ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IndiaShould I get OCI or PIO

I am the US citizen (born in US), my hubby is the Indian and he is coming on the CR1. But I can get the PIO so that I don't need a visa to travel to India to visit inlaws!

Ok...so you not eligible for OIC since you were not born there.......

I was born there and than become US citizen ....so I can apply for both ..but not sure which one to choose..


mingleviMale02014-03-19 16:03:00
IndiaShould I get OCI or PIO

I am only eligible for PIO since I married an Indian, but I was told at the FRRO (foreign regional registration office where they process PIO and OCI in India) that OCI is going away and PIO is what everyone will be getting. No idea how true that is or not but that is what they told me last year when I asked about differences in PIO and OCI.

so were you born in India ? or you were born in some other country and married to Indian and thats how you on CR1 visa?


mingleviMale02014-03-19 15:53:00
IndiaShould I get OCI or PIO

I am US citizen but was born and brought up in India and considering OCI or PIO 

 

 

I am confused which one I should choose? can someone help me making a choice by giving  advantages and disadvantages of both?

 

also how can I apply for OCI or PIO?


mingleviMale02014-03-19 14:35:00
IndiaWhat is the advantage of OCI over Indian visa?

I found that they give multiple visa for 10 years for about $160 and cost for OCI is about $285 

 

My US passport expires in 2022 so at that time I have to apply for OCI again even though they claim its life time.

 

So, why should not I just get visa for 10 years?

 

what is the advantage of OCI status? compared to 10 years multiple entry visa?

 

Thanks in advance...


mingleviMale02014-03-21 13:47:00
IndiaShould we buy an apartment in joint name vs individual name?
I am US citizen and my other has recently became US resident in  December 2013 and we are planning to buy a small apartment in Ahmadabad India for investment purpose and than going to rent it out ...
 
Should I get an OCI card(I have not applied for it yet) and buy it in my name only (as I believe unless I have an OCI status or PIO status I cant buy in my name please correct me if am wrong..) or I should buy it in joint with my mother?
 
OR should my mother buy in only in her name?
I am living in USA but my mother is living in India and she has no plan to come back to India any time soon.
 
if we decide to buy in joint name..what will happen to rent income we will get?
will it split half half between us for tax purposes and report accordingly? what will happen to taxes both in India as well as USA?
 
And same question if we buy it in single name either her or mine...what will happen to India and as well US taxes?

mingleviMale02014-03-23 04:09:00
IndiaCan we get home loan from US institution to purchase real estate in India?

We are thinking of buying an apartment in India and wondering if we can get home loan from US institution?

I don't think so but just wondering if some has more experience?

 

I know we can get personal loan or can get refinance on existing loan but I would prefer a home loan ..and loan amount required is about 15k USD.

 

I am not comfortable getting home loan from Indian bank as NRI because of higher interest rate and paper work.


mingleviMale02014-03-23 13:23:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescan I join my spouse when she returns to USA after marriage in India?
My fiancee is US citizen and plans to come to USA for 2 weeks ..during which we can get married if I can join her to USA on visitors or other temporary visa??

We heard that both in K1 and I-130 based visa it takes long time (at least 6 months) thats why we are thinking if I can get visa to join her?

For sure they will give visa to travel with her when she returns? or it depends on immigration officer in India ?can they deny my application?

Please give your opinion on what we should do ? do you think we should rather not get married in India and after our meeting we should file for fiancee visa?
mingleviMale02007-11-12 23:56:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS Case Status online
QUOTE (jazzy @ Jun 16 2006, 05:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (najia @ Jun 15 2006, 04:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello

i'm suscribed at the USCIS Case Status online, so as to receive emails or see the process of
our I-129F and I-130 = case "touched" !! unsure.gif

https://egov.immigra.../jsps/index.jsp

but whenever i log on, i ONLY find the NOA1 dates !!

is it normal that i haven't received any "touched" confirmation in our process yet??
Am I missing something? should i be suscribed somewhere else??

helpsmilie.gif plz

thanks in advance

Hi najia,

After you log in the site will take you to your "portfolio page....there you will see a heading that says "last updated"....the date below is the last time your petition was "touched"...you won't neccesarily recieve an email each time this date changes. So to answer your question...yes it is very normal....just hang in there....our I129f was touched 4 times in a week but we never got an email.

Jazzy

today I had my biometrics and I didn't receive any email but when I logged in it showed change in date and it shows today's date but surprisingly when clicked on case receipt number under portfolio there was nothing mentioned about biometrics ..those details still say that we have received your application.
Is it normal?
also I had hard time signing on that pad and using that computer pen to give digital signature ...do u think becuase of this they could ask me to go for biometrics again?
and am not satisfied with my signature they captured...this signature will come printed on each of our EAD or green card ?
mingleviMale02008-12-31 22:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSponsoring fiance

I think they will have to prove in some way that you won't be a public charge. A consistent income will show that or a co-sponsor might be needed. Is her disability temporary? I mean, will she eventually return to a job? As for showing tax records, I'm not sure in this type situation. In this instance, IMHO I would send the last three years tax returns. I'm not sure how the USCIS will look at government aid for the petitioner either. Some will say if she is on government benefits, how can she support you on the affidavit of support once you are here (the I-864 that is filed with AOS).


Thanks again..her disability is temporary and she will go back to work of course.
She is not on govt. aid I was just asking in general but currently she is on disability leave.

I am still confused what do INS really check? current employment is necessary? or they check last year return filed ?
mingleviMale02007-03-18 11:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSponsoring fiance

Not sure on some of your questions, but the person sponsoring does not have to be currently working if they have other assests. I'm using my parents as co-sponsors but they are both retired.

At least let me know what do they want sponsor to show?
you have to show income proof for last year or last 3 years or current year?

The way I understand it is....your income has to meet the poverty level by 125% according to how many live in the household and are supported (or will be) by you the petitioner. They are going to want to know if your SO will be a public charge (I know you know all this just bear with me). Your assets have to equal more than the 125% though, as in 3 or 5 times the amount listed as the poverty level you fall under:

If assets are needed to meet the minimum income requirement:
(a) Evidence of assets with a cash value that equals at least five
times the difference between your total household income and
the poverty guideline for your household size (see chart below):
Example for a Household of 4:
125% Poverty Guideline $25,813 (2007)
Sponsor’s Income $18,000
Difference $7,813
Multiply by 5 X 5
Minimum Required Cash Value
of Assets
$39,065


Hope this helps.


Thanks for your response,
I understand about poverty guide line.
and for sponsoring I understood that salaried persons has to show bank balance and current income
but do they need to be currently employed?
because my sponsor is not working since last 3-4 months and she is in disability leave.
I also heard that persons who are on any type of govt. aid or help AT PRESENT can't sponsor someone is that true?
Also for income of proof do you require past year's income details or past 3 years?
mingleviMale02007-03-18 10:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSponsoring fiance

Not sure on some of your questions, but the person sponsoring does not have to be currently working if they have other assests. I'm using my parents as co-sponsors but they are both retired.

At least let me know what do they want sponsor to show?
you have to show income proof for last year or last 3 years or current year?
mingleviMale02007-03-18 10:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSponsoring fiance
I want to know clearly about the sponsorship eligibility.
I checked I-134 form and it says you have to show your income and show bank statements,but its not mentioned for how many years?one year or last 3 years?
They also didn't mention what is the min. income required but I guess it should be 125% above the poverty guide line.

Also I want to know if the sponsor is not working currently can he submit the evidence of last year income tax return filed?
this sponsor is salaried person but currently not working since last 3-4 months because of sickness.( on disability leave)
Is it necessary that person should be working at present to sponsor someone?

Also I heard if a sponsor is getting government grant or some aid from government they are not eligible to sponsor is that true?

Awaiting your answers,
Thanks in advance.
mingleviMale02007-03-18 10:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhat documents required from foreign beneficiary at the time of interview?
My friends' girl friend(petitioner) has received NAO2 in USA and my friend (beneficiary) is in India.

We found under K1 flow chart / Guide that Indian (mumbai) embassy will send a letter with checklist and list of required documents to collect and we want to know what are those documents / paperwork?

Mainly we want to know if they ask for beneficiary's income proof like copy of income tax return filed?
and how important is beneficiary's income?
Beneficiary's income - if its less or more can affect issuance of visa?

Edited by vikasintl, 27 July 2008 - 10:22 PM.

mingleviMale02008-07-27 22:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionwhom to address desire to marry after NOA2
we are confused whom to address when petitioner write a letter again (second time) mentioning desire to marry with beneficiary...
we know first time it should be addressed to

United States Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services


But not sure whom to address second time ( after receipt of NOA2)
should it be to concerned consulate where beneficiary go for interview or it should be addressed to

United States Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

again?
mingleviMale02008-08-06 01:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionvalidity of employers letter + bank + I-134
What is the right time for petitioner request employers' certificate + bank letter which is to be submitted along with I-134?

date on employers and bank letter should be only after the beneficiary receive package 3?

and date on employers and bank letter should be closer to I-134 signing date against notary or if employers and banks letter are received 2 weeks ahead of I-134 signing is ok?
mingleviMale02008-08-06 21:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTiming for bank' letter and employers' letter
My fiancee in USA collected bank letter and employers letter next day she got NOA2 but it has been 3 weeks she has not made I-134 - affidavit of support form yet...naturally she has not sent me any these documents...so I could not send return them any documents about my readiness for interview....
so we are wondering
1.if bank letter and emplyers' letter dates should be closer to affidavit of support form signing date?
or 3 weeks time difference is ok between these documents?

2.if these documents dated 2-3 months before date to actual interview date) is ok or it has be closer to interview date?
mingleviMale02008-08-10 22:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionwhen we print DS-230 from state.gov site..yellow high light
Today I downloaded and printed DS-230 and edition is 05-2008 I ..downloaded from this link
http://www.state.gov...ation/81807.pdf
but when I saw it has yellow high light in some blocks..why is that?
and when we print it..it gives grey/ because that yellow color becomes grey in black and white print out....

is this ok?
can we submit such greyed out printed form?
or if we need clean print out...how can we get it?
mingleviMale02008-08-11 09:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-230 part I form ask ...Permanant address in USA where you intend to live?
On DS-230 Part I form it ask question no. 10

'Permanent address where you intend to live in USA if known and also mention persons name presently living there'

And on the same form question no. 11 is
'Address in the USA where you want green card to be mailed?

This address should be same as we have mentioned on I-129F petition?

And Once beneficiary gets in to USA and if he/she change his choice of location to a different address than what they mentioned on I-129F and DS-230 part I form? is it ok or it is considered cheating ?

When they say permanent and also on reverse of this document it says your facts which you mention on this form will decide about issuance of visa...so please guide us ...
mingleviMale02008-08-10 12:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpolice clearance certificate from India?
Is it MUST to have duration of stay for example april 1990 to march 1996 in police clearance certificate?
because Indian district police doesn't mention duration of stay in particular address..they just mention 'Mr.X has nothing adverse on local police record" thats it....

So I want to know if its MUST that they mention duration also?
mingleviMale02008-08-19 05:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAddresss where we are going to stay in USA DS-156
On DS-156 form it says ....where are you going to stay in USA once you arrive...mention name and address of that person.

I want to know when one has to mention name and address of a person ...does any one from US government (homeland security or any one else like USCIS) inquire or confirm with that person before interview?one has to submit documents to local VFS at least a week before interview date...
mingleviMale02008-08-28 20:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhich address we should mention on DS-156 packet 4
QUOTE (~Laura and Nick~ @ Aug 29 2008, 09:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (vikasintl @ Aug 29 2008, 11:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Before we send packet 4 on DS-156 form it asks where would beneficiary stay in USA?

My fiancee is currently staying with her sister and we are not sure if they (US government) will confirm with her sister about my stay at her address?

Also in case me and my fiancee can't stay at the address we give on DS-156 form ..can it be a big problem?
or can it be considered as a cheating with them?

Thanks in advance


Can you please fill in your time line? It helps everyone.

I don't exactly understand your question but it sounds like you are hiding information from the U.S. Government.


we are not hiding ....we are thinking n asking for possibilities...
mingleviMale02008-08-29 11:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhich address we should mention on DS-156 packet 4
Before we send packet 4 on DS-156 form it asks where would beneficiary stay in USA?

My fiancee is currently staying with her sister and we are not sure if they (US government) will confirm with her sister about my stay at her address?

Also in case me and my fiancee can't stay at the address we give on DS-156 form ..can it be a big problem?
or can it be considered as a cheating with them?

Thanks in advance
mingleviMale02008-08-29 10:31:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWhat is the difference for tax assessment after being US citizen
Currently am legal resident and paying tax jointly with my wife annual..married jointly...

If I become US citizen what will be difference in the tax situation?

I am originally from India...do I have to pay taxes in both countries?

after being citizen if I send money to my mother as a gift or if I send money to my NRE account

..can I be taxed in India after being US citizen?
mingleviMale02011-12-10 17:05:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionNo intrerview letter yet
We are in WA state...Seattle center...
mingleviMale02012-03-12 23:04:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionNo intrerview letter yet
N-400 NOA date - 12/28/2011
Yellow letter- 2/07/2012..in yellow letter its mentioned before forwarding your case we did a complete review...and you are advised to bring 2 documents at the interview but have not received interview letter...or anything..

Case status says...'initial review'

talked to customer service..and higher officer...officer said...its pending background check and its pretty intense..

what does that mean?

Do you because its not been 3 years yet since I got a green card...and that is causing this delay?

also,how many days they give you after sending interview letter and actual interview?

Is there any thing we can do at our end....as we have to travel...and because of this interview...we can't
mingleviMale02012-03-07 21:16:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 December 2011 FILERS
He just told me that I am lucky that I passed my full three years . (I got my green card on March 5th 2009) otherwise I couldn't been interviewed!!??
so, if a person is not here for 3 years after getting green card...they can't be interviewed?
mingleviMale02012-03-07 15:35:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussioncheck or money order?
If a money order is issued by washington mutual bank it can not be tracked?

QUOTE (RichardS @ Nov 5 2007, 10:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Personal check is a) Just Fine and cool.gif Best because you can more easily track the cashing of it! When you use a money order, the money order company "usually" wants 90-days before they can tell you if the money order has been cashed!

mingleviMale02008-03-14 01:31:00
PhilippinesInterview Documents
do we require original copy of NOA2 ( k1 petition approval?) when we go in person for AOS interview?
mingleviMale02009-02-19 15:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsConfusion about I-134 affidavit of support form
If I was not confused I would not ask question and waste our time...
I am still not sure if petitioner has to mention name of beneficiary she/he has previously submitted affidavit of support form even though visa was denied at that time? because at that time affidavit of support form was not even considered or looked or asked for by the officer and straight away it was rejected.

and also confused about item no. 10
when it ask if petitioner has submitted visa petition...actually this is the first ever petition for which petitioner is submitting affidavit of support form...so should we write none or write beneficiary name?
mingleviMale02008-08-06 01:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsConfusion about I-134 affidavit of support form
On I-134 form item 9 is asking if petitioner has previously submitted affidavit of support?

If a petitioner has submitted affidavit for visitors visa and that visa was denied do the petitioner still has to mention that he/she has submitted affidavit and name of the beneficiary?

and item no. 10 is
I have submitted a visa petition to US citizenship and immigration service on behalf of following persons...for this item petitioner has to mention beneficiary name...or has to mention none.
mingleviMale02008-08-06 00:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230
QUOTE (trailmix @ Aug 12 2007, 11:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Asif @ Aug 11 2007, 10:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi,
I have not get any DS-230 form when I print in color printer it printed fields in Yellow. When you get DS-230 in the mail is color or black and white?


Here is the link to the form from the Dept of State website:

http://www.state.gov...ation/81807.pdf

It is probably printing in yellow because you have the 'Highlight fields' option on when viewing the pdf. When you have the file open, look in the top right hand corner where it says Highlight fields' - click on this once to remove the yellow highlight.


I tried clicking on highlight fields ...but still when we print in black n white it shows grey color...is this ok to submit such form greyed out?
mingleviMale02008-08-11 11:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs it possible to join my spouse to USA after marriage
You mentioned 'you could go visit for a while and then return to India for the K1 interview so you could at least shorten that six to eight months waiting period.'
This is what I was thinking if I get visitors visa...I would still come back ..to cancel visitors visa status and will be ready for k1 interview...but I was wondering ...if my application for visitors or business visa will affect negatively on my k1 visa?

Also what are you views for business visa?rather than visitors visa?
mingleviMale02007-11-13 13:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs it possible to join my spouse to USA after marriage
Thanks for your resposne,
you know the reason why we were thinking if we can get visitors visa immediately after marriage to join with her when she returns because we were not ready to be separated for 6-8 months for finace visa to process...

Is there any other legal way to make it faster?


QUOTE (MargotDarko @ Nov 13 2007, 03:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
They are almost certainly going to deny you a visitor's visa, especially after getting married to a USC. Even you did get a visitor visa, you could not use it to move to the US and adjust status and stay - that would be visa fraud.

The fastest way for you to legally get to the US would be for her to file the I-129f for the K1 after you meet in India. As long as there are no snags, that would take about seven or eight months I believe after filing. She can spend some of that time in India with you though. She could even file the I-129f while still in India as long as she has someone she trusts in America who she could send forms and documents to for them to mail on for her.

mingleviMale02007-11-13 08:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs it possible to join my spouse to USA after marriage
My fiancee is US citizen and plans to come to USA for 2 weeks ..during which we can get married if I can join her to USA on visitors or other temporary visa??

We heard that both in K1 and I-130 based visa it takes long time (at least 6 months) thats why we are thinking if I can get visa to join her?

For sure they will give visa to travel with her when she returns? or it depends on immigration officer in India ?can they deny my application?

Please give your opinion on what we should do ? do you think we should rather not get married in India and after our meeting we should file for fiancee visa?
mingleviMale02007-11-12 23:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresshould I try for business visa to meet in person
My fiancee is in USA,we met online and we want to get married.

We learned that meeting in person is mandatory and its not possible for her to come to India for longer time(max.only for a week) because of job and other occupations.

In this case I think of trying to get business visa...asking a sponsor letter from her claiming that we want to establish business together ( and which is a fact...we also want to do business together)

I want to know if I apply for business visa (I get it or not)...will it effect our I-129F or I-130 petition later?

will they consider it negatively for fiancee visa if I try for business visa now (before filing k1 or I-130 visa petition?)
mingleviMale02007-11-13 21:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of meeting in person is must?



Your fiance can use her visa to India in her passport and if she still has her plane ticket, boarding pass, maybe even credit card bill from the ticket. This merely proves that she was in India at that time and doesn't connect the two of you. Does she have any bus tickets or hotel bills from the city you live in? That would prove you were in the same city but you would still need something else connecting the two of you. If you have email or letters after the trip mentioning the trip or phone records to each other after the trip that would build a stronger case. If she has met your friends or family they can write letters attesting to fact. Photos are irrefutable proof but you can use other things- you just need a little more evidence.


Yes she can show all evidences that she came to India but without pictures togther how can we prove we met in person.


Affidavits from friends that saw the two of you together?

You can only provide the evidence that you can obtain. If you don't have photos, then you will have to explain that with the application. They will either accept the evidence you can provide or they will not. If they accept it, then you have succeeded. If they do not accept it, then you may have to meet again and reapply. Suggestions have been given here of the types of evidence you could use. It may or may not be adequate. There is no magical solution to overcome a lack of evidence.


We can get the affidavits from friends or family.We want to know in case they deny our petition do we have to pay fees again when we reapply?
mingleviMale02006-10-26 09:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of meeting in person is must?

Are you good at Photoshop?


I am good but I wonder if I shoud do something that sort of?
mingleviMale02006-10-26 09:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of meeting in person is must?

Your fiance can use her visa to India in her passport and if she still has her plane ticket, boarding pass, maybe even credit card bill from the ticket. This merely proves that she was in India at that time and doesn't connect the two of you. Does she have any bus tickets or hotel bills from the city you live in? That would prove you were in the same city but you would still need something else connecting the two of you. If you have email or letters after the trip mentioning the trip or phone records to each other after the trip that would build a stronger case. If she has met your friends or family they can write letters attesting to fact. Photos are irrefutable proof but you can use other things- you just need a little more evidence.


Yes she can show all evidences that she came to India but without pictures togther how can we prove we met in person.
mingleviMale02006-10-26 09:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of meeting in person is must?


Me and my fiance'e met last year(2005) dec. but at that time we didnt were not sure about us and we didnt know we will require a proof for K1 visa petition?
what kind of proof one can give to prove we have met in last 2 years?we dont have pictures together.
She came to India and we met here thats it.
In case this PROOF is necessary ...and we dont have it...is there any other way that she doesnt have to come back to India just for this proof as she is a student as well as she is working so its not easy for her to come back.

We read about involving international marriage broker but we dont know any thing about it...can any one suggest us?Preferably if you can give any such broker locaed in Mumbai city of India?

awaiting your responses and guidance.


You wil find it tough to receive approval without evidence. Pictures are good but not the only. What other evidence do you have? Plane tickets? Passport stamps? ATM or credit card activity? Signed affidavits from individuals attesting to you meeting? In the end the burden of proof needs to be met and you need to accumulate everything you can think of that puts the two of you together.

Most people would desire to avoid an international marriage broker. I am not sure they would be of any assistance to you.



Thanks for immidiate response,she can show all other evidence like plane tickets, ATM withdrawl or passport stamp ( she came to India last year) but unfortunately we dont have taken pics. togehter.Any suggestion?
mingleviMale02006-10-26 09:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of meeting in person is must?

Proof of meeting is pretty much a neccesity. Unless you can prove for certain circumstances that you were unable to meet in the last 2 years (like her country forbids you enterance or something). As far as evidence goes, you don't have to send only photos. You can send passport stamps, credit card statements, anything that will show she was in India at that point in time. If you stayed in a hotel together somewhere, a reciept from the hotel. Some people send phone bills to show that they've called each other, etc.



Thanks she can show all other evidence like ATM withdrawl or passport stamp ( she came to India last year) but unfortunately we dont have taken pics. togehter.Any suggestion?
mingleviMale02006-10-26 09:04:00