biggish data

Anyone visit the US for a full 3 months during processing?

Thanks both of you for sharing your experiences--I'm hopeful now that we can go!

I have a good history also of always returning. Prior to living there permanently I visited a few times for a full three months and always returned on time. Not sure if they keep such old records (15 years), but one can always hope. First time I went there I got pulled in and was questioned for well over an hour! I was told later that the Minneapolis POE is much more difficult, so I might try and get a flight to Chicago instead.

What exactly do you mean by school schedule? Like a weekly schedule for the different classes? I looked at my program's site and I couldn't see anything that looked like it, but perhaps I can ask.

Thanks!

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-05-12 19:43:00

Anyone visit the US for a full 3 months during processing?

Looking up old threads on the subject of visiting a spouse during the visa processing, it seems no one has gone over to stay for longer than a couple of weeks. I'd like to go visit my husband this summer for three months while my kid is out of school. I'm a student and am taking a couple of distance classes this summer. I'm not sure if it's more difficult to prove intent to return when staying for a full 3 months. Anyone done this?

As for bringing proof of my intent to return to Sweden, I have a rental that I will keep while away. I don't work, but have applied for a university program starting this fall. Acceptance isn't till July 12 however, so couldn't bring proof of that. I'll have a return ticket for me and my two sons (both are US citizens, but since I'm their main caretaker I'm assuming that having tix for them as well is good for showing intent to return).

Any insight and advice?

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-05-12 18:29:00

G-325a Applicant's Addresses and Employment

Thanks! No more hassles then:).

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-05-15 13:55:00

G-325a Applicant's Addresses and Employment

I'm the beneficiary and filled out my G-325a listing my past addresses and employment as 'Applicant's addresses' and'Employment'. My husband listed his information on that part. But someone here stated that Applicant refers to the petitioner, so should I have listed my spouse's information instead on my form too? He hasn't sent the application in yet, so I can print another one and mail to him. Delaying it another week...

Thanks.

Edited by rosajo, 15 May 2012 - 09:21 AM.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-05-15 09:18:00

Husband did not work in 2011, but does now

Oh, what a bummer I didn't read this till now. My husband just filed the I-130 and pretty much wasted 420 dollars. There's no way we can find a joint sponsor, nor do we have $60,000 worth of assets:(.

Well, I suppose I should ask first if your wife is currently employed? My husband is employed, so perhaps this makes a difference. I think I read elsewhere on this forum that proving current income in the form of employment letter is just as valid, but perhaps not.

We have just run into this, my wife (the USC) worked and lived abroad in 2011, so her tax return for 2011 showed no US income.

As a result of this, the consulate where I'll have my interview shortly requires me to bring evidence of 60,000$ worth of assets with me to the interview, or an affidavit of joint sponsorship. Best of luck!

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-05-22 04:50:00

Husband did not work in 2011, but does now

We're getting ready to file our I-130, for the second time. I had a green card between 1998 and 2009.

Back then we only had to submit paychecks to prove his income met the guidelines--he didn't have income the year prior to us filing the I-130 as he was a high school student in Sweden, but looking through some threads here it seems that the 2011 tax year is considered current income. Problem is he wasn't working at all during that year as he was going to college here in Sweden. He filed a tax return for 2010 during which time he worked for the first six months. He did work a full year in 2009 and several years before that.

How will this effect our chances of him being the sole sponsor of me? For all the years we lived together in the US, we made above poverty level (and I'm sure above 125% too). Will NVC consider our circumstances?

Thanks.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-05-14 15:17:00

Does conoff assess beneficiary's financial/professional status?

We're still in the beginning of the I-130 process, but I just had a look at DS-230 to see what questions are asked. There are some questions about my past employment and education etc. Now I'm worried that the fact that I have been a stay-at-home mother for the past ten years is going to count against us. Also, I didn't finish my university degree because of getting pregnant in second year.
Since having kids, my husband has supported us. We live frugally, but in all tax years after college, we've always made at least 125% of poverty line for our household size.

I do plan to return to school when I get back to the US as my youngest is almost 5.

It would be interesting to know if there are other people who have been in a similar situation and what your experience was like at the interview.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-05-22 17:16:00

Which form to use DS-230 or DS-260?

Thank you! I did see that list, but it wasn't clear to me what it referred to.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-06-06 14:25:00

Which form to use DS-230 or DS-260?

I'm trying to prepare for the NVC process by reading this http://travel.state..../info_3190.html
and I'm confused about which form to use. I'm not sure what 'selected' Embassies and Consulates they are referring to.
When looking at this page
http://travel.state..../info_5164.html
the conditions for needing to use DS-260 (electronic filing) seem to apply to our case (it's family based and the petition will be approved in the US). But it looks like everyone on these forums are using the DS-230.

Thanks for any insight.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-06-02 10:39:00

Swedish citizen moving to the NVC Stage

Another Swede here! A couple of miles north of Västerås:).

When I lived in the US I heard of some Swedes getting their marriage registered in the US. I don't know how they did this or what it's called, but something you can look further into.

By marriage certificate, what do you mean? All I have is the personbevis. Though I got married in a church, perhaps what you have is issued at the town hall.

I noticed your I-130 took about 5 months--did your wife use a US address on the petition?

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-05-12 18:14:00

Call history and chat log

No, as a Swedish citizen you're not going to have a problem convincing the Embassy of a bona fide relationship. I brought a ton of stuff with me to the interview, didn't have to show anything. The officer spent most of her time scolding me for not having done the medical in advance (someone had given me the wrong information) and now I would have to delay my trip another week.

Edited by rosajo, 19 June 2012 - 04:47 PM.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-06-19 16:46:00

Anyone visit with USC kids, I-130 pending

jayjae--what sort of proof have you carried with you?

I think all I have is my apartment and bills. I've been a stay at home mom for 10 years, and recently I've been a student. But I'm most likely only taking a distance class this fall, so that probably won't suffice.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-06-20 11:36:00

Anyone visit with USC kids, I-130 pending

I'd like to visit my husband during our wait but I keep worrying about traveling with kids, especially as they're US citizens. Would love to hear from others who have visited with kids and what their experience is with CBP agents.

I would like to visit for a full three months.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-06-20 06:38:00

Expedite Request Financial Hardship

By the way, I noticed your timeline--did it really take almost 7 months to get your I-130 approved? Back in 1998, it took me less than 2 months from filing to arriving in the US! Isn't going to happen this time...

How did you get the NVC process moving so quickly?

Edited by rosajo, 19 June 2012 - 04:31 PM.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-06-19 16:30:00

Expedite Request Financial Hardship

That's funny isn't it. I'm sure the only way we'd qualify for welfare is if my husband returned to Sweden to face joblessness. Ugh, no thanks...

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-06-19 16:27:00

Expedite Request Financial Hardship

I see there are several people on the forum who have had an expedite request approved (and those who have one denied) so I though I'd explain my situation and see what you all think our chances are of having one approved.

My husband (USC) lived with me in Sweden for 18 months and was unable to find work, so he went back to the US this February and started working a month later. We finally saved up enough money to file the I-130 petition May 22. I'm currently living on student aid, which will last me through this summer. Starting September I will have no Swedish income and will have to rely on my husband's income alone. My chances of getting a job here is slim as I have been a stay-at-home mom for 10 years, and have no professional degree (just high school diploma). If I did manage to find work it would be low paid work and not during hours when public childcare (subsidised based on income) is available (ends at 5pm). I also live in a small town and do not have a driver's license. I'm new to this town so I don't know anyone who could care for my kids while working, my family lives 4 hours away.

Cost of living in Sweden is pretty high, a lot higher than the US, plus the dollar is weak. To maintain a basic standard here to cover rent, bills and food (we don't spend extra on anything besides this) I would need 2000 dollars. He makes 2500 after taxes. If we all lived in the same household, this would be sufficient, but not when we're supporting two different households at the same time. He currently rents a room for $225 per month, has car insurance, plus pays for his food and gas of course. And he's already working 57 hours per week.

I noticed someone mentioned here http://www.visajourn...dship-expedite/ that requesting an expedite on financial hardship is a lose lose situation when it comes to proving that the USC will not become a public charge, but to my mind, meeting the 125% poverty line is much a lot different than supporting two separate households.

Thanks for any input.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-06-19 14:06:00

How long between I-130 acceptance and NVC case number?

Yeah, it doesn't actually say anything on the spreadsheet about the time lapsed between receipt and case number assigned, so yes, about one month from NOA2. So I think I have another week and a half to wait. I just sent for my police check, shouldn't take long.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-07-11 05:47:00

How long between I-130 acceptance and NVC case number?

thanks, just what i needed:). i was looking at the spreadsheet a couple of weeks ago and from what i remember, it doesn't usually take very long between transfer and assigning of case number. i'll just sit back and wait patiently.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-07-10 19:05:00

How long between I-130 acceptance and NVC case number?

Finally after the nth time of calling, the case has been transferred, but now they say it'll take another 10-20 business days to be entered into the computer. Is there anything I can say or do that will make this go faster?

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-07-10 11:14:00

How long between I-130 acceptance and NVC case number?

Thank you!

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-06-27 14:59:00

How long between I-130 acceptance and NVC case number?

Thank you for answering my questions. Yes, it does seem it's taking a month at the moment. I'm hoping for faster:).

When you say NOA2 date, is that the same as approval date?

When I send the form by email, it doesn't need a physical signature, right?

What do I say when calling NVC?

Thanks!

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-06-27 14:25:00

How long between I-130 acceptance and NVC case number?

I found out two days ago that our petition was approved June 21. No NOA2 email yet. About when should I expect to receive a case number with NVC? I see some people recommending calling about a week later, every day, until a number is assigned. Is this effective, and if so, start calling a week after what--date of approval or date of NOA2 receipt?

I'm also wondering what the fastest way is of sending in the DS-3032, email or regular mail. I live in Sweden, it takes about a week for regular mail. I did see the template here for emailing the form, but is there a chance of them loosing it? Is regular mail more reliable?

Thanks!

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-06-27 08:36:00

Yup:)

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-08-12 13:08:00

Yes, it has been paid. Sorry to bother you for nothing! My husband doesn't communicate 'small' details like that unless asked specifically:).

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-08-11 14:00:00

Ok, I think I should have checked with my husband first whether he's paid both bills, before posting. I didn't occur to me we might not receive an actual invoice first.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-08-11 07:24:00

right, the IV bill was invoiced shortly after, just not the AOS. They are invoiced in two separate emails, correct? In case the email somehow got lost, it would still show on the payment portal if it's been invoiced?

Thanks again.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-08-10 13:36:00

i got the case number late July, i think 27th. sent in 3032 shortly after that, a few days. was accepted this Monday and came along with the IV bill invoice for 230 dollars. no lawyer. sorry i don't have exact dates, but hope that helps.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-08-10 13:00:00

Looking at the NVC FAQ it seems the AOS bill is what generally comes first, but we've only got the IV one so far, this Monday, paid Wednesday. When can we expect the AOS bill, should I call?

Thanks!

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-08-10 12:31:00

When to schedule Medical?

Thanks!

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-08-27 07:17:00

When to schedule Medical?

Sorry if this is the most commonly asked question! I tried googling, but couldn't find an easy answer.

We sent off both AOS and IV packages to NVC last Tuesday and assuming there's no RFEs, when do I schedule a medical? Do I wait till I have an interview scheduled first? I have no trouble traveling back and forth between medical and interview since I live close to Stockholm, and no interference from work schedule, so is it possible to have the medical quite soon even if the interview is scheduled a month from now? Although I have no idea how quickly interviews are scheduled there now that they're serving additional countries.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-08-27 05:53:00

Anyone qualified for Sponsor with a temp-to-hire position

So my husband started out working for well-known company as a temp employee through a staffing agency, 5 months ago. Just this month he was taken on as a temp-to-hire employee, still through the staffing agency. The probationary period is roughly 5 months. From what he hears at his workplace, no one gets the boot, and some temp workers stay temp for years even.

He's in good standing with this company, and in fact was the only temp taken on as temp-to-hire this round. *He* knows his job is in effect permanent (as in 'with likely prospects to continue'), but the question is whether a consular officer would be convinced of this when his position is not *formally* permanent yet. I don't know what their requirements are. I do know that a large portion of jobs available in the US do start out with this probationary period, so I'm hoping there are people here with a similar experience.

I don't want to hang around waiting for the interview if it's pretty certain he won't qualify. We've been apart for too long already and our kids just need both their parents, even if it means financial uncertainty in my home country.

Thanks!

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-09-07 05:26:00

Was the birth certificate you sent a photocopy of the official document or the actual official document? A photocopy is not sufficient.

Sweden doesn't issue official birth or marriage certificates. Your birth and other things are registered with the tax authorities and then when you need a copy of this information for whatever purpose, you go there and get a print out. But in the reciprocity tables, it explains which document is needed, with the Swedish word spelled out, and after calling NVC, they seem to be aware of this. The issue seems to be that I was going by a state.gov document called Instructions for Visa Applicants, Stockholm Embassy which states specifically to get the print out in the English version. But this doesn't appear on the reciprocity tables. Go figure. I'm so annoyed right now.

So, I'm resending the documents in Swedish. That's all that shows on the reciprocity tables, and I guess I should go by that. Even the Embassy wrote me that the NVC is the final authority on which documents are needed.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-09-14 09:17:00

Karla.n.Bjorn, I've looked at the Reciprocity Tables for Sweden and I'll have to sympathize with NVC. It says Personbevis and it doesn't say that the applicant should get the English version, nor what it's called in English. However, on another piece of document, it does say the English version should be requested and what it's called. Here's a link in case you want to include a copy with your IV package. Highly suggested if you don't want an RFE.

http://travel.state....L-0001-1001.pdf

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-09-13 17:38:00

I think I'll just put another set of copies in there, and this time write in a cover letter that the documents fulfill the requirement for my country.
Let's just say that the new and 'improved' system is not as efficient as it used to be:).

We shouldn't have to be worried about our birth certificates not looking official. Swedes have emigrated to the US using these very same forms for years and years. Nothing new!

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-09-11 12:00:00

My husband and I both got an RFE from NVC. For me, the applicant, it first says that I had a gap of more than 6 months between residences from age 16. I noticed I had put 1995 instead of 1994 on the last address.

After that comes information about the petitioner's missing information with a checklist referred to at the bottom of the page. But then after that, which is confusing me, says 'BIRTH CERTIFICATE' and under that simply 'Please submit this applicant's original, or a certified copy of the original document listed above.' It doesn't say that what I had submitted was inadequate or missing, like it did for the DS-230 data. What does this mean? I know for certain that I provided the appropriate document for my country, so the question is whether they deemed it inappropriate or what. Maybe it's just standard procedure to ask for it when data on DS-230 needs correction? Though in the case of originals, it would be impossible to submit another one. There's also a paragraph about submitting a marriage certificate, but again, I've already submitted the correct one, which is part of the birth certificate (actually a population register extract containing all personal information).

My country doesn't issue originals, but on our Embassy's website, it says what documents are needed, and that's what I got. It's not 'official looking' like American ones are, but it's official for Sweden. It has the stamp and signature of the person issuing it. I imagined that an NVC employee reviewing a case would refer to instructions for the applicant's nationality, but perhaps that's not the case.

Thanks for any insight.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-09-10 09:54:00

After case complete, how much time before interview?

Thanks!

Did you have to take any vaccinations?

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-10-03 05:27:00

After case complete, how much time before interview?

Oh, so I googled and found this document with what I believe to be current info about Stockholm http://travel.state....-0001-1202.pdf. There's a Göran Bulow?

Where did you get a passport photo? I went to Expert last, but not sure they won't close up shop before I get there.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-10-02 16:40:00

After case complete, how much time before interview?

My case was completed yesterday and today I received an appointment for the 14 of November! I didn't expect it to come so soon, I'm beyond excited and relieved!!

Alaska2012--where did you go for your medical? I did one with a Greek lady in Stockholm when I applied 14 years ago. Back then I received a list or some other information from the Embassy, but I don't think I have anything now. Would you mind sharing what the examination entailed?

Yes, Stockholm was very speedy when I applied 14 years ago. Took me 2 months! My husband and I were apart for 4 months total I think. Now it's been 8 already, and adding 2 dad-sick little boys to the mix (and an exhausted mama!), it's been the most difficult time ever.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-10-02 16:08:00

After case complete, how much time before interview?

Yes, I heard that it was taking forever. So happy for him he finally got his interview! The Embassy had backlog because of the long Scandinavian holiday. I guess it took a long time to get caught up.

rosajo

Female

Sweden

2012-09-28 13:41:00