ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Bob and Patricia @ Apr 26 2009, 07:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (PB&JAM @ Apr 26 2009, 06:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 26 2009, 03:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (PB&JAM @ Apr 26 2009, 06:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You can add me to the list of nervous nelly nail biters awaiting their interview date! finally got ours! May 22!


Can I ask what you put for a travel/wedding date? And Congrats!


we left it blank cause we dont know yet!


We left ours blank too, although I suspect we should have thrown something in there. Returned packet 3, 15 days ago. DOS says Pat is approved for an interview but no date has been assigned yet.

It's nice to see you got a May interview PB&JAM, some friends of ours on here (stardust86) got a mid-June interview which seems like forever to me.. I'm hoping we get May.

Bob and Pat (Nervous nelly nail biters. Chicago/Manchester chapter)


My fiance put June 9 as the travel date...so I am hoping that helps us. mid-June?! oh dear...that makes me really nervous.
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-26 19:36:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (PB&JAM @ Apr 26 2009, 06:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You can add me to the list of nervous nelly nail biters awaiting their interview date! finally got ours! May 22!


Can I ask what you put for a travel/wedding date? And Congrats!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-26 17:25:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (prima and jay @ Apr 24 2009, 01:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 24 2009, 06:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (prima and jay @ Apr 24 2009, 01:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 24 2009, 03:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (prima and jay @ Apr 24 2009, 06:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
approved pending docs.....gotta love that huh.


What documents are they asking for? But, congrats!





he didnt fill in th e oath at the bottom of the i134 properly, so we have to send it again. and co sponsor. we actually have one but the fed ex didnt arrive on time. Because he's a personal trainer and hes just starting his businesss, we thought it would be best. but we have the co sponsor forms so thats not a problem, and the bit on the i134 is no biggie........... so i'm just trying to relax. i had to come home and sleep because i didnt sleep a wink last night, kept waking up all night so I feel shattered.

enough of my ramblings

lol


What did he write that was wrong? I am getting nervous now!


lol hunny dont get upset. where he had to write the i intend to support ......in the oath he didnt tick the box and he put n/a ( k1 fiance visa immigration process) he should have ticked the box and said fiancee k1 visa or somethign to that effect. i will check with the model form. it really was just a silly mistake..... i am positive you wont do that.


both i and the co sponsor said something like we will provide support in whatever way needed, and ticked the "i intend". the thing i am worried about is that my mom (co sponsor) wrote something about supporting him until we transition to our own house or something?! anyone think this could be a problem? (she will do things how ever long necessary)
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-24 13:43:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (prima and jay @ Apr 24 2009, 01:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 24 2009, 03:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (prima and jay @ Apr 24 2009, 06:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
approved pending docs.....gotta love that huh.


What documents are they asking for? But, congrats!





he didnt fill in th e oath at the bottom of the i134 properly, so we have to send it again. and co sponsor. we actually have one but the fed ex didnt arrive on time. Because he's a personal trainer and hes just starting his businesss, we thought it would be best. but we have the co sponsor forms so thats not a problem, and the bit on the i134 is no biggie........... so i'm just trying to relax. i had to come home and sleep because i didnt sleep a wink last night, kept waking up all night so I feel shattered.

enough of my ramblings

lol


What did he write that was wrong? I am getting nervous now!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-24 12:09:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (KAT&Allie @ Apr 24 2009, 10:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrats prima and jay!!! kicking.gif

QUOTE (Bob and Patricia @ Apr 24 2009, 12:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wow what a turnaround! What dates, if any did you put for expected travel and wedding? You may have said it previously but I just woke up and am too lazy to look it up. rofl.gif

Bob


I've put 10 May as a date of travel and 14th for the wedding, which is absolutely true. So the 12th is not going to help us much but I did send an email to the Embassy this morning asking for an earlier date if possible. If we have to cancel the wedding, it will be the second time... but if we have to do it, we'll do it. Maybe they think we've done our time at Vermont so we can now move a bit faster wink.gif


Congrats on the quick interview date! When was the last time you called DOS, that they told you the embassy hadn't received Packet 3?

Also, do we know if they give you interviews based on the TRAVEL date or the WEDDING date? My fiance put a travel date of June 9, because he wants to see my graduation, but our wedding is not until August 15.
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-24 10:01:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (prima and jay @ Apr 24 2009, 06:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
approved pending docs.....gotta love that huh.


What documents are they asking for? But, congrats!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-24 09:59:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (DairyFarmer @ Apr 23 2009, 05:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (laura819 @ Apr 23 2009, 10:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (DairyFarmer @ Apr 23 2009, 05:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We are nowhere near the UP. We are South West MI between Kalamazoo and Benton Harbor. I guess about an hour and a 1/4 south of Grand Rapids.


Oh oh we are about an hour from you smile.gif Not far at all!

We drove past Michigan City last night. Caught the bus from there to the airport a couple of times.


I'm actually from South Bend, IN....but I think Michigan City is the closest office. Not sure.
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-23 16:52:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (DairyFarmer @ Apr 23 2009, 05:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We are nowhere near the UP. We are South West MI between Kalamazoo and Benton Harbor. I guess about an hour and a 1/4 south of Grand Rapids.


Oh oh we are about an hour from you smile.gif Not far at all!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-23 16:13:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (MonkeyJuice @ Apr 23 2009, 04:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (DairyFarmer @ Apr 23 2009, 04:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi all

Firstly BOO BIG THUMBS DOWN to the stupid and sometimes mean CO's at London.

Secondly



wait for it


I'm home in Michigan!!!! Haven't updated timeline yet re: POE will soon, was not the easiest time.

All that matters is I am home with my honey, we went and picked up the marriage certificate today. So we are all set for next Friday.



Yay...congratulations. good.gif
Which part of Michigan are you at? I'll be going there too! Only my fiance has a house up in the Upper Peninsula, so we'll be going there for the summer. We'll probably move to Grand Rapids after that so I can find work there. star_smile.gif


I'm from Indiana, not Michigan, but I am really close to the border...so I am fairly close as well smile.gif
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-23 15:42:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (MonkeyJuice @ Apr 23 2009, 03:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Mine was really quick,as you can see from my timeline...6 days.


how did you get yours signed for by someone? my fiance said that you didn't get confirmation of who signed it....i know nothing about the UK postal system, so sorry if this is a weird question!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-23 14:41:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (KAT&Allie @ Apr 23 2009, 01:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Kirsten, so sorry about your interview experience. But you'll get your documents today and you'll be on your way to Charlotte soon. Disappointing but it could have been worse, as others have said... being so mean she could have put you in AP! Maybe putting it into this prospective makes the disappointment somewhat less. Also bear in mind that while you docs might be legally tight for the UK purposes and under the UK law, that may not be the case with US. sad.gif At least you won’t have a hassle of trying to get these papers at AOS stage. I imagine it may be more difficult to get them once you are already over in US. So overall, it’s couple of days delay and more money but maybe peace of mind somewhere down the line. rose.gif

As for your papers, you can ask your solicitor to copy the original or print out two copies before the original is signed and then he/she and you sign both documents. Good luck.

Also good luck tomorrow to all of you having the interview. May the red haired CO have a day off tomorrow and you all sail through. good.gif

I'm waiting for the Embassy to acknowledge the receipt of my Packet 3 (Royal Mail said it was delivered by 9am on the 21st). Does anybody know how long does it take them to just log it into the system?


I just asked the same question in the NOA2 - Interview thread...so if someone just wants to answer it here, thats fine!
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-23 13:59:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (Damian P @ Apr 22 2009, 11:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (mr and mrs @ Apr 22 2009, 10:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
no, they dont take your original birth certificate, but i am not certain if they take the original police certificate, or just the copy, or both. easier just to take a copy to be on the safe side.


They only take the copy BUT you must present the original too so that they can check it against the copy. Ditto the birth certificate. You get both originals handed back to you when they call you back to the window the 2nd time.


This may be a dumb question but by copy do you mean photocopy? Or an official copy? My fiance (the UKC) has official copies of both (he ordered more birth certificates, and i think he got 3 police certificates when he ordered his.)
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-22 22:41:00
United KingdomThe 2009 United Kingdom Interview Thread!
QUOTE (mr and mrs @ Apr 22 2009, 08:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Kirsten UK @ Apr 22 2009, 02:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i have one day left i'm here printing out stuff . i knew this would happedn my mind has gone blank.someone help me with a checklist please.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! interview friday morn 8am.

help


kirsten,

i updated my interview day checklist for you (and others). the pink dots reflect the things you MUST take with you. (for the i-134, you can do sole-sponsorship or co-sponsor. so depending on what you do for that, you may only need the primary sponsor's (that would be the USC) financial information.)

hope that helps give you another checklist to compare what you have against.

you know what you are doing, so just trust yourself! it'll be a breeze.

-lisabette.




You need a copy and original of birth certificate, and also police certificate? Do they take both of them?
laura819FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-22 21:53:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusQuarterfinal hockey Russia

Unless you have Telemundo or Univision, don't expect to see any WC action unless USA is playing.


Wow, when I lived in Canada I believe they showed every single game. Two things I hate about this country: health care system and their stupidity when it comes to sports.
JoeCanukMaleCanada2010-02-24 08:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusIs there a Russian/Ukrainian site for Kiev fiancees?

Hi Members,

My fiancee in Kiev is getting mixed signals about the documents needed for the K-1.

Is there a site similar to VisaJourney in Ukrainian/Russian where information is exchanged to help and inform those beginning the process?

Thank you,

George



George:
Go to the Kiev embassy website or tell your fiancee to go there and she has option to click on Ukrainian language or English version and they have all packet 3 and 4 in Ukraine, and she has option to complete forms in Ukraianian only thing is remember she will have to have them translated back into English or they will not allow her to interview and send her packing.
zqt3344


Thanks ZQtee! (Does 3344 imply 3343 tried to use the name "zqt" before you did?)
RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2007-01-20 22:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusIs there a Russian/Ukrainian site for Kiev fiancees?

Hi Members,

My fiancee in Kiev is getting mixed signals about the documents needed for the K-1.

Is there a site similar to VisaJourney in Ukrainian/Russian where information is exchanged to help and inform those beginning the process?

Thank you,

George


What kind of mixed signals? I have many people who I know who have gone through Kiev... Tell the story.....



Fwa,

She was married in 1993 and divorced in 1998. No children. The divorce documents have been certified. Her ex-husband died in 2001. Both of her parents are deceased, as well. She has been informed she must produce death certificates for all three people!

Thank you,
George


Have you looked at Packet 3/4 on the Kiev website? It details exactly what she will need for the interview. I can see no reason for her to produce death certificates for anyone based on the facts provided. Death certificate for ex-husband if children involved but not your situation.... Who is telling her this?



FWA and Slim,

Thank you for the insight and the link to the Kiev embassy. I forwarded the packet 3 and 4 information to my fiancee. Her (likely erroneous) source stating a need for death certs for ex and parents was from a phone call to the immigration legal office at http://klc.kiev.ua/?MenuId=78

We will work only from the requirements stated at the Kiev embassy site.

Thank you again,
George
RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2007-01-11 12:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusIs there a Russian/Ukrainian site for Kiev fiancees?

Hi Members,

My fiancee in Kiev is getting mixed signals about the documents needed for the K-1.

Is there a site similar to VisaJourney in Ukrainian/Russian where information is exchanged to help and inform those beginning the process?

Thank you,

George


What kind of mixed signals? I have many people who I know who have gone through Kiev... Tell the story.....



Fwa,

She was married in 1993 and divorced in 1998. No children. The divorce documents have been certified. Her ex-husband died in 2001. Both of her parents are deceased, as well. She has been informed she must produce death certificates for all three people!

Thank you,
George
RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2007-01-11 11:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusIs there a Russian/Ukrainian site for Kiev fiancees?
Hi Members,

My fiancee in Kiev is getting mixed signals about the documents needed for the K-1.

Is there a site similar to VisaJourney in Ukrainian/Russian where information is exchanged to help and inform those beginning the process?

Thank you,

George
RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2007-01-11 10:53:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTo have Russian citizenship for US born children with Russian mother or not?
QUOTE (slim @ Nov 21 2009, 04:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So their plan backfired?

Seems to me that women in general would benefit from working at Safeway for a while. Then they'd appreciate a good man when they found one!


Back on the OP, I asked my wife if she thought it was a good idea for the kid to get two citizenships and she said, "Sure. Why not?" When I asked about the military conscription she said, "If he lives in America, he's never gonna have to go to military." Then I asked, "Yeah, but if he's 19 and he goes home to visit and they check his passport and see no military, wouldn't they make him go then?" She said, "No. Because in twenty years Russia will be same like America.... Chinese!"


Smart, scary woman... blink.gif
RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2009-11-21 16:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTo have Russian citizenship for US born children with Russian mother or not?
QUOTE (Master5 @ Nov 20 2009, 11:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
--edit--
Russia is chock-full of unhappy bitchy women, that was one of them, I don't even want to go in all the details.


Ain't it the truth?! In the past few years, I've met at least three Russian women divorced from American men that came to the U.S. via K visas. After a few minutes of small talk, they pushed their "bitter hateful spiteful bi*tch" buttons. "...I gave up a good life in Russia to come to America with a lying loser! Now I'm bagging groceries at Safeway to support myself!"

My immediate thought is if they displayed half that attitude in Russia, no one would want them in their home country, either. I know I couldn't escape quickly enough. blink.gif

Edited by RobandTania, 21 November 2009 - 09:46 AM.

RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2009-11-21 09:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTo have Russian citizenship for US born children with Russian mother or not?
I can't think of any advantage to holding dual Russian-American citizenship(if possible) except easier travel to Russia. But there can be many downsides to keeping Russian citizenship as an American, too. Security clearances in the U.S., Russian military obligations, so on.

Why bother?
RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2009-11-18 09:17:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
QUOTE (FutureMrs @ Sep 28 2007, 05:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JALOVE @ Sep 28 2007, 02:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (FutureMrs @ Sep 28 2007, 05:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JALOVE @ Sep 28 2007, 02:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
sad.gif


Why the sad face? *hug*



Everyones fightin on here makes me kinda sad


I certainly agree with ya! That's why we need to make it upbeat and lighten the mood! kicking.gif


Hey Sarah and Marlon! Congratulations on the upcoming marriage! We are looking forward to seeing your photos and hearing about the wedding.

Tania and I have been absent from VJ for some time. She's taking three English classes and looking for work, I'm busy helping her where I can and busy with my own classes.

Rob and Tania
RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2007-10-05 18:39:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (twincitiesinc @ Sep 17 2007, 05:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am engaged to a woman from ukraine and i have been living with her since Jan 5th 2007. We have been waiting for the visa interview which is sept 24th in Kiev. Now i am self employed and have assets, however i am still using my father as a co-signer just in case the interviewing officer asks about employment while i have been living abroad for 9 months. I make 100k+ and am using the 1-134, 2006 and 2007 bank statements and my 2006 1040. Aong with my fathers I-134 and his 2006 1040s. On top of the financial issue is that we are pregnant, she is 24 weeks at this moment and yes its my child, remember i have been living with her since jan 2007. So if you ask me i dont think you can ask for a more "real relationship"!!! Of course she is very nervous about the interview and the POE, as most are. I am a little unsure about the interview myself only because of the fact i have been living here for 9 months and not really working 100%, although you would be surprised on how much work you can get done overseas by internet, fax and cell phones. My fiance is a translator and can speak perfect english also. I have some worries myself about the embassy possible asking about my domicile and about financial situation.

When i came here(ukraine) we had been writing emails and had spend thousands of dollars on international cell phone calls already. So i knew ALLOT about her. When i arrived in the Ukraine we fell deeply in love and i could not leave her, there would have been no way i could have a long distance relationship, no way. Of course she was the same way and didnt want me to leave either. So i stayed as i thought the petition and interview process would be done in may and now its going on October. So that goes to show you if you choose to go through with a k-1 it can take 9-10 months easy! I own my own business so i can take time off if i choose, but at the same time i am not 100% working as i would be in the US, so they may ask for more documents or ask more questions about our specific situation. I wish someone would give me some advise or opinions on our situation, i have gone through the whole process with the little help of my hired lawyer(which was useful to a point).

Now for my opinion on lawyers, i have one and he is an #######. However his assistant is useful and friendly. At first i could never have done it without a lawyer. But after doing TONS or reading about this K-1 visa, i have learned a great many things my lawyers never told me. First those lawyers say they have a 100% success rate, and that is only because they tell you do do documents and provide OVERKILL documents. I was told my lawyer that the i-134 is 100% needed and needs to be an original and that it needs to be notarized. Then i was informed by the Embassy in Kiev that it is optional and does not need to be notarized and it does not need to be an original. And a great many other things like that. The lawyers tell you what works for 100% but there are other ways that work also. I wish i would have found this website many many months ago instead here i am posting 1 week before her interview. I would greatly appreciate if someone who has Kiev interview experiences can give me their thoughts about our situation and if we should bring any additional documents.


The K-1 procedure seems overwhelming at first, but the apprehension comes mostly from unfamiliarity with the system. Once you have done it, you see the guidlines posted in VJ are clear inspite of being long. If you have special circumstances, you need a lawyer. Otherwise, self-filing(from the U.S.) is the way to go.

Rob and Tania
RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2007-09-18 09:57:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (etripke @ Aug 17 2007, 01:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey a question regarding the SSN. Is it better to wait until after Marriage to apply? This way would avoid the name change situation later. Any thoughts? Wisconsin doesn't require a SSN for the Marriage license.


I had Tania get her SSN as soon as possible to open a bank account, use her name for cable service, and to be ready if work she wants becomes available. This is all because of Tania's very independent nature. She's always worked and contributed to the household, and has been working as a book-keeper for years. She will be in charge of paying the bills and so on.

The name change is a non-issue, I think it can be done via mail very easy.

Rob & Tania

Edited by SkyMas, 18 August 2007 - 09:34 AM.

RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2007-08-18 09:33:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......

Gee... I didn't know that simply being a fluent English speaker was sufficient enough to eliminate the MOB moniker... Thanks E, that is good info..... :)


It's amazing how the MOB view remains. To me, I met Tania through online personals. Same as Yahoo Personals, match.com, so on. My brother met his wife on Yahoo. The only difference as I see it, is Tania's simply from Europe.

Rob and Tania
RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2007-08-14 09:35:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......

That Assistant Manager sounds like a Moron. I'm certain we'll run into plenty of them. The ones I am waiting for most are the ones asking Lena "Oh are you a Mail Order Bride?" Lena is a fluent English speaker and I am certain will handle that fine...maybe with a torrent of Russian or Ukrainian profanity mixed in as well.


It wasn't only the assistant mangler at the branch! We called the cuss service, they said the same. We had to go into a full service location to show more docs since Tania does not have a driver's license or state ID. This is where the bank officer said Tania's SSN was not acceptable. Either it's bank/company policy, or she was reading the assistant mangler's notes and repeating them to us.

Unbelievable, man.

Rob and Tania
RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2007-08-14 09:31:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......

Sounds like our experience at JFK with immigration. It was an annoying process, but alltogether routine and uneventful.

How did Anya like Disney?

About the work stamp on the I-94, here's a new one:

Tania received her SSN number on an official SSN card last Monday. A stamp on it says: "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION." The authorization is the work stamp you are referring to, which Tania received.

Last Monday PM, I went to a FlagStar Bank in Ka'zoo Michigan to assist Tania to open her first bank account. The assistant manager of the branch said the SSN could not be used, because it said "VALID FOR WORK ONLY" and was not a true TIN/SSN.

LOL :huh: :rolleyes: :lol: LOL!

Rob and Tania


She just loved Disneyland, we got there at 8 am and left at 10:30 pm. We got to go on alot of rides and visit many shows as well.
I was having just as much fun because my last couple of girlfriends never liked riding rides, like if it was beneath them?
Anyways she had a blast but I had caught a cold the night before so I was dead tired, she kept wanting to go home but I could not ruin it for her. I stuck it out, I was so sick I called in sick to work the next day. Anyways I am better now and because of our meet ups that I had been going to, she has a new Russian friend. About 24 years old and married as well. They have already seen each other a couple of times. They will both come to see me play soccer tomorrow and then go shopping for wedding invitations. (I will stay out of that one).

Anya constantly gets people to tell her how beautiful she is, I respond by telling them "What about me!"
Of course they look at me funny.
We will go for her SS this week, maybe Thur/Fri. So you never got the bank account open?
Did they need to see the SS? When ever they ask me I just blurt out the numbers, I hardly ever show them.
Maybe it is different now.
I know Tania has been corresponding with Anya via phone and emails too, she is really enjoying that :)
I think she sent over a Disney picture too. :)
Regards,
T.


It sounds like you gave Anya a great "Welcome to America." Tanya will love getting a photo of you and Anya from Disney. I've worked hard to be sure Tania keeps communication channels open with former friends and acquaintences in Ukraine and make a few new friends here in the U.S. It must be VERY difficult for these women in a completely foreign country that will be their new home. Being severely homesick is rather expected, I think.

Tania has her 1st bank account open, but we have not been able to access the account by phone or the 'Net yet. We have to talk to an actual customer service rep to check the balance. It's taken three visits to open the account so far. If we must visit again to get on-line access, it will be 4 visits!

The bank officer opening the account did not need to see the SSN card. We used it for one of two required proof of addresses since the card was attached to a sheet with our address. The other was signed lease beginning the 15th.

I could not believe the assistant manager of the branch said the SSN was not real because she was not a citizen. He said the number was only for work, as the card said. :blink:

Rob & Tania

Edited by SkyMas, 14 August 2007 - 07:07 AM.

RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2007-08-14 07:02:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......

Well Anya and I finally made it to our new home in CA.
Going through customs for her was a hassle at JFK. It took over 2 hours even though the line was not that bad.
I, of course, went through in minutes so I went and gathered our luggage. It took Anya about 1 hour to get to the window to meet the Customs official.
That lady looked at Anya's paperwork for about 15 minutes then assigned her to a room for a "Secondary Passport Control". This is where it got tricky.
I also saw other K1 folks in the line, they all got sent to the Secondary Passport Control so I dont know if this was normal or not.
I asked if I could enter the room and they told me yes. Anya had no idea why she was there, so I stood up, left the room to go ask some questions and this is where the custom guy was very rude to me. Before I could ask a question, he told me it was either in or out, I cant be coming and going. So I chose out due to our luggage being alone out there. Nothing I could do for Anya in there anyway.
So a customs guy passes me about 30 minutes later (at this time I feel like I am the only one left in the in customs area) he said "how are you doing", being courteous and all. I told him, "you know, now I understand why foreigners hate America" He said "why"? I told him because they are the first ones that they meet when they get here, and they are very rude and scare them to death. He said not all and I told him it only takes one. I told him my story, then I asked him if I could ask him a question. My question was about the "work stamp", he stated that they give the stamp to all K1 holders however some agents due miss giving them. So just check your I-94 form, and it should be in the back, if not go back and see an agent and ask for the stamp. They will not deny it for you. I asked him if they do that at all airports and he stated he did not know.

Anya finally got out of secondary passport control, they never asked her anything, I can't tell you what they did, but the 4 K1 ladies all left at the same exact time. So I was able to get the ladies over to the right place to pick up there luggage. One lady was very worried as she was to meet her future husband outside the airport. I was assuming it was just outside passport control. Anyways, I told her to follow us.
We still had to go through customs for our luggage, but her is where my luck was with us. The guy I asked all the questions was working that area, so he took our declarations page and asked for Anya's passport, he showed me the stamp(which I looked at it earlier) and told me this is where it was. Then told me we were allowed to go. :) so nobody had to look at our luggage! :)
We got out of there at 4:08 pm our flight was scheduled to leave at 4:11 pm. Umm we were running. I will make this short, all the running was for nothing as our plane was 45 minutes late!
We made it to LAX at 10 pm, and did not leave until midnight as they lost one of Anya's bags, she was so upset, thinking she was not going to have some important items. After I reported the bag missing, I told Anya to wait for me and I went on a hunt. I checked all carousels (ours arrived at #4), I found Anya's bag at carousel #1. :) Yup, they made a mistake, go figure.
Anyways, it was a long trip, and we immediately went to bed when we got home.
Regards,
T


Sounds like our experience at JFK with immigration. It was an annoying process, but alltogether routine and uneventful.

How did Anya like Disney?

About the work stamp on the I-94, here's a new one:

Tania received her SSN number on an official SSN card last Monday. A stamp on it says: "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION." The authorization is the work stamp you are referring to, which Tania received.

Last Monday PM, I went to a FlagStar Bank in Ka'zoo Michigan to assist Tania to open her first bank account. The assistant manager of the branch said the SSN could not be used, because it said "VALID FOR WORK ONLY" and was not a true TIN/SSN.

LOL :huh: :rolleyes: :lol: LOL!

Rob and Tania
RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2007-08-13 21:47:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
I haven't had time to track the source of my comment about a K-1 beneficiary not needing an SSN to work. Moving, wedding plans, English lessons, health insurance, so on.

Monday, we went to the local social insecurity office to file Tania's app. The form is short and the procedure was very simple.

I asked the SSA interviewer about Tania working before her SSN# arrives. She told me it is legal for Tania to work since her visa was marked eligible to work at immigration a couple weeks ago. But the employer should withhold pay until he has an SSN from her.

It makes sense, but sounds like a sloppy way to run things, FWIW.

Rob and Tania
RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2007-08-01 14:54:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......

Interesting...

Here is what I got from the FAQ's from SSA:

Without exception, legal aliens, resident and nonresident, must have a Social Security number to work in this country. As an employer, you are required to get each worker's name and Social Security number and to enter them on the employee's Form W-2. Your employees are required to show their Social Security cards, if available.

Now many employers will stop reading after paragraph 1.....

I'll see if I can find what I referred to. Ocheen bizzy now.
RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2007-07-27 13:08:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......

I recently read that an SS# is not immediately needed for work.


Where did you read this?


I recall it was on the SSA's site in a section regarding how new immigrants apply for an SSN. There were a few FAQs listed, one was "Do I need a SSN to work?" The reply was not immediately.
RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2007-07-26 11:05:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......

Congrats Rob and Tania, glad she made it safe to the US.
Did she get a work stamp on her visa upon arrival?
T.


T.,

There was never any discussion with USCIS or Dept. of State regarding work in this process for us. I don't think it's an issue. I recently read that an SS# is not immediately needed for work. However, Tania has a VERY independent personality, and does not like to be taken care of.

Tania is rather self conscious in general, and shy about her mediocre English skills. Getting her enrolled in structured English classes is a priority, work will follow in a few weeks to a few months.

Rob

Edited by SkyMas, 25 July 2007 - 07:34 AM.

RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2007-07-25 07:29:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
Tania's here! We arrived at JFK July 17, immigration was overcrowded but noneventful. Since it's been about 100F in Kiev for days, she loves the Michigan weather.

We spent several days in Chicago with a friend of mine from Chicago and a friend of hers from Odessa. Tania and I also celebrated our coincident birthdays last Saturday.

More news later, but we must go now.

Tania offered to email or talk to anyone who wishes to learn about her experience.

More later, as well as timeline updates.

Rob and Tania
RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2007-07-22 19:12:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......

On Monday the 2nd of July I sent the Kiev embassy an email asking all documents, photos, etc. be returned to my fiancee. They said in a reply email today they were on their way to her. They also said her K-1 visa was just issued. Remember her interview was Tuesday the 3rd, so fwaguy's statement about Kiev K-1 visas being printed only on Mondays holds for me and Tania.

Rob


Tania received her international passport with embassy's K-1 visa from the courier, along with the returned originals. Tania is ecstatic and so am I!

Edited by SkyMas, 10 July 2007 - 10:02 AM.

RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2007-07-10 10:01:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......

From the FWIW department: There is almost nothing =>ADDITIONAL<= that the Kiev embassy needs from the petitioner that requires an original or an original signature. The signed and notarized I-134 is all I can think of. Everything else can be emailed to your fiancee, and she can print them at an Internet cafe.

Rob (George)


And not only that but the I-134 is OPTIONAL!



Hmm so your stating that the evidence of support does not have to be original?
I knew about the I-134 being optional as it is stated. However it was too easy to do so why not add it. Unless the $10 notary fee is too much cash lol.
But the Pay stubs, letters from employers or bank does not have to be original?
Does not seem valid as I could create all this myself and send it in. Of course be in trouble if they actually call and I did not work there.

Regardless, my recommendation, is for the petitioner to put all these docs together and mail a complete package to your soon to be.
Nothing like spending the time upfront to make sure your darling gets through with no documentation issues.

T.


In my final docmentation package, the only originals were ones that needed MY signature (ie... the I-134). BTW, I only supported the I-134 with tax returns & pay stubs... no assets, nothing else....

I cannot echo enough your reccomendation about the package being complete and organized. The embassy loves it!!


I didn't know ANYTHING about the I-134 was optional. I sent originals of the I-134 itself with the free notary stamp(any bank officer at any bank). I've never paid for a notary stamp.

I sent in copies of financial documents with the account numbers cut out. I didn't want to send account statements to Ukraine with the account numbers since they also have my SSN#.

On Monday the 2nd of July I sent the Kiev embassy an email asking all documents, photos, etc. be returned to my fiancee. They said in a reply email today they were on their way to her. They also said her K-1 visa was just issued. Remember her interview was Tuesday the 3rd, so fwaguy's statement about Kiev K-1 visas being printed only on Mondays holds for me and Tania.

Rob
RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2007-07-09 16:16:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......

T,

Thanks for posting the pics. I'm waiting on my tax transcripts and letters from the bank. Then I'm sending everything over to my lady for her interview.


From the FWIW department: There is almost nothing =>ADDITIONAL<= that the Kiev embassy needs from the petitioner that requires an original or an original signature. The signed and notarized I-134 is all I can think of. Everything else can be emailed to your fiancee, and she can print them at an Internet cafe.

Rob (George)

Edited by SkyMas, 09 July 2007 - 09:18 AM.

RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2007-07-09 09:17:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......

I have rescheduled my flight to arrive August 3 and fly back on August 6th to JFK from Kyiv on the 11 am flight.
So if your bride to be is traveling and you want me to help with connecting flights just let me know.
I know its a pain in the butt to do connecting flights and go through immigration, so if I can be of any help, just send me a PM.
Regards,
T.


Thanks. Everything helps along the journey.

Rob
RobandTaniaMaleUkraine2007-07-08 00:46:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusForm I-134 Questions
QUOTE (Fettman @ Jul 8 2008, 08:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have a few questions about this form if anyone can answer.

Item 10, where it asks who I have submitted a visa petition on behalf of I just have to put my fiancee correct?

Item 11, where it asks if I intend to make specific contributions to the support of the person named in item 3 (i.e. my fiancee) I should check I do not intend since my support is not for a specific amount.

Am I correct in my assumptions?

Thanks!

Steven


Check out the example form given on this website: http://www.visajourn.../Form-I-134.pdf
Carol and BrunoFemaleBrazil2008-07-08 19:45:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaOverstayed tourist visa in Brazil
QUOTE (mateo @ Apr 22 2008, 04:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I lived in Brazil for 7 years, and had a work, then permanent visa. I have a very good friend who still lives in Brazil, we were in the same band in Brazil fro about 5 years. He travels home every year after overstaying for 5 to 7 months. He pays the fine at the airport on his exit and then when he gets home applies for a replacement passport. Visits for the holidays and returns to Brazil for another year. He has never had any problems.

Hope this helps.


He applies for a new passport each time? I've thought of this option, but thought that the consulate in Chicago would know how long I stayed in Brazil. I might just give it a try.

Thanks

Edited by Carol and Bruno, 22 April 2008 - 07:43 PM.

Carol and BrunoFemaleBrazil2008-04-22 19:42:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaOverstayed tourist visa in Brazil
Hi everyone,

I filed my I-129F in January 2008 and my NOA1 is dated 1/22/08. I am currently waiting for an approval. However, I would very much like to attend the interview with my fiance. The problem is: I overstayed my tourist visa by 8 months or so in 2006 & 2007 because I was living with my fiance. I'm afraid if I apply for a new visa at the Brazilian embassy in Chicago that I will be denied. I left Brazil without receiving an exit stamp, but it can easily be calculated that I overstayed by 8 months due to the entry stamp in Argentina.

Has anyone else had this problem, particularly in Brazil? If so, have you tried for another visa? I'm looking for any kind of advice or insight that I can get.


Thanks in advance.

Edited by Carol and Bruno, 21 April 2008 - 09:51 PM.

Carol and BrunoFemaleBrazil2008-04-21 21:49:00