Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)	Devastated!!!!	Does your 2013 run-rate income meet the guidelines?	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-10-07 20:59:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)	Freedom of Information Request for what's going on with our case?	99.9% sure we hit AP because she is/was a communist party member; and that's a category that requires AP.   Per the gov't notes; if a person hasn't been a member in the past 2 years; then AP isn't needed.   What I'm wondering is, are they actually doing an investigation which - once finished and passes - they'll grant clearance.    Or - is the investigation aspect complete - but they're going to wait out the 2 year timeframe, and then they'll approve us. Obviously, the gov't hasn't answer my question on if I need to wait two years, as that requires them to admit AP was for communism.    So hoping I can deduce what's going on - and if needed, get married overseas, and then apply for a CR-1 instead.  With a CR-1 communist party membership isn't a concern.   I think it's a fair conclusion you are in AP because of the party membership assuming there aren't any other big issues with your petition.  This is still a concern even with a CR-1, but waivers are available for family members, thus it is less of a concern.  It still requires explanation and a waiver request.  In some cases the waiver is given at the interview, in many others it requires referral to DHS for further investigation.   I would doubt they are waiting out the two-year period.  I assume you are familiar with the laws at play and the circumstances under which a waiver can be requested. If you do some digging on this site you can find others who have been in the same situation as you are in...good luck. Edited by JRF, 28 October 2013 - 11:16 PM.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-10-28 23:13:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)	GOT MY VISA AFTER 11 months of AP	Congratulations and best of luck...I admire your patience.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-11-29 17:30:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)	CEAC	Updated as the case is touched - in my experience, no more often than daily.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2014-04-22 20:55:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)	Visa issued	Congratulations!	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2014-06-06 21:27:00
United Kingdom	how much relationship prove should i take to my interview	Perhaps a magnifying glass to read the transcripts is in order?     I can't speak to London but my wife is in VN (a much tougher post from which to obtain approvals).  She is taking excerpts from what if printed would be inches and inches of Skype transcripts.  As it is we have a lot...I am starting to think my role going to the interview is to act as the Sherpa.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-11-27 15:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Interview finished, some more questions and story inside	As long as she is only intending to transit through Frankfurt she will not need a visa, since she will not be going through immigration control.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-08-26 08:37:00
China	Name change after marriage	My wife and I had the same discussion...she is Vietnamese so I hope this helps.  The custom in Vietnam is for the wife to keep her family name.  She would gladly use my last name in Vietnam despite the fact it's not that easy for someone there to pronounce.   She will ultimately take my last name, but not until she gets to the US.  We made this decision for practical reasons...changing her name before she obtains the visa could have an adverse impact on the process (surely it would be more difficult because we'd have to change passports, etc).  We thought it best to wait until she got here before we dealt with what, for us anyways, wasn't a critical issue.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-09-26 12:47:00
China	Connecting through Vancouver using a K1	OP...if you are in SAT suggest she fly thru LAX, assuming you can't book a flight through DFW or IAH.  The advantage to LA are flight selection (more non-stops I would imagine).   Easy then to get a United non-stop to SAT, departing in the evening, so you have plenty of time to clear customs.  Other alternative is to fly into LAX at night, spend the night in LA, and forward to SAT in the morning.     I live in LA now, used to live in SAT and travelled a lot. LAX is a dumpy airport (and the wireless stinks) but you do get a lot of connections.  One other option is ORD, plenty of non stops on American to SAT.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-10-30 12:22:00
Asia: South	Visa in hand!!	Congratulations...long wait...best of luck!	JRF	Male	Vietnam	4/19/2014 10:35
Asia: East and Pacific	So happy and would like to meet new friends from Indonesia! :)	Little confused...you are getting married in Indonesia yet you are filing for a K-1?	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-12-21 09:15:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	Hello	Congratulations and best wishes for a happy future!	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-08-12 20:47:00
Africa: Sub-Saharan	waiting on case complete still	We submitted everything we needed last month and were waiting for case complete we sent everything and it was received on August 9th so I kept calling and checking for case complete on the 4th of Sept we got an email stating that we now have to do an online application to replace the paper application even though we submitted everything in August and this was a new procedure beginning Sept 1st so we did it and submitted it on the 6th I called tonight to find out how long it will take now that we submitted that for case complete and the rep said now we have an additional 30 business day wait for them to review the online form UGGGGGG.... Thanks just venting really no question....  Well actually I was wondering has anyone tried to picture the person that goes with the voice on NVC hold that tells you all the reps are busy.  I picture him in his mid 40s short balding with round glasses.  don't know why but that is what I think he looks like lol....   I think it is Walter Mitty.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-09-10 22:52:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	HOW DO YOU KNOW NVC HAS YOUR CASE?	I dont know that it makes much sense to expect the case number in less than three weeks - some might go faster but most probably don't.  Calling after three days might make it feel like you are doing something but what is really happening is you are increasing wait times for people with more legitimate requests.    Most of us had to wait a long time to get the this stage - waiting several weeks shouldn't be that bad.  I also believe they have an automated email that is generated once the case number is created.  Regardless, my advice would be to let it rest for a little while.    By the way - I am waiting for my case number as well so I know how it feels.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-06-12 12:09:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	Turbotax for last 3 years	I don't believe these will suffice - some may think otherwise but you are much safer providing actual transcripts.  The Turbo Tax pdf could be any number you want - although the W2s are objective evidence.  Again, best to play it safe if possible to avoid slowing down the process later in the event they ask you to provide an actual transcript.   You can order these online - have you tried that vs. calling?	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-07-29 12:51:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	IV and AOS Invoices - money drawn from my account but not posted	call the NVC if you are concerned   Thanks!   Regarding my first question - is the time frame unusual?	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-08-30 10:43:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	IV and AOS Invoices - money drawn from my account but not posted	Hello All   I paid the IV and AOS invoices for our CR-1 visa last week - both were invoiced at the same time and both payments came out of my bank (normal checking account at an American bank) account on Friday.  However, neither is showing as paid on the DOS website.  I know ACH's take several days to clear but it's been a week.  First - is this unusual?  Second, what have others done in similar situations to resolve the issue?  Thanks!	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-08-30 09:26:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	US Government Shutdown	I'm no expert, but my guess is the NVC, because they are contractors, will still work. DOS and the embassies will not, though, except for critical functions (in other words, no visa interviews or issuance).   I agree on the impact within DOS...even if NVC is staffed by contractors how will they be paid?   My best guess is a shut-down (and it's becoming more likely by the day) will be relatively short, maybe a week.  That said agencies are already preparing for the shutdown, meaning it's already likely to start impacting things.  And, it will take time to get things restarted.     Surely it can't be a good thing.  We still have to pay taxes though, even if they can't figure out how to play nice long enough to keep government running.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-09-21 19:44:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	Latest Trend in the Issuance of NVC Number for CR1 visas	Questions: 1  How long are we gonna wait for issuance of NVC number for CR 1 Visa?  and 2  How many months are we going to wait before we could be given a slot for interview? 3  How many days/months to wait before once a CR 1 visa is approved?     TIA       According to your timeline you received your NOA2 in April 2913, with no further entry.  Assuming this to be accurate you should have received your NVC case number in May or June, with an interview in October or November - it all depends upon particulars for your country (Philippines).  Check out your regional forum for more information as to how long it takes to obtain an interview date after NVC complete.  I am only familiar with VN.   So...you should be in contact with NVC to see if you have a case number.  If they do not have your file, call USCIS to see if it was lost.  Mine VJ history for guidance.   Good luck.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-11-30 20:18:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	am I considered 'unemployed' if I only collect rent as income?	Occupation - real estate investor.  Employer - self.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2014-05-01 06:36:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	K-1 8 weeks to get case number?	@stevie b...thanks for the advice.  Since I have nothing better to do I've spent most of the last two hours on various holds.  Waiting for a tier 2 CSR at USCIS now.  Waiting I can handle, what worries me is the file is lost or sent to the NRC.  The thought of having to refile another I-130 is motivating me to stay on hold as long as it takes.  I expect things to be slow, it's not knowing where the file is located that is scary.   Once I can confirm our file was sent to our local office (Santa Ana) I will make an infopass appointment.  I do have a question about that - there is a page that asks you to select from four radio buttons, none of which apply to us.  I believe the last button asks if has been 45 days since you filed a service request, and to bring a printed copy in for the appointment.  I haven't filed a service request until today.  Any advice on how to get past this to schedule the appointment?   For what it's worth I filed an electronic form with the DHS ombudsman.     Appreciate everyone's help.   Jim Edited by JRF, 09 July 2013 - 05:58 PM.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-07-09 17:56:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	K-1 8 weeks to get case number?	We received our NOA2 on May 29th and still waiting for case number.  I was also told eight weeks - it doesn't surprise me actually.  Our I-130 was probably sent by NBC to the local office (in this case Santa Ana) so the file likely has to go from the local office to a central USCIS office, and from their to NVC (just guessing).  I call every week JIC but I'm expecting it to take eight weeks if not longer.     I don't feel like calling every day (life must go on and why get worked up about something I cannot control).     Anyways, our situation is likely different than yours but that said do not expect anything to go quickly.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-07-06 21:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Upcoming Interview, please help!	Recommend she request transcripts from the IRS (when they are actually working) to support prior-year income.  Its free and fast (again, when they are open).  I believe pay stubs will work in lieu of an employment letter.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-10-07 21:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Approved!!!!!!	Congratulations on your approval and thank you for pointing out how many people worked to make it a success, despite all of the adversity.  Clearly the immigration process is broken, overwhelmed and underfunded.  Honestly it's sometimes a surprise to me how anyone working in these conditions can find the time and motivation to go above and beyond. However, they often do just that.     Your point about staying on top of the process is critical.  Ultimately we all own the outcome of our particular case.  Granted there are many things we cannot control.  That said, we each have the responsibility to focus on what we can do and this forum has been for me a great source of tips for how to positively impact the outcome.     Congratulations again and best of luck in your life together.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-09-11 21:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	K1 Visa Not Issued - Need Updated Docs	Be positive. You know what you need...get it done...get that visa and get on a plane! Best of luck!	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2014-03-05 07:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	More information needed	Without knowing the details it seems they need additional information before they can make a decision (either approve or deny).  It is normal for them to give back the passport when they do not approve the visa on the spot - otherwise, it would prevent people from traveling from Vietnam.   Key is what is in that email...	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2014-06-13 06:48:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	husband said "its not necessary to be a citizen"	Obtaining her citizenship and driving would give her more independence...none of us have any way of knowing whether her husband wants this...all we can do is offer our thoughts.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-07-07 16:43:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Out of State Driver's Licence at Interview	Living in one state and having a drivers license from another state is technically illegal - unless you have some kind of circumstance such as owning properties in both states. Where you have your primary residence is where you need to have your drivers license address.  Having an out of state license for other purposes such as paying a lesser insurance premium is illegal and will not go over well if they catch on to this.   Agree - only exception being the "technically".  It is illegal and is also called insurance fraud.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-08-07 10:51:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	what to wear for citizenship interview?	I'm old enough to have worn a suit and tie to work for the first five or so years of my career so take this with a grain of salt - but I recommend suit and tie.  I don't see you offending anyone with a suit and tie, or a sport coat and nice pants/shirt.  Again just my opinion but in these situations you want the focus to be on what you say, and not what you wear.  So the worn out jeans and Metallica t-shirt should stay in the closet...   And that is not a trivial question - the whole visa and citizenship process is very important - big stakes.  Your attention to detail shows you take it seriously! Edited by JRF, 22 August 2013 - 11:34 AM.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-08-22 11:32:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Husband is a US citizen and father to our baby born abroad. What to do now?	I just remembered, my husband was born in the US and that's how he became a US citizen. He then moved back to the Philippines and he would sometimes just go back to the US for short trips or to visit some of his relatives. I remember now that the reason we didn't file for CRBA is because before our daughter was born, he hasn't lived in the United States for at least 5 years. Probably only 3 years, 2 of which after age 14.   If he is a natural-born citizen, does it really even matter if he lived in the US prior to her birth?  I can see this requirement pertaining to naturalized citizens, but those born in the US, I wouldn't think so...	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-10-17 11:31:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	100 civic questions	This is probably dumb to ask... but on some of the questions have multiple answers. Do we learn one or all of the possible answers?   76. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do? Answer: - freed the slaves; - freed slaves in the Confederacy; - freed slaves in the Confederate states; - freed slaves in most Southern states   This was an executive order (meaning not a law passed by congress) that freed slaves in the confederate states, so the third answer above. It did not free slaves in every state. And there is no dumb question. I admire your effort to become a citizen. Best of luck! thank you!!	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2014-02-01 16:09:00
Canada	Child Support/Canadian Exiting Tax Return	Little confused...child support is not deductible in the US. If you are referring to claiming a non custodial child as a dependent suggest you refer to irs form 8332 rules. Beyond that there are age limits that vary based upon student status, disability etc. for that you really need to read up on IRS regs. Good luck	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2014-01-11 10:45:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	AR-11 Epic Fail!	Just be thankful that you do not have to submit all these forms in punch card format.  Could you image trying to find a puch card printer nowdays .  Now THAT would be OLD SCHOOL.   Dave   How do we know there isn't a bunch of gnomes in an underground office somewhere printing all of these forms, manually creating punch cards, then feeding the cards into a reader?  Can we at least say it's possible?	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-07-07 16:18:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	I really need y"ll help..please	I tnx for reading this. I HOPE Y"LL CAN HELP ME  I have 2 years green card and I need to sent to the USCIS the Removing Conditions form - I-751  I know that I need to bring Evidence but I have a different case  I was married at 2011 to 2014 Jan (the divorce was final at 2014  Jan)  after I got my GC we fly over sea to visit our family and after 5 month I fly back to USA because I didn't want to lose my GC and my wife decide to stay a little bit more.  after 2-3 month she start school over sea and she start cheating with a another man.  when I find out about it I fly back to my home country to try fixing our problems  I fly there two times just to bring her back to me, and all this time we still was consider as married but not together.  all this time I didn't divorce her because I had hope that we will come back to be togaed.  now I was finish the divorce 2 weeks ago, and I trying to get my 10 years GC but no matter how I or y"LL look at it there is no enough Evidence  that we was married & loved each other.  I really need help , I don't know what to do..  I even sent my wife money for school!!!!!  there is no place at the form I-751 that let u expline why you have evidence of being together only 18 mo...what append to the next 2 years? why you in USA and your wife over sea???  now y"ll get me?! even that I spend more then $15,000 just to fly there, I still cant say that no where in the form SO WHAT I NEED TO DO ????   Mildly curious..what is your home country?  Avatar says Israel.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2014-02-04 23:55:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Marriage not working out	Thanks JRF, but, if it does no good notifying USCIS in change of my and my wifes situation, why is it called a Conditional greencard.  Is there not stipulations have have to be met in order to have the conditions removed with the 10 year green card.  Makes no sense they give a 2 year conditional greencard, just to do anything you want and then apply for the 10 year card.  Again, why do they put conditions on a card, if the couple is no longer married, or separated or maybe divorced.   Thanks again   I understand your feelings, but think if USCIS actually took the time to investigate, adjudicate, and try to deport every instance where the immigrant applying for AOS was divorced.     Anyway, my only advice is to divorce ASAP and move on...	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2014-10-09 22:54:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Marriage not working out	I don't see any advantage to not immediately filing for divorce, as long as you are emotionally comfortable with the decision.  By remaining married, you are legally liable for debts she aquires.  I personally do not see any advantage to remaining married under these circumstances.  You need to quickly take steps to seperate your lives (including financial...do you really want her to have continued access to your bank account balance?).  I am not familiar with Wyoming laws but many states are community property states, which extends to both assets and debts.    As for the immigration side of things, unless you have good proof she entered into the marriage for fraudulent reasons I don't see any benefit to notifying USCIS. She can adjust status on her own, divorced or otherwise.  Sure, you can notify them of the change in circumstances, but it will be up to her to adjust status.  At this point what is done is done - the best you can do is limit your future liability via divorce.     Best of luck.	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2014-10-09 17:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Wife's visa in administrative processing 7 months!	I don't think I can make you feel better, only you can do that.  There are plenty of resources available here to help you take action.   As for a wife not understanding - anyone who takes this journey has to understand that it is hard.  Women are quite capable of understanding...I found that simply being transparent and honest with my wife about things works.     Good luck!	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-07-20 21:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Approved and thanks to everyone!!	Many congratulations and best wishes for a happy future together!	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-06-14 10:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	phone call with tier 2 after waiting for 7 months	Suggest you keep trying with the tier 2 - I suspect that they have to go to multiple systems to locate your file.  The reason I believe this is two-fold - tier 2 reps had to put me on hold while they looked up information on our file.  Also, when I went to the local office the IO went into two systems to check status (I asked him a lot of questions and he was very open about their challenges).   My understanding is that most files are being sent to local offices.  Until you can get a confirmation about the office location it makes no sense to schedule an Infopass appointment.  Once you've confirmed the location of the file and assuming it is at a local office go - be polite and professional but persistent.  The I-130 supervisor is the critical person in the process.  You need to get the IO to somehow speak to the supervisor.     I have spoken to a tier-2 IO's manager.  You can request that if you feel the tier 2 isn't responsive.  Call early in the day because you are likely going to have to wait for a call back and they shut down at 5 PM I believe.  I've spent hours on hold only to abandon the call because 5 PM came and went.   Try your senator or congressional rep.     Do some digging on the site and you'll find plenty of people who have been thru this.  Take advantage of their experience and good luck!	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-08-18 12:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Just mailed I-130 today	Best of luck!	JRF	Male	Vietnam	2013-08-17 10:40:00