ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLeaving the Philippines
have a safe trip, just pray for your safety,it works..goodluck!! happy.gif
Lancelotte25MalePhilippines2009-07-10 06:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmarriage or wait 4 fiancee visa??
QUOTE (SandLand @ Jul 12 2009, 08:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Interesting..... One of my co-workers just married his Filipino wife, who was on a tourist visa to the US. They will be doing their I-130 DCF petition next month. I wonder how the consular will react to her getting married in the US while on a tourist visa.



DCF (Direct Consular Filing) is filing immigrant visa to the Embassy or Consulate of the United States where the US citizen is domicile for a certain period of time, for example if he or she is in the Military services automatically she/he is domiciled to that foreign country. The US citizen can file for a petition to her/his spouse without going back to the States. Am I right guys? blush.gif

Edited by Lancelotte25, 12 July 2009 - 09:15 AM.

Lancelotte25MalePhilippines2009-07-12 09:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmarriage or wait 4 fiancee visa??
You can't marry your fiance in the US unless you have the K-1 Visa. About the DCF, she can file for it if she is domicile in the UK, but I don't know what is the policy in the US Embassy UK, here in Saudi your fiancee or spouse can file for DCF is she/he is living in the Kingdom for at least 6 months. blush.gif
Lancelotte25MalePhilippines2009-07-11 23:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview date set!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! kicking.gif GOOD LUCK !!
Lancelotte25MalePhilippines2009-07-11 02:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGOT my Interview Date ... in 4 months only
Congratulations, that was too fast.. good.gif Goodluck to her interview
Lancelotte25MalePhilippines2009-07-11 02:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo I need to get Police Clearances from places I have lived for at least 6 months?
It's better to be prepared than be sorry when you appear at the Embassy without the required documents they want to see, besides obtaining PCC in our country doesn't take so long. Some people are travelling back to the country where they stayed for more than 6 months.


Lancelotte25MalePhilippines2009-07-05 06:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBaptismal Certificate
QUOTE (tngirl21809 @ Jul 14 2009, 10:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
for late registration of birth cert it maybe needed to prove identity.
also try to get school records (TOR, diploma, elementary school records, etc.)



I am not late registered. blush.gif

Edited by Lancelotte25, 14 July 2009 - 04:40 AM.

Lancelotte25MalePhilippines2009-07-14 04:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBaptismal Certificate
Hey guys!! can someone please tell me if Baptismal Certificate ir really necessary upon filing for I-130 for CR-1 visa?
so I can tell my wife about it, coz she is keep on insisting that she needs it, because she based her experience then to our situation now, but I told her because you are late registered in NSO,perhaps that's the reason why they asked you for Baptismal certificate and I think baptismal is necessary during the inteview.

please guys, anyone here submitted baptismal certificate during the I-130 filing?
Lancelotte25MalePhilippines2009-07-13 23:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWorst experience... Additional Processing
Sorry to hear about the hardships you've been thru, especially the toe nails..OUCH!! that's really painful.
Perhaps you didn't submitted all the required documents? and why did you need another sponsor? USCIS should have told you from the very beginning if you really needs it.

Well,all I can say is pray and I hope everything will be alright. sad.gif
Lancelotte25MalePhilippines2009-07-11 03:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSuccessful Interview!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BOTH OF YOU!! HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY!! kicking.gif
Lancelotte25MalePhilippines2009-07-11 02:10:00
Middle East and North AfricaFreaking out
Thank you all so much for your adivce and kind words. It helps to hear your thoughts and know that we're not crazy for possibly turning down a green card for hubby.
A little more insight into our situation here...Hubby has been in the USA before, he actually lived there for 4 years for college (obviously that's how we met). Even though he wouldn't experience culture shock and adjustment problems, I do worry about the effect it will have on our marriage with the added stress of money issues.
The decision to immigrate was a joint decision, but we both have different reasons for doing so. He wants another degree (he will get paid more getting a degree in the USA) and he wants citizenship because it will also improve his job outlook here. We are both in agreement that we do not want to be forever in the USA. My husband is a Saudi national and we are able and do intend to eventually settle here. We would rather raise our child(ren) here in KSA. That's why it's we've talked about this not being such a great idea right now. We do not own our home now, we live with my mother in law in my husband's family home, which is very common here. Buying a home here is rediculously expensive, like at least a million dollars and that's why I think it's nuts to go to the USA and waste 4 or 5 years of income. I'm not sure how it will work out living with my parents. Of course they love my hubby, and are welcoming us with open arms, but things change when you're living in 1500sq ft together;)
Of course there is emotinal pressure from my family, although not intentional. I can say that if my family lived in another country, say england, I wouldn't be in a hurry to move back to the USA.
I did take a vacation for about a month this summer to visit and it was nice. My parents are also welcome to come here and visit anytime, but getting them here is another story. As for my siblings, it's a no go since Saudi has a very strict visa policy. Taking a vacation longer than that is just to realistic. My daughter has school and I cant just pull her out whenever. That brings me to another point...how do I go and put my daughter in school, then wait until she's in the 4th or 5th grade and pull her out, bring her back to Saudi and expect her to adjust??
I'm sorry for being so long winded today:) I really do appreciate all of your advice. Please, just keep my family in your prayers for the time being. We will continue to weigh our options and pray on it too.

Edited by ksa2usa, 06 November 2008 - 12:43 PM.

ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-06 12:41:00
Middle East and North AfricaFreaking out
That was our original plan, but things moved faster than we expected and then what was left of the American economy went down the drain. If we chose not to go now, what will that mean for us if we want to immigrate in a few years? Will we have to re apply and go thru the process again? Will they think it's bad of us to say no thanks to an immigrant visa now and then change our minds later down the road? What will happen to my residency in the USA if I continue to live overseas? I know to do DCF you have to have US domicile..so what if I've been overseas a few more years?
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-06 02:09:00
Middle East and North AfricaFreaking out
I'm sort of new here, so I'm sure that most of you are not too familiar with my situation. I have been living in Saudi Arabia for the last year and my husband and I are filing for an immigrant visa thru DCF.
Our process has gone smoothly and quickly so far, and we are only awaiting my husband's interview. The closer we get to his interview, the more I am beginning to think that maybe immigration isn't in our best interest at this time.
Our reasons for immigrating are really not that strong. We don't intend to live in the USA permanently, but only as a temporary thing. My own reasons for wanting to go are purely selfish..I miss my family. The reasons for staying here are overwhelming...job security, great salary, owning a home, free schooling, great health care and insurance, etc. If we move to the USA, we are going into something that we are not prepared for. We will have to live with my parents and depend on them a great deal, not sure about the job market or if my husband will be able to make as much money in the usa as he does here, we'll have to pay for any more college that my husband and I want to complete, childcare for our daughter, NO health insurance (and we want another baby), and depending on where my husband finds work, there is no gurantee that I will live close to my family or get to see them anymore than I do living overseas. In the end, everything we earn and work for in the USA will be a loss...we don't ever intend to live there permanently. All the money we spend on housing, cars, school, and just living will be a big fat waste. We could just stay here, keep making great money and start growing our family.
I'm so confused and stressed out about this situation. I want to go, and I don't want to turn down a green card, and possible citizenship for my husband, but there are so many reasons why it's NOT a good idea, and a good time to immigrate.
What would you girls do if you were in my situation?
My family keeps telling me that I have to decide what I want to sacrifice...my family or my financial security. I've been broke most of my life and I know what it is to scrape together change to pay for gas or stress out about making rent...and I've also lived the last year in a place where I haven't worried about money for a SINGLE DAY, NOT ONCE, and I'm just not sure if I'm ready to go back to being broke..and for what??
HELP PLEASE!!
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-06 01:01:00
Middle East and North AfricaSaturday
Good evening everyone:) it's 1015pm here...and I'm about to head to bed.

I just realized, I'm the only one who's never happy about Saturdays...it's like our Monday here.

I'll wish you all a happy Thursday later in the week jest.gif
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-08 14:16:00
Middle East and North AfricaMonday, Monday
QUOTE (amal @ Nov 10 2008, 10:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (bridget @ Nov 10 2008, 12:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (amal @ Nov 10 2008, 12:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I take the Imitrex nasal spray. Usually it works but for some reason it isn't touching it today. it's not as bad as it was when I was at work, thank god, but it is still causing a LOT of pressure behind my eyeball and down the left side of my face, behind my ear, and down my neck *cries* Maybe I'll take a nap...



could it be allergies to the kittehs?



no , thank god. I didn't get to bring'em home till today and this migraine started last night. ugggg. It's not too bad if I'm laying down but maaaaaaaaaaan as soon as I stand up.. POUND POUND POUND NAUSEA POUND POUND....bleck!!!


Yikes! hope you're feeling better soon!
rose.gif rose.gif rose.gif
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-10 14:16:00
Middle East and North AfricaMonday, Monday
QUOTE (*Maureen* @ Nov 10 2008, 02:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ksa2usa @ Nov 10 2008, 06:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
good afternoon everyone:)
Monday is humpday in the ME star_smile.gif
That mean's it's almost the weekend for me!

dancin5hr.gif dancin5hr.gif dancin5hr.gif



You're lucky!!! I HATE mondays!!!!!

how long have you been in Saudi?


I've been here for a year. Just imagine...I HATE saturdays lol!

ps...a not so good start to my Monday morning tho...Hubby woke me up at 5am to throw a fit about the jeans and socks i layed out for him...apearantly they were the wrong kind and it didn't matter that I actually did it, just that I did it wrong.
Also, upon arriving to work there were 2 teachers looking horrified in the hallway outside my classrom. I asked what was wrong and they informed me that there was a giant sewer rat taking up residence in the class next door. The mantainance man came to remove it, it ended up being about 12 inches long...and it SMELLED!!!
What a day!
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-10 11:16:00
Middle East and North AfricaMonday, Monday
good afternoon everyone:)
Monday is humpday in the ME star_smile.gif
That mean's it's almost the weekend for me!

dancin5hr.gif dancin5hr.gif dancin5hr.gif
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-10 06:33:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday's Thread!
ohhh when is thanksgiving? i thought about doing a nice turkey dinner for my inlaws here in saudi!!!
So happy it's wednesday...happy weekend to anyone else living in the ME:)
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-12 06:31:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslim and interested in going Vegitarian
If your personal choice is to not eat meat, say because you don't like it, or there is no halal meat avaliable to you, then you are allowed to refrain. The verse doesn't mean to eat EVERYTHING provided for us, just FROM those things provided for us (meaning stay away from the bad things).
As long as you don't view eating meat as haram..for example, maybe you are big on animal rights and you think that slaughtering animals is wrong in the way the Prophet (PBUH) showed us...that would be sinful. But just choosing to not eat meat because you don't like it is not haram.

Please see this advice from islamqa.com, a very reliable and respectable site
http://www.islamqa.c...2521/vegetarian
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-12 06:42:00
Middle East and North AfricaGOOD MORNING FRIDAY
QUOTE (Aymsgirl @ Nov 14 2008, 03:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (bridget @ Nov 14 2008, 07:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Tasha that is AWESOME That he's starting a new job!!! good.gif



Yes, it's just a temporary job at Kohl's Distribution Warehouse. He will work until the end of the year on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6am to 6pm. It's a start and money and we only need my sister to watch Malek one day so it saves us on daycare. We are still hoping that something permanent comes up but until then this will work. He isn't used to manual labor so I am sure that the weekends will be a little touchy but heyyyyyyyyyyy, he could be sitting at home on his butt still!!!


congrats on the job:) im sure it will be a change for him, but it will still be a help financially not to mention an ego booster for him!
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-14 08:16:00
Middle East and North AfricaWell it's Sunday somewhere
Oh Olivia, I toally know how you feel. I was away from my hubby for almost 3 years, all the while raising our daughter alone. It was like starting over with a new person when we finally moved here to KSA and were together again.
Best of luck to you, and to all the other ladies spending time away from their loved ones.
It is true..absence makes the heart grow fonder...and you never know what you are capable of handling until you are shown.
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-16 06:42:00
Middle East and North AfricaYou know you're in a MENA relationship when....
QUOTE (Aymsgirl @ Nov 17 2008, 06:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You know the toilet was a big issue for me. Once at Starbucks in Alexandria, Egypt I got blown off of the toilet by the flusher thing. It was an instant douche! I ran across the bathroom and that thing was still blowing wildly and as hard as it could out of the toilet. I used all of the towels to clean up the floor came out soaken and my husband just stared with wild eyes like ####### just happened?? I said excuse me, I didn't expect the the water to squirt out like a firehose. We laughed so hard we had to leave. I was a mess and everybody was staring.



oh my GOD!! i dont know about egypt, but in Saudi there is no such thing as cold water in the summer...it is all about 200degrees and sizzling hot. so one day after i first moved here, i was trying out the bidet in our bathroom for the first time. i sat down, got comfy, and turned on what i thought would be cold water. BIG SUPRISE for me!!!!! naturally when i realized my tender parts were being boiled, i jumped up and the water continued to squirt all over the bathroom and my clothes. My poor daughter came running and was like "mama what happened to you?"
That was a ME moment I'll never forget!
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-17 12:24:00
Middle East and North AfricaYou know you're in a MENA relationship when....
QUOTE (ZaidsMommy @ Nov 17 2008, 04:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
On the Dowry issue....You have to declare one when you get married, it is not an option. The judge in Jordan would not let me say " I didnt want one" So I made some ####### up and went on our way...seriously, hubbys money is my money, I dont need gifts, lol.

Alot of the "you know your married to an arab" crack me up. Do some of your hubbys really take 3 showers a day?? lol...I guess after Sofyan being here now for 3 years he has become quite americanized.

I think alot of you will be surprised when and if your spouse comes to america. Sofyan use to be semi conservative but that ended reaaal quick. It doesnt take much for them to sloowly start coming around. Its nice that I can finally enjoy an ice cold beer with my muslim husband smile.gif

yes for real...sometimes more. but hey, we live in the world's largest and hottest dust bin, so it's for the best. even in the usa he took at least 2 (he was there for 4 years or so) so i don't see him changing too much if we ever get back there.
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-17 12:19:00
Middle East and North AfricaYou know you're in a MENA relationship when....
QUOTE (PlatyPius @ Nov 16 2008, 08:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (narina77 @ Nov 16 2008, 11:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (narina77 @ Nov 16 2008, 10:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (PlatyPius @ Nov 15 2008, 08:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You know you're in a MENA relationship when:

1. You suddenly convert to a religion you've only heard of a couple of times.

2. You try to use words from your SOs language, but - being a stupid American - you pronounce them completely wrong and sound more as retarded than as you really are.

3. Things that made your American boyfriends disgusting, slobs, vile, etc are perfectly acceptable and considered "cute" now with your MENA fiance.

4. You suddenly decide that living in a desert with no sanitation services, buying meat covered with flies, and living in a culture completely different from your own sounds like a swell idea.


You know you're NOT in a MENA relationship when you're an ignorant American man that is bitter because an American girl picked a MENA man over him...and he had to go to Asia or Russia and buy himself a wife!!!


I don't like people that stir things up and then cop out with a "I didn't really mean it"...yeah you did!


Wrong and wrong.

a) There is no way in hell I would have EVER been interested in someone like you. MENA guy was your best choice.
2) My wife is from England, and she's here on the board; ask her if I "bought" her.
c) Why is it "BUYING" a wife from Asia or Russia, but NOT buying a husband for YOU?

d) I never said that I didn't mean it. Because I do. The women in this forum that are guilty of the things I mentioned in my 4 items make me sick.


lol @ Narina

and rotfl@ a) 2) c) d)
What happened to cool.gif ???


I'm proud to say I chose to move to the "desert" and our sanitation services are top notch. We also do buy fresh, refridgerated meat from the supermarket...never seen a fly on anything. And ps...no one I know owns a camel, or lives in a tent.

Now that you have taken the time to assume things about our husbands based on where they come from, should we also assume that because your wife is British (and you say that like you deserve a trophy for it) she must have crooked teeth and b.o.?

Let's all act like grown-ups, ok?
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-16 12:42:00
Middle East and North AfricaYou know you're in a MENA relationship when....
QUOTE (Donna A @ Nov 16 2008, 03:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i was going to say the kleenex one too. i remember carrying them to the bathroom with me. the hose just was too freaky for me.


Oh, don't get me wrong...I love the accessibility to running water in each stall here in the ME...it's the lack of toilet paper to dry off with that really get's my panties in a bunch (literally!). Always always always, make sure to carry your own kleenex ladies!
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-16 08:38:00
Middle East and North AfricaYou know you're in a MENA relationship when....
Ohhh I have plenty...

When Kleenex becomes a multi use item, no longer just for blowing noses....also good for wiping hands during meals, drying hands, drying dishes, cleaning up messes, etc etc.
(also you know youre IN MENA when you don't get napkins at a restraunt...just a bx of kleenexes)

When you find yourself saying "open" or "close the light" instead of turn it off or on

When your child speaks Arabish...not Arabic, not English

When your child speaks English with a funny accent (and when you, yourself start talking with a funny accent)

You have to swear on your life to strangers that yes, you are indeed an American...yes, for real an American, and so were your ancestors.

Your husband pees sitting down (yes, I did just go there)

Your husband takes at least 3 showers a day

Your husband spends at least 1 hour using the bathroom, to ensure propper washing after the fact

At a family meal, your kids don't argue over who get's desert, but who gets to eat the tounge of the lamb (yep...that's how it is in our house!)

You don't yell at your children to stop eating with their hands...you encourage it!

You find yourself eating dinners on the living room floor, on top of a sheet or news paper if you're in a jiff:)

Ok...I could go on for years, but I'll leave it at that ladies!
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-16 06:38:00
Middle East and North AfricaTerrific Tuesday!
Hmm...Just got home from work and was about to post a tuesday thread and you beat me to it. I had to get all caught up on the locked down threads...I guess alot happens while I'm asleep on the other side of the world, huh?

Hope everyone's tuesdays are going well:)

good.gif
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-18 06:50:00
Middle East and North AfricaOne way ticket or Round Trip?
Your visa may require a round trip ticket, but if it doesn't I would go with the one way and get another one when I'm ready to come back. Then you don't have to worry about spending so much, your ticket expiring, etc.
Also, have you asked hubby to check in Egypt for a ticket for you? Sometimes buying them here in KSA for my family in the USA is cheaper. Also, I don't know where you are looking, but I'm a big fan of travelocity. We've used them alot too.
Good luck to you:)
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-20 00:43:00
Middle East and North AfricaHe's driving me crazy
QUOTE (Aymsgirl @ Nov 15 2008, 08:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (amal @ Nov 14 2008, 10:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
One of the things we all can never recommend enough is PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE is soooooooooooooooooooooo much needed when our SO's first arrive. It is reeeeeeeeally trying on us because we already have plans, have things to do, jobs to do, lives to schedule, and then here they come and depend on us for every minute detail. It's HARD not only for them but for us, equally as much.

We have to be patient because they really have no idea what this country is all about and when they get here it is a large reality slap in the face. They soon realize life in America isn't the gold paved streets that they think it was. They now have to learn to communicate with not only you but all of America. They realize how much they DON'T have perfect English and talking on the phone is very intimidating at first. Every detail of American life is intimidating to them and we are the only people they can turn to is us.

When we petition for anyone from a foreign country to come live in the USA with us, we have to remember that they have left everything that they know as normal, and come to a whole country that they barely can communicate in.

It is very important to encourage them to do things on their own but also to be understanding of their fears of doing new things in unfamiliar territory, in a language that they peck through with a bit of difficulty. Everything from using the bathroom to using a can opener can be totally unknown to them and trust me..it tries the patience like crazy.

There were days that I wondered what the heck I'd gotten myself in to because I just couldn't take any more questions. It even got to the point that we were arguing over small things. Sorry if I'm rambling but there are just soooooo many things I want to say and I can't get them all typed in fast enough. I guess I'm just saying that what is going on is very very normal and the best thing you can do is talk to ppl who understand what ur going through (we in vj are a great bunch who understand this situation) and try your best to have the patience of Job.

If you need anything or just want to vent or talk, please do not hesitate to PM me any time. Don't feel alone though. It will all slowly even out as he learns the ways and begins getting more comfortable.

rose.gif amal rose.gif



I agree very much with Amal. My husband has been here for 7 months and still asks questions every day. For a long time he would have me do everything until I gave him a list and said here, you call this person and ask this and this person and ask that. Then he started getting up the nerve to answer the phone himself. He still gets nervous at times and asks so many questions that every now and then I want to break down and scream HUSHHHHHHHHHHH!!! I don't thought because I know I could very well be in his situation sooner or later. Take care and best wishes Belinda!


seriously...I will NOT answer the house phone here...only my personal mobile. That sucker can be sitting right beside me, and ring a thousand times, and NO WAY will I ansewer it.
I definatley know how some of your adjusting husbands feel! I'm an adjustee too:)
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-16 06:56:00
Middle East and North AfricaHe's driving me crazy
QUOTE (star_dragon @ Nov 15 2008, 05:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ksa2usa @ Nov 15 2008, 05:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think everyone's pretty much got it covered here...have patience.
You can't imagine what it's like for him. I've been here in Saudi for a year, and I'm pretty well adjusted now (still won't call places on the phone, though) but when I first got here I drove my husband crazy. I was devastated when he went back to work and back to life and I was chillin' in the house with my mother in law who speaks no English:) Good times, I tell ya. Thankfully I found a job after 2 weeks and it helped some.
Just try to put yourself in his position. There is alot of new stuff going on for him. Long hair on dudes and making out in parking lots might be old news to some of us, but to a person who has never heard of such a thing...it can be pretty traumatic.
Good luck to all of you who have adjusting husbands.


laughing.gif
YUP...One of my best friend's boyfriends has long long hair and my hubby just don't get it.... tongue.gif


just you wait...my hubby was already in the USA for 3 years when I met him...and he had long hair!!! like pony tail long. so maybe you're husband will not only come to terms with long man-hair, he might just try it out for himself lol!!!
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-15 10:59:00
Middle East and North AfricaHe's driving me crazy
I think everyone's pretty much got it covered here...have patience.
You can't imagine what it's like for him. I've been here in Saudi for a year, and I'm pretty well adjusted now (still won't call places on the phone, though) but when I first got here I drove my husband crazy. I was devastated when he went back to work and back to life and I was chillin' in the house with my mother in law who speaks no English:) Good times, I tell ya. Thankfully I found a job after 2 weeks and it helped some.
Just try to put yourself in his position. There is alot of new stuff going on for him. Long hair on dudes and making out in parking lots might be old news to some of us, but to a person who has never heard of such a thing...it can be pretty traumatic.
Good luck to all of you who have adjusting husbands.
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-15 06:29:00
Middle East and North Africaapproved
QUOTE (Aymsgirl @ Nov 29 2008, 06:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Great news girl!!! I hope we can meet up when life leads you this way!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif


I sincerely hope that we can...I'm sure I'll be in your neighborhood sometime to see family anyhow!

Thanks to all of you for the congrats and well wishes!

Now everyone just pray that the economy improves and this doesn't end up being a giant mistake good.gif
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-30 06:44:00
Middle East and North Africaapproved
hey girls, just wanted to share the good news that hubby's immigrant visa was approved today:) kicking.gif
not sure when we'll be comming home, but i think we have decided that we will come lol.
all in all, it only took us about 2 months for the entire process start to finish.
good luck to all of you still waiting
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-11-29 10:20:00
Middle East and North Africaneed info about visa picture for muslim women
http://travel.state..../info_1287.html

check this link...it says headcoverings for religious purposes are ok, as long as they don't cover the face
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-12-10 01:23:00
Middle East and North Africaneed info about visa picture for muslim women
QUOTE (ahjoy77 @ Dec 10 2008, 07:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm a muslim from philippines & i wan't to get an info about visa picture...i have read from USEM site that all pictures should show both ears...& since i'm wearing a scarf i'm kinda confused how should my picture be taken
with my passport & nbi clearance they asked me to show my ears or they wont take my pic & i need the passport & nbi so i hav no choice...if i have my visa picture taken without showing my ears will the embassy accept it? i would gladly be thankful for any info u can give...thanks!


don't worry. concessions are made for religious reasons. all of my pictures for my passport, and for applying for my hubby's cr1 were with my hijab on. explain to them that you wear you scarf for religious reasons and they should make the exception. check on your usem website and it should say that covering your head for religious reasons is ok. if you find that information, print it out and take it with you when you get your photos done. sometimes you just have to speak up and put your foot down.
good luck to you!

*ps...when they say both ears should be showing, that is refering to the angle of your face for the photo. meaning you should be looking straight ahead and no to the side, like they used to do it.
it doesn't mean they need to see your ears for identification purposes

Edited by ksa2usa, 10 December 2008 - 01:17 AM.

ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-12-10 01:16:00
Middle East and North AfricaVisa to Saudi Arabia
Hi, I'm currently also living in Saudi Arabia. My process to come here was probably much different than yours, since I am the wife of a saudi and my husband was my sponsor. For us to get it done quickly, we needed "wasta" or connections, of course. But for you, working for Aramco, you have no worries. They will take care of everything.
The medical can be a pain in the butt...and for me it was quite expensive since my insurance didn't cover some of the rediculous tests I needed to have done.
Also, once you get here, you will probably have to have a secondary medical exam done, which is much simpler and less of a hassle.
So again, I think you have no worries! Just be patient and wait it out.
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-10-17 03:14:00
Middle East and North AfricaMy precious son
QUOTE (Henia @ Dec 16 2008, 03:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Esalaam/Hello!

It pains to write this thread concerning my son ... but maybe I pray someone can help ... Since he was born I have had difficulty after difficulty with him feeding. I tried everything suggested, read and even things I dreamed up myself. Some worked for a while and others not at all.

I had noticed that my son had a slight difference with his tongue then let's mine or my daughters ... but not being able to remember what my daughter's mouth looked like as a newborn ... and also thinking every child is different I wrote it off.

Months went by ... even more difficulties with his eating. Not gaining weight as I "thought" he should ... crying and obviously suffering.

I sat online daily reading, looking for some way to help this ... thinking the problem stemmed from me. My milk low, not flowing as fast as it should, etc etc. Even supplementing him with formula ... he could barely down it ... choke mostly and cry cry cry some more. I know this was not normal but didn't know how to help him.

But elhamdullah last week, by the mercy of God ... I stumbled upon a short, very short article that mentioned a condition called Ankyloglossia (aka tongue tie) ... from what I read ... it seemed like they are were describing my son ... EXACTLY!

So I went from there googling it ... reading all the websites ... my husband thinking I was insane sitting up all night reading! But elhamdullah, after a few days of my research I was ready to make the announce to my husband ... I knew what was gone! My husband seeing the evidence ... also saw that this was what probably our son has ... we went to the doctor, who affirmed my thinking.

So anyway, long story short ... we went to 2 doctors ... Youcef's ped and also an oral surgeon in Alger ... he got his first "cut" yesterday ... I went to the app but did not dare go into the op room ... I'm too chicken when it comes to my children in pain. I cried all day (ye I know) LOL!

But elhamdullah ... this first intervention of sorry to say many ... I have already seen much progress in him. He within 24 hours starting "wanting" the breast without being a manaic as he had been before. He sucked alittle not really knowing how I think ... I was thinking to forbid the pacifer so he could ge back to breast quickly but my heart couldn't take seeing him in pain. So just gave it ... and gave it to him!

He is still on meds ... but as I said I see progress. He still isn't eating as he should ... but he is doing better elhamdullah. He is able to move his tongue now ... up and down and cry normally ... unlike before when his tongue was completely attached to the bottom of his mouth. And also the tongue is now uncurled since a part of the frenum had been removed. He is beginning to understand how to suck.

We go back to the surgeon at 6m to revise, probably cut some more ... then later when he is talking ... speech therapy and others they said. We will see how it goes ...

Also since his birth he has been having these "seizure" like eposides where he sticks out his arms (like when someone trys to scare you saying Booo), his eyes get very big and he is very rigid, wanting to shake but seems to be frozen. Like if he is scared or shocked ... how else to exam it. If we hold his hands, literally holding his arms down he instantly gets out of this "trance" but starting whaling scream ... as if he is hurt. But if we donnot hold him down, this will go on for about 1 or so. Really no way to comfort him after these eposides end.

Before, this only happened sometimes when I took off his clothes for bathing or during diaper changes ... I simply thought he was cold. Unfortunately, I heat the room as much as I can buuut is still cold. So I didn't think it was something to worry over. And also this only happened a few times ... but in the last 2 weeks it seems to be happening daily ... several times a day. And not only when he is unclothed. But also when I was feeding him, once while we were talking to him and several times when he put down after he fell asleep in my arms.

It only happens when he is on his back (not when he is laying on stomach or side), his body as I said gets very rigid and want to shake but he is frozen(his little hands garb for something to hold on it, as he were falling), his hands and feet are icy cold even though he is dressed warm. After his hands and feet are sweaty.

I would like to know if anyone out there knows what this is ... why or really anything to help me. I have not even the slightly idea what to google to find out what this is. Ped said maybe he is scared. I am not sure ... from everything that has happened here I really don't trust a d#m# word they tell me here ... but why would he be scared really?

There is no history in m family or my husband's of mental illness, seizures or any head related conditions that I can think of that would make a person do this. I have really idea about seizures either ... I read what I could online ... but still I am not sure as he is a baby. But doctor did tell me when I was pregnant with my son I had epiplepsy but it was really preclampsia and low iron that made me faint. Doctors here are bascially idiots ... so I have to self-dignose what this is. I just ask everyone please spare a minute when you are praying to pray for my son ... that he at least can eat. He is very thin(more then 2 kg less then he should cool.gif pale and very moody (I am sure since he is suffering) .... And also if anyone knows anything about this condition please reply to this thread or PM me. It is much appreciated!

Thanks and God bless!



Hello, I'm not sure what the other ladies have mentioned because I didn't read the other replys...im on my way out the door. I'm happy first of all that you figured out your son's condition and let your mother's instinct take over and that you had the courage to bring it up to the doctors...i can't believe they missed it, honestly! That is something they should be checking for.

Also, the arms out, wide eyed behaviour seems nothing more than the infant startle reflex. if they are scared, startled, or feel unsafe (maybe you put him down too fast, or removed his clothes too fast) then it is a normal reflex to flail out the arms. every infant is born with this reflex and it is something regularly chekced at infant checkups with your doctor. Of course, get it checked out if you are scared about it. your ped should be able to refer you to a neruologist and have simple tests done. Also, if you think your son is experiencing a siezure..you should never ever try to hold him down or make it stop. simply put him down in a place where he cannot fall, cannot hurt himself and wait until it is done.

best of luck to you.
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-12-24 08:34:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Just wanted to say...we'll have at least 11 sheep living at our house for the next few days! Ahhh, the joys of living in the middle east!
I'm so excited for this Eid. It's way cooler celebrating with family and other muslims, instead of in the USA where everyone is either clueless or could care less.
Happy Eid to all of you:)
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-12-03 14:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTime related question - Married to an American abroad
I'm not sure..that would be a question to be answered by your consulate. I'm not sure how quick they would be to give a tourist visa to someone who is applying for an immigrant visa. I don't think there is a way to apply for 2 visas at once.
Hope that answered your question:)
Like I said before, I think if you just want to visit, a tourist visa is your best bet. DCF is a very quick process and you could start that when and if you are ready to live in the USA permanently.
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-12-02 07:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTime related question - Married to an American abroad
DCF would be the best way to go IF you are intending to live and settle in the USA. If you are intending to stay where you are, then your green card would probably be revoked since you are not having residence in the usa. If you want to visit the USA for a temporary stay, then you have to get a tourist visa. All you will need to do is show strong ties to your home country (such as letter from employer, leases, bank accounts, etc.) and you shouldn't have a problem getting a toursit visa.
DCF is a great process, and I just finished it myself, but please wait until you are actually ready to move to the USA before you start that, or you could end up in trouble:)
ksa2usaFemaleSaudi Arabia2008-12-01 06:00:00