It finally happened.

**Watson42** · 6th December 10, 10:23 AM

Congratulations to you, that is wonderful news.

**fluter** · 6th December 10, 08:36 PM

Woo hoo! that's great news.

**Arlen** · 7th December 10, 07:52 AM

Well, just as an update:
I finally got my actual notice in the post yesterday. They approved my I130, but have determined that, contrary to what they told me before I got married, moved here and applied for my visa, I am not eligible to adjust my status here. (To get a green card.)

So they have forwarded my application to the National Visa Centre who will take my fees and forms etc and then forward it on to my 'Local Consulate.'
I tried phoning them to explain that I have been living in the U.S. for two years and that I was told I could just deal with it at my local immigration office here in Boise.
They are unable to deal with anything/tell me anything for sure until the 15th-20th when my case has loaded to their systems, but basically it looks like they are going to stick to their guns.

So, it looks like I may have to risk everything, go back to the U.K. around the time of my appointment and go to that with the hopes that they will actually grant me a green card/work permit and allow me to go back to the U.S. afterwards.
It means I'll get to see my family and get some surgery done that I've been putting off.
Unfortunately, it also means that I am risking everything and will be going back there without knowing for sure how long it will be before I see my wife again.

I am sad, stressed, annoyed and a little bit terrified.
And that's not counting the fact that they may not tell me when my appointment is until a few days before, so I may just have to guess when it might be and go over to the U.K in the hopes that it will be soon after I arrive.

**BroosterB1** · 7th December 10, 08:42 AM

Arlan,

Just my humble opinion, but, if I were you I would consult an immigration attorney. It might cost you a few quid, but save you lots of time, energy and money in the long run.

Here is a quick goggle of firms in your area:

http://www.lawyers.com/Immigration/I...law-firms.html

Most will give you some time of consultation pro bono (to see if you have a case). You may find that this is a relatively simple matter that just needs the "right" form filed.

What ever you decide do so with your eyes open and with as much information as possible.

Cheers,

Bruce

**Burly Brute** · 7th December 10, 10:40 AM

Arlen,

I am proud as a citizen to even see someone take the process so seriously and put so much effort into the whole thing.

That being said, it sucks when the system screws people who are earnest and true about the whole thing and arent just going for a free-ride.

I will definitely keep the whole situation in my prayers, both you and your wife. God bless man and PM me if I can help it all! I doubt it, but just saying!

Congrats on the progress you have made!

Slainte,

Zach

**BoldHighlander** · 7th December 10, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by Burly Brute

I will definitely keep the whole situation in my prayers, both you and your wife.

Ditto!

**CaseyB** · 7th December 10, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by BroosterB1

It might cost you a few quid, but save you lots of time, energy and money in the long run.

Actually it's a few THOUSAND quid. We paid an immigration lawyer $3,000 USD and he did absolutely nothing! He didn't even bother to come to the immigration interview!

Is your wife a citizen? If so you should be able to get a Green Card based on that and they should give spouses priority. At least that's what they told us. Since we had just gotten married they gave my wife a "provisional" Green Card and, after two years, we had to send them another $1,000 USD to take the restrictions off.

**Arlen** · 7th December 10, 11:31 AM

Thanks guys.

We spoke to an immigration attorney through a charity who gave us some advice, but we would have had to pay her at least $300 as well as all the form fees (nearly $3000 in total) and she wouldn't have been able to help much with something like this.

For a professional immigration attorney it'd be between $1500 and $5000 just for their help to file the forms.

My wife is a U.S. Citizen who lived here all her life but that really hasn't helped us any.
The fact is, we have been following the instructions given by the 'immigration agents' on the USCIS phone line and I've learned that they have no clue what they are talking about and refuse to be help liable for their mistakes.
(Because of the mistakes they made with the fiance visa we are out $800 or so that they won't refund.)

I know we'll get it worked out eventually, but it's been quite a few years being broke and fighting red tape.

**BoldHighlander** · 7th December 10, 11:36 AM

Arlen, I hope & pray for it all to work out (quickly & smoothly) for you & Diane. Please keep us posted!

**CaseyB** · 7th December 10, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by Arlen

The fact is, we have been following the instructions given by the 'immigration agents' on the USCIS phone line and I've learned that they have no clue what they are talking about and refuse to be help liable for their mistakes.

Yup! You need to follow the instructions on the web page! Even if they directly go against what the person on the phone told you since they are not going to be the one reviewing the application. It took us nearly four years to get everything sorted out! The key is to read and re-read the document requirements and to read everything on the USCIS website and to remain resolute! I really wish I had more to offer as I know how badly this situation sucks, but all I can offer are condolences and encouragement!