ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Question for those far down the path
Today I called the NVC just to check on things. I was told they have received, processed and approved the I-864 and supporting documents. Next week they will send me (as Agent of Choice for my wife) the actual visa application which I assume to be the DS-230. I assume this needs to be completed, signed and sent back. Fortunately I had the foresight to have my wife sign this form when I was with her last month, so there will be no delays getting her signature.

My question: After returning the DS-230, what is the next step in the process? How close are we?
ChinaDavidMaleChina2007-08-08 17:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDid I make a big mistake?
I can only share my experiences in sending and receiving regular first class mail to and from Asia, particularly various cities in mainland China, and Hong Kong. For me, all regular first class mail, and even parcel post packages, were received at either end in about 3 weeks. I hope and trust you will experience the same delivery times. Don't worry yet. Just trust it will be received and in time. I'm sure it will be. Good luck to you.
ChinaDavidMaleChina2007-08-13 22:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTax Transcripts Show 0.00
QUOTE (rjp44 @ Nov 25 2007, 08:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (mateo @ Nov 25 2007, 05:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks all. I am sending off for my 1040 and 2555 to show that I filed and was earning foreign income in 2006. Can assets be used in lieu of income? I have sufficent assets to prove support.



Yes, in the instructions it will tell you what assets can be used to help meet the requirement. You can download a form ahead of time and fill it out to see where you stand and if you would need an additional sponsor.


My 1040's for the past 3 years showed virtually no income in 2006 and small losses in 2005 and 2004. You certainly can use assets. I did. Depending on the Consulate or the visa (K3 or CR1) you will need to file either the I-134 or the I-864 Affidavits of Support. If using assets because income is not sufficient, they subtract the 2006 income from the required assets (3X the Poverty level for your family size for a spouse's visa, 5X for supporting others) and apply that figure as the required assets. These assets must be cash or cash equivalents (savings, CD's, stocks, etc.) or any other asset that can be converted to cash within one year without any financial burden to you or your family.

A question I have, and would like to hear any first-hand experience, is if one can use retirement accounts that require a 10% penalty for early withdrawal and the concomittant tax liabilities. Does anyone know if the penalty fee and tax liability is considedered a "financial burden"? I don't need to use my retirement funds, but that question popped into my head as I filled out both the I-134 and the I-864 forms.
ChinaDavidMaleChina2007-12-01 02:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Requirements
At this point in the odyssey, it is probably much better to play it safe and bring anything and everything that has already been submitted or requested (originals and photocopies), and also be prepared to present anything and everything else. The last thing you want is an overcome and a delay of another two months. You are allowed to bring anything and everything. I suggest you bring everything just in case. Good luck!!!
QUOTE (silent @ Dec 18 2007, 01:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (trekkin2k7 @ Dec 18 2007, 03:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (simple_male @ Dec 17 2007, 12:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sora_9_Dam3a @ Dec 17 2007, 02:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
thanks so much guys!! i really appreciate your replies so much!!


The interview letter usually asks the visa applicant to bring original and photocopy. Embassy keeps the photocopies while returns originals. But Embassy can keep any original, if it wants to. Don't forget to take proof of relationship and ongoing communication (wedding pictures, other pictures together, email printout, phone bill records, etc).


What if they don't ask for all these things, and you don't bring them, would they reject your visa based on that?? For my wife, I think she will take with her to the interview (when it actually gets scheduled, it has not yet, although the case is complete): (1) Interview Letter, (2) Medical Exam results, (3) Her Passport, (4) some photos with us together, engagement, wedding, etc... (5) any required passport-type photos that embassy may ask for, (6) the couple of letters which I mailed to her - we mostly communicate on the phone (calling cards etc).

However, she does not have a photocopy of my US passport - do you guys suggest that I send her a copy of this? Would the embassy want to see this? How important is that?

Thanks!


I would suggest you to send the copies of your passport to your wife. I have seen a girl getting rejected during my own visitor's visa, because she didn't have the photocopies of her husband's passport.
You can just scan your passport and email your wife and she can take the print outs at her place, that will be much faster way than to rely on post.

ChinaDavidMaleChina2007-12-18 01:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDivorce Judgment
My experience is the same as Trey's. I just sent a photocopy of my divorce decree (as required) with the initial I-129F application. No originals were requested or required. My application was subsequently approved for forwarding to the NVC. I'd just wait and see what, if any, further documentation is required before being convinced your application is refused.
ChinaDavidMaleChina2006-04-28 18:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy time-line (so far)
I "met" Anny at a website in June 2005. Anny lives in Nanning, Guanxi Province, China.

My first trip to visit her was October 28 - November 14,2005. My second was 1/1/2006- 1/15/2006. We began filling out the I-129F that trip. I returned on 2/14/2006-2/25/2006, and we finished crossing every "t" and dotting every "i" for the K-1 visa application (I-129-F).

I sent in the I-129F in mid-March 2006 to the Vermont processing center. The case was "approved" on March 20, 2006. On April 19, 2006 (while again in China visiting Anny) I received notification that the petition has been approved and sent on to the NVC (National Visa Center).

Now it should be 2-4 weeks (from April 19) before the NVC completes the processing and creates a new case record, then forwards the information to the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou. I'll keep you posted.

If anyone has any questions, contact me via a posting here.

David
ChinaDavidMaleChina2006-04-28 15:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat dates of emails do I put first in my k-1 petition?
I saved all our emails (to and from) in a separate file, and just printed off a log of all the emails (date, subject, sender). I think my log went from most recent to first. I did not send the actual content of any emails. In my statement of intent, I explained that the emails were just a tiny portion of our interaction, as we meet daily with live video and audio feed (skype.com), as well as had frequent telephone calls. I also sent all boarding passes, hotel receipts, candid photos (dated) of each trip I had made to China prior to the application (I have been back since). I separated the various proof by categories (photos, boarding passes, misc. receipts) and placed them in individually marked envelopes. In my statement of intent I also briefly described our activities of each visit. The I-129F application was received 3/20/06, approved 4/19/06, NVC received it 5/1/06, and the package is now on its way to Guangzhou. I think it is best to be thorough, organized, and provide anything and everything in support of your application. The order of your email log (front to back or back to front) is immaterial. Best of luck to you both.
ChinaDavidMaleChina2006-05-08 15:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStill WAITING and hating every minute of it.
My NOA1 was on January 11th and my case was touched on March 4th. Did not hear anything from them until my case was approved on June 14th(NOA2). Hang in there they are moving. You should here something soon!
vpocsiFemaleRomania2006-06-16 08:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresShe Has Arrived
:thumbs: Congratulation :thumbs:
vpocsiFemaleRomania2006-06-20 08:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Issued!!
:thumbs: That is great news. Congratulations :thumbs:
vpocsiFemaleRomania2006-06-20 09:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase Number Assigned BY NVC
[b][color=#9999FF] :dance: :dance: Hello everyone, just wanted to let everyone know that my case was received by NVC yesterday and a case number has been assined. I'm so excited that my case is finally moving. :dance: :dance:
vpocsiFemaleRomania2006-06-23 08:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit Questions????

:help: Hello Everyone, I have a quick question. If you have sufficient income to show on the affidavit, do you need to list assets or bank account information or is the income enough? :help:



Thanks for your help miker32us
vpocsiFemaleRomania2006-06-23 09:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit Questions????
:help: Hello Everyone, I have a quick question. If you have sufficient income to show on the affidavit, do you need to list assets or bank account information or is the income enough? :help:
vpocsiFemaleRomania2006-06-23 08:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 APPROVED IN 61 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:dance: :dance: :dance: Congratulations!!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:
vpocsiFemaleRomania2006-08-01 14:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 approved!!!
:dance: :dance: Congratulations!!! :dance: :dance:
vpocsiFemaleRomania2006-08-01 14:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJames Shortcuts
Yes, they work!!! :thumbs:
vpocsiFemaleRomania2006-08-01 14:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Results
:thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: Congratulations :thumbs: :thumbs:
vpocsiFemaleRomania2006-08-31 07:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAPPROVED!!!
:thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: Congratulations :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:
vpocsiFemaleRomania2006-09-06 11:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWE GOT OUR VISA!
T :dance: hat is great news, congratulations!!! :dance: :dance:
vpocsiFemaleRomania2006-06-20 14:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNew to the process
I am engaged to a Candadian, who lives in Vancouver. My initial petition was received in Vermont on December 13th.

We have a whole wedding planned for the end of August and I am very nervous that this date will not be possible now.
Is there anything we can do to expidite the 6 month wait on the US side?!?! Not sure if it matters, but I have contracts, etc. to prove the plans.

If not, once the approval gets to the Consulate in Vancvouer, I understand that there is a cheklist of things for my fiance to obtain (medical, police records, etc) Can he do any of this in advance so that it is all ready to go and we can save a week or two and get an interview date ASAP?

Thanks for your help!!!!
TheMazeFemaleCanada2008-01-10 01:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProcessing Times on USCIS Website
Hi everyone!

I see from this site that for the Vermont Service Center, K-1 NOA2s seem to take around 4-6 months.
Does the USCIS website always say that they are processing apps from 6 months before the date?
My Immigration Lawyer told me something along the lines of "don't worry - they always say 6 months"
Has anyone seen differently?

Also - how long does it usually take to get your receipt number working in the online system? It's been over a month since I got the NOA1 and still can't get on.


Thanks for your input!
TheMazeFemaleCanada2008-01-18 15:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDec. Vermont Filers - Can you check online?
Thanks, but I have already done that. The receipt number fails. USCIS customer service has verified that it is correct, but it will not show up in the online system. They end up sending me to an agent who is able to view the number and tells me that they are backed up in entering them into the system.

I mentioned this website and that users such as yourself (a day off from me) are able to use the system. They sent an email to Vermont to let them know about the problem, but nothing has been done (either time I went through this process with Customer Service)

sad.gif
TheMazeFemaleCanada2008-01-25 10:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDec. Vermont Filers - Can you check online?
I have been calling USCIS since I got my NOA1 dated Dec. 13th. I have not been able to check my case status online.
I have seen filers here that have received thier NOA1 later than mine and were able to check immediately. With all of the horror stories of files being lost and forgot about for months - I am very worried.
Customer Service has sent emails to Vermont for me, but nothing has changed.
I emailed my lawyer and asked that she try to do something about it and really verify that it hasn't been lost!

Any other recent experiences with this or advice?

Thank you!
TheMazeFemaleCanada2008-01-25 08:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresList of UpComing Petitioners?
Thanks so much! That is exactly what I was looking for. It seems we're number 112...not too bad right?
TheMazeFemaleCanada2008-02-08 17:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresList of UpComing Petitioners?
I see people mention that they are a certain # on the list for VSC or CSC. Can someone tell me where I can look that up?
Thanks!
TheMazeFemaleCanada2008-02-08 11:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBad Customer Service Conversations!!
Hi everyone-
I have never been able to check my case status online since its receipt date at VSC - December 13th. I've called the customer service line countless times to tell them about the problem. The initial person can't see the number in thier system and always sends me to an"officer" (a customer service officer?) who is able to see the case on thier computer system.
Finally, one pleasant agent sent an email to let VSC know of the problem. She gave me a confirmation # and said that I could call back after 30 days and if it hasn't been resolved I could get expidited to a supervisor.
Well the 30 days have come and gone and I've been trying to get someone to fix this!
As you all can understand getting through the a person is difficult and having them not be at all understanding or helpful when you finally get to them makes it hard to keep calm and polite. I lost it today! The agent said "you've already called on this...what do you want me to do about it?" I was a little snappy and told him I wanted to speak to his supervisor and he huffed and puffed and then put me to a voicemail!?!?!

So my question - can they hold these calls be held against me in any way?

As it was explained to me by that one pleasant agent, it is only a computer glitch on the website - my case is there and is "in process"...I just want to be able to see it like everyone else!

Will my inquiries slow down the process? sad.gif
TheMazeFemaleCanada2008-02-16 00:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan K-1 Process be repeated for same person?
QUOTE (Mr Bill @ Mar 8 2008, 03:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have read on the internet that once a US citizen and a foreign fiancee have applied for and received the K-1 visa for the beneficiary, if they don't get married and the foreign fiancee returns to her native country, the US citizen can NEVER AGAIN petition for a K-1 visa for the same foreign fiancee. I have ALSO read that the exact opposite is true.

Does anyone know which is correct?

Hello,
The form states if you have applied for a fiancee visa more than twice you must apply for a waiver. I applied once and we broke up and just applied the second time and it is going fine
Charlie

CharliehereMaleColombia2008-03-08 22:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about the fiancee visa and embassy interview
Hello Everyone,
I am pretty excited that I found this site. I am amazed that you can come into this country by the thousands in a boat or cattle car, but if you want to come her legally it is exspensive and lengthy. Now that I quit complaining, I have a couple questions if anyone would help and if you do, thank you in advance

One of the remarks made in a post is that it is very hard to get denied a fiancee visa. Is that correct. We have met and everything sent in. I am worried about income requirements.
Has anyone had an interview at the Colombian Embassy. What kind of questions do they ask and how likely is it to be turned down there. My girl has been turned down 3 times for a tourist visa before we met.

Again thank you for the help
Charlie
CharliehereMaleColombia2008-03-08 22:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129f application
QUOTE (Dimples876 @ Mar 8 2008, 11:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi,

My cousin wants to file I-129f application what's the process and how long does the process usually takes?

I thought you had to file I-130 application first is that true?

Hi Dimples,

I have just sent in a I 129f and did not need a 130. The process is simple but it must be perfectly done or they will send it back.
Back in July, I sent one in. They took 5 weeks and sent it back saying one of my divorce judgements was not properly signed and it was not a legal divorce. I had to bring it back to the court house and they said of course your divorce is legal. I asked them to sign the blank line anyways and they did. I sent it back to USCIS and then the girl and i broke up.
So 3 weeks ago i sublmitted another application for another girl and they in 10 days they mailed it back and said that the check i sent was not signed and it was for the wrong amount. I did not realize in that short time the fee increased from $170 to $455.
So I sent them a new check and highlighted my signature with a nice note (because the first check had been signed).
So that is as much as I know. Some of the things they require are
Proof that you met
Biography form for both
Letter of intent to marry in 90 days upon entering the USA
of course the check for $455
and some other things.
You must read the application very very carefully. Write out exactly what you need in a list and check, double check and triple check that you have everything.
There is one thing that i learned yesterday that i had not known previously. It takes 5 to 6 months but you can get it processed in 15 days for a fee of $1,000.
It is called premium processing. There is a toll free number that you can call for the forms.
Read the web site carefully and everything is there. it is www.uscis.gov .
Good luck and if you need anything, feel free to email
Charlie

CharliehereMaleColombia2008-03-08 22:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProblem with Immigration Lawyer - Advice needed!
QUOTE (colombia8t @ Feb 25 2008, 11:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Since I need an IMBRA waiver for my K1 petition I thought I needed an immigration lawyer. Thus I did some research and talked to several and hired Alex Halow (www.k1fianceevisas.com). I also checked with the State Bar where Alex is licensed to see if he had any complaints.

My initial interactions with Alex went well with rapid turnaround on draft I-129F and G-325A's. But I sent a large package of documents to Alex more than 2 weeks ago and all communications from Alex have stopped. He doesn't answer email messages and he doesn't answer my phone calls.

Thus I have decided to proceed without a lawyer using advice from this forum.

However, I need to get my file of supporting docs and photos back from Alex and he doesn't reply to email messages or phone calls. I am totally frustrated as this will put additional delay on an already lengthy K1 visa process.

Does anyone have advice about what I can do? What legal recourse do I have?

Thanks in advance


Hello Colombia8T

If you end up needing any paperwork from Colombia and yor fiancee is close to Cali, I can bring it back for you. At least that takes care of the reliability part of it. I go there about every 5 weeks and leave the 19th of March. I do not know if this helps you any but the offer is there. Good luck My email is ccathere@aol.com

CharliehereMaleColombia2008-03-08 23:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUS citizen's travel to foreign fiance's country
I've seen a lot of topics regarding the foreign fiance traveling to the US during the K1 process, but what about the US citizen's traveling to foreign fiance's country? I know you have to be in the US to start the K1 process, so does that mean that they don't want you to leave? My fiance had to apply for a waiver, which he was granted, and we knew our process would take a bit longer then most, so I decided to "visit" his country for 5 months. Would it be helpful or would it hurt us if he mentions this when he goes to his final interview in his country? Is the only reason this is discouraged because of the economic standpoint (no earning the 125% of poverty level for 2 people for 3 years?)
Thanks for any help!
Dawn123MaleArgentina2006-11-26 23:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 Visa
Why did they say they can't issue her visa? Read the denied thread and follow the advice there.
susFemaleJamaica2011-06-28 04:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI 130 petition
Starting a new topic isn't going to get better answers - You need to find out why they returned your petition - either the embassy did not believe your marriage is valid or there is something your husband did not tell you - You need to read the similar topics on this, get your senator involved, find out what the reason was -
susFemaleJamaica2011-07-04 15:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresExpidite @ nvc

:) no not scaring me my doc did a pretty good job of that on saturday! (in all fairness to him though he did try to alleviate my fears as best as possible)...our 21 month old already has a crba so no prob for him to travel just wish they would hurry up already for all of us...

Oh and i'm the benificiary in jamaica...


It's definitely worth a shot, and since you didn't get NOA2 yet I would ask for an expedite at the service center - Get a letter from your doctor as well, stating full details.
susFemaleJamaica2011-08-15 17:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow Soon should i File I-130
You should be able to get assistance from the military for your filing - ask your husband to research it.
susFemaleJamaica2011-08-17 11:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Form
I would say NA as well
susFemaleJamaica2011-08-20 06:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp! Kingston Embassy
Bryan Ryan - please fill in your timeline so that it can help others, thanks! Also read through the CR1 forum or the shortcuts - there is a post that tells you how to track the package, I think its pinned or in the shortcuts

Sorry to say, I don't have any encouragement - it could take a month or more to get an interview, so I doubt you will get it within the next two weeks - even if you could get the interview in the next two weeks, it will take at least a week for him to get the visa. I would keep emailing the embassy with 1st request, 2nd request,..... and your KIN number in the reference line - to be safe I would try to make alternate child care arrangements.
susFemaleJamaica2011-08-27 07:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAPPROVED
Congrats!!!!!!!!!!
susFemaleJamaica2011-09-08 14:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview HELP!!!

agreed we live in austin TX an were dealt with by cali

Okay, so I may be incorrect with that part - But I still stand by my request to correct it - if you searched timelines, she would come up in Armenia, not Jamaica -
susFemaleJamaica2011-09-17 15:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview HELP!!!
If you are lucky, you are looking at a Nov date, probably a December one though, based on what others have gotten. You can email the embassy and ask them to email you the date - People that got their interview dates in August were given Oct. dates.

Can you please fill out and correct your timeline info though - it will help others to process and estimate, and the way it is will skew the data - you have your country listed as Armenia, your filing location as California, and your local office as Newark -

If you live near Newark it would be Vermont.
susFemaleJamaica2011-09-17 08:04:00