ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Philippinesgot my green card
Typically one gets the 10 year green card if one has applied for the IR-1 (married for 2 years or more) OR during the process one has their 2 year anniversary and sometimes the 10 year card will be sent instead. K3s don't get a GC sent to them once the visa is activated, they have to go through AOS just like a K-1.

To the OP: if you filled out your paperwork using your maiden name, the GC comes in your maiden name, unless they have made a mistake. You may have to do some work to get your card switched if you plan on using your married name now that you are in the US.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-07-02 15:51:00
PhilippinesTravelling with AP in hand
I didn't have a problem with using AP at all.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-10-01 17:30:00
PhilippinesWedding Tips
make things yourself, or source them at other places rather than at bridal boutiques -- they are a complete rip-off!

If people offer to help, let them help.

Make a budget and stick to it.

Get a good photographer.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-10-07 23:34:00
PhilippinesObama's Acceptance Speech as the 44th President of U.S.A.
Both were fantastic speeches, I was impressed by both of them.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-11-05 18:29:00
Philippinesdid u change your hand written signature after marriage?
Yes, since I now go by my married name, my signature has changed. Once we were married, I starting using my married name to apply for things, so that is all you need to do. if there are things in your maiden name that you want to change to your married name, you probably will have to show a copy of your marriage certificate to prove why you want it changed. if you decide to stay with your maiden name, and not take on your husband's last name, you can carry on as usual.

If there is no spot specified for you to sign on your marriage certificate, then you don't have to sign it.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-10-02 16:25:00
PhilippinesConfused!
QUOTE (Teena and Joe @ Nov 25 2008, 08:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (sweet_wifey22 @ Nov 23 2008, 12:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello everyone , I am confused about the k3 route, Please explain it to me. My question is. What if I will not get the visa for k3? Can I just wait for the CR-1? My understanding was that if I will get interviewed for K3 it means that the CR-1 will no longer be my category?? PLEASE ENLIGHTEN ME GUYS> THank you very much! Good Luck to all of us!

sweet_wifey22



Hi, as far as I know, K3 visa is given to those spouse married for more than two years and CR-1 visa for spouse married less than two years.


no0pb.gif

The K3 visa is a spousal visa that brings the spouse into the US on a multiple entry visa (for 2 years). The K3 visa holder must then apply for AOS/EAD.

The CR-1 visa is for people married for less than 2 years. The spouse will enter and receive their GC without having to apply for it, and can work pretty much immediately.

The IR-1 visa is the same as the CR-1 visa, except that it's for couples that have been married for longer than 2 years.


The K3 visa was essentially created at a time when the other spousal visas were crawling as far as getting approvals. They tended to be approved faster, so spouses could come to the US to be together while waiting for the CR/IR-1s to get approved. Now, it's much better to just go for the CR/IR-1s, because the approval time is about the same, and the CR/IR-1s come into the US way farther ahead of the game.

Edited by Cassie, 25 November 2008 - 08:00 PM.

CassieFemaleCanada2008-11-25 19:57:00
PhilippinesPsoriasis
I have psoriasis (diagnosed in 1996), and I was not rejected because of it. smile.gif Please encourage her to release some of her anxiety, as stress can cause flare-ups.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-12-02 00:37:00
PhilippinesHow can I bring my wedding gown safely on my trip to US?
QUOTE (rlynvince @ Sep 30 2008, 05:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (RickieAndEva @ Sep 30 2008, 10:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
2 Years ago I went to the Philippines and my mom in the states called me and asked me to buy a Parol. I think that is what it is called. Anyway, its made of capis shell and Christmas lights and it was big, about 4 feet in diameter. What can be more fragile than that... I put it in a regular cardboard box and the "airline" placed a fragile sticker on it. And I prayed. When I got to LAX it was intact. Your dress will make it. Just have the airline place their fragile sticker on it and pray.

Rickie


Yeah thats what ive been thinking too. Maybe it will make it there safe and not crushed but Im still thinking of better way to make it more safe. Anyway, the box is all white and maybe people working at the airport will have a heart not to put it at the bottom of those other luggage they might think its a wedding gown inside it. Do u think the customs will still open it even if it already went to the xray conveyor?



I am telling you, they do not care about your luggage. no0pb.gif To make sure your dress is safe, and doesn't risk the chance of getting lost if they lose your luggage, you need to take it on the plane with you. Pack it in a garment bag. When you get to the US, take it out of the bag, hang it up for a couple of days to help the wrinkles to fall out. If you feel it needs it, you can try and rent a portable garment steamer -- like what clothing stores use to de-wrinkle clothes before they are put out on the racks. My dress was pretty poufy and heavy, and I successfully brought it to the US, and then back to Canada using the method I described above (6 different planes!). I jsut didn't want to risk it.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-09-30 18:51:00
PhilippinesHow can I bring my wedding gown safely on my trip to US?
Do NOT put it in your checked luggage. Put it in a garment bag, and carry it on the plane with you and ask the flight attendants to hang it up -- they usually have space in the front of the plane to hang up garment bags.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-09-29 20:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWhen did you get your NOA2 email?
we never received an email. then again, when calling the 1-800 misinformation line, we found out that my husband's last name was entered as Camel (which sounds a lot like our last name) by one of the other phone reps. So yeah, we can take the online account thing with a grain of salt.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-04-27 21:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsIs this normal?

Well, I just learned something new. I didn't realize that the NVC also issues a letter....I thought after NOA2 all communication went to the beneficiary. So the petitioner receives a paper letter from NVC, before the petition is sent to the beneficiary's consulate? Just want to confirm I'm reading the above posts correctly.
Thanks,
-P



We received a "snail mail" letter from NVC, which was sent to my hubby, the USC. Not everyone has received NVC letters, if I remember correctly.

The key here is making sure you have the NOA2, because you will need it for filing AOS after marriage.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-05-18 00:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsapproved!!!

It seems that this calling about possible RFE and getting the approval over the phone is working for those that have seen a touch online, but no status change. But I don't think there's anything to do for those of us that don't have a touch at all....just wait some more. :( I'm so bummed! :(

-P



I honestly feel that touches or no touches, calls or no calls really don't have anything to do with it. Don't lose hope because you haven't had any "touches".


Congratulations to the OP.

Edited by Cassie, 16 May 2007 - 05:40 PM.

CassieFemaleCanada2007-05-16 16:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsUSCIS Website says one thing but they don't see it!
If it makes you feel better, we never received emails from USCIS during the entire process. Or got touched.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-05-20 22:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsE-mails from USCIS
we have never received emails, ever.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-05-25 19:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVery Frustrated
I hope you're not still using that lawyer!
CassieFemaleCanada2007-06-16 08:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA 2 Hardcopy
If your hard copy does not arrive in the mail, you will have to apply and pay for a duplicate copy, you will need it to complete the AOS process after you are married.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-08 14:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsafter NOA1 what's next
wait wait wait wait!
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-10 09:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApproved today!!
Congratulations! :)
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-09 21:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCall congressman or senator!!!!!!!!!!!!
If I had a buck for every time we had people start a letter writing campaign on here, I'd be a rich woman...... :whistle:
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-17 22:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVisa Fairness
If people don't like the fact that their SO's can't easily get visitor visas, don't get cranky at the US gov't, get cranky at all the fellow countrymen/women who came before your SO and abused the system so much that your country is considered high-fraud. is that fair? Nope. Does it suck? Yep. But that's the reality.

The OP's posts make me cranky on so many levels, but I will refrain!
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-22 09:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDepressed..
I humbly suggest not checking the USCIS website for a couple of days, or limit it to just once a day -- it's obviously causing you unneccessary stress. I also agree with others who have posted ideas about keeping your mind occupied doing other things, that helps so much and keeps you from dwelling on the process.

Best wishes!
CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-11 09:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThis is what's going on.
good.gif good.gif rebeccajo!
CassieFemaleCanada2007-09-27 22:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThis is what's going on.
QUOTE (moxcamel @ Sep 26 2007, 04:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Also, when you attack another VJ'er, the terrorists win. smile.gif smile.gif


hahahaha!!! good.gif good.gif
CassieFemaleCanada2007-09-26 16:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThis is what's going on.
QUOTE (meow mix @ Sep 26 2007, 01:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (chris4gretchen @ Sep 26 2007, 02:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (meow mix @ Sep 26 2007, 11:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'd question the US government if the US government just let anyone and everyone in who said they were a fiance of a USC.



oh yeah, as i posted before...remind me again how many of the 911 hijackers and terrorists were here on a K1 or K3 visa blink.gif

maybe they should spend all this time on student visas.
Chris


I didn't say anything about terrorism. How about all the VISA and MARRIAGE fraud that is rampant but we choose not to talk about?




So true -- I bring it up in various threads and not much of a peep in response.
http://www.visajourn...p;#entry1192842
CassieFemaleCanada2007-09-26 13:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThis is what's going on.
QUOTE (BYRON-LEIDY @ Sep 26 2007, 01:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Im curious to know , about a year ago, were there VJ members upset about the processing times??? Just curious to know if there has been that much of a drastic change?



there's always been someone upset with processing times -- some with good reason, and some not. We've had the TSC slowdown, "why is Vermont so much faster", IMBRA, and now the whole increase of fees/influx of "file before July 31" petitions......and those who would complain for no good reason......and that's been the past 3 years I have been on VJ in a nutshell. But the crazy thing is, like rebeccajo has stated time and time again, the process has gotten better over time....crazy, ain't it??

Edited by Cassie, 26 September 2007 - 01:27 PM.

CassieFemaleCanada2007-09-26 13:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThis is what's going on.
QUOTE (meow mix @ Sep 26 2007, 01:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (devilette @ Sep 26 2007, 01:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was separated from my fiance for 5 months, is my opinion worthy enough for VJ? My interview took 151 days from filing - hope that's good enough! wacko.gif

A year ago we had crazy IMBRA delays.

This year fees went up & there was a mass influx of apps to beat the date. OF COURSE THERE WILL BE SLOW DOWNS. You'll get thru it, ike the thousands before you, no matter if it's 2 months or 10.



I was long distance for 8 months, but we were in the same country so we didn't have to do K1 and our AOS didn't take that long so I know I'm not good enough for half the people here. (I thought the interview letter was a fake, took me 2 days to believe it.)

It's always a struggle, and everyone's always going to think they have the short end of the stick (when they don't, at least they can bring their loved ones here), and everyone is always going to have issues that make their case nervewracking to them. I'm just so tired of seeing this entitlement minded ####### and these pissing contests about WHO'S JOURNEY IS MORE DIFFICULT!!

We're all in this together, or we're all supposed to be. This isn't support, this is more just trying to bring people down because OH NO THEY COULD NEVER UNDERSTAND MY BEING AWAY FROM MY FIANCE. Newsflash: THIS IS WHAT WE CHOSE. I'd question the US government if the US government just let anyone and everyone in who said they were a fiance of a USC. If you can't accept the long wait times, then move to their country. I'm sure I could move to Peru in an instant (or if I can't, it's hella hard to find information on the process which leads me to believe it can't be that complicated) but we didn't choose to do that so I have to accept that which I cannot change. The US is the country with more fraud than any other, and a lot of these applications are coming from high fraud posts and they have to be careful.

I'd so like to see a little more of "we'll get through this" as opposed to "my journey's harder kthxbai" but that will never happen. This is America, after all.

(And dev you know none of that is directed at you, I agree with you completely tongue.gif)



Make that two of us. Great post!
CassieFemaleCanada2007-09-26 13:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThis is what's going on.
QUOTE (BYRON-LEIDY @ Sep 26 2007, 12:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (devilette @ Sep 26 2007, 01:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was separated from my fiance for 5 months, is my opinion worthy enough for VJ? My interview took 151 days from filing - hope that's good enough! wacko.gif


I have been separated for over 4 months without even receiving my NOA2!!! so 5 months doesnot even seem realistic, for me or for the many others with the same predicament!!



apparently not, Devilette. At least you have more of a fighting chance than I, who "only" waited 2 months, but whose empathy and or sympathy is not welcome because I didn't suffer enough. But that's ok, since TSC is coming back to bite my butt on getting my 10 year green card. karma's a pain, hey???

VJ, sheesh!

Edited by Cassie, 26 September 2007 - 12:54 PM.

CassieFemaleCanada2007-09-26 12:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThis is what's going on.
oh sheesh, enough with the "since you didn't wait for your K-1 as long as me, you can't say anything" rhetoric already!
CassieFemaleCanada2007-09-26 12:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWhat to send to your fiance(e) once the I-129F is approved (Receive NOA2)
never ever ever send in originals (other than the actual forms). To USCIS I mean. However, since the cow is already out of the barn on that one, not sure what else you will send to your fiance, other than evidence that has been generated since you submitted the original petition.

Edited by Cassie, 14 October 2007 - 11:23 AM.

CassieFemaleCanada2007-10-14 11:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHow do you know you've been touched? Can you influence one?
If, early on in your Visa Journey, you accept that the notion of touches is something that VJ'ers came up with to track action on your file (real or not), and that touches really don't mean anything to USCIS, you will be much better off. I don't mean that to be snotty, I mean that in a way to preserve your sanity. smile.gif

I humbly suggest you read this and pay particular attention near the beginning where he talks about how "touches" are generated.
http://www.visajourn...dicator-q-and-a
CassieFemaleCanada2007-11-09 09:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsPetition sent to WRONG Consulate!!! God I just want to cry!!!
Email the Montreal consulate, let them know of the situation. They will then get in contact with Vancouver, who will tell them that they are agreeing to take your case. Then Montreal will transfer it.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-11-15 22:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWas it hard for you and your fiance to go through this process? How do you feel? Tell us about it. :)
Honestly, the worst part of this process for me has been settling in here in the US. I do not recommend moving to the US just before Christmas! It also didn't help that my mom was diagnosed with leukemia a few months after I moved. I will have been here three years in November, and it's only been recently that I feel really comfortable living here.

For my hubby, the time apart waiting for the visa was the worst, he's not a very patient person! But we both knew what we were getting into, and were prepared for a long wait. We were pleasantly surprised when it didn't take as long as we originally thought (we were blessed in that both TSC and Montreal were in the middle of fast spells).
CassieFemaleCanada2007-10-10 08:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMedical Records
You will be asked a series of questions about your medical history (surgeries, any hospital say of significant length, medications you may be taking, etc etc). If you have a long list of things to remember (like I did wacko.gif ) you may want to make a list to take with you to jog your memory. The only medical records you will need are records of your vaccinations.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-01-31 18:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsQuestion: Are cases assigned officers according to Beneficiaries country?
QUOTE (mox @ Mar 5 2008, 11:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Case officers are not assigned by country. Read the Q&A with an ex-adjudicator for more inside info.



Aye, and keep in mind that VJ is just a small representative sample of what is going on during this process -- a ton of UK'ers who filed in Sept/Oct may have gotten approved, and we just don't know it because they aren't part of our community. smile.gif
CassieFemaleCanada2008-03-05 10:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportswoo!
QUOTE (trinner @ Mar 8 2008, 03:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (melusine @ Mar 7 2008, 10:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
trinner... did u talked to a real person ?


Yes, I called yesterday and today, still not there. Just another part of this strange system... some get there in a few days, and some in a few weeks. Frustrating.



it's dependant on how often the service centre ships to NVC. Once it gets to NVC, it'll scoot right on out of there pretty quick smile.gif
CassieFemaleCanada2008-03-08 02:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSetting a wedding date for k-1 Visas
Before I post this, I must add this disclaimer: don't do what I did. smile.gif

We talked with the owner of the wedding/reception site, and the photograpy/videography team, and told them about our situation. They agreed to work with us and as long as we gave them enough head's up time, we could switch the dates if we had to. fortunately at that time, the consulate we were dealing with was fairly predictable, and we based our date on that. We cut it reeeeaaaallllllllyyyyy close, but got away with it. I don't advise it for anyone, especially with how unpredictable things are now.

We did, however, have the wedding we wanted and it was fabulous smile.gif
CassieFemaleCanada2008-03-17 22:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHow to Shake Your NOA2 Loose from the CSC
QUOTE (TBoneTX @ Mar 8 2008, 03:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Cassie @ Mar 7 2008, 07:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have yet to see any real proof that this method does anything other than telling people what they already know -- their petition isn't on someone's desk yet. And count me among those who are taking issue with using the RFE line for something other than what is intended.

My case is proof. A USCIS agent suggested using the line in order to avoid the stone wall of the front-line screeners.
Say, where did you get your "another infamous TSC/VSC loser" bumper-sticker at the bottom of your post, Cheryl? A lot of people might want one, especially if the Center can be converted to "CSC." Finally, congratulations on what appears at first glance to be a smooth personal timeline from the beginning of your Journey through the present.



One case does not a convincing argument make. Please tell me who else tried this particular method and had the success you advertise -- ie. "shaking your NOA2 loose"

The TSC Loser tag comes from a ragtag group of people looking to get their 10 year green card from someone, anyone. We languished at TSC as we watched many people who filed after us get transferred to CSC and get approved quickly. We now sit at VSC hoping that we will be approved sometime soon. The irony is not lost on me that until Jan 31, 2008, we wished we had been transferred to CSC.

And yes, my timeline up to this point has been very smooth, Jerry and I recognize that we have been very fortunate. I am not sure what that has to do with this discussion.

Edited by Cassie, 08 March 2008 - 02:20 AM.

CassieFemaleCanada2008-03-08 02:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHow to Shake Your NOA2 Loose from the CSC
QUOTE (LaL @ Mar 7 2008, 06:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (TBoneTX @ Mar 7 2008, 04:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (hoosier @ Mar 7 2008, 03:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yeah the flaming is not really in good spirit of what these boards are all about. I'll refrain from anymore myself.

As far as this thread being closed I get the impression that RJ was and is trying to fan the flames in this post to get the mods to close it. I've seen this tactic used before on other forums. She don't agree with the advice and the easiest way to get her way is to have this post removed because of all the flaming.

There were a couple such, referred to in a post several pages back...

It would be nice indeed if people would return to posting their experiences, like Diana says -- both positive and otherwise. If it results that certain of RJ's suppositions are correct, then the method will die a natural death, thus achieving what appears to be her goal. An honest account of people's experiences is what this thread was intended for.


Rebeccajo's goal is not as you seem to be understanding. Her concern is coming from a broader perspective that it has been stated that these lines are not to be abused by people attempting to get information by going through a channel not intended for such. I do think the issue some have here with your supposed method is that you are outright encouraging people to call without care as to the result of the encouragement. I do think its reckless as is your promotion of this "shaking your petition loose".



AMEN. I have yet to see any real proof that this method does anything other than telling people what they already know -- their petition isn't on someone's desk yet. And count me among those who are taking issue with using the RFE line for something other than what is intended.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-03-07 20:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHow to Shake Your NOA2 Loose from the CSC
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Feb 26 2008, 05:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think it's a serious delusion to think that simply because one is able to reach an 'Immigration Officer' by ringing in on the RFE line, that this Officer is somehow more empowered to 'help' your case. They may have access to a bit more information, but I have yet to see real compelling evidence that anyone - anyone - has seen their actual case move forward more quickly due to making this call. You might get a temporary 'feel good' but beyond that, I am unconvinced.



Exactly.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-02-26 16:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsgetting harder everyday
QUOTE (ZeeNusah @ Apr 9 2008, 01:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
(5) I found something to do to take my mind off the process. I started reading more, going out for drives...anything to get me away from the computer. I started taking detours home from work so that by the time I got home it was dinner and then bed...no time to check on an approval.


This is great advice. The more you dwell on the process, the more you suffer. Dwell on the future, and not on the present. It's hard, but it will make you feel better in the long run.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-04-09 13:33:00