ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North AfricaMENA Country Stats on VJ
Does anybody have an explanation why there is only such a small number for people from Tunisia? Especially compared to Morocco?
sophyieFemaleGermany2007-02-10 09:02:00
Middle East and North AfricaI am needing some good advice before I go to Morocco

Wow, I hate to hear that you're going through this! Please don't think the worst. I've known several women who have had pre-cancerous cells and it's turned out just to be something the doctors want to continue to monitor.

Maybe you could leave the cancerous cell part out of your conversation to your in-laws? Just until you know exactly what is going on. There's no need for them to worry unnecessarily, because when you get back and actually talk to your doctor, you may find out that it's not serious.

I hope everything goes well and you hear good news! Meanwhile, enjoy your trip to Morocco!


That was what I was wondering, too- do you really have to discuss your medical conditions with your in- laws before you know specifics?

Hope all is good!
sophyieFemaleGermany2007-02-07 10:46:00
Middle East and North Africayour fiance/husband's first night in america...
The one thing my husband did (not in his welcome package) was to get me a prepaid cellphone card.
I didn't need a cellphone cause I brought my own, but with the prepaid card we could be in touch anytime.
sophyieFemaleGermany2007-02-07 14:55:00
Middle East and North Africayour fiance/husband's first night in america...

He was adament that our stuff be in the same closet and perhaps even touching at all times, so I kinda had to work around that.


Sorry if I sound dumb- why is that?

:)
sophyieFemaleGermany2007-02-07 13:34:00
Middle East and North Africayour fiance/husband's first night in america...

That is the million dollar question. Actually a few years back there was actually a reward posted for anyone who could figure it out. It smells like cr@p...literally!!! Some say it's the algae in that end of the water and some say it's the way the sewarage system works from a part of another town across the way. All I know is when I drive by it, sometimes even in the dead of winter, it stinks worse than a poopy diaper! :blink:


Eeewww :blink: ok, don't take him there for the romantic walk then ;)
sophyieFemaleGermany2007-02-07 12:03:00
Middle East and North Africayour fiance/husband's first night in america...

The next morning, he took me to the beach, we got a coffee from Starbucks and sat in the sand with our shoes off, and enjoyed the sunshine.


I know it's a pipedream but I would LOVE for him to come here when it's still summertime so that we could spend our first days together on the beach!!! :luv:



Just don't walk down Lynn beach - smelly!!!! :lol:


:lol: :lol: :lol:

I used to live right on Beach street and 95% of the summer my windows were closed and the a/c was cranking and I STILL couldn't get the smell out of my appartment!!


Why does it smell/what does it smell of?
sophyieFemaleGermany2007-02-07 11:58:00
Middle East and North Africayour fiance/husband's first night in america...

The next morning, he took me to the beach, we got a coffee from Starbucks and sat in the sand with our shoes off, and enjoyed the sunshine.


I know it's a pipedream but I would LOVE for him to come here when it's still summertime so that we could spend our first days together on the beach!!! :luv:



But it can also be very romantic to walk on the beach in fall or winter, just cuddle up in a coat and bring a hot drink!


The going to the beach has become a tradition for us, and I hope we can keep it up when I finally come to live in Seattle for good...
No better place to talk about things than on the beach, for me at least.
sophyieFemaleGermany2007-02-07 10:24:00
Middle East and North Africayour fiance/husband's first night in america...
When I came to visit my husband (then boyfriend) for the first time in the States, I was simply overwhelmed.

I always feel it takes 2 to 3 days for (I allways call it) my soul to arrive after my body. That is on long flight trips.

He did a lot of the stuff you were all suggesting:

He had just recently moved and made sure none of the boxes were still around when I arrived, he painted the bedroom and put together a little package about Seattle.

A city guide, a guide to public transport, a map, he bought a "go Seattle Card" which included admission to a lot of attractions.

For my first night he had not planned anything, just a light salad for dinner- we spent a lot of the night trying to understand that I was finally there...

The next morning, he took me to the beach, we got a coffee from Starbucks and sat in the sand with our shoes off, and enjoyed the sunshine.

The first two days were very slow, only then I started to meet friends and family, discover the city and discover American supermarkets :D

Enjoy those first days, everybody. It's a once in a lifetime experience.
sophyieFemaleGermany2007-02-07 10:02:00
Middle East and North AfricaCosmetics!

I am a MAC addict and also use Bare Minerals for cosmetics.... as for skin care, I swear by IMAGE - I use it on my clients and I use it on myself.... it's result oriented facial products that are moderately priced and extremely effective.

**as a side note, I was thinking to post this yesterday when talking of shampoos tho it had nothing to do w/ shampoos - but DO YOU ALL KNOW THAT *WATERPROOF MASCARA* IS MADE W/ TAR??? Yes, the stuff you drive your car on - that's why it doesn't come off and is really not good for your eyelashes.
Just my trivia for the day..........
Noura


:blink:

gosh. I think I didn't want to know :)

Now what, all the other ones come off and end up on my cheeks after half a day!
sophyieFemaleGermany2007-02-07 10:18:00
Middle East and North AfricaCosmetics!

I can even shower in the gym with mascara on without looking like a racoon afterwards...

I'm going to need mascara like that for my wedding. :crying:


It worked for mine ;)

The one I prefer (even though all the Loreals are ok) is the "double extend".
sophyieFemaleGermany2007-02-07 10:16:00
Middle East and North AfricaCosmetics!
For me it's waterproof Loreal mascara. I've tried so many (expensive and inexpensive) different brands, but for some reason none of them works for me.

I can even shower in the gym with mascara on without looking like a racoon afterwards...

For eye makeup remover I use Nivea, it's not oily at all.

Edited by sophyie, 07 February 2007 - 09:28 AM.

sophyieFemaleGermany2007-02-07 09:28:00
Middle East and North AfricaTips and Techniques for Handling "The Wait"

I have found it seems really important to have a date... on the calendar... to look for. So this is either a trip you will take, or an interview date.. something like this.


Very very true.

One other thing that helps me a lot is working out and practising yoga. It clears my mind.



I’m glad some one mentioned it. I’m really not an exercise person and I have been thinking of yoga. My husband suggested it to me a few times for the same reason you do it. He said it would help me relax because I’m always thinking and thinking and pondering why why why...... My hubby loves martial arts he used to practice Thai boxing back in the days. Now he just does Thai chi to help him relax. I know that there are different types of yoga practices, what kind of yoga do you suggest for a beginner? I guess it would be a great idea to clear the mind and stay in shape at the same time. People have told me that yoga is great to stay fit and trust me I really need to get rid of 10 pounds.


There are many different kinds of yoga practices, a couple of names that come to my mind are Hatha, Kundalini, Ashtanga, Vinyasa... some are more "workout- like", some concentrate on the mind and meditation.

If there's a yoga school or a gym that offers yoga classes somewhere close, you should just go and try a couple of different styles to find one that suits you.

A very popular kind of yoga you will find in most gyms is "power yoga", it's based on the old yoga schools but focuses a little more on work out. That might also be a good start.

My favorite is Ashtanga- yoga, a series of postures combined with faster movements, it's nearly a little acrobatic.
sophyieFemaleGermany2007-02-10 15:40:00
Middle East and North AfricaTips and Techniques for Handling "The Wait"

I have found it seems really important to have a date... on the calendar... to look for. So this is either a trip you will take, or an interview date.. something like this.


Very very true.

One other thing that helps me a lot is working out and practising yoga. It clears my mind.
sophyieFemaleGermany2007-02-10 15:16:00
Middle East and North AfricaHave your husbands friends married American?
How would they know?
sophyieFemaleGermany2007-04-14 01:29:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe moan and groan thread
This is horrible.

I'm sorry your week had to start like this.

Have you talked to the landlord? The property management firm?

Wouldn't that be a reason for setting up a security camera somewhere?


Hope things will be better soon!
sophyieFemaleGermany2007-01-23 08:19:00
Middle East and North AfricaME/NA pictures
I want to go explore Morocco NOW.

Thank you all for this beautiful thread.
sophyieFemaleGermany2007-01-17 17:49:00
Middle East and North AfricaLiving Hajj - free sunnipath event

Usama's aunt left yesterday for Hajj and is making plenty of dua for our marriage, insha Allah. :dance:


Has any of you ever gone? (sorry for being curious)

Ever since I saw the National Geographic film on the hajj I am fascinated by the masses of people from all over the world...
sophyieFemaleGermany2006-12-20 13:57:00
Middle East and North AfricaTips to help your SO adjust

Don't you have the same obstacles? I mean life in Germany has to be a wee bit different then life in the US right?


That's exactly why I asked: even though lots of things are the same, there is SO much I had to (and still have to!) learn: lots of money- related things for example, we don't use checks at all in Germany, and oh I don't know- there is plenty!

The whole insurance system, school system, the salty butter :)

My husband is living in Germany with me now, has been living here for years now and that helps a lot, just because he knows what's different. I'll move to the States early next year, but have lived there for more than a year before- so most things are familiar by now (but there's always something new somewhere).

One thing I'm not sure I'll ever get used to is driving in the States though- I'm just not good at it :).

And even though my English is ok, it took me a good six months living in the US to comfortably order a pizza on the phone because I never got what they asked me (too fast, too many choices) :blush:

The one thing I think has made it a little less stressfull for me was that I had the chance to visit numerous times before starting my life in the US, so I could get used to most things one at a time...
sophyieFemaleGermany2006-10-12 15:47:00
Middle East and North AfricaTips to help your SO adjust
just being curious and really interested:

have the SOs had the chance to "prepare" themselves for their new life in the US?
Did they read/google/watch things about it? Seems like there are so many "obstacles" I wouldn't have ever thought of (thinking microwave, toaster...).

I think you're a bunch of very brave, patient and great wives!

One other question: do all of you speak your SO's native language?
sophyieFemaleGermany2006-10-12 14:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA question about marriage and crossing the border...
Thinking about it: I would find it really odd if a USC would not be allowed to marry someone from another country in the US, don't you think so? :)

As long as one sticks to the rules. And as I said, we did ask about that and the consulate in Frankfurt said that it would be possible...

And somewhere in this forum I found a thread about a Canadian- US- couple that got married in the US (and plenty more threats from international couples with one part being USC that got married in the US to do the IR-1/CR-1), can't find it though.

Whatever your decision will be: Good luck! :)
sophyieFemaleGermany2006-10-04 09:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA question about marriage and crossing the border...

I think two non-USCs who want to come to the USA to get married for a destination wedding may not need visas, but a non-USC wanting to marry a USC needs a K-1 visa according to the USCIS.

I think the OP should call the USCIS for advice if he's not 100% sure but going by what I've read on their website, they need a visa.


Thanks for the correction!

We called the consulate in Frankfurt to find out and they said that we could go to the US to get married but that might have well been because my husband lives and workes (has residency) in Germany... maybe that was the difference. Both of us would have returned to Germany after the wedding...

Oh I don't know. And I'm happy we had the possibility to do the DCF.
sophyieFemaleGermany2006-10-04 03:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA question about marriage and crossing the border...
As far as I know: it's not illegal to go to the US and get married, IF you do go back to your home country afterwards.
The problem might be to convince the immigration officers that you will go back!

We're doing the IR1/CR1 but as a DCF, because my husband (USC) currently lives with me in Germany.
And according to the consulate we could've gone to the US to marry, return to Germany and start the process. I don't think they care where in the world you got married...

Long story short:

I don't see why you couldn't get married in the US -> your wife returns home and you file the I-130 for her.

BUT entering the US and telling the immigration officers that you're going to get married to a USC most likely won't be a fun thing to do. In order for them to believe your fiance, she'd have to bring REALLY good binding ties that prove she'll return to Canada.

Why not avoid all this and get married in Canada? (it could be a small wedding there and then once she's in the US you have the real party?)

Cheers, and good look with the right decision!

Please, everybody, if I'm wrong here, correct!
sophyieFemaleGermany2006-10-04 01:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of support/Income & IRS

Good I'm glad you managed to get a hold of someone.

What does NRA stand for?

Yes, I believe they do only count US earned income. My income doesn't meet the requirements anyway. I'm using my dad as a joint sponsor.


Thanks for your reply ! I managed to reach somebody from the consulate in Frankfurt and they were really helpful. It is easier then it looks like. They told me to file seperately and instead of putting the SSN of my husband to write NRA...I have a question to you: Are you using your income to fullfill the income requirements or assets only ?
I am working for a german company and I guess they only count income earned in or for the US, right ?

Regards
Flea


We're currently going through the DCF- process in Germany, too (?), and when we filed the petition in Frankfurt we asked the lady at the window about the affidavid, because we had a similar situation: my husband (the USC) has lived in Germany for the last 2 years and therefore could not provide income from the US at the time being.
However, she said the income "of importance" would be his income at the day of the interview.
(I couldn't find anything in writing supporting this, so please, if this is wrong: correct!)

He will be employed in Germany until October 31st, start his job in the States on Nov. 1st and that's also the day of my interview :). So we don't have to worry about this one anymore... one less thing :)
It's not an ideal date for us because he won't be able to get an employer's letter before Nov. 1st, but we have a detailed email conversation with his new HR rep stating his income and hope that that will do...

What else will we have to file with the affidavid of support? The last tax return, sure, but anything else?

Speaking of: I'm pretty sure that my husband had the American equivalent of a "Steuerberater" to do his taxes while he lived abroad and it never seemed to be a problem having someone in the US do it.

Good luck to all of you!
sophyieFemaleGermany2006-10-09 14:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLegalized copy of passport and Income certificate
I'm German and my husband USC and we ended up getting married in Denmark.

I met with a very friendly lady from the Standesamt of the city where we used to live and she told me the following:

My husband would have needed:

- birth certificate with notarized translation
- proof of income (no translation necessary because he worked in Germany at the time)
- certificate of freedom to marry from the consulate (notarized translation)

the Standesamt would have sent all this to the "Oberlandesgericht" (Higher Regional Court) to check all the papers, the lady said this could take anything from 4 to 12 weeks and would have cost a certain percentage of his monthly income- she wasn't sure how much exactly (something like 7%).

Only after the approval of the Oberlandesgericht is when you can actually set a date with the Standesamt.

Keep in mind- this is only one experience from one Standesamt in Germany, I don't know if it's the same everywhere.


Long story short- we decided to get married in Denmark.
All that was needed for Denmark were copies of our passports (his showing his Visa for Germany) and a confirmation of residency (Meldebestätigung) from the city we lived in.
And a document from the Danish office with our biographical data and that we intend to marry, that we're not related :D

All that was sent to the Danish office together with 500DK (about 80€) and after 4 days I could call to make an appointment!

They were very helpful and friendly, spoke both German and English fluently.

It was a great experience!
sophyieFemaleGermany2006-11-14 16:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPhysical Greencard?
My POE was SFO and it took about a month for my card to arrive.
sophyieFemaleGermany2007-03-12 07:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI 130 - bonified marriage evidence
with our case...we only sent the marriage certificate USCIS and NVC stage...wouldn't hurt to bring more evidence on the interview though.
PinayArmyWifeFemalePhilippines2011-03-03 02:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresvisit US while i 130 pending
I applied for a tourist visa while my I-130 was still pending and I was issued one. My husband is in the military too. We are already living together here in germany, i came here through command sponsorship. The military was sending him to school to the US and at that time I was pregnant and we also have a 3 yrs old. I can't drive bcoz of my eyes so I have no way of getting around if my husband goes to the US. So i applied for a tourist visa to be with my sister in the US and visit my husband's family. I got approved but unfortunately, the way they sent the passport back was just through regular mail, so it got lost. End result, husband wasn't able to go to MPI school and has to wait till all this visa issue is resolved.
But anyways, my point is, you can get one if you have a valid reason and that they are certain that you intend to leave.
Hope this help and best of luck to you... :D
PinayArmyWifeFemalePhilippines2011-03-07 07:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBig problem, please help
Is the arrest like a big bust?or just in the precinctin her town? How many days or months was she on jail? was there a trial? Because if not, I don't think it is a big deal. It prolly won't show up in the police clearance and NBI clearance. I know a some peole who had used marijuana when they were young and was able to migrate to the US.
Hope things will work out for you. But I don't think it would be a big issue if it happened long time ago.
Oh one more thing, I know someone who actually said yes to have had used drugs on the interview and he got denied, all of his family migrated except him.
PinayArmyWifeFemalePhilippines2011-03-25 04:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR-1 interview
Relax, if your relationship is legit, you have nothing to worry about. Don't worry too much. Good luck on your interview
PinayArmyWifeFemalePhilippines2011-03-26 04:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat does this mean???
QUOTE (queuedup @ Mar 6 2009, 03:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Noami @ Mar 6 2009, 02:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (queuedup @ Mar 6 2009, 03:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If your bills were paid, then you should only see a slight delay after the case is received by NVC because they don't have the barcoded sheet to be able to find your file easily. If you sent the DS-230 package before the bills were paid, you will need to call NVC, speak to an operator to get this corrected, as you will get an RFE for not paying the bills.


Hi,

thanks so much for you answer.

The bills were paid. I added the coversheet from NVC after the bills showed up as paid. I only forgot to print out my own lil barcode to glu on the DS 230 top left corner. I thought they may dont accept my DS-230 because of this. That is what I worry about.


You don't need to have a barcode on the DS-230. The DS-3032 is the one that requires the barcode. If the IV bill was generated and paid, then your DS-3032(Choice of agent) form was already accepted.



Thank you soo much. Ok, then I am fine. Maybe you can help me out one more time.

About the I-864:
My husband got it done and signed.
He added his last 3 pay stubs and letter of employment (without income).

what does he need from his taxes and I did read somewhere that he has to sign these papers also????

I am so unsure what we need to do...


NoamiFemaleGermany2009-03-06 14:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat does this mean???
QUOTE (queuedup @ Mar 6 2009, 03:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If your bills were paid, then you should only see a slight delay after the case is received by NVC because they don't have the barcoded sheet to be able to find your file easily. If you sent the DS-230 package before the bills were paid, you will need to call NVC, speak to an operator to get this corrected, as you will get an RFE for not paying the bills.


Hi,

thanks so much for you answer.

The bills were paid. I added the coversheet from NVC after the bills showed up as paid. I only forgot to print out my own lil barcode to glu on the DS 230 top left corner. I thought they may dont accept my DS-230 because of this. That is what I worry about.
NoamiFemaleGermany2009-03-06 14:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat does this mean???
Oh Ok,

but I guess I fu!!!! up anyways.....

I sent the DS 230 a few days ago, but...
I forgot to put the barcode on it.

I sent the package like this.

-Document cover sheet (website I paid the bill)
-Own DS-230 Cover Letter
-DS 230 (both parts - part 1 signed, 2. not)
-Continuation sheet for DS-230
-Orig. Police record plus extra copy
-certif. copy of birthcet. plus extra copy
-certf. copy of marriage cert. plus extra copy
-certf. copy of passport plus extra copy


Will I get some problems???
NoamiFemaleGermany2009-03-06 14:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat does this mean???
QUOTE (hniHnitsuJ @ Mar 6 2009, 02:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Noami @ Mar 6 2009, 10:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi,

who knows what it means when the NVC Automatic Phone System tells you this message??
A PACKAGE OF INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS WAS GENERATED ON .... AND SENT TO AGENT

Thanks for the answers.


Sent to Agent meaning. NVC will send all your document to your spouse (petitioner), or you have a lawyer. Will be sent to your lawyer. Depend on who you put your Agent as, your spouse or your lawyer.

Good luck.



Do you mean the DS 230????
NoamiFemaleGermany2009-03-06 13:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat does this mean???
Hi,

who knows what it means when the NVC Automatic Phone System tells you this message??
A PACKAGE OF INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS WAS GENERATED ON .... AND SENT TO AGENT

Thanks for the answers.


NoamiFemaleGermany2009-03-06 13:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRFE Help
Hi everyone,

I hope you all are doing fine. I am going crazy with NVC right now.

A few weeks ago we got an RFE. I called an Operator to ask what was wrong with it. Well there where a few things wrong which I did correct and mailed it off with the barcodesheet from the system when I paid the bills online.

Well, now I got another RFE and an Operator told me that it is because I did not add the checklist letter response. The funny thing is that I did not even had it when I mailed the corrected DS 230 Part 1 off.

Anyone knows anything about this??

The Operator told me just to add the checklist letter response and resend it. Can this really be it or should I call again and make double sure that there is no missing information??

I need help......


any answer will be helpfull

Thanks so much....

I hope I am done with this NVC soon...
NoamiFemaleGermany2009-04-13 11:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAny October Filers Out There?
Hi,

hope you all doing fine. We got our NOA 1 on oct. 22 and since then I have heard nothing. No touch nothing at all. Should I worry??? I hope not LOL. I hope I will hear something soon.

Wish you all luck
NoamiFemaleGermany2009-01-04 03:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAny October Filers Out There?
Hi,

I am soooo happy for you. Which nice gift for christmas. I wish they would move mine too. Guess I have to wait a lil bit longer since we filed end of October.

Have a great x-mas
NoamiFemaleGermany2008-12-23 04:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAny October Filers Out There?
Hi to all of you,

we also filed in Oktober 08. NOA1 is all what we got so far.

Here is my timeline:

SC: Vermont
Consulate: Germany
Marriage: 2 Jan 2008

10/08/2008 I-130 sent
10/22/2008 I-130 recieved at Chicago Lock Box
10/27/2008 I-130 NOA I letter with case # in the mail
10/27/2008 check cashed

Wishing you all luck and a great x-mas ;-)

NoamiFemaleGermany2008-12-17 10:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 time specifications
Thanks for all the feedback everyone. It's much appreciated.
maadams2004MaleDominican Republic2008-10-09 10:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 time specifications
I’ve got a quick question for the group – hopefully someone can assist. I’m curious as to whether the CR-1 process has time limitations/benchmarks similar to the K-1 process. For example, I understand that under the K-1 process once my fiancée were to receive her visa she has 60 days to travel to the U.S. (I think that’s correct….could be mistaken) and once in the U.S. we have 90 days to marry. Does the CR-1 have similar time constraints? Once she receives the CR-1 visa does she have a certain timeframe in which she must travel to the U.S?

The reason I ask is I would prefer to utilize the CR-1 path versus K-1 or K-3. Once the visa is approved I wonder if we’ll be told she must travel to the U.S. within ‘x’ days. I’m trying to anticipate any future problems. We have to get out of the contract for the apartment we currently have, get rid of furniture and other household belongings that I don’t want to ship to the U.S., et cetera. I guess I’m concerned about having enough time to do all of those things. If there are time constraints that we must meet as part of the CR-1 process it would be good to know in advance. At the moment I’m not aware of any such constraints. Am I mistaken? I mean if she receives the CR-1 visa in July for example and we decide for various reasons that it would be best that she not make the move to the U.S. until December, is there anything within the CR-1 process that prevents this? Any assistance or comments are greatly appreciated.
maadams2004MaleDominican Republic2008-10-09 03:05:00