ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

Craig said that most of Kingston is all about Green so do NOT wear ANY green from now till Election Day. He says...wear White. For example "Orange" is Westmoreland's colors.

Labor writers (green) for the soldiers and PNP (Peoples National Party) is for the police (orange).

Hope that helps ;o) ...

Kelly


Is Craig from Kingston??? Most of Kingston is NOT JLP.
Ask him about Rockfort, Harbour View, Dunkirk, Brown's Town, Rae Town, Port Royal, Manley Meadows, Bower Bank to name a FEW.

Not sure where you got the orange being Westmoreland's colours???

Green is for the Labour Party, aka Laborites, nothing to do with the JDF as a whole, orange/red is for PNP, has nothing to do with the ENTIRE police force....



Thanks for clarification...... he's from Westmoreland.
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-08-01 18:27:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
Donna mentioned to me the other night not to wear orange or green when I come for the interview because of the elections this month. Sometimes people get shot for wearing the opposing party's color. Nomination Day is Aug. 7th and Election Day is on Aug. 27th. I pray these elections come and go without violence. I hope to have Donna here by that time.
[/quote]


Craig said that most of Kingston is all about Green so do NOT wear ANY green from now till Election Day. He says...wear White. For example "Orange" is Westmoreland's colors.

Labor writers (green) for the soldiers and PNP (Peoples National Party) is for the police (orange).

Hope that helps ;o) ...

Kelly
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-08-01 16:28:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

Thanks Claire and KK, I know that all will work out! I will be expressing the papers tomorrow and hopefully Marlon will have them next week.

On another note, where are those interview questions that were asked at a recent interview? :blink:



Sarah, I don't think emailing the embassy is going to work, he will need to go to the Registrar's office that he ordered the non-impediment form from. Craig had to go and pick his up. Took a little over a month --when they told him 2 wks, even had that on the form (receipt) they gave him. He went every week (after 14 days) to check.

Everyone going for interviews and then filing for AOS, etc.................check and recheck and check again and meticulously go over your paperwork --cause the Embassy will !!! The Embassy (from what I hear/see) does NOT like mistakes. Especially missing forms. Shoot I had 2 forms that I handed them ....and the 1st window lady got snippy and was like, why do YOU have 2 forms ?? I said, we have double of everything, I apologized.

Sarah, I have a list of example questions if you'd like me to email them to you.

Kelly
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-08-01 14:38:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
[quote name='Minfay' date='Jul 31 2007, 01:18 PM' post='1086397']
:jest: :dance: Congratulations!! :dance: :jest:


DITTO Kimmy !!! What a way to start the week, huh ??!! Your daughter will be bouncing off the walls.........like yourself ;o)
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-31 14:38:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
** OFF TOPIC **

Question to all of the yardies ...male & female.

What does the word - sket-telle really mean ?? Craig and I are in a big dispute and I've had some of my other jamaican friends tell me what it means, but doesn't agree.

Thanks!

Kelly
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-30 17:33:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
:help: OFF TOPIC

For those that went through the AOS process..... How did you pay ? Check, money order, certified check??

If by check, how long did it take for them to process and cash the check(s)??

Your help will be greatly appreciated :D

Thanks !!
Kelly

PS Congrats to finding the genders of your likkle ones. My sons bday is Dec 5th (dag he'll be 14 !!!.....lets see if Rhonda-girl or Jonesie-boy will be the closest :P )
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-26 10:51:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

that didn't make sense to me at all. the purpose of notarizing is to verify that your signature is on a document. the i-134 obviously needs to be notarized, but tax returns? that's silly. why would we need to sign our tax returns? but i read through packet 3 and it did say that 2 or more of the following items are needed:

-notarized tax returns
-statement from employer verifying employment and income
-letter from the bank verifying bank account deposits and balance
-any other evidence that demonstrates the ability to assume financial responsibility for immigrant

i didn't get my tax returns notarized, and they're already with my fiance. i'm not freaking out because notarizing tax returns is stupid. i really don't see the embassy making a big stink about the tax returns unless the looked like they've been doctored up. besides, i have tax returns and tax transcripts for the past three years. the tax transcripts came straight from the US government.


I only had the I-134 notarized ....nothing else.
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-25 14:16:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
Hey kkhol...

Did you go to the Wine Festival on Saturday? What a GREAT time had by all !! Weather couldn't have been more perfect.

We all had a great weekend !!! Thanks for the company ;o) :thumbs:
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-24 09:27:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

a visual examination isn't going to yield much info on whether or not there's an infection unless there are lesions or warts visible on the skin. if a doctor is looking for stds, shouldn't swabs from the urethra be taken?

when my son gets a physical exam the doctor also looks at his #######. i guess the doctor is just being thorough.



They didn't check the family jewels when Craig went last year. He went to the Medical in Kingston.

I showed him what you said Mindy and he was like....right!! If a man doctor touched him he'd freak !
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-24 09:25:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
I thought you had to AOS when you'll get married. Doesn't he need the EAD? Or is that done separately?
[/quote]


With a K1, you **have** to be married within 90 days of his/her foot stepping into the US. Than the next part is AOS. Craig's fortunate that one of my clients works for immigration and he was authorized and EAD card which then "allowed" him to work within those 90 days. Then you are to file, the AOS, EAD and the option of the AP. I personally have not chosen to file, because I truly didn't think (still do) that we'll make it. Yes, "I" am being Mrs. Nice guy.....
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-20 09:57:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
Kelly,

Did you guys ever mail off the AOS packet?
[/quote]

Hey Anna,

NOPE because "I" am not paying for it and he won't buck up the money. I have done my part and have had the loads of paperwork filled out for forever. I'm not worried and don't care anymore, because at this point....if we do go through it and he gets denied, whatever....say la ve....if he were to get approved, we'll most likely be heading for divorce. Everyday is something different. One day great, 2 days horrible. It goes back and forth. Worse than the stock market. I have to go through most of this laughing cause if I didn't.....shoot, I would have LOST IT a looooooong time ago.

I just live my life the best way I can and know how to. My son, thankfully, hasn't been home much this summer staying at my parents and friends and then is off to the Outer Banks tonight for 8 days with another friend. So there's MUCH needed alone time.....for me, at least and "I" am absolutely loving it !!! Cause being a single parent (all of my sons life) "I" never ever ever get down and/or alone time.

I have friends coming in this weekend and I'm very much looking forward to it....hitting the Reggae Wine Festival tomorrow, Jahworks (reggae band) tomorrow night and Artscape on Sunday. The weather is going to be gorgeous !!!Craig said he's not going..........whatever, don't care. He can wallow away in his own misery, I don't let his negative ####### get to me ever !!! Neither will my friends :no:

So, so far.....that I know, we are the only ones to have waited this long on the Yardie thread. I've done a TON of research on the VJ site and since there's "no deadline"......??

Have a GREAT weekend everyone !!!

:dance:
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-20 07:17:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

I emailed the embassy today to ask if they were requesting any additional paperwork i must bring to the interview and here is their response:


Dear Madam

Your presence will be good enough for the interviewing officer.

Kingston IV
-----------------------


Someone asked me if there was anything suspicious about our relationship.....
There really is nothing out of the ordinary about our relationship...we have known each other for 3 years, we are the same age, i've been to JA 12+ times(in the last 3 years, many times before i met him), we know each others families well, our kids have met, we had tons of proof (other than me), etc. The only possible thing that I can think of is that my fiance is a painfully shy person...i'm talking extremely shy....i can just picture him at that interview with his head down stuttering and barely able to utter the answers....so i'm guessing that he maybe didn't come across to the officer very convincing...i don't know that is just my feeling about it.

What I have realized is that even though those officers give us and our SO's a hard time it is really because they have our (the US citizens) best interests in mind. Can you imagine all the short lived engagements and marraiges if they didn't? I just try to put myself in their shoes and try to understand the necessity of their questions and requests rather than get upset and frustrated.

I continue to remain positive and hope that all of you who are fretting can do the same....



I completely agree with you about the officers trying to "look out for us"....they absolutely should have asked more in some of our cases !! The rate for those that are *not* together (from this site alone) compared to those that are together..... the 1st outweighs the 2nd by ALOT !!!

I feel bad for him if he's that shy and they gave him such a hard time. Dag....seems to me you guys had ALOT of proof!!! It's a bummer that you have to go through this.....but at least they gave you some time to get down there, that was nice of them, huh ??

The day were were there, there must have been about 40 people in the interview room alone waiting to be interviewed and that didn't count the looooong line of people outside, which at the time almost wrapped around the building.

Shoot and some of those questions, Craig would be stammering, his memory is HORRIBLE, but then again....that's years and years and years of g--smokin !!!

You'll do fine....
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-20 07:05:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

Well he definitely won't be going to mobay....


We plan on pretesting just to make sure and rescheduling if needs be. Greasing palms is a last resort but I still want to know who and what my options are. I won't be doing this for another 3 years.



We....okay "I"...ended up paying off the Lab Supervisor......$335 US. Craig said she wanted $500 and I was like yeaaaaah right !!!

I truly believe that it was ALLLLLL a scam and I'll never ever know the truth!!! C said she "was fired"....don't know if that is all true either!!

Craig went to the one in Kingston. They do blood test because GANGA can stay in your system for UP TO 3 months !!!!

I laugh though, what Jamaican man LIKES needles??? I don't know of one that isn't very squirmish ! When he had his medical here, they poked and proded and he was like a total baby !!!!
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-19 12:24:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

The first thing she says is where is your fiance? So he goes on to explain the story and shows her some more proof (she was a little nicer this time)...some more photos, phone bills, etc....and she said "ok, i've seen enough papers and photos, now i just need to see your girl...please bring her here and there will be no more trouble for you" and she gives him another blue slip....and she writes on it 'fiance to attend' and then gives him a new date August 30!!! This is too funny! Here we go again!

Oh my gosh :o Why are they so adamant about you being there? This is the first time I've seen this required AND in writing on the blue slip. What is your age difference by the way? I can't think of anything else that would make them so suspicious.

Good luck :thumbs:


no age difference...i'm just 1 year older



How long have you guys known each other? There's gotta be something (probably stupid) as to what *they* are seeing or reading into. Have you been down to see him alot ? Has it been awhile since you guys saw each other?

Has he filed before ?




Today is not a good day :angry: The buddy pass idea went kaput and there is no way I can afford a plane ticket so Marlon will be on his own.

Can't you just charge it on a credit card and pay it off later? :blink: One of my friends used her student loan money to visit JA every time she went!! There's always a way.



Alot of people don't have credit cards....just debit cards. If she can't go because of finances, there's no other way than. Yes it's frustrating....
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-18 13:10:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

So are these charter flight out of DC/Baltimore?



There are only charters from BWI to Cancun, Punta Cana, Bermuda, Ft Myers and La Romana. Air Jamaica is the only nonstop flight, but 80% of the time they are more expensive than their competitors. Everytime I see a deal on another airline, I contact my Air Jamaica rep and it "matches" the other airlines within a day or 2. Sucks that "I" am the one keeping an eye out for them !! I fly whoever is the cheapest, I racked up so many frequent flyer miles on US Airways in the past couple of years !!
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-17 17:27:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

oh anna, if your insurance is anything like mine, you'd do better to save the extra money you would've put into the premiums to take a trip down there to see him. my insurance triples when i add someone. then you at least you can gather proof with travel receipts and pictures of being together as well as having some quality time with your hubby.



Right now I pay $74 every pay period for me and my daughter (Adult + 1 child). Once I add him I will have the family package for $125 every pay period. I cld the benefits office again today for clarification. The rep told me I can't add him until he arrives in the states. I have 30 days from his POE date.

Girl, I don't know about that one. Did you know that Chicago is no longer doing Charter flights until Dec 22nd?? I cld yesterday to book a flight for my daughter. Apparently they decided not to do it for the "summer season" b/c for the last 20 yrs they haven't made a profit. I guess no more $199 tickets to JA. :yes: I've been flying w/them for years. I don't think my daughter will be going to JA next month b/c I refuse to pay more then $400 for a ticket then turn around and we both go down again for the interview. I just can't do it!!!



Yeah, I know...my client was bummed, but ...good thing cause they are traveling in January.
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-17 12:39:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

ok, after the incessant nagging of my mother, i've decided that i some clarification on this: she insists that my fiance won't get an approval unless we have written letters to eachother. i have sent him letters early on in our relationship. but once we got really serious i stopped writing him since we talk on the phone all the time. for proof of a relationship, i have nearly a year's worth of phone records, all of the pics we've taken together, and a few envelopes from letters i've sent him. he has never sent me a letter before. i set up an email account for him a while ago so that i can send him any pertinent info for the visa. he has yet to even log on, lol. if it weren't for our text messages i wouldn't have any written communication from him. since i'm not able to print off our texts, i've decided to log on to his email account and resend what he texts me in email format so that i can at least print them off and include it on our binder. it's not exactly honest, but it's not fabricated either.

so i guess my question is has anyone gotten an approval using phone records and pictures and not snail mail? i keep thinking my mother's advice is outdated since she went through the visa process over 30 years ago (back when access to phone records, text messaging, and email was non-existent).



We didn't have any letters. I had sent him some cards that he took some of them along; but they never looked at them. We never wrote letters of any kind to one another.



I had cards that I sent to him, 1 letter he wrote to me (never sent) and he made me a CD and wrote a message on it and we had some txt messages, LOADS of more pictures and millions of phone records, letters from 2 friends, but they didn't want to look any of it. Ticked me off that I went and put all of that together, but to have TO much, is better than the blue slip. Although we ultimately got the blue slip anyway because his medical hadn't reached the Embassy yet.

The jerk that interviewed me......looked at our pictures (that I sent in with the petition) meticulously ...for like 10 minutes and I asked him if he wanted to see "more proof" and he just shook his head no.

Again, my best advice is being there.....that is major proof. Especially how hard they are being......but like some others have said, totally depends on the mood of the interviewer. Ours was obviously in a SH&T mood !!!
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-17 12:37:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

anyone looking into plane tickets should consider using a charter company. i always use apple vacations or worry-free vacations and i've never paid more than $400. the ticket i just bought was only $241.

How do you find the charter flights? I've looked at Apple, but I thought they only did vacation packages (hotel and air)?? Our upcoming trip next month, I'm flying for free using my Northwest miles :dance: But for future reference, I'd like to know.



Apple Vacations *only* books through travel agencies and they don't operate airplanes out of every domestic airport and they only fly to certain destinations. I book clients all over the country, just received documents for a client I booked out of Chicago.

They do not always have the *best* prices, I deal with approximately 25 different suppliers, so when I book clients, I do an extensive research. Same goes with airfare alone, I have direct access with all airlines, it's great because I'm able to tell how spaces are open for flights and the rules for each airline.
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-17 10:24:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

Oh okay....my fiance has his original BC.



It's a good idea for him to get a certified copy or two to bring with him. They ended up keeping Andre's original and we had to scramble to have his mom get another and snail mail it to us. Took what seems like forever. It's better to take care of that before he leaves. Easier too. He'll need it for things like the marriage license, driver's license, Social Security card, etc.



Each state (country or district) is different, here in our part of Maryland, so far, Craig didn't needed his BC for the marriage license or his SS card....he only needed to show his passport, shoot he didn't need to be present when I got the marriage cert. I had his cousin bring back another BC, so we can use it for the AOS (in case they ask for it).

Hey Girl;

I see that you highly recommend the USC attend the interview. What if you can't? My job works on a schedule that is prepared on an 8-weeks basis and any request for time-off has to be submitted at least 4-weeks before the schedule is posted. Is it detrimental if you possibly can't attend? What if you submit all the required info and proof of relationship? I am beginning to panic (I tend to have an over-active imagination) even though I have not yet filed. :wacko: LOL :blush:
Girl I am nuts about this guy and am desperate for him to join me here.

ADVICE?

That's a hard choice to make, especially when you have a job and other responsibilities. It seems to be highly recommended that you attend. I didn't and even now I almost wish I had. Everything went fine, but I have no idea what happened because trying to get the details from him? :wacko:

If you can manage it, if you find out early enough to take the time, maybe you should. But if you can't, you can't.



OMG....Andre has a photographic memory. He practically gave me the play-by-play of the entire interview. I felt like I had been there, even though he didn't need me.....he rocked!



He is completely one of a kind !!! I don't even know any American man that has a photographic memory......and I'm raising one !!!!
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-13 09:14:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
Good luck![/quote]
I'm a little nervous about my fiance's POE experience. He's not great with filling out forms. Which form is it that he'll have to fill out and when do they give it to him?
[/quote]

Just the same forms that we all fill out when we come back into the country..........immigration forms, but they have some different stuff they have to put on there, because they--obviously, they aren't citizens.

Whatever airline he'll be flying coming here, just look in the back of their magazine on the plane....if he has any questions, the flight attendants are happy to help them.
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-13 08:54:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
thanks for breaking it down. i've also noticed how round trip tends to be cheaper than one way tickets. my travel agent seems pretty good at looking out for me. she's gone so far as to tell me where to book a flight (on my own) to save money if the charter thing didn't work out for me. she even knows my voice whenever i call her.
[/quote]

I would truly hope that as a travel professional she would go above and beyond....that's just a small part of customer service. Alot of travel agents don't provide that type of service anymore. I've been in the travel industry for 16 1/2 yrs and it's ever changing industry....very very challenging, but I love it !!

Better than any on-line service ....I'm sure she'd agree ;o) ..
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-11 15:59:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
anyone looking into plane tickets should consider using a charter company. i always use apple vacations or worry-free vacations and i've never paid more than $400. the ticket i just bought was only $241. i asked my travel agent if it was possible to buy a one-way charter flight and she said yes. i've even over-heard other people on the flights i've taken say that they bought their ticket a week prior to departure and only paid $150! charters aren't available at every airport though. i use st. louis and it's a 3 hour drive, but i save about $300 doing it.
[/quote]


When I book my clients (I too am a travel agent), to certain destinations charter flights are 80% of the time less expensive (if available) because they do not have the same airfare structure as all *major* airline carriers. They only operate in and out of certain airports to certain destinations and only a couple of destinations within the US.

Airfare changes daily and each and every market is completely different. When using a *major* airline, like Air Jamaica, American, Delta, etc etc....there are up to 150 differernt types of airfare in each market (meaning from one destination to another).

I would hope your travel agent would advise you as to whether a one way was more (or less) expensive than a roundtrip ticket. Just depends on the market and availability. I've done airfare for several VJ members and most were roundtrip airfares because they were less expensive at the time.

"Cheapest" airfare is on a 1st come 1st serve basis and when the least expensive airfare sells out it goes up to the next airfare, etc etc.

Hope that helps...
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-10 18:45:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

Thanks to everyone for the words of advice and encouragement!
I could just about strangle Marlon right now, I got a text this morning full of excitement at my coming and how I can't back out now! :blink: Are all Jamaican men like that? One minute cautious and suspicious and the next carefree and excited? :help: lol So needless to say I am teeter-tottering on going or not. My roommate gave me a good pep talk and offered to help me financially to be able to go...

*sigh*



Giiiirrrrl, just WAIT till he gets here......this cautious and suspicious etc etc is nothing compared to every emotion and adjustment when he gets here !!!!
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-10 18:37:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

Jonesie....I am so in the same delema as you went through.... Should I plan on going to the interview or plan on going to fly to the US with him??? By looking at everyone elses timeline it puts my interview the end of December...which as we know is the most expensive time to travel.... OR, plan on going in January and (crossing fingers) bring him back? If he goes byhimself and they give him the "blue paper" for me to attend....I could just go in January right??? Ughhhh I don't know what to do....I know I have a ways to go but just trying to plan my expenses....


I, too, had the same problem. Damien had a choice - either I went to the interview or bring him home We decided on the interview. I knew how hard it was going to be saying goodbye to his loved ones...not knowing when he would see them again was really hard for him...I gave him some privacy before starting his new life in the US with me.

That was his first time on a plane and leaving JA so my nerves were shot. I called him every every five minutes the day he left. He told me to stop "babying" him. Everything worked out. After our two trips last year...he was emotional mess so looking back...I'm glad he had that alone time with his family before leaving JA for good.


I guess there's no wrong or right answer...do whatever is best for you. Good luck :thumbs:



Craig wanted me at the interview because he was so flippin nervous and he said he'd be totally fine flying by himself. I to reeeeeally could not afford it, because I was there just a month before and I only went down 2 nights. I was the only one interviewed, Craig wasn't.

I got an extra customs form (on my way down) from the airline personnel and filled it in for him and told him to copy word for word on it. I booked a non-stop for him, but the wait at BWI was almost an hour.....THAT was the worse wait. I truly thought he didn't make the flight waiting so long !!!

I personally think being there is the best....but...again, if he is VERY and I'm talking VERY prepared than he should be okay.

For the new folks that are going through the process ....and you haven't known each other long, grill each other. There are tons of example questions that I can email .....just PM me and I'll be happy to send them.

Kelly












Jay Donna,

What bank to do you use? $25 dollars is kinda steep for a letter. I have Wachovia and I had to get a letter when I brought my house and it was no charge. Hopefully they won't charge for this letter.



My bank of america didn't charge either....and I was in and out within 10 minutes.
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-10 14:26:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

Did any of your guys husbands hate air conditiong when they came to the states??

I have to agree w/Dwain, I HATE a/c. When I first got to work I was ok, but after a few mins I had to go back outside to warm up b/c I was freezing. I can barely work b/c when I'm cold I get sleepy. I have dranked 3 cups of hot chocolate just to stay warm. I have central air at home but refuse to turn it on. :lol: I don't mind the heat as long as I have a few fans going.


I don't care for A/C either. Damien loves the A/C.......we agrue over the it every night.



On days like today, love the A/C....but if there's no humidity I'd rather have the patio door and windows open with some fans running, Craig on the other hand, LOVES A/C !!!
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-09 13:45:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

We'll be in Baltimore July 14 for the Caribbean parade/carnival. Let me know if anyone is interested in meeting up. It's not as big as the other cities but it's a lot of fun and lots of Jamaicans will be there representing their flags.



Okay, I just found some info about it..... are you belly dancin in it ? Or are you guys going for just pleasure? Maybe this time we can meet up ?? ...
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-09 11:30:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
I've never been to a Jahworks show. Hmm, I've never heard of Nottinghams. You're always on top of the events.

Yes, we should definitely meet up at the festival.
[/quote]


We get to the festival right at opening and get a good space (down by the stage, near the trees to the right).

Nottinghams is in Columbia, it's a cool venue. I laugh...my friends call me "Julie the cruise director" cause I'm always trying to get everyone together for outings and hanging out and having good times..................life is just way to short !!

There's another show July 15th ...the 1st Annual outdoor Reggae Day at Anne Arundel County Fair Ground.... go to
http://www.jamaicapromotion.com

PM me your email address and I can add you to the list....if ya want.


[quote name='sjb1221' post='1034827' date='Jul 9 2007, 12:03 PM']We'll be in Baltimore July 14 for the Caribbean parade/carnival. Let me know if anyone is interested in meeting up. It's not as big as the other cities but it's a lot of fun and lots of Jamaicans will be there representing their flags.[/quote]


Do you have a link to this? Where does it take place? I don't have anything going on this Saturday...
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-09 11:19:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
I'm planning on going to the wine festival. I've gone every year for the last three years.
[/quote]

We're all going on Saturday. Will you be there that day? If you're going on Saturday, when the time we'll exchange numbers so that we can all meet up with each other.

A bunch of us (a bus full) used to go every year (for the past 8-9? yrs) when Jahworks played, but they haven't played in the past 3 yrs, so we all stopped going cause the music was just so-so. Me and Craig went last year and it just wasn't the same. I'm gonna to try to round up some folk and see if anyone wants to hang.

Have you ever been to a Jahworks show? They are playing at Nottinghams in Columbia. That's a cool venue.
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-09 10:15:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
Hey Girl;

I see that you highly recommend the USC attend the interview. What if you can't? My job works on a schedule that is prepared on an 8-weeks basis and any request for time-off has to be submitted at least 4-weeks before the schedule is posted. Is it detrimental if you possibly can't attend? What if you submit all the required info and proof of relationship? I am beginning to panic (I tend to have an over-active imagination) even though I have not yet filed. :wacko: LOL :blush:
Girl I am nuts about this guy and am desperate for him to join me here.

ADVICE?
[/quote]

From my own experience (with an age difference and that I am caucasian), they tend to give us USC's a reeeeeally hard time. It is the best proof of an ongoing relationship you being there. Yes, some didn't attend the interview and they made it without any problems, but the Embassy is getting more strict (which they should) about "proof".

Someone on here recently just had that same issue, don't remember who it was ....and I don't know what the outcome was because he/she hasn't posted anything more about the blue slip they received for "more proof".

According to your timeline, you guys haven't known each other to long. If he attends the interview by himself they'll most likely ask the most bizarre questions and try to trick him as MUCH as possible. So...........he just has to be reeeeeally really prepared and if you're not there, it's NERVE RACKING and when the person gets interviewed, it's like a MAJOR exam/test.........you completely forget things when asked and the Interview person will see that as "oops....need more proof since you don't know the answers !!"

Just a recommendation, not a requirement...........
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-09 10:03:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
For all the "newbies".... please put this information in a word document or file in you email, that will help you and/or others that are going through the process. Also keep in mind that some of my information may have changed since I went through the process over a year ago.

Pertains to K1 Visas (without bringing any children here) - before sending your paperwork, make 2 copies of everything.

Suggestion for sending packet and/or interview -- put everything into binder and use ACCO fasteners. Have cover pages separating the different types of evidence and tabs at the bottom of the pages to flip between the different sections.

For the I-129F
-One paragraph of how we met. The actual date that we met, where and then the other times, dates and location (hotel) that we've seen and spent time together.
**On line 18 of the petition, I put * additional sheet attached
-Then the G-325A biographic information--all 4 pages are slightly different
-A copy of the USC's birth certificate
-A copy of his birth certificate (it's not needed, but did it just in case)
-USC letter of intent -typed (just use the sample off of the VJ website) http://www.visajourn...r_of_Intent.doc
-His/her letter of intent (typed)
INTERVIEW LETTER
DS 156 FILLED OUT ONLINE WITH BARCODE (2 COPIES)
DS156 K filled out online (no barcode) basically just typed in (2 copies)
DS-157 filled out online (no barcode) typed in (2 copies)
DS230 form - typed
I134 form - Affidavit of Support
--Current bank statements
--1 year of tax returns/transcripts (I needed 3 yrs) w/ W2s or 1099's (if self employed)
--Employment letter(s)
--Pay stubs
--Bank letter - from bank providing acct date, average balance, deposit history
Medical Examination-completed no paperwork to take to interview, Embassy should have file
Application Fee- $100 bring receipt from Paymaster to Embassy @ interview
-Then all of your proof of your relationship. Letters, cards, Invoices/receipts from hotels, airplanes, phone bills, txt msgs, emails. Pictures. I personally had 5 pages of photos, I just made copies from my home copier/scanner onto photo paper I bought from Walmart.

Items that fiance has or must go and get:
Fiance's passport - valid for at least 6 months from the time the visa will be issued
6 Passport photos - (I had made a copy on my printer -scanned- and sent him 12 pictures)
Fiance's long form birth certificate(pinkish red and green) -
Police certificate from Kingston - valid for 1 year. The police certificate is 1,000 JMD for return in 3 weeks and 2,500 JMD for return in 3 days.

No Impediment Form- Received from LOCAL Registrar Generals office (certificate of singleness). Cost is approximately $105.00 US -- $5500 JA. Can take up to a month to receive it back, depending on the Local Office.
***U.S. Embassy Announces Changes to Immigrant Visa Document Requirements
Beginning December 1, 2005, the Immigrant Visa Unit of the Consular Section of the United States Embassy will require all Jamaica-resident applicants for immigrant visas who are aged 18 years of age and older and are in categories requiring them to be unmarried to obtain a Certificate of No-Impediment to Marriage. This new requirement will affect applicants in the IR2, IR3, IR4, F11, F22, and F24 categories who are aged 18 or older. It will also affect all Jamaica-resident children aged 18 and older who will be accompanying an immigrant visa applicant. Applicants should apply for a Certificate of No-Impediment to Marriage at any office of the Registrar General’s Department or on the Registrar General’s Department website. Applicants may find further information about this document and the form for requesting it at http://www.rgd.gov.jm.

Medical Examination -completed no paperwork to take to interview, Embassy should have file. Can't go to the medical exam withOUT the Interview letter. Make sure that you get a copy of the DS2032 (Vaccination supplement form) which is given to him/her at the medical exam. YOU MUST bring the following to your medical: 4 Passport Photos, Completed Medical History Form, Passport, Any Immunization Records Showing Prior Vaccinations and Your Appointment Letter (from the Embassy - "Packet #4")

--Non-immigrant visa application fee of $100 U.S. dollars must be paid in the amount of J$6,300 at any Paymaster Jamaica Limited branch. The fee does not have to be paid the day of the interview, we got ours 2 days prior. Paymaster locations --http://www.paymaster-online.com/locations.html

FOR K-1: A letter containing your scheduled interview date. You MUST bring this letter with you to your interview. They WILL NOT let you in the Embassy without it. Also bring Original birth certificates, and originals of any documents to support the I-134 fall into this category. They have the right to ask for the original of any document (and keep it).

Bring an updated letter of intent (for both).

KingstonIVInfo@state.gov
The U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica will move operations to
the NOB December 13, 2006. All mail and telephone calls should be
forwarded to the new location beginning December13,2006... the new primary telephone number for the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica will be:

Country Code: 876
Main Switchboard Number: 702-6000

The Primary Fax Number will be:
Country Code: 876
Fax Number: 702-6001

Sample Interview questions -
http://www.immihelp.com/visas/kvisa/sample...-questions.html

FREE texting to Jamaica -
8761234567@digitextjm.com


For the Interview in Kingston. I is HIIIIIGHLY recommended that the USC attend !!! They will interview separately. For those that have been since the "new" place opened, please jump in here about what to possibly expect.

Since fiance(e)s are nonimmigrant visa applicants, they should use the I-134. They will need to submit an I-864 to BCIS when they adjust status to conditional immigrant in the United States after they are married.

If approved after the interview, you go to Airpak and that process is taking anywhere from 14 days to a month --depends on how busy they are? I would not recommend scheduling a flight because of the cost to make changes if the VISA is not to him/her in time. Airpak has pick up locations island wide, MoBay, Ochi, Town, Negril, Sav...click the link for more info http://www.airpakexp....com/island.htm

The visa must be used within 6 months of being issued. The fiance(e) is allowed to enter the US once with the visa, with the purpose of getting married, which must happen within 90 days. The fiance(e) is not allowed to travel freely into and out of the US with the visa.

I would highly recommend trying to closest to the 90th day to get married ---it is a HUGE adjustment process.

Next step, AOS. Apply SS #, http://www.visajourn...showtopic=61575 --Civil Surgeons

I hope this information helps. Some things change, but 99% of this information remains the same.
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-08 10:48:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
[/quote]
The weather has been really scorching out in the west this summer. I went to Arizona in May one year and it was too hot for me then. Scottsdale was beautiful though.
[/quote]


I used to live in Arizona, for 3 yrs. I love it out there, there's just so much to see and do. I was pregnant and riding my bicycle in August.....115 degree weather, oh trust me....that was hot ! I have a shirt (old one) that says I survived 122 !!

You don't need anyone to come down wit ya....there are plenty of folks down this-a-way ... ;o)
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-08 09:56:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
Kelly i was looking and at the artscape thing that friday night they are having steel drum music that would be fun to go to!!! or whatever....i am just fine with hanging and laughing at the roomies
[/quote]

Artscape is fun, crowded....and if we gotta get up early and head out to the Wine festival.... ugh...OH and we gotta make the T-shirts!!

Only need 3 more players !!!!
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-07 19:13:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
July 21-22nd has alot going on here in the area, there's a Reggae Wine Festival (Linganore Winery)...every year, alot of fun. My favorite Reggae band is playing Sat night in the area. Artscape is that entire weekend and I just got an email this morning that there is a 2nd Annual Sand Duels BASH at RASH™ Sand Soccer Tournament--for the men it's July 22nd. If only Craig could round up some folks and play --it's at the Inner Harbor ...he only needs 6 others to play.......IF anyone (any of the guys) in this area (Baltimore/DC) is interested, please let me know ASAP !
It would only be about $35.00 to play.
[/quote]


Okay, we only need 4 more players..... Shemonya, would Damien be interested? How 'bout Stephen ? Any others? We're gonna tye-dye the shirts yellow, green and black and the name would be, possibly, Cool Runnings ??
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-07 13:17:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

What's everyone's summer vacation plans?



Well, we were going to go to Arizona, but....unfortunately can't swing it this summer. My son really wants to go to the Outer Banks again this year with his friend, so "my" vacation ....is no mommy time. He's been hardly home so far this summer which is giving me a much much needed break. We only have "off" from soccer the month of July and December and it's too darn expensive to go anywhere in December.

Any plans for you Michele? Coming down to this area for Independence Day, August 5th ?

July 21-22nd has alot going on here in the area, there's a Reggae Wine Festival (Linganore Winery)...every year, alot of fun. My favorite Reggae band is playing Sat night in the area. Artscape is that entire weekend and I just got an email this morning that there is a 2nd Annual Sand Duels BASH at RASH™ Sand Soccer Tournament--for the men it's July 22nd. If only Craig could round up some folks and play --it's at the Inner Harbor ...he only needs 6 others to play.......IF anyone (any of the guys) in this area (Baltimore/DC) is interested, please let me know ASAP !
It would only be about $35.00 to play.
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-07 12:27:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
I'm not sure how it works where you are at but is it possible for him to go to a local health department and get a physical done? Just a thought in attempt to save the both of you money.
[/quote]


Unfortunately...........they can't get just a "physical"!! You will need to find a "Certified Civil Surgeon" in your area so that you can get the Vaccination Supplement from them. That is what the I693a is. Go the the USCIS website to find the doctors in your area. Call around to all of them until you find one who will JUST give you the supplement and not make you go through the whole medical exam again. Prices (and knowledge) varies from Doctor to Doctor.

Unfortunately in our area....they wouldn't give Craig just a supplement.

You MUST give them the I693a in a sealed envelope when you file the AOS. You will get an RFE if you don't.
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-05 21:46:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
Ok some good news!! I finally found someone who knows what their doing :dance: :dance: She said for us to come in tomorrow and they would take care of it for $40 :yes:

Now I just need to complete the AOS package and get it in the mail :whistle: My deadline for myself, is monday.
[/quote]


That's AWESOME !!!! We ended up going to the same place where Shemonya went to and back then, it was cheeeeap. I was quoted a lower price, but when I got there and they saw all the extra shots that he needed, is when the price started to go up !!!! Just make sure that the doctor in Jamaica writes up the 693 properly and has ALL of the information on there and write specifically shots that do NOT need to be given again, or continued.
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-05 21:37:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

:help: Just when I thought the days of being stresed out with the paper work was over for us, here it is back to haunt me!!! I've been trying for a week to find a civil surgeon to do our I-693A for us and no one will do it without a complete physical all over again :angry: :angry: Even though I showed them the I-485 instruction form where it says if you entered under a K-1 visa, NO PHYSICAL is needed :crying: These doctors are trying to say he needs one! They all say they will not do it without the physical because we don't have proof of the blood work that was done! That info was not given to us all that stuff was kept at POE. The charge for the physical is anywhere from 125.00 - 200.00!! I can pay it, but don't want to because I know that it is not necassary :angry:

Sorry for the rant.... But I really needed to vent!!



I hear ya Pam, I had vented here on VJ back in May (on VJ) because that's the same thing here in Maryland. I called 30 some odd places and not one of them would do "transfer" information. They ALL had to do the physical all over. Ended up costing $207.00 !! I was pissed, same ####### that he had done in Jamaica, had to be done over again, plus some.

JUST his Xray did NOT matter, unless there was some type of report/documentation from the doctor (in letter form), but that would have saved me about $80.00.

I showed the place where we ended up getting the information from the USCIS website that states the same thing......did NOT matter !!!!
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-05 17:28:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
What are you all doing for the 4th?
[/quote]

No plans here....just don't feel like fighting traffic for a 15 min firework show.
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-02 09:35:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
A friend just sent this to me.....

Dear Wife:
I'm writing you this letter to tell you that I'm leaving you for good. I've been a good man to you for seven years, and I have nothing to show for it. These last two weeks have been hell. Your boss called to tell me that you had quit your job today, and that was the last straw.

Last week, you came home and didn't even notice that I had gotten a new hair cut, cooked your favorite meal, and even wore a brand new pair of silk boxers.

You came home and ate in two minutes, then went straight to sleep after watching all your soaps. You don't tell me you love me anymore, you don't want to have sex anymore or anything. Either you're cheating on me or you don't love me anymore. Whatever the case is, I am gone.

Your EX - Husband

P.S. Don't try to find me. Your SISTER and I are moving away to West Virginia together!
Have a great life!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Dear Ex-Husband:

Nothing has made my day more than receiving your letter. It is true that you and I have been married for seven years, although a good man is a far cry from what you've been.

I watch my soaps so much because they drown out your constant whining and griping.
Too bad that doesn't work. I did notice when you got a hair cut last week. The first thing
that came to mind was, "You look just like a girl!" but my mother raised me not to say anything, if you can't say anything nice. And when you cooked my favorite meal, you must have gotten me confused with MY SISTER, because I stopped eating steak
seven years ago.

I turned away from you when you had those silk boxers on because the price tag was still on them. I prayed that it was just a coincidence that my sister had just borrowed fifty dollars from me that morning -- and your new silk boxers were $49.99.

After all of this, I still loved you and felt that we could work it out. So, when I discovered that I had hit the lottery for Ten Million Dollars, I quit my job and bought us two tickets to Jamaica. But when I got home you were gone. Everything happens for a reason, I guess.

I hope you have the fulfilling life you always wanted. My lawyer said that with your letter you wrote, you won't get a dime from me. So take care.

Signed,
Rich and Free!

P.S. I don't know if I ever told you this but Carla, my sister, was born CARL. I hope that's not a problem.
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-07-02 09:32:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

Hey mommies, when will I be able to feel the baby move or kick? I thought I felt something the other day, but all my books say it's too soon. Maybe it was just gas :lol:

We have an appt. on July 20 to (hopefully) find out the sex.



I felt rumblings of my son move at about 4 months. Then he just would NOT stop. When you're active, baby is quiet when your quiet, baby is active. My son was WIDE awake everyday at 4am. I would jump on my bicycle and go riding to put him back to sleep. I rode my bicycle all the way up to the day before he made his entrance. He had me on such a weird schedule. My son was a kicker !!!! I guess that's why he's such a good soccer player today ;o)
luvtravlinFemaleJamaica2007-06-28 09:45:00