VISA PROBLEMS
Yes.... we have VISA PROBLEMS! Big visa problems.
We were incorrectly assured that we would not need a visa when coming to USA. We got one for Brazil and will get one for China. (Couldn't get the China one in Sydney as it was too early to get one seeing we don't expect to get to China till Oct or Nov).
So, as we flew into Miami, they asked us to complete a visa waiver form. Seemed like a good idea. We completed that. When we arrived, the official stamped our VW form (visa waiver) 14 June.... which is 3 months after we arrived. I guessed (incorrectly) that it would be easy to have that extended. Wrong!
So, here we are with friends (Bryan and Marcia) in Newton, Iowa. What a blessing to be with friends at a time like this.
WE HAVE TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY BY 14 JUNE IF NOT BEFORE! It's that simple. We have already booked into the BIKE ACROSS KANSAS with good friends from Wichita, Kansas. We'd been planning this event for years! Now, it looks like it's out the window. BAK goes from 10-17 June.
I have spent 4 hours this morning on the phone to embassies, Dept of Immigration, Dept of State and just about everyone else. I HATE TALKING TO ANSWERING MACHINES! If you want to speak to so-and-so, press 1, if your enquiry is regarding a visa application and your application has been sent in - press 2... etc... Isn't it a pity that our modern world has resorted to such an impersonal way to HELP people.
So... to all our friends here in USA and those in Oz.... looks like things will be curtailed somewhat. How, we don't know.... I just had to write this stuff down. It is crazy!
There are some folk who think (believe) that all we need to do is drive to Canadian border, go over and re-enter US. Well... acording to US Immigration, that won't work. I even want to know if we did that after 14 June, how long would we have to stay in Canada before we could enter on a new VW program. I CAN'T FIND THAT OUT! Can you believe that? I CAN'T FIND THAT OUT! If you find out, let me know.
I'll keep you updated as news comes to hand... but right now.... the main thing seems to be that we will have to withdraw from the Bike Across Kansas ride. That will cost us $60 US per couple I believe to withdraw at this point. We'll have to make that decision in the next day or so.
What a stuff up! You'd think I was a jolly t............!
I just pray that God's name will be glorified through all this.
Sorry.... no pictures allowed! (Just kidding!)
posted by Keasty @ 4:06 AM
9 Comments:
Surely there's a defined time frame somewhere that spells out how long you need to be out of the country before you come back. I wonder why this is so elusive to find!? I'll see if I can discover any time frame information...
Keep us posted!
Good luck Julie! I've been trying all morning. Seems I've been very trying!!
Keasty, I wish I could offer you some comfort. I can't imagine how frustrating it all must be. I'm thankful for your wanting to glorify God, though. I'm still praying for y'all.
Oh no. This is NOT good news. I'm so sorry. I wish I knew SOMETHING about ANY of this, but I do not. If I learn something, I'll be certain to contact you. Keep your faith.
Wow, this is a bummer. There's a good side though! Through my procrastination, I have not sent off the $70 for bus tickets, nor have I rented/purchased a trailer for BAK. Nor have I built the roof rack for the bikes. I can still get it done if you resolve the visa thing, but if not, I can start working on getting my sailboat ready for summer..........
I'll hold off on cancelling BAK til I hear from ya later......
And not try to get the bike miles in as before (did 10 on the stationary this morning).
Someday, you'll be able to look back and laugh at this, but not today....
Hey Ron, procrastination's got a lot going for it eh? Thanks heaps. Will phone. We might come sailing instead!
Thanks Julie, Jen and Wen.... sometimes it's great to be encouraged even when there doesn't seem to be much people can do. Hey... I'm still smiling! GOD IS GOOD!
GK was that visit to the prison just a warm up for your visa stuufup??. They have some vacancies in Cuba for people with immigration problems like you I believe!!! Just kiddin' - hope it all works out. Dicko
We had an exchange student who wanted to extend her stay for a month to attend the Lutheran National Youth Gathering in Orlando, and she was advised that she had a one month grace period after her visa expired. However, this might have been exclusively for her type of visa, and may not apply in your case.
We are at peace over the issue now.
My God shall supply all your needs according to His glorious riches! Phil 4
We have a new plan which sadly does not include riding Bike Across Kansas. I'll post our new plan here when I get a chance and learn how to do it!!
How do I transfer a landscape table to this blogsite? Any clues? It's just a calendar of May and June.
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