ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGetting ready to file! Any tips, suggestions, etc...?

Well, we've reached that point of gathering all necessary documentation, filled out our forms, etc... and are ready to file. I want to be sure everything is done correctly the first time before I send it off. Are there any suggestions or recommendations that anyone may have before the packet gets sent on it's way? I'm awaiting my wife's documents (G325A and passport photo) to arrive in the mail from Canada, so I have a few days before I actually get the packet in the mail. I used the checklist provided in the 'guides' link on this site and I do have a couple of questions I want to try and get answered before I send it off:

 

By 'copies,' are they referring to photo copies or actual certified copies from government offices? i.e. my birth certificate, our certificate of marriage, etc...

 

Evidence of a bonafide marriage... I know a lot of people ask about this frequently and I read various answers. Some that conflict with each other. We don't have a joint account, we don't own anything together, we don't have kids. I know an affidavit from someone is listed as an option, but I've read that they really carry little to zero weight, but I figure I might as well provide one anyway (possibly from my mother and stepfather who served as witnesses at our wedding). We can attempt to open a checking account on my next trip up there, but that'll be a month from now and as far as putting her on mine, that won't be until October when she comes back to visit me. Any other solid recommendations on what provides proof of our continuing marriage? I've read things like receipts for gifts, boarding passes, phone records, pictures, etc... but then other people said that you don't provide those until the interview.

 

As always, any and every bit of help is appreciated!

 

Cheers, 

Kyle

 

 


Kyle&SaraMaleCanada2013-08-02 12:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 - Have I ever been in the states

Hey 'Laura_S,' 

 

'Ahren & Edna' mentioned passport stamps and seeing that you're from Canada, I'm curious, do you have stamps from all of your visits? My wife and I were on the phone the other night talking about all of this and she noticed she hasn't been stamped once for any of her visits to the states. Have you noticed this as well? I have all but one stamp on mine from my Canadian visits. Not that it makes any difference, but all of our customs interviews have been at Calgary International...


Kyle&SaraMaleCanada2013-08-02 14:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 - Have I ever been in the states

Good question. I was kind of wondering the same thing. I was under the assumption that it was in reference to previous visa stays (work, school, etc...) as opposed to just visits via passport. My wife is in Canada and has visited me a number of times. Even if that's not what they mean and it is specific to a previous visa, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to include those anyway..?


Kyle&SaraMaleCanada2013-08-02 14:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPetitioner moving while case being processed...

Thanks you guys! I appreciate it. Based on what I've observed on peoples' timelines, this move would presumably occur somewhere between NOA1 and NOA2. I imagine, on my end, it's just a process of submitting another form to inform them the change of address once obtain it.


Kyle&SaraMaleCanada2014-07-05 22:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPetitioner moving while case being processed...

So, my wife and I thought it would be wise, despite the lengthy wait times, to hold off on sending out our initial paperwork for a number of reasons. Particularly, us being fully organized since we're doing this on our own with no lawyers, as well as having some expendable finances for general costs associated with the process, interview and medical travel and whatever surprises we might encounter throughout this process. Now, of course we're kicking ourselves as the wait times seem to become longer and longer. By all appearances, we would have been better off not getting married and opting for the I-129f instead. At least based on the current Canadian processing times. 

 

I'm going to be sending off our paperwork here in the coming weeks but am now faced with some concerns. My boss approached me with a rather attractive job proposition (financially speaking) that would relocate me in the coming months from northern California to Nashville, Tennessee. How does me, the petitioner, moving impede the progress, if at all, of the processing? Clearly we've put this off long enough and don't want to wait any longer, however, I want the process to be least complicated as possible.

 

Any advice on how to best navigate this scenario would be greatly appreciated.

 

Cheers!


Kyle&SaraMaleCanada2014-07-05 19:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJoint bank accounts. How?
Thanks for the info everyone! Whole I know the bank account isn't imperative for proof of relationship, it helps. The whole providing sufficient proof seems to be something that a lot of people stress about on here. If it's that bad that people freak about it, then every little bit helps.

Cheers


Kyle&SaraMaleCanada2014-07-08 01:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJoint bank accounts. How?
So the big thing I see people talk about for proof of bonafide relationship is having a joint bank account. Among that I also see things such as both names on a car title, home, etc... of which I don't see being possible for a number of reasons.

As far as the joint bank account goes, how are you all achieving this? My current bank says they can't put my wife on my account because she doesn't have a social security number (Canadian citizen, currently residing in Canada). I've called a number of other rather large national banks (as opposed to my local credit union which I use) and they all seem to tell me the same thing. Is there some magic bank that I need to go to in order to make this possible? We currently use Paypal to exchange funds for things when needed and have a proof of history from that, but regardless of showing proof to the powers that be, it would make things a lot easier having a joint account in general.

Cheers,
Kyle





Kyle&SaraMaleCanada2014-07-07 17:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 questions not in FAQ's

Honestly, I'd say the dates wouldn't necessarily have to be EXACT as long as you have estimated dates and all the actual addresses you should be fine. The idea is they want to know where you lived over that time frame. If you get all of the places you've lived listed and the dates all relatively close, you should be alright. The worst that should happen if they want more detailed information later, they would send an RFE (request for more evidence) and you could then get more detailed date information by maybe calling utility companies to see when you started utilities and ended utilities at those particular addresses.

As for notarizing, we didn't notarize our g-325a forms and they were accepted. If that's a problem later on, I'll get notarized ones, but as with you, I didn't see any requirement for that and am not worried about it in the slightest.


Cheers! I appreciate the quick answer!
Kyle&SaraMaleCanada2013-04-09 15:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 questions not in FAQ's
As my fiance and I are filling out our g-325a forms, we both ran into the same question; how accurate do we have to be on our previous residences? I know where I've lived in the last five years as well as the addresses, but for both of us, we can't remember exact dates.

Also, I noticed in the FAQ's, someone asked about where to get their forms notarized. I didn't notice in the filing instructions anywhere that it said forms must be notarized. Is this in fact required?

Thanks!
Kyle&SaraMaleCanada2013-04-09 15:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTravel back and forth after K-1 between US and Canada

I appreciate the insight, everyone!

 

So to break it down simply, this is what I'm seeing as my options:

 

File for K-1, get married upon approval, she has to stay here, we file for Adjustment of Status, but if she goes back to Canada for any reason before her Adjustment of Status being approved, she won't be able to come back to the States

 

or...

 

Get married "spontaneously" on either her next visit here (July) or my next visit there (this month), she can't come back with me to live, we submit the CR-1 but can still visit each other back and forth during that process, so long as she doesn't "overstay her welcome" in the States


Kyle&SaraMaleCanada2013-05-07 14:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTravel back and forth after K-1 between US and Canada

I've searched around and read, but I'm kind of deducing different answers, so sorry if this is a redundant subject I'm inquiring about.

 

My fiance is in Calgary, Alberta and I'm in the bay area of California. We're right at the point of submitting our I-129f, G325a and all other required documents, photos, letters, etc... My question is as follows...

 

Once we are given the final approval that we are allowed to be married and do so within that 90 day period, does that mean that she legally has to stay in the states from that point until her Adjustment of Status is approved? I hear mixed things, some of which are a bit concerning. That being that if she were to go back home to Canada after we got married, she wouldn't be able to come back to the States before her AOS is approved. Why this concerns me is that she is employed full time back home, owns a condo, as well as horses, etc... Obviously, it's going to take a lot of orchestrating to arrange for her condo to be sold or rented out, have her horses transported and have her stuff moved here. Of course, none of those things want to be done prematurely given that we run into some hangups with our petition in the meantime. She does have a passport and uses that currently to make her visits to me here in the states. 

 

Ideally, we'd get our petition approved, get married in the 90 day window as required so satisfy the legal obligations, then she'd go home and start taking care of her responsibilities back home (selling condo, arranging horse transport, etc...) and begin the process of her moving here and then have a "real" wedding with all of our friends and family once she's settled in here and we're financially ready to have the wedding that we want. All this said with the idea that we'd still keep moving forward with all the next required steps. I just feel like as long as she has her Canadian passport, she should still be able to travel back and forth still while we're going through all the processes regardless of what step we're at in the process.

 

Thanks in advanced!

 

Cheers


Kyle&SaraMaleCanada2013-04-30 16:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2014

Case Complete 19th March!! After 19 months since we first submitted the petition to the USCIS the light at the end of this crazy long tunnel is getting a bit brighter!

 

Now waiting for the Interview to be scheduled, anyone know if the Sydney Consulate is backed up for interview times?

 

 

OMG 19 monthssss????  :( :( :( :(


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-03-21 16:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2014

 

NVC received my file on 3/12 and I called today and they confirmed that they haven't received it and talks about the same phrase ' wait 30 working days'.

 

I know i sound over optimistic but would have been great to get the NVC # around this time.

 

Goodness God how much i hate "wait 30 working days" BS...boils up my blood :@ :@
 


 

The NVC step takes about 2 months.

Less two weeks if you've got an attorney.

 

Interview scheduling can take up to 1 more month.

Grant of visa depends on the country/consulate in question.

 

They may put you into Administrative processing (not for everyone and no one knows why people get picked for this) - that will take another 1-8 months depending on your individual circumstances. 

 

what is administrative process??
 


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-03-21 00:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2014

Got our case completed!!!  Got back from a long vacation and finally called NVC and they told me that my wife is scheduled for her interview on April 14th!!!  dancin5hr.gif

 

im new to this process...how long did it take for the whole thing to happen?  BTW congrats :)


Thanks.... I hope it works out.

 Unfortunately, the TSC is slower than a snail. I wonder if if depends on what day of the month your file gets approved since they send the files over in batches to the NVC ?   Do they transfer files twice a  month? once a week? or when they reach 500 to a batch?    The letter I received from TSC the day after I was approved said my file was at the NVC. I'm not dumb enough to believe it is already there... I wonder if it says it was shipped in their system? 

 

Gosh they BS so much but you know what...hold them to their words. Verify with NVC and call them again and say it is not there and u said it should be...if it is not there


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-03-20 16:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

the nvc thread is tooo confusing for me...maybe cuz i am not filling out any of those forms yet.

 

quick questions...for people who is giving u the 2nd affdavit of support...do their credit have to be good? or is it just their salary that they care about?


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-04-01 22:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

They love to throw out that 90 day ####### ...Its just something to tell you  in hopes you won't call back and clog the lines.  I hate this whole process. I feel sorry for the people who believe those lies

 

atleast tsc is working faster than nsc cuz we just got an email that they shipped out package to nvc or department of state....god knows when i will get the number for nvc.


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-04-01 22:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

Thanks for the info.  You made me happy !

Yesterday when I called NVC the lady told me to wait 8 weeks.  ( yea right..... me... wait?  no way)

My case shipped on March 21st.  I'll call everyday but I don't expect anything til next week.  And actually, I don't care much for the I-130. I have my heart set on the K3. They can take all the time in the world to log in the I-130. All they have to do is  send my K3 to Costa Rica so they can start processing it. 

 

Some people who were approved at TSC still haven't had their case shipped to NVC yet.. I wonder what the hell is up with that

 

Tico Girl, yesterday i called NSC and they told me i have to wait 90 days before i can ask them about being transferred to NVC and i was like 90 DAYS????????????????? ####### for???? i said i got the letter saying you already sent it then where r these 90 days coming from. then he was like..mam you have to check with your local office and i was like...my local office has nothing to do with this...u dumbo. i feel bad for the reps but they dun care wat they say to us n how much this effect our life. ill bug the heck out of them too now...


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-03-25 22:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

Oh yea yea, I saw that. But I need my husband's passport number and at the moment his cell is broken.  Should be getting it back today so he can send it to me.   Sux cuz I am used to texting back and forth all day long and right now I am limited to evening calls to the landline cuz he works outside all day.    I'll get it from him and then check it out.  Thanks for posting it !

 

Tico girl...do you already received your letter from USCIS saying you have been approved? I got approved 19 but havent gotten anything in mail yet. Did you call NVC...are they helping you or still saying to wait 2 weeks?


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-03-21 16:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

CONGRATZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ to you too !!!! 

 

THANK GOD IS RIGHT !!!  

the thread is called NVC MARCH FILERS. 

 

Yes, I wish I wasn't so mad that it took this  long... Give me a few more days to get over it ... and when I get my case number I will feel better too !!

 

thank you so much :) :)

 

So basically when USCIS send that email that means they are sending us to Visa center and from that date...we should receive new case number from NVC??? and if we dont then we should contact them?

 

Gosh new BS basically starting...r NVC people nicer than USCIS?? i cant stand that department


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-03-20 16:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

Yea....I thought I would hear something too.  All I hear from everyone is "JUST WAIT"   as if I have a choice or something.  

 

Thanks for checking in !!

 

CONGRATZZZZZZZZ Tico girl...I am happppy for you :) :)

 

Fortunately i have been approved too..Thanks god :) :) i used to check up on you everyday and was happy to see ur approval and thankfully we are moving ahead together :)

 

so which one is the Visa center tread now? :P :P

 

Best of luck to all of those who are still waiting. It is super hard but happy days do come :)


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-03-20 14:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

Does anyone have email for Rendell Jones, acting deputy director????  i would really appreciate it if you can please provide me with that info. Thank you.

 

 


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-03-17 14:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

I almost feel like the officers at the TSC are holding my file out of spite because I inquire so often.   I can't think of any other reason... the background checks were cleared on Friday morning at 7:36 am.  They had all day Friday and today to adjudicate them.  #######?

 

 

dont worry girl...i am still waiting with you too. every  morning i check and hoping atleast i can be your day. I dont even know how to ask them anymore. My senator or congressman didnt do ######.

 

how do u make them know when the background will be cleared or when it got cleared???

 

 

hope this is ur and my week :(


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-03-10 23:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

I am on the website uscis every  5 mints I am refreshing but still showing initial review sad.png. I feel like I am idiot doing it. lol

 

I do the same thing :(
 


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-02-17 03:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

Your timeline is not showing any date.

 

i dun know y but here is the info.

 

Married: 01/03/2013
Applied: 03/28/2013
Priority Date: 04/01/2013
Transfer notice: 11/14/2013


 


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-02-07 02:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

 

 

update ur time line so i can give you some good instructions...

 

i did update it. I hope it is showing now :)


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-02-06 20:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

DVMan and LovemyTico, you can request from the FBI whether or not your case has been researched or your files asked for. You can also request the FOIA on your cases. If those show that nothing has been done on your case, then you can show your representative that the USCIS is lying and see if they can doing anything about it.  

 

I would respond to my congressperson that the security checks they are suggesting are in process could have well been done within the past (nearly) 10 months that they've had your cases. 

 

I'm so sorry that you guys are still waiting. If you want the info on getting your FBI file/what to request, and your USCIS file/what to request, please let me know and I'll look it up for you both.

 

 

since i am over my time period too..im sure they gonna say the same BS to me. in any case can u post how to contact these agencies. I would appreciate it :)


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-02-06 20:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

 

Could you please let me know the Nebraska service center email id to which you sent your email and got this response?

 

I emailed Nebraska service center only yesterday and only got the below standard automated response

 

This automatic response confirms receipt of your email inquiry or message.

 

Keep in mind this email box is not for obtaining any type of Immigration advice and is only to be used for issues with cases at the Nebraska Service Center . Please use this means of inquiring only after contacting the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 and receiving a service request referral number. If after 30 days of receiving a SRMT number your issue is not resolved, the NSC, NCSC Followup staff will try to resolve your problem.

Please ensure that your email inquiry contains the referral number and all of the necessary information to identify your case, including your complete address.  This will allow us to respond to your inquiries timely. If the National Customer Service did not issue a service request please indicate the reason.

If you have not first contacted the 1-800 number and obtained a referral you may not receive a further response. 

Nebraska Service Center

i emailed them 10 days ago and never heard from them. No automated email either. nscfollowup.ncsc

@uscis.dhs.gov this is their email right?

Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-02-06 20:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

If I don't here from uscis this week and from senator, I think I will write a letter to a president. This is too much.

 

i did too but no response of course.


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-02-06 20:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

 

Exactly..... They just are not bothered about families being separated....... And why should they when they have other important priorities...... By now we all know and agree that at least the initial stage of the I 130 process is just "B***L S***T"...... Thank god we atleast have this lovely forum which helps us keep our sanity..... Lets hope that Feb brings us some luck..... People like you, me, love my tico, zamsha to name a few badly NEED AN APPROVAL SOON!!!

 

 

me tooooo I badly need an approval :(


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-02-02 04:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

I beg someone just explain how things work in Nebraska Mrach,April,May,June Even July satr getting Approved & Mine  still stuck there!!!! Iwonder If Nebraska isnt In Bermuda Triangle !! rofl.gif protest6wz.gif 

 

im in the same boat...not getting response back while others are. I am happy for them but i need my approval too :(


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-02-02 04:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

 

Im rooting for you, almost 10 months is a joke!

 

10 months to them seems nothing :(


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-02-01 01:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

My heart and prayers goes to all April fillers that re still expecting their approval,honestly I know it s not easy,bcos I have being there too,i am April filler to transfered to Nebraska service center on the 15th of November 2013 and was finally approved on the 23rd of January 2014,so I have move to the NVC Stage,but thought it wise to come here and share words of hope,if I can get approve, defintly everyone will get approve,one love

 

what was your pirority date?


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-01-30 02:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

Hi,

 

Does anyone have an idea for people who were transferred to Nabraska center in mid nov but still havent heard from the center? It has been over 70 days now but still no response. any idea why that might be?


Wait_WaitFemalePakistan2014-01-30 02:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWell, well, well
Got approval email just now too.

aug 20 NOA1.
TandnanMaleChina2013-04-20 01:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAfter NOA2...

 

I've read that. Thanks, Big Baby, for taking the time to look it up.

 

As I've stated previously, that explains the documents which must be brought during document intake. My question is about whether documents must be sent to the embassy before that, and before an interview can be scheduled.

 

Thanks again for your help.


TandnanMaleChina2013-04-27 22:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAfter NOA2...

If you're being sarcastic, there are better ways to keep people on your side. Several good members have already tried to help you.

 

I asked a question to which nobody knew the answer (surprising to me) and was told to essentially "read the FAQ". Ok, I get that. But in this case the FAQ (er, guide) doesn't contain the answer to my question - a small fact nobody on the "read the FAQ" side has admitted.  I was very specific about detailing my question and that the guide didn't contain that answer.

 

Like it said, it's ok.  I'll let this site know, and will answer the question in the future if others have it.  It's an important question.


TandnanMaleChina2013-04-27 22:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAfter NOA2...
Thanks, big baby. Now, answer me this: what documents will she need to send to the embassy after she receives her first packet?

You don't know. Neither do I. That's why I asked.

I'll let this site know the answer to this question when I figure it out. Nobody else knows. You're all welcome.
TandnanMaleChina2013-04-25 20:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAfter NOA2...
Thanks. I read the guides, as I stated already. Twice now. Thanks for your help.
TandnanMaleChina2013-04-25 14:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAfter NOA2...
Specifically I am hoping to expedite any response my fiancee might have to make to her embassy. This may include preparing forms in advance, if those forms are requested by her embassy to be mailed to them prior to setting an interview date.

Based on my research, many forms are to be brought along for the interview, to be handed in the day before, during "document intake". So whatever might need to be mailed, must be different from those. It's unclear to me, even after reading the guides and many forum messages, what might need to be mailed. My fiancee and I would like to prepare those things even before she receives her first mailing from the consulate, so that she can mail them in immediately after she receives it.
TandnanMaleChina2013-04-25 02:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAfter NOA2...
Surely somebody must know...
TandnanMaleChina2013-04-25 01:43:00