ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow long does it take after sending I864 packet.
Your should get an e-mail that it is ready to be paid... However, keep an eye out on the website too... However, be careful about paying it the moment it is available on the website, it is better to wait for the e-mail invoice otherwise some have experienced a delay in paying too soon (before NVC invoice)
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-04 22:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI864 sent, what now?
You sent the info on your parents income and proof of citizenship/permanent residence status too right??
christeenFemaleItaly2009-10-28 23:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIn the US during immigration process
Unfortunatly, as with EVERYONE on this site, if there were a way to keep together and have an easy processing and not have to be seperated then there probably would not need to be a site like this... There is no way to legally stay together in the US and process (since you have already filed she cannot just come here and file AOS as she would be entering and committing immigration fraus which would encounter a ban) and that would be much worse.

There are many here who struggle to maintain two households, are seperated from children and even seperated at the birth of their children... You need to find a way to hold out and maintain until you are approved.. Do what you have to do as far as cutting household budgets, asking family for help.. but unfortunatly you will not be able to bring her over for processing...

If she is eligible for a tourist visa, she will have to provide VERY compelling evidence that she will return for processing and not having a job would not look like a compelling reason to return so I do not believe they would admit her... She would have to return for final interview and processing...

I am so sorry that you and everyone else here has to go through this seperation... There is no "magic bullet" formula and it is a tough road for everyone... Good luck
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-16 23:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of support: Only last year meets requirements, is that OK?
6 months if you can...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-10-22 19:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of support: Only last year meets requirements, is that OK?
As long as you are currently making enough, have proof of current income (employment letter, pay stubs etc...) then you are fine, even if you did not make enough 2-3 years ago. They want to be sure you can support them NOW. The tax returns from 2-3 years ago are optional to turn in... If you have a co-sponsor, great, use them in case there is an issue... You should be fine! They are mainly concerned with NOW
christeenFemaleItaly2009-10-21 15:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC I-864
Unfortunatly, it is my understanding that unless you earned under the limit for being required to file taxes (like under $5,000 or $8,000) or you were claimed by someone else, then you MUST have filed taxes. You only have to include last years, however, they ask for the past 3 years taxable income. If taxes werent filed, then unless you were not required to file, they must be back-filed... This is for everyone... The govt is pretty strict that if you are evading taxes you cannot then petition and sponsor someone to come to the USA on income that you never claimed and taxes that you never paid...


christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-18 15:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBoth I130 and I129f Approved the same day
The CR1 is a far superior visa... Able to work upon entry, no need to pay for costly AOS and GC upon entry... I would fully recommend the CR1... Ignore the paperwork on the K3... The processing will be about the same save maybe 3 weeks...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-19 19:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswaiting fro gc/ssc
QUOTE (natt141 @ Nov 19 2009, 10:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have the SSN when I was a student there with my old last name. I still requested for the new SSN and I hope the no. might be the same but the last name might change to my hubby last name..confusing???..
Anyway, still waiting for the interview...so excited about it and wish everything goes well..
Have a good weekend for everybody!!

Since you have a SSN you will keep the same number (you only get ONE number)... You just have to notify them once you arrive that you have changed status...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-20 00:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswaiting fro gc/ssc
Hubby went to the SSA office and they had him in the system and requested a card... Should be here next week, but they gave him a printout with his SSN#
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-19 19:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWould accepting student financial aid overseas cause problems later on?
You said it yourself... You will support her WHEN she gets here... THAT is what is important to the US govt... What you do to support her/not support her in Germany is not considered... Tell the German Govt what you wish... the US govt cannot petition any records of what is submitted to the German Govt... Do what you need to do...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-20 00:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWould accepting student financial aid overseas cause problems later on?
QUOTE (M&ME @ Nov 19 2009, 04:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi all,

My wife is currently a student in Germany. She is living at home an is unemployed, as she is a full-time student. Typically families in this situation in Germany receive financial aid from the Gov't to help until the student graduates. The parents would basically claim the student as a dependant and get a check each month.

She just started school and has not applied for this yet, it would begin in January if they apply for it.

Now that she is married, the Gov't wants to see how I am contributing. She is still living at home, rent free, eating at home, and driving a family vehicle. So, her parents expect that they should be able to get compensated.

I will send my income and such, as they request, but I am worried how it will look if she does get the financial aid. Will it appear as though I'm not supporting her? Is it considered Government assistance or is it totally seperate? As a USC I took advantage of Student Financial Aid available to me when I was in school, but here it is not considered the same as government assistance.

Will it appear contradictary if she does accept assistance(the check goes directly to her parents)?

Should she refuse it?

Does it matter?

I picture the worst-case scenario at her CR-1 interview, where they would look over my sponsorship showing I clearly make enough money to support us, but then see that she was getting funding while going to school and not working and...


All input is appreciated.

You are qualifying on YOUR income as the USC and her sponsor, so her financial aid in Germany should not even come into play since this is income that she cannot count anyway since it will not continue once she enters the USA... You are the one filling out the 864 as her sponsor and providing YOUR income information, not hers... should not be an issue at all...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-19 19:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Case number Assigned
QUOTE (metro420 @ Nov 20 2009, 08:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello Guys!

Thanks for your help! Called NVC 8:00AM EST and spoke with an operator right away! She also updated our email information but the sad thing is, she said we have to wait for an email about the instructions within 4-6 weeks. Is this normal? I thought, they will email us in 1-2 weeks. Does it really/normally take 4-6 weeks to get an email from them? Does it mean we cannot send anything until we received something from them?

Metro

they HAVE to say 4-6 weeks, it is their script... Usually does not take that long... Everytime they tell you a timeframe, take it with a grain of salt as they allow themselves WAAAYYY more time then it usually takes...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-20 11:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Case number Assigned
Anything you send BEFORE they request it could get ignored... Plus you need the barcode... Wait till next week when they ask for it...

christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-20 00:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSwitching from K3 to CR-1
Ater NOA2, just ignore any and all correspondance pertaining to the K-3
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-21 23:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview
Not being able to answer basic questions about the spouse would cause a big red flag.... Not being familiar with documents submitted and the info on them (like the financial info etc...) or admitting to any drug use or crimes or admitting to anything about overstays, visa fraud, crimes or admitting to anything on the 230 that you checked no to... Acting unnatural or evasive about any questions...

Basically if you are confident, know your info, bring some supporting documents (pictures, e-mails etc.. plus copies of the package (financial and nvc) then you should be fine...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-23 12:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescan one return to home country after entering on CR-1
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Nov 22 2009, 07:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (lucyrich @ Nov 22 2009, 02:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Dakine @ Nov 22 2009, 02:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
"Technically, CR1 is a single entry visa. The endorsment stamp substitutes for the green card, so additional entries are based on the endorsement, not the visa. It's a distinction without a practical difference though."

"Once your activate the CR1, the I551 stamp can be used in place of the green card up to one year."

Do ALL CR-1s and IR-1s get the I-551 stamp at the POE??


Yes.

Well, there's a possibility of a clerical error, so maybe there's someone somewhere who didn't get the stamp, but everyone is supposed to.

The important thing is that any immigrant visa gets you lawful permanent resident STATUS on the date of entry. And the stamp serves as evidence of that status. The actual plastic green card comes a few weeks later, and is also evidence of that same status. But it's the status, not the card, which gives you the right to travel, so whether you use the endorsed visa/passport stamp or the plastic card to demonstrate that status, you have the same right to travel either way.


Unless denied entry, they are entitled to the stamp.


Pushbrk, Is is possible to rain in everyones parade...I dont think it is constructive to be negative in EVERY comment???

Edited by christeen, 22 November 2009 - 08:18 PM.

christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-22 20:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTracking package from NVC to Embassy
Yes, but for many people it feels good when NVC tells you the date that your package is sent and you can see when it (or what you believe is yours) is received... I know it gives a sense of control over the situation... And as we all know, if it calms you and gets you through the process, then go for it!!!
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-20 00:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTracking package from NVC to Embassy
QUOTE (ashlesha @ Nov 19 2009, 06:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Anyone Anyone...Bueller!

Please help me track my package.. sad.gif ..

Sometimes the system is slow... put EXP 12 NOV 2009A with the spaces and everything... Good luck
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-19 19:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStill waiting for my Visa (Cr-1)
QUOTE (VA8688 @ Nov 20 2009, 08:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (christeen @ Nov 20 2009, 01:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (VA8688 @ Nov 20 2009, 10:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My interview was Oct 27th and we still haven't received the greencard, SSN, and work authorization number. How long after the interview do they arrive.

According to your timeline you entered the US on Nov 5th... It can take a month or so for the greencard, you can go to the local Social Security office and apply for the card and will get it normally within a week or so...

Interview date has nothing to do with when you receive the green card, it begins to get processed once you enter the USA at the POE



Aha ok. They don't automatically send you it with the Green Card? I thought they did that now?

They send the GC, but it is quicker to go and apply for the SSN from the office
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-20 20:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStill waiting for my Visa (Cr-1)
QUOTE (VA8688 @ Nov 20 2009, 10:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My interview was Oct 27th and we still haven't received the greencard, SSN, and work authorization number. How long after the interview do they arrive.

According to your timeline you entered the US on Nov 5th... It can take a month or so for the greencard, you can go to the local Social Security office and apply for the card and will get it normally within a week or so...

Interview date has nothing to do with when you receive the green card, it begins to get processed once you enter the USA at the POE

Edited by christeen, 20 November 2009 - 02:14 PM.

christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-20 14:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSocial Security SSN question
You pretty much need a SSN to exist as a LPR in America... You need it for filing joint taxes and claiming your wife, getting a Drivers Licence or State ID, getting on and opening a bank account and many other reasons...

You can check the box, but if you need the number faster, just go to a local office a week or two after entering... Hubby got his about 9 days after visiting the office...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-25 00:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is a CR1 Visa
QUOTE (diani0626 @ Nov 24 2009, 11:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello!

I would like to know what is the CR1 visa and what is the process to obtain it, thank you. I'm from Colombia and my fiance is from US. I'm new in all of this, so I don't have an idea of anything.

I apreciate the information you can give me because I'm lost, thank you so much!

You have to be married to file a CR1
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-25 00:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS 230 Package
QUOTE (metro420 @ Nov 22 2009, 10:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (BunzTheMagicSnail @ Nov 22 2009, 08:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
it should be 2 pics
ensure you write your case number at the top of all the documents you submit


Thank you for your reply!

Why does it shoe 4 pcs in Ling Che guide?
good to know on writing the case number on top of all the documents

2 went with the 230 and 2 are brought to the medical appt... 4 total
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-23 12:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarted K-3, became IR-1, now much cheaper? :)
QUOTE (xenologue @ Nov 26 2009, 11:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
One more question:

We started out filing as K-3 because it was supposedly going to be faster. I realized along the way that the process was somewhat different from what I had read it would be, so perhaps I should not be surprised that we were apparently shunted over to IR-1. On my immigration foil in my passport it says "IR1" under IV Category, so I assume that's what I am.

So does that mean that instead of having to apply for my GC when I get to the States, and filing for an EAD so I can work soon, I really will get my GC and SS (yes, I checked the box) 2 weeks after I arrive??

Because if so, that makes me ridiculously happy. Can someone confirm?

It seems so unlike the government to automatically direct your application in a way that results in SAVINGS for you. smile.gif

Get ready to be happy then... Yes, on an IR1 visa once you enter it is a multiple entry visa and you will get the 551 stamp and that is your green card until the real one arrives... After a week or two (even if you checked the box) you can go to the local SS office and find out your SSN#... then you get the card. The actual GC takes a month or two (were still waiting too)... But hubby has already tested the GC stamp when he had to leave the country for work and all OK... And yes, you can work without doing any EAD or AOS..

The IR1 is the gold standard for family visas... and I suppose it is more about the amount of paperwork the govt would have to process then the money as it probably takes more $$ to process a K-3 then the IR1 (govt never does nothin that ain't in their favor)... Congrats... But I believe you have to activate it when you enter the US not visit as a tourist THEN activate on another trip...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-26 23:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRFE after case completed
Correct, they are basically giving you a heads up that the embassy is going to double check your financial support documents (notifying you that it might be a red flag at the interview)... So get all your documents together to verify you and the co-sponsor have enough to support the intending immigrant as you will probably be asked for it...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-23 12:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIV Packet Arrived At NVC
QUOTE (Lancelotte25 @ Nov 28 2009, 07:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello guys, I just called the NVC a while ago and the AVR said they received our documents on 25 of November.
Approximately, how many more days it will take to make our case complete if we don't have an RFE?

Thanks!! star_smile.gif

usually 10 - 14 days
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-28 19:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhen did they start asking for the long form (birth certificate)?
If you want smart aleck comments to questions or people to be nasty, you can get that here on VJ ... along of course with some good and helpful advice too... All for free!!! But regarding the Birth Certificate, regardless of if they are wrong or right, there is no sence arguing with a wall, the wall wins... But you can give it a try... If they say they need it, you need to provide it.. period... Good luck
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-25 23:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHousehold Size & Bona Fide Relationship - Anyone have problems with this?
Regarding the household size, you said your son files his own taxes??? Then confirm with them that he files his own taxes by sending them a copy of his 1040... Also be sure that you send in your tax forms showing that you only claim yourself (sine you have not filed married filing seperatly yet being married less than a year)... You should be fine. Include a cover sheet saying that your son is over 18, lives in a seperate household, in college and files his own taxes and you have no other household members etc...

As far as the bonified marriage, just collect the photos, communication proof, lease and whatever you have.. if you have been married less than a year then they will not expect to see other things and your spouse cannot open a bank account or be added to your accounts or loans without a SSN, so they will not expect to see that... They will however want to see proof of an ongoing relationship and your photos, visits, plane tickets, photos with family, family affadavits etc.. should be adequate. Getting someone pregnant is not proof of an ongoing relationship as it takes one moment to concieve a child. Having a baby does not guarantee nor prove anything of what the gov't want to see...

Good luck
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-02 00:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs it still possible to get a K3 visa and then interview for a CR 1 at the same embassy?
QUOTE (smick123 @ Dec 2 2009, 05:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (christeen @ Dec 2 2009, 05:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (smick123 @ Dec 2 2009, 11:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Canadian Wife, thanks for the reply. The Short answers is: as many of us can attest to the process is long and has a taken a toll on my wife (USC). We also didn't sign another's year lease since the visa process is almost done, which means we're live out of suitcases.



We we're thinking we could speed up the process by taking the K3 then coming back for the CR1..

If you interview for the K3 and the CR1 paperwork has not arrived, then you will be issued the K3 visa... This requires the AOS in the states, apply for EAD and all the other issues... The only time that it is possible to go to the K3 interview and have them switch to the CR1 is if the case has been completed at NVC and they have the paperwork... If your case is complete then it is possible to ask the consulate to request your file, but this is not guaranteed... It is not a matter to go to K3 interview, get issued the K3 then go back and get a CR1 later... if you are going to go back for the CR1, just wiat till the CR1 is ready and ignore the K3... otherwise you have to decide between the two...


Thanks for the advise!, I just got word today that we have a CR1 interview on the 5th of Jan, so its really not that long of a wait..
The operator said that the paper hasn't left NVC as yet, any idea how long that will take?

Thats good news!!! They normally send it in 1-2 weeks to the embassy....
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-02 19:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs it still possible to get a K3 visa and then interview for a CR 1 at the same embassy?
QUOTE (smick123 @ Dec 2 2009, 11:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Canadian Wife, thanks for the reply. The Short answers is: as many of us can attest to the process is long and has a taken a toll on my wife (USC). We also didn't sign another's year lease since the visa process is almost done, which means we're live out of suitcases.



We we're thinking we could speed up the process by taking the K3 then coming back for the CR1..

If you interview for the K3 and the CR1 paperwork has not arrived, then you will be issued the K3 visa... This requires the AOS in the states, apply for EAD and all the other issues... The only time that it is possible to go to the K3 interview and have them switch to the CR1 is if the case has been completed at NVC and they have the paperwork... If your case is complete then it is possible to ask the consulate to request your file, but this is not guaranteed... It is not a matter to go to K3 interview, get issued the K3 then go back and get a CR1 later... if you are going to go back for the CR1, just wiat till the CR1 is ready and ignore the K3... otherwise you have to decide between the two...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-02 17:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresgreen card
YAY!!!!!! Now your official!!!
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-02 23:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864... and I-864A help!!!
QUOTE (sachinky @ Dec 2 2009, 02:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That sounds about right. His household is him, his wife, you -- the intending immigrant and if he has any other dependents. And his income alone should be able to support his household size at 125% above the poverty line. So he will put his individual income in the household income section as he is NOT combining incomes with anyone else in his household.

This is what I'm doing: My cousin is filling the I-864 based on his sole income as is demonstrated on his W2. Not the income stated on the tax form, which is a clearly combined income. That's what will go to the NVC along with the other financial documents.

If all goes well, then that's that. For the interview, I will have a copy of his wife's I-864A, just in case a CO is interested.

Actually, slight correction on the household size... the co-sponsor will include himself, wife, children and the intending immigrant... The USC does not need to be included in household size as it is assumed that they are supporting themselves (unless the USC is claimed on this tax return also)... To be on the safe side, include the 864A for the wife as it has been a sticking point for a few people...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-02 16:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelp !!!!!
Lately I have seen that more often they are requiring that the spouse of the co-sponsor fill out the 864A and attach their copy of past (assuming joint) tax return and proof of citizenship/LPR... Based on what the embassy told us at the interview last month, the CO stated that they have received recent guidance from the State Department to be extra diligent on the financial sponsorship of intending immigrants due to the economic situation...

Since most married couples just file using their joint tax returns, they want acknowledgement that the spouse is aware that they are sponsoring an intending immigrant.

Therefore, OP, just have the spouse fill out an 864A, submit the copy of tax returns and proof of residency and if possible a copy of past paystub/checks and you should be fine... Don't stress, just give em what they want and you should be fine...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-11-24 23:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy parents before they left america they filed an SSN for me but i have never been to america would this be a ground for them to deny my interview?
QUOTE (yna @ Dec 2 2009, 10:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My parents before they left america they (they stayed there for almost 5years with non-immigrant visa) filed an SSN for me but i have never been to america would this be a ground for them to deny my interview?

coz all i know they are very strict. and what if they will find it in their system that i have ssn already would they deny me and not issue a visa for me and my kids?

No, no problem... Having a SSN has no impact on denial or approval... Many people who are non immigrants have SSN (workers, students etc...) However that SSN is your lifetime SSN so you will have to let them know you have been assigned one and once you get in the US you have to notify Social Security that you have changed status to LPR...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-02 17:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresB-2 we save for the CR-1?
QUOTE (English Muffin @ Dec 3 2009, 01:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It's not possible to extend the VWP, 90 days is all you get.

Guess that we got bad info those years back...

to OP, if financially you cannt afford the initial filing, you will have some issues proving that you can financially support the intending immigrant. Since it sounds like you will need a co-sponsor, perhaps you can see if they can assist you with the filing fees...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-03 14:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresB-2 we save for the CR-1?
We have been married for over 6 years and just recently did the GC. Years ago we talked to the consulate about getting a B2 and they advised us not to get one since we were married there would be the possibility that it would be denied for fear that he would just stay and file AOS... They advised that if the B2 application was denied then it could create problems for my husband entering under the VWP and the C1D visa he had (he was a crewmember)...

They advised us that if he wanted to stay over the 3 months to request an extension of the VWP entry and it would most likely be extended for an additional 3 months for a total stay of 6 months... It ended up that we did not have to do that as he was called back to work on the ship...

This was approx 4 years ago, not sure if anything changed but that was our experience from Italy Milan consulate
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-03 12:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAfter entering on CR1, can the applicant leave the US?
QUOTE (molasses @ Dec 3 2009, 09:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Are you able to come and go freely as many times as you like?

Yes, as much as you like... Hubby entered the US on 10 Nov and because of his job, has left the country over 4 times already... No problems whatsoever
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-03 22:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 Euro Income
QUOTE (Boiler @ Dec 3 2009, 08:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Besdt to have a co-sponsor, some Consuls will not take capital.

Provided the assets are in the US sponsors name and meet the 3 years x 125% level you should be fine... I would possibly pad that amount to be sure... Although they will probably not count the assets in Spain, put them in the 864 so they know that you have other amounts as a backup...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-03 22:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 Euro Income
QUOTE (Spain to U.S. @ Dec 3 2009, 01:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Boiler @ Dec 3 2009, 05:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The same exchange rate you used when filing your US taxes.

Your Spanish income will continue in the US?



No, I would leave my job as soon as my husband has his immigrant visa. In that case, does that mean that I can ONLY use my savings to show support? Is this acceptable, or do they expect one of us (or a joint sponsor) to also have an income? I could transfer my savings here relatively easily to my U.S. bank account so that shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks for all of the help in advance!

Also, how can I retroactively file U.S. taxes for the last three years? Embarassingly, I have never done anything AT ALL related to U.S. taxes and have no idea as to what I am supposed to do.

In that case you cannot use your income since it will not continue once in the USA... No need to file retroactivly as part of the financial qualification... I am assuming that you do not have a SSN or ITTN?? You can file retroactivly after you get the SSN and provided you earned under 90k you will not owe any taxes... However do a calculation to see if you will benefit from doing this, if your wife did not earn or pay taxes then there might not be a benefit to this for you...

However, even if your wife does not earn anything, she still has to fill out the sponsor form since she is the one petitioning for you. You can qualify on assets alone but they should be in a US account. The amount needed is 3 years x 125% poverty or approx $56,000. Have it in an account that has her name on it and she will include it as her assets on the 864 as proof that you have enough to ensure you are not to become a public charge.

You can still include your Spain info (savings and investments ONLY) as they will NOT count your income since it will not continue... Just be prepared that they might not consider investments in Spain... just the us assets...

The basic jist is that your wife is the petitioner and must prove that she can sponsor you once you enter the USA... you as the intending immigrant are not sponsoring yourself... She can prove that by income or assets in the USA...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-03 13:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 Euro Income
You cannot use your income from Spain to qualify unless this income will continue when you move to the USA... Additionally, some consulates will not count Euro saved in European accounts as assets since they have no ability to verify this amount with European authorities due to the EU privasy restrictions... We ran into this issue even though we have a large amount of assets in Italy... They would not count anything in Italian accounts... The assets had to be in a US account under my (USC) name!!

My husband also was working for a European company and was going to be transferred to the US office once the GC was approved, they also would not count that income since technically it would not continue from the same sourse since in US my husband would be paid by the US branch of the company...

So on paper you can calculate all you want (we did the current exchange rate) but be prepared that they may not consider ANY foreign income or investements... My advice for what it is worth, have a back up plan, either the required amount of assets in a US account (3 years x 125% poverty level or 3 years x the difference in what is earned by your US spouse and the 125%) or have a co-sponsor lined up...

We had to do a lot of scrambling at the last minute as the consulates have become much more stringent on financial support because of the current economic conditions...
christeenFemaleItaly2009-12-03 12:46:00