ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IndiaEvaluate Our Case Please
The biggest issue I see is that she's Muslim and you are not. The COs know the "traditional" rules when it comes to religion and culture. A huge rule for many [read: almost all] Muslims is that females don't marry out of Islam. There are a some who have [very valid] arguments as to why this rule is false - but for many, many families it is followed. This will completely peak the CO's interest. Be prepared to have her handle this question.

***Extra bonus points if she's from a truly progressive family where many close and intermediate family members have mixed marriages [ie, "Well, my bro married a Sikh, and my first cousin on my dad's side married a Buddhist, etc" - this would concretely show that in her family mixed marriages are accepted.]***

If you're going through Delhi - and I haven't a clue where Lucknow interviews - go to the interview.
catknitFemaleIndia2012-07-15 17:12:00
IndiaRajesh Khanna passes away @69
RIP - through my husband, I'm slowly but surely being indoctrinated into the bollywood cult...it's easy to see why some of the superstars have such huge fanbases.

Just an aside, it always amazes me how inter-married a lot of the bollywood stars are...Ashkay Kumar is his SIL?
catknitFemaleIndia2012-07-18 10:21:00
IndiaProof of mother-son relationship
I don't have a lot to add but I'd go ahead and look in the Philipines or VietNam forum for some information on the DNA testing.

I want to say I've read topics where they explain the procedure, timings, and cost. It didn't seem super complex or crazy expensive [under $1000].

Good Luck!
catknitFemaleIndia2012-07-18 12:47:00
IndiaParents GC Interview
I think it would totally depend on the beneficiary involved. A spouse coming over who could be added to the USC's insurance or get a job that would lead to benefits is head and shoulders different from an elderly or older parent who will not be working [due to age] or wouldn't have the skill set to find work.

Having two older parents with who-knows-what medical issues - the petitioner needs their ducks in a row. Granted, you may just get a 221g until you can prove you can get insurance or whatever. But, I'm a big advocate of trying to get it right and finished the first go around.

A simple broken leg with ER visit, PT, ortho-consult etc etc can be a shocking amount of $$$. Especially if you're used to Rs200 getting you in with a specialist. Personally, I'd want at LEAST $100k/parent in reserve if they were coming over + insurance.
catknitFemaleIndia2012-08-01 18:22:00
IndiaParents GC Interview
Another issue that can and does frequently come up with parents emigrating - medical insurance.

Regardless of age, they will NOT be able to get Medicare until they've put in the correct # of quarters. Also, Medicaid is a means-tested benefit in many cases. Some COs ask for proof of insurance. Something as simple as a 180 day catastrophic coverage plan from your local BCBS may work or not. If the CO thinks they may end up on some sort of assistance, it's game over. Especially since you're going with a co-sponsor...it may come up.
catknitFemaleIndia2012-08-01 15:27:00
IndiaAnyone has experience with United/KLM airlines?

For some reason after travelling through different airlines internationally last 5 years , figured : " If i have an economy ticket - really all airlines are the same " :)


This!
catknitFemaleIndia2012-08-20 07:49:00
IndiaRidiculous obstacles stopping the registration of our marriage....how do we proceed?
Look up user July15. She had very similar issues due to a court marriage in Srinagar, J&K where the marriage could not be registered. If memory serves, USCIS had no issue with her paperwork but NVC gave her an RFE. She countered back with more info and went ahead to the interview stage rather quickly from what I recall. I believe she used affidavits and court records to prove her marriage.
catknitFemaleIndia2012-08-19 16:32:00
IndiaSpecial marriage act in India. Does the USC have to be physically present at the time of filing?
It completely depends on the local office you are working with. There are some users on vj that have successfully registered for the Special Marriage Act with only the Indian citizen at the office. Whether or not that is technically legal is a whole other conversation. But, yes, it has been done.

I would suggest visiting the website indiamike.com and taking a look at their marriage forum. Many, many questions about this same issue are answered there including those that can be back tracked to specific locales thus giving you an idea if it will work in your neck of the Indian woods.
catknitFemaleIndia2012-09-25 07:50:00
IndiaPIO Card for Pakistan born American Citizen
Even if you have a US passport [born USC - not even nautralized], you'll be lucky to get anything longer than 6 months on a Tourist Visa. Also, be warned that you may be waiting months for the visa to be approved...

I highly suggest going to indiamike.com and reading their Visa Forum about Pakistani-family-history based tourist visas. This will give you a good background on how similar situations have been handled.
catknitFemaleIndia2012-10-10 21:10:00
IndiaPIO questions: Chicago
I'd send the current Indian passport and hold onto the expired passport [just in case - but I'm a little bit of a pack-rat].

Her US passport wouldn't give you the proof needed to establish [unequivocally] her Indian Citizenship.

As to timings - goodness, I don't know what would be best. I'm not really sure you can switch up from a PIO to an OCI.

The talk has been, for months, that MHA is going to combine the 2 into a single OCI catergory - but, it's the Indian government we're talking about so, ummm, it could be decades away :D and that totally doesn't help the here and now!
catknitFemaleIndia2012-10-24 11:27:00
IndiaPIO questions: Chicago
The infamous d/o designation! Took me like a year to figure it out - some areas use this as shorthand for "daughter of". Some passports, some birth certificates, some school records list it as a built-in legal family designation tool. Also used are "w/o" or "s/o" meaning "wife of" or "son of". Typically, I've seen this out of smaller areas and not the metros. But, it happens and strangely is recognized as legally defining. [My american-bias says - ummm, how is that not potentially bogus and easy to fake...but, again, in some areas this is the notation used to establish legal family bonds].

Her Indian passport is the ace in the hole about proving she can get the OCI [really - go with the OCI, it's the better deal]. Make sure you include a cover letter describing in detail what you are providing and why.
catknitFemaleIndia2012-10-23 20:15:00
IndiaPIO questions: Chicago
Questions 1 and 2 - yes to both.

Questions 3 and 4 - reference back to both her passport and birth certificate [should have D/O references that further establish her former citizenship].

Question 5 - yes, your inlaws are fine for that list but I can honestly say literally anyone you know will work on that list from what I've seen with friends/family getting PIOs.

Here's the fun part to know/research:

#1 Did you send in the Indian Renunciation certificate [and fee] or are you doing that with the PIO paperwork?

#2 Is there some special reason you are going for PIO and not OCI? OCI given the limited information provided would make more sense, it provides slightly more benefit [no 15 year renewal needed if memory serves]and she is eligible being a former citizen.
catknitFemaleIndia2012-10-23 18:45:00
IndiaBirth Certificate after 1989
Many, many people rely on the sworn affidavits as what maybe provided from a local office can look sketchy - in some places handwritten information on onion skin paper is the "official report". Perhaps, there may be a rubber-stamping on the corner. It can look like something someone bought in a back-alley.

In many instances, school records are relied on as the most-official thing you have besides a passport. Things like voter ids or voter records, PAN cards, ration cards, etc are completely a waste for trying to establish date of birth or even residence - typos, inaccurate information, etc is almost never fixed as it involves in many cases more bribes and more time.

To have school records and the passport match, an official record from a local office [if available because you can literally spend years trying to get one as well as any and all money you have], but most importantly, the sworn affidavit from [typically] the mother is usually accepted at the consulate with no issue.

To the OP - your fiance really should have a clue on getting the sworn affidavit. There is specialized paper with a rupee amount graphically applied to the back. If the mother doesn't speak english, there should be a comment made at the end of the statement by the person who translated her statement.
catknitFemaleIndia2012-12-09 14:34:00
IndiaBirth Certificate after 1989
Do his school sheets and passport match on dates? Is his mother still living? She can provide a sworn statement/affidavit. Or, he can ask around his city's offices [which is a hassle and can cost $$$ but it would solve the issue]. Which city is he in?
catknitFemaleIndia2012-12-09 13:32:00
IndiaNeed help
The US consulates in India are very aware of the quirkiness found in this type of situation [the fact that there is actually a birth certificate is actually head and shoulders above some cases]. As stated, it appears you have ample proof to provide at the interview. That said, worst case scenario [barring any lies at the interview, weird last minute criminal behavior - in general a huge last minute foul-up] would be a 221(g) to provide additional or supplemental evidence if required. This will be up to the consular officer.

One thing that may also come up with sponsoring older/elderly parents [and given your reason to want to sponsor your father I'm bringing this up] is making sure you have the financial end covered - you may even be asked if you have health insurance worked out for your father. This could fall under the "public charge" questions that are sometimes brought up...just giving you a heads up on that end...
catknitFemaleIndia2012-12-19 21:31:00
IndiaDad's visit
Is it just your dad?

The pregnancy issue gets sticky. If a soon-to-be grandma were involved I'd say absolutely NOT. Don't go there. If asked, of course you need to answer truthfully but there is way too much mummy-coming-to-visit turning into mummy-never-left-because-she's-become-the-child-care-provider.

With a dad though, that sort of typical cultural baggage/expectation just doesn't exist. Who hears about a grandfather stepping up to be a grandpa-cum-manny?

I still wouldn't bring it up unless the CO asks about it....
catknitFemaleIndia2013-01-04 12:46:00
IndiaDad's visit
You may be shooting yourself in the foot with all that info. He needs to be able to convince the CO he's just coming to visit and can do so on his own. You swearing up and down he'll come back or that you can afford the tickets/travel insurance will not help his case.

Some parents get visas with no issues, some are denied but re-interview about 6 months - 1 year later and are approved, some get refused numerous times and the only method to get them to the US is via the I130. His success will be based on his information/merits/ties to India and not what you are able to provide about the impending trip.
catknitFemaleIndia2013-01-04 11:26:00
IndiaUpdate on dad's visa
Great news! Congrats - I hope the visit with the soon-to-arrive baby goes well.
catknitFemaleIndia2013-01-24 10:45:00
IndiaMedical Insurance for sponsored immigrant 60+ (less than 65)
He will not have the option of state or federal plans until he has at least 5 years as an LPR. Even then, it may be messy as he will not be working to earn quarters toward, say, Medicare. Never mind the fact that Medicare Part A is $100/month and does not cover all your healthcare/hospitalization [80%]. When you add the supplements, seniors can easily pay $350-$500/month just in premiums.

Hypothetically, once the insurance exchanges open, you should be able to buy into reasonably costed plans but that is not until 2014 if memory serves.

You want to avoid anything that states "means-tested" - that will just have you as his sponsor on the hook for reimbursing the government.

You can look at sliding scale clinics locally for needed doctor visits or tests/refills however that will be based on the household income. If you make a comfortable income and your father is living with you, you may have significant medical bills, but it is something to look into.

The local Blue Cross/Blue Shield may have a 180-day stop gap policy [usually it will not cover pre-existing conditions - again something that may be changing with ACA]. This is usually lower cost and would cover an emergency/catastrophic situation. At one time, you couldn't take back to back to back 180 day policies. You would have a gap in coverage. For an emergency or catastrophic event, that shouldn't matter - either you are covered or not. I'm not sure if this style policy is still available but they had been recently.

In your shoes - I'd be banking on your father going back to India periodically for medical care. Diabetes or cardiac issues? A trip home and to even one of the nicer hospitals will be a song compared to US costs even with insurance. Heck, even with decent insurance here, there are a few diagnoses that my husband and I would go back to India to have treated for better care as well as not bankrupting us [let me explain that my husband works in healthcare and spent a good portion of his career there - we have specific friends in specific specialties we would bet our lives on literally - I'm NOT advocating generic medical tourism]. You may need to come up with a hybrid system to help keep him healthy as well not bankrupt your family.
catknitFemaleIndia2013-03-02 17:49:00
IndiaVisit US while CR1 / IR1 visa in progress?
You would need to have an uncommonly strong case to return to India to be approved for a tourist visa while a CR1/IR1 is in progress.

The #1 thing you need prove in a B1/B2 interview is that you have no intent to immigrate. Well, filing for a CR1/IR1 without a doubt proves you have the intent to immigrate - that's the whole goal of that specific petition/visa application process.

If you have a great travel history, including going to the US in the past within the terms of your visa/I94, large sums of money, a stellar job, etc - it is possible, it's just not likely. There is no harm in trying though - a day of time and a couple hundred dollars may pan out in the visa but I, personally, wouldn't bet on it.
catknitFemaleIndia2013-02-25 19:40:00
IndiaBest online stores to shop for a saree or salwar kameez?
Good to know - just found out I need 7 [yes, 7] formal suits for my BIL's wedding. :wacko: May the online shopping begin!
catknitFemaleIndia2012-03-12 08:51:00
IndiaBest online stores to shop for a saree or salwar kameez?
I've used eastessence and have been very happy with the products. They carry mainly clothing that is muslima friendly but I really like their kameez selection. I mix them with leggings/solid pants that I can try on in the stores as I have wacko proportions [at least that's what I think when I look in the mirror :blush: ]
catknitFemaleIndia2012-02-12 17:04:00
IndiaBirth & Marriage Certificates for Senior Citizen Parents in India
Yes, you can speak face-to-face with USCIS by making an infopass appointment at your local USCIS office. Did you provide a cover letter explaining what you sent and why you chose those specific items?

As you have already sent in the affidavits in response to the RFE, you'll need to wait and see what happens. I believe [and someone else may be able to comment more knowingly] that you are only given the one chance to respond.
catknitFemaleIndia2013-04-19 07:55:00
IndiaBirth & Marriage Certificates for Senior Citizen Parents in India
About the affidavits - they should be fine. The consulate in India knows that people your parents' age may not have birth certificates or marriage certificates. It just wasn't done back in the day - the COs see it all the time. The CO may ask for the "No Records Available" report. You'd just need to risk it with only the affidavits if you can't find a way to get them pro-actively. Can you hire an agent to get them? [Yeah, I know, they may just milk you for tons of money and not even get the records, but you may luck out and get a decent agent].

As to the medical insurance, given when you filed for the IR5s it may be a bit of a ####### shoot on how to handle it. Because the ACA exchanges are supposed to open in 2014 you may be able to argue that a 180day short term policy through one of your state's Blue Cross/Blue Shield may be all that can be committed to [and the CO may buy that argument] but the truth of the matter is even after the exchanges open there is no guarantee of "affordable" insurance. Given your parents' ages and pre-existing conditions I wouldn't be surprised if their monthly premiums are greater than $3k. Remember that the ACA is making insurance companies cover pre-existing conditions but not necessarily capping costs [some of this is still be hashed out].

You need to think about worse case scenarios - their med issues may be controlled by scripts - great. But, a heart attack and emergency bypass here will cost easily greater than $100k. And, in that scenario, you can't just plop them on a plane back to India to get affordable care. On the other hand, something like a hip replacement or knee replacement you could totally have it done in India for a fraction of the cost...

Just something to do a little homework on. Call around to local insurance companies, see what you can find out. Also, you can just chance it, the CO may not bring it up.
catknitFemaleIndia2013-04-18 08:30:00
IndiaBirth & Marriage Certificates for Senior Citizen Parents in India

Normally this process stops when the cost of health insurance is considered.



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The parents have to join us in US , so the process can not be stopped . Suggestions are welcome . Thanks

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I would not discount Boiler's comment - sometimes this very issue is brought up at the interview. Proof of insurance can be asked for. You may be in a great situation where you are a business owner and can add parents as employees or may be independently wealthy and able to pay large premiums. If so, that's great. If not, just know that this issue may come up and do some research on ways to address it [preferably before the interview] otherwise the visas may be held up in AP or some other nonsense.
catknitFemaleIndia2013-04-16 20:14:00
IndiaIndian planning to marry older black american women

Prescious - you may have a bit of an uphill battle.

 

First, the basics - you'll want to read the guides for a CR-1 petition/visa.  Go ahead and begin to fill out the forms now given you are together and signatures, etc will be easy to get.  It appears timeline are running about a year.

 

You can even go ahead and file the CR-1 petition by mailing it to the US - this will get you in the queue now as opposed to in August when you return to the US.  As long as both of you were free to marry when you married in India, you have the proper paperwork, the fees paid, and can pass through AOS at NVC, he will be granted the interview.  This part of the process has very little to do with cultural judgement calls and more to do with paperwork simply proving you are married and can sponsor your husband.

 

As to your specifics - the age difference, the lack of family approval on his side, etc.  This is where things might be a bit sticky at the consulate during the interview [which is step 2 of this process].  The CO who ends up interviewing him will be looking at your relationship from the outside with the knowledge that some Indians are out to defraud USCs and the US govt for a green card.  The COs look for typical markers - young men who have lured older women into fairy tale romances.  For example. maybe the guy says it's okay you have 3 kids, are 20 years older and 60 pounds overweight, and that my family hates you - it doesn't matter because I have by-hearted your soul into mine!  [Seriously, there are guys who play this game].  

 

I'm not saying that your husband is like this - but the COs have seen it time and again and they call it out as potential fraud [that's when you get a thing called a 221g and the consulate pays the guy's family a visit].

 

So, what you need to do is show the legitimacy and genuineness [not sure that that is a word] of your specific relationship from the very beginning - because on paper the COs fraud meter will be going off just because of the age difference.  A few pictures that show the race difference will seal the "wait - I need to really see what's happening" actions of the CO.  Start looking here for information on "front loading" your petition.

 

The fact that his family has issues with you may be less of a big deal than you think.  Worst case scenario - people from the embassy go to interview his family - and his parents say something to the effect of "we told him not to marry her, but he went on and on about loving her, it's such a big mistake - he needs to stay here and take care of us!" - that type of answer may point to your relationship being pretty genuine.  Now, on the other hand, they start carrying on about how he'd marry anyone to get to America - well, that would just about sink the boat.  Has he introduced you to friends?  Maybe cousins?  Siblings who "get" your relationship?  Affidavits from these people may help in front loading the petition and would be people that could be mentioned if asked at the interview "Who knows about your marriage?".

 

Also, just as an fyi - my number 1 piece of advice far ANYONE going through Delhi [which should be the consulate he will be interviewing at] - attend the interview with him.  This accomplishes two things: #1 you will be able to provide the emotional support needed and you will be showing the CO that you are there providing emotional support; #2 you will be able to address any of the CO's concerns in person as well as ask questions about procedure if needed.

 

Best of luck!


catknitFemaleIndia2013-05-13 08:49:00
IndiaIndian planning to marry older black american women
One thing [or two or three] to add that may help the process go smoother; have her visit more than once before the interview.

I'd also recommend that she try to be present at the interview.

If she has limited vacation time available do more, shorter trips rather than one long trip. It seems a little counterintuitive but I had 3 different attorneys [all with different methods/theories about immigration] say that three separate week trips means a lot more on paper than one 3-week trip.

Of course, this all may be putting the cart before the horse since you haven't yet met...know that this can be a bumpy trip [like twisted k I suffered through a denial at Delhi also - our big red flags were a divorce on my side/minor age difference with me [the chick] being older/mixed religion].
catknitFemaleIndia2010-09-14 19:44:00
IndiaGetting Ready for Marriage in India

Since you will be in a Muslim/Christian marriage, I'm guessing you will marrying under the Special Marriage Act?  If so, she will need to register the impending marriage 30 days before the actual wedding.  In some localities, the registration office will demand both parties to be present to file the paperwork.  In others, just the Indian side of the couple can do it on their own - it truly seems like luck of the draw on whether or not this becomes a PITA thing to deal with...

 

Your list looks great - a couple of things to think about though, a female Muslim marrying a Christian man is considered in most circles in Islam forbidden.  I don't want to start a Islamic jurisprudence fight about it here but there are also some more modern interpretations that say it is all good as long as the guy is "of the book" meaning Christian or Jewish - this stance is in the smallest of minorities.  Chances are, if you took a poll, it would be an avalanche of "oh hell no, she can't do that".  I'd be willing to bet all the COs are more than familiar with this too.  So, here in lies a possible problem.  There could be questions about it at the interview.  As long as the answer make sense within the scope of your relationship, it should be fine [as in, her family is really progressive and doesn't care OR her family is very old fashioned and now hates me so we married at the municipal offices - what wouldn't make sense would be "well, daddy threatened to kill him and told me I'm burning in hell for this but look at the wedding photos - 500 guests!" - having the family put on a huge celebration after a death threat would look weird to anyone].

 

Things that would make your case less air-tight: out of wedlock kids on either side, divorces, the inability to communicate well [lack of common language], if she's tried every which way to get a visa in the past including past relationship attempts [K1s or other CR1s].  All of these are very surmountable if you take the time to address them.  Search for "front loading" here to see how some people have included information in the original packet.

 

Other things to think about doing pre-filing that could strengthen your case: add her to bank accounts, credit cards, and insurances immediately including proof of those additions in your CR1 packet.

 

You do not need to worrying about the I-864 for the first phase of this process.  The petition will need to be approved and forwarded to the National Visa Center before that comes into play.  The flow chart here on vj will be of great help for you to see the details of how that all shakes down.

 

Best of luck on your marriage!  Let us know how it's going!!!


catknitFemaleIndia2013-05-21 09:39:00