ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTravling on a K-3 with an approved CR1?
QUOTE (BeeNee @ Dec 29 2008, 06:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi guys, I'd like your advice on a visa dilemma I'm in right now. My wife interviewed for a K-3 visa at the embassy in Islamabad last week. She was approved but the bad news is she's going to have to wait 1-2 months for administrative processing before they send her passport.

In the meantime, our CR1 petition which was running concurrently with the K-3 was completed today and NVC is now arranging an interview date for the immigrant visa. Problem is, January is all booked up so the earliest she would be able to receive an interview would be mid-February. That's not too long of a wait but again we may likely have to endure administrative processing and who knows if it might taken even longer than the timeframe quoted for K-3. All of that is going to tack on months to this already grueling wait.

At this rate, we're tired of the waiting and just want to get her into the country ASAP. If say she receives her passport w/ K-3 visa in January, then she is willing to travel in on that rather than pursuing the CR1. When I suggested this to the NVC phone rep, he was unsure if you could adjust your status after your immigrant visa case had been approved. Does this mean she would be forced to wait for her CR1 visa before she can travel to the US? And do you think its worth it to take our chances and wait for the CR1?

Thanks!


This is what I would do. Since she already interviewed for the K3 visa and is only waiting for the AP to be completed, I would go back to the embassy and ask if they can give her the approval for the CR1 visa instead, that way she can enter with it instead of the K3. Since all fees were already paid at the NVC, I think it would be a mistake to use the K3 visa to enter the US instead of simply asking the embassy to change the approval for a CR1.

Diana

Mononoke28FemaleColombia2008-12-30 10:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOnline Case Status on USCIS.gov after POE
QUOTE (crazysamurai @ Dec 29 2008, 04:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi VJers,

My wife entered POE on 12/12/08 and we are waiting for our welcome letter, SS card and Green Card in mail. So far, we haven't received anything. I wanted to ask anyone here if they know whether on www.uscis.gov, online case status changes after beneficiary enters US and/or when Welcome Notice, SS card and Green Card gets mailed????

My case status still says 'Approval Notice Sent' when I-130 was approved....Will this message change when welcome notice gets sent?
I am trying to use this status message as a guide when USCIS work on POE material for beneficiary....
thanks,

CS


No, you no longer need to go back to the USCIS web site to check status since it only reflects the status of the I-130 petition, and that's over with.

The USCIS can take anywhere from 2-7 weeks to process your wife's POE information, without this info in the system the SSA cannot issue her a SS #. The best thing to do is wait a couple more weeks and if you still haven't received anything, start giving them a call to find out what is going on. You can call them at their regular customer service 800 number.

Diana

Mononoke28FemaleColombia2008-12-30 10:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescan the petitioner sign the ds 230 form?
No, the DS-230 is all about the beneficiary therefore, he or she needs to sign it. My husband filled it out in Colombia and it also took about a week or so for it to get here, but waiting is part of the game.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2008-12-29 10:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOK to send DS-230 while I-864 still pending(RFE)?
No, you don't have to wait until your 2008 taxes are filed to send in your I-864 especially since you'll probably get to send it in January. However, try to get copies of paycheck stubs for the past few months to prove the 2008 salary earned.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2008-12-30 10:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOK to send DS-230 while I-864 still pending(RFE)?
QUOTE (trailmix @ Dec 30 2008, 07:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The requirement is for last year's return - however you can send the last 3 years if you want to - you need to have the last 3 years on hand anyway as they can be requested by NVC or at the interview.


Great advice. good.gif

Diana

Mononoke28FemaleColombia2008-12-30 10:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOK to send DS-230 while I-864 still pending(RFE)?
Yes, the I-864 has nothing to do with the DS-230. So if you already paid the IV Bill, the NVC said they generated the DS-230 coversheet, or you paid it online and are able to print it from their web site, and you're ready to send it, go ahead and send it. The sooner the better.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2008-12-30 09:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThe long nightmare is finally over
Congratulations to you and your wife!

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2008-12-29 10:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot GreenCard
Congratulations! smile.gif

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2008-12-30 16:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAPROVED!
Congratulations! good.gif

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2008-09-17 09:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot the Greencard
My husband's took 7 weeks as well and we also had to go in person to get his SS # even though we had checked the box in the DS-230.

As for putting together his resume, you can look up some examples online. It shouldn't be that different from a regular resume. Monster.com also has several samples that you can look up.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2008-12-30 16:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJust confused at this point.
Since she's already here, she needs to file everything at once. You can find the guide for the process here. I'm not sure if you can send 1 check to cover both fees so it would be a good idea to call the USCIS for more info on that.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2008-12-30 16:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresW2s needed if sending IRS transcripts for '05 and '06?
That's right. Transcripts are sent in lieu of W2s and copies of tax returns.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-05 13:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStupid Questions
The only document we got back at the interview was our marriage certificate, that was it, they kept the rest and we never saw them again.

I would also suggest taking copies with you to your interview just in case they misplace any of the documents you already sent the NVC.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-07 15:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 affidavitt and other questions
All you need is a copy of your marriage certificate and maybe a couple of affidavits from other people saying that you both have a bona fide marriage. You can start saving other evidence such as pictures, e-mails, chats, etc. for the interview at the embassy.

You can write down her married name on the I-130 if you want to.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-07 11:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresbona fides of our marriage
I don't think it really matters. Send whatever you can. If you can only send copies at this time then send them, but if you have the originals with you, make copies, send them the originals and save the copies with your records.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-07 11:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCASE COMPLETE
Congratulations!

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-08 18:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJust a question Guys ???
Did you pay the IV Bill online? If so, you can print the coversheet for form DS-230 and send it along with the necessary civil documents.

If not, talk to an NVC rep to find out if they processed the payment and if they generated the coversheet for DS-230. If they did, you can follow James' shortcuts to generate your own and send it along with the form and the civil documents. Or, you can wait a week or two to get it in the mail after the NVC has said they indeed have generated it.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-09 15:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresReceived $400 packet
QUOTE (starz87 @ Jan 9 2009, 11:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well i need some help here.
Do you all happen to know whats next after you mail the $400 fee frome the NVC? blink.gif


After that you will receive the DS-230 coversheet which you will have to return along with form DS-230 and the civil documents requested. You can read about this in the WIKI under James' shortcuts and see the list of civil documents here and here.

Diana

Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-09 15:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmissing document??
They always send that but as soon as they receive the DS-230 packet from you, they should be changing their IVR message. Keep calling until they say they've received it.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-14 16:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC phone operator told me visa may take 20 years
I'm thinking the customer service rep who told you that thought you were inquiring about a different type of visa and not a CR1.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-14 16:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot my Interview Date on February 13.
Good luck! good.gif

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-07 11:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRe: DS 230- Please help
This question is really not that important so you can write whatever you want (as long as it's legal smile.gif) You can even write None or Undecided.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-20 10:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswe need help about DS-230
QUOTE (Ann 26 @ Jan 22 2009, 09:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Also it is a good idea to send original documents to NVC (translated and notarized ),


Actually it's not only a good idea but a requirement by the NVC, all documents need to be either originals or certified. No photocopies are accepted.

Diana

Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-22 12:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswe need help about DS-230
Also, since the DS-230 is your visa application, it needs to be signed by you.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-22 11:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures$400.00 for Visa Application?
QUOTE (Marina Gavrilo @ Jan 22 2009, 02:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Okay...great smile.gif

Again, they still have not sent a response from that DS-3032, which was emailed to them. The NVC told me that it could take up to 2 weeks.

I'm just having trouble with the Affidavit of Support. I understand that I will complete the I-864 (whether I work or not) BUT if my father (who I live with) can be my joint sponsor...he would have to complete the I-864 A...correct? Because he is a household member?

If, I can get a close family friend to be a joint sponsor (rather than my father)...they would also complete the I-864 rather than the I-864A...correct?

I recently came back from Europe (with my hubby) and am looking for a job. I am having a hard time with the Affidavit of Support, I just worry about using my dad b/c he is in & out of the hospital. Hedefinitely would be able to help me but I would hate bothering him.

Anyway, so my husband has to complete the DS-230, which he DOES NOT Sign or complete the 2nd page correct? He then would have to mail that to me, along with a copy of his birth certificate, police records, a copy of his passport, 2 passport pictures...ANYTHING ELSE?

When I receive all of that, I can mail it to NVC...correct?

Thank you so much!


Yes, anybody willing to serve as your co-sponsor can do so as long as they make over 125% above poverty level.

And yes, your husband fills out the DS-230 and signs only PART I, Part II is signed in front of the CO the day of his interview.

You should also check out these two DOS links to see the list of civil documents you will need to submit along with the DS-230 and have them ready. http://travel.state..../info_3190.html & http://travel.state...._3538.html#docs.

Diana

Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-22 16:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview
No, you don't have to take your marriage certificate to the interview since it will be sent directly to the NVC for your CR1 visa process. However, it is always a good idea to make copies of everything you send them just in case they lose something and bring all copies to the interview to be on the safe side.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-27 11:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresadmin processing...AFTER being told to return to pick up your visa?!
I've seen it happen in the US embassy in Colombia right after the interview, they were not told to pick up the visa but to wait for the embassy to call them until the AP was done. It's quite normal and all you can do now is wait.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-27 11:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresReady to file I-130, is my list of materials looking good?
You do not have to send the originals, in fact it's advisable that you only send photocopies of these documents. Also, if you're a naturalized US citizen, you don't have to submit a copy of your birth certificate, only a copy of your naturalization certificate.

Other than that, it looks pretty good.

Good luck!

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-27 16:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfebruary 5 interview - needs help please
You'll be fine as long as you take as much evidence as you can with you the day of your interview, pictures especially and maybe a few chats and e-mails.

As for the financial documents, since you're applying for a CR1 visa, everything was already sent out and approved to the NVC, so you should be ok. If they ask you for your husband's 2008 tax returns, you can easily say that he hasn't filed them since we all have until April 15th to do so.

You'll be fine.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-27 11:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow much it costs?
The costs for the CR1 visa process are as follows:

$355 for I-130 form
$70 for AOS
$400 for IV Fee Bill, which is the visa application.


Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-28 11:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiling for unemployment..would that affect us in anyway?
Well, if you really think about it, unemployment benefits are totally different from other government types of aid such as Medicaid or food stamps in that each person already contributed to that fund. So in essence they're getting money that already belongs to them, and also each employer pays for part of this benefit if the employee was laid off and not fired.

I might be wrong on this one, but I think that's pretty much the way it works.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-28 12:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiling for unemployment..would that affect us in anyway?
QUOTE (kiny @ Jan 21 2009, 04:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I had sponsored my spouse to move to the US. He was put in AP for a long time and finally got the visa last year and he has been living and working in the US since the past five months now. I recently got laid off from my job and just filed for unemployment benefit. Now we are concerned that it might affect his status in anyway even though he has his green card and is also working. Also, could it affect his citizenship application in the future? Could it have any effect on my credit or job history etc. in the future? I just submitted the application but I can cancel it as nothing has been processed yet. Any reply would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


You guys will be fine as long as he doesn't have to file for any financial assistance from the government. In this case, you, the US citizen, are the one who's filing for unemployment benefits, not him.

Diana

Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-27 16:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresKinds of Marriage. Confused. :S
I think weddings are extremely personal and only the couple getting married should make the decision on what type of wedding to have. The USCIS only cares about the legality of the marriage, not what kind of wedding a couple decides to have.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-23 15:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresow long til NVC receive packet to case complete at NVC guys???
QUOTE (Edward&Denise @ Jan 27 2009, 04:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
And how long til NVC receive packet to case complete at NVC guys???

good.gif good.gif good.gif


It depends. If you go through the regular process, it can take about 4+ months. If you follow James' Shortcuts, it can take from 2-3 months. But if you follow LingChe's short cuts, which shows you how to pay for each fee online, it can take as little as 1 month.

Diana

Edited by Mononoke28, 28 January 2009 - 12:06 PM.

Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-28 12:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-3032
Yes, you can still e-mail the NVC the Choice of Agent information. You can find the steps on how to do it here. But you have to make sure that the NVC has said the form has been generated first, before you send it.

You should also check out LingChe's shortcuts so you can find out how you can pay for all bills online and make the process move faster.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-29 11:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMEDICAL EXAM
Most embassies accept TD, MMR and varicella. That's all.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-29 12:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Reports
Loi,

Once the USCIS approves the I-130 for your wife, they will send it to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing. They will then assign you a case number and you will then send them all the documents they need and pay the fees you need to pay. You can find all this info in LingChe's shortcuts.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-29 12:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Reports
You're very welcome. It's a good thing to start researching all the things you may need, because you will either need them at one point or another. Just make sure you don't get them too far in advance because many of them expire.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-29 12:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Reports
If you choose to go for the CR1/IR1 visa, the NVC will not only process the Affidavit of Support but the DS-230 as well, which is the visa application. With the DS-230 the beneficiary will have to send a list of civil documents which include the police certificate.

If you decide to go for the K3 visa, the NVC will only assign you a case number after the petition is approved by the USCIS and then they will forward it to the embassy. The beneficiary will then have to take their police certificate with them to the embassy the day of the interview.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-29 11:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat do I do
QUOTE (Anish319 @ Jan 27 2009, 04:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So here is the situation. Our case is in the NVC and should be going for embassy processing. But the kicker is my wife has legally obtained a job, and a G-4 visa here. Is it better to continue the IR-1 or change to AOS?

IR-1 is much quicker and I have paid all the fees.

Any advice?


She obtained a job here in the US already? Can't she go to her future employer and see if they can still give her a job and wait until she arrives with her IR-1 visa?

Diana

Mononoke28FemaleColombia2009-01-28 12:25:00