biggish data

I thought maybe you should leave again so we can get another three approvals. If you gain 10 lbs maybe we will all be approved

Omg, I cracked up Posted Image

I'll leave for a few days, how's that? I'll come back 200 pounds and everyone will be approved! Posted Image

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-02-11 20:50:00

I actually like spreadsheet sensei better, that is your new title..wear it with pride

Alright, Spreadsheet Sensei it is then once I can change it. Less than 200 more posts to go Posted Image

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-02-11 20:41:00

Hello Saylin!!! wowwww alreadyy on the spreadsheet! Thanks for adding me there but just to let you know CSC tranferred my file to TSC on 11/3/10 . Hope you had a wonderfull dinner!

Updated.

Thanks for pointing it out!

Too bad. You seem talented. I thought you might be an actuary.

Haha, nope not an actuary. I might go into programming or web design once I'm in the USA. My husband's pushing for programmer since he's one Posted Image

LOL, I'm actually glad you don't have a job Your company in this thread(s) is most appreciated.

Haha, I'm glad I don't either in a way since there's been so much activity this week and I'm sure for the next few weeks as well. I'm glad my company is appreciated

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-02-11 20:37:00

you do have a job saylin, spreadsheet master is your title.

As soon as I become a platinum member and can change my title, that's what I'm putting. Spreadsheet master.

I imagine this is what your office looks like Saylin.

Holy smokes. I only have two monitors..

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-02-11 20:20:00

You are leaving for dessert now right?

I was about to get some Oreo cookies and milk and watch a TV show. Posted Image

But don't worry, I'll have this thread open along with my spreadsheet on my other monitor

I can't tell from my email. You got a transfer notice today? You see they CAN move quickly when they're properly motivated.

You're going to be out of a job in a week or so at the rate they're coming.

Well it's a good thing I don't have a job Posted Image

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-02-11 20:15:00

Hey - you can't EAT! We need you HERE!

Lol, but I need energy to keep myself going all night to input approval dates

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-02-11 20:11:00

Wow, I leave for two hours to have supper at a restaurant with my dad and I come back and there's 3 approvals! Congrats to RommelandApril, fermat, and H&S!! Posted Image

Keep the approvals coming TSC!!

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-02-11 20:06:00

thank you Saylin for adding me to your spreadsheet! Definitely save that!

No problem. And don't worry, the spreadsheet isn't going anywhere. I'm going to delete it in celebration once every single last one of has been approved and have an NVC case number

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-02-11 17:30:00

even here on VJ we been transferred

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-02-11 16:26:00

Baffled.

Tis a conspiracy! Posted Image

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-02-11 16:11:00

Like the passing of an old friend.....

I think it slows the forum down when threads get too long.

then why hasn't this thread been closed: http://www.visajourn...r-october-2010/? It's at 486 pages already and not closed...

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-02-11 16:08:00

Couldn't believe it was closed Posted Image

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-02-11 16:06:00

Question About I-864EZ and Joint Sponsor

I'm no where near actually sending this all in but I'm trying to get it all prepared to speed up the process as much as possible.
When it comes to the AOS I will need a joint sponsor but it looks like I qualify to use the I-864EZ. What do I use for the joint sponsor or does using a joint sponsor mean that I DON'T qualify to us the I-864EZ?

Thanks in advance for your help!

From http://travel.state..../info_3201.html :

"Verify that you are claiming only your own employment to meet the affidavit of support requirements."

So, because you need a sponsor, you don't qualify for the I-864EZ. You're going to have to file an I-864 instead.

Edited by Saylin, 22 June 2011 - 10:37 AM.

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-22 10:36:00

documents and fees

thank you very much for the quick reply's.

Is there just one AOS fee?

And the last thing I have to ask is, what fees need to be paid at the embassy?

Yes, I believe there's just one fee for the AOS. But two for the IV.

And no fees at the embassy. Unless there's a courier fee.

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-22 10:26:00

documents and fees

Hi everyone,

I am trying to get organized for the next stage of paperwork.

I know I need DS-230 for myself and my son, police certificate for myself. The OH needs to send the I-864 and 3 years tax returns or W2 and a few recent pay check stubs.

Is there anything else that needs to be sent?

What fees need to be paid?

My OH is the petitioner, myself and my son are the beneficiary's. It is the CR1 and CR2.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

AOS - $88

-bar coded cover sheet (from payment portal)
-cover letter (optional)
-I-864, completed and signed
-tax information (tax transcripts OR 1040s AND W2s)*
-employment letter (optional)
-pay stubs (optional)

*Remember, if you do not have tax transcripts (which is preferred) then you have to send in 1040s as well as W2s. It's not tax returns or W2s. Both go hand in hand.

IV - $404 (times two I believe since you have two people immigrating)

-bar coded cover sheet (from payment portal)
-cover letter (optional)
-DS-230 (both parts completed, only part 1 signed) [one for both you and your child]
-original/certified copies of both your and your child's birth certificates (also include a photocopy of each)
-original/certified copy of your marriage certificate (also include a photocopy)
-photocopy of both your and your child's bio data page in your passports
-2 passport pictures with full name, date of birth, and case number written on the back (2 for both you and your child)
-original police certificate (just for you, unless your son is over 16) [also include a photocopy]

Also, if applicable: divorce certificates, military records, court/prison records.

Edited by Saylin, 19 June 2011 - 08:53 PM.

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-19 20:50:00

I think I'm a few days ahead of you.

One gotcha with the DS-260 for me was on the signature page. What I was reading on the form wasn't actually what was written on the form

Where it talks about selective service bit, I just read it as a warning NOT what it actually says which is "follow this link or we won't enable the signature button". I wasn't that interested in selective service because I'm male and am an immigrant myself and so was drilled on what it meant by my old attorney and I know that I'm bringing two females into the country. Just make sure you follow that link one time and the button will magically enable.

I think this makes myself and the NVC 1 to 1. They screwed up my stepdaughters opt-in and I can't read the form.

Another question on the documents:
both my wife and I were previously married. Do they want both divorce certificates at the NVC stage, or just hers? They already have a copy of both as part of the I-130 package.

You gotta be careful with that DS-260 and read everything thoroughly and follow their instructions. I had no problems whatsoever what it.

For the divorce certificates, it's just the beneficiary's they want. IV package is ALL about the beneficiary.

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-23 12:02:00

Awesome, I appreciate it! - Matter of fact I do have another question while we're at it regarding the medical: It was my understanding once this next bunch of stuff is all sorted out... they'd send a letter stating where we'd have to go for her medical exam. However I've read some people said you can just go and get it done now even? Do we not need some sort of information to submit to the medical agency so its tied in with our case?

Simply asked: When does the biometrics/medical come into play? =D

NVC nor the consulate will send you a letter telling you to go to the medical. As soon as your case is complete and you have an interview letter, you can go do your medical. Some countries allow advance medicals where all you need is your NVC number, but as far as I know, panel physicians in Canada require an interview letter. There are 4 panel physicians in Canada: 1 in Vancouver (Wokings), 1 in Toronton (Dr Seidens), and 2 in Montreal (Medisys and Dr Seidens). You choose where you want to go, depending where you live. Since I lived in Montreal, I went to Medisys, as it was the cheaper of the two.

Biometrics (pictures and fingerprints) are done at the interview. You bring 2 more pictures of yourself to the consulate and the fingerprints get done by an officer. You'll also have fingerprints done again at POE.

Any more questions?

PS> Looking over your blog tonight when I get home... may have more questions tomorrow lol

I'll be home all day tomorrow

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-22 22:28:00

OMG I get it now! See that's where I was confused... it appears the DS-260 needs all that information and then you start talking about the IV package I had no idea what it was! lol I get it now! =P

Thanks a bunch hun! <3 You're helping us out way more than you know!

I'll be sure to make myself sound less dumb in the future! lol xD

Yay! You got it! Posted Image

And I'm glad I was able to sort that out for you, lol. And if you have any other questions (whether you think they're dumb or not Posted Image

), just ask away. I'll be more than happy to answer!

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-22 22:09:00

No offense to your wiki but I've read over that wiki of yours and searched other NVC fast track wikis/posts for like a week, every day at work in between calls to figure stuff out... and I just now realized the IV package is different than the DS-260! lol... I'm getting there! lolol

But where in your wiki do you reference what's in the IV Package? I see its generated with the AOS after you first sign in after getting your case number.

Once its paid... you can submit the DS-260 - then after thats completed you print off the cover sheet and put it on the IV Package:

Is this PDF package the IV package you refer to above?

Haha, yes, the DS-260 is different from the IV package. DS-260 is submitted online, while the IV package is emailed (or snail mailed for those not doing EP).

I reference what's needed in both packages right near the top. Under the big header of 'Steps', then I have two sub-headings: "I-864 - Petitioner" lists everything you need for the AOS package. Then the next sub-heading "DS-260 - Beneficiary" lists what you need for the IV package as well as info on the DS-260.

If you do EP, then you make one PDF file for the entire AOS package and email that off. Then you make another PDF file with the entire IV package and you send that off.

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-22 21:33:00

Ah yes just who I was hoping would reply! =D

Basically - what I'm confused about (heh, what am I NOT confused about right now? lol) is what exactly is IN these "packages"?

I found a I-864 instruction guide:
http://www.uscis.gov.../i-864instr.pdf
And it says you need the past year specifically of your tax return (I'm sending 3 and paystubs too per suggestions here, but only one year is "required")

What I'd like to find is a DS-260 guide...(looking through your WIKI I don't see this specifically referenced, excuse me if it is, I can be really blind sometimes!! lol) is whether the Police Report is scanned and sent in with the DS-260? Also when do I need to send in copies of the passport / marriage certificate / passport type photos? Or are these 4 documents just needed for the interview itself?

I wrote in my wiki what's required for both the packages. But here's a recap.

AOS package:

-bar-coded cover sheet (from payment portal)
-cover letter (optional, but I suggest)
-I-864, completed and signed by petitioner
-tax information (one year required, 3 years optional)*
-employment letter (optional, but suggested)
-pay stubs (optional, but suggested)

*Either send in tax transcripts (preferred) OR 1040s and W2s.

IV package:

-bar-coded cover sheet (from payment portal)
-cover letter (optional, but suggested)
-2 passport pictures 2" x 2" (full name, date of birth, and case number written on both)
-photocopy of bio-data page in passport
-original/certified copy of birth certificate
-original/certified copy of marriage certificate
-original police certificate

You can't send the IV package with the DS-260 as the DS-260 is filled out and submitted online. You then email the supporting documents for the IV package either before you fill out the DS-260 or afterwards, or in between. Whenever you want anytime after the IV bill appears as PAID.

And you then bring the original documents to your interview where an officer will request them. You'll get your birth and marriage certificate back once they look at it.

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-22 21:09:00

Just as a reference for people to see what I've been looking at:
http://www.visajourn...ew_Online_Forms

It shows what's what... but doesn't get into specifics: In other words it says I need all these documents, but doesn't say when I need to submit them lol...

Hi, I created that wiki

I'm not sure what you're having problems with as I clearly state when to send things in. But I'll give a quick recap of the whole NVC process for those in Montreal.

1. Get case number/IIN/BIN from NVC
2. Fill out DS-261 online (this is the DS-3032 but the online version for those in Montreal)
3. Send optin email (if doing EP, still optional at NVC)
4. AOS bill will be invoiced, pay that
5. IV bill will be invoiced once the DS-261 is accepted, pay that

Now, you have two choices. You can either wait for the optin email acceptance, which can take a few days to a few weeks, before sending in any documents. Or you can send in your documents as soon as the respective bill appears as PAID in the payment portal.

Whichever you choose, email the AOS package to NVC. Once your IV bill appears as PAID, the DS-260 will be available to be filled out online. You can send the supporting documents for the IV package either before or after you finish the DS-260. I waited till I submitted the DS-260 before emailing my package.

And that's it. The process is exactly the same as the NVC process for others that aren't eligible for EP and/or online forms. Just the method we send/fill out forms is slightly different. The timing is still the same.

If you have any questions, I'd be glad to help

Also, you should check out my blog here: http://journeythroug...n.blogspot.com/ I blogged about my process throughout and might give you a better, more personal idea of this process.

Edited by Saylin, 22 June 2011 - 08:27 PM.

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-22 20:26:00

what is going on??

thankyou so much for your reply. it makes me better
god bless u. amiin

You're welcome!

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-23 12:49:00

what is going on??

my case is completed on June 9 in NVC. But I haven't received any notification about that, nor email, nor package 4, nor interview date. I emailed my embassy and asking about my interview date, but they told me that they haven't received my file from NVC. I called NVC over and over asking about that, but they just keep saying just wait until they have an interview date from embassy. But how can they got a date if they haven't sent the file or the embassy didn't get the file. It really makes me stress to the max. Some one said that we can track the package, but I don't know how to do that? I really really need a

First off, you won't be getting an email saying your case was complete. Only those doing EP will get this email.

Next, you have to wait for an interview date to be scheduled from NVC before your case is shipped to the embassy. I don't know the wait time for your embassy, so I have no idea when you should expect an interview date to be scheduled. Just keep calling NVC and DOS and asking whether an interview date has been scheduled. When it has, an email will be sent to you with all the information you need for the interview.

Good luck! Hope you get your date soon

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-23 11:55:00

help on ds 230

does the petitioner have to send his birth certificate or copy of his passport or copy of naturalization certificate with the IV package ??????

i just sent the beneficiary birth certificate and copy of her passport ,,,
i am confused!!!

The petitioner doesn't have to include any of that in the IV package. The IV package is all about the beneficiary.

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-21 21:11:00

Change of Address

Thanks Saylin, I agree that I-865 is "Sponsor's Notice of Change of Address" and become relevant after I-864 is filed. I read somewhere that we are also supposed to inform of any change of address - so I guess informing NVC is sufficient - of course we will use the new & old addresses in I-864 and DS-230 and we want all our physical mail to go to our old address (my parents address).

So our plan is as follows and I hope it is correct.

In DS-230 in item 10 (Permanent address where you intent to live) & 16 (address of Spouse), to use new address and Item 11 (Address where you want Green Card), to use the old address (my parents).

In I-864 in item 12 (Mailing address), to use old address (my parents) and in item 13 (Place of residence) to use the new address.

That sounds good!

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-24 20:30:00

Change of Address

I just got USCIS approval on 6/21 (email) and the letter is in the mail. I will be moving to a new place on 6/25 to start my job after school. The last address is of my parents, where i want all the mail to go. I completed I-865 (change of address) and given my new home address and kept my parents address as my new mailing address. The USCIS Mesquite adress where this needs to be sent is common for both my present address and new address.

My question: I think it is better to wait till the packet is received at NVC and then send this out. give them the change of address. I may have to give NVC also the change of address but am not sure how this works in this situation. Any one who faced similar situation may please share your experience. Thanks.

Since your case isn't even at NVC, then you haven't filed an I-864, then you can't use the I-865 as that form is for sponsors who previously filed the AoS.

Once you have a case number, just call NVC and update your address with them. And then use your new address on the I-864 and DS-230. No forms to be sent out to update your address.

You only use I-865 if you move AFTER the beneficiary gets to the US.

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-23 20:59:00

NVC Process- Questions

Thanks Saylin!!!
what if I send the i-864 by snail mail and optin as well..will they get "confused"?

while I was reading your timeline, it says that you emailed the i-864 package. so what if it is snail mail. I wonder?

thanks

If you're gonna snail mail your two packages in, DO NOT optin. Optin is if you want to do EP. If you optin and then snail mail a package, NVC will reject it.

So decide now if you want to do EP or not. If you do, send the optin email. If you don't, then don't send the optin email.

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-24 20:34:00

NVC Process- Questions

Hi, Saylin here

You can send the I-864 as soon as the AOS bill appears as PAID. That's what I did. I did the same thing with the supporting documents for the IV. But, after a week from my optin acceptance, the NVC operator said they hadn't received my packages yet and told me to re-send, so I did. All in all, I was in NVC for 37 days, which is short compared to some times I've seen.

Choosing to do EP is up to you. You might get your packages reviewed faster if you snail mail them. But I have seen where people have gotten optin acceptance within a few business days and not 17 days like it was for me. It all depends on how busy NVC's email server and how long it takes to get to your email.

Some advantages to EP: no money spent on sending the packages, if you get an RFE, you can email the response instantly, and you get a case complete email (non-EP folks don't get this).

Disadvantages: depending on how busy NVC is, it can take awhile to get to your optin email, as well as your packages, and you might have to re-send packages as the email system seems to go wonky at times and NVC never receives your packages, even after optin acceptance.

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-24 20:20:00

DS 230 Question

Hi,
I have a quick question, I filed the DS 230 online and printed a copy for my records. Can I bring this copy to the interview or do I do the PDF version which is online, print it and bring it to the interview. I know I have to sign a copy in front of the agent.
Thanks!
Margie

Interview July 19th !!

You didn't do the DS-230 online, you did the DS-260.

You can bring the copy with you to the interview, but they're going to make you fill out a DS-230 when you're there. I'd suggest printing out a DS-230 and fill it out and only sign part 1. At the interview, you'll then sign part 2.

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-25 16:35:00

Interview Letter

Hi All,

Can some one tell me, Will I get the physical mail or only email with the Interview letter ?

Thank you all.

If you gave the email addresses to the NVC operator, then you will only be getting an email with the interview letter. If you didn't give the email addresses, then it will be snail mailed.

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-26 15:21:00

i-130 check list

Only need one of those two. The copy of your birth certificate or a copy of all your passport pages is used to determine that you are a US Citizen.

He could always send in both if he really wants. My husband did Posted Image

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-27 12:22:00

i-130 check list

Hello,
I am about to send in the petition in for my spouse. My spouse and I have completed all the forms and docoments for the petition. However, I would like to make sure we have all of our ducks in a row before the petition is sent out.

We have completed:

1) I-130
2) G-325a (petitioner)
3) G-325a (beneficiary)
4) G-1145

5) a copy of my birth cirtificate and pass port
6) copies of our marriage cirtificates
7) cirtified translation of marriage cirtificates
8) cover letter
9) passport photos of both of us
10) evidence of a bonafide marriage (pictures, chat logs, skype records, letters, gifts, ect)

Thank you for any help and input before we send in the petition in a few days.

Looks good! But don't forget to include the filing fee

And I hope the way you listed everything won't be the order in the package...

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-27 09:52:00

Hi i-765 who are you?

Hi !

Im going through the process of trying to move to the states to be with my wife who is an American and I am British. I was wondering if anyone could answer some basic questions. I have read alot but feel like being able to have someone answer my specific questions would be a real help.

We sent the I-130 Package off and my wife recieved a receipt in the USA.
Do I now wait for them to send me something? I have not given her an i-765 form or a i-485? Were they meant to be in the I-130 package. Do I even need them.Even with the guides I find this all baffling! I'm not sure what I am meant to be doing or what she is meant to be doing at this stage!

Any help would be great. I won't feel patronised if you spell out something that is obvious that I have not understood or missed, I promise :-)

Sam

I-765 and I-485 aren't meant to go in the I-130 package if you're filling for the IR-1/CR-1 visa.

Basically, now, you just wait. On average, it's about 5 months before you're approved from whichever service center your I-130 was sent to (CSC or VSC).

Once you are approved, your case will be sent to NVC where you have to pay 2 bills and send in 2 more packages. While you're waiting for your I-130 to be approved, I'd suggest reading the NVC guides over and over again until you understand the process there.

http://www.visajourn..._live_in_the_US
http://www.visajourn...p/EZGuideSpouse
http://www.visajourn...he_NVC_ShortCut

After reading the guides, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Oh, and

Edited by Saylin, 27 June 2011 - 09:50 AM.

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-27 09:50:00

WHATS THE FROM I-751 ABOUT ?

Hi saylin thank you for reply

Its going to be 2 years on july we married july 2009 so it will be 2 years on this july.
But i m already here in usa since 20 days.

so do i have to fill it out ? right ?

thank you

Too bad you didn't wait till July XX to go through POE. You would have saved about $600 or so on filing the I-751.

So, since you had a CR-1 visa, you have a conditional green card, so yes, you're going to have to file the I-751 90 days within your expiration date on your green card. So sometime in March, 2013, depending exactly when your green card expires.

Don't forget, do not send in the I-751 earlier than the 90 day window as they'll reject it. Best to wait a week or so within your 90 day window to be safe.

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-29 10:02:00

WHATS THE FROM I-751 ABOUT ?

Thank you so much guys,

It was almost took 2 years me to be here in usa. it was 17 months but now i have to wait 2 years then I have to fill out I-751 right ?

How long have you been married? If you passed through POE after being married for 2 years than you don't need to file the I-751.

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-28 16:22:00

WHATS THE FROM I-751 ABOUT ?

hello guys

I arrived to usa just few days ago.I want ask about the from which is called I-751
do i have to fill this form up ? if i am why i need to fill it up ?

could you please help

thanks

Form I-751 is required when Removing Conditions. For those that get a CR-1 visa (been married for less than 2 years when going through POE), then you only get a conditional green card. To remove the conditions, you have to fill out I-751 within 90 days after 2 years from your POE. Once it's approved, you then get a 10 year green card in the mail.

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-12 13:59:00

I guess they are making sure that the letter is really NOA2, as they might have got a call or two from someone who might have misunderstood a RFE to be a NOA2.......

Yes, I will follow your advise and call them twice a day - morning the automated message and night the operator. Thanks for your help.

I suppose someone could mistake an RFE for an NOA2. Posted Image

And no problem. Hope you get it soon!

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-29 16:30:00

Hi Saylin, just talked to an opertor. The operator made me read the I-797 second line just to make sure that it is really an approval letter and then said that NVC has not yet been received the case and asked me call after 15 business days (July 15th). Will it be alright to continue to call an operator once/ twice daily - meaning they wouldn't be able to know that I am calling daily! I hope you know what I mean!

Weird they asked you to read the second line from the NOA2. Never heard of that before Posted Image

Don't wait 15 days. Call back again tomorrow or later tonight. They do keep a call record, but it's okay. You have every right to call and inquire about your case.

I remember the first time I talked to an NVC operator and asked if a case number was assigned, he told me no and to call back next week. I didn't listen and called back the next morning. And I got my case number

Never, ever, listen to operators when they say wait X amount of days before calling back.

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-29 10:32:00

I was only calling the automated number. Thank you very much for your prompt advise, I will talk to an operator right now.

No problem. I was able to get my case number within 7 days from my NOA2 by speaking with an operator. But the AVR only updated 2 or 3 days later about my case number. So operator is always better than relying on the AVR as they'll know sooner than the AVR as I noticed throughout my NVC process that the AVR always took 1-3 days to reflect things.

Saylin

Female

Canada

2011-06-29 10:15:00