ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase Complete!!!
Congrats and best wishes for the rest of the process.
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-05 20:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview today 5/21/09
Congratulations
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-21 15:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Interview 05-20-09
Congratulations
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-21 15:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOnline Status: Document other than card mailed?
QUOTE (cornbread @ May 22 2009, 05:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (trinket @ May 22 2009, 03:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hmm I never seen an online status like that. I tried to look my USCIS page but it won't open anymore, but I specifically remembered it said --Approval notice sent.

And I have read others RFE messages and it says -- Request for more evidence sent.

Hope you will get your answer by Monday or Tuesday, Best wishes rose.gif



Thank you.

I'm just anxious but it is still very early and I'm hoping it is not an RFE. I will be so happy when mine says Approval notice sent too.

Oh well, Back to waiting i guess whistling.gif

Haha


Oh its Friday still, why not try to call USCIS and try to talk to a representative, may be they can clear out what exactly has been sent to you smile.gif
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-22 17:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOnline Status: Document other than card mailed?
Hmm I never seen an online status like that. I tried to look my USCIS page but it won't open anymore, but I specifically remembered it said --Approval notice sent.

And I have read others RFE messages and it says -- Request for more evidence sent.

Hope you will get your answer by Monday or Tuesday, Best wishes rose.gif
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-22 17:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOnline Status: Document other than card mailed?
What does current status on USCIS page says? Either its an approval or RFE, read the current status. Good luck!
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-22 17:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhat is IR-1 and CR-1??
Since you applied AOS while in US, CR-1/IR-1 doesn't apply to you. Though you will receive 2 year conditional GC which is what a CR-1 applicant gets.

Now for the difference

CR-1 is for people who are married for less than 2 years
IR-1 is for people who have been married for more than 2 years upon US entry.

CR-1 applicant gets 2 year conditional GC, IR-1 applicant gets 10 years unconditional GC. Both file the petition at USCIS while the beneficiary is still living in their home country or may be living in US with a tourist visa but will eventually will have to go to their home country for the interview.
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-22 17:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresgetting a joint bank account
If you are wanting to do it just for the petition then I would say hold off. First you would be going through a pretty easy consulate, so that's a big advantage for you, plus you are newly married living in different countries, USCIS doesn't expect you to have joint bank account.

Most people don't have joint bank accounts or much of financial mingling (in some countries financial transactions might be seen as a Red Flag). Concentrate on photographs, making trips to each other, phone records, emails, postal letters and things like that.

Good luck!
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-22 22:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCitizenship duration?
To be on the safer side count it as 10-11 months. Read all the guides and be well prepared for the NVC, so you can fly through NVC.

No one can really estimate how much it will take at USCIS level, could get the petition approved within 15 days, could take 2 years. Also it depends upon which Service center you are going through. Best of luck!
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-22 16:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat if vaccination history is incomplete?
Is the emoticon really necessary out here IAMGODSPROPERTY??

I usually don't confront people, but please if you have something to say worthy of saying about serious topics then please do, but don't waste OPs time by just putting an emote for no reason.
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-25 01:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTime frame to enter the US
It is valid for 6 months and you don't receive any GC at consulate level, you do get the VISA though, at POE your passport will be stamped for temporary 1 year GC and one should get their physical GC within 1 to 3 months of arriving in USA.
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-25 08:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSomeone plz help me
Can your husband take a break and attend the interview with you? That will be a big plus.

Technically its not a requirement to have met after the marriage. My own case, me and husband couldn't meet for 4 years after marriage but he did attend my interview and we had some valid reasons which I did address with the CO during my interview.

Your case is different, since you spent 6 months in US without meeting with him and you also have a denied J-1 visa, which kind of makes it look like you are reconciliation with your husband is because of the denied J-1, I am not trying to offend you but try thinking as a CO. So it will be better if your husband could attend the interview, show the CO that you both genuinely want the marriage to work even though you have been through your bumpy road.

I hope everything works out for you guys rose.gif
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-24 12:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi-130 and g-325a questions
QUOTE (Laboyzz @ May 25 2009, 10:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I got 2 different answers to question #1. Who needs to sign the g-325a with my wife's information, the petitioner or the one who is being petitioned for. And when it says at the bottom of the g-325a to type in the applicant's name, who's name should be there? Is the petitioner the applicant or is the one who is being petitioned for the applicant?


g-325a is filled by both petitioner and beneficiary. 4 copies each. Forms with petitioner's info should be signed by the petitioner, forms with beneficiary's info needs to be signed by the beneficiary.

Look through this guide
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-25 22:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresjust got married
I would suggest to go with CR-1 and not file K-3, if you read posts of a few months ago, a lot of people complained that their process was slowed down because they filed 129-f for K-3.

You might want to start by reading this guide, it might seem complicated at first but read it a few times and you will get it. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask in the forums, we all have been through this and it might feel overwhelming at first but things will find its place.
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-26 13:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan you renew your visa?
QUOTE (sam1 @ May 26 2009, 11:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (trinket @ May 25 2009, 10:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (reeses16 @ May 25 2009, 08:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hopefully people who did the IR-1/CR1 can shed more light, but I was wondering what date would be on her green card? Would it be the date she entered the US as listed on her I-94? Or is it a later date when the green card is officially approved by USCIS?


I just checked my GC and issue date is the POE date.


So, you start the AOS process 90 days before the two years GC expires or 90 days after the POE date?


I think thats the right way to go, 90 days before 2 year GC expires. I have 10 year GC, I was IR-1, so may be someone else can verify.
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-26 12:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan you renew your visa?
QUOTE (reeses16 @ May 25 2009, 08:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hopefully people who did the IR-1/CR1 can shed more light, but I was wondering what date would be on her green card? Would it be the date she entered the US as listed on her I-94? Or is it a later date when the green card is officially approved by USCIS?


I just checked my GC and issue date is the POE date.
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-25 21:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan you renew your visa?
Hmmm I guess I am wrong then, I take back what I said about not paying anything. I am not sure why I had it in my mind that CR-1 couples just fill up forms. Apologise again for the misunderstanding, clearly I have no idea as I am IR-1.
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-25 15:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan you renew your visa?
QUOTE (sam1 @ May 25 2009, 03:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I understand where you are coming from. What I have in mind is that my wife got her visa on May 12/09 and the visa expires on or around Nov. 12/09. Our two year anniversary is on Nov. 24/09, and it would be nice for her to land in the US after Nov. 24/09 to get a 10 years GC and not go through adjustment of status and such. She has to stay there for about 4 or 5 months anyway to finish her nursing school. That is the reason I asked about the visa renewal or extension. Thanks.


I doubt consulate would grant extension in your case, its not an emergency or medical requirement or things as such, what you are looking for is easing the immigration situation for yourself. May be its better to bite the bullet and come before Visa expires. You will only have to fill up forms for removing conditional residency, you won't be paying no more.


trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-25 15:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan you renew your visa?
Sometimes you can ask for extension from the Consulate prior to 6 months time period expires. But if you don't notify Consulate and don't use your Visa within the 6 month time frame, no you can't renew it.

On side note-- since its CR-1, you can always come to US, live for a couple of days and go back to your country or wherever for a few months or so.
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-25 13:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase complete! 5/22/09
Congratulations!
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-22 22:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduressample cover letter for ds-230 (i dont mean barcode sheet)
Here is the link for sample
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-27 20:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresProblem
QUOTE (Riggs @ May 27 2009, 08:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi all,

As I mention yesterday the DFA told my wife she had to do her CFO seminar first before they will issue her passport, this means she will now have to make 3 round trips (car and plane) from Bislig to Manila which is very hard and long travel; not to mention the expense about 800. 00 us dollars, or more, counting food and hotel per trip.

Is there anyway I can schedule her medical exam sooner, before the NVC sets an appointment, so that she can go to Manila to do her med exam and CFO during the same trip? That way she will only have one more trip to Manila for interview. 2 trips would be much more managablre and afordable then 3 round trips.

My case was just recieved this week at the USCIS service center, so any way I can schedule the med exam with ST. Lukes anytime soon? Or any other iadeas would be apprecaited.

I spent a lot of money getting married in the philippines recenly and my dog just had surgery for 1000 dollars and all of the additional visa expense, 3 round trips to Manila is really a bit much. I don't know why they would not work with you to help with scheduling to reduce the trips to Manila.

Thanks much


Steve


I doubt you can get a Medical exam done without interview letter. Of all the medical reports I read of Philippines, they all needed to show their interview letter to the Guard at St. Lukes before they were allowed to enter inside.


You might want to ask the same question at Philippines regional forum to clarify and see if anyone else got through the Medical without having an interview letter.
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-27 20:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Passed
Congratulations smile.gif
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-28 15:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresINTERVIEW EXPERIENCE
Congratulations to your BIL
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-28 15:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Passed!
Congratulations
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-27 12:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase complete!!!
Congratulations
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-28 19:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit for friends/family
Here
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-29 13:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHuge Mistake
If you have paid your IV bill online, then there is no other notification you need to wait for, since you can print out the barcoded coversheet.

May be i-864 hasn't yet entered their system yet. Once it does they will process it, and wait for your DS-230 to be received by them, once DS-230 is received they will process that and if there is nothing wrong you should hear case completion.
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-29 22:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHuge Mistake
QUOTE (VA8688 @ May 29 2009, 09:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I made an awful mistake. Turns out when you send in the I-864 you have to also include the DS-230. Am I mistaken or no? If so, Should I send in the DS-230 now, or do I wait for an RFE and send the whole package again?


No you haven't made any mistakes. I-864 and DS-230 are different entity all together. One refers to the financial situation of the petitioner while the other one is about the background of the beneficiary.

You won't get any RFE because you didn't send DS-230 along with your I-864 but if you call up NVC in a week's time you might hear your AVR message saying some documents are missing and those documents are the DS-230 one given your i-864 is all perfect.

So relax and start collecting DS-230 documents and send it in asap. Best wishes smile.gif

Edited by trinket, 29 May 2009 - 09:53 PM.

trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-29 21:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOriginal Documents vs Copies
QUOTE (Mrs. Palmer @ May 29 2009, 08:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wait, I was just reading through the LingChe guide...it says that in addition to sending in the original documents, you must also send in photocopies...is this true? Who's done this recently that knows?


It was true a few months ago but recently NVC has gone through a lot of changes. I went through the process last year and we didn't have any email correspondence with NVC unlike how it goes right now.
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-29 21:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresShould I file I129F for K3?
Your choice but sending i-129f might delay your process because it will give your case a new NOA-1 date. A lot of people suffered that last year, so choose wisely.
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-29 21:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInteriew APPROVED on May 27th
Congratulations kicking.gif
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-27 20:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRE:Evidence of relationship(pictures vs.paperwork
No one can guarantee anything out here. Maybe what you can do is before your wife's interview you should make a notarized affidavit explaining lack of photographs, I am sure that will help at least somewhat.

Money transfer in some country does look bad but it also depends upon how much money is being transffered on monthly basis, use money receipts as the last resort of documentation. Answer about money only if asked. Do try to have as many other evidence as possible, postal letters, insurance papers, house/apartment lease, things like that.

We had only 20 photographs, I know its more than only 3 but I was kind of concern because most people going through India presents a whole album with 100s of pics but at the end of the day it didn't matter.
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-28 18:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRE:Evidence of relationship(pictures vs.paperwork
Pictures are a must, I don't think I have read a single interview experience where CO didn't wish to see some pictures of the couple, let it be wedding or otherwise.

Chats usually comes the last, after pictures it is how many trips have been made, phone records and things like that.
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-28 15:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo i need to bring these on my interview?
QUOTE (noob @ May 29 2009, 04:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (trinket @ May 29 2009, 04:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For CR-1 visa all it is usually contains is of interviewing the beneficiary, check out pictures of the couple together and other bonafide relationship proofs. Most of the time no other documents are asked to be reviewed anymore, if everything has been submitted at NVC. Sometimes AOS is asked to submit again if the consulate feel there is some problem

So I don't see why you should be so worried about the passport and birth certificate. All your US spouse had to do was to make sure he is a USC and he is eligible to file for his spouse.........which he did. So don't be worried about the passport issue, its not even an issue to begin with.

Trinket,since the I-864 AOS was already submitted at NVC and this is one of the important documents that is needed to complete the case,is there still a possibility that they would ask the beneficiary for tax returns and W2 at interview.How about your experience did they ask for this or not.Thank you


My personal-- No, they didn't ask any AOS documents, but I have read casese where AOS is asked again.
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-29 16:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo i need to bring these on my interview?
For CR-1 visa all it is usually contains is of interviewing the beneficiary, check out pictures of the couple together and other bonafide relationship proofs. Most of the time no other documents are asked to be reviewed anymore, if everything has been submitted at NVC. Sometimes AOS is asked to submit again if the consulate feel there is some problem

So I don't see why you should be so worried about the passport and birth certificate. All your US spouse had to do was to make sure he is a USC and he is eligible to file for his spouse.........which he did. So don't be worried about the passport issue, its not even an issue to begin with.
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-29 15:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo i need to bring these on my interview?
Just the copies would be fine.
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-29 15:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAttorney Fee ? Need your Opinions.
Best wishes for a faster NVC process smile.gif
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-29 21:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAttorney Fee ? Need your Opinions.
She is charging too much for NVC alone. We also had an attorney (kind of hubby's choice plus we had some complications) and he took around $900 for USCIS+NVC+Consulate stage. But I had to do most of the leg work, he worked only as second pair of eyes.

Anyways as others have attested you don't need an attorney, follow through this guide and you should fly through NVC!
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-29 21:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew green card holder!
Congratulations
trinketFemaleIndia2009-05-29 16:06:00