ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCSC to TSC to NVC: the Saga continues

Here's the most recent example, and yes, I can't even begin to describe their idiotness.




Weird, right? Is it because we've only been married one year, but together(with documentation) for 12?


That is weird, And no, it doesn't matter how long you've been together, but how long you've been married. It might have just been an error. I'd just advise you to make sure that after the interview and you get your passport/visa back, make sure it says CR-1 on it.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-15 22:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCSC to TSC to NVC: the Saga continues

Congrats to everyone with interview dates! I on the other-hand have been stuck with complete idiots at NVC who have managed to lie and say they haven't received any of my emailed packages, but that I snail mailed them a package in February, which is completely untrue, I emailed my I-864 in February.

Anyways, I had a question. I was always under the impression that CR1/IR1 were the same thing. But they are different, right? IR1 is for marriages over 2 years, and CR1 for those less than 2 years and so the GC has conditions on it. I applied for the CR1, but my correspondence from NVC says "IR1". Is this normal?

THanks!


Wow, it seems like you've definitely been getting idiots at NVC. I really hope they review your packages soon and give you a well-deserved CC.

You're correct, IR1 and CR1 are different visas. IR-1 is for those that have been married more than 2 years and get a 10 year green card, thus not needing to file the I-751 two years after POE. CR-1 is for those that have been married less than 2 years, get a conditional 2 year green card, and have to file an I-751 two years after POE. It's weird your getting correspondence where it says IR-1. What exactly have you gotten that says IR-1? I've looked through everything I've gotten from NVC but can't find anything that says IR1 or even CR1.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-15 21:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresElectronic Processing Steps

HI Guys;
Our Case for IR 1 has been recently approved and now in process of moving to NVC, our consulate is in Montreal where, We have a choice of Electronic Processing and mandatory requirement of filling DS-260 online.

Our confusion is the regarding the sequence of the procedure and if we decided to Electronic Processing, how to scan AOS (I-864) package documents and IV Package Documents. So We have following questions and we will be grateful to anybody's help who has gone through similar situation.

Q1- Once case arrived at NVC, what is the first, second and third thing we need to do. As I understood I have to call them and give them our email addresses, then do we have to send an email right away to enroll in Electronic Processing or do we need to wait for anything, also When do you inform NVC about the Choice of Agent (DS-261) which require some kind of identification code, how and at what stage do you get it.

Q2- For electronics processing, Do you scan each document individually by giving it appropriate name, and have lot of attachments in single email or do you scan all documents together, create one big PDF file and have only one big attachment in email and send it. Is it ok if it's in Black White or it should be color only, also how do you scan Passport Size photos.

Q3 – It would be really helpful if some can describe each steps in sequence until case gets finished at NVC, so we can be prepared and proactive of next step, after every steps.

I hope I am not asking too much in one email, I will be really grateful to any VJers who can help us .

Thanks
Chman_Zinga


Hi,

I'm going through NVC right now and I'll answer your questions as best as I can.

1. About a week after your case gets to NVC, start calling them up. When you do find out a case number has been assigned, talk to an operator and make sure you get the IIN (Invoice Identification number) and the beneficiary ID number. And then give the email addresses of both the petitioner and beneficiary. With your case number and IIN, you can then sign onto the payment portal here: https://ceac.state.g...ice/signon.aspx and check when your bills become invoiced. After you get all the information from the operator, you can then send an optin email to NVC. Follow the instructions here: http://travel.state..../visa_5163.html After getting a case number assigned, it took two days (it might have been one day, but NVC closed the day after I got my case number) for the DS-261 to appear here: https://ceac.state.g...px?signout=true Once it's available, you can send it. You're going to need the beneficiary ID so make sure you get it when first talking with an operator.

2. The attachment should be one large PDF file. Make sure it's not too big in size. I'd say around 10 MB to be safe, anything more and it might get rejected by their system. Make sure you have the case number written on the top of each page. I'm not sure if this is needed for electronic processing, but just to be safe. The forms can be in black and white, but anything with color (like passport photos, certificates, etc) should be scanned in color. As for the passport pictures, this is what I'm going to do: I'm going to put one picture facing up with another one facing down beside it then scan it. Then flip them both over and scan again. I'm not entirely sure what you're really supposed to do with electronic processing, but they ask for two pictures, so I'll scan two pictures. Make sure on the back of each picture is the beneficiary's full name, date of birth, and case number.

3. As far as I know, after following the instructions in question 1, it continues like this: once the I-864 appears and you pay it, wait a few days then it will be accepted. Print out the coversheet and barcode (only available after its paid), attach it to the very front of the I-864 package and then email it all off. Make sure you include in the body of the email petitioner's name, date of birth, and email address, along with the same information for the beneficiary. And the subject line should include your case number in it. Once the DS-261 is accepted, the IV bill should appear. Pay it and wait. Once it's paid, print the coversheet and barcode for that one. The DS-260 should then be available to fill out. It's at the same link as the DS-261. Once you're done, submit it. Then email off the DS-260 supporting documents. Again, make sure you have the appropriate information in the body of the email and the subject line. Again, the attachment is one big PDF file with the cover sheet at the beginning. After this, you're done unless you get an RFE. Call up an operator at least once a day to make sure everything is fine with your case.

I hope this answered all your questions. If you have any more, just ask away and I'll try my best to answer those as well. I'm only beginning in NVC, so the process might be a bit different, but from all my research, what I wrote above is how I understand the process goes.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-02-04 13:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Advance Notice

I am curious as to how much advance notice people are getting for interviews at the Montreal Consulate. I am on the other side of the country and am fearful of having to purchase cross country flights short notice. Rather $$ to say the least.

Thank you
Stacey


Currently, people are getting interview dates one month to two months in advance of their interview at Montreal.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-03-16 13:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLAMINATED MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE

Thanks man
You have been very supportive throughout this journey.

Chman_Zinga


You're very welcome. And I'm a woman by the way :P
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-03-23 12:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLAMINATED MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE

HI

I am a IR1 filer waiting for an interview to be scheduled at Montreal. I have one important question about my Marriage Certificate.
I know that at the time of interview we have to present our Original Marriage Certificate as we did Electronic Processing.
We have Original Marriage certificate, one issued from local priest who performed our marriage ceremony, and one issued from Local Marriage Registrar Office.
I have had one of them (issued from Local Priest) LAMINATED, as it is of poor paper quality and kind of tearing apart from the places where it's folded.
So my question is Will Lamination would create any issue at the time of Interview?
Again only one, issued local priest is LAMINATED, the one issued from Registrar office is not.
I would really appreciate any input from any with similar experience.

Thanks
Chman_Zinga


I don't think it would be a problem, since they just want to verify the original certificate (since you did EP); they don't keep it. Just bring both and you should be fine.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-03-23 11:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 Applicant from Visajourney in the News

Sad commentary on how we treat our Vets. What is this guys name on VJ?


SqdnGuns. Link to his profile: http://www.visajourn...33681-sqdnguns/
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-03-28 21:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Times

This question has probably been asked a billion-zillion times, but I don't have time to search through all the posts in the search.

So, what is the approximate or average time for NVC processing from beginning to end (assuming that you are pro-active in getting in your paperwork)??


Since last year I've been keeping a spreadsheet up to date of how long, on average, it takes people to go through NVC processing. Check it out here: https://spreadsheets...anc&hl=en#gid=0
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-01 12:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS package Question

Thank you.

I am the petitioner, US Citizen and live in USA. Can I email the package.

Appreciate your response.


No, you can't. As I said, India isn't eligible for electronic processing. It's not where the petitioner lives, it's where the foreign spouse lives.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-02 13:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS package Question

Hello All,

I am about to send my AOS package after my recent tax filing.

Can we email the I-864 AOS package including the bar coded cover sheet by email to NVCElectronic@state.gov? Or do we have to mail it?

Appreciate any response asap.

Thanks,
Tanvee


You have to mail it in. Only those in eligible countries for Electronic Processing that have opted in can email packages in. India is not one of those eligible countries.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-02 13:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow to write affidavit of support

hey everybody

pls can somebody help me with the format on how to write the affidavit of support.i got married to my wife who is a us citizen last and im in nigeria.my wife sister and cousin wants to help us write the affidavit of support which we will attach to the l-130 petition.pls i need guildlines on how they can write the letter and the main expected to be written.pls i need help thanks


The Affidavit of Support is a form (I-864, found here) that gets filled out only when your I-130 is approved and you get to the NVC stage.

Edited by Saylin, 02 April 2011 - 01:55 PM.

SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-02 13:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresW-7 & Acceptance Agent Program

Hello all. I would like to get an ITIN for my wife who is currently in Toronto awaiting her paperwork to go through. We are currently at the NVC state. However, I need to file my taxes. I am filing an extension but need to get the W-7 ball rolling. What exactly is the Acceptance Agent Program and how can it help me? I noticed that there are a number of Acceptance Agents in Canada. Can my wife go to one and submit a W-7 with them? What about the notarized documents? Would she still have to have them notarized in the US (Canada not a Hague signatory)? Thanks for your help!


I've never heard of the Acceptance Agent Program. But my husband had to file a W7 for me so I can get an ITIN. If your wife has a Canadian passport, she can get a certified copy by just going to a Canadian Passport office. She would just have to give in her passport and they'll make a certified copy for her within a few business days. And it's free. That's exactly what I did and then gave that to my husband as proof for the W7 which he submitted with his tax return.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-03 19:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespassport photos

Thanks again....do you attach them to a piece of paper?


If I had to do it, I'd put them in a small plastic bag and then staple the bag to a paper.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-10 21:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespassport photos

thanks, I have the pictures done....do you write on them or attach them?


On the back, you have to write the beneficiary's name and date of birth, as well as the NVC case number.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-10 21:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespassport photos

I am getting ready to submit our visa packet and can't find any place how to do the passport photos. Help!!!!


Photograph requirements on NVC's site: http://travel.state....toreq_5334.html

It's simple to do them yourself. Just follow the requirements in the link above. You can then crop the picture on this site: http://www.epassportphoto.com/ so they come out 2" x 2". Then you can print them yourself if you have the special photo paper.

Edited by Saylin, 10 April 2011 - 08:52 PM.

SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-10 20:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Photos

For the photos of the beneficiary you need to write their name and the NVC case number. Anything else??


There's 3 things you write on the back of all photos:

-Beneficiary's full name
-Beneficiary's birth date *
-NVC case number

*one you were missing
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-12 18:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Electronic Processing

Ok, I'm glad I've asked.

Changed my mind again. Looks like I'll be doing everything the paper route...


Yes, you don't have any choice but to do the paper way.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-12 16:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Electronic Processing
No, no, no. Only CERTAIN countries can do Electronic Processing!

Ukraine is not eligible for EP nor is it eligible for the online forms.

Please look at the table on the bottom of this page: http://travel.state..../info_5165.html
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-12 10:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Passport Bio Page

Should the copy of the passporte be notarized??


Nope, not needed.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-14 17:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIV Package

The EZ Guide says one copy set of all civil documents. Nicaragua at NVC Stage doesn't require a Police Certificate. And there are no Divorce or Adoption Certificates.
So I only need to make copies of the Marriage and Birth Certificates.

Does this sound right?


Yes, that's correct Posted Image
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-14 17:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhy there is no recent approvals!!!

Approved at Montreal yesterday :yes:


The OP was talking about approvals at CSC.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-16 14:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhy there is no recent approvals!!!

Why there is not recent approvals since 12th of april!!....Are they on vacation!!


You have to realise that not everyone updates their timelines or that it takes them awhile. And also remember, not everyone in the world who has sent in an I-130 is here on VJ.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-16 11:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC instruction package?

Hello fellow journey men,
i paid for IV bill on NVC last week. i called NVC and they said they mailed a packet to me, am guessing its the insctuction package, i haven't gotten it yet. i was just wondering what that packet has in it. i just wanted to know what to expect.

so if anyone here knows please help

Thanks...


I took screenshots of the DS-230 package and uploaded it to my Photobucket account about 2 months ago. You can view the 4 page PDF here: http://s128.photobuc...C DS-230 email/
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-18 15:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSkype Call Exporter
On Monday when I was printing out evidence for my interview in 2 weeks, I wanted to get an updated call log for Skype, since the last time I saved it was back at the beginning of March. Unfortunately, the program didn't work, and I remembered seeing this thread where other people were having problems also. I just tried the program again now and it worked! No problems whatsoever. Perhaps everyone else should give it another try too!
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-20 22:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCover Letter for DS230 Pkg.

What is the cover letter for the DS230 pkg? Is that something that I type up and if so, what is it supposed to have in it??

**Just making sure: is it JUST the civil documents or the whole package that you are supposed to make copies of and send with??


The cover letter is something you type up. It's not mandatory. It's just basically to list the order of the documents to help the officer who reviews your package. Someone linked earlier to the sample cover letter. Just use that, but make sure you take out anything not applicable to your case.

It's just the civil documents you need a photocopy of (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc). You don't need a photocopy of the DS-230, the passport pictures, or of the passport bio-data page.


Thanks for the link, but this confuses me...


Original/Certified Passport Office Police Certificate for Beneficiary and a copy
Original/Certified Police Clearance Certificate and a copy


Do all countries need 2 forms of police certificate? What is the difference? Anyone know? :unsure:



That's only for the country of India, I believe. You just need a PCC (police clearance certificate).

Edited by Saylin, 28 April 2011 - 10:18 PM.

SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-28 22:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 or I-864ez

Thank, I just wanted to make sure. Follow up question. I was going to include photocopies of my previous 3 Federal Tax Returns (2010, 2009, 2008) and I have all 1040's, W2's and 1099's except I missing the 1099 for the Interest in my account for 2009 (which was only 10 dollars!) Even though that is so little, I feel like it's still required. Should I rish mailing it without the form? Or should I go to my local IRS office tomorrow, get the Tax Transcripts and use them instead? And if I use the Tax Transcripts, should I still send the copies of my returns? Thank you! I wanted to get this all mailed out tomorrow, but I guess it doesn't matter if it still gets there before the other documents (like the DS-230).


If you can, I'd suggest getting the tax transcripts. It's less paper for the officers at NVC to go through and I hear they prefer transcripts over all the 1040 and W2s as all the information is on one paper. If you get the transcripts, you don't need to send the 1040s, W2s, or 1099s.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-28 23:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 or I-864ez

Just realized I qualify for the I-864EZ for the AOS. The AOS was just PAID today and I can print the barcode. Even though I qualify for the I-864ez, can I just send in the I-864 I already filled out? I want to send this out as soon as possible and my gut tells me the I-864 is just fine. Also, I'm lazy. haha

Thank you


Yes, you can just send in the I-864 that you've already filled out. The only reason people do the I-864EZ is because it's a shorter form. Even though you qualify, it doesn't mean you have to fill it out and send it; it's just an alternative to the longer form.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-28 18:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEmail Forms???
Jamaica isn't an eligible country for either electronic processing or online forms.

Eligible countries can be seen at the table at the bottom of this page: http://travel.state..../info_5165.html

You have to print out all forms, sign them, and snail mail them in as it is with most countries.

You can email the DS-3032 by following this template: http://www.visajourn...il_DS-3032_form This is the only form you can email. You CANNOT email the AOS package nor the IV package.

Please read the following guides to familiarize yourself with the NVC process:

1. http://www.visajourn..._live_in_the_US

2. http://www.visajourn...p/EZGuideSpouse

3. http://www.visajourn...he_NVC_ShortCut
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-28 22:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIV Bill ??

When should the IV Bill show up? I have paid the AOS bill paid and it is cleared. I am sending off the AOS packet on Tuesday or Wednesday. When should the IV show in the payment portal?


Remember, the IV and AOS are two completely different tracks.

The IV bill will only appear once the DS-3032 has been accepted. Once it has, the IV bill will appear the next day or so.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-30 12:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR1 med, bio, int

So my wife and I got a letter saying we have an Interview on May 3. We were told to get the medical and biometrics done at least 2 days before they interview. The medical is a walk in we were told. Just need the letter to get in for it. We aren't sure where to do the biometrics or anything. Does anyone know about this biometrics. We almost have the DS-260 done and were told we can make the appointment once that is completed. I would like it if anyone can help me out with any information. No matter how small im sure it will help me.


This thread might help you: http://www.visajourn...march-1st-2011/ It talks about the biometrics you need to get done.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-05-01 18:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEmbassy fees

Hello all,

I am petioning for my wife that resides in Italy. Our case is already in the NVC and we paid the AOS and IV Bill fees. Is there still a fee that we have to pay for the interview at the embassy in Naples?

Thank you,

Luis and Arsema


No, after you pay the fees at NVC, there is nothing else to pay except for the medical. There shouldn't be any fees for a IR-1/CR-1 visa at the embassy/consulate.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-29 23:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI think NVC lost my Affidavit of Support

Congratulations! You were approved!!!!!!!! :whistle:


Thanks, I was! :D
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-05-03 10:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI think NVC lost my Affidavit of Support

NVC has found my AOS package!!! They are now processing my forms, more 20 days waiting! But we are almost done! Wohoooo!


Yay, glad to hear! :)
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-05-03 09:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI think NVC lost my Affidavit of Support

Guys please I need help!

I got a RFE e-mail from NVC today stating they have received our DS-230 but havent received the AOS yet. We sent both packages in the same day, different envelopes to different departments (but the same address). We took so much time to get everything done, I am so disappointed. Hopefully this is a false RFE. Did it happen to one of you? Did NVC find the documents later?

Your response will be highly appreciated! Thank you


It's probably just a false RFE. I'm guessing the DS-230 was received first, and before they check whether or not the AOS is in the building, they issue a false RFE asking for the AOS package. Just keep calling NVC to ask for updates on your case. I'm sure you'll hear soon they're reviewing your AOS package.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-30 21:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFILE I-130 with I-485

OH! Thanks..just realize I had misread the info in the uscis.gov info...thanks for enlightening me


Lol, no problem! :)
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-05-04 10:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFILE I-130 with I-485

Morning Vjers,


Just wanna asked everyone , in petitioning my husband would I submit form I-130 together with I-485, or we can do the I-485 later when he arrived in the US? Thanks any information will be appreciated


For an IR-1/CR-1 visa, you don't file an I-485. You only file the I-130 at USCIS.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-05-03 20:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCover letter for IV application packet

This is the first I've ever heard of passport clearance! It's not listed on the EZ spouse guide to which I've been refering.
http://www.visajourn...p/EZGuideSpouse

What is it? Maybe it's not required in all countries?


It's only required in India, as far as I know. So you should be fine. You can always ask an NVC operator to verify.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-05-06 10:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase Closed...now what?
If you gave NVC your email addresses at the very beginning, then NVC will email you with an interview package attached, to both the petitioner and beneficiary. The embassy will not email you anything. I would suggest to call NVC and DOS each day to inquire if an interview date has been assigned to your case.

Good luck to the both of you!
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-05-06 14:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTwo Alien Numbers?

Just a thought, perhaps these are not both Alien numbers since one has 8 digits and the other has 9 digits?
maybe the new one is number for the visa , which is something completely different?




Best of luck!


I thought that at first too, but on the paper that's attached to the sealed envelope, it has this same 8-digit number right beside the field that says "Alien Registration Number" and has an A at the beginning. So it definitely is an alien number.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-05-07 09:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTwo Alien Numbers?

Saylin, I'm not sure if you should have received a new number or not. It seems odd to me that a CBP officer could assign an A#, I would think they could only be assigned by USCIS, but I may be wrong. As far as the 8 digits on the visa, that is normal.. My A# on my green card is the same as the one on the visa in the passport with a "0" in front which makes it into a 9 digit number.

I would definitely bring it up at POE. Hopefully someone with more information will have more advice.


The officer at the airport was with immigration, so I don't know if that makes any difference.

I'll definitely bring it up at POE then. Hopefully this doesn't cause any problems.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-05-06 20:44:00