MENA CR1/K3/K1 visas PART2

[Beth/ Paris Heart 2]

You had to have an interview for the I130 even though your husband came in on a K3? I had no idea that was a possibility. That grilling happened at the Detroit field office???? Holy #######! That's a horrible experience, I'm sorry you guys had to go through that. Luckily our I130 got approved about the same time as the I129. Phew.

We had Officer Wong, a female, for our AOS at the Detroit office. I was so nervous but I was pleasantly surprised that she was so cool. She was a younger woman who had pics of her kids all over her desk, I had a good feeling she was gonna be cool right away. We didn't have an updated physical done so she kept our case open and told us if we got the physical done within two weeks we would be approved as soon as they got it back. We went the same day to get the physical and went back two days later to get the missing immunization. Interview was on July 17, 2008, we mailed back the physical and blood test results the following Monday which was July 21. By the following Monday we got the e-mail notice from USCIS and by the end of the week the PR card showed up. I was shocked at the speed considering how long it took for the visa. We filed AOS in April 2008 and were finished by end of July 2008.

My husband came over on a K3, our I130 was still pending at the time so we were the lucky ones that got to have both interviews ( I130 & AOS) For the I130 interview, as we sat down, the gal was positioning the video camera i said wow you're going to record this?Oh yeah, we record everything. I'm like great, i'm already nervous, now i have a cam pointing right at me, this just adds to my nervousness. I felt like we are on Dateline or something. She interviewed us shortly together and then we were separated. She asked questions about our home, how many bedrooms, how many windows, do we have a garbage disposal and asked the name of my kids' teachers and the name of their schools. There were more questions but those ones stuck more out with me. At our AOS, we were waiting out in the area and we would see the agents call out peoples names but there was this one guy in particular that looked like he had a stick up his A$$ and that was out to get everybody, i said, oh please don't let us get him anybody but him, and guess what, we got him! I couldn't believe it. He was very formal and he just went over the AOS application and did that line of questioning about being a spy, terrorist, etc. and that was it. The funny thing was that we were hoping for this one agent to get cuz she looked very nice and sweet, we overheard her during our interview drilling this other couple, she was nasty with them! I looked at the guy that was interviewing us and said, i'm glad we got you and oh my, he actually smiled and said well everything looks good here, you should receive your approval notice within 30 days.

It's been nice to have USCIS out of hair but we will be dealing with them again when my husband goes for his citizenship.

OMG, We had Officer Wong for the I130, she was pretty nice, i felt comfortable with her. I didn't notice the pics of her kids, I was too busy staring at the video cam We were expecting a chinese person..lol but yeah, we had to go thru 2 interviews cuz of the I130 was still pending, i filed that in September 2005 and finally approved in 2007. Can you believe that? Thank goodness for the K3!

We brought so many pics with us too and both times, they never even looked at them. I could have brought my baby albums and they wouldn't have known the difference. I had to lug all these pics with me to both interviews and at the AOS interview, i even suggested, would you like to look at our pics and he said no, that's ok, I don't need too.

Mo just completed his medical, X-ray looks, good per doctor, going back tomorrow for blood results. Doctor made note, needs dental work, that wont keep him from getting visa?, right??

[Y's_habibitk 2]

no hun, dental work wont keep him out.

Maureen,

Thanks for sharing Videotaped...yikes!

I guess you filed the K3 when it was really doing its job..getting approved WAY before the 130.

I've actually heard Louisville is really easy to deal with, which is nice to know.

Olivia,

did you find out anything in the meeting, or probably they need time to contact them and get back to you huh. Keep us posted and take it easy

[Beth/ Paris Heart 2]

no hun, dental work wont keep him out.

Maureen,

Thanks for sharing Videotaped...yikes!

I guess you filed the K3 when it was really doing its job..getting approved WAY before the 130.

I've actually heard Louisville is really easy to deal with, which is nice to know.

Olivia,

did you find out anything in the meeting, or probably they need time to contact them and get back to you huh. Keep us posted and take it easy

Whew!!! Thanks Lisa, can you tell, the nerves are shot? Will do the packing thing this evening, feeling like reality finally that this is truly happening!!!

[ally and moh 3]

It has been hard for Mo to take time off work because he has only been with Orange about 6 months. We had to use the few days he could get in the beginning to try to do all the paperwork to get married. Those crazy trips from embassy to foreign ministry to one court then another! I thought it would never end! And due to my lupus condition, I have to watch how much time I spend in the sun... another obstacle to seeing all the sites when the temp is still 85-90. Hoping it will not be so hot when I return in Feb or March and we can do more. Some things we just can't control. But we do plan a quick trip to Aqaba before I return next month. Time is passing so fast here!

[Y's_habibitk 2]

no hun, dental work wont keep him out.

Maureen,

Thanks for sharing Videotaped...yikes!

I guess you filed the K3 when it was really doing its job..getting approved WAY before the 130.

I've actually heard Louisville is really easy to deal with, which is nice to know.

Olivia,

did you find out anything in the meeting, or probably they need time to contact them and get back to you huh. Keep us posted and take it easy

Whew!!! Thanks Lisa, can you tell, the nerves are shot? Will do the packing thing this evening, feeling like reality finally that this is truly happening!!!

it is!! it is happening...get to packing woman!

[Y's_habibitk 2]

It has been hard for Mo to take time off work because he has only been with Orange about 6 months. We had to use the few days he could get in the beginning to try to do all the paperwork to get married. Those crazy trips from embassy to foreign ministry to one court then another! I thought it would never end! And due to my lupus condition, I have to watch how much time I spend in the sun... another obstacle to seeing all the sites when the temp is still 85-90. Hoping it will not be so hot when I return in Feb or March and we can do more. Some things we just can't control. But we do plan a quick trip to Aqaba before I return next month. Time is passing so fast here!

oh, the firey hoops you have to jump through to get married there, sheesh! lol At least you guys are in Amman already.

I went in Jan and it was nice, still sunny but not hot. I would imagine Feb would be about the same.

Is it the heat or the actual sun that effects you?

[ally and moh 3]

It has been hard for Mo to take time off work because he has only been with Orange about 6 months. We had to use the few days he could get in the beginning to try to do all the paperwork to get married. Those crazy trips from embassy to foreign ministry to one court then another! I thought it would never end! And due to my lupus condition, I have to watch how much time I spend in the sun... another obstacle to seeing all the sites when the temp is still 85-90. Hoping it will not be so hot when I return in Feb or March and we can do more. Some things we just can't control. But we do plan a quick trip to Aqaba before I return next month. Time is passing so fast here!

oh, the firey hoops you have to jump through to get married there, sheesh! lol At least you guys are in Amman already.

I went in Jan and it was nice, still sunny but not hot. I would imagine Feb would be about the same.

Is it the heat or the actual sun that effects you?

The heat and the sun are both bad for me. Actually doctor's orders are to avoid the sun. But in the last 13 1/2 years of living with this I have learned my limits. The biggest thing I hated was when he said "no tanning beds again... ever!" But I have done what I had to in order to stay healthy... a lot of meds, blood work almost every month, trips to the doc... and I know it would be hard to live here and get the health care I sometimes need.

I finally stood up to them all last year and went back to work outside of my home. It was the first time in 13 years I had worked besides the photo business I had at home with my ex. But it made me feel sooo much better about myself! And now I even have 2 jobs! LOL!

[Y's_habibitk 2]

It has been hard for Mo to take time off work because he has only been with Orange about 6 months. We had to use the few days he could get in the beginning to try to do all the paperwork to get married. Those crazy trips from embassy to foreign ministry to one court then another! I thought it would never end! And due to my lupus condition, I have to watch how much time I spend in the sun... another obstacle to seeing all the sites when the temp is still 85-90. Hoping it will not be so hot when I return in Feb or March and we can do more. Some things we just can't control. But we do plan a quick trip to Aqaba before I return next month. Time is passing so fast here!

oh, the firey hoops you have to jump through to get married there, sheesh! lol At least you guys are in Amman already.

I went in Jan and it was nice, still sunny but not hot. I would imagine Feb would be about the same.

Is it the heat or the actual sun that effects you?

The heat and the sun are both bad for me. Actually doctor's orders are to avoid the sun. But in the last 13 1/2 years of living with this I have learned my limits. The biggest thing I hated was when he said "no tanning beds again... ever!" But I have done what I had to in order to stay healthy... a lot of meds, blood work almost every month, trips to the doc... and I know it would be hard to live here and get the health care I sometimes need.

I finally stood up to them all last year and went back to work outside of my home. It was the first time in 13 years I had worked besides the photo business I had at home with my ex. But it made me feel sooo much better about myself! And now I even have 2 jobs! LOL!

oh, im sorry. Dont grieve the tanning bed too much, they're horrible for ya

well, you will have much more "freedom" when you go back in feb or march then.

Its good that you went back out in the workforce. If you know you can do it, why stay at home right?

[Beth/ Paris Heart 2]

Will there be pics of the family to show the CO? You showing up at the interview is fine but that alone may not be convincing enough. Esp since they don't sit you both down in a room and observe. He still will be interviewed alone. If it's anything like Egypt they do it through a bank teller type window and the CO is behind glass.

Paris is like that, I hate those glass windows!!! But will stand up there with him if allowed.

Best wishes Ally on your new journey!!!

you are sur eyou can get in there though right? That would be great if they let you go sit/stand up there too

Yes a spouse is allowed to attend, but you know what, I think I will make a on line appointment for notary service or something to show I have business there!!! Good thinking Lisa!!!

No services for Americans at the embassy on Wednesdays, I better email embassy to make sure I can enter, UGH!!!!

Paris embassy emailed me this am, I CAN attend interview!Just show guard out front my passport!! Think I will also take copy of email from embassy along.

[Staashi 371]

Will there be pics of the family to show the CO? You showing up at the interview is fine but that alone may not be convincing enough. Esp since they don't sit you both down in a room and observe. He still will be interviewed alone. If it's anything like Egypt they do it through a bank teller type window and the CO is behind glass.

Paris is like that, I hate those glass windows!!! But will stand up there with him if allowed.

Best wishes Ally on your new journey!!!

you are sur eyou can get in there though right? That would be great if they let you go sit/stand up there too

Yes a spouse is allowed to attend, but you know what, I think I will make a on line appointment for notary service or something to show I have business there!!! Good thinking Lisa!!!

No services for Americans at the embassy on Wednesdays, I better email embassy to make sure I can enter, UGH!!!!

Paris embassy emailed me this am, I CAN attend interview!Just show guard out front my passport!! Think I will also take copy of email from embassy along.

Excellent idea - nothing like proof!!!

[morocco4ever 63]

It has been hard for Mo to take time off work because he has only been with Orange about 6 months. We had to use the few days he could get in the beginning to try to do all the paperwork to get married. Those crazy trips from embassy to foreign ministry to one court then another! I thought it would never end! And due to my lupus condition, I have to watch how much time I spend in the sun... another obstacle to seeing all the sites when the temp is still 85-90. Hoping it will not be so hot when I return in Feb or March and we can do more. Some things we just can't control. But we do plan a quick trip to Aqaba before I return next month. Time is passing so fast here!

oh, the firey hoops you have to jump through to get married there, sheesh! lol At least you guys are in Amman already.

I went in Jan and it was nice, still sunny but not hot. I would imagine Feb would be about the same.

Is it the heat or the actual sun that effects you?

The heat and the sun are both bad for me. Actually doctor's orders are to avoid the sun. But in the last 13 1/2 years of living with this I have learned my limits. The biggest thing I hated was when he said "no tanning beds again... ever!" But I have done what I had to in order to stay healthy... a lot of meds, blood work almost every month, trips to the doc... and I know it would be hard to live here and get the health care I sometimes need.

I finally stood up to them all last year and went back to work outside of my home. It was the first time in 13 years I had worked besides the photo business I had at home with my ex. But it made me feel sooo much better about myself! And now I even have 2 jobs! LOL!

I won't even pretend I know anything about Lupus, but I have a pretty hard time with sun and heat myself. I have always heard that drinking lots of water helps, but when we went to Volubus I drank a ton and I still got sick. Since then I found that if I carry large amounts of water, but pour it on my skin as well as drink it I am able to handle more time out. Have you tried this? I got the idea from my brother that had a birth defect that cause him to have no sweat glands. For him this was a life saving technique he learned as a small child. I wish I had thought of it sooner.

And keep challenging those doctors. It sounds like you have come a long way.

[Y's_habibitk 2]

Will there be pics of the family to show the CO? You showing up at the interview is fine but that alone may not be convincing enough. Esp since they don't sit you both down in a room and observe. He still will be interviewed alone. If it's anything like Egypt they do it through a bank teller type window and the CO is behind glass.

Paris is like that, I hate those glass windows!!! But will stand up there with him if allowed.

Best wishes Ally on your new journey!!!

you are sur eyou can get in there though right? That would be great if they let you go sit/stand up there too

Yes a spouse is allowed to attend, but you know what, I think I will make a on line appointment for notary service or something to show I have business there!!! Good thinking Lisa!!!

No services for Americans at the embassy on Wednesdays, I better email embassy to make sure I can enter, UGH!!!!

Paris embassy emailed me this am, I CAN attend interview!Just show guard out front my passport!! Think I will also take copy of email from embassy along.

great!

[Der Bücherwurm 1]

Oh, for the love of Bob would someone please answer this woman!? She's starting to talk to herself. Help her FFS.

[Y's_habibitk 2]

Oh, for the love of Bob would someone please answer this woman!? She's starting to talk to herself. Help her FFS.

I just did, then popped over here

bless her heart.

Edited October 22, 2009 by Y's_habibitk

[me_4_musa 1]

Oh, for the love of Bob would someone please answer this woman!? She's starting to talk to herself. Help her FFS.

Hmmm reminds me of someone I know. Reposting all over the boards then bumping over and over again.