ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTimelines, Experiences and advice?

I thought of another one! If I'm unable to get back for the interview, does that look bad?


Not everyone is able to go with their spouse to the interview. I have a job I cannot leave, and I'm a student. Obviously, I could not be with my husband at his interview in London today. I'm still waiting on him to get home to get all the details, but from what he said on the phone they were nice up until they got to our finances.... So I dont think me not being there negatively impacted the interview.
Amanda LynnFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-09-04 14:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTimelines, Experiences and advice?

You don't sound bitter. We know how fortunate we were to be able to have been able to spend the chunk of time together that we have and for that we're grateful. I've read through and have seen the massive separation that you've had to endure during the process and I swear each and every one of you deserve a medal. I've endured this for 1 day and I'm a basket case. I can't even imagine what it must have been like.

I think when you have it the way we've had initially, it gives you a bit of a false sense of security because you're together. Then once an ocean is placed between you it's like someone pulled out the rug from beneath you. It's like, party's over mo-fo--welcome to reality BAM! So I'm just trying to adjust.

Once we received our case number we were able to book the medical. We weren't given the option for an interview date. We were told that the interview follows the medical.


The interview is after the medical. But the difference between the two is: You can always re-book a medical interview. But once you get an interview date, you're stuck with it unless its an emergency. I guess go ahead with the medical exam if you and your husband agree. But keep in mind hte medical exam is only good for 6 months. After that, you'll need to pay for another one.
Amanda LynnFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-09-04 14:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTimelines, Experiences and advice?
First of all, I dont want to sound bitter but most people here (including me) have been literally years apart. So you will get through a number of weeks. I guess you're new and havent looked at any other threads on this site. I am happy for you two, and I am glad you have been able to spend so much time together. I only wish it for more of us going through this Visa nightmare.

I cannot speak on the self-bussiness thing but I was under the impression they only took tax filings as proof of income.

Also, if your husband has a medical interview, he needs to have his embassy interview soon also. Me and my husband waited until we had his interview date - THEN we made the medical exam date for 1 month prior. Because when they give him his visa, and he is given 6 months to leave the UK, its 6 months from the medical review not the embassy interview.

Example:

Medical Review: August 13
Embassy Interview: September 4
Anticipated Visa Expiration date: February 13

So if you make the medical appointment too early you may not give the NVC enough time to process the visa.

Edited by Amanda Lynn, 04 September 2012 - 02:20 PM.

Amanda LynnFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-09-04 14:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHusband got his visa, now a quesiton!

As iwaiting said, that just means that they will stamp (endorse) his passport and that endorsement will act as a temporary green card for up to a year while you wait for the actual green card to arrive in the mail. It should only take a few weeks.

As you have been married for more than two years he will have an IR1 visa and will not have to remove conditions later.


WHEW! Thank God.
Thank you Cathy :D
Amanda LynnFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-09-19 15:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHusband got his visa, now a quesiton!

I am confused about your question. What will lapse?

He has to enter the US by 8 Feb 2013. That will trigger his LPR status, and he will get his GC in the mail. He doesn't live in the US on a visa - using that visa to enter the US triggers his Permanent resident Status. If you have been married less than 2 years you'll need to file form I-751 in 2 years.


Thank you for your reply, it is appreciated!

The thing in his visa that says, "upon endorsement serves as a temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year" is what confused me and I wanted to ask if i had to do something about his visa.

We have been married for 3 years.
Amanda LynnFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-09-19 14:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHusband got his visa, now a quesiton!
Hello All,

I searched for a similar topic and I know there probably is one but after looking for like 30 minutes I cant find it.
What do I do so it wont expire?

The only dates he has on his visa are issue date 13 sep 2012 and exp. on 08 feb 2013. I assume this is when he has to vacate the UK. Because he just got his visa in the mail yesterday.

And it also says, "upon endorsement serves as a temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year"
So I renew it in a year? Is this an every year thing?

And on the paper that came WITH the Visa it says, "Your visa cannot be extended beyond it's validity..."

I dont get that meaning.

Edited by Amanda Lynn, 19 September 2012 - 02:48 PM.

Amanda LynnFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-09-19 14:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresP.O.E Question! (checklist)

He is coming on a spousal visa correct?! Then he does not need to complete the ESTA as that is for travellers arriving on the VWP and he does indeed have a visa. Make certain his passport is stamped witht the correct notation that he has a CR-1/IR-1 visa--they should give him an I-551 stamp on the visa to act like the GC until it arrives. He will not need to complete the I-94 on the airplane, only the Customs Declarations form. He should bring documents that are hard to obtain from afar--i.e. birth certificate, etc. He should receive the actual GC shortly after arrival so travelling back to to the UK will not be a problem.

Congratulations on getting to this point,

Dave


Hello Dave,

Thank you for your advice! We were wondering about the i-94 so you read my mind. And I totally forgot the ESTA was under the VWP! I just knew it was something we did, so i'm glad you also mentioned that!
Amanda LynnFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-31 16:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresP.O.E Question! (checklist)
Hey ya'll,

Well my husbands P.O.E date is January 7th, USCIS and NVC usually give us a handy checklist for things but I CANNOT find a checklist for the P.O.E

What he has is:

1) Passport (obv.)
2) Packet mailed to him via US Embassy
3) His ESTA is expired but he's applying for a new one tonight (last time it was approved in minutes)


.........So thats what we have so far.

Anything else????
Amanda LynnFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-12-31 16:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot our welcome letter, and another odd paper ?_?
Hey ya'll,

I googled this first and did find another thread on this question but it was from like 2007 and provided no fruitful results (was abandoned after only 3 posts)

SO we got our welcome letter i suppose and seperateley his green card. Both of the papers are related to the I-797C

1) a welcome letter. "Welcome to the United States. We have recieved your visa packet at the Port of Entry....la de da de da"

2) (This one confuses me) It says, "Notice type: receipt notice. fee previously collected" and it has things in bold like "If this case is an I-130 petition", "Applications requiring biometrics",

So is #2 normal? I dont understand its purpose. It has nothing relevant really. And its dated from January 14th.
Amanda LynnFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-01-22 20:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 APPROVED TODAY
I always used regular mail (With tracking so I know where that ####### is) I dont think you can email. I've recieved a few emails from USCIS / NVC but they seem to like snail mail. And you are literally, in the start. BUT it's a good start :D WAHOO!

You will need tax stuff yes for the "Affadavit of Support" But calm down grasshopper, I dont think thats the next step.
Amanda LynnFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-01-22 20:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow much communication do I need to print out?

Thank you for your advise, but we don't mail each other greeting cards or letters. We are from the Dominican Republic and the postal service is a real mess. Also, it cost a lot of money to use a private carrier. We talk via Whatsapp, Facebook and other internet sources. I just don't know how get those conversations out on paper. We are poor people and we didn't have a fancy wedding, we don't go to resorts, we don't transfer each other money. I am really scare about the expectations that we are suppose to fill to prove that we are a legit marriage.


There were 4 people at my wedding and we live in a trailer. Go to a library or ask someone computer savvy to help you print some pages off.

Edited by Amanda Lynn, 16 August 2014 - 11:40 PM.


Amanda LynnFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-08-16 23:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow much communication do I need to print out?

My husband printed off around 100 pages of conversation throughout the years and took greeting cards we exchanged. The interviewer passively looked at a couple of birthday cards I sent and that's it. I have heard of couples being scrutinized and the interviewer requiring timestamped things showing the length of their relationship.

 

My advice: print out a few pages per year of your relationship. Just show you continuously were together. And take cards, letters. I think they enjoy reading those sometimes.


Amanda LynnFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-08-14 19:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting another country during the Immigration process
Bump :unsure: I really need assistance on this ><

((Also, I originally posted in the K-3, but it was moved to this section...hrrm..))

Edited by Amanda Lynn, 26 May 2010 - 10:25 AM.

Amanda LynnFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-26 10:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting another country during the Immigration process
SO, my husband is in the UK and I'm in America. He wants to take a few months to visit me here for the summer.
I sent in my AoS (Affadavit of Support) this month, and we're scared we may be called for an embassy interview!

Can he visit me even though we're in the middle of immigrating?
What step is the embassy interview? IF we were to get the date while hes here, could it be rescheduled?
Amanda LynnFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-25 20:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to find a good lawyer?

I did my paperwork myself. There are definitely alot of good resources just on Visa Journey if you look around. Vanessa has a very good thread which although it is for the K-1 AOS it talks about filling out the I-864.
Here


Basically what you might need is:
-Tax returns with W2's and 1099's (or recommended are tax transcripts which are free from the IRS) for this year for both you and your father.
-Returns for the past two years are also optional to send. (If you did not file taxes you will need a letter stating why you didn't, such as you didn't make enough income, etc.)
-Paystubs for the past 6 months for both of you.
-Letters of employment for both of you stating your job and salary and how long you have been working there.
-Proof of citizenship for your father (probably a copy of the passport bio page)
-Bank statements if you are going to be adding your bank accounts into the total.

You can do some more research on Visa Journey and you'll probably find a ton of threads on this topic. Also make sure to read the instructions carefully for the I-864.

Good luck! Posted Image


Thanks so much hun :luv:
I'm sure i annoy so many people on this site with my remedial questions, but people like you replying with useful information really makes me feel like ONE DAY, my husband will be here :lol:
Amanda LynnFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-08-13 14:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to find a good lawyer?

Yep. As a household member you will add him to your Part 5 question 21 of the I-864 as a household member under the option G. Then in 24 B you will put his name and current income. So in 24 C it gets added to your income (if you have anything) and that total is what they look at to see if you meet the poverty guidelines or not.


I am making note of this :thumbs:
And I do have an income now, lol.

How did you know which papers to send? This is also where I am stuck.

For example, I have to provide proof that my father is drawing an income, and I have to provide why I didnt file taxes during my time of unemployment. :huh:

Did you do all the paperwork on your own? Or did you get assistance?
Amanda LynnFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-08-12 21:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to find a good lawyer?

The I-864A is not for a co-sponsor it is for a household member. If you go this route and are living in the same residence as your father than he will simply be listed under your household and fill out the I-864A. If he is not at your residence then he can be a co-sponsor and fill out a separate I-864 as an additional sponsor.


Oh okay! Well he is at the same residence as me.
Will him being a household member and still fill out the I-864A still help my case?
Amanda LynnFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-08-12 21:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to find a good lawyer?

which form did you submit (I-864 vs I-134) , and to where (NVC vs London IV )


I-864, submitted to NVC.

One of my main problems is I was out of work from May 2008-May 2010
Because of this, I am also submitting the I-864A (contract between household member and sponsor) So my father can be a Co-Sponsor. :huh:
Amanda LynnFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-08-12 21:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to find a good lawyer?
I have hit a rock on my Affadavit of Support and am thinking it would be best to get a lawyer. I submitted it in May and it was found to be incorrect and missing information. So I think I need a lawyer. I've never needed one in my life and googling "Immigration Lawyers (City)" is simply NOT helping.


Does anyone know good Immigration lawyers in the Atlanta or Metro Atlanta area?
Is there a site with reliable information? (I actually called 3 lawyers i found on google, and the phone numbers were no longer in service! Thats when i decided "google" wasnt cutting it)


Amanda LynnFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-08-12 16:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurespassport photos
I think i'm going to cry.
I just sent in an appeal with a $110 fee to USCIS with a UK size passport photo.
I didnt think size mattered. sad.gif
Amanda LynnFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-10-18 23:38:00