biggish data

K1 Visa refused under section 212 (a)(5)(a) for invalid petition

Red flags?

Was this the NWD Embassy?

sachinky

Female

India

2011-03-18 20:31:00

CO not convinced of genuine relationship

29 years age-gap with a single trip is an automatic denial in a LOT of countries.

You said he was a student studying in Cyprus -- what is his country of origin?

sachinky

Female

India

2011-03-28 20:08:00

Getting "Testimonial Letters" about Your Relationship

Well, then, thank God for Mama TB!

sachinky

Female

India

2009-12-10 16:06:00

Getting "Testimonial Letters" about Your Relationship

Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't support affidavits supposed to be written by those who know/met/interacted with the BOTH of you as a couple?

I mean, your mom could testify her son is a great kid with good morals but if she's never met the fiancee/wife, what is she supposed to say about them? "She makes my son happy," isn't gonna be enough, is it?

I have 8 affidavits from our common friends at college who interacted with us not only separately but also as a couple including double-dating, eating dinners at each other's apartment, playing Risk, studying together, grocery shopping etc. Each one touched upon different occasions we spent in their company but the format is pretty much the same. My roommate wanted to know if she could testify to being "sexiled" from our dorm room.

Edited by sachinky, 10 December 2009 - 03:44 AM.

sachinky

Female

India

2009-12-10 03:43:00

My visa was denied and send back to NVC

With a recently denied CR-1, there's no way in hell you'd be approved for a B-2.

You can 'try' but I wouldn't bother wasting $131.

Edited by sachinky, 10 July 2010 - 11:21 AM.

sachinky

Female

India

2010-07-10 11:20:00

My visa was denied and send back to NVC

From what I understand, they're questioning the legality of your marriage. It's not so much of a 'sham/not a bona-fide relationship' but that they don't believe there is a familial (husband-wife) relationship between you and the petitioner which makes you ineligible for the (I-130) visa.

The FPU is never good news.

Time to get a lawyer.

Sorry about the denial.

Any red flags in your case?

sachinky

Female

India

2010-07-03 15:50:00

Mumbai: Packet 3 for K-1 visa experience

Depends on the RPO that would be issuing your PCC.

Some places are a royal PITA, just on 'general principles.'

sachinky

Female

India

2010-06-15 13:54:00

Medical exam in Peru - My experience & advice

QUOTE (Johana&Jared @ Apr 3 2008, 01:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi there! I had my medical exam in Peru, yesterday, and would like to share that experience with you, it might be helpful for people that haven't gone through it yet.
I went there in the morning, had an appointment with Dr. Oscar Situ. In the morning, I got x-rays taken and also blood samples. It was pretty fast. I was told to return in the afternoon, with certain amount of money for the vaccines, my vaccinations record card, apart from the money or fee to see the doctor.
I got there, again, and after waiting for a while, I had my appointment with doctor Oscar. It must have lasted... 5 minutes. He just asked one or two questions about my medical history, examined me briefly, and that was it. He was nice and polite (and had lots of fake pieces of prehispanic pottery in his office) and told me what vaccines I should get, and to arrange that with the secretary, at the second level of the clinic.
Here is when the weird part comes... I must tell, before I was called to see the doctor, I had been talking with some other people, fiancees as well, and they showed me the paper they were given, saying they had to pay outrageous sums of money for a few vaccines, even though we had all been told in the morning it would be a lot less.
So anyway, I was prepared to pay about 850 soles for the vaccines, just as the other people did, lacking exactly the same vaccines, but when I went to see this secretary, she told me I had to pay over 1310 soles.

The whole thing didn't make sense to me, she was analyzing me and my financial situation, when talking about the price. So I got mad but tried hard not to show it, and told her to explain in detail the price for every vaccine, and list it. She refused to do that, to list the prices, but told me about it orally. So I found out they were adding me charges for vaccines they knew I had had as a child, and fairly complained, telling her that. So then she said 'Ok, I guess I can cancel these 3 vaccines you had had'. But then she told me: 'let me see you, show me scares that prove you have had Varicella, why don't you have any scares in your face? ' This really annoyed me, she wasn't nice at all and the impression I got is that they try to take as much money of you as possible.

One of the vaccines you have to have (human papillomavirus), if you are a woman, is 650 soles there. Well, in the end, I got the bill for the vaccines largely reduced, to 915 soles.
I talked to another woman as I was waiting to get the shots, and she also had a different price, almost 900 soles again, except she was going to be given less vaccines than I was.
They also do not advertise their prices for vaccines or have a list or anything like that to show, I truly disliked this, because I think it is just not fair and they get more money out of some. It's not about health or anything like that.
So, just one piece of advice... if you want to save some money, and are just starting the K1 visa process, get some vaccines on time, since in the end, they'll require your vaccination history or card to look for it, and they are way cheaper in some other places or even free.
It's just not true that if you got the shots somewhere else before, it would be rejected and you'd have to get all redone, what they care about is that you meet all the requirements, having all the vaccines you are asked for, not necessarily care if you had them all at the doctor's clinic.
Greetings!

Sorry for your bad experience. We used Dr. Situ and paid quite a bit for vaccinations but at the time I thought it was normal......

thanks for sharing this.

Gringita/Morenito

Female

Peru

2008-04-04 01:14:00

Number of packets - 3, 3.5 and 4?

QUOTE (Shannon and David @ Mar 23 2008, 10:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thank you, thank you!

I also just looked on the Embassy info up at the top of the page and found my answers. It looks like in Peru all he's going to receive is that one packet.

Thank god!

This packet is all he will get. Packet 3 is all of the forms and stuff, packet 4 refers to the letter with the appointment (interview date).

I am so glad you guys have it now! Make sure you read over everything, we were missing forms in ours. If you feel like anything is missing (check for form 157, I think it is the most commonly missed form in Peru) feel free to PM me.

Gringita/Morenito

Female

Peru

2008-03-23 16:05:00

Medical exam in Peru - PART II

QUOTE (Johana&Jared @ Apr 8 2008, 05:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi people! This is an exciting month, several interviews! yay, good luck to you all! I have really grown fond of all the patient fiances and fiancess I came across here.

Well, just a few things to tell. This Monday, I had to return to Dr Oscar Situ's office, to pick up my results, pay the rest of the money I had to, and get the Hepatitis A + B shot.
I went to see the secretary, who is in charged of the vaccines and their prices. I told her my fiance and I checked the government's and embassy's web site, and they listed an approximate price for the HPV vaccine, which is just given to young women, and it was $120. I also told her I had called the other 2 doctors, and they charged 490 soles for that vaccine. And actually, even less for the others. Finally, I kind of threaten her, telling her I didn't want to but I was going to report this to the embassy. She started to be super nice to me, and the negotiation started. She said that she'd reduce the price!!! Yeah, believe it or not, but I have the receipt to prove it, and the initial price written down on the medical appointment letter.

First she said, Ok, I guess the vaccine should be less, you'll pay $10 less. After I said it was not possible, since the other docs charged a lot less, she said $20, then $30 and then a bit more. As you all know, the initial total price was over 1000 soles, which was outrageous to me, then I got it down to 930, after arguing, and this time, after I told the secretary all this, I got it reduced to 840 soles (+$150). LOL. I have basically saved about 400 soles. What do you think about this?

Particularly, I feel indignation.

But this is how it was. I didn't haggle with a street vendor or at a store. It just tells me 2 things: They have overpriced the vaccines, trying to get as much as they can, otherwise they wouldn't have been nice and then tell me I'd pay less after what I said. And also, that everything seems to be negotiable... there's always a chance to try, no matter whom you deal with or where. I don't like it when people are dishonest or unfair. Sad but true.
Cheers!

I think all of us that used him should write a letter to the embassy. Good for you for fighting back!

Gringita/Morenito

Female

Peru

2008-04-08 21:09:00

foreign police certificate

QUOTE (inlovewetrust @ Apr 13 2008, 04:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

i'm about to have my interview at the embassy, on 9 days, here in peru. i lived in spain on 2003 for 12 months and don't know exactly about the police records, i'm not sure how long does it take for the embassy to give me the document that says i don't have any. i'll send a letter tomorrow but i'm worried cause i'm not sure if i'll have them in time and if that would be a problem
i lived in USA too, for around 12 months, from 2006 till 2007 and i thought they wouldn't need the clear records from that period cause the consulate should have that info already.
please some help! my interview is soooo soon!

thanks!

You can check out here on this link, your time in the US will not need a police certificate.

http://travel.state....195.html#police

Police Certificates from Spain are available and necessary. The link Shannon gave is perfect for finding what you need

I think if it were me I would request the Spain certificate right away and then if it is not in in time go ahead and go to the interview and let them know it has not arrived yet. It will delay a bit you but as long as everything else is in order they will just issue you a yellow slip with instructions on how to send back the certificate (and passport) to the embassy via DHL. After reviewing and finding all in order, the passport with the VISA will be sent back to the DHL office for you to retreive. Once the certificate is sent to them it is really only a matter of 2-3 additional days so while frustrating not too bad.

We had a delayed Peru certificate, and even with 2 holidays in the week we had the VISA 7 days after the interview.

Best of luck!

Sam

Gringita/Morenito

Female

Peru

2008-04-15 00:46:00

Getting Ready for the Interview In PERU 3/12

QUOTE (FaSa2008 @ Mar 5 2008, 02:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi all!!

Im trying to think what else i need!

I think we are covered.. im flyin to Lima on Friday

and our interview is on Wednesday

I have
My passport and birth certifcate
I 129 f application copy
NOA1 AND NOA2
Affidavit of Suport (notarized)Taxes, and transcripts since 2005 -2007
Bank letter
Work Letter
3 last pay stubs
Pictures to proof relationship
Phone bills
Emails
E Cards
Letter of intent of marriage ( for him and for me)
Letter of witnessing my engagement signed by my parents.

He has
All of the forms he got on the package
2 pictures
Police certificates ( the 3 needed in Peru)
Birth Ceritifcate (original and certified)
Divorce Certificate
Medical exam results
His passport

what else what else !!! if u see that im missing anything let me know please

thanks

Something I just noticed with our packet. There is no mention AT ALL of form DS-157. However on the embassy site and it is mentioned but not clear if it is for non-immigrant visa or immigrant visa. Just thought you might be interested in that.......I'll email you too.

Gringita/Morenito

Female

Peru

2008-03-11 02:31:00

Getting Ready for the Interview In PERU 3/12

QUOTE (FaSa2008 @ Mar 5 2008, 01:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi all!!

Im trying to think what else i need!

I think we are covered.. im flyin to Lima on Friday

thanks

Farrah, you forgot ME!! I was going to go in your bag remember???

Best of Luck to you and Santiago.

And to Anna and Mayo

And just a few days behind you guys......My morenito's interview....

Gringita/Morenito

Female

Peru

2008-03-07 13:31:00

Employment Letter for K1 interview

QUOTE (Jonathan and Rosa @ Mar 22 2008, 05:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My lawyer didn't say that I needed an employment letter, only 3 years
of W2s and tax returns. I work for the Dept of Commerce/NOAA/
National Weather Service as a meteorologist. My fiancee's
interview is March 26. I recently came to this site and started
reading reviews and noticed that many people took employment
letters to their interview. I dont know if I have time at this
point to get one since it probably has to go through the regional
office. Perhaps my local office can do one for me on Monday, but
I would need to fax it since I dont have time to mail now. Im rather
irritated since I thought I had all my ducks in a row. Any ideas
about this? Is this something I should worry about?

I of course recommend including one because the form lists it. However, on a strange note, in Lima there is no place on the checklist of Financial Documents the embassy provided to us at the Interview for an employer letter.

For Elias' Interview on 3/18/08 I Included:

I-134 signed and notarized.
SIMPLE Tax transcripts from the IRS for past 3 years
Letter from my employer (not exactly a traditional employer, my income is technically a stipind and non-taxable)
Photo copies of paystubs
Letter from my bank stating the date I opened the account, current balance, total amount of deposits for the past year
12 months of bank statements (because the bank attached them to the letter)

Everything was returned to my fiance and he was issued a yellow slip (with the checklist of financial documents) stating that the embassy needed the I-134, my 2007 tax return and my 2007 W-2 to be mailed back DHL before they would issue the VISA. He asked if what was provided was insufficent and was told to just provide exactly what was asked for. We of course sent back the I-134, the SIMPLE Tax transcript, a copy of my 1040-A and a copy of my W-2 the same day and are currently awaiting the respnse (and the end of a looong holiday weekend).

I am still unclear of there was a communication problem at the interview (I did not attend) or if something was overlooked but it was a pain. I wish you the very best!

Sam

Edited by Gringita/Morenito, 23 March 2008 - 02:02 AM.

Gringita/Morenito

Female

Peru

2008-03-23 02:01:00

Medical Exam and Vaccines in Lima Peru

QUOTE (msmuth @ Mar 23 2008, 10:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Is medical exam appointment date given by embassy or is it scheduled by us?
If the medical exam appointment date is given by the embassy, can we change it?
Can we choose which of the 3 medical offices we want to use?
What medical office do people here recommend based on experience?
It appears from other post that I have read about vaccines, that even if the person has no records of past vaccines that everything can be taken care of during the medical exam, is this
the same experience other people have had?
What vaccines of the 12 listed are being required at the medical exam:
1. Paperas
2. Sarampiòn
3. Rubeola
4. Polio
5. Tétano y Difteria
6. Toxoides Tétánico y Difteria
7. Tos Convulsiva
8. Influenza tipo B (HIB)
9. Hepatitis B
10. Varicela
11. Numocòcica
12. Influenza

You can choose any of the 3 doctors from the list, you will need your letter from Packet 3/4 to schedule it but you can schedule it whenever is most convenient (schedule as soon as you can after receiving the packet.

All of the vaccinations are required to be met, though only the Doctor will be able to tell you which are needed based on individual medical needs.

The vaccines can be taken care of by the Dr. even if no records are available (this will be an additional charge and the cost will depend on what is needed). In our case the vaccinations were done over two days because the Dr. did not want to give too many on one day......

If it helps we used, Dr. Situ he was great. Though in all honesty I have never heard a complaint on any of the 3 in Lima.

Gringita/Morenito

Female

Peru

2008-03-23 16:14:00

Visa Approved in Peru!!

QUOTE (jm&mcs @ Jul 2 2008, 11:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thank you very much.
My husband is starting to comprehend he is ging home with me in a few weeks. I was able to book him on the same flight as me. Now he has a couple of weeks to return to his home in the jungle and say his goodbyes. He will be in shock when we get to Phoenix. From the jungle to the desert.
Joanne

Ohhhh, I am so happy for you both. It will quite an ongoing adustment but every minute of it will be wonderful! Congrats!!

Gringita/Morenito

Female

Peru

2008-07-02 15:39:00

Peru Fiance Visa Interview ???

QUOTE (llongckd @ Feb 10 2008, 08:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well. First time I am posting
I am a USA citizen, my fiaince is from Peru
started gathering the info needed. I should recieve from my love (DHL) by next week then I will send off.

Brief History:
I met Marilu in October 2004. I was traveling to Peru for business about 4 or 5 times a year.\
We started a realtionship.
I fell in love with her very quickly.... but.... I was married. SHe got to know me, and knew I was not happily married and was there for my children.
I came to realize that it was better for my children if I am happy so.....
I separated from my wife in March of 2006
Finally in December of 2007 my wife signed the divorce and in January of 2008 it was final.
Me and my sweet Marilu shoud have our papers in by the next month.

I know the length or time till we get approved is unpredictable, I am guessing 6 to 7 months.

My first question
1. what have others experienced for time from Peru
2. I am confused about the interview. Will I need to go to Peru for the final interview or am I interviewed in the states.
3. What if I owe some back taxes... worried about what I will show on 2008 and may not be able to cover the tax due.

Thanks for your help
Lloyd

Lloyd,

The responses above are good ones. There is additional info under the guides tab on this site as well as the link titled Embassy info. You can select Peru and get helpful info. Also the link titled Reviews will give you some idea of other's experiences at the embassy in Peru.

As for me and my love, we are still awaiting NOA2 but we can keep in touch throughout the process if you want, some of the very best info I have received has been from others here on VJ...

Gringita/Morenito

Female

Peru

2008-02-11 21:29:00

Affidavit of Support Question

Get it all ready and wait for packet 3 to arrive with instructions. Thats all you gotta do. You can check on here or the USCIS website about how to prepare it. Some Embassies require different things. Just follow the instructions and good luck!!

djaedi

Male

Kazakhstan

2008-04-17 14:10:00

Financial Support Affidavit question

Yikes, thats a tough one. They really like the tax return idea. It is good proof of income. You can also get a certified letter from your bank showing all the deposits you made in the past year. I had to do this as well. I don't know how they will respond to you showing earnings that were not taxed even if it was legal. Do you plan to work in the states now or still abroad?

djaedi

Male

Kazakhstan

2008-04-17 11:20:00

are interviews in Arabic

QUOTE (me_4_musa @ Sep 22 2008, 05:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (bassel15 @ Sep 20 2008, 07:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hey guys just was wondering are the interviews at Casa Blanca in Arabic or in English???? My husband speaks Arabic and very very lil English.....lets just say I understand him but i dont know what will happen when he goes up for the interview....please if anyone has any information please let us know because we are both scared about this....we are close but yet seems far away....we dont have an interview yet but we are getting closer....i emailed the DS 3032 and paid the fee online....so thats what i mean by we are getting closer....everyone here is so much help and i am so thankful to all who have helped....God Bless...

I'm sure it would be ok. I would check with the MENA forum, i'm sure they would have info.

thank you so much

bassel15

Female

Morocco

2008-09-22 20:06:00

are interviews in Arabic

bassel15

Female

Morocco

2008-09-20 11:49:00

Safely getting to Juarez from El Paso

Hi Jay-Kay,

I am just wondering, did you see where they requested the USC to be present because the parties involved were already married?

greg584

Male

Hong Kong

2010-08-30 23:36:00

Safely getting to Juarez from El Paso

Hi Kathy,

I understand you might have a financial situation, but if you could fly directly into Ciudad Juarez International it is only about 5 miles to the hotel. You also eliminate the potential for being stuck in line at the border.

Okay, that being said I do not know if you have looked into El Paso’s airport website at http://www.elpasoint...2009/index.html yet. If you go to the service tab they have a ground transportation link. As this is a small airport I would suggest you make all your arrangements ahead of time. I do not recall seeing any kiosk there for local transportation, but if there is one, it will probably be directly across from the baggage claim area. Depending upon your time of arrival many of the kiosks that are there do close in the evening. The last flights coming in usually arrive before midnight.

Most of the local taxi companies charge $60-100 to go to Juarez, but due to recent events those prices might have changed. Maybe the hotel might also have some suggestions for you getting to their hotel. I would suggest this as it might be easier to get to the hotel then back to the airport for your return trip.

Good luck

Greg

greg584

Male

Hong Kong

2010-08-29 13:00:00

QUOTE (Wyld Blu @ Jul 9 2009, 11:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Me either...I kinda thought if I had though...maybe that would have led me to the right page! lolol. Anyway, thanks for the correct link. I am relieved that I don't have to assembly everything I thought I would in the first place! Whew!

-Blu-(*hic*)

I am glad I finally got it right, sorry about the screw up, must have been a having a senor senior moment. The only thing I forgot to mention is that some embassy's do require slightly different information. You might want to check with yours just to be certain. From your time line you are very close to interview time, good luck to you.

Greg

greg584

Male

Hong Kong

2009-07-10 11:10:00

QUOTE (Wyld Blu @ Jul 9 2009, 11:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you want take a look at this page: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;#entry3104745 it has the basics of the I-134. There are many pages of Q&A, I think after you read this you will know that you are safe. The only thing that is mentioned most often is about the bank statement and employment info.

Um...this link brought me right back to your post with this link on it. LOLOL

-Blu-

Wow and I am not even drinking...yet. Sorry about that here is the correct link: http://www.visajourn...p?showtopic=305

I am off to find some ice cubes

Greg

greg584

Male

Hong Kong

2009-07-09 22:34:00

Hi again,

When you said this: My pay well qualifies for the 125% above the poverty line actually, but the form asks for my mortgage, bank and retirement funds info too. So, I didn't think I could leave it blank.

I am going to assume you are talking about the I-134 well actually you are all set! If you are above the poverty threshold you need not worry about anything else. I was also surprised as I read about the I-134 here. It actually is one of the few forms where you can leave something blank. However there is also a comfort level we all need in our hearts, so if you want you can always provide the extra information.

If you want take a look at this page: http://www.visajourn...p;#entry3104745 it has the basics of the I-134. There are many pages of Q&A, I think after you read this you will know that you are safe. The only thing that is mentioned most often is about the bank statement and employment info.

What I did was take the information from here: http://www.uscis.gov.../form/i-134.pdf under section “II supporting evidence” to my bank and they provided the information in section A.

I really think because of your income being over the 125% that you can relax, however do not take my word for this. When you have some time take a look at that first link, that should cover the details enough so that you are comfortable, well as comfortable as you can be dealing with all this nonsense.

Now you can sit back, have a glass of wine, or something totally potent and breathe easy.

Greg

greg584

Male

Hong Kong

2009-07-09 20:56:00

Hi wyld blu

In regard to the tax return, when I ordered my transcripts from the IRS I did not even consider the joint filing. One of my 3 years is a joint return from 3 years ago, and I plan on using that. I am fairly certain that the w2 will not suffice, as they specifically say tax returns are to be used.

If your ex is going to buy you out of your house, if it is not a complete buy out, in other words that there is NO money owed to a lender, when you go to refinance the bank will have an appraisal done. You will be able to use that at the time. To show value, in addition to the refi papers, which will show the value and that the house is now in your name. I do not think a website estimate is acceptable, however if you really think you need this you could always contact an appraiser, if he will not be buying you out by the time your interview is scheduled. Also, if you present the information pertaining to the current joint ownership of your house at the interview, it might be a potential red flag.

With the 401k’s, first question is do you have a 401k or IRA? If not you can contact a financial institution of you choosing and ask them about opening one. Many will allow you to fill out the forms and direct transfer the money from him to you without any fees or penalties, based upon your divorce agreement. Next question is are his 401k’s all with a company with which he is currently employed, and do they allow rollovers without any fees? In most cases rollovers can be accomplished without generating a taxable event. I would suggest contacting a financial institution and asking them about the procedures, they will probably want to see the final divorce decree so be prepared.

You might be pressed for time though. I would think your interview date will arrive before these issues can be address and concluded.

I assume you are doing this because you do not qualify for the 125% over the poverty line, because if you do qualify then the only thing you need here would be the tax returns.

I do not know if any of this helped, but it was worth a shot…good luck

Greg

greg584

Male

Hong Kong

2009-07-09 17:30:00

QUOTE (manda12502 @ Apr 30 2009, 10:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hello!

Thanks for all the good information on the site regarding this process! I do have one question regarding acceptable documentation.

I am a USC working on the I-134 Affidavit of Support information for my fiance in the UK. His paperwork is being processed through the London office.

I am filling in my income, bank account, home value, and mortgage information on the form. I'm erring on the side of caution since even though my income is more than 125% of the poverty level, several people advised me not to leave any blanks unless I really don't have that type of asset to report.

Documentation gathered so far includes the last 3 years of IRS tax transcripts, my W2s (originals and copies), letter from my employer using "theworknumber" (which includes my pay, number of years at the company, and what I've been paid the previous two calendar years as well as year to date), and will request a letter from my bank to cover the bank account info. I can print out an electronic statement from my mortgage company to get the latest values. I would think all that would be sufficient.

Question is the house value. I have the letter from my local government stating what they consider the value of my house to be for tax purposes. I was told that would not be considered good enough by the counselate since that would be based on a multiplier used by the government.

So, what is accepted documentation for a home's value? A statement from a real estate agent? or should I pay the several hundred dollars for a formal appraisal (the type that is normally only done when a house is being sold to determine if the selling price is too far off the mark)?

Thanks much!

-manda

Hi Manda,

I might be way off base here but I figured I would take a shot at this. The only multiplier my local people use is to assess the taxes that are due. They show what they consider to be the full assessed value, then use the multipliers to arrive at the taxes that are due. The multiplier used here reduces the full assessed value to the reduced value that they use to arrive at the tax due amount. This has been similar to the other cities I have lived in. So there are actually 2 values listed on the valuation report. The full assessed value and the value, with the multipliers, used to assess the taxes. Gee, I hope that is understandable, because it is making my head spin!

I would not spend the money on an appraisal, you might bring 2-3 years of assessments from the county or city that does the valuation, this would show some sort of a consistent value on you home. Especially if you are filling in all the other lines of the form and you are over 125% already. Once they see that you are over 125% they probably will not proceed any further on the form.

Hope that did not give you too much of a headache, ha-ha.

Greg

greg584

Male

Hong Kong

2009-05-02 18:40:00

Copies for the Application

Thanks for your responses!!!

dmaddox74

Male

China

2009-05-16 15:28:00

Copies for the Application

We are building are application right now and I'm running out of originals are copies ok?

I.e. birth certificates, tax returns,

dmaddox74

Male

China

2009-05-16 15:11:00

Interview Experience (Norfolk, VA)

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, it really helps the rest of us!

Edited by dmaddox74, 23 May 2009 - 09:24 PM.

dmaddox74

Male

China

2009-05-23 21:23:00

I forgot to add, most of you will be changing your name as well. You may need to change your name on your SSA card.

dmaddox74

Male

China

2009-05-24 13:19:00

QUOTE (NickD @ May 23 2009, 07:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (MsAnn @ May 22 2009, 04:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dave, is it better to update SS first or get passport first? Does it matter?

Thanks for your help!!

Both want to see your original USC certificate, practically every county in the USA has an SS office, but the DOS has over 9,000 agents for passports, so depending on where you live, odds are that a DOS agent is closer to you than the nearest SS office.

One major difference is that the SS office does trust their employees to look at your original certificate, and make a copy of it for their records letting you leave their office with your certificate in your hand. The DOS does not trust their certified agents so must take your certificate and mail it in, they do however trust them in making you swore an oath. I do not understand their thinking on this matter.

In any event, our priority was to get that US passport first, the only advantage of getting USC status is some kind of disability benefit, but for us, that is years away and with the current talk, SS may not even be around by then, so what's the rush?

It's also my understanding, your US passport is equal proof of UCS for the SS, when the time came, I did bring in both my wife's certificate and her passport and gave them a choice, they preferred her certificate. With the US passport in my wife's hand, she was again free to travel again, with SS, maybe she will get benefits a zillion years from now, maybe not. SS is a crime for what you have to pay in and what little you get back, they claim they are going broke and you get screwed twice. First, your FICA taxes are not deductible, you have to pay income taxes on that amount, then when and if you do get benefits, they are taxed again. We have some real crooks running this country and they are taking over 15% of your gross income that you may never see again.

Yes, a passport will serve as a proof of citizenship for SSA purposes. Our office has representatives attend the citizenship ceremony so that the claimants may change their ASAP with SSA. If you don't need to prove your citizenship right away with SSA (not too sure on the work verification process for naturalize citizens wanting a federal job) then just get your passport.

dmaddox74

Male

China

2009-05-23 08:37:00

Dave, is it better to update SS first or get passport first? Does it matter? unsure.gif Thanks for your help!!

Excellent question! I haven't got my passport in over 10 years, I'm assuming they are doing a background check with SSA records as well. If they don't and they only check INS and State Department records then you are fine. However, I would update my record after I get my certificate either at the ceremony (if SSA has a booth) or at my local office, because:

Most people lose their SSA cards and need to get duplicates. Perhaps you'll forget that you never changed your status and when you arrive at the office you'll only have your Driver's license. They'll ask you for your perm res. card and you won't have that either because you turned that in at the ceremony. I have even seen some people lose that certificate. (Good luck getting another one of those)

Secondly, if you ever apply for benefits at SSA you'll need that certificate to prove status.

dmaddox74

Male

China

2009-05-22 18:33:00

That is a first rate offer on your part . . . . THANK YOU!! good.gif

My wife will be interviewed (soon I hope). We seek the CR1 visa.
I would like to get her last name changed and get her a SS#.

Should I wait for her arivial in USA?
Should I do the name change first?
When is the soonest a SS# can be had? (does she need the visa or is approved I-130 enough)

I used to be a part of Candle For Love and I've been apart of Visa Journey for a while but I rarely gave back, (okay, I never did) so I'm just glad that I can finally help.)

I was always told and I personally agree that the best time to change the name is when you apply for citizenship. (That's what I did) It's easy and it's right there on the application.

I got my wife's SSN while I was adjusting her status. More specifically after we got her work Permit. This can be acquired while you are waiting for her PERM resident interview.

dmaddox74

Male

China

2009-05-21 20:13:00

Dmaddox74--btw, obviously you are an SSA employee who is helpful. I hope you understand that I wasn't implying that all SSA employees (or other government workers) are dimwits. Just the ones I get to deal with!

I'm sure you can find other things wrong with me

dmaddox74

Male

China

2009-05-21 20:07:00

I know you have to go to the local SSN office once you are naturalized and they change your status from permanent resident to citizen. I know they encourage you to do this right away. I read somewhere on this forum that someone went to their local office and they said to come back as it wasn't in the system yet. My question is, how long does this take; i.e., after the swearing-in ceremony, how long should you wait before you go to the SSN office?

Just as a side note, my local office is absolutely horrible (and far away). When my SSN came after I got my 2 year card, my name was spelled wrong. The "customer service rep" that served me at the SSN office actually said to me (I swear I'm not lying), 'I could probably get this changed but it's probably easier if you make all the phone calls'. She literally made me do her job! I think if I hadn't, I'd still be waiting for the corrected card!

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. To answer your question, all we need to see is your certificate and state ID to change your status. Find out if SSA is represented at the Ceremony to view your information.

Edited by dmaddox74, 21 May 2009 - 08:05 PM.

dmaddox74

Male

China

2009-05-21 20:01:00

time for interview

my fiance is filipina she got divorced in hong kong and she is scheduled for interview may 6 2008 will the consulate accept her divorce that was granted in hong kong and give her k-1 visa

Edited by rcrge, 28 April 2008 - 09:05 PM.

rcrge

Male

Philippines

2008-04-28 21:01:00

filipina divorce in hong kong

we have our interview at hong kong consulate next week yea!!!!! one concern she got her divorce in hong kong not anullment in philipppines will that be a problem?

rcrge

Male

Philippines

2008-05-01 21:34:00