ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 March 2011 Filers
It seems like the majority of people are not called for an interview.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-07-07 14:42:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 March 2011 Filers
We sent the transcripts.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-06-30 14:47:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 March 2011 Filers

That makes sense. Thanks for responding! I was doing some rough calculations and it seems like on average it takes between 4-7 weeks after biometrics for your case to get approved. I wonder if Norwalk location in Chicago allows for early bio.



I don't remember hearing about that location. Try it if you have some spare time. Try not to go right away when it opens. We went at 2pm when it was a little slower for the St.Paul, MN office.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-06-23 13:04:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 March 2011 Filers

Wow.. some folks who filled way after I did got their approvals already. Is it normal for USCIS to conduct biometrics 2 months after they receive the I751 package? I am the very last one to get my biometrics done for March fillers. It's already been 105 days since filing and majority of the folks were approved before the 90 day mark. Does anyone know how long does it normally take them to run background checks and what not after the biometrics to approve your case? Thanks!



I think the biometrics appointment has more to do with how busy your local office is. So if they're quite behind you will have a longer wait when they schedule the appointment.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-06-23 09:37:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 March 2011 Filers
10 year grean card received today!! Yaay:) thanks everyone for the help and good luck to those still waiting!!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-06-16 22:10:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 March 2011 Filers
We're approved!!!


Please update our status!!! Today we received notification that we should receive the greencard in 30 days!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-06-10 13:52:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 March 2011 Filers
Early biometrics completed today in St.Paul, MN. Please update our biometrics to reflect 4/18/2011
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-04-18 15:30:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 March 2011 Filers
Please update our biometrics to 5/6/11

Thanks!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-04-14 18:39:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 March 2011 Filers
How soon after receiving the NOA1 do people receive their biometrics appointment letter? How much notice do they give on the appointment?
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-04-05 14:57:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 March 2011 Filers
Please add our NOA1 date as 3/28/2011
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-04-04 14:35:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 March 2011 Filers
Please add us to the list. We sent our package on 3/23 to the CSC
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2011-03-27 10:25:00
PhilippinesNOA-2 Just got email approval
Congrats!!! I hope the rest is fast for you!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-30 11:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFinally the Visa in the hand !
Congrats!!!!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-06-09 17:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 Finally!!!
That's great!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-16 21:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVISA APPROVED!!! OMG!!!
Congrats!! Safe journey!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-12-29 11:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAPPROVAL APPROVAL APPROVAL
Congrats!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2010-01-07 11:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVisa Issued

My husband interviewed for the K3 and then waited 6 weeks.  He then was scheduled for his CR1 interview and after that interview he was in AP for about 2 weeks.  I can't remember if his status said Visa Issued or not. 


New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2013-07-08 13:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVisa Issued

Totally normal, this is just administrative processing.  It took about 4 weeks for my husband if I remember correctly.  I emailed/called the consulate daily to check on the status.  I was always very polite and nice but I just wanted them to see how involved I was.  I doubt it helped at all, but it helped me.


New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2013-07-05 08:35:00
Middle East and North Africapolice certificate
QUOTE (eclipse19 @ Apr 14 2009, 03:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i need help from someone from morocco about police certificate amean is there a specific police certificate because i send one with ds 230 and it`s not the right one anyone knows ?ths



There is the court record and the fiche anthropometrique. you need to send both
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-04-14 16:03:00
Middle East and North AfricaDS-230
We only sent the originals of the documents in arabic. There is no need to send the translations as long as the documents are in arabic.

for the interview though, I would suggest bringing the originals of the translations. It's better to have everything on hand.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-04-20 09:00:00
Middle East and North AfricaMorocco questions re Interview in Casa
I would go the scanning route and have him print them off there if you can. It's just so much easier that way. USPS takes on average about 3 weeks to be delivered. Also, fedex can *get* the package there in 2 business days but they cannot gaurantee that the package is delivered in 2-3 business days because once it enters customs it's out of their hands.. so it could be a big expense for not much time savings. If you can just have him print it that would be best in my humble opinion smile.gif
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-04-11 18:25:00
Middle East and North AfricaWhy I fell in love with my MENA man/woman
I fell in love with my husband after talking for hours and hours every single night. It was gradual at first but then grew stronger. Each day is another day that I fall in love with him. We both have a passion for music and he used to sing a song to me every night which I thought was terribly sweet.

He was always so patient with me and my questions about culture and religion and we always shared a laugh over something he pronounced wrong. It's funny how someone so far away from you can make you feel so close and comfortable. I always say we fell in love under the stars because I was out on my balcony one summer night when I realized how much I really loved him

I'll have him write why he loves me later when he comes online smile.gif

Edited by Laura and Ali, 20 April 2009 - 02:56 PM.

New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-04-20 14:54:00
Middle East and North AfricaApproved
You can choose to go with either. It's 100% certain (at least to me) that your K3 interview will be scheduled probably about a month before the CR1. If money isn't an issue to you, you can go with the K3. If it is an issue, you should pursue the CR1. You have to figure out what's important to you and what fits your situation. If you want him with you as soon as possible, at least try and interview for the K3, if you'd rather wait for the CR1 I would wait to cancel the K3 interview until you have the CR1 interview scheduled.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-04-28 14:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe MENA "Let's discuss religion and our own personal belief" thread
Ok, so my husband and I have a question!

In the Bible, there is the Old Testament and the New Testament. The only part of the Bible that Jewish people believe in, is the Old Testament... Do you know of a place in the Old Testament that speaks of the coming of Christ. If there is a place that does, why dont Jewish people believe that Jesus was the son of God or in New Testament?

What are the core differences between Judaism and Christianity?

Sorry if this is phrased poorly, it isn't meant to offend. Hopefully a Jewish person can help shed some light on this for us!

Thanks!!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-05-05 16:56:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe MENA "Let's discuss religion and our own personal belief" thread
QUOTE (SP&JM @ May 5 2009, 04:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Laura and Ali @ May 5 2009, 11:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (estadia @ May 5 2009, 09:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
ok this may sound like a stupid question but i really would like to know the answer, what is it that separates the different sectors of Christianity as in, Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, Assembly of God, Jehovah witness, im sure there are more but thats the ones i can remember at this time.
sara



This is a great question!!! I will again answer to the best of my knowledge based on the church I attend. The one thing to keep in mind with this question is that we all see our church as being the right one. So, I'm not saying anyone who isn't Lutheran is wrong, I'm just saying this is my personal belief...

The two that I have the most knowledge on is Catholic vs. Lutheran. I know that there are other differences between the other protestant religions but unfortunately I'm not exactly sure what they are.

Lutheranism is very similar to Catholocism in many ways. However, Lutherans don't believe in indulgences. Indulgences are how Catholics (both alive and in purgatory) can pay for their sins. Lutherans believe that the only one who can forgive sins is God, not a priest. Also, Lutherans do not put as much faith in Saints as Catholics, for example.. many Catholics will wear their Saint Alexander (I think) who is the patron Saint of travel when they travel for protection.

Also, Lutherans do not believe they have to attend confession with a priest to be absolved. Confessing your sins to God is salvation. I would suggest reading Martin Luther's 99 thesis which are the differences between the Catholic church and the Lutheran Church. Lutherans believe in original sin and the need for baptism.

Now that being said, there are two types of Lutherans.. ELCA and Missouri Synod. ELCA is a more relaxed version in my opinion and they also allow women to be Pastors and heads of the Church. My chuch is Missouri Synod and does not believe in woman being Pastors or heads of the Church. It is mentioned many times in the bible that the man is the head of the house and the church. However, I have many friends who are ELCA lutheran and I have attended services and weddings with woman Pastors and I can definitely respect that in an ELCA church.


I took to long writing and some of this has already been said. Oh well, I don't want to go back and rewrite it - so sorry for any repeat info.

I'm a Catholic and spent a lot of time in Catholic schools...so I'll try to respond/add on to some of this from the teachings I've received.

I'm pretty sure there aren't indulgences anymore. The modern Church doesn't let people pay money for forgiveness. I suppose it might be some kind of penance if you had stolen money from someone to pay it back, but paying directly to the Church? The only thing I've ever done as penance is pray...

Catholics do believe that the route to understanding and coming to Christ is through the Church. Througout the Old and New Testament there are references to the Church as the bride of Christ. We believe that He is only fully revealed through the teachings of the Church.

We also believe in original sin and the necessity of Baptism.

One of the common misconceptions is that Catholics worship saints and Mary. You can pray to a saint or to Mary (or to your dead Grandma) if you want but with the understanding that this person will intercede for you - basically speak to God on your behalf, take up your cause as it were...

Another huge difference is the host. Catholics believe that the bread and wine of Holy Eucharist are literally the body and blood of Christ after Transubstantiation (through the Consecration by the priest). Any leftover communion wafers are not thrown away. They are either used at another mass or eaten by a priest (not at the mass). That's also why we kneel towards the Tabernacle (where the host is kept) - we believe that Christ is literally present in the bread.

Non-Catholic Christians are not allowed to recieve Holy Communion (although they are always welcome at a Mass) because they do not believe that the host is Christ.

Other differences. Catholics make the sign of the Cross and kneel in the Mass (unless there is some physical reason they cannot). Crosses in Christian Churches do not have Jesus...Catholic Churches all have crucifixes. Reconciliation/Confession is a big difference (as stated above by Laura). The format of the Mass is usually very rigid and formal to someone who is not Catholic and not used to it (the opinion of a Baptist friend).

I'm sure I'll think of more things later.

I apologize for any inaccuracies regarding the Protestant faith.

Samantha

P.S. The Immaculate Conception is the conception of Mary without sin, not the virgin conception of Jesus. You can bet that question was on any test I had regarding Catholic doctrine smile.gif



I agree with what you wrote Samantha, I apologize if I wasn't clear though on one point. I know Catholics do not actually worship the saints but are able to pray to them for help. The difference with Lutherans is that we believe that by praying we already have the ear of God.

Also, Missouri Synod Lutherans believe that the wafer and wine becoming the body and blood of Christ. In Missouri Synod, if you are not baptised and confirmed into the church you cannot take communion. If you are not a member of the church you must speak with the Pastor prior to the service so you can take the communion. When the service is done, if there is any leftover wafer's and wine they are not just thrown away either. There is a special prayer that is said in order to not dispose of the body and blood of Christ.

Missouri synod and Catholics are extremely similar in our services.. they are both rigid and generally don't include progressive music, like christian rock music.

That was a really great and informative post Samantha!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-05-05 16:46:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe MENA "Let's discuss religion and our own personal belief" thread
Sometimes they can ask that the versions be the same simply because it's easier during bible study hour if everyone is using the same version. I have never been told that it is the only acceptable version but now that I think about it, it's the only one I've ever used
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-05-05 10:58:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe MENA "Let's discuss religion and our own personal belief" thread
QUOTE (Ahmeds Girl @ May 5 2009, 10:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
"The terrorists aren't true to their religion and are sick in their head"

The problem is that the terrorists often think that they are being absolutely true to their religion. It should also be remembered that the world's terrorists have come from a range of religious backgrounds (and none!).



I also would like to point out that terrorists, and I'm speaking about those coming from Muslim countries now, are not **generally** and I want to emphasize generally, educated, financially stable people. They are, from my understanding, often recruited from small, poor villages where people feel hopeless about their situation. And now I know that this is not true in all cases and that a large number probably come from educated places but for my point I'm going to speak about those who do not.

They are in bad situations and often times are illiterate and feel as if they have no hope left. These people come in to recruite them and mis-interpret the Qu'ran and promise to take care of their families. A lot of times it's the last hope for people. It's not right and shouldn't be condoned.

But lets also keep in mind the IRA and all the other groups who justify their killing based on whatever religion they believe.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-05-05 10:43:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe MENA "Let's discuss religion and our own personal belief" thread
QUOTE (estadia @ May 5 2009, 09:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
ok this may sound like a stupid question but i really would like to know the answer, what is it that separates the different sectors of Christianity as in, Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, Assembly of God, Jehovah witness, im sure there are more but thats the ones i can remember at this time.
sara



This is a great question!!! I will again answer to the best of my knowledge based on the church I attend. The one thing to keep in mind with this question is that we all see our church as being the right one. So, I'm not saying anyone who isn't Lutheran is wrong, I'm just saying this is my personal belief...

The two that I have the most knowledge on is Catholic vs. Lutheran. I know that there are other differences between the other protestant religions but unfortunately I'm not exactly sure what they are.

Lutheranism is very similar to Catholocism in many ways. However, Lutherans don't believe in indulgences. Indulgences are how Catholics (both alive and in purgatory) can pay for their sins. Lutherans believe that the only one who can forgive sins is God, not a priest. Also, Lutherans do not put as much faith in Saints as Catholics, for example.. many Catholics will wear their Saint Alexander (I think) who is the patron Saint of travel when they travel for protection.

Also, Lutherans do not believe they have to attend confession with a priest to be absolved. Confessing your sins to God is salvation. I would suggest reading Martin Luther's 99 thesis which are the differences between the Catholic church and the Lutheran Church. Lutherans believe in original sin and the need for baptism.

Now that being said, there are two types of Lutherans.. ELCA and Missouri Synod. ELCA is a more relaxed version in my opinion and they also allow women to be Pastors and heads of the Church. My chuch is Missouri Synod and does not believe in woman being Pastors or heads of the Church. It is mentioned many times in the bible that the man is the head of the house and the church. However, I have many friends who are ELCA lutheran and I have attended services and weddings with woman Pastors and I can definitely respect that in an ELCA church.

Edited by Laura and Ali, 05 May 2009 - 10:09 AM.

New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-05-05 10:08:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe MENA "Let's discuss religion and our own personal belief" thread
QUOTE (MrsAmera @ May 5 2009, 08:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
From a lot of studying and reading, modern Christianity (post 325 AD) is the product of the Council of Nicea.

"When Constantine defeated Emperor Licinius in 323 AD he ended the persecutions against the Christian church. Shortly afterwards Christians faced a trouble from within: the Arian controversy began and threatened to divide the church. The problem began in Alexandria, it started as a debate between the bishop Alexander and the presbyter (pastor, or priest) Arius. Arius proposed that if the Father begat the Son, the latter must have had a beginning, that there was a time when he was not, and that his substance was from nothing like the rest of creation. The Council of Nicea, a gathering similar to the one described in Acts 15:4-22, condemned the beliefs of Arius and wrote the first version of the now famous creed proclaiming that the Son was "one in being with the Father" by use of the Greek word "homoousius." Found here

Some argue that this is not the case, that before the 4th century Jesus was considered the Son of God and divine. A book that I've read is called "A History of God" by Karen Armstrong - she's very well known religious writer and the book really explained Christianity, Judaism and Islam and the evolution of the religious through the last 4000 years.



This is a really interesting topic. Many people believe that the council of Nicea was used to prevent the division of Rome thereby uniting the kingdom under one religion. Personally, I fall under the belief that Jesus was always divine and the Son of God but this is a very interesting topic. I don't know much about what really happened at the Council so I can't speak about that.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-05-05 09:21:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe MENA "Let's discuss religion and our own personal belief" thread
Ok, I'll try to answer this question. Please keep in mind however that I have never studied theology, I'm basing this on my knowledge from attending a Lutheran church.

There are many places in the bible that say Jesus is the son of God. Also, Jesus himself said it many times, one of the more famous passages is when Jesus is on the cross and calls out "Father, why have you forsaken me." In my understanding however, there is no specific place that imperically says that not only is Jesus the son of God but is also God.
There are however passages which indicate this point, such as “Jesus said to them: Amen, amen I say to you, before Abraham was made, I am” (John 8:58). I am is the name God gave himself.
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace." (Isaias 9:6)
“But the author of life you killed…” (Acts 3:15)


New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-05-05 08:47:00
Middle East and North AfricaWorried
Your interview was just the 14th. I know it's hard but just try to be patient. From the first interview that my husband had it took 8 weeks for us to hear anything. He did the K3 on 4/2 and then the CR1 on 5/14. So just stay positive and be patient. The time will come soon
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-06-03 10:11:00
Middle East and North AfricaAbout the Noa1
That's your NOA1! You're on your way!

Good luck!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-06-06 20:25:00
Middle East and North Africaanyone know how this works???
Magic Jack is another great program.. all you need is a computer and you basically plug a phone into it. You program it here in the US and then send it overseas... it gives that phone a US phone number which allows all calls to be free then!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-06-23 09:45:00
Middle East and North Africaladies with moroccan fiance' or husband............
I think it's important to be similar on the "big" issues, like how you see your future and morals. However the other differences are what makes it fun. I certainly wouldn't have wanted to marry someone exactly like me who thinks the same as I do. We have a great time talking about our opinions and my husband is having a great time acclimating to the US. As of today, he has been here for 1 week!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-06-25 10:45:00
Middle East and North AfricaSending Packages to Morocco
My advice is if at all possible, scan the documents into your computer and e-mail them to him so he can print them out. At this point, there shouldn't be any originals that you need to send him (except for pictures, cards, or letters that he has sent you) that he needs. Even with the cards/letters you could scan those and just have him bring copies.

With pictures, you could post them on a site and have him print them there as well.

My husband and I had a really stressful time before his CR1 interview with a package I sent to him and I wish I would have just e-mail the documents to him.

Good luck with the interview, let us know if you have specific questions we could share our experience with you!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-07-11 22:09:00
Middle East and North AfricaTranslating Docs here in the US
That might be a good idea. Because he has the license so he should be fine. If he got pulled over we could just appeal it.

We are waiting for his SSN to apply for the license. we should have that soon. Hopefully
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-07-21 09:47:00
Middle East and North AfricaTranslating Docs here in the US
QUOTE (KHPerfectMatch @ Jul 20 2009, 07:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For anyone reading this who's SO hasn't come to the US yet, I highly recommend that they get an International Driver's license BEFORE they come here. Much cheaper than this $150 translation fee... and good for a year... although each state has it's own time limit on how long they will allow someone to drive on an International license before requiring they get a regular license. (Of course how would the traffic cop know when he arrived in the USA is he didn't have his passport with him....) wink.gif

USCIS allows people to do their own translations of legal documents, as long as the translator put the "magic words" on the document.

Not sure about a DMV in MN... do they have a list of requirements for the translator?



They do have specific requirements. Actually the translation we have from Morocco is not sufficient here. The requirements are that they be certified by the courts in MN to do translation, be a lawyer in MN, be accredited by the ATA (american translation association) and a few other requirements. They actually have a form that needs to be completed too. I was pretty shocked that the translations that were used for the visa process that were accepted by all levels of government weren't accepted by the DMV... but I suppose I shouldn't be too shocked since it is a DMV wink.gif
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-07-20 19:58:00
Middle East and North AfricaTranslating Docs here in the US
In MN you can drive within the first 60 days of arriving on the license from the country you came from. So while we wait for his SSN this will allow him to drive for the next 25 or so days.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-07-20 18:36:00
Middle East and North AfricaTranslating Docs here in the US
Hey, I'm trying to find places (that aren't all that expensive) who can do translations here in the US. We need my husband's drivers license from Morocco translated into english and everywhere that I call only provides services to businesses or they want to charge $150.00 for his license to be translated.

Any advice??
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-07-20 11:19:00
Middle East and North AfricaFinally interview date
Same for us, we just printed out the appointment letter and everything else.


Good luck!!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-07-28 09:02:00