The Vent

[Frazell Thomas 0]

Stupid snow!!!

My husband was supposed to catch a bus from NYC to Toronto last night (and would have been here by now) but the winter storm warning cancelled the bus! (Even though he called them before he left his house to make sure it wasn't cancelled and they said it wasn't) Which means he went to NYC from Philadelphia for NOTHING, and then had to weasel himself back onto a sold out bus to get back to Philadelphia, only for him to try it again tonight *fingers crossed*. Don't get me wrong, snow is nice (to look at) but it can be so inconvenient sometimes! I haven't seen hubby since August and had been counting down the days...b'ah, more waiting i hate waiting

okay...starting to feel better now

-Kerri

[JillA 2]

Stupid snow!!!

My husband was supposed to catch a bus from NYC to Toronto last night (and would have been here by now) but the winter storm warning cancelled the bus! (Even though he called them before he left his house to make sure it wasn't cancelled and they said it wasn't) Which means he went to NYC from Philadelphia for NOTHING, and then had to weasel himself back onto a sold out bus to get back to Philadelphia, only for him to try it again tonight *fingers crossed*. Don't get me wrong, snow is nice (to look at) but it can be so inconvenient sometimes! I haven't seen hubby since August and had been counting down the days...b'ah, more waiting i hate waiting

okay...starting to feel better now

-Kerri

GRRR sorry to hear about that.... even though there is nothing we can do about the weather it still wreaks havoc on our travel plans!! My Mom is supposed to fly into Philly tonight from Toronto to spend Christmas with us and I have my fingers crossed she gets here!

[SpiritAlight 1]

Stupid snow!!!

My husband was supposed to catch a bus from NYC to Toronto last night (and would have been here by now) but the winter storm warning cancelled the bus! (Even though he called them before he left his house to make sure it wasn't cancelled and they said it wasn't) Which means he went to NYC from Philadelphia for NOTHING, and then had to weasel himself back onto a sold out bus to get back to Philadelphia, only for him to try it again tonight *fingers crossed*. Don't get me wrong, snow is nice (to look at) but it can be so inconvenient sometimes! I haven't seen hubby since August and had been counting down the days...b'ah, more waiting i hate waiting

okay...starting to feel better now

-Kerri

Aw...that sucks!!!!

[JillA 2]

I was so upset this morning... I went to get my PA driver's license. I looked on the Penndot website before to find out exactly what non-US citzens required. I needed my Ontario license, SSN, K-1, passport, I-94, proof of residency, etc. So I went prepared and the clerk was so RUDE. I explained that I was here to get a PA driver's license and gave her all of my paperwork. She looked at my Visa and very rudely and with attitude said "Your Visa expires on January 11th, therefore you are no longer legal and don't qualify for a PA license". Well the Jan. 11th expiry date is just the date I had to activate my K-1, obviously but try explaining that to her. She kept insisting I wouldn't be legal anymore. I tried to explain how I got married and applied for AOS but it was like talking to a brick wall. Finally she called her manager over and he was very rude too. When I calmly tried to explain the K-1 he actually said "SETTLE DOWN MISS" like he was talking to a child and as if I was getting upset which I wasn't. I said "Actually, see this sheet here, I printed this off YOUR website. It indicates as a K-1 Visa holder I am entitled to a PA DL as long as I have the following paperwork listed, which I have." They hummed and hawed and finally decided to give it to me. I was so upset with the treatment and the way they spoke to me I had tears. I know it's silly but I'm always kind and polite to everyone and didn't deserve to be spoken to in that manner. The worst part was THEY work there and I was telling THEM what was required as a non-US citizen. I was so mad that once they gave me my temp DL I huffed out and didn't even register my car I'm going to go somewhere else to do that!!

Doesn't the visa have to have a certain amount of time left on it? As I have understood it, many states require the visa to be valid for x number of days in order to use it as proof to get a DL. The thing I find so tricky is that technically, the K-1 visa is null after you get married and if you don't file for AOS right away doesn't it leave you in limbo?

Not too sure about that.... but the sheet I received off the website stated you require the marriage certificate to obtain your DL if you have already applied for AOS so I had that too which they made a photocopy of....

[Frazell Thomas 0]

JillA

Someone needs to invent a switcheroo machine, that way we could switch your mom's place with my husband's place, and we'd all be happy.

We could switch them back later if you really want to

Someone get on that, k?

[trailmix 77]

JillA

Someone needs to invent a switcheroo machine, that way we could switch your mom's place with my husband's place, and we'd all be happy.

We could switch them back later if you really want to

Someone get on that, k?

Teleportation would be good too

[Krikit 1,164]

Doesn't the visa have to have a certain amount of time left on it? As I have understood it, many states require the visa to be valid for x number of days in order to use it as proof to get a DL. The thing I find so tricky is that technically, the K-1 visa is null after you get married and if you don't file for AOS right away doesn't it leave you in limbo?

No, not the visa.... the I-94. For K-1'ers anyway. Obviously, it's different with other visa types. But that's why they also require that there be an AOS NOA so they can see that you are following through with becoming legal.

I guess really krikit gives a good example of what I am talking about - about being in your familiar environment. In her 'Canadian' experience, she knows that it is sometimes best to go right to the branch and get it sorted out.

For instance, if you were having a problem with your mortgage or wanted to talk to someone about your mortgage, you would pick up the phone or go to your branch and see them. Here - I have talked to some woman on the phone - who basically gets a commission (I would imagine) if I pick up a mtg with them - there is no one at the bank to talk to about it - who knew!?

I suppose what I am really talking about is experience - you have experience in your own country, when you are talking to these departments you know what they are talking about - and if you don't - well you have a variety of friends and friends of friends who may well have experience with whatever - be it immigration of whether banking with the crownless RBC is a good idea or not.

I completely agree with what you are saying here, Trailmix. Part of the frustration for an immigrant is trying to let go of the logic you know and understand from your own country, and realizing that it does not carry over to your new country. It's like learning the rules to a game you've never played before. Confusing at first, but makes sense after you've played it a while.

Whatever:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...t&p=2495655

Hi Gleb,

You have done a great job of framing this question, and setting out the facts.

I suggest you also post this matter on Britishexpats.com under the 'USA marriage based visa" forum. . . It is much larger than this venue, and the persons there are, in many instances, more knowledgeable than those here.

How rude.

Stupid snow!!!

My husband was supposed to catch a bus from NYC to Toronto last night (and would have been here by now) but the winter storm warning cancelled the bus! (Even though he called them before he left his house to make sure it wasn't cancelled and they said it wasn't) Which means he went to NYC from Philadelphia for NOTHING, and then had to weasel himself back onto a sold out bus to get back to Philadelphia, only for him to try it again tonight *fingers crossed*. Don't get me wrong, snow is nice (to look at) but it can be so inconvenient sometimes! I haven't seen hubby since August and had been counting down the days...b'ah, more waiting i hate waiting

I like to look at things like that this way.... the cancelling of the bus has probably saved some injury, which would have resulted in even greater heartache for those who are waiting to see their loved ones. Take peace from the fact that he will now arrive safely and only time will have been lost instead of lives.

[JillA 2]

JillA

Someone needs to invent a switcheroo machine, that way we could switch your mom's place with my husband's place, and we'd all be happy.

We could switch them back later if you really want to

Someone get on that, k?

good idea!!

[BH45 0]

Was just thinking of something and thought of this scenario.... Since the AP has already been approved and you've received the email saying so, what about going ahead with your plans and having someone courier the documents once they're delivered? You actually don't require them until you re-enter the US.

Then again, it may just arrive before you leave.

Thanks Krikit. Those elusive documents arrived today. The approval may have happened on December 8 but they didn't mail them until December 18th. I'm headed north for Christmas to be with my baby girl for the first time in 6 months. I can't wait.

[Emancipation 2]

Was just thinking of something and thought of this scenario.... Since the AP has already been approved and you've received the email saying so, what about going ahead with your plans and having someone courier the documents once they're delivered? You actually don't require them until you re-enter the US.

Then again, it may just arrive before you leave.

Thanks Krikit. Those elusive documents arrived today. The approval may have happened on December 8 but they didn't mail them until December 18th. I'm headed north for Christmas to be with my baby girl for the first time in 6 months. I can't wait.

:dance: OH that must feel soooooo darn good!! Enjoy!

[JillA 2]

Was just thinking of something and thought of this scenario.... Since the AP has already been approved and you've received the email saying so, what about going ahead with your plans and having someone courier the documents once they're delivered? You actually don't require them until you re-enter the US.

Then again, it may just arrive before you leave.

Thanks Krikit. Those elusive documents arrived today. The approval may have happened on December 8 but they didn't mail them until December 18th. I'm headed north for Christmas to be with my baby girl for the first time in 6 months. I can't wait.

How wonderful BH!! Congrats on getting those docs and have a wonderful holiday with your daughter!!

[thetreble 19]

Was just thinking of something and thought of this scenario.... Since the AP has already been approved and you've received the email saying so, what about going ahead with your plans and having someone courier the documents once they're delivered? You actually don't require them until you re-enter the US.

Then again, it may just arrive before you leave.

Thanks Krikit. Those elusive documents arrived today. The approval may have happened on December 8 but they didn't mail them until December 18th. I'm headed north for Christmas to be with my baby girl for the first time in 6 months. I can't wait.

BH, I'm so so happy for you!!!Ahh Have a wonderful time with your daughter.

[MrsCat 6]

Was just thinking of something and thought of this scenario.... Since the AP has already been approved and you've received the email saying so, what about going ahead with your plans and having someone courier the documents once they're delivered? You actually don't require them until you re-enter the US.

Then again, it may just arrive before you leave.

Thanks Krikit. Those elusive documents arrived today. The approval may have happened on December 8 but they didn't mail them until December 18th. I'm headed north for Christmas to be with my baby girl for the first time in 6 months. I can't wait.

:dance: :dance:

[Gypsyangel 11]

I was so upset this morning... I went to get my PA driver's license. I looked on the Penndot website before to find out exactly what non-US citzens required. I needed my Ontario license, SSN, K-1, passport, I-94, proof of residency, etc. So I went prepared and the clerk was so RUDE. I explained that I was here to get a PA driver's license and gave her all of my paperwork. She looked at my Visa and very rudely and with attitude said "Your Visa expires on January 11th, therefore you are no longer legal and don't qualify for a PA license". Well the Jan. 11th expiry date is just the date I had to activate my K-1, obviously but try explaining that to her. She kept insisting I wouldn't be legal anymore. I tried to explain how I got married and applied for AOS but it was like talking to a brick wall. Finally she called her manager over and he was very rude too. When I calmly tried to explain the K-1 he actually said "SETTLE DOWN MISS" like he was talking to a child and as if I was getting upset which I wasn't. I said "Actually, see this sheet here, I printed this off YOUR website. It indicates as a K-1 Visa holder I am entitled to a PA DL as long as I have the following paperwork listed, which I have." They hummed and hawed and finally decided to give it to me. I was so upset with the treatment and the way they spoke to me I had tears. I know it's silly but I'm always kind and polite to everyone and didn't deserve to be spoken to in that manner. The worst part was THEY work there and I was telling THEM what was required as a non-US citizen. I was so mad that once they gave me my temp DL I huffed out and didn't even register my car I'm going to go somewhere else to do that!!

Doesn't the visa have to have a certain amount of time left on it? As I have understood it, many states require the visa to be valid for x number of days in order to use it as proof to get a DL. The thing I find so tricky is that technically, the K-1 visa is null after you get married and if you don't file for AOS right away doesn't it leave you in limbo?

Not too sure about that.... but the sheet I received off the website stated you require the marriage certificate to obtain your DL if you have already applied for AOS so I had that too which they made a photocopy of....

I had the same problem in NJ, except I wasn't as lucky as you in that I couldn't convince them to give it to me. And I went to 3 different offices trying! Why don't they have the correct info on their brochures and on their website? Web site and brochures say I94 is enough, but apparently you need a green card to get a NJ driver's licence. Sprailenes and treble told me so, but I couldn't help trying anyway.

Congrats on getting your driver's licence! I'm a little bit jealous!

[xtinab 0]

Humph! Men! *screams