ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo I call the consulate or NVC, to confirm receipt of the packet?

Hi All...

 

My case is completed and waiting for the interview date.  Assuming my packet was mailed out yesterday, is everyone calling the consulate, to confirm that they have received the packet?  Or are you calling the NVC?  I know it's probably a dumb question but I don't want to burn another 30 mins on hold if I don't have to.

 

Unless South Korea is different, the interview date is assigned first, before the case is sent to the embassy. So, calling the embassy at this point is pointless as they don't know who you are. You need to be calling NVC to find out if an interview date has been assigned or not.


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-05-01 11:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS bill invoiced !

 

hi everyone, i emailed ds-3032  2 days ago, today i  got  2 emails from NVC (the choice of agent and the AoS bill.)

the AOS bill is invoiced  in the payment portal 

Should i send again the DS-3032  although i have sent  it early  2 days ago ? 

 i noticed  the beneficiary address is not completed in the both PDF forms they have sent , even though I sent already a correct address with ds-3032 

NVC : (If this address is not correct, please send the correct address to the National Visa Center (NVC)

immediately.)

how to send the correct address ? should i call them before i pay  ? or just email them ?

thank you

 

 

If you already emailed the DS-3032 to NVC, there's no need to send another one, especially if it was just 2 days ago. It's taking NVC 1-2 weeks to get to emails, so you need a little bit of patience.


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-05-04 00:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 Questions (employment history & children)

 

Regarding question 1. I have a chequered history with work too, However I can't remember exact dates of my jobs within the last ten years. Would it be enough to list the job but leave the dates blank? 

 

If you leave the dates blank, you'll likely get a checklist issued. Your best bet will be to write 'See Additional Sheet' on that question, then on the sheet, write in the places of employment, along with rough dates, then include an explanation that those are rough estimates for dates as you don't remember them exactly.


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-05-07 17:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 Questions (employment history & children)

I am trying to get my husband's DS-230 completed in anticipation of our next steps in the process but have 2 questions:

1. How do you handle breaks in employment history? It says for the past 10 years, but my husband is 25 so hasn't been work age for the entire 10 years. He was also in university for portions of the time. He had jobs along the way (some part time, some full time, some overlapping). Do I just list the actual work experience he has had and not worry about gaps? Or do I need to write "not working" or something like that??

2. And when the DS-230 asks to list "ALL" children, do they mean biological children or are step-children included in that? (The capitalized "ALL" is what i confusing me. I would have thought biological only otherwise.)

And help is appreciated!!!


I'm not sure about your second question, but for gaps in employment, it's fine. It's kind of hard to have back-to-back jobs, and they know that. I had gaps between all of my jobs and had no issues. And they'll see from the education question that he was in school previously as well. Just list all the jobs he had, and don't worry about gaps.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-02-11 11:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow long to review checklist? (split topic)

I just recieved RFE for missing document.

im wondering how long does it take to review missing document (1 doucment) ?

and another question is 

can this doucment be email insted of mailing it NVC?

 

Thanks

 

It takes the same amount of time to review a checklist as it does the other two packages at NVC, so about 1-2 weeks.

 

And no, it has to be snailed mailed.


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-05-09 13:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIV Document Cover Sheet

I just paid the IV and I want to be able to send the documents now.  When I sent the AOS I printed the document cover sheet. Do I send the same document cover sheet with the IV. I ask because I want to send the papers now or do I have to wait until the status changes from in process to paid. I'm thinking it will be a different document cover sheet after the IV shows paid.

 

Each package has their own respective cover sheet from the payment portal. If you paid the IV already, then the IV cover sheet is available. You don't need to wait for it to appear as PAID to print out the sheet. You can do it now.


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-05-12 10:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConsular Electronic Application Center's Fee and DS-260

I used the Consular Electronic Application Center's Fee page to pay the AOS and IV fees.  The IV fee still shows in process.  If I used the Consular Electronic Application Center's page, will it give me the option to do the DS-260 instead of the DS-230?

 

 

The online forms (DS-261 and DS-260) are only available to eligible countries. Egypt is not one of them.

 

http://travel.state..../info_5165.html (table at bottom)


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-05-12 10:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew fee for $165.00

Theres a new fee of 165.00  Do I have to pay that before travelling to the United States or can I just pay that when I get there.?

 

It's recommended to pay before the beneficiary immigrates, so as not to cause any delays. But, if for whatever reason, the petitioner wants to wait until AFTER the immigration, then they can. Keep in mind, you will NOT get the green card until after the fee has been paid.

 

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


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-05-12 10:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresObtaining police certificates from Canada

Hello, I'm new here, my apologies if this question has already been asked recently. I haven't come across it.

 

My USC husband and I have filed the I-130. Meanwhile, I'm trying to be as prepared as possible for when it gets approved. I have a question about obtaining police certificates.

 

I live in Canada, and fortunately it's the only place I will need to get a certificate from. The Travel.state.gov "Reciprocity by Country" page states that I need to ask the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), or my local police service. The RCMP's website states that they no longer provide these documents. I called the provincial police, the Sureté du Quebec (I live in Montreal), and they referred me to Identification Canada, which appears to be a private firm dealing with such matters, among other things (http://www.identific...om/EN/index.php).

 

Before I get further involved with these people, I was hoping I could get some input from other Canadians who have already gone through this process. Is a certificate obtained through a private firm considered valid for US visa purposes? Is this what the NVC is asking for?

 

Thank you in advance for any input.

 

 

Hi, I lived in Montreal as well, and certificates from private firms are fine, as long as they check CPIC or the national database. And if you ever committed a crime, you'll need fingerprints as well.

 

I went to a private firm and got my PCC. No issues at NVC nor the consulate. Here's a link to where I got mine done: http://www.recordche...ce-cpic-checks/ I went on a Monday to get it done and got it in the mail the next Wednesday, so just a little over a week. And only costs $40. So I was extremely happy with the results.


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-05-10 14:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDocuments for Packet 4 for CR1

hey everyone my case is being processed at NVC, i have sent all documents including DS-230 now my question is i have a lawyer who suggested that with packet 4 we should be submitting evidence for our relationship. so we decided to submit some wedding and some engagements pics what would you guys suggest what additional proof we could attach with packet 4.i know i will be carrying sufficient evidence at the time of interview but, i need to send some now with packet 4 please your advice will be highly appreciated.

 

Thanks

Mohsin

 

Packet 4 is the interview letter. Are you referring to the IV package?

 

If you're going to send evidence (which is a really good idea for those in MENA countries as officers typically make their decision BEFORE they see you at the interview, so the more evidence, the better), then send whatever you can, that wasn't included in the I-130 petition.

 

I suggest reading the entire thread here: http://www.visajourn...e-relationship/ as it may give you quite a few ideas on what to send in.


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-05-13 21:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEmailing the DS-3032

hi everyone

so happy to be on the NVC side of things now .......... I have a question ... we would like to email the DS-3032 in an email letter format as per Jame's wiki suggestions and template (which doesn't by the way say that how we are to include the bar code) .... have any of you tried this? ..... we were hoping to do this instead of printing out the DS-3032 letter, scanning it , signing it and then e-mailing it .... I'd be very interested in getting your feed back and seeing how this may have worked for you.

thanks and have a great day


Please follow this template: http://www.visajourn...il_DS-3032_form No need to print or scan anything or add a barcode. Just put the data in an email and send it off. Many people here have done this successfully and gotten a response within a few business days.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-04-25 11:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIV package and interview date

its been 8 days since i submitted IV package.

how does NVC take to approve IV package?

and

How long after does the interview date is setup? for Bombay Embbacy in India.

 

im just trying to understand how long of a stay i have remaing in India...

 

Thank you

 

It's currently taking around 1-2 weeks to review packages.

 

You can only estimate interview time frames after a case complete, not after a package has been reviewed.

 

To figure out current time frames for India, then you can start doing some research here: http://www.visajourn...a&dfile=No&adv= Make sure you don't include those at other embassies in India; you just want those going through the same one as you.


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-05-01 11:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresnvc phone no

[quote name="dwheels76" post="6287896" timestamp="1370939529"]

 
The previous answer is incorrect. No you can not. The Automated system has not been in use in over a year and a half.

 
Sorry this is incorrect.


Sorrybut u are wrong i have been usuing the automated system it worked for me up until my husbands case got transfered to the consulate and this was just this year in April








 

I'm sorry, but I'm in agreement with Dwheels. The automated system was removed a long time ago (at least a year). You can only call NVC during their opening hours (7am-midnight, eastern time) and speak with an operator. You can no longer access what was called the AVR with your USCIS receipt number and/or case number.

 

You must be referring to something else.


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-06-11 10:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTravel with I-551 stamp

I just want to confirm that, once you've paid the $165 fee after your interview, that you will get a I-551 stamp in the passport when you cross into the US and that this will let you travel in and out of the country until the physical greencard arrives.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

 

You don't need to pay the fee to get the I-551 stamp in the passport. This will be given regardless of the status of your fee payment. The thing that is depending upon the fee payment is the actual green card.

 

But, in regards to your question, yes, you can travel with the stamp and visa in the passport as those two in conjunction act as a temporary green card for up to a year.


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-06-11 19:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPay for $165 immigration fee

When is it possible to pay this?? And how will they know if you already paid it,

Will you need to print out proof that its paid

 

You can only pay for it after you receive the visa in the passport back from an approved interview. USCIS will obviously receive notice that you pay it, just like with any other kind of online payment. No need to print out proof you paid it as you don't need to show anyone it's been paid. You just need to wait for the green card to show up in the mail after you pay and go through POE.


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-06-11 19:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS 230 - documents needed and affidavit support

Hey, I hoping I can get some guidance. I have 3 mths since my I-130 has been accepted. I understand within the next month or so I'll be asked for the affidavit support. I have requested 3 years worth of transcripts for the IRS. Would these transcripts be enough to submit with the affidavit or will I need a employer letter or/and paystubs?

Secondly, I'm going to go see my husband within the next week smile.png. In regards to the DS 230 form what documents from my husband will I need from to bring back with me? Since hopefully my next trip will be for the interview (fingers crossed) I want to make sure I get all the needed documents from this trip from my husband to help this whole process run smoothly, thanks!! smile.png

 

The latest transcript (2012) isn't proof of your CURRENT income, which is the whole point of the employee letter and pay stubs. So, if you can, get at least one, although both are recommended.

 

Copied from the last link in my signature: 

 

What is needed in the IV package?

Generally, the following is needed:

- Bar-coded cover sheet from payment portal
- Completed, signed, and dated DS-230 form by beneficiary (do NOT sign or date part 2; this is done at the interview) [note: if doing online forms (DS-260), the DS-230 is obviously not needed]
- Two passport-style photographs (2" x 2") of beneficiary (on the back, write: beneficiary's full name, date of birth, and case number)
- Copy of bio-data page of beneficiary's unexpired passport
- Original or Certified Copy of beneficiary's birth certificate, PLUS A PHOTOCOPY
- Original or Certified Copy of marriage certificate, PLUS A PHOTOCOPY
- Original police certificate(s)

Please read: http://travel.state..../info_3195.html for additional documents if applicable (such as petitioner documents in IR-5 cases or divorce/military records).

Also read the country-specific documents linked in the first post. There may be additional documents needed not listed above.














SaylinFemaleCanada2013-06-11 19:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIMMIGRANT FEE

hey guys, need some help here. we are leaving next week and we are kinda lost how to pay the IMMIGRANT FEE of USCIS online? someone knows how? let us know. thanks!goofy.gif

 

Straight from USCIS's website: http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-06-14 10:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHELP

Is it ok if the I-864 form to be shown at interview is not signed?

I made a copy of it before I sent it to NVC

The ones sent to NVC are signed but the copies are not sad.png

My I-864 n my joint sponsor I-864A is not signed.

Will this be a problem at The interview?! Pls help







 

Since everything submitted to NVC is sent to the embassy for the interview, you don't need to bring another I-864 to the interview (unless the petitioner got a new job, or otherwise had to update the form in some other way).


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-06-13 21:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAdvice error on marriage certificate

Hi,

 

My Indian marriage certificate was incorrect by one character. Due to misprint, my marriage certificate indicated I was married in 2011 instead of 2012. I did not notice this problem with the certificate at first. I already sent the incorrect copy along with my I-130 petition and recieved NOA-1 on March 18, 2013. Since then, I noticed the error and corrected the problem and obtained a new marriage certificate with the correct date from the Indian govt. 

 

It has been 3 months and I have not yet received NOA-2. I am expecting an RFE or something once they notice my marriage date in the I-130 petition does not match the marriage certificate. However, no word yet.

 

I am thinking that there is nothing I can do proactively. Only wait and see what happens and try to respond to the situation.

 

What should I or can I do? Any advice?

 

 

 

I'd suggest just waiting. Heck, they may not even notice the one tiny little error, so don't send anything as it may cause delays. If you do get a RFE, then send a copy of the new marriage certificate. Otherwise, if they don't catch it, just send the new one in the IV package once you get to the NVC.


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-06-14 10:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS & IV from Canada

Going to be submitting both tomorrow and want to know if I should be filing by email or online (electronic) to quicken the process????

 

If you didn't optin for EP yet and are sending the packages tomorrow, then you have no choice but to snail mail them.

 

For Canada, keep in mind, you need to do the DS-260 form online. It's required for Canadians.


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-06-19 23:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSubmitting ds260 supporting documents packet

Hello, I am the petioner USC. I filled out and submitted the ds260 application on my wife's (the beneficiary) behalf. Now i'm ready to send the supporting scanned documents packet. Whose email address should this be sent from, mine's or my spouse's? Or does it even matter? I originally sent the optin email from my email address and of couse sent the i864 packet from my email address. So if i send the IV packet from my wife's email, would that matter?

Thanks for your time.

 

Doesn't matter whose email it's sent from. I sent both the AOS and IV packages from my email (the beneficiary's) and had no issues. As long as you're opted in and they have both email addresses on file, it's fine.


should be moved to the nvc forum... mods?

 

No need to be moved. The OP is asking a question about the IR-1/CR-1 process.


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-06-28 12:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresds260 - do I need another certified copy of death cert from previous marriage?

I am the USC Petitioner and we are waiting for the NOA2.  Since my current husband (beneficiary) is Canadian, we will be filing the ds260 electronically.  I scanned the certified copy of the death certificate of my late husband from my previous marriage so it can be submitted electronically. I sent the certified hard copy in with the I-130 to USCIS.  

 

My question is, will my current husband (beneficiary) need to bring a certified copy with him, in addition to the one sent to USCIS, when he goes in for his interview? From what I understand the certified hard copy should be forwarded along with the rest of the I-130 packet.

 

Given the time and cost to order another death certificate, I want to get it ordered now if it is absolutely necessary.

 

Thanks for any advice!

 

Gwen

 

For the IV package, no documents from the petitioner are needed in IR-1/CR-1 cases. The IV package is all about the beneficiary.

 

The copy you sent with the I-130 petition will be sent along to NVC and then onwards to the consulate.


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-07-02 15:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 and I-864 questions

Ok, I read those before, but will re-read.

 

Ready to send my IV application form now. However, I?m about to make a two-week trip to the USA. Wondering if I can send it from there ? or does it have to be postmarked from the UK (home country)?

 

Looking forward to posting good news here in future, instead of questions! 

 

thanks!

 

Doesn't matter where the packages are sent from.


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-06-09 12:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 and I-864 questions

 

 

If you don't continue with the next stage and a year passes, apparently they do! But we're lucky that we could still resume from where we left off, even though we have to pay $88 again (a small price to pay, I guess)

 

Yes, two different departments, but both providing information about the process etc., and some of the information is outdated. Not helpful, is it?!

 

All the best!

 

Well, then, you learn something new every day! At least it was the AOS bill you have to pay again and not the IV.

 

Paying $88 again > $230.

 

And yes, even though they're two different departments, they should have up to date information. But this is the US government we're talking about ;)


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-05-18 20:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 and I-864 questions

 

Thanks Saylin. In answer to your questions:

 

2. It?s confusing because we delayed everything for some time, having made the AOS payment, which subsequently expired due to our delays (things seemed to change and we nearly settled in the UK instead, before changing back to the USA plan). So we did send the form to say, I think, that we don?t need to use an agent, and made the original AOS payment. Then after things changed back and I notified NVC, they sent a new form re ?choice of agent? ? this time we didn?t send it. It?s confusing because online it shows we need to make the AOS again, but the website won?t let us do this online. I just found out that this is because of the expired payment ? so the repeat payment has to be made by alternative methods (e.g. money order). Hoping to do this with a friend?s help via his US bank account because my wife and I are both travelling overseas right now and we need to get this paid asap.

 

8. The reference to the OF-230 is on this page: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=15d05d4c6608e010VgnVCM1000000ecd190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD - still very much a live page albeit with outdated information!

 

Thanks, and best wishes.

 

 

2. I didn't know payments could "expire" blink.png

 

8. Oh, that's USCIS, not NVC. Two different departments. But regardless, they should update that little tidbit, not only with the updated form name, but also about the process.


Edited by Saylin, 11 May 2013 - 12:10 AM.

SaylinFemaleCanada2013-05-11 00:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 and I-864 questions

Thank you very much for your replies and invaluable information!

A few more comments / questions in relation to your replies (I'm keeping the numbers as they relate to the questions and answers above):

2. The IV bill was invoiced and now I'm completing the DS-230. What is a DS-3032?

5. Police records. You suggested to read about UK documents at http://travel.state....l?cid=8993#docs – I had seen that. But under the police certificates section, there is a link, but the link is dead. However, I googled the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Criminal Records Office and found the application form. Another form! No peace for the wicked (or even those without a criminal record!)

8. Amazing that the NVC website has dead links and references to forms that have been superseded! It's really not helpful, is it.

Thanks again for your help. I'll start browsing the NVC filers thread next. I didn't know it existed.


2. The DS-3032 is a form to choose an agent on the beneficiary's behalf. The IV bill isn't invoiced until it's received and added to the case file. Did the beneficiary already send it? Or do you have a lawyer on your case (in which they're automatically elected as agent, so no need for the DS-3032)?

5. Glad you managed to find the form!

8. That was on the NVC site? I figured it was something you merely saw here on this site from years ago. Where exactly on the NVC site did you see this?
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-04-12 10:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 and I-864 questions

Hi, sorry in advance for many questions! Any help would be much appreciated.

1. On the DS-230 form, 31a, it asks to list "Person(s) named in 14 and 29 who will accompany you to the United States now". Only my wife is named, in section 14. She is a US citizen and is currently living in the United States. Do I need to include her name in section 31a? She isn't going to "accompany" me because she is already there. However, I note the green card is to be sent to a USA address, so maybe she is meant to bring the green card and accompany me?

2. When my wife received the AOS invoice, there was also a page to fill out for "choice of address or agent". I just realised, this never got completed and sent. Do we have to submit this, and if so, do we have to send it before my wife send AOS paperwork?

3. My wife's address has changed. Who do we notify? Is there a formal procedure for notifying NVC or can I just email them? Or even by just putting the new address on the forms without directly mentioning the change.

4. While the visa process is on-going, can I still travel to the US on the visa waiver program?

5. On this page: http://travel.state....5.html?cid=8993
It says that I need to: "obtain a statement from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Criminal Records Office. Applicants will find further guidance and application forms here." The linked page is: http://travel.state....tificates.aspx. But the link is dead! Any advice on getting the police certificate would be appreciated. Unfortunately, I'm not in the UK right now, which makes it a bit more difficult. (In fact, this whole process is double-stressful because of current circumstances!)

6. For the AOS, I note there are forms I-864, I-864A, I-864W, or I-864EZ. I presume I-864 is the one we need to file. And the petitioner and co-sponsor both need to fill out an I-864. And it needs to be completed in capital letters – even if typed?

7. The AOS form that officially expired on 30-09-2012 is definitely still valid?

8. I came across the following online: "Give the completed affidavit of support with all required documentation to the sponsored immigrant to file with either: a Consular Officer with a completed Form OF-230, Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, or an Immigration Officer with a completed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status". What's the OF-230 and I-485?

Thank you!


1. This question is actually asking about people IMMIGRATING with you. Since your spouse is a US citizen, she's obviously not immigrating with you. So put 'none'.

2. The DS-3032 can be sent whenever. It's part of the IV track, which has nothing to do with the AOS track. Your IV bill won't be invoiced though until NVC receives your DS-3032. Follow the email template found here on VJ.

3. Call up NVC and give them the new address. Make sure to use the new address on all future forms.

4. Yes, but you'll need to bring proof you're returning as you can get denied entry.

5. Read about UK documents here: http://travel.state....l?cid=8993#docs

6. Yes, fill out the I-864 (petitioner and co sponsor). Doesn't need to be completed in capital letters. It was typed normally on our forms and we had no issues.

7. Make sure you're always getting the most up to date forms, found here: http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD Remember, that "expiration date" isn't actually the form's expiration; it's for OMB. If you want to read more, read post 2 here: http://www.visajourn...s-expire-today/

8. That's really outdated. First off, the OF-230 is now called the DS-230. The I-485 is for those Adjusting Status within the US. So, ignore that bit as it doesn't apply to you. You send in the DS-230 (as part of the IV package) to NVC, just like the AOS package.

Please follow the link Dwheels provided as the first two posts I put together that will help guide you through this process.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-04-07 10:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC OPTIN and DS-261

So I'm still a little confused..I've gone through the wikis for the NVC stage (including Montreal beneficiary) and have seen the flowchart... one says to do the OPTIN email and while another says to wait until fees are paid or until sending the DS-261(there could be a delay?).

Which do I submit first, the OPTIN or the DS-261?

Do I need to wait until on is accepted to submit the other and/or wait until the invoices are available to be paid? It seems we wouldn't even be invoiced unless they receive the DS-261.

 

Thank you for your help!

Normally we would just submit them without a second thought but we're on a bit of a time constraint and don't want to cause any unnecessary delays.

 

As soon as you get the case number and give over both email addresses, you can send the optin email. The DS-261 will only become available on the online forms portal a few days after the case number is assigned. The two things (optin email and DS-261) have absolutely NOTHING to do with one another, so it doesn't matter which you do first. But, since you can email the optin immediately and you have to wait for the DS-261 to become available, it only makes sense to send the optin email right away.

 

Be careful which wikis you read. There's one (I believe it's called NVC Electronic Processing), written by Darnell, which is focused more on the China EP process where it's extremely important to not optin until after the AOS is invoiced as for China, the process is a little different and they get a new case number after opting in, which screws up the AOS bill if you optin too early. For Canada though, follow the wiki I wrote ;)


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-06-18 11:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 beneficiary photos

 

That was my original plan. So thanks for reinforcing it! smile.png

 

No problem ;)


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-07-11 20:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 beneficiary photos

For the passport size photos of the beneficiary that are to be submitted with the DS-230, how does the NVC want them submitted?  Should it be the same as when I sent the photos for the G-325a - in a plastic bag attached to a sheet of paper?

 

There's really no specifics, but I always recommend putting them in a small plastic bag, then stapling that bag to a blank piece of paper. Make sure you write on the back of each photo: beneficiary's full name, birth date, and the case number.


SaylinFemaleCanada2013-07-11 19:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVWP and marrying

Hopefully one would have lots of emails and phone calls before the marriage to prove a bona fide relationship. This is sent together with I-130. Without it, the petition might be considered fraudulent, esp. in the UK.

 

Why especially the UK? It is considered a low risk country for marriage fraud is it not? Also easier to provide evidence and documents as already in English. 


britishdakotaMaleUnited Kingdom2013-05-20 22:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresspouse visa entering US

They should be able to visit but expect scrutiny on whether or not they will intend to stay. Proof of ties to their home country is important, job, house, rent paid, other commitments. I would also not volunteer information just answer truthfully and honestly when asked a question. 

 

What country they are from will make a big difference. Canadians require no visa or visa waiver so that is easy. If they are from a country which is part of the visa waiver program (VWP/ESTA) then it should also be no problem. You do need to be prepared just in case of denial and may want to try going through somewhere with pre-clearance such as Dublin if you are flying transatlantic, less of a return flight if denied. 

 

If they do require a visa then there is no harm in trying but good luck getting a visitor visa with an i-130 filed. 


britishdakotaMaleUnited Kingdom2013-05-29 00:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHELP! I just found I am in need of a Visa and we are stuck!

If your wife can get transferred to another EU/EEA country you could potentially get an EEA family permit. http://en.wikipedia....a_Family_Permit

 

I don't know what effect this would have on consular filing and as others have said above you could run into issues with the Affidavit of Support and maybe domicile intent if you are not in the USA. 


britishdakotaMaleUnited Kingdom2013-05-19 21:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot NVC case # and sent optin email- do I need to call NVC again?

Ya, that is the wiki I am going off of! :) It has been so helpful! I just sent in my optin email exactly as you described in the wiki and got the auto response. Do I need to call NVC now to make sure that we are opted in? Or will they email me back or .. ?
Thanks for the help!


Glad you're reading it Posted Image And glad it has been so helpful :)

I answered your question on your other thread ;)
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-01-09 12:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot NVC case # and sent optin email- do I need to call NVC again?

Hi guys,
I just sent my optin e-mail in and got the auto response. Do I need to keep calling NVC everyday to make sure they got my email and that we are now doing OP? Or, will they contact me via e-mail when they receive it?

Also, I tried to click a link the DS261 portal and it keeps saying "you have encountered an application error, please try again later." is that normal, and I should try again later? Or, is there a different link to this portal someone could provide for me?

Thanks!!


No need to call. They should email you a response saying you're now enrolled in the EP system.

And I answered your online forms portal question in your other thread.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-01-09 11:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot NVC case # and sent optin email- do I need to call NVC again?

I literally just got my case # and all the ID #s this morning and just tried to sign into the DS261 portal to fill out the online form (I am doing EP in Montreal) and I got a message that said :

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.

What does this mean? Will the online forms eventually just appear and this message will go away or is something wrong??


That message is completely normal when your case is first assigned a number. It will disappear soon, just be patient.

And the DS-260 form only becomes available after the IV bill is processed and accepted. The DS-261 should be available as soon as you can log in.

Also, keep in mind, online forms and EP are two completely different processes. Online forms are required at Montreal, EP is still optional. You need to sign up for EP. Have you read the wiki I wrote yet about online forms and EP? It's linked in my signature.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-01-09 11:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresScanning passport pics for EP?

Found it! Wasn't reading far ahead enough..Thank you muchly! :)


You're very welcome :) And definitely read it all at least once, then just focus on the section you're at now!
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-01-10 18:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresScanning passport pics for EP?

I must be blind, cause I read your wiki like everyday and couldn't see it!
But I will go back and re-read...thank you so much!


It's in the "Scanning" section!
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-01-10 17:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresScanning passport pics for EP?

I am just wondering how we do this? We need to photocopy 2 copies right? and back AND FRONT? also, do we need to tape them to paper so there is a backing when scanned? or literally just put the picture on the scanner and go? Can you do both pictures at the same time?

Sorry, so many questions...that is just the one thing I don't understand!

Thanks


I explained in my wiki how to scan the two passport photos for the IV package when doing EP :)
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-01-10 17:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChoice of Address and Agent

Thank you all for the help. My wife finally got her interview date on the 22nd of January. We already have done her medical yesterday. Again thank you very much.

Will thier be any we have to take with us to the interview? We recived only Y, O and F leter codes for the paper work. Reading the instruction it says that the consulate has recived the paperwork we sent.


Again thank you very much!!!!


Typically, all you need to bring to the interview is the passport, interview letter, passport photos (2 in Canada, not sure about Japan), medical results (if not sent directly by the panel physician), and proof of relationship. And this varies by consulate/embassy, but you may need to sign up for courier services either before or at the interview.

Although not required, it'd be a really good idea to bring copies of everything you've submitted so far (I-130 package, AOS package, IV package, etc) in case it may be needed.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-01-15 22:50:00