I-130 January 2017 Filers

[tayhan 12]

2 hours ago, Liz92 said:

I bet you guys are hanging to see each other! How exciting! Did they say how long that would take? Thanks for all the info by the way @tayhan. It's super helpful. 😊

No problem! About 2-3 weeks. We’ve been in a ldr for seven years, but I honestly feel like this last couple of weeks will be the longest! 

[DeepInLove 35]

Hi, 

So here is my story, Sorry if it is a bit long.
I am a Muslim, single mom of two children, divorced ,  met online( doing a project) with this man. He showed me interest but I rejected as he was a Hindu, and 10 years younger than me. Time passed by, we decided to meet. But because of my Pakistani origin I couldn't get Indian Visa and he couldn't get US visa,  so we met in another country. Neither my parents were happy with all this nor his, he being the only child of his parents. After first meeting we decided to marry. To marry him he had to convert to my religion so he became a Muslim. We got married after a year in another country, being a destination wedding on the beach with no family members, Our witnesses were hotel manager and one of my now husband's friend.  Before filing for I130, I was very upset so I collected courage and posted my first post here on VJ, telling this story and asked for an advice. I got so many negative comments and everyone was just coming up with one answer that this is a difficult case and be ready to stay away from him for many years. I cried and became disheartened. My husband told me to ask admins to delete that thread because it was making me more sad and discouraging me to even apply for CR1.
So the thread was deleted, I applied for Cr1, but I put daily one hour reading Visa Journey, I read almost all cases, do's, dont's, prepared evidence. made trips. I did everything that I could, and case moved on, my case was very well presented and front loaded, so I didn't get a checklist or rfe. Now it was the time of the interview, for that also, I talked about everything possible to him. But he got so many tricky questions. when he was in interview, all those comments on VJ were still in my head so I was quiet sure that he is not getting visa this time and I even made him prepared for that. When he came back I was shocked to know that he got the visa, Wooohooooo. I am still in disbelief. This is the happiest news of our life. we both cried before and after the interview.
I would like to thank you all for support that you guys provided the whole year. specially @Yeonin in our January 2017 filers made it a lil funner for all of us January filers, who kept group and discussions active. I love you all. I am just posting my story and interview questions here so that if there is another genuine couple in the same scnario, they can get benefit out of it and always listen to negative comments and precautionary comments as they make you prepare for the worst.

Here are his interview questions in Bombay US Consulate:

* Who is calling you?
* How did you guys got to know each other?
* What type was that software project that you did for her?
* Where does her parents live currently?
* Where is her mother from?
* Where is her Father from?
* No. Her Father is from India. He was born in India?
* Why did you marry her?
* Describe your wedding ceremony.
* What is common between you guys?
* How you share the same culture, she is from different country?
* In your Nepal trip you only stayed at hotel, Why did'nt you go anywhere outside?
* Show me Nepal trip pics.
* Describe your wedding in Srilanka?
* Does she have kids?
* Which grades are they in?
* Age of kids?
* Which school do they go to?
* Public or Private?
* If you do not know then how are you planning to pay the fees for kids education?
* What is "Jo dekhna hay dekho aur niklo yahan se" means. (It was in our Skype chat records after this statement we both had a big fight).
* What do you do for living?
* Did your father attended your wedding on Skype?
* If he was not in favor of it why he even attended it on Skype?
* How did you convince your parents after the wedding?
* Are they happy with the marriage now?
* What do you mean by easy marriage laws in Srilanka. In your statement?
* What are disagreements between you?
* What are you going to do in USA?

 

We got the stamped passport on VFS pickup location in two days. We both are luckiest people on the face of this earth and we thank our God to find the love of life. I pray all of you guys who are genuinely in love to be together as soon as possible. Please send us positive prayers so that we both love each other and respect each other even more in coming years.
God bless you.

[K3lZ33 3]

Well, fellow January 2017 filers it is now 12 months later! 

Today, at 11:00 AM, the NVC received the final info they requested on the checklist. (Thanks to the IRS, it took 4.5 months to get my 2016 Tax Transcripts)

I am so anxious for this to be over and I am praying the review of the checklist items won't take all of the 11 possible weeks!

I feel like if it goes well he could be here as soon as March. I'm trying not to think about it so much that I start to stress out, but I'm so ready for this long-distance marriage to be over, and our "normal" married life to begin. LDR's are so stressful when you already had a life together before the decision to immigrate. That separation is just unbearable, as you all know, too well!   

 

This kind of agony just takes the life right out of a relationship!
 

A BIG CONGRATS to those who have been granted their visas!

 

[sahilpatel12 41]

visa cr1 approved mumbai 

[karenc1238 2]

I am very happy and excited to announce that FINALLY after 391 days my visa petition was approved 

[Binna 108]

Seeing that almost all Jan filers are through the I-130 Petition approval phase and for all that their Petitions are still pending approval, I am so sorry and I can only imagine what you are going through - stay strong and remain positive.

 

For all those that have gone through POE, how is your new life in the US? Anything interesting to share?

 

I did POE on Jan 6, I got my SSC in hand some 15 days after my POE (although the date on the SSC is 4 days after my POE). I am still waiting for GC and DL (studying the Florida driving license handbook)

 

Has anyone received their physical GC (Green Card) in hand yet? How long did it take to arrive from your POE date? (assuming you paid immigrant fee before POE).

 

All the best to everyone!

 

[Pat&Vince 97]

9 minutes ago, Binna said:

Seeing that almost all Jan filers are through the I-130 Petition approval phase and for all that their Petitions are still pending approval, I am so sorry and I can only imagine what you are going through - stay strong and remain positive.

 

For all those that have gone through POE, how is your new life in the US? Anything interesting to share?

 

I did POE on Jan 6, I got my SSC in hand some 15 days after my POE (although the date on the SSC is 4 days after my POE). I am still waiting for GC and DL (studying the Florida driving license handbook)

 

Has anyone received their physical GC (Green Card) in hand yet? How long did it take to arrive from your POE date? (assuming you paid immigrant fee before POE).

 

All the best to everyone!

 

 

 

Hi there!  I see that we are at the exact same point (or almost) ;-)

 

My POE was Jan 4th, SSN arrived in 12 days (shockingly good surprise) and still waiting on the physical Green Card.

 

First few days were about getting a phone number, health insurance linked to my husband's company, etc.

 

Still have to get some bank stuff fixed... which is surprisingly very slow (you would think that AMEX would be delighted to send you a new CC asap, so you can spend and owe them interests? Apparently not!), and got "a bit" frustrated with the leasing office of the high-rise we live in... expensive service doesn't always mean fast and good service!

 

Other than that, I studied and passed (first try!) the DL written test. Behind the wheel test is on March 6th. It is so weird having to study and pass that stuff after having driven hundred thousands of miles for years, it's a bit insulting! Hopefully, I'll forget about the bad habits and drive like a fresh and well educated young driver would drive :-)

 

Life im California is definitely pretty laid-back, quite the change for me... It's also a big change not having a job after 2 decades of working non-stop. Can't say I'm not enjoying myself, but I can already feel the need to get busy again soon (that guilt of sitting at home while my husband is at the office!). At least, I have more time to explore this beautiful city by myself and trying to figure out better the public transportation.

 

Also, it's quite funny to hear friends and people asking about what my status is... Some seem a bit confused : So, you are American now? Me : Nope, not at least for another 3 years! Or, asking if we have any concerns about the current administration regarding immigration, or apologizing on behalf of America for the current situation :-)

 

BTW, Is anyone going to get TSA pre-check?

 

So yeah... next step is getting the updated resume and portfolio together and start the job hunting process, soon!

 

 

 

Welcome everyone in this big country and enjoy being reunited with your spouse, love is all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Binna 108]

7 minutes ago, Pat&Vince said:

BTW, Is anyone going to get TSA pre-check?

I just posted a question on a similar topic waiting for an answer -

 

[Pat&Vince 97]

3 minutes ago, Binna said:

I just posted a question on a similar topic waiting for an answer -

 

 

Oh I see, but Global Entry and TSA pre-Check are different things. 

 

As residents (non citizens), I don't think we are eligible for Global entry (which useful for returning from international flights).

 

TSA pre-check allows to get to the fast/prority line through security, and not having to remove shoes, belts and computers from bags. That can be useful on domestic flights for frequent travelers.

 

 

 

 

[Binna 108]

3 minutes ago, Pat&Vince said:

 

Oh I see, but Global Entry and TSA pre-Check are different things. 

 

As residents (non citizens), I don't think we are eligible for Global entry (which useful for returning from international flights).

 

TSA pre-check allows to get to the fast/prority line through security, and not having to remove shoes, belts and computers from bags. That can be useful on domestic flights for frequent travelers.

 

 

 

 

Yeah I understand the difference lol... I posted the question to the OP of that thread coz he's LPR not citizen. So I wanted to know if he succeed. If he did succeed then GE entry covers TSA pre-check as well

 

[Binna 108]

7 minutes ago, Pat&Vince said:

As residents (non citizens), I don't think we are eligible for Global entry (which useful for returning from international flights).

Actually you are eligible see link below:

 

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/eligibility

 

Eligibility for Global Entry

Are You Eligible?

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and citizens of the following countries are eligible for Global Entry membership:

[Pat&Vince 97]

2 minutes ago, Binna said:

Yeah I understand the difference lol... I posted the question to the OP of that thread coz he's LPR not citizen. So I wanted to know if he succeed. If he did succeed then GE entry covers TSA pre-check as well

 

 

 

Well, apparently, we should be eligible...

 

 

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/eligibility

 

 

 

 

 

1 minute ago, Binna said:

Actually you are eligible see link below:

 

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/eligibility

 

Eligibility for Global Entry

Are You Eligible?

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and citizens of the following countries are eligible for Global Entry membership:

 

 

Ah, LOL you beat me to that one. ;-)

[Binna 108]

7 minutes ago, Pat&Vince said:

 

 

Well, apparently, we should be eligible...

 

 

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/eligibility

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ah, LOL you beat me to that one. ;-)

I am good at that

I would wait until I have my GC though and then give it some additional few months to a year before applying.

[AJLove 53]

Scan date: 12/28

Case Close: 2/1

[Henken23 96]

On 1/31/2018 at 5:43 PM, DeepInLove said:

Hi, 

So here is my story, Sorry if it is a bit long.
I am a Muslim, single mom of two children, divorced ,  met online( doing a project) with this man. He showed me interest but I rejected as he was a Hindu, and 10 years younger than me. Time passed by, we decided to meet. But because of my Pakistani origin I couldn't get Indian Visa and he couldn't get US visa,  so we met in another country. Neither my parents were happy with all this nor his, he being the only child of his parents. After first meeting we decided to marry. To marry him he had to convert to my religion so he became a Muslim. We got married after a year in another country, being a destination wedding on the beach with no family members, Our witnesses were hotel manager and one of my now husband's friend.  Before filing for I130, I was very upset so I collected courage and posted my first post here on VJ, telling this story and asked for an advice. I got so many negative comments and everyone was just coming up with one answer that this is a difficult case and be ready to stay away from him for many years. I cried and became disheartened. My husband told me to ask admins to delete that thread because it was making me more sad and discouraging me to even apply for CR1.
So the thread was deleted, I applied for Cr1, but I put daily one hour reading Visa Journey, I read almost all cases, do's, dont's, prepared evidence. made trips. I did everything that I could, and case moved on, my case was very well presented and front loaded, so I didn't get a checklist or rfe. Now it was the time of the interview, for that also, I talked about everything possible to him. But he got so many tricky questions. when he was in interview, all those comments on VJ were still in my head so I was quiet sure that he is not getting visa this time and I even made him prepared for that. When he came back I was shocked to know that he got the visa, Wooohooooo. I am still in disbelief. This is the happiest news of our life. we both cried before and after the interview.
I would like to thank you all for support that you guys provided the whole year. specially @Yeonin in our January 2017 filers made it a lil funner for all of us January filers, who kept group and discussions active. I love you all. I am just posting my story and interview questions here so that if there is another genuine couple in the same scnario, they can get benefit out of it and always listen to negative comments and precautionary comments as they make you prepare for the worst.

Here are his interview questions in Bombay US Consulate:

* Who is calling you?
* How did you guys got to know each other?
* What type was that software project that you did for her?
* Where does her parents live currently?
* Where is her mother from?
* Where is her Father from?
* No. Her Father is from India. He was born in India?
* Why did you marry her?
* Describe your wedding ceremony.
* What is common between you guys?
* How you share the same culture, she is from different country?
* In your Nepal trip you only stayed at hotel, Why did'nt you go anywhere outside?
* Show me Nepal trip pics.
* Describe your wedding in Srilanka?
* Does she have kids?
* Which grades are they in?
* Age of kids?
* Which school do they go to?
* Public or Private?
* If you do not know then how are you planning to pay the fees for kids education?
* What is "Jo dekhna hay dekho aur niklo yahan se" means. (It was in our Skype chat records after this statement we both had a big fight).
* What do you do for living?
* Did your father attended your wedding on Skype?
* If he was not in favor of it why he even attended it on Skype?
* How did you convince your parents after the wedding?
* Are they happy with the marriage now?
* What do you mean by easy marriage laws in Srilanka. In your statement?
* What are disagreements between you?
* What are you going to do in USA?

 

We got the stamped passport on VFS pickup location in two days. We both are luckiest people on the face of this earth and we thank our God to find the love of life. I pray all of you guys who are genuinely in love to be together as soon as possible. Please send us positive prayers so that we both love each other and respect each other even more in coming years.
God bless you.

This is a great piece, I really admire your courage and sincerity.BIG congratulations to you guys and I wish You The Very Best as you start your great journey.