ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow many digits must be in case number?

hello again everyone!

after 3weeks under "administrative process" i received my visa packet today Feb.15,2013..

as i check my personal info's on my visa, i notice that instead of 10digits numbers after the MNL _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ there is additon 2digit numbers - 01..

so my case number looks like this: MNL2012_ _ _ _ _ _01

sorry for not giving the complete case number... but is it normal? or should i report it at the US Embassy..

pls plsss.. i hope someone can give me an
answer with this matter..

thank u guys!

thanks guys!


It's completely normal to have two additional numbers at the end on your visa. Mine had it as well, as does everyone else. Don't worry about it Posted Image

(And don't apologize for not giving your entire case number. You're actually recommended NOT to as people can use that number against you in bad ways...)
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-02-15 11:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCover Sheet

Thank you so much! I have been calling NVC between each step to make sure I was doing everything ok so I was just a little worried, we are so close did not want to mess up now.


No worries! Posted Image So far, so good! Posted Image
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-02-16 11:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCover Sheet

I just received an email from NVC with a cover sheet to include with DS230, I already sent it with the cover sheet off the Online Payment website...the address is the same except Attn to CMR online and the email says Attn DR...did I do something wrong? I called and they said yes to use the cover sheet online...now I am not sure. Thank you for your assistance!


You did it right, don't worry! You can use either cover sheet. No matter what, it'll always end up in the right department.

Good luck!
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-02-16 11:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to change name after interview?

NICE! In GA I had to do the written and driving test again


Ewwww.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-02-18 22:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to change name after interview?

I got mine 3 days before our interview. The interviewer made a joke about it but otherwise it was fine.

You'll be getting a whole new passport. I also suggest you do your licence as well, as if you move to a state where you can simply change over your licence to a US one, you'll want that one in your new name as well

good luck


Good point about the driver's license Posted Image Here in South Dakota, I was able to "transfer" all my information and such and get a SD driver's license, skipping the driving and written test. Just had to bring all the necessary documents, pay like $25, and take a vision test.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-02-18 14:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to change name after interview?

If i get a new passport pronto will it be ok for the interview? Since i sent them the one in the Maiden name? Would it affect my interview being approved or anything??


It'll be fine for the interview. A lot of people get news during the process, either because it's expiring or they want it in the new name.

Also, do I need to apply for a whole new passport? Or just renew mine?


I believe that since you're using a new name, it'll have to be a brand new passport, not just a renewal. Check out Passport Canada's site for the official information.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-02-18 13:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to change name after interview?

Hey guys!

I have my interview in Montreal coming up super quick, on March 11! I am so excited! But, I am wondering, since I applied for everything under my maiden name, will all my new documents (passport, SIN number etc) be in my maiden name? I really want to legally change my name and have all my documents as much, so how do I go about doing that? I've heard it's better to just wait until the 2 years are up and you file for AOS, but I would really like to do it now!

Thanks!


If your documents are in your maiden name, then the visa (and thus green card) will be in your maiden name. You don't get a US passport at this point until you become a citizen. And the SIN is Canadian. You get a SSN in the US, and that comes in the same name as your visa and green card.

If you want your visa (and thus green card and SSN) in your married name, you'll need to get a new passport pronto. You'll have to apply in person asap and bring all the necessary documents. You might have to get it expedited if your interview is in 3 weeks, depending on current passport processing times.

And for IR-1/CR-1 visa applicants, you don't do AOS (Adjustment of Status). You're thinking about ROC (Removal of Conditions) I believe. And yes, you'd be able to get your new 10 year green card at that point in your married name if you put your married name down on the I-751 form. You'd also have the chance to change your name when/if you apply for Naturalization.

It's up to you...
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-02-18 12:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterim Between Financial Support and DS-230

Excellent. Thank you, Saylin, for your awesomely fast response. I will be putting that package in the mail this week.


You're welcome! ^_^ And good to hear Posted Image
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-02-18 23:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterim Between Financial Support and DS-230

Hello, my name is Jordan and my Indonesian wife and I are trying to get her the spousal CR-1 visa. We have just filed the affidavit of support document last week and we have also just paid the IV Bill. I have been emailed in response to the IV Bill's payment and they say it is now on my part to mail them the DS-230 with supporting documents. I have everything ready to go, including the cover sheet with the barcode. But, I have not received any mail regarding my Affidavit of Support being approved. Should I go ahead and mail the DS-230 anyways or is it better to wait until I get something in the mail acknowledging that they have completed the processing of my Affidavit of Financial Support?

In addition, on our timeline for visajourney, after Pay IV Bill there is a Receive Instruction Package entry. At what point in the process do we receive this? After returning the completed DS-3032? After paying the IV Bill? After filing everything including the Ds-230?


The AOS and IV are two separate tracks and have NOTHING to do with one another (except that both need to be accepted before the case is completed). So, yes, you can send the IV package now. You won't get any correspondence saying your AOS package was accepted, you need to call NVC and ask them if you want to find out.

That time tick is referring to the information package about the IV package that NVC sends you, usually sent a few days after the IV bill is processed and accepted.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-02-18 22:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIV Fee Bill

Hi Saylin

Thanks for quick reply.
Yes I meant DS-3032 :P
We didn't know we can send by email.
Now I am keeping on the payment portal.


What do the operators say when you call them up and ask about the status of your DS-3032?
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-02-19 21:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIV Fee Bill

Hi Folks

We have already sent DS 3230.
According to USPS tracking record, it was delivered two weeks ago.
However, we haven't received any confirming email and IV fee bill yet.

Is this normal?

Appreciate anyone who shares their experience regarding to IV Fee Bill.


Do you mean the DS-3032? Numbers for forms are very important...

If you snail mailed it, then you won't receive any email about it. Why didn't you simply email it? Unfortunately, I don't know the waiting times for the DS-3032 when it's snail mailed. When it's emailed, it's typically 1-2 weeks to be approved.

Have you called NVC to see if they've reviewed and accepted it yet? Only when it has been accepted and added to the case file will the IV bill be invoiced. Have you also been keeping an eye on the payment portal?
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-02-19 20:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 bILL

I have filled out the affidavit of support and i didn't see anywhere on there saying there was a fee or any kind of bill.


The AOS fee ($88) is invoiced on the payment portal a few days after the case number is assigned. The AOS package won't be reviewed until the payment has been made and it clears.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-02-20 22:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 bILL

HI ALL,

I SENT A MONEY ORDER FOR $420 WITH THE I-130. SO WHAT IS THE I-864 BILL? I KNOW WHAT THE FORM IS BUT I'VE NEVER HEARD OF THE BILL UNTIL READING THIS FORUM. HOW MUCH IS IT?

THANKS


First off, before posting questions/comments in a forum, make sure your caps lock is off. It's incredibly hard to read.

To answer, the AOS bill is currently $88 and is paid at NVC, after your I-130 is approved.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-05-11 15:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow long is i-130 approval valid

Assuming I-130 is approved and forms sent to NVC, how long does the petitioner have to file the documents to the NVC?

The police report may take a bit of time to process, and a few other things to establish domicile.

Do the documents need to be filed immediately or is there a valid time period?

Thanks.


You have up to one year to contact NVC in between time ticks, so I would think that's plenty of time for you Posted Image
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-02-22 10:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS3032

Hi all! I am a little new to this process.. I have had to do visas for myself while living and travelling abroad, but nothing this extensive!

I received my NVC notice of approval on 12/19/2012 and now have been waiting for this "packet" that I am supposed to receive in regards to our next steps.
I e-mailed the NVC and I keep getting a generic automated response about a DS3032 form that has to be filled out.. and that they have also sent out the "fee for affidavit of support".

I have not received ANYTHING and when I sent another e-mail inquiring about this, I get the same response back >:-(

I am beginning to wonder if my husband is supposed to be getting this packet and it just hasn't reached him yet because of how poor the Albanian postal service is, and now I'm worried.

Does anyone have any knowledge about this portion of the process??

Thanks a lot!
Erin


Have you called NVC up to find out if a case number has been assigned? You need to get the case number and Invoice Identification Number from an operator. You also need to give over both of your email addresses asap. If they don't have email addresses on file for you, they have no choice but to snail mail packages, which can take weeks (or even months) to receive, depending how bad/good the postal service is in the beneficiary's country.

You don't need to wait for any packages from NVC. You can do this entire process without their correspondence.

I highly, highly suggest you click on the last two links in my signature. Sit down when you have an hour or so to spare, and do some major reading. Everything you need is in those two posts. Click, read, absorb, re-read again.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-02-24 14:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresReceiving RFE (split topic)

Yes I got what was stated in the mail should I send original or just copy of the document they want


It depends what they want...
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-02-27 14:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresReceiving RFE (split topic)

Pls what does this mean?


Application Type: I130 , IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN


Your Case Status: Request for Evidence


On February 25, 2013, we mailed a notice requesting evidence/information for this case to you or your representative. Please follow the instructions on the notice to submit the material requested. This case will be held in suspense until we either receive the evidence/information or the opportunity to submit it expires. A new processing period will begin when we receive your response. You or your representative will be notified by that office of a decision or if any further information or action is needed from you. If you move, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address.


A request for evidence is made when an application/petition is lacking required documentation/evidence (initial evidence) or the officer needs more documentation/evidence (additional evidence) to determine an applicant's eligibility for the benefit sought. We may send you a request for evidence at any stage of our review. The request will indicate what evidence or information is needed for us to fully evaluate your application or petition. The notice will explain where to send the evidence and will give the deadline for your response. Your application or petition will be held in suspense during that time. If you receive a request for evidence and have questions about what you need to submit, you may call our National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.


As it states, it's a RFE. What exactly they're requesting for will be stated in the letter sent from USCIS.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-02-26 18:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCivil documents

Thank you very much. I am the petitioner do I have to send my info. As in birth certificate and passport?


For spousal visas, no. Only the beneficiary's documents are needed in the IV package.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-02-27 22:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCivil documents

I am going to send my wife's civil documents to NVC, which email do I send it to???
My case number is MEP


If you're enrolled in EP, then all packages are emailed to NVCElectronic@state.gov

Same email address as where the AOS package was emailed to.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-02-27 10:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC package

please i need help,
1. can i send all the package for AOS and the DS230 packages at once?
2. under the list of the institutions attended, am i expected to put my high school there too? with my primary school.
3. i dont really know my mom and dad's date of birth and they dont know too,what can i do in that situation?
4. my petitioner only has tax return for 2010 and 2011,but hasnt got 2012 yet,is it ok for her to send the two,but we filled up the 2012 income there


1. Yes.
2. Start with high school and go up from there.
3. Write in "unknown" for both.
4. You either send in the last year or the last 3 years. Not two. So, if you don't have 2009 tax information, then just send in 2011. Include copies of 2012 W2s though as proof of income. Make sure 2012 taxes are done asap as you'll more than likely need them for the interview.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-02-28 20:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA Question



does the NVC schedule interview appointments based on the Priority Dates or the NVC case completed date?



My Priority Date is : 08Mar2011




Priority dates mean absolutely NOTHING for IR-1/CR-1 visas. Priority dates are useful for visas with a LIMITED number per year. Thankfully, there's an UNLIMITED amount of IR-1/CR-1 visas per year.

So, for interview scheduling at NVC, it's your case complete date that is important and that's the order in which cases are lined up.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-03-01 15:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion About the Passport you send to NVC

The passport takes about a month... so do you think they would have a problem if i applied for the passport.. after i get the 130 approval? Or will it look suspicious and unorganized thinking we should have gotten everything ready prior to applying for the cr1 visa?


No problem with the passport as no one's seen the beneficiary's passport yet, so they won't even know it's been changed. And even if they did, a lot of people update their passports after getting married to change their last name to the married one (for those that do that), so they could care less.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-03-01 16:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion About the Passport you send to NVC

Im in the proccess of getting her a new passport.. but the philipine passport place wants a CFO certificate. which is hard to get for us.

AFter you recieve the approved notice of the 130 .. how long do you have to send in the passport?


Well, first the case number needs to be assigned, which is taking around 3-4 weeks at the moment. And your wife will need to send the DS-3032 and once that's accepted, the IV bill will be invoiced. Since the passport copy is needed in the IV package, you've probably got another week or two after the case number is assigned before you're able to send in the package. But, you have up to one year to send it, so no worries. I would think that she could get the new passport within the next month or so, but I don't know processing times in the Philippines.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-03-01 11:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion About the Passport you send to NVC

Okay so after you get your i130 approved

To the nvc it says you have to send a copy of the biographics page of the passport to the nvc.

Now does that mean.. They only want the first page of the passport that hass your passport number your pic and name? Or do they need all the pages copied?

Also Since in my case i got married to my spouse alien abroad.. she has her old passport as for example "mary jane rugar"

But now she will take my last name as: mary rugar toyota (if my last name was toyota)

And on my i-130 I put her name on the app as : mary rugar toyota

So can we use her old unexpired passport with the name "mary jane rugar" or do i need to apply for another passport with her new name "mary rugar toyota" and send it in?

I did put down on the i130 for when it asked for any aditional used names: mary jane rugar.


NVC just needs the page with the picture and all the data. Don't need to send them the other pages.

As for the name, if you/her want the visa (and thus green card) to come in the married name, then she'll need to get a new passport done.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-03-01 10:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 to IR-1

Thx! I was hoping it would be that easy....at least something is! :)


It's rare, but some things are easy in this process ;)
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-03-03 20:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 to IR-1

Hi!
When I filed I-130 for my husband, we received CR-1 b/c we had been married for less than two years. We did not proceed with NVC process at that time.

Now we are proceeding with NVC process and filing I-601A. We have now been married for three years. Will they automatically remove the condition upon entering or is that something I need to do through NVC ahead of time. I can call them and ask tomorrow, but I wanted to see if anyone had any experience with this.

Thanks for feedback!
eyesbeopened dot com for my personal experiences with immigration


You won't need to do anything. Once at the interview, just point out you've been married more than 2 years, so you're eligible for the IR-1 visa. Once you're approved, they'll affix an IR-1 visa in your passport.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-03-03 19:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Passport question!?

Ok, thanks :)

I just noticed that for urgent pickup, you need to have proof of travel, so I may not be able to get that afterall since I'm not going to book my fligh until after I receive the visa. I will call and explain my situation though, we'll see what they say. Thanks again :)


Well, if you apply in person, if I remember correctly, it's only 10 business days. So you should have plenty of time to get the passport back in time for the interview, as long as you get it done this week or next.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-03-05 18:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Passport question!?

Oh ok, on the passport Canada webpage it shows "urgent pickup" which would be ready in 24 hours, I guess I could always ask for that and pay the extra fee. So, it won't complicate things? forms being in my maiden name and I show up at the interview with a new passport with my marrien name?


Nope, shouldn't complicate things. Just tell them at the interview you got a new passport in your married name, and they'll know what to do ;)
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-03-05 18:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Passport question!?

after ariving in the states, can one request for her married name to be put on the green card? my attorney put my maiden name on all the forms, my passport is actually in my maiden name, so I guess in order to have my married name on the green card I would have to get a new passport? would this cause an issue at the interview? :unsure: we didn't want to complicate things otherwise I plan on changing my last name.


If you get a new passport in your married name in time for your interview, then the visa (and thus green card) will come in your married name. If you don't get a new passport, then it'll come in your maiden name.

Once you get to the US, you can change the green card and SSN into your married name, but it's going to take time and money. If you don't want to spend extra money on it, you can wait until you file for ROC in 2 years time and use your married name on the form. Your new 10 year green card will then come in your married name. You can also do the same thing if/when you file for US citizenship. With both ways, you won't be paying extra to change the name.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-03-05 17:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Passport question!?

Cant I just bring the new passport with her new name.. later after the nvc submission?


For the IV package at NVC, you need to send a copy of the bio-data page from the passport. If she can get a new passport by the interview in her married name though, that's what they ultimately use (for the name on the visa): the passport submitted at the interview.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-03-05 17:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Passport question!?

IF on your I130 application you put your spouses name that your trying to apply for as her new married name with your last name on it.

But the passport she has shows her last name with her maiden last name.. will the NVC still accept that or will i have to submit to the nvc the passport with her new married name?

The reason being is.. IN the philipines she lost her passport and she getting anew passport but in order for her to get a new passport with her new married name she has to get this certificate call the CFO but she cannot make it to the cfo.. But she can get a new passport with her single maiden name..

So will that be acceptable or will the nvc rfe me because the name on the passport does not have the same name as on the 1130 app


It should be alright (no checklist).

But keep in mind, the visa (and thus green card) use the name from the passport. So, if her passport is in her maiden name, then her visa (and thus green card) will come in her maiden name. Now, this in itself isn't an issue (all my documents are in my maiden name, I never changed my last name), but if you/she wanted to have her name in her married name, then it's not going to happen if her passport is in her maiden name.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-03-05 11:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIRS / ITIN question tax extension

Need advice from tax experts. My local H&R block was clueless. Anyhow, i'm having difficult attaining a "Certified" copy of the passport from the issuing office. My wife went to several passport offices in our state in India and they stated that they are no longer authorized to validate / certify a passport. Thus, getting a ITIN is virtually impossible. If I file married + Joint, i get a $1700+ refund as opposed to filing solely married + separate. My currently thinking is to file for a tax filing extension with the IRS until October 15. I'm currently in Month 2 of my journey and hope my wife will be with me by October. By then, she should have her SSN and I can file married + Joint. Will this work? Essentially delay filing taxes legally and getting more back?


A passport isn't the only option to prove foreign status and identity for the W7. There's an entire list in the instructions. Have you thought about using other documents?
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-01-15 16:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCHoice of addresse and agent

Hello Saylin:

I wanted to ask this here since it's related.

My Wife lives in Nigeria with limited computer access and skills (I'm a Systems Engineer so she has some learning to do - lol). When we get to the NVC stage, I will give them my email and her email address.

So can I write the Choice Of Agent and Address email from my email account or she has to write it from her email box? If it has to come from her email box can I write it for her from her email box?

Thank you.


If you can get her log in details, send the DS-3032 from her account. Many petitioners do this because, like your situation, the beneficiary has limited access and/or skills on a computer.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-03-06 11:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCHoice of addresse and agent

today i receivet in mail from NVC form 3032 CHOICE OF ADDRESS AND AGENT please can someone help me which box i have to select because i wanna NVC to send papers to me not to my husband and i don't have any agent,or layer and other questions is do i have to put my signature or i have to send to my husband to sign in


It'll be faster and cheaper if you just sent them an email. Follow the format here: http://www.visajourn...il_DS-3032_form and change the information so it reflects who you want to elect as agent.

Keep in mind, if both email addresses are given over to an operator once a case number has been assigned, then all correspondence will be sent by email from NVC.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-03-04 21:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNo Vaccination Record and Maybe No Time for Titers - What Shots are Required?

Oh #######, that's so inconvenient! They stopped giving the flu shot in all public health facilities here at the end of February. Posted Image Even if we can't get it before our medical date, the board physician can always give it to him, correct?


Yes, if you can't get it anywhere else, the panel physician will do it. It's just recommended to get it done ahead of time as it's usually offered for free. That's why I was ticked off with mine cause if I had known, I would have gotten it done earlier for free, instead of paying them $20.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-03-07 13:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNo Vaccination Record and Maybe No Time for Titers - What Shots are Required?

Hey Nola,

Congrats, I see by your time line that you got an interview...finally..woohoo!!

Just an FYI but that link is for Dr. Seiden's office in Toronto, Canada. I not sure if the vaccinations differ per consulate or not but just wanted to point that out just in case.

As I was 45 at the time of my panel physical, the only shots that I had were the ones that you listed above plus the varicella vaccination.


Although it's a Canadian panel physician, the vaccine information is pulled from USCIS/CDC, so it's valid for all countries.

He won't need influenza. It's only required between Oct and Feb.


It actually extends to the end of April. I thought it had ended in February as well, but when I had my medical done in April, I was told it was still influenza season and needed to get the flu shot. I was pissed to say the least cause everywhere I read, flu season was already over, but Medisys in Montreal said no, it was still going Posted Image
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-03-07 12:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresProper way to delay the NVC process

Yes and it's mostly complicated, I have a work contract tying me to France until Sept 31st, but for diverse reasons, I might have to stay longer (up to the end of the year) for reasons including work contract extension, baby and other things. Therefore, there is no reason for me to have my visa issued too early and it's better to keep my options open.


Ah, completely valid reasons! Posted Image I was just wondering since you had mentioned October in the initial post and was a little confused!

Your best bet to delay things then, would be to take half a month for each step. So, wait until April to pay the AOS fee. Wait until mid-April to send the DS-3032. Wait until May to pay the IV fee. Wait until mid-May to send the AOS package (respond to checklists right away though, if there are any). And then wait until June to send the IV package (again, reply to checklists if they come). Your case would then complete around mid-June. And, the typical global average between case complete date and interview is 2 months. So, with a case complete in mid-June would give you an interview around August sometime. You can always change the above time frames a bit for each step, to make it longer if you wish.

Keep in mind, if the interview date is not satisfactory, you can always contact the embassy and request for a later date.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-03-08 12:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresProper way to delay the NVC process

Hi all,

In one of our previous posts, we were mentioning how I need to obtain my visa for October. Following people's advice we filed the I-130 and as expected it was approved really fast since the USC lives in France with me.

We now received the bill from NVC asking for $88 for the AOS. However, we would like the visa to be issued ideally around the end of August or beginning of September; then the question is "what's the proper way to delay the NVC process? Do we wait to pay the $88? Do we pay the $88 and then take our time to send the I864, DS-3032 and DS-230? Or do we complete the NVC process and delay the process at the embassy (medical appointment or interview)?"

Thank you for your advice.


Is there a reason why you want the visa issued in August/September?

Remember, once issued, a visa is typically valid for 6 months. So, even if you went through this process at a "normal" pace, you'd probably have a case complete by the end of March, with an interview sometime in May, I'm guessing, which would give you until around November to immigrate.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-03-07 12:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions on the DS-260

Thanks for your reply, Saylin! And thanks for the heads up about the address change forms. Much appreciated!


You're welcome! ^_^
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-03-09 15:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions on the DS-260

We are in the process of completing and submitting the DS-260 online and have a question about how to answer one item. On the page titled: Mailing and Permanent Address Information, they ask the petitioner (intended immigrant/my husand), "Do you have an address in the United States where you intend to live?" This question is under the heading "Permanent Address." We are both living in Mexico so don't really have a permanent address in the US. Though I have maintained a mailing address which demonstrates that I have kept my domicile in the States. When we enter the US, we intend to live temporarily with my father until we get our own place. My father is also the joint sponsor (for meeting the I-864 requirements). Should we enter my father's address as the intended place to live/permanent address? Or do we simply answer No?

Any feedback is much appreciated!


They need an address in the US so your green card can be sent there. I'd say in your situation, use your father's address.

Remember, once you do move to your own place, the petitioner will have to file an I-865 and the beneficiary an AR-11. They're both changes of address forms. Don't delay sending these forms as the AR-11 needs to be sent within 10 days of moving. The I-865 needs to be done within 30 days. Both can be found on USCIS's site.
SaylinFemaleCanada2013-03-09 13:16:00