ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStill no NVC #... March NOA2

OOPS, I apologize, I hadn't noticed. I ought to be more attentive! Sorry!


Haha, it's okay. I've seen it happen multiple times!
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-09 15:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStill no NVC #... March NOA2

Thank you!!! You're always super helpful, and you definitely put my mind at ease... I will definitely read those links. I want to be as prepared as we can to help expedite the process. What a pain! :blink:


Thanks again!


You're welcome!

Once you do get your case number, things move really quickly in NVC, so make sure you're prepared!

If you have any questions after reading my wiki, I'd be glad to help! You can always PM with questions or post here ;)
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-09 15:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStill no NVC #... March NOA2

I received my NOA2 on January 22nd and only got my Packet 3 ( http://photos.state....ket3-k1-mtl.pdf : note this is the one for Montreal) through the mail around mid-March. It can take awhile. I think all you can do in the meantime is wait. As soon as you receive it, if you have all of your documents gathered already, you can send them to the Consulate via DHL (Loomis Express) using the form on the CSC Visa website. Afterwards it doesn't (usually) take too long to get your packet 4. I took me 6 business days at the end of March. It will move quickly, you'll see :)

Note that the USC doesn't have to send all of his or her proof with the packet 3. The only things that have to be sent are the necessary forms filled out/signed by the beneficiary along with the checklist. That's the case for Montreal anyways. If your fiancé is getting interviews in Vancouver, note that it might be different, I'm not sure.


Um, you're a K-1 visa applicant. The OP is an IR-1/CR-1 visa applicant and posted in the IR-1/CR-1 thread. Your process is completely DIFFERENT from what theirs will be.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-09 15:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStill no NVC #... March NOA2

Is anyone else's NVC # taking a while?

We got our NOA2 on March 16, and have been calling the NVC to see if they have gotten it yet. They have said "Wait 15 business days. It takes about that long". Called again today, still nothing.


Just curious how long it usually takes, and what I should be prepared for once they do have the number.

I've gotten all of my tax return information, employment verification, and affidavit of support information ready- and my husband has all of his documents plus his police certificate done.


We are so ready to get this thing moving!!!


Thanks in advance for your help! :)


If you look at the NVC processing times spreadsheet linked in my signature, you'll see that others right around your NOA2 date got their case numbers assigned last week. I'm betting you'll get yours this week Posted Image

As for what you'll be doing after you get your case number, I'd highly suggest reading the wiki linked in my signature as it talks about electronic processing and online forms, for Canadians.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-09 15:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow Long Will It Take to Get Interview Apppointment

Thanks!

It states in the interview letter I received yesterday that my case was completed, I guess it was completed as of yesterday.


Interesting. Well grats again on a very eventful day yesterday!
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-11 13:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow Long Will It Take to Get Interview Apppointment

I submitted all the civil documents on April 2 and I got an interview date yesterday(April 10). It'd all done electronically. The interview date is set for May 16th.


Grats on getting your interview date!

When was your case complete at NVC?

Posted Image

Edited by Saylin, 11 April 2012 - 01:09 PM.

SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-11 13:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow Long Will It Take to Get Interview Apppointment

Ah, different countries have different appointment time frames? Good to know. Wonder if there's a way to find out about ES.


Yup, every consulate/embassy has different workloads, so time frames will differ by country. I'd suggest looking at other timeline's from ES.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-10 12:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow Long Will It Take to Get Interview Apppointment

I'm not sure how to phrase this -- my husband will need to file an i601 waiver. This 2+ month out interview you speak of, is this the interview where they'll tell him he can file a waiver or does that interview have nothing to do with people who have to file i601 waivers?


Well, first off, my time frame above is for Canadians, not those for El Salvador (although it might be the same, I don't know).

And if you need to file a waiver, then first you go to the interview (as with ALL visa applicants), where you'll then be told to file the waiver.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-10 11:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow Long Will It Take to Get Interview Apppointment

I received my 'Checklist' letter March 28th requesting I submit documents to the NVC(marriage certificate, copy of passport, birth certificate etc etc). I just submitted all of the requested documents to NVC in Portsmouth, NH. I was wondering how long it takes from this point to receive a letter letting me know when my interview at the US consulate will be. Also, how much notice do they usually give you for your interview? If anyone has recently been through the same process, I would appreciate if you could answer my question. Thank you!!


Once you get a case complete at NVC, then it's usually two months out until your interview date, and finding out about 2-3 weeks after your case complete. So, you have a little over a month's notice for your interview.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-10 11:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresconfusing question in I-130 form

Lots of answers to I-130 questions are counter-intuitive and so, to many, they make no sense. Fortunately, this is not a critical issue.


Like you said, thank goodness it doesn't cause any issues at USCIS Posted Image
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-11 20:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresconfusing question in I-130 form

The interpretation I used has been around a long time. I don't know its origin. I just know it works every time it's used. (This ain't my first rodeo.)

As you know, the foreigner's employment is listed on the G325a as well.



Curious to know the origin as, for me, it doesn't make sense for the question to only refer to a US employer and not include foreign employers.

And I know it's not your first "rodeo" ;)
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-11 11:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresconfusing question in I-130 form

That would be the intuitive interpretation alright. However, the correct interpretation is the one I gave. Following it, works every time it's tried. Again, this is not critical. If you enter the foreign employer's information, no alarms will go off. The whole section below 13 on the right becomes N/A when the answer is no to 13.




But I don't understand how you're interpreting it as an American employer only. Question 15 has nothing to do with question 13 as they're two separate questions in separate sections (the thicker black lines separate the sections). If question 15 was related to 13 (meaning current US employer only), then question 15 would be a sub-question of 13 (as well as being in the same section), but it's not.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-11 11:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresconfusing question in I-130 form

Unless the foreigner is now in the US working the answer should be N/A. If the foreigner is in the USA and not working, the answer is NONE. This is a common error, so it is not critical if you put your current foreign employer. It's a mistake but a common non-critical one.


But, it doesn't ask for the name and address of the FOREIGN employer, it just asks for the CURRENT one. That would apply whether the employer is American or foreign. The answer can't be N/A as the question does apply. The only way the answer would be NONE is if you're not working at all, whether in the US or abroad.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-11 09:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresconfusing question in I-130 form

my Husband and I currently filling the I 130 form but question 15 confused me; " Name and adress of employer " that means my employer in my country of residence right ? the reason why I got a bit confused is that the question 14 says " if you are relative is currently in the US complete the following : date of arrival etc .. and the question 16 is abt immigration proceedings. It comes between 2 immigration related questions. I might sound dumb but i wanna know if they mean by address of employer my employer where I reside ( Bahrain) or in the US if I am in the US. thanks for your help.


That question is referring to your PRESENT employer, whether that employer is in Bahrain or the US, doesn't matter.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-09 11:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresconfusing question in I-130 form
Moved from Philippines to IR-1/CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures as the OP is asking a general question, not a Philippines-specific one
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-09 11:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiling taxes today, a few questions

Hi everyone. I'll be filing my taxes today and we already have a W7 ready to be filed with my 1040. I'm using turbotax and it indicating that I don't have any info which state my wife lives in since she's still not in the country. What should I put in there? Can I just put in not in that she is outside the US? Thanks.


Until your wife is living in the US and has a SSN, you have to do taxes by paper (because you just can't fill out some boxes appropriately). You will not be able to do it through online software.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-13 14:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC website error...anyone else?

Thanks guys!! :)
I will reserve the panic for the next stupid thing !
:P


Hehe Posted Image

And you're welcome ^_^
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-13 22:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC website error...anyone else?

I finally get the NVC number...log in to pay and find this error message:

"This case is in the process of termination. Fee payments and online forms can no longer be accepted. If you believe you have received this message in error, or to resume processing of the case, please contact the NVC immediately."

This process is unreal. Has anyone else seen this error message?

I called and they said a supervisor would look at it, and it "may be resolved" in a week.


Please look at my signature and click on the last link. I answer this question in an FAQ I put together. It's completely normal, so no need to panic!
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-13 22:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew Visa Fees

Thanks Saylin. I still have to wait for my husband's tax return that's why :))


Well, if you're being delayed on other things, then I guess an extra week wouldn't make a difference in your case.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-07 17:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew Visa Fees

I have fee bill of $404 now but I do not pay yet. I want to wait until 4/13. Do I need NVC to send me new IV fee bill or I just simply pay new visa fee? And the online fee payment automatically changes to new visa fee or I need to contact NVC? Thanks


I'm not sure if you'll get the lower amount since you got the IV bill invoiced already. I'd suggest calling up NVC next week, explaining that you want to wait until the 13th when the lower fees are introduced. Ask them if it's possible or if you have no choice but to pay the current fee.

I have to ask though, is $100 really worth the extra week wait? A week makes a difference in this process... could even result in an earlier interview by a month depending on your case complete...

To be honest I am not sure about what you asking me since I haven't gonne through this process yet. I will say you can call NVC and they will give you the right answer. Or maybe someone else here will reply with a good answer.


They're referring to the reduced IV fee taking effect on April 13th. It's going from $404 to $304.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-07 08:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew Visa Fees

What is the surcharge? is it a single bill or separate?


The $74 is for the immigrant visa security surcharge. You're invoiced ONE bill, total of $404. Or, in your case, it will be $304 (unless they change it again once you arrive at NVC).

http://travel.state....types_1263.html

[...]
The 420 is just for the application i130 and than comes the visa fees...


Actually, the I-130 is a petition, not application, but that's just me being picky :P Posted Image
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-05 23:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew Visa Fees

I130 is $420. I believe the changes are only for K1 Visas.


It applies to other visas than just the K-1 visa. It will apply to the OP, who is filing for an IR-1/CR-1 visa.

But it's only for fees at the NVC and/or at the time of the interview.

The I-130 fee is determined by USCIS; the new fee changes are being done by DOS.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-05 22:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew Visa Fees

I believe the new visa fees will be in effect April 12, 2012. I filed a I-130 petition for mi wife. Will be paying the new fee whic is $230 instead of $330?


Once you get to NVC, instead of paying $404 for the IV fee, you'll be paying $304.

Remember, the $404 = $330 + $74 (surcharge)
So, the new $304 = $230 + $74 (surcharge)

And it's April 13th when they're put into effect.

http://www.state.gov...2/03/187114.htm
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-05 22:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIV application fee

Thanks Saylin...i do not know how to navigate this site very well. Do you have the link to the thread?


You're welcome ^_^

And here it is: http://www.visajourn...ers-april-2012/ No need to read all the pages (there's quite a few Posted Image). Just read at least the first one (has all the links and FAQ I put together), and then the last few as that's where the new fee was being discussed.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-14 19:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIV application fee

I paid for and sent my I-864 on April 4. I still have not been able to pay the application fee on the NVC site, they said it is because as of yesterday April 13 they are lowering the fees. Is anyone else in this predicament? Has anyone been able pay the fee since yesterday?


Yes, as of the last week or so, NVC has held all IV invoices and put them on hold until the new lower fee, implemented yesterday. They were supposed to be released on Friday, but it seems like they had a few errors and are expecting everyone's invoices to be available early next week. If you come over to the NVC April thread, you'll see many others in the same boat as you that are waiting as well.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-14 18:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBarcode Strip

Thanks very much for your help. I'm the beneficiary please when can I send them the email of A.O.C. can it be before my N.O.A.2 or I have to wait till my N.O.A.2?


If you read the wiki, it will mention the address that the email has to be sent to.

And of course you can't send the email before your NOA2. NVC doesn't even know about your case. You need a case number generated by NVC before sending it. If you read the wiki, you'd see in the subject line you need to put your case number. No case number, no acceptance. NVC will simply trash your email if you send it before then.

Edited by Saylin, 15 April 2012 - 11:12 AM.

SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-15 11:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIV app fee

Has anyone else been able to pay the IV application fee yet? I paid in and sent my AOS docs april 4. They still haven't posted the for the IV fee. I called and they said it would be at least another week before I can pay as the fees have changed(already knew that). It frustrates me to no end that they can't get their ####### together and just change the site the day it's changed.


You should come join the NVC April thread. Everyone there that should be invoiced isn't either. Everyone seems to be waiting on NVC for them to release the IV invoices. Hopefully it's soon as they've been holding the IV invoices for about 2 weeks now...
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-16 10:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDocuments that need translating

Hey everyone,

Just need another set of eyes for this. I found this on the US Department of State website.
http://travel.state..../info_3195.html

Translation Requirements

All documents not written in English, or in the official language of the country in which application for a visa is being made, must be accompanied by certified translations and submitted to the NVC. The translation must include a statement signed by the translator stating that the:

Translation is accurate, and
Translator is competent to translate.

My interview will be at the Athens Consulate in Greece. And all the documents I have that are not in English are in Greek. Does that mean I don't have to have a translation for them??
Or is it a good idea to just accompany them with a translation just in case.

thanks


Technically, according to the requirements, no, you don't need translations. HOWEVER, I highly recommend getting translations done because I have seen people at NVC get checklists for non-translated documents.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-16 09:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhen to do medical?

All of our documents have been accepted, and now my husband is waiting for an interview at the embassy.

When should he do his medical check? He thinks he has several vaccines he needs to get, so he wants to do it early so he's not overwhelming his system and can space them out.

Does he have to wait for contact from the NVC, or can he start getting his medical from an approved facility?


NVC will NOT contact you about the medical. This has to be done on your own. In most countries, panel physicians do not allow advance medical, so you need your interview date assigned first as you need the interview letter at the medical. In countries that do allow advance medicals, all you need is the first letter received from NVC that states your case number.

Even if you have to wait for the interview letter to have the medical done, he can still get his shots done whenever at a clinic or elsewhere. That doesn't need to be done at the panel physician, plus it's typically much cheaper if you get it done elsewhere than at the time of the medical.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-15 11:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Processing Timeline

I am looking at timeline for NVC processing stage and I noticed that it usually take about few weeks from NOA2 through the closure of your case. Please I am just trying to find out which one is faster and more reliable. Corresponding through email or mail with NVC. I think the only issue where it will take longer is when it comes to DS3032.


That choice isn't applicable in your case as Nigeria is not eligible for electronic processing.

The only thing you can send by email is the DS-3032. The AOS and IV packages have to be sent by snail mail.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-16 19:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshelp me

Hi VJ memebers..NVC just sent me a letter saying IV fee to $230.00 is that right?am a little confused


Yes, that's correct. The visa fees were reduced on Friday, April 13th. It's not $404 anymore.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-17 10:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresrequired documents to submit

Is it ok if I submit photocopy of passport with my maiden name on there and not my married last name? Or should I just ignore it and not to include in documents? My passport is still valid until 2014. Wondering what should I do..


If you're referring to the IV package, then a copy of the bio-data page of the beneficiary's passport is REQUIRED. So, you have to include it.

And it's fine if it's in your maiden name. Mine was and still is. I never legally changed my last name to my husband's (before or now) and had no problems whatsoever in the process of getting my visa and green card.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-17 09:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAfter submitting my DS-260?

Ohh okay! Well I just have to be patient now and pray to god to receive some good news this Friday. Thank you again Saylin you helped out alot.


No problem :)
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-18 12:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAfter submitting my DS-260?

Well that's good to hear! :) I was talking to my attorney and she said my case should be a little bit faster than most cases cause mine was an MEP case? Whats MEP?


MEP = Mexican Electronic Processing. It's when you send the packages by email, instead of snail mailing, like how most countries have to do it. EP is faster since NVC receives the packages instantly, instead of a few days.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-18 12:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAfter submitting my DS-260?

Well hopefully I will get approved but okay does matter if im under 21 and married?


Shouldn't be a problem as long as everything is in order. I was only 22 when I went through the interview and had zero problems.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-18 11:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAfter submitting my DS-260?

Okay. Well thank you very much for you help this calmed me down a bit more. I just can't wait to go back home.


You're welcome ^_^

If you're approved at the interview and move soon after you get the visa, then you should be back in the US by the end of this summer.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-18 11:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAfter submitting my DS-260?

Oh okay thank you! Do you have any idea how long is taking at Ciudad Juarez to receive an appointment after getting the case complete?


Just a few weeks I believe, with the actual interview being just a few weeks after it's assigned.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-18 11:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAfter submitting my DS-260?

Oh okay well after getting a case complete then I get an appointment?

And I'm sorry I'm new to this.


Yes, after a case is completed, the case is put into queue for an interview date to be scheduled. The time for this though varies by consulate/embassy. Some people find out within a few days, others have to wait a few weeks.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-18 11:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAfter submitting my DS-260?
You should be getting a case complete then either this week or early next week.

And please only hit the submit button once. I noticed you created the same topic twice, and you responded three times just now above.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-18 10:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAfter submitting my DS-260?

After submitting my DS-260 how long does it take to hear from NVC?!? My case is an MEP


You don't hear from NVC about your DS-260.

Have you submitted the other two packages yet, the AOS and IV?
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-04-18 09:25:00