More inputs on FOLLOW-TO-JOIN please...

[john83]

http://www.immihelp.com/greencard/familybasedimmigration/following-to-join-benefits.html

http://www.millermayer.com/resources/general25cont.htm

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3226.html

From the websites that I've read above, I still can't fully understand the follow-to-join/following to join procedure.

[4floridabound]

HUG ME,

Go to the link that I gave to JOhn83. You will find all the answers there. And you can find there actual experiences of people who really did go thru FTJ process and that includes me.

Just remember this: Even if you only paid for your visa fee bill but you included your family on the follow to join portion of your DS230, they will already be registered as FTJ on the Embassy. NVC or USCIS will not be anymore involved so dont waste your time and money contacting them regarding about FTJ. Inquire only on the US Embassy where your visa will be processed. Write (Mail or e-mail but preferably both) them as soon as you have an idea of the date you want them to be interviewed but bear in mind that their PD(same as yours as well as your case number) must be CURRENT at that time.It is only on the day of their Consular interview that their documents(Birth Cert, Marriage Cert, NBI Clearnce,Affidavit of Support,proof of relationship,etc) will be asked and visa fee bill to be paid.

But I strongly advise that you find a way and borrow money to get the amount for their visa fee so that they will be accompanying you to the US. When you are here , just work very hard to pay for the amount that you borrowed. Being with your family is more important.We went thru the FTJ route and it was very hard for us especially the children.

[HUG_ME]

hi floridabound! i am also bound to florida, but the big question si when? my case has been completed april 30, 2008 with my dependents as FTJ. my plan before was when the interview sked comes, i will bring them with me (will have them undergo medical too) and pay their visa fee bill at the embassy. according to my friends and agency also, that can be done before. but i am not so sure now. that's why i would really like to know the time line for ftj. will the embassy be needing my financial docs (as proof of financial capabilities to support my family?) is it applicable for this kind of visa or not? will the process be smooth as long as their PDs is current, right? please do share some more info. thanks so much.

[4floridabound]

hi Hug ME,

Best to continue your plan to have your dependents with you on your interview.As long as you have listed them (either accompanying or ftj) in your DS230 that you submitted to NVC, it is going to be just fine.

If they will be accompanying you, the consul will only ask fromm you a letter of employment and compensation from your employers but if they will be following to join, there will be lots of documents that they will be asking like affidavit of support, bank statements, ITR and W-2, etc.

[suzanne4, RN]

hi floridabound! i am also bound to florida, but the big question si when? my case has been completed april 30, 2008 with my dependents as FTJ. my plan before was when the interview sked comes, i will bring them with me (will have them undergo medical too) and pay their visa fee bill at the embassy. according to my friends and agency also, that can be done before. but i am not so sure now. that's why i would really like to know the time line for ftj. will the embassy be needing my financial docs (as proof of financial capabilities to support my family?) is it applicable for this kind of visa or not? will the process be smooth as long as their PDs is current, right? please do share some more info. thanks so much.

When is your PD date? Having a file completed now really does not tell the entire picture.

There are still many more than likely ahead of you that have had their files completed for sometime.

As long as they were on your DS-230, there will be no issues. But, if they were not, then that is a completely different story and the Follow-to-Join is not in effect.

Best to speak with the attorney that processed your file, that is always best as they are directly aware of your case.

Best of luck to you.