ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to compute income for I-864

I have lived in Thailand for ten years earning wages as an English teacher.  My father has agreed to be the joint sponsor for my Thai wife and has provided me with his tax documents.    I know that I have to fill an I-864 form out as well but I am uncertain as to what to fill in for my wages.  I have no real assets in America to count upon nor any job lined up once I make the transition.   What number figure do I put in my I-864? Do I count my income or my wife's income in Thailand?   I have reported my income to the IRS for the entire time while in Thailand even though my earning have been relatively small.     Also I am curious as to the difference between the I-864 and the I-864A documents.  

 

 

 

 

You'll list your income on the I-864 as whatever income you reported to the IRS.  I'm not sure about the differences between an I-864 and I-864A.  Hopefully someone will be along shortly to answer that.

 

Just curious, what's the going monthly rate for teaching English in Thailand these days?
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-08-02 09:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescr 1 visa denied

USCIS can't remove the K3 from the books, even if they wanted to. The LIFE Act is an Act of Congress and only Congress has the capacity to amend the LIFE Act in a manner that officially removes the K3 from the books.

So who gave NVC the authority to close the I-129F? Seems like contempt of congress.
KareeMaleThailand2012-06-30 07:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescr 1 visa denied

If CBP is contacted prior to the visa holder's arrival in the US, CBP can deny entry. The only thing I would add is the person ought to contact CBP directly and not rely on the State Department to do it.

The K3 being closed by the NVC is a bad example. Administrative closure of the K3 is a State Department policy specific to the State Department. Since the provision in the LIFE Act that created the K3 officially remains on the books, it will still show up as an available option, even if it is not a viable one.

I agree 100% that is what should happen. I bring up the K-3 example because USCIS should take it off the books if they know that NVC is going to close the I-129F. You make a good point. If CBP is contacted. You're giving the Govt. way more creditibility than they deserve.

It's a "not my problem now" mentality. By all means he should give it a shot. I still doubt it will do anything.
KareeMaleThailand2012-06-30 07:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescr 1 visa denied

you need to prepare a letter stating that you withdraw the I-864, affadavit of support.
then,
1. fax it to Manila IV Unit.
2. Send it to nvcinquiry@state.gov

in the letter, list the MNL casefile number, her name, her date of birth, your name, your dob, your SSN.

Good Luck ! Move quickly !


disagree - he can do a lot prior to her jumping on the plane, actually.

Like what? DoS and CBP barely talk as it is. See the K-3 thing being closed at NVC as an example. She has the visa. In a perfect world he should be able to do as you suggest. Unfortunately, she has the visa.

I have a picture in my head of a fax machine with a trash can under it at the Manila consulate.
KareeMaleThailand2012-06-30 06:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescr 1 visa denied

i got a questions if a cr-1 visa get approved at the us embassy can i withdraw or cancel it if her visa been approved can i withdraw or cancel it if so how can i do it....

Is the visa in her passport? If so, not much you can do.
KareeMaleThailand2012-06-28 19:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescr 1 visa denied
It looks like this guy just keeps copying and pasting the same posts.

Anyway, as far as the I-864 goes, in my case they approved it at NVC and sent it to the consulate. I made just over the limit, but I had 10k IRS lien. NVC didn't say a word. They sent it to the embassy and when my wife went to the interview they gave her 221g for the tax lien saying since I owed 10k to the IRS, I only made 8k. So it seems in my case even though I didn't make over the limit on the I-864, NVC didn't care. They sent it on to the embassy and said let them deal with it. Seemed strange to me. Not sure why NVC didn't cause an issue with it.
KareeMaleThailand2012-05-30 14:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresActivating IR-1 in Guam

Actually the visa itself says that it acts as an I-551, not the stamp.  That's how my wife's was in 2009 anyway.  It's an endorsement at the bottom of the visa.


KareeMaleThailand2013-10-26 08:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHello

Hello all;

I'm new to this forum (of course). I am the US citizen petitioner living in Thailand with my husband and our baby. We have an approved I-130 and now I'm filing the AOS (affidavit of support) in Bangkok. I work on the internet and fortunately can show some income, but it's below the 125% income requirements. As is we planned on living with my parents in Las Vegas until we got off our feet so I asked and mom and dad agreed to be joint sponsors. But what does this make our household size? Am I filing a I864 with a household size of three (me husband and baby) and mom filing an 864 with a household size of 2 (mom and dad) or are we both saying our household size is 5 (all of us together) ? I am confused...

Welcome to VJ.  You should ask this question here:

 

http://www.visajourn...ess-procedures/

 

I'll see if I can get a mod to move it.

 

 


KareeMaleThailand2013-11-19 19:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp! My wife wants to change her name while I130 is pending

My Thai wife and I are I130 CR1 August filers.  She informed me today that she wants to change her first name for good luck.  I told her that this is a bad idea while our I130 application is pending.  I said she should wait until after she gets her visa, but she really wants to change her first name now.  Does anyone on the group have any thoughts on this subject?  Do you know of anyone who has changed their first name while their I130 application is pending?  I would appreciate any of your thoughts or experiences.  Thank you.

This is a bad idea all the way around. This process is already a pain in the #######.  Why complicate it by changing names while you you have a pending I-130?


KareeMaleThailand2013-12-02 11:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp. Is there an up to date guide for the NVC process?

We just got our NOA2 for CR1 visa.  It seems like all of the NVC guides in the guide section are out of date.  Is there someplace I can find an updated guide?  Thank you in advance for your help.

 

While this one is old, all the information still applies as far as I know.  There are people that have gotten through NVC in 17 days using this guide:

 

http://www.visajourn...he_NVC_ShortCut
 


KareeMaleThailand2014-03-05 14:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of a Bona fide marriage

In Thailand lawyers serve and love to see the farangs.


 

No doubt.  I had one charge me $1000 for a Non-O before I knew any better.  I did get a ticket to Singapore out of the deal.  Small consolation I suppose.
 


KareeMaleThailand2014-03-08 10:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCopies of Translations O.K for Marriage & Divorce certificates USCIS I-130 CR1 ?

Thank you so much for your prompt reply :.)  So the USCIS doesn't need an "original" signature of the translator?   I'm thinking I need to go back and have her write 3 statements for us and sign them, one for each document so that I can hold onto the original translations.   The translations also are Double Sided which i have read is a "No-No" for the USCIS.    I have referred to all the guides and instructions over and over and haven't been able to find a clear answer~

 

You don't need originals for filing the I-130 with USCIS.  Copies are fine.  However, you will need the original documents and translations for NVC when you get to that stage.
 


KareeMaleThailand2014-03-23 14:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDenied visa because under AWA

For you and other readers to be clear, no visa has been applied for or denied. What was filed and denied was your husband's petition in your behalf. You have two choices as I see it in terms of next steps. 1. Give up and the US Citizen moves to the spouse's country, or 2. US Citizen hires a qualified Immigration attorney with experience getting AWA denials overturned. Even if you choose 2. it is quite possible you'll end up being left with either 1 or 3 or 4. 3. would be you never live in the same country and 4 would be you live together in a third country.

Looks like 1. isn't even an option since the denied him entry at the beneficiarie's country, and sent him back to the U.S.
KareeMaleThailand2012-10-31 13:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about US Spouse Visa: I-864 Affidavit of Support

Yes or you need a joint sponsor or to prove semi liquid assets 3 times the 125% level

It's actually 5 times the 125% for the I-864.  I believe some consulates allow 3 times for the I-134.


KareeMaleThailand2014-02-13 21:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAny chance I can get my visa expedited?

The only expedites I've seen approved were military expedites where the USC was getting ready to be deployed somewhere.  That said, I haven't followed them too closely.


KareeMaleThailand2014-04-16 05:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 - Money Matters
  • Thailand is on the brink of civil war and under marshal law now. I am thinking about writing a letter to my representative asking to expedite her visa so that she can be here before the war starts.

 

Thailand has been on the brink of civil war for 8 years.  I doubt that an expedite would be granted because of that.

 

It's unfortunate you didn't go the DCF route in Thailand.  You could've completed the whole process in a few months vs. roughly a year.  I wish I would've known about it when I lived over there.


 


KareeMaleThailand2014-05-25 11:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOriginal Civil Documents For NVC - IV STAGE

According to NVC, they were telling me NOT to submit any translation of anything.  They need everything in her native language only, or as it was originally issued.  As for the other info I had received, it was all just a few months old.  My wife was telling me that certified copies get a stamp, that is only good for a month or something but takes like 3 days to receive.  I can't remember where she said she gets it, but the place of origin for her birth certificate, will NOT issue her another unless she claims it was lost, or damaged beyond use and even if she was to get another, it takes almost a month.  Kinda like how you can't have 2 copies of your driver's license...  That's how she had it explained to her.  I really don't see why it's so difficult, since here in the US, I can go to town hall vital records, and have 10 certified copies made for no reason.

 

As for what NVC told me, they want originals of everything, along with a copy also.  The original gets mailed back to the address on file for the agent when the case is complete, NOT handed back during the interview.  But again, I get mixed answers.  Very annoying since we really want to nail down what we need to send in a few days.  Getting stuff officially stamped takes a few days, and costs money...  Ugh...

I doubt they have many folks that can read Thai in Portsmouth, NH (where NVC is located)  Maybe they do.  I've never heard of a stamp that is only good for a month.  The document is either certified or it isn't.  I know that the police report is only valid for 6 months or a year.  (I forgot which one)  That must be something new about sending the documents back to the agent, because they definitely didn't do that in 2009.  I'm glad they didn't because I hired a useless lawyer and he was my agent. 


KareeMaleThailand2014-06-13 06:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOriginal Civil Documents For NVC - IV STAGE

I just got the e-mail to pay the IV Fees for the last stages of my wife's Visa process...  We have been preparing everything ahead of time, to get this done quickly.  I paid it, and just waiting to have the payment clear so we fill out her Visa application and send in her civil documents.  I had called NVC 2 weeks prior to ask what exactly is needed, since they did away with the whole packet 3 and 4 steps.  The first time, they told me copies, and scans were absolutely fine since the original would be brought to my wife's interview, but this last time, I was told, only originals along with an extra copy will be accepted then she would need an additional copy of each to bring to her interview.  Needless to say, my wife isn't exactly excited about this, since it took a month to get the Police Clearance, and she only has ONE original Birth Certificate which is as old as her and not in the greatest of shape.  Still whole and intact, but slightly faded and fragile.  We absolutely do NOT want to chance sending the original.  She wants to keep safe in her plastic protector, in her possession.  My wife said something about making copies of her police clearance and birth certificate, and getting them stamped at the embassy to prove a real copy...  But when I tried to find answers about this, NVC usually declines them, but then when submitted again for a second time they accept it for some reason.  Mixed answers about this.  But would this be accepted over the original?  After the multiple mistakes and mishaps due to both USCIS and NVC we are extremely hesitant.  Thanks guys!

Unfortunately NVC requires originals of marriage certificate (with translation), birth certificate (with translation), and police report (no translation required, it's already in English).  They'll send these to Bangkok after the NVC case is complete and your wife will get them back at the interview, although they'll have a couple holes punched in them at the top.  I wasn't too happy about this either, but it was the requirement.


KareeMaleThailand2014-06-12 05:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPost CR1 / IR1 Interview Document requirements

Direct from the form my wife was handed after her interview. 

 

1. Petitioner, your applicant does not qualify at present as you have living outside the US since at least October 2010. Please see attached explanation. You need to submit a detailed, month by month 6 mos. plan for your planned return to the US, along with evidence such as rental agreements, job search/offer letters, etc.

 

2. Joint Sponsor spouse: please submit I864A and a copy of your US passport or birth certificate.

 

Has anyone had this type of request? I am at a lose for what else to include with the items below to fulfill the detailed 6 month plan. Hoping for some suggestions and even wondering if anyone has been requested to do this? Thanks kindly

 

establishing residency in a state and

following up my wife's Social Security Card and Green card

securing a wedding license and following through with the marriage.

continuing to seek employment.

 

Looks like you got 221g.

 

1. Sounds like you're not currently living in the U.S.  and haven't lived in the U.S. for roughly 4 years.  They're (rightly so) wondering what's the point of issuing a  visa to a spouse of a U.S. citizen who doesn't live in the U.S.  They're asking for evidence that you plan on moving back to the U.S. within 6 months.  Do you have any job offers in the U.S. or does your current job plan on moving you back to the U.S.?  If so, give them evidence of that.

 

2.  Give them what they want.


KareeMaleThailand2014-07-24 06:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of support ; CR1 DCF

I've a very hard time try to figure out about Affidavit of support :(

 

I'm a US citizen. I didn't make enough income to support my husband. 

 

I've about 30k in my bank acc. in US. I was wondering if I could count my assets in Thailand as well. I got some lands, stocks and bond

Even though you may be going the DCF route, I'm going to ask that this be moved to the IR-1/CR-1 forum where more people will see it and you'll get better answers.


KareeMaleThailand2014-08-09 06:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy wife has no legal birth Day and Month, Only has year

I received a response from them:

 

Write is the way it is listed on the birth certificate and passport. If the computer will not let you enter it this way leave it blank, print the form, then hand write it in. Attach a letter of explanation. If she knows what month and day she was born and it is just not recorded officially she should add this information into the letter of explanation that is attached to the I130.

 

Sincerely,

 

Duty Officer

USCIS Bangkok

 

Perfect. 
 


KareeMaleThailand2014-09-28 09:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy wife has no legal birth Day and Month, Only has year

Thanks. I am going to fix my profile now. I joined this site a while ago before I was married.  I decided that getting married would be a better option since I am living in Thailand and can do DCF.

 

 

Thanks for your replies everyone.

 

I am really wondering what I should fill in on the initial I-130 and G325a forms. Should I write her actual birthday or just leave the day and month blank or NA?

 

I was also rereading the instructions on the I-130 where it says:

"Affidavits: Written statements sworn to or affirmed by two persons who were living at the time and have personal knowlege of the event.For example, the date and place of birth...."

 

So I am thinking I should have her parents make an affidavit.

 

So this poses another question:   How do I get a sworn affidavit made in Thailand by two people (my wife's parents) who don't speak Thai or English and are actually illiterate?

 

Do they speak any language at all?  Does she have any aunts or uncles that were around at the time of her birth?  Maybe they can go to the Amphur with her and her parents.  I don't have any evidence to back it up, but I suspect it's going to be a real issue not having a month and date for her birthday down the road, not just with the immigration process, but getting a driver's license in the U.S., getting a social security card, getting a bank account etc. etc.  Seems you should really get this birthday thing nailed down now while she's still in Thailand.  Since you're in Thailand as well, you can push this along and help out.
 


KareeMaleThailand2014-09-19 07:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy wife has no legal birth Day and Month, Only has year

Hello.

 

I am trying to fill out my I-130 and the g-325a biographical information out. I have been at it for a few months now.

 

My wife is from Thailand. Her parents did not report her birth when she was born, so she never received a birth certificate.

 

We went to the district office and we went through a long procedure, where we had to find 9 witnesses and get them to come to the district office all at the same time so that we could get a birth certificate.

 

She received a birth certificate, which says that she was born on    " - - 1989"     This is also the birth date shown on all of her ID cards and passport. We have translated and certified the translations of these documents into English already as well.

 

 

So, when filling out the i-130 and g-325a what should I do when it asks for her birth date?

 

I went through the birth certificate thing as well.  My wife didn't have one either.  Although she only needed her mother to go with her.  Not sure why they needed 9 witnesses for your wife at her local Amphur.  I honestly don't know how they're going to handle the no month/day thing down the road at the embassy.  Once your case is completed with NVC and forwarded to the embassy, I would email them and ask before the interview if it's going to be ok not having a month and day birthdate.

 

Also, your profile says K-1 visa.  You might want to fix that since a K-1 is a fiancee visa and your married.  You'll be applying for an IR-1 or CR-1 visa depending on how long you've been married.


KareeMaleThailand2014-09-18 14:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy wife has no legal birth Day and Month, Only has year

Hello.

 

I am trying to fill out my I-130 and the g-325a biographical information out. I have been at it for a few months now.

 

My wife is from Thailand. Her parents did not report her birth when she was born, so she never received a birth certificate.

 

We went to the district office and we went through a long procedure, where we had to find 9 witnesses and get them to come to the district office all at the same time so that we could get a birth certificate.

 

She received a birth certificate, which says that she was born on    " - - 1989"     This is also the birth date shown on all of her ID cards and passport. We have translated and certified the translations of these documents into English already as well.

 

 

So, when filling out the i-130 and g-325a what should I do when it asks for her birth date?

 

That's an odd one.  I'm going to move this to the Thailand Sub-Forum to see if you can get some better answers there.
 


~ Thread Moved to Thailand Regional Forum ~


KareeMaleThailand2014-09-18 12:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNot sure if I'll get an RFE about a signature
My wife printed her name on everything. Wasn't a problem. Must be a Thai way of doing signatures.
KareeMaleThailand2011-02-13 18:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOy vey...what to do?

*lol* That's an easy one... since the IRS will owe me a refund of about $4500 as soon as I file for 2010. I have no skeletons in my closet.

It was a shocking surprise for the wife at the interview. I made just over 18k in 2007. I owed the IRS 10k so they denied my wife at the interview saying that in reality I only made 8k due to the IRS thing. I quickly filed my 2008 taxes which were over 50k and sent her that. That overcame the lien.

Once she got here with a SS#, I went back and amended my returns back to 2006 as married filing jointly. That wiped my debt clean and I also got a return check for 5k.

:thumbs:
KareeMaleThailand2011-03-20 12:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOy vey...what to do?

Keep in mind BKK almost never allows co- sponsors for K 1s. Jims advice is sound. The best option is # 2. Any job would look better than none.

Yep. Make sure you don't owe the IRS any money. They'll find out about that as well and deduct it from what you earned in 2010.
KareeMaleThailand2011-03-20 09:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134F affirmation?

There is no requirement to use a notary. The is no reason to do so because the notary has zero to do with the content. A notary simply verifies the signature on a document.
It would serve no purpose to give false information or use another name. The embassy is well aware of the rules that are imposed.

Jeez. No requirement for a Notary. Ning has is exactly right.
KareeMaleThailand2011-03-27 21:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThailand interview timeline?
Make sure you submitted an email address with packet3. They seem to want to notify everyone of the interview date via email lately.
KareeMaleThailand2011-04-07 21:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfinancial support affidavit

From the instructions for the I-864, I would say they count:

http://www.uscis.gov...ize: 10px;'>21d

KareeMaleThailand2011-04-19 16:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Certificate
Not sure of his location, but would be best to show up there in person in Pathumwan. They probably have their hands full with all this election BS.
KareeMaleThailand2011-07-02 08:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresam i going to need a waiver form for drug convintions??

Yes I am us citizen

I don't think you have to do anything. You surely don't need a waiver. If you have 3 or more CONVICTIONS related to drugs or alcohol, you need to disclose them on the I-129F. This is so they can inform the petitioner. Google "IMBRA".
KareeMaleThailand2011-07-11 16:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresam i going to need a waiver form for drug convintions??
:lol:
KareeMaleThailand2011-07-11 15:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresam i going to need a waiver form for drug convintions??

Hello everyone...I have 2 simple possesions of marijuana (1 no longer on my record, it happened when I was 17years old) and 1 open container charge...I've already sent off my I-129F last week and I was told by a lawyers office that I will be needing a waivers form for convictions.. I sent original copies of court records with I-129F and explanations to my violations..does anyone know if I will be getting REF or delayed because I will need waiver form for my convictions?

Are you the petitioner or the beneficiary?
KareeMaleThailand2011-07-11 15:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLegal name change during the process

I think it is always a good idea to avoid "rocking the boat" during this process. I'm also sure that you will receive replies from people that will tell you this will not be a problem and that you have nothing to worry about. However, it's not their problem if/when something goes wrong. Keeping things simple during this complicated and frustrating process is always the best plan. Just a thought.

:thumbs:
Couldn't agree more. Don't give them any kind of excuse to delay the process. I always had the underlying feeling that they look for any reason, however minor, to put you in AP or give you 221g.
KareeMaleThailand2011-07-13 18:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about NOA2 expiration date

If are in contact with the embassy or email them to tell them you are still getting your documents ready they will extend the date. Just make sure you communicate with them. Good luck.

:thumbs:

Yeah that date isn't set in stone.
KareeMaleThailand2011-07-20 21:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa denial then Spouse visa ?

Hi everyone, I hope I'm posting this in the right place. My boyfriend's first visa was cancelled and he was removed. HIs second application was just denied. It was not a spouse or fiance visa-but a regular visa. Without a visa we have no real way to be together. I have been working with a lawyer and although she has one or two more ideas-she is not very hopeful he can ever get a visa again. (and yes I am being somewhat vague on purpose-)
Now that he can't come here the only way we can have a relationship is to get married sooner than we had planned.....
my question is this: if we get married and apply for a spouse visa will it be denied bc they will assume he had other intentions when he filed for the last visa? I read somewhere that this is the logic. I have asked 3 lawyers and two have said no they can't do this, and one lawyer and the website said yes they can deny for that reason.
Does anyone have any real experience with this? Has anyone done this and it's been fine?
I would really appreciate any input-this is our only hope at this point. I would be happy to have any answers or take this to a regular email for more details.

This is very vague. Why was he removed?
KareeMaleThailand2011-07-08 23:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy name came up in a conversation

The only reason why this country still works (sort of) is that it selects its immigrants. Open doors, but secure gates. If we follow the great idea of "ready to", this country will turn into - say - Italy. No thanks.

I agree with that to an extent. There is no good reason it should take a year to get your spouse to the US legally. Do it the right way and it takes forever. Swim a river and you might get amnesty down the road.

My grandparents just showed up on a boat and everything was cool.
KareeMaleThailand2011-07-30 12:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy name came up in a conversation
I met a few at the Thai cat house here in Dallas that came over on K-1, and are obviously out of status.. They didn't seem to worried about it.
KareeMaleThailand2011-07-29 19:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresShould I start new job

Also you can have other supporters if you dont meet the poverty guidelines

Not in Thailand on a K-1.
KareeMaleThailand2011-08-14 11:04:00