Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Canada	Off Topic Part Trois	QUOTE (lgg @ Oct 19 2009, 11:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> varba -- you officially rock!!!!! Well, KF would be please to know that she'll forever be memorialized into Canadian vernacular! Oh I am. I tried to do the same thing once, but... somehow, I just can't bash on people, even when their situation is different than mine. See, I did things the wrong way, and I admit it. But, I don't go around making myself feel better by picking on them.	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-19 12:41:00
Canada	Long Form Birth Certificate	If it's a specification of the consular officer, it's still something you should have done, given that the consular officer is the one who ultimately gives you the thumbs up or thumbs down. My situation is a bit different, as I'm already in the U.S. adjusting from here. That's probably where the mix up is from.	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2010-03-30 09:12:00
Canada	Long Form Birth Certificate	Yes, I'm sure. There are times when they'll accept it without the seal, but a recent interview review (La Souris', I think) indicated that the consular officer was less-than-pleased with the non-seal translation. Better to be safe than sorry. Mmm guess I`ll have to double check and make sure my stuff is right, then. Although, it could be a specification of the consular officer.	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2010-03-30 08:51:00
Canada	Long Form Birth Certificate	Remember that if any part of it is in Italian, it will need to get a certified translation, complete with an embossed seal. Just a heads up! Are you sure about the seal. From what I`ve been told, from other VJers, a certify translation is a translation where the translator certifies that the translation is correct. Ex. I, Kitty, certify this translation to be correct... and so on and so forth.	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2010-03-30 08:44:00
Canada	Long Form Birth Certificate	If it has your parent's names on it, it should be fine. That's primarily what the US/Canada/UK mean when they call one format "long form" vs. "short form" - the "short form" birth certificate lacks the parent's names. The US Consulate in Italy should be able to give more localized advice on exactly which format to order from the Italian government. This. Also, the Short Form is literally short. It's wallet size.	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2010-03-30 07:38:00
Canada	can I work via laptop for Canadian clients while in the US with AOS or CR-1 pending?	This is just me playing Devil's Advocate, so please, no yelling or name calling. I have been told that without an SSN or ITIN, it's very hard for USCIS and even IRS to figure out if you've worked or not. Again, I'm just saying. I am NOT advocating this and I am aware that no one should even think of advocating this as an option. I am just mentioning it because it does apply.	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2010-07-28 15:47:00
Canada	Cdn passport arrived	I figured I would had myself to the thread. I am ordering a new one. I found a guarantor, as well as two references. I did not have a picture ID, so I was told to send a copy of the SIN card showing my signature on the back, as well as a birth certificate. I hope I get it fast!	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-20 09:08:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Happy news: I got my GC ...	Congratulations!	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-08 12:04:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	with regard to Gary & Alla's pin	QUOTE (Otto und Karin @ Oct 17 2009, 06:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Knobby_Wheezer @ Oct 17 2009, 05:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> joint ownership of property - mother-in-law owns it. We pay maintenance, utilities and taxes . . . which are in her name. MIL can draw up a lease. Named as beneficiaries on life insurance - probably, but don't know. Never asked. Might want to find out eh? named as beneficiaries on medical insurance - ? Qu'est-ce que c'est? Enschuldegung? So . . . should I get ready to be deported? What Krikit said..."no".. You seem good to go!	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-17 19:16:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	did you guys use highlighter?	QUOTE (Just Bob @ Oct 19 2009, 03:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (gogal2020 @ Oct 19 2009, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> It doesnt become black when scanned, as long as you use a regular yellow highlighter, so it's safe to use if you want to point some things out, like your joint address, and both names on bills, for example. To Just_Bob: While not required, the original poster CAN use the highlighter, like many of us have, if he/she wants to, there's no reason not to use it unless you can point us to the directions where it specifically says that highlighters are not allowed. And I didn't see where the OP asked for your input on question asking technique. Mike. Mike, yes, you are absolutely correct: everybody can use a highlighter, run a red traffic light, or rape a child. No argument here. I just said one should not do it, not even in your home country, but you are welcome to do as you please. QUOTE "Tips for Filing Petitions and Applications" April 2008 1. Follow the form’s instructions carefully: Use the most current edition of the form. (You can access the most current edition by selecting “Forms” in the “Related Links” section in the upper right of this web page.) Respond to all questions and provide information in the answer blanks and check boxes. Print or type information using black ink only. IMPORTANT: Do NOT “highlight” or “background shade” entries Make sure the applicant or petitioner signs the form as instructed. Include the correct fee specified in the form instructions. Attach the fee or fee waiver by paper clip or staple in the upper left corner of the completed form application or petition. Provide all requested documentation and evidence with the application or petition. Follow the instructions on the notice you receive for biometrics/fingerprinting. The date, time, and location of your appointment will be provided. Take all receipt notices you have with you to your appointment. Because there's no difference between highlighting a couple of words and raping a child, right? I may be wrong, but I think I read somewhere on USCIS' website that you can use little sticky arrows (usually used to show you where to sign). I would use those, if you don't want to highlight.	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-19 19:02:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Do affidavits have to be notarized?	QUOTE (TracyTN @ Oct 20 2009, 11:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I didn't have any of mine notarized. What kind of proof are affidavits? Does USCIS see them as primary or secondary? I've always thought that primary were bills, taxes and titles in both names. Where as pictures as affidavits would be secondary... Or maybe affidavits are a better proof than pictures... In any case, I would have (and will have) mine notarized. It's very cheap, like a dollar.	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-20 12:56:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	what did you write in the "C/O" portion?	QUOTE (epoy2 @ Oct 16 2009, 07:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> what did you write in the " C/O in care of" portion of your I-751? did you guys left it blank? thanks good luck to all of us. I may be mistaken, but I think it's in case you have someone else pick up your mail.	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-16 09:53:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	A few questions	Hi John, Your wife entered the US on Aug 20, 2008 - but is it the same date the GC was issued? Meaning, is the GC expiring Aug 20 2010? If you are concerned about the 90th day, then you can send it in 1 or 2 days after to guarantee that you are not early... 2. biometrics are scheduled solely by USCIS and we have no say on when. However, if the day they assign doesn't work for you or your wife, then you can try to walk-in and see if they can accommodate you. 3. no, you do not need to accompany your wife for her biometrics. HTH 1. Yes, we entered on 8/20/2008 and the green card we received a few weeks later also lists 8/20/2008 as the expiration date. Thanks, John	jj_154	Male	Japan	2010-05-10 11:46:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	A few questions	Hi, I have a few questions concerning the I-751. 1. My wife entered the U.S. on 2008-08-20. When counting back 90 days, do we include 08-20? The date I calculated was May 22nd. Is that correct? 2. Is the biometric appointment date set by USCIS or are we able to set a day that fits our schedule. From looking at other filers, it seems biometrics are often scheduled around 4-6 weeks after filing. However, I have a business trip during one of those weeks in that range which I am concerned about. 3. Related to the biometrics question, do I (the USC) have to accompany my wife to this appointment? Thanks, John	jj_154	Male	Japan	2010-05-10 07:11:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	How did you post your I715	How do/did you send the I751: express mail, priority mail, certified, etc? Normal envelope/special envelope? I am thinking of using express mail. I know express mail has tracking, but should I get an additional delivery receipt for proof? Thanks, John	jj_154	Male	Japan	2010-05-20 14:54:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	I751 Evidence : Tax Returns, Full or Partial	If submitting copies of tax returns as evidence, should we submit a copy of the full return (all schedules, etc.) or just part, say the 1040 itself. Thanks, John	jj_154	Male	Japan	2010-05-21 07:22:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	I751 and Affidavits	Letters are good enough, thats what we sent (but other evidence was WAY stronger then just letters). Got approved without any issues in just over a month. Thanks to all. We think our evidence should be enough as well, so as long as we aren't required to have affidavits, then we will go with the letters. John	jj_154	Male	Japan	2010-05-20 14:47:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	I751 and Affidavits	Hi, Are sworn affidavits required for filing the I751. We got letters (not affidavits) from two friends to go along with our application and other evidence. When I read the I751 instruction's "Evidence of relationship" section, it states "The documents should cover, but not limited to, the following examples" and lists sworn affidavits. I was under the impression they were not required, but the wording is not clear to me. Thanks, John	jj_154	Male	Japan	2010-05-18 14:03:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	I751 questions (filling out)	This topic was discussed here some times. You can refer to this thread. It looks there were always 2 ways of thinking and didn't conclude yet... We have decided to include our son and make a note that he is a U.S. Citizen in both the cover letter and the I751 itself. John	jj_154	Male	Japan	2010-05-20 14:49:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	I751 questions (filling out)	2. For my sons info in Part 5, the address and immigration status do not fit in the box (he's a u.s. citizen). Can I just write the extra in the box below? US citizens have nothing to do with immigration. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Nada. No. Zero. Nilch. Zip. The section says "Information about your Children-List all your children". It does not state list only non-citizen or immigrant children. For each child it says to give address/immigration status. So, does this mean list only immigrant children or does it mean list all children (even USC). Thanks, John	jj_154	Male	Japan	2010-05-18 14:53:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	I751 questions (filling out)	Hi, I am filling out the I751 and have a few simple questions. 1. Do we need to put anything in the "C/O" box? 2. For my sons info in Part 5, the address and immigration status do not fit in the box (he's a u.s. citizen). Can I just write the extra in the box below? 3. If we are not requesting disability accommodation (part 6), do we leave it blank or check "no" for questions 1-3? Thanks, John	jj_154	Male	Japan	2010-05-18 13:51:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Assembling I751 final questions	Thanks all for your help. John	jj_154	Male	Japan	2010-05-22 12:12:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Assembling I751 final questions	Hi, Thanks for all who have answered questions for us the last few weeks. They have been a great help. We are finally at the stage of assembling all our documents for mailing and have a few questions. 1. On the envelope we need to write? FORM I-751, ORIGINAL SUBMISSION Vermont Service Center Address 2. We have one of those fasteners suggested on the USCIS website. Do we assemble everything together? In other words, holes in our cover letter and I-751 as well (no holes in the check of course). 3. The check should be written to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" for $545 = $465 + $80? What should we list in the for/memo field, i.e., "I-751 Fee ($465) + biometric fee ($80)"? Thanks, John	jj_154	Male	Japan	2010-05-21 14:42:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Proof of living together if you don't have a lease	QUOTE (elishav @ Oct 19 2009, 11:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello, My husband and I have the pleasure of living in two places at once, due to the fact that where we live is not the place the he goes to school, so our weekend address is not our weekday address. That will be fun explaining to the USCIS. As if that isnt enough to get us flagged, we also have no mortgage, lease or utility bills together because we live with roommates in one place and rent property from my mom so it is all in her name. We have other stuff, like taxes together, bank account, bills, and joint insurance(including health and life) and 401K. But what they want is proof we live together...right? I was thinking get a notarized statement of where we live together from my mom(our primary address and where our mail goes). Does anyone have any thoughts on this subject? Our interview is in November. I think the statements are a good idea. I would try to get another one from someone else. I remember someone on VJ, having an affidavit from his mother and the IO not wanting to read it because: "Mothers till say anything for their children".	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-19 12:27:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N-400: Ant's USCIS Thanksgiving Present (Interview letter)	Congrats on a speedy journey!	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-18 13:57:00
Canada	Came as a visitor, with no intent to marry. Will they even ask about this?	QUOTE (Ant+D+A @ Oct 5 2009, 08:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Kittyfang, Likewise, I'm reading your posts with great interest too..."Been there, done that..."...seems like we can commonly relate there on our immigration journeys.. It's ok..we've all cried during this entire process, as it's a lot to put up with. Lol..I can remember my husband telling me at times: "Don't worry about it...", to which I cried, "For goodness sakes, you're not the one that has to worry about being deported back". But yeah, being banned for 10 years (if not forever) is scary to think about, and I hope it doesn't happen to anyone who deserves to be here legally. As for hiring a lawyer, you might not need to do so in your case, if is is pretty straight-forward from Visitor to AOS adjustment. But then again. I don't know your entire situation, so you and your family have to decide as to if you want to hire one or not, especially more so if it is a financial burden to you. For me, my situaiton was a bit more complicated (would rather not discuss here on vj), so we had to hire a lawyer for that. The lawyer we used was very nice and helpful, and was very reasonable and low-cost in their rates. If you need more info about the lawyer I used..pm me too.. As for the "extended vacation from work" reason, yes, you can mention that generally as to how you were here in the first place, but being here for 2.5 years seems a little "too extended" to focus on that (do you know what I mean?). Besides, if you focus on work, then they might say, "well, why didn't you apply for a work visa instead, if you wanted to stay that long?" Rather, if I were you, I would focus more so on the fact that you were here on a vacation to visit your husband/boyfriend instead, and you want to stay because you love him, as you were mainly here for such, right? Yes, I understand that you can't add your name to certain things (more so formally and financially) without an SSN. However, there are other non-formal and non-financial ways to add your name to things and to prove your marriage/relationship, such as (as I mentioned before): cards, letters, photos, mail, e-mail, correspondence, etc. For my AOS inteview, I didn't have a SSN or a Green Card yet (lol..I needed to pass the AOS interview to get such)...So I couldn't do any joint stuff formally and financially there, but they still required joint evidence nevertheless, as stated on the interview letter. So, I just included everything else that I had that showed our relationship and marriage was genuine, no matter what it was. It helps to have joint stuff now, and it helps to have joint stuff later..keep and collect anything and everything that you have, as the USCIS wants to see it all (or most of it anyways)... Likewise, I needed a co-sponsor too, so understandable there, being in a financial predicament at the time. That's great that your mother-in-law can help you out with that, and as long as they met the income and other guidelines needed for a co-sponsor, then they should be ok there. By the way, as a sponsor, your husband needs to fill out one I-864 form, and your mother-in-law as a co-sponsor needs to fill out another I-864 form too. And yes, you can explain as to why you waited for so long too, as that might help (lol..those immigration fees are so darn expensive...takes awhile to save up for such!...). As for intent to marry..as long as you didn't have intent to marry when you came here for a visit, then that's fine, and explain accordingly when specifically asked about such. Just tell the truth there...You didn't make any plans to get married beforehand, and your purpose to come here was not to get married (lol..otherwise you would have applied on a fiance or spousal visa instead)...They should be ok with that... Hope it doesn't come to leaving your "home in the USA" for you either..You're doing things the right way by going through this immigration process legally..."better late than never"...Don't worry, it will all work out well in the end for you to stay here legally... Good luck, and yes, keep us all updated on your case here on vj too. Ant QUOTE (Kittyfang @ Oct 5 2009, 09:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Ant+D+A, I read your post with great interest. I was freaking out, about to cry ( I was even considering borrowing a little bit more and hiring a lawyer... but we barely have enough as it is). Thinking of being banned for 10 years from the place that I've come to call home is the scariest thing I've been trough. I guess I may be panicking for nothing. It's been 2.5 years. I'm sure that if I tell them "I took an extended vacation from my work", they probably are not going to call and verify that. It's been so long. As far as proving validity of marriage, we plan on adding my name to everything once I get an SSN. Hopefully, that will help us. Also, because we do not meet the requirement for affidavit of support, we will need a... "co-support person" (my husband's mother). So, I think that this will help us prove that the reason we waiting for so long was lack of money. I think I am just focusing on the "intent to marry" part way too much. How silly will I fell if they don't even ask about that! And yes, I will definitely be sending you a message. lol I can believe that. I would trow a fit if I had to leave... I hope it doesn't come to that. Your replies are making me feel so much better. You have no idea. I cannot thank you enough. It seems, if I understand correctly, that they really just want to hear me tell them that I came here to visit. I can't prove that I did, but it seems like they probably won't try to look for things that disprove it as well. And, like you said, they might not even ask that. As for being here so long, yes, it started as a vacation, then we decided to get married, looked up what we needed and got stumped. Ugh... so many details lol!	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-05 21:51:00
Canada	Came as a visitor, with no intent to marry. Will they even ask about this?	QUOTE (Kittyfang @ Oct 5 2009, 06:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Ant+D+A @ Oct 5 2009, 07:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Kittyfang, Hmm...not too much of a "problem" in your case really...thinking.. Well, you said that you had family and friends in Canada (and maybe some in the USA too?). So yes, affidavits from them would help, if they do ask for such. Also if your family and friends knew of your spouse as well, as they can attest to the legitimacy of the relationship/marriage and can write about that too. In my case, they didn't ask for affidavits (lucky me, I guess), but they did ask about our relationship and marriage anyways (lol..and what a story we had to tell..photos and all..). Regardless, affidavits do help to explain all aspects of your situation and is useful for all stages of the immigration game, so if you can get them, by all means, go for it. Don't worry about the others you don't have contact with, as if you don't contact them, then why should the USCIS contact them too?..lol... As for ties to Canada..then again...maybe they won't ask for such, since you've been here in the USA for so long...Not sure though (as they didn't really ask too much about that for me)...but be prepared to include such evidence, just in case. For example, if you have any correspondence and/or bills in your old address. By the way, were you ever questioned when you entered the USA on your visit at the POE (point of entry)? If you were, they probably covered that already, so they might not ask such again regarding your intention to come to the country. If not, then they might or might not ask during your AOS interview..who knows...good to be prepared anyways... Personally, I think at this point they are more focused on your relationship/marriage, than your ties to Canada, since you are here for so long anyways. They are looking for: "Did they come here, get married, and fraudently overstay to evade immigration laws and get a green card only? Or are they a genuine married loving couple who just got married and wanted to stay here, happily ever after?" The important thing when questioned by the USCIS: Just tell the truth, and you'll be fine there... What a co-incidence...I take care of the castle/house (and the baby), and live in a small town too. Definitely can talk more about that via vj pm. Understandable too, that you don't need to drive right away or open a bank account right away, be it that it is convenient for you and that your husband can help with that as well. For me, I didn't need a job right away, so I didn't need the EAD and SSN for that reason. I needed to drive though, so I just drove with my valid Canadian license (lol..and prayed that I didn't get in trouble) before I got my green card, and added the name to the joint bank account after I got my green card (lol..I didn't have much money to begin with anyways, and closed off my Canadian bank account went I went back to Canada for a visit after I got my green card). But I think the thing that got to me was not having an SSN, as that's pretty much needed for everything around here in the USA (for example, to get a driver's license and to be added on financial/bank information) and for medical insurance), so I wanted my green card quickly because of that. Besides, the idea of being out of legal status here while I waited didn't sit too well with me either, so I wanted to do the right thing there by being legal with a green card. Sorry to hear about your medical situation. And yes, by all means possible, get the healthcare that you need, no matter what the cost, as it's not worth the risk not getting treatment there. I know it would be hard for you to get medical insurance without legal status here, so that's understandable too. If you are sick and it is an emergency, just go to any hospital emergency room, and they will be able to treat you there, regardless of lack of immigration status. Just because you are waiting for immigration, doesn't mean you have to wait for your health! I agree, the immigration process can be scary, difficult, intimidating, frustrating, stressful, costly, etc. It may be hard at first, but in the end, it will all be worth it. Don't give up! We're all here to help. And yes, your case will be approved soon! Hope this helps too. Good luck on your journey. Ant P.S. Hey, if it is of any use of all: One thing good about staying here for as long as you did and being married as long as you did (2 years), is that you'll get a 10yr green card right away. Will save you the time and money from having to go from a 2yr green card to a 10yr green card with the I-751...lol.. QUOTE (Kittyfang @ Oct 5 2009, 08:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I've read carefully what you wrote and I think my only "problem" will be to prove my ties in Canada. The apartment I was living in was "pay by the month", so I didn't have a lease for that. I do have family members that I spoke with and, for a while I did think about moving in with my sister upon my return. Would an affidavit made by her, stipulating that we did have that discussion help? As far as work, I was taking an "extended leave", I guess it's possible that they could write up something to that effect, to agree with what I am saying. As for family, apart from my sister, I do not really talk to them. So, that may be an issue. As for your question. My husband works and I take care of his Castle. We live in a small town, so I don't really need to drive (hence I didn't get a driving permit... yet), for the same reason, I didn't get a bank account (the one I had in Canada has been closed). I only recently started going to the doctor when I fell ill. It's been hard, but we're hoping that AoS being approved will help. It gets very scary and sometimes, we wonder if it's even worth it. Maybe the fact that I have been here for so long will make details such as "ties to Canada" and "intent" not such a big deal. Ant+D+A, I read your post with great interest. I was freaking out, about to cry ( I was even considering borrowing a little bit more and hiring a lawyer... but we barely have enough as it is). Thinking of being banned for 10 years from the place that I've come to call home is the scariest thing I've been trough. I guess I may be panicking for nothing. It's been 2.5 years. I'm sure that if I tell them "I took an extended vacation from my work", they probably are not going to call and verify that. It's been so long. As far as proving validity of marriage, we plan on adding my name to everything once I get an SSN. Hopefully, that will help us. Also, because we do not meet the requirement for affidavit of support, we will need a... "co-support person" (my husband's mother). So, I think that this will help us prove that the reason we waiting for so long was lack of money. I think I am just focusing on the "intent to marry" part way too much. How silly will I fell if they don't even ask about that! And yes, I will definitely be sending you a message. QUOTE (Ant+D+A @ Oct 5 2009, 06:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> P.S. Most importantly: Oh and then there's the risk of deportation...I definitely didn't want to be deported and away from my loved ones here in the USA! So definitely needed to be legally here because of that! So thus, needed to file for the AOS and have a Green Card to stay here in the USA! Oh the things one does for love... Ant lol I can believe that. I would trow a fit if I had to leave... I hope it doesn't come to that. One thing that came to mind is this: It's been 2.5 years. What are the chances they will even ask about my intent? You'd think that if I came here wanting to get married I would have done it ASAP. Instead, I got married 6 months later... Like you said, they might be more interested in proving that it's a real marriage. From what I've seen from other people, they didn't even get asked questions like "what was your intent when you cross the border".	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-05 21:18:00
Canada	Came as a visitor, with no intent to marry. Will they even ask about this?	QUOTE (Ant+D+A @ Oct 5 2009, 07:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Kittyfang, Hmm...not too much of a "problem" in your case really...thinking.. Well, you said that you had family and friends in Canada (and maybe some in the USA too?). So yes, affidavits from them would help, if they do ask for such. Also if your family and friends knew of your spouse as well, as they can attest to the legitimacy of the relationship/marriage and can write about that too. In my case, they didn't ask for affidavits (lucky me, I guess), but they did ask about our relationship and marriage anyways (lol..and what a story we had to tell..photos and all..). Regardless, affidavits do help to explain all aspects of your situation and is useful for all stages of the immigration game, so if you can get them, by all means, go for it. Don't worry about the others you don't have contact with, as if you don't contact them, then why should the USCIS contact them too?..lol... As for ties to Canada..then again...maybe they won't ask for such, since you've been here in the USA for so long...Not sure though (as they didn't really ask too much about that for me)...but be prepared to include such evidence, just in case. For example, if you have any correspondence and/or bills in your old address. By the way, were you ever questioned when you entered the USA on your visit at the POE (point of entry)? If you were, they probably covered that already, so they might not ask such again regarding your intention to come to the country. If not, then they might or might not ask during your AOS interview..who knows...good to be prepared anyways... Personally, I think at this point they are more focused on your relationship/marriage, than your ties to Canada, since you are here for so long anyways. They are looking for: "Did they come here, get married, and fraudently overstay to evade immigration laws and get a green card only? Or are they a genuine married loving couple who just got married and wanted to stay here, happily ever after?" The important thing when questioned by the USCIS: Just tell the truth, and you'll be fine there... What a co-incidence...I take care of the castle/house (and the baby), and live in a small town too. Definitely can talk more about that via vj pm. Understandable too, that you don't need to drive right away or open a bank account right away, be it that it is convenient for you and that your husband can help with that as well. For me, I didn't need a job right away, so I didn't need the EAD and SSN for that reason. I needed to drive though, so I just drove with my valid Canadian license (lol..and prayed that I didn't get in trouble) before I got my green card, and added the name to the joint bank account after I got my green card (lol..I didn't have much money to begin with anyways, and closed off my Canadian bank account went I went back to Canada for a visit after I got my green card). But I think the thing that got to me was not having an SSN, as that's pretty much needed for everything around here in the USA (for example, to get a driver's license and to be added on financial/bank information) and for medical insurance), so I wanted my green card quickly because of that. Besides, the idea of being out of legal status here while I waited didn't sit too well with me either, so I wanted to do the right thing there by being legal with a green card. Sorry to hear about your medical situation. And yes, by all means possible, get the healthcare that you need, no matter what the cost, as it's not worth the risk not getting treatment there. I know it would be hard for you to get medical insurance without legal status here, so that's understandable too. If you are sick and it is an emergency, just go to any hospital emergency room, and they will be able to treat you there, regardless of lack of immigration status. Just because you are waiting for immigration, doesn't mean you have to wait for your health! I agree, the immigration process can be scary, difficult, intimidating, frustrating, stressful, costly, etc. It may be hard at first, but in the end, it will all be worth it. Don't give up! We're all here to help. And yes, your case will be approved soon! Hope this helps too. Good luck on your journey. Ant P.S. Hey, if it is of any use of all: One thing good about staying here for as long as you did and being married as long as you did (2 years), is that you'll get a 10yr green card right away. Will save you the time and money from having to go from a 2yr green card to a 10yr green card with the I-751...lol.. QUOTE (Kittyfang @ Oct 5 2009, 08:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I've read carefully what you wrote and I think my only "problem" will be to prove my ties in Canada. The apartment I was living in was "pay by the month", so I didn't have a lease for that. I do have family members that I spoke with and, for a while I did think about moving in with my sister upon my return. Would an affidavit made by her, stipulating that we did have that discussion help? As far as work, I was taking an "extended leave", I guess it's possible that they could write up something to that effect, to agree with what I am saying. As for family, apart from my sister, I do not really talk to them. So, that may be an issue. As for your question. My husband works and I take care of his Castle. We live in a small town, so I don't really need to drive (hence I didn't get a driving permit... yet), for the same reason, I didn't get a bank account (the one I had in Canada has been closed). I only recently started going to the doctor when I fell ill. It's been hard, but we're hoping that AoS being approved will help. It gets very scary and sometimes, we wonder if it's even worth it. Maybe the fact that I have been here for so long will make details such as "ties to Canada" and "intent" not such a big deal. Ant+D+A, I read your post with great interest. I was freaking out, about to cry ( I was even considering borrowing a little bit more and hiring a lawyer... but we barely have enough as it is). Thinking of being banned for 10 years from the place that I've come to call home is the scariest thing I've been trough. I guess I may be panicking for nothing. It's been 2.5 years. I'm sure that if I tell them "I took an extended vacation from my work", they probably are not going to call and verify that. It's been so long. As far as proving validity of marriage, we plan on adding my name to everything once I get an SSN. Hopefully, that will help us. Also, because we do not meet the requirement for affidavit of support, we will need a... "co-support person" (my husband's mother). So, I think that this will help us prove that the reason we waiting for so long was lack of money. I think I am just focusing on the "intent to marry" part way too much. How silly will I fell if they don't even ask about that! And yes, I will definitely be sending you a message. QUOTE (Ant+D+A @ Oct 5 2009, 06:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> P.S. Most importantly: Oh and then there's the risk of deportation...I definitely didn't want to be deported and away from my loved ones here in the USA! So definitely needed to be legally here because of that! So thus, needed to file for the AOS and have a Green Card to stay here in the USA! Oh the things one does for love... Ant lol I can believe that. I would trow a fit if I had to leave... I hope it doesn't come to that.	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-05 20:45:00
Canada	Came as a visitor, with no intent to marry. Will they even ask about this?	QUOTE (Ant+D+A @ Oct 5 2009, 05:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Kittyfang, No problem. Glad to be able to help you here... I agree, the next step is just a matter of filling out all the paperwork and sending it in...And along the way if you get stuck. just post on vj, as a lot of people are able to help here too. By the way, as for the job thing...it doesn't matter what job you had before in Canada...heck, if it makes you feel any better..I was a student in Canada before with no job (lol..studying was job in itself). The thing they look for really, is your ties to Canada, and that you had such when you entered the USA. For example, if you had a residence, study, work, family, friends, return tickets, etc. in Canada, and had plans to return to Canada, which makes the intention of your stay in the USA as a visit only, and not anything else. In my case, I was lucky (or maybe unlucky..as was interrogated) that I got a visitor's visa which stated such an intention of a visit only, but I know many Canadians don't get such when they visit the USA. So it's up to you to prove that you just wanted to come for a visit, and that you just married at the spur of the moment and then decided to stay... They will also ask about the legitimacy of your relationship, as they do for all immigration-related couples/spouses cases...So be prepared with evidence about that. For example, photos, letters, ticket stubs, cards, correspondence, etc....anything else you can think of... As for financially, the main point they are looking at is for the I-864 (Affidavit of Support). You and your sponsor (your spouse) have to have enough American income to meet the poverty-guidelines, in order to stay, and not be a "burden" to the USA...(lol..their words, not mine)...If your sponsor doesn't have enough American income, then a co-sponsor might be required in your case too. As for filing the EAD, if you are in a hurry to work before you get your green card....then yes, file for the I-765...(besides, it's included with the I-485/AOS nowadays anyways...). And with your EAD, you can then apply for a SSN, which can help you too. However, bear in mind that co-incidently a lot of other vjers get both the I-765 and green card approved at around the same time (and even the I-765 approved after the green card...definitely not of use there...). But good to have nevertheless, "just in case", if you need to work and/or get an SSN right away. And you cannot work legally here in the USA without a SSN and EAD or Green Card. By the way, if you don't mind me asking, how did you survive in the USA for so long without an SSN or legal immigration status (as that's needed here)? Lol..I overstayed for a few months with no legal status while I was waiting for my green card..and felt like that was an eternity...but for you to go years...wow..that amazes me... Hope this helps as well. Don't worry, you shouldn't run into too many problems along the way. Good luck on the rest of your journey. Ant QUOTE (Kittyfang @ Oct 5 2009, 07:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thank you to everyone who replies. I guess it's a question of just doing it. I'm hoping my case will not run into any problems. Hopefully, they will not spend too much time asking about my job before I came here and will see that I truly came here as a visitor. Also, Ant+D+A, thank you for the time line. I think I will be filing the same kind of paperwork, except that I will also be applying for an EAD, for SSN reasons. I've read carefully what you wrote and I think my only "problem" will be to prove my ties in Canada. The apartment I was living in was "pay by the month", so I didn't have a lease for that. I do have family members that I spoke with and, for a while I did think about moving in with my sister upon my return. Would an affidavit made by her, stipulating that we did have that discussion help? As far as work, I was taking an "extended leave", I guess it's possible that they could write up something to that effect, to agree with what I am saying. As for family, apart from my sister, I do not really talk to them. So, that may be an issue. As for your question. My husband works and I take care of his Castle. We live in a small town, so I don't really need to drive (hence I didn't get a driving permit... yet), for the same reason, I didn't get a bank account (the one I had in Canada has been closed). I only recently started going to the doctor when I fell ill. It's been hard, but we're hoping that AoS being approved will help. It gets very scary and sometimes, we wonder if it's even worth it. Maybe the fact that I have been here for so long will make details such as "ties to Canada" and "intent" not such a big deal. **edit** As for the job, my main concern was more "Will they think that I've left my job to move here". I opted out, knowing that they would rehire me once I came back. But, an interviewer might see it differently. Edited by Kittyfang, 05 October 2009 - 07:42 PM.	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-05 19:40:00
Canada	Came as a visitor, with no intent to marry. Will they even ask about this?	Thank you to everyone who replies. I guess it's a question of just doing it. I'm hoping my case will not run into any problems. Hopefully, they will not spend too much time asking about my job before I came here and will see that I truly came here as a visitor. Also, Ant+D+A, thank you for the time line. I think I will be filing the same kind of paperwork, except that I will also be applying for an EAD, for SSN reasons. Edited by Kittyfang, 05 October 2009 - 06:43 PM.	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-05 18:42:00
Canada	Came as a visitor, with no intent to marry. Will they even ask about this?	I will retype my story, in case you don't know. I came here 3 years ago. I stayed for 1-2 weeks. Went back to Canada for a week, then came back. At that point I was coming back just to extend my vacation. I just had been laid off and figured I'd take some time out. As time went by, we realized we didn't want to be separated and decided to get married (we got married 6 months after I came in the U.S.). Now, I have overstayed by 2.5 years (we couldn't file because of financial reasons). A. Should I even bother telling USCIS that I came for a week then left, then came back? I'm not asking if I should lie. I just figure it might confuse matter even more. And B. Are they likely to ask something like that? I've read that most people get "how did you meet". Will they really ask me "When you came over, did you intend on getting married?" (if they do, will they take a yes/no? I don't have anything that can prove that I did or didn't.) I am asking here because another post reminded me or this, and was told that I should start my own thread so... thank you in advance! Edited by Kittyfang, 05 October 2009 - 04:25 PM.	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-05 16:23:00
Canada	Came as a visitor, with no intent to marry. Will they even ask about this?	QUOTE (Ant+D+A @ Oct 5 2009, 08:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Kittyfang, Likewise, I'm reading your posts with great interest too..."Been there, done that..."...seems like we can commonly relate there on our immigration journeys.. It's ok..we've all cried during this entire process, as it's a lot to put up with. Lol..I can remember my husband telling me at times: "Don't worry about it...", to which I cried, "For goodness sakes, you're not the one that has to worry about being deported back". But yeah, being banned for 10 years (if not forever) is scary to think about, and I hope it doesn't happen to anyone who deserves to be here legally. As for hiring a lawyer, you might not need to do so in your case, if is is pretty straight-forward from Visitor to AOS adjustment. But then again. I don't know your entire situation, so you and your family have to decide as to if you want to hire one or not, especially more so if it is a financial burden to you. For me, my situaiton was a bit more complicated (would rather not discuss here on vj), so we had to hire a lawyer for that. The lawyer we used was very nice and helpful, and was very reasonable and low-cost in their rates. If you need more info about the lawyer I used..pm me too.. As for the "extended vacation from work" reason, yes, you can mention that generally as to how you were here in the first place, but being here for 2.5 years seems a little "too extended" to focus on that (do you know what I mean?). Besides, if you focus on work, then they might say, "well, why didn't you apply for a work visa instead, if you wanted to stay that long?" Rather, if I were you, I would focus more so on the fact that you were here on a vacation to visit your husband/boyfriend instead, and you want to stay because you love him, as you were mainly here for such, right? Yes, I understand that you can't add your name to certain things (more so formally and financially) without an SSN. However, there are other non-formal and non-financial ways to add your name to things and to prove your marriage/relationship, such as (as I mentioned before): cards, letters, photos, mail, e-mail, correspondence, etc. For my AOS inteview, I didn't have a SSN or a Green Card yet (lol..I needed to pass the AOS interview to get such)...So I couldn't do any joint stuff formally and financially there, but they still required joint evidence nevertheless, as stated on the interview letter. So, I just included everything else that I had that showed our relationship and marriage was genuine, no matter what it was. It helps to have joint stuff now, and it helps to have joint stuff later..keep and collect anything and everything that you have, as the USCIS wants to see it all (or most of it anyways)... Likewise, I needed a co-sponsor too, so understandable there, being in a financial predicament at the time. That's great that your mother-in-law can help you out with that, and as long as they met the income and other guidelines needed for a co-sponsor, then they should be ok there. By the way, as a sponsor, your husband needs to fill out one I-864 form, and your mother-in-law as a co-sponsor needs to fill out another I-864 form too. And yes, you can explain as to why you waited for so long too, as that might help (lol..those immigration fees are so darn expensive...takes awhile to save up for such!...). As for intent to marry..as long as you didn't have intent to marry when you came here for a visit, then that's fine, and explain accordingly when specifically asked about such. Just tell the truth there...You didn't make any plans to get married beforehand, and your purpose to come here was not to get married (lol..otherwise you would have applied on a fiance or spousal visa instead)...They should be ok with that... Hope it doesn't come to leaving your "home in the USA" for you either..You're doing things the right way by going through this immigration process legally..."better late than never"...Don't worry, it will all work out well in the end for you to stay here legally... Good luck, and yes, keep us all updated on your case here on vj too. Ant QUOTE (Kittyfang @ Oct 5 2009, 09:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Ant+D+A, I read your post with great interest. I was freaking out, about to cry ( I was even considering borrowing a little bit more and hiring a lawyer... but we barely have enough as it is). Thinking of being banned for 10 years from the place that I've come to call home is the scariest thing I've been trough. I guess I may be panicking for nothing. It's been 2.5 years. I'm sure that if I tell them "I took an extended vacation from my work", they probably are not going to call and verify that. It's been so long. As far as proving validity of marriage, we plan on adding my name to everything once I get an SSN. Hopefully, that will help us. Also, because we do not meet the requirement for affidavit of support, we will need a... "co-support person" (my husband's mother). So, I think that this will help us prove that the reason we waiting for so long was lack of money. I think I am just focusing on the "intent to marry" part way too much. How silly will I fell if they don't even ask about that! And yes, I will definitely be sending you a message. lol I can believe that. I would trow a fit if I had to leave... I hope it doesn't come to that. Your replies are making me feel so much better. You have no idea. I cannot thank you enough. It seems, if I understand correctly, that they really just want to hear me tell them that I came here to visit. I can't prove that I did, but it seems like they probably won't try to look for things that disprove it as well. And, like you said, they might not even ask that. As for being here so long, yes, it started as a vacation, then we decided to get married, looked up what we needed and got stumped. Ugh... so many details lol!	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-05 21:51:00
Canada	Came as a visitor, with no intent to marry. Will they even ask about this?	QUOTE (Kittyfang @ Oct 5 2009, 06:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Ant+D+A @ Oct 5 2009, 07:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Kittyfang, Hmm...not too much of a "problem" in your case really...thinking.. Well, you said that you had family and friends in Canada (and maybe some in the USA too?). So yes, affidavits from them would help, if they do ask for such. Also if your family and friends knew of your spouse as well, as they can attest to the legitimacy of the relationship/marriage and can write about that too. In my case, they didn't ask for affidavits (lucky me, I guess), but they did ask about our relationship and marriage anyways (lol..and what a story we had to tell..photos and all..). Regardless, affidavits do help to explain all aspects of your situation and is useful for all stages of the immigration game, so if you can get them, by all means, go for it. Don't worry about the others you don't have contact with, as if you don't contact them, then why should the USCIS contact them too?..lol... As for ties to Canada..then again...maybe they won't ask for such, since you've been here in the USA for so long...Not sure though (as they didn't really ask too much about that for me)...but be prepared to include such evidence, just in case. For example, if you have any correspondence and/or bills in your old address. By the way, were you ever questioned when you entered the USA on your visit at the POE (point of entry)? If you were, they probably covered that already, so they might not ask such again regarding your intention to come to the country. If not, then they might or might not ask during your AOS interview..who knows...good to be prepared anyways... Personally, I think at this point they are more focused on your relationship/marriage, than your ties to Canada, since you are here for so long anyways. They are looking for: "Did they come here, get married, and fraudently overstay to evade immigration laws and get a green card only? Or are they a genuine married loving couple who just got married and wanted to stay here, happily ever after?" The important thing when questioned by the USCIS: Just tell the truth, and you'll be fine there... What a co-incidence...I take care of the castle/house (and the baby), and live in a small town too. Definitely can talk more about that via vj pm. Understandable too, that you don't need to drive right away or open a bank account right away, be it that it is convenient for you and that your husband can help with that as well. For me, I didn't need a job right away, so I didn't need the EAD and SSN for that reason. I needed to drive though, so I just drove with my valid Canadian license (lol..and prayed that I didn't get in trouble) before I got my green card, and added the name to the joint bank account after I got my green card (lol..I didn't have much money to begin with anyways, and closed off my Canadian bank account went I went back to Canada for a visit after I got my green card). But I think the thing that got to me was not having an SSN, as that's pretty much needed for everything around here in the USA (for example, to get a driver's license and to be added on financial/bank information) and for medical insurance), so I wanted my green card quickly because of that. Besides, the idea of being out of legal status here while I waited didn't sit too well with me either, so I wanted to do the right thing there by being legal with a green card. Sorry to hear about your medical situation. And yes, by all means possible, get the healthcare that you need, no matter what the cost, as it's not worth the risk not getting treatment there. I know it would be hard for you to get medical insurance without legal status here, so that's understandable too. If you are sick and it is an emergency, just go to any hospital emergency room, and they will be able to treat you there, regardless of lack of immigration status. Just because you are waiting for immigration, doesn't mean you have to wait for your health! I agree, the immigration process can be scary, difficult, intimidating, frustrating, stressful, costly, etc. It may be hard at first, but in the end, it will all be worth it. Don't give up! We're all here to help. And yes, your case will be approved soon! Hope this helps too. Good luck on your journey. Ant P.S. Hey, if it is of any use of all: One thing good about staying here for as long as you did and being married as long as you did (2 years), is that you'll get a 10yr green card right away. Will save you the time and money from having to go from a 2yr green card to a 10yr green card with the I-751...lol.. QUOTE (Kittyfang @ Oct 5 2009, 08:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I've read carefully what you wrote and I think my only "problem" will be to prove my ties in Canada. The apartment I was living in was "pay by the month", so I didn't have a lease for that. I do have family members that I spoke with and, for a while I did think about moving in with my sister upon my return. Would an affidavit made by her, stipulating that we did have that discussion help? As far as work, I was taking an "extended leave", I guess it's possible that they could write up something to that effect, to agree with what I am saying. As for family, apart from my sister, I do not really talk to them. So, that may be an issue. As for your question. My husband works and I take care of his Castle. We live in a small town, so I don't really need to drive (hence I didn't get a driving permit... yet), for the same reason, I didn't get a bank account (the one I had in Canada has been closed). I only recently started going to the doctor when I fell ill. It's been hard, but we're hoping that AoS being approved will help. It gets very scary and sometimes, we wonder if it's even worth it. Maybe the fact that I have been here for so long will make details such as "ties to Canada" and "intent" not such a big deal. Ant+D+A, I read your post with great interest. I was freaking out, about to cry ( I was even considering borrowing a little bit more and hiring a lawyer... but we barely have enough as it is). Thinking of being banned for 10 years from the place that I've come to call home is the scariest thing I've been trough. I guess I may be panicking for nothing. It's been 2.5 years. I'm sure that if I tell them "I took an extended vacation from my work", they probably are not going to call and verify that. It's been so long. As far as proving validity of marriage, we plan on adding my name to everything once I get an SSN. Hopefully, that will help us. Also, because we do not meet the requirement for affidavit of support, we will need a... "co-support person" (my husband's mother). So, I think that this will help us prove that the reason we waiting for so long was lack of money. I think I am just focusing on the "intent to marry" part way too much. How silly will I fell if they don't even ask about that! And yes, I will definitely be sending you a message. QUOTE (Ant+D+A @ Oct 5 2009, 06:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> P.S. Most importantly: Oh and then there's the risk of deportation...I definitely didn't want to be deported and away from my loved ones here in the USA! So definitely needed to be legally here because of that! So thus, needed to file for the AOS and have a Green Card to stay here in the USA! Oh the things one does for love... Ant lol I can believe that. I would trow a fit if I had to leave... I hope it doesn't come to that. One thing that came to mind is this: It's been 2.5 years. What are the chances they will even ask about my intent? You'd think that if I came here wanting to get married I would have done it ASAP. Instead, I got married 6 months later... Like you said, they might be more interested in proving that it's a real marriage. From what I've seen from other people, they didn't even get asked questions like "what was your intent when you cross the border".	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-05 21:18:00
Canada	Came as a visitor, with no intent to marry. Will they even ask about this?	QUOTE (Ant+D+A @ Oct 5 2009, 07:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Kittyfang, Hmm...not too much of a "problem" in your case really...thinking.. Well, you said that you had family and friends in Canada (and maybe some in the USA too?). So yes, affidavits from them would help, if they do ask for such. Also if your family and friends knew of your spouse as well, as they can attest to the legitimacy of the relationship/marriage and can write about that too. In my case, they didn't ask for affidavits (lucky me, I guess), but they did ask about our relationship and marriage anyways (lol..and what a story we had to tell..photos and all..). Regardless, affidavits do help to explain all aspects of your situation and is useful for all stages of the immigration game, so if you can get them, by all means, go for it. Don't worry about the others you don't have contact with, as if you don't contact them, then why should the USCIS contact them too?..lol... As for ties to Canada..then again...maybe they won't ask for such, since you've been here in the USA for so long...Not sure though (as they didn't really ask too much about that for me)...but be prepared to include such evidence, just in case. For example, if you have any correspondence and/or bills in your old address. By the way, were you ever questioned when you entered the USA on your visit at the POE (point of entry)? If you were, they probably covered that already, so they might not ask such again regarding your intention to come to the country. If not, then they might or might not ask during your AOS interview..who knows...good to be prepared anyways... Personally, I think at this point they are more focused on your relationship/marriage, than your ties to Canada, since you are here for so long anyways. They are looking for: "Did they come here, get married, and fraudently overstay to evade immigration laws and get a green card only? Or are they a genuine married loving couple who just got married and wanted to stay here, happily ever after?" The important thing when questioned by the USCIS: Just tell the truth, and you'll be fine there... What a co-incidence...I take care of the castle/house (and the baby), and live in a small town too. Definitely can talk more about that via vj pm. Understandable too, that you don't need to drive right away or open a bank account right away, be it that it is convenient for you and that your husband can help with that as well. For me, I didn't need a job right away, so I didn't need the EAD and SSN for that reason. I needed to drive though, so I just drove with my valid Canadian license (lol..and prayed that I didn't get in trouble) before I got my green card, and added the name to the joint bank account after I got my green card (lol..I didn't have much money to begin with anyways, and closed off my Canadian bank account went I went back to Canada for a visit after I got my green card). But I think the thing that got to me was not having an SSN, as that's pretty much needed for everything around here in the USA (for example, to get a driver's license and to be added on financial/bank information) and for medical insurance), so I wanted my green card quickly because of that. Besides, the idea of being out of legal status here while I waited didn't sit too well with me either, so I wanted to do the right thing there by being legal with a green card. Sorry to hear about your medical situation. And yes, by all means possible, get the healthcare that you need, no matter what the cost, as it's not worth the risk not getting treatment there. I know it would be hard for you to get medical insurance without legal status here, so that's understandable too. If you are sick and it is an emergency, just go to any hospital emergency room, and they will be able to treat you there, regardless of lack of immigration status. Just because you are waiting for immigration, doesn't mean you have to wait for your health! I agree, the immigration process can be scary, difficult, intimidating, frustrating, stressful, costly, etc. It may be hard at first, but in the end, it will all be worth it. Don't give up! We're all here to help. And yes, your case will be approved soon! Hope this helps too. Good luck on your journey. Ant P.S. Hey, if it is of any use of all: One thing good about staying here for as long as you did and being married as long as you did (2 years), is that you'll get a 10yr green card right away. Will save you the time and money from having to go from a 2yr green card to a 10yr green card with the I-751...lol.. QUOTE (Kittyfang @ Oct 5 2009, 08:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I've read carefully what you wrote and I think my only "problem" will be to prove my ties in Canada. The apartment I was living in was "pay by the month", so I didn't have a lease for that. I do have family members that I spoke with and, for a while I did think about moving in with my sister upon my return. Would an affidavit made by her, stipulating that we did have that discussion help? As far as work, I was taking an "extended leave", I guess it's possible that they could write up something to that effect, to agree with what I am saying. As for family, apart from my sister, I do not really talk to them. So, that may be an issue. As for your question. My husband works and I take care of his Castle. We live in a small town, so I don't really need to drive (hence I didn't get a driving permit... yet), for the same reason, I didn't get a bank account (the one I had in Canada has been closed). I only recently started going to the doctor when I fell ill. It's been hard, but we're hoping that AoS being approved will help. It gets very scary and sometimes, we wonder if it's even worth it. Maybe the fact that I have been here for so long will make details such as "ties to Canada" and "intent" not such a big deal. Ant+D+A, I read your post with great interest. I was freaking out, about to cry ( I was even considering borrowing a little bit more and hiring a lawyer... but we barely have enough as it is). Thinking of being banned for 10 years from the place that I've come to call home is the scariest thing I've been trough. I guess I may be panicking for nothing. It's been 2.5 years. I'm sure that if I tell them "I took an extended vacation from my work", they probably are not going to call and verify that. It's been so long. As far as proving validity of marriage, we plan on adding my name to everything once I get an SSN. Hopefully, that will help us. Also, because we do not meet the requirement for affidavit of support, we will need a... "co-support person" (my husband's mother). So, I think that this will help us prove that the reason we waiting for so long was lack of money. I think I am just focusing on the "intent to marry" part way too much. How silly will I fell if they don't even ask about that! And yes, I will definitely be sending you a message. QUOTE (Ant+D+A @ Oct 5 2009, 06:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> P.S. Most importantly: Oh and then there's the risk of deportation...I definitely didn't want to be deported and away from my loved ones here in the USA! So definitely needed to be legally here because of that! So thus, needed to file for the AOS and have a Green Card to stay here in the USA! Oh the things one does for love... Ant lol I can believe that. I would trow a fit if I had to leave... I hope it doesn't come to that.	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-05 20:45:00
Canada	Came as a visitor, with no intent to marry. Will they even ask about this?	QUOTE (Ant+D+A @ Oct 5 2009, 05:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Kittyfang, No problem. Glad to be able to help you here... I agree, the next step is just a matter of filling out all the paperwork and sending it in...And along the way if you get stuck. just post on vj, as a lot of people are able to help here too. By the way, as for the job thing...it doesn't matter what job you had before in Canada...heck, if it makes you feel any better..I was a student in Canada before with no job (lol..studying was job in itself). The thing they look for really, is your ties to Canada, and that you had such when you entered the USA. For example, if you had a residence, study, work, family, friends, return tickets, etc. in Canada, and had plans to return to Canada, which makes the intention of your stay in the USA as a visit only, and not anything else. In my case, I was lucky (or maybe unlucky..as was interrogated) that I got a visitor's visa which stated such an intention of a visit only, but I know many Canadians don't get such when they visit the USA. So it's up to you to prove that you just wanted to come for a visit, and that you just married at the spur of the moment and then decided to stay... They will also ask about the legitimacy of your relationship, as they do for all immigration-related couples/spouses cases...So be prepared with evidence about that. For example, photos, letters, ticket stubs, cards, correspondence, etc....anything else you can think of... As for financially, the main point they are looking at is for the I-864 (Affidavit of Support). You and your sponsor (your spouse) have to have enough American income to meet the poverty-guidelines, in order to stay, and not be a "burden" to the USA...(lol..their words, not mine)...If your sponsor doesn't have enough American income, then a co-sponsor might be required in your case too. As for filing the EAD, if you are in a hurry to work before you get your green card....then yes, file for the I-765...(besides, it's included with the I-485/AOS nowadays anyways...). And with your EAD, you can then apply for a SSN, which can help you too. However, bear in mind that co-incidently a lot of other vjers get both the I-765 and green card approved at around the same time (and even the I-765 approved after the green card...definitely not of use there...). But good to have nevertheless, "just in case", if you need to work and/or get an SSN right away. And you cannot work legally here in the USA without a SSN and EAD or Green Card. By the way, if you don't mind me asking, how did you survive in the USA for so long without an SSN or legal immigration status (as that's needed here)? Lol..I overstayed for a few months with no legal status while I was waiting for my green card..and felt like that was an eternity...but for you to go years...wow..that amazes me... Hope this helps as well. Don't worry, you shouldn't run into too many problems along the way. Good luck on the rest of your journey. Ant QUOTE (Kittyfang @ Oct 5 2009, 07:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thank you to everyone who replies. I guess it's a question of just doing it. I'm hoping my case will not run into any problems. Hopefully, they will not spend too much time asking about my job before I came here and will see that I truly came here as a visitor. Also, Ant+D+A, thank you for the time line. I think I will be filing the same kind of paperwork, except that I will also be applying for an EAD, for SSN reasons. I've read carefully what you wrote and I think my only "problem" will be to prove my ties in Canada. The apartment I was living in was "pay by the month", so I didn't have a lease for that. I do have family members that I spoke with and, for a while I did think about moving in with my sister upon my return. Would an affidavit made by her, stipulating that we did have that discussion help? As far as work, I was taking an "extended leave", I guess it's possible that they could write up something to that effect, to agree with what I am saying. As for family, apart from my sister, I do not really talk to them. So, that may be an issue. As for your question. My husband works and I take care of his Castle. We live in a small town, so I don't really need to drive (hence I didn't get a driving permit... yet), for the same reason, I didn't get a bank account (the one I had in Canada has been closed). I only recently started going to the doctor when I fell ill. It's been hard, but we're hoping that AoS being approved will help. It gets very scary and sometimes, we wonder if it's even worth it. Maybe the fact that I have been here for so long will make details such as "ties to Canada" and "intent" not such a big deal. **edit** As for the job, my main concern was more "Will they think that I've left my job to move here". I opted out, knowing that they would rehire me once I came back. But, an interviewer might see it differently. Edited by Kittyfang, 05 October 2009 - 07:42 PM.	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-05 19:40:00
Canada	Came as a visitor, with no intent to marry. Will they even ask about this?	Thank you to everyone who replies. I guess it's a question of just doing it. I'm hoping my case will not run into any problems. Hopefully, they will not spend too much time asking about my job before I came here and will see that I truly came here as a visitor. Also, Ant+D+A, thank you for the time line. I think I will be filing the same kind of paperwork, except that I will also be applying for an EAD, for SSN reasons. Edited by Kittyfang, 05 October 2009 - 06:43 PM.	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-05 18:42:00
Canada	Came as a visitor, with no intent to marry. Will they even ask about this?	I will retype my story, in case you don't know. I came here 3 years ago. I stayed for 1-2 weeks. Went back to Canada for a week, then came back. At that point I was coming back just to extend my vacation. I just had been laid off and figured I'd take some time out. As time went by, we realized we didn't want to be separated and decided to get married (we got married 6 months after I came in the U.S.). Now, I have overstayed by 2.5 years (we couldn't file because of financial reasons). A. Should I even bother telling USCIS that I came for a week then left, then came back? I'm not asking if I should lie. I just figure it might confuse matter even more. And B. Are they likely to ask something like that? I've read that most people get "how did you meet". Will they really ask me "When you came over, did you intend on getting married?" (if they do, will they take a yes/no? I don't have anything that can prove that I did or didn't.) I am asking here because another post reminded me or this, and was told that I should start my own thread so... thank you in advance! Edited by Kittyfang, 05 October 2009 - 04:25 PM.	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-05 16:23:00
Canada	How long have ou overstayed before filing?	QUOTE (Kathryn41 @ Oct 12 2009, 04:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Kittyfang, Yes, these are the types of comments to which I referred, and they are to be expected. One of the biggest advantages that you have enjoyed by taking the path you did that those who have followed the legal process do not have is being with your loved one. People going through the legal route have waited years to enjoy that experience - and many are still waiting. Seeing you gaining the benefit they seek without going through the same lengthy and wearing process makes it easy for them to became angry that they have to suffer and wait while you don't. They feel the full effects of its unfairness and will not view your difficulties with sympathy. They view your challenges as ones you chose as they are a consequence of your choice, and even still, that what you have gained - being able to be with your spouse during these years - is a greater gain than anything you have lost. They don't have that option. Your best position is to recognize that you will get these responses and accept that these posters have the right to feel this way. Being humble rather than defensive will get you more support in the long run. Kathryn41, I agree with you entirely and that is why I am removing myself from this thread. I was looking for people in the same situation as me. Never meant to offend anyone.	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-12 18:47:00
Canada	How long have ou overstayed before filing?	QUOTE (familyguy @ Oct 12 2009, 04:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Oct 12 2009, 07:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Nope, poprocks came in on a K1. Oops I was confusing her with someone else my bad. Starburst perhaps? I think so, I'll seek her out.	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-12 18:36:00
Canada	How long have ou overstayed before filing?	Well, I understand what you're all saying and I have a couple things to reply, but, I still hear the bitterness in your words. So, I'm just going to take a break right here. Thank you all for your input and I hope your situation all work out. **edit As far as the government program, my point was not to illicit sympathy, but when people say "you've been here illegally!" to me, it always sounds like they think I've been here living on thousands of dollars in a mansion. I have not. You want to make yourself feel better at my expanse, you go right ahead. I was raised in the real world, where No One, and I do mean No One does the legal right thing all the time. So to me it's just hypocrisy, like the person who wished so much bad things upon me, but that seems to identify as some kind of religious person. Edited by Kittyfang, 12 October 2009 - 06:35 PM.	Kittyfang	Female	Canada	2009-10-12 18:32:00