Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
USCIS Service Centers	MAJOR NEWS!! They are cleaning house! All 4 Service Centers!	I would tend to agree, who knows what this really means. My experience with DHS is that is a secretive and highly-politicized beauracracy, this won't change no matter what kind of public ad for employment they are running today. If anything, we should expect more secrecy, more delays, more politics as usual in the process. More indefinite waits in 'administrative review'. It may also mean that Bush wants any and every vote in Nov. and beyond for the Republican party, too. So there is an incentive to make everyone happy here. This is HUGE NEWS! It's been announced in another part of the website by someone else, but I thought it should be reported here as well. They are cleaning house! COMPLETELY cleaning house! They are looking to fill ALL 4 Service Centers will new Directors. ALL FOUR! 8/28 - 9/11! This is a huge shakeup it seems! http://jobsearch.usa...s... 7:25:57 AM Citizenship and Immigration Services Department: Department Of Homeland Security Agency: Citizenship and Immigration Services Job Announcement Number: EXSER/06-034CIS Overview Close Window Print Director, Service Center Salary Range: 109,808.00 - 165,200.00 USD per year Open Period: Monday, August 28, 2006 to Monday, September 11, 2006 Series & Grade: ES-0340-000/000 Position Information: Full-Time Permanent Duty Locations: 1 vacancy - Dallas, TX 1 vacancy - Laguna Niguel, CA 1 vacancy - Lincoln area, NE 1 vacancy - St. Albans, VT Who May Be Considered: Applications will be accepted from all groups of qualified persons within the Civil Service. Job Summary: The President has challenged cabinet Secretaries and senior Federal agency heads to create a government that is more citizen centered, results oriented, and market based. To achieve this vision within The Department of Homeland Security, we are searching for high caliber leaders who possess high standards of excellence and enjoy challenges and opportunities. NOTE: This vacancy announcement will be used to fill Director, Service Center positions in 4 duty locations (see attached sheet). Qualified applicants who would like to be considered for Director, Service Center positions at the SES level in any of these locations must apply by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. You will be considered for all 4 duty locations, however, you may identify any and all duty location preferences on the attached sheet. Key Requirements: Duties Major Duties: As Director of an assigned Service Center, you will be responsible for planning, directing, managing, and coordinating the activities of the Center to include processing and adjudicating applications and petitions for immigration and nationality benefits and privileges. To support these functions, you will be responsible for related functions to include fraud detection, records operations, public information services, and operation of computer support systems and administrative support activities. You will be responsible for developing and implementing policies, procedures, guidelines, and standards for the effective and efficient operation of all Service Center functions. You must be cognizant of and sensitive to the national political, social, economical, and national security conditions that impact the petitioners and applicants of immigration benefits. You will provide guidance and recommendations to senior agency officials and subordinates on advanced adjudication techniques and resolve critical problems in a timely and cost effective manner. You will routinely interact with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Customs and Border Protection; other Department of Homeland Security entities/officials; law enforcement and federal, state, and local judicial entities/officials; Congressional Members; foreign consulates; Department of State representatives; General Accountability Office representatives; stakeholders; and a variety of non-governmental and corporate leaders in the course of everyday activities. As a member of the agency’s executive team, you will implement the President’s Management Agenda within your specific area of responsibility. For an overview of the diverse responsibilities CIS carries out within the Government, visit our web site at www.uscis.gov Qualifications Qualifications: You must clearly show that you possess the experience, knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of an executive. Unless you are currently serving under a career Senior Executive Service (SES) appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or have successfully completed an SES Candidate Development Program approved by the Office of Personnel Management, you must submit a narrative statement covering each of the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). All candidates must address the technical qualification(s) listed below. Additional information on the Qualifications is available at www.opm.gov/ses/handbook.html. Your examples should be clear and concise, and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments with results of your actions, policy initiatives, and level of contacts. We recommend that you limit your narrative to two pages per Qualification. Executive Core Qualifications ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE: You must have demonstrated an ability to develop and implement an organizational vision. This vision must integrate key corporate or governmental goals, priorities, values, and other factors to achieve results. Describe your ability to balance change and continuity; to continually strive to improve program performance within your area of responsibility; to create a work environment that encourages creative thinking; and to maintain focus, intensity and persistence, even under adversity. Be specific in describing results achieved. ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE: You must demonstrate the ability to design and implement strategies that maximize employee potential and foster high ethical standards in meeting your organization’s vision, mission, and goals. Describe your experience in strategic program management and your experience in reducing the distance between customers and decision-makers and reshaping organizations to achieve results. ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN: This core qualification stresses accountability and continuous improvement. It involves aligning individual performance accountability with organizational results. To ensure an organization that is results-oriented, you must have the ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce results through strategic planning, and implementing and evaluating programs and policies. It also involves using various professional/technical resources and other general management tools to establish program and/or policy goals and the structure and process necessary to implement the organization’s mission and strategic vision. ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN: You will implement the President’s Management Agenda for strategic human resources management, competitive sourcing programs, e-government initiatives, integration of budget and performance goals, and improved financial performance in your program area. You must demonstrate the ability to acquire and administer human, financial, material, and information resources in a manner that instills public trust and accomplishes the organization’s mission; and the ability to use new technology to enhance decision-making. ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS/COMMUNICATION: You must have the ability to explain, advocate and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner; to negotiate with individuals and groups internally and externally; develop an expansive professional network with other organizations; and identify the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization. Technical Qualifications 6. Expert knowledge of immigration and nationality benefits and privileges, as well as federal immigration laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing the adjudication of applications and petitions for immigration and nationality benefits. You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this position. How You Will Be Evaluated: You will be evaluated on the basis of the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience, and education. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Executive Resources Board will evaluate your application to determine the degree to which you meet the qualification requirements for this position. The DHS Board will refer the top applicants for selection to the Secretary, DHS or delegated appointing authority. In most cases, an individual’s executive qualifications must also be certified by a Qualifications Review Board as a prerequisite to final selection. Benefits Benefits: The total compensation package includes other benefits and options. Total employer paid contributions are worth approximately $20,000 - $27,000 excluding paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, and performance-based bonuses. Other Information: We will pay your relocation expenses in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations. If you are hired, you will have to complete a Public Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days after appointment. If you are a male and are hired, and if you were born after December 31, l959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 seeks to preserve jobs for those who are legally entitled to them: American citizens and aliens who are authorized to work in our country. This law requires employees to provide a document or documents that establish identity and employment eligibility. Background Investigation: This position is a sensitive position and the tentative selectee must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation as a condition of placement/retention in the position. A security clearance is required. Drug Testing: This position has been identified as a Testing Designated Position under the USCIS Applicant and Employee Drug Testing Program. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of placement and/or employment in the position and the incumbent(s) of this position is thereafter subject to Random Drug Testing. Probationary Period: You will serve a one-year probationary period unless you previously completed a probationary period in the SES. Our Benefits Package: You will be eligible for performance bonuses of 5 to 20 percent of base pay for superior accomplishments. You will be covered by a defined benefit, contributory Federal retirement system. You may participate in a retirement savings investment plan that offers before-tax savings and tax-deferred investment earnings. You may select one of a variety of health plans and options under the Government’s Federal Employees’ Health Benefits program and you may participate in the Federal Employees’ Group Life and Long Term Care Insurance Programs. You will earn 26 vacation days per year. Employees also earn 13 days of sick leave per year. In addition, the Government observes 10 regular paid holidays each year. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is an equal employment employer: Selection for positions will be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status or other differences. USCIS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. How To Apply How To Apply: U.S. Department of Homeland Security CBP, HRM, USCIS Executive Services, Rm 2.4-E Attn: EXSER/06-034CIS Ben Franklin Station P.O. Box 14560 Washington, D.C. 20044-4560 Address for Express Mail Only: U.S. Department of Homeland Security CBP, HRM, USCIS Executive Services, Rm 2.4-E Attn: Margaret Black, EXSER/06-034CIS 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20229 Your application must be received by September 11, 2006. Please note that applications mailed in franked government envelopes will not be considered for this position. In addition to your narrative statement addressing the Executive Core Qualifications and the Technical Qualification(s), submit a résumé, curriculum vitae, the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612), or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications. Whatever you submit, you must include the following information in order to receive full consideration for this position: · Vacancy announcement number EXSER/06-034CIS · Full name, mailing address, and day and evening telephone numbers · Social Security Number · Educational information, including the name, city and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degree received. · Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://www.ed.gov/ad...cred/index/html · Information about your paid and non-paid work experience related to this position including: - Job title (include series and grade if Federal job) - Duties and accomplishments - Employer’s name and address - Supervisor’s name and phone number - Starting and ending dates of employment (month and year) - Salary · Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor · Information about honors, awards, and special accomplishments Our evaluation will be based on the information you supply. We may also verify performance, suitability, and security information from reference checks and take that information into account in making employment offers. _______________________________________________________ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director, Service Center Vacancy Announcement EXSER/06-034CIS Qualified applicants will be considered for all 4 duty locations; however, you may identify any and all duty location preferences in the space provided below: ______ Dallas, TX ______ Laguna Niguel, CA ______ Lincoln, NE ______ St. Albans, VT Name:_______________________________ SSN:____________________ Contact Information: Margeret Black Phone: 202-344-2478 Or write: Department Of Homeland Security 13000 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Room 2.4E Washington, DC 20229 US What To Expect Next: . EEO Policy Statement The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor. Reasonable Accommodation Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Veterans Information Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and were separated under honorable conditions may be eligible for veterans' preference. For service beginning after October 15, 1976, the veteran must have served the required length of time and have a Campaign Badge, Expeditionary Medal, a service-connected disability, or have served in the Gulf War between August 2, 1990, and January 2, 1992. The Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) gives veterans access to job vacancies that might otherwise be closed to them. The law allows eligible veterans to compete for vacancies advertised under agency's promotion procedures when the agency is seeking applications from outside of its own workforce. To claim veterans' preference, veterans should be ready to provide a copy of their DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof. Veterans with service connected disability and others claiming 10 point preference will need to submit Form SF-15, Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. For more specifics on all veterans employment issues such as Veterans preference or special appointing authorities see the VetGuide. Legal Regulatory Social Security Number - Your Social Security Number is requested under the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify your records from those of other applicants who may have the same name. As allowed by law or Presidential directive, your Social Security Number is used to seek information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who may know you. Failure to provide your Social Security Number on your application materials, will result in your application not being processed Privacy Act - Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361. Signature - Before you are hired, you will be required to sign and certify the accuracy of the information in your application. False Statements - If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action. Selective Service - If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Close Window Print Send Mail Send Mail to: Department Of Homeland Security 13000 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Room 2.4E Washington, DC 20229 US Questions For questions about this job: Margeret Black Phone: 202-344-2478 USAJOBS Control Number: 721746 Print	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-09-04 10:03:00
Mexico, Latin & South America	Interview finished at Cuban Interests Section, but still delaying	Hello, all! I submitted an I-134 fiancee visa for my Cuban fiancee Vilma. The Petition for Alien Fiancee was submitted on Oct. 12, 2005. On 23 May 2007, Vilma attended her scheduled interview at the U.S. Interests Section (USINT) in Havana and apparently the US embassy did not find anything wrong with our paperwork. However, the official at the US Interests Section requested that Vilma return with her CV (curriculum vitae) and submit it for their review. Vilma has a professional background as a biologist. The following week, during the 6th or 7th of June, 2007, Vilma returned to the USINT with her translated CV and an official worker made some copies and told her the papers would be kept for further review. No one at the USINT was able to give Vilma an approx. date for an approval for her visa. It has been over 500 days since I submitted the paperwork, during that time the US government has done background checks of me and also of Vilma, so I believe that any further delays in the processing of her visa to the US is unwarranted and unreasonable. My fiancee has already finished her interview for a visa at the US embasssy, but they wouldn't give her any timeline on how long this review of her CV is supposed to take. They made copies or faxed her CV. Does anyone have any ideas how long this process will take? We've already spend enough time just to get past the interview stage. Yes, check my timeline, it was over 500 days. I was hoping that someone who has been in a similar situation here, that person might be able to give me a rough idea of how long it will take for the embassy or whoever to review my fiancee's CV and to get the visa approved. I personally reviewed the translation for proper English format and I think it was perfectly readable by them. My fiancee turned in the CV, they've already spend countless hours and days going over all the I-134 paperwork so I don't know why they should be stalling much on this minor piece of paper which wasn't even requested in the original paperwork to begin with. I mean, it's been over 500 days so what's their big problem? How long should I wait before requesting help from local congressional reps or a lawyer here? Thanks for the help!	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2007-06-09 06:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	documentation needed at interview	I will have to rely a lot on my Cuban fiancee's requests, as each country is probably getting different treatments, and the overall K1 process is probably changing and evolving to one degree or another. As much as I would prefer otherwise, Cuba has a red mark against it in the minds of certain politicians, so the government typically acts weird and unusual on anything to do with it. So what's good for other Caribbean countries, won't necessarily be true here. If she thinks more photos are necessary, then I'll have to supply them, but OTOH earlier replies to my previous questions have claimed that lots of picts are almost mandatory, but I got by with only 1 dark and grainy pict of us together, poor photographer that I am, although I did supply other documentary evidence, such as event schedules that confirm my presence in the country at the time I claimed on form, and other secondary proof that would be fairly solid. If she comes across as a dissident, don't grasp their reality very well myself, I'd be surprised if the thing wasn't rubber-stamped and she's sent on her way --- at least on the US side of the process. Hope it goes smoothly in any case. Question. Will we have to resubmit any evidence or proof of our relationship which was previously sent in to the CIS for the first part of the K1 process? My fiancee wants me to send more photos of us together, to bring to the interview, but I am thinking this is irrelevant, as proof of relationship has already been established at this point. I got past the RFEs and that's a done deal, so they should have this part of the K1 documentation available already. I'm not sure whether you're confusing proof of having met (that's filed with I-129f) with proof of relationship (needed for the interview). Anyways, your fiancee has to submit proof of ongoing relationship - add more to what you've previously sent out, if any. E-mails, pictures of you guys together, phone bills, chat logs, letters from friends/family that would be able to state that your relationship is a legitimate one. I would think that what is more important at the interview is current financial assets, aka I-134 Affidavit of Support, ect. I think it varies in different countries. But both are important, otherwise, they wouldn't ask for any documents/proof regarding the relationship or the ability of the sponsor to support the beneficiary so they won't be a burden to the US government.	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-09-03 21:53:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	documentation needed at interview	My fiancee has just got her 'superpacket' of paperwork to finalize the K1 visa process thru the US embassy (actually the US Interests Section, as this is Cuba and this is not a 'normal' country as far as US diplomacy goes). It goes without saying that, at this point, we've gotten past CIS and the NVC, of course. Question. Will we have to resubmit any evidence or proof of our relationship which was previously sent in to the CIS for the first part of the K1 process? My fiancee wants me to send more photos of us together, to bring to the interview, but I am thinking this is irrelevant, as proof of relationship has already been established at this point. I got past the RFEs and that's a done deal, so they should have this part of the K1 documentation available already. I would think that what is more important at the interview is current financial assets, aka I-134 Affidavit of Support, ect. I don't forsee any major obstacles in this situation, as I can show sufficient financial assets to meet the 125% minimum poverty levels for the size of the family for this year and next. I am not unemployed nor do I expect to be unemployed anytime soon. Also, I forwarded to my fiancee a list of typical questions which she can expect to have to answer, and I assume she will be ready for that at the interview. So I am thinking this is the major issues to prepare for at the interview. Am I right on this? Would it be a good idea to attend the interview with my fiancee? I would prefer to save some of my money for our marriage and wedding, especially as my Cuban fiancee has relatives in Miami, which would be something I have plan for.	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-09-03 12:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	bank account reference letter	For my I-134 Financial Affidavit, I contacted customer service of my bank for an account reference letter. They said it would cost $25 dollars and I have to do it over the phone. They would put in an order request for this and it would be mailed out in 5-7 days. This has not happened, it's been 2 weeks now. I was put on hold for a long time and I am disappointed that the bank agent apparently did not follow thru with my request. I wasn't given any more information about it, or how to track the request for reference purposes. Since I'm having such a hard time with this bank, would it be okay to simply include the last 12 months of my bank statements in leiu of the letter from on their business stationary? Ideally the bank account reference letter is supposed to have the following details: Date account opened Total amount deposited for the past year Present balance Average balance last year but can I just submit my previous bank statements?	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2007-03-11 18:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Interview finished, embassy requested CV	Thanks for the post, brad. How did you arrange the 2nd interview? Did you just set up an appointment by phone or did you re-file all the K1 paperwork again? I don't have the money to attend an interview at this time, mainly because I would have to take a lot of time off from work, and also if they want to ask me any questions, they can have me come to a local immigration office and record everything and forward it to the embassy. I mean, video-teleconferencing isn't that big of a deal with high-speed ethernet. The Republic of Cuba has no direct consular relations with USA, there is no US embassy in Havana per se, it is an "Interests Section" aka USINT, so I don't know how the US will be able to get any more information from Vilma's employer, which was with the Cuban government. Generally everyone in Cuba works for the Cuban government, unless it is some kind of illegal or free-lance enterprise which could possibly get you arrested or in trouble with local police. Maybe the US has to work behind the scenes, so to speak, to get some credible evidence. I have a competent, working knowledge of Spanish, and I also use machine translation software with a Spanish <--> English specialized medical dictionary as aid to translations. My fiancee also can get translations done in Cuba, she already had to translated some previous legal documents that we submitted in our K1, she went over my suggestions to the translated pages and after some review, we were satisfied that the CV document was in clear and accurate English. A CV is just a basic paper listing your education background, it's not rocket science but I suppose it could be in some cases, as she has extensive knowledge of immunology. I include some excerpts of the CV for your interrest: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Subject: Summary of scientific work In 1983, I graduated with a B.S. degree in Biology at the College of Biology, University of Havana. Following my undergraduate degree, I began to work professionally within the Cuban “Scientific Pole” at the National Center for the Production of Laboratory Animals (CENPALAB) in operations such as: 1. Training in the different stages of freezing and transfer of mammal embryos, specifically mice, and for which I later traveled overseas to the Centre de Sêlection et d'Elevage d'Animaux de Laboratoire (CSEAL) in Orleans, France, working there for a 2-month period. 2. Developing a vaccine for Canine Parvovirus. --- ...During the years 1993 to 2004, I worked in the Finlay Institute, in Quality Control/Quality Assurance, pursuing work as an “A-class Specialist” in the quality control(QC) of drugs and medications, carrying out diverse activities related within my specialty... ...1. “Evaluation of Horse-grown Hyper-immune Measles Serums” presented during the event: “Biotechnology within the Pharmacist- Physician Industry”, given in Havana City on June 30, 1995 and published in the magazine CNIC Vol.26, Special number 1995 and in the Cuban magazine, Pharmacy Vol.30/95. 2. “Comparative study of two outlines of immunization in rabbits for obtaining hyper-immune specific serums related to several respiratory viruses”, presented in “The 6th Congress of the Cuban Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences” and published in the Cuban magazine, Pharmacy Vol.30/95. Patent Certification: 1. Author of Invention. Vaccine for Canine Parvovirus , corresponding to the International Patent Classification, 5th edition, A61K 29/23, given in Havana City at the National Office of Inventions, Technical Information and Trademarks. December 6, 1994. -----------------------------------------end of CV------------------------------------------------ I think our situation is seemingly similar. both me and my wife had background checks, although thank god our process was so short, but we did have problems, first they interview her for 45 minutes, and asked her questions about so many things, even about private matters, then they denied her and never gave a clear real reason, to this day we are not sure what the reason is??, then the interview ended when my wife broke down in tears and walked away from the window, I should tell you they also requested an interview for me, i went to a place with a private room and they asked me questions for almost two hours. on our second attempt, my wife's family took a flight from Tehran and joined us, and my mother in law drove with us to abu dhabi and went with us to the second interview, and she got the visa. first, i want to think it is still a good sign that they have not just denied her. that means they are still working on it and like you say probably researching her employment more, also i don't understand about how you were able to translate, we had to have all the documents translated and certified, some where in arabi and some were in farsi, it wasn't good enough for us to do translation, we had to have them translations certified, maybe you should do that for her cv and her education and employment documents, that might help if you have not done it already. if they deny her, which hopefully will not happen, she is entitled to letter of denial which should give some explanation and instructions, that's what my wife got, and that's not the end, you just try again. second, it is very good you are writing letters to your representatives, but i would also call or ask for an appointment and go to see your district representative office, tell them the urgency of your situation, and be very polite, and tell them about the letter so that they will be expecting it. my father worked hard on this and called the representatives office and USCIS and talked to them as well as sent a letter, and they were very polite and helpful. we did get a lawyer also. third, don't give up, i don't know if you are religious?, but if you are, i would say some prayers and ask your wife, and families to pray also. if you are religous or or not, i will say a prayer for you that this works out and your fiancee gets the visa very soon, ameen.	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2007-06-10 18:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Interview finished, embassy requested CV	Although I didn't bother to document this part in my timeline, I think our papers were already placed in Administrative Review either during the time it was in the Dallas office or after, when it was forwarded to the local embassy, aka USINT in Havana. I know it was a little frustrating, because there is no specified length of time for the Review to be finished. I think it lasted about 3 months in our case. I know because I called the offices many times and no one could tell me much beyond "Administrative Review". So another Admin. Review/Admin. Processing? Another state of limbo for the foreseeable future! If it takes more that a few months, it must be political. Like, we need a new president with a better immigration policy. My fiancee finished her interview for a visa at the US embasssy (actually the US Interests Section in Havana, Cuba) and she was told she had to come back with her CV. I helped my fiancee with the translation of her CV (curriculum vitae, or educational background), she is a biologist BTW. They wouldn't give her any timeline on how long this is supposed to take. They made copies or faxed them to someplace, I think. Does anyone have any ideas how long this process will take? We've already spend enough time just to get past the interview stage. Yes, check the my timeline, it was really that long!!! they wanted them for AP/AR< admin processing > . educational, work in various areas Trigger AP/AR once she gives the CV they will place her on AP/AR. it wont start til the day they receive it. AP/AR can take a few days to 2 years to finish.	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2007-06-10 17:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Interview finished, embassy requested CV	Vilma completed the interview on 23 May 2007. As far as I know, there were no problems with the interview or the documentation which we supplied. The financial statements, the photos, all the I-134 stuff apparently was accepted. It was complete and I thoroughly checked and double-checked everything. The problem is that she has a professional background as a biologist, they suddely wanted her CV or educational background, and this isn't listed as required documents for the K1 fiancee visa. The only thing I can guess is there there are some reactionary people in the US embassy and they are constantly accusing Cuba of "bio-terrorism" and they want to pick on Vilma simply because she has worked in the medical field as a biologist. BTW from what I know about CIA destablization programs against Cuba, the reverse was true, that the US gov. conducted decades-long covert campaigns of biological warfare against Cuba, this has been documented extensively and repeatedly by many researchers so maybe they are trying to divert public attention away from themselves by accusing Cuba of doing the exact things which they were doing against Cuba for over 20 years. I'm trying to avoid political debates in this process but they seem to be obsessed with the idea of injecting that into a normal immigration process. I understand that Cuba has specific prohibitions for emigration of its citizens for certain fields (a 5-year waiting period, for example), and this includes professions such as medicine and biology, but we have been able to overcome those hurdles on the Cuban side. The Republic of Cuba has every right to protect its intellectual capital, this is their policy and I believe it is justifiable, even though it has forced Vilma to quit her job as a biologist almost 5 years ago. The US has already done extensive background checks on me and my fiancee so I think this new request is totally unnecessary and it is making us wait longer for no good reason. Her CV clearly shows that she worked in civilian positions, related to immunology and laboratory quality control. She was not in the Cuban military. I'm writing some letters to my local politicians wrt this red tape and beauracratic delays at the US embassy. I will follow your advice about contacting an immigration lawyer after a few more weeks of this waiting-game and pure silliness on their part. I dont know anything about the embassy in havanna, but we had big problems at the embassy as you can see by the timeline below. my wife was denied the visa when we went there the first time. if i was in your shoes i would wait 2 more weeks and be patient, and let the embassy get this paperwork sorted out, think the best, if your fiancee has still not been given any explanations on why it is taking so long or has not received the visa after 2 more weeks, i would contact the office of your representative for help. when i contacted my district representative through my family in the states, he was very helpful and sent a fax to the embassy for us, If that do not get results i would then contact a lawyer which is gonna cost some bucks. was your packet complete? i mean did you have photos, letters, telephone records. im not understanding why why your case is taking so long?	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2007-06-09 16:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Interview finished, embassy requested CV	I was hoping that someone who has been in a similar situation here, that person might be able to give me a rough idea of how long it will take for the embassy or whoever to review my fiancee's CV and to get the visa approved. Sure, we had her CV translated and I personally reviewed the translation for proper English format and I think it was perfectly readable by them. My fiancee turned in the CV a few days ago to the embassy, they've already spend countless hours and days going over all the I-134 paperwork so I don't know why they should be stalling much on this minor piece of paper which wasn't even requested in the original paperwork to begin with. I mean, it's been over 500 days so what's their big problem? How long should I wait before requesting help from local congressional reps or a lawyer here?	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2007-06-08 18:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Interview finished, embassy requested CV	My fiancee finished her interview for a visa at the US embasssy (actually the US Interests Section in Havana, Cuba) and she was told she had to come back with her CV. I helped my fiancee with the translation of her CV (curriculum vitae, or educational background), she is a biologist BTW. They wouldn't give her any timeline on how long this is supposed to take. They made copies or faxed them to someplace, I think. Does anyone have any ideas how long this process will take? We've already spend enough time just to get past the interview stage. Yes, check the my timeline, it was really that long!!!	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2007-06-08 16:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Calling All Cuban Couples!! Share your experiences...	Toria, I will try to keep you updated on my K1 and my fiancee Vilma. My email is ngant17@yahoo.com and if you can also send me your private email, that would be helpful for me, also. Vilma just picked up her superpacket at USINT last week, we have 1 year to arrange the paperwork and interview, so we are a little behind in the timeline than you are, later, Nathan Hey All, My Cuban fiance submitted the necessary dox at his Permiso de Salir interview on August 10. On August 31 they told him that they'll allow him to travel but they must investigate further because I'm an American. So it could be 1, 2, or 3 more weeks before he can depart Cuba. Please, please Cuban fiance/fiancees, share your experiences on this process to leave Cuba. What dox do you have to submit? What questions do you have to answer? How many times must you meet with the authorities? How much did you pay for the Tarjeta Blanca? Did you have to leave your passport with the authorities during this process? During the first week of the process the authorities actually came out to Salva's house to see who was living there. As if they don't know that at least 3-4 generations live under the same crowded roof in Cuba. They want to make sure you don't own any property when you leave the little island, if you do, they take it out of your name. They also wanted to interview Salva to determine his political views. I don't know if this is standard or new, maybe because of Castro's health status? Toria and Salvador	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-09-04 04:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Immigration delays, after interview!	From the grapevine, it is my understanding that all requests for visas with Cubans are being forwarded directly to Washington at this time (June 2007). Somebody is becoming paranoid against Cubans, someone up there in Washington DC. Someone in an official capacity who is mentally unstable or delusional thinking, I suppose. Hopefully they won't be labelling Cuba as a terrorist nation again. That would really set the clock back a lot. [/quote] This is strange because over the past 6 months there have been a number of Cuban fiancee/fiance who have received an NOA2 within days of being checked in at CSC. It seemed like they were given special processing for what ever reason. [/quote]	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2007-06-30 19:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Immigration delays, after interview!	Yeah, and the most amazing thing is that Cubans can take advantage of the 'Cuban Adjustment Act' which allows them to by-pass all legality of the US immigration laws and covertly sneak in to the US and claim a visa based on the fact that they orginated from Cuba. If any other foreigner comes in this way, it's called illegal immigration and they get deported back immediately. Considering the fact that it's been over 500 days since I first submitted the K1 paperwork, I followed all the rules and paid all the fees, and even almost 2 years, and after the interview at the USINT (US Consulate in Havana), they still find reasons to kick it back to Washington DC for additional review by some other inter-agency task force. No wonder there are so many Cubans trying to come in thru the 'back door', so to speak. Why waste hundreds of dollars and years of uncertainty with the legal way to immigrate, when all you need is an inner tube that floats, and catch the right current and drift to Key West or Miami in a few days. Then you get instant adjustment! Considering that your fiancee is from Cuba and the U.S. has no direct diplomatic relations with them, if you get her here soon that will be amazing. Hang in there a little longer. I read the state department information about U.S and Cuba relations and it isn't getting any better right now. Good luck.	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2007-06-28 15:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Immigration delays, after interview!	Here is a letter (actually an email) which was forwarded to me from a congressman's office who has been only partially- helpful in expediting my K1. "The case is currently pending receipt of required clearances. This involves an interagency process that takes place in Washington, D.C. Once we receive the clearances, we will contact the applicant to continue processing her case." "As a result of enhanced homeland security, visa applications are now subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past. We regret if this may have resulted in some inconvenience for the petitioner and the applicant. Please be assured that we will process the visa application to conclusion as expeditiously as the law will permit." Moral: don't be surprised if your K1 visa suddenly gets stalled after the interview!	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2007-06-28 04:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Another I-134 Question	I thought K2 status was automatically 'derivative' by being listed on original K1 with I129F papers. I am not aware of the need to file separate K1s for minor dependents of original K1 visa applicaiton. Are you're implying that separate K1s for the minor(s) need to be filled out with the I134 application? Yes, I didn't submit a separate petition; the boy is 10 years old and I added him to my fiancee's petition. Thanks guys for your help. Rick	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-02-03 18:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	I-134 Affidavit of Support	I would basically agree with the statement about W2 mailings, but IRS doesn't enforce this policy and it will NOT penalize a company if it did not mail out W2 to an employee from previous tax year. Because no one can prove that they didn't mail the W2. Or it might have been mis-sent, stolen, or lost by USPS. Being required to mail a W2 by 31 Jan and actually receiving it on or after that date are two different things. IRS will penalize the taxpayer for failure to correctly calculate his/her income for the previous tax year, especially when it results in overpayment of tax refund due to missing W2. Repeat: IRS will not penalize employer if W2 was not received by employee. It is up to employee to fill out income tax properly even if he/she doesn't get a W2 in time to file. You Wust tell them you have not received your W-2 from work yet... You do have until April 15th to file. And they have no way to know if you received yours.. Not even the IRS knows. So bring your 2002-2004 and tell them you have not got your W-2 from your work. So obviously you can not file an extention or file your 2005. They will accept your 2002-2004 returns and W-2's. I would imagine the 3 years is fine. It appears her interview is in March, and most people don't file until the 15th of April, so obvoiusly you won't need the extension info. It states "If the petitioner has not yet filed a federal income tax return for the most recent year, then tax returns from the three years prior". Does that mean if you already filed your 2005 taxes you don't need the previous 3 years?	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-02-08 21:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Question about filling out I-129F	My first marriage was in the early 1980's. The divorce was about 10 years later. I went to Korea for the marriage. I did not do any of the paperwork myself, it was by a Korean with legal expertise on my behalf, I assume he was an immigration lawyer or an expert in that field. I only signed the document where it needed to be signed. That was all of the involvement I had in it. Therefore, I believe it was truthful for me to say that I did not file the paperwork myself. I never saw any of the legal immigration paperwork. Whether it was a K3 or some other name, I of course haven't a clue and I could have cared less at the time. Therefore I have no idea of what her alien number and I did not put any of this info down on my K1. Again, I wrote "NO" or "N/A" on my K1 which I filed recently. Never had a problem with this so far, and I don't expect to have any problem with it in the future. I have to deal with an RFE that has nothing to do with the first marriage. I am just giving you the truth concerning my personal experience in this regard and you can take it for what it's worth. If it will help to alleviate Derek's anxiety, then I feel like I hav accomplished something useful here. Thanks everybody who responded. Now I'm just waiting for signed G-325A & the intent to marry letter from my fiancee so I can mail out my application and start the ball rolling! Thanks!	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-02-17 17:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Question about filling out I-129F	I think I was in a similar situation. I was married and later divorced with a Korean girl many years ago. I did not personally file the papers, it was done on my behalf thru a third party with the legal expertise I didn't have at the time. I think it would have been a K3, but honestly I didn't feel confident to handle those details at all back then, and I was willing to delegate the process to legal professional(s). Therefore, I truthfully put down that I never did file for an alien fiancee myself. Of course, I did submit the legal divorce papers but that was all I submitted when I started the K1 with my current fiancee (from Cuba). This appears to have satisfied the immigration people on this issue. FYI, I have received a RFE this year, as you might notice in my timeline, but it is not related to my previous marriage to the Korean woman and it is all related to the specifics of my present Cuban fiancee. Therefore, based on my personal experience, I think you can truthfully put down a "no" or "N/A" answer in that line as that is exactly what I did. I would not necessarily follow the advice of the others who may in fact be quite knowledgeable in certain aspects of the K1 process, but they are essentially armchair lawyers like most of us here, and you should take their advice for what it may or may not be worth. At least in this case I can speak from personal experience. Hope that helps. Hello. I've been on this board for a couple of months now and finally in the process of completing the I-129F form. But not sure what to put in for question #11. 11. Have you ever filed for this or any other alien fiance(e) or husband/wife before? I was married in China to a woman several years ago and went through an attorney to get her over to the US. I forgot and not sure what they helped me file (K-3, etc.). I also forgot the date that I applied for my ex-wife to immigrate to the US. I'm now divorced (since Oct 2004). What should I fill in for this question? Also on the guide it says that I can submit copies of my passport. Do they need to be notarized? Thanks in advance.	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-02-16 19:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	keerrchiinnggg!! The price of moving to the US!??	don't forget a hypothetical cost of having your spouse wrecking a bunch of cars because he/she isn't an experienced 'defensive driver' on US freeways yet. Also possible cost of being sued thru legal system if and when you're held liable for above. (note: my mother has driven for 70 years, a few years ago someone ran a stop sign and hit her car, yet they got witnesses and argued in court that it was her fault even though the other party got the ticket for failure to yield. Also insurance company was very, very slow to pay the $500 deductible). All sorts of nightmare scenarios come to mind which drawfs the initial cost of bringing over fiance(e), making the original K1 cost as the least of my worries. If money is there, you might even want to consider keeping a lawyer on retainer for a few years just to be a little more safer. And also the cost of not being able to work for months and months once you get to the US! Oh yes, me thinks you have to be very rich to go through this whole process!	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-02-23 17:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	language hurdles	My K1 fiancee Vilma recently emailed me and stated that she is a little worried, she doesn't feel that she can become very fluent in English after arriving here. She can read words but the speaking and listening parts are the big hurdle for her. I told her not to worry about it, a minimum vocabulary in English should suffice in the beginning. Besides, her native language is Spanish and as we plan to live in Florida, there is a substantial population of Spanish-speakers here which would help to smooth her transition in a work environment. I wonder if anyone has any experiences about this, i.e., how long did it take for your K1/spouse to adjust to different language situation here, especially in the local workplace? Are there any suggestions for me? My fiancee is not young, she is 45 which is close to my age, so I guess it gets more difficult to learn languages as you get older. I'm willing to become more fluent in Spanish, as that might help on the home front.	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-02-24 17:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	study in college	Residency requirements apply as much to US citizens as it does to recent immigrants. There is no discrimination outside of geographical location. For example, my sister is a US citizen who lives in Arkansas, but is she wants to go to a school in Florida instead, she would have to pay the out-of-state tuition prices for the Florida schools until she can meet the 1 year residency requirement for Florida. For tax purposes, if you live more than 6 months of a tax year in one location, I think that would meet a residency requirement per federal law but state laws may vary. So you would have to ask the specific college that you plan to attend to be sure. To avoid out of country tution fees... does she have to wait for SSN or green card? Greencard takes typically 6months on K1 visa right? HI I think she has to have roots in your state. Like getting a driver llicense/state ID, file taxes etc.. just maybe on year should be good.. It is up to you, I can't make you wait I just want to save you tons of money, more then 15% Like geico Or just call the school up and see what the requirments are	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-03-11 06:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	This case has been approved	Well, here it is, folks. Directly from USCIS online as of 21 March 2006: ---------------------------------------------------------- Application Type: I129F, PETITION FOR FIANCE(E) Current Status: This case has been approved. On March 21, 2006, an approval notice was mailed. If 14 days have passed and you have not received this notice, you may wish to verify or update your address. To update your address, please call the National Customer Service Center at (800) 375-5283. ----------------------------------------------------------- as for the specifics of my case: Contrary to what some may have stated here, sending in lots of picts wasn't the clincher in my case. I submitted only one poor, dark photo of me and fiancee together. The room was poorly lit, and I didn't use the focus on my camera very well. But in fact this was never an issue for the RFE. RFE did ask for additional evidence, though. True, I didn't keep the Cubana airline ticket stubs for evidence, just my connections from a 'gateway' airport. I did have other circumstantial evidence that I used to submit when RFE was sent. The church bulletin from Havana, which I saved when I went to the local church there, it had the date on the front, this was probably very helpful because it would have been difficult to forge this (Cuban paper stock is typically unique in itself). Moral of story: it's probably a good idea of visit a church while you are there in the host country of your fiancee, keep the church bulletin for future evidence. Especially if there are dates on it. I also had my fiancee send me a statement from her friend attesting to my presence on the dates I specified on the application. Didn't hurt, either. As a last resort, I resubmitted some old emails and copies of a airline connection flight and also some emails from company I originally bought the ticket from. I guess a lot of worrying with the RFE is gone now. Although we still have a lot of hurdles to pass, fees to pay, the interview, English lessons, ect, ect., I am now able to focus on the reality of our life together here. Certainly this site has been helpful, although I was never discouraged by the wannabe lawyers out there. Thanks again in any case. Hope to keep the timeline updated. ngant	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-03-22 18:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	what are the chances for denial?	I sent only one photo of me and my fiancee together. A poor quality one at that. That was not a problem in my RFE. But I had some back-up evidence which probably helped a lot. My petition was approved in 170 days, you can check my timeline and profile for more info. Now my concerns are more about getting the money together for the other expenses after the I-129F approval. Also, I don't think language will present a problem. My fiancee knows a little English, I know a little Spanish, we get by, it's not a hinderance. Language isn't a hinderance, total immersion is often a good way to get started anyway. I don't know what the big deal is about "touching" here. I never pay enough attention to those things, I just wait for the official letters and/or emails to arrive. When you notice the date change...but the message when clicked on is the same as the last...	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-03-31 18:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Clarification on IMBRA Recall	My NOA is dated 21 Mar 06. I don't know where it says NOA1 or NOA2 on the form I-797, but my timeline would put it as NOA2. It's valid from 21 Mar to 20 Jun. Can I expect delays? What should I do if I don't get any info from either DHS/CIS or my fiancee during that time (i.e., paperwork to finish the visa)? I don't want to call the customer service number as I understand it is sometimes an exercise in futility. What's the best way to get more information of current status, I have checked my portfolio on the CIS site but it's the same as when my NOA was issued on 21 March.	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-05-12 01:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	I-129F approved, but still waiting!	My I-129F petition for my fiancee was officially approved on 21 Mar 2006. It's been over 2 months now and nothing has been forwarded to her side as of this date. I called the National Visa Center and they wouldn't even give me a timeline on when the 'security background checks' will be completed. What can I do? This is getting ridiculous!	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-06-05 19:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	administrative review	I called NVC again on Monday and they told me the I-129F for my fiancee is under "administrative review". They couldn't tell me if it would be more than 6 months or less than 6 months. I started the whole thing in Oct. 2005 and it seems to be getting a real long process. I've contacted my Senators for an inquiry it that would help, I don't see how it could hurt but as it stands now I am at the mercy of these faceless, nameless beauracrats. The only good news is that the NVC has my file, it isn't lost, although when I tried to use the automated response, it said my file wasn't in their records, according to the answering machine. Any suggestions on how long of a wait I might be looking at?	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-06-06 16:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	permiso de salir, cuba	In Cuba, there is a law that specificially affects anyone who works in medical, biotechnology, microbiology, even biology and slightly-related fields. I think it's called "La Ley de dos Polos" or something like that. The theory is that the Republic of Cuba has invested a lot of its money, research and time in training its citizens in advanced fields of scientific disciplines, of which Cuba is on par with the industrially/technologically-advanced countries like US (it has, after all, patented a number of useful vaccines for the 3rd world, which it distributes free of charge unlike the US), so by stalling the emigration process, it helps to retain its intellectual property within Cuba for a limited amount of time, so that other countries will find it more difficult to exploit the knowledge of the Cuban emigres from their own profit. I think that is the theory behind the Cuban law. In any case, you have to legally/offically wait 5 years from the time you last worked in such professions to be able to emigrate from Cuba. There are quasi-legal work-arounds to this, but that is a general rule which will prevent some Cubans from immediately emigrating from the Cuban side of things. My Cuban fiancee hasn't got to the 'carta blanca', I'm stuck in limbo with "administrative review" on the US side at the NVC, which could take 6 months or who knows. If the US can find new and creative ways to stall the K1 process for you, like NVC is doing with me and its "admin. review", it would not surprise me that the Cuban gov. might want to try the same kind of game on its side, for whatever petty reason they might have with another Cuban prospective emigre. My guess is that there are always political implications anytime you deal with gov. agencies in any country. And there is little that can be done except to wait. Sorry I couldn't find any good news for you. ngant17 anybody out there have experience with gaining the "exit permission" for fiancee/spouse from cuba.. we have been waiting about 3 weeks for the exit permission on cuban side.. they say it should take 2 weeks, getting worried.. (they have her visa and passport in posession) my fiancee is not in medical field or involved in any political activity. thus we thought it was going to be routine for the exit pass... anway, probably and hopefully just a baglog, but still worriesome. .	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-06-10 01:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	stuck in "administrative review", NVC	I don't think that my fiancee is or will be investigated in the US wrt her previous job as a biologist. As I said, this is a Cuban law which affects her, and fortunately that fact will not stop her from immigrating to US, as I understand the facts of her employment history in Cuba. I can not logically understand why someone who has previously worked as a biologist 5 years ago, that would be an issue of US national security. Unless there is a lot of paranoia in US gov. these days. I am hoping that Sen. Martinez will add his expertise to this hold-up, as he was a Cuban immigrant himself many years ago. At least something more than a standard form letter as a reply would be nice. In the meantime, I'm saving my money for the expenses we will have done the road. I'll try to update my timeline when I get the straight and honest facts from the gov. which might be a tall order for them to fill under their circumstances of 'national security', probably they are making up their own rules as they play the game. thanks for the post here, ngant17 Nathan No one including any congressional office are able to assist in expediating a case when it is in AR/under a SAO (Security Advisory Oppinion). The Department of State will not circumvent the process under any circumstances. When a beneficiary/applicant is from a country considered to pose a risk or is working in a field that is considered “sensitive” in some way, or if the there is a “hit” on his/her name a security advisory opinion (SAO) it will be sent to the Department of State in Washington, D.C. for clearance from various government agencies and data bases including the FBI, CIA, Interpol, national criminal and law enforcement databases, and others. Unfortunately this takes an undetermined period of time and there is nothing you can do, except to wait....and nothing the NVC can do until they get the clearance as it is now out of their hands. At a guess, your fiance being in the medical/biotechnology field would possibly be a reason, along with country of citizenship. There may have also been a name hit (not necessarily your fiance, but a name in common with someone else). I do wish you all the best and I hope you hear some good news soon. Lorelle	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-07-02 20:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	stuck in "administrative review", NVC	Toria & Salvador, I would like to enter the timeline when my case was forwarded to NVC but as of this date I have not received any confirmation by email or postal, that NVC has my case. Except the Approval Notice, Notice of Action I-797, which is dated 21 Mar 2006. This letters states that my petition has been approved and it was sent to the NVC in Portsmouth, NH on that date. NVC does in fact have my case, as I have called them several times over the last 2 months and they will only answer "administrative review" when I ask about the hold-up. For the sake of accuracy, I prefer not to update my timeline until I have an official letter from NVC stating the receipt of my petition. However, if and when the NVC forwards my case to the US embassy/interests section in Havana, I will update my timeline here if and when the NVC will send me a letter or email to that effect. BTW my fiancee Vilma, to my knowledge, is not a member of the Cuban Communist Party, for the record. And even if she was, she would probably have been expelled from above organization once the fact became known, that she was planning to immigrate to Florida on the K1 visa. I suppose the US gov. still discriminates against members of the communist parties by prohibiting entry. It this one of the secret purposes of AR? Vilma has previously worked in the medical/biotechnology field, which actually would have prohibited her from immigrating according to Cuban law, but this only is in effect for 5 years from the date of last relevent employment in Cuba, and she fortunately does not meet this sort of legal obligation over there. thanks for the reply. Hope to update timeline soon. Please complete your timeline. When did NVC rec your case?? Also, remember I said our case hung at NVC for about 66-67 days when we applied the first time. It might be that every so many Cuban cases get the royal investigation. Just check-in with the reps at NVC weekly or twice weekly. Some of them are really nice and once in a while you'll get some real info. Other times you'll get the "blanket statements." Toria and Salvador Chili74, 250 days in AR!!! Yikes! I did write to Sen. Martinez of Florida, who for better or worse happens to be a Cuban-American himself. As of this date, I am still waiting for a response. I am hoping this will expedite the NVC/AR hold-up. I am basically running out of my legal options -- I really doubt if an immigration attorney could help me in this situation now. There appears to be no guarantees for a 'fast-track' approval in this business. still waiting to get out of AR, Nathan Ngant17- the same thing happened to us last year. The 129-F was approved in March 05 and only in November 05 was the case transferred to the embassy in Moscow. All told, I believe the admin review was 250 days. Writing to senators may help, though it is hard to say- we did that. All I can say is that it did work out eventually and now we are preparing for the AOS interview in July! So all will be well.	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-07-02 04:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	stuck in "administrative review", NVC	Jersey Girl, I don't know if that question is actually relevant to my problem being solved. Such questions were asked (and truthfully answered) in my I-129F and also the RFE which I sent USCIS. My I-129F petition was approved and forwarded to NVC. So I don't think that is the issue here. OK, as to how I originally met my fiancee, I of course met her in person in Cuba. She is Cuban and BTW it is not against the law for US citizens to travel to Cuba (yes, generally and technically it is against the law to spend money there, depending on your status for entry, but that is a political issue and I'm not logging on this site to discuss international politics per se. There are other places I can do this). so, how I met her, that would be online via internet. An old site that got gobbled up by match.com latinamerica. Now it costs money to do what I was able to do for free a few years ago. Go figure that one out! Where we met. Havana. How and where did you meet?	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-07-02 03:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	stuck in "administrative review", NVC	Okay, my I-129F petition is stuck in some kind of beauracratic limbo at the National Visa Center. Everytime I call to inquire about the hold-up, they just say "administrative review". No appox. time when it will be processed. It could be 6 more months, it could be 1 more year, they say. I filed back in Oct. 2005, if you look at my timeline. I don't think the new IMBRA rules affect me, but even if it did, they should have some kind of idea when the visa for my fiancee will be processed. I've wrote to my senators, so far I only get a form letter about the IMBRA rules. This is not right. What is so hard about getting an estimate for the time to review my petition? How is it possible to get thru this jam?	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-07-01 05:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Frustrated	I first applied for my fiancee's K1 in Oct. 2005. "Admin review" had me stuck at NVC for over 4 months! Don't be surprised for a long wait there. Hello All: I am new to the site. I am appling for my fiance and we started the K1 process and has made it as far as going for an interview in March 2006. He was questioned and so was I. then we were told that a background check needs to be completed. to date no news. i call or email biweekly and is told that they are waiting for the results of the background check. This month makes 1 yr. since we applied. Is this the norm, or any suggestions?	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-09-02 19:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Evidence of travel if you didn't save receipts	I've successfully submitted a church bulletin from a local church in the country I visited. It had the Sunday's date, the service schedule, and other unique information such as current pastor, lay leaders, ect. to identify its origin in country. It would be impossible to duplicate outside of the country. Most churches give these out before the services. I've seen this question twice in recent days in different contexts. Here are some additional/alternative ways to show meeting: - You bought the plane tickets. How? If check, you may have the cancelled check, or be able to get an image. Also, you may be able to get a copy of the invoice from whomever sold it. - If you paid by credit card, you can probably get a copy of the credit card statement. And sometimes these statements list the itinerary. - You flew internationally - thousands of frequent flyer miles. You do all belong to at least one or two frequent flyer programs, right? Please say yes! If so, then the frequent flyer program has a record of your flight - date, flight number, all that good stuff! Tom	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-09-18 11:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	k1 and fiancee from Cuba	I recently had my fiancee's K1 paperwork approved at the NVC and it was forwarded to Republic of Cuba for the next step in the K1 process. Here are some questions that I need to know: My fiancee has 2 dependent minor (children) listed on the K1 visa petition. Will 2 separate visa application fees be required for them, in addition to my fiancee's fee? I also would like to know what the current fees that my fiancee will need to pay in the Republic of Cuba above the US non-immigration fees mentioned above. And when will the additional fees for the 2 dependents need to be paid prior to issuance of my fiancee's visa? I'm hoping the children can leave and join us later, when my fiancee is legally able to work and bring in some additional income for that purpose. thanks!	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-08-19 20:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	What to do (in terms of immigration) when fiancee wants to go home?	It's very possible that her family ties in her home country are not something she wants to break away from, for an extended length of time. It's possible also that there was an expectation of a different reality of life here in USA than what was to be imagined, and now that expectation was shattered. Let her go back, that is where she will find her inner happiness, it has nothing to do with the US citizen, some people can not adapt and do not want to adapt to the very different culture here. You can alway try to learn the Ukraine language and culture and hope there is a chance to fit in there. A long shot, to be sure. But love works in mysterious ways, at times, I suppose. So, my fiancee wants to go home. Cannot envision a successful transition and has demanded to return home. Yes, I am heart broken, but no need to try and push this rope any further. Question: Other than buying a return trip ticket, is there any immigration associated steps to take. She is K-1, Ukraine, still within 90 days. Thanks for the condolences.... JoeDog	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2006-11-09 19:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	K1 Visa vs. Getting Married in US	If the Dept. of State will freely issue a tourist visa to young unmarried girls, it would be predictable that in many cases, such 'tourists' could meet a wealthy US citizen while visiting and fall in love and want to get married. Nothing is wrong with that. However, I think the process is not so simple. A young unmarried foreign woman with steady employment history and with an advanced educational background would better qualify for the tourist visa than, say, a poor, uneducated peasant-girl with no employment history. And in the former case, the chances of wanting to stay in the US would be less than the latter case. Getting the tourist visa for the intended purposes of bypassing immigration laws is prohibited, likewise engaging in marriage fraud to facilitate entry into the US is also a serious crime. Both of these scenarios have been known to happen, and it would be in the interest of the US government to try to prevent this by being more strict on the issuance of visas to foreigners. OTOH, I don't see the illegality of a tourist falling in love with a stranger while on vacation, and wanting to make a permanent relationship thru marriage. Convincing the immigration people of those facts might be the more difficult task. Hi, I was wondering if it's possible for my fiance to come to the states on a visitor visa, and we can register here without going through with K1? Anyone know anything about that.	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2007-07-04 19:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Cuba emigration - carta de liberacion	Does anyone who has a Cuban spouse or Cuban fiancee, especially someone who has went thru the K1 or other immigrant visa process, does anyone know how long it typically takes to get the "carta de liberacion" issued from the Republic of Cuba? This seems to be a complete mystery and it is stalling everything for us.	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2008-01-22 16:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	k1 visa expiration date	My fiancee entered the US with a K1 visa on 20 April 2010, the K1 visa has an expiration date of 15 May 2010 (it was issued in Nov. 2009). We will plan to be married within the 90-day period of entry into the US, but will there be any problem after the expiration of the K1 visa on 15 May? Do we need to apply for a visa extension? What will happen to her status after 15 May?	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2010-05-08 07:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	k1 process after entry	My fiancee entered the US on a K1 visa on 20 April 2010. Is it necessary to have a medical exam prior to the appointment to receive the green card (21 Jun 2010)? What if my fiancee is unable to schedule the medical exam prior to her appointment on 21 June? Also the medical exam cost almost $500 dollars so will I have to pay all the money before the medical exam is completed?	ngant17	Male	Cuba	2010-05-11 16:15:00