ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaUpdated Packet 3 from Embassy in Jamaica
Thanks sugarapple, because the ds-160 was throwing me off. I am goig to get started on two of the forms ad prit them at work ad sit down with fiance and go over ds-156 with a fine comb.
Sasha_CoolFemaleJamaica2010-05-10 22:54:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaUpdated Packet 3 from Embassy in Jamaica
Could anyone tell me what will the Packet 3 consist of due to Kingston switching over to doing some forms online?

Thanks
Sasha_CoolFemaleJamaica2010-05-10 19:54:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaYardie Party!!! Come as you are - Part 1

MrsTee-- I hope you are feeling better today.

I wasn't part of the original Yardie home and a farrin, but it was up and running for a long time. Change is always a great thing. Most times.

Hello Yardies!!!!!!!

OK, so I have have to get the house ready for Eric's daughter, Tenielia. She soon come and I am nervous as hell. I know we get along great but I am just worried about finances, school, Eric, and the new baby. I have enough on my plate with just Eric and this little one in the oven. I constantly tell Eric to help me with some of the house work, but if I am off, he doesn't do anything. Hell, he can't even put his dirty clothes in the hamper. And now a 5 year old comes into the picture and soon after a newborn. LAWD Help ME


You need to have a serious conversation with him because you don't need more added stress during your pregnancy. You want to be able to give birth to nice and heathly baby. I already told my fiance if I come in tired from work don't expect me to cook. So, luckily we split the household responsibilities and we are dealing with two 3 year olds. Good luck to you!!!
Sasha_CoolFemaleJamaica2010-08-09 10:51:00
Asia: East and PacificPass port renewal
How close do you live to her Embassy. (there is one in DC, where I live) But this may not be easy for you to get to. But I know you can renew passports there. Check them on the web.
http://www.embassyof...ar/konsuler.htm
hope this helps
EmelyNJoelMalePhilippines2012-09-13 08:42:00
Asia: East and Pacificmedical exam
Not sure if this question has already been asked, but is it ok to get the medical (for K-1) before the consulate sends the packet 3? I want to speed up the processing time as much as I can, but I read on Sydney's Consulate website that only the original medical forms may be filled out - that the doctor will not accept faxes or copies.

Also, is it ok to have the police check done before packet 3 is sent out?

Thanks!
jennybeniFemaleAustralia2007-11-20 06:59:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Buying a home...

Hi everyone! My now-husband Steve moved over here from Aus in Feb. and we really want to buy a home next year. Does anyone have information about the possibilities of getting a mortgage together, as he'll obviously have a limited credit history? I think my credit history should be pretty good. Any info and/or personal experiences would be a GREAT help!!!

Thanks!!
Jen
jennybeniFemaleAustralia2008-07-24 07:05:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Hi All! Quick question about sending in the Adjustment of Status packet...

I don't understand what the VJ guide suggests for the medical report and vaccination supplement form. As a K-1er, should my fiance just send in a copy of the medical report/xray/vaccination report that he got in Sydney, or is there a separate form we need to fill out? OR, does he have to get another medical?

Thanks for all your help!!
jennybeniFemaleAustralia2008-05-04 21:03:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Nevermind - just saw that I don't have to file that Supplement! whistling.gif
jennybeniFemaleAustralia2008-03-20 09:41:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Hi everyone! Question about adjustment of status ---

was (now regretfully) looking ahead to what kinds of additional paperwork we'll have to do for adjustment of status after we're married... on the visa journey guide it did not mention this, but on the USCIS website they listed a form Supplement A to I-485, to be filed along with the I-485 form. This supplement has a fee of $1,000 in addition to the $1,000-something fee for the regular I-485. Is this correct?????

Thanks for all your help!
jennybeniFemaleAustralia2008-03-20 09:34:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Just wanted to send a lil update!

Steve arrived in the US about 3 weeks ago now, and everything is great!! He came in through JFK, so he got a work stamp (although it looks reallly dodgy!). AND, he already got a job working with a company called Australian Landscaping and Construction, which is actually owned by a couple Aussie guys so it is perfect for him! He's a manager of groups of workers and sort of oversees different projects. He really likes it, and they gave him a company truck and fuel card as well. Plus, they are really easy about the work stamp stuff and getting time off for the wedding because at least one of them has been through this whole thing before. He also went in to apply for a S.S. number last week and all went well, so he should be getting the card soon.

We're so excited to finally be together!!!! I'm loving every minute of this. I hope all is well for all the other Aussies and Americans in this thread! It's great to read about how others are doing.

Take care good.gif
jennybeniFemaleAustralia2008-03-08 08:14:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
QUOTE (TracyOz @ Feb 6 2008, 02:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
OH OH OH MY GOD............................................................
WE GOT THE APPROVAL...
JUST CHECKED MY email...

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL *** The last processing action taken on your case
Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)
Current Status: Approval notice sent. On February 5, 2008, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E).

Was jumping around the house screaming OMGOD the kids and I were all doing HIGH 5's.... then I had to WAKE up my darling man LOL... it was like 2.00am in Cleveland right now... <grin>

what an AMAZING feeling... and I fly out to the USA tomorrow to spend some time with him... WHAT PERFECT timing....

CONGRATS TO EVERYONE else who have also received theirs too.... WHOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO

have a GREAT day
Tracy
:-)



congrats, Tracy!!!! and have a great trip in the U.S. good.gif
jennybeniFemaleAustralia2008-02-06 20:21:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
We got approved!!!! Now the only thing separating us is 3 more weeks of waiting (well, and 10,000-odd miles). good.gif

Steve had his interview today at 8am and, other than a couple hours of waiting, it went very smoothly. A couple of the officers even thanked him profusely for having everything ready and in the right order!! He said that more than once he saw other people go up and say "ohh... you need that?" when they had just told everyone to have their things ready. Some people are ridiculous!

The only questions they asked were when we're getting married and where we'd be living - nothing about the affidavit or any other forms!

We are both so excited!!! Thanks so much to all in this thread for all the information and support. Hugs! star_smile.gif
jennybeniFemaleAustralia2008-01-29 20:12:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Hey guys!

Steve just got his interview date in the mail - January 30!!!! We are very excited. He'll probably come over a couple weeks after that (if all goes well, of course). We're not stressing too much, esp after what you all have said about the Sydney interview - just have to get all our paperwork in order.

Thanks for all the info!

Pat, did you say the fee change was after Jan. 31? I think his letter said to pay $150-something so I am really hoping we don't wind up having to buy 2 receipts.
jennybeniFemaleAustralia2008-01-15 18:08:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
QUOTE (TracyOz @ Jan 9 2008, 06:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
HAPPY NEW YEAR FOLKS....
good.gif Yay to everyone starting the year off with excitement good.gif Pat CONGRATULATIONS on your interview girlie.. HOW exciting...

Katz...
can you PLEASE do me a HUGE HUGE favor being that you are the most recent to have received Packet 3 from Sydney... let me know if it was only the following 4 forms..

and could you please check the top right hand corner of the ones you received for the "expiry date"

Only reason I ask is that up until Xmas they were available as downloadables from the Sydney US consulate website, but now they are not LOL... typical - and I want to check whether or not the ones that I downloaded are the most recent..

For example the forms that I currently have
DS2053
DS3024
DS3025
DS3026

all have an expiry date of May 2007 in that top corner. Is that the same as what you have or different?? If different would you be so kind to scan in the new forms (good print quality resolution) and post them in the VJ gallery for folks to download..

It's just that I am jumping the gun a little whistling.gif LOL... I am not expecting my NOA2 until either late this month, or sometime in February - and really not expecting the interview till April... HOWEVER I am actually flying over to the USA on the 7th Feb to spend Feb and March with my darling man - purely to do some pre-wedding organising and other stuff, and it is much better than hanging out here (even though I am leaving my kiddos behind with their Dad during that time) - but they will be back at school, and now that my house was sold and we are only a fortnight away from moving out of it - all my stuff is packed, all I would be doing is sitting around in an empty hollow house all day twiddling my thumbs LOL... yadda yadda yadda... LOL.. However I expect that during my absence that Packet 3 will turn up, and I will have EVERYTHING ready to go, my eldest son and I have already done our police and fingerprint checks, I have all birth certs, divorce papers, affadavits (re: permission for the kids moving) and I also am pre-doing the medicals (we have an appointment for next week), so that while I am away - as soon as that Packet turns up (my ex) is kindly posting off the statement of readiness for me (grin - already signed - just waiting for the file number - all paperwork required is ready and sitting in a folder - and what isn't I will accumulate while I am in the USA)... I tell yah making all these arrangements for one person is hectic, when you are doing it with kiddos as well - ahhhhhh juggling time frames, appointments, airfares, school and more is just CRAZY...

have a GREAT day (and thanks in advance)
Tracy
;-)



Hi Tracy! I wanted to help you but I am confused... I thought the forms in packet 3 were DS-230, DS-156, and I-134. These are still downloadable from the website, and the 2 DS's have a 2010 expiration date. I think I am totally confused wacko.gif
jennybeniFemaleAustralia2008-01-10 17:40:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
QUOTE (patriciaofoz @ Jan 2 2008, 05:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm home! I got home on the last flight out of Sydney last night. Relieved that it's all over and done with.

A summary:

Got to the Consulate just before 7.30am, waited for about 10 minutes and then they'll let us up. There were about 10 of us who went up in one batch and then surely but surely more and more people kept coming through even before the security guards arrived. In the end, I was third in line for security checks and first as an "IV" applicant and got to sit in the "special row" biggrin.gif. At just after 8am they let us "IV" applicants up the elevator (there were 4 of us) and as luck would have it, I got into the elevator first so I got out last meaning I was last in line when we went in to Level 59.

The first couple (they were K1 too) had the wrong visa processing fee so the fiancee had to go to the post office to get the right one. That held up the proceedings quite a bit. The other guy in line was an American citizen that just needed a visa so he was in and out. Then up went the second guy (he was a young guy and he probably wasn't a K1). Then me! I got up there just after 9am, gave the lovely lady all my paperwork, she told me to sit down (and admire the view from L59) while she looked over my stuff. I pointed out the I-134s for Zach and his parents aren't there but all the supporting evidence were (plus I put unsigned copies of the I-134s so she could see exactly what she'll be eventually getting). About 20 minutes later she was all done and told me to wait for the interviewer. She even wished me "Good Luck!". She was lovely and really put me at ease.

Then 10 minutes later, I got called up to the next window and the Consulate guy and I just started having a "casual chat". He asked the mandatory "So, you're engaged?" and then it went on from there. He made a comment that I will love Missouri (they had a massive poster of the Gateway Arch by the computers so that was a good omen for me). Chat, chat, chat and then a couple of minutes later he told me I was approved PENDING I get the signed I-134s in. I told him it is definitely on its way (and when I got home last night, one set of it was waiting on my bed!). I left my passport with them (he offered to give it back but I knew I had to just give it back anyway so I thought they might aswell keep it) and then we said our pleasantries goodbye and I got out of there!

So there you have it! Conditionally approved! Yay! Now we can start planning our Missouri wedding, look at one way flights and go from there - I just realised there's sooooooooooooooo much to do between now and when I eventually leave. Tomorrow I put in my resignation at work and now seriously preparing for the big move. Any pointers? biggrin.gif

At the end of the day, I didn't need to freak out and I did calm down as soon as I got there and waiting (as impatient it got at times) really helped me out. And I truly believe that without you guys and the abundant knowledge out here on VJ, I would have been more nervous - because after reading reviews and getting your comments and advice, it really helped to know how the day was going to go so there was no "surprises". So everybody, THANK YOU!

P.S. As I took the shuttle to the airport from my hotel, I had a lovely couple from LA who also stayed at the Radisson with me. And get this, when we started conversing and I told them I was moving to Missouri and just had my Consulate appointment today, the guy is actually an IMMIGRATION AGENT/LAWYER - so he helps out people like me/us! Talk about small world, hey?



Aw Pat that is awesome!! Congrats!!!!! When are you going to leave?
jennybeniFemaleAustralia2008-01-02 18:58:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
QUOTE (patriciaofoz @ Dec 30 2007, 04:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi lovely people

Thank you so much for all your posts of concern but it turns out I'M A BIT DYSLEXIC because the letter and the website actually said "January 31, 2008" and here I was thinking that any interviews after "DECEMBER 31". I think because of my anxiousness it kept making me think I needed to pay the new fee (and also the fact that they wrote it on my sheet that I needed to pay $157.20 (so it wasn't entirely my fault)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So at the end of it all I'm covered. Phew. BUT THANKS for all your advice. I would go insane without you guys!

BTW, my email to the Consulate was answered first thing this morning and they pointed out my BIG mistake at reading biggrin.gif

I've just photocopied all my documents three times over. I'm going to check it once, twice, three times more between now and my 7.20am flight out to Sydney tomorrow morning.

This may well be my last post until I come home Wednesday. Send me good vibes for Wednesday morning!!!

P.S. Have a lovely New Year's Eve festivities this evening/tomorrow evening (wherever you may be!)

xx

Good luck Pat! We'll be thinking of you!

Happy New Years to all kicking.gif

jennybeniFemaleAustralia2007-12-31 07:52:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
QUOTE (Katz @ Dec 24 2007, 03:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
In the packet three, do you get medical exam information and a list of required immunizations? Or does it get sent in packet four?



Hi!! You do get the medical exam info in packet 3, and I think it has info about required immunizations too. When you call to schedule your medical, you can check with the physician on the immunizations you need for your age group. I think it's basically MMR, Td (tetanus/diptheria), and Vacirella.

Merry Christmas to you!!
jennybeniFemaleAustralia2007-12-24 11:32:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
QUOTE (patriciaofoz @ Dec 23 2007, 06:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, I got my Christmas wish (but not exactly too ecstatic about it though)....got my interview date for January 2. I should be really happy but I've got enough stress to worry about right now and then they gave me a week & 2 days!!!!!!!!!! (I know, I know, I should be grateful).

I'm not mentally prepared for this so I think we're going to ask, beg, plead for a re-schedule sad.gif

But on a happier note, have a lovely Christmas everybody!!!!!!!!!!!! (wherever you may be....)



Wowww that is quick!!! Maybe they had a cancellation. Will you have all your paperwork ready? I know what you mean by not being mentally prepared though. My fiance is going to send in his packet 3 on the 2nd, so maybe we'll get a quick interview too smile.gif

Happy Christmas to you too!!
jennybeniFemaleAustralia2007-12-24 11:26:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
QUOTE (Katz @ Dec 22 2007, 03:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (vylex @ Dec 22 2007, 04:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Katz @ Dec 21 2007, 12:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey guys!

On average... How long does Sydney take to mail out packet three?


It took about 8 days for us. I'd say give it a week or two.



Ahh, sweet. Thanks.

Uhm... One more question... Sorry... blush.gif

The "sponsor's financial responsibility under the social security act." thingy, do we get a copy of that form in package three? I saw a pdf of it, but it seemed blurred. What exactly do I do with it? Just send the form off to my fiance so he can sign it, and then send it back to me?



It took exactly 8 days for us to receive packet 3 too! About the financial responsibility thing, my fiance did not receive that in his packet 3, so I have no idea how we're supposed to get it for the interview...? I sort of figured if we needed it, they'd have sent it, but then somewhere on here it says Sydney requires it. So maybe someone else can help us out?
jennybeniFemaleAustralia2007-12-22 11:49:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
QUOTE (patriciaofoz @ Dec 12 2007, 03:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm done with the medical part...now on to the home stretch!

The medical was painless and quick. Dr. Miller is one very busy man! I got there half an hour early and Joan went through my paperwork making sure everything was in order. It was handy to have that extra time to sort through it and have it explained to me smile.gif

I went in, the Dr. asked me some questions, did some stamping and then I laid down on the examining table and he took my blood pressure, listened to my heart and that was it! Done, all paperwork signed.

The last bit was Joan putting all the documents in the order that the Consulate apparently like to have it. She advised me not to unravel it and if I do, to put it back the way it was biggrin.gif Joan is definitely on the ball with this one! She wished me good luck and left the clinic.

We're hoping to send off the interview form tomorrow and wait for a date. I'm seriously asking Santa for Zach and I to find out our interview date BEFORE Christmas. And I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will happen by mid-January!!!!

Before I go, with the Affidavit of Support, Zach mentioned that he read somewhere that the form needs to be verified by a USCIS agent? Is this correct?
jennybeniFemaleAustralia2007-12-12 17:18:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
QUOTE (patriciaofoz @ Dec 7 2007, 05:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jennybeni @ Dec 7 2007, 08:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
question about police check...

my fiance got it done today and i asked if (being in queensland) they told him it would be sent directly to the consulate (since I read that on one of the consulate websites). He said there was a question that said "if you are applying for a visa and would like your results sent to the consulate, enter the address here". he just left if blank since he thought he needed to bring it to the interview. I'm assuming that's ok - he'll just get it at his house and take it to the interview rather than them already having it - am i right??


Hmm...my form never asked for it to be sent to the Consulate. I really hope it doesn't have to be sent there directly! Well, I have mine here at home, sealed (and I'm too afraid to open it unless that's not a no-no).

If I read the instructions one more time I think I'm going to go crazy smile.gif


This is what it said on the page i read...

Return of police certificates for NSW and Queensland residents
For NSW and Queensland residents, your police record will be sent directly to the U.S. Consulate in Sydney by the police department, and the Criminal Records Section will notify you that this has been done. If you do not receive this notification within 3 weeks of your application, we strongly recommend that you ascertain the status of your records by checking at the police station where you initially made your request.

So, I think it's only for NSW and Queenslanders. But, I also have read posts from people in NSW saying they took their original certificate to their interview. So, who knows?! I think we're both ok. Are you almost ready to send in your packet 3?? We're still waiting for my fiance to receive his. I'm hoping to get it all together to send in the checklist before xmas since he's going away that week... but it may have to be just after the new year. It's getting so exciting!
jennybeniFemaleAustralia2007-12-08 07:40:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
question about police check...

my fiance got it done today and i asked if (being in queensland) they told him it would be sent directly to the consulate (since I read that on one of the consulate websites). He said there was a question that said "if you are applying for a visa and would like your results sent to the consulate, enter the address here". he just left if blank since he thought he needed to bring it to the interview. I'm assuming that's ok - he'll just get it at his house and take it to the interview rather than them already having it - am i right??
jennybeniFemaleAustralia2007-12-07 06:21:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
QUOTE (patriciaofoz @ Dec 4 2007, 04:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jennybeni @ Dec 4 2007, 06:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What's the difference between the AUS size and the US size passport photos? When I was visiting in Aus in June my fiance and I got passport photos taken (I'm assuming AUS-type photos), and I handed them in with my I-129F petition so they were ok for that. Now online I'm seeing huge square pictures as US style passport photos...so I held up one of the photos I had taken in AUS to my U.S. passport, and they are the same exact size! I'm confused...


Hi jennybeni

I got my passport photos (for my medical) last night and asked the lady at the picture place what the difference was. She said that US passport photos are SQUARE and it requires more of your head showing (I don't exactly know what that meant though, all photos require my head to be shown!). With Australian photos it cost $9.95 for 4. The US photos costs $9.95 for only 2. So here's hoping my medicals require Aussie ones because that's what I got...

Speaking of medicals...I have arranged to go into Dr. Miller's office tomorrow morning to pick up my request forms for my X-Ray and Blood Test. I have an appointment at the X-Ray place at 9.15am and I will get my blood test at IMVS the same time. Then on Thursday night I get my Tetanus and Hep B jab.

And this morning, the police station called me saying my police check was done. Yay!

So I think we'll be doing the Interview Request Form soon-ish. Yay! I'm still aiming for a mid-January interview date and an early February departure to the US. Fingers crossed!


hmm...thanks for the info! guess i'll just have him get the square ones just in case so he can bring both sizes and they can pick which they want for what! that's so dumb though, the picture in my own U.S. passport is not a square at all.

Hopefully I'll be a couple weeks behind you - my fiance ordered his police check today and is getting his immunity test done on saturday! yay for almost being done with this part of the process!!
jennybeniFemaleAustralia2007-12-07 05:52:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
QUOTE (hawaiiandreams @ Dec 2 2007, 09:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey - thanks for scanning that Pat.. it's good to know what's coming! :-)

Anyone know if they require Oz sized passport pics or the US size for the medical? I had some US ones done but now I'm thinking I probably need the Oz size for this..

GOOD LUCK PAT!! wink.gif



What's the difference between the AUS size and the US size passport photos? When I was visiting in Aus in June my fiance and I got passport photos taken (I'm assuming AUS-type photos), and I handed them in with my I-129F petition so they were ok for that. Now online I'm seeing huge square pictures as US style passport photos...so I held up one of the photos I had taken in AUS to my U.S. passport, and they are the same exact size! I'm confused...

I wanted to say hi to everyone and I have been enjoying silently reading your thread for a while! I may start posting more now that my fiance should be getting his packet 3 sometime soon and will be preparing for the interview.
jennybeniFemaleAustralia2007-12-03 16:21:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanUS Embassy/Consulate Information- Lagos, Nigeria
They do not answer phones but they usually answer emails within a day or 2.

lagoscons2@state.gov




Hi Everyone:

I was wondering if any of the information has changed for the US Consulate in Lagos, Nigeria. I see that it has not been updated since January 14, 2006.

For those that have recently gone through that consulate, please provide any updated information if necessary. It would be greatly appreciated.

By the way, has anyone had any success in reaching this consulate by phone? I have been trying most of the morning with no success. I am assuming they don't take phone calls on Friday. :)

Anyway, thanks for all your assistance and have a great day and a wonderful Visa Journey.

Much Love,

LadyLove2006 :) (L) (F)


KenDCMaleNigeria2007-05-25 10:24:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanUSC ENGAGED TO NIGERIAN
Congrats and good luck.

Edited by KenDC, 10 April 2007 - 09:29 AM.

KenDCMaleNigeria2007-04-10 09:27:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanStirring the pot - Nigeria
I am sorry if this post has caused problems. I was not my intention. I am a sociologist by training and I just thought most would be Igbos coming to America. The second follow up question was going to be about language. Now, I will generalize on this point. Many Igbos in America are lamenting because by the 2nd or 3rd generation, the kids do not speak the language. My next question was going to be are you going to allow your spouse to teach your children the language?

This is not a problem of just Igbos but all ethnicities in America. I have heard it from the Spanish-speaking population and everyone in between but every group thinks their language is in the most dire shape. The US Census did a study and by 3rd generation, only English is spoken in the house and many don't know the native language. But if you hear Igbos in America talk about it, they say Yorubas are better than Igbos in that more Yoruba-Americans know Yoruba than Igbo-Americans know Igbo. I am one of those that hears Igbo but does not speak. I hope, if we have kids, for them to speak Igbo but it seems school and grades get emphasized and the lessons stop.

Again, every group in the US goes thru the language debate.

As for the original question, every group brings to the table different customs and traditions. One of the great things about America is that for the most part, it is not as divisive as in other countries. Growing up in university town, I met so many cultures, it does not faze me at all. You realize good and bad come with every group.

But it is dumb to not acknowledge that there are differences. I use the Iraq War as a prime example. How can you go in not knowing the difference between a Sunni, Shiite and Kurd? You can treat everyone with respect but at least have some knowledge going in. Same applies here. If you have an international spouse and you don't know anything about their culture, you are going to have a steep learning curve.

Even though both me and my wife are Igbo, me being born and raised in US and her in Nigeria, has led to some very awkward and funny times, especially regarding gender roles and customs (and I go back often - i.e. drinking everything with a straw, no bag ticket checker at airport when retrieving bags, ID for everything, no bargaining over prices at store - very funny 1st time this happened).

Finally, Happy New Year to all and I hope everyone meets the person of their dreams, gets approved and has them in their arms by the end of 2008.
KenDCMaleNigeria2007-12-31 14:54:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanStirring the pot - Nigeria
QUOTE (ebonyqueen @ Dec 30 2007, 12:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (KenDC @ Dec 29 2007, 11:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Reading all the posts - successes and disappointments, I am curious. Me and my wife spoke about it but want to see some evidence. Now this might stir up a hornet's nest but we are all adults here (I hope). If it is too controversial, then let it drop.

Where are most of your spouse's coming from?

West - Yoruba
South South - Edo/Delta state (many groups such as Ijaw, Bini, Esan)
South East - Igbo
North - Hausa

Disclosure, me and wife are Igbo. Thanks.



and what "evidence are u looking for? Is there a thinking that maybe there is a significance as to what tribe/state a person is from that may suggest if they will be a success or disappointment to their SO?
Just asking!!!!


My theory is that most are Igbo. Good and bad. I am not looking to say one group is more likely to have success and another to have disappointments. I might be biased since that is the group I am mostly around so I want to see if I am right. Hopefully, this won't cause a "census" issue here on VJ (inside joke for Naija people).
KenDCMaleNigeria2007-12-30 00:58:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanStirring the pot - Nigeria
Reading all the posts - successes and disappointments, I am curious. Me and my wife spoke about it but want to see some evidence. Now this might stir up a hornet's nest but we are all adults here (I hope). If it is too controversial, then let it drop.

Where are most of your spouse's coming from?

West - Yoruba
South South - Edo/Delta state (many groups such as Ijaw, Bini, Esan)
South East - Igbo
North - Hausa

Disclosure, me and wife are Igbo. Thanks.
KenDCMaleNigeria2007-12-29 23:35:00
Mexico, Latin & South Americavisa payment
I want to know which one of these do you do?

Do I, take the sheet to any Banco Popular branch in the Dominican Republic to pay the non-fundable visa application fee of the equivalent of US$140.00 in Dominican pesos and an additional non-refundable fee of US$15.00 (the equivalent in Dominican pesos) plus applicable taxes per applicant.

Or

Pay $210.00 the day of the interview in the Consular Section.

Or Both.

Please advise me cause appointment is the 1st week of October.
Thank you.
robert477MaleDominican Republic2010-09-24 20:02:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaMedical Experience in Curitiba
Hi, our visa is in the process of moving between the State Dept and Consulate in Rio. I saw somewhere on the embassy's website a list of doctors to choose from. Therefore, I take it you can't have any doctor do the exams it ahs to be one from the list, right?

Nessa,
you mentioned you had to go back to the doctor's office the next day. My fiancee lives in a small town in Minas Gerais so Belo Horizonte would be the clostest option for her, especially if the exam is a 2-day process. Is it standard to have to go back to the doctor's office?

Also, is the medical exam done before the interview? I have read posts about taking it at the embassy/consulate. I know there are certified doctors in Rio where the interview will be so I'm wondering if there is some way to do the exam and the itnerview all in one trip.

Any thoughts?
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-02-29 09:16:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaApplying for College
I think it is very possible to transfer credits from a foreign school. Many universities even spell out the name of organizations that will help you do just that. I don't think they would waste your time and theirs if they were not serious about accepting it.

Of course, if you only took a couple of classes abroad, it might not be worth the process and cost of getting the grades translated and evaluated. Most schools, if any, will not accept translated grades. You must use an official evaluation service such as WES or AACRAO (some universities have preferences) to have grades evaluated to the GPA school, common in the U.S.

Now, if you study abroad for 3 years, you might not get 3 years of transfer credit, but it's worth pursuing. Some universities even offer a sample evaluation (so long as you send them translated transcripts). Don't forget to send TOEFL scores which are reuired. SAT scores are required for most schools if you have less than one year of college abroad, but often not required if you have over 1 year of university-level education. Again, it depends, so check schools in your area and get in touch with someone from international admissions (relates more for student visas, but can be helpful) or general admissions.
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-03-04 15:45:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaDS-157 needed?
does the package include forms 156, 156k, and 157?
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-03-04 16:09:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaDS-157 needed?
I have read differing reports on Whether or not DS-157 needs to be filled out. My fiancee is coming from Brazil to U.S. and I understand she needs 2 DS-156 filled out, is this correct? How about DS-157? Isn't there a DS-156K as well? I wanted to get a head start on these before she gets the packet from the Consulate.

Any help would be greatly appreciate.
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-03-03 13:02:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaRio de Janeiro Brazil K-1 Interview
Thanks for the good advice everybody. I assume she can pay anytime after she gets packet 3 from the consulate. I'll look at the guide later to see where it needs to be sent and what should be written on the check.
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-03-07 13:19:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaRio de Janeiro Brazil K-1 Interview
Thanks. I will suggest that she go to BH and get both the federal police document and visit the doctor. At what point is the $131 fee paid? I understand it is done at a Citibank so cuold she pay it in BH? She mentioned something about paying for her tourist visa a year ago at the consulate, but I don't know about that.
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-03-06 17:29:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaRio de Janeiro Brazil K-1 Interview
Only in MG. How about getting the federal police document? I understand it is in Belo Horizonte. Should she just call them up and ask?

Thanks.
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-03-04 16:11:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaRio de Janeiro Brazil K-1 Interview
Hi Scott and Cati,

My fiancee lives in Minas Gerais and I went to the U.S. embassy in Rio's website and found that the clostest federal police address is in Belo Horizonte, MG. The link for the state police did not work so I'm not sure who to contact for that. Regardless, how does this process work? Do you contact both police and request a report since she was 16 stating she has not been convicted? How about the part of living in the same address for the last 5 years? Wouldn't local police have that report?

We have received the NOA2 and are trying to get the other documents ready before she is contacted by the NVC (I assume SHE would be contacted).

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jack
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-03-03 11:18:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaBrazilian Police Records for NVC and Interview
My fiancee mentioned her family knows someone with the federal police so she would only have to make one trip. Either that, or the turnaround is so quick that she can show up the same day to show her credentials and get the report.
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-03-10 15:10:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaBrazilian Police Records for NVC and Interview
If I'm reading this write then not only do you have to go to the Federal police to request the document but then you have to go back to pick it up? They don't send it in the mail or anything?
Jack and BarbaraMaleBrazil2008-03-07 13:21:00