ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomAirfare Special - Good Today Only (9/12)
Just thought I would pass this information along. I got it from Shermans Travel update email. I don't have any travel plans myself but it seemed like these were pretty good deals if you are in the market. The web address is shown below.

http://leisure.trave...amp;WA6=297130;

Good luck and happy traveling!
katand7FemaleAustralia2007-09-12 14:07:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPOTENTIAL FREAK OUT!!!!!!
There is nothing potential about my freak out!!!!!! But it isn't even with USCIS at the moment - just stupid, ignorant, bleeping Sears.
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-02-29 14:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffadivit of Support income
You shouldn't have any worries based on the information you gave. Like the previous poster said, you exceed the guidelines.

Best of luck on your journey :)
katand7FemaleAustralia2006-10-11 09:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionEmployer Letter Question... what do you think?
You shouldn't have any problems with this. All the information is there. They just have to do some multiplication to check it! You have all the supporting documents as well so I wouldn't worry about getting a whole new letter or anything. What you have should be sufficient.

Best wishes!
katand7FemaleAustralia2007-02-09 10:34:00
CanadaMy Wedding Photos
You both look very happy and I wish you all the happiness. Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures of your special day. (Your daughter is just precious as well!)

Kathleen
katand7FemaleAustralia2007-09-17 14:32:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionHow much trouble is this?
Hi Everyone:

We moved a few months back and I printed out the change of address form to send in but in going through some paperwork found that I never mailed it in. We don't have anything currently pending with immigration. My husband got his conditional status approved in Dec 2005. My understanding is that we don't have to file for the conditions to be lifted until about September of this year.

I would appreciate any advice anyone can give.

Thanks in advance,
Kathleen
katand7FemaleAustralia2007-01-12 12:30:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 Question RE: how to show name & children
I answered all of my own questions except one.........which is how I should show my name as the spouse. I assume I just show it as it is on all my legal documents (Drivers License, SS card, etc.) Does anyone have any suggestions or info?

Thank you!

(Oh and if you don't know or don't have an opinion you can just say hi to me since I have been MIA for so long!) smile.gif
katand7FemaleAustralia2007-08-23 11:36:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 Question RE: how to show name & children
Hi All:

Can't believe that the time has gone by so fast....but here we are, getting ready to file I-751 in September. Now that I have gotten over my initial shock and depression at the fee increases I am getting things in order.

Here are my questions:

1. When filling out the part that shows spouse information (i.e. my information) - Part 4 of the I-751, do I list my name as it is now, that is my married name? Or do I have to list my information as it was when I filed the original fiancee petition?

2. When it comes to the kids, I have children from a previous marriage. Should their information be shown in Part 5 with the notation that they are his stepchildren and are US Citizens or should this be blank since he has no biological children of his own?

3. My hubby is planning trip home to Australia in February 2008. As long as he has the letter from USCIS saying they have received the I-751 along with his green card and valid AUS passport then he should have no problem travelling, right?

Thanks one and all for any information you can give!

Kathleen
katand7FemaleAustralia2007-08-22 11:16:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI made a mistake... wrong form filed!
You are well within the 90 days you need to file in to meet the requirements so as long as you paid the correct filing and biometrics fees then you should be ok. I'm sure someone will come along behind me and correct me if I'm wrong!

Best of luck!
katand7FemaleAustralia2007-08-22 19:43:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionAdvice regarding filing time I-751
Hi All:

My husband's 90 day window for filing the I-751 to remove the conditions on his residency starts today. Do you think I will have any problem if I don't file it until around the 10th of October? With the increase in fees and all that works better for our budget. (Of course it would be better for our budget if the fee hadn't basically doubled!)

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Kathleen
katand7FemaleAustralia2007-09-12 14:27:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionVermont is speeding up
Great News Kezzie! I guess I shouldn't worry too much if I don't send in I-751 until about October 10th. Hopefully we'll get the one year letter thing on or before December 12th anyway. I see they cashed your check pretty quick and I don't want any chance of ours not being good when they get it! I hate fee increases
katand7FemaleAustralia2007-09-12 23:25:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPhotos---originals or copy OK
At this point they have previous documentation to compare to. As long as the photos are clear and you both are fairly recognizable then I doubt you will have much of a problem. I think the paper trail is probably more important to them (i.e. joint statements, assets, etc.)

Best wishes!

Kathleen
katand7FemaleAustralia2007-09-17 14:25:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI did it! I-751 Mailed Today
Filed joint petition for removal of conditions for permanent residency today (I-751). What a relief!

I mostly waited because we are going to Disney in Florida for Thanksgiving and I didn't want to send in the forms too soon where Gavin might get called for biometrics during that time. After that trip he won't leave for his visit to Australia until February and I hope that I can count on the NOA1 within 90 plus days!!!

Hope everyone is well. I look forward to catching up on everyone's "journey"

Kathleen
katand7FemaleAustralia2007-11-05 13:09:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionCheck Cashed Lightening Fast
LOL! Well I don't care if it takes them awhile. Once we get NOA1 we have a year for them to finish processing before any trouble ensues. As long as Gavin has NOA1 by February then all will be fine for us. He has travel plans to visit AUS then, but only travelling in the US before that.

Good luck and best wishes to all
katand7FemaleAustralia2007-11-14 12:57:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionCheck Cashed Lightening Fast
I just sent off the packet to Vermont to remove the conditions November 4th and the check cleared my bank yesterday. WHOA that was fast!

Now just waiting to see when NOA1 will arrive.

Kathleen
katand7FemaleAustralia2007-11-14 10:17:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionFiling in November
I am sending ours out today. I just finished addressing the envelope. We are a bit delayed but within the guidelines. I'm just glad to have it over. The part that hurt the most was writing that dang blasted check LOL

Best wishes to all.

Kathleen
katand7FemaleAustralia2007-11-05 13:04:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionReceived NOA 1 Today
We sent our packet in on Nov 5th, check was cashed on Nov 13th and we received NOA1 today, Nov 15th.

Just wanted to keep everyone updated.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.......if I don't post again until after that!

Kathleen
katand7FemaleAustralia2007-11-15 15:55:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionAnyone get RFEd for missing W-2s in I-751 filing?
Personally I have no knowledge of this, but I would guess you wouldn't be very likely to receive RFE for this. Tax returns are not a required documentation and even if you do choose to send them in I don't think they would require the W-2s themselves.

Best wishes!
katand7FemaleAustralia2007-12-04 14:18:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionBiometrics Appt Received
Got letter from USCIS that biometrics is scheduled for 12/15 @ 8am. Was surprised at the date because it is a Saturday. Anyway, things still moving along pretty quickly so far. I realize that it will be "hurry up and wait" after this though.

In other personal news, last week when we came back from our Thanksgiving in Florida I got in a car accident about five minutes after leaving the airport and then the next day Gavin fell at work and broke his arm. Suffice it to say we did not have a very good week. This week seems much better so far (at least in comparison)

Hope everyone is well and getting into the holiday spirit.

Kathleen
katand7FemaleAustralia2007-12-04 14:12:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionSIgned, Sealed & Mailed
Congratulations and happy waiting. I didn't find filing the I-751 as stressful as the AOS. Maybe that is just me though.
katand7FemaleAustralia2007-11-14 13:00:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTravel
My husband recently traveled home to AUS for a visit on his expired greencard, AUS passport, and with NOA1 from filing removal of conditions. He didn't encounter any problems at all.

Just make sure you have the NOA1 before you go. It is not enough to have a postal delivery receipt etc.

Best wishes!
Kathleen
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-02-21 10:36:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionexpired noa
I was thinking about making an InfoPass appointment and also couldn't choose an appropriate category. So don't feel bad, I'm pretty sure you are not alone!!!!
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-03-03 14:40:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionWeight
I think the phrase is "brass tacks" .......... I haven't heard the other one and can't quite figure out what it might stand for.

(I'm just trying to lighten it up!)
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-03-07 13:00:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionContacted Congressman's Local Office
All they kept saying was that he didn't need stamp. The NOA1 was sufficient to show his status and authorization to work. Obviously not everyone believes that though. The last person he spoke to was supposed to be a supervisor and she said that even if they gave him the stamp he couldn't get an unrestricted SS card because he wasn't born here. HUH?! It just seems crazy how the answers you get vary so widely from person to person, agency to agency, etc.
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-03-07 19:05:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionContacted Congressman's Local Office
So they told you no but you got the card in the mail with no restriction later? He just went this past Monday for the first time to SS office, so maybe it will come in the mail anyway...........we'll see
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-03-07 15:06:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionContacted Congressman's Local Office
And the saga continues:

So today was hubby's InfoPass appointment in Boston at 11am. He took the day off from work so he could make the trip up there.

Earlier this week the aide from the congressman's office spoke with someone in Boston immigration office and said hubby could go there and get his passport stamped. Well today he went and they refused to stamp his passport saying that the documents he has already are proof enough for employment AND for social security to give him an unrestricted card. He repeatedly asked if he could have the stamp anyway and referenced the Congressman's office calling earlier in the week to no avail. They still wouldn't stamp the passport and they told him to go to SS office.

So he goes over to SS office in Boston. They tell him he doesn't have the right paperwork and they can't get him an unrestricted social security card based on that. (And people are wondering why we are going nuts over here!!)

So then hubby goes back to Immigration. Waits and gets another appointment. When he gets called again he again asks for the stamp, explains the story, etc. Again they refuse the stamp. Two hours and 20 some minutes later he calls me and tells me what has happened. I call the Congressman's office. Aide I have worked with doesn't work today. So I ask to talk with someone else. She is in a meeting but I can leave a message and he'll make sure she gets it ASAP when the meeting is over.

Fast forward to twenty minutes later, the different aide calls me. She has no background on the case. So I have to explain to her the bare bones of what is happening. She doesn't understand why the other aide contacted immigration or had hubby go to Boston for the stamp. She wonders why her office didn't just contact Sears. *sigh*

Anyway, she says she will call her liaison at the Boston immigration office but she isn't hopeful she'll get anywhere with it today. She asks me to tell hubby to wait up in Boston to see if she can make anything happen, but reminds me that the Congressman's office closes at 3pm today so if it isn't done by 2:45 (and right now it is 2:46) then I should just tell hubby to head back home and she will work on writing a letter to Sears on Monday.

There isn't enough tums in the world to settle my stomach right now. This whole thing is driving me nuts.

I hate the run around!!!!

Kathleen
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-03-07 14:45:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionContacted Congressman's Local Office
Congressman's office called immigration to check our case status. It has not been updated at all, which was not surprising. I wasn't expecting any action on it until sometime this summer based on processing dates. The Boston office verified that the I-797 Notice of Action is a valid document and does extend his right to work and travel for one year. They really don't want to have to stamp his passport but they said he can make an InfoPass appointment and get the stamp and that should be acceptable to any potential employer.

The Congressman's Aide said if Sears wanted to call him he would be happy to verify that the documents we have from immigration are real and valid and that his status is legal. Somehow I don't picture anyone at Sears bothering to do this and furthermore it won't satisfy their document list so I barely see the point. I'm going to call the store manager anyway. I've come this far so why the heck not.

Anyway, that is the update.
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-03-04 11:23:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionContacted Congressman's Local Office
I just wanted to add the only ray of hope I've had regarding anything immigration, social security, or employment related in days: my local Congressman's office.

No resolution yet, but at least they contacted me to get a few more details and told me when I should hear from them again. I was very surprised to get contacted the very same day that I faxed over an inquiry letter to them.

I don't know what will come of it, but it is better than having any more doors slammed in my face - or, more appropriately, receivers being hung up in my ear!!! laughing.gif

(You can get the full update on the status of everything else I've done on my other thread)

Thanks,
Kathleen
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-03-03 14:45:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionDue to file next week
I can relate to your post in some ways. My marriage has been more difficult than anticipated and there are times when I have wanted to give up. Have you thought about counseling? You both have made a commitment by getting married and have both sacrificed much to be together. I would just encourage you to try to salvage the relationship before making the leap to separation and/or divorce. Communication is very important and sometimes you need help learning how to communicate effectively - even with people you've known a long time. We all bring our own style and interpretation to everything and it can cause conflict - even in the best of situations.

In any event, I wish you all the luck in this. If you want to PM I would be happy to tell you some of the things that have worked for me and hubby getting a better communication going.

Best wishes,
Kathleen
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-03-18 12:43:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionRFE - Anyone Have Ideas.....
QUOTE (Nina C @ Mar 2 2008, 10:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
GalyasTorpedo,
It looks like there is no pictures with you two together in the list of the documents you sent as evidence. huh.gif
Probably VSC wants some photos from you?



The poster did say they sent vacation photos along with airline ticket boarding passes/stubs.

I would tend to agree with another poster here who said maybe some of your documentation got lost when your case was transferred.

The joint housing thing seems to be very important. I would research how to get both parties added on the deed of the property where you live.

Best of luck with everything!

Kathleen
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-03-03 10:11:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPotential Employer Refused NOA1
After that happened at Social Security office I had Gavin call the Office of Special Counsel. They were no help at all and didn't care about either the Sears situation OR the Social Security card.

This is very frustrating
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-03-03 12:38:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPotential Employer Refused NOA1
I'm just bumping this so people who previously wanted to know if Social Security agreed to issue corrected card. They didn't and said he has to wait for greencard.
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-03-03 11:04:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPotential Employer Refused NOA1
Gavin went to SS this morning. They said he cannot get an unrestricted card until he gets the new greencard. (Also he did call SS hotline and all they said was he had to go to local office. They wouldn't give any other information)

Here is the documentation he took: MA drivers license, current social security card, passport, expired greencard, NOA1 from filing for removal of conditions, and biometrics letter.

So despite what others said here, they wouldn't give it to him. Guess the law doesn't matter, just where you go.

So he made the trip to SS and then went late to work. Feels like all that is happening is every mess up is costing us time, energy, and money. *sigh*

I haven't even tried to call the Sears supervisor back this morning. I don't feel up to it at all.
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-03-03 09:38:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPotential Employer Refused NOA1
Oh and I never submitted anything to her or them. He provided all the documents at his second interview. They just didn't like the documents he presented and wanted us to produce something else that we don't have and doesn't even apply to the type of visa my husband came over on and his AOS.
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-02-29 17:00:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPotential Employer Refused NOA1
I can see how I would be deemed the "crazy relative". When I originally called up I asked her to clarify what document they were looking for as my husband may have not understood what was needed. I didn't go all crazy on her until much further on in the call.

Anyway, I don't care if she is trying to satisfy the needs of her manager or higher up or whoever. The law applies to everyone in the process and their denial to accept bonafide proof, issued by the USCIS, is unlawful. I don't care how crazy they think I am, they don't have the right to behave this way.

Of course they will probably never offer my husband a job now. I admitted that much earlier on this thread. At this point it is merely on principle that I'm still pushing the issue. No one should have to go through this just because they are uneducated of the law.

I initially mentioned maybe calling a lawyer because I wanted to verify our rights. I have no intention of creating some lawsuit. This isn't about money at all. We have done everything in the legal and proper way and now are getting punished for it by some HR people who don't know the law. My husband, being from another country, just figured he had to live with whatever they said and although he was frustrated at having basically wasted his time he didn't realize that what they did was in any way illegal. I'm sure this happens to many people who aren't familiar with the employment laws of the US. That is why it is important for me to keep up the fight here.

When I called her back today it was not to start up the argument with her again at all. She answered the phone for the department and I asked to speak with the manager. She told me she was it and so I asked to speak with her supervisor. That is when she said, "Oh is this Mrs. Jackson again" and tried telling me that she already submitted everything, blah blah, I didn't need to talk to anyone else, what supervisor was I referring to, blah blah. I just wanted the number of the higher up person so my husband could call them directly and find out exactly what document he needs to produce to satisfy "their requirement".

Anyway, you can deem me the crazy relative if you want.
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-02-29 16:58:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPotential Employer Refused NOA1
Thanks for the info. I will send hubby off on an errand first thing Monday morning to the Soc Security Office

As far as the whole credit thing, I don't think the unrestricted SS card has any bearing on that. My hubby has more credit cards than me and a higher credit rating as well at this point. (I'm still repairing mine from my divorce years back)

Anyway, I remain vigilant. Thanks again to everyone.
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-02-29 15:46:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPotential Employer Refused NOA1
Social security 800 line just said take everything we have from immigration and his id and card to the local office and they will make the determination. I'm guessing it won't help now to go there.

One point I forgot to mention before during today's argument was I told her that even when Gavin does get his new greencard it will still have an expiration date of ten years. So where was their argument about "permanent" going to go then.

Oh well........I'm not giving up. I don't want to go to the local paper but I will if it comes down to it to get the point across.

If anyone here thinks we are in the wrong in any way, please let me know. I can take constructive criticism and welcome it!!!!!

Kathleen

QUOTE (mawilson @ Feb 29 2008, 02:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Spiderette @ Feb 29 2008, 02:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
PS, I haven't got an unrestricted SS card either. I didn't know I was supposed to since I already had the card and a job. wacko.gif so don't hold that too much against your hubby.

Hmm, yes, do hold it against him. Getting an unrestricted SS card is something he should have done
the second he received his green card. It's Immigration 101. cool.gif




Then I clearly failed Immigration 101. Oh well.......another thing I have somehow messed up. Its just that kind of day
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-02-29 14:55:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPotential Employer Refused NOA1
He shouldn't be screwed since we have filed I-751 and have the NOA1 showing receipt and extending his eligibility for a year. I could understand if that year was going to be up in 60 days or something. But the year won't be up until November 7, 2008.

Anyway now I have to find out if he can even get anything new from social security while this is pending (I-751 pending not stupid Sears #######)

Their most recent argument is that Gavin applied for a "permanent part time position" but he can't "permanently" work here. I said I could come in today and apply for the same thing and there is no guarantee that I would be working there "permanently". I could quit or they could terminate me. That is basic employment law. All employment without a definite contract is considered "at will".

I don't blame Gavin for not going back to social security. We've done everything legally and the right way and we know we are in the right. I'm not going to back down even if it does bring me to tears at moments. No one should have to go through this type of abuse. This lady is on a power trip and can't admit that she mishandled anything. Well that is going to be their downfall. Everytime I talk to her she is giving me more fuel for the fire.

I will keep everyone posted.
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-02-29 14:26:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPotential Employer Refused NOA1
Evidently Gavin never went back to Social Security to get the unrestricted card. He still has the one he got when he very first got here. I don't know how much it changes the "document abuse" on the I-9 instructions because he has provided his permanent resident card, which is expired, but he gave them the NOA1 extending it for a year. I still think they are breaking the law. Especially whereas they questioned the authenticity of the document saying "it is just a piece of paper so it could be from anywhere".

I called back today and got the same woman with the same story and I asked for her supervisor and she finally gave me the name of someone who is conveniently out of the office until Monday.

So now I have to find out from SS office if he can get an unrestricted card or some kind of a printout or something.

I really want to cry - I'm so frustrated.
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-02-29 14:11:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionPotential Employer Refused NOA1
Yes he has a state issued valid drivers license and an unrestricted SS card. They have all of that. They just don't know what they are doing. But they are going to get educated because I will not back down.

My husband is going to call today and I have the pages from the I-9 packet about document discrimination. In reading that we felt that three of the four things mentioned applied to this situation. I am going to highlight them and give them a copy.

I'm hopeful that this will straighten them out once and for all. But if not Kezzie I will be more than happy to join you on the picket line!
katand7FemaleAustralia2008-02-29 06:09:00