ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWife considering leaving job, travelling while waiting approval
Hi,

EI = employment insurance.

Normally, if you quit a job you are not eligible, however, if you are moving to the U.S. to live with your spouse you are generally eligible. Ask your wife what EI is, she will know. smile.gif

More info here:

http://www.visajourn...ting_to_the_U.S.

Edited by trailmix, 08 October 2009 - 12:48 AM.

trailmixFemaleCanada2009-10-08 00:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi-864 Authorization for release of federal tax data
No, they no longer need that form.


trailmixFemaleCanada2009-10-09 18:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMissing information in DS-230
I'm not sure what the police certificate situation is like in the place you are currently living - so i'm not sure what the answer is. For Canada it doesn't matter if you have lived here on and off for years or if you have never left the country - the police record check they do covers all years - so only 1 is required.

Unless your actual police certificate says - only covers from say 2005-2009, then it should not be an issue.




trailmixFemaleCanada2009-09-14 16:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMedical exam for pregnant
This information is from a Canadian panel physician website, however it's probably pretty standard:

http://panelphysicians.com/index.htm


Do I still need immunizations if I am pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to get pregnant?

Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not exempt from immunization requirements unless there is a medical contraindication to them receiving a specific vaccine. You will need a legible note from your doctor outlining the reason for the contraindication. For additional information on immunizations and pregnancy click here.

5) X-Ray:

Applicants 15 years and older require a single view chest x-ray.

Pregnant women should bring a note from their personal physician in order to have the x-ray deferred.
trailmixFemaleCanada2009-10-14 16:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Records
My Husband didn't need a fingerprint version, since we were living in Canada and he had no criminal record.

My BIL adjusted status in the U.S., was in Calgary, had his fingerprinting done by the Calgary Police Service and indeed it took several months for him to receive the document (this was about 2 years ago).

I doubt it would be acceptable for an Embassy or Consulate in any country to 'take the fingerprints' - they specify in the instructions that they fingerprints must be taken by a police service.

I would recommend you post your query in the Canada forum. It also wouldn't hurt to call the local police service head office where your wife will be visiting and ask them about turn around time and if they subscribe to the electronic service.

Another service you may want to look at is the commissionaires.

Edited by trailmix, 30 September 2009 - 01:00 PM.

trailmixFemaleCanada2009-09-30 12:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 Package Question
You send it to NVC, no need for the designated agent to send it - since it will be faster! smile.gif




trailmixFemaleCanada2009-10-15 15:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRE: I-864
QUOTE (imaisha @ Oct 15 2009, 11:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (amy83 @ Oct 15 2009, 12:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
#6 - Alien registration number - do I jsut put "None" ?


Your A number is listed on your NOA2. It should be typed in the 'Beneficiary' box, just above the name.


Thanks imaisha, I don't know why but I was thinking of the I-130 good.gif


trailmixFemaleCanada2009-10-16 11:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRE: I-864
Hi,

Yes, you just put 'none' for the Alien registration number.

Yes, you would put zero in the second question.

If he was below the income threshold for filing in 2006 then he does not have to file a return. Google the 2006 IRS form 1040, in the instructions for that year it will say what the cut off was for having to file. If he indeed was not required to file then he needs to put a note in with the I-864 stating why he did not file.

It doesn't sound like you will have a problem with the income, since it is over the 125% for the 3 of you.


trailmixFemaleCanada2009-10-15 11:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDesperately need help...documents after NOA2??
QUOTE (immigration09 @ Sep 5 2009, 05:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi.
I have received NOA2 hardcopy from CSC about 2 weeks back, though I didn't receive any email regarding that and no email/letter for further processing. I really need some advice about the remaining process and the timeframe it can take as arranging documents can take time in India.
How many days after NOA2 next letter or email is expected ?.
Around what timeframe (which month) we can expected the final interview ?.
What are the documents required after this stage and can we arrange those before hand as police certificate etc. have a validity of 6 months ?.
Around what timeframe Employment letter is required (is it at the time of interview or before that) ?.
When is affidavit of support required ?. Please reply...Thanks


You need all the documents for the DS-230 and I-864 to submit to NVC - which is where your case is already headed.

Check here to see which documents you will need (click on the Civil Documents link for a list):

http://travel.state..../info_3190.html

Then you will want to check here to see what documents are accepted (select your country from the drop down menu):

http://travel.state....ocity_3272.html




trailmixFemaleCanada2009-09-05 10:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresExpert Advise Needed
Yes, the affidavit of support can be sent alone - they are two separate processes at NVC.


trailmixFemaleCanada2009-10-18 02:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVaccinations
A titer test is a blood test which you can have that can prove (or disprove) your immunity to things like measles, mumps etc - if you have had the vaccinations this should prove that you have immunity and they will accept this test at your immigration medical, in lieu of an actual vaccination record.

For a list of vaccinations required for your age group, you can look here:

http://panelphysicians.com/


trailmixFemaleCanada2009-10-11 11:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisa denial
This has become an issue at the Montreal consulate recently as well. Not sure why they have decided to take such a hard line.

You might want to have a look at this thread about domicile (includes links to VJ Canada members who have been asked more more proof of domicile at their interview):

http://www.visajourn...h...t&p=3333586

Also at this thread, from a person who was recently asked to submit more documentation to Montreal, however, in her case, because they are in Canada, it's easier for him to pop over to the U.S. and gather more proof, not sure how helpful that is to you:

http://www.visajourn...howtopic=224405

Edited by trailmix, 21 October 2009 - 11:47 AM.

trailmixFemaleCanada2009-10-21 11:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarried, then what? Can she stay if already here?
QUOTE (visanator @ Oct 21 2009, 05:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks, I guess time is sure ticking.

She'd also considered doing OPT (F-1 Optional Practical Training), even though that is earn minimum wage hell, and not a green card track thing. But it might buy some time, since you can leave the country under that?


Ok, this is where it gets more complicated.

Let's say that you two decide to get married this month and she does OPT. Absolutely she can leave the country, however she may not be allowed back in, that will be up to the border guard at her port of entry.

Since she is married to a U.S. citizen (well will be at that point) and has no strong ties to say she will return to her home country and not just take up residence in the U.S. - well you get my drift. I don't think this is a good option.

You need to either decide to file for her adjustment of status and sit tight until she has the documents to travel - or file for say a CR1 - but don't expect her to get back in to the country once she leaves to go visit her home country.

Edited by trailmix, 21 October 2009 - 07:05 PM.

trailmixFemaleCanada2009-10-21 19:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 AOS Question
QUOTE (Frequent_Flyer @ Oct 22 2009, 12:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (trailmix @ Oct 22 2009, 02:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Why didn't she file in 2006?


She filed for 2006 in Canada as she was not living in the US at that time. As a result, we have a tax transcript and a W2 for 2007 which only has 2 months worth of income, a tax transcript and W2 for 2008, and her pay stubs for 2009 to date. In addition to this, we have the letter of employment.


Well if she made above (rough estimate) $ 3000 U.S. dollars in 2006 - she needs to file that return as well. It is required (not as proof of income per se - but because the I-864 says you must have those returns or a statement as to why you don't have them - with a valid reason).

Edited by trailmix, 22 October 2009 - 02:09 PM.

trailmixFemaleCanada2009-10-22 14:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 AOS Question
Why didn't she file in 2006?
trailmixFemaleCanada2009-10-22 13:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAfter 2 months no Green Card?
Interesting. Wonder if this is going to become the norm now for all CR1/IR1 visas or if there are only select applicants or select originating consulates this will apply to.


trailmixFemaleCanada2009-10-26 13:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNo A- number on NOA2??!!
I remember your question and I answered that you should put none - then someone else replied that the A number was printed above the beneficiaries name on the NOA2 - I didn't check then, but I just looked now - we had no such thing on our NOA2.

I would just enter 'none' - you can't supply them information you don't have!


trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-01 12:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLet's support Paris Heart
Good luck good.gif


trailmixFemaleCanada2009-10-28 00:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresShould I submit 1099 with I-864EZ if I'm only using job income?
All that is actually required is your I-864 and your 2008 tax return, to send to NVC - you can send all that other stuff if you like, but it's not required - the only reason someone would possibly send all of that is if you are skating very close to the 125% - in which case it might help.


Edited by trailmix, 05 November 2009 - 09:30 PM.

trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-05 21:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPutting our IV packet together but confused on the Originals vs. Certified copies???
To make this more understandable - basically they don't want to make photocopies so they are making you do the photocopying - that's the bottom line here.

You send the original document and a photocopy to NVC. Some consulates may also require a photocopy at the interview, I think this is consulate specific.

That said, I would definately take a photocopy of each document to the interview. I don't mean of every form (although you probably have one already so why not) - but certainly a photocopy of the civil documents.

Edited by trailmix, 09 November 2009 - 02:20 PM.

trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-09 14:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAt the NVC stage - photos
No they ask for U.S. photos and will generally accept Canadian.

As for the matching, no, you don't have to have the same one at the medical and interview for instance.

To the OP - yes, photos for NVC 2, 3 for the medical, 2 for the interview.

Edited by trailmix, 09 November 2009 - 07:03 PM.

trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-09 19:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAt the NVC stage - photos
Really it depends where you are having your medical. If it is in Toronto at Seiden & Associates - they ask for 3, they used to do medicals in Calgary as well and I think my Husband had to take 3 there as well. You will also need 2 for the interview in Montreal.


trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-09 15:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCitizen by Birth .VS. Naturalized citizen petitioner.
Hmm maybe, i'm not sure.

What I am sure of is that they never have to order a hard copy file to be pulled from some storage area somewhere - they have that information in front of them.

They will know about your previous petitions/marriages anyway, because you tell them that on your application.




trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-09 19:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCitizen by Birth .VS. Naturalized citizen petitioner.
Why would they order your A file?



trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-09 15:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 form, all kinds of questions
#2, it say if married woman, give maiden name. My wife did not take my last name and thus I've read conflicting answers on this one. Do we put her last name as it is shown above since it's exactly the same or do we put "N/A"? I want to be careful here as I've seen people getting RFE'd for this one.

Put her maiden name in both.


#12 For present occupation, it's just the title correct? Not the name and address of the organization too?

Yes, the title.

#31a. Since I would be crossing the border with her, we put me in this box as well right even though I'm the USC? I'm also the person listed in #14.

I assume you mean as in - you are going to pick her up? No - this would apply if you both lived outside the U.S.


#35 so for this one my understanding is to list all the ones she can remember, but beyond that putting something to the effect of "various trips since 19XX, but never stayed longer than 3 weeks or overstayed any visa"

You can leave out the 'overstayed any visa part' - but yes, the other two are correct.

She has been here countless times on family vacations since she was young and of course to visit me several times in the last year and she also many friends here in the states she's visited over the past 7 years.


#36, 37, and 38 are just repeats of 1,2 and 3? So same question for #37 as for #2 above.

Yes

#43a and #43b. I assume we want the SSA to assign and issue a card so we would answer yes to both of these?
Which address do they mail the card too, is it the same address I put for the green card address? The reason I ask is I put my friends name and address for the green card as we are going to move shortly after her arrival here to a bigger place as my place is tiny!

Yes, they will mail it to the U.S. address given. Sometimes checking this off works and they issue and mail it - sometimes it doesn't. If you want to be sure just say no and apply yourself after a couple of weeks.

And as for the bottom of Part II, she doesn't sign this section until the actual interview. Since we are doing electronic processing, we only need the one copy of the package right?

Yes, signature at interview for part 2. I'm not sure what you mean by your other question - you only ever need 1 copy.

It was a lot to answer laughing.gif

But you are right - the sample form is out of date and it's for a person with no children and no spouse, not very helpful.


trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-11 03:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresErrors in G-325A
QUOTE (ImWaiting @ Nov 12 2009, 09:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
At the time of interview, the petitioner will present all the forms... address should be correct there.. My fiancee had a problem.. not with the address but with the name. The embassy informed her to make sure all her forms are correct..


At the time of the interview, in Canada anyway, the petitioner does not present any forms (for the IR1 or CR1 visa). The consulate already has the forms, which have been submitted to NVC prior to the interview.

I think perhaps you are confusing this with a K visa or a direct consular filer.
trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-12 11:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864A
You can't add it because it is not 'current' that is not currently his income - i'm not sure how to explain it better than that. If he were currently working at a job and his estimated income for this year was $50,000 - even though it's only November, you could state it as $50,000. However, you can't just add income that no longer applies.

Basically they are looking for his ability to support you, stating income from a job he no longer has does not prove that, hope that makes more sense.

Yes, you will have to have assets as 3 x the 125% to make up the difference between his unemployment benefits and the $ 18,212.00 required.

(A) Evidence of assets . Evidence of the sponsor’s assets should be attached to the Form I-864. Evidence of the principal sponsored immigrant’s and/or household member assets should be attached to Form I-864A. In each instance, the evidence should establish the location, ownership, and value of each listed asset, including any liens or liabilities for each listed asset. Evidence of assets includes, but is not limited to:

· Bank statements covering the last 12 months, or a statement from an officer of the bank or other financial institution in which the sponsor has deposits, including deposit/withdrawal history for the last 12 months, and current balance;

· Evidence of ownership and value of stocks, bonds, and certificates of deposit, and dates acquired;

· Evidence of ownership and value of other personal property and dates acquired; and

· Evidence of ownership and value of any real estate and dates acquired.

link
trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-12 13:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864A
sachinky - the EZ form is used if you are only using employment income

Yes, unemployment benefits can be counted.

Just to clarify, if his only current income is unemployment benefits, that is all he can enter on line 23 of the I-864. It kind of sounds like you are going to add what he made up until now and add that to his UI - that is not correct.

It is current income only - not what he made a few months ago.

Edited by trailmix, 12 November 2009 - 12:09 PM.

trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-12 12:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864A
Not really correct. No curry for you!

They can include her assets, the spouse (as the intending immigrant) does not fill out an I-864A (it is all included in the I-864).

If they decide to use assets - since it is the spouse - the assets required are calculated at 3 x 125% of the poverty guidelines - not 5 times.

OP this information is all contained in the instructions for the I-864. It is very important that you read them - if you have questions after that, don't hestiate to ask!

Edited by trailmix, 12 November 2009 - 12:07 AM.

trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-12 00:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarried or Maiden Name in Passport
Hi and welcome to VJ,

Whether you can get an observation added to your current passport depends on the country, which country is your passport issued by? If your country of nationality allows an observation to be added, then sure you can have that done.

You need to do this if you want your U.S. documents to be issued in your married name.

Edited by trailmix, 12 November 2009 - 11:18 AM.

trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-12 11:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI864 Question
The answer to your first question is actually in the I-864ez instructions, page 1:

Who May Not Use Form I-864EZ?

3. You are a joint sponsor;


Pushbrk actually already answered your joint tax return question in this thread.

That said, sometimes a consulate will ask for the I-864A from the joint tax filer - even though those are not the instructions given - it's up to you if you want to take the extra precaution and get the I-864A from the joint filer or not.

Edited by trailmix, 14 November 2009 - 05:45 PM.

trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-14 17:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat do you prepare for before the interview?
No you won't receive anything else. You also need to take 2 x passport photos of the beneficiary. They should be standard U.S. passport photos.


trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-14 01:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures125% poverty-level question
The figures below, taken from the I-864p for each year - are for 2 people at 125%

2006 - $ 16,500
2007 - $ 17,112
2008 - $ 17,500
2009 - $ 18,212

That should give you a rough idea.

Edited by trailmix, 14 November 2009 - 01:43 PM.

trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-14 13:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Review
QUOTE (Lilsmor @ Nov 17 2009, 12:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
When you said she looked hesitant and you mentioned you had additional documents - did she then specifically ask if you had more proof of that - or did you just realize that was the case?

I'm pretty sure I offered to share more information, and then she asked specifically for the information regarding the domicile.

QUOTE
Aside from the real estate emails and the rental contract for your house, did you have anything else?


Oh yes I did have something else. I forget to mention it.
Whenever my wife travels we go to the notary and I sign a statutory declaration for my daughter to travel. This time there was no return date and it specifically mentioned immigration.

Now it's coming back to me. It was the last page I showed her and then she got excited and said she'd approve me. It all happened so fast (literally 45secs for all three documents) and I think she was going to approve me anyways, but when she saw the Stat/Dec, it was a sealed deal.


Thanks good.gif


trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-17 15:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Review
QUOTE (Lilsmor @ Nov 16 2009, 01:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She was nice and I answered the few questions she had, but I felt that she was hesitant. So I informed her I had another stack of paperwork in my bag if she had more questions. I indicated that I had 2 months worth of emails from my wife setting up a domicile with a realestate company down there. I also had the rental contract from leasing our own house. Her eyes lit up as she decided that it was barely enough. She said that she was considering denying me. So I don't know if I was lucky that she was a nice person, or that I happened to have enough evidence.

Domicile is a big deal. If you can sign a lease, or if your spouse can move there ahead of you it will be easier. The lady said they like to reunify a family, so if your spouse is already down there (permanantly) then it is easier.


Hey Ben, just thinking about this here, can you elaborate on the whole proof of reestablishing domicile portion of your interview?

When you said she looked hesitant and you mentioned you had additional documents - did she then specifically ask if you had more proof of that - or did you just realize that was the case?

Aside from the real estate emails and the rental contract for your house, did you have anything else?

Thanks!


trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-16 15:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Review
Congratulations on your approval - great review smile.gif


trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-16 15:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDifference between I-864 and I-864EZ?
Hi and welcome,

If the sponsor is using only income - then you would use the I-864EZ

If the sponsor is using assets, they would use the I-864

smile.gif

Edited by trailmix, 19 November 2009 - 03:08 PM.

trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-19 15:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC I-864
Well the technical answer is that they want some proof of him filing those returns, the instructions say:

If you were required to file a Federal income tax return during any of the previous three tax years but did not do so, you must file any and all late returns with IRS and attach an IRS-generated tax return transcript documenting your late filing before submitting the I-864 Affidavit of Support.

Chances are they will accept his return, if he does not have the transcript back by the time you want to send the I-864.

That means, with the I-864, you would send, for 2008, his 1040 plus all W2's and any other earnings slips he has. You know you only have to submit one year of actual returns with the I-864?

The thing i'm unclear about is if he has already filed that return? If he has already filed 2008 and they have assessed it, a transcript should be available, in fact they will fax it right to you if you request that over the phone.




trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-18 16:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC I-864
I'm a bit confused about what your question is, but I will try to answer.

Yes, that applies to everyone, self employed or not. You must have filed the last three years of tax returns - if you were required to do so. In some cases a person may make very little to no money, in which case they are not required to file. In that case you would just attach a note stating that.

If he was required to file and just didn't, for whatever reason, you will have to do the tax return so you can get the yearly income to enter on the I-864, then you can submit your I-864 as the tax returns are winging their way to the IRS.

Previous years forms are all available online for you to print, if what you mean is that you are waiting for them to be mailed out from the IRS?

Edited by trailmix, 18 November 2009 - 03:04 PM.

trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-18 15:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 Birth certificate
Hi,

Yes you will need to send in original civil documents (and a photo copy of each civil document) with your DS-230.

The birth certificate may be a problem, you may require further proof.

Birth Certificates (India) link

Available. Prior to l970, the reporting of births was voluntary. Birth certificates of Europeans, Anglo-Indians, Armenian Christians, Jews and Parsis born prior to l970 may be obtained from the State Registrar General of Births, Deaths, and Marriages. No standard or uniform certificate is issued by the authorities. In addition, acceptable certificates may often be obtained from the municipal and rural registration records, which are maintained under the state laws. Europeans, Anglo-Indians, and Indian Christians are usually able to obtain church baptismal certificates.

Under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act of l969, births are required to be registered in almost all of the States and Union Territories of India. Birth certificates are available to any applicant born on or after April l, l970, upon payment of a nominal fee to the appropriate authority.

In cases where birth certificates from the authorities are unavailable or contain insufficient information regarding the birth or the parents, a sworn affidavit executed by either the parents, if living, or other close relatives older than the applicant, may be submitted. It should set forth the relationship between the deponent and the applicant, how well the deponent knows the applicant, date and place of the applicant's birth, the names of both parents, and any other related facts. Such an affidavit, when a birth certificate is unavailable, should be accompanied by a document from a competent governmental authority confirming that the certificate does not exist, or no longer exists.

Edited by trailmix, 19 November 2009 - 11:05 PM.

trailmixFemaleCanada2009-11-19 23:04:00