PJ

It's a numeric validation, makes sure that you only put in numbers for a field that should be numeric (such as a year). Sometimes software people try to make stuff too smart. I think I ran into that when I used some of USCIS's fillable forms and tried to put N/A into date and number fields. Just print it out and use a typewriter or handwrite it. P.J.

Whew ... that's a relief, considering we already bought tickets. Air canada had a sale last night, so I booked before I really looked into the whole permanent resident being able to go. P.J.

Hi All, Okay, we've given up on our Europe trip (for the time being). Didn't feel like going through the process of applying for a visa. So, we're going to go to Canada instead. Just wanted to make sure ... my wife has the 2 year greencard, can she just go with the green card? Thanks, P.J.

While it is a sad story, I believe strongly that it is not the US Consulate's job to "judge the mental stability of the petitioner". Having a history of depression or mental illness is not a crime, nor is applying for medical help. Denying a visa based on mental health history would essentially criminalize depression. If there was evidence of a relationship that seemed valid (call logs), and the minimum income requirements were met through the co-sponsors, I really believe that the consulate did due dilligence on its part.

One thing I would caution ... be VERY careful about the sharks outside the consulate. Also, it's really difficult to tell where the "public access" area ends and the consulate begins.

I am very nearsighted as well. I'm a software engineer, so I stare at the computer for long stretches. My wife insists that if I take off my glasses and take a break, walk around outside and stare at green trees in the distance it will make my eyesight better. My grandmother had always told me the same thing (grandma was originally from same region of China as my wife, actually). I wonder if there's any validity to it.

I've tried to get my wife to watch WWE with me. It's entertaining as heck. She thinks it's horrible. She now knows the word "wrestling" though. The more I think at work, the less I want to think for my entertainment, and vice versa. When I was in high school and worked at blockbuster shelving videos, my idea of entertainment was to read books on nonlinear systems. Now that I'm working as a software engineer, I like entertainment that doesn't make me think, just makes me laugh. Guys getting hit with steel chairs is funny.

Hi all, Okay, this is probably a stupid question, but I'm going to ask it anyway ... My wife Candy is looking for a job. Actually, she's found one, but of course they have the I-9 (you know, that form we all fill out before we work, see) ... http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/files/i-9.pdf She has her green card. However, I couldn't find that on the list. Is that the #5: Alien Registration Receipt Card with photograph (INS Form I-551)? Thanks, P.J.

My understanding is that the background checks are all on the alien (beneficiary), not the petitioner. As Trigg pointed out, a convicted child molester successfully petitioned for a visa, so obviously they haven't checked background in the past. The "International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005" that was brought up, this takes effect 3/2006, with a 60 day enactment period. I believe this only requires that if you went through a "marriage broker", that they disclose this to your potential spouse. If I were in your situation, I would probably just disclose anything in your background to your SO that they might feel need to be disclosed and that way she could honestly say that all this information was provided to her, should it ever come up. Besides, I think it's a good idea in a relationship to disclose all this, anyway. P.J.

Mick, That was absolutely hilarious! I was laughing out loud and my wife asked what was wrong with me. PJ

I've been reading a lot of posts lately and it got me thinking. I think the whole 3rd party correspondence is absolutely, positively ridiculous. It reminds me of the Salem Witch Trials. Does anyone else feel the same? There has to be some sort of accountability for the 3rd party who is making the accusation. There is an Amendment that states that one has the right to face his or her accuser. I believe this Amendment is there to prevent such things as bearing false witness due to a personal grudge, envy, or spite. I'm a big fan of the Constitution. Personally I think even after all these years, it is still a very good foundation. I would think that the spirit of the Constitution and Amendments should be somehow incorporated into the process of granting US Visas. I think I've probably posted something like this before, and sorry if I'm beating a dead horse, but it's just one of things that bothers me.

People here are giving you good advice. It would inevitably raise suspicion. Imagine going into a store and asking the owner, "Has anyone come in and told you that I'm planning to shoplift? If so, you shouldn't believe them ..." Now, if you were the store owner, wouldn't that make you a bit weary and suspicious of the person?

http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/tampa/aboutus.htm

If you think about it, they should have surveyed how many "men said that they could make an independent decision when making a major purchase like buying a house, car or other valuables." It would probably have been just as low of a percentage. I mean, I can't, or wouldn't buy a house or car without asking my wife.

I cannot overemphasize the importance of "keeping a low profile". Some of my wife's friends and relatives didn't even hear a thing about it. She called them after we got to the US and let them know that she had gone to America. Maybe we were a bit on the paranoid side, but better safe than sorry.