ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Processing Questions

Please click on the last 2 links in my signature :) The FAQ in post 2 is updated monthly!


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-01-15 21:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-261 - Online Choice of Address and agent

USCIS approved my case Dec 6th, 2013 and forward to NVC. NVC received Dec 23rd, 2013. I called NVC today, they said my case has been proceed on Jan. 17th, 2014. I asked for NVC case # and they provided to me, but when I ask for Invoice ID, they said that I have to wait 20 to 30 days. Is there a way I can get the invoice # so I can fill the DS-261 Choice of Agent in advance? any guide or advise will be helpful. Thank you.

 

You can get the IIN over the phone. Call back up and try again. Some operators seem to have an issue giving this number over while others give it over with no issues. You gotta find yourself the latter kind of operator.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-01-21 17:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhich address on forms (split topic)

So should all US citizens that are living in Canada send their applications to Chicago lockbox? How can they be fast tracked by living/writing their canadian address on the forms?

 

The question isn't if they should, they have to. There's no where else to send it to.

 

After USCIS removed DCF from most countries, petitioners who wrote their foreign address on the I-130 forms tended to be automatically fast-tracked at USCIS. I don't follow I-130 time frames anymore, so I'm not sure if this is still the case, but I'm assuming it'd be better than the USCs putting their US address.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-01-24 12:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864ez question about section 19

I submitted a I864ez but got a checklist returned. They say section 19 does not match 1040 line 22. I am attempting to use just my employment and not my self employment. My employment should exceed the requirements but perhaps the additional income I get maybe I need to do an i864 instead? Or can I include the total for line 22 even though it exceeds my employment salary. I sent in only transcripts for 1 year.

 

Question 19 has to match EXACTLY what is listed on the tax transcript. It's not how much you're using to qualify, it's based on filed tax returns.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-01-30 21:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR1 process required documents

So is the beneficiary's birth certificate required for an IR1 application or not? I've read different statements saying yes and no. Does someone know for sure? As it is I don't have a birth certificate and would like to know if I need to begin the job of getting it.

 

Yes, it's required at the NVC stage (after the I-130 petition has been approved at USCIS) in the IV package. You'll have plenty of time to get it as it's taking many months for petitions to be adjudicated at the moment.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-01-31 14:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTax return transcript necessary for Affidavit of Support?

Never mind. I just figured out how to get it online and instantly. idea9dv.gif

 

Thanks a lot for this info!

 

No problem! The IRS just recently started doing the online/instant thing. I bet it's gonna be real nice for those needing it for the AOS package! No more waiting in the mail!


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-02-01 13:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTax return transcript necessary for Affidavit of Support?

My I-130 petition has been approved. I'm now preparing the Affidavit of Support (I-864 form). I was wondering if it's necessary to order tax return transcripts vs. just having copies of the 1040s that I filed. I know they also want to see all W-2s when showing the 1040s, but the thing is I have income from mixed sources. For example, for my most recent tax return, about 30% of my income was reported on a W-2, but the rest is self-employment income. Will it be ok if I just show them the 1040 form (including Schedule C) and the W-2 that lists about 30% of that year's income? Or should I order a tax transcript for that year?

 

You can either send in the tax return transcript or the ENTIRE tax return (1040, W2s, schedules, worksheets).

 

Tax transcripts are much preferred by NVC though; they're typically much shorter than an ENTIRE tax return, plus they're actually proof you filed (a copy of a tax return shows nothing except you filled it out, not that you filed it). And you can get them online right away for free. So, I have to ask, with all these benefits, why wouldn't you want to get a tax transcript if they're free and you get it instantly?


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-02-01 12:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS packet advice for NVC?

If you're over the poverty line, then you'll be accepted at NVC. You might just be questioned about it at the consulate/embassy, depending on how "strict" the beneficiary's country is. They might not care, who knows. My husband started a new job a little less than a year from when I interviewed (he got a new job in June, I interviewed the following May). No questions about it at all. But, I went through Montreal, Canada, one of the easiest consulates, so.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-02-07 13:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS packet advice for NVC?

There's no need to include W2s for 2013. Especially if you're using 2012 as the last tax year.

 

If you earned more income in 2013 though, you may want to consider filing your taxes and sending in a copy of the tax return (as well as the W2s, schedules, worksheets, etc), if you can't get the tax transcript in time.

 

There's no need to worry about your 2013 employment. People get fired/quit and find a new job in the same year all the time. If you wish, you can explain it in the cover letter, but it's not really needed.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-02-07 12:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS packet advice for NVC?

Moved to IR-1/CR-1 progress & procedures from filing & progress reports


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-02-07 12:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresds-261 and pay AOS online ... what's next?

Saylin,

 

Whom should the employment letter addressed to the Consulate or NVC ?  

 

Thanks in advance.

BTW, how is your car doing?

 

Just looked at ours, it just says "to whom it may concern".

 

And car's doing great now. Had to replace my battery (for $123). Starts up with no problems now, phew. Just wish it hadn't been so expensive to fix >_<


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-02-13 12:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresds-261 and pay AOS online ... what's next?

thank you so much Saylin.. you're such a big help for us....

 

No problem :)


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-02-11 12:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresds-261 and pay AOS online ... what's next?

just done the ds -261 online and paid the aos bill... what's next to do? do we need to wait for any instruction from NVC  or what? thanks for all your reply we really do appreciated it

 

I suggest clicking on the last 2 links in my signature and do some reading ;)


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-02-11 09:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPolice certificate for spouse who previously held GC

Hello all,

I had petitioned for my wifes IR 1/ K3 which has recently moved to the NVC stage and I am preparing for all the documentation needed. My wife was actually a Permanent Green Card holder but had to give it up due to my foreign assignment for three years. We are basically reapplying for a GC as we are relocating back to the US (I am already there).

 

Specifically, will she require the police certificates considering she has been a US permanent resident in the past? I came across some info on the web that was suggesting that however its not very clear.

 

I realize my case is very specific but any input on this point will be useful.

 

Thank you for your help.

 

 

 

 

 

Do you mean to ask if she needs a PCC from the US specifically? If so, no, she doesn't need one from the US. They'll run their own background checks. She will need one(s) from other countries though. Read NVC's page for more information: http://travel.state....mit-to-nvc.html


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-02-25 14:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 approved, lawyer for remainder of process? (split topic)

Folks - 

 

I just received I-130 (NOA1) approval on Feb 21st, 2014. 

 

I am contemplating on hiring a lawyer to assist me with I-130 processing during the NVC stage. I am primarily seeking a lawyer to look over my documents and to assist with interview preparation. Also, if there is any holdup at the US embassy, I am guessing having a lawyer would be helpful. 

 

If I hire a lawyer, would I still be able to complete all the online forms (for ie. DS-261, DS-260) myself and submit all the supporting documents? I would also like to have the ability to call NVC regarding my case. Can I do this even if I have an attorney of record. Or would he/she be the only point of contact to the various agencies. 

Thanks much,

 

Whether you'll be the one completing forms and submitting packages is up to the individual lawyer. Some require that they handle everything, whereas others "allow" you to do the paperwork yourself. Same thing goes for calling. Most allow you to call, but I've seen a few people on here mention that their lawyer doesn't let them call.


Edited by Saylin, 24 February 2014 - 11:44 PM.

SaylinFemaleCanada2014-02-24 23:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS Immigrant Fee

Really? I thought "accredited representatives" includes my spouse/petitioner..

 

Nope, that's more of lawyers/attorneys/agencies, etc.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-03-03 11:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS Immigrant Fee

Because on that page, under HOW TO PAY THE FEE, it says: "Attorneys, accredited representatives, and employers are not authorized to create a USCIS ELIS account on your behalf to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee". I took it that I, the immigrant am the only one who can create the account.

 

I don't see any mention of the petitioner (a spouse in your case), which doesn't fall under any of those.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-03-02 23:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS Immigrant Fee

Thanks for replyin Saylin but how come this link says the representative is not authorized: http://www.uscis.gov...-immigrant-fee?

 

The link you provided is the main information page about paying the fee. Not sure what you're trying to point out...


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-03-02 23:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS Immigrant Fee

Can I, the immigrant create the account online but use my petitioner's credit card to pay for it?

 

It doesn't matter who creates the account. As long as the fee is paid, they could care less.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-03-02 22:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS Immigrant Fee

Hi,

 

My wife is all set for the CR1 visa interview except new USCIS Immigrant Fee. Does anyone know when and how to pay this? Payment portal requires A number which immigrant doesn't recieve before point of entry in US. Any feedback will be appreciated.

 

http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

 

https://www.pay.gov/...FormId=40850201

 

Thanks

 

 

 

First off, the A number will be printed right on the visa. It's called "registration number" on the visa, so don't panic when you don't see "A number".

 

As for when to pay, USCIS recommends before leaving for the US, so there's no delays. But, if the fee can't be paid before, then it can be paid after the beneficiary has immigrated, it'll just cause a delay in receiving the green card. But, with the stamp in the passport and the visa, in conjunction they act as a temporary green card for up to a year, so.


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-05-14 10:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp. Is there an up to date guide for the NVC process?

We just got our NOA2 for CR1 visa.  It seems like all of the NVC guides in the guide section are out of date.  Is there someplace I can find an updated guide?  Thank you in advance for your help.

 

Click on the last 2 links in my signature!! :)


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-03-05 12:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMontreal NVC Question

 

Yes.

 

Re-read Saylin's guide for Montreal beneficiaries again and if you are still confused or unsure, then you are probably overthinking it.

 

Enrolling in EP (Electronic Processing) for Canadian beneficiaries is still optional but highly recommended and sending the email requesting to be enrolled is just a standard procedure. I do not see any scenario where someone would get denied for EP but strange things do happen from time to time. Once the opt-in email is sent, you just have to wait for a confirmation of enrollment email from NVC and then you can email both the AOS (I-864) and IV ((civil documents) packages  to NVC. 

 

You can also get the info here --> http://travel.state....nvc.html#GroupB

 

Exactly good.gif


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-03-08 22:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMontreal NVC Question

http://www.visajourn...ew_Online_Forms

 

This has been my holy guide as of late

 

We are up to the part where you file the I-864

 

I'm just wondering do we electronically process the I-854 or is it mailed out by snail mail

 

One part says its mailed and another part says its online so I am kinda confused

 

any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Can you tell me where the discrepancy is?

 

The I-864 isn't an online form. If you're joined to EP, then you email it. Otherwise, you snail mail it.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-03-08 17:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGeneral question regarding NVC stage

We have yet to receive our NOA2, but I am curious once we are in the NVC stage does the NVC send the beneficiary mail? My husband uses his work address for his mail I have a concern because the principal only checks the mail at random times. Im wondering if he should obtain his own mailing address? 

 

If you give over both of your email addresses to an operator once the case number has been assigned, then all correspondence from NVC is sent by email.

 

Please click on the last 2 links in my signature to read up on the NVC process.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-03-10 10:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase Received by NVC now what?

I-130 Approved on February 20th,2014. Called today and case was received on March 4, 2014. How long is the current time to wait to get case in the system and case number. My priority date is September 3, 2013 filling for Spouse.

 

When can I request an Expedite?

 

Also, When I filled my I-130 I also provided the I-864 for Petitioner and Joint sponser, do I have to do them again?

 

It's currently taking quite a number of weeks to get a case number assigned. Priority dates for IR-1/CR-1 visas mean absolutely nothing.

 

Once you have a case number.

 

The I-864 is required in the AOS package at NVC. No where in the I-130 instructions does it state to send the AOS package. You'll have to re-send it.

 

I suggest you click on the last 2 links in my signature and do some reading (and re-reading).


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-03-10 10:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConfusion about the "second checklist"

Thank You for responding.

 

But does the first checklist indicate that my original marriage certificate is also missing?

 

If so, can I send them an original translation that I got here in the U.S. or does the translation have to be from the country that i got married in?

 

No, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's missing (although this could be the case), but that it doesn't meet their requirements.

 

Doesn't matter where the translation comes from, as long as it's correct.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-03-28 19:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConfusion about the "second checklist"

As the checklist states, they're waiting on a response from the initial checklist on the marriage certificate. This isn't a false checklist; they don't ask for specific things (but rather an entire package). If you're sure the certificate you sent is what NVC requires, then you can call up NVC and speak with a supervisor. They can initiate a review to look at the document again.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-03-28 19:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 or DS-260?

Hello. My name is Aakash Mehta. I have filed I-130 petition for my wife. Currently, our case is being processed in NVC. Last week, I sent the AOS package and also paid the $230 fees for the IV application package. Now, I read on the Visa Journey wiki that DS-260 replaced old DS-230 and DS-260 is an online version of DS-230. However, on my IV application fee receipt, the following was instructed.

 

"When IV fee payment status is PAID, each applicant must submit an Application for Immigration Visa and Alien Registration. If your case was initiated after October 4, 2010 and your case number begins with AMM, ATH, BGH, LMA, MEP, or MLT you must submit your visa application form online. Otherwise, you must submit the paper version of the form."

 

Our case was clearly initiated after October 4, 2010 but our NVC case number begins with BMB. So, does this mean that I must submit the paper version of the DS-230 application? I want to confirm this before I take any action.

 

Kindly assist. Thank you.

 

Sincerely,

Aakash Mehta

 

Unfortunately, NVC is slow at updating that kind of stuff  :bonk:

 

If you send a DS-230, you WILL get a checklist for the DS-260. So, save yourself a few weeks and do the DS-260 online, as my wiki says ;)


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-05-04 10:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresENROLL Email for Electronic Processing

We wasted about a month assuming our documents was received by NVC thru email only to find out that the consulate we' re assigned to doesn't have electronic processing. (Riyadh US embassy) If we didn't call NVC we could have been still waiting for nothing. Now we have to send our IV & AOS package and wait for a month again. :( So my advice is if you're confused or not sure what to do call NVC. It's difficult to get thru but be patient. I was on hold for 34 minutes last night before I was able to speak with a representative.

 

No offense, but this information is clear on NVC's website (http://travel.state....to-the-nvc.html) on who's eligible for EP.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-05-30 07:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhy does IV Case Number on my Visa have 2 more numbers added to my NVC Case Number?

I just got my visa.. and reviewed for mistakes.. I noticed that under IV CASE NUMBER is my NVC CASE NUMBER plus 2 more digits. Is this a mistake or just normal?? Please help! My flight is 2 days from now.

 

Completely normal, don't worry.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-06-04 07:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDoes the Consulate return the original form I-864EZ along with the original documents at the time of the interview?

 

I will show the form at the POE and see what they say. Thanks a lot for the help! :)

 

No problem. Good luck.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-06-04 07:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDoes the Consulate return the original form I-864EZ along with the original documents at the time of the interview?

 

Yes they returned one AOS form back to me. I just had my interview.

 

I would bring it up at POE and hand over what they gave you. Not sure why they did that, but I don't think they should have. POE officers should take it and put it back in the envelope with the other forms.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-06-04 07:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDoes the Consulate return the original form I-864EZ along with the original documents at the time of the interview?

I am done with my interview. At the interview they have the AOS docs back. We submitted the AOS docs again after a checklist came. Is it the extra copy?

 

They returned an AOS form back to you?

 

Have you done POE yet?


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-06-04 07:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDoes the Consulate return the original form I-864EZ along with the original documents at the time of the interview?

They gave it back to me. What do I do now?

 

What stage are you at? Since you don't have a timeline at all, there's no way I can help you.

 

Edit: And who gave what back to you?


Edited by Saylin, 04 June 2014 - 07:05 AM.

SaylinFemaleCanada2014-06-04 07:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDoes the Consulate return the original form I-864EZ along with the original documents at the time of the interview?

Hi,

 

Does the Consulate return the original form I-864EZ along with the original documents at the time of the interview?

 

Thanks and regards

 

No. The only things they return after an approved interview is the original/certified copy of the submitted birth and marriage certificate (and divorce and military certificates, if applicable). They keep everything else.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-06-04 06:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan't log on to Consular Electronic Application Center

 

I swear I did! Repeatedly! But clearly everything has left my mind under the stress of moving internationally! :jest:  

 

:lol: Seems to be common that stress does that!


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-06-25 10:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan't log on to Consular Electronic Application Center

I received my NVC Case number, Invoice ID and Beneficiary Number on Friday 20 June by calling the NVC. I have been trying to log on to the online form portal to fill out DS 260 but haven't had any luck logging on. I get this following message:

 

Please be advised that the case that you have attempted to access is not eligible for further processing by the National Visa Center at this time. Please contact the National Visa Center if you believe that you have received this message in error. 

 

 

I have had success logging on to the payment portal but I don't have any invoices available for payment yet. 

 

 

Any ideas? And apologies if this has been asked before - I couldn't find anything when I searched the forum.

 

 

 

Please read the NVC wiki I wrote, linked in my signature below. That error message is good news ;)

 

And by the way, at this early stage, you'd be filling out the DS-261, not the DS-260. The DS-260 only becomes available after you pay the IV bill, and that only becomes invoiced after you fill out the DS-261.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-06-25 06:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about IV package

Ok. Most important thing is getting her here. Thank you for the help!

 

No problem  :thumbs:

 

Although, if she really wants to use your last name, it's best to get that new passport done now, as a name change on an issued green card will cost $450.


[...]

Yea I understand. Well good luck with that. Ill probably end up calling the NVC and asking them to make sure. Thanks!

 

NVC doesn't issue the visa, so calling would be pointless. They could care less what name is on the passport.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-07-06 22:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about IV package

Thank you for the information. That sucks for us. Ill have to try to get it done before the interview then so she will be known as my family name while in the US. Thank you again.

 

Keep in mind, it's not required. I never legally changed my last name; all my documents are still in my maiden name and I've never had a problem.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-07-06 22:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about IV package

Ok.  Thank you. That makes me feel slightly better. So does she have to change her name on her passport to my family name before coming here to the US?

 

If she wants her visa (and thus green card) to come in your last name, then yes, she needs to get a new passport with your last name. The visa (and thus green card) is issued in whatever name is in the passport at the time of the interview.


SaylinFemaleCanada2014-07-06 21:53:00