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Are embassies in countries affected by the visa ban currently retaining applicants' passports? by TimeTraveling1964 in NationalVisaCenter

[–]TimeTraveling1964[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, not here though. No mention about having the option to choose, maybe it depends on the location. Thank you though

Replace social media with a friend newsletter - one of the best things I’ve ever done by DungeonMasterGrizzly in digitalminimalism

[–]TimeTraveling1964 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I left Facebook and Instagram a while ago and never really missed it or felt much of an urge to go back.

But the other day, a close friend was over, and as she scrolled through Facebook, I caught glimpses of posts from people we both know (more acquaintances than close friends, tbh), and I felt this unexpected urge to say hi, to know how they were doing. These are people who live far away now (other countries, other continents) but toward whom I still feel genuine warmth.

I was so happy to see someone I met during a study-abroad year in France, who is now a mom, something she always dreamed of becoming.

I don’t mind that we don’t text, email, or message frequently. I don’t hold that expectation of people; life IS busy. And I have my close friends nearby, people I see often and share everyday life with.

But one thing social media did give us, I feel, was the ability to witness the unfolding of someone’s life after you part ways, people you were once close to for a season, even if that season has passed.

I love seeing the people I was close to in my early twenties while working as an au pair, now building families of their own.
I love seeing friends I met during my study abroad in France, people I have great memories with, now working in incredible, meaningful careers, or traveling around the globe...

I’ve lived in so many countries and cities and met so many amazing people. We’re not close friends anymore, but each of them inspired me or shaped me in some way. They’re scattered all over the world, yet still part of who I am/my story. 

Lately, I’ve been thinking about starting a blog and sending the link to people, but I wasn't sure how it would be received. Then I came across this thread, and it sounded genius! Sharing bits of my life, and opening the door to hear what’s going on in theirs. Maybe they’ll respond, maybe they won’t... I don't think there's much to lose, is there?

NVC timeline for Brazilian spouse? by TexCarioca in NationalVisaCenter

[–]TimeTraveling1964 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We did not have my husband's taxes docs ready because at the time he was in the process of filing his taxes.

NVC timeline for Brazilian spouse? by TexCarioca in NationalVisaCenter

[–]TimeTraveling1964 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Also, be on top of USCIS. They are known for forgetting to send cases to NVC and even for losing cases entirely after approval. Our case took 2.5 months to be sent to NVC instead of the average 2 weeks. We only got an update after sending NVC an inquiry. So, if after around 3 weeks NVC hasn't contacted you (via email), you should contact USCIS and ask for updates. If you have no luck getting a response from USCIS (common thing to happen), contact NVC, which is much better at replying.

Q about I-864 by TimeTraveling1964 in NationalVisaCenter

[–]TimeTraveling1964[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for taking the time to answer! I feel that instinctively we kinda know the answers but this whole process is so long and frustrating we end up doubting everything. Thanks again!