biggish data

Currency Exchange

QUOTE (Darnell @ Dec 17 2009, 05:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What about the uk bank itself? A Wire Transfer or TT ???

If the conversion rate is onerous, then a 3rd party service might make sense.

But, I'd start at the UK bank, inquire about Wire Transfer / TT .

I looked into using my own bank (Halifax) they seem to be rather expensive with their charges and didnt have a very good rate of exchange at the time I looked. I also looked at xe and forex as they seem to give better exchange rates if you are transferring over a certain amount. I'll be interested to see the responses on this thread as using 3rd parties to transfer money scares me a little and it's good to 'know' people who have had positive experiences.

I was just looking at the exchange rates for my christmas trip and it looks rather bleak!! Down to $1.57/£ today

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-17 12:40:00

Christmas food?

I keep forgetting that some of he foods we take for granted in the UK aren't available over there, of course I knew I wouldn't be able to get things like haggis, but no mince pies and christmas cake?? I've made trifle with over there with store-bought cake, just a 'white' cake we'd been given from Harps bakery that was on the verge of going stale and it worked out ok - not that anyone else liked the idea of jello and custard and cream all together, lol, so I ate it all myself anyway.

So crakers from: TK Max, Pier One, Bed Bath & Beyond and Marshalls, that is good to know!!! I shall request a trip to one of those places next Monday, lol.

Does anyone know of a store that sells red lentils??? I couldn't find them in the IGAs, Walmart, Aldi or Harps and the kind I did buy just didnt work for lentil soup.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-17 05:13:00

QUOTE (Gemmie @ Dec 17 2009, 06:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

http://www.thesun.co...ed-invalid.html

Looks like the ban has been cancelled??

yeah - ilegal ballot, won't help the employees long term, mean sob's won't be getting any sympathy if the company fails.

So pleased ppls christmas flights will be okay, not so good for the poor flyglobespan customers though.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-17 13:36:00

QUOTE (david'sgirl @ Dec 15 2009, 02:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (CaMic @ Dec 14 2009, 09:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Rob and Jill though II spent an AWFUL lot of time checking out prices for different dates and on different sites beforehand then direct to each airline's websites too. I'll search umpteen times to see the difference in price one day will make on either end of the trip. If you are booking a return flight and can wait until into the second week in January to come home, you can still get flights the same price that I paid via Continental directly or kayak.co.uk n those ones are out of Edinburgh (but I still plugged Fayettville Northwest Arkansas in as the destination). I also did a check for other dates and got a price of £3014 (around $5000???). Apart from the current BA strike thing, the airlines are banking on ppl needing to return to work straight after new year, so that first week in January is always about double the price in my experience.

If you need to book a flight keep searching and try to be flexible on the dates.

Lioncub4 I'm sure booking continental/BOS will be fine it seemed to be Halifax's 'safe seal' or 'secure seal' that caused the problem whilst at the same time continental's website said it was undergoing maintenance and may be slow. I had to try booking 3 or 4 times and got different errors each time but in the end it said my flights were reserved, it was only after Halifax removed the security hold from my payment that my reservation 'disappeared'. If in doubt, ring the reservation line. You have to wait until after the 17th to book anything though right? However, I did that reservation on SATURDAY and it held until today so maybe you could reserve it and not actually pay until the 17th?? I was logged in on my Onepass account at the time and I don't know if that affected it any. 2.30 am and I'm rambling, lol, couldnt sleep so I got back up and this is the result.

My hubby is booked for Dec 24th and I am so worried that BA plans not to "cancel" until it is too late to get anything else. I was so happy and excited until we found out about the strike. I hope we all find alternative flights and can be with our familes for the holidays.

I think the BA bosses are going to want to do some damage control and FAST otherwise the public will lose faith in them full stop and they'll go under. Having flights cancelled is stressful at the best of times and seriously bad PR, to do it at christmas must be their worst nightmare so I hope that spurs them into doing the very best they can for those affected. I really am so sorry for everyone affected and feel lousey that "I'm alright Jack"and you're not - though I've had a really horrendous cpl weeks in other ways.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-14 22:43:00

QUOTE (david'sgirl @ Dec 15 2009, 02:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (scotinmass @ Dec 14 2009, 02:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Has anyone else just had their christmas and new year plans ruined by the greedy *!@%! at British Strikeways? I was due to fly with them on christmas eve. I can't get any information cos the phonelines tell you they are very busy and to try again later and cut you off! Nice! Thanks!

I really hope they decide which flights will be affected well in advance of the holiday so we can rebook.
If the cabin crew hope to garner any sympathy at all, I would say stranding customers at Christmas is not the way to do it. I've read both sides and all I see is a bunch of selfish whiny flying waiters and waitresses. They lost any respect I had for them and I would bet I'm not alone.

not when the news specifically highlighted that other airlines already implement the changes BA want to make and that BA cabin crew are the highest paid in the UK, earning 2x what Virgin Airlines staff do!! I sure hope you get something sorted, maybe I just had a fluke with continental holding the reservation for 3 days but it could be worth a look.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-14 21:42:00

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-14 21:35:00

QUOTE (Lioncub4 @ Dec 14 2009, 09:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (CaMic @ Dec 14 2009, 05:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm sooooo sorry to anyone this is going to affect!!! Just as I saw it on the news I was having my own dilemma with Continental Airways and my bank - continental saying the payment for my flights wasn't approved and the bank saying Continental displayed 'suspicious activity' on my account but the payment was approved and just not accepted. I lost the reservations I had but managed to get different dates and they matched the price.

Oh god!!! Continental is my plan B!!!! Can this get any worse?? DON'T ANSWER!

Anybody out there got a pilot's licence? We could all band together and rent a private jet - door to door service anyone?

so long as you don't bank with Halifax and try to book with continental!!!

As for the plane, lmao, I was telling my other half about a website called freecycle the other day n said "it's cool, my sis uses it over here and she's gotten furniture and photography equipment, and, and.." and Michael's reply was "maybe someone will have an aeroplane they don't need anymore and I can fly over there and get you". He can't fly but has a friend who is a pilot, well a helicopter pilot anyways.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-14 18:15:00

I decided on the more expensive continental flights because I'm used to them and know the airports, BA was 2nd dearest and I was tempted to book with them except for having to go through London Heathrow. Earlier today though KLM were doing flights Glasgow-Amsterdam-Memphis-Arkansas for £542 compared to the £685 I paid for Glasgow-Newark-Arkansas so there are reasonably priced flights out there. Last twice I have booked I did my searches on Kayak.co.uk and they were cheaper and more reliable than any of the other sited I used. Priceline had good prices but when you clicked to select them it said 'no longer available' and took you to a more expensive option each time. I really hope everyone manages to get things rearranged, I would be climbing the walls if it were me. I hope the next 24hours brings you all some good news!!!!

oh yeah, I was trying to fly out next Monday (21st) but because of the problem between continental and my bank I'm now going Sunday 20th both of which are before the strike dates, but I had been looking at flights right up until the 24th.

Edited by CaMic, 14 December 2009 - 06:10 PM.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-14 18:07:00

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-14 16:25:00

British/Scottish recipes

QUOTE (david'sgirl @ Nov 14 2009, 02:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

In July I married the love of my life and he just happens to be Scottish. There are a lot of differences between food there and here. I would like to find some good recipes so that I can prepare at least some things the way he is used to having them. Some of it I'm figuring as we go. I think we tend toward sweet here rather than savory. So when I prepare porridge (oatmeal here) I would use two parts water,one part oats and pinch of salt which is fine but then I "ruin it" by adding brown sugar,cinnamon and raisins or banana. So I make his unsweetened. Same with French toast. We end to dust it with powdered sugar and maple syrup not brown sauce. I'm trying to learn though. If you have a great recipe or a link to one and would not mind sharing let me know. Thanks!

hehehehe, I make do with A1 Steak Sauce on my french toast when I'm over there, people look at me like I'm crazy. I tried to find red lentils a couple of times to make lentil soup (not strictly British but very popular here) but couldnt find them in walmart or the smaller stores and the lentils I did manage to find just dint work as well. I made trifle once and ended up having to eat the whole thing myself (over 3 days that is, lol). Stovies are a big favourite of mine but not from the online recipes, I haven't found one that's like the stovies I remember from being a kid so I do my own thing with them, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Most things I cook I tend to make up as I go along or do from memory but I may have to invest in a scottish cookbook before I leave here for good.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-14 22:29:00

Where are the Scots?

QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Dec 13 2009, 02:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

CaMic -

The London consulate changed their stance on allowing the medical and interview to be on the same day. Now, you MUST have your medical prior to the interview.

DRAT!! lol

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-13 10:17:00

Where are the Scots?

Hiya

I'm another Scot, I live halfway between Glasgow and Edinburgh. My fiance lives in Arkansas. We met online in May 2007 and I've been over there to see him 3 times (living with him a total of 8 months). We filed I-129F finally in November but as my other posts and signature show we're still waiting for an NAO1 even though we've had a request for evidence (proper RFE or not I don't know). I agree it's a pain that we Scots have to go to London for the medical and visa but I've read on VJ that it is possible to arrange the two on the same day - just holds up issuing the visa by a week or two until the embassy receive the medical results. At the moment I'm getting my house ready to sell, thankfully the housing market in Scotland never got as bad as some other parts of the UK so I'm confident that when the time comes I will get it sold. We were hoping my USC fiance could come here to visit before we get the K1 visa but are currently thinking it's better for him to find a steady job before we need to file the I-134 so I'm swithering about booking a flight out there for christmas - better get a move on huh? lol

Bren I hope you do get to be together for Christmas it would be such a great thing for your family. And I agree with the earlier post, baby (Matthew?) is gorgeous!! I will be sending lots of positive thoughts your way on the 17th.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-13 07:53:00

US Embassy London Interview

wow, that's such a con - or else an opportunity the embassy is missing out on

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-15 17:47:00

K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures

Will I EVER get to USA?

QUOTE (mrsB @ Dec 13 2009, 05:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hello, I've been so tired of the whole visa procedure that I haven't been checking the forums in ages. I've been back in Finland for a bit over a month now, I came in early November. I've been looking for jobs, but haven't been lucky yet, though I've considered about starting my own business here instead. It's an idea I've had since I was a teen and since the employment situation in Finland is so poor, I might as well start now.

As far as our visa is concerned... well, we got an intent to deny finally in late September, with less than a month to reply. The USCIS wanted more evidence, but on what, was rather confusing. We contacted the USCIS who instructed us to make an appointment with the local office in the nearest town and we also called a lawyer who has helped us some for free, from the goodness of her heart. The appointment with USCIS didn't really provide us with much. They were confused as to why we had gotten the intent to deny in the first place and why we were given so little time. The lady we talked to suggested we might want to look for legal or political help. She suggested this several times, which we found odd, considering that we were later told they're not allowed to hint that we should get politicians involved. However, since we didn't exactly know how to provide the USCIS with more evidence regarding our marriage, we resorted to writing letters. Previously my family, relatives and friends from Finland had written letters regarding our relationship, so now my husband's family wrote some. I also wrote one since I was in USA at the time of this. So we sent off our letters and I got an automatic e-mail from the USCIS in late October saying they had received the "additional information". No news since this.

I told myself that I'm waiting until the end of the year and then going forward with the idea of my own business. At the same time the little voice inside my head is holding me back, because I somehow still keep expecting to receive some kind of a decision from USCIS the next week... We'll see. There's still a couple of weeks of this year left.

I don't have any words of advice for you but can totally sympathise with you not being able to get a job since going home. I do hope that the additional information you sent will be what it takes to get your visa approved.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-13 12:43:00

London Medical

I read on here a long time ago that the medical and interview CAN be done on the same day but that the embassy will then refrain from making a decision until AFTER receiving the medical report (around 7 days later) and you have to leave your passport with them plus a fee for postage. I was particularly interested in that point since I live in Scotland I don't want to have to make 2 trips down to London.

I'd say phone the embassy to double check.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-07 07:56:00

I-134 vs I-864

QUOTE (lucyrich @ Dec 9 2009, 09:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (CaMic @ Dec 9 2009, 11:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

so these are both affidavits of support but are required at different stages of the process. what I need to know is - does the I-134 have the same 10 year obligation that the I-864 does? Or is it just an interim thing until AOS and I-864 is processed? Also, do we need to meet the 125% of the poverty line for the I-134 or only the I-864?

Argghhh, confused!! lol

Note that neither the I-134 nor the I-864 has a ten year obligation. You can read the forms here:

http://www.uscis.gov.../form/I-134.pdf

http://www.uscis.gov.../form/I-864.pdf

The I-134 is for the duration of nonimmigrant stay. The I-864 terminates only when one of the terminating conditions is fulfilled. The passage of ten years is not among the terminating conditions. See the I-864 form Part 8, and search for the heading "When will these obligations end?".

Hiya

I was working it on the 40 qualifying quarter = 10 years, as that would likely be the maximum obligation.

Could I ask someone to be a co sponsor on the I134 but hold off on them sponsoring on a I-864 until we see if we get an RFE or would on the basis of our own I-864 (which is likely to be just over the minimum requirement) or would we get a flat refusal? My fiance is going to ask his brother (again) to be a co sponsor and I just want to be clear on what the options and his responsibilities would be.

Hope that makes sense.

Thanks!

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-09 17:37:00

I-134 vs I-864

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-09 14:25:00

Anyone unemployed got visa?

QUOTE (gmjdmj @ Nov 23 2009, 05:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

London is more concerned about the I-134 than any other information that you provide at the interview. If your fiance's mother is willing to be a co-sponsor, then I would use her information. Make sure that along with the support documentation with the I-134 that she provides a birth certificate or passport

does it need to be an original certified copy of the birth certificate that goes to the embassy for a joint/second sponsor or would a photocopy suffice? I'm assuming it would be photocopies of all passport pages as per the petitioner at I-129F stage? I'm hoping to meet up with our potential joint sponsor over christmas and would like to have as much info as possible for him.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-13 09:42:00

K1 visa BIRTH CERTIFICATE

USC birth certificate with the I-129F package and Beneficiary's Birth certificate at embassy interview. The USC birth certificate seems to vary state to state and since my fiance's was only a one page document I told him to photocopy all pages of his passport to be safe as stated in the notes. I think the main thing they are looking for is that the birth cert has both parent's names on it, but I'm sure other will clarify this better. Make sure the certificates have an official seal/stamp and are not simply photocopies.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-15 07:45:00

Help with pathetic Affidavit situation please!

My fiance isn't working because his kids were sick (all 3 of them have problems) so I can totally sympathise with you on the "pathetic" affidavit of support however as another poster said, there is time between now and the embassy interview to get work and obviously a co-sponsor will be a big help. When my fiance and I first decided to get married, he applied for a K1 visa through an online agency - it was a con and we didnt figure that out for many months. Now we sent the real application off on 10th November but because he didnt send an official divorce certificate with an embossed seal, we're not likely to get an NAO1 until the New Year, setting us back another couple of months. You can also see on one of the other poster's timelines that they got denied a K1 in the past. So it's not a bed of roses but so many of us are in the same boat and most people on VJ are very helpful indeed. I hope that you and I and everyone else on VJ reaches their goal as quickly and smoothly as possible and that we can support each other when things don't go according to plan.

Best wishes and good luck,
C

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-13 17:17:00

I-134 Affadivit of Support Question 8

QUOTE (baron555 @ Dec 14 2009, 01:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

since I pay child support I should indicate that she's "partially" dependant.

She is dependent on your money, so you list her. IRS status does not matter; they want to know to whom you need to send money.

what about if there is no official child support paid? my fiance only paid as and when he could work but now the mother of his kids is refusing him access (and has turned his kids against him to boot). I guess that they WILL still be included in the household size but it's a 'slap if the face' to my fiance under the circumstances.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-16 05:08:00

I-134 Affadivit of Support Question 8

can't help with your question but I have another twist on it the maybe people can help with at the same time - if there are no tax returns due to insufficient earnings or the children are not declared on the tax returns AND there is no official child support paid (there is a voluntary arrangement between my fiance and his ex, nothing through the courts) how does this affect the number/status of dependants on the I-134/I864?

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-13 18:36:00

second NOA approved

go to the bottom of the K1 guide page: here

because you can begin getting prepared before your fiance received packet 3 - it may take considerable time to get police certificates for them, and for you to get the tax/bank/employer stuff together for the I-134 affidavit and mail that to your fiance.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-16 04:19:00

I HAD NO CLUE WHAT THE CONSUL'S DECISION WAS.. I JUST HAD MY INTERVIEW TODAY. I GOT HUMILIATED...

I can't give you any help or advice, but I'm really sorry you had such a horrible experience and hope that you hear something back from them very soon.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-17 10:09:00

K VISA FEE TO INCREASE TO $350 FROM $131

I didn't read the whole article - my brain just couldn't process it just now - but is there a justification as to why K class visas are increasing so much more than other classes? I agree that the AOS fee is more worrysome, if that increases by 167% then OMG!! I knew that there were fee increases pending, but I wholeheartedly assumed it would simply be in line with inflation.

Does anyone have and idea of what type of comments we should make in the email we send and is it only the USC whom can comment since it's a US government issue?

Basically they know that if people want a visa then they will pay whatever it takes, no-one is going to say "oh well I'll just forget my plans now cause it's more expensive" and they are relying on that. I doubt if emailing will make a difference but I am definately willing to give it a go.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-17 06:21:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

K-1 Visa APPROVED!!!

congratulations!!!

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-11 05:13:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

Devasating News

Whether the issue of fatherhood is true or not, this is a terrible thing to happen to you, especially at this stage of your K1 process. My thoughts are with you and I hope that you find the strength to get through this really tough time. Let your fiance deal with his own problems as it will be a true test of his character and what he will do to achieve his ultimate goal of being with you. If he decides that he will stay and be responsible for his child then you have to believe that he was not the one for you and that there is someone else out there even better and desperately waiting to meet you.

I can't see a *hug* smiley on here but if there were one I would send it to you.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-08 17:54:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

PINK PINK PINK

Congratulations to all!!! A nice christmas present indeed, lol

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-15 07:37:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

QUOTE (megger @ Dec 10 2009, 07:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

NOOO!!!
In the last two days, my timeline has jumped backward by two weeks! (I'm assuming the same thing has happened to all of us...) I had a sliver of hope that I would get my NOA2 by the end of the year, but that's been dashed. Sigh.
I hope you guys see your NOA1 in the mailbox soon! And that all of us see our approvals shortly.

I'm sorry you're feeling like that but remember it's just based on AVERAGE processing times of people on VJ who keep the info up to date, could even be down to someone hitting the wrong key when entering their details, lol. We can only hope

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-10 15:34:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

QUOTE (stephen_miha @ Dec 10 2009, 11:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

C,
I also keep my fingers crossed for you, guys! And I hope that court citation won't affect you and everything will be alright!
Wish you good luck. And hang in there. Ups and downs are normal... Coming up, next! Stay positive

Awwee, thank you. I hope your process goes smoothely too (and for everyone else currently parted from their loved one)

C

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-10 06:25:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

hi miha

my fiance called USCIS and was told that our petition is In Processing and we should receive something in the mail this week so fingers are well and truly crossed. now we just have to worry about our finances and the court citation he received just 10 hours ago

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-10 05:36:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

QUOTE (Miss Jess @ Dec 9 2009, 01:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (AR and MD @ Dec 8 2009, 10:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Vermont is so ahead !

Spoke too soon, my NOA2 estimate stumbled backwards quite a lot today, into February now

(in some ways this is a good thing but not for my sanity lol!!)

I guess that one or two cases with a lot of RFEs and long timeline can throw off the average quite a bit and that's likely all that has happened. I'm just hoping that when we DO finally get our NOA1 in the post the date on it will be way back close to when it was received. However we have other problems bigger than that to worry about. Anyhoo, hope your sanity holds out, lol!!!

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-10 04:45:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

QUOTE (AR and MD @ Dec 8 2009, 10:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Vermont is so ahead !

not for us

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-08 18:33:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

QUOTE (Jl_n_JL @ Dec 8 2009, 03:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (CaMic @ Dec 7 2009, 09:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Any November VSC filers still awaiting an NOA1?

Our package was sent 10th November and signed for 17th November but no news yet. My fiance sent a money order rather than a cheque so that doesn't help us any.

I sent mine on Nov 3. It took 20 days for me to recieve NOA-1 in mail. I'm sure yours will be there soon. Good luck.

Thanks for that, just very frustrating/worrying when some are getting their NOA1s just a few days after sending and ours is now at 28 days

Still, the processing times do seem to be pretty fast at the moment for NOA1-NOA2 so I shall hope that we are luckier in that area.

on another note, how do I add my timeline to my posts?

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-08 05:57:00

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-07 09:13:00

no NOA1 (plus other questions)

QUOTE (Anh map @ Dec 7 2009, 01:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Using a home as an assets requires a recent valuation done by a licensed real estate appraiser. (see pg 8 of the I-864 instructions for guidance regarding assets for the affidavit of supprt) The CO has latitude as to what is accepted here. I have heard of some people being successful using foreign property.

I echo TracyTN's advice about lining up a co-sponsor.

The stepfather would not be included in the household count.

Concentrate on securing the visa.

Thanks for that!! I know that I need the valuation of my property done for the consular interview and a mortgage statement detailing what I owe on the property so that will all already be in place when we file for the AOS, unless I sell up before coming over and have it as 'cash in the bank'.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-07 08:56:00

no NOA1 (plus other questions)

QUOTE (TracyTN @ Dec 7 2009, 01:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (CaMic @ Dec 7 2009, 06:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi all, I have a couple (few) of questions:

4) what other grounds is the AOS commonly refused on? for ease I'd like to sell my house before coming over on the K1 visa, but am worried that I could then be refused a greencard and have nowhere to live on being sent back to the UK if I do that. I've never heard of anyone being denied a green card because they don't have a place to live back in their home country. They really don't care what you have/don't have going on back at home - unless it were some kind of criminal activity, I guess! I think you're grasping at straws on that one.

I wasn't thinking that they'd deny a green card BECAUSE of me not having a home in the UK, was just worried that if they did refuse it on some other grounds that I would have to come back to the UK and live in bed & breakfast accomodation or similar until I could get a job, mortgage/rental etc. My other alternative is to keep the house with all the mortgage, utility and tax bills ongoing until after I get the green card and then return to the UK to sell my home and posessions.

My fiance sent a money order rather than a cheque so we can't use that to check the status.

Does a joint sponsor have to be in employment or can a retired person act as a sponsor? My fiance's stepfather would gladly do it, but he's had bad experiences acting as a guarantor on credit agreements for another of his children's partners and I really don't want to put him in that position so it would be an absolute last resort. Of course if he isn't counted as a household member then I can cover the financial side completely on my own.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-07 08:52:00

no NOA1 (plus other questions)

Hi all, I have a couple (few) of questions:

1) Our I129F was sent on 10th November and signed for on 17th November to the Vermont centre and we haven't had an NOA1 yet. I noted that the current average time is 6 days for receipt of NOA1 and am worried that maybe we sent the package to the wrong centre - when going through the notes and USCIS website there was conflicting info on which centre we should use. My fiance, the petitioner, lives in Arkansas. Any help on this would be appreciated.

2) We are both currently unemployed and have been for a while - my fiance has worked but not earned enough to declare for Federal Income tax and often 'cash in hand' - bad boy!! I'm trying to get a job before it comes around to the consular interview and encouraging my fiance to do the same. Although my fiance has no savings or assets, I have enough capital between my savings and equity in my house to meet the required 3x 125% poverty line. Are we likely to be approved or refused at either the consular interview or AOS?

3) My fiance has 3 children: one aged 13 who is clearly a dependant and twins aged 16 - are they dependants and therefore members of his household even though he never sees them and pays no child maintenance? My fiance currently lives with his stepfather and that is likely where we will file AOS from (should we get to that stage) - does his stepfather count as a member of the houshold for the affidavit of support purposes? (I have enough capital to cover a household of 5 - me, my fiance and his 3 kids, but posssibly not for a household of 6, just depends on what happens with the exchange rates).

4) what other grounds is the AOS commonly refused on? for ease I'd like to sell my house before coming over on the K1 visa, but am worried that I could then be refused a greencard and have nowhere to live on being sent back to the UK if I do that.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-07 07:06:00

How do I get my fiancee into the U.S. for the birth of our child before a K-1 is processed?

I'd add that you're fiance should be super pleasant to the immigration officer. Though I haven't tried to get in since sending the K1 application, I did get quizzed pretty strongly the last time I went (3 separate trips each of 3 months duration could have made me look a 'lil suspicious, lol). But I stayed calm and answered all questions as pleasantly as possible and was granted entry.

CaMic

Not Telling

Scotland

2009-12-08 06:08:00