ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 3)
:wub: But as long as he loves me so...let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. :luv:
JayandmarsFemaleJamaica2007-01-15 10:28:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 3)

As far as name changes on Jamaican passports, I believe they did ammend the passports before the machine readable passports. The form was still available online in 2004. When I got my Jamaican passport I enquired about updating my wife's. They said they did not do that anymore.


Hello,

I just found a website which states the following:

How do I add my married name to my machine readable passport?

If you already hold a machine-readable passport, your married nameCANNOT be added to that passport. In order for your married name to be included, you will have to apply for another machine-readable passport, supplying your marriage certificate along with the other required documentation. This will be treated as regular processing, and will take a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks.


Here is the link:

Jamaican Embassy - Passport Info

Mars.
JayandmarsFemaleJamaica2007-01-09 09:33:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 3)
I do have a Jamaican passport. Maybe I should contact the closest Jamaican embassy. Hope the process won't take forever. Thanks for the SS info.
JayandmarsFemaleJamaica2007-01-08 13:03:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 3)
[quote name='darlene' post='651903' date='Jan 8 2007, 09:11 AM']Question for the married ladies..Did you change your name when you got married?
I am thinking of not changing mine to avoid the hassle of changing so many documents.

Do you know if Social Security needs to be notified if there is not name change?[/quote]

For pesonal reasons I did not change my name.

I did not notify social security.

Working in personnel, I understand the hassle.
[/quote]

Hello,

What about my case? I'm getting married this Sunday :dance: and I would like to change my name. Jay wouldn't have it any other way, anyway. I know I'll have to go back to the SS office, but how do I change my name in my passport? How do I handle this name-change when we are applying for AOS etc? Is there a webpage that we could be directed to?

Thanks Guys,

Mars.
JayandmarsFemaleJamaica2007-01-08 10:40:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 3)
"Texas Bound I read the link you sent.... One more question... What info does he need to take to get a police record?? I see they are asking for info from the embassy... he doesn't have anything from them yet :wacko: :wacko: As for the fee receipt... You don't pay the fee there???"

Hi,

I applied for my police record 2 months ago. I had to go to the Oxford Road office to pay the fee (express) and show my passport and 2 photos which did not need to be certified by anyone. Then I went downtown and got fingerprinted taking my passport, photos and receipt with me. I returned within 3 working days to collect the report (in duplicate). The embassy only took the original copy from me - which I had to sign.

Hope this helps,

Mars
JayandmarsFemaleJamaica2007-01-05 15:36:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 3)
Hey Tanya / Hello Fam.

I just advised someone to do the same thing yesterday. I was so paranoid in the few weeks leading up to my medical. I have never smoked, but I became very aware of people smoking near me. Even found myself holding my breath on a few occasions. A denial would have been disastrous.

Hope everyone's day is going well,

Mars. :thumbs:
JayandmarsFemaleJamaica2007-01-05 09:54:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 3)
Thanks Rhonda, Tanya, and everyone else who had some useful insight and encouraging words to offer. Muah!
JayandmarsFemaleJamaica2007-01-03 10:02:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 3)
Re: The sad face

This is Mars, the Jamaican fiancee, I guess there will be days in the beginning that won't be easy for either of us. Jay tries his best but gets moody at times when I can't understand why. At those times I wonder if we should have waited a while longer before making such a big move. Then I look outside and see the ice and snow and I start missing home.

Anyway, we had a talk last night and we understand each other a bit better and have agreed to talk about our feelings instead of each going to a separate corner of the house. I love him dearly and I know without a doubt that he loves me. We just have never been under the same roof for more than a week at a time and each have been alone and independent for too long.

Can anyone relate?

Mars.
JayandmarsFemaleJamaica2007-01-02 10:00:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 3)
:(
JayandmarsFemaleJamaica2007-01-01 17:54:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 3)
Aw, give the poor guy a beak. He said he "slipped out" but he is "not a racist". :thumbs: Yeah right, and I am really Britney Spears.
JayandmarsFemaleJamaica2006-11-20 18:57:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 3)
:help: We're all prepared. I've done just about everything required for the interview (except joined the line outside the bulding). How do I get through the next 2 weeks? Jay is playing it cool, but I tend to get anxious and at work, my co-workers seem to piss me off very easily these days - especially my boss. This must be PVS (Pre Visa Syndrome). :blink:

Attached Files


JayandmarsFemaleJamaica2006-11-20 07:08:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 3)
My medical went ok.

I arrived on time only to see 10 other persons with the same appointment time. They check your docs first then you go and pay the fee in either currency. You get your stats taken by a nurse (bring glasses if you wear them) then you go quickly to get your blood drawn and chest x-ray so that by the time you're done doing that, your name might be next in line to see the doctor.

She will advise you that you're being tested for HIV and that you'll be contacted in a few days if they need to speak to you but, all being well, your results will be sent directly to the embassy. She also determines at that point what shots you may need. Most of them are not age appropriate anyway, so if you have had the basics, you may not need many more. Your tetanus should be up to date or you'll have to get that one at least. Then she examines you, very briskly and efficiently, and ladies... she just takes a quick look...nothing internal.

Then you go to pay for shots (if you need them) and get them at the nurse's station. Be sure to collect a copy of your immunization worksheet as you will need it later on. And that's it!

Set aside 2 -3 hours for the whole process.

Byee!
JayandmarsFemaleJamaica2006-11-13 19:16:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 3)
Well Folks,

I'm off to do my medical this morning. :yes:

I promised Jay I'd be good and take those needles like a man :unsure: . But we ladies know what it is like to get our men into a doctor's office to have his nether regions poked and prodded and blood drawn. I think I should correct that statement... I'm going to be tough and take it like a woman! :P

Be back later!
JayandmarsFemaleJamaica2006-11-13 07:30:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 3)
[/quote]


Welcome Jay---Can I ask, when did u find out that u were given an interview date?
[/quote]


This is Mars. We found out on Monday. Jay thought he could write a more appealing letter than me and it did the trick...or maybe they just happened to have an opening. Either way, we're very happy!
JayandmarsFemaleJamaica2006-11-08 19:39:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 3)
Sup Yardies and Massive?

Posted this in the wrong place - still finding my way around. :blush:

Just had to share a funny story. I got my interview date for Dec 4th - Woo hoo- and with the medical coming up I thought i'd try to get my photos taken. I work in New Kingston and have really long days so I thought I go around to the Embassy (yes, the US embassy) and have one of those street-side photogs take my pics.

There was this big belly dread with one of those old time cameras hanging around his neck. Apparently he isn't a photog but the most obvious attention-grabber for the real guys who operate a wooden stall studio further down the sidewalk. I was led to them by Dreadie, after negotiating a price for 6 pics with him. He held up a white sheet behind me while one of the others position my head with not so clean hands and took my mug shot with a digital camera.

They are very enterprising, that lot, they have a printer - an honest-to-goodnes HP printer hooked up to some kind of fancy looking car battery. Unfortunately, the battery needed charging. Junior unplugs the printer and sprints off down Oxford Road with it and disappears for a good 15 minutes with Dreadie cursing and swearing the whole time about how Junior is spoiling his business. Another set of dreads in the bun and cheese stall further up wind are smoking weed and killing me with second hand smoke. All the time I'm thinking"Yep, I've failed my medical after this".

Finally Junior sprints back with the printer and runs off my pictures. I look like ####### - I know that. But there is this big red spot right beside my head in all six of them. Apparently there's a big stain on the sheet that was used as a backdrop. I mean, after all the money they extort from those poor VJ'ers who turn up for interviews without pics, you'd think they could go to Pablos and buy piece-a white claat?

Now after all that sprinting and waiting and loss of business, neither Dreadie nor Junior want to take my pics over again - and they have already pocketed my $1000.00. They argue that my face is clear in the pic, what does it matter if there's a red blotch beside it? I had to dig deep down and find the Buttu in me to match their fierceness and hold my ground. I'm quite a soft-spoken lady and not very believeable when I try to "ack ghetto on people's a$$es " as my girlfriend from Jersey would recommend. Somehow though, I got through to them.

I'm happy to say, I now have a perfect set in my purse and 5 days to detox for my medical.

Thanks for reading! One love!
JayandmarsFemaleJamaica2006-11-07 23:08:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

This is for those that are US/American Citizens...... you may want to check with the Embassy of the country you would be traveling to. You can travel to ANY US (domesitcally) including ...Hawaii, San Juan and Virgin Islands

You will need your passport and greencard to travel up to that point....you can only travel within the US territories.

Your greencard gets you back INTO the US.


The passport advisory that I tacked on at the end was only to serve as a reminder that regardless of the fact that some countries will allow US Permanent Residents to visit without a visa, that they still need to have a passport to travel - in addition to their PR cards. That was the sole purpose...please reread the introductory paragraph in my previous post. I did some extensive reading this morning for my own purposes and thought I would share info. After all, this is what the forums are about.

Peace
JayandmarsFemaleJamaica2007-05-07 13:28:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

Do I need a visa?


Sorry guys...I cut and pasted from WORD and it didnt come out quite right and the information can be mis interpreted. I will post again below:


The following indicates some countries to which US Permanent Residents holding Jamaican Passports can / cannot travel without a visa. All info is subject to change and it is always recommended that you check with the embassy of a specific country before making travel plans.

For US Citizen see : http://travel.state....hures_1229.html

For US Permanent Resident see :

http://www.delta.com...ational_travel_
information/visa_passport_information/index.jsp




CANADA NONE REQUIRED
MEXICO NONE REQUIRED
U.K. Visa required for visiting however it is NOT required for
Transiting (connecting within 24hrs).

http://www.britishem...k/servlet/Front?
pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=
Page&cid=1125563625770
ALASKA NONE REQUIRED
COSTA RICA NONE REQUIRED
GUAM NONE REQUIRED
HAWAII NONE REQUIRED
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC NONE REQUIRED
NETHERLAND ANTILLES NONE REQUIRED (Dutch Caribbean)
PANAMA NONE REQUIRED Pay $5.00 to Airline for a Tourist Card
PERU NONE REQUIRED
PHILLIPINES NONE REQUIRED
SWITZERLAND NONE REQUIRED
TURKS & CAICOS NONE REQUIRED
US VIRGIN ISLANDS NONE REQUIRED
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS NONE REQUIRED If arriving directly from U.S. mainland

BRAZIL VISA REQUIRED US Citizens must apply for a tourist visa
BELGIUM VISA REQUIRED
CYPRUS VISA REQUIRED
DENMARK VISA REQUIRED
ECUADOR VISA REQUIRED
FRANCE VISA REQUIRED
FRENCH WEST INDIES VISA REQUIRED
GERMANY VISA REQUIRED
GREECE VISA REQUIRED
IRELAND (republic of) VISA REQUIRED
ITALY VISA REQUIRED
JAPAN VISA REQUIRED
LUXEMBOURG VISA REQUIRED
NETHERLANDS VISA REQUIRED
PARAGUAY VISA REQUIRED
PORTUGAL VISA REQUIRED
SPAIN VISA REQUIRED
SWEDEN VISA REQUIRED
THAILAND VISA REQUIRED
http://www.thaiembas...doineedvisa.htm


Advisory: Beginning January 23, 2007 passports are required for travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, central and South America, the Caribbean (excluding U.S. territories), and Bermuda.
JayandmarsFemaleJamaica2007-05-07 09:39:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
Do I need a visa?

The following indicates some countries to which US Permanent Residents holding Jamaican Passports can / cannot travel without a visa. All info is subject to change and it is always recommended that you check with the embassy of a specific country before making travel plans.

For US Citizen see : http://travel.state....hures_1229.html

For US Permanent Resident see :

http://www.delta.com...ational_travel_
information/visa_passport_information/index.jsp




CANADA NO
MEXICO NO
U.K. YES / NO Visa required for visiting however it is NOT required for
Transit Without Visa (connecting within 24hrs).

http://www.britishem...k/servlet/Front?
pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=
Page&cid=1125563625770
ALASKA NO
COSTA RICA NO
GUAM NO
HAWAII NO
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC NO
NETHERLAND ANTILLES NO (Dutch Caribbean)
PANAMA NO Pay $5.00 to Airline for a Tourist Card
PERU NO
PHILLIPINES NO
SWITZERLAND NO
TURKS & CAICOS NO
US VIRGIN ISLANDS NO
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS NO If arriving directly from U.S. mainland

BRAZIL YES US Citizens must apply for a tourist visa
BELGIUM YES
CYPRUS YES
DENMARK YES
ECUADOR YES
FRANCE YES
FRENCH WEST INDIES YES
GERMANY YES
GREECE YES
IRELAND (republic of) YES
ITALY YES
JAPAN YES
LUXEMBOURG YES
NETHERLANDS YES
PARAGUAY YES
PORTUGAL YES
SPAIN YES
SWEDEN YES
THAILAND YES http://www.thaiembas...doineedvisa.htm


Advisory: Beginning January 23, 2007 passports are required for travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, central and South America, the Caribbean (excluding U.S. territories), and Bermuda. For additional details see the U.S. Department of State's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative information.

Edited by Jayandmars, 07 May 2007 - 09:06 AM.

JayandmarsFemaleJamaica2007-05-07 09:01:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
Do I need a visa?

The following indicate some countries to which US Permanent Residents holding Jamaican Passports can / cannot travel without a visa. All info is subject to change and it is always recommended that you check with the embassy of a specific country before making travel plans.

For US Citizen see : http://travel.state....hures_1229.html

For US Permanent Resident see :

http://www.delta.com...ational_travel_
information/visa_passport_information/index.jsp



VISA? WEBSITE / INFO

CANADA N
MEXICO N
U.K. Y/N Visa required for visiting however it is NOT required for
Transit Without Visa (connecting within 24hrs).

http://www.britishem...k/servlet/Front?
pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=
Page&cid=1125563625770
ALASKA N
COSTA RICA N
GUAM N
HAWAII N
DOMINICAN REP. N
NETHERLAND AN. N (Dutch Caribbean)
PANAMA N Pay $5.00 to Airline for a Tourist Card
PERU N
PHILLIPINES N
SWITZERLAND N
TURKS & CAICOS N
US VIRGIN ISLES N
BR VIRGIN ISLES N If arriving directly from U.S. mainland

BRAZIL Y US Citizens must apply for a tourist visa
BELGIUM Y
CYPRUS Y
DENMARK Y
ECUADOR Y
FRANCE Y
FRENCH W.I. Y
GERMANY Y
GREECE Y
IRELAND (rep of) Y
ITALY Y
JAPAN Y
LUXEMBOURG Y
NETHERLANDS Y
PARAGUAY Y
PORTUGAL Y
SPAIN Y
SWEDEN Y
THAILAND Y http://www.thaiembas...doineedvisa.htm


Advisory: Beginning January 23, 2007 passports are required for travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, central and South America, the Caribbean (excluding U.S. territories), and Bermuda. For additional details see the U.S. Department of State's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative information.
JayandmarsFemaleJamaica2007-05-07 08:59:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)
Do I need a visa?

The following indicate some countries to which US Permanent Residents holding Jamaican Passports can / cannot travel without a visa. All info is subject to change and it is always recommended that you check with the embassy of a specific country before making travel plans.

For US Citizen see : http://travel.state....hures_1229.html

For US Permanent Resident see :

http://www.delta.com...ational_travel_
information/visa_passport_information/index.jsp



VISA? WEBSITE / INFO

CANADA N
MEXICO N
U.K. Y/N Visa required for visiting however it is NOT required for
Transit Without Visa (connecting within 24hrs).

http://www.britishem...k/servlet/Front?
pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=
Page&cid=1125563625770
ALASKA N
COSTA RICA N
GUAM N
HAWAII N
DOMINICAN REP. N
NETHERLAND AN. N (Dutch Caribbean)
PANAMA N Pay $5.00 to Airline for a Tourist Card
PERU N
PHILLIPINES N
SWITZERLAND N
TURKS & CAICOS N
US VIRGIN ISLES N
BR VIRGIN ISLES N If arriving directly from U.S. mainland

BRAZIL Y US Citizens must apply for a tourist visa
BELGIUM Y
CYPRUS Y
DENMARK Y
ECUADOR Y
FRANCE Y
FRENCH W.I. Y
GERMANY Y
GREECE Y
IRELAND (rep of) Y
ITALY Y
JAPAN Y
LUXEMBOURG Y
NETHERLANDS Y
PARAGUAY Y
PORTUGAL Y
SPAIN Y
SWEDEN Y
THAILAND Y http://www.thaiembas...doineedvisa.htm


Advisory: Beginning January 23, 2007 passports are required for travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, central and South America, the Caribbean (excluding U.S. territories), and Bermuda. For additional details see the U.S. Department of State's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative information.
JayandmarsFemaleJamaica2007-05-07 08:56:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Help - I am so upset :(
QUOTE (ferno @ Nov 16 2008, 06:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
and what is the differences living your love forever and city or country not important or living with your love or waiting for living with your love and living only the united states? if i will get marry with julia why we must to wait for this rules ruining our healts ?i told julia all the time. country or countries not important for me.. important is living with my love.


True... I have never been to Turkey so I don't know what it's like. Living in Africa would probably end my life a lot sooner than my fortunate and cushy life here. I really feel for the African people. There is no work, they don't have reliable clean running water and electricity, and there are some really scary sicknesses in Africa. sad.gif I supposed this is a little off topic, but being there makes me appreciate what we do have in this country, and it's why we continue to wait for his visa to come here. My fiance will have the opportunity to educate himself, find good work, and help feed his family back home (oh yeah and never be hungry again himself).
WonTanNaraFemaleGuinea2008-11-16 20:24:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Help - I am so upset :(
QUOTE (miamiwife @ Nov 16 2008, 07:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
WontanNara--I know how you feel--I HATE visiting my husband and then having to say good-bye and not knowing when I will see him again.



Yeah... it's so hard. I really hope we can come home together. By the time I leave Africa, if AP doesn't finish before then, we will have been on AP for 9 months. crying.gif

Insh-Allah.... his AP will finish before then.
WonTanNaraFemaleGuinea2008-11-16 20:10:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Help - I am so upset :(
QUOTE (ferno @ Nov 16 2008, 06:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
and also would like to add a sence. when i see people who got their interview after me and they got their visas , i feel like stupid..


Onur you can't beat yourself up over that, it's out of your control. I know how you feel, though...

My fiance has a cousin, who has a girlfriend, who has a friend, who has found her way to me for help for her Guinean fiance's visa. I've answered all of her questions, I've helped her learn from my mistakes, I've helped her understand the Dakar embassy and it's processes, and my fiance and I have helped her and her fiance find a place to stay in Dakar. Her fiance has his interview in a very short time, and there is a very real chance that this man could get his visa and leave Senegal well before my fiance. How is that just? mad.gif I've gone out of my way to help them and still, my fiance is not here with me. I cannot control it. Helping them is my sacrifice for God.

You are more than likely undergoing security checks because somebody here in the states with the same or a similar name did something criminal. I know this because I read Julia's response from her inquiry with her Senator. My fiance and many others are in the same exact position. We have another friend who went through this and later on found out a man with the same name had been arrested and deported from the US. At this point your visa is conditionally approved and the security checks are being done in Washington. It's taking so long because there are a over a million people that apply for visas each year. Our government is already spending too much money (the 'war' in Iraq is costing us billions of dolllars) so the government does not have enough people to do all the work that needs to be done. Sadly, our government is kind of screwed up...

Before September 11, 2001, if a consulate requested security checks from a US government agency, the agency had 30 days to respond. At the end of the 30 days, the consulate had the authority to issue the visa. After September 11, our newly formed department of homeland security changed that law and the consulates overseas are required to wait for clearance from Washington. It SUCKS, it makes good people suffer, but it is what it is and you cannot take it personally.

Hang in there, you are not alone. Remember, nothing good is ever easy and good things come to those who wait!

Oh and you're right about arguing. After our argument was finished today, we said we always feel closer after an argument. heart.gif
WonTanNaraFemaleGuinea2008-11-16 20:08:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Help - I am so upset :(
I am having a bad day today. I've pretty much spent the day in and out of bed, crying. I'm going to see my fiance in 4 weeks and all I can think about is OH MY GOD WHAT WILL I DO IF HAVE TO COME HOME BY MYSELF AGAIN? It's tearing me apart today and I should be focusing on the fact that I'm going to see him. wacko.gif We even had a fight today because I'm out of my head! We are ok now, but jeez louise this we need this to be over soon...

Tammy, you are so right about there being not much else but numbness and tears after six months. We are into our seventh month now and I feel like a zombie stumbling around (when I actually get my a$$ out of bed). I also agree with you about those that have not ever been on AP chiming in, they just don't get it.

Onur, welcome. My fiance is experiencing the same thing you are. He's stuck in Sengal waiting for the last seven months with no work and not much to keep him occupied. He too is a simple, decent person. He's an artist, a drummer with a love of music in his heart. I also know he loves me like you love Julia. He's no terrorist, yet my government is taking their sweet old time with this. It's ridiculous.

I've had crying fits where I've told him I'm selling my house, my car, and everything I own so I can go to Africa and be with him. Julia I'm sure you've had similar thoughts. But, as difficult as this immigration process is, it will be over and the opportunities that are available in this country I think outweigh the difficulties we face with immigration right now. Focus on that for now. Four months, seven months, thirteen months.... it's all just a little bleep in time when you consider how many years we have to live our lives together.

Let's stick together, ride the waves, give each other support, and just let yourself feel what you need to feel without beating yourself up.

Insh-Allah we will all be reunited soon...
WonTanNaraFemaleGuinea2008-11-16 16:31:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Help - I am so upset :(
QUOTE (FSUmome @ Nov 15 2008, 02:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
since you were never on AP you cannot possibly understand the frustrations of not knowing how long this is going to take and what is going on not to mention looking forward to the interview date and then having AP slap you blindsided.


It SUCKS doesn't it? OMG I never had any idea that this could happen. All I knew was you either got the visa or you didn't. Neither one of us was prepared and it was a harsh slap in the face. Up one side and then the other. SEVEN MONTHS LATER.........

I agree with you, anybody who has not been through this could possibly begin to understand just how difficult it is.
WonTanNaraFemaleGuinea2008-11-15 15:22:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Help - I am so upset :(
QUOTE (unforgettable fire @ Nov 15 2008, 10:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I can understand the human mind might be irrational at times but he should get his kit together, man up and take a hold of himself. If he is showing this kind of behavior now you guys are going through hard times, how will things become when you two are finally married? Have you considered this?


I don't think this is a fair assessment. None of us can fully appreciate what our SO's go through outside the borders of the US while they are waiting and waiting and waiting. I didn't understand this before, but now I totally understand why Guineans will keep the entire visa process a secret from everybody, including their immediate families. People love to cluck cluck cluck to place doubt in the minds of others and I think that is happening to Onur, too. He's feeling the eyes of everybody around him, watching him, waiting... sooo... you're going to the US, eh? When exactly is that gonna happen?

Not only that, nobody is perfect. We all have our unpleasant personality traits which are amplified by stressful and discouraging situations. I wouldn't be too hard on him Julia. I've personally been through this exact type of scenario and I think nothing less of my fiance. He is a wonderful human being and in spite of the occasional hissy fit under stress he is perfect for me. Think of it this way, if Onur is showing this type of behavior now, it will give you an early opportunity to figure out how to move through these times while making your love stronger, not tearing it apart by fighting among yourselves. Let him feel what he needs to feel and when the storm has passed talk about it to figure out how to move through it together. You'll have your stormy times too and will probably appreciate the same kind of compassion.

I feel your pain, sister, it'll be over when the time is right.
WonTanNaraFemaleGuinea2008-11-15 12:46:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Help - I am so upset :(
We've been through this too, Julia. My fiance has been stuck outside his home country for seven months waiting for his visa. Guinea is really unstable now so he doesn't want to risk going back (they closed the borders in 2006 because of violent protests and they are heading down that path again). There's nothing for him in Senegal and he feels so helpless. He's told me "If I don't have my visa in blah blah blah then I'm going to blah blah blah" but then the next day he's fine. I've also said the same thing, "If he doesn't have his visa in blah blah blah then I'm selling all my ####### and moving to Africa!"


It's a rollercoaster ride, isn't it! Focus on your upcoming trip. Try to find the silver lining... this wait, as difficult as it's been, has really brought us SO much closer together and I know we'll never take each other for granted. Nothing good is ever easy. Hang in there!
WonTanNaraFemaleGuinea2008-11-14 23:05:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)BRING ON THE DANCING MEN!!!!
Tammy I have chills all over my skin for you today. I am so very happy for you and your husband!

Good things come to those who wait. rose.gif
WonTanNaraFemaleGuinea2008-11-14 11:09:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)CNN REPORT!
QUOTE (JULIAFERNO @ Nov 25 2008, 07:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
But it says "FBI background checks of potential U.S. immigrants..."

Wouldn't that include us?



Yes, it includes us but those of us that are waiting for visas are not necessarily waiting for just an FBI clearance. We could be waiting for clearance from several different gov't agencies. FBI, DEA, NSA, CIA, ATF, etc etc etc. That's why I said that clearing the FBI backlog would help us, but I don't read this to mean that we will definitely have our visas when the FBI backlog is cleared. All these articles seem to refer to name checks that are requested by USCIS, and that's not us. Our requests are originating from DOS.

My fiance is very good about reminding me that "When God is ready we'll have our visa." Backlog or not...
WonTanNaraFemaleGuinea2008-11-25 21:40:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)CNN REPORT!
One thing it's important for those of us on AP to remember is that the USCIS/FBI name check processing for AOS is different than security clearance for a visa. When the DOS has to do security clearance for a visa, requests could be submitted to many different agencies other than the FBI. These articles saying that cases pending more than six months will be cleared by Feb 2009 are talking about USCIS name check requests to the FBI for AOS, but hopefully clearing up their backlog will in the long run help those of us that are on AP when an FBI clearance is required. This whole process sucks.
WonTanNaraFemaleGuinea2008-11-25 15:37:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)6 months of AP
QUOTE (milo75 @ Dec 4 2008, 03:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I wholeheartedly agree that having your relationship questioned is a horrible, horrid, experience. We still don't know if all the supplemental information we sent in on our first 221(g) finally answered that question. We did get a 2nd 221(g) for additional information that had nothing to do with our relationship, so we are taking that as a good sign...but the bonafides of a relationship can be sooooooo subjective. Part of me wishes we were just put straight into AP for security checks, at least I would have known that the relationship hurdle was crossed.


Yeah, that's why I said before I believe the hard part is over for us. I think if I had not been at the interview we would have gotten RFE'd too.

I wish you the best!
WonTanNaraFemaleGuinea2008-12-04 17:46:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)6 months of AP
QUOTE (anitacastillo @ Dec 3 2008, 12:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (WonTanNara @ Dec 3 2008, 06:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Interesting... Dakar says they do not have any information except that our case is undergoing security checks. I've specifically asked if they can see any progress or updates and they tell me "we are not privy to that information, we can only see if the case is complete or incomplete." Hmph. mad.gif



The consulate is waiting for the name clearance from DOS who is waiting for FBI and other security agencies. And those agencies are very quiet about their process.

The only info really is calling the DOS number and asking for last updates on the case. That at least gave me hope that someone was looking/inquiring about the case. Some are more helpful than others to read/dig around for an update on your case.

And although name checks are a PAIN - at least it is better than trying to prove your relationship, IMO. At our interview, we were told "good news, we believe your relationship; bad news, need to do more admin processing" - which was the name clearance.


Keep the faith!!


I totally agree, the hard part is over. Our CO said the exact same thing to us. "Good news; your relationship is verified and all your paperwork looks good. Bad news; we need clearance from DOS and that usually takes many months."

I have my bad days where I cry and have a hissy fit and swear I am going to sue the DOS lol but I deep down I believe the visa will come when the time is right. Insh-Allah. One thing is for sure.... I believe neither one of us will take the other for granted after going through this!
WonTanNaraFemaleGuinea2008-12-03 14:01:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)6 months of AP
QUOTE (CassandraHaydar @ Dec 2 2008, 08:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (WonTanNara @ Dec 3 2008, 12:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
At least the two of you are together, I'd give anything to be able to be together while we wait! Because of my job, which I need to keep to pay for my house that I want to keep, I can't.

We are entering our eighth month of AP. This absolutely sucks a$$.

Cass, how did you get that detailed information about the last of the security checks? Embassy, Congressman, Senators, and DOS all tell me they can give me no information except a status of complete or incomplete.



I asked the embassy when the last security check was requested and they told me.



Interesting... Dakar says they do not have any information except that our case is undergoing security checks. I've specifically asked if they can see any progress or updates and they tell me "we are not privy to that information, we can only see if the case is complete or incomplete." Hmph. mad.gif
WonTanNaraFemaleGuinea2008-12-03 09:37:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)6 months of AP
QUOTE (anitacastillo @ Dec 2 2008, 11:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ladies,

It sucks, I know. We were in name security checks for 11 months. It does end - really. Look at Tammy!


Cassandra - numb is not so bad, but don't let it affect your relationship. Having your congressperson's immigration liason person(in their local, not DC office) inquiry with the consulate every 3 mths is appropriate. I called the DOS line every two weeks, its frustrating and repetitive -- then one day Chris told me to have my husband call the consulate.


Keep yourselves busy(exercise, clean a closet, volunteer, study) and keep your expectations low.


Ann


Yup, it'll end. My liason is doing monthly checks, and I'm doing a monthly check with the embassy too. I am reorganizing my closets making room for my fiance's clothes. smile.gif Oh yeah and I'm going to see him IN TWO WEEKS! YAHOO!
WonTanNaraFemaleGuinea2008-12-02 12:17:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)6 months of AP
At least the two of you are together, I'd give anything to be able to be together while we wait! Because of my job, which I need to keep to pay for my house that I want to keep, I can't.

We are entering our eighth month of AP. This absolutely sucks a$$.

Cass, how did you get that detailed information about the last of the security checks? Embassy, Congressman, Senators, and DOS all tell me they can give me no information except a status of complete or incomplete.
WonTanNaraFemaleGuinea2008-12-02 10:54:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Should I Visit the Embassy While I'm in Turkey?
QUOTE (JULIAFERNO @ Dec 4 2008, 08:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think we will go too. Onur only lives about 45-60 min car ride outside of Ankara. And I know I'd regret it if I didn't go. Plus, I've never been there before so I'd like to take a look at this place that is affecting my life so much right now!

I leave Dec. 20th and get back Jan 4th. Woohoo! I am so excited...it is getting me through these last few weeks. Take lots of pics while you're there!



Woo hoo! We'll definitely take lots of pics, you too! I think it's good that we're both going to the embassy... if nothing else, they will see we are serious about our relationships!
WonTanNaraFemaleGuinea2008-12-04 22:18:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Should I Visit the Embassy While I'm in Turkey?
QUOTE (JULIAFERNO @ Nov 30 2008, 02:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just bought my ticket to Turkey Dec. 20th - Jan. 4th.

Would it be at all helpful for me to visit the embassy while I am there? Would I be able to speak with someone? Does anyone have any experience with this, even in another country?

Let me know your thoughts!

P.S. For those of you who don't know my fiance has been in AP for 4 months.


Well Julia I just decided that we are going to pay a visit to the embassy while I'm in Dakar. It probably won't get us anywhere but I think Tam is right, God sees everything.

Did ya get your ticket yet?? Are you excited?? I am out of here in 11 days!
WonTanNaraFemaleGuinea2008-12-04 17:48:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Should I Visit the Embassy While I'm in Turkey?
QUOTE (emt103c @ Dec 1 2008, 03:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
They will let you in with just your passport, since you are a USC. . .they are not going to let you speak to anyone who knows anything though. It will just be a wait, red tape and no information. The DOS line has the most current AP information, and the consulate is not a fun place to be. Take it from me. . .even the one in Canada will treat you like you don't have a right to see anyone or talk to anyone. . .keep with Senate/House rep inquiries, emails and DOS calls. . .you'll get more information and attention and won't waste precious visit time waiting in line. . .


I agree.
WonTanNaraFemaleGuinea2008-12-01 15:50:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Should I Visit the Embassy While I'm in Turkey?
Julia, We've been on AP for over seven months too for security clearance. I've asked myself the same question, should I make a trip to the embassy while I'm in Dakar next month? I have emailed Dakar every month for the past seven months, pretty much asking the same questions again and again hoping for a different answer. Is there any update? Can you see any information about our case? Can you tell me what gov't agencies are doing our security checks? I'm certain I am annoying the ####### out of them and the answer is always the same. "It is completely out of our hands, the processing is being done in Washington, we can only see if it's complete or not complete, we cannot see if there have been any updates." They've told me that this 7+ month delay is not unique to our case and there's nothing wrong, but security clearances take a lot of time.

We've also been told that our relationship and our paperwork have all been verified and no additional proof is required. Our interview was in April and we paid a visit when I went over in July. It didn't do anything. In our case, going to the embassy won't do a damn thing except waste 1/2 a day, cost me $10 in taxi fare, and make me obsess over it instead of enjoying the time I have with my fiance.

If you feel like you can get more information, or if it will make you feel better to go, then you should go. I've heard others say they think going will speed up the AP, but if you are waiting for security clearance then based on my experience and the information I have I don't personally agree with that assessment.

Enjoy the time you have with your fiance. My fiance and I have made an agreement to not talk about his visa during our vacation, even though we are both praying we'll come home together.

Good luck!
WonTanNaraFemaleGuinea2008-11-30 22:04:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Nothing Outstanding Against Case in AP But No Word from the Embassy
QUOTE (StuckInAP @ Dec 4 2008, 10:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (WonTanNara @ Dec 4 2008, 08:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
PS Stuck you should fill in your timeline.



Thanks for the advice. This is not my real account. It is just a dummy account because I did not want to make a big deal about what the state department said or make it seem like I was finished AP. AP can take forever! The words from the state department just gave me some hope. I have never heard anything like that from them before when I called. It is always "The case is still in administrative processing blah blah blah." The case has been in Washington pending security checks so from what DOS said, all of them were completed. I just not know what this meant exactly, where to go from here, and what are the possible scenarios. Thanks!!!!


Oh you know I misread your original post! My head is tired. So this is good news for you! Chaingang probably has more to offer on this. He's out of Islamabad too and his AP was finished I think sometime in November but I'm not 100% sure. It should be very soon for you I think. I also think you should definitely start calling and emailing the embassy. Don't let them sit on your case and let the checks expire.

Just curious, how long did your security checks take? I'm ready to pull out my hair and my fiance is frustrated too. crying.gif
WonTanNaraFemaleGuinea2008-12-04 22:14:00