Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	USCIS requested the case back from the embassy	Not sure if I have any info, but I know the wait to straighten things out is torture... Be strong, hopefully there is a reasonable explanation... Good luck	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-03-06 16:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Worried about Public Charge Denial	You have a co -sponsor whomsays that IF you apply for means tested benefits that THEY would paynthe Govt back... None of the other ####### you listed matters matters...	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-05-08 23:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I 864 same corrections emailed by NVC	Well, unless the lawyer is able to issue you the visa, I would give uscis what they are asking for... Does that $1000 make a difference in clearing the poverty level?	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-05-11 22:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	IR-1/CR-1 filing process? How to begin	Well... That is the consideration you need to make... If you file AOS now... It is about 90 days before he can work (AP/EAD). Or if he leaves and files CR1 it will take about 12 months, he MAY be able to visit duri g the wait but will have to have substantial ties to prove he will return... And living seperate for that long will probably be more expensive in the long run IMO... You do understand the expense of filing for these visas... It is about $2000 when all is said and done... It is a decision you have to make, but if you want my opinion, I would AOS, stay together then try to find work when he gets authorization (by August) ...	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-05-12 14:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	IR-1/CR-1 filing process? How to begin	First, read the guide for CR1 and familiarize yourself ith e process and steps.. For visiting, you can enter the USA as a tourist while the cr1 is in process, but you cannot overstay the visa (or VWP) Amd you will have to provide enough proof (ties to home country) to convince them that they will return (job, house, family etc...) filing for AOS is off the table now as you have immigrant intent.... Now for the working and C1/D ... Is he a crew member currently? There are seperate things that apply to this visa catagory...	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-05-12 12:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	K-1 denied, now filing for spouse visa	One thing I noticed missing is copies of the airline tickets from the visit, passport stamps, receipts for things you did together... Computer chat is OK, but FaceTime together is priceless ...	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-05-20 12:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	K-1 denied, now filing for spouse visa	Well, obviously you will have to do more this petition as far a proof than you did the last one, since they denied you. But not knowing what you submitted before, I certainly cannot tell you what you should add... To get a complete answer, you must provide complete info... If you can't make that effort, neither can we.	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-05-19 22:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	is a K-3 visa worth it at this point?	No.. It will do no good at this time... And it would not have made a difference earlier either... Virtually obsolete	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-05-20 09:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	AGE DIFFERENCE ACCUSATION	Yes, with evidence and how you address those age issues and questions at the interview.	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-05-20 17:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	AGE DIFFERENCE ACCUSATION	It is not a matter of proveing them wrong... You are having to demonstrate that despite being different than the cultural norm, your relationship is in fact genuine genuine... Spending lots of time together, time spent with family, friends in Nigeria, consistent pattern of communication and be prepared to explain why you love each other and why the age difference is not an issue in your relationship.	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-05-20 17:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	FRONT LOADING AT US EMBASSY LAGOS	You might be just fine and be issued the visa with no issues... Not saying it is a guaranteed denial... Fr one thing, We have no idea if your case has any "red flags" or other issues... You may be successful without supplying anythng, but there is certainly a higher chance you will have issues by not front loading than if you had supplied them evidence beforehand. However, for applicants starting the process through Lagos and reading this, I certainly hope they will heed the astute advice of many of the members here and send in relationship evidence with the initial petition, aka "FRONTLOAD" to maximize their chances of a successful outcome. Keep us posted either way... VJ can also provide great night into the re-affirm process and 212g requests if need be...	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-05-23 19:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	FRONT LOADING AT US EMBASSY LAGOS	So there is no point to,this thread asking if you should FRONTLOAD when you are already at the interview stage... Too late to FRONTLOAD now... However encouraging others to ignore the reality of the necessity to provide additional relationship at the beginning of the process just because you chose that path is irresponsible. At this point, you are stuck with what you have... They have in their hands your petition containing the bare minimum of evidence... You have a boatload of evidence that you will be carrying with you along with the prayer that they will give two hoots and review it. If this evidence had been included when you filed with uscis, it would have been looked at, now, maybe it will, maybe not. But you can't send anything in now... But if you are denied, I would take steps to help yourself and strongly suggest that you send in more into than the bare minimum listed...	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-05-23 13:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	FRONT LOADING AT US EMBASSY LAGOS	I think you all are crazy... Or being thick headed... You have access to many personal stories of how difficult Lagos can be and how the system and consulate there works... Yet you choose to ignore it. I believe god helps those that help themselves, and right now, you are not. So if you are denied, does that mean god was not with you or abandoned you in that day?	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-05-23 12:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-864, Affidavit of Support . help pls	Does she have and assets? (Money in savings, retirement savings)? You woul need 3x the shortfall or around $3000 ... Or joint sponsor. If she cannot satisfy the financial requirement or get a joint sponsor you will not get visa ... No Money no Honey...	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-05-08 13:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	what is the best reason to expedite I-129F ?	They Did not file a k1... They filed for K3 which is a spouse visa for married people... Uses the same form number hence the confusion... It is filed after the CR1 (I 130)... However, rarely issued... To the OP, this is the way it is... You gotta play the game and wait...	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-05-27 22:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Proof of Bona Fide Marriage	12-15 months currently... Read up on the guides here on VJ to get a handle on the process..	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-05-19 08:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Proof of Bona Fide Marriage	Ok... Then you do have proof... As sperKing said, co-mingling of finances is not expected of couples who live apart... It is difficult to impossible to really co-mingle financials before they arrive, this is understood and they are just examples of things you CAN use, not what you MUST use. Concentrate on what you can prove... And you seem to be heading in the right direction.	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-05-11 22:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Proof of Bona Fide Marriage	Well.. Yes you will be in big trouble if you do not show proof of a bonified marriage.... You don't have any call logs or Skype logs where you talk, plane tickets, passport stamps showing you visit and have spent time together, photos together and with family showing you are a real couple or have an insurance policy with each other as beneficiary? If you cannot prove you have a real marriage, how do you expect them to issue you a spouse visa ?	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-05-11 13:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Should we get an attorney?	It's not a waste of money IF his mishandling of the paperwork results in denial... Then I would say it is a good investment... Perhaps you can take the lead?	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-06-07 21:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Anybody else waited a while to send their I-130?	We waited 7 years .. Never a single question (FYI, it was cause he worked on a ship,and it was more convenient for Him to stay a NRA ) every couple has their reasons and to every couple wants to reside in the USA	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-06-13 22:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	IR-1 Visa, what does "adjust status" mean?	Wen she enters on IR1 she will get green card valid for 10 years... No need to adjust status or remove conditions... Ur not missing anything...	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-06-24 23:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Best route to take?	Yes, it is confusing... Many people do exactly what the Turkish couple referenced did... For many, they do not ever get called on it, but technically, it is considered fraud... Especially when entering the USA, you have to swear that you will abide by the terms of the visa and not use it to immigrate, so entering with that intent can carry a lifetime ban if caught... Even though 99% of people never are... As far as your timeframe... Currently it is taking 12-15 months... So you might need a bit more time then just one year... Hopefully it all works out.. Good luck..	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-06-25 20:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Best route to take?	Cannot use a tourist visa with the intent to immigrate... File the I130 to begin the IR1 process. Adjust your plans accordingly, make arrangements to prove domicile intent... That is your options legally at this point...	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-06-24 23:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Have IR-1, but want to go to US as a visitor for now. Can I do this?	I wpuld say probably not... If you have a valid immigrant visa in the passport, that supercedes VWP or tourist visas... They wold most likely activate it... I don't think this plan will work.	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-06-27 15:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Have IR-1, but want to go to US as a visitor for now. Can I do this?	Yes, with the IR1 visa you can come and go... So yes, your plan will work...	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-06-26 23:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Joint sponsor ? ok or not ok	Co-sponsor does not have to be related to you. Just get the necessary info...	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-07-09 15:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CR1 Proper Route? Tips/Tricks?	Follow the guides, check our submission against the guide here and no lawyer is needed... Your case seems pretty straightforward as long as there are no criminal background, overstays or other sticky issues...	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-07-01 21:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Wife visits during I-130 processing	She can come visit, she has to abide by the terms of her b1/2 visa... So 8 months would not be possible... There is no "live in the USA while the visa is processing" visa if that is what you are asking... But she can visit within the terms of her tourist visa at the discretion of the immigration officer at entry of course.	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-06-11 20:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Should I tell my wife to leave her JOB	2 weeks is nothing in confront of a lifetime together... Wait till visa is in hand... Give her time to wrap up,her old life before starting her new one...	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-08-19 20:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Is there other reasons for needing a co-sponsor/secondary sponsor besides income requirements?	If her exceeds the 125% of poverty lformhismhousehold, there sold be no reason they wold need a co-sponsor... If they asked,it would be at the embassy stage and they should have been given a written request for such...	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-08-28 23:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Nigeria to USA	I'm only 33 so still young enough to have children! His mother is putting pressure on him to settle down and have kids. I do think the cultural aspect is very important and that is why I do want to visit Lagos! I really have no idea/point of reference about our cultural differences or his marriage expectations! A few months is fast to be considering such things and we wouldn't be discussing it if we didn't need visas to see each other! I'm learning that the visa process takes a long time. I do feel that he may be the one for me but we really need to spend time together in person and meet each others families to know for sure! If he ends up coming to the US on a K-1 visa and doesn't get along with family or I'm not sure then I won't marry him. Marriage is forever! Yes, still young enough not to have to rush into anything... Marriage is tough... Intercultural marriage is that times 1000 ! But can be a wonderful adventure. Please take the time and make the effort to REALLY see his life and spend time in his culture and family , it will help so much in understanding who he is any why... Sadly, he will most likely not get the opportunity to do the same as it sounds like he will have severe obstacles in getting a tourist visa. But good luck!	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-08-29 20:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Nigeria to USA	Depends how far "into the thirties" someone is... And what that bracket is for the consulate... Figuring the time for planning, meeting, filing for visas, marriage etc... It's not necessarily a quick and easy process....	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-08-29 18:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Nigeria to USA	It does not sound likely that he would get a visa... However, might I just ask yo to please read some of the issues and histories associated with the Lagos consulate.... 3 months is a SUPER short time to even be considering marriage (even for someone in their 30s) especially when dealing with a completly different culture... plus there will be issues which arise that are particular to Lagos regarding women past child bearing age... Just saying, prepare yourself... I agree with others that you need to plan for a trip to Nigeria... There is great insight here on VJ from others who have taken that journey...	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-08-29 17:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	USCIS background/security checks of beneficiary in beneficiary's country?	It also helps if your name does not match anyone on a watch list or that is common to many others... It also helps if the country you come from keeps consistent records that are easily researched and accessed to make security checks faster...	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-09-03 16:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	USCIS background/security checks of beneficiary in beneficiary's country?	Really.... no idea why?	christeen	Female	Italy	2014-09-03 13:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Foreign Spouse is primary income	I have been reading and following the instructions on this site and busy getting my documents together... My husband is an Italian Citizen and I am US (born). We have been married for 6 years but since my husband worked on a cruise ship (C1/D visa), we were unable to file for green card. He has decided to take a land job here in Florida but will be paid through Denmark (confusing I know) but bottom line, he will be in Europe until after September so we have decided to file for the IR-1/CR-1. My specific question is that I am disabled and my husband is the primary income for us. He has been with the same company for 15 years and we have a good deal in savings both here and in Europe. What would be the recommendations for filing of the financial support? Since my income is SSD, it is not enough, but our savings and his income is enough? Also, our wedding was in Italy, does the translation of the documents have to be by a registered translator or will an affadavit suffice? I have pretty much all of my documents together and hope to mail the I-130 out next Monday when we get the final documents... I appreciate all the advice and support. We are hoping to finally start a real life here on land and start a family... This is our big step towards that...	christeen	Female	Italy	2009-04-06 23:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Visit while waiting...	I posted this question once to an immigration officer in Miami and was told that during the I-130 process there is not an issue coming in as a tourist, but once the Adjustment of Status is filed, you cannot enter (or exit if you apply from within the US) until the process is finished because a tourist visa might jeapordize either the request for green card (can only be on one visa at a time) or entry into the USA, which in turn could cause problems because then they would have a denial or parole in the passport?? That is just my understanding.	christeen	Female	Italy	2009-07-22 12:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CR-1 Affidavit of Support	QUOTE (txladykat @ Jul 22 2009, 08:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yes, you can submit the contract as proof of income. Its always easier when going with income then you can file the I864EZ. If you have enough income, I recommend this over the regular I-864 and omit assets. BTW, disability income qualifies as income. But on my tax transcripts, it does not show up... Social Security income is not shown on tax transcripts nor add to the Gross Income?? Not sure how I can count it? Should I submit my bank statements showing the deposits from the Govt??	christeen	Female	Italy	2009-07-22 12:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CR-1 Affidavit of Support	I am currently waiting for our NOA2 (we filed in April) but wanted to clarify before we get to the next level some income questions. 1st; I am on disability and therefore do not qualify as far as income, however, we have been very diligent and saved well over the 6x 125% poverty all in liquid assets (I am assuming that CD's count as that??) 2nd; My husband had worked for a cruise line for the past 14 years but had to quit to do this process. He is our main support as far as income. 3rd: He signed a contract for a job here in Florida where we live and is doing training with them now in Europe. My questions are as follows: Can we count his income from his past job or submit his new contract as proof of income? Or is the amount we have in savings sufficient without signaling an issue?? Just wanted to get some input before we got to that stage as I am praying that any day now we will get word that we have been approved for the I130. Thanks, Christeen	christeen	Female	Italy	2009-07-21 15:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	About to visit husband to be and want CR-1 advice	QUOTE (Allie and Nigel @ Jul 24 2009, 11:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> We're not being aggressive, we're stating a point so you can understand. You will get no wishy washy here. Its black and white with most of us, keeps it easy and to the point. Actually, for someone just starting out in the system, many of the remarks in my opinion did come off very snippy. Perhaps when dealing with people who are just looking for information and new to the process, it might be a better tactic to add a bit more "grey" to the "black and white" of your comments to make them more palatable. Think about when you were first starting this process and seeing all the options and all the conflicting information you heard and read. After all, we are stating our opinions which are not necessarily "black and white". A little compassion for those new to this process please. Regarding the topic at hand, I agree with the previous posts that I would not risk it. A lawyer is definetly an option, but judging from what I have read in many of the post and my own experience, I believe I feel a bit better being in control of my own situation. Each person and case of course is different, but this site offers a wealth of information and very detailed instructions. Best of luck on your journey! Edited by christeen, 24 July 2009 - 11:04 PM.	christeen	Female	Italy	2009-07-24 23:00:00