biggish data

Vegas is no different to any other place in the US to live. Its allot like California. Obviously they have the huge strip but thats just one 10mile road. theres a huge city around it.

theres a decent amount of work, house prices and rent are very cheap as well as cost of living in general is very low. and the weather is always amazing.

Sounds great! I am psychologist in training and so living in such a transient place like Vegas just made me wonder. How long have you been there?

Vicky and Larry

Female

United Kingdom

2012-05-07 13:14:00

exactly how i am feeling. kind of in limbo. vegas is not quite home yet but london doesn't feel like home anymore.

i think its all about being prepared. if you no your going to be moving to another country start saving money as your going to need it to contribute. my savings will equal what my fiance earns in one year. and i can drive.

Sounds like you have things in order. Unfortunately, I was unable to save as my earnings were supporting myself and my son, and contributing to trips to see Larry. Plus, I was also a student at the time Larry and I met. Life doesn't always work out like a master plan, but I wouldn't change it. Larry and I had a good talk over the weekend about me beating up on myself due to not feeling like I am contributing equally. He reminded me that the little things that I do every day are equally important as the big things, and are little steps towards me getting to the place where I can contribute in other ways. I am going to do my best to be gracious about it all, and find a good place in my head. One day he can retire and I will support him

I can't imagine the shock of moving to a place like Vegas, not in a bad way, but I presume that living there is a very different way of life compared to many places. I am in the same boat as you, in that London does not feel like a place I want to call home anymore. Some-day's I wake up and look out the window and say to myself "I live in America".

Good luck to you. :thumbs:

Vicky and Larry

Female

United Kingdom

2012-05-07 09:30:00

well, you entered the USA on 2012-02-24 .

Please tell us why you not get into the SSA office and apply for SSN circa the 8th of March, 2012? What happened with that?

You can still get in to apply, you have about 10 days left before your time window stops (2 weeks prior to I-94 expiration, you cannot apply for SSN anymore. Yer next moment is after EAD or Green card in hand)

Having a SSN allows you to participate in this country, with silly things like banking and getting a debit card.

This time around was the second time that I applied -- I went to another office as the first one took a month to send me a letter stating I was not eligible for a SSN on a K2 visa, ha, ha. They don't know their K1's from their K2's. We got married on March 7th and went away for 3 days. I had to wait for my husband to be able to get time off work to take me. Anyway, it all worked out in the end.

Vicky and Larry

Female

United Kingdom

2012-05-07 09:20:00

ah - since he's working on his doctorate, you should go with him to Uni each day.

Why is that important? Well, some of the profs are Brits and already know the town - they'll shuffle you under their wing and help you adjust. It'll be easy to find them - at least at tea time - they're the only ones stuffing their faces

Ha, ha, He invited me to go with him the other evening :-) He only attends once a week for his doctorate as he works full-time as an English teacher.

Vicky and Larry

Female

United Kingdom

2012-05-06 16:31:00

I dunno. We think we're cool because we were a country before deciding to join the US ???? I've always lived here so don't know any better, but never as far north as Dallas. In the Houston/Galveston (Gulf Coast) area it's hot, humid, flat, and has bugs and snakes. Despite what people think, we have thick grassy gardens and tall trees and not a cactus to be found.

If you ask the British husband what he likes, he has said before--
wide open spaces and wide roads
Mexican food (Tex-Mex), Bar-B-Q, jalapenos, habanera peppers
massive free parking lots for all the businesses
2 and 3 car garages, big houses for much, much less than UK.
friendly people that chat to strangers or wave when they drive by your house or just stop and say your garden looks pretty
Friendly clerks in stores that actually help and say thank you for shopping with us and sound like they actually mean it
The Starbucks "kids" who remember us and what we order after 1-2 visits and chat with us instead of glaring
Motorists that stop and let you pull in to the line of traffic in front of them.
The classless society. No pompous arses about. He commented that I'm on first name basis with some very wealthy or influential persons and I'm just as polite, friendly, and respectful of our Mexican gardener who speaks little English or the waitress in Denny's. All are equally welcome to come in our front door. He notices that with other people in general.

Can't speak for other areas, that's just things he's commented on about our neck of the woods. I asked him what he missed about England and all he could think of was Sainsbury's ready meals.

They are some of the things that I also love about being here. People are way more courteous and polite and super friendly. I agree with the Sainsbury's comment too! The things that I miss are just the cultural norms and customs that give you that sense of belonging. I know I will soon feel that way about being here too, but that is the hardest part for me.

Vicky and Larry

Female

United Kingdom

2012-05-06 16:28:00

Vicky--

I call the K1 visa the "step-child" visa because it gets you here but you feel left out like Cinderella and not allowed to go to the ball by the wicked step-mother. There is that limbo period where you are a "nothing" it seems. I can't fix you but I can offer some suggestions.

You are eligible for a SSN as a K1 up until 2 weeks before your I-94 expires. Go apply for one taking your passport and I-94. Apply in the name exactly as written on your I-94. Don't mention marriage or name changes. Fix that with them later. If an uninformed worker says you aren't eligible, insist on a supervisor and don't leave until you get one. Not all offices are familiar with K1s. That should get you on the bank account. Or go to a different bank in person. Many allow it and you will let you provide your SSN as soon as you get it. Or ask for a higher up at his current bank.

Driving: Most states now require some proof of extended stay/legal status in the US. That's a K1 limbo thing since you only have 90 days until you get an EAD card or greencard. All other visas pretty much have longer. So consider yourself a visitor until USCIS grants you permanent residence. Visitors are allowed to drive in MO on their foreign license. My husband drove on his UK license, even got a ticket on it. Might take some getting used to flipping sides of the car and road, but start practicing. I drove from Heathrow to Oxford my first go at it in the UK with much back seat driving instruction. It starts to feel more normal the more you drive.

Don't be too mad at the USCIS. You did give up a good life, but there are thousands who would scam their own mother to get to the US. The rules have to apply across the board to honest people and fraudulents alike. But it still sucks to be caught where you are. That's why a CR1 spouse visa has the advantage over the K1. The fiance visa may get you here a month or two faster, but then you're stuck.

So when are you going to file for AOS? The sooner you do, the sooner your "house arrest" is over. If you need help, PM me. Or even if you have concerns, I'll listen.

Oh, and get over feeling like you shouldn't ask for money. He loves you. He married you. What's his is yours. Spend it without feeling guilty. I was kinda sensitive to hubby's feelings when he came and didn't want to make him feel like I was giving him an allowance. I tried to make it seem like it was "our" money as much as I could. If you are hesitant to ask, maybe he doesn't know what you want or need.

I know you can survive. You've got a positive future with a handsome PhD candidate. Nobody faults you for venting so carry on. Hug Hug HUG!!

You are one of my favourite people :star:

Seriously, this place is very fortunate having someone like you, who is prepared to share their experiences and the obvious wealth of knowledge you have acquired through your own journey.

I actually made a request for some money from my husband so that I could go and get some clothes ( I am still living out of a suitcase sized wardrobe as my belongings in the U.K have not been shipped yet - another long story). I told him he has you to thank for that, ha, ha. He said he prefers it that I ask for what I need. :yes:

It's tough going from being so independent and then feeling like you are relying on one person, but it's not always going to be like this, and it's about trust between us both at the end of the day, and that's what marriage is all about, as you said.

Sheesh! Immigration is like jumping through invisible hoops at the moment, but you are right about people selling their own mother to come and live here (that made both me and my husband laugh out loud).

Thank you for the offer of pm-ing you. I bet your PM box is inundated.

You are wonderful! (F)

Vicky and Larry

Female

United Kingdom

2012-05-04 13:27:00

Wow, your post brought back many memories of how horrible it was to move here and be a non-entity. To add insult to injury you, alone, are responsible for fighting to re-establish yourself in a country where most of the employees do not know their own policies and yet you are reliant on them to help you get there.

I found that coming to VJ to vent with those who understood what I was going through helped me an awful lot. They were my saving grace. Please know that, once you are through that first year, things are going to look a little brighter and this will all be behind you. Explain to your husband what you're going through and why you're frustrated because they don't, truly, understand what it's like to uproot yourself and start from scratch where everything is foreign. All I needed mine to do was give me a hug so I didn't feel so alone. And here is one for you. ((((((((Vicky))))))))

It's crazy and maddening that we (the immigrant aliens) have to learn how to help people here do their job properly for us :bonk:

, but now that I am aware of that dynamic I can at least prepare myself accordingly in the future.

Venting here really is a life-line and I think being here would be A.Lot harder without it. Thank you for my hug :star:

Edited by Vicky and Larry, 04 May 2012 - 01:17 PM.

Vicky and Larry

Female

United Kingdom

2012-05-04 13:15:00

Interesting reading your story, so many of us can relate to these feelings as they are completely NORMAL. I moved here May 2011 had no UK drivers license, gave up my home and a good job and everything else I loved. This was to be with the man I loved with all of my being. Also where we live public transport is not great the bus stop is a 1 mile walk from the house, not great. My husband is originally from the UK he moved here in 93 and got citizenship, so there was no extended family of his to mingle with, just him and myself to keep each other company. When I arrived I had my SSN within 3 weeks, sorry you are having problems with this. within 5 months my husband taught me to drive and I passed my test got my license and was able to get around whilst he was at work. The first 6 months were probably the hardest as you do feel like you have no status and are not a real person I used to say to my husband I feel like I dont exist any longer. Believe me it does get better. I too have had difficulty in finding work in the field which I do, my husband plays golf and I used to go with him and now started work at the golf course as bar tender, not what I would have preferred but its a job and it gets me out the house a couple of days a week which for the meantime is good until something better comes along.

Just keep the faith it does get better, as with all things this takes time and it will come together. You are not alone. xx

I just loved reading this as I can relate and it's so good to know that it really does get better and that I am 'normal'. I am going to have to learn to drive too, as I don't have a U.K licence (US spell checker is trying to change my U.K sp, but I won't let it, ha, ha). My husband will be my instructor as yours was for you. Were you very nervous about learning to drive here? How long after going out with your husband did you go on the roads? It seems like a big thing to me, being someone who didn't drive in the U.K - I did take lessons when my son was younger and I was near to taking my test, but it never happened.

Thank you for your well wishes, and way to go on the job :thumbs:

Vicky and Larry

Female

United Kingdom

2012-05-04 13:12:00

After posting this I had a rough few days -- not feeling like I could get out of bed, crying at what seemed like nothing, and feeling extremely withdrawn and low. I am glad to say that I am feeling a lot better, which is in part due to a SUCCESSFUL trip to another Social Security office and being issued my SSN!!!!! YAY! We took lots of information that stated I am entitled to one, and we did indeed need to assert that I was. Anyway, I explained that I would be in the SAVE data base as McBride as that is the name under which I entered the country and was issued my i-94, but that I am now Hays since we are married. I was worried about introducing my married name into the mix again, but it was fine. I am so relieved. I know it doesn't really give me any particular privileges that I didn't have before (apart from Larry being able to teach me to drive, which is a BIG one), but it's extremely symbolic. I know you guys will get that. It makes me feel like I am in some kind of control and that I do exist in the US. A small, but important victory in this crazy sea of immigration. Whooopa! :dance:

I have had some responses to the voluntary positions I applied for, but the two I was particularly wanting to hear back from have not responded as yet, so I am going to get in touch with them directly rather than through the organization I initially used to match me up. I have a good invitation for something called Equine-therapy for kids with disabilities, Art Elevates Life which is hosted by a local University that I would like to attend next year. The university work also promises other positions that I may be interested in. I am hoping to secure something more consistent with 'Adopt a Dorm' and some counseling for kids under 21 in crisis. I think that should keep me busy for a while, and help me establish local connections.

I am sure I am still going to have up and down days, but I am doing my best to employ strategies that will help with that, and coming back on here and reading all your responses wilI be one of them. I am so thankful for everyone's replies. It really does help reading other people's stories about how they felt or feel, and having support.

(F)

Wells Fargo put my husband on my bank account and gave him a card before we even applied for the CR-1. We just both went to the bank one day while he was visiting with his passport and my driver's license. I think we brought a copy of our marriage certificate too, but no one asked to see it.

We are going to do this :thumbs:

Vicky and Larry

Female

United Kingdom

2012-05-04 13:07:00

Have you thought about starting a blog to write about this experience? It may help to have a journal of this as well as possibly provide a connection to others who are going through the same or similar emotions of being in a new place with limitations on what you can do/where you can go.

Is there a community college in your area that offers online courses? That could help pass the time, too, and help you pick up additional skills.

Also, on your head injury, if possible with your husband's insurance, you should seek a second opinion. Not saying that medication is always the answer, but it may help, especially during the adjustment period, which I'm sure is aggravating the symptoms even more.

I like the idea of a blog. I find writing very cathartic, and if my words helped others that would feel even better. Me and my husband have both commented on the fact that some of my symptoms have worsened, which is down to the stress. I have been working out in the gym, but I have to take it slow as I suffer with fatigue too. I think the blog might help.

Thanks for that idea and the community college one.

Vicky and Larry

Female

United Kingdom

2012-05-01 15:59:00

I can say it is normal, and you know it is but having so much time for yourself you are starting to doubt yourself in everything.
Well, last summer I stayed in Anchorage, Alaska where my fiance' lives for 85 days.. while he was working I started building up thoughts and everything that could pass my mind... I was well bored when he wasn't around. And sometimes I took it on him, well..more than sometimes... whenever I was frustrated cos maybe he wasn't giving me attention straight away from when he was back home I would flip or act as a baby!! But after all, I didn't know anyone else there, so I told him to be patient with me, the only real person I was talking to was him..
I know it is going to be hard whenever it will be my time to move over there, with no jobs and no friends, despite I am planning to join some free activities or just try to go around (by bus) by myself I know I will be upset sometimes. But still, I am going to go, cos it is what I want to do, be with him!
You are on the right path, you are trying to do something with your time, so it will be brighter soon Be strong, maybe have a look if there is any group meeting up nearby!!

I can relate to what you have said.

Blimey!

Thank you. :-)

Oh, and good LUCK!

Vicky and Larry

Female

United Kingdom

2012-05-01 15:55:00

Sounds like my wife going stir crazy when she first got here. No I did not understand her feelings, I've never been through what she was going through. Part of it was us learning to be a team together rather than separate individuals. Part was missing home and all she gave up to be here. And a huge part was the isolation, and not being allowed to work. She had way too much time on her hands. And I was working a straight 40 hour week and able to run home for lunch every day. Still she was used to working her butt off, many hours every day with the business she built with her sister back in her home country. This being a housewife was in no way satisfying to her needs as a person. It took a lot of emotional turmoil on her part, it took a lot of consoling from me and accepting how she reacted at times is not who she is under normal conditions. Nothing about these huge changes in normal. They're extremely hard to handle for most people. Maybe this is partly from your trauma, but even without that it would be normal to have some of these feelings. All I can say is I've watched my wife and it does get better. She's working now, for two months now, and things are much better. Soon she'll have her license and her own car. And that will be another huge mile stone for us here. All I can say is vent when you need to, and keep your eye on the target. You said it yourself, you can make it here. Its not easy, you're in one of the hardest parts of it right now. But when you're coasting on the other side of this mountain you're climbing, its so going to be worth it.

I feel like hugging you, and what you said made me cry (yet again, but in a good way). You help me remember that I am 'normal'. And, it's soooooo good to hear this from a guy. I am soo happy that you guys are making it work.

Thank you.

Vicky and Larry

Female

United Kingdom

2012-05-01 15:44:00

[quote name='positive girl:)' timestamp='1335904206' post='5345708']
I'm sad that youre feeling that way. Just got my visa approved and will be moving on May 27th. I too have some issues of moving out my comfort zone, but the thought of me being with my fiance uplifts my spirit. Maybe Im not yet there and haven't experienced house arrest,or everything that you have mentioned,but I know that something like that might really happened.

Being not busy is I think one of the factors why you're feeling like that, and him working much makes you feel more alone. Try to do some activity for the meantime, something new to learn like cooking or doing some arts, or go to your neighbors, or something that youve missed when you were still busy and doing a lot of stuff.

Imagine that this is just a vacation for you and after thAT you'll be back to work soon, so relax a little, for the meantime enjoy being a lovely wife and enjoy being the home maker, for surely time will pass and you will miss this moment again.

I hope that you'll be ok soon that you will enjoy each and every moment of your stay. You're one of the lucky people who were given the chance to be with someone you love so might as well think of that as an inspiration to get you going. Others are still in the agony of waiting for their visas to be approved.

No one said that its really easy, talk to your partner, he might help you.

Goodluck to us! All the best! :thumbs:

If there's one thing I don't want to do it's scare other people who are still awaiting their visa's or just about to take the plunge. I would not change marrying my husband or being here. Perhaps, where you will be there will be better transport. I think I have just been unlucky with the transport side of things along with the Social Security Number issue.

These are just my experiences, so do not rely on them to be true for you, and perhaps prepare yourself in ways that I may not have.

Thank you for your words of encouragement.

All the best!

Edited by Vicky and Larry, 01 May 2012 - 03:39 PM.

Vicky and Larry

Female

United Kingdom

2012-05-01 15:39:00

I am probably not going to say anything that other people on this forum have not heard before, or even experienced in a similar way. I do need to vent, though, and especially with people who I believe understand how this feels. I thought I was over the worst of the transition issues, but it seems from offering someone else in the same situation solace from my experiences that it just raised a whole lot of angry and frustrated that I thought I had come to terms with. I guess, I was just being naive?

This is my main gripe, which I am sure is old news, but I still need to say it out loud:

Once immigration have established that you are moving to this country for REAL reasons, shouldn't they make it easier for you to integrate? I left everything I own, apart from a suitcase of clothes, to be here. I was willing to move to a whole new country just to be with someone. Being married is a life change, and leaving your home is an even bigger one. Why should I then still be treated with suspicion and with a 2nd class status? In fact, I don't even have a status, well, apart from an alien one. I can't access anything here. I can't drive, because I need an SSN and MO officials don't know what they are doing. I cant be added onto my husbands bank account. I am effectively under house arrest. I feel like I have nothing to get up for in the morning. I dread waking up and trying to feel excited about house chores...and for the next 6 months!?

Missouri does not have public transport, unless you want to walk 2 miles to a bus stop, wait for hours, and have to get multiple buses to one destination that may also go through the less desirable parts of town. That's been my biggest hurdle. I can't get around unless people want to pick me up and drive me places, which I do not like to ask. And, then mostly everyone works in the day.

I feel like since the K1 application really began that I have felt frustrated. Maybe it's me and maybe it's part of the process? I had a head injury 16 months ago and one of the issues I feel that has changed is that I have less patience and I get frustrated more easily than I used to-- this process is really testing that side of me. I saw a neurologist over here a few weeks ago who assures me that my symptoms are in the range of 'normal' for someone who has suffered a head injury. I have frontal brain atrophy, which is a degenerative issues that we all experience as we get older, except that my frontal lobes are smaller than they should be for someone of my age. The long and short of it is that although my front lobes have shrunk due to the trauma, I do not have any long-term damage, and I should make a full recovery, they just don't know how long.

I wonder whether I am just constantly unhappy? I feel so confused. How much is this about the new changes in my life? And, how much is about my head injury?

I have read about 'Transition Shock' and I can definitely relate to a lot of what it says - I don't feel homesick in that I think that going back to the U.K will fix everything. I am sure I can make it here and that I can be happy overtime, but this short-term hurdle of adjusting, feeling disconnected, feeling like my new home is not really my home at all, and I mean my husbands home. I just don't feel like this is my home yet. He has been so good about letting me move stuff around and paint and all that, but just being in the house all day by myself is driving me insane. I have applied for some voluntary positions that I could walk to. This just does not feel so healthy, not for me anyway. I have an inquisitive and analytical mind, which has it's pros and cons. In the field I want to work in it will serve me well, but too much time on my hands and it's a disaster. Time is all I flipping have.

It's started effecting my relationship now. Not in a detrimental way, but in ways I think we could avoid if there weren't all this frustration. My husband works a lot, and is in the middle of a doctorate, so we literally get one day a week where we can just be together. I am finding that it's not enough with all this time I have on my hands.

I am trying to unscramble all my thoughts as I type this and put them in some kind of order....

I think I feel angry with him, because I don't feel like he understands how this feels. Sure I am happy to be with him, finally in the same country, and I do love him to pieces, but I don't enjoy all the sacrifices and hurdles. And, sure other people have it worse, but this is my reality and my feelings feel real to me.

I am very good at dismissing my own feelings, so I have to work hard at hearing myself and making sure that does not happen, so when we talk I need him to make it easy for me to be honest, and sometimes that just does not happen. I know that is a part of relationships and overcoming your own way of communicating as a couple, but right now we suck at it. We are usually a good team, but with his work stresses and my issues it seems like a bad combo.

I don't understand why I feel angry with him?

I do not like not having my own money and my own bank card, I have to ask for things. My husband is not a control freak, either, he wants me on the bank account. Arghhhh I am getting sick of reading my words now.

Blah. blah.

Vicky and Larry

Female

United Kingdom

2012-05-01 15:02:00

London 2012- K1s from NOA2 to interview thread

Wondering about the Packet 3 you've read about for months in the K1 forum????

There is no "packet". That's old talk. Your instructions and forms are posted on the London website. You can start working on the forms at any time. London will send a letter to the UK beneficiary when they have received your file and are ready for you to apply for the visa. That letter will tell you to go to the website.

Here's where you start Instructions for Immigrant Visa (K) Applicants Applying for a Visa in London.
The forms are on the right. If you filled them in early, then you can post them off to London the day you get the letter. Don't send them before London has your case.

Here's the basics of what London needs to get before they assign an interview:

Visa application forms sent in by you to get in the queue. Only forms. No passport photos or documents like birth certificate, police certificate, etc.
Form DS-230 Part I ~~and Part II~~
Form DS-156 (2 copies)
Form DS-157 (2 copies)
Form DS-156-K (Do not sign it. You will sign at the interview while the officer witnesses. It's an oath)
Medical results. They arrive at the embassy by courier 3-4 days after your medical exam.

<li>Form DS-2001 Readiness for Interview with a cover letter- This is your way of saying you have gathered every document needed for the interview including the I-134 from your fiance. They are in your hands---not on the way.

Read the instructions on the website for what documents you need for the interview. It also tells about what info to include with the DS-2001 in the form of a cover letter. There are links in a list on the left side to learn about the medical, visa fees, courier, interview, FAQ. Sometimes the right side of pages give links "for more information". Click those too. There is a lot of information to learn if you will click links and read it all. Don't depend on a forum to give you all the info. We might leave something out. Best to study the source, then ask questions about things that don't make sense.

Love all the information all you guys have put here for everyone!

Vicky and Larry

Female

United Kingdom

2012-04-10 17:20:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Lifting Conditions

What complications could it have if I did though?...File early..

ven2lin

Not Telling

United Kingdom

2006-04-06 21:05:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Lifting Conditions

My conditional green card expires approx in April 07 and I'm due to file In January 2007, but if the service centre I'm filling at is currently 3 months behind is it possibe to file say in November 2006?
The time they will actually look at it should be about the time I should file, I.E 90 days before the expiration.

I have moved twice since the first interview but unfortunately only just manged to inform them of the last move, do you think it may cause concern not informing them of the first time I moved?.

ven2lin

Not Telling

United Kingdom

2006-04-06 20:50:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Most probably best to wait then.. they will have your new address on the I-751 form you sent in ...

ven2lin

Not Telling

United Kingdom

2006-05-31 22:21:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Fill out form AR-11 .... goto USCIS.GOV and type in AR-11 in the search box... best you can do is tell USCIS now about it..

Oh get a return reciept as well, because you might need prove later on down the line...
There has been some horror stories with respect to USCIS sending correspondance to the wrong address..

ven2lin

Not Telling

United Kingdom

2006-05-24 22:11:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Yes I informed USCIS twice of the most recent move....Twice, because first time I didn't do a return receipt.....

ven2lin

Not Telling

United Kingdom

2006-05-21 20:17:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Any more takers?..

ven2lin

Not Telling

United Kingdom

2006-05-17 22:49:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Apparently If I don't inform USCIS of a change of address :help:

I could be charged with a misdemenor..??

I have moved twice since recieving 2yr green card and have unfortunately only informed USCIS once.. would this be a cause of concern?..

ven2lin

Not Telling

United Kingdom

2006-05-17 12:59:00

Phone call from Homeland Security?

Sounds like your working yourself up over nothing ....... let it be

ven2lin

Not Telling

United Kingdom

2007-01-21 15:34:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Texas Service Centre

FYI

Fedex I-751 form to P.O Box @ Texas Service Centre in Mesquite... Never made it, it went to TSC in dallas instead, as fedex doesn't normaly deliver to p.o box's ...

Getting parcel returned to me so that I can use the post office instead....

ven2lin

Not Telling

United Kingdom

2007-01-30 23:31:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

TSC recent I-751 filers

Filed 2/1/07 ... recieved noa1 about week later.. and I STILL HAVEN'T RECIEVED my biometrics appointment .. that's my timeline so far....

ven2lin

Not Telling

United Kingdom

2007-03-16 17:51:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

FYI Update:

O.K after speaking to customer services on the telephone number provided on I-751.. with no success and was told I would have to wait 6 months before they can help me, I booked up for an infopass appointment ...

Infopass appointment today in HOUSTON....I enquired as to why I didn't recieve my biometetrics appointment after a week or so after filling my 1-751 just like everyone else who recieved there's on this forum, she said it's not unusual not to recieve a biometrics appointment straight away..
I was worried that either it got lost in the post or there was an issue with my case......
She checked on her computer and found out that they hadn't sent me the biometrics appointment .. strange ...wonder what's going on ?... so the wait continues....

:whistle:

ven2lin

Not Telling

United Kingdom

2007-04-03 08:48:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Have you tried calling again?

Yip ..I've tried 3 times ..each time they say they can't look into it until it's gone 6 months .. so if my mail did get lost my case has already considered abandoned and denied because I din't show up for my biometrics appointment.. excellent!!!!! ..
next point of call info pass .........

ven2lin

Not Telling

United Kingdom

2007-03-29 15:56:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Still no biometrics appointment and it's been 2 months since I've sent the application off... any suggestions on what to do ???
Either the biometrics letter has gotten lost or they are not giving me biometrics appointment even though I paid for it. ...

ven2lin

Not Telling

United Kingdom

2007-03-28 23:04:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Phoned USCIS customer support number and explained the situation to the other person that it's been quite a while since I've filed my I-751 and I havent recieved my biometrics appintment... they said I would have to wait 6 months before I can enquire further into my case........
:blink:

So if my biometrics letter happened to be lost somewhere and I unwittingly missed the appointment my case can be considered ambandoned and denied?? :unsure:

ven2lin

Not Telling

United Kingdom

2007-03-09 00:04:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

O.K It's now gone 30 days since TSC had recieved my I-751 and I haven't recieved a biometrics appointment.. When should I start to enquire about my appointment??

I noticed most other applicants on visajourney recieve their appointment a week or two after they file...

:blink:

ven2lin

Not Telling

United Kingdom

2007-03-07 19:38:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

For all you TSC's errrs...

Filled I-751 on 1st Feb 07...Received receipt 2/20/07...

Entered the receipt number onto the uscis system and it works..... of course says it's in progress..

ven2lin

Not Telling

United Kingdom

2007-02-21 00:58:00

Waiting List

Is this discrimination against Texas?.. Anyone filled through them lately?

ven2lin

Not Telling

United Kingdom

2006-11-28 21:57:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

New Dates are out

Looks like TSC have jumped quite a few months huh?? ,,since the last time they posted the dates?... 3 months odd?

ven2lin

Not Telling

United Kingdom

2007-04-26 17:47:00

two questions regarding I-134

QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Jan 28 2009, 11:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Moving this to Consulate/Embassy forum, The I-134 is NOT filed with I-129F, it us brought to the visa interview.

The consulates tend to treat the I-134 like a mini-I-864 as so prefer the same financial evidence as the I-864.

In our case this what the I-134 included.

I-134.
SIMPLE Tax transcripts from the IRS for past 3 years, (Redundant for the (1040,W2,1099) but are free from the IRS http://www.irs.gov/faqs/faq1-6.html
Photo copy of IRS form 1040, and W2s for past 3 years (Not necessary if you provide the transcripts)
Letter from my employer stating annual salary, job responsibility, and that is full time, on company letterhead.
Photo copies of past month or so of pay stubs up to a few weeks before the interview.

My income was well above the povertyline so I did not include any asset data (LIKE BANK STATEMENTS or property values).

If your income exceeds 125% of the povertyline when counting yourself, prospective immigrant and any dependents, then don't bother with assets (401K, Bank balance, Stocks etc..), it is just extra un-needed data to provide, the consular officer is most concerned with INCOME.

thanks a lot. I appreciate that. I will pass that information on to her.

bigticket77

Male

United Kingdom

2009-01-28 19:00:00

two questions regarding I-134

Hi guys,

I have completed all the forms that the embassy will require, but my fiancee is having some trouble working out what exactly to include in the I-134. she has read the instructions but is unsure.

One issue is that she has just moved jobs in January. Her income is well above the minimum level
but she only has one pay stub which is for part of the month. So what is best to use, her w2 showing last years income or wait and get two new pay stubs from the new job, with no previous income listed.

Secondly, she is not sure what is the requirement for showing proof of assets, she owns a home, and has two savings accounts, what does she need to include? does she need to include these at all if she is earning enough?

thanks in advance

bigticket77

Male

United Kingdom

2009-01-28 18:09:00

Is Packet 3 Just a Letter?

QUOTE (Stinky Monkey @ Feb 7 2009, 12:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (bigticket77 @ Feb 7 2009, 12:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (MARM @ Feb 6 2009, 07:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Laurence+Lauren @ Feb 6 2009, 01:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Is Packet 3 from the London Consulate simply a letter? I was expecting like an actual 'packet'. I have received a letter asking me to assemble documents and visit 2 web links to see which documents I need and to arrange a medical. Is this packet 3? Or is that yet to come?

If you would like more detail or help finding the medical and/or the medical questionnaire and packet 3 required response forms, PM me.

Got packet 3 last week, I have filled in the forms in after having downloaded them and checking the example forms ( though now realise that ive made some small mistakes argghh). Anyway what I want to clarify is exactly what I need to do..

As I read the instructions, its seems I have to send the London embassy.

- One copy of the Ds-230 Part 1 ( signed)
- One copy of the Ds-156 (unsigned but with photos attached) - I made a two copies of the form ( do they both go? or do i retain one)
- One copy of the Ds-156K ( unsigned)
- One copy of the Ds-157

I keep a copy of each of these for myself.. then wait till all my stuff arrives e.g police cerificate, affidavit of support etc and then send in the checklist to say I am ready for the interview.

Thats how I understand it, but have read different accounts of how people completed it on VJ, so just wanted to check.

Thanks In advance

Yours confused.

no the DS156 is in duplicate and is not signed, you send both back, take the photos to the interview do not attach
DS-156K you sign this
DS-157K only to be completed if you are male 16-45 years old

keep copies of everything that you send in, and send back the check list once you have all the other documentation

All of this information is detailed in packet 3 that you received from the embassy

Good luck

Ds-230 part 1 - sorted
Ds-156 x 2 - sorted
Ds-157 - sorted

Thanks for clarifying that, though still unsure about DS-156k as it does say not to write below the line on the form, as a consular official will assist in answering that part..

bigticket77

Male

United Kingdom

2009-02-07 07:50:00

Is Packet 3 Just a Letter?

QUOTE (MARM @ Feb 6 2009, 07:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Laurence+Lauren @ Feb 6 2009, 01:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you would like more detail or help finding the medical and/or the medical questionnaire and packet 3 required response forms, PM me.

bigticket77

Male

United Kingdom

2009-02-07 07:03:00

Checklist for Interview

QUOTE (gethere @ Mar 16 2009, 01:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry I found that but your stuff looks excellent, making me second guess

Turned out I didnt need much at all, the interview was easy enough and the morning at the embassy flew in!
APPROVED!!!! HAPPY DAYS!!!!

bigticket77

Male

United Kingdom

2009-03-23 15:32:00