biggish data

That's so sad. Im sorry hun. Have you called immigration tho? Because you say this is what your lawyer believes is the problem. But maybe immigration can give you more info personally.Lawyers can be great but its been our experience that they know very little about individual cases. We have been our best advocates in this process. I call immigration all the time!!

Its worth a shot. They would say one thing to my lawyer and another thing to me. You never know.

I just heard from the lawyer, she said she believes my amount I make per year is too close to the amount needed. I am soo upset, Because I take care of my husband now...adn I have proof of it..this is ridiculus. Now I have to do what they say... I know it makes no sense...I cant believe they have control to do that.

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2013-12-09 13:48:00

Well, I hope they give you an answer soon as to what the problem is because by what you are saying this makes no sense!! Have you found another sponsor just in case?

Well I have worked steady for over 4 years at a Community College, and Have proof of everything. So I dont think that the money part was the issue, I think they want another sponsor just to see if he can have the support..or someone else wants him you know what im saying? I have plenty of proof, but the only other option is they made a huge mistake and overlooked my taxes. Check the Visa website there is plenty of information on affidavit of support and uscis...They have the updated amount you have to make per year, i think for 3 dependents it is 23,000...close to that amount.

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2013-12-09 11:47:00

I am also the only one as sponsor for my husband. Could I ask how much you make a year? I haven't worked steady for about three years but I was working and reported everything. This year I make more than enough to sponsor. But I worry something like this might come up. We have been married 4 years. What I suspect is that they are looking into the info for the waiver. We had to show hardship, and now we are sponsoring them? Maybe that could be it?

My husband was asked who was filing for him, where did we meet like 4 times he said and if we had kids. They asked where he was going to live and with who...They asked for who I lived with...What they did not tell him is why I did not qulaify for the sponsor, I make enough money I surpass that, and I have a clean criminal back ground...This is the part my lawyers are investigating and I will be sure to let people know what it is...I am thinking that they wanted to see if my husband has someone else who will sponsor him, just cus they can..I have no idea...

* FYI for every question they ask, try to show a proof, my husband had pictures of almost everything and showed them the proof of when I visited and showed them my reciepts where i send him money sometimes, proof of everything...This will help...

She did tell him that the sponsor ship part would not take long we just have to do it.

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2013-12-09 11:04:00

Hey Kmom,

I had a quick question. My husband also had to do the waiver. What were some of the questions he was asked during the interview? Did they ask for the waiver or talk aboutnit at all?? Thanks!!

Thank you, and I wish you luck, And unfortunately I have heard that more than once, I am waiting to see what the lawyer wants to do..Because thats what i am paying for. Good Luck and thank you for your input.

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2013-12-09 09:53:00

Yes I do have copies, of everything, My lawyers do as well. They are even confused. As far as expediting goes, I want to expedite his I-601 the waiver for iniadmissability...if this is possible.. I read the document, it says that the sponsorship information was missing, but they have copies of what they sent in, and I have copies of the same documents. I truely believe The embassy in guatemala misplaced the affidavit of support as well as my tax copies.. Their even asking for proof of citizenship, everything that goes along with being a sponsor they want...i am so frustrated, I even called to see why they are asking for these things and they wouldnt help me, told me he had to send all of those documents back in.

That's horrible. Did he have a packet with him for the interview? But anyway, just expedite it to the address they gave you. Do it asap so he can get the visa stamp as soon as possible. I can imagine how you feel. My husband is here in the US and had to do the waiver as well. The main issue we are having is my job. I work as a nanny and my boss needs me (supposedly) for January. We have the last documents for packet 4 but we have been halting sending it in to see if we can forestall the interview date until at least Feb (my boss is having her third baby and will give birth in Feb so she will be at home for both Feb and March).

We will be praying for you so that everything goes as quickly as possible. I couldn't be without my hubby and I'm so sorry you have to be without yours!

By the way, the Guate embassy is notorious for losing documents. I'm so sorry this happened to you guys!

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2013-12-06 15:33:00

Hello everyone I need help, The guatemalan embassy told my husband he needed his i-864 sponsorship information that it was missing. Here is the catch, I have a lawyer they sent it in, I was already approved to be his sponser. Can I apply for an expedite on thier mistake?? I have proof the information was sent...this is sooo horrible My husband lives 12 hours from the embassy and now we have to wait, again...My lawyer has everything, the interview letter did not request more information...Please help!!!!!!

I'm so sorry to hear this! I was so happy for you yesterday when I saw your approval post! Just stay calm, give whatever documents they want as quickly as possible. If they ask for it, there is nothing else to do but give it in again. I don't know if you made copies of it all, but if you did, make another set if copies and keep every single piece of paper as record. I personally know of a couple from Guatemala that after 2 years with residency, the husband was deported because his original paperwork was lost! PLEASE MAKE LOTS OF COPIES AND KEEP YOUR RECORDS!!

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2013-12-06 14:53:00

The evidence submitted with the I-130, is it given back during the interview?

I have bank statements, leases, credit cards, auto insurance, and pictures of us since 2008!
1. submit that with the I-130 or
2. submit that with the civil docs submittal at NVC.

if you've done neither, then this stuff won't get reviewed by a Vice-Consul prior to interview day. You can certainly bring it in, but note the actual interview is less than 5 minutes per person and the Vice-Consul won't have time to review the pile during the interview.

Since yer here asking such a heavy question, please update your timeline over at
http://www.visajourn...e.php?id=174317
http://www.visajourn...e.php?id=174317
http://www.visajourn...e.php?id=174317

Thanks so much, and Thanks in advance !

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2013-12-10 14:37:00

Thank you!!! Exactly what we needed!!

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2013-12-09 11:10:00

Thank you!!! Exactly what we needed!!

how tough is your embassy. For 4 years use a sampling. Whether you take a email or text a week and month just a timeline of your relationship.

Know that face time is the #1 evidence. Write a relationship timeline so they can see at a glance what has been happening these 4 years instead of digging through piles of evidence.

Figure like this someone man spend hours or minutes pouring over your evidence you want them to know you are bonafide that's what you are proving

Pictures have divided in events showing like a few per visit or event.

Your bank statements, leases, credit cards, auto insurance is great have that together as your co-minging of finance's pile. Seems you have plenty. Don't kill them quantity. I strongly suggest a relationship timeline.

RELATIONSHIP TIMELINE
Minnie Mouse Petitioner Mickey Mouse - Beneficiary
May, 2008 Meet (put in names here) on the telephone via an introduction by my close friend, Goofy,
August, 2008 Started e-mailing, chatting on Yahoo Messenger and talking on the telephone.
November, 2008 Relationship progressing to a serious level. Made trip #1 to Osaka, Japan. Met his family and friends.
January, 2009 Mickey proposed marriage over the phone. I accepted. We are officially engaged!
February, 2009 I file an I-129F fiancé petition for Mickey in the U.S. on a K1 Visa. I have kids from my first marriage and we thought it would be considerate to have them meet Mickey prior to marriage and be present at their mothers wedding, therefore, petitioning for the K1 and not the K3 or CR-1.
February, 2009 Trip #2 to Osaka, Japan. Our engagement party!
May 2009 I-129F petition approved by the USCIS.
July 2009 Mickeys interview at the U.S. Consulate in Osaka, Japan. Request made by CO for more photos and e-mails.
August, 2009 2^nd interview at the U.S. Consulate in Osaka, Japan. Present many more e-mails phone records and photos documenting our relationship. Mickeys visa application placed in Administrative Processing status.
September, 2009 Trip #3 to Osaka, Japan. Sweet reunion.
November, 2009 Request assistance from my Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy - to make inquiries on my behalf to the U.S. Consulate in Osaka, Japan regarding Mickeys lengthy AP.
December, 2009 Case remains under Administrative Processing status.
January, 2010 I make a request of the U.S. Consulate in Osaka, Japan to meet with the investigator handling our case in hopes of expediting the lengthy AP period. Request granted.
February 8, 2010 Fraud investigators from the U.S. Consulate in Osaka, Japan pay a visit to Mickeys parents house. His parents confirm that our relationship is genuine and that they support it.
February 16, 2010 Trip #4 to Osaka, Japan. Meet with fraud investigators at U.S. Consulate in Osaka, Japan. We are both interviewed separately and asked many questions pertaining to the details of our relationship. We believe all went well.
March 2, 2010 Mickey called to return to the U.S. Consulate in Osaka, Japan on March 23^rd (after almost 8 months of Administrative Processing).
March 23, 2010 Mickeys visa application is denied. Reason for denial: Investigator did not believe I was committed to marrying Mickey within 90 days of his arrival in the States on the K1 visa. Why? Because at the Feb. 16^th interview with the investigator, I stated that I filed a fiancé petition instead of a marriage petition so that my kids could meet him first before we get married and be in attendance at our wedding. Investigator interpreted my words to mean that I needed to understudy my fiancé and that I wasnt sure about marrying my fiancé.
April, 2010 Attempt to overturn denial while case still at the Consulate: Letter sent from my attorney Marc Ellis to the U.S. Consulate in Osaka, Japan along with affidavits from friends and family attesting to the fact that my intention was always to marry Mickey as soon as he arrived here on the K1. Attorney letter and affidavits never acknowledged by Consulate.
April/May, 2010 Plan our wedding.
May 29, 2010 Trip #5 to Osaka, Japan.
June 1, 2010 - Get married!!!!!
June, 2010 Upon my return to the U.S., file an I-130 petition for my husband to come join me in the U.S. on a CR-1 visa.
I, Minnie Mouse, declare under penalty of perjury that the above facts and the above timeline between my husband and me are true and correct.
_____________________________
Minnie Mouse
ADDRESS
CITY, STATE ZIP

.

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2013-12-09 11:07:00

So now I have another question: My husband and I have been married 4 years. We have a lots of documents and a boat full of photos! I've made scrapbooks and photobooks as well as regular albums. It is A LOT. 4 years... a lot happens!! What and how much should we bring?? I have bank statements, leases, credit cards, auto insurance, and pictures of us since 2008! Any ideas?

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2013-12-09 09:44:00

So now another question!!

We sent a new AOS packet with a co-sponsor last week. It was received at NVC on Jan 4. We sent it because I had not worked steady for the last 3 years because my husband is the main bread winner. Today we received our INTERVIEW LETTER!!! It is for Feb. 4. However, I am worried because it says that the case has not left NVC by what it says at the CEAC site. So, I dont understand. Weren't we supposed to get a case complete letter??? I dont get it. Someone please help us!!

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2014-01-10 17:09:00

We sent the last stuff from the checklist on Monday. Should I still send in the other stuff too? Like an album of pics for example, would that be ok to send in? And another set of evidence, basically the same sent for the RFE, should I send that in again?

Often it does, but sometimes it doesn't. You can send all the evidence you want (including what you sent to the USCIS) with the IV package to the NVC. I suggest also bringing a copy of everything to the interview.

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2013-12-11 08:47:00

Thank you for the point. And hopefully it does go to the consulate! I would just hope for more certainty.

I was asking for clarity sake. You had said Bonafide marriage that can mean anything to many different adjusicators. Also you stated your lawyer had never seen a request for evidence like this so I thought it strange and just was asking for clarity.

All evidence submitted becomes part of your case file and goes along the path to consulate hopefully.

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2013-12-10 14:54:00

And we submitted all of that stuff. I just wonder is that evidence then given to NVC and sent to the consulate for the interview? We are just waiting for our case complete now because we had to wait for my husband's waiver first.

Did you read my post hun? It says they asked evidence of a bonafide marriage. We got our NOA2 several months ago, in February of 2013, the RFE was for January 2013, I got the year wrong sorry!! They asked for leases, bank accounts, credit cards, photos, etc.

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2013-12-10 14:36:00

Did you read my post hun? It says they asked evidence of a bonafide marriage. We got our NOA2 several months ago, in February of 2013, the RFE was for January 2013, I got the year wrong sorry!! They asked for leases, bank accounts, credit cards, photos, etc.

Okay you got an RFE a year ago about what? what was asked and what did you submit?

Usually if its originals you can request back no guarantees. No originals ever are to be submitted to USCIS unless they ask and they don't ask photocopies you give them.

WOW an RFE over a year ago and you still have no NOA2? Yikes.

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2013-12-10 14:33:00

I was looking through our paperwork and just realized we are missing a letter we received late
Dec, 2012. We were asked to show proof of a bona fide marriage. We had an Infopass apointment on January 30, 2012 at 10am. We gave in a lot more evidence than we have now available. My question is, do they keep this evidence and send it to the consulate? It was asked for the I-130, before it was approved. We had showed the letter to the lawyer and she said she had never seen a letter asking for this kind of evidence before an I-130 approval. Has anyone had a similar experience and if you did, did the evidence end up being given back during the interview? Thanks!

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2013-12-10 14:22:00

These situations are the reason why if you can get a co sponsor, use them!!!

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2014-03-19 23:22:00

Hopefully he does.

The interesting thing is that the reason every consulate is different is not because they are all americans but also that the ruling government also establishes their own rules and regulations for their citizens. That is why it is different in every country what they look out for and what they don't and what they demand. Also, the american officials live in this third world country and no matter what, you are influenced by the culture that is around you. I say this because we have seen several cases ironically where the Guatemalen consulate has given lone women sponsors a very hard time. We have also seen this in other third world countries, like the Dominican Republic and Jamaica to name some. My cousin in the Dominican Republic worked for the embassy, he is American born, and will tell you straight up that many of those who interview will automatically either deny or request more info if the sponsor is a woman, whether she has made enough or not.

But hopefully, with your resubmission everything will turn out fine.

Also, being american, as you know, does not free anyone from gender discrimination. Women, even here in the U.S., still do not receive igual pay as men. The white house website has a whole section on how we can help bridge the wage gap. It states, " On average, full-time working women earn just 77 cents for every dollar a man earns. This significant gap is more than a statistic -- it has real life consequences. When women, who make up nearly half the workforce, bring home less money each day, it means they have less for the everyday needs of their families, and over a lifetime of work, far less savings for retirement.
President Obama supports passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act, a comprehensive and commonsense bill that updates and strengthens the Equal Pay Act of 1963, which made it illegal for employers to pay unequal wages to men and women who perform substantially equal work."
http://m.whitehouse....qual-pay/career

So, you see, this mind set is everywhere, maybe not as pronounced as in other countries, but we still do not live in a country with equal and sustainable pay for both men and women.

Your added assets should add the needed weight to your argument. I know it will come out ok because they would not want to seem to be discriminating because of gender. Prayers for all who are going thru this!!!

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2014-01-08 09:23:00

Also, from what we know, in Guatemala, they don't see women as stable sponsors, since most have children at some point and are then unemployed during their maternity leave, many opt to stay at home if they can. It might be a sexist and old world view, but this is a third world country and those views are still very much alive.

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2014-01-04 18:51:00

Hi, have you had any updates on your husband's case? I am curious because I am going the the same with my husband, waiver and all!! We just sent in another sponsor to make sure that aspect is well covered even tho I have a steady job now, but I didn't have a steady job for the last few years since my husband is the main bread winner. Hope everything has turned out well!!

see that makes more sense, I know im well over the guidelines, and my husband is in Guatemala, Im in the united states, My lawyer is adding my assets to be safe and then My husband will take it in hand... Thank you for your input, I appreciate it

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2014-01-04 18:48:00

DOES IT MATTER??

Hi everyone!!!

So I am posting on behalf of my friend who is a BOLIVIAN national. Here it goes:

My friend wanted to be with her sister, who lived in the US, so she got a Mexican visa while in Bolivia. The visa was approved and she went to Mexico and then crossed the border.

After getting into the US, she later married a US citizen and had a daughter. Shes been married now for ten years. She received her approved I-130, and is now doing the waiver.

However, her lawyer has told her that she might have a problem getting a US visa because she lied to the Mexican government in order to get the Mexican visa. O.o

Honestly, that makes no sense to me. My husband was even deported by the Mexican government when he first tried to cross the border and the US consulate didnt care one bit.

So, our question: DOES IT MATTER?? Does it really matter that she got a Mexican visa? Would that even come up during the interview and her paperwork? I highly doubt it, but this place is full of experts so we came here to get this sorted out!! ??

Cant wait for your responses!!! And thank you before hand!!

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2014-06-30 07:25:00

Joint Sponsor???? K1 fiancé visa

Hi, so how did your interview go??? Hope everything turned out fine :-)

JDGam

Not Telling

Guatemala

2014-01-06 14:20:00

Our NOA1 was August 3rd. We received our NOA2 on February 21st. The wait felt like forever and it was very frustrating at times as you see some people who filed after you get approved and wonder what's the hold up. But just keep checking in on the USCIS website, it'll come soon. And the way things are going for us and from what I've heard from others, things move very quickly after receiving NOA2. This is the longest wait of the whole process, each day brings you closer to completion. Once you get NOA2, it won't be much longer til you're together. Hang in there buddy

Thanks for the support!!

Goodluck to you!!

Keep us posted.

kingsley

Not Telling

Dominican Republic

2013-03-11 20:18:00

Hi there! I have a NOA1 dated 08/20/2012 and i just got an RFE notification. You will get a response soon. Good luck to us!

Thanks!!!

I seriously hope sooooo!!
This waiting is driving me nutzzzz.

BTW. If you don't mind sharing.
What RFE did they request?

kingsley

Not Telling

Dominican Republic

2013-03-11 14:05:00

Hi we are August 8th flier in VSC, still waiting for NOA 2? seems like we are in the same boat.

Hang in there, I think we will get it pretty soon????????

Thanks. I hope we get it soon...

much luck to you guys and keep us posted.

kingsley

Not Telling

Dominican Republic

2013-03-09 17:15:00

Hello everyone VJ members.

I am an August10 filer and no response at all.
Still waiting for NOA 2

I'm assuming they are already into the august filers
based on NOA 2 seen from VJ members.

Has any late july or augusy filer received atleast RFE's or some sort of response?
Why is it taking vermont so long to update the July 2 processing timelines?

kingsley

Not Telling

Dominican Republic

2013-03-08 12:26:00

NOA 2 Approved K1-Fiancee

Hello VJ Family,

Hope everyone is well and wish everyone great luck on your applications.

-I just received the Approved NOA 2 letter from VSC in the mail and
need guidance on the next steps on K1 Fiancee Visa

-How do i contact the correct people at Dominican Consulate to advice them
of my NOA 2 approval etc. Does anyone in this forum have the phone number or
contact for the Dominican Consulate (santo domingo etc)

-What exactly do i need to do after the NOA2 approval (fees,forms,applications that
i have to fill as well as my fiancee) Do i need to seek legal counsel in dominican republic
to help my fiancee with the paperwork etc.?

Your help and advice on this will be greatly appreciated....

kingsley

Not Telling

Dominican Republic

2013-03-19 11:10:00

question about RFE

Did he go to the USCIS website to update his address, so it will go directly to Rhode Island?

Yes he updated his address and got the confirmation letter from USCIS within a week.

David&Yelena

Female

Kazakhstan

2013-04-23 22:35:00

question about RFE

Hi to everybody!
I have a question regarding RFE: how much time do they usually give you to reply RFE? Is it any fixed time or it may vary?
My fiance got the email alert about RFE on April 13, but still no hard copy of RFE letter describing what they need. He moved from CA to RI, but he used to get any letters from Cali sent by regular mail within a week. I'm kinda worry about being late with the reply. :blush:

David&Yelena

Female

Kazakhstan

2013-04-22 23:42:00

How long?

It was 8 months when we filed the petition.

David&Yelena

Female

Kazakhstan

2013-04-22 23:23:00

where is RFE letter?

hello everybody!

I just don't know what else we can do now..

We've got the email that the RFE was sent regarding our application on April 13 and still no hard copy... My fiance called them and applied for a letter copy since we hvent't got it in 15 days.. almost 30 days since that notifiacation and no letter yet.. It is o frustrating... Maybe we could reply it and got approved already but we event don't know what we need to send them...

David&Yelena

Female

Kazakhstan

2013-05-08 11:50:00

DS-156 and DS-156K required by Embassy?

Hello, Trey
U need DS-230, DS-156 and DS-156k. Probably 157 form u have in email was sent by mistake. Link for DS-156k http://www.state.gov...ation/82063.pdf
DS-156 is supposed to be filled online https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp
Best of luck!

David&Yelena

Female

Kazakhstan

2013-07-01 17:56:00

Time Frame

Thank you for the advice. As it is, we would really prefer to get married at a later date, on our own schedule, rather than rushing to get it done for visa purposes. I will go ask around in the K-1 forum. Cheers and thanks again!

Iso

Not Telling

China

2013-02-21 19:55:00

Time Frame

Hello all,

I am an American citizen, living in Japan, with my Chinese fiancee. We plan to get married before going to the States, so that I can conduct my PhD studies. We will need to enter by August/September 2014 and I am mostly wondering when I should start the filing process. All I have gotten from the embassy is that most of the filings take about six months. My work contract will end next March and we would prefer to do some traveling in China and perhaps spend the summer in Thailand before going back to the States. I have read that we can file the I-130 up to one year in advance, but that it must be after the wedding. The step-by-step guide is awesome, but even it does not address some of my concerns about our situation.

Should I just go straight for the CR-1 visa or should we get the K-3 first and get it amended in the States? What would the difference be in how long processing would take? Do I need to be getting married sooner rather than later and filing the I-130 if I want to have the visa around this time next year? Will it be fine to do it late if we use the K-3? Am I in the wrong forum and should actually be looking at a K-1 for my situation? Please let me know.

Thanks in advance.

Iso

Not Telling

China

2013-02-21 01:08:00

China + America

If you marry after filing the K-1 then you have to begin the process all over and file for CR-1. The K-1 becomes invalid at the time of marriage.

Sounds like we should start planning for an August ~ October 2014 marriage! Thanks for the info!

Can we have the "wedding" elsewhere and just file for the marriage certificate after we arrive?

From your signature, it looks like it took about seven months for you to get the visa. Is that about standard?

Iso

Not Telling

China

2013-02-21 20:35:00

China + America

Hello all,

I am an American citizen, living in Japan, with my Chinese fiancee. We plan to go to the States, so that I can conduct my PhD studies. We will need to enter by August/September 2014 and I am mostly wondering when I should start the filing process. My work contract will end next March and we would prefer to do some traveling in China and perhaps spend the summer in Thailand before going back to the States. The step-by-step guide is awesome, but even it does not address some of my concerns about our situation.

I was thinking of going for the CR-1 visa, but it sounds like we would have to get married now - before we started filing. While we do not really want to wait until next autumn to get married, it seems like a better option than going out and doing it in a rush. If we apply for the K-1 and get married before going back to the States, would that mess up the process and require us to start over? When should we start the filing process if we want to get the visa around March of next year? Does the same 6-month validity as the CR-1 apply to the K-1? Is there anything else I should know about filing via Japan? Please let me know.

Thanks in advance.

Iso

Not Telling

China

2013-02-21 20:13:00

i did not request name change??? what is going on?

Aw it means that you will get your approval next couple of days! congratulations!!!

aidansgirl

Male

Bulgaria

2014-02-25 16:28:00

NVC call reps are not doing their job

oh yes- this people have no hearts and no compassion... They give visas to the people that are in USA illegal faster then to us who are trying to do it the right way. I also do not understand why they give the K1 visa faster as well...arent people who are married kindve more of a proove of love . We are family now and i spent 2 christmas alone! It is even worse that there are men who havent even seen their babies because getting a visa is a completly a bullshit procces.....
Hope this will end soon for all of us!

aidansgirl

Male

Bulgaria

2014-10-08 02:38:00

NVC call reps are not doing their job

I am sorry I am just so pissed of of this super supid process and everything conected to it. we started the process a year and 3 months ago and all my hopes for this to end soon are gone now...

Hope your case will be completed soon!

aidansgirl

Male

Bulgaria

2014-10-07 14:16:00