Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	DS-156	Wendy and I will be giving another shot at the DS156 form online today. Looks like the online form is now working again. 1 more question on this form. I know that she will need TWO DS-156 forms filled out. The DS-156 form has a unique barcode and barcode number for each form. Will she need to make copys of one of the forms. Or does she need to have TWO seperate DS-156 forms?? For example TWO DS-156 forms with barcode XYZ5 OR ONE DS-156 form with barcode XYZ5 & ONE DS-156 form with barcode OMN5 Thank you Hello, not too sure if this will help, but there are two different 156 forms. one is the 156, and one is the 156k.......both will be needed. Good luck. David	DavidEvgeniya	Male	Russia	2007-05-20 16:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	I-155	Hello People, does anyone have any info or experience with the I-155 stamp. My fiance and I were hoping to travel to St.John this summer for our honey moon pending approval. I had heard that one can request the stamp to allow travel. If anyone knows the process, details, how it works and how to aply I would most thankful. David	DavidEvgeniya	Male	Russia	2007-05-20 20:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Interviews	Morning All, Has anyone recently gone through an interview in Moscow? My Fiance is about to go through her interview in 2 weeks. Any insight or clues to how the process is going at the moment would be great. Have a good weekend David	DavidEvgeniya	Male	Russia	2007-05-27 06:35:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	I-134 Affadavit of Support... Just how much?	Hey there. you may want to add the past three years of your tax returns. Someimes they ask about those David	DavidEvgeniya	Male	Russia	2007-06-02 08:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	The medical	Hi People, This is just an FYI. Except for the rate increases, I am very excited. Evgeniya has her medical on Tuesday, not quite sure what to expect. Then a week later she heads to the interview. I am not too sure whom is more nervous. We keep going through all the checklists and hoping we cover everything. I will certainly keep all posted and let you know what happens. The waiting I hope will pay off and she will be here soon.	DavidEvgeniya	Male	Russia	2007-06-04 21:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	The medical	Well the medical was a breeze. She had her exam, a check here, an x-ray there. and then she had to wait three hours for the results. All very simple and nothing to worry about..... They did also give her a few injections...And she left with a smile on her face. The last step will be next week. I am soo excited, but also very nervous. It will all come down to this day and if we can convince the interviewer that this relationship is a serious and committed bond betweeen two people.	DavidEvgeniya	Male	Russia	2007-06-05 20:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	What does the medical include?	Hi there, My fiance had her medical in Moscow. the medical was pretty through. The vaccinations, and a chest x-ray. She had to wait 3 hours for the rsult. One of the envelopes that was provided must not be opened. THis must be provided at the interview. Good Luck David	DavidEvgeniya	Male	Russia	2007-06-07 19:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	age difference of couple	Hi there, I am somewhat in the same boat. My Fiancee is 20 years younger than I. She will be having her interview in Moscow in 12 days. I will certainly let you know how it goes and if the topic is brought up. David	DavidEvgeniya	Male	Russia	2007-06-02 13:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	The interview	Well where to start. The interview. Evgeniya got to the Embassy at 7:30 am, and was the first there. At 8am they went ahead and proceeded in.She was searched and was ushered in for the interview a couple of hours later. She was interviewed by a lady who was very plesant.She spoke to her in Russian, Evgeniya answered in English which the interiewer commented about and was happy with. She was asked the following questions. 1. Where did we meet? Evgeniya went into detail about our meeting in St.John and the pictures, as well as working together in Maryland. 2.What did she like about me? That I hope took her a long time to answer. She did show her a scrap book that I had put together of our trip to London with pictures and souveniers. The interviewer took this and showed it to the rest of the staff at the embassy. She seemed very impresed with the effort we have so far put into the relationship. 3.How often do we communicate? Here Jane provided the copies of e-mails and phone cards with phone bill. We chat3-4 times a day. 4. Is she aware of how much older I am and is she okay with that? She pointed out she does know I am 20 years older but she was fine with this. 5.What was my job and what type of work do I do? She described the work I do and where we met . After that the lady informed Evgeniya that she has been approved..YEAH.... ..........and to wait for her visa, maybe a week. So thank you to all of you out there for the notes, answers and the general feeling of support that you give. I will be buying the airline ticket and moving to the next stage. Thank you again David. I will keep you all posted.	DavidEvgeniya	Male	Russia	2007-06-13 01:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Next Stage	Hello, So his may be an obvious question. What is the next stage? Evgeniya has passed her interview in Moscow and will be here in a month. What is the next step? When do I start the next step. Evgeniya was hoping ti start work and request for an advance parole. Do we wait until we get married or can I start the paperwork. Am I beginning to fill out all the forms unde rthe Adjustment od Satus heading? Any help would be great. Thank you David	DavidEvgeniya	Male	Russia	2007-06-13 19:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Police Reports	Hi, My Fiance got hers in Russia, it took 30 days.	DavidEvgeniya	Male	Russia	2007-06-16 13:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Question about DS-156K	Hello, With my 156, she obviously was wearing her ring at the time of the imterview, I had a scrapbook of the days leading up to the day and the day of, as well the reciept for the ring itself. Good Luck David	DavidEvgeniya	Male	Russia	2007-06-24 19:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Forms for K-1 Visa	Hi, you will need a 156, and a 156k These are two different forms. The embassy website should list them, and also this website lists the requirements as well. Good Luck David	DavidEvgeniya	Male	Russia	2007-06-27 09:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	What paperwork for Interview in Moscow will we get back?	Hello, My fiance just went through Moscow last month. They did not ask for all the evidence, but asked to see some of it. They kept a couple of the documents, but not all of them. I have made copies of everything just in case. The best of luck David	DavidEvgeniya	Male	Russia	2007-07-03 05:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	VISAS OFFICIALLY APPROVED	QUOTE (abettorbob @ Aug 26 2007, 10:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Iva and daughter-Dasha (17 y.o.) traveled to Moscow on 19 August. Medical appointment for 20 August. First visit for Dasha to Moscow - visited Moscow Zoo, art gallery & Red Area (Square). Interview appointment early 22 August. This went very well with the gentleman consulate, less stern than female by impression from ladies. Typical questions without major issues. Our reunion is soon, not soon enough but I will collect my lovely lady with daughter at JFK, fingers crossed, 25 September for casual return to Maryland by way of Philadelphia overnight and several days at the shore. (O.C., Md.) Good luck to all, thanks for the moral support and the good life begins anew! Success be your partner, Rob Glad to read that all is going well, good luck with the rest of your journey.	DavidEvgeniya	Male	Russia	2007-08-28 17:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Copies of tax returns	Depends on the Embassy. Most will accept the transcripts, which are free. You can fax the request to the IRS. I have heard of one person, filing in Albania, who had to send in the certified copies at $39.00/copy each year, for a total of three years. See if the embassy can give you a straight answer.	U.S. Wendy	Female	Albania	2006-12-04 22:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	K1 Visa approved in Albania	Congratulations!!!! All your hard work and persistence finally paid off!!! I'm happy for you. About not getting a straight answer from a Government official, sounds familiar. I work for the gov't and no one wants to make a statement that might paint them into a corner, instead they committ to very little and give vague responses to avoid any backlash. So the Visa processing fee was less than expected? I wonder why? What were some of the reasons why other couples had their visas denied that day?	U.S. Wendy	Female	Albania	2006-12-05 15:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	my pre-interview preparation	GREAT JOB!!!!	U.S. Wendy	Female	Albania	2006-12-10 10:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Albania: We have our interview!!!!	Thank you all so much for your well-wishes. Stay tuned for the interview outcome.	U.S. Wendy	Female	Albania	2007-03-26 20:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Albania: We have our interview!!!!	I started this process in October 2006 and we have our interview date April 12, 2007, so if you dot all your i's, cross all your t's, be persistent, pray, cry and swear, you will eventually get there. Now, I can worry about something else, like complications at the interview........ Thanks to you ALL for all of your help and valuable advice here. I spend hours and hours and hours just reading, studying and comparing stories. I KNOW we'd still be waiting for a date if I hadn't really done my research here and taken advantage of this valuable resource!!!!! DON'T EVER GIVE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! P.S.--I have attached the pdf. of the Packet 3 instructions from the U.S. Embassy in Tirana. Just want to make it available to the other desperate fiances'. Attached Files  01_Packet_3_for_fiance_e___ENG_.pdf   83.58KB   189 downloads	U.S. Wendy	Female	Albania	2007-03-23 17:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	DENIED in ALBANIA	This is from someone whose fiance interviewed in Albania in December. "I had confirmed prior to flying to Albania that I could attend the interview and then they would not let me inside! I was finally able to enter between 2 and 4 when they let Americans inside and luckily my fiance still was waiting so I was able to join him. The guards and initial contact outside the embassy are rude and speak very little English." I suppose I could have taken my chances, but I didn't. It's a mute point now. Please don't make me feel any worse than I already do. How in the world they won't let you get in in the US Embassy when you're a USC? Well, in Manila US Embassy the USC petitioner just show their US passport and they will let them with their fiancee without waiting in a long line outside the US Embassy. [/quote]	U.S. Wendy	Female	Albania	2007-04-14 18:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	DENIED in ALBANIA	Thanks for all of your support. I will definitely check out Jaci's situation...even if it's Romania. I just spent two hours at kinko's copying EVERYTHING for my Senator and spent the morning writing out all the details of our relationship-->evidence of the validity of the relationship. I forgot to say that they asked my fiance what my phone number was. Can you believe that? He didn't know, but he gave them my e-mail address. I don't know his phone number-->IT'S PROGRAMMED IN MY CELL. If I ever lost that thing, I'd have to look up old cell phone bills!!! We rarely spoke on the phone anyway. It costs like $5.00 per minute for him to call me and $1.64 per minute for me to call there. Our primary mode of communication is MSN messenger with webcam and microphone-->much better than the phone. Anyway, I'm going to keep fighting and fighting until we get what we both want more than anything in the world....and that is to be together. I'll keep you posted. As for the comment about me attending the interview-->after reading some of the experiences of others in Albania, I didn't bother-->they won't even let you in the building. Security is VERY tight. I wanted to save my mere (4) four days of vacation for his arrival in the states and subsequent marriage. Now, I have to use them to go over there and have it out with the embassy....but also to spend some, much needed, time with my love. sigh....	U.S. Wendy	Female	Albania	2007-04-14 18:35:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	DENIED in ALBANIA	Well, my fiance was denied on Thursday. My fiance was scheduled for 9 a.m. on 4/12/07. We had lots of proof, photos from my visit in 12/06, proof of our first meeting 05/06, e-mails, cards, phone records, chat logs, etc. He was interviewed by an American Man and an interpreter. I believe this man was the Assistant Consul. He was asked the following: 1-how do you know her? 2-where does she live in U.S.? 3-what is her phone number? 4-how do you communicate? 5-how many brothers and sisters does she have? There may be more and I'll add them to this review later when I speak to my fiance.....and the shock has worn off. He was asked to return at 4 p.m. and was given a letter with 221g section checked off and "Revocation Recommended" and his passport was returned. They told him that he's only attempting to marry for immigration purposes. There is a section of this letter where they COULD HAVE checked off: medical reasons, criminal reasons or requested additional information, but they did not so we have NO idea WHY they have really refused him. We are both devastated and prepared for a fight. We are a 'high risk' couple-->as I hear another VJ'er describe it-->mixed race, age difference 16 years, etc. but it is NOT the Consular Officers job to READJUDICATE the claim and I am trying to get them to reconsider and allow us to prove proof that this is an authentic relationship. They have responded to my inquiry and won't give me any specifics, only saying they are sending the case back for review by the NVC (I am trying to stop them from doing this and bombarded them with lots of immigration law regarding the issue). If they decide to return the application packet anyway, we have a 6-12 month battle ahead of us. We're getting an attorney if our Senator can't force a reversal. Now, if my fiance was trying to commit fraud, he'd figure the 'jig' is up and move on to another 'scam' right?.......but he's so hurt by this and when I ask if he wants to fight them, he says, "of course". He asks me to come there and be with him so I'm flying over there in a few weeks if I can't get some action from this end and I've requested an interview with this consular officer.....don't know if I'll actually get one. Keep us in your prayers.	U.S. Wendy	Female	Albania	2007-04-14 08:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Visa DENIED - Help!	I don't want to scare you but, YOU NEED TO ACT FAST!!! 1-DO WHATEVER THEY ASK. 2-Send or fax everything now to them re: evidence for validity of relationship. Do a timeline and be specific re: the date you met, the date of the proposal, all visits, etc. 3-Find out if they intend to return your case to the US? PRAY that they are going to give you and your fiance the opportunity to give them what they want NOW (to the embassy) to reconsider the refusal. Get that 221g letter and see what is checked off. If they do intend to send your petition back to the US, you and your fiance could be separated for a year or more!!! It's a nightmare, trust me. 4-Contact your congressman NOW, get him or her to contact the embassy to find out if they intend to send your petition back. He or she should request that they keep it and allow you to submit additional evidence. If they are sending it back, get him or her to find out the diplomatic pouch number so that you can track it. 5-Definitely secure an immigration attorney who is experienced with petition revocations if your petition is headed back to the US. I'll send you some other links later. No visa...it seems the consul was not convinced of the authenticity of our relationship. He said we look "posed" in our photos. Huh? I'm waiting for him to fax/e-mail me the 221g letter they gave him. He was told that I am to write a letter explaining our relationship and if I understand my fiance correctly (he's a little upset right now) I am to explain "what I'm capable of" should his visa be denied? What does that mean? They did ask him, why I had not been back to visit him, since I retuned to the states in January. He explained that my job was "deadline" oriented and I am not able to take time off work. So he was told for me to explain all this in the letter I am to write to the consulate. In my original "how we met" statement, I stated that both he and I are from the same town, because that is where his parents live and that is where my grandmother lives. At the interview, they stated that they're not convinced of the merits of our relationship....that maybe our respective families "arranged" this? #######? They did not look at any of the other evidence(the detailed phone logs of our 3-4 hour long conversations dayli w/out fail, the e-mails)....said he should bring all that back when he brings my letter, and they will look at it then. I don't understand...what's the use of providing evidence of ongoing relationship, if they don't look at it? They also asked him, why he did not try for a tourist visa first, why this visa? My fiance told them that we decided that we wanted to get married and decided to go this route instead of trying to get him a tourist visa. Catch 22, if he had somehow been able to secure a tourist visa, and come here....we had gotten married then there would have been issues at AOS. That is what the K1 is for....to come here and marry your fiancee, that is not what a tourist visa is for. We did have a whirlwind "courtship" if you will....and we do have an age difference, none of which matter to us, but it seems these are the sticking points w/ them. I'm starting to think of what to write in this letter....any advice on how to word this, how to phrase things. I have no idea how to proceed. Help please! -P Edited by U.S. Wendy, 29 June 2007 - 06:11 AM.	U.S. Wendy	Female	Albania	2007-06-29 06:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Consulates Returning Petitions to the United States via 221g	OskaryAndrea, That's Wonderful!!!! I wish you both all the best!!!! By the way, we were interviewed by the Vice Consul in Albania. I wish he'd call me and offer a second interview......better yet, when we do go before them again, I hope we get a different CO or I guess I'm moving to Albania. . Anyway, congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!! Edited by U.S. Wendy, 20 June 2007 - 01:57 PM.	U.S. Wendy	Female	Albania	2007-06-20 13:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Consulates Returning Petitions to the United States via 221g	You have my support as well. I'm in the 221 g abyss right now. We need your support...Many K1/K3/CR1 visa petitions are being returned to the United States. More and more this is how Morocco is handling visa petitions, and it does not matter the amount of proof of relationship you provide. This is not only happening in Morocco but in US consulates all over the world...it could happen to you. We need a central place to review/share extremely important information to help ourselves and others going through this issue. Possibly even prevent this from happening to others in the future. I will gladly create a legible, credible, and searchable compilation of all immigration guidelines surrounding petition return/revocation, research, etc. if VJ would commit to pinning this issue for us. Petitions Being Returned to the United States If you support pinning this issue...please say so by posting in this topic. Without forum support the issue will never get pinned. Thank you. Please show your support by posting it here... ~Kiya~	U.S. Wendy	Female	Albania	2007-04-19 15:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Tax Forms Required	I'm compiling every possible bit of financial paperwork I can to include with my Affidavit of Support. I've got bank letters, job letters, the form itself, a copy of my life insurance policy and I've kept my paystubs for over a year. My question is this....per our lawyers advice, my ex husband and I filed jointly in Feb. for 2006. Even though his information is on the taxes, do you think it will effect anything? Should I include just my W-2's? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!! Ta! ~Kim	craigandkym	Female	United Kingdom	2007-03-23 20:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Interview day!!!!!	CONGRATULATIONS!!!	craigandkym	Female	United Kingdom	2007-03-20 06:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	OCD/Suicide Attempt and Immigration	I have never in my entire life heard of suicide attempts as being jail time worthy. That's ridiculous! What state could be so cold and callous? I agree with the others to just get the medical release from the psychologist and then don't worry about it! .... Life isn't perfect for anyone that I know! GOOD LUCK!!	craigandkym	Female	United Kingdom	2007-03-26 12:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Police Certificates	Thanks so much for your help, and I followed the link, MOST helpful Sorry for the redundant question... *just keeps waiting* ~Kim	craigandkym	Female	United Kingdom	2007-04-03 08:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Police Certificates	Can anyone tell me if it really takes the full estimated 6 weeks to get your police reports back in the UK?? I know you can't be specific but a hint as to your time frames would help me loads!! Thanks so much	craigandkym	Female	United Kingdom	2007-04-02 23:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	I-134 Affidavit of Support (Sign of Admin Oath)????	I am a notary, and she should not have crossed out those words. Swearing in an Oath is standard operating procedure for Notaries. Not all read the "how to do your job" book and she might not have known what the words meant. ~Kim	craigandkym	Female	United Kingdom	2007-05-24 08:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Affidavit of Support	What makes you think you need to submit your tax return at all? Because on the checklist that accompanies the most current Affidavit of Support it says ALL SPONSORS must include: a copy of your individual Federal Income Tax Return, including W-2's for the most recent tax year, or a statement and/or evidence describing why you were not required to file. Also include a copy of each 1099, Schedule, and any other evidence of reported income. You may submit this information for them ost recent three tax years, pay stub(s) from the most recent 6 months, and /or a letterfrom your employer if you believe any of these items will help you qualify.	craigandkym	Female	United Kingdom	2007-05-24 08:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Affidavit of Support	No No...I have submitted a certified copy of my divorce decree and so on. I was just concerned about his $$ and name being all over my tax forms. That's all. I will adopt the idea to place Affidavit, then letters of my financials including paystubs, followed by my W-2's and finally the actual tax forms. Thanks for the tips guys!! ~Kim	craigandkym	Female	United Kingdom	2007-05-24 07:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Affidavit of Support	My 2006 Tax Forms, include the information of my Ex. It was the last year we could fily jointly. As our marriage didn't end until January of 07. When including my tax forms, do you think I should provide a cover letter explaining his name on my tax forms and how I don't want his income to have any bearing on the financial support? Or simply explain why his name appears on my most recent tax forms? ~Kim	craigandkym	Female	United Kingdom	2007-05-23 08:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	best websites for arranging travel?	Hey all! Down to the wonderful problem of arraigning flight plans for my fiancé! I am wondering if anyone has found a great site to search for the lowest cost airfare for a foreigner traveling from a foreign country? There are obviously a ton of sites which specialize in travel from the USA, need one which can search the other way around. I've had some great successes with www.pinpointtravel.com... and www.faremax.com says they'll let you buy one-way (although it's not really much cheaper than round-trip). All this with the caveat that I've just been traveling back and forth from Europe. One problem I've encountered: If you buy a ticket for someone else with your credit card, they often have to send a paper ticket to YOUR address, and they won't send it until the last minute, which is a REAL PAIN if mail is slow to your fiancee's address. Do everything in your power to get an e-ticket or budget for some expensive international fast-shipping. If you can get your fiancee's name added to your credit card, then you can buy in her name and get an e-ticket. Edited by malka, 18 February 2007 - 01:32 AM.	malka	Not Telling	Bulgaria	2007-02-18 01:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Question about Point of Entry (POE) ?	I haven't done POE arrival yet, but I think that you don't get an I-94 if you are/your wife is coming in on a CR-1/IR-1 Visa. My understanding is that is for people who do not yet have permanent resident status. You will have a little interview and you'll get a stamp in your passport that acts as your temporary green card. Try this thread: Arriving in America - The POE Drill	malka	Not Telling	Bulgaria	2007-03-15 07:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Recieved Initial packet	Which forms do you actually send and which forms do you take to the interview. I know you have to send in the DS230I. Does anything else get sent with it? And which ones do you take to the interview? Once you send in the forms, thats when you should get the interview right?	omeysgirl	Female	Australia	2007-05-01 11:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Question about violations	he was asked to leave though. And he left.	omeysgirl	Female	Australia	2007-05-02 19:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Question about violations	No he wasnt deported.	omeysgirl	Female	Australia	2007-05-02 19:31:00