BINATIONAL SAME SEX COUPLES !! Show up!

[FulanoDeTal 19]

Hello - we are a binational same sex couple. Started the K-1 process back in May, and still waiting for the NOA2 from TSC. I am now dreading the possibility that we might get an RFE despite doing everything by the book and checking things 10 times over. My question is: we submitted two separate signed letters of intent to marry, one from me and one from my partner, along with the original application. We did not mention what state we plan to marry in. I didn't know we had to - and anyway, I would think this would be obvious, because my partner (USC) lives in Boston, MA and that's where we will marry and live, even if we didn't mention that explicitly. Is this really grounds for an RFE?? Waiting so long for the RFE is itself painful. If we get an RFE for this insane requirement, that will be heart-breaking. But at least we will be prepared for it, if we know that's what will happen.

Can anyone here please confirm? Did you guys all include the bit about the state in your letters of intent?

Hi,

When same-sex couples first began applying for K-1 visas last year, some couples actually received RFEs requesting a copy of the state statute permitting them to marry. That initial confusion seems to have died down now, and I believe that there have been some couples from states where same-sex marriage is permitted who have not specified the intended state of marriage, but have not received an RFE. At the end of the day, this will really depend on the person who reviews your file. Even if you do get an RFE, just answer it promptly and you will be fine. It's an exasperating and lengthy process, but the happiness at the end of the road is worth every minute!

[NYCruiser 423]

Hello - we are a binational same sex couple. Started the K-1 process back in May, and still waiting for the NOA2 from TSC. I am now dreading the possibility that we might get an RFE despite doing everything by the book and checking things 10 times over. My question is: we submitted two separate signed letters of intent to marry, one from me and one from my partner, along with the original application. We did not mention what state we plan to marry in. I didn't know we had to - and anyway, I would think this would be obvious, because my partner (USC) lives in Boston, MA and that's where we will marry and live, even if we didn't mention that explicitly. Is this really grounds for an RFE?? Waiting so long for the RFE is itself painful. If we get an RFE for this insane requirement, that will be heart-breaking. But at least we will be prepared for it, if we know that's what will happen.

Can anyone here please confirm? Did you guys all include the bit about the state in your letters of intent?

Hello, welcome to the VJ Website. I too am part of a bi-national couple. A few things: The process is terribly slow and very opaque. They will not tell you anything. Ours took 6 months to the day wherein we go a RFE. My partner forgot to mention the 90 day rule in his letter of intent. The RFE took a further month so 7 months in all. We did include the state in the Letter of Intent yes

[zuluweta 250]

After a harrowing AOS marriage interview last September 15 (tough questions regarding my previous stay in the

US on an F-1 student visa but very light questions regarding the bonafides of our 20-year relationship and April 2014 marriage) then receiving a letter right after the interview stating that USCIS is 'unable to complete my case and that my case is being continued until a final decision can be made', I checked the USCIS website today, September 17, regarding the status of my AOS and this is what I got:

/start

Decision

On September 16, 2014, we mailed you a notice that we had registered this customer's new permanent resident status. Please follow any instructions on the notice. Your new permanent resident card should be mailed within 60 days following this registration or after you complete any ADIT processing referred to in the welcome notice, whichever is later. If you move before receiving your card, please call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.

/end

Finally, I am now officially a permanent resident of the USA! I can't wait for the green card so I can move on with my life and try to achieve my goals and contribute in whatever way I can to this great country.

I wish everyone still undergoing the immigration process lots of good vibes and a little bit of luck.

Edited September 17, 2014 by sjk&cjj

[zuluweta 250]

LOL, well the waiver means it could take another six months, and he hopes to get the aid in January...

Is that what you were told regarding the interview waiver? Seems others who are in the same boat as you are also expecting it to drag on for another 6 months!

I guess I'm lucky to have the interview scheduled rather quickly. After some tough questioning from the immigration officer at the marriage interview last Monday (15 September), my application to register for permanent residence just got approved September 16. I take back the deal I offered you earlier regarding changing places ;-)

[RW365 33]

Just an update: last night we received our NOA2! Super excited about it, and counting ourselves lucky that we somehow got through the arbitrary morass. Well, so far, anyway. There's the NVC and the London embassy to deal with, and hopefully that'll go smoothly.

But regarding that letter of intent to marry, we did not mention what state we were planning to marry in. My boyfriend lives in MA, and it's one of the marriage equality states. So, my conclusion is, either the system is arbitrary about who it picks out for an RFE if you don't mention the state in your letter -- or maybe it's only applications that come from states where gay marriage is not recognized (yet), that get picked out for an RFE. Mostly, I think it's arbitrary. And there but for the....

[zuluweta 250]

I checked the USCIS website. My Green Card was mailed today, September 19. I'm almost at the end of the tunnel for the adjustment of status process, and the light is getting brighter and brighter!

After getting a continuance letter (AOS under review, no decision) right after the interview, then this latest development, it feels almost surreal.

From being a binational same-sex couple split up and forced to live apart thousands of miles over many years (no thanks to that insidious piece of cr*ap legislation ironically called the Defense Of Marriage Act) to eventually being reunited back in the USA where we met, fell in love and lived our lives together as a couple for many years, and now I'm finally a permanent resident of the USA, it has been one hell of a roller coaster ride.

Edited September 19, 2014 by sjk&cjj

[travelgypsies 0]

Hello everyone!

I'm the beneficiary from Philippines. We have been together for five wonderful years and counting. We filed for the K1 Visa. Currently waiting for NVC to ship the petition to USEM so we can start the next process which is the Medical Exam and the Interview. It has been a nerve wracking experience. We know there's more to come, just taking tiny steps together. I am counting the days until I get to be with my beloved and start another adventure together, but by this time, as a married couple.

Have a good day everyone!

[zuluweta 250]

Green Card received in the mail today! USPS was very fast and efficient. Impressive!

[NYCruiser 423]

Hello.,Can anyone answer this question: At the Embassy where you were interviewed, did your fiance have a private room for the interview? The person lives in a homophobic country and we wouldnt want people listening in on the conversation. Any help would be appreciated

[bob72601 13]

Hello.,Can anyone answer this question: At the Embassy where you were interviewed, did your fiance have a private room for the interview? The person lives in a homophobic country and we wouldnt want people listening in on the conversation. Any help would be appreciated

We had our interview in a homophobic country - Dominican Republic. We did not have a private room, but we did not encounter any problems at the embassy in Santo Domingo. Best of luck.

[NYCruiser 423]

We had our interview in a homophobic country - Dominican Republic. We did not have a private room, but we did not encounter any problems at the embassy in Santo Domingo. Best of luck.

Thanks. At this Embassy, there are windows somewhat like a bank so people next to you or seated can hear the conversation. Just was wondering how you handled that

[NYjones 13]

Hi!

I haven't seen any activity here in a while, but I just wanted to post that my fiance has finally mailed out our petition. It should get to the Dallas lockbox by next Thursday. Let the wait begin!

[Davesings 30]

Hi!

I haven't seen any activity here in a while, but I just wanted to post that my fiance has finally mailed out our petition. It should get to the Dallas lockbox by next Thursday. Let the wait begin!

Congrats and Good luck!

[dsldesch 27]

Hi!

I haven't seen any activity here in a while, but I just wanted to post that my fiance has finally mailed out our petition. It should get to the Dallas lockbox by next Thursday. Let the wait begin!

Congratulations! I'm very happy for you and I look forward to hearing how your wait progresses (and all the good news I hope will follow).

I had hoped I would be in a similar situation by now, but some financial upsets have made it uncertain when we should file, and school has made it difficult to compile the necessary supporting evidence so our application isn't complete either. I've been recommended to frontload our petition (Juarez apparently needs it), but I've found it difficult to decide what messages actually demonstrate our relationship, since most of our communication has been online and there aren't phone records we could provide as evidence. Does anyone have any helpful advice, or links to helpful threads?

[NYjones 13]

Thanks Davesings & dsldesch.

Hopefully you get to file soon dsldesch. When you say online do you mean facebook? We included 15 pages of convo from facebook. We chose parts where we spoke about spending our lives together, where we menation ed by gifts for each other and taking trips together.

We had about 3 years of communication so we tried to have a conversation from each month. We also sent 20 pics, copies of postcards he sent me and immigration stamps. I am no expert at this BUT I should find out in a few months if we were on the right track.

Good luck?