ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTaking Last name
Does your SO even want to change her name? Name changing is not common in China, most people after married never change their name, and children would receive the fathers family name. Wife usually retains her family name.

My SO and me laugh at this all the time when I put her given name with my family name (just sounds wierd), and we have no plans of changing her name. I also think her parents would be unhappy if she changed her family name.

AzzudiinMaleChina2009-09-23 12:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA stupid question about Guangzhou
Only way you can escape GUZ is DCF, Direct Consular Filing and to do this you need to live in China for a period of time, I think 6 months but could be wrong on that. If you DCF you can file at your closest Consulate office which may in fact still be GUZ unless you are near Beijing.

AzzudiinMaleChina2009-09-10 09:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFather of US Citizen Stepchild Denies Signature
The father does not care about the child, he is going to do whatever it takes to keep daugther out of the USA so he does not have to pay child support.

You need attorney on this case.
AzzudiinMaleChina2010-10-11 07:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiling info
If you are willing to live there during process, you would be better off living there for 6 months then doing a DCF application, thus avoiding much of the ####### here in USCIS.
AzzudiinMaleChina2010-10-15 10:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshu? DNA Paternity Testing??
Sounds like to me the VO is not questioning the baby, but questioning "Are your really this childs mother?"

The child is already a US citizen, the VO is just making sure there is no fraud being the child was born to another woman and now a different woman is claiming she is the mother so she can get VISA.

By the sounds the OP has nothing to worry about, just some additional expense.
AzzudiinMaleChina2011-01-07 08:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy wife's Horror Story from Guangzhou,
Sorry to hear everything that has happened. There is not much that can be done to keep case in Guangzhou but I would recommend contacting your congressman ASAP, try to get them to intercede to keep the case there.
You might also want to contact one of the lawyers that handles a lot of cases in Guangzhou, Mark Ellis is recommended by many people.
AzzudiinMaleChina2010-12-02 13:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresnew drama
Checking case status online is a joke, our case is at NVC and soon off to Consulate but case status is still NOA1 date on the webpage. Don't even waste your time looking at the USCIS case status page.
AzzudiinMaleChina2011-01-21 17:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRecord of Money sent to China
Just get a Bank of America Visa or Mastercard, have them give you secondary card with fiance name on it, send her the card and then she can take cash advance with no fee at China Construction Bank ATM's. 2000RMB daily withdraw limit which can be raised with just a phone call to bank. This how I paid for our wedding, called BoA, told them to uncap daily withdraw, wife 10 minutes later went to ATM, withdrew 40,000RMB, paid no fees. She had to make 10 seperate transactions because the machine she was at only allowed 4000 at a time, but since no fees was no big deal.

The only catch in the system is if you don't pay off your cards each month, cash advance interest rates out of this world. If you pay off card each month, its basically a free way to transfer money and you get the maximum exchange rate.
AzzudiinMaleChina2011-01-17 11:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC and Brazil
does anyone know if Brazil uses standard or AP processing at NVC. I would like to know if I need to get the "certified or originals" from my wife or if she will take them to the embassy the day of the interview. Thanks for your help.
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-05-02 11:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS National Processing Time Goal is not 6 months.

I just noticed this and thought I'd bring it to your attentions. This indicates USCIS expects your file to take 6 months to process. The four service centers are still averaging 5 months to process the files. But I suspect that will change quickly and reflect the 6 months national average. This makes me depressed but atleast I can set my goals realistically. I was hoping I'd get my NOA2 in 2.5 - 3 months. But that's not a realistic goal anymore.

zut alors! I meant to type now, not not.


I understand your frustration with the wait. I Believe USCIS has specific guidelines they have been given to complete a case,"6 months". With them having an average of 5 but a goal of 6, we should just be thankful. As I think you have looked at some timelines of other people since you had a hope of 2.5-3 months, to offset the quickness of those petitions, there has to be some that are taking 7 or more months. Let's just hope that it is not those people who have taken the time to sign up, read and learn from this site.
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-05-22 06:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmissing documents.
I filed 2 forms, 1-130 for my spouse (married 2/12/10), and one for her son (under 18). I failed to send the required $355 for each petition. The son's I-130 was denied and sent back to me. I promptly paid the $355 for the additional petition. I have a few questions.

I did not send pictures to prove bonifide relationship. I did however send 2 sworn statements, one from her mother and one from her sister who were both present at the wedding. Those sworn statements were returned to me with the son's I-130 petition denial, with no explanation. I did send a marriage certificate with the initial petition.

I did not send a birth certificate for her son, but now as I read more and more, I'm finding all these things that may be missing which will in my opinion generate and RFE.

Should I send these documents in now? or should I wait for the RFE's to come in. We are just a little over 2 months from NOA-1. Any suggestions?
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-06-02 16:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of bona fide marriage.
I also did not send any photos or anything outside of what was asked.... Here is a bit of info..... I sent a marriage certificate, 2 sworn statements, one from my mother in law and one from my sister in law, 2 I-130's, one for my wife and one for my now "step son". I failed to send $455.00 for each petition, I only sent a check for one. They sent me an Noa for my wife, but denied my step son. along with the I-797, "notice of denial" then Sent Back to me the 2 "sworn statements" that I had sent and had translated. So hopefully they will not ask for more at this level. I am in the process of gathering the documents needed for NVC, and will certainly send some photos along for the ride. Certainly, I will have photos for the interview and I am planning on attending the interview in Rio De Janero, BR.
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-06-10 16:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshi need help about counting
This is not your question, but, I see an issue in income for 2009. the co-sponsor only earns 13k, and you have household size of 4+ children..... isn't 13k below the poverty guidelines.. this may bring up many questions.
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-06-11 05:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDENIED
if I understand correctly, they are being denied as you said because the consulate believes they would become a public charge, the beneficiary is not admissable until you prove otherwise.

you may be able to get a co-sponsor....
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-06-14 18:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRFE? I am so upset
GM Baille

I think you need to wait for the mailed copy of the RFE. From what I have read, most people feel the quicker you return the requested documents the better it is. I once got an RFE for a "certified" divorce decree from previous marriage. When I got the RFE, I went right to town hall and had them notorize a copy. I mailed it that day. It was an additional 2 months before I got NOA-2. I have read people returning RFE's 1-2 days after receiving the request in the mail and having an NOA-2 within a week. For your sanity, return the requested documents, and make sure you send a "copy" of the "RFE" mailed to you, or to your SO.
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-06-23 06:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThoughts on this whole process
every one here has some good ideas....... but lets not make judgement decisions. The process is not perfect, in fact far from. If someone in another country can file with DC, why does it take so long to check for those of us in this country to more than double the amount of time for approval? Maybe it's just coincidence...... or maybe there is more to it. WE DON'T KNOW. I agree, it should not take as long as is does to do backround checks and initial processing. Other people have stated receiving noa-2's from illegals, in less of a time.......but there are many "type" of illegals. There are those that entered the country legally and overstayed, and there are those that entered without documentation. Again, every case is different! I do like many of the ideas I have heard here, and someone mentioned some time of "government awareness"..... if it's done correctly, it may help future immigrants.
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-07-17 17:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThoughts on this whole process

the process needs reform.

the problem comes from people who fake marriage to get the GC. i think it used to be much easier long ago, so they made it harder and harder.

one way around waiting months and months is to come in on the tourist visa, marry in the usa, then submit all the documents. then you can stay while it gets processed. lots of people do that, and very rarely are they denied a visa.

people can come and go freely in and out of the usa from certain countries as tourists, but once you are not a tourist they make you jump through hoops.

it's so long and hard. i hope it gets better some day....



My 2 cents...

This is NOT an option for everyone. Some "accepted" country's are given out visas like candy, others you have to prove many many things. very strong ties to your country, a job, property, money in the bank.....ect ect. I can tell you right now that many would not qualify for a tourist visa.
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-07-17 12:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA few questions

For CR-1 and filing as a newly wed couple all you need is the marriage certificate and maybe couple of pics from the wedding - that's it.
Yes, you can use the co-sponsor if needed. Main sponsor still fills out the I-864 with the tax returns and same for the co-sponsor.

Good luck on your visa journey, I'd say you're making the right switch in visa decision!


I second that! That is all I sent, and not even the pics...... But, I will say when I went for a "Infopass appt." the caseworker told me it would be a good idea to send a few pics.... but don't worry about the joint accounts and all that......

Good luck on your journey.
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-08-04 14:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresReunion
lol.........good answer.
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-08-07 13:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresReunion
I have to go....... I just don't know what shirt to wear......lol....
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-08-07 13:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresReunion

KBcrand1, let us collect as many people in this area (all others are also welcome!) for a "get-to-get-her" next year beginning.

I love cricket and soccer much than baseball. I love your Brazil team and was the fan of it, but they couldn't unfortunately make it. I loved the shot (we call it as banana kick) of Maicon against N.Korea in the first round!

Loto


Sounds Good! Are you going to the soccer game in NYC? I think it is on the 8/10. Going to see my two favorite teams battle it out........Brazil and of coarse USA..........
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-08-07 13:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresReunion

I would love to, KBcrand1! Being you my neighbor (CT), it is definitely possible. Keep in touch and we can have the party when our spouses are here.

I think as I told you before, I have been in CT from 1999 to 2008 before I made the move to NY - near White Plains area.

Loto (NY)


def.... looking forward to it. Would have stopped by to say hi on my way to the Airport, but unfortunately, JFK rates Suck! have to go to Boston..... hope your not a big Yankee's fan???
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-08-07 13:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresReunion
Has anyone ever thought of creating a forum and securing a location maybe once a year for reunited couples to go and for single people to go and meet the people that actually helped them out from this site? Just think, we could fill up the hotels, campgrounds and convention centers if we all got together once in a while and met each other that helped us along the way.
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-08-07 13:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUpdate of case by email

Thank you Loto, i just created an account, added the case number to it, and turned email alerts on for the case, so i don't have to check back on the website


I hate to burst your bubble, but many people have not received text or email alerts on updates. The USCIS website is very unreliable for this. My wife has been approved now for almost a month, and still our "case status" reads the same. I hope you are luckier than us.
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-08-16 17:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGood bye, friends!
Loto has given good advice in the past. It is up the the end user to use that advice as such, to research and do what is right for themselves. People come here to look for answers, if they only relied on what is said here without researching based on what they were told, they are the fools. Maybe some bad advice was given, and I'm sure you can find on many posts here bad advice has been given before. I respect the moderator, but, I really believe that your comments could have been emailed to him directly. I do not believe your line by line objections were warranted or profesional, they could have been solved through an email.
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-08-18 17:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats to you and your hubby...... Celebrate the day!
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-08-26 06:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is up with the approvals?

Hehehe, good one Kevin!

I-485 fee jumped from $300s to $1010 or so :star: I am ready to Invest in USCIS stock, if they want to publicly list :star:

Loto


the only thing about investing in the government is that you need to be sure you will turn a profit. I don't think this government in its current state of mind is doing anything that will turn you a profit, but rather taking more of what you have to support their addiction to spending.
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-08-27 21:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is up with the approvals?

All we have approved this week is two? my timeline and i know it doesn/t mean anything but it is still upsetting went from June 30th to July 14th. they are approving k-1's like crazy in march and not ours. what is the deal with that?



Hey Rich, where do you see 2? All I see is you guys this week.
and the week before only 3?
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-08-27 21:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is up with the approvals?

:lol: :lol: :lol:

If mass approvals happen in the USCIS, NVC tunnel will be damn packed and they need to work 24x7 :star:

Loto


for the price we are paying now for petitions....... they should be working overtime and holidays..... 6 yrs ago k1 was 165...... now what is it 355 or something like that?
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-08-27 20:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is up with the approvals?

You may start calling USCIS after 09/19, once you crossed 5 months, that's their official processing time.

Loto


It's my feeling Loto, USCIS phone's are gonna be ringing off the hook in the next couple of weeks if they don't start "Mass Approvals".
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-08-27 20:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLast name on I130 application

hi all

My wife is going to get new documets with my last name (ID,Passport...etc) .

Im now about to send my I 130 and im not sure which last name to use where is required (family name field) ?

Her original last name or new (mine ) ?

is it ok to write my (now ours) last name in " Name (Family name in CAPS) " AND then her old last name in " Other Names Used (including maiden name)"??


Family name is your last name ( if she is using that now ). I think it is line 7 or 8, "other names used" here you will list her maiden name. As far as the id and passport goes, it is good you are getting them changed now, since that may take some time for the passport, but you will not need them for your initial petition. Good luck on your journey. There are many experienced people here to help you. Have you read the guides?
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-08-28 06:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo i have to submit Original PCC to VFS office?

You should have sent the original or a certified copy. I'm afraid a regular copy won't do. But maybe they'll not notice...


Do Police Certificates need to be translated if not in English?
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-08-24 04:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEZ IR1/CR1 entire process!
Loto,

Isn't NVC the agency that makes the interview appointment for CR/IR1 visas?
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-09-11 11:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRequest of evidence !!!! OMG ...AFTER 9 MONTHS WAITING
It's a "hit and miss" situation. Some get approvals rather quickly after receiving the RFE response, and other people will wait up to the 60 days.
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-09-24 06:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresrfe rfe...help..PLEASE
Lady Bug,

When I called NVC and spoke to a supervisor, they sent multiple checklists by email, listing exactly what was incorrect or missing. Those checklists are the same as what they send in the snail mail, so you may get lucky and receive the checklist the day after or day of talking to the supervisor, gather the documents listed and send them in with the checklist coversheet provided in the checklist email. If you have the documents needed your talking just a few days of checklist response turn a round time. As far as how long you will have to wait for the sif after that? I don't know. I've been trying to stay away from Vj to calm my nerves a little, so i haven't been following progress of NVC lately. Good luck... Hope you get your answer tomorrow.
KBcrand1MaleBrazil2010-11-07 07:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat Embassy To Choose
My fiance is from Moldova and I am sending out my I-129F for a K-1 visa. Because Moldova does not process K-1 visas i was told to select the US Romanian Embassy. Does anyone have any experience with a Moldovan fiance? If so I would appreciate a confirmation of my decision to select the US Embassy in Romania.
norotonfdMaleMoldova2006-02-14 10:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F and social security number
Sorry I made a mistake in my original wording. She is still my fiance, but if all goes as planned we will be married this year. Still the point you made stands, that her social security number from her previous trip should be put on my I-129F even though it is a work/travel social security number?
norotonfdMaleMoldova2006-03-02 19:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F and social security number
My wife and I met when she was here on a work/travel program so she has a social security number from last year that says "Only Valid with DHS Paperwork". She has since returned home as she is finishing school.

Should I put her social security number from her work/travel visit on line 8 of the I-129 F I am filling out?
norotonfdMaleMoldova2006-03-02 18:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresGA-325A Bio
Both my fiance and I filled in a GA-325A Bio sheet. My question is, as the American petitioner, do I put her name on the bottom of my GA-325A where it says applicant name? Also if she does not have an alien registration number can I leave that blank?
norotonfdMaleMoldova2006-03-02 18:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProof of Being Born in US
If you use a birth certificate, do you have to send the original?

If you use a passport then what would you send?
norotonfdMaleMoldova2006-03-03 13:19:00