ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGreen Card lost in Mail.
It all depends. If you changed addresses and didn't let the USCIS know about it, then it will be your fault and you will have to pay the $290. But if nothing changed, you waited patiently for your green card and you can try to prove that it was their mistake, then you can fight it.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-05-26 16:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 Or K3

PLease i need help I just sent i-130 before 20 days to start CR1

Some people told me send I-129 and try K3


Which one is better ?


Is K3 already Dead ?


Thanks


It's not really dead but here's the deal. The National Visa Center will always process the I-130 (CR1) first before the I-129F, even if both petitions are approved, sent and arrive there the same day. They will process an I-129F (K3 visa) first, only if they receive it before the I-130 which rarely happens especially if you sent the latter days or weeks before. So, there's not point in sending the I-129F now because chances are they will process you for a CR1 anyway. But don't fret... a CR1 is almost always a much better route to take.

Diana

Edited by Mononoke28, 26 May 2010 - 04:09 PM.

Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-05-26 16:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmedical in Bogota?

is Bogota the only place in Colombia that my wife can get her medical? I can't find the info, does anyone know?


Yes. There are only two authorized doctors who can take care of the medical exam and they're both in Bogotá. The info is in the appointment package found in the US Embassy in Bogotá's website: http://bogota.usemba...kagefeb2010.pdf

Dra. Maria Consuelo Gonzalez
Cra. 8 No. 49-25, Cons. 302
Bogotá
Tels. 288-7629, 245-9290

Dr. Jairo H. Roa
Centro Medico La Sabana
Cra. 7 No. 119-14 , Cons 325
Bogotá
Tels. 2151763, 6589366

Diana

Edited by Mononoke28, 27 May 2010 - 01:08 PM.

Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-05-27 13:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresjuly interview in Colombia

I have an interview in Colombia soon, so I'm getting all my paperwork ready. Does anyone know if I need my wife to get an apostille for her bith cirtificate and other paperwork.


Apostilles are only needed for foreign documents to be presented to a Colombian entity. According to your timeline, your wife is the beneficiary so she doesn't have a foreign birth certificate. Also, the US embassy does not require anything to be apostilled anyway.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-06-15 12:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNo Photos of Wedding Ceremony-An Issue?
We took a few pictures at the Notary we got married in Colombia and lost all of those pictures that same day (SD card went nuts). The USCIS never asked for any nor did the CO at the embassy. So no biggie.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-07-07 11:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion About Dual Citizenship

Hi Diana.

The issue at hand is that I appear under my Costa Rican passport number in the marriage certificate, not under my US passport number.


That's normal on any marriage certificate. I appear with my Colombian ID number on my marriage certificate and not my US Social Security Number or US Passport Number. In fact, no where does it say that I'm a US citizen, only that I'm also a Colombian citizen. The only thing you need to prove your US citizenship for filing purposes is a copy of your US passport or Naturalization Certificate regardless of what your Costa Rican marriage certificate shows.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-07-07 17:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion About Dual Citizenship

Hello! :)

I am a dual citizen (US & Costa Rica).

My marriage took place in Costa Rica and because I am a dual citizen, having been born and raised in Costa Rica, I got married using my Costa Rican passport and ID. Therefore, I appear under my Costa Rican identity in my marriage certificate.

I am about to start filing for my husband's IR-1/CR-1 and was wondering if anyone here knew:

1) What needs to be done for me to file my Costa Rican marriage certificate if I am a dual citizen?

2) If there is some form or notary process I have to follow for my Costa Rican marriage certificate to be acknowledged to belong to me as a US citizen?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!



I'm not really sure what you're asking based on your post. Are you asking what you need to do in order for the US to recognize your marriage which took place in Costa Rica? If so, then you don't need to do anything about it as the US recognizes marriages that take place outside of the country.

To file for your husband's IR1 visa you will need a photocopy of your marriage certificate along with the translation.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-07-07 11:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of Bonafide marriage
Bottom line is you only need a copy of your marriage certificate to prove that you have a bonafide marriage; however, other evidence you send can back it up. What you have as proof is plenty but all we sent was a copy of our marriage certificate and two affidavits from my mom and sister (not notarized). That's it, I left all other evidence for our interview at the embassy.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-07-07 10:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about visa fee

Hello all, I just wanted to clear up something. When I filed for the K-1 visa 2 years ago I remember having to send money to my Fiance so that she can pay the visa fee at a bank in Colombia so they could place a red sticker on her passport.

I know I paid the visa fee on the internet for the CR-1 visa. But do I also have to go through that same K-1 process?


No, the process for the CR1 visa is different from the K1. You pay all your fees to the NVC and once the case is completed by them there are no more visa related fees to pay. K1 visas are not processed by the NVC so beneficiaries have to pay all fees in Colombia.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-07-08 15:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow long to hear about CR-1?

up to 6 months ? why is that ? is that about the center or so ? can u explain to me what diffrent between any center of them , sorry i know i am asking alot , thx alot


It could be 6 months or more, or it could take less than 6 months, there's no specific amount of time. It all depends on how backed up they are, how many petitions they received, how many people they have working on each petition, how complicated each petition is, etc.

For now, there are two service centers that handle I-129Fs, the Vermont Service Center and the California Service Center. People send their petitions to the service center they belong to depending on where they live. So for example, you can't live in NY and send it to the CSC, you'd have to send it to the VSC.

In theory, based on what we've seen here on VJ and what people report back to everyone based on their timelines is that the VSC is for the most part a lot slower than the CSC. It's almost always been that way.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-07-07 17:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow long to hear about CR-1?

,about what center i really don't know , we sent the papers to chicago from texas so i have no idea what center it will go . thank u guys


It probably went to the Vermont Service Center which means it can take up to 6 months or so. You can check other people's Timelines (via the Timeline Search) who filed around the same date you did to get an idea of how long you will have to wait for your approval.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-07-07 11:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow long to hear about CR-1?

hello everyone
i filled an i130 on 24/6/2010 for CR1 and have been 2 months and 10 days and i never heared anything from USCIS , i know it's take time , just want to know normaly time it takes how long ? till they send me approved letter or however thier decided , ? thank u all


If you sent the I-130 on 06/24 then it hasn't been 2 months and 10 days, it's only been almost 2 weeks. It takes about a month or so to get an NOA1 (a notification letting you know that they've received it). And depending on the service center, it may take between 3-6 months for the approval.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-07-07 11:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhat is the Best for me

I am about to marry a us citizen in July next year. we first decided to use fiance visa but we heard from a friend who used this type of visa for his wife and is now facing problem of adjusting status to permanent resident that it is not good option. he advised us to get married in Ghana and then apply for CR1/IR1. what do you think?


In general, CR1 visas are processed in almost the same amount of time as K1 visas. Do your homework and ask around to find out if this is also the case for people going through Ghana because it may differ, but then again, it may not. Like I said, for most countries, they take almost just as long. A CR1 is a much better visa because you'd receive your green card and Social Security card a few weeks after you enter the US without having to file for AOS. So keep asking around to find out how long it takes in your country, it actually may not be that bad of a wait.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-07-06 15:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSworn Affidavits
We sent out plain affidavits signed by my mother and sister, they were not notarized and we didn't have any issues either.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-07-20 12:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS 230 PART I AND II

I have filed I-130 for my on 07/26/2010 at Chicago Lock box. I have few questions about the whole process, i am completely new to sponsor I-130 so any body willing to help me out, i will be grateful to them.

1. can she appoint me as an agent here in USA? (ds-3032 form)
2. do i have to submit DS 230 I AND II from here(usa) or she has to submit from INDIA?


The DS-3032 form is for the beneficiary to appoint whomever she wants as her agent. So if you want that to be you, all she has to do is let them know.

She will have to submit form DS-230 to the NVC which processes her case right before it sends it to the embassy.

You can get more info by reading LingChe's NVC Shortcuts.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-07-28 13:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresour I-130 approved but not went to NVC 2 month already
I've seen some people having to wait up to 12 weeks for their approved petitions to be transferred from the USCIS to the NVC. Keep up on it by calling both places until someone tells you exactly what is going on.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-07-01 14:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavits
They don't have to be notarized unless you want them to be.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-08-13 12:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of a Bonifide Marriage???
In all honesty, the only piece of evidence you need for a CR1 visa will be your marriage certificate. If you want to make your case stronger send a couple of pictures and a couple of affidavits from people who know you both and who can say that you have a bona fide marriage. I only sent a copy of our marriage certificate and two affidavits, one from my mom and one from my sister. And no, they don't have to be notarized nor apostislled. I left all other evidence for the interview.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-08-13 12:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMoney Order for I-130

Hey guys, just have a quick question. I'm using a money order for the filing fee of the I-130. I know i'm to make it payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security, but what to i put for the Address? I just want to make sure I don't mess anything up.

And since i'm asking questions, the reason i'm not using a personal check is because i don't have any for my current address. I only have checks from my previous address. I didn't know if that would affect the transaction at all. Any help would be appreciated here. Thanks


It doesn't matter what address you have printed on your checks to make any kind of payment. It's best to send a personal check so you can keep track of when they cash it.

If you still want to use a money order then you can write the address where you'll be sending your package.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-08-18 15:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresjust curious please help
You can just ignore anything you receive from the embassy regarding the K3. Keep sending the NVC anything they ask for the I-130. Once they complete your case, they'll send it to the US embassy after they make an appointment date with them and then you'll interview for a CR1 visa.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-08-19 11:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Shortcuts

I tried creating the I864 barcode, went all fine til the last step (changing size)...it suddendly did not look like the example barcode anymore but shorter


Try following LingChe's NVC Shortcuts http://www.visajourn...e_NVC_ShortCut. Now days you can pay all fees online and print out your barcode from the NVC's website. No need to create the barcode coversheets anymore.

Diana

Edited by Mononoke28, 24 August 2010 - 09:25 AM.

Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-08-24 09:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Process

Hi All,

I just called the guy who is going to help me file for my paperwork for the NVC process. He said lately I-130 applications are taking longer to process. He knows someones who's case is siting at NVC from past 4 months. He filed everything in April and haven't heard from them since. He even followed up with them and they said it is being processed.

Just wondering if anyone else experienced that sort of delayed? I'm a US Citizen and Filed I-130 for my wife. I'm still waitigg for my NOA 2. I thought if you send everything it usually takes 1-2 weeks. Any imput is appreciated as I would like to give my wife heads up to expect delays.

Thanks


I think you're getting the NVC and the USCIS confused. The I-130 is first sent to the USCIS for approval which depending on the service center you sent it to can take anywhere from 3-6 months. After the petition is approved, it will be forwarded to the NVC and there it can take another 1-3 months depending on how quickly you pay your fees and send them your paperwork.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-08-24 09:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA-2 NVC
USCIS = photocopies.

NVC = originals or certified copies.


Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-08-23 12:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOverlooked Question
I have to admit that for someone who has never left their country, it is very, very difficult to adjust, but not impossible. The same thing happened when my husband first arrived almost 3 years ago. The first 3 months were pretty tough because he missed his country, his family and his friends tremendously. On top of that, he didn't know the language, felt like a total stranger and wasn't comfortable with me taking care of the home financially. So I had a tough talk with him and told him that nothing around him was going change and that if he wanted to fit in, it was all up to him. Once he got his driver's license he found a job, started school for his English classes and sure enough things started to change.

So in summary, it's up to the people who arrive to make that change. They have to get rid of all the stereotypes, the feeling less than others just because they just landed in this country and give their all, 100%. If they don't do this, they'll be miserable and everyone around them.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-08-20 11:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPermanent resident card never received
If they had a typo in your address then it was their fault she never received her green card, not yours. Don't give in and freely pay for a new card without a fight because they've already taken enough money from you already. Go to your infopass appointment and explain what happened with evidence to back up your claim and at the same time try to get your wife's passport stamped with the I-551 which shouldn't be a problem.

Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2010-08-23 12:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPayday by cash
We did NOT include jobs where my husband was paid in cash on our application.

They will not approve or deny the visa based on work history. They CAN, however, deny you if you lie on the application. If you cannot prove this work history, I personally feel it's better to leave it off.

My husband and I have just gone through our second interview for AOS. They are looking for anything they can to deny us, despite the fact that we have a loving and legal marriage, and have done nothing but follow the rules from the beginning. They are nit-picking every detail of our application.

It is for this reason that I would err on the side of safety, and only include what you can prove.

Good luck!
junglejaoFemalePeru2009-12-11 17:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage in the U.S...
Hi Stacy,

My husband is S.African and we were married in Denver while we was visiting with a tourist visa in 07- no problems.

He did leave after his time was up on the visa, and we finished applying for the paperwork for his green card from abroad together (we lived in England at the time). Be warned though, the process takes forever.. really. We started the process a year ago via an American lawyer this side, (actually a year and a half ago- our direct consular processing was denied, so we had to start over last November), and he is still not here today. We have been apart now 6 months, the process being frustrating and drawn out (If its not the US gov't dragging their feet, its the SA gov't). Good luck, and I hope you and your hubby wont have to be apart too long.

Any advice/support, Im happy to help!

Kelley
KEL&STEPHFemaleSouth Africa2009-11-06 09:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI made up my mind- I'm going with CR-1
That's exactly what we decided to do and it's the best decision we made. K3s are about 1-2 months faster than CR1s going through Bogotá, Colombia and it didn't make sense to get here faster and go through the AOS hassle.

Here's a tip for new CR1/IR1 visa filers: Check out James' shortcuts http://www.visajourn...p?showtopic=117 in the National Visa Center forum to learn about the process once your case is at the NVC. Even if you choose not to use the shortcuts, it's a very good way to see what each step of the process entails. Make sure to read pages 1, 10 & 11.


Diana

Edited by Mononoke28, 12 October 2007 - 11:52 AM.

Mononoke28FemaleColombia2007-10-12 11:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresabout the documents that need to be sent to NVC
No, they need to be originals of certified copies. The place you get the documents from should be able to give you these. Translations on the other hand don't have to be certifed.


Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2007-10-15 11:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDocument to be sent to NVC
Here's the official DOS site. http://travel.state..../info_3176.html

Search for your embassy and then click on List of Documents that need to be submitted to the NVC.


Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2007-10-15 10:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresable to work
It depends on the kind of visa uses to enter the US. I'm assuming she'll be coming with a CR1/IR1 since you're asking the question in this forum but don't have your Timeline filled out. If this is the case, she needs to get her social securty # to be able to get hired. My husband applied for a SS # two weeks ago but he still hasn't received it.


Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2007-10-16 10:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresable to work
You're right, she doesn't have to have her card in hand to be able to work but she does need her SS #. My husband applied for his a day after we got here a couple of weeks ago and he still hasn't received it.


Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2007-10-16 10:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresable to work
What kind of visa did you file for, CR1/IR1 or K3? If it's CR1/IR1, she can start working as soon as she received her SS #. If it's a K3 visa, she will have to file for AOS and EAD, when either one of these is approved, then she'll be able to start working.


Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2007-10-15 11:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC AOS questions
Hello Emma,

1. The AOS fee bill is $70. The IV Bill is $380.

2. For the choice of agent you should choose the person you want the NVC to send all correspondence to while your case is being processed. Typically people choose the US Citizen to be the Choice of Agent since the US mail system is faster and more reliable than having it go overseas.

3. The beneficiary is the one who fills out and signs the DS-3032 form and it cannot be sent to the NVC until they say it has been generated. If you call the NVC, the automated system should tell you when it has been generated. It's usually about 2 weeks after they assign your petition a case number.

FYI - Try to go to the National Visa Center forum to find out more info about the NVC process for CR1/IR1 visas.


Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2007-10-19 10:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 is pissing me off!!
I agree with Jigi. It's been way too long and they might be able to tell you what is going on with your petition.


Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2007-10-19 10:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI need help!!!
No, they don't have to be apostilled. The documents have to be originals or certified copies and be translated. That's all you will need.


Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2007-10-19 10:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow long are notarized affidavit valid?
Oh I see. The affidavits I was talking about were the ones needed to send along the I-130 of people who can testify you have a bona fide marriage.


Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2007-10-19 15:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow long are notarized affidavit valid?
QUOTE (pretty_1 @ Oct 19 2007, 05:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi guys

as example of secondary evidence (birth certi.) :how long is the affidavit valid from the date of issue if we get a notarized affidavit from a close relative or parent on the appropriate stamp paper which must be sworn before a first class magistrate.

where in mumbai can one get this affidavit done?does anyone have sample affidavit?

would appreciate replies


I can send you samples of the affidavits I used signed my mother and sister, just PM your e-mail address. I would also make sure that the time between the date it was signed to the date you send in your petition is not very long, the USCIS might get picky about that.


Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2007-10-19 10:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresnew i-130
Definitely advise your wife to make an Infopass appointment and that should be a great starting point. There they can tell her exactly what went wrong with the petition and what you need to do to move forward, if anything. Start there, and then you can make an informed decision on what is needed from the USCIS.


Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2007-10-19 10:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEntry to the US Questions ( before, after, meanwhile)
Hello Rami,

On question 5: Your green card and SS card should be arriving at the address you provided on the DS-230. They will arrive via regular mail. Until then, you can use your passport with visa on it as proof of ID.

Question 7: If you get a job working for someone else, you will most likely have to submit a form called W-4 which is provided by your employer. This will let the IRS know how much to take out for taxes from each pay check.

Question 8: If you don't receive your SS card within a month, go to a SSA office to file for one. Some people had problems receiving the card even though they checked the box on the DS-230.

Question 9: You can travel any time you want after your POE. Just make sure you don't stay outside the US for more than 6 months to avoid issues once you file for citizenship if that is in your plans. When you travel you will only need your passport and your green card in hand.


Diana
Mononoke28FemaleColombia2007-10-18 10:59:00