Vlad T

I left the US in 2003 after an overstay. I attempted to re-enter in 2008, I was denied but not told I was banned.

I applied recently for a visa and was told I did have a ban but due to the circumstances they may temporarily waive the ban.

Anyway, did my ban start in 2003 when I left or 2008 when I was stopped?

I lived in the U.S. for 3 years illegally after a J1 student work visa.

I returned home with my girlfriend (U.S. citizen) and we later got engaged.

3 and half yrs later she returned to the U.S. to be with her ill mom. I stayed for fear of getting refused.

I got told and convinced that I had nothing to worry about by someone who I thought was a good source.

Well I tried to visit her for 2 weeks but got refused and they said I need to apply at the U.S. Embassy every time I want to get into the U.S. now.

Is it possible they will ban me? We were planning on marrying in my country and then we'd apply for a spouse visa. What do you think is our best option? Is there a risk I will get banned for 5-10 years?

Thanks for help.

How many points to advance a level?

I was trying to give a follow up to a question about Creative Zen firmware upgrade problems but got shot down cos my reply was more then 300 words. In fact it wasn't. I think they meant 300 Characters which is even stingier. What gives? I need to express myself, not in shorthand, but concisely.