ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Madness! Please help!

My husband and I have submitted all of the required documents to the NVC for the immigrant visa application and civil documents but they keep sending us CHECKLISTS for these items we have already submitted saying they are missing. I feel like we are going crazy!!

Has this happened to anyone else?

I have called and emailed them and all I get are canned responses.

It's as if they haven't actually looked at the package of documents we sent.

We are very confused and concerned since we don't want our application to be delayed.

We appreciate any information or advice!!

Thank you!
Katie


Don't worry. Those are called false checklists. Lots of VJ members receive them.

Just keep calling NVC and asking if your packages have been reviewed yet.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-09 17:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNvc expedite? How ling?

Have all my part ready. Sent papers to hubby he has to sign and send me the tax and other papers for interview in case we get expedited if not he has tomail. Brazil doesnt need to mail any docs prior.


Looks like you're on top of things Posted Image
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-10 13:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNvc expedite? How ling?

Saylin

Thanks. We are in a run against time here so my nerves are going crazy.


While you're waiting for their answer, get the AOS and IV packages ready. Make sure there is also enough money to pay these fees in the petitioner's bank account. Also prepare for the interview if your expedite is granted.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-10 13:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNvc expedite? How ling?

So finally nvc got out case. No case number given yet but i have requested expedite already. Got thisemail back. If we get expedited thru nvcthey jstsend our stuff straight to the consulate and we bring allother forms?

Dear Sir/Madam:

Your inquiry has been received at the National Visa Center (NVC).


The correspondence submitted is currently under review. An appropriate action will be taken once this review is completed.


Case Number:






Lexi

National Visa Center
Written Inquiry Unit
Serco Inc, Support Contractor


NVC will send your request to the embassy/consulate in the beneficiary's country. If they approve it, then NVC will email you such. NVC will then forward your case to the foreign country. You'll either then submit the AOS and IV packages (as well as their fees) to the embassy/consulate, or bring it the day of the interview.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-10 13:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescall deparment of state

The reason I dont know. They just gave my husband a green letter stat?ng he was ?n adm?n?strat?ve process. The CO told h?m he w?ll contact h?m ?n 2 weeks wh?ch one week already past.


Is it standard for Turkey to issue AP? I know some Middle Eastern countries do this frequently for background checks. This might be the case for you as well.

I'd suggest calling DOS again and asking WHY you got put into AP. See if they can tell you why. If it's just background checks, then you can't really do anything except to wait and call DOS each day for an update, if any.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-10 11:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescall deparment of state

I feel so helpless and angry. I dont understand . Why the deparment of state has our case.. Can someone expla?n the procedure. I thought when DOS has your case ?t means they are try?ng to revoke your case


DOS doesn't handle physical cases. They're just a place to contact about information about your case.

Did the embassy say they were going to send your case back to USCIS or NVC? Or is your case still at the embassy?
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-10 11:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescall deparment of state

I just call the deparment of state. They told me my husband case are st?ll pend?ng. What ?t means? ?t means they tr?ed to revoque my case... I am so confused... Plz help


Looking at your timeline, it looks like your interview was just about 2 weeks ago and put into AR. What was the reason? Background checks? If DOS says the case is still pending, it doesn't mean they're revoking your case, just that whatever they're doing, it's still pending.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-10 11:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChoice of Agent & DS-230

I see...

Whats the NVC Invoice # that people talk about? is that same as NVC Case #?

Thanks a bunch ! :blush:



There's two different numbers:

1 - Case number assigned by NVC: this is needed everything you want to talk to an operator (first thing they ask for) or when dialing the AVR.

2 - Invoice ID Number: this is needed to sign into the payment portal (with the case number as well) so the two bills can be paid.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-15 18:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChoice of Agent & DS-230

Hi Saylin,

Got few Q's: :blush:

1) So when can we email this (DS-3032) to NVC?

2) As soon as we get our Case # and Invoice # from NVC?

3) How long does it take to get the Case # and Invoice # from NVC?

4) When should I start calling NVC once I get the NOA2 from USCIS CSC? and how often to call them?

Thank you !!! :thumbs:


You can only email the DS-3032 after getting the case number assigned by NVC. It's not logical to send it before as they don't have your case in their system, thus they wouldn't be ready for document intake.

As for how long it takes to get a case number, check out my spreadsheet linked in my signature. Lately, it's been about 2-3 weeks from NOA2.

I would start calling one week after NOA2 and then everyday afterwards until you get your case number.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-15 17:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChoice of Agent & DS-230

Hi Guys,

Quick question. If I (Petitioner) be the choice of agent for my Spouse (Beneficiary), will NVC mail DS-230 and related documents to me or my spouse or both?

Also does the choice of agent form can be emailed to NVC instead of snail mail by my spouse?

Please advise.

Thanks!


If you give both email addresses over to a NVC operator once you have a case number, then both the petitioner and beneficiary will receive all correspondence by email. This is much preferred than waiting for NVC to snail mail correspondence which can takes weeks or months.

And yes, the choice of agent form can be emailed. It's accepted within a few days and is much faster than snail mailing it. Follow the instructions here: http://www.visajourn...il_DS-3032_form

Edited by Saylin, 14 February 2012 - 09:42 PM.

SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-14 21:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCouple DS 230 & I 864 Questions
diphen,

You're very welcome! I hope this helps you and others that are in the same boat as me. :D
SaylinFemaleCanada2010-10-07 11:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCouple DS 230 & I 864 Questions
For question number 3 about previous visits to the USA, I'm in the same boat as I've had many visits to the USA since I live right on the border. I've already filled out the DS-230, ready to go when I get to NVC. I've uploaded the document that I'll be sending in. I edited it a bit, but I think you'll get the idea. Also, if you attach a supplemental form, make sure you note on the DS-230, on the specific question to: 'see attached supplemental sheet', or something along those lines.


Attached File  ds 230 number 35.doc   23.5KB   28 downloads

Edited by Saylin, 06 October 2010 - 11:37 AM.

SaylinFemaleCanada2010-10-06 11:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 help

hello , in question 36,37,38 part 2 it doesn't let me to fill it out there , i really don't know what's going on ?


Those three questions are linked to questions 1, 2, and 3. You fill out 1, 2, 3 and those answers will automatically be pasted to 36, 37, 38 as they are the same questions.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-24 11:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDocuments for interview

Thanks! I just looked at the 1st thread and it reminded me that my husband added me to his car insurance policy! I'll ask him to bring that.


My husband did the same thing, so I brought along a copy of his car insurance with both our names on it. Not that any evidence was requested at my interview, but I felt a lot better knowing I had everything I could.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-21 15:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDocuments for interview
Looks like your list is complete Laure! Posted Image

If you want to add more evidence for proof of relationship, here is an excellent thread I recommend: http://www.visajourn...e-relationship/


And to help you prepare for the interview itself (if you want, of course), there's this link to a BUNCH of questions: http://www.visajourn...rview_Questions
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-21 15:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIV Bill Invoice Question

Hi Vjers,

I made a payment for the I-864 last Friday and it is showing as "PROCESSING" while the IV Bill is showing as "NOT INVOICED."

QUESTION: At which point or After which action will I be able to pay for the IV Bill? (Currently it is grayed out).

Note: The beneficiary already sent DS-3032 last Friday as well via email.

Thanks in advance for any comments


The IV bill is only invoiced once the DS-3032 has been accepted. If you sent it last week, it should be accepted sometime this week. A day or two after that, then the bill will be invoiced.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-27 12:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Timeline help

We're eligible for the EZ thankfully. I've already prepped all the paperwork... months ago, haha. Just needs to be updated. And yeah, apparently Mr. Husband ordered his tax transcripts already, I didn't even know - no nagging required :o


Yay! Posted Image
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-28 22:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Timeline help

I got my police check done, and just got my photos done today. Need to get a hold of my dentist to be my guarantor for my birth certificate, and I'll be on my dear husband's #### to get his transcript ready.

Question for you, did you guys use the I-864EZ? I know when I read on the forms that we can just use tax transcripts it sinks in, but I want to double check if that's right or not. We're not using any other assets as all his income is from work (so can therefore be shown on his W-2 and previous tax returns.)

And yeah, we'll be doing EP. Going to wait until NVC is ready to cough up some identification numbers before I send in my Opt-in though.


Why do you need a guarantor for your birth certificate? You can't just order it online or go in person somewhere?

I used the I-864EZ. If you're eligible (there's 3 criteria), then I'd suggest using it. It's a much shorter form than the I-864.

For tax information, it's either tax transcripts OR 1040s, W2s, and any other schedules if applicable. NVC (and most consulates/embassies) prefer the tax transcript.

And yes, you obviously can't optin to EP until you have a case number.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-28 21:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Timeline help

Got my NOA2 on the 16th. Kind of glad it's taking some time... still need to get my long form birth certificate, and he needs his tax transcript :blush:


Yeah, if you got it on the 16th, then you should be getting the case number either this week or next.

And you should still have time for that stuff. You still have to optin to EP (if you wish), and send the DS-261, then pay the two fees and wait for that to process. You still have another week or so before it's the earliest you can send in packages.

Have you already requested the missing documents? Or are you still procrastinating? :P And have you gotten the police certificate(s) yet?
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-28 09:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Timeline help

You guys can also look at the K3 visa. The whole purpose of the K3 visa is to let the spouse wait for the green card in the US instead of in the foreign country. Once she gets here, you can then file for Adjustment of Status (I think I-487) to complete the process.
K3 is quicker than IR1/CR1, but it involves some more paperwork when the foreign spouse gets to the US.


Like Gervl said, the K3 is pretty much dead. For married couples, the IR-1/CR-1 is the only visa available.

Saylin pretty much covered it.

At the border, she should always be honest but not give up any information that isn't asked for - that just tends to lead to more confusion. Border officers at primary aren't always the most knowledgeable when it comes to immigration matters, so make sure she's confident of the basics (B-2 visas, overstay, how the CR-1 process works, etc.)

My I-130 took about six and a half months to process out of the California Service Center (we got approved a couple weeks ago.) It's always best to assume this whole process will take longer than planned. For Montreal interviews, Canadians have the option of using electronic processing. It's faster than the snail-mail method. A guide for it can be found in Saylin's signature. I'll be following it once NVC gets around to assigning me a case number :angry:

If you have any other questions, don't feel shy about asking or sounding paranoid. There's also a Canada sub-forum where she can find more specific information about her OHIP (assuming she's in Ontario), Employment Insurance, taxes, bank accounts, and so on and how to deal with them upon moving to the States.

** Just called NVC operator about my case. They received it on the 20th, but nothing has been updated yet on their system :no: She said to try back 10-20 business days from that date. Brace yourselves for my phonecalls, NVC :devil:


When was your NOA2? It's been taking about 1-3 weeks from NOA2 to case number assigned, so you should be getting it soon.

Hmm.. but I-129F only applies to fiance(e) situations, not for married folks, right?


For K3 visas, you had to send the I-130, then when you got the NOA1, you send a copy of that with the I-129F. I don't know why the process was like that, but it was.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-27 23:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Timeline help

If they don't issue her an actual visitor's visa, and just wave her through like they normally do, do they keep track of how long she's here?
I've always wondered that. They never stamp her passport or anything.


Yeah, I never got stamps either, but I believe they swipe your passport which is logged in their system. So when she leaves to go back to Canada and they swipe her passport again, they'll see that she's been there for x amount of time.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-27 17:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Timeline help

Yep, that's what I was thinking. We can do the 'big' move after she's got the visa.


That's your only option. She's not legally allowed to move before getting the visa.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-27 17:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Timeline help

Sounds like a good plan. And since this won't be until August, we'll be well into the process. May not even need 6 months, could be 2 or 3 by that point, which I imagine would go more smoothly.


Oh yes, that's right, August. Well, since that's about 5 months away, you should be just getting to NVC (hopefully not stuck at USCIS still). And from there, it's only about 4 months or so to the interview, and since she'd have to come back and get a medical, I'd say she'd only have to be in the US for three months, which would be much better than 6 months in a border officer's eyes. Also, since she's driving, make sure she packs extremely lightly, like one suitcase and that's it. The more suitcases, the more the officer will think she's moving.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-27 16:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Timeline help

She is currently working, and I know her boss would be more than happy to write any kind of letter she asked for.
Since we just got married last month, she's only stayed for a week or so tops. She hasn't had any issues, but it may be because the time has been so short.
We've found that driving is always easier than flying, border-wise.


Ok, great that she's working. Definitely get her to get a letter from her employer saying that she's been granted 6 months (or however long you choose) leave and is expected to come back on so-and-so date or she'll be fired.

Does she have her own apartment or live with others? Do the same thing with this and get another letter saying she's leaving for however long and expected back on so-and-so date otherwise she'll be kicked out (if she's renting an apartment).

Also, wait until you get the NOA1 from USCIS before leaving. Then get her a copy so she can bring this as well, showing that you both want her to immigrate here legally. Only show this though if the crossing is going bad. Same for the above documents.

There's a big difference of staying a week and staying 6 months. She might get scrutinized more since they stay is so much longer.

And only living two hours apart, I bet it's also much cheaper to just drive than flying internationally.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-27 15:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Timeline help

Awesome. I don't suppose you'd have any suggestions as to the verbage to use when speaking to the border guard...
We just don't want to do anything that would jeopardize the visa process. But if they let her through, it's kosher?


Just tell her to be honest. She wants to visit you for a few months while the process is going on. Be warned though, the officer might think she's immigrating (that's what happened to me the second time I was denied even though I was only visiting for 2 weeks and had a return ticket). Especially since she drives, so she has no proof of a return plane ticket.

Is she currently working? Cause she can get a letter from her employer saying she is expected back on so-and-so date.

What's the longest she's stayed before (while you two were married)? Has she ever had problems before crossing?
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-27 12:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Timeline help

Hypothetically, couldn't she stay for 6 months as a visitor while it processes? We're sending in the paperwork this week, but ideally we'd like to have her here at the beginning of August, even if she can't work. Could she stay as a visitor until she gets her interview or whatever?

The good news is that she lives in a border town, so any border-crossing attempts don't require a long drive.


Hypothetically, sure. As long as she gets through the border and has a valid passport for when she returns to Canada.

Keep in mind, once you get to NVC (after the I-130 petition is approved), she'll need to get a police certificate for the IV package, so she'd have to return to Canada to obtain it. She'll also need her birth certificate for this package as well, so make sure she brings this with her.

Also, after your case is completed at NVC and an interview date is scheduled, she'll need to return to Canada to get a medical done. There are only 4 approved panel physicians in Canada: 1 in Vancouver, 1 in Toronto, and 2 in Montreal. This has to be done in Canada, NOT in the US.

And obviously, she has to return to Canada to attend the interview. But this is a given (I hope).

Other than that though, yes, she can stay and visit you in the US while this process is going on.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-27 11:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Timeline help

Do you think she'll be able to enter the US during the processing? She doesn't ever fly here, always drives. We're actually only 2 hours apart.


She can try. She just has to make sure she has a lot of proof with her that she's returning back to Canada (letter from her employer of her return date, lease, etc). If she's not prepared, she could get denied at the border, like I did... twice Posted Image
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-27 09:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Timeline help

Hello! I am an American, and my wife is Canadian. We just got married in January in Canada, and now we're starting the CR-1 process. How long can we expect until she's able to move here? It's not so vital to us that she be able to work when she's first here, just that she's here. Is CR-1 the best route to go?


If you're married, then the IR-1/CR-1 visa is the only way to go.

As for the wait time, it's about 9 months for Canadians. About 5 months in USCIS, about 2 months at NVC, and another 2 months until the interview. Of course, this can be longer or shorter as it always varies, but that's the average.

And with an IR-1/CR-1 visa, the foreign spouse will be able to work upon arrival as that is one of the benefits of that visa.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-27 09:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow Petitioner receives I-864 Package from NVC ??

thank you , but it looks like it's gonna take time because my wife just ordered transcripts by automated system which gonna take 5-10 days , so we will send this package late , isn't bad ?:(


You have a year to send these packages to NVC. Don't worry.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-29 13:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow Petitioner receives I-864 Package from NVC ??

thank you so much , can you list to me AOS package ?
and does my wife need bank statement too ?


Please read the guides:

http://www.visajourn..._live_in_the_US
http://www.visajourn...p/EZGuideSpouse
http://www.visajourn...he_NVC_ShortCut
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-29 13:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow Petitioner receives I-864 Package from NVC ??

hi everybody i want to ask how the Petitioner receives I-864 Package from NVC ?
we just paid AOS and it shows paid , do we need to wait email from NVC sending package with form or what ? sorry i'm confused


No, don't wait for NVC to send you stuff about the AOS package; it could take days or weeks. Download the form from USCIS and fill it out. Once you're done, include the necessary documents and mail it to NVC.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-29 12:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC DATABASE ERROR MESSAGE

Anyone else getting this message when trying to sign in to the NVC Payment portal? Anyone know why I am getting this message? Thanks!


This question was already answered in the February NVC thread. Again, wait just a few days, the message will clear.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-29 22:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 and AOS

Is there a flowchart for this? found the K3 but not really interested in that... would I send the AOS aft I have the NOA2?


Yes, the flowchart for NVC is here: http://www.visajourn...wchart_v1-2.pdf

And no, you only send the AOS package once you pay the $88 bill and it clears.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-03-01 09:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 and AOS

After reviewing the i-130 checklist here http://www.visajourn...tent/i130guide1 I noticed that the packet does not list the AOS. it does, however list this as an interview item. Does this need to be filed at a different location? I can't imagine that it needs to simply be brought to the interview, as I would think this is something that needs to be vetted.

for reference, I have a co-sponsor living in America, while I live abroad, should both of these be sent from the same address? Together or separate?

Thanks in advance


As Harpa mentioned, the AOS gets set in at the NVC stage. There's also the IV package to be sent in around the same time.

And if you have a joint sponsor, then both their documents and yours have to be in the same AOS package. So either have the joint sponsor mail their documents to you and then mail the package, or you mail everything to the joint sponsor, they include their documents, and then they mail everything to NVC. Whichever way you choose, all AOS documents have to be together in the same envelope.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-23 10:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTimeframe NVC Case # till able to pay?

Anyone know what iws the approximate wait time from when you get your NVC Case and IN # till when you are able to pay the AOS fee on the payment website?


I know you're in the February NVC thread. Please read the entire thread. You would know this answer already. It's usually a few days afterwards.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-02-29 12:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-3032 from Wife

Ah very good, thank you for catching that!

Very appreciative of your efforts here on this thread and in the forum!

Many thanks!


You're very welcome :)
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-03-01 17:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-3032 from Wife

Okay, yesterday was my NOA2.

Today I couldn't call NVC because they're having a power outage.

My next step is to get DS-3032 email format sent from my wife's (The alien relative) email address.

Problem is, my wife doesn't have internet and isn't in a town that has internet.

Can I just send the DS-3032 for an e-mail account made on her behalf, as if she created it?


Going through Mexico you actually do NOT submit a DS-3032. Mexico beneficiaries are REQUIRED to do online forms. So in this case, you'd submit a DS-261 which is filled out online.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-03-01 16:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures23 days and no email yet from NVC

i am going crasy , some one help me


Please tell me you've been calling NVC every day and asking an operator if a case number has been assigned...
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-03-05 12:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 Affidavit of Support When & Where to Submit

I'm a bit confused. My husband (the petitioner in the USA) recently paid the invoice for my NVC Immigrant Visa Application Processing on the immigrant visas website. On that same website it states to 'Submit an Affidavit of Support.' Does my husband submit this to the NVC now? Do I bring it with me to my interview? If anyone can answer this question for me I'd be extremely grateful. The instructions don't seem too clear.


Since you're in Canada, keep in mind, you're REQUIRED to submit online forms. And you're also ELIGIBLE (but not required) to do electronic processing (EP).

I'd HIGHLY suggest you read my wiki linked in my signature as it's designed specifically for Canadians going through online forms and EP.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-03-05 16:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230

Is the DS-230 that we send to NVC,are they return it back before the interview?

They said that visa appointment letter is thru email only?



THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!


No, after you send the DS-230 to NVC in the IV package, you won't ever get it back. You will see it once more at the interview, just to sign part 2 though. And you'll see it one final time at POE with an officer to double check important information.

If you give the petitioner and beneficiary's email to a NVC operator, then yes, the interview letter will be sent by email.

Posted Image

Edited by Saylin, 07 March 2012 - 05:37 PM.

SaylinFemaleCanada2012-03-07 17:37:00