ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Citizenship General DiscussionQuestion about Tax Filing
Thanks for sharing your experience. To answer your latter questions, yes I'll be meeting his kids this coming week actually. We're just taking things one day at a time; one step at a time, but we did have questions. For as long as it takes him to get out of debt im willing to wait. I love and care for him that much. Like you and Connie; he and I have that factor that we can discuss anything and what doesn't know, the other will..so it's a win-win for us right now as far as i can see it. I'll keep asking questions and doing my research.

Can only share my experiences on this subject, is there anything except a nasty divorce? And who in the hell came up with no-fault divorce laws, if one spouse blows the entire household income for whatever reason and there is only one can of beans left, that spouse gets half of that can. When I heard about child support payments, I am a guy by the way. fault really hard and won for full physical custody of our remaining two minor children. This meant proving in a court of law, my then loving wife was incompetent to properly take care of them. Even after all of that, she still was awarded half of everything, plus alimony payments. But I did get her attorney to agree to a one lump payoff. Took me five years to pay off all those debts, think I mentioned that other debt I incurred after the divorce, had to pay that off too, and was really quite bitter.

It was in the year 2,000 I finally paid the last bill, and in 2002 is when my youngest, an adult, left home. Ha, Love that movie, Home Alone, was quite by chance I met Connie on the internet where we slowly developed a dependence on each other. After ten months of this, I suggested we finally meet, but until then, wasn't the least bit interested in women. Also had thoughts about my marriage IQ, considered to be brilliant by my peers in my profession, but realized my marriage IQ was less than two. Connie was quite nervous about our first meeting, what if we don't like each other. Just said, if nothing else, found in you, a perfect friend, would really like you to be my friend. But didn't turn out that way, believed in soulmates for the first time in my life and asked her to marry me. Then the USCIS I never heard about and getting permission for her daughter to come here. Another battle, but we learned we could really talk these problems over and if I didn't have the solution to a problem, she did. We got married 13 long months later.

Really don't know if you want to rush into anything, that is up to you, but can you survive your intended getting out of debt? And what about his kids, did you meet them? These are questions only you can answer.


JoLingcmFemaleCayman Islands2011-02-14 23:22:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionQuestion about Tax Filing
Hi NickD,

I guess I should have been more clearer on my questions specifically #2. My partner went through (1) a nasty divorce (became final June 2010) from his ex wife and Im assuming there are some legal costs that either is or still ongoing; and (2) going through a nasty split now from another ex (about a year now) who's constantly looking childsupport hence the questions.

FYI - Im not a US citizen or LPR as yet because we're not married. I'm from the Cayman Islands (caribbean) and we don't have such issues as direct taxes etc., so the questions posed are things that we've talked about over the last few weeks. I do have property here at home that I have acquired on my own in my current legal name sowe just wanted an idea of how it would affect me/us going forward.

I appreciate your comments and look forward to your reply.



How you file your taxes when married, either joint or separately makes no difference in inheriting your spouses debts. Either directly or indirectly, indirectly by using your household income to pay off debts instead of wasteful spending on such things as food, clothing, or shelter. Directly if dealing with collection agencies will go after anyone with a dime in their pocket.

Even though I was legally separated from my ex that stated explicitly that I from that day was no longer liable for my wifes' debts, her collection agencies took me to court with a little known state statue that as my wife, yet not legally divorced yet, I was liable, court even refused to look at my legal separation court document. I tried my best to appeal this decision by contacting a number attorneys, best answer I got was to pay her debts as the court cost would be just as expensive if not more. And wasn't even aware of these debts until after our divorce was final. And since our divorce dragged on for a couple years, quite a battle on full physical child custody, I won that, but ex managed to run up debts in the five figure range. Can't tell you how teed off I was about this.

You seem to be a key target owning property, but while we claim to be a single country, have 50 sets of state laws that govern this, I would definitely contact a good family law attorney to learn what you are in for. Do you really want to marry a guy that goes into debt? Really can't be the judge of that, love is also strange, but from experience, that love doesn't last if you have a spouse where you are spending all your time working your can off while that spouse is blowing it.

My present wife had an ex like that, we started off with a mutual support conference, that led into a deep platonic relationship, that ended up in a very strong physical attraction, that ended up in marriage. We have been very happy and managed to build up quite a nest egg. Ha, the only problems we have is with the USCIS and maintaining dual citizenship for her, so she can visit her mom.

Only thing I know about an SS card, you need either a conditional green card or an EAD card to get one.


JoLingcmFemaleCayman Islands2011-02-14 16:50:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionQuestion about Tax Filing
Hi I just had a couple questions regarding taxes. Hoping for assistance. My partner and I aren't married yet, but these question did come up during our conversations:-

(1) What are the tax ramifications associated with me living in the USA, becoming a LPR (through marriage) and maintaining my properties here at home (Cayman Islands)?;
(2) What liabilities if any; will I inherit by marrying my partner (he doesn't want me to become liable for his debts)?;
(3) Is it acceptable to apply for a SSN number during the K3/IR1/CR1 process or apply for a ITIN (W7 form)?;
(4) How should taxed be filed...jointly, separately and at what time?.

Assistance is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.
JoLingcmFemaleCayman Islands2011-02-14 14:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Process - TIPS to begin

We went with a relatively short list--no muss, no fuss:

1) Marriage certificate, of course !!
2) Statement from joint bank account
3) Statement from joint credit card account
4) Half a dozen pictures
5) One month's phone call log
6) One month's email log--just headers--not the actual emails
7) Visa stamps in each of our passports

And was approved without an RFE


thanks
JoLingcmFemaleCayman Islands2011-06-03 14:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Process - TIPS to begin

You're getting convoluted answers to little pieces of the puzzle. My "tip" is to start by carefully studying the CR1 visa Guide by clicking on the word Guides at the top of any page here, then carefully study the I-130 instructions. (You download those separately) Doing both those things will be critical to your success.

No, the I-129F has nothing to do with a CR1 visa and neither does the I-485. Your questions about those forms was the indicator you had not yet studied the guide and instructions. Best place to start.



Hi Pushbrk, thanks for your tip. I had read the guide and the I-130 instructions but the confusion came in when looking that the USCIS website link - http://www.uscis.gov...000082ca60aRCRD.

I'll now carefully review the word Guide and instructions and use those as my reference/guiding point.

One question though under "evidence of a bonifide marriage"; can the 3rd party affidavits come from friends/family members of MINE (as the beneficiary) or it has to come my spouse's friends/family?

Thanks.
JoLingcmFemaleCayman Islands2011-06-02 16:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Process - TIPS to begin

Giving up the Caymans for NYC--I've been thinking of doing just the opposite !!!!



Hey Magical,
Change is always good and the experience is definitely needed. I'll always come back to Cayman as it's my home (born and raised here).
I hope you'll enjoy your time when you're here and nice meeting you.
JoLingcmFemaleCayman Islands2011-06-02 09:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Process - TIPS to begin

You can send a cover letter detailing the contents of the package (I-130, payment, G325 for you, G325 for him, passport pictures of you both, bonafide marriage proofs). I don't understand what you're sending the I485 for, that's not a form that is involved in a CR-1 petition. (Or if it is, it's not for a while yet. Not a form I'm familiar with.) And he must send it to the lockbox; local offices don't handle these.



Hi CanadaLove,
Thanks for your response. I will make a note of it.

Just make sure to start collecting proof of bonafide marriage now



Hi Tehans,
I have a copy of the marriage certificate but will get a "certified" copy and also affidavits from my friends and family who attended the ceremony. Is there a draft wording for the Affidavit here on VJ?
Thanks again.
JoLingcmFemaleCayman Islands2011-06-02 08:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Process - TIPS to begin

if you update your timeline we all can help you better,


One more question, can my husband file at the local office in Long Island New York?
Thanks again.
JoLingcmFemaleCayman Islands2011-06-01 12:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Process - TIPS to begin

if you update your timeline we all can help you better,



Hi Jkelly07, I've updated my timeline with what information I have now.
Is there a cover letter needed to accompany the I-130 petition? or just submit with the relevant I-485?. Would my hubby need to file the petition at the Chicago Lockbox location or send to the Jamaican US Embassy which is the consulate for the Cayman Islands?
Now that we're ready to begin I have all these questions floating around :unsure:
I appreciate your assistance.
Thanks.
JoLingcmFemaleCayman Islands2011-06-01 12:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Process - TIPS to begin
Hi there everyone,

Im hoping to get a few tips/guidelines/steps/suggestions on how to begin the CR-1 process. My husband is USC (lives in NYC) and I'm NRA (Cayman Islands).

Is the I-129F Petition still required as part of the CR-1 application?

As Im currently living and working overseas, should my husband submit the I-130 as a stand alone petiton or jointly with the I-485 form?.

Would appreciate any helpful suggestions/steps.

Thanks
Jolingcm
JoLingcmFemaleCayman Islands2011-05-31 22:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresquestion about maiden name
Hi, I am so glad that I decided to check VJ cause I was having the same questions.

My current passport and visa are in my maiden name; however since I got married, I have yet to change my surname in my passport. The rule of thumb in my country is that once you're married a woman automatically assumes the husband's last name. Unless you want to show hyphenated such as Sand-Blog, a document known as a change of surname (deed poll) has to be completed and filed with the registrar.

So my question is: should I have my visa and passport changed prior to the filing of my I-130 Application?

I ask because I'm thinking ahead to the embassy stage and everything goes alright (assuming it will); exactly what do they do when issuing the final documents and they take my current passport?

Thanks.
JoLingcmFemaleCayman Islands2011-06-22 14:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresForm I-130 Questions
Dear Pushbrk,

Appreciate your reply hence the reason why I asked the question(s) in the first place!!

At least now I know we cannot go that route as it's not applicable for CR-1's.
JoLingcmFemaleCayman Islands2011-07-08 12:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresForm I-130 Questions
Hi Fellow VJ'ers....

Do you know if anything has changed while filing for the I-130 inside the USA? I'm reading the Step-by-Step guide here on VJ now.

I guess my concerns is that I'll be entering the US on my current tourist visa and we'll begin the process however my I-94 card is only valid for a 3 month entry. Will this be an issue?

Also, would it be a safe bet for me to file the I-765 & I-131 at the same with the I-485 ; as I would want the option of being able to seek employment.

Any and all assistance is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
JoLingcmFemaleCayman Islands2011-07-08 10:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresForm I-130 Questions
Thanks to all who answered. Responses are much appreciated.
JoLingcmFemaleCayman Islands2011-07-01 15:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresForm I-130 Questions
On reviewing the completed example I-130 from VJ, I have a few questions.

#14b is that relevant to my spouse or me as the "beneficiary"?
#15 is this relating to me as the beneficiary if I am currently employed?
#17 Am I listing the name of my spouse and his children?

Also my current passport and visa are in my maiden name; however since I got married, I have yet to change my surname in my passport.

So my question is: should I have my visa and passport changed prior to the filing of my I-130 application to reflect my name?

I ask because I'm thinking ahead to the embassy stage and everything goes alright (assuming it will); exactly what do they do when issuing the final documents and they take my current passport? what issues will it pose if both pieces of documents are in my maiden name and hasn't yet been changed.

The rule of thumb in my country is that once you're married a woman automatically assumes the husband's last name. Unless you want to show hyphenated surname such as Sand-Blog, a document known as a change of surname (deed poll) has to be completed and filed with the registrar.

Thanks.
JoLingcmFemaleCayman Islands2011-06-22 15:04:00