Medical waiver for K1 Visa

[sunsi 0]

As a side note I'd like to ask more thing if you would be so kind. If you would call your State Senators and remind them of a bill that's coming up for Homeland Security where they are to decide whether or not to waiver the visa process for Poland now that Poland is part of the EU. Remind them that Poland is a friend to the USA and supports our fight on terroism and has even sent their own troops to fight along side our troops in Iraq risking their lives as well. Tell them that you are aware that only one Democrat Senator prevented the passage of this bill back in 2004 and that it's time to treat our friends in a desent manner. Thank you.

It's not so much a question of 'who is our friend' but how have Poles themselves done on obeying the terms of non-immigrant visas.

Hiya

I'm afraid I don't understand your comment would you expound on that a little and provide links, if you will, so that I too can be enlightened, thanks.

[meauxna 15]

As a side note I'd like to ask more thing if you would be so kind. If you would call your State Senators and remind them of a bill that's coming up for Homeland Security where they are to decide whether or not to waiver the visa process for Poland now that Poland is part of the EU. Remind them that Poland is a friend to the USA and supports our fight on terroism and has even sent their own troops to fight along side our troops in Iraq risking their lives as well. Tell them that you are aware that only one Democrat Senator prevented the passage of this bill back in 2004 and that it's time to treat our friends in a desent manner. Thank you.

It's not so much a question of 'who is our friend' but how have Poles themselves done on obeying the terms of non-immigrant visas.

Hiya

I'm afraid I don't understand your comment would you expound on that a little and provide links, if you will, so that I too can be enlightened, thanks.

Sure Just being a member of the EU isn't enough to get into the Visa Waiver Program, nor is being the US's friend. Greece, for example, moans a lot that they are not included even though they meet the above criteria. They don't, unfortunately, meet the State Department's criteria:

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http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/with...thout_1255.html

Visa Waiver Program - How a Country Qualifies

The country must have a very low nonimmigrant refusal rate (as explained in Section 217 ©(2)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act); and

The incidence of nationals of the country traveling as nonimmigrant visitors who are denied admission, withdraw their application, and violate the terms of a VWP admission is less than two percent of the total number of nonimmigrant nationals traveling to the U.S. during the previous fiscal year

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(link to the INA at uscis.gov)

There are other, easier to fix issue that qualify a country, but these 2 seem to be heavily weighted in the decision process.

I'm interested to know about the bill you've mentioned--do you have a bill number or a link where I can read more?

Sorry to go Off Topic!

btw, if you do get a chance to go to Poland, you might want to look into Direct Consular Filing as an option for your immigration situation. There is a Guide here at VJ that explains it, and I think Poland may allow it even if the USC does not live there.

Edited April 21, 2006 by meauxna

[sunsi 0]

rofl...whew you were just waiting for me weren't you ...very good info, btw

Yes, I have some links.....I'll go dig 'em up and be right back.

meauxna:

Direct Consular Filing

I don't know what that is but just the way you said (with a bit of authority ) mays me feel a little happy. We'll look into that infact my finace will be in Poland in May it might be something he can find out better from there, thanks.

[sunsi 0]

meauxna:

I'm interested to know about the bill you've mentioned--do you have a bill number or a link where I can read more?

Here you go, meauxna these articles cover it pretty well and provide the bill number too. I'm very interested to know how this vote went (seems like it was re-introduced last week) because this would make life so much easier for me and my Polish hunka-hunka burning love. When I called my State Senators and the bill sponsors last week they weren't aware of the status then.

http://www.polamcon.org/visawaiver0406.htm

http://santorum.senate.gov/public/index.cf...id=0&Issue_id=0

[meauxna 15]

meauxna:

I'm interested to know about the bill you've mentioned--do you have a bill number or a link where I can read more?

Here you go, meauxna these articles cover it pretty well and provide the bill number too. I'm very interested to know how this vote went (seems like it was re-introduced last week) because this would make life so much easier for me and my Polish hunka-hunka burning love. When I called my State Senators and the bill sponsors last week they weren't aware of the status then.

http://www.polamcon.org/visawaiver0406.htm

http://santorum.senate.gov/public/index.cf...id=0&Issue_id=0

Yeah, too bad---I see that the tet of the ammendment isn't published yet, so I don't really know what it says other than the summary. It's interesting; I didn't know that this was a valid way for countries to get added to the VWP list.

I did find a related post about it that does not look promising:

http://tinyurl.com/zkazw

"In order to participate in the VWP, the visa denial rate for that country must be less than three percent in the two preceding years. Poland's visa denial rate is somewhere around 17 percent."

Of course, when a source gets part of the story wrong, and uses vague 'somewhere around' language, a tend to raise an eyebrow at it. I will grant that this website doesn't exactly look like it believes in 'fair and balanced' except for the FoxNews variety...

So, back to your issue (since this won't happen fast enough to do anything for you, I'd imagine).

I take it your intended has been denied a B visa from Warsaw? (oops, just re-read that he has just now rc'd a passport)

Can he travel to Canada or Mexico? Could you, then?

Actually, in re-reading, it seems you may have some misconceptions about the process. How do you reckon it will take a year+ before he can come to the US to visit you?

What is it you would ideally like to have happen?

And, pls confirm, there is no way you can leave your home for any period of time, at all. Is that right?

[sunsi 0]

meauxna:

I did find a related post about it that does not look promising

No it doesn't. It seems this bill keeps getting sweep under the rug. I found out that the lone Senator who voted against this last time was Diane Feinstein.....I'm sure this Montana New sourse is fair and balance (now if it were Idaho, hmmm )

http://www.montanasnews.com/articles.php?mode=view&id=3691

I want to find out what happened to a House bill that addresses the Polish visa waiver, note the date.

http://www.apacouncil.org/vw/Shimkus.html

I include these last two links also because the points raised were good ones from a political view point. The first was written by an American who is Polish and the second from the Heritage Foundation that is conservative (and me the big "L" word ) but they bring up some very good arguements.

http://www.poloniatoday.com/edit.htm

http://www.heritage.org/Research/NationalSecurity/bg1850.cfm

Can he travel to Canada or Mexico? Could you, then?

I'm very close the the Canadian border but to travel there now is impossible. Are you saying that it would be easier for him to get a visa for Canada?

Actually, in re-reading, it seems you may have some misconceptions about the process. How do you reckon it will take a year+ before he can come to the US to visit you?

I admit to knowing very little but I'm getting a crash course in American & Polish visa proceedures. I think I had the lottery mixed up with this process and it's something different altogether.

What is it you would ideally like to have happen?

Well, at this point since we've talked about the options having him travel here would would be the best way.

And, pls confirm, there is no way you can leave your home for any period of time, at all. Is that right?

No, not at this time and future travel is uncertain. Also, finding a caregiver for my daughter as friends didn't feel comfortable with the responsibility.

[iceyspots 0]

And, pls confirm, there is no way you can leave your home for any period of time, at all. Is that right?

No, not at this time and future travel is uncertain. Also, finding a caregiver for my daughter as friends didn't feel comfortable with the responsibility.

Is it possible you can hire a live-in caretaker through some kind of health service? I know it may be a bit expensive, but it's even more expensive and a headache to try to prove hardship to the USCIS.

[meauxna 15]

And, pls confirm, there is no way you can leave your home for any period of time, at all. Is that right?

No, not at this time and future travel is uncertain. Also, finding a caregiver for my daughter as friends didn't feel comfortable with the responsibility.

Is it possible you can hire a live-in caretaker through some kind of health service? I know it may be a bit expensive, but it's even more expensive and a headache to try to prove hardship to the USCIS.

I agree with you, icey. I think that pursuing a waiver of the meeting requirement is one of those things that would take more effort than actually complying with the regulation.

Great idea about hiring a pro!

Can he travel to Canada or Mexico? Could you, then?

I'm very close the the Canadian border but to travel there now is impossible. Are you saying that it would be easier for him to get a visa for Canada?

Actually, in re-reading, it seems you may have some misconceptions about the process. How do you reckon it will take a year+ before he can come to the US to visit you?

I admit to knowing very little but I'm getting a crash course in American & Polish visa proceedures. I think I had the lottery mixed up with this process and it's something different altogether.

What is it you would ideally like to have happen?

Well, at this point since we've talked about the options having him travel here would would be the best way.

And, pls confirm, there is no way you can leave your home for any period of time, at all. Is that right?

No, not at this time and future travel is uncertain. Also, finding a caregiver for my daughter as friends didn't feel comfortable with the responsibility.

I don't really know anything about visas to Canada for Poles, but there is a great Canada immigration/visa group on britishexpats.com where someone can give you a straight answer about his chances.

IF he can get a US tourist visa, that would be great. But, with Poland's non-immigrant visa record, I suspect it will be difficult. He will have to show stong ties to his home and his intent to return. This can be hard for young single people. It costs $100 to apply and he will have to appear for an interview at the Consulate.

When I asked what you'd like to ideally have happen, I meant in a bigger sense. You are apparently prepared to marry this man and move him into your (currently fragile) household sight unseen. So, I'm bringing that up--don't you feel that meeting in real life and checking things out further is a more sensible approach? There *is* a reason the meeting requirement was put into the law.

Further, are you ready for everything that is a part of immigrating him? Can you support him financially? Are you OK with him not working for several months after he gets here. Is he employable right off the boat, or will he need ESL classes etc.

Sometimes people focus on 'what visa to apply for' without having a clear plan beyond 'just get him/her to the US so we can snuggle!' I'm not saying that's so for you, but maybe there are better options for you besides a marriage-based visa. Look around, there are lots of ways for him to come to the US temporarily.

[sunsi 0]

iceyspots:

Is it possible you can hire a live-in caretaker through some kind of health service? I know it may be a bit expensive, but it's even more expensive and a headache to try to prove hardship to the USCIS.

Good point. I haven't checked into such a plan so I have no idea how much the cost but it's worth a look.

meauxna:

I don't really know anything about visas to Canada for Poles, but there is a great Canada immigration/visa group on britishexpats.com where someone can give you a straight answer about his chances.

I think I've been to that site at one time and thanks for the suggestion.

When I asked what you'd like to ideally have happen, I meant in a bigger sense. You are apparently prepared to marry this man and move him into your (currently fragile) household sight unseen. So, I'm bringing that up--don't you feel that meeting in real life and checking things out further is a more sensible approach? There *is* a reason the meeting requirement was put into the law.

Further, are you ready for everything that is a part of immigrating him? Can you support him financially? Are you OK with him not working for several months after he gets here. Is he employable right off the boat, or will he need ESL classes etc.

Sometimes people focus on 'what visa to apply for' without having a clear plan beyond 'just get him/her to the US so we can snuggle!' I'm not saying that's so for you, but maybe there are better options for you besides a marriage-based visa. Look around, there are lots of ways for him to come to the US temporarily.

Well, to give you a better picture of our situation we are both on the "down slope" if you know what I mean and no longer can be considered young. I've lived a good part of my life and have a better idea of what I want and need than I did as a 20/30/40 year old. I would never invite someone into my life for a "snuggle" (ignoring my "hunka-hunka" comment earlier ) there's just too much at stake for such frivolous actions.

Yes, I can support him (if need be) and he is job ready as soon as he steps on American soil...he and I have covered this part of the equation from ever angle and prefer not to make any major or drastic mistakes at this point in our lives. With all due respect, because I am unknowledgable about the visa process does not make me immature, but appreciate you asking the question.

[meauxna 15]

Well, to give you a better picture of our situation we are both on the "down slope" if you know what I mean and no longer can be considered young. I've lived a good part of my life and have a better idea of what I want and need than I did as a 20/30/40 year old. I would never invite someone into my life for a "snuggle" (ignoring my "hunka-hunka" comment earlier ) there's just too much at stake for such frivolous actions.

Yes, I can support him (if need be) and he is job ready as soon as he steps on American soil...he and I have covered this part of the equation from ever angle and prefer not to make any major or drastic mistakes at this point in our lives. With all due respect, because I am unknowledgable about the visa process does not make me immature, but appreciate you asking the question.

heheh, as one of the more, er, "mature" folk here myself, I'm glad you took my questions in the spirit intended. Thanks for sharing important information.

Earlier I made reference to you traveling to Poland. If you could do this and marry there, it looks as if you would be able to file your petition directly with Warsaw or Krakow. This is a valuable tool but is only available to married couples.

DCF guide explains it: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...custom&page=dcf

Warsaw's page on filing petitions: http://warsaw.usembassy.gov/poland/petition.html