ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresExactly how long does the entire CR-1 process take?

Okay! Another question! 

 

Will I need a DNA paternity test to prove the beneficiary (my husband) is actually the father?  And if the USCIS doesn't require this, is it still wise to get one?

 

Sadly, after reading other cases, (from other countries) it looks like USCIS doesn't give much consideration to children or unborn children or families needing to be together or wives needing their husbands to help and support them.  So that's nice.  I couldn't find any Ecuador specific related queries or stories regarding pregnant petitioners or prenatal DNA testing.  

 

Also, related to this topic. Since I have been living in Ecuador, I no longer have insurance or a job in the US.  Upon my return to the US, I will get a job as soon as possible (shouldn't be a problem) but I will also have to apply for my state's government program to help with the medical expenses of pregnancy.  Will this look bad for the visa?  That I am using government funded assistance?  (Ha, ha, the sooner they can get my husband to the US to help me, the sooner I can off of it!)   When they run background checks, will this show up?  Do they care?  

 

Thanks in advance!


angelaanneFemaleEcuador2013-10-02 12:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresExactly how long does the entire CR-1 process take?

nope! he sure isn't!  thanks very much! 


angelaanneFemaleEcuador2013-10-02 09:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresExactly how long does the entire CR-1 process take?

I am not sure if this is the appropriate place to ask another question?  Should I start a new thread?  I am 7 years older than my fiancé... is that a red flag to GYE? 

 


angelaanneFemaleEcuador2013-10-01 17:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresExactly how long does the entire CR-1 process take?

Go it on the DCF.  Total shame it is not offered in Guayaquil... but you know, of course! :)

 

I will talk to our landlord about getting receipts for utilities. However, we don't pay the utilities, it is included in the rent... is that still okay?  Should I still get the receipts?  (Our landlord is also my fiancé's boss.) We've had two different landlords here and I will get letters from both.  I am not able to open a bank account because I am not a "resident" yet.  Isn't this correct?  If I am wrong, we can surely do that as an added measure! Perhaps after we get married we can open one together and we can both put money in there for visa purposes?  

 

To apply for the CR-1 visa I do not need to have lived here for any amount of time after getting married... before I can apply, correct?  In theory, we could get married and I could send off our packet/ paperwork the very next day?  Of course, it won't happen that way, but theoretically? 

 

Thank you for the reminder on needing income for 4, should the interview be after the birthdate!  Had not even thought about that!  Ah! 


angelaanneFemaleEcuador2013-09-30 17:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresExactly how long does the entire CR-1 process take?

Firstly!  Thank you so much already for the responses!  At "fantonledzepp" thank you for the info on front loading.  I helped my friend's fiancé with his   K-1 paperwork and saw the VERY detailed packed and subsequent folder she set him up with and I think that may be why he was approved so quickly.   In his recent interview, he was only asked 4 very simple questions and then granted a visa!  

 

In response to your query.  No, I am/we are not wealthy.  Quite the opposite! I believe I will use my mother as a co-sponsor as my last three year of tax returns will show us above poverty level, however, I believe it will look better to have more "backup." Because I have been living here with him most of this year, my current finances don't look so hot.  As you can imagine.  What say you? 

 

In regards to co mingling of finances and living arrangements... yes we have been jointly paying for things, as well as living together... But, as you may be aware, here in Banos... there aren't any "bills."  We do not have a bank account, nor anything in our joint name.  I have read that letters (authorized by a third party and notary) from our landlord, etc... might work for proof of ongoing relationship.  We also have a baby in my belly.  So perhaps supporting documents for that as well?  

 

And you are very right, being able to work immediately is important for all of us.  It will help me adjust to the US and I won't be able to and the babes wil probably want to eat. :)  So CR-1 it is! 

 

At "mark88," I'm so sorry, what is a DCF?  I will search the consulate's website and see if I can figure it out.  But yes, GYE is a hellhole consulate and I imagine they don't offer anything "extra."

 

Thank you everyone! 


angelaanneFemaleEcuador2013-09-30 16:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresExactly how long does the entire CR-1 process take?

First of all, this site is amazing.  I am extremely new to this process and while I have read a lot, my eyeballs are falling out with confusion.  Here is my situation and question.  A straight answer, if anyone has one, would be fabulous!  I have read so many different things (and maybe THAT is my answer) but I would just like to hear from someone who knows. 

 

Okay.  I live in Banos, Ecuador with my fiancé.  Our "plan" right now is to get married as soon as possible here in Ecuador and then apply for a CR-1 visa to the US, as I am a US citizen.  (I am STILL waiting on one more piece of paperwork.)  Now, we recently found out that I am pregnant (about 6  weeks along) and my question is this:  Because I want to be able to have our child in the US and I ALSO want to be able to bring him to the US as soon as I can, so that he can be there for the birth... is the CR-1 the best way to go?  Actually, my real question is: Can anyone tell me exactly how long their CR-1 process in Ecuador took?  From the very first filing to a successful interview.

 

A very close friend of mine had her fiancé approved for their K-1visa last week and it took them 6 months for the whole thing.  I have read 4 months for a CR-1 visa and I have also read 8 months.  I also know you are at the mercy of the offices and their workload.  I also see there are estimation charts, but being so new to the process, I don't really understand them.  I see links for wait times to the website for the Guayaquil office... but it tells me nothing once I get there.  (Unless I am a complete imbecile and can't figure it out!) I also have read that the petitioner (me) really needs to be present at the interview for the visa recipient (him) and at a certain point, I will not be able to fly back and forth... you know, third trimester and all.  

 

Therefore, any advice is appreciated!  Is the CR-1 the best way to go?  Should we instead apply for a K-1 and hope it goes as quickly as my friends?  Would that be faster?  However, is it more "secure" to get married here?  I'd hate to go through all this and he doesn't get approved and I'm trapped in the US all alone with our twins (yes! twins!) and without him!  I know denial is always a risk, but I'd like to take as much of the risk out of it as possible.  We have been together for 14 months now, engaged since Feb. 2013 and I have been here in Ecuador, living with him, for roughly 9 of those months. 

 

Once again, thank you to everyone who can and will answer or help me with their experiences.  I will be sure to document my journey well, in order to help others who follow! smile.png


angelaanneFemaleEcuador2013-09-30 13:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 visa expires soon and my husband still hasn't been able to come to the US

I was so afraid that was the case.  I mean, omg, you have GOT to be kidding me???!!! 

 

But thank you for this quick reply. Sigh. 


angelaanneFemaleEcuador2014-08-10 20:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 visa expires soon and my husband still hasn't been able to come to the US

Hi everyone!

 

So, my husband, from Ecuador, has a CR-1 visa.  However, he has not been able to leave his country yet due to a restriction on his national ID card.  We are in the process of sorting this out, but the court system is taking forever and meanwhile, he tells me his CR-1 visa expires in October!  

 

Does anyone know what we may need to do before October in order to extend the visa if we do not have his problem sorted out by then?

Or where might I find that information?

 

Thank you very much!!


angelaanneFemaleEcuador2014-08-10 20:39:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Administrative Processing
Hello everyone,

I am put under AP as well today. The interview was brief, after they screened my docs, I had to wait 15 minutes before they called my name.
Questions asked:
1. Where does he live?
2. Does he live in a house or apartment?
3. When did he visit you?
4. When did you visit your fiance?
5. What does he do for a living?
6. What are you planning to do after marriage?
7. So you met online?

Afterwards, the CO gave me a brochure about trafficking and domestic violence for me to read.
Then he gave me the dreaded yellow slip 221G. I immediately asked him whether there is any document that is missing
And he said no. Told me not to worry and the embasy will contact me in few days about the status.
They have my passport, original birth cert, fiancè original divorce decree. That's it.

I'm beside myself. I have everything they requested on the checklist.
I'm so worried. Is there anything that I can do to expedite this AP process?

Any insight guys? Thank you. Good luck for us!
bloomsFemaleIndonesia2013-04-24 06:45:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)K1....AP HOW LONG ... ??

Hi Faisal, did the CO took your passport? Gave you the 221G slip? Or did he request any additional documents from you?

Our AP lasted for two weeks, the CO took my passport and original birth cert. Told me not to worry and didn't request for other additional docs, so confusing.

It sucks, I hope yours won't be much longer.

 

 


bloomsFemaleIndonesia2013-05-15 04:37:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)ceac status changed to ready from adm. processing
Hi,

I had a similar experience. Mine changed from ready- AP- issued in couple of days.
Once it says issued, email the embassy to confirm. In my case, an officer called my cell informing me when to pick up my passport.

Good luck

Blooms







bloomsFemaleIndonesia2014-06-18 10:08:00
Asia: East and PacificPolice Certificate

Hi dear,

 

The Indonesian police certificate is NOT required. Unless your fiance lived outside the country for more than 6 months, then he will need a police clearance from that country of residence. I hope this helps

 

blooms


bloomsFemaleIndonesia2013-07-24 14:30:00
Asia: East and PacificSo happy and would like to meet new friends from Indonesia! :)

Thank you smile.png

 

anyway, i was looking for Indonesia portal and couldn't find it (or i miss it?). That would be great if you can give me the link. It is wonderful to know another Indonesian in another country 

 

http://www.visajourn...ndex.php?auto=1


bloomsFemaleIndonesia2014-01-14 14:04:00
Asia: East and PacificSo happy and would like to meet new friends from Indonesia! :)

Hi disyastephens,

 

If you have any doubt whatsoever, you can always refer to this site as it is a useful tool for both beneficiary and petitioner.

You can also gauge on the processing timeline based on VJ members (check out our Indonesia portal) and if you are still having issues, you can private message me.

 

Welcome to VJ.

 

 

blooms


bloomsFemaleIndonesia2013-12-23 00:09:00
Asia: East and PacificSo happy and would like to meet new friends from Indonesia! :)
I'm a bit confused here. If you are getting married in Indonesia, you must take the CR-1 route instead of K1 visa because K1 visa is a fiancee visa.
If I may suggest, you both can have an engagement ceremony not a wedding because there were many couples on here got denied of their visa because they are considered filing for the wrong type of visa.

You can do more research on this site. Definitely useful!

Blooms





bloomsFemaleIndonesia2013-12-21 13:06:00
Asia: East and PacificNeed help obtaining the Singaporean Police Certificate
The immigrant visa unit at the embassy will send your fiance an instruction how to apply the visa including specific documents required during the interview such as medical exam and police clearance.
You will have to print this email and presented to COC in able to acknowledge the requesting authority for the clearance.

Check this out.
http://travel.state....ance-k-1.html#5

Dunno what happened to the link they must have updated it afterall, it has been a year now since the post.

Blooms








bloomsFemaleIndonesia2014-05-18 06:45:00
Asia: East and PacificNeed help obtaining the Singaporean Police Certificate
Hi,

Indonesian police clearance is not needed as stated in the checklist from the US Embassy Jakarta.
And you read it correctly from their website as well.
She should have no issues in obtaining the Singapore PCC, the PCC will be mailed directly to the requesting authority which is the US Embassy. Just call them vigorously to update her status on the PCC.
Let me know if you have any other question.

Blooms







bloomsFemaleIndonesia2014-05-05 10:50:00
Asia: East and PacificNeed help obtaining the Singaporean Police Certificate
hi apalis,

I recently applied for the COC from Singapore Police force, it takes more than 10 business days from approval and finally reaching the requesting authority. I had to appeal because of the requirement stated on packet 3 for K1 visa interview. Though they said COC is not applicable for non-citizens, we can appeal and once the appeal is successful, they will send it out to the requesting authority. First fill out the documents provided on the links below with your particulars.

http://www.spf.gov.s...coc_appform.pdf
http://www.cic.gc.ca...41-appeal-e.pdf

Since the statutory declaration of no criminal conduct is not acceptable by USEM, you have to fill out this form below and state your case number and name of applicant. This letter from IV unit is required by the SPF which requires COC as part of the visa process and that statutory of declaration is not acceptable.

http://travel.state....ngapore COC.pdf

I didn't come personally to apply for the COC, so here's the documents I submitted:
1. Appeal forms
2. Letter from IV unit
3. Photograph (2) size: 3x4 cm with white background (get the recent ones)
4. Original fingerprint impressions taken by the national police (in my case, the Indonesian national police)
5. Proofs that you have resided in Singapore for more than 6 months such as passport endorsement, employer/school testimonial, your permanent resident card or FIN card copy. Please refer to the requirements on the appeal forms.
6. Bank draft of S$50 addressed to 'HEAD CRIMINAL RECORDS CID'. As long as your local bank is affiliated with SINGAPORE BASED BANK such as OCBC, UOB, DBS, the SPF will accept it. Check and confirm with your local bank first.
7. Copy of valid passport(bio page)
8. Copy of my Indonesian ID
9. NVC checklist stating that COC is required.

Sent the papers through DHL here's my timeline:
Shipped: March 18, 2013
Receipt date: March 20
Approval: April 5
Sent out to USEM: April 11

Call CID +6564358277 or +6564350000 and ask them after 10 business days whether it has been approved and when they will ship it to USEM.
I emailed them and called quite frequently after 10 days, they are very helpful so don't worry as long as you provide complete papers. Once it is approved, they will inform you the COC REFERENCE NUMBER COC/XXXX/XX
SPF only sends through registered airmail by SINGPOST, the CID will inform you the airwaybill as well so you can track the document http://www.singpost....TrackItem#Quick

Airmail takes 5-8 days to arrive at the destination. So I will update you again on this.

Hope this helps! good luck for us!
bloomsFemaleIndonesia2013-04-13 22:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionJoining my partner for his interview in Jakarta
Hi,

It is wiser not to book/pay for tickets or wedding venues until your fiance has his visa in hand.
We have seen many cases where VJ members had to cancel and lose significant amount of time and money because the visa took longer than predicted because, for example, administrative processing.
There is no way of knowing the timeframe for AP.

Secondly, for medical check up, based on my experience at medikaloka, it took them +/- 10 business days to complete.
You can call them up and confirm it with them. Usually it depends whether the clinic is busy or not.
DO NOT schedule interview if your medical is not cleared yet! Because he will need to bring his medical results during his interview as stated clearly on packet 3 (USEM checklist).

That being said, you need to confirm with your travel agent or whoever you purchased the tix from, that those dates are flexible and refundable.

Hope this helps. Good luck

Blooms














bloomsFemaleIndonesia2014-01-05 23:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhen approved, will they return your k1 package back to you?
Based on my experience, they returned original birth certificate, divorce decree, photos and proof of relationship such as emails, receipts, and itineraries.
Make sure they return all original docs mentioned above.
Good luck

Blooms




bloomsFemaleIndonesia2014-01-15 15:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPCC--Single Status
How about sending her the certified copy of the marriage license? Fedex it to her overnight shipping?
Your wife could confirm if they would accept the certified copy from you? I think this is the safest and fastest way before she moves out. I understand how you feel in sending original documents :)

Blooms

Edited by blooms, 02 June 2014 - 04:26 PM.




bloomsFemaleIndonesia2014-06-02 16:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionJakarta embassy IR Visa interview
Hi,

It is always wiser to plan after the visa is in hand. Or book flights that can be refunded.
Usually it takes several days for them to process. I personally have never heard of same day processing.
In my case I was in administrative processing for two weeks before I received the visa. So you might want to take that into consideration, hopefully the interview went smoothly for your wife.
If you check out the Indonesian portal, you can read up other members experiences and some are pretty recent.

I wish you both best of luck on your journey.

Blooms









bloomsFemaleIndonesia2014-06-18 11:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion221(g) for Police Clearance
Hi Ed and Gina,

I had similar experience regarding the police clearance but mine was from Singapore police. The clearance was received at the embassy a day before my interview. Gave me 221G without stating they need any other document.
What I suggest for you to do as the petitioner, you can actively email the embassy asking for updates and also give them attachment/ proof that the police clearance was sent to the embassy prior to interview.
Hope this helps I know AP is frustrating.

Blooms






bloomsFemaleIndonesia2014-08-01 11:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!! IM SOOOOOO SAD!!!!!!!!
Hi glazier,

Sorry to hear this. Was she given the 221G letter? They kept her passport?
There is no time frame for administrative processing unfortunately. Could be days could be years.
The best you can do at the moment is to email the embassy and inquire about the interview, result and next step of the process.
Your fiance cannot go back without any appointment. This is so unfortunate because she didn't know what happened though the charges were many many years ago.

Keep us updated hope this resolves soon. Good luck for you both.

Blooms









bloomsFemaleIndonesia2014-06-16 11:51:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionThanks visa journey !!! the end of..

Awesome! congratulations you guys!


bloomsFemaleIndonesia2013-11-15 16:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCR-1 Administrative Processing with white paper
Dear Maria&Marveen,

Of course you don't need the Indonesian police clearance.
But if you have lived in other countries for more than 6 months, you have to get the police clearance from the respective country/countries.
In my case, I lived in Singapore for more than 6 months, that's why I had to apply for the clearance and the arrival of the doc was very tight with my interview, hence the possibility why I got under AP.

The question was whether you have a pending document from other institution like I did.
If not, have you tried emailing the consulate once a week to check your status?
You can check the status at ceac.state.gov too.
Hope this helps and good luck.

Blooms











bloomsFemaleIndonesia2013-07-25 11:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCR-1 Administrative Processing with white paper

Hi Maria&Marveen

 

Sorry for the AP, I was put under AP for two weeks (see my timeline) and at that time no additional documents were needed, gave me a yellow slip which says administrative processing.

However, they took my passport and after two weeks waiting, they called and told me to pick up the passport with visa in it.

Question is, did they call you or try to contact you in any way to pick your passport at the Embassy? Or you just went there after three days without prior notification from them?

 

AP sucks and there is no way we can find out how long it will take. In my case, my Singapore police clearance arrived at the Embassy last minute, I guess that's what caused the delay. Do you have the same situation as mine? 

 

I hope your AP won't be long, I completely understand how you feel not knowing when and nothing to do to speed up the process.

 

 

blooms


bloomsFemaleIndonesia2013-07-24 15:41:00
USCIS Service CentersI-130 Processing Time. (Recently transferred to Texas Service Center)
taha_zia_keen, As you can see, after we got transferred to TSC, it took more or less a month for NOA2.

 

 

I would say, wait at least a month, if it has been transferred, it means they are doing something.

 

Best luck.


sandraperryFemalePortugal2014-03-08 10:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - December 2013

 

Congrats! kicking.gif

 

And as dwheels said, the case won't be sent out until an interview date is assigned. And then it's usually the day after that in which the case is sent out. Time to review the bottom of post 2 wink.png

 

 

It'll probably be accepted at NVC, but depending when your interview date is, it may be past the expiration, so you'd need to get a new one.

 

 

Petitioner: I-864

Brother-in-law: I-864

His wife: I-864A

 

 Ty Saylin, and one more thing, I have been reading about what to do on this new phase and i read something about being mandatory doing the d-260 online? I am from Portugal, do I have to do it or it is just for other countries? 


sandraperryFemalePortugal2014-01-02 06:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - December 2013

Just saying Hi to everyone and Happy New Year!

May all things go smoothly and quick now for everyone!

 

Now I have a question:

 

My brother-in-law is going to sponsor us and his wife also wants too.

 

Because she is sponsoring us which form should she file? The Form I-864 or the Form I-864A?


sandraperryFemalePortugal2014-01-01 07:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - February 2014

I has one little question:

 

- As we are going to file the AOS soon which taxes shall be required? The 2013th or the 2014th?

 

Thank you.


sandraperryFemalePortugal2014-02-28 11:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - February 2014

Hello my fellow companions,

Since yesterday we have found out that our process is on the computer since two days ago.

Time to start getting things ready to ship.


sandraperryFemalePortugal2014-02-28 05:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - February 2014

 

Added!

 

Saylin, could you add us (Sandra&Nathan) to the spreadsheet too?

Ty so muchluv.gif


sandraperryFemalePortugal2014-02-20 15:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - February 2014

Update of the situation at NVC(after my husband called them yesterday):

 

- USCIS said they sent the process to NVC on the 13th of January;

 

-NVC said they had got the process on the 21st of January, but haven't enter it to the system yet, so no case number or IIN.

 

Question: Should we call them everyday?


sandraperryFemalePortugal2014-02-04 08:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - February 2014

Also just checking in...

 

Even though my wife's visa is approved, I still want to avail myself for others going through NVC & interview.

 

Ty for helping us during our journey.

I trully just want to thank all of the Visajourney's senior elements that take their time to help all of us.

Ty Ty Ty


Also just checking in...

 

Even though my wife's visa is approved, I still want to avail myself for others going through NVC & interview.

 

Ty for helping us during our journey.

I trully just want to thank all of the Visajourney's senior elements that take their time to help all of us.

Ty Ty Ty


sandraperryFemalePortugal2014-02-02 07:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - February 2014

Just checking in, still waiting for the case number from NVC.


sandraperryFemalePortugal2014-02-01 13:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportscase transferd to local USCIS office

Don't worry, it only means that They are finally going to have a look at it.

If all go smooth, I'll see you soon at the NVC thread.


sandraperryFemalePortugal2014-03-05 15:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsInterview complete and Approved

Congrats, live long and prosper!


sandraperryFemalePortugal2014-03-14 08:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2014

Could someone help lighting up this question: 

 

- As i said before they have placed the lawyer as our Agent, after contact we were told to send an e-mail referencing that the lawyer is not our agent anymore, but nevertheless, apparently they haven't seen that e-mail yet, as according to the NVC lady they are still going on e-mail's received from February 14th.

 

Anyways, the invoice's have been made, and my husband has paid the fees for the AOS, and is going to pay the IV fees too, question is: Can we continue with the process normally, even if we hadn't fill the DS-261 and e-mail them All the packets , AOS and IV packets? Even though we are not yet the agents?


sandraperryFemalePortugal2014-03-08 06:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2014

i have a question i did my taxes for 2013 and my tax specialist said to submit it as single because my wife didn't have a ssn so my question is will that affect negative in any way or if i can fix this how thanks

 

Hi corlitoa, I contacted the IRS specialist from the US Embassy in Paris, and he told us that my Husband(usc) should file his taxes as married but filling it seperatly. And for him to write NRA (NON) where my ssn should be.


sandraperryFemalePortugal2014-03-04 19:48:00