biggish data

Co-sponsor clarity needed

QUOTE (ZeeNusah @ Dec 29 2007, 04:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When looking at the income guidelines there are just 3 areas, the 48 contiguous states, Alaska and Hawaii; it does not go state by state. Here are the 2007 poverty guidelines: http://travel.state..../info_1327.html

I am not sure about financial aid and how that all fits into the income equation.

QUOTE (unononehigher @ Dec 29 2007, 07:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I do not file income taxes. I am unemployed. My mother and uncle file taxes. My income is non-taxable.

Just FYI, you also have to fill out an I-134 even if you are unemployed.

Good looking out Zee .

chispas

Female

2007-12-29 23:16:00

Co-sponsor clarity needed

Hi,
I don't think I can answer all the questions, because of the financial aid from your school. However, you filed your taxes for last year and the income you stated there is only part of the equation. I am not clear if you can use child-support as income. Just be careful what you list in case you have to justify it to the IRS later on. The income guidelines that they use are the Federal Guidelines. The new guidelines should be out in early Spring for next year, so you may be using the one for 2007 or 2008

2007 HHS Poverty Guidelines
Persons
in Family or Household 48 Contiguous
States and D.C. Alaska Hawaii
1 $10,210 $12,770 $11,750
2 13,690 17,120 15,750
3 17,170 21,470 19,750
4 20,650 25,820 23,750
5 24,130 30,170 27,750
6 27,610 34,520 31,750
7 31,090 38,870 35,750
8 34,570 43,220 39,750
For each additional
person, add 3,480 4,350 4,000

SOURCE: Federal Register, Vol. 72, No. 15, January 24, 2007, pp. 3147–3148

Here is a link on VJ that explains the income guidelines further : http://www.visajourn...mp;page=support

Edited by chispas, 29 December 2007 - 07:28 PM.

chispas

Female

2007-12-29 19:27:00

Something I "cased" copied and stole

Awesome! These videos are truly beautiful. I am sure the others on VJ will be happy to see so many areas of the country represented here. Great job and thanks for sharing.

chispas

Female

2007-12-30 07:57:00

Something I "cased" copied and stole

LOL. Thanks ladies. Making video clips was a hobby I had during that time. That is one way how I used to spend my waiting time. Sooo ok group, I know you have great video clips of Africa to share.

QUOTE (Boaz @ Dec 29 2007, 07:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Stop it! I have a knot in my throat. This was beautiful.

chispas

Female

2007-12-29 12:43:00

Something I "cased" copied and stole

I saw this in the Say Anything thread, which made me think that if anyone here has a favorite video, pic or youtube of their journey, or friend's journey, to Africa they may post it here. I pulled this one out of my dust files and still brings smiles to my face sometimes.

chispas

Female

2007-12-29 04:57:00

Stirring the pot - Nigeria

Did you guys check out the youtube video representing some of the various regions of Nigerians? As an outsider I was enlighted to see how many regions the country boasts. Plus you know, there is the issue of population and just plain ole access to the Internet that makes a difference.

chispas

Female

2007-12-31 05:58:00

Stirring the pot - Nigeria

I'm out of the poll. SO is not Nigerian and I am of Latin American origin.

chispas

Female

2007-12-30 00:10:00

What has to be sent to the Lagos Embassy before the interview

QUOTE (ZeeNusah @ Dec 26 2007, 11:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hey Missy

All the documents must be taken with you to the inerview. Nothing needs to be sent beforehand to the consulate unless they specifically ask for it in the instructions.

Is she going to the interview too? If you are not attending the interview, then you urgently need to get the evidence to your SO quickly so he'll have time to go through your evidence. I believe your time-line states that the interview is Jan. 8th. Please take into consideration too the holidays and the mail service being slower this time of year.
Best Wishes
Chipas

Edited by chispas, 26 December 2007 - 05:48 PM.

chispas

Female

2007-12-26 17:46:00

My Congressman is Helping us!!!

Dang Girl, That was a great response you got from them. Do you think you'll be going back for a 2nd trip before he arrives?

chispas

Female

2007-12-29 13:10:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year to you too and the other West Coasters who are up at this time.

chispas

Female

2008-01-01 03:18:00

Inspirational...how has your SO impacted your life

QUOTE (I @ Dec 15 2007, 06:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

. Than on top of that he is SO SKINTY( he is beyond skinny, he skinty).

chispas

Female

2007-12-15 13:39:00

Co sponsor

QUOTE (eviee567 @ Jan 2 2008, 11:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I want to know if anyone has used a co sponsor and was approved by Lagos Embassy. I'm filing k-1 and will need co sponsor. Just wish to know anyone who was approved.

Hi
If you have a co-sponsor, and meet all the guidelines set forth by the USCIS, there is no reason why you would not be granted a K-1. The financial requirements are not country specific, so being from Nigeria does not add nor detract from your ability to support your SO. Good luck on you journey
Chispas

chispas

Female

2008-01-03 03:05:00

QUOTE (Kanyiri @ Jan 5 2008, 02:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi! I count as an old-timer right?

Re and I are doing well. We've been married for over two years now and have a beautiful son who is almost 8 months old. Re worked enough hours so that we saved up enough money for him to go to school to become a nurse. Everything is going very well with us.

Molly, congratulations on the little one!

Peggy, I'm so glad Watson was able to get his visa and come to be with you. You had such a hard road and I'm glad it all worked out for you!

Yes girl you are an old-timer. Glad to know all is well. Shower that baby with tons of kisses!

chispas

Female

2008-01-06 02:58:00

QUOTE (peglibr @ Dec 30 2007, 02:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Boaz @ Dec 30 2007, 12:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (peglibr @ Dec 29 2007, 10:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi. Long time since I've been here. I never updated my signature. Watson and Sweetie came over on Oct 30 '06. W and I married on Dec. 9 '06 so we just had our anniversary. Watson is working on his CNA certificate and plans to go to school for an LPN next fall. Sweetie is in 7th grade. We're very happy. Hope all is well w all the old Ghana gang.

Peggy

Good to hear from you! Glad to know that things are going well.

Take care,

Boaz

Hi Boaz. Your's is the only name I recognize here. Have had contact w African Queen--doing well. I hink Peter&Dana are doing well from one post I found. I email Raggae, but we haven't communicated in a long time. Wonder about All4K and Kanyiri (sp?).

I recognize reggaedancer and allforkweku or something like that. Hmm more names poppin' up

QUOTE (Omoba @ Dec 30 2007, 12:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That is what I have heard too, that he is back in Nigeria. I think his last post was from there, not sure.

poor guy was just being his honest non slick self and got hammered.

chispas

Female

2007-12-31 06:23:00

QUOTE (BESANGIN @ Dec 30 2007, 02:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I forgot to tell you guys that I spoke to Mandolinv and her husband several weeks ago and they are doing VERY WELL!!!! They have a GORGEOUS little chunkster! " HE BE A BIGGGGGGGG BOY!!!!!! Hopefully they will come by for dinner soon. We live only 45 minutes away from each other. She picked very well for herself. I never met a man, American or foreign who is so focused on his family and so unconcerned with keeping up with the Jones' like a lot of people are. They are truly good friends to me and were a great support during my drama period. I'll tell them that you all asked about 'em.

I am so happy for her and I am sure her family is grateful too. Another former VJer who I would like to know about is Valentine. Do you all remember him? The last thing I heard about him was that he did return to Nigeria when his time here was up. Just curious

chispas

Female

2007-12-30 14:41:00

I am so happy to hear from so many of the "elder" journeymen / women. Optimystic and Mandolinlv.. where are you?

chispas

Female

2007-12-29 23:23:00

This is not right. I get my computer fixed today and Bensagnin throws a monkey wrench in the system. When I left off from reading she had gotten back with the husband for minute, sent him packing, expecting a baby in Jan. and all in a tizzy. Not funny girl. Not funny

I am still excited for you and feel you are definitely a grounded sister who would be an awesome mother. You method of choosing a baby is ideal and keeps the child safe from bouncing around foster homes. Congrats. Now we can give you baby advice in addition to kicking who know who in the butt.

chispas

Female

2007-12-29 04:30:00

Has anyone heard from Molly and Stephen, Mandolinlv or Optimystic?

chispas

Female

2007-12-28 13:14:00

Hi Sweetee,
I lurked here for about a year before I built up the nerve to post, only to change my screen name a year later. Ahhh those years were full of beautiful anticipation and sugar plums dancing in my head.

Cough cough. Glad to read you again.

chispas

Female

2007-12-28 05:31:00

Thanks a million VJ sis

chispas

Female

2008-01-06 20:44:00

Well,
Just a quick update. I have spent the last few days praying and listening to Auntie some more. What I do want to share is that I have a better insight on my SO's family and life in Africa as he has lived it. I can't say that I would have not married him if I had been privy to some of what I have learned, but I would have been prepared for some of behavior I saw once he arrived here. Now I have to figure where we go next and how I will execute it. Lastly, I will admit that I did not factor in that being the sole person he knew here would be so difficult in the case of an emergency. If I can humbly recommend, when you visit your SO please try and make a connection with someone responsible that you can call here or over there if something were to happen to him/her in the US while waiting for the Visa process to be completed. Not to take away from your responsibility, but a person who knows them and can support you when you need them. Night night all

chispas

Female

2008-01-06 02:53:00

It truly is an immense joy to have Vjers surrounding me in prayer during this time in my life. It is a cliché worth repeating when I say that YOU are the some of the few people who know, understand and have experienced something similar to me.
To keep you appraised, I met with my husband’s family friend, and pastor, today and we spent the time in prayer and reflection. Not only did she have sound scriptures to support her advice, she informed me about some shocking details concerning the family that I was not privy to. Her reason for telling me these things is that they had felt God blessed my husband with another opportunity to set his life straight and truly live a different life from what his immediate family was living in Africa. She was very clear that it was a joy to know that he would be leaving Africa and coming to America where things are “different.”
She said that it was not their expectation that he would come to America and have trouble adjusting nor bringing the same “demons” to the United States that were present in Africa. I didn’t choose the word “demons” she chose it.
Leaping forward, the main thing that stuck in my heart at the end of the day was when she asked, “
Did God choose him for you or did I do it yourself? She asked, “Was the journey here easy or hard”? My answers were, I chose him myself and the journey was hard and long. She replied….when God chooses you don’t have to work this hard.
Much to think about right? Tomorrow she comes over to my house and we will cleanse it through prayer. Sigh

chispas

Female

2008-01-03 02:43:00

how does convictions affect crime?

QUOTE (idocare @ Jan 2 2008, 01:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well alright then, I take it that this women also personally knows your husband from when he was back in their homeland.

Nice to see that someone would fly out here and attempt to save your marriage or at least find out whats going on and offer some counseling, Chipas, all the best to you !!!!

Please keep us updated.

LOL Yes, she's known the family for years and they are the extended family of my husband. His parents have died, and she promised me she will help me understand the past, present and future. Already tonight I've learned a lot about his childhood that I would never have been told before. Some of which she said, made a ton of sense to me now! She said she knew the issues and since I was a missionary and her a priest, she felt I would be prepared to listen, this time, to what God has to share. So I guess we'll be in fasting and prayer soon.

chispas

Female

2008-01-02 04:28:00

IMBRA Special Topics

I believe they ask for records from age 16 and up. If USCIS has a problem with his record, then I would be more concerned on your end. It won't affect the K1 process until after the I129 has been filed an approved. Then he will be given a packet with more information to submit and that is where they will ask for the police records.
Please don't take that police record lightly as we all know that what appears on the record is only a fragment of the bigger picture. Take care

Edited by chispas, 07 January 2008 - 08:12 PM.

chispas

Female

2008-01-07 20:10:00

USCIS Service Centers

How Do I Speak to a live person at USCIS via telephone?

QUOTE (inthomas @ Dec 27 2007, 08:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (CarolsMarc @ Dec 27 2007, 05:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ive got through many times but that was a very long time ago. It may be due to the holidays. Good luck! What were you going to ask them?

I would like to ask a couple of things.

1) I applied to the California office because on the newest I-129F forms, it lists California as the filing center if you live in Illinois (with Vermont being the only other center). However, there is a lot of information on the USCIS website that suggests that people can still send this application to Nebraska, Texas, Vermont or Cali service center. What is the correct service center for someone moving shortly to Illinois? ( I move there in February....I've been living in Belgium the last three years.)

2) If USPS can confirm to me that they delivered my application packet on Nov 28, 2007, should I expect to have received by now my first notification that USCIS has my file? I've seen nothing yet from them and the check has not posted yet either....just wondering if this is normal or behind schedule.

Make sure you get your answers first before mailing anything. Another person on VJ sent theirs to Caly and then received a notice that it was the wrong center. I believed when he/she called they were told to do it all over again. I am not sure what their screen name was if you search you may find it. Best Wishes

chispas

Female

2007-12-27 11:55:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

Withdrawing Support

Thanks for the responses on this. By "assisted" as we all have done, we helped our spouse or fiance come to the US through whichever VISA process we chose. Later we provide emotional, financial and other support to adjut to life in the US. I don't want to use the word "fraud", but I do feel he benefitted more from the marriage than I did.

chispas

Female

2007-04-30 17:28:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

Withdrawing Support

I am not sure if this is the right place to ask this question, but I believe my husband has gotten to the point where he no longer needs my assistance in remaining in the US or travelling to Europe. He has all of the evidence to support the marriage (tax returns, bank account etc.) In addition, he has his own accounts (secret of course) Visa app to get into Europe, International Driver's Lic. etc. At this point I would like to withdraw my participation in the process and let him sponsor himself if he intends on staying here. He currently has the 2y green card, soc. sec. number his own insurance, credit etc. Can someone please tell me what forms I need to fill out?

chispas

Female

2007-04-30 12:47:00

Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)

Fraud Waiver?

Whether you are told you have a chance or not, I would look at your history and say you will find a way. I don't sense that you are ready to give despite all of the proceedings. If that is your resolve, I wish you the best.

chispas

Female

2007-12-22 09:23:00

Thanks to all for responding. Your responses really helped me understand in detail how the i.d.s are handled.

chispas

Female

2007-12-05 17:38:00

I was asking in response to the post where the man was stopped and since he had no id he just told the police where he lived. So if someone jumps bail and is later stopped for another reason, couldn't they just use a false name since an ID is not mandatory?

chispas

Female

2007-12-05 13:45:00

Thanks guys for the information. So I guess both sides where right in their argument . How does the UK deal with criminals if there is no mandatory id?

chispas

Female

2007-12-05 00:25:00

Hello All.

I have two questions to ask that hopefully will clear up a regional dispute two people I know are having. One friend claims that in the UK there one does not have to have an ID card with them at all times. If you are stopped by the cops, then you tell them where you live, and that is it. The other is that the UK does not keep credit scores the way they do in the United States. Are either of those two statements correct?

Thanks
Karen

chispas

Female

2007-12-04 16:12:00

Runaway Brits

My parents told me about BBC reporters combing Panama looking for this couple. I wonder what their VJ looked like n Panama.

http://uk.news.yahoo...-fa6b408_7.html

Chispas

Edited by chispas, 09 December 2007 - 11:33 PM.

chispas

Female

2007-12-09 23:32:00

Runaway Brits

By John Joseph Reuters - Sunday, December 9 03:38 pm

LONDON (Reuters) - The wife of a man who "returned from the dead" after apparently being lost at sea in a canoeing accident five years ago was arrested on her return to Britain from America on Sunday, police said.
ADVERTISEMENT

Anne Darwin, 55, was arrested on suspicion of fraud after arriving at Manchester airport on a flight from Atlanta. She was then taken to Cleveland Police Station where her husband John was charged on Saturday with deception.

"She is being given a medical examination and then there will be a period of rest," a police spokeswoman told Reuters. "We don't know whether interviews will take place this evening or start tomorrow."

Darwin reported her 57-year-old husband missing in 2002 when he failed to return home after canoeing in the North Sea near their home in Hartlepool, northeast England.

A few weeks later the shattered remains of his red kayak were discovered. A coroner declared Darwin dead in 2003 after a police inquiry.

Newspaper reports said Anne Darwin had cashed in her husband's life insurance policy and received his work benefits after he was declared dead.

A Manchester police spokesman said she had been "arrested on suspicion of fraud."

On Saturday she told British newspapers her husband had turned up at their home a year after disappearing, and she had hidden him there for the next three years, without telling their two sons he was alive.

They had lived in the family home, but if visitors came, John had to flee through the false back of a wardrobe into an apartment the couple owned in the neighbouring house, she said.

They moved to Panama, but John missed their sons and decided to return to England, Anne said. Last week he walked into a London police station saying he was suffering from amnesia.

On Saturday he was charged with obtaining money by deception and making a false declaration to get a passport. He is due to appear at Hartlepool Magistrates Court on Monday.

Anne Darwin flew from Panama to Miami, and then travelled to Atlanta from where she returned to Britain.

chispas

Female

2007-12-09 23:29:00

Vaccination help!

QUOTE (mustang-sally @ Dec 18 2007, 09:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As far as I can see if you are aged between 18 and 50 you only need the Tetanus and the MMR jabs at the London embassy stage.
You dont need Hep B unless you are under 17.
Anyway here is the link but ignore the Varicella (Chicken pox) as this isnt currently available in the UK. I was just asked if I'd had chicken pox, to which I answered, "yes, twice". That seemed good enough.
http://london.usemba...ccinechart.html
Hope this helps
Maggie

Are you saying they no longer give chicken pox vaccines in the UK or they are just out of the vaccine? My sister in law tells me that where she lives in France they don't give the Hep B series anymore.

chispas

Female

2007-12-18 14:56:00

UK Police Certificate question

QUOTE (desilu @ May 7 2008, 06:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi all

I hope someone can help. I am trying to be organised and apply early for my police certificates via the new system at the Assoc of Chief Police Officers Criminal Records Office (ACRO). I have 2 questions.

1. On the ACRO application form it says to list all previous addresses for the last 5 years. However as I understand NVC wants a certificate for every address lived at since age 16. For me that means Ill be missing a few years (ages 16 - 26), is only 5 years now sufficient for NVC?

2. If we do need for addresses going back to the age of 16, should I include university halls of residence? I lived in halls for 2 years but only during term time (i.e. 30 weeks a year) should I include these or just use permenant home address at the time?

Thanks so much in advance for any advice you can give

I would use the permanent home address. My SO lived in the UK for 10 years and he included his main residence there on the app. However, he was required to go back to each country he had lived in since the age of 16 for police reports. That was the biggest challenge.

chispas

Female

2008-05-08 16:24:00

QUOTE (Talyss @ Apr 9 2009, 02:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (chispas @ Apr 9 2009, 04:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Marty J @ Apr 7 2009, 08:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why is that scary?

There are data protection laws at the national level in the UK, and at the supranational level in the EU.

Just because someone went to law school, it doesn't make them privy to confidential information.

Not sure I understand what you're saying. I'd think if there was a legal case, the individuals trying the person should be able to get information through the legal system to prove their cases. I don't think lawyers run around trying to pry into other people's private life without needing that information for their cases.

Under UK law they would only be entitled to that information if it was a criminal case in which case it would be a law enforcement agency rather than a lawyer applying for that information. Taking a civil law case against an individual would not entitle you or your lawyer to have access to confidential information held about that individual as that would be a breach of their human rights.

Wow. Thanks for the information.

Edited by chispas, 09 April 2009 - 06:16 PM.

chispas

Female

2009-04-09 18:12:00

QUOTE (Stinky Monkey @ Apr 9 2009, 01:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would think that being arrested would show up in the police report for the interview as you request it yourself so that would show permission, interesting n

Amazing the things that you find out, we had someone using our address fraudulently, the guy was even arrested and was out on bail and they were writting to us, I spoke to the police to see how this can happen and they say they dont have the man power to check the addresses out, now that is really scarey

It doesn't show up on the report after X number of years. So technically one can lay low and it'll eventually disappear. That is what I understand.

chispas

Female

2009-04-09 16:18:00

QUOTE (Marty J @ Apr 7 2009, 08:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

chispas

Female

2009-04-09 16:13:00