PLEASE READ BEFORE USING THIS SITE OR POSTING IN ANY FORUM

[Lady Hawk]

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ

Hi and welcome to Family Based Immigration

If you haven't already done so, please make sure to have a read of the 'Home' page for an overview of what Family Based Immigration is about, as well as sound advice on using these forums.



TIPS ON GETTING THE MOST OUT OF USING FAMILY BASED IMMIGRATION



STICKY POSTS and the ADVANCED SEARCH FUNCTION:
Answering numerous questions regarding immigrating to the United States, can be unnecessarily repetitive. The top of most Forums have "Sticky" threads that have guides, as well as threads containing commonly sought information and the important official links. We do require that you read these Sticky Posts and FAQ BEFORE you post a question. We expect members to also browse through existing topics and see if the information is already available. The Advanced Search, which you will find in the 'Search' drop down menu on the blue navigation bar will assist in your search. Within the advanced search you are able to search in various ways. Experiment to find what you are looking for e.g. to the bottom left you will find a drop down list to search by 'Prefix'. This is a particularly good way to search for relevant information as many forums contain these prefixes. When starting a thread you are also able to search by using the 'Check If Already Posted' button beside the title box.


PLEASE NOTE:
The U.S. immigration system is one of the most complex with rules and laws that may be interpreted differently by the various government bodies. These rules and laws can also undergo dramatic changes caused by changing regulations. A seemingly simple question or concern might turn out to be a complex matter requiring an immigration attorney. familybasedimmigration.com is not a substitute for help from an immigration attorney.


Steps you should take:

1. Visit:
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services
U.S. Department of State
You will find direct links to various pages of both the above government sites on the DHS, USCIS & DOS menu which is on the left hand side of your screen. You will also find links throughout familybasedimmigration.com in the relevant forums. To obtain an understanding of the processes, see the Adjudicators Field Manual (linked in the left side menu bar), as well as Title 8, which is the adjudicators bible. Must reads.

2. Read the FAQ. Also read the stickied threads you will find in the forums. They contain the links to various official information as well as other resources.

3. Read the Guides and Flowcharts that are found in the Guides & Flowchart drop down on the top menu bar.

A great place to start
Understanding Your Options - Visa Options - Immigrant, K-1, K-3, & Family Preference

Guides:
K1 Visa - Guide to Filing the I-129F Fiancé(e) Petition

Immigrant Visa - Guides to Filing the I-130 Petition

K3 Visa - Guide to Filing the I-129F Petition for a Spouse

Immigrant Visa - Filing your I-130 abroad - (commonly referred to on the internet as DCF)

Guide for Adjusting Status - including a concurrent filing of the 1-130

SSN Guide

Flowcharts:
K-1 Visa Flowchart - From Filing the Petition, to the Visa Application and Interview

Immigrant Visa Flowchart - From Filing the Petition, to the Visa Application and Interview

National Visa Center (NVC) IV PROCESS & FLOWCHART

You will also find other guides stickied in various forums as well as in the Guides and Flowchart dropdown menu.

4. Use the familybasedimmigration.com ADVANCED SEARCH feature to search for information that may have already been posted. Depending on what you are searching for, one of the best ways to conduct a search is by using the 'Search by Prefix'. As you will find, most of the immigration related forums use a thread prefix.

5. If you still have questions, please post them.

6. If your situation is complex, it is probably time to speak to a competent Immigration Attorney.



NOTICE:

• Please do not misuse the Private Message and Email features to request individual help from other members or moderators. It can be extremely unwise to do so as any incorrect information given in response does not have the chance to be corrected.
• Please post all questions in the appropriate forum for all to benefit from any discussion.

FORUM RULES:
You can read the forum rules HERE
You will also be asked to accept these rules prior to posting for the first time.

THUMBS UP
When you read a thread you will see a Thumbs Up button in each post but your own. If you agree that a post contains correct information please don't hesitate to use the thumbs up. It will assist others reading a response as to its correctness. This Thumbs Up button can also be used to thank a member for their response in answering the question.

STARTING A THREAD
When you wish to ask a question by starting a new thread, please ensure that you use a relevant 'Title'. A title that just says 'question', or 'I need help' should be AVOIDED at ALL times. In your post give as much detail as possible of your circumstances where necessary to assist other members in responding to you. If you feel that you do not wish to use your member ID for a particular question, you do have the option of posting anonymously by checking the box 'Make Post Anonymously'. Only the administrator is able to see who has used this feature and as a reminder to all, abuse of the anonymous posting feature will result in a ban. So please do not use this feature to harass, flame, troll, ridicule, spout racial comments etc. There will be zero tolerance and no second chances.

IMMIGRATION & FORUM ACRONYMS & ABREVIATIONS
To find out what a particular acronym or abbreviation means there is a red button on the top right hand side of the forums pages. It is a small pop-up window, which will allow you to have the acronym and abbreviation window open whilst reading the board, making it easier to reference. If you are unable to access the pop-up window, you can still access the html page at Acronyms and Abreviations


EDITING and DELETION of POSTS
Think twice before posting

• Threads titles can and will be edited to a more appropriate title if deemed warranted.
• Posts will be removed that are deemed to have absolutely no relevance to the thread or are based solely on moral judgments as opposed to responding to the immigration factors. We are an immigration board, not a Dear Abby.
• Posts can and will be edited to remove anything that violates the Rules agreed upon when joining and before posting in these forums.
• Posts will be removed that are deemed continual chit chat, best served by using the Private Messaging function.

You can view more tips on forum use by clicking HERE

NOTE: Timelines
We are not a timeline based board, and as such we ask that you refrain from placing timelines in signatures. We also ask that you do not start 'monthly filer threads' i.e. 'November Filers not received NOA2'. These types of threads tend to breed like rabbits. These types of threads will be removed as will timelines in signatures. Members tend to belong to various immigration boards, and other boards will be able to serve any need you may have for timelines.

Thank you all for your co-operation

The Admin and Moderating Team.