Yardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 3)

[Minfay 0]

My congresswoman sent me an email today from the embassy and we have a new date for March 27th!!!!!! :dance:

Congratulations!!! :dance:

Our instructions, which are from October, say that the taxes have to be notarized as well.

I just called the IRS today and asked for a Certified Tax Transcript for the last 3 years. I explained that it was for immigration, and the agent said they send transcripts out all the time on IRS letterhead and that would be sufficient for immigration. I am a notary -- to have something "notarized" is to have your signature witnessed. UNLESS you have a notary present with you when you are signing your tax returns there is no way to have it notarized. You cannot have something notarized "after the fact."

For our interview I took copies of my tax return (which was signed by me and my accountant) and I also ordered copies of my "Certified Tax Transcripts" which was a one page print out (on IRS letterhead) that stated how much I filed for that year -- and it matched up to my return and W-2. This is all you need. You really don't need to have the "Certified Tax Transcript" from the IRS but I am 'Miss #######' and didn't want to go without it.

Could you post what the instructions say about your taxes being notarized. This might help.

Happy (1st) anniversary Mindy and Roy!! (F)

Thank you, everyone!! The year has flown past -- hard to believe we have been married that long.....seems like just yesterday.....

[Minfay 0]

I would advise you just to be very organized. Get an accordian folder the night before. Label it and put your evidence in order. When you get to that window, do not funble and give them excactly what they ask for. Let them give you back what they do not need.

My original I-129 was completely tabbed and nothing was hand written. My tabs matched up to everything on my cover letter and I fastened everything with the ACCO fasteners and had plastic sheets for some of my evidence. I 100% believe that helped when we got our initial approval and at the interview.

For the interview I went with an accordian file and binders with everything (once again) tabbed. Roy and I went through everything the night before (just in case) he was left at the window without me and he had to find something in the files. Whatever was asked for we were able to pull out immediately.

Stephen is right -- self-doubt is a killer!!!

[BelwinMills 0]

To all those heading to interviews, best of luck. I will share with you that it is a lot simpler than we make it. Do not be afraid. When you have a relationship that is solid, it is going to go well and it will show. I would advise you just to be very organized. Get an accordian folder the night before. Label it and put your evidence in order. When you get to that window, do not funble and give them excactly what they ask for. Let them give you back what they do not need.

I had 4 friends go through this recently and I told them a lil secret that worked. For those going to an interview, it may not help cause it is too late. When you are submitting your I- 129 application, get a hard cover file with accro fasteners. It has about 4 tabs. label each one with the info in sections including proof of relationship. You have heard people say you do not need the proof at the application stage, I say hogwash. When your interview date comes, that interviewer is going to go through your folder before he/ she calls you. If you have all the proof, the interview will go simple because between the application and the interview you are not going to have much to add. Walk with the info anyway. The person who interviewed my fiance told her that they do not like to have to get information out of you. If the US fiance has already given them info, then all they will do is verify that info with the Jamaican applicant. When they have nothing to look at, then they need to make an on the spot assesment and that is where the doubth comes in. I had 1 friend who did not follow my advice and had a very difficult interview. 3 out of 4 sounds like a pattern to me.

Ok. My 1 min comment for the month.

For those of you now going. By this time you should be confident in your info. When you arrive in the embassy, leave the doubts outside and go in there and be confident. Trust me, self doubt is a killer and you just have to know it will go right.

Thanks for the good information!

Does anyone have the list that is needed for CR1 interviews? I would like to prepare my binder this month. All of my items are in an accordion folder. How many wedding pictures did you guys bring? We have over 400 pics. Which ones would be the best. Do we need 9 years of pictures? or can we have one in 99, one in 00, one in 02 one in 05 and so on. I know most of you guys are doing K1 visas.

Thanks

Jax

[Sonshyne 2]

Happy Saturday Family!!

Edited March 3, 2007 by Sonshyne

[Ricardo 0]

My congresswoman sent me an email today from the embassy and we have a new date for March 27th!!!!!! :dance:

Congratulations!!! :dance:

Our instructions, which are from October, say that the taxes have to be notarized as well.

I just called the IRS today and asked for a Certified Tax Transcript for the last 3 years. I explained that it was for immigration, and the agent said they send transcripts out all the time on IRS letterhead and that would be sufficient for immigration.

I am a notary -- to have something "notarized" is to have your signature witnessed. UNLESS you have a notary present with you when you are signing your tax returns there is no way to have it notarized. You cannot have something notarized "after the fact."

For our interview I took copies of my tax return (which was signed by me and my accountant) and I also ordered copies of my "Certified Tax Transcripts" which was a one page print out (on IRS letterhead) that stated how much I filed for that year -- and it matched up to my return and W-2. This is all you need. You really don't need to have the "Certified Tax Transcript" from the IRS but I am 'Miss #######' and didn't want to go without it.

Could you post what the instructions say about your taxes being notarized. This might help.

LovinJA - Okay, in my fiance's package there is a notice entitled .."Evidence which may be presented to meet the public charge provisions of the law."

Under the section for Affidavit of Support it says that the sponsor should attach TWO or more of the following items:

1. notarized copies of his or her latest federal income tax forms

2. A statement from his or her employer...

3. A statement from and officer of a bank.....

4. Any other evidence to establish financial ability to....

I have the letter from the bank and letter from employer and other stuff but on his checklist it asks for three years of taxes and W2's, current bank statements (how many is that?),and earning statements (I am assuming that that is paystubs). The problem is that there is confusing and misleading information. Having just been sent home for improperly filed forms I am to, say the least, apprehensive. I had my taxes done today and my accountant also said that taxes cant be notarized and he suggested, as you did, that I get a certified copy from the IRS. I wonder how long that would take and how much it would cost, and how I go about doing that. Any help would be appreciated.

Happy (1st) anniversary Mindy and Roy!! (F)

Thank you, everyone!! The year has flown past -- hard to believe we have been married that long.....seems like just yesterday.....

[Ricardo 0]

To all those heading to interviews, best of luck. I will share with you that it is a lot simpler than we make it. Do not be afraid. When you have a relationship that is solid, it is going to go well and it will show. I would advise you just to be very organized. Get an accordian folder the night before. Label it and put your evidence in order. When you get to that window, do not funble and give them excactly what they ask for. Let them give you back what they do not need.

I had 4 friends go through this recently and I told them a lil secret that worked. For those going to an interview, it may not help cause it is too late. When you are submitting your I- 129 application, get a hard cover file with accro fasteners. It has about 4 tabs. label each one with the info in sections including proof of relationship. You have heard people say you do not need the proof at the application stage, I say hogwash. When your interview date comes, that interviewer is going to go through your folder before he/ she calls you. If you have all the proof, the interview will go simple because between the application and the interview you are not going to have much to add. Walk with the info anyway. The person who interviewed my fiance told her that they do not like to have to get information out of you. If the US fiance has already given them info, then all they will do is verify that info with the Jamaican applicant. When they have nothing to look at, then they need to make an on the spot assesment and that is where the doubth comes in. I had 1 friend who did not follow my advice and had a very difficult interview. 3 out of 4 sounds like a pattern to me.

Ok. My 1 min comment for the month.

For those of you now going. By this time you should be confident in your info. When you arrive in the embassy, leave the doubts outside and go in there and be confident. Trust me, self doubt is a killer and you just have to know it will go right.

Thanks for the advice but I DID go in confident and I was turned away because my fiance and I had conflicting information and there was a lack of communication and understanding.

So I would like to add to your comment: Make sure you and your SO go over the information package that HE gets carefully, item by item, double check and triple check. The I-129 package has already been done for most of us, so what ever evidence is in there is already there. If its not enough its too late. The interview was the part that I WAS most confident about since our love is REAL. But we didnt even get the chance to be interviewed. The paperwork is terrifying.

Thanks for the good information!

Does anyone have the list that is needed for CR1 interviews? I would like to prepare my binder this month. All of my items are in an accordion folder. How many wedding pictures did you guys bring? We have over 400 pics. Which ones would be the best. Do we need 9 years of pictures? or can we have one in 99, one in 00, one in 02 one in 05 and so on. I know most of you guys are doing K1 visas.

Thanks

Jax

[Shemmy 4]

Happy Anniversary Mindy and Roy!!! And many, many more.

Ditto

[LovinJA 0]

My congresswoman sent me an email today from the embassy and we have a new date for March 27th!!!!!! :dance:

Congratulations!!! :dance:

Our instructions, which are from October, say that the taxes have to be notarized as well.

I just called the IRS today and asked for a Certified Tax Transcript for the last 3 years. I explained that it was for immigration, and the agent said they send transcripts out all the time on IRS letterhead and that would be sufficient for immigration.

I am a notary -- to have something "notarized" is to have your signature witnessed. UNLESS you have a notary present with you when you are signing your tax returns there is no way to have it notarized. You cannot have something notarized "after the fact."

For our interview I took copies of my tax return (which was signed by me and my accountant) and I also ordered copies of my "Certified Tax Transcripts" which was a one page print out (on IRS letterhead) that stated how much I filed for that year -- and it matched up to my return and W-2. This is all you need. You really don't need to have the "Certified Tax Transcript" from the IRS but I am 'Miss #######' and didn't want to go without it.

Could you post what the instructions say about your taxes being notarized. This might help.

LovinJA - Okay, in my fiance's package there is a notice entitled .."Evidence which may be presented to meet the public charge provisions of the law."

Under the section for Affidavit of Support it says that the sponsor should attach TWO or more of the following items:

1. notarized copies of his or her latest federal income tax forms

2. A statement from his or her employer...

3. A statement from and officer of a bank.....

4. Any other evidence to establish financial ability to....

I have the letter from the bank and letter from employer and other stuff but on his checklist it asks for three years of taxes and W2's, current bank statements (how many is that?),and earning statements (I am assuming that that is paystubs). The problem is that there is confusing and misleading information. Having just been sent home for improperly filed forms I am to, say the least, apprehensive. I had my taxes done today and my accountant also said that taxes cant be notarized and he suggested, as you did, that I get a certified copy from the IRS. I wonder how long that would take and how much it would cost, and how I go about doing that. Any help would be appreciated.

Happy (1st) anniversary Mindy and Roy!! (F)

Thank you, everyone!! The year has flown past -- hard to believe we have been married that long.....seems like just yesterday.....

Ricardo,

I know you that because of the experience you've already had, that you want to be thoroughly prepared this time. Totally understand, and I am right there with you! And they are right about being confident. I firmly believe that the best way to walk in there confident is to have everything they could possibly ask for, completely organized.... So, I say, lets get our anxiety out now with each other by asking all of the questions, providing as much info. as possible, and just helping each other get to that day, when we can put the anxiety in our back pockets and know that we are ready.....

The Certified Tax Transcript is free, and will take 7-10 business days to get. Call 800-829-1040, and hit the prompts to ask a tax related question. Let them know that you need a Tax Transcrpit for your last 3 years of filings. Tell them it's for immigration, and ask them about the certified part. The agent I spoke with didn't know about the "Certified", but she said that she was familiar with what they normally provide for immigration and that is what she was sending me on IRS Letterhead. I also have copies of my last 3 years 1040's, and my W2's. This should all match up with what will be on the Tax Transcript. I am providing 1 year worth of bank statements. And I will have the letter from my employer, a letter from my bank, and I will take 5 paystubs.

We will get through this..... successfully! I feel like I am obsessed right now. Every time I talk to my fiance, I am asking questions and telling him what he needs to do.... The 27th won't get here soon enough.... I want to get back to having fun loving conversations with him. But, he is so sweet. He just keeps telling me, "don't worry yourself. Everyting will be good!" So I am telling all of us with interviews coming up the same thing...

[LovinJA 0]

congrats.

Okay.

We did NOT get the visa. We didnt even get in for an interview. They didnt let us past the first window. We messed up on some paperwork and now I am kicking myself and crying my eyes out. I cant write anymore now but I will when I get home so no one else makes the same mistakes.

I am so sorry to hear that..... I am new to the forum, and have my interview on the 27th of March. I can only imagine the feelings you are experiencing right now. Although it's hard, know that this too shall pass. It may take a little more time, but you and your SO will be together forever soon. Hang in there!

WE ARE SCHEDULED FOR OUR INERVIEW ON 3/27/07 AND SEAN STILL HAS TO DO HIS MEDICAL AND THE NO IMPEDIMENT FORM. MONEY HAS JUST BEEN SO TIGHT. PLUS HE HAS TO GO ALLL THE WAY TO KINGSTON TO DO ALLL OF IT. WE OPTED NOT TO SPEND A BUNCK OF MONEY ON TRIPS TO AND FROM JAMAICA AND WE DIDNT TALK TOO MUCH ON THE PHONE EITHER. WE WANTED TO HOLD ON TO SOME MONEY NOW IM FEELING LIKE WE ARE GOING TO BE PENALIZED FOR BEING FRUGAL. LACK OF EVIDENCE MAYBE Hmmmmmmm/..........

Ebony_Sean,

My fiance has to do his medical and get the no impediment as well. His medical is scheduled for 3/14 (they said that was enough time to get the forms to the embassy when we made the appointment), and he is going to Kingston to get his Police Certificate and No Impediment (from Spanish Town) next week, 3/6. He will get both of those expidited and he said they should be ready in 3 days and he will pick them up instead of having them mailed. You may want to consider suggesting the same thing to Sean if possible.

Does he have the appointment for the medical yet?

[JaEnglishGirl 34]

Bad news: Tony's grandma just passed away He wants to go down there but we really can't afford it right now. I feel really bad. It's so hard having all his family sooooo far away If we hadn't just went to Barbados, we could probably do it, but I don't know what to do. The cheapest flight I could find was over $500 Please keep us and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

So sorry to hear

[Ricardo 0]

My congresswoman sent me an email today from the embassy and we have a new date for March 27th!!!!!! :dance:

Congratulations!!! :dance:

Our instructions, which are from October, say that the taxes have to be notarized as well.

I just called the IRS today and asked for a Certified Tax Transcript for the last 3 years. I explained that it was for immigration, and the agent said they send transcripts out all the time on IRS letterhead and that would be sufficient for immigration.

I am a notary -- to have something "notarized" is to have your signature witnessed. UNLESS you have a notary present with you when you are signing your tax returns there is no way to have it notarized. You cannot have something notarized "after the fact."

For our interview I took copies of my tax return (which was signed by me and my accountant) and I also ordered copies of my "Certified Tax Transcripts" which was a one page print out (on IRS letterhead) that stated how much I filed for that year -- and it matched up to my return and W-2. This is all you need. You really don't need to have the "Certified Tax Transcript" from the IRS but I am 'Miss #######' and didn't want to go without it.

Could you post what the instructions say about your taxes being notarized. This might help.

LovinJA - Okay, in my fiance's package there is a notice entitled .."Evidence which may be presented to meet the public charge provisions of the law."

Under the section for Affidavit of Support it says that the sponsor should attach TWO or more of the following items:

1. notarized copies of his or her latest federal income tax forms

2. A statement from his or her employer...

3. A statement from and officer of a bank.....

4. Any other evidence to establish financial ability to....

I have the letter from the bank and letter from employer and other stuff but on his checklist it asks for three years of taxes and W2's, current bank statements (how many is that?),and earning statements (I am assuming that that is paystubs). The problem is that there is confusing and misleading information. Having just been sent home for improperly filed forms I am to, say the least, apprehensive. I had my taxes done today and my accountant also said that taxes cant be notarized and he suggested, as you did, that I get a certified copy from the IRS. I wonder how long that would take and how much it would cost, and how I go about doing that. Any help would be appreciated.

Happy (1st) anniversary Mindy and Roy!! (F)

Thank you, everyone!! The year has flown past -- hard to believe we have been married that long.....seems like just yesterday.....

Ricardo,

I know you that because of the experience you've already had, that you want to be thoroughly prepared this time. Totally understand, and I am right there with you! And they are right about being confident. I firmly believe that the best way to walk in there confident is to have everything they could possibly ask for, completely organized.... So, I say, lets get our anxiety out now with each other by asking all of the questions, providing as much info. as possible, and just helping each other get to that day, when we can put the anxiety in our back pockets and know that we are ready.....

The Certified Tax Transcript is free, and will take 7-10 business days to get. Call 800-829-1040, and hit the prompts to ask a tax related question. Let them know that you need a Tax Transcrpit for your last 3 years of filings. Tell them it's for immigration, and ask them about the certified part. The agent I spoke with didn't know about the "Certified", but she said that she was familiar with what they normally provide for immigration and that is what she was sending me on IRS Letterhead. I also have copies of my last 3 years 1040's, and my W2's. This should all match up with what will be on the Tax Transcript. I am providing 1 year worth of bank statements. And I will have the letter from my employer, a letter from my bank, and I will take 5 paystubs.

We will get through this..... successfully! I feel like I am obsessed right now. Every time I talk to my fiance, I am asking questions and telling him what he needs to do.... The 27th won't get here soon enough.... I want to get back to having fun loving conversations with him. But, he is so sweet. He just keeps telling me, "don't worry yourself. Everyting will be good!" So I am telling all of us with interviews coming up the same thing...

LovinJa- Thanks. I just sent you a PM. I know what you mean about the relationship turning into Drill Sargent and soldier. My problem was that I was charmed by his Jamaican "song" and it WASNT okay. He was too laid back with the paperwork, so now I am back to being the INTERROGATOR. Some of our guys just dont understand fully the enormity of the the paperwork and the process. But ya gotta love em! You are not the only one that is OBSSESSED by the K1 Demons!!!!!!Lets keep each other strong.

[Ricardo 0]

congrats.

Okay.

We did NOT get the visa. We didnt even get in for an interview. They didnt let us past the first window. We messed up on some paperwork and now I am kicking myself and crying my eyes out. I cant write anymore now but I will when I get home so no one else makes the same mistakes.

I am so sorry to hear that..... I am new to the forum, and have my interview on the 27th of March. I can only imagine the feelings you are experiencing right now. Although it's hard, know that this too shall pass. It may take a little more time, but you and your SO will be together forever soon. Hang in there!

WE ARE SCHEDULED FOR OUR INERVIEW ON 3/27/07 AND SEAN STILL HAS TO DO HIS MEDICAL AND THE NO IMPEDIMENT FORM. MONEY HAS JUST BEEN SO TIGHT. PLUS HE HAS TO GO ALLL THE WAY TO KINGSTON TO DO ALLL OF IT. WE OPTED NOT TO SPEND A BUNCK OF MONEY ON TRIPS TO AND FROM JAMAICA AND WE DIDNT TALK TOO MUCH ON THE PHONE EITHER. WE WANTED TO HOLD ON TO SOME MONEY NOW IM FEELING LIKE WE ARE GOING TO BE PENALIZED FOR BEING FRUGAL. LACK OF EVIDENCE MAYBE Hmmmmmmm/..........

Ebony_Sean,

My fiance has to do his medical and get the no impediment as well. His medical is scheduled for 3/14 (they said that was enough time to get the forms to the embassy when we made the appointment), and he is going to Kingston to get his Police Certificate and No Impediment (from Spanish Town) next week, 3/6. He will get both of those expidited and he said they should be ready in 3 days and he will pick them up instead of having them mailed. You may want to consider suggesting the same thing to Sean if possible.

Does he have the appointment for the medical yet?

Re: No-impediement in Spanish Town, I just spent two days there. Tell him to get to Spanish Town General Registra's office by 7am if he can. By 9am the line is wrapped around the building.

[LovinJA 0]

congrats.

Okay.

We did NOT get the visa. We didnt even get in for an interview. They didnt let us past the first window. We messed up on some paperwork and now I am kicking myself and crying my eyes out. I cant write anymore now but I will when I get home so no one else makes the same mistakes.

I am so sorry to hear that..... I am new to the forum, and have my interview on the 27th of March. I can only imagine the feelings you are experiencing right now. Although it's hard, know that this too shall pass. It may take a little more time, but you and your SO will be together forever soon. Hang in there!

WE ARE SCHEDULED FOR OUR INERVIEW ON 3/27/07 AND SEAN STILL HAS TO DO HIS MEDICAL AND THE NO IMPEDIMENT FORM. MONEY HAS JUST BEEN SO TIGHT. PLUS HE HAS TO GO ALLL THE WAY TO KINGSTON TO DO ALLL OF IT. WE OPTED NOT TO SPEND A BUNCK OF MONEY ON TRIPS TO AND FROM JAMAICA AND WE DIDNT TALK TOO MUCH ON THE PHONE EITHER. WE WANTED TO HOLD ON TO SOME MONEY NOW IM FEELING LIKE WE ARE GOING TO BE PENALIZED FOR BEING FRUGAL. LACK OF EVIDENCE MAYBE Hmmmmmmm/..........

Ebony_Sean,

My fiance has to do his medical and get the no impediment as well. His medical is scheduled for 3/14 (they said that was enough time to get the forms to the embassy when we made the appointment), and he is going to Kingston to get his Police Certificate and No Impediment (from Spanish Town) next week, 3/6. He will get both of those expidited and he said they should be ready in 3 days and he will pick them up instead of having them mailed. You may want to consider suggesting the same thing to Sean if possible.

Does he have the appointment for the medical yet?

Re: No-impediement in Spanish Town, I just spent two days there. Tell him to get to Spanish Town General Registra's office by 7am if he can. By 9am the line is wrapped around the building.

Good advice about timing in Spanish Town, Thanks! I will be sure to pass it on. Hang in there everyone!

[Sonshyne 2]

Happy Sunday Yardies,

Hope you all had a good weekend!!!

[brownnskinn 0]

I like the new 'do denden. Nice pic.

Thanks, but no..the old "do"...I just cut it off....now I'm wearing a silky weave B)

Happy (1st) anniversary Mindy and Roy!! (F)

Congrat!!!!!!