Approved-complicated case.

[jellyfish 0]

We married last July 31st. On VWP. We had planned to marry, but not then. It was a great day though, and I would not change it one bit. Filed beginning of November.

Filing was a complicated time for us... We filed for a CR1/CR2 initially last year, or so we thought. Turns out we should have filed a separate I-130 for my 11 year old daughter. Did not realise this until after I-130 was approved. So we have a compassionate filing for my daughter, DCF, alongside my CR1. Mr Cooke was very kind in our case.

At this point we were in bits. Realising that my papers might be approved, and I would be unable to use them within six months. Last time we went over for a visit I had to go through secondary security and that was NOT funny. Hugely unsettling for a little girl that had already been through a lot. She is 11. Her Dad died in a car crash when she was 7. Her sister, (who by now was in the US on an F1 visa studying and living with my husband) was left with a broken neck, multiple frames on her, and a wheelchair. 4 other kids as well. So the youngest had a hard time. Just not enough of me to go round. We got counselling, and my daughter needed psychiatric support, which could have caused problems as self harming was discussed although she never took it that far. My new husband has taken things slowly and carefully with her, and they are very close now. They are both keen on her being adopted by him, and I can only agree. A stupid error with paperwork was running the risk of destroying everything, and causing immense distress to my youngest daughter. Losing her "Dad" all over again.

I think it took several miracles that my daughter's papers were considered at the same interview as me. I had to hand in her I-864 things and submit documents, as well as going over my things. Daughter was only told she could be at the interview at 3pm on Friday. I had sooooo much paperwork with me.

So ! We had train tickets, and accomodation booked for both of us. My husband was coming over for the interview, so I knew she could be with him if she was not to be interviewed. (It counted as a separate case, so the below 14 rule did not apply. (Medical for her was added to mine cos I asked, a lot of begging along the way.) Anyways, appointment was for 9am. We arrived about 8.20. Queues not too long, but it does look daunting going in. I thought I had taken everything out of my bag, but I had a USB key by mistake, and it went in the bin. Went in, sat down in a cross between airport lounge, doctors office/argos. Screens not working, and I could not concentrate to read. Our number was called and we went to the window. The nice lady could not find our files, someone was usig them. (I still had little idea of daughter's case status at this point.) We waited, then had to go sit down. Waited half an hour then was called to the desk. Our papers were just in a heap. Mess. Nothing clipped. The lady was nice though, and as she was putting the papers together she asked various questions in a "chatty" way. How did we meet ? Did he have children ? How my daughter had coped with her father's death was mentioned. It was relaxed enough. Took about 30 minutes I think. I was happy when she said I had to pay for daughter's I-864. Meant we had a chance of getting this done today. Paid it. Gladly ! Gave receipt from cashier to lady, and put the other bit in a safe place. I had a speeding offence, and had given them Disclosure Scotland certificates which were passed, but she asked for court records. Thankfully I had got those after the Disclosure Scotland certificated were approved. Wanted everything nailed down. I also needed a second death certificate for my daughter. Copies of these documents as well. Handed it all over. Was so glad I had indexed things. Hands were shakey. Got a pink slip to fill in and left the window.

Then we sat down and waited for over an hour. Nearer two prob. Feeling rather sick. They had snack things for sale and my daughter was perfectly happy watching the comings and goings. She had a word search thing as well.

Second interview. The happy looking guy said this bit would be quick. (Was this good or bad news ?) He asked how my husband had met his first wife ? (not seen that question coming, but I knew.) He asked where he worked, and how we had met. He then said it all was looking fine. He was astonished at the I-864 forms. First time he had ever encountered someone submitting two of those correct the first time. My daughter's filing going through straight with no further requests was a first for her type of case. He asked my daughter what her step father's job was, and if she liked where she was to live. We were sworn in at some point in the chat, he explained to my daughter what the oath meant, that she must tell the truth, and then we signed the papers. I signed for my daughter. Then we were told to go pay for the courier ! I expected fireworks or something, but I think I was in shock it was finally done.

This process was one of the hardest things I have ever done, realising how hard it would be to go back to see my husband and daughter if anything went wrong really spurred me on the have EVERYTHING in order. Back ups for back ups.

I have been reading the forum, and learnt masses. Wish I had started reading before we had filed, or at least appreciated more how tricky this thing was.

Anyways, we are delighted. Very happy, and very grateful to the consulate.

[mrsemcee 1]

how wonderful for you all. you and your daughter and your other daughter and your husband have gone through so much to be together finally.

your daughter who is on a study visa, will she apply to live there too permanently?

anyway good luck and well done!

i am so happy to hear such a beautiful story.

[jellyfish 0]

We applied for the second daughter, or rather misapplied for her in the same way we did the youngest.... She was all set to go to De Anza college in any case, heart set on it. So when we discovered the mistake it was relatively easy to organise an F1 visa for her. It runs for 3 years of study. I imagine we could welll file for her soon too.(lady in the embassy said to so it straight away. She was 16 when we married.) She is already wanting to work etc. She is a child from my first marriage, and her Dad lives in London. She has a brother and sister still in the UK, and lots of auntie's, uncles, Granny, Nana, etc etc. She wants to study in the UK, architecture. Doing an associate degree in Graphic design at De Anza.

We will sit and have a think when I arrive. It might affect UK university funding or something. No pressure now. It is also allowing her to try things out for a while. After Christmas she might have a better idea.

Certainly the climate is so much better for her there. Being able to swim so much, plus public transport is so much better. We also have a nice medical policy and have tried the NHS..... Support services are not great there. As she gets older her foot will degenerate and walking will become more painful. Things as I mentioned help a lot.

Her Dad is an old school friend of my husband, and he is heading out to visit us in California in March. Daughter having Christmas with her Dad, and coming back with her brother and sister for New Year and they are staying for a holiday. (I have known my wonderful husband since I was 13/14, I am now 45. He was born in the UK, went to the US for work after uni.)

Things are complicated, but we are working it all out and family have been wonderfully supportive.

I know things are not all done with paperwork, but it feels great right now.

Very peaceful inside.

[Mountain Climber 186]

Congrats!!!!! :thumbs: