biggish data

Well ladywhite, you and my girl sent your packet 3's back to the embassy on the same day...that would be funny if you and her get interviews on the same day! Let's see what happens...

qbertz7:

You know what, i have never received P3 from the consulate and am not sure if it will ever arrive. Anyway, i didn't mean to wait for it in the first place. now i look forward to next week's update on the interview schedules on the embassy's web site to see if i'm on there. well, it is possible that your girl and i will have interviews on the same date.

has your girl been to the police department for a police certificate yet? i plan to go to Bamrungrad for my physicals when i know my interview date (hopefully next week!).

Good luck.

(F)

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2007-08-03 21:53:00

Hey everyone, I have 2 questions.

1. I'm curious how you filled out the immunizations part on DS3025. How on earth is someone from Isan supposed to find non-existent medical records of shots?

2. How long did it take to get your police certificate?

Thank you!

you don't fill out any of those forms related to the medical checkup. you take those forms to the doctor and they will take care of them. if you don't have any immunization records, they will just give you all the required immunizations (e.g., Hep B vaccine, MMR).

i went to the Police Department to request my police certificate on Aug 1. the pickup date is Aug 17. the sooner you request for it, the better. don't wait until you're close to the interview date.

good luck.

(F)

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2007-08-03 10:28:00

What about just going to the embassy with the packet 3 items all filled out? I know they have 'walk in' hours between 1pm and 3pm so the worst they can do is say they don't have our petition yet, or take the papers and give an interview date! My fiance lives a few sky train stops away so maybe I'll get her to try that...

if you want to confirm the arrival of your case, email the embassy. they have my case now, so i think yours should arrive at the embassy already. if you don't email, tell your fiancee to go ahead and mail the checklist and other document to the embassy. that's what i'm going to do tomorrow !!

Good luck.

(F)

this weekend is a 4 days weekend (Sat-sun-mon-tues) in thailand. if you don't hear anything from the embassy by this friday, don't expect to hear anything from them until next wednesday.

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2007-07-25 06:52:00

I am worried sick to my stomach, we talk at least twice a day. PLEASE

SqdnGuns:

I'm sorry I can't help you, but I am just sending you my best wishes. I hope she is doing okay and that you'll hear from her soon.

(F)

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2007-07-12 06:44:00

Kang Lang & Aitian: Congratulations to both of you on your forever reunions with your loved ones.

Aitian: Thanks also for the info.

(F)

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2007-07-06 10:57:00

Khun Yodrak:

Would photocopies of those documents that are notorized be acceptable at the interview? I am just trying to lessen the work for my fiance.

Ladywhite,

Those are the documents most likely to be checked! I've got multiple copies of my birth and divorce certificates.

Which reminds me, a few years back when I first started getting involved in this immigration stuff a common recommendation was to order 3 copies of these kinds of documents from the recording office - 1 for INS (now USCIS), 1 for the consulate, and 1 for other purposes in case the INS or consulate kept the copy that you gave them (instead of keeping a photocopy). That advice seems to have fallen by the wayside now that photocopies are routinely accepted for initial filings and the quality of photocopying is very good to excellent no matter where one has the copies made. But there is still a benefit to having multiple 'original' copies of important documents.

Yodrak

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2007-06-29 11:15:00

Thanks a million again, Khun Yodrak. My interview will have to be scheduled in September anyway because of my 2 year rule (J-1), so we have plenty of time for my fiance to order more 'original' copies of those documents and send them to me.

I am appreciative of your time and help you give me and others on this board.

Ladywhite (F)

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2007-06-29 11:01:00

Khun Yodrak:

Thank you very much for your response. To be prepared, I'd better have my fiance mail me everything. I am just concerned, though, about a possibility of the important documents (e.g., his BC, divorce decree) getting lost on their way from the US to Thailand.

Ladywhite (F)

ladywhit,

Photocopies of documentation are accepted with the understanding that an immigration or consular officer can request to see the original document at any time to verify the photocopy. The consular interview and the adjustment of status interview are convenient times to spot-check documentation.

Be prepared, you never know what, if anything, might be asked for.

Yodrak

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2007-06-28 12:21:00

Does evidence that needs to be present at the interview have to be originals (e.g., the petitioner's BC and divorce decree, boarding passes, hotel receipts)? Is it okay if they are all photocopies ?

Thank you in advance.

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2007-06-28 09:03:00

aitian,

You read the instructions - some people don't. Sometimes people hear bad information, or good information, and question it to determine whether it's good or bad. And sometimes people think ahead and realize that it's often less expensive to get translations done ahead of time in the native country rather than after arriving in the USA.

Yodrak

thanks, that's what i thought about the translation but didn't really understand why people were worried about it so early on in the process.

Yodrak,

Just curious, but... what documents would you recommend having translated for later use in the US? We've gotten the birth certificates done in Bangkok already, but I can't help thinking that there are others that we'll eventually wish we had translated to English.

I would like to know the same thing.

Which documents do we need to have them translated and brought to the US for the AOS? Will they be acceptable for USCIS if they are not translated in the US?

Thank you very much.

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2007-04-06 03:43:00

Thank you very much...

[quote name='Yodrak' date='Mar 15 2007, 01:54 PM' post='779535']
ladywhite,

I wrote my wife's address on the 2 adress lines available as follows:
(number and street) 123 Moo 45, T. Tamboonname
(town or city) A. Muang, Provincename
(State/Country) Thailand
(ZIP/Postal Code) 91000

Yodrak

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2007-03-16 06:46:00

Hi there:

I have a question regarding how to put my address in Thailand to fit the designated spaces provided on I-129F Part B item 2.

Because we don't have town or city like you do in the US, I don't know how to put my address. I live in Muang district (which is "Amphur" in thai), Khon Kaen Province.

Should I put 'Muang' under Town/district? If I do so, Khon Kaen Province would be missing from this address because there is no "State or Province" here on this item to put Khon Kaen in. That would concern me because, if they used this address information to contact me, I would never get any contacts due to the incomplete address.

Or should I put "Khon Kaen" under Town/district? I was incline to choose this option. But if I do so, the address here would be inconsistent with that on item 15 where I put Muang under town/city and Khon Kaen under State or Province.

Please help. I greatly appreciate all the help you can provide.

:help:

Ladywhite

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2007-03-12 06:50:00

J1 visa with 2years rule

First of all, make certain you do have a 2 year rule. From my experience knowing some people from my home country, Thailand, who were aupairs and came to the States, they did not have this rule attached to them.

I was a j-1 holder but not an aupair and I didn't stay in the US after I graduated school, so I can't answer some of your questions. What I can tell you is that it is too late for you to get a waiver (and you have been out of the program and I think you have been in the US illegally -- I'm sorry if I am wrong).

With this 2 year rule, you can't adjust status. You are required to go back to your home country and be physically present in the country for 2 years before you can get a fiance visa. You won't be granted a fiance visa if you have not fulfilled the 2 year rule.

In your case, even though you returned to your country and fulfilled this 2 year rule, I'm not sure if you would be eligible for a fiance visa. Your problem would be your overstay after you were out of the program. Again, if I'm mistaken, I apologize. I am not sure of your current status.

Do some searches on VJ for the J-1 related questions. There have been good discussions on here off and on.

Best of luck.
Ladywhite

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2010-01-15 21:03:00

J1 VISA 2 year requirement + K1 application

hi all!
i need some answers from someone with experience...
i met my peruvian fiance in april of 2008 in the US when he was working there on a J1 VISA that has a 2 year requirement that he cannot return to the USA until then... but i am confused as to if this means 2 years from the day he entered the USA or years from when he left and returned to Peru.

assuming that the application process takes a minimum of 5-6months to approval, would it be OK to mail in our application 5-6 months before his 2 year requirement is completed? or must we wait two years before sending in the application?

thanks for any help!!!

I had that experience to share with you and hope it helps.

I was a J-1 holder with a 2 year home residency requirement (HRR). The HRR requires you to be physically present in your home country for 2 years, which starts on the date you return to your home country. I returned to my home country on Sept 1, 2005, whose date was stamped on my passport. That meant that my 2 year rule would be over beginning Sept 2, 2007 (I didn't leave the country during these 2 years).

I filed my I-129F in March 2007. By the time it was approved and processed to the US embassy in my home country to the date of my interview, it was Sept 5, which was after my 2 year requirement.

I requested them to schedule my visa interview after Sept 1, knowing I wouldn't be granted a visa if the interview was before Sept 1 because I would still be on the 2 year rule.

I hope this helps. If you have more questions, please ask and I will try to help.

Good luck!!

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2010-02-18 14:51:00

QUOTE (Alan D. @ Nov 20 2009, 05:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What is yogurt milk ? ...

My guess is it's "drinking" yogurt. It is liquid like milk but it is actually yogurt (with all the lactobacilli and other good bacteria). We have that in Thailand in several flavors like strawberry or orange but I'm not sure if we have it here in the US (I personally have not seen or looked for it). All yogurt here in the US is in cups, not liquid.

Those in Thailand who are watching their diet or trying to maintain their regularity usually drink this kind of yogurt.

I hope this helps.

Congrats on your new life together here in the US.

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2009-11-21 00:10:00

QUOTE (eric_f @ Sep 22 2009, 10:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi all, just dropping in to say that we got the visa on 9 September. 7 1/2 months in AP :'( We're planning on going to the states when I finish my deployment to Japan in January.

Later,

~Eric

Congrats, Eric. I'm so happy for you both.

Stay safe and have a safe trip back home with your beloved !!!

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2009-09-23 10:34:00

Congratulations !!!!!

I am truly very happy for you both. Happy reuniting

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2009-06-29 10:03:00

QUOTE (MarcNuch @ Jun 9 2009, 08:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Awesome, we had interview on June 8th, Super cool lady and Thai assistant picking up Visa Wednesday 3pm jumping on a flight back to LAX thursday.....I'm going back to Cali, Cali, Cali....I'm going back to Cali....with my beauti-full fiance....who is 7 months pregnant with our 1st child.....who will be born on US soil....and have a US passport.....what a relief....
Everyone who is waiting.....R-E-L-A-X....trust me...after 4 months of useless stress trying to control the uncontrolable
I've realized that the Power of Omnipresent Good ALWAYS gives me what I need.....

First of all, congrats on your success..

If I may, I would like to ask which airline you are flying back to the States. I have heard that most airlines do not allow pregnant women in their third semester to fly for medical reasons.

Thanks in advance for your response.

And Congrats to all who have been approved. Also the best of luck to those of you who have the interview coming up...

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2009-06-09 10:50:00

Congrats, Uscandual !!!! June 29 is only a month from now.... Better start shopping for a plane ticket !!

Good luck to you both with everything, sincerely.

Ladywhite

QUOTE (uscandual @ May 28 2009, 09:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

We just got our interview date!
June 29

Good luck to all the rest! Hope you guys get yours now too!

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2009-05-30 09:11:00

QUOTE (MarkNAam @ May 17 2009, 11:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hello All,

I wonder if Thai people 'worry' about the type/brand of rice cooker as much as the westerners apparently do. I suspect not...

......About a week after she arrived, she picked out a $10 rice cooker from Sam's club (I'm sure I would have spent over $100 if I had chosen one for her). She said that rice cooking is not hard, don't need to waste money on fancy cooking <haha>

I just have to agree....

I am personally not picky when it comes to rice cookers. My friends who were students (10+ years ago) were the same. We just wanted a rice cooker that did the job and in a size we wanted (actually, the cheaper, the better). We didn't care about the brand.

I bought a rice cooker (Aroma is the brand) from Wal-mart for $10 in 1997. I am still using it now.

I think rice cookers do the same job. But the more expensive ones tend to be big and have more functions other than cooking rice (e.g., warming rice or having timer). I personally don't need those functions, so picked the simpliest and cheapest one.

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2009-05-17 20:16:00

QUOTE (uscandual @ May 8 2009, 12:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Ladywhite

The aquarium is called the Shedd Aquarium........ haven't gone inside any of the three. I've vowed to myself that I'm waiting for Thanti to get here and then we'll do the tour of all attractions together.
Hi, Uscandual, thanks for refreshing my memories. It's been more than a decade and I spent only a weekend there in Chicago. Yes, it's Shedd Aquarium, which I enjoyed tremendously. I am sure, even though I do not know Chanti personally, that she'll enjoy Shedd a lot.

Yes, it is the Chicago River. My office building is right next to the river....... The cruise you took is probably the architectural cruise where the guides point out all the stunning architectural landmarks of the Loop.
Yes, it sounds like it. The water looked green, as far as I recall and there was a guide talking about stuff, which I remember vaguely. I think it's what you said - all the stunning architectural landmarks and buildings along the river.

I'm looking forward to doing it again when ... you all know who... gets here

You sounds very much in love. It's a good thing -- very very good thing.

I prefer Chicago to NYC too. The only city (in my humble opinion) that rivals Chicago for architecture, fun, friendliness, food, attractions is Toronto. I really think Toronto is a smashing city.
Chicago appeared safer, cleaner, and less crowded to me when I was there, compared to NYC. Is it still that way? I've been to Toronto once when I lived in Detroit (by crossing Detroit River to Windsor and then drove to Toronto. My friends and I stopped at Niagara falls on that trip). Unfortunately, I again didn't have much time exploring the city.

Anyway, if any of you are ever in the Windy City by all means give me a holler and we'll get together.
Thank you. I will remember you if my hubby and I ever get a chance to go up to Chicago. We are in Destin, FL. When my hubby goes on a work-related trip, it is almost always DC that he goes to. So, if I get to go with him, maybe it's Mark that I should contact !!

Hope to hear your good news soon!!!

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2009-05-08 15:09:00

QUOTE (MarkNAam @ May 7 2009, 04:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hey USCandual,

If I recall correctly, LadyWhite is quite familiar with your city of Chicago. I believe she got one (or more) of her degrees from Northwestern...

Peace,

MK+JC+AK

Hi MarkNAam:

I am actually familiar with your former city -- Detroit.

I lived and went to school there (Wayne State U) during my first year in the US (1997) before I moved down south to Birmingham, AL. However, I spent one weekend touring Chicago while living in Detroit. I loved the aquarium (don't remember the name) and the cruise along the Chicago River (is that the name of the river?). I liked Chicago better than NYC (where I spent only 3 days sightseeing, as well).

Peace to you and everyone.
Ladywhite

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2009-05-07 22:50:00

QUOTE (uscandual @ May 7 2009, 04:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ladywhite,

Thank you for sharing - it's really good to hear the positive stories about couples who made it through the process and have come through on the other side, united and happy here in the states. Those of us still waiting find these experiences very comforting - there is happiness at the other end of this long dark tunnel.
You'very welcome, Uscandual.

I think I understand you and other folks here who are frustratingly waiting for this process to be successfully over so that your other half will finally be in your arms again. Been there, felt that...

One difference may be that the process at the US embassy in BKK was not this tough and strict like it is today. Even so, it was not an short/easy process to go through.

You will get through it and there is certainly happiness at the end of this long dark tunnel. I guarantee!!!

I do believe (as you see in my signature) that the most powerful force in life is Love. Without it, I can't imagine anything that will/can get done at all.....

My fiancee is from BKK. We seem to complement each other, both of us have the same desire to get the process done, both of us have contributed equally to getting the paperwork organized and sent in on time. It's been a real team effort for us.

I knew we were going to do K-1 long before we actually got officially engaged. So, I had been studying it very extensively. It was very fortunate that I found VJ while researching it online. My then-fiance actually just listened to me telling him what he had to obtain for the petition. When it's time to get everything together and mail the petition (and all the rest of the process), I took care of it myself because, between the two of us, I am more of a detail-oriented and organized person than he is. I didn't want any RFEs, you know?

Hang in there and get cheered up.... You are almost there !!!!

Be blessed.

Ladywhite

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2009-05-07 22:44:00

QUOTE (MarkNAam @ May 7 2009, 05:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Here is the part that reminds me of Danny's journey. As you guys know, getting the police report can be a very slow process. It took about one month from the time I took AAm to the police dept in BKK to get the report before it finally arrived in the mail at her house up in Chiang Mai. It was easy for us to get, but painfully slow to receive in the mail. So, as soon as we got it, I was excited for Aam to put in her packet three and mail it off! I had the Packet 3 100% prepared for her...all she had to do was put the police report in the envelope and stick it in the mail! But...she just piddle-paddled around for a few days, which entirely baffled me! Like Chada, AAm claimed she was just really busy! So I called her a few days later and she said, "Oh! It is still in the car. I will go get it and mail it now." Then she called me back the next day and said that her son had washed her car and lost it!

I thought surely we were going to lose another month on waiting for another one. However, the next week I was back in Thailand again and the first thing I did was have her go out and search her car...and she found it crumpled up under the seat! SHEESH!!!! So, we mailed everything in together that very day <haha>....

MarkNAam:

After reading your story, I can't help but laugh and then respond....

My case is just so opposite. My then-fiance (now hubby) was the one who appeared slow and didn't get things done as fast as I would have preferred. And he is an American!!!! LOL Naturally, he is not a laid back person, but it took him a few weeks (not days) longer just to mail out I-129F. And it's due to the same thing -- he was busy!

He came back to the States in early February 2007 with all the ready-to-go documents from my side after a trip to visit me. I actually put together everything for him; his job was to fill out some forms, sign and date those forms, and then mail the package. For some unknown reason, the petition was not taken to the post office until late March. It took several "nags" from my side for him to eventually drop it off at the post office. And he mailed it via snail mail! Can you believe that????

Well, to these days, he can't actually answer anybody's questions about the K-1 process. Why? It's because it's me who researched and studied all the things possible about the process and got everything done for him. He only did what I told him to (and he still claims that that is what he does best -- do what I tell him to do)...

I'm not sure if you have heard this -- Thai people from the North are perceived (by other Thais) to be laid-back and highly patient, as opposed to people from the South (who are perceived to be fast and hot-tempered -- or Jai-ron). I personally find this to be true. All my friends from the North (e.g., Chaing-mai, Lumpang) are jai-yen and incredibly patient. They seem to be ar-rom-dee (in a good mood) nearly all the time. I am from BKK and consider myself active (kind of Type A person). When I appear 'laid-back,' that is only because I get lazy.....

One thing I have to completely agree with you, Mark: Everything will get done perfectly in God's time. Even though our I-129F was mailed out a lot later than I had preferred, it turned out it was the perfect time for us. Every step after that just happened at the right time (despite a few bumps here and there).

Be blessed.
Ladywhite

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2009-05-07 15:50:00

QUOTE (uscandual @ Apr 28 2009, 01:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (ladywhite @ Apr 28 2009, 12:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I did...

I printed out all the forms online, filled them out, and sent them along with all the required documents to the embassy before the packet 3 sent from the embassy actually arrived at my house with NO problems.

By doing that, it'll save you a week or more of waiting.

Good Luck

Careful .... you did this several years ago. The current checklist on the embassy website is out of date. It's important to get the NEW checklist and not just download it from embassy. However if the new checklist is used, you are correct that Packet 3 can be returned before receiving it.

Thank you. I should have noted that I did this back in 2007. I am aware that many things have changed over the years. Anyway, my point was that, yes, Packet 3 can be returned before receiving it from the embassy.

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2009-04-28 13:41:00

QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ Apr 25 2009, 11:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Mailing completed Packet 3 before receiving it from the embassy

I've read a few people who have said its perfectly fine to mail in the packets 3 to the embassy after you confirm the embassy has received your case from NVC. Chada read the same thing on the Thai forums.

Who has done this?
Did you do anything special?
Did it cause any problems?

Thanks in advance for the information

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2009-04-28 12:55:00

QUOTE (uscandual @ Apr 9 2009, 02:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ Apr 9 2009, 08:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry about not quoting... Its the birchbeer embassy do-over situation. You take someone who has been around for a long time and learned from everyone else. They go to the embassy and get turned away. That's VERY disappointing to me.

We have not heard what the reason was so maybe they have just missed something and I've jumped of the ledge...

I share your sentiment. It is disheartening that if someone as prepared & organized as Birchbeer ran into trouble, that spells trouble for the rest of us.
Given how slow & drawn out our case has been, with delays at CSC, NVC and even now at the embassy, I'm not sure I could take delays/rejections at the interview stage. I'm mentally building up an image of a quick hassle-free interview and approval. Anything short of that is going to be a real downer.

I remember my K-1 ordeal back in 2007. Back then, the interview process and visa issuance were not anything as strict and as tough as they are today. It was quick, simple, and easy. USC fiances were allowed to go in to the building with their Thai fiancees and to the interview windows. Pretty much everyone passed a K-1 interview and got a visa. Administrative reviews rarely occurred. Co-sponsor was also acceptable for those USC who didn't meet the poverty guideline.

Even though I was more than 100% sure that I was so damn well prepared for the interview, I was issued a 221g myself for more evidence related to my previous stay in the US (who would have thought the CO would want to see my US transcripts?). Of course, it delayed my visa issuance but once I submitted what they wanted to the CO, I got my visa. Let's hope that the 221g that Birchbeer has got is nothing more than just a request for a simple, easy to obtain, additional document.

This is not easy for any of us in this visa process (even AOS or Naturalization, for that matter). But I do want to convey some encouragement to all of you. You are prepared the best you can and hope for the best!!!

Get cheered up, please.....

Ladywhite

P.S. If any of you has a fiancee who has stayed in the US before (like going to school or being an Au pair), she might want to take with her to her interview additional proof/evidence that shows that her stay in the US was legal (especially if her stay was long -- mine was 8 years). A Passport and visa in it may not be enough for them. Otherwise, she might be issued a 221G like me. Good luck everyone!

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2009-04-09 15:04:00

QUOTE (Mommy @ Apr 8 2009, 08:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I did translate some documents by myself by using the form from The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website. Here is the link to that website http://www.mfa.go.th/web/804.php

You can ask your fiancee to look at the website if she can translate by herself.

You definitely are allowed to translate the document yourself. Also remember to put these statements in the bottom of the translated documents and sign: http://www.visajourn...ge=translations

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2009-04-08 23:26:00

QUOTE (daboyz @ Mar 2 2009, 05:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

She got the visa.

Congratulations...

Have a safe trip back home soon.

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2009-03-02 12:41:00

QUOTE (daboyz @ Feb 7 2009, 08:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I personally think you got lucky. The USCIS website states:

A-20293676

Decided by Board January 16, 1976

(1) Petitioners and applicants for immigration benefits are required by 8 CFR 103.2( to provide certified English translations of any foreign language documents they submit; the Service should likewise provide certified English translations of relevant foreign documents it submits in evidence in such proceedings.

My point is, why take a chance? If you get them translated, you get a nice official looking stamp from the translation service which is "certified." It doesn't cost that much.

It was not only me who has done their own translation. From what I have read on VJ, many have done it for both K-1 and AOS (I did). If you are fluent in English and capable of translating the documents, you can certify your own translation using the statement provided here on the VJ page (http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?autocom=custom&page=translations). I personally do not think I got lucky -twice- for both K-1 and AOS.

To Bonobo: It is up to you what you would like to do. I just told you what I think is doable based on my experience. It was more than a year or so ago, so USCIS may change its rule regarding the translation. Other people with very recent experiences should be able to tell you more accurately about this matter.

Anyway, good luck.

Edited by ladywhite, 08 February 2009 - 12:52 AM.

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2009-02-08 00:50:00

QUOTE (Bonobo @ Feb 7 2009, 01:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Everyone,

2 quick questions, if you don't mind answering them:

1) My Thai fiance did her own birth certificate translation for the I-129F... was this a bad idea? Who should we get to do translations in the future?

2) I am in the US and she is in Thailand... Do I ever need to go to Thailand throughout this process (I-129F fiance petition for a K-1 visa)? Can she go to her interview by herself with paperwork that I send to her, or should I actually be in Bangkok for the interview?

Thank you for any advice you can give me.

1. It is perfectly fine if she can do her own translation of any needed documents. I did my own translation of all the documents and there were no problems. You just have to make sure the translation is accurate and also has the USCIS-required statement in the bottom of the translation page with her signature (the translator). You can find that statement here on VJ website. If she wants to make sure of the accuracy of the translation, she can have her translation looked at and certified (with fees) for its accuracy at the Thai Consular Office in Nontaburi. Also have her check out this URL: http://www.consular....e...page&pid=98 I don't think the certified true copy is required by USCIS but it'd be a good idea to have it done just in case.

2. You do not have to be there in Thailand at any time during this process. A lot of people, me included, went through this process alone (not even with help of an attorney -- a waste of money, truly) and everything went fine. You just have to make sure all required documents are complete and that you have a lot of proof for your relationship to show them.

Good luck

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2009-02-07 17:48:00

J1 Visa Home Residency Requirement warnings

I was not an aupair but knew (not personally) several Thai women who came to the US as an aupair. They were not subject to a 2 year HRR.

QUOTE (SCFsnoopy @ May 20 2008, 04:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Does anybody know what the HRR case is for au pairs? I do not believe we are subject to the rule, but I want to be absolutely certain. I *just* returned (as in, just over a week ago) to Australia after being in the US for 13 months on a J-1 visa as an au pair and I want to file for a K-1 very soon.

While I was in the US I called my agency and they indicated that I was not subject (although, all they really did was refer me to my visa - but apparently this isn't correct for some people).

The agency I worked for, btw, was supposedly a not-for-profit organisation (Cultural Care Au Pair) and I am sure there was no US government funding. I personally paid almost $3000 in fees for various things, including my plane ticket (although very discounted) and all of my visa fees (I think that was around $300 total, maybe a little more). So as far as I know I've had no government funding either from the US or Australia.

I would guess that I'm ok, but if somebody was an au pair or has experience with their visas, I'd love to hear back.

ladywhite

Female

Thailand

2008-05-20 17:20:00