ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnother I-864 Question
Ok people are going to burn me at the stake for asking this again :P But I dont care, burn me, I am going home with Mai soon hehehe...

Who of you out there use a co sponsor? And the I-864 info they provide and tax paperwork.... Has to be "certified". Yeah I am still stuck on this and even my corny lawyer said to hold off until they figure it out :/ Now my interview is coming down the pipe and within site and I still don't have my co sponsors AOS yet. He is waiting to hear how and what to do.

So those of you with Co's under condition of CR1 visa interview, what did your Co Sponsor do to get this right and "certified"? And what documents exactly was it applied to?

Thanks so much :P

Ori - Mai cant be burnt at the stake, this is my fault lol
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-03-16 04:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCASE COMPLETE!!!

CONGRATS!!!!!


Check out our timeline, just found out our case was completed on March 8th :) Not too shabby :P Whats this next packet we should expect, an interview for CR1?

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-03-15 06:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMY interview has been scheduled!
Wow thats awesome! Congrats! Is is me or does there seem to be a bunch of people suddenly getting out the door and back home this month? hehehe

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-03-15 17:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNewbie to VJ & Madly Missing Husband

Hi there,

I am new to VJ and I am so glad I found this site! :dance: I need something to keep my mind busy. I filed I-130's for my husband and my stepdaughter in Feb 07. In a really bad turn of events, they ended up deported back to France after spending a month at a detention center (hell) in Taylor, Texas. Perhaps you've heard the horror stories. :protest: Our story was featured in the LA Times.

I think I will hire a lawyer because our case is incredibly complicated. My husband overstayed on the VWP for over a year before we got married and now he's been removed. We need to file waivers, etc.

But I'm glad to be here. I never thought I could miss someone this much. I'm sure many here can relate!! The time just cannot pass fast enough. I am completely crazy about this man and I absolutely need him to come home. :wub: This is simply the hardest thing I have ever endured. Please wish us luck.

So, here we go on our journey. Any thoughts would be welcome. I'll be on here as much as possible. All the advice seems really helpful and everyone sounds caring. I also wish all of you out there the best of fortune through this ordeal. (L)

Thanks! :thumbs:


Welcome to VJ land :P If your going to hire a lawyer stay away from Fastk3.com. Thats who I used and I am more on top of my case than they are. We've had several large delays because of them. Good luck :)

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-03-21 05:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCertified Copies

We already established a CO SPONSOR doesnt need certified copies of his tax returns right? Or me for that matter. So what the heck is she saying here? The link is to request tax returns, my co sponsor has them already and they are not certified and I dont think they have to be. This ####### from fastk3.com is really pissing me off and confusing me. I thought we were talking about the I-864 has to be certified. Now, ugh..

Ok so neither a co sponsor or primary sponsor needs to get certified copies of either tax papers or I-864's correct? I didnt see anywhere that required it, but she is going off the IR1 checklist and somehow molding them together.

I am getting too close to fool around with this anymore. Give me some straight up answers to all this nonesense so I can donfirm my feelings or deny them.

And how about notary? Any of that paperwork have to be notarized? The I-864 or tax papers? To bring to the CR1 interview in Manila?

Thanks in advance and hopefully the last time :)

Orimai


Oh for gods' sake--is this person paid by the word?

There isn't any such thing as a "certified copy" of your tax return. There is a photocopy of your own filed copy that you can make yourself, or the superior( IMO) "tax transcript" aka the 4506. Call up, order your own and your Joint Sponsor's thorugh the telephone menu service. They arrive in about a week. Transcripts will serve you throughout the entire immigration process.

Let your specialty K-3 lawyer in on the fact that CR & IR visas are Immigrant Visas--maybe she's heard of that one?

The I-864 no longer requires notarization.


hehehe I dont know it's crazy. She sends these type of emails packed with junk a mile long and I get confused. Maybe it's just a certified transcript. I noticed a check box on the IRS form asking if you want it certified or not.

What really made me mad is she thinks my case is "special"?? Give me a break. Maybe to her and fastk3.com it is since they don't handle CR1 visas obviously. It only took them 30 valuable days of mine and my wife's to give us that reply you see above. In the meantime my co sponsor and I have copies of our (W2's) and just waiting. 6 weeks and counting!

On another note, I called the NVC and they said our case had not left for the embassy yet. They also said they will be scheduling May interviews the first couple weeks of April.
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-03-27 18:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCertified Copies
Here is an interesting email I got from fastk3.com lawyer just now.

"your questions in this regard (certified copies of tax returns) are not
silly at all, and I appreciate your research and information on this
topic.

You are correct that the document (Embassy list of things to prepare) does
not talk of CR1 specifically. The problem is that CR1 is not mentioned
specifically in this special regard anywhere, that is why we find it
difficult to get 100% reliable info about this special case.

However, it is important to note that CR1 is actually the same as an IR
visa (which is mentioned in that document), with the only difference that
CR1 is issued instead of IR if the spouses have been married for less than
2 years. Also, IR and CR1 are usually mentioned together in official
documents from USCIS and called IR/CR1 visa. Therefore we assume that the
same rules that are valid for IR also apply to CR1.

So as a certified copy is required for IR, in our opinion it must also be
required for CR1.


You are right that the I-864 does only require a normal photocopy of the
tax return when you file it with the NVC at the US. This does not
necessarily mean that this will also suffice for the visa interview in
Manila, especially as the preparation list issued by the Embassy in Manila
specifically requests certified copies for IR visas, of which the CR1 is a
sub-category.

So unless you receive specific information directly from the US Embassy in
Manila stating that they dont require certified copies of your co-sponsors
tax return (at least for the most recent one), I would suggest to get a
certified copy.

It can be applied for by your co-sponsor with a form downloadable from the
IRS under this link:

http://www.irs.gov/p...s-pdf/f4506.pdf

The information you got on the webforums may be correct, and maybe the
consular officer would indeed not ask for a certified copy. However, based
on the documents issued by the Manila Embassy, we think that a certified
copy is required, and that the safe thing to do here would be to show up
to the interview with a certified copy of your co-sponsors most recent tax
return."

We already established a CO SPONSOR doesnt need certified copies of his tax returns right? Or me for that matter. So what the heck is she saying here? The link is to request tax returns, my co sponsor has them already and they are not certified and I dont think they have to be. This ####### from fastk3.com is really pissing me off and confusing me. I thought we were talking about the I-864 has to be certified. Now, ugh..

Ok so neither a co sponsor or primary sponsor needs to get certified copies of either tax papers or I-864's correct? I didnt see anywhere that required it, but she is going off the IR1 checklist and somehow molding them together.

I am getting too close to fool around with this anymore. Give me some straight up answers to all this nonesense so I can donfirm my feelings or deny them.

And how about notary? Any of that paperwork have to be notarized? The I-864 or tax papers? To bring to the CR1 interview in Manila?

Thanks in advance and hopefully the last time :)

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-03-27 05:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 INTERVIEW!
Ok everyone we just now checked the manila website and they JUST posted the new interviews and our CR1 is set for May 30th.



Case Number: MNL2006XXXXXX
Visa Classification: CR1
St. Luke's Appointment Date: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 (12:00:00 AM)
Embassy Appointment Date: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 (6:30:00 AM)

I had a couple questions about this since our K3 is pending for May 16th. How do we handle this now that we have two going on at once? Do we show up to K3 and request CR1 still or just wait it out till the CR1 interview? And if we wait for CR1 then how do we handle the K3? Do they require some kind of notice we wont attend or what?

Also noticed the time for the interview and med are kind of jacked. I assume we just show up before dawn on the interview date and we can get an early medical anyway, was planning on going in early May anyway.

Also does anyone know how the packet 4 for CR1 is sent and from where? DHL, postal mail etc?

Thank you!!!!! :):):):)

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-04-02 23:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864
Hola all. I noticed the I-864 has a newer one that expires Oct 2007. I believe my co sponsors is the previous version 2006. Do we both have to redo all that ####### again with the new forms? Or is it date dependant somehow? Going out of my mind with these details before the interview.

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-04-03 23:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIS IT JUST ME???????

Shoot, I am doing the K1 and get worried and all bent out of shape! Chin up and hang in there! (F)



Oh it's bad. The stress is absolutely sickening. I feel your pain and know what your going through. All the more as the interview approaches.
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-04-03 23:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 & K3
Well, I did call the embassy and they said we can't have CR1 in place of K3. However, It's not uncommon to receive different stories from them in my experience. And I had seen a few things suggesting otherwise here as well. I will call again and ask.

Even my lawyer said go to the K3 interview and request the CR1. I guess our biggest fear is going for the K3 and they DON'T allow us to interview for CR1 on that day. Then what? We don't want to be issued a K3 in place of a CR1 which the interview date for that is 2 weeks later.

I know it's not uncommon for people here to have 2 interviews scheduled about the same time.

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-04-05 22:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 & K3

As you can see we have a K3 on the 16th and CR1 on the 30th. We obviously want the CR1. Do we just simply ignore the K3 visa interview and go on teh 30th? Or can we \ should we go on the 16th and TRY to get a CR1 instead? Would there be any implications? We don't want any troubles.

Is it still good that we pay that 100 dollar fee for K3 anyway? Just to cover bases?

Orimai



go to both. if she gets the k3 but not the cr1 for some reason she can come to the states. if she passes on both then travelon the cr1 and not the k3. if she travels on the k3 you will have to do a aos for the cr1. what is 2 more weeks. you have gone this far already.



Well yeah, we want the CR1 not the K3. Isnt there some sort of confusion or delay if we go to both? I thought I had read here somewhere that someone did that and something got all boogered up with it all.

I didnt even know we COULD get both. It's like the right hand doesnt know what the left is doing.. The embassy has no clue we have been through double processing then?

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-04-05 18:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 & K3
As you can see we have a K3 on the 16th and CR1 on the 30th. We obviously want the CR1. Do we just simply ignore the K3 visa interview and go on teh 30th? Or can we \ should we go on the 16th and TRY to get a CR1 instead? Would there be any implications? We don't want any troubles.

Is it still good that we pay that 100 dollar fee for K3 anyway? Just to cover bases?

Orimai

Edited by orimai, 05 April 2007 - 06:15 PM.

orimaiMalePhilippines2007-04-05 18:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresis it better to attend the interview for cr1?
I'm planning on attending with Mai. It cant hurt and the support your spouse will receive is invaluable.
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-04-03 23:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCr1 approve but recieved visa is K3

If i understood well, and am correct ( i have read it here of what i believe a good source) you have 6 months timeframe in which you can activate the k-3 visa at the POE; it gives you time to wait for the cr-1 visa. It depends of how long you want to wait...and/or i would make sure with the cr-1 intervier...in some cases, at the nvc level, sometimes they stop the i-130 visa to let people continue with the I-129; i don't know if it applies here, but...this parralel work on 2 visas...i still try to understand the logic...Good luck!


Please give us an update. We are about to go though exactly what you did. We are trying to figure out if we should interview for BOTH K3 and CR1 or what but never had any solid replies here yet. We of course want the CR1, but it would be cool to have the K3 in hand also before our CR1 JUST IN CASE. Any other experience here would be greatly appreciated.

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-04-12 22:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApproved!!!
Wow that is fantastic news! Thats what we like to see!! :) Congrats and best wishes!

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-04-12 22:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSt. Lukes Medical Manila
Our medical for K3 went without a hitch and was completed in 2 days. We are hoping to get the CR1 next week at the K3 interview (if at all possible). We noticed they stamp K3 on the medical receipt and we were wondering if a 2nd medical is needed for the CR1 part? Are they even different in anyway?
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-05-09 23:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Delivered in Manila
Delivered @ 9:41am CR1
5/22/2007 7:41:53 AM SHIPMENT OUT FOR DELIVERY
5/22/2007 7:38:05 AM SHIPMENT BEING PREPARED FOR DELIVERY
5/21/2007 6:35:05 PM SHIPMENT RECEIVED AT DISTRIBUTION CENTER
5/21/2007 6:13:58 PM SHIPMENT IN PROCESS
5/21/2007 12:20:56 PM SHIPMENT RELEASED BY THE EMBASSY
5/16/2007 2:50:35 PM SHIPMENT PROCESS IN THE EMBASSY
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-05-21 20:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLos Angeles POE
Our experience with the LAPOE was painless and quick. There was no line and I went with my wife through it no problem. The only thing I did not like was the officer could hardly speak english (wth?), called me sir and treated Mai with no respect by basically just ignoring her and giving her direct hard up commands. Kind of pissed me off, but nonetheless it was a painless proceedure.

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-06-01 11:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresssn question
Heya! There is a checkbox (DS-230 I believe) so it is your option. Mai just received both her SSN and Green Card yesterday NO problems whatsoever and we've only been back in the US a few weeks.

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-06-16 18:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEmbassy dates after NVC case completed?
Heya! We had contacted the NVC and they told us they would email us when the packet was sent to the embassy. They did and thats how we kept on top of it. We originally called them on the telephone and seemed to get more that way, than e-mail.

We also called the embassy but they had no idea if the packet had left NVC yet or not. (unless they have the packet already) Hope that helps.

Orimai

Edited by orimai, 16 June 2007 - 07:16 PM.

orimaiMalePhilippines2007-06-16 19:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 or CR1

Thanks pushbrk. The more I read about all this the more it is confusing.


Your going to be ok. I know the closer to the end you get, the more excited, frustrated, confused, worried and much more people get. Keep your chin up as hard as that can be :)

orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-07-22 14:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 or CR1
Would definately stick with the CR1 path. Much better in many ways. That doesnt mean that you can't follow through with both like we did. We ended up with both the CR1 and K3 interviews within 2 weeks of eachother and were able to get the CR1 on the earlier K3 date. It's kind of nice having more than one option, as it was for us.

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-07-21 18:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresShouldn't I have my green card by now?

At POE, they told me GC will be mailed to me and it can take up to 6 months and if I don't receive it after 6 months , then I should worry.... but, I received my GC after 3 weeks upon arrival. You will receive your GC, just wait 1-2 more weeks.


Just about 4 weeks here. Everything is good!
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-07-22 14:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGetting a Social security number?
Hi! Don't worry, you should get it in the mail within 4 weeks or so. When we entered in LA, the POE officer told Mai that she wouldnt get her SSN for 6 months! I don't think they are trained or even have the capacity to know those type of details. Of course we received Mai's in just over 3 weeks.

Good Luck!

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-08-10 17:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow can you change ur K3 Visa to CR1 Visa after U have the K3 interview
Hi again! I just wrote you two a personal reply in the email. I think you already have seen our timeline. It took about 3 weeks for our case to arrive at the embassy after it was approved at the NVC. It would be worth the wait for the CR1, however, if the embassy has your completed case, you definately can request the CR1 interview on the K3 date.

Our CR1 interview was not scheduled until after almost a month after we had our K3 interview scheduled and yet, it was still exactly 2 weeks later (is all) from the K3 interview. You are in a good situation! smile.gif Same as us it sounds smile.gif

Take care!

Orimai



QUOTE (Ness and Keith @ Sep 1 2007, 08:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Guys here i am again asking the same questions..

Since we have now the K3 interview date we are praying and crossing fingers that our case in CR1 will be completed in NVC before my K3 interview date on Oct 5.

My question is: Does it ok if ever we have not yet receive the letter of appointment from NVC on the time of the K3 interview but we have already the schedule of the CR1 interview and got it by Phone from NVC. Do you think its ok for the US Embassy to issue as the CR1 visa instead of K3?
helpsmilie.gif

Your inputs will highly be appreciated.

Thanks a lot guys!!! smile.gif

Ness & Keith~

Edited by orimai, 01 September 2007 - 08:15 AM.

orimaiMalePhilippines2007-09-01 08:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChange of Address
Greetings! My wife is in the US on CR1, been here 5 months now. We just moved. Does she still need to complete an AR-11? Do I as a citizen need to fill anything out aswell?

I noticed the USCIS website said people with pending cases need to fill it out, but we already have the CR1\green card\SSN etc.

Thanks!

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-11-02 12:03:00
Asia: East and PacificFood, virus, sickness in Philippines?
Hey thanks for the info and the humor hehehe :P

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2006-10-24 19:43:00
Asia: East and PacificFood, virus, sickness in Philippines?
Greetings :) Has anyone had any problems with viruses or getting sick (colds, stuffy noses) while in Cebu or the Philippines in general? My family is always worried about me being in the Phils for so long, as a result they instilled some fear into me that I want to confirm or deny. Also when I first arrived here (2nd time around after wedding) I was down with a virus for 7 days (we thought may be dengui fever) thank god it wasnt. But I always try to stay indoors, wear long pants and shirts, hat with bug lotion (DEET) and spray on the clothes that has permathrin. We even use that on the bed sheets. I hate living in fear, I am not a world traveler, I am only here for my wife. If anyone can shed lite on this subject as well what to watch out for with local foods (which I stay away from altogether, except higher priced restaurants in the mall) I would really really appreciate it. Thank you!

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2006-10-23 21:24:00
Asia: East and PacificManila Interview
Hey everyone. My wife is concerned and extremely curious about what to expect in her K3 interview at the embassy in Manila. What type of questions or situations she may encounter while in "the room" with her interviewer. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2006-10-28 20:00:00
Asia: East and PacificHow on earth?
Ok cool, thanks for the information. I like the bank idea first, likely look into that right away. Thank you!

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-02-28 18:13:00
Asia: East and PacificHow on earth?
Greetings all! We are getting ever closer to receiving an interview date and we have been thinking about this but want to know others exp. What is the cheapest and best method to send money from the US to our family in the Philippines? Thought about Western Union but thats crazy insane the fee they charge. Don't think we can do bank account to bank account transfers. Any info would be appreciate thanks!

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-02-28 06:25:00
Asia: East and PacificExtended Stay Manila
Hey everyone thanks for you input about the best western and other places. We decided to go early to Manila and stay 3 weeks. We will get the medical done early and do the tourist thing while waiting for the interview. That of course makes best western way too pricey. Does anyone know a quiet place that offers weekly rates? Something under 20,000p for 3 weeks? Prefer to have a small kitchen, but I suppose it's not necessary :P

Thanks again :)

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-03-26 20:35:00
Asia: East and PacificHotels in Manila

Boulevard Mansion, its close to embassy and costs less than 40 per night. (between 1650 and 1850 pesos) Make sure you ask for upper floors though (higher than 7th floor) as the lower ones are not as clean for some reason & seem to have lots of defects. But anytime i stayed there above the 10th floor it was really great.


Thanks for all the great info :) I think we decided to stay at the Blvd Mansion. They seem to offer a great monthly rate.

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-03-30 19:15:00
Asia: East and PacificHotels in Manila
Has anyone stayed at the Best Western? It has some good reviews. Looking for a place to stay while at the interview. The bayview gets really lousy remarks so definately not staying there. We are on a budget so cant spend more than 55 a night. Thanks.

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-03-23 00:57:00
Asia: East and PacificAfter interview, stay in Manila or go home (CDO) & wait?
Hey I'm glad someone mentioned this :P We are planning on spending the month of May in Manila because we don't want to pay double rent in Cebu. THe interview is May 16 and we may as well use up the remaining couple weeks and get the visa by hand (if allowed). But if they give us the visa within a week, we're sure to get back to Cebu fast and get a ticket "outa here!" hehehe. Thanks for the info and good luck! :)

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-03-30 03:20:00
Asia: East and PacificDHL in the Philippines
Greetings everyone. Just wanted to toss this out for people to see.

We had been expecting our packet 4 and come to find out it had been sitting at the local DHL facility in Cebu for a week. They told us that they had nobody to deliver it and asked us to come and get it. God forbid this happens to anyone on a tighter schedule, so I thought I would throw this out so people can make follow ups with DHL.

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-04-03 23:31:00
Asia: East and Pacificbudget for manila
I forgot to mention some hotels may require a refundable deposit that needs to be paid up front. You may want to inquire about that where your staying.

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-04-05 19:06:00
Asia: East and Pacificbudget for manila
Mai and I are spending about 500 for an entire month at a hotel in Manila. I can't imagine why 700 wouldnt be enough for you. But it's always good to plan ahead for anything that may come up, take more to play it safe.

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-04-04 06:40:00
Asia: East and PacificExiting the Philippines

Thanks, yep thats the one I was thinking of. My fiancee will already have her visa (K1) so she will not need to change her name or renew her passport. I wonder if she had to take the class before she went to HK even though she does not recall it. Also if she comes directly to the US will she have to take the class whenever she returns to the Philippines? I would hate to have her turned away from her flight over this in either case.


Thats a good question, Im not sure. Mai just told me that the seminar included other countries not just the US. I'm not sure how they handle that or determine who gets what. I wish I could be more help.

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-03-30 19:12:00
Asia: East and PacificExiting the Philippines
Hi! I am not sure if this is what your refering to or not but Mai had to go to a seminar. It was 1 day thing they had her do when she went to renew her passport with her new last name. It was a guidance & counseling thing by commission on filipinos over seas. I guess the dept of foreign affairs will pick up on it and require it if she goes to change her passport. She had to take supporting documents like her birth certificate to the seminar. The sticker she supposedly gets for that needs to be presented at the airport before she can leave the Phils. Sounds pretty lame to me, a good way to make money off Americans taking a spouse back to the US. I'd be curious to see what others have to say about all this.

Orimai
orimaiMalePhilippines2007-03-30 03:29:00