turn out exactly the way you wanted, if you find a way to be with your soulmate (whether here or somewhere else), you'll always have everything you need to be happy and fulfilled in life. You two are fortunate in that a "plan B" or even a "plan C" are options for you. Meaning that you have the option of moving to Turkey or somewhere else (I remember you talking about Costa Rica....). For Ozzy and me, if he didn't get his visa, I think it really would have been the end of us because I don't have the (legal) option of moving to another country with my children...and I couldn't have continued to buy plane ticket after plane ticket to go over there to see him on my pitiful salary! But you guys are young and you're obviously well educated...you'd do well anywhere you decided to live. With that said, I think his chances of getting his visa are excellent...I just hope it happens within the time frame of the next few months!! It would be sooo difficult to have gone thru all this waiting and then cancel it and always wonder what if you'd just waited a few more weeks... Try not to let things get you down...and definitely don't let them take tear your relationship apart. This is just a test. If you can get thru it together, you can get thru anything that the future holds... Tanya	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-11-21 20:04:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Sounds like fun Julia! Our Halloween was kinda rushed...I had to work all day, then pick up the kids from school (and got stuck in traffic for like ~1.5 hours) and rush home. By the time we got home, the other kids in the neighborhood were already out trick-or-treating, so my kids had to hurry up & get dressed so they could go out. I was going to wear my costume from last year (a Roman goddess) but I didn't bother with all the rushing around. I didn't even take any pictures!!	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-11-02 08:30:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Lovely pictures Erika! You two do make a very nice couple & looks like you had a wonderful time! And Wendy...sorry you're feeling down & lonely! Good thing you have such a close family to help keep your spirits up... I'm missing Ozzy today too...he's in NYC for a couple days on business. This guy from Instanbul he used to work for (as an interpreter) is in NY for a few days and he asked Ozzy to come interpret for him while he's here. But he'll be back home tomorrow. It makes me sad too to think of you and Yilmaz being apart for so long....I don't know how you do it, but keep hanging in there!! ~Tanya QUOTE (ErikaAndHamit @ Nov 1 2008, 04:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Here's those Istanbul pics I have been promising if anyone cares to reminisce It's on my Myspace at: http://viewmorepics....albumId=1858635 Hope you all enjoy them!	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-11-01 19:33:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Thanks for the tip awaterlily! I just checked the dates we want to fly (Nov 20-30) and they have a pretty good price, plus the flight is out of Philly, which is soooooo much more convenient for us than the 3 or so hour drive to JFK airport in New York! We might just go with them... I too have had great experiences on Lufthansa...the last time I flew with them, I remarked to the flight attendant how much I enjoyed the wine they served on the flight (reisling...my favorite!!) and she promptly returned with a whole bottle as a gift to me!! Of course, the security in Frankfurt confiscated it because it was liquid and I didn't have a receipt... ...but still, the thought was nice.	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-10-31 09:41:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	So sorry Julia...I know how hard it is to be so far away from the one you love when all you want is to be together & it seems like it should be such a simple thing to ask for. Unfortunately it seems there are few things that are simple or quick (or FAIR!) about this process. I guess the one & only silver lining is that with all the waiting & frustration, you never forget how precious a gift it is when you're finally together! Sending wishes your way for some good news on your case in the near future... Tanya QUOTE (JULIAFERNO @ Oct 29 2008, 05:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> It has been 3 months today that Onur has been in this "Administrative Processing". I am losing my mind! Why isn't the embassy or DOS held accountable to any sort of time frame? All they can tell us (including via an inquiry from my senator's office) is that the case is still pending/still under administrative review. This is so frustrating...and depressing.	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-10-29 19:53:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	QUOTE (kennyandhandan @ Oct 20 2008, 11:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I hope everyone is doing well. According to 2 pregnancy tests yesterday, there's a bun in our oven! Tebrikler Kenny and Handan!!	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-10-22 10:57:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Julia, do you have any frequent flier miles at all? The last time I needed to get to Turkey on the cheap, I found I had just enough frequent flier miles on Turkish airlines to get a free ticket from London to Istanbul (it doesn't take many). Then I found a dirt cheap flight from the US to London and just made sure I left several hours inbetween to make the connection. Kinda risky going that way but it worked. I got to Istanbul and back for ~$700 in mid July, which is pretty much unheard of at that time of year! Try Priceline.com...I think they're a bit cheaper than some of the others. They don't add on booking fees. Another website is 1800flyeurope.com. They sometimes have some very good deals. Also try searching for flight dates on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Its also often cheaper to fly on holidays. When I took my kids to meet Ozzy, we flew home on Thanksgiving day. Our tickets were ~$550 each just because we were willing to fly on the holiday. Good luck...	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-10-17 13:26:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	We are both doing well. Ozzy was just elected president of the International Club at college! I am so proud of him The kids and I start humming "Hail to the Cheif" whenever he walks into the room LOL. My school is going very well too and the kids are doing fine. We have just been so incredibly busy though. Ozzy also just changed jobs, and while he likes his new job a lot more, the hours run later in the evening while I work during the day and leave the house very early in the AM. Also, I am doing my clinicals in the evening, so there are 2 nights a week where I actually get home later than him. So needless to say, there are lots of days where we hardly see each other, and when we do, we are both just completely exhausted! We do communicate by phone a lot during the day and he is so very good at communication, so I am happy (or at least too tired to mind much ) Our 1-year anniversary is coming up next week...I can't believe it has been a year already (and yet sometimes I can't remember a time before he was here). I am sending some wishes your way for you and Yilmaz to be together soon and for the day to come when all this waiting will just be a distant memory..... More of the same for Julia and Erika too! ~Tanya QUOTE (wendya @ Oct 15 2008, 04:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks Tanya. I really appreciate how supportive you (and everyone else too) have been. I know, I was so mad when they told me they asked several months ago!! And, like I said, they only answered because Rome sent them an e-mail. I had e-mailed them twice before with no response!! How are you and Ozzy? Still very busy I am sure. At least we have been having beautiful weather!! Last night was so clear and warm and the moon so bright and full. It is nights like those that I miss Yilmaz even more (if that is possible). Thanks again. Take Care. Hugs, Wendy	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-10-16 13:41:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Merhaba Wendy! Wow, good thing you kept after them! They might have never followed up otherwise! It really irks me to imagine those piles of papers sitting in an office somewhere..those papers that hold the key to so many peoples hopes, dreams and futures... and the people that are getting paid to process them seem so lackadaisical about it! (sorry I get a lil worked up sometimes LOL!) Hopefully now things will get moving for your case!!! Best Wishes! Tanya	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-10-15 14:43:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Hehe thanks Erika--I am definitely anxious for nursing clinicals to be OVER... That's not to say I'm not enjoying it and it's not interesting, but definitely tough! I am hanging in there tho... So glad to hear your trip went well! Makes me miss the times Ozzy and I spent in Turkey... Julia, if you're looking for a relatively warm place to visit, I recommend Antakya. It's in the south near Syria and used to actually be a part of Syria so the food and customs are a little different (if you go, you have to eat some kunefe!!). There are a lot of very interesting historical things around there to see as well if you're interested in ancient history. One of the most impressive mosaic museums is in Antakya and there is St. Peter's church and Titus Tunel (ancient cave tombs) in nearby Samandag. Not to mention its a quick trip across the border into Syria if you're interested (but I think you have to obtain a visa in the US before you go). That's something I've always wanted to do but haven't done yet. Also, if you travel there by bus, you get to see a lot of the country in passing. Ozzy's sister lives there so we've visited several times and its always very warm. There's also Side (very touristy) and Antalya... We're tentatively planning to go back in November but will probably just visit Istanbul and Izmit (where his parents live) and possibly Afyon (I'm hoping!). Hi to everyone!! ~Tanya	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-10-10 08:43:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Mina, I'm so happy to hear your husband will be coming home soon! Things are good with us, just crazy busy! Ozzy is doing well in college but is unhappy with his job and looking for another. My nursing clinicals are in full swing so between that, work and kids, I have about zero free time. I do like to check in here when I have a minute and see how everyone is doing though. Congrats again to Doris and Camistanbul! I hope you and your men have an easy transition to life back in the US! Doris' account of thier interview reminds me of mine and Ozzy's too! Was the CO by chance an Asian woman? Like you, she drilled us until the very end, then told us "well, I see no problem!". We weren't 100% sure that was an approval, but figured it was when she sent us back to pay for delivery. I can't believe she asked if you just talk to every guy who comes up to you! And the sneaky trying to get him to speak Turkish so you wouldn't understand!! I guess thats their job--to sort out the genuine relationships from anyone trying to pull something shady--but sheesh! Well for anyone interested, there is a Turkish festival in Washington DC this Sunday (Oct 5th) for anyone close enough/interested in making the trip there! Not sure if we are going 'cause I think Ozzy has to work, but I'd sure like to! Anyways, hope all is well with everyone. Thinking of you guys, Wendy and Julia! ~Tanya QUOTE (Mina76 @ Sep 27 2008, 10:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Debra, Tanya, awaterlily and all others, hope you are all doing well and happy too! I hope to see everyone come here more often, but I know it's not always possible when we are busy with either work or our families because soon I will be too! Take care all and GOD Bless everyone in our Turkish group!	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-10-02 15:07:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Tebrikler Galfeist!!! That's wonderful news!	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-09-24 09:59:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Erika, I hope you are able to enjoy your trip and I hope his mom is going to be OK! Having your plans almost turned upside down can definitely throw you emotionally. I have a friend who's seeing a Turkish guy, bought plane tickets to go be with him, and arrived in Istanbul, only to have him tell her "don't come" because his father was also ill with cancer. She did end up seeing him briefly during her trip (fortunately, she had other friends in the country that she was able to spend time with in the meantime) but I'm sure that was very disheartening for her. On a happier note, a year later, they are still together and going strong I believe she is planning to move there (to Konya) after finishing college. So I guess what I'm saying is "hang in there". This road is definitely not easy, but it is worthwhile...and remember that a man who treats his mother well will treat his wife the same way Galfeist, I hope your interview goes well & you two are able to return to the US together! As for the gift, you should just give her something from your heart. If you really want a recommendation though, you can't go wrong with gold Maybe a bracelet or necklace...or earrings if she wears them. All of the Turkish women I know love it! Tanya	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-09-05 09:32:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved cat Wendy... My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family as well. Tanya	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-08-27 08:25:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)	Just Turkish	Wow Mina! The Turkish festival sounds wonderful! We'll have to watch out for it next year. I believe they have one in Philadelphia also but I bet the New York one is huge! I looked at the link and all that food looked soooo delicious!! Hope the 10-year card is approved soon Awaterlily! What is your husband's status considered in the meantime? Is he able to travel out of the country if need be? 8 months seems like a long time to wait.... Galfeist, best of luck on your interview! We'll be thinking of you guys! Wendy...hoping Yilmaz and yourself will be attending Turkish festivals in the US together in the near future! I guess you could say we had our own miniature Turkish fest on Sunday night...we invited the Turkish students who live nearby for a little BBQ at our place. I don't believe they've had a home cooked meal since arriving in the US a few months ago...let alone a Turkish one. They were so overjoyed to see Turkish beans and salads and kebap! We stayed up way past 1 AM though & I am still recovering from all the fun In other news, Ozzy started college classes yesterday! He wants to go for Network Engineering but has to take a semester of ESL first. So far so good though! Tanya	tanyakaraman	Female	Turkey	2008-08-26 10:09:00