ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsceac date change

When they change the case creation date, it usually means that they will issue it within the next few business days. The status will change to AP for a short time while the process the paperwork and print the visa out into your passport. Ours took about a week.


d3adc0d3Not TellingArgentina2014-09-18 09:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsRFE, Intent to Marry

Example letters of intent:

 

Benficiary:

 

 

Fiancé Letter of Intent

 

                                                                                                <petitioner?s name>

                                                                                                <petitioner?s address>

                                                                                                <petitioner?s phone number>

United States Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

<USCIS service center address>

 

                                                                                                <today?s date>

 

Dear Sir or Madam:

 

I, <beneficiary?s name>, do hereby state that I am legally able and willing to marry <petitioner?s name>, and intend to do so within 90 days of my arrival into the US using the K-1 visa.

 

 

 

 

Yours truly,

 

<beneficiary?s signature>

 

<beneficiary?s name>

 

Petitioner:

 

 

Fiancé Letter of Intent

 

                                                                                                <petitioner?s name>

                                                                                                <petitioner?s address>

                                                                                                <petitioner?s phone number>

United States Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

<USCIS service center address>

 

                                                                                                <today?s date>

 

Dear Sir or Madam:

 

I, <petitioner?s name>, do hereby state that I am legally able and willing to marry <beneficiary?s name>, and intend to do so within 90 days of <his/her> arrival into the US using the K-1 visa.

 

 

 

 

Yours truly,

 

<petitioner?s signature>

 

<petitioner?s name>

 


d3adc0d3Not TellingArgentina2014-09-19 09:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFiance is young (20) and has never worked

I thought US citizens could file petitions only if they are 21 years and older? How did a 20 year old file a K-1 petition?

 

Must be 18 and older. Legally free and able to marry in the US is 18+!


d3adc0d3Not TellingArgentina2014-09-23 14:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFiance is young (20) and has never worked

I've read here "wear what you would wear on a job interview", but I don't think it's necessary for men to wear suits, just a little less dressed up than that.

I am super nervous about that too, I look even younger than 20. 

Everyone says I look 15, I think I'll go a little more formal lol

 

My Fiance is 25 and looks like jailbait too. He was just fine, no need to worry. I was present for his interview, and I look in my early 20s on a bad day, 16 on a good day. If you go for a full suit and tie I personally think you'll look too formal. Most of the people in there will be in jeans and a t-shirt. A lot of people who go to the embassy are USC who lost their visas or want to extend their stay, etc. There will be some people there for Visas, not all will be immigrating, many for visiting or work visas.

 

However, whatever makes you feel more confident and comfortable is the key. You're not from a high fraud country, so it shouldn't be a difficult interview. 

 

Here's a thread with a list of the common interview questions to help you prepare:
http://www.visajourn...view-questions/

http://www.visajourn...ent/exampleq#k1

 

And you can always do a google search. Plenty of resources. You can also do a site search (top right hand corner), and look up how interviews go for your consulate/embassy. I always feel more confident when I feel prepared.


d3adc0d3Not TellingArgentina2014-09-23 14:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFiance is young (20) and has never worked

Thanks for your replies everyone :)

 

Another quickie, what should i wear to the embassy?

 

You're so nervous, it's adorable. I remember being just as nervous.

 

My fiance looked very dapper in dress slacks and a button down with loafers. I would recommend dress-casual.


d3adc0d3Not TellingArgentina2014-09-23 13:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFiance is young (20) and has never worked

I was unemployed at the time as I'd recently been laid off when my interview happened, and they had no concern for my current income. The embassy already covered the income, and in case they asked, I had copies of several job offers, freelance contracts, savings, etc.

 

If they ask, state that your fiancee's family is willing to help support you guys while you get on your feet and start your life together. That as soon as you've gotten your EAD after filing for your AoS you're going to look for work, and your fiancee will start looking for work once she's finished college (if she's in college and willing of course).

 

Be honest, the UK is not a high fraud country, so you won't likely get the Spanish inquisition. Good Luck!


d3adc0d3Not TellingArgentina2014-09-23 13:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNoa2 question

It does go much faster once your petition is shipped from NVC to the consulate. there's still several weeks waiting after it's been approved, as they shipped approved petitions in batches to NVC.


d3adc0d3Not TellingArgentina2014-09-24 10:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAlien Registraton Number was changed

They "change" or assign the ARN when they put your petition into the system. Sit back & relax, you have a long wait now. Good Luck!


d3adc0d3Not TellingArgentina2014-09-24 09:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsfelling sad now want to cray why it take forever

It depends on your home location.


d3adc0d3Not TellingArgentina2014-09-24 16:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsfelling sad now want to cray why it take forever

I filed in April of 2013. I was approved in August/September of 2013. My interview was June of 2014. My now husband, got his visa August of 2014, and entered the country 3-4 weeks ago. Try and be more patient with the process, and always remember there are people out there who were or are a lot worse off. 

 

This is the U.S. Government we're talking about... it's all about the "Hurry up and wait." Take it from a retired military vet. Your wait could be MUUUUUUCH worse than it is. :P


d3adc0d3Not TellingArgentina2014-09-24 14:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportstransfered I-129F approved, then computer glitch....who has news?

Congrats!


d3adc0d3Not TellingArgentina2014-09-26 13:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportstransfered I-129F approved, then computer glitch....who has news?

If you have the hardcopy, you're approved. The electronic system is notoriously unreliable. The papers in your hand is what is reliable. Your best bet to be sure is to call and ask to speak with a Tier 2 rep.


d3adc0d3Not TellingArgentina2014-09-24 14:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFREAKING OUT!

First thing, breathe.

 

This is a delay, they already approved you, they won't revoke it.

 

You may need to have your flight pushed back a few days, there will likely be a fee. Best bet is to push it back a couple weeks, since the cost of the ticket goes up the closer you are to the date of the flight. If you have Frequent Flier miles, you may be able to have the ticket refunded for the cost in miles, and book your flight once the visa is in your hand. 

 

Contact the embassy and inform them that you have a flight booked for tomorrow and your fiance has surgery today so you'd like to be there to help her recover.


d3adc0d3Not TellingArgentina2014-09-25 12:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsfairness?

Life isn't fair, and to expect it from a government operation is overly optimistic.  :lol:

 

As retired military, I can tell you now it will always be "hurry up and wait" when it comes to any government processes. Things may have improved, but with the volume going up, it counter-balances any improvements they made.

 

No one gets shown favoritism. There are qualifications, processes, and paperwork that must be filed in order to expedite a case. If you don't qualify, don't follow the process, or don't file the paperwork correctly your expedite request can and likely will be denied. Not everyone qualifies for it, it's typically reserved for military personnel about to be shipped off, and other special cases. Its highly unlikely that your case is one those 'special cases'. I occasionally see 'special cases' for people who are living in war zones, for example.

 

Some people's background checks take longer to come through, especially if your country has yet to digitize all their records, or your name matches someone else's who's been flagged in the database. If your packet didn't present enough evidence, and an RFE is issued that will delay things, if the adjudicator is new, or went on vacation, that can slow things down too. You can go here for the Q & A with a former USCIS Adjudicator. Whining about the process won't fix it, but keeping yourself busy will. Try preparing for you wedding, look into plans and designs, discuss with your partner about decorating the home and what he/she/you will need when they/you arrive in the US. There's plenty to do and prepare for, as long as you stay in contact with your love, visit as often as affordable, and keep yourself distracted. Busy makes the waiting go by much faster.

 

Too many variables in this process for impatience, or to expect any type of special treatment. Have some patience and realize that things will happen when they're meant to.

 


d3adc0d3Not TellingArgentina2014-10-01 13:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHoly smokes!! freaking out

Congrats!

 

Aside from reading the guides and preparing yourself for the interview I recommend the following:

 

  1. Mail your fiance(e) any original documents he or she may need at the interview.
    • Birth/Death Certificates
    • Divorce Decrees
    • Tax Returns
    • Letters from Employers/Banks
    • Photos of you together they don't have in Ireland.
    • Affidavit of Support with ORIGINAL SIGNATURE
    • Updated Letter of Intent with ORIGINAL SIGNATURE
  2. Have your fiance(e) get their birth certificate, police certificate, and medical appointment asap. The sooner that's booked, the sooner the embassy will see you. If the embassy requires any other official paperwork (biometrics, dna, etc) get that booked too.
  3. Celebrate!
  4. Prepare for the interview, look up commonly asked interview questions, go over your facts, for things you two may not be on the same page about (dates are always a hard thing for guys).
  5. Start preparing for his or her arrival in the US purchase the things he or she will need, look into wedding plan options, honeymoon options, etc. Lots to do!
  6. Celebrate some more!

d3adc0d3Not TellingArgentina2014-10-17 15:28:00
Middle East and North Africatunisia birth certificate

Hi guys,

 

Tunisia has an expiration date for birth certificates. Im sending off my Aos paper with an old certificate to USCIS. DO you think, USCIS would want a new birth certificate or is the old one enough? 

 

 

Also since my marriage is not accepted in tunisia (even though my husband is convert, he just didnt go to the Mufti to prove that) Im single in all my paperwork. Should that be a problem?

 

thanks

 


Edited by Mocha1990, 11 November 2013 - 08:54 PM.

MochaMichouMale02013-11-11 20:53:00
Middle East and North Africafor tunisians

Not sure exactly what your asking what is a "mulfti" ?

 the mufti is the guy you go to to convert to islam before marrying a tunisian woman.


MochaMichouMale02014-01-22 19:17:00
Middle East and North Africafor tunisians

Hi

 

What papers  do you need to go to the mufti for an american citizen? 


MochaMichouMale02014-01-21 00:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAFTER 4 MONTHS FINALLY GOT MY NOA2!!!!:) (same day i got my job too)
The person is excited, give them a break, no need to sit there and criticize their math. Your post is unbelievably uncalled for and i've seen others just like it from you also. Take it easy.

Current income is what qualifies you as sponsor, so you meet the minimum requirements for a household of two. While NOT meeting the minimum assures you don't qualify, simply meeting the minimum does not assure you DO qualify.

By the way, 400 a week times 52 weeks = 20,800, not 19,200.


Tommy and MariaMaleBelize2012-05-22 19:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC RFE birth and marriage certificates

I think I'll just put another set of copies in there, and this time write in a cover letter that the documents fulfill the requirement for my country.
Let's just say that the new and 'improved' system is not as efficient as it used to be:).

We shouldn't have to be worried about our birth certificates not looking official. Swedes have emigrated to the US using these very same forms for years and years. Nothing new!


something just like this happened to me today. My wife was born in Guatemala, but is a Belizean citizen. They said some pish posh about her original birth certificate not being original. I called right away (knowing that their is no way that can be true since all 13 of her brothers and sisters have the exact same form). They told me they were going to check with a supervisor, could be 15 days, wow. Her ds-230 also had a mistake apparently being one really sucks, she has always lived in the same place, so the dates were tricky because they say since you were 16. Low and behold i had to refill out the entire form.

these places are just great aren't they?
Tommy and MariaMaleBelize2012-09-11 20:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarrying this month and planning on filing I-130 in August
?
acevce19Not TellingDominican Republic2013-07-12 15:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarrying this month and planning on filing I-130 in August
I plan on opening a joint Account while I am in D.R. after I marry my fiancé in two weeks. I believe I know what documents I must have as a US ctizen to get the account but I am not certain if they must be translated to submit to Banco Popular and all the representatives I speak with provide me a different answer. Anyone know what documents are needed, id, and language requirement?

Edited by acevce19, 12 July 2013 - 03:26 PM.

acevce19Not TellingDominican Republic2013-07-12 15:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarrying this month and planning on filing I-130 in August

Thanks for the advice guysidea9dv.gif  , Keep it coming


acevce19Not TellingDominican Republic2013-07-08 21:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarrying this month and planning on filing I-130 in August

Hello

 

I am marrying my guy at the end of this month and plan on filing the I-130 sometime in August. I will be marrying my Dominican fiance in his hometown and I am hoping he will be here soon after. I plan on submitting the following:

1. G-145 Form

2. G325 A (for petitioner and beneficiary)

3. Birth Certificate copies (petitioner and beneficiary)

4. 2x2 passport style photo (petitioner and beneficiary)

5. I-130 Form

6. Marriage Certificate

7. Sworn letters from family/friends acknowledging bonafide marriage and relationship

8. Call History since meeting spouse (his phone records and mine)

9. Photos from beginning of relationship (includes wedding day photos)

10. Boarding Passes, Itinerary, Hotel and Honey Moon room receipts, passport stamps

11. Wedding ring and band receipts (purchased by him)

 

We have not been able to live together and have not had a child yet but are planning to open a joint account when I am in his hometown this month. Please let me know if this seems adequate or if anyone has suggestions. Thanks 


acevce19Not TellingDominican Republic2013-07-08 20:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR-1 (I-130) Application for my wife

  • Completely filled and signed I-864 Affidavit of support application from my self (petitioner)
  • Completely filled and signed DS-230 application from my wife (beneficiary) (both part I & II filled, signed part I only by my wife)
  • Black and white copy of my wife's Pakistani Passport (all pages)(they are copies of certified or notarized actual document )
  • IRS transcript of last three years of my tax return, copies of W2 from last three year from my employer
  • Last 6 months of my pay stub copies showing my salary
  • Letter from my employer in official letter head indicating my current salary / title and also shows that it is above poverty level

    ]Copy of police certificate for my wife in Pakistan (copy of actual notarized / certified document)
  • Copy of my wife's birth certificate (copy of actual notarized / certified document)
  • Copy of marriage certificate translation document (notarized and certified my magistrate in Pakistan)
  • 2 passport size photos of my wife as per US Department of State requirements

Everything above you sent to USCIS will have to be redone for your NVC stage. And they must all be originals or certified copies of the original.

Good job with everything else though.

Go to the NVC filers thread read post #1 and #2 to get familiar with the next stage. Ypu have some months of waiting.

http://www.visajourn...s-january-2013/



Ok then I think I have so send G-325a and DS-230 forms to my wife so she can sign it again. Also she might need new photos as I heard no later than 30 days old passport pictures are accepted. To savetime I can ask her to sign DS-2032 form in advance (not sure about this step) Thanks for the help, as it really helped me
jj2013Not TellingPakistan2013-01-28 16:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR-1 (I-130) Application for my wife

Naw bro it wont be a problem. Actually, in the instructions of I-130 it list all the required documents you need for the first step :) Now you gotta wait patiently until you receive NOA2. InshaAllah it will come in quick! Wish you all the best.


Thanks buddy just wondering if USCIS will discard additional docs that I sent with application , in such case I have to request new transcript from IRS again, and get new letter of appointment from my employer as I sent orginals with by I-130 application
jj2013Not TellingPakistan2013-01-28 01:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR-1 (I-130) Application for my wife

First of all it is an I-130 petition, not an application. You are petitioning the USCIS so she can apply for a CR-1 visa. She will be applying for CR-1, not IR-1, you have been married less than 2 years therefore she will be a conditional resident. You did not need to send in the I-864 with supporting documents, tax returns, employment letter and pay stubs, the ds-3032, or the ds-230 with supporting documents, as these are not required until the next step of the process at the NVC. Take a look at the guides at the top of the page, you jumped the gun on a lot of things.



Oh I see thanks for the clarification, would this be a problem as I sent more than required documents ??
jj2013Not TellingPakistan2013-01-27 22:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR-1 (I-130) Application for my wife
Folks I just applied for IR-1 (I-130) application for my wife on Jan 14th, I got NOA1 notification that priority date has been assigned to me for Jan 18th.

I need your input for I-130 package I sent for my wife application, please help me in case I forgot anything or did anything incorrectly so and can be ready before loosing any further time in case if I am asked for further RFE by National Visa Center.

I am USC, married in October 2012, applied in January following are the contents of my I-130 application.

  • Completely filled and signed I-130 application from my self (petitioner)
  • Completely filled and signed G-325a application from my self (petitioner)
  • Completely filled and G-1145 e-notification application from my self (petitioner)
  • Completely filled and signed I-864 Affidavit of support application from my self (petitioner)
  • Completely filled and signed G-325a application from my wife (beneficiary)
  • Completely filled and signed DS-230 application from my wife (beneficiary) (both part I & II filled, signed part I only by my wife)
  • Color copy of my US passport (all pages), and color copy of my naturalization certificate (they are not certified or notarized )
  • Black and white copy of my wife's Pakistani Passport (all pages)(they are copies of certified or notarized actual document )
  • Black and white copy of my wife's Pakistani ID card showing my name as husband (they are copies of certified or notarized actual document )
  • IRS transcript of last three years of my tax return, copies of W2 from last three year from my employer
  • Last 6 months of my pay stub copies showing my salary
  • Letter from my employer in official letter head indicating my current salary / title and also shows that it is above poverty level
  • Copies of three Affidavit from relatives witness the marriage ( these are copies of actual notarized documents done in Pakistan)
  • Copies of three documents showing my wife higher education achieved degree and work experience in Pakistan ( these are copies of actual notarized documents done in Pakistan)
  • Copy of police certificate for my wife in Pakistan (copy of actual notarized / certified document)
  • Copy of my wife's birth certificate (copy of actual notarized / certified document)
  • Copies of money transfer transcript I sent to my wife as evidence for bona fide marriage
  • Copies of phone call history to my wife as evidence for bona fide marriage
  • Wedding pictures, and family dinner pictures of me, my wife and our family in Pakistan
  • Copy of marriage certificate translation document (notarized and certified my magistrate in Pakistan) * note forgot to send actual marriage certificate
  • 3 passport size photos of my wife as per US Department of State requirements
  • 2 passport size photos of my self as per US DOS requirement
  • Check of $420 for I-130 application fee
  • Cover letter including table of contents what is sent in the package

Note: I sent copies of everything, actual notarized copies of my wife's pakistani documents are still with me as I did not send them in case USCIS will loose them, not sure if this would be a problem, I believe they can can check these originals at time of interview.


Please see what I have sent so far for completeness and correctness, in case if I do miss anything then please help me so I can be prepared ahead and do not loose any further time going back and forth with USCIS, also note I forgot to include actual marriage cert however did included translated certified document of marriage cert not sure if this would be a problem. Please read and guide me and also please do suggest next steps, so I be ready in time, I know I might get notification or my wife get it to choose or select choice of agent, can we do anything in advance to save any time ??? Please help appreciate your input

Edited by jj2013, 27 January 2013 - 10:36 PM.

jj2013Not TellingPakistan2013-01-27 22:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 CR-1 Post Decision ( Next Steps )
Thanks All
jj2013Not TellingPakistan2013-03-17 22:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 CR-1 Post Decision ( Next Steps )
Hello I am USC, and I have received following notification from USCIS for my wife's I-130 CR-1 application. Please advise what would be the next steps and how much closer my case now go since I applied in Jan 14th 2013. What would be my estimated visa approval and POE date. Can someone help me with ETA and next steps please...


Post Decision Activity

On March 15, 2013, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283
jj2013Not TellingPakistan2013-03-17 22:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to do if one has no W-2 or US tax records for CR1 interview in China?

you could back file with a 1040X (include a w-7 for an itin for yer lass if you want) with f2555 on your prior 3 years. No W-2s needed from your chinese employer.

but - where are you in the process? If you just filed the I-130, it won't matter at the moment - you have some time nowish to get this fixed . It matters at NVC, when submitting the I-864.

If you've already submitted the I-130 - please fill out yer timeline at http://www.visajourn...e.php?id=150741

Ultimately, for the I-864 headed to Guangzhou IV (They do the final evaluation, btw, and are hard-asses for 3 years o prior tax data) it's best you show 3 prior years o tax data with your current employment info.

Good Luck! (if you change yer country to China in yer profile settings, we can find you in the portal and you'll get other answers from members with Chinese Spouses who have been in yer situation)


I have another question, when you say "past three years" would that be 1040's for 2010, 2011 and 2012... or would you need to include the 2009 form too seeing as how 2012 is kind of "this years" taxes? What do you think?
Yeti_BallMaleChina2013-01-13 21:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to do if one has no W-2 or US tax records for CR1 interview in China?
Thanks, you guys are awesome! Will be back if i run into any other questions.
Yeti_BallMaleChina2013-01-13 16:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to do if one has no W-2 or US tax records for CR1 interview in China?

if you are filing 'married filing jointly' then she needs the w-7 paperwork.

If filing 'married filing seperately' then she not need the w-7 paperwork.


Okay good to know. will do that for now. another thing, seeing as how I've been married for less then a year, when i file for 2011 & 2010 would i file as NOT married since i was single during those years or married since i am NOW married, AT THE TIME OF FILING? i know this is not a tax forum, just throwing it out there!
Yeti_BallMaleChina2013-01-13 16:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to do if one has no W-2 or US tax records for CR1 interview in China?

do note chasing after a W-7 can be difficult,as
the ONLY notarized copy of her bio page accepted with IRS is now

one notarized by a Vice-Consul at the US Consulate in China (there are 4 plus an embassy, so that's a plus)

If you are thinking to do this, add 3 weeks from today, to your calendar for filing yer pack o stuff into the IRS,
and LET ME KNOW soonish, I'll outline the steps for you that yer lass needs to do.


It seems that the W-7 form now requires an official stamped "certified copy" of her passport from the Chinese passport office. This could take a while to get mailed all the way over to the US and I'm wondering if I have to have include this form when filing my 1040 or if I can just leave the space for her SSN blank for now.

It seems that the W-7 form is only required if my wife were filing a 1040 for herself, although they do ask for her SSN on my 1040 form since she is listed as my spouse.

EDIT: From the IRS FAQ page on ITINs:

What is the difference between a "certified" and a "notarized" document?
A certified document is one that the original issuing agency provides and certifies as an exact copy of the original document and contains an official stamped seal from the Agency. These documents will be accepted. A notarized document is one that the taxpayer provides to a public notary who bears witness to the signing of the official document and affixes a seal assuring that the document is legitimate. These documents will not be accepted for ITIN applications. Note there are some applicants who are exempt from this change. This exemption is described in a previous question.

Edited by Yeti_Ball, 13 January 2013 - 03:30 PM.

Yeti_BallMaleChina2013-01-13 15:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to do if one has no W-2 or US tax records for CR1 interview in China?

Ya, the local IRS office will accept it, stamp yer stuff, and send it on where ever it needs to go.

If you get a copy with the original stamp, I say not filing to IRS Austin will not hurt you at all, and in fact gives you a set of 'filed' tax documents that you'll be using with Guangzhou IV.

Are you including the W-7 form, chasing after an ITIN for yer lass, or no ?


I guess I probably should, yeah. Another question, since you seem to be rather knowledgeable about this whole process, you mentioned 1040X forms; are these the forms need to file for previous years that had never been filed for, or would one simply download the 1040 for each corresponding year? Would it make any difference?
Yeti_BallMaleChina2013-01-13 14:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to do if one has no W-2 or US tax records for CR1 interview in China?

Aha - wait a mo.

Reread my post, I edited it a lot. Refresh this screen, la.


So, yer a DCF filer. No NVC intake at all. Disregard that guide, Loto's wiki page,in it's entirety.
The I-864 and tax data goes in to Guangzhou IV.

It's collected with the DS-230 set on document collection day, which is the official interview date given in the official interview letter. The actual interview is the next day.

Apologies for my confusion - I'll get this sussed out eventually (tell me more, tell me more, la)

Warmest Regards..


Aha... I've seen your edits. Cheers, that sounds like great advice going directly into an IRS office. Only thing is that they specifically ask you to send an office in Austin TX if you want to take advantage of the "New Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures" for expats like me who did not file for the past few years. Still I think it's worth a shot. Thanks!

Edited by Yeti_Ball, 13 January 2013 - 02:34 PM.

Yeti_BallMaleChina2013-01-13 14:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to do if one has no W-2 or US tax records for CR1 interview in China?

tax data intake occurs at NVC, not Guangzhou IV.

Tax Data is reviewed at Guangzhou IV and is evaluated on the totality of the casefile.

Maybe review this -> Loto's Wiki Page - How_to_bring_your_foreign_spouse_to_live_in_the_US
and get the exact steps.

Where are you in the immigration process?


Thanks, I'll take a look at that guide. Currently, I have filed the I-130 package in Beijing. Last week I received approval notice from the USCIS in Beijing and that they have sent the case on to the Immigrant Visa Section of the US Consulate in GZ. That is all I know.

You said "tax data intake occurs at NVC" ... what does this mean exactly?

EDIT: Just to be clear, I was living in China when I filed the I-130, in person, in Beijing. I have since moved to the US after accepting a new job. Are the steps in the guide relevant to people who submitted the petition IN China?

Edited by Yeti_Ball, 13 January 2013 - 02:28 PM.

Yeti_BallMaleChina2013-01-13 14:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to do if one has no W-2 or US tax records for CR1 interview in China?

you could back file with a 1040X (include a w-7 for an itin for yer lass if you want) with f2555 on your prior 3 years. No W-2s needed from your chinese employer.

but - where are you in the process? If you just filed the I-130, it won't matter at the moment - you have some time nowish to get this fixed . It matters at NVC, when submitting the I-864.

If you've already submitted the I-130 - please fill out yer timeline at

Ultimately, for the I-864 headed to Guangzhou IV (They do the final evaluation, btw, and are hard-asses for 3 years o prior tax data) it's best you show 3 prior years o tax data with your current employment info.

Good Luck! (if you change yer country to China in yer profile settings, we can find you in the portal and you'll get other answers from members with Chinese Spouses who have been in yer situation)


Thanks for the reply. Right now I'm filling out my 1040 forms for the past 3 years along with corresponding f2555-EZ forms.

What I'm not clear about is, when my wife goes for the interview, I'm assuming that she will need to bring along a form that proves that I have filed, something that I will receive in the mail from the IRS once they process my 1040 and f2555 forms. If I send these forms out tomorrow, I'm just worried that it will take a long time to get anything back (possibly so long that they will not arrive until after the interview).

Is that correct? What exactly does my wife need to bring to the interview that proves I've filed taxes? If I were to somehow file online (although I don't think I can due to the nature of my situation) would I be able to print out a "receipt" off the internet that shows I filed?
Yeti_BallMaleChina2013-01-13 13:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to do if one has no W-2 or US tax records for CR1 interview in China?

You could file next week and provide a letter from your employer, also check with a tax professional.



Yeah I think I might just do that. Also, just for the record, I've found this on the IRS website for anyone in a similar situation, should prove to be awesome!

irs (dot) gov/uac/Instructions-for-New-Streamlined-Filing-Compliance-Procedures-for-Non-Resident-Non-Filer-US-Taxpayers
Yeti_BallMaleChina2013-01-13 12:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to do if one has no W-2 or US tax records for CR1 interview in China?
THANKS!
Yeti_BallMaleChina2013-01-13 12:20:00