ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA1 Delay
I am not even going to start looking for the NOA1 until January. It's rather depressing, but it keeps me sane.
DeliciaFemaleChile2007-11-18 17:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresall I-130s going to Chicago
Read the * part, all I-130s sent after 8/30/07 have been packed up and shipped off to Chicago, same with VSC applications. I don't know if this is bad or good, but I guess it solidifies my idea that they weren't being touched at CSC or VSC.

http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

Edited by Delicia, 08 December 2007 - 12:42 AM.

DeliciaFemaleChile2007-12-08 00:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThe Dec edition of USCIS Newsletter
QUOTE
In fact, today one would be hard pressed to find a facet of immigration services where progress has not been made over the past fiscal year.


QUOTE
At the beginning of 2007, USCIS introduced a new fee structure designed to ensure that a secure and efficient immigration system is maintained and enhanced.


This is a very funny publication. They must of hired some striking comedy writers to ghost write this stuff.
DeliciaFemaleChile2007-12-14 22:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMedical Exam in Egypt
Might want to check in the regional forum for Middle East and North Africa. You will probably get better/faster info there.
DeliciaFemaleChile2007-12-15 13:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresToday is UPDATE YOUR TIMELINE Day!
Yes, its that time of the month. There seems to be many members around that haven't used the time line function. This is a very useful tool, regardless of which Service Center, Consulate or home country you belong to. Take a moment today and help out your fellow VJers and enter your time line or ensure it is updated.

At the top of the page, go to: My Assistant, from the pop up menu, select Edit / Add My Time Line and follow directions from there.

Thanks, we all appreciate it!

good.gif

Edited by Delicia, 19 December 2007 - 09:19 PM.

DeliciaFemaleChile2007-12-19 21:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWill USCIS backlog affect NOA2 as much as NOA1?
I think the post-July filers will follow this backlog delay all the way to the embassy. I don't know how if they mass issue NOA-1s at some point, then the NOA -2 becomes delayed because of the mass influx of new files. Then we hit NVC en mass and face delays there.

Better sit back and get a good hobby. I think we are in for a 1.5 year + ride.
DeliciaFemaleChile2007-12-20 12:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of support based on assests
QUOTE (Credzba @ Dec 23 2007, 07:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
As for the tax returns, american law requires you file a return, even if it is to say you have no income.


This is incorrect. There are income thresholds to satisfy that require filing of returns. If you are under those thresholds, no return is required. For 2007, the IRS income limits are:

QUOTE
Single: 65 or under: $8,750
Single: 65 or older: $10,050
Married filing jointly: (under 65 both spouses) $17,500
Married filing jointly: 65 or older (one spouse) 18,550
Married filing jointly: 65 or older (both spouses) 19,600
Married filing separately: $3,400
Head of household under 65 $11,250
Head of Household: 65 or older 12,550


If you did not file a return, the instructions say you can attach a letter explaining the reason for non filing.
DeliciaFemaleChile2007-12-23 12:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTracking NOA1 From Chicago Lockbox....
QUOTE (ohmy @ Dec 14 2007, 03:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Delicia @ Dec 14 2007, 08:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am not even sure at this point that Chicago will be the place issuing the NOA-1s as USCIS hasn't directly stated or implied that. It would be nice if they would.



Actually if you look at the receipting updates, it does say as of December 7, the I-130's have been transferred there (Chicago Lockbox) for data entry...
http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD


Yes you are correct; however, it says nothing about if Chicago will be issuing NOA-1s. Chicago is merely doing the initial data input and then the file is returned to either CSC or VSC. With the flux that things are in and Chicago not normally processing anything, it seems unlikely they will be issuing the NOA-1s but I could be wrong.
DeliciaFemaleChile2007-12-14 20:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTracking NOA1 From Chicago Lockbox....
I am not even sure at this point that Chicago will be the place issuing the NOA-1s as USCIS hasn't directly stated or implied that. It would be nice if they would.
DeliciaFemaleChile2007-12-14 08:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWe're considering re-mailing I-130
Definitely don't go by the check cashing. I have a personal check dated Oct 26 with my application and it still isn't cashed. My only advice is to perhaps just mail the application directly to either Vermont of California Service Center (depending where you live) per the old instructions.
DeliciaFemaleChile2007-12-26 22:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS filing
Might want to ask your question in the AOS forum, probably better chance of a quick and correct response.
DeliciaFemaleChile2007-12-27 19:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChicago Lockbox: RETURN TO SENDER?
QUOTE (Petaris @ Dec 24 2007, 05:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just because it hasn't been mentioned/asked it could be returned if you sent Return Receipt (as the guide suggests) as you cannot send return receipt to a P.O. Box. I am not sure if the original poster sent with Return Receipt or not but it could be a possible reason for the "Address Vacant" notice. I just sent our I-130 off today (12/24/2007) via Express Mail with delivery confirmation (from the Post Office's side, no addressee signature required) so I am really hoping it gets through. Wish us luck! smile.gif

By the way I opted to just leave off the +4 on the zip, just in case.

Merry Christmas everyone! smile.gif


The USPS can deliver it overnight with a return receipt, even to a PO Box. The commercial carriers such as UPS, FedEx, etc, require a street address.
DeliciaFemaleChile2007-12-26 19:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChicago Lockbox: RETURN TO SENDER?
QUOTE (Paul & Ilona @ Dec 15 2007, 12:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (helwardman @ Dec 14 2007, 05:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I mailed my AOS, EAD and AP application to this address this week:

USCIS
PO Box 805887
Chicago, Illinois
60680-4120

This is the correct address as specified on the I-485 and I too got "Return to sender" on the USPS tracking site. I rechecked the address with the USCIS on the phone today and they verified it.

Something weird is going on at USPS.

I'm going to wait for the package to come back to me (hopefully VERY quickly) then I'm going to send it by UPS.


Doesn't that make you wanna hurl!? What on earth is going on? You'd think the post office would know how to acknowledge the existence of certain post office boxes and use them correctly.

That one person ulfie already said "UPS doesn't deliver to PO boxes." Is this true? When (and if! unsure.gif ) Paulie recieves our package back I would rather not send it through the bumbling, incompetent post office again. I'd pay more to make sure a PRIVATE company does it, and does it right. Is it possible to send it to one of those Lockboxes using something other than USPS, or do I have to march to Chicago and deliver it myself?

'Tis true, only the USPS will express mail to a PO Box, the other carriers, UPS, FedEx, etc will only overnight to a street address.

DeliciaFemaleChile2007-12-15 00:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChoosing K-3 or IR-1/CR-1
I would stay with the IR-1/CR-1. They are both running about the same time to process, within a few months anyway, and the IR-1/CR-1 gives a green card upon completion (which includes ability to work). There is no need to file and wait (several more months) for Adjustment of Status which costs an additional $1k.
DeliciaFemaleChile2007-12-25 12:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStep to follow
Read this overview to get an understanding of the difference between the K-1, K-3 and CR-1.
DeliciaFemaleChile2008-01-09 19:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhat do i need for sponsorship CR1 visa
You can request the tax transcripts just by calling the IRS and asking for them. They only take a couple weeks to arrive.
DeliciaFemaleChile2008-01-08 21:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 instead of K3
Yeah, mybad. Too very bad for everyone. So, Montreal is still the only interview location for CR-1/IR-1 and they still take 4-6 months. sad.gif
DeliciaFemaleChile2008-01-13 17:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 instead of K3
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jan 13 2008, 03:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Credzba @ Jan 13 2008, 12:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The process is 3 phases.

1) USCIS - validation of valid petition. This takes the same no matter what as far as I can tell. A guy I know files his k1 2 weeks before I filed my I-130, we received our noa2 almost exactly 2 weeks apart.

2) NVC - K petitions pass thru here in a few weeks, I-130 takes months. The reason is the fee payment and application portion takes place in the US for I-130 instead of in applicants home country for K visas.

3) Application - K Visas receive 2 packets, a "p3" which is the application, and a "p4" which is interview date. I-130 visas receive only the "p4".

So, really the major gains to the K visas is in the mail turn around for the p3 packet. The I-130 visas may take as long as 6 months (looks at some peoples timelines) in NVC because of the awkward way it is processed. No fewer than 3 round trip mail cycles are involved, and each return to NVC takes about 2 weeks for them to process.
The P3 on the K visas is a single packet, mailed from the embassy to the applicant.

If you read here in the NVC forum there are some time savers that can significantly reduce your NVC timeline.
My wife for instance never received her ds-3032, if not for the email shortcut I'd still be in step one of nvc processing 3 months later.
If you utilize the shortcuts though, you can get through NVC in about 3 months.
That is still longer than the 1-2 months the p3 for K visas takes, but you get the benefit of an imigration visa, the american petitioner pays the fees, and files the paper work.

So, yes the I-130 is still slower than the K visas, but not by a lot, especially if you utilize the short cuts.

Best of luck to you.


The above pretty much spells it out. All this "same time to process" talk only refers to the initial petition approval at a USCIS service center. If your wife will be interviewing in Canada, there is an additional consideration, however. The wait for a CR1 interview in Montreal is significantly longer than the wait for a K3 interview in Vancouver, so you'll want to weigh how that impacts your case as well.


Recently, Vancouver started conducting the Cr-1/IR-1 interviews as well, so hopefully, the Montreal Consulate will no longer have such long backlogs waiting for an interview.
DeliciaFemaleChile2008-01-13 17:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 Interview in Lima Peru
You might get a good response from fellow Southern Americans on their forum.
DeliciaFemaleChile2008-01-15 01:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbout "Evidence of a Bonifide Marriage"
I went with the joint bank account as well. My husband (in Canada) and I (in U.S.) have a joint checking and a joint savings account.
DeliciaFemaleChile2008-01-13 17:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures7 months with no response.
AngieYShane: I am very sorry that this has happened to you. I was in the same position when I moved to my husband's country and started processing for immigration. I waited 2 years before I gave up and moved home and now am sponsoring my husband to live in the U.S. with me. Although we got to live together in his country while we were waiting, it was far from ideal living off one income, but no health coverage for myself or my accompanying son. We tried everything to get the file going again, visits in person with the politicians, letters to the Minister of Immigration and the Prime Minister and found no relief. It is a very frustrating and trying experience. We both, separately, had to evaluate our relationship and decide if all the trouble was worth it and through all that, we both came out with the same answer: Definitely, absolutely, it was worth it all.

Now, we are facing huge delays in the U.S. immigration and we certainly were not prepared for round 2. People find the immigration process entirely exhausting and frustrating. Imagine doing it twice in 2 years. blink.gif

While we live apart now and wait out USCIS, the only advice I can give you as a immigration veteran is: stay on your U.S. Senators (use both of them) as well as your U.S. Representative. Don't let them drop the ball. Call them weekly to see if they have received a response. Keep on USCIS, call them weekly as well. Ask them for some kind of status report in writing. There is no reason for this delay if you have not received an RFE. As far as maintaining your relationship, visit as often as you can. Keep the communications up, daily online text or voice chat if the long distance phone gets to be too expensive. Keep copies of those chat logs in case immigration ever wants to see more proof of a bonafide relationship. If your wife is down and depressed about the whole outlook on life and your future together, you must be upbeat and stay focused on the long term. Go back over your goals what you want when you are through this tunnel: is it a nice house filled with kids or a new puppy, or just simple things like how you want to go window shopping with her or visit a city you have never been to, all those things that you want to do once she is here. Keep her spirits up and show her you are in it for the long haul. She will do the same for you when the immigration game gets to be too much. Both of you need to learn to lean on each other so you both stay standing up.

Don't go down without a fight!
DeliciaFemaleChile2007-12-23 03:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTax Identification Number
QUOTE (simple_melanie @ Jan 3 2008, 07:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (sharif @ Jan 3 2008, 06:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (simple_melanie @ Jan 3 2008, 04:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (sharif @ Jan 3 2008, 06:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have the same question too. I was reading the W-7 today and it said it should be filed with TAX paper which and it drove me crazy because I thought we should be used in the Tax paper. I know it can be done

Yes I applyed for a ITIN for my foreign wife with my tax return last year (2006 tax year). You will need to send her passport in with your tax return. They will return her passport to your filing address in about six weeks with her ITIN number.



what if I don't have her passport. On the form they put other document like USCIS and others

They only seem interested in a passort (no copies). I tried with a BC and marriage cert. 1st which they sent back to me and ask for a passport. I had my wife express mail her passort to me via UPS and I gave it back to her next trip.


You can submit a certified copy of the passport in lieu of the original passport. The certified copies can be requested from the issuing agency (my husband was able to get a certified copy from his local consulate).
DeliciaFemaleChile2008-01-07 23:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeed help on I-130 (w/ pregnancy consideration)!
From what I have read, USCIS will not expedite cases based on pregnancy.
DeliciaFemaleChile2008-01-20 22:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOk so where to send a resubmit for I-130?
I got my entire I-130 package returned to me with a nice and pretty NOA-1 saying it was rejected. I signed the I-130, second page, on the last line, instead of the line above...

Anyway, I saw some people having problems with using the PO Box for Chicago listed on the USCIS website. What is the PO Box in Chicago that is actually working?
DeliciaFemaleChile2008-01-22 20:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOctober Filers Where Are You?!
Stalking the mailman is my favorite past time.

Edited by Delicia, 27 January 2008 - 03:09 PM.

DeliciaFemaleChile2008-01-27 15:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOctober Filers Where Are You?!
I don't think I can handle another prolonged immigration process and USCIS is only up to Sept 3, 2007 I-130s for the NOA1s. If it takes 90-120 days for the NOA1 when it used to (lets say for math purposes) take 14 days, and the NOA2 took around 90 days, that means at this pace, I will get a NOA2 around August 1, 2008. Then to NVC. Lets say things go smoothly and its 90 days at NVC, puts us at completing NVC around Nov 1, 2008. 4-6 more for Montreal interview and we are at mid 2009????

Someone help me. I think I will go hang myself now.
DeliciaFemaleChile2007-11-28 20:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOctober Filers Where Are You?!
QUOTE (lsma @ Nov 11 2007, 06:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Delicia @ Nov 11 2007, 11:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Fill out your timeline please, it helps us all!


Which member is that to? smile.gif


Nell & jeffmich smile.gif
DeliciaFemaleChile2007-11-11 19:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOctober Filers Where Are You?!
Fill out your timeline please, it helps us all!
DeliciaFemaleChile2007-11-11 16:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOctober Filers Where Are You?!
I can't figure out what you are talking about. ALL the NOA1's are delayed, regardless of the visa type. They are all processed together at the mail room in the Service Center. People applying for IR1/CR1 are facing the same delays as the K1/K3 applicants.
DeliciaFemaleChile2007-11-10 14:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOctober Filers Where Are You?!
QUOTE (Marlita @ Nov 9 2007, 10:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Still no NOA and NO CASHED CHECK!!! crying.gif mad.gif

This sucks cause I can't even get my petition number...which I guess wont give me much answers anyway. But I just want to know that somebody has at least handled my application.

I saw on the CSC timelines that somebody sent in their I-129F the same day they sent in their I-130 and they got an NOA 1 from CSC within a week!! How does that happen? So now I am thinking I should just send in the I-129f and not even wait for the I-130 NOA1. I mean, obviously they have my I130 they just arent sending me a receipt on it yet.


The NOA1's used to come within a few days of when you submitted for any type. That was prior to the mass application surge that happened in July when the fees were increased. Now, it is taking at least 2-3 months to get a NOA1 while USCIC tried to recover from the deluge.
DeliciaFemaleChile2007-11-09 23:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOctober Filers Where Are You?!
Anyone IR-1 besides me?
DeliciaFemaleChile2007-10-30 21:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOctober Filers Where Are You?!
My I-130 went in the mail today to the CA Service Center! WOOT!!
DeliciaFemaleChile2007-10-26 12:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVSC i-130 Timeline
VJ has that function already. Go to the top menu bar and hit Immigration Timelines. You can filter your searches on visa type, service center, consulate, and all kinds of different ways.
DeliciaFemaleChile2008-01-27 11:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHAS ANYONE GOTTEN IR-1 INTERVIEW DATE LATELY
Me thinks Marlita is saying to check this forum for specific information regarding the JA Embassy and their wait times for interviews. (click link)
DeliciaFemaleChile2008-01-30 21:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBringing spouse from Canada to US...confused about procedures
QUOTE (l3tranger @ Jan 30 2008, 12:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So I dont have to apply for I-129F right? I'm not planning on applying for that since the processing times are about the same and AOS would cost another 1000 dollars...not fun


No, you do not file a I-129 the CR1/IR1 route, just the I-130. The time for processing the K-3 and the CR1/IR1 are pretty similar.
DeliciaFemaleChile2008-01-30 08:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBringing spouse from Canada to US...confused about procedures
QUOTE (l3tranger @ Jan 29 2008, 02:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh! Thanks for clearing that up. So since I got my receipt, I just wait for I-130 to be approved. When that is, I'll be receiving another notice saying that it is approved, will that be my ticket to enter USA? Also, will there be a medical or biometrics or anything like that involved? Or an interview? What happens now that i got my receipt? Is it still worth the effort to submit I-129F? Which route is less costly?


Not quite, your file gets a stop over at the NVC before it goes to the Consulate and you get in line for your turn at an interview. So, summary of IR-1/CR-1 path is:

1) I-130 to Service Center
2) I-130 approved, forwarded to NVC
3) (more forms to fill out for you and your spouse)
4) Approved at NVC, NVC schedules interview at Montreal Consulate (yes medicals and other things required here, so check the guides)
5) Interview at Consulate, if approved, receive packet and head for POE.

I would suggest reading the flowchart for the CR-1.

Also, check the Canadian VJ forum for details regarding the Montreal Consulate and all other things Canuk.

Edited by Delicia, 29 January 2008 - 11:33 AM.

DeliciaFemaleChile2008-01-29 11:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS staff being rude
Everytime I have called, they state their name and employee number off the bat prior to even being asked a question. I just called them yesterday and although she didn't give me good news, she was very polite.
DeliciaFemaleChile2008-02-01 15:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat's the best way to contact congressperson?
Here is a link to a senate search engine. I would suggest finding your U.S. Senator or Congress person's website (by doing a state search on that site) and either calling their local office or using their website to email them.
DeliciaFemaleChile2008-02-04 03:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWHY TSC TAKES SO LONG TO TOUCH ALL THE APPLICATION
Your I-130 will definitely be transferred to either Vermont or California as those are the only 2 service centers that process I-130 applications. You should receive your NOA-1 from Chicago which is only doing the initial data input of the I-130 applications. Chicago, after input, will send your file to either Vermont or California, depending upon the address in the U.S. that you used. You can track the Chicago progress here (at the bottom).

Edited by Delicia, 04 February 2008 - 11:22 PM.

DeliciaFemaleChile2008-02-04 23:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduressummary of costs for IR/CR-1 process?
Although, if you are IR-1, then there is no removal of condition fees. whistling.gif
DeliciaFemaleChile2008-02-04 23:23:00