biggish data

i-130 alone or with document

Thank you all for the advice you have given to glitterslam. I am new here and my husband has not yet put in our application, and just reading those responses is already getting me ahead of my process. I agree that he should calm down, slow down and re-read all the instructions, just to make sure he's not making any mistakes....any mistake made in the process can be detrimental and set him back. Better to be careful than regretful.

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2013-11-09 12:54:00

Brazil- I-130~!

Wow David...that's the timeframe I am hoping to have...although I am aware it can be longer. My husband and I haven't filed yet (will be do so in January - I'm the Beneficiary) but I am learning sooooo much from the varying situations/ cases I read about on VJ. All the scenarios are certainly giving me enough information, and helping us to start building our case before we start.

I am happy for all who have reached the end of their journey, those nearing the end. For those like me who either haven't started yet, or have just started, I pray that we will have a limited waiting time to be with our loved one .

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2013-11-15 16:06:00

forms?

What forms can I print out now to take with me on my trip that I can have my future husband sign now?

Newlove13, our cases are very similar. My husband will be filing in January and I will be visiting him then. I plan to print off and carry the G325A form and take with me, along with multiple copies of data page of my Passport and Birth Certificate, as well as one original of our Marriage Certificate (and colour copies as well). I also will be taking a a lot of blank forms to ensure we practice filling them out on paper before doing it on the computer...better to get it right now than to get a RFE.

I would also recommend you take all the documents he will need to have later, so you won't have to Fed-Ex them to him. Read the Guides provided here...they are very helpful in understanding what to do.

Good luck.

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2013-12-10 14:48:00

Do I have to change my passport name?

I am the beneficiary and when we got married I included my husband's last name in the end of my name. We filled the I-130 based on my marriage certificate, which has my new name (with my husband's last name). Do I have to change my passport name? How will it work in the future when I will have to sign other forms and get into the US? I wonder if I need to get a new passport before the interview.

Thank you so much!

Hi, thanks for raising this question...its very relevant to me as well. It has been a question I've been rolling over in my head since I got married 2 months ago. I however, didnt want to change my passport yet since I will be travelling back and forth to my husband during the course of filing. I will however change my Driver's Licence among other national documents, since I will be in my country for a couple more months and will be required to operate in my new status as a married women.

However, since my I-130 application may take as long as 10 months (God forbid not longer), I'm wondering if it would be good to change my passport to my married name since the marriage would have been a couple months old. Any advice on that idea???

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2013-12-12 16:26:00

Can my husband travel with CR-1 visa same day as pick up

The visa has already been issued, and I don't think it matters whether he flies the same day he collects it or not. The date of issue that is stamped in the visa is the date recorded at the embassy, not DHL. I think they give 6 months in which to travel to the US. Some persons have picked up the visa on the same day they plan to fly...although that is not a wise thing to do because there might be delays. Good luck.

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2013-12-20 21:05:00

Trusted Immigration Attorneys for Applying for CR-1 Visa

I'd say trust the experts in VJ and do the process on your own.

When my husband (USC) and I got married, we started researching the internet for information on the filing process, including thoughts about hiring a lawyer. I didn't know anything about VJ until a girlfriend introduced me to Visa Journey and she flat out told me "DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO HELP YOU. Visa Journey has helped me and my husband, and the process took us 9 months". Having been here, I have garnered SO much information to help me when we file in January. We got married in my country and will be filing I-130...I wish we had know about VJ before because we would have definitely gone the K1 route because we would have been done the process and gotten married today. But to each's own. With all the testimonies of using /not using a lawyer, you can decide.

You and your wife can work together and take turns in gathering the information required to help you along. Both my husband and I are members of this community and I am the one who "lives" here. Not a day goes by that I am not online. VJ WORKS.

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2014-01-06 11:40:00

I was told not to believe what you see on their site. It takes at least 9 to 12 months at USCIS for I-130 approval!!!! Good luck.

You're right about not believing what you see on their site, because I choose to believe that my case will not sit at USCIS for 12 months. Mash down that lie in the name of Jesus. We are trusting God to take us through this entire process in less time than the "system" says.

I dont care what no one thinks. .I know my God can do the impossible, and He is still in the business of creating miracles.

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2014-04-04 12:56:00

Take comfort in the fact that your file is in line for processing...and the light is definitely at the end of the tunnel. But I understand full well what it feels like. I'm in constant contact with my husband 24/7 and that is what help to ease the anxiety sometimes.

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2014-04-03 14:20:00

Lol! Thanks Ingrid, I'm already anxious. I'm waiting with baited breath for hubby to text me saying he got text/email that they received his packet. But I can never understand why an I-130 application (for spouse especially) takes 5-7 months at USCIS..then another 5/6 months at NVC. Its beyond me.

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2014-04-03 14:00:00

Hi guys, we finally sent in our petition yesterday (April 2)..and from the looks of what Ingrid post, then I'm estimating that you guys will be hearing something anytime soon. Based on that processing timeline, we probably won't hear anything until about September. But guess what, nothing is impossible with God so I'm going to be hopeful that we will get to NVC long before September.

Keep up your hopes up.

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2014-04-03 13:46:00

NOA1 waiting to get to NOA2 - I'm just confirming these steps

Yes, that notice was the Notice of Acceptance. (NoA 1).

My hubby (petitioner) and I are also waiting on our petition to be approved by USCIS, after which they will send out NoA 2, to say it has been approved and being sent to NVC. In this waiting time, we are reading up on the NVC steps to ensure that we are ready and set to go when the long-awaited NoA 2 comes.

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2014-05-04 13:09:00

Questions before filing Petition, change of status? name to use?

From what I've read here and what I understand, "Change of Status" is only for non-US citizens (in your case, your husband). It doesn't mean "change of marital status" either. So, its your husband status you would be filing to change.

I'm also assuming that he came to you via K-1 visa, which means you wouldn't need to file an I-130 petition..just the Adjustment of Status forms. Read up on the Guides found on this site.

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2014-05-14 08:10:00

Should we get an attorney?

Sorry for the double posting..using my phone.

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2014-06-08 09:53:00

Should we get an attorney?

As the OPs said, I don't think you need a lawyer. What you could do is go over the documents together via Skype or Yahoo video chat. If you don't have eady acces to that, schedule a time to do so. Have a copy of the checklist in front of you and read them off, while he on the other side is putting them in the envelope. My husband is very meticulous with paper work, but I we prepared our package together via video chat, where I used my checklist to help him put the documents together and I watched him like sn hawk, then ticked.

My stomach would go into knots if we were to get RFEs, so I can imagine how you feel. Bringing in a lawyer at this time would be adding more hoops for you to jump through, while you still have to pay him. Watching my husband via video helped me to see what he was doing. Maybe it will help you too.
As the OPs said, I don't think you need a lawyer. What you could do is go over the documents together via Skype or Yahoo video chat. If you don't have eady acces to that, schedule a time to do so. Have a copy of the checklist in front of you and read them off, while he on the other side is putting them in the envelope. My husband is very meticulous with paper work, but I we prepared our package together via video chat, where I used my checklist to help him put the documents together and I watched him like sn hawk, then ticked.

Edited by Kathryn41, 08 June 2014 - 08:45 PM.
duplicated text removed for clarity

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2014-06-08 09:50:00

Should I change my passport to my married name or not?

I asked this same question a few days ago, but my reason was to find out if I had to change my passport now before our case got to NVC, after which I would have submitted the bio page of the new passport (with married name) to NVC for the IV. My reason for wanting to renew my passport now, is because my passport will expire in March 2015. I was advised here, (and as David has said) that I don't have to change it now, but at the time of my interview (which will be round about anywhere between December to February) my passport should have 6 months usage on it. This means I will have to renew with my married name,which I plan to do before my interview.

I hope I won't need to have ID in my maiden name for travelling purpose because I may be changing my Drivers License also before my interview.

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2014-06-29 17:56:00

Please Help 39 days have passed since DOA2

I think after getting NOA2 from USCIS, there is no time to sit and twiddle thumb. If you read carefully the information provided on the link that NLR posted, you'll see that there are documents you need to get ready, so you can send off your package, as soon as the long-awaited emal/hard copy NVC letter arrives. That will cut your processing time down if there are no RFEs.

From the looks of things, a case close and interview in September.

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2014-06-27 19:25:00

Is renewal of current passport to include married name necessary for NVC?

Okay great. Thanks Ryan. I will definitely be renewing before the date of the interview.

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2014-06-22 17:16:00

Is renewal of current passport to include married name necessary for NVC?

Hi VJ family,

My husband and I got married in October 2013. Since then, I have been slowly changing out my documents/ accounts/ IDs to reflect my married name. I am yet to do my Driver's Licence and my Passport. Seeing that the Passport is more important, I decided to do that one first. My husband filed our I-130 petition in April and we now await its approval, which going by USCIS snail pace, we are looking at September for NoA 2. In the mean time - and between time - we are going about gathering all the documents that we will be required to submit, once our case is sent to NVC. At the NVC stage, (hopefully with no RFE's) is probably going to be another 4/5 months - January /February 2015 (we are hoping for December )

Here's where I'm seeking your expert advice.

I'm currently filling our forms to have my Passport renewed to reflect my married name, which I would then mail to my husband before our case gets to NVC. However, my passport still has about 10 months on it - expires in March 2015. I'm not sure if I would need to travel between now and December. My tourist visa is in there in my maiden name.

Question:

Do I really need to have my Passport renewed at this time in order to send Bio page with married name to NVC? Or I could leave it until about January to get it done, and let the IV process at NVC continue in my maiden name?

I've done some searching, but didn't find anything closely related to my situation. If I have to renew it, I have no problem doing so now. Just don't want to have to do it now if its not detrimental, and since the expiration date is March 2015.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2014-06-22 14:57:00

Need info on marriage process in Cambodia

You're welcome. Glad I could help.

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2014-07-13 17:23:00

Need info on marriage process in Cambodia

Where or how much you spend on a wedding, is not what matters as evidence for USCIS. What they want to see are physical evidence such as photographs with you, your spouse along with family and/or friends, to show that the event happened. As well as the marriage certificate.

If getting married in Cambodia means doing it the traditional way, then find the cheapest traditional way that you can. But while you are doing it, keep in the fore front of your mind, that you need to capture the moment for evidence later.

Good luck on your wedding and petitioning for your wife.

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2014-07-13 14:07:00

Need info on marriage process in Cambodia

Whether a big ceremony that cost a whole lot, or a small ceremony that cost minimal to nothing, what is important are the vows you make to each other in the presence of a licenced officer and a few witnesses...and the document that shows you are married at the end. Whichever route you choose to take, make sure at the end you have evidence that the marriage took place, such as photos of the event showing you, your spouse and other persons in the pictures. USCIS is more interested in seeing evidence of the relationship between you and the person you are petitioning for.

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2014-07-13 11:45:00

Out of sheer curiosity

My understanding of what are asking is, how does a Green Card petition gets approved without any evidence of an established relationship? I know of someone who pre arranged and planned her wedding, traveled to the US on a tourist visa, marry her LPR boyfriend, remain in the US and had her AOS approved. They however had an established relationship and i suspect, would have submitted all the evidence required to show that there was an established relationship proir to the wedding.

It's just hard to accept that there are so many of us languishing doing it the legal way, while others choose the illegal way and get through.

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2014-09-25 06:48:00

Feeling overwhelmed, just starting

Question for the experts here!

Since they (Smilingeyes and her fiance) already have a long established relationship, could they just get married in Canada (even a small wedding) and then let her husband file the I-130 instead of going for the K-1 visa? I read in the Guide that the processing time between the two is just about the same - probably about 2 months less for the K-1, and it makes more sense to just file the I-130.

Just asking..

Thanks

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2013-11-18 17:52:00

HELP HELP - I Forgot To Include $340 Payment for I-129F Form

Hello, in the excitement I forgot to include my payment in our initial I-129F form. I called FEDEX to have them retrieve it before delivery, but lets just say FEDEX dropped the ball and lied about having the package.

Now it has been delivered and I don't want it refused or thrown out, what should I do?

Everything was clearly filled out, just that one piece very important piece I just forgot.

Thank You,

Joel

From what I'm reading from the experts, you don't have a choice but to re-send. If I were you, to cut back on time, I would re-send with payment NOW and not wait on USCIS to resend the first package (since they are going to do so anyway). Your new package would pass the old one back on its way to you. When USCIS gets the new package, that will start the process for you, which would mean a shorter wait for you at the front end.

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2013-11-25 09:48:00

USCIS approval- what next?

Hi everyone im new so please be patient! On the USCIS case staus checker it stTes that they mailed a letter of there approval of our I-129f fiance visa on 2nd December. It is now 8th and it has not been received in post, should we be concerned? Also what happens next? Will the USCIS have already sent our application on to the NVC? Our case status hasnt changed to say this yet! How long will it take to get there and how long before we hear anything from NVC? Im getting anxious now. Our wedding is set for May 1st does this seem achievable? Thankyou for any help you guys can offer. My US fiance is the petitioner and i am in London UK.

Sept 1st 2013- sent in i-129f
Sept 7- notice of receipt
November 10-request for evidence
November 19th- uscis received evidence
December 2 2013- approval notice sent in post

I don't recommend that you sit and wait. Read up on what you can do in the meantime to await your NoA. There are many helpful information here that gives you advice on how to "stay ahead" of the system. When you are ahead by getting the documents they will require in advance, it helps to get you through the system fast.

Read the information provided here. http://www.visajourn...content/k3guide

Virtuous45

Female

Jamaica

2013-12-08 12:18:00