ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 interview in 11 days
Good List!! I agree that you had a good suggestion about affidavits. good.gif I just sent an email to my brother asking if he could do that for us! (he didn't buy a gift yet so he owes us . . . !)
ArlingtonMaleEcuador2008-08-04 21:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase transferred from Vermont to California!
VSC admits defeat? What a relief for the inmates! Congratulations on the reprieve! Wonder what happened to that VSC staffing plan? Had trouble attracting skilled workers to a dying town of 5,000 in Northern Vermont?
ArlingtonMaleEcuador2008-08-07 13:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVaccine REQUIRMENT QUESTION
QUOTE (Mountain777 @ Aug 1 2008, 12:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My wife has her interview this month in Bogota. Can anyone tell me what vaccines the U.S. will require for her to have?

I know the vacine requirements depend on a few different factors like her age, health, and type of work etc... she does not work in the medical field, is in excellent health and 30 yrs. of age.


See below (the CDC document has a matrix inside that is helpful):

http://travel.state..../info_3745.html

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/panel.htm
ArlingtonMaleEcuador2008-08-01 11:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVSC Alive ...My 129F & 130 Approved
CONGRATS SGR!!! GOOD LUCK GOING FORWARD! star_smile.gif
ArlingtonMaleEcuador2008-08-11 16:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresReal RFE or False RFE?
This happened to me. If you paid on-line, using the CEAC system, they will be sending you an RFE asking for the IV fee. It is irritating, but easy to remedy. Just call them and explain that you paid on-line. This has happened to many people and they seem to know exactly what the problem is. Some other people (see the NVC forum) have guessed that this happens to people, like myself, who paid as soon as the invoice appears on the CEAC on-line system. I think the trick is to wait for the IV bill to be generated (this is reported on the Automated Voice system).
ArlingtonMaleEcuador2008-08-10 08:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIM APPROVED!!!!!!!!
Congratssssss!!!!!!!!!!!! good.gif
ArlingtonMaleEcuador2008-08-20 18:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresvaccines
Here is a helpful sheet from our consulate:
http://guayaquil.usc...VACCINATION.pdf

Also, here is the document from the CDC that is the master guide on vaccinations for immigrants (see p. 15 of 24):
http://www.cdc.gov/n...pdf/ti_vacc.pdf

Another document on medical exams for immigrant visas:
http://www.cdc.gov/n...nstructions.pdf
ArlingtonMaleEcuador2008-08-16 18:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 Visa Approved !!!!
Congrats!!! It's been so long that I can't remember what your original screen name was!! Ha ha ha! We're right behind ya!
ArlingtonMaleEcuador2008-09-06 23:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA1 to NOA2 Timeline
QUOTE (hyd617 @ Apr 18 2008, 12:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Arlington @ Apr 18 2008, 11:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Eresh: Please add me to your K3 section for Vermont. Thanks!


arlington ur still waiting also?


Yep. Not even so much as a touch. sad.gif
ArlingtonMaleEcuador2008-04-18 11:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA1 to NOA2 Timeline
Eresh: Please add me to your K3 section for Vermont. Thanks!
ArlingtonMaleEcuador2008-04-18 11:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA1 to NOA2 Timeline
QUOTE (alto.d. @ Mar 27 2008, 04:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
YEEEAAAHHHHH FINALLY....JUST GOT AN EMAIL FEW MINUTES AGO THAT WE ARE APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I130 IS APPROVED NO WORD FROM I129F, NO PROBLEM I WILL TAKE THE I130.....I CAN SEE OUR I130 APPROVAL ONLINE ALSO.

kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif


EEEEXXXXCCCCCELLLENT!!
ArlingtonMaleEcuador2008-03-27 15:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresshould i take a risk on the IV fee?
Also, along with the barcode sheet, include the Dept of State receipt that you will be able to print out (after the payment is fully processed) with your DS-230 package. I would even recommend going to your bank's website and printing off the transaction detail and also include that with your DS-230 package. My DS-230 package was delayed by more than a week while they tried to figure out if I really had paid.
ArlingtonMaleEcuador2008-07-31 12:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTracking NOA1 From Chicago Lockbox....
I sent to Vermont Service Center with green USPS return receipt stamped Oct. 12, 2007. No word; check not cashed. "Lockbox" is a good term for this bureaucratic black hole. All we can hope is that there are more bodies in Chicago to work on this than there are in St. Albans, Vermont! helpsmilie.gif
ArlingtonMaleEcuador2007-12-24 22:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNo ring, interview problem?

Just tell them the truth. I figure they only care about the actual relationship and not all that conventional stuff, per se. Plus, anyone can stage a wedding with some rings. It's the essence of the relationship that they're looking for. 


Tala202FemaleCanada2014-02-15 16:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-260 Question

I am of the opinion you tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.  smile.png  Like I said, I put my 3 month stay in California on the DS-260.  I did not have a visa, at the time I didn't even know I would need one.  Not a question was asked.  I moved 18 times from age 16 - 32.  Not a question was asked but each address and dates were written down as best I could manage.  You do what you feel is best.  smile.png

I suppose I'll mull this over (read, obsess) until I actually get to the DS-260 haha :) Thanks for your help!


Tala202FemaleCanada2014-02-19 20:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-260 Question

Okay a) you should look this stuff up yourself; you're an adult going through a life changing event  wink.png  Not to make you feel bad but you need to pay attention.  tongue.png  And b) no I looked myself and it says "Applicant's residence for last 5 years.  List present address first."   

 

So if you didn't list it, you didn't and you forgot.. You can mention that at the interview if it comes up.  I have no idea if the G-325a is only for the USCIS reference or if it makes it way along with the rest of the case. 

Yea definitely agree.

I think our logic was that "residence" implied being a resident of said country at the time (in which case, I wouldn't include the Philippines/US). Now I don't know whether I should ride this logic through and see if it results in an RFE/question at interview, or nonchalantly slip it into the DS-260. I feel like the former option is safer, no?


Tala202FemaleCanada2014-02-19 20:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-260 Question

 

They likely will not compare it and I think the G-325a says residences over 6 months. 

Are you sure? I hope the G-325A is like that, because I just realized I also forgot to include my 4 months J1 stay in the US (although I did maintain a residence in Canada at the time). How could I forget to include all this! :(


Tala202FemaleCanada2014-02-19 19:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-260 Question

Hmm okay now what if I forgot to mention that on my G-325A? :blush: I just put in the Canadian address I had prior to leaving for the Philippines for the whole duration. It honestly completely slipped my mind that that lease had ended earlier. Is this gonna be a problem in the future? :(


Tala202FemaleCanada2014-02-19 16:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-260 Question

I remember reading somewhere that the DS-260 (or another form in the same stage) requires you to give all addresses you've lived in since turning 16, regardless of whether it was longer than 6 months or not. Two years ago, I spent 4 months in the Philippines on a tourist visa and co-signed a lease there. I also had no other address at the time. I assume I'd have to include that in the form, but can anyone confirm this? Thanks!


Tala202FemaleCanada2014-02-18 21:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbout to file the I-130, some questions (split topic)

Hi Everyone

 

I've been jumping around VJ looking for info but finding bits of pieces. To make a long story as short as possible, I met my American wife in 2005. I am Canadian. We filed fiance papers in 2006 and married in Georgia in 2007. We lived in Georgia from 2007 to 2010. 2 beautiful girls were born in 2008 and 2010. Mid 2010 we moved back to Canada. My wife has Canadian green card. After 4 years we've decided to move back to US to be close to my wife's family. We will be mailing I-130 in a week. We also though it best that my wife move back ahead of me so our daughter can be set up in school in August. My wife and 2 daughters will move to her parents place as domicile. Her parents are also co-sponsoring my relocation. It will be difficult for me to be separated from my wife and 2 daughters. They are special. I will stay here and continue working until I get my visa.

 

So my questions are:

1. Is there any problem with my wife moving back before me and having our household belongings shipped with her?

2. We'll be filing before she moves so her address is currently here. By July she will be living with her parents. How do I deal with this in the I-130? My wife plans to write a detailed explanation and plan in the initial cover letter.

3. We'll be setting up a US dollar fund at a bank. So will this be helpul when transfering funds later?

4. How do we expedite so the separation is short?

5. Does my having a US SSN help?

 

That's about all for now. I suspect I will have more questions once I start getting some feedback.

 

1. As others said, not only will there not be a problem, but it'll pretty much be required as she has to re-establish domicile in the US.

2. Put your current address and just call them once she's back in the US to change the address on file. You don't have to write any explanation, but go ahead if you'd like/it would make you feel better (I always figure more information is better than less).

3. Definitely helpful. You'll need to pay any and all fees in US funds from a US bank. Also, it seems like the value of CAD vs USD is dropping gradually, so it'll be advantageous to have a separate US dollar fund asap.

4. If you have special circumstances (e.g. military deployment, life endangerment, extreme medical problem, etc.), you could try for an expedite, but it's very difficult to get otherwise. They're pretty strict with it (they don't even seem to expedite for pregnancy, for example). In the meantime, just hang on, wait it out, and make the best of the time :) It'll all be over soon enough.

5. It doesn't help your process per se. I also have an SSN and figure it'll only save me some time in having to get it later on when you're actually in the US. Not too helpful otherwise.

 

As far as opening a US dollar bank account in a Canadian bank, YES! This is a really good idea. You won't have quite as many problems as some of us because you probably have some kind of US credit rating. But the only way most of us will qualify for our own credit upon arriving in the US is through a bank that will access our Canadian credit history.

 

TD and Royal Bank (that I know of, there are probably others) have equivalent US banks. 

 

TD Canada Trust in Canada and TD Bank in US

Royal Bank in Canada and RBC in US

 

I bank with TD, and at some point during this process I will open an account with the US version of the bank (which I can do without a GC or SSN, since it's a sister bank). Then I will be able to bank online with TD once I enter the US (there isn't a TD branch in the city I intend to move to) and will qualify to get a credit card in my name, because they will use my Canadian credit history. 

 

I will also be able to do transfers back and forth and only have to pay the conversion rate once per transaction. I think the transfers themselves are free at TD. I will still have some Canadian debt to pay off, so it's extremely important that I'm able to easily transfer money from the US to Canada to pay my bills.

 

You may have fewer problems establishing credit in the US since you've lived there before, but it will definitely make cross-border transfers much easier and for those of us who are going from having excellent credit in Canada to suddenly having none at all in the US, it's even more important. US banks will not check into my Canadian credit history, so it's like I never existed at all and am a 40-year-old who's never had credit!

I didn't know Canadian credit history doesn't carry over! That's a bummer. What kinds of things do you think that'll affect? (I'm a little young so I've never had to worry about credit history). I have a US bank account that's pretty much empty now; do you think it'd be to my advantage to transfer some funds over and use it a bit more to build up my credit history?


Tala202FemaleCanada2014-02-21 17:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTranslation Question-Every Detail and Stamp?

What a coincidence, I've been freaking out about this all morning. So if I have a professionally done translation of my birth certificate, but it isn't signed or stamped or anything (does say true translation, though), that would be okay for the NVC stage?


Tala202FemaleCanada2014-02-22 14:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMedical Exam Questions

You can collect EI while looking for a job too. 

Sorry to chime in like this, but what exactly is EI? I searched it up and it says it's insurance for Canadians in between jobs, but don't we always have provincial health care regardless of a job? So I guess it's for when you're outside of Canada?


Tala202FemaleCanada2014-03-16 01:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVaccinations

I asked the same question and somebody helped out a lot:

 

http://www.visajourn...ions/?p=6832503

 

I also talked to a nurse at my university health clinic and he said I'd only need MMR (already had), Tdap booster, and Varicella since I've never had it. Hope this helps!


Tala202FemaleCanada2014-03-26 01:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVaccinations

So another question. The only vaccination records I have is a form from the Toronto District School Board describing the vaccinations I needed for elementary/middle school that was filled out and signed and stamped by my pediatrician from Iran + a vaccination booklet from Quebec (for the Tdap booster and varicella vaccines I'm getting now). My university accepted the TDSB form, but I'm worried it might not be enough for this process. Any suggestions? 


Tala202FemaleCanada2014-03-28 20:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVaccinations

Thank you Tala202 for asking this.  I am trying to look forward to what I need to get.  Saved me lots of Googling.  Thanks forrestc for the info!

Haha happy my curiosity helped :) It's a lot simpler than I'd thought!


Tala202FemaleCanada2014-02-21 17:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVaccinations

We just went through this with my fiance.

 

We finally found the lists on the panel physicians websites....

 

http://www.visadoctor.ca/usa   has a easy to read list.

or

http://www.health1stmedical.ca

or

http://www.drcheema.ca/

 

Our challenge was documenting the early shots like MMR.   So she ended up getting some blood drawn and had tests to prove immunity to these.   Chicken Pox (Varicella) just will need a statement of when you had the chicken pox, if you weren't immunized.

 

 

 

Thank you so much! Exactly what I was looking for. 

 

So I should only think about Tdp, MMR, Flu, and Varicella vaccines? Even if I've never had, e.g., Hib or Menjugate vaccines?

 

Edit: I guess I shouldn't get the Flu one now since this flu season is almost over anyway?

 

 


Edited by Tala202, 19 February 2014 - 10:52 PM.

Tala202FemaleCanada2014-02-19 22:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVaccinations

So I know there's a generic list of vaccines they'll be checking for at your medical, but I feel as though not all of them apply to every age bracket (i.e. some are not recommended to get as adults, from what I've heard). Does anyone happen to know/have a resource for which vaccines are/are not needed for each age bracket? I'm trying to get these all taken care of within the next month or so to also allow for boosters :) Thank you!


Tala202FemaleCanada2014-02-19 22:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNewlyweds--How much frontloading? (Canadian)

We're just putting our petition together and it occurred to me to be worried about this.  

We've only just been married.  I still live in Canada.  I've heard that they don't really care about affidavits of bona fide marriage.

We have the receipts from our elopement.  We have our marriage certificate.  We have a few pictures of us together.  We have chat records going back years.



 

We don't have a lot of proof of ongoing marriage because, well, we were married two weeks ago and while I've applied to change my name to hers on all of my government stuff, I don't even have the OHIP and SIN cards back yet.

Does anyone have suggestions for what we should add/how much to add or if we should just continue to collect evidence after our petition goes in and take it to the interview later?

 

We're in pretty much the same situation.. got married on Jan 30th and sent out our petition on Feb 13th (would've done it earlier, but we didn't wanna send it in while I was still in the US). We haven't been approved, so I can't tell for sure if what we sent in is enough, but I'm pretty comfortable with it. Here's what we sent in:

 

- All trip itineraries Montreal - DC 

- Itinerary of trip together to Florida

- Itinerary of trip together to Germany

- Skype log

- Screenshots of my Gmail inbox with all his messages/Gchats (every 5 pages only though)

- Screen shots of FB messages showing 1300+ messages

- 8 or so pictures of us and his parents in various family settings

- Our best evidence: the lease for his current apartment that we signed together when I was with him on a J1 over the summer

 

I never changed my name (nor do I plan to) and we don't have joint finances (although I do have a SSN). We also eloped, so there were no wedding pictures or anything. 

That said, there wasn't really proof of post-marriage because, as you said, we'd only been married for two weeks.

 

As others have said, Canadians don't gain much from moving to the US (in fact, we have a bunch of things to lose), so they're not as worried about immigration fraud with us. If you can, though, get something showing that you've applied for a name change for your OHIP and SIN? I'd also say try to get some affidavits; I know I would have included a lot more of those if we didn't have the joint lease. I especially think affidavits from family would be helpful.

 

I hope that helps! 


Edited by Tala202, 02 April 2014 - 10:19 AM.

Tala202FemaleCanada2014-04-02 10:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYes you can visit- IR1-CR1 version

Canadian border patrol are awesome comparably. 

These are things I'll miss about this country. Thanks, NLR :)


Tala202FemaleCanada2014-05-09 21:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYes you can visit- IR1-CR1 version

Not in Canada.  He came up for a month and a half visit without issues, and again when we got married (stating that specifically) and again when he came to get me, with only a one way ticket.  

That's so great to hear! Thank you! Do you think it'd be any more of an issue if I was with him driving into Canada? Or is the Canadian border just very nice and understanding with this all?


Tala202FemaleCanada2014-05-09 20:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYes you can visit- IR1-CR1 version

Anyone have issues with the USC visiting them? My husband is coming here tonight and I'm afraid Canada will give him ####### for visiting me :( after all, when I crossed, it wasn't the I-130 that caught their attention, but just the fact that I was visiting my husband.


Tala202FemaleCanada2014-05-09 18:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYes you can visit- IR1-CR1 version

Quick update: Just passed through the border last night. Definitely my most difficult crossing. He asked where I lived and where I was going.. then why I was going there. As soon as I said "to visit my husband", his face changed and he started scrutinizing everything. He asked a couple of questions about my J1 stay, what I do in Montreal, what I study, when I'm returning, etc. He asked to see my return ticket and letter of enrolment in university. Ultimately, I was let through, but he sure was skeptical. Also, no mention was made of an I-130 application.


Tala202FemaleCanada2014-03-20 14:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYes you can visit- IR1-CR1 version

 

Should be fine.

 

I never had any issues crossing over and always said I was visiting my husband.  Just remember you're not doing anything wrong, smile, be polite, and friendly.

Yea I actually went through without a problem. I did get questioned a bit more than usual since I said I was visiting my husband, but they didn't even ask about an I-130 or anything. Just the usual "how long are you staying" "where do you live" "what do you do" "where'd you meet" "is he a US citizen" "how long have you been married" etc etc. I recognize most of the CBP officers that work that shift at this point and am super friendly with them, so it went pretty smoothly.

 

I'm heading over again next weekend (in-laws are in town) and then again the week after that (break before finals, so I'll be going to do my studying in the warmth of DC, as I usually do pre-finals). I feel really confident for now as I'm in school and have more than enough proof that I'll be returning (it just sounds really stupid to abandon a degree at the end and do things illegally when you already have the legal way going), hence the frequent visits. Let's see what happens after I graduate.... :/


Tala202FemaleCanada2014-03-15 23:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYes you can visit- IR1-CR1 version

Going down to visit tonight for a little over a week (it's our Spring break). I'm really paranoid I'll be denied at the border :(

 

I have a letter of enrolment, a return ticket, and a print-out of the NOA1 email (the actual one is with my husband). Anything else I should take? Any advice? Will I be okay? (crossing by land, btw - Greyhound bus) 


Tala202FemaleCanada2014-02-27 14:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYes you can visit- IR1-CR1 version

Could you go in on a student visa while waiting for the I-130? I assume yes, but I wanna double check.


Tala202FemaleCanada2014-02-15 17:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp guys! I made some mistakes filling out DS 260 :(

We're still waiting...I'm hoping that his interview will be scheduled soon so I can book my flight and I hope he won't be rescheduled for interview due to the errors. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted :)


RizNoldFemalePhilippines2013-10-06 16:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp guys! I made some mistakes filling out DS 260 :(

I called the NVC today and I was told that we can make the correction at the interview. I feel relieved and at the same time, I'm afraid my husband won't be able to pass the interview but I believe he can make it, we'll just keep on praying. Good luck to us guys and thanks so much again for your help :) 


RizNoldFemalePhilippines2013-09-25 22:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp guys! I made some mistakes filling out DS 260 :(

Oh, thank you. I'm just so worried, 1 mistake might cause a lot of problems. We would rather do the correction at the interview than wait 30 days because it will take another 30 days for them to review it. Thank you, thank you so much :)


RizNoldFemalePhilippines2013-09-24 23:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp guys! I made some mistakes filling out DS 260 :(

It's just given names of my husband and his dad, we only put the first name, we didn't include the middle name. And on his mother's surname, we put her last name before she got married (maiden name) but it's supposed to be her married name or whatever she uses now, I just learned that from here on visa journey while I was reading the forums. We were comparing the DS-260 with the DS-230 while we were doing it, that's why. On DS-230, mother's maiden is asked so that's what we put on the surname of her mother. Thank you very much too pepper438 for the information. I'll keep you guys posted what I hear from them. Thanks again :)


RizNoldFemalePhilippines2013-09-24 22:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp guys! I made some mistakes filling out DS 260 :(

That would be a great idea. I will give them a call tomorrow, maybe they can correct our mistakes over the phone like what you said, otherwise, i'll wait. Thank you so much CaizLuro :)


RizNoldFemalePhilippines2013-09-24 21:47:00