ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPacket for DS-260
I would also like to know if my husband has to send this (as he is the agent for this case)? Or if it is okay for me (as the Applicant) to send?

Do I hang on to the original documents and provide them later (at the interview) or must I send them now (via snail mail)? At this time I have a packet .pdf ready (scans).

Thanks again.
KammoFemaleCanada2011-06-19 12:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPacket for DS-260
Here is what I am sending. (in this order)

- Cover sheet
- cover letter
- Scan of Applicant's Passport (Biographic Data Page).
- Scan of Applicant's Birth Certificate.
- Scan of Certificate of Marriage (between Petitioner and Applicant).
- Scan of Applicant 's Certificate of Divorce (previous marriage).
- Scan of Applicant's Police Certificate.
- 2 Passport Size photos of Applicant (Case #, name and D.O.B written on back of both).

Is there anything else I need to send that comes to mind? I originally had birth certificates of all my children in there, but since 1 is a US citizen and the other 2 are not immigrating, I removed them. I also had a scan of my husbands divorce decree but removed it as well thinking that NVC probably only wants MY documents.

Thanks for your time.
KammoFemaleCanada2011-06-19 12:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan't submit i-864 until IV bill has been paid.

Hmm interesting. Maybe they changed it. Because our I-864 Package was reviewed and accepted before we even paid the IV bill, or according to the NVC call people it was.


Maybe some people get RFE's while some don't for doing the exact same thing... Luck of the draw I guess :)
KammoFemaleCanada2011-06-19 17:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan't submit i-864 until IV bill has been paid.

Um, where does it say in that letter that you can't send the AOS package without paying the IV bill first?


It doesn't say you cannot send it. What is does say is that they will not process anything unless BOTH bills are paid. "The NVC has received the requested Affidavit of Support (I-864). However, we are still waiting for the
Immigrant Visa fee..." Without bills first showing as "paid" you cant proceed anyways... So I guess in a round about sort of way they are saying that you can't send the AOS package without paying the IV bill first.

My husband and I were under the impression that the i-864 and the IV packets were two separate things. We paid our i-864 fee 2 weeks ago and sent the AOS packet before the IV bill was available thinking that it was okay, that both packages would be investigated separately. It appears that this is not the case as we got this letter yesterday.

I am not trying to cause any trouble and I guess at the end of the day this isn't a huge deal... I just wanted to mention what has happened to us so others don't get delays in their cases as we will for not doing it correctly.

I am not a lawyer, but if I could do this over, I would pay BOTH bills at the same time and then send the packages at the same time. This is really all I wanted to say.

Thanks for reading. :)
KammoFemaleCanada2011-06-19 17:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan't submit i-864 until IV bill has been paid.
In all of the research I have done on this website, I have been under the impression that the AOS and IV paperwork and fees are NOT linked (are two separate processes). We discovered last night that this is not true at all. Both bills must be paid at the same time according to the letter we received from NVC before they will proceed with either.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR: XXX my name XXX
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
______FEE PAYMENT:_________________________________________________
The NVC has received the requested Affidavit of Support (I-864). However, we are still waiting for the
Immigrant Visa fee(s). Please submit the fee(s) according to the instructions on the IV fee bill sent to
you from NVC. DO NOT SEND FEE PAYMENTS TO THE NVC NEW HAMPSHIRE FACILITY.
THIS WILL DELAY PROCESSING OF THE VISA. If you have not received an IV fee bill, please
contact NVC. Do not pay the fees unless you have the accompanying IV fee bill as this will result in a
delay in processing your case.
No interview will be scheduled until ALL of the information requested has been returned to the National
Visa Center.
[M5P 06/18/2011] MTLXXXXXXXXXX

We gather from this that because we paid our AOS bill before the IV bill was available our case will now be delayed.

We paid the AOS fee the day it appeared. The IV bill appeared a week and a half later. Seems that the proper thing to do is wait, pay both at the same time and submit both packets at the same time.

Just thought we should share this information. Thanks.

- Kammo
KammoFemaleCanada2011-06-19 11:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnyone else's IV payment not going through?
We paid our IV bill over 1 week ago and yet it still says in process? The i-864 bill showed as paid in 2 days... :(
The money cleared from the bank account last SATURDAY and yet... nothing?!

Anyone else dealing with this? It is very frusterating.
KammoFemaleCanada2011-06-23 11:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS 260 questions
I was a homemaker for several (6) years...
Should I be putting that in or just leave it alone (under employment history I mean)?

My concern is that it is quite a gap between 2002-2008 for lack of working.

I've kinda asked this before but wondered...
I have a daughter with my USC spouse, so she is a duel citizen... she will be joining me in the move to the US but will NOT be immigrating...
Would it help/not be harmful if i attached a comment in the iv packet explaining the situation and perhaps including her US birth certificate? OR should i just leave it alone?!

Dont want any rfe's!! :)

Thanks for the help!
KammoFemaleCanada2011-06-24 18:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting to get excited now!
@ Saylin and OBX: I agree with what both of you are saying. I noticed your date of interview last night actually (Saylin) :)

I'm not sure why the operator said what they said, or it could be that they meant that the NVC themselves only schedule in the second week of every month? I guess in all my excitement I could have asked her to be more clear... :lol:

Those guys definitely confuse me, but what matters is that yet another hurdle is over!
KammoFemaleCanada2011-07-08 09:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting to get excited now!
We were too excited and just decided to call!

The case has been completed as of today! :thumbs: Its official!

She said to call back in the middle of the month to see if they have been able to scheduled an interview. They only schedule interviews for the second week of every month from what we gather so we will either be in mid august or mid september.

Yay!
KammoFemaleCanada2011-07-07 18:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting to get excited now!

When did u mail ur rfe back to nvc?


We are doing the process electronically. There was nothing to send back. When the IV bill cleared the RFE was complete. (this was 3 weeks ago).
KammoFemaleCanada2011-07-07 18:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting to get excited now!
Hmmm... Well I called NVC and listened to the 'Voice Auto'.

It said that they received the "checklist letter response" on July 6th, 2011 and to allow 6-8 weeks for processing.

I have no clue what that means!

We had spoken to an operator last night to clear up some confusion we had with the recording prior. Maybe thats all it was about.

Anyway, regardless, we are getting closer!

Definitely cause to celebrate!
KammoFemaleCanada2011-07-07 12:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting to get excited now!

Grats! That email means your case is complete!! Posted Image

For the SIF, are you logging in here: https://ceac.state.g...ice/signon.aspx ? There's two links for Canadians since we do online forms and that link you won't get a SIF. But with the link I just provided, that's used by everybody to pay bills. That's the site you should get a SIF.

EDIT: I actually just tried signing into the link for the online forms, and even after 4 months, I can still log in. Posted Image So definitely make sure you're using the link I gave.



<insert BIG GRIN here>!!

I totally get a SIF when I log into that link!! Okay, now I am shaking!!

VERY EXCITING! :dance:

I'm going to start crossing my fingers for an interview date set by the end of the month! Maybe I'll end up in Montreal by mid September or sooner!!

Whee!!

PS @ Saylin - Did you receive the same letter that I pasted here?

Edited by Kammo, 07 July 2011 - 12:31 PM.

KammoFemaleCanada2011-07-07 12:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting to get excited now!
My husband and I both got an email this morning containing this:

Dear Sir/Madam:

All documentation necessary to complete the National Visa Center's processing of your case has been received. As soon as an interview date has been scheduled, the applicant, petitioner and attorney (if applicable) will be notified.

The applicant should NOT make any travel arrangements, sell property, or give up employment until the US Embassy or Consulate General has issued a visa.

The US Embassy or Consulate General may require additional documentation at the time of the interview.


I tried to log into the NVC portal and did not get a SIF, but I did note that the fees that once showed as paid are now blocked and say unavailable. I am sure that even a few days ago they still had green check marks. Any one else had this letter or log in experience? The wondering is driving me crazy! I know that some day in the not so distant future we will be done but its still nerve racking! :wacko:
KammoFemaleCanada2011-07-07 10:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresINTERVIEW DATE!

Good luck! I will have mine on 12 Sep :)


:D
KammoFemaleCanada2011-07-17 21:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresINTERVIEW DATE!
We got our interview date for August 26th at Montreal!! :-D

Yay!
KammoFemaleCanada2011-07-15 19:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Packet, where are you?

It took 13 days for my email interview packet to arrive..


Wow, thats a bit of a wait! We called NVC last night because we were not sure what else to do and the operator sounded shocked that we had not received anything once we were approved. Course she had no idea what we should do other than wait... I'll keep my fingers crossed for something soon and hope the medical appointment can be done right away!! :)
KammoFemaleCanada2011-07-20 17:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Packet, where are you?

Just call, you don't need to wait to call them.
Its on the DOS website in the contact us section? It sure does help when you do research for things.


There is no need to imply I have not done my research. This process has been as daunting on me as it has for everyone else that comes to this website. There are many different opinions and it gets nerve racking while discussing something that is as important as this process. I created an account because I needed help. If I knew everything already I wouldn't be here.

If you don't feel like offering me advice just don't reply. You are by no means obligated.
KammoFemaleCanada2011-07-20 12:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Packet, where are you?
Do you happen to know where I might find the correct number to call?

How long should I wait to call? I want to give them enough time (its been 5 business days) but at the same time I have an interview in less than 6 weeks and still need medical.
KammoFemaleCanada2011-07-19 20:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Packet, where are you?

Montreal does not take calls only emails.

Montreal is VERY slow.


edit - call DOS and find out if they mailed out your packet its much faster than trying to email Montreal.


DOS = NVC? Same phone number?
KammoFemaleCanada2011-07-19 13:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Packet, where are you?
Hi there,

We were given our interview date for August 26. Our files left NVC on the 15th...

Does anyone know when we might get our "Interview Packet" email?

I'd like to book my medical soonish and require the interview letter to do so.

If for some reason we just don't get the package... do we need to call NVC or the actual consulate where we are set to have our interview? (Montreal)

Thanks
KammoFemaleCanada2011-07-19 13:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFinal Preparation for Interview
Hi there,

I just thought I'd post here to be sure that I have done everything I need to in order to prepare for my final interview (Montreal). It is scheduled in just over two weeks!! :-D

- Folder containing: proof of relationship, all originals that were sent to NVC as scans, all packets we have sent electronically to NVC, DS-230 filled out.

- Doctor's appointment set to go next week. Have a packet for that with all documents required.

- Just applied for DHL at the US Visa Service (Canada) Website. I did a print screen of it just in case I needed proof.

With all that being said, does it sound like I am missing something important? After NVC approved our case, it wasn't exactly clear what all the final steps were. I am glad I had this website to lean on. I would not have known I had to apply for DHL myself or that it may be helpful to have a copy of the DS-230.

Thanks for your time.
KammoFemaleCanada2011-08-09 16:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMoving my belongings before I have my visa?

Shouldn't be a problem. Just tell CBP what you are doing. Having a copy of the interview letter might help.


Thats exactly what I was thinking... Having my husband take any documents that might help prove that we were approved and just waiting on visa. The answers here seem so mixed though that I'm starting to think it might be better to be safe than sorry and just not do it. I was telling him last night that I wish his long vacation was 2 weeks later but what can be done?! :)
KammoFemaleCanada2011-08-11 10:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMoving my belongings before I have my visa?

I wouldn't try it myself because there's a chance of refusal. Also, I got my Visa 72 hours after my interview so maybe yours will arrrive on time. Good luck!


Wow! Thats really fast! :) Where abouts were you in Canada?
KammoFemaleCanada2011-08-10 14:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMoving my belongings before I have my visa?
Here's the deal.

We have our interview set for August 26th. With the assumption that we are approved, I return home and wait for the visa. A week after the interview my husband has a long weekend from work (Labour Day). We were thinking that this would be the best time to move my stuff since he normally works 6 day weeks (he lives 3 hours from me). Since the chance of my having my visa in hand 5 business days later is nil we have been discussing the possibility of him moving my stuff without me. Is this legal/acceptable? I don't have much moving to the US with me. About 2 medium sized boxes. We were thinking that he could show the officer our documents and explain the circumstances as this is the most convenient weekend to move. I do not have a license so I cannot move the stuff alone on a later date and his next long weekend is Thanksgiving. Has anyone else run into a similar situation?

Thanks
KammoFemaleCanada2011-08-09 20:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTravelling back to Canada with my CR-1 Visa
Hi. I will be going home to Canada for a weekend on my stamped Cr-1 (entered the US 2 weeks ago - no green card yet, just stamped visa). I just want to verify that this is perfectly okay? I dont want to try to return home to the US and be turned away!

To be clear I am almost positive that this is okay, just second guessing myself! Thanks!

PS Assuming that this is perfectly okay, is there any other documents I should being with me for my voyage or just the passport/visa?

Edited by Kammo, 16 September 2011 - 03:05 PM.

KammoFemaleCanada2011-09-16 15:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeed your Skype History? (Mac User)

Are these just for regular skype to skype calls or calls you have made (either to cell phones or landlines)?


These were regular skype to skype calls (computer only). I ended up purchasing an international calling plan but this did not show up. Luckily I had plenty of other calls. I'm sorry to hear this this app isnt working out for you... :(

I have the same problem. My history only goes back six months but luckily on my husband's skype account his history goes back upto a year so that was a big relief.


Thats good :)
KammoFemaleCanada2011-08-10 15:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeed your Skype History? (Mac User)

How'd you get it to go back that far?


Sorry :) I hadn't been back here for awhile to look at this thread.

I never deleted any history so it was all there. Did you not keep all of your history?
KammoFemaleCanada2011-08-09 20:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeed your Skype History? (Mac User)
Mine went all the way back to our first call... Feb 2009 :-D
KammoFemaleCanada2011-06-16 13:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeed your Skype History? (Mac User)
Hello VJ!

I have received so much help from all of you here that I wanted to share something I found today in hopes to give back a little! I apologize if I have put this topic in the wrong forum! I just know that we all look for ways to prove a relationship and this one seemed useful!

Are you a mac user and want to use your Skype history for one of your "Proof of Relationship" ties?

I just used this application today and worked really well for for our call log! We have about 400 pages worth of history (counting chat). This bad boy took it down to a mere 12 pages of CALLS! (perfect for those who would like to remain somewhat private and exclude the text)! It saves it all as HTML. Just hit print and save as PDF! Presto!

Here is the link to the skype website I found this on:

http://forum.skype.c...showtopic=26268

The download for it is about 2/3's down. It is listed by a user named jas000. I wish there was a less complicated way to post this but here you go!

*Sending everyone luck* :thumbs:

~Kammo
KammoFemaleCanada2011-06-16 11:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFor those with knowledge on this visa
Hi again :)
Yes, our daughter already obtained her citizenship as of mid november. This was no issue at all. I am curious about the section in the i-130 (C. Information about your alien relative (continued)) where it asks my husband to list (his name, not mine)? and then my children. I have 2 daughters who will not be moving with me but will be living with their father in Canada. Does he list them regardless of that situation?
As far as the travelling, sounds like I will have to just keep my fingers crossed! I have not had much of an issue so far in the year and a half I have been doing it so hopefully they will continue to believe that my intentions are honest. I do have my 2 daughters in Canada who I NEED to go back for often, I would never just make a decision to not return to Canada. I am really relieved that once approved I will be able to travel back often to see them! :)
Thanks for the replies so far!
KammoFemaleCanada2011-01-06 19:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFor those with knowledge on this visa
My husband and I have been married for a little over 6 months (together for about 1 1/2 years) and have a 5 month old (who resides with me). Luckily being Canadian I have been blessed with a year of maternity leave so we stay with my husband a week or two at a time. I think its the visits that have kept things okay up until this point. We have started looking at the paperwork for this visa but have not filed anything yet. I was hoping that some one may have some tips or insight on this process (do's and dont's). I am also curious about travelling while it is in process. I have heard conflicting points on this. I am hoping to still be able to come visit my husband while we file... :| Any information someone may have on this process would be appreciated greatly!
Thank you for your time.
KammoFemaleCanada2011-01-06 18:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiling the I-130 Packet
You have been most helpful! Thank you for helping us! :)
Take care!
KammoFemaleCanada2011-01-16 03:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiling the I-130 Packet
To be clear as we are getting ready to send these off... :)

Nov '89 - May '92 = on base
Jun '92 - Nov '92 = off base <-- use this address, correct?

Wont the fact that he only resided there for a few months raise suspicion and make them question why he is bothering to enter it in?

Thank you for your help!

p.s. (husband here :-D )Nobody is going to be able to discover that I lived off base unless I tell them and I doubt it can be verified without some serious delving into old paper records. Is this even worth mentioning? Again, thanks for your responses.
KammoFemaleCanada2011-01-16 03:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiling the I-130 Packet
We are filling out his G325a. Not sure if that is biometrics or not? :)
KammoFemaleCanada2011-01-16 03:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiling the I-130 Packet
Thank you so much for the help! :)
Heres the thing... My husband lived ON BASE for 2 1/2 years and then resided in a different residence OFF BASE for around 4 months before returning to the US (this occurred in 1992 so many years ago). Our dilemma is that the form is asking for that last address lived for more than a year. The 4 month address is his LAST address but his longer than one year would be the ON BASE residence. I am advising him to just write the base address but he feels he should put his 4 month address. Anyone have a similar experience with this question?

*head spinning :D
KammoFemaleCanada2011-01-16 03:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiling the I-130 Packet
Greetings VJ Members,

Is there a specific ordering that the paperwork needs to go in for the I-130 packet? My husband and I were looking and didn't come up with anything. Maybe being a little nervous but I'd hate to come across an issue just because we didn't put our marriage certificate right after his birth certificate, etc...

For date and place of marriage and for prior marriages, do they require the city AND country? City/State/Country? There is not a whole lot of room for this.

Also, "applicants last address outside of the United States of more than one year". My husband lived in England while he served in the US Air Force. Although he was in England he was "on American Soil" what would he want to put there?

"Last Occupation Abroad". Does he need to list his military service abroad - again although he was outside of US he was serving for the Air Force...

Lastly, "This form is submitted in connection with an application for"... Other: I-130???

Thank you for any input on this!
KammoFemaleCanada2011-01-15 23:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConfusion on path. Please help!
Maybe we will just make a trip out of it? :) I have never wanted to see Montreal but maybe I can pretend it is the most desired locale! Time to start saving! Thank you for letting me know about that. How long does that usually take to come up (getting the appointment?) Do they set the date or can we?
KammoFemaleCanada2011-01-19 16:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConfusion on path. Please help!
Thanks guys, we sent the package today! Montreal? That really sucks... :|
Thats one heck of a trek for me (I'm closest to the Vancouver one)
KammoFemaleCanada2011-01-19 01:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConfusion on path. Please help!
Hello All...

I have joined VJ just recently and up until today my husband and I have felt pretty certain about what path we were going to take as far as immigration. Now, after countless hours of preparation we are both burning out. The more we read, the more confused we get. If someone would be so kind as to read my many questions and possibly give me a hand I would really appreciate it! :)

The story:

My husband is American. I am Canadian. We have been married for a little over 7 month (together for a year and a half). We have a daughter (granted US citizenship). I must be able to travel back to Canada freely once in the US (I know some visas do not allow travel when Change of Status is being processed)

Given the situation, here a few questions...

Originally we were looking at the K3 visa but then we found about how the i130 followed by the i129 can be used to bypassed the k3 visa step.
Question 1: Is this the same thing as the ir1/cr1?
Question 2: Is this the right route for us (in our situation)? Is this the appropriate process to have me immigrate to the US in a timely fashion while enabling travel to Canada once I arrive to visit my other family (daughters)?

Is the K3 visa the appropriate method OR do we want to do the i130 followed by i129? Which is faster and/or appropriate for our situation?
KammoFemaleCanada2011-01-17 02:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of Bono Marriage
I ended up sending 4 photos (wedding, birth of our baby, thanksgiving and one from 2009).
I included some of the many receipts for my ferry rides over to him. I didn't want to send ALL of them but we indicated on the cover letter that we have ALL of them if they require them.

I have every email he's ever sent and a chat history of Skype too. I hope it doesn't come to that though. I would feel a little violated.

We do have a joint bank account that we created after we got married.

We don't "share" anything else though since we (of course) do not live together. It would seem silly for him to add me to his Comcast bill or At&t in my opinion. He is however, working on adding me to his health insurance.

Thanks for all the replies to this matter :)
KammoFemaleCanada2011-01-19 01:28:00