ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWork immediately on temp CR-1 stamp?

My wife was stamped and processed in FLL from Medellin on a CR-1 visa. The customs agent told her that she could work immediately using the registration number on the visa. I thought that she had to wait for three weeks before she received a SS#. She is desperate to work and we are both confused. She asked the guy twice and twice he said she could work using the number. This number is only 8 digts long. You need 9 numbers for a SS#. Plleeeeeeeeezzzz help. Thanks



Just go to SSA office and apply for the card. Should get it within 2 weeks even though it normally arrives in a couple of days only.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-05-11 15:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespls guys i am so upset

i was filed my wife i130 62 days ago and i did not get noa2 approval yet in VJ i was check it out the time line to other peoples i will says like 5 month 3 month Posted Image
pls reply me. Is that normal i pray a lot



I'd say normal. My friends waited full 5 months for approval and only after contacting their congressman when their case was outside the processing time (5 months) did they get an approval.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-05-17 15:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLOST/STOLEN Passport AFTER POE

Hello everyone,

I have been frantically searching for my husband's passport but am unable to find it. He is already in NJ and the greencard has arrived. We have not received the social security number but thank God we applied for it last week so it should be coming shortly. That is the last time we saw the passport. Now the passport is Pakistani in origin and I am concerned with what to do next. Obviously, the CR1 visa was in there- but now that he has the Green Card do we even need to get it replaced? Does anyone have a clue as to what the whole procedure is?

Thanks for your time everyone!


File a report with police and then apply for a new passport in the Pakistan embassy. I hope you at least had a copy of it somewhere as they'll want to know the number of passport.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-05-20 12:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHaven't received welcome letter yet

The welcome letter is sent to people after their AOS (I-485) is approved. Not for POE.



A bit wrong, aren't you? As a DCF-er - CR-1 I received not one, but 3 Welcome letters from USCIS in the period of 4-5 months.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-06-22 14:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs it true? No K3 needed?

I have not filed anything yet but am planning to file forms I-130 and G-325A for a CR1. Is it ok that I do NOT submit the I-129F for a K3 now? I will be submitting in August 2010. Thanks.



Yes, perfectly fine (and in fact recommended) to just go the CR-1 route.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-06-22 07:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNormal expedite process times?

Hoping for a bit of feedback on this.

In May, my hubby requested thru his senator's immigration liaison an expedite for my I-130 (due to an impending deployment) - we were approved and as of today, my file is at the NVC, all fees are paid. Due to a screw up by our immigration attorney, my son (from a previous marriage) didn't get an I-130 filed with mine so we had to do it ourselves.

Based on the fact that we had already been approved AND on the fact that my son is a minor, the senator's liaison requested an expedite for my son's I-130 on the 17th of June. When MY I-130 was expedited, it only took 3 business days to be approved. As of today, we are going on the 5th business day and still no word - so what I'm wondering is, what's the "norm" to hear back in regards to an expedite request?


Why not call the USCIS Military hotline and inquire? They should be able to tell you what's in the system. I hope you get this expedite completed soon.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-06-23 10:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi want my husbands last name

____________________________________________________________________________

I thought about to change my passport to my married name too, but DO NOT FORGET that ALL forms you/we sent to USCIS and NVC were filed out in your single name, what can happend during the interview if you showd up with diffent passport info?? They can hold your passport and ask you re-filed out all forms with the correction under your married name and delay everything anyway...that is why I´ll do the changes in USA, I really don´t mind to wait another time since I´ll be there, it´s bad to pay another 300 bucks in fees but that will be the price for my mistake.

My Best for you all friends....



NOTHING will happen - she may need to get the new set of DS-230 (easy) but everything shows relation between maiden name and the new, married name. Passport in married name = GC in married name.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-06-24 15:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi want my husbands last name

Hey everyone im hoping somebody could help me here.
Me and hubby got married in october and then filed for CR1..On our marriage certificate it still has my last name as at the time we didnt have the money to chance my name in both my passports and i didnt want to add extra stress with filing for the CR1.
I have my interview on July 12th and i will be flying out to US on July 27th. I was hoping that when i get there i could get my name changed and i was wondering how it worked to get my name changed on my GC. How much would it cost? Is it maybe worth mentioning it at the interview and maybe trying to get my husbands last name on the GC straight away?? TIA



Why not get the German passport with the married name? That will get you the CR-1 visa with the married name as well as the GC. Could be cheaper than paying I-90 fees and waiting 3-6 months to get the new GC.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-06-24 08:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow long to enter USA

I was wondering how long after obtaining a CR-1 Visa does the visa holder have to enter the usa?


6 months is the validity of the visa.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-07-12 20:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresthe Interview hasn't schedualled yet, can I cancel it ?

the marriage turned south, is it too late to cancel the NVC application ? I wrote an email to NVC requesting a cancellation of the case, should that be enough ?



You'll be sending official letter of withdrawal to USCIS, NVC and the embassy/consulate in question. Email/fax, snail mail with delivery confirmation to cover your bases. Should also look into withdrawing Affidavit of Support.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-07-13 08:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUSC Hubby abandoned us (again) - CR-1 Visa and CRBA Approved

i just have one thing to say. how do you plan on supporting your daughter when you get here. jobs are hard to find. you cant live of the ex's family forever and since you ex already has another child your child support will not be that much. are you sure you really want to come here? im telling you because this is going to be hard on you. is it really worth it to your child?



Actually, based on the marriage duration, her child would have first "dibs" for the child support - I am sure she can also get alimony as well in the divorce procedure. I have no doubts that OP can find a job soon after getting settled into US. Looks like (ex) husband's family is willing to take them in and help them, and that is very commendable.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-02-19 12:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshelp for my wife

how long does that take before she can come to the u.s and also can we do this right away bec she was denied a visitor visa last nov.they said she had to wait 1 year to do anything does this aply to the cr1 also..



From the time you send in I-130 applicatio to immigrant visa in hand is usually 10-12 months depending on the country where the wife is from - some countries require additional time before visa is issued.

You can send in I-130 whenever you want - no waiting time required.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-07-14 09:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshelp for my wife

hi all i dont no if this is the right spot to post this but here it goes ..my wife lives in australia we got married in feb 2010.i was going to move there and be with her but bec of a sick father with cancer and a ill grand mother .we decided she should move here to the u.s.a someone i talked to said she just has to aplie for a green card i was born in the u.s. and lived there my whole life .what is the ways i can get her here with us .i no the ways are listed on this site but they are very confuseing maybe someone has been through this and can help us out thanks so much..oh and she also has been denied for a tourist visa once she had all her papers work ,bank statements ,lease,they never even looked at it and the people before her was denied and after i sopose it was the day they just denied everyone thats not how it should go they should take the time to look at the peoples papers after spending the money for flights and for the visa stuff its just isnt right.well hope you can help us out thanks so much .



Follow the guide for CR-1 visa - you will be filing I-130 petition for your wife.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-07-14 07:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresgoing abroad on military orders

hi everyone! i have a problem. i got my green card weeks ago, and im going to travel outside of the country. my husband is stationed in italy (airforce), and i have the approved command sponsorship. we will be staying in italy for 2 years. my question is, do i need to apply for re-entry permit? isnt bein on military orders and on base considered US soil? i am leaving on thursday so i really need your help. if anyone knows please let me know thank you



SInce you're on military orders with your husband, when you get to Italy see about getting expedited citizenship - naturalization based on 319(b) - there will be people on the base who can help you with this.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-07-23 14:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIRS Tax Debt

My ex-husband dumped his IRS debt on me by doing an Offer in Compromise without me when we were divorcing in 2002. I am now married to a Canadian and wanting to find out about sponsoring my new husband to live with me in the States. The last of this debt - for 2003 - remains unpaid and I will never have the money to pay it. I wasn't even working back then! I know that they cannot try to collect after 10 years - but I need to know if this debt makes it impossible for me to sponsor my husband.



You better work something out with IRS as tax transcripts are needed for you to sponsor your husband. Forgot to add, if you owe money to IRS I've read account of people saying embassy personnel deduct that from your bottom line and you end up needing a co-sponsor.
The embassy also wants a letter from IRS stating you're in agreement on payment in installments.

Edited by milimelo, 22 July 2010 - 11:41 AM.

milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-07-22 11:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPermanent Resident Received 2 Years Green Card

Senior members thanx for the reply,
I am married to a US citizen and been married more than 2 years ,i came united states just last month, been in administrative processing for 8 months and i received Immigrant visa , on my visa its written as this visa category = CR1.
and when i was at POE the immigration officer only stamped this on my passport ADMITTED. thats all
but yesterday i received my Green Card on my Green card it says Permanent resident of USA , it does not say Conditional Resident. but the problem is that my Green Card is valid for 2 years not 10 years.
i have been married 2 years and 6 months.
I have read the thread of Tomkat , her husbands case is same like me ,, he received 2 years Green card while hes married more than 2 years and same here i am also married more than 2 years and i received 2 years Green Card.
another questions i see the filing fee for i-90 would they charge me money , its USCIS mistake or maybe they are hiring new people to make green cards lol.



www.uscis.gov and make an INFOPASS - bring all your documents and then see what they tell you. Should be to file I-90 with fee waived as it should've been a 10-yr GC from the beginning.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-06-25 08:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPregnant

K, so we're in the final stage with the NVC... and expecting everything to be done soon (if we don't get an RFE, of course). Our baby should be born on September 17 and we were hoping I'd actually be able to have the baby in the US but time seems to fly and I'm not so sure that will happen anymore, since there's no chance for me to get an interview before August, in the best case scenario. Am I right? And according to the airlines I can only fly by the 36th week of the pregnancy.
So, what I wanna know is... what happens if our baby is born in my home country (Croatia)? What happens with the baby's paperwork if I have an interview before the baby is born? And what happens if I have an interview after the baby is born?
Any ideas if we'll have to file a new I-864 if the interview happens after the baby is born?
One more thing... if I get an interview in September around the date that our baby should be born, I'm not so sure I'll be able to go cause the US embassy is like 4 hours away from where I live and I don't want something bad happening to me on the way there. Do you think it would be possible to get a new interview date in that case?

I know it's alot of questions, but I'm hoping someone on here could know the answers.

Thanks in advance,
Ivana


Consular in Zagreb is very responsive and accommodating. Why not email them and explain your situation. From when your petition is in NVC (April), you should have the interview July or August.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-06-12 10:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew here, with a question

Hello everyone!

I have been a lurker on this site for the last six months, found some helpful information. I just wanted to make sure that I am doing this right and when my wife will get her visa appointment. Also, when she enters on a k-3 spouse visa, all we have to do is file for an adjustment of status correct?

This is what we have done so far...I dont know all of the official names and what not but hopefully my description helps.

The steps we took / are taking to receive Carla's green card:

We first filled out our I-130 form with all supporting documents such as the two G-325a forms, marriage certificate with translation, copies of everything else required, etc. Along with the processing fee of $455.

About a month after sending in our I-130 form we found out we could apply for a K-3 Spouse visa with no fee. We sent in with all supporting documents with the I-129F form, with evidence of a filed I-130 form.

After only three months of processing for our I-130 it was approved at the same time as our I-129F!

The case was the sent to the National Visa Center for further processing and we had to pay $70 dollars.

Carla then filled out the form that allows for someone else to receive her notifications in the US and sent it back in, yet we have had no mail sent there or confirmation that the NVC ever received this form. Does this matter or no?

We then had to pay a $400 fee, no idea what it was for, confirmed payment three days later.

We then sent in the I-864 and I-864a along with all supporting documents on April 21st.

A couple of days after sending in the I-864 forms we sent in the DS-230 part one and two. Now we are waiting to hear from the NVC...how long does this typically take.

Thanks for the responses!



Congratulations, you're on the path to CR-1 visa! Your K-3 was "killed" - aka administratively closed as it was approved on the same day as I-130.

It shouldn't be too long before your interview is scheduled.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-05-10 15:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChange address on Green Card

To sum up Beneficary schould fill AR 11

Petitioner ( USA Citizien ) should fill I-865

Correct ?


Correct.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-08-03 09:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA few questions

Originally me and my boyfriend were going to do the k-1 visa, but now I'm starting to think the cr-1 will be better since it is less money and he will be able to work right away. I have a question, it asks for evidence of a bonified marriage, we have never lived together so we don't have joint leases, property, or anything else it lists. Is this stuff really needed and could we get denied because we don't have any of that? Also, with the k1 visa the U.S citizen needs to make a certain amount of money, with the cr-1 is that the same? Also, can you use a co sponsor if needed?

Sorry for all the questions, I've spent months reading about k-1 visas, I haven't researched much about cr-1 yet.

Thanks


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

Good luck on your visa journey, I'd say you're making the right switch in visa decision!
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-08-04 12:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan an In-Law Petition Under Certain Circumstances?

I'm not sure if I'm on the right forum (things are massively complex around here), so I apologize if I posted in the wrong place.

My wife and I have been married since early 2004 and I would like to bring her to the States, hopefully by 2012. I am an American, while she is from the PRC. I have been living in the PRC for nearly 10 years and to be able to complete the process will take a very long time. You see, I was myopic enough not to file my income tax returns during the last few years because I didn't (and still don't) make enough US dollars in the PRC to bother (one does not need to pay tax if one is a legal resident abroad while simulataneously earning below a certain amount [which is considerably higher than what I earn in the PRC]). I am pretty certain that for me to be able to complete the visa process for her, I must have at least three consecutive tax returns filed.

I am sure that I have read elsewhere about in-laws petitioning for a son's or a dughter's alien spouse. I've even heard of sisters or brothers-in-law doing the same. My mom and my sister are interested in taking care of the process for me (one of them would take the task). However, upon reading the instructions for the I-130 petition, I found that, "8. A grandparent, grandchild, nephew, niece, uncle, aunt, cousin, or in-law," cannot petition anyone! Is this a relatively new thing or has everything I've read and heard been lies?

Are there any exceptions to the above rule? How could such an exception (if any) apply to us?

The idea of having to stay in the PRC for another three years or having to separate from my great wife for at least three years makes me sick to the stomach, literally...

Please, can an expert on the subject come forward and give me a simple yes/no answer or explain the exceptions (if any)? Thanx. Posted Image



You got this all wrong. YOU petition for your wife using I-130. Many other people haven't done their taxes in the past and it wasn't an issue - all you have to do is file back taxes or provide a letter as to why you didn't do so. You then find a co-sponsor for the Affidavit of support. You as the primary sponsor will have to fill out an affidavit of support even if you don't have an income. Check out the form and instructions on I-864 - affidavit of support.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-05-25 07:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresvisiting my husband

If you prefer Medical and Interview at London Embassy, great. That's the best path and you'll have Green Card when you arrive in the U.S after the Interview. And this is the less expensive option. Only drawback is the foreign spouse wait outside until the interview is done. This process is called immigrant interview at the post. But you are lucky, you can use VWP (sorry, visa waiver program) to visit your hubby.

AOS is Adjustment of Status. The petitioning husband files I-130 and I-485 together to adjust your status to permanent resident in the U.S. Your temporary visa must be valid to be here in this case until you enter the I-485 stage. Then you can apply EAD (I-765 Employment Authorization) and Advance Parole (I-131, to travel outside the U.S). This is longest route to get green card and more expensive as well.

I prefer you to do the first option - Consular post interview.

Loto



Not quite sure why you'd even ask if she is AOSing when she clearly indicated her husband sent the I-130 papers yesterday :bonk:
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-08-17 14:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEntry into USA using C1/D during CR-1 application

Hi Again Guys

I am just full of questions today and I am sorry for that but I have searched and cant find what i am looking for


During petitioning and processing of cr-1 have any of you been allowed into teh USA multiple times while on work duty using a c1/d which is a crewmans visa? or do you know if thats possible?
I work for an international airline and if they stopped me coming into the US while my cr1 was being processed id be fired

thanks



You need to get a B1/B2 visa if you want to enter the US as a tourist.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-08-24 13:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPermanent resident card never received
That's what happened to me too - 6 months after POE nothing received. USCIS Infopass was useless as the lady there told us "it happens all the time" and to file I-90 with fee marking that we lost or mutilated the card which was never received. We never moved and they had the correct address so the burden was now on them as we checked with the post office and no letters addressed to me were returned and I received probably 3-4 Welcome letters from USCIS.

We involved our congressman and after two filings - one was returned asking for payment after which I emailed our immigration case worker who got email from the TSC with specific instructions what to write on the front of the envelope (someone's name plus don't open in mail room) we received the green card - one month shy of 1st POE anniversary.

We did pose specific questions for congressman and TSC USCIS director - proof they actually produced the card (none available), proof they mailed the card (none available) to which we never received the answers...

my thoughts to you: stand your ground and DON'T pay new I-90 fee. Involve your representative and get that green card.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-08-23 12:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresrevoked i-130
Not K-3 issue - moving to IR-CR/1 forum.


milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-09-03 07:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresplease respond me

Yeah we need a little more info.
Did she do "direct consular filing"?

If yes, then the process may not be as long.


Actually, Administrative Processing (AP) may well make it long given from which country the OP is.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-09-05 17:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 I need help!!

Sooo,

I am the beneficiary, So up to date... We have received the AOS and IV Bill from the NVC and paid online and completed the DS 3032 choice of agent form and sent off! We still havent got authorization/instruction packet from the NVC yet to continue further. I know now that we can call and chase. Right now my wife (Petitioner) is working on our co-sponsor. Should take a week or so! My question is...what do we do next? please dont send links because I'm confussed as hell??
What needs to be mailed to the NVC exaclty?? From what I read on the guides page my wife needs to send the NVC the completed form I-864 and bill receipts with cover sheets. Is that it or am I wrong? Or must I send my DS 230 to the NVC as well? Totally lost and need calming down!! I feel like a sitting duck!! I have everything ready. even police records!!



Go to Wiki on this website and search for LingChe shortcut - this gives you all information broken down by either petitioner does or beneficiary does so you know what to do when.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-09-07 10:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresno green card yet??

ya arrived on CR-1 Visa and I have stamp on my passport 1 year temporary resident !-551 also I filled out the option to issued me a SSN. thank you



Received any Welcome to USA letters yet? Those will have your case number that you can follow up on for green card issuance. If no green card until 9/10, I'd make an infopass to make sure someone's working on it.

http://infopass.uscis.gov/

If you still haven't received a SSN, time to go to your local SSA office.

https://secure.ssa.g.../FOLO/fo001.jsp
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-09-07 10:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLet me find out in advance...
HisLoveMyLove, for where to file - read the instructions for I-751 - www.uscis.gov under forms.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-09-09 10:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLet me find out in advance...

ok however,WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS WHOM TO CONTACT WHEN TIMES COMES ;) And again,it will be in oct 2011 :)))



No it won't be in 2011 - it will be in 2012 - according to your recent posts, your spouse is not even in the US yet.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-09-08 15:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 instead of IR1 Stamp

Update:
We received my husband's greencard in the mail Friday with the CR1 status on it. When we went to our InfoPass appointment yesterday, the officer advised me that we would need to send in the I90 with supporting documents along with the greencard. She also said to include a letter stating what the issue was. She said there wasn't a fee to submit this but when I download the I90 form, it says that there is a fee of $290. Since this was not our error, do we need to pay this fee or should I also include in the letter that due to USCIS error, the fee has not been submitted.
Thanks



No, since it's clearly their mistake, you don't pay the fee.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-09-14 12:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 instead of IR1 Stamp

Thank you all...so it's sounds like we did get the wrong stamp. When you say "make an Infopass" does that mean we have to make an appointment? I definately want to clear this up before his green card is issued so we don't have problems later. Does anyone have any information as to the process for the Infopass...
Thanks



http://infopass.uscis.gov/

Pick whichever option best suits you - case information maybe - they really don't match what you picked and why you're really there. You do want face to face time with IO to clear this up before the wrong card shows up.

Good luck!
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-09-07 10:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 instead of IR1 Stamp

Actually it's the other way around.

CR-1 is the conditional green card good for 2 years, issued to couples who have been married for less than 2 years.

IR-1 is the 10 year green card, issued to couples who have been married for 2 years or longer.



Time of application does not determine it - it's the time at POE that decides category so someone who received a CR-1 visa as their marriage was less than 2 years at the time of visa issuance but who POEs after or at 2nd year anniversary is entitled to IR1 classification.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-09-07 10:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 instead of IR1 Stamp

IR-1 is the conditional green card that is issued to people that are married LESS than 2 years.

CR-1 is the 10 year green card. Looks like you got the right stamp.



Entirely wrong - CR is conditional (2 yrs) and IR is 10-year.

OP, you may need to make an INFOPASS at your local USCIS office to make sure his green card will come as a 10-year one - make sure to bring supporting documents to prove your marriage length - so marriage certificate, passport... You really want to resolve this now than later on.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-09-07 09:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAmending Passport during CR-1 stage

My wife want to use my last name & would like to amend her passport - it expire in 2014. I know that will be beneficial as the Visa will be approved with/in the name that is on the passport.

All the documents that I have submitted for the CR-1 are in her maiden name - we are currently at the NOA1 stage.

She would like to go to the DFA in Manila next week and have it amended.
If she amends her passport now - will it affect (slow) the rest of the CR-1 process?

Also, if she amend her passport, should we use her married name for the NVC stage or continuing using her maiden name?


Thekfc


Once she has a new passport you need to use the new name at all instances - so NVC, interview. It will not slow down the process and she will get her green card in the new name instead of maiden name (Which would require you to change GC and cough up another $380).

You're good to go.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-09-18 14:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiled my I-130 still very confused!!

You only get married once, i wanted to go through the experience! Like most girls i dreamt of my wedding since i was a child lol :ot2:

Do i also need his police record, copy of passport etc. for the second IV package im sending if i get approved, since its coming from bosnia you never know how long it will take


Check out the Wiki section of this website and search for LingChe shortcut - it will make your life so much easier if you read this and prepare BEFORE your approved application goes to NVC.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-09-18 14:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC in Portsmouth, NH
I just saw the OP doesn't even have NOA2 yet and they chose to send in I-129f to further delay their process (once you send in I-129f, your I-130 is pulled out of the pile and joined with I-129f then put back in the most recent received apps pile).

OP, you have some time (maybe another 4-5 months) before you're at NVC stage - plenty of time to study the guides and get a feel what you can and can't do - one of the can not dos will be taking your papers personally to NVC.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-09-21 20:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC in Portsmouth, NH

How did you know? Did you try? I will just call though. Sending the documents in person really saves time.

Thank you though!



If time was of the essence, you'd have sent the documents overnight instead of wasting time attempting to hand-deliver them. By the way, they'll just tell you to mail the documents in.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-09-20 08:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPetitioning for better USCIS service

Since the fees for the petitions pay for the service, why not offer an expedited fee? The fee would pay for the service. I know I would pay more right now to put an end to this boring and useless wait.



As far as I know, expedited fee AKA premium processing is only available to businesses ($1000 I believe).

Not quite sure how that would work as immediate relative and family based immigration has a lot of categories with different immigrant visa number availability times.

Also, there's a question of fairness - would it mean only well off petitioners who can pay the fee get to bring their relatives faster? What about those who can't afford the regular fees let alone premium processing fee - you'd have a whole class action lawsuit based on that.

There is also the question of what happens if you pay the premium processing fee but your relative comes from one of the countries that require additional background checks (ranging from couple of weeks to couple of years) - they can't possibly skip that step just because someone paid premium processing fee.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-09-23 11:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPetitioning for better USCIS service

The current processing times are MUCH faster than what they used to be.

Remember, we are in a recession. Where is the US government going to get the money to re-vamp USCIS processing? Will that money come from the military budget? Or perhaps tax hikes? Perhaps we can just borrow more money from China!

Also, It's an election year. No one is going to vote in someone in favour of USCIS processing times which it affects such a small percentage of the population

I know it is tough, we waited 178 days for our NOA-1. That is longer than the current processing times. In fact, when we filed it was 7 month processing, so in just 1 years it has sped up a bit

Good luck



Actually, almost all USCIS funding comes from the fees collected for the processing of applications. If you read some of their reports it even breaks down how much of each fee goes to different costs - personnel, facilities, equipment, software.
milimeloFemaleBosnia-Herzegovina2010-09-23 07:59:00