EmilyW

OP, I would guide against her taking any advice from sources other than official government sources. If she is here now, and you're prepared for the costs of adjusting status (not cheap at all), and she is prepared not to work or travel overseas for an extended period, go right ahead, marry, and adjust.

I can't speak for others but mine was basically a page turn, after which the officer checked the spelling of my name to make sure it was accurate on the certificate. And then I cried because I am an emotional sap, and he handed me a tissue. 🙂

Nope, there is no place on the form to state that. You're all good.

Paging @Jeanne Adil. From what I understand, you're moving fast. Are there any other red flags, such as an age difference, different religious beliefs etc?

Here's the thing: both major parties use disinformation to prove their point. Such is American politics. I'd rather this robustness than the limp handshake of Europe and Australia, both continents I have lived in, and refuse to live in again. Places where there is an active pretense of civility that is not manifested in reality. As citizens and LPRs, it's our job to be alert and cogent to that disinformation, and to be rigorous adjudicators. Is more than half the country racist, misogynistic, bigoted, blah blah blah? No more than any other country, and I've lived in a few. Heck, Australia is more racist than the US, in my experience. And the UK, where I spent a year, isn't too fond of 'Pakis' like me, as I was informed on the regular back in the 90s / early 2000s when I lived there. I like Kamala. I don't mind Trump. The US is bigger than both. TLDR; again, no-one is coming after the LGBTQ+ community. You would have been more in danger when Obama came into office against same sex marriage.

If you're eligible, you're eligible. But this is a sage reminder to everyone to wait a couple of days before filing, if you are filing in that early window. It really doesn't make a difference, time-wise, and it can save you alot of stress.

Also, if the OP has no income, then bringing in a fiancée who can't earn an income until AOS is complete, is a stress / pressure I would not voluntarily choose, especially if there was another option. Love is great, but being broke won't pay the bills.

There are no policies. Trump was the FIRST president to come into the White House supporting gay marriage. He also has no issues with legal immigration. He said it clearly on Wednesday morning that legal immigration is supported. Lots to have issues with the man over. LOTS. These two issues are not amongst them.

Diversity Lottery.

Also look to get yourself a pre-paid credit card. Basically, it's like a debit account, but any purchases go towards your credit score. I was able to get mine into the 700s pretty quickly that way.

My situation was different, in that I took our children out of the country on an extended vacation, but I had a letter notarized saying that I had permission to take the children. Nothing fancy. Just a typed letter which he and I both signed, and had notarized. As it happened, I was never asked for it, but it was great peace of mind to have it.

Whoever told you that doesn't know what they are talking about, so I would suggest not listening to them for immigration advice. You can visit, at the discretion of border officials. As mentioned by @appleblossom, it's incumbent on you to provide proof of ties to Canada when crossing the border.

If the GC was provided in 2020, are you trying to apply under the 3 year rule? If so, I'd expect some scrutiny, especially with the timeline of you living apart for a significant majority of your status as an LPR.

Unfortunately, OP, I'm guessing the pattern of trips with your parents, over an extended period, has finally triggered border interest. While you maintain that you've done nothing wrong, I would beg to differ. You admitted to working remotely while in the US. As others have said, I'm surprised they didn't turn you back around and void your visa. In terms of them interviewing you without your parents, while that might not be the norm in your country, in America, once you turn 18 (female or male), you are an adult and will be treated as such. If that is unsettling to you, perhaps visiting the US is not for you. My advice is to abide by the date given, leave before that date, tell your employer in Dubai that you are on vacation for the next four weeks (i.e. abide by the terms of your visa), and be thankful the border folk didn't revoke your visa. As for your parents, they are also now on the radar. I would advise them to move sooner rather than later. It doesn't take YEARS to wrap up a business. They are using the GC as a tourist visa themselves, and trying the old trick of 'visiting every so often' thinking their status is good. It may not be and they might find themselves in a tricky spot in the future. Overall, it's important that you and them understand the terms and conditions of yours and theirs' visas / status. It seems like you guys are skirting around the boundaries of those terms and conditions and, indeed, even breaking a couple of them. If being in the US is important to you all, please refamiliarize yourselves so you don't have a repeat.

Boiler with the Spoiler, every time!

I wish you luck. The DV is a strange little journey. You hurry up and wait multiple times, and it can be excruciating. For the record, I applied in October 2013, found out I had 'won' in May 2014, didn't interview until April 2015, and ended up moving permanently in early 2016. So, close to a 2.5 year journey in total.

OP, I have no moral opinion on vaccine waivers, but whatever you do, make your argument consistent. IMO, I'd avoid the whole 'there were no vaccines when the bible was written' argument as neither were planes, trains, automobiles, modern healthcare, internet, tv. And I'm guessing you and yours make use of all of the above.

I belong to another forum and there are a few Africans with case numbers under 800 who have not received a 2NL as yet. I'd advise you be patient or you can always reach out to the KCC for information ( KCCDV@state.gov ). Be sure to include your full name, DOB and case number to ensure you get a quick response.

Have you checked your status: https://dvprogram.state.gov/ I don't remember getting the 2NL via email but I do remember it being on the website.

As a DV Lottery Winner myself, absolutely not required. Please ensure you only take advice from official government sources, and utilize the ONLY legitimate application portal: Electronic Diversity Visa Program So many scammers around the DV, it's scary.

Just for everyone's reference, in terms of the backstory on this particular case.

They started, once we told them the story of the troubles we had when we first got together. A typical Australian response to misplaced / ignorant authority, and as a wink to, and defense of, their mama.

Immigration IS a sticky topic in the US, due to the conflation of illegal and legal immigration, the former casting doubts on the validity of latter. It's unfortunate and both sides are using immigration as a weapon. OP, here is my advice. People fear the unknown. All people of all persuasions: it's hardwired into us as humans. I am a brown female of (mostly) Asian heritage. My first marriage, I married a white man from England and the first thing his apparently very educated family said, when they found out I was brown, was 'Couldn't you have married a nice AUSTRALIAN girl'. Meaning white. Lolz. 'Whatever will the children look like'. 'They'll probably lick their knives at dinner', I said to my then fiance. Over time, once they realized we were the same in the areas that counted (family values, religion, parenting, education), the barriers literally came down overnight. They have since said how ashamed they are of their treatment of me at first. They have apologized, and they love our little mixed race children ferociously. And, while - like you - I was super hurt at the time, I came to accept that their attitude didn't come from malevolence. It came from ignorance. And time was all it took to educate them. Live your life. Love your love with all your heart. At the end of the day, what you two have will shine through.

Divorce <him> and raise your child in peace and love.

There is no fee to enter the lottery. Whoever is telling you that, or whichever site is telling you that, ignore it. Apply here FOR FREE: Electronic Diversity Visa Program (state.gov)