ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to package DS230 for mailing?

Never send originals unless you are asked. You should bring originals to the interview really.


For IR-1/CR-1 applicants, originals ARE needed.

Proof: http://travel.state..../info_3195.html (first paragraph on the page)

You were a K1 applicant, which is a completely different process.

I need to include copies in addition of the originals of the marriage and birth certificate?
I was just going to send the originals...

Thanks!


Yes, you need to include the originals as well as photocopies. The purpose of the photocopies is so that they can have a copy for their records thus returning the originals to you at the interview.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-07-30 21:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to package DS230 for mailing?

Any info on how to package the DS230 for mailing? Im concerned about the passport photos, don't want them to get lost when they open the envelope. Paper clip?


I suggest putting the two passport photos in a small ziploc bag. Then staple the bag to a plain, white sheet of paper. Then paperclip the package together and put it inside a manila envelope (with your case number and name on it). Then put that envelope inside the mailing envelope.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-07-30 19:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresappointed choice of agent, a friend!

hi,

i didn't see any post related to this topic so was wondering if i did the right thing! me and my husband both are in Australia, i am a USC and we got married 7 mnths back and i came here on tourist visa to stay with him. i applied i130 for him from here. i recently got ds 3032 by mail and it said its better have a choice of agent who is in US, so we appointed our friend who will also be a joint sponsor. my question is that it wont be a problem in the process right? because i was going throgh the sample cover sheet for ds 230 tht choice of agent will send and was wondering if the petitioner has to send that?

thanks for the help!


You'll be fine. Appointing a friend will be okay. If you give over both you and your husband's email addresses to an operator, your friend won't receive any correspondence by mail anyways. If NVC has your email addresses on file, they email you correspondence instead. So, the DS-3032 has become kind of a moot form at this point.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-02 11:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFlexibility with picking interview time

Heya VJ,

With scheduling the interview, how much flexibility is there? i am not sure if our situation poses a problem or not.

Because of the nature of my DH's job (being a teacher), he is contracted until the school year ends. Now I was imagining with a wonderful situation where we get things done quickly, which could potentially put us interviewing more than 6 months from when he could actually depart. This would present a problem for us to get him here in allotted time frame.

Thanks in advance for the replies.


Well, for IR-1/CR-1 visa applicants in Egypt, you don't choose an interview date; NVC assigns one for you. If you don't like the date scheduled for your case, you can contact the embassy in Egypt and re-schedule your date to a later one.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-04 19:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 Question advice

On the DS-230 form questions 19-25 it asks for the father's and mother names etc. Do they require the details of the petitioners parents or the beneficiaries parents?

Cheers

Dean


It's the beneficiary's parents..
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-06 11:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS checklist

So I gotta a checklist for AOS such as bank statement for myself and benefeciary. My question is do I need to fill out the I864 again? or just submit the requested document along with the letter? thank you so much


If the checklist is just requesting for bank statements, that's all you need to submit.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-06 22:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 Japanese Police Certificate Photocopy

Hello Everyone,

My wife is a Japanese citizen applying for IR-1. We are completing the DS-230 form and one of the required documents is a Police Certificate. My wife received an original copy of her police certificate in sealed envelope that explicitly says "To be opened by the address only". It is addressed "To: The Authorities Concerned , United States of America". The Police Agency WILL NOT issue a second copy of the police certificate until the first one has expired. (image of the envelope can be found here http://www.visajourn...brown-envelope/)

I don't mind if NVC keeps the original copy, but their guidelines (here http://travel.state..../info_3195.html) say we need to submit photocopies of all the civil documents in addition to the certified copies. I don't see how we can provide a photocopy of the police certificate since it says we shouldn't open it and since we can't get another copy. Will it be okay to submit just one original copy with no photocopy? Should we include a note explaining the situation? I'm just really not sure what to do...

Thanks!


With the IV package, you only need to submit photocopies of birth and marriage certificates (and divorce/military, if applicable). The reason for the photocopies is so that you can get the originals/certified copies back at the interview. But you wouldn't be getting the police certificate back at the interview anyways (they keep it), so a photocopy is pointless. Just send the original police certificate and you're good to go.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-07 12:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTax question in filling I864EZ?

Dear VJ Friends,

We have received the invoice of AOS USD 230 and we're about to fill in I864 form.
Literally we haven't received the form I-864ez, we just called USCIS and they advised to fill out the I-864 form, and it confused us whether we are filling the right form or not. W My questions are :

1. Since am the only one being sponsored by my husband does it mean that we just use form I-864ez ?
2. If we need all the 3 years tax copies ? because it says year 2 & 4 are optional
3. On income my husband is a veteran and on income what my husband pit on taxes is different than annual income (due to his veteran money not taxable and not considered income) do we need to add it to it ?


Sorry for too many questions and again greatly appreciate to your kind assistance.


1. If you qualify for the I-864EZ (there's 3 requirements), then I suggest you fill that one out as it's much shorter than the I-864. If you don't qualify or don't want to fill it out, then the I-864 is the form you must fill.

2. It's either the past year's tax information or the past 3 years. I suggest getting the tax transcripts from the IRS (they're completely free) as they're much, much, much preferred by NVC compared to tax returns and W2s.

3. Not sure about this one, sorry...
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-08 12:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresquestion bout I-864 and new job.

that's what i thought :) thank you. its obvious i won't have alot of paystubs hopefully it'll b ok... now should just fill out new form? or cross it out?

just wanted to verify so i don't make myself go mad! lol


Fill out a new form.

And since you just started, they'll know you won't have a lot of pay stubs. If yours have a year-to-date column on them, you just need to send your most recent one, by the way.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-08 21:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresquestion bout I-864 and new job.

Ok, since moving to FL and starting new job, and just now gettin my NOA2, do I still have to provide the old job info from the other state or just the tax returns etc? I'm not to sure since I havent even got a case number yet. only been 2 days :) but if anybody can provide info to me, that would be great. I did read that if you have a co-sponser (which I have) nothing should be a problem. Just not sure if I need to send in Old job info or not.. and after reading this lol... why would i send it in if I'm not even in that state anymore.. lol.. im goin craaaaaaazy!! lol... Thanks guys for input! <3


For the AOS package, you just need to provide the I-864 form, past year (or past 3 years) of tax information, as well as proof of CURRENT employment. Since you're no longer at your old job, there's 0 reason to give them information as you no longer work there.

Proof of current employment includes an employment letter and pay stub(s).
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-08 12:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhich one? I-864EZ or I-864 ?

Hi VJs,

Which form should I use? I-864EZ or I-864 ? Thanks?


There's 3 requirements to qualify to fill out form I-864EZ. If you meet all three, then I'd suggest doing the I-864EZ as it's shorter than the I-864, thus easier to fill out. Keep in mind, even if you qualify for the I-864EZ doesn't mean you have to necessarily fill that form out. You can still fill out the I-864 if so desired.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-08 21:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduressending documents to nvc

I know that you know you stuff Saylin, but I was told to send the NVC the original plus a copy??? Are you 100% sure they do not need a copy as well??? I think imma send it anyway.. Better safe than sorry...


For the birth and marriage certificate, yes, a photocopy is needed. But I do not see a reason for sending a photocopy of the police certificate. The whole reason for sending photocopies is so the original can be returned at the interview. But the police certificate is never returned as they keep it, thus no photocopy is needed. You can always send a photocopy of the police certificate along with the original if you want, but IMO, not needed.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-09 12:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduressending documents to nvc

You will need to do the following:

1- Original Copy of Birth Certificate for the beneficiary + 1 Photo copy

1- Original Marriage Certificate + 1 Photo copy

1- Original Police Certificate + 1 Photo Copy

Hope this helps :)


No need for the photocopy of the police certificate as the original PCC is never returned to the beneficiary.

do i send both at the sametime?and if i send originals when do i get them back?


Yes, send both the originals and the photocopies in the same package. You'll get the originals back at the interview.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-09 12:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIV bill generated, but where is AOS bill?

Ok, I think I should have checked with my husband first whether he's paid both bills, before posting. I didn't occur to me we might not receive an actual invoice first.


So, was the AOS invoiced already?
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-11 08:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIV bill generated, but where is AOS bill?

right, the IV bill was invoiced shortly after, just not the AOS. They are invoiced in two separate emails, correct? In case the email somehow got lost, it would still show on the payment portal if it's been invoiced?

Thanks again.


The IV bill has nothing to do with when your case number was assigned (it's not an automatically invoiced bill unless you have a lawyer/attorney), but when your DS-3032 was accepted and added to the casefile. The AOS on the other hand is automatically generated shortly after a case number is assigned.

But yes, even if you don't get the email, it'll still show up in the payment portal.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-10 13:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIV bill generated, but where is AOS bill?

i got the case number late July, i think 27th. sent in 3032 shortly after that, a few days. was accepted this Monday and came along with the IV bill invoice for 230 dollars. no lawyer. sorry i don't have exact dates, but hope that helps.


Those are good enough dates, don't worry.

Hmm, so yes, it's kind of weird your AOS hasn't been invoiced yet if you've had your case number since late July. I'd definitely recommend calling them up and inquiring about it asap. Usually the AOS is invoiced only after a few days from the case number being assigned, but it's been 2 weeks for you.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-10 13:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIV bill generated, but where is AOS bill?

Looking at the NVC FAQ it seems the AOS bill is what generally comes first, but we've only got the IV one so far, this Monday, paid Wednesday. When can we expect the AOS bill, should I call?

Thanks!


We'll need some more information. What date was your case number assigned? Do you have a lawyer/attorney on your case? What was the amount of the bill you just paid for? Did you send the DS-3032 (if so, what date)? Was it accepted (what date)?
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-10 12:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC process

Yes i just sent that today


Once that gets accepted and added to your case file, a few days later, the IV bill will be invoiced. You'll need to pay that. Once it appears as PAID, you can send the IV package. Once NVC has both packages (AOS and IV) and accept them, only then will your case be closed.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-13 23:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC process

i just paid my AOS fee on 08/10/12 and mailed all the documents today. what's the waiting time from here till the case gets closed at NVC???


You still have the IV track to do. Have you sent the DS-3032 yet?
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-13 21:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalling Saylin or Anyone that can help

I think I have seen a post about calling the NVC and asking for a tier 2 someone. The NVC received my case on 7/30/2012 I have called everyday, sometimes twice. I saw that someone who's case was received at the NVC at the same time as mine and they received their case number. Any advice on what I should do. one day they told me it was being entered and now they say it is in a pile in their mail room..

any help would be grrrreat,

Thanks,


It's currently taking around a month from NOA2 to case number assigned, so you're actually still within current time frames. You can try asking for a supervisor (tier 2 is for USCIS) when you get connected to an operator, but that's about it (and they probably won't be able to help much, but worth a shot).
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-15 00:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNEED INFORMATION PLZZ & DS230 Questions

Dear All

Iam beneficiary and my wife is petitioner we just got approval for NOA2

I have query about Ds-230 question 17 and question 32

currently iam Unemployed since 1 year so what should i mention for above questions DS-230

and we very confused if iam unemployed presently then is there any problem for getting visa for me

thanks and regards


As the beneficiary it doesn't matter whatsoever if you're employed or not. Most beneficiaries have to quit their jobs anyways before leaving for the US. They know this.

I was unemployed during our case, and obviously had no problems.

The only person's employment that actually matters is the petitioner's.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-13 14:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresds260 and ds230

Is the DS-260 the same as the DS-230?


The DS-260 is the online version of the DS-230. Only a few, select countries are eligible for online forms: http://travel.state..../info_5165.html In your case (Peru), online forms are REQUIRED. So you NEED to fill out the DS-260.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-30 22:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresReceived Case number from NVC-Now what
Moved topic from US citizenship to IR-1 process & procedures as OP's question is about the visa process, not US citizenship
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-20 11:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 question

Many thanks for the reply Saylin, as well as the other thread on the DS-230 documents!

One more question if I can: it says that I need to include an original (plus a photocopy) of my marriage certificate with my DS-230, which is fine. However, I only have the one original copy - if I send that in, do I need to get another certified copy to take with me for the interview at the London embassy? Or will they already have the copy I send to the NVC with the DS-230?

Thanks again!


You're welcome!

No need to bring a certified copy to the interview as they'll have received it from NVC.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-20 22:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 question

hi, would like to ask, the PDF you access for DS-230 through .gov websites 'will-not' allow you to 'save' as a file.!
However, will allow you to 'print' after compleing on-line.! my question is; there is offered an option to sign
electronily and it also ask if wish to ""SEND"" ...? first; is the E-signing leagal, and second; Where does the ""SEND"" go too...? NVC.? or where...?


I don't know about you, but I can save the DS-230 PDF with no issues.

And only certain countries can email the DS-230 (it wouldn't be through that send option though). The Philippines is NOT one of those countries though. You can only snail mail the DS-230 in (along with the other IV documents).
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-20 11:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 question

Hi all,

Just a quick question about filling out the DS-230. We're expecting the IV bill to be payable online in the next few days - when that goes through, and the invoice appears as PAID, am i okay to send off the IV package using a downloaded copy of the DS-230 from the .gov website (along with a printed cover sheet from the invoice page), or do I have to wait for the NVC to send a paper copy through the post for me to fill in?

Am I right in saying that I only need to sign part I of the DS-230, NOT part II, as I sign that part in my embassy interview?

And if I download and print it off myself and send it in with the following, should I be okay?

- 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)

Many thanks in advance!


As long as the IV bill is appearing as PAID, yes you can send in the IV package. No need to wait for anything from NVC. And yes, you get the form from their website. And again, you're correct, you only sign part 1 as part 2 is signed at the interview in front of an officer. You still fill out part 2 though!

Nice copy & paste of the IV package list from the NVC filers thread ;) That would be indeed what you send in, along with any country-specific documents, if applicable. Go back to where you found that list, and you'll see a link to country-specific documents.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-20 11:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHepatitis A required for adults?

I'm confused about this. We are applying for our CR1 Visa.

Hepatitis A is listed on the travel.state.gov website in their list of vaccines required, but then it says that vaccines are age-specific. I cannot figure out if I need it or not as an adult. I have never received it before.


Hep A isn't needed for those between ages 18-64.

http://www.panelphys.../Pages/Age6.htm
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-20 22:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 package to NVC by using UPS or FedEx?

Hi VJs,

can I send I-864 package to NVC by using UPS or FedEx? any thought on that?
Thanks.


Doesn't matter which mail carrier you choose. I'd highly suggest you get a tracking number with whichever one you choose though so you know when it arrives.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-20 23:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview confirmed withouth Sign In Fail

Hi,

My wife's interview date came in after I submitted documents to NVC (Spouse I-130), but the NVC Signin fail has not happened. I thought the sign in fail happens first and then the case is submitted to embassy. Do I need to worry about anything?

The case is in Islamabad, Pakistan. Will they also let me go inside the embassy with her if I accompany her? I am a US Citizen.

Thanks


The sign-in fail doesn't occur anymore. I've been in the US for more than a year now, and I can still log in!

As a US citizen, you should be allowed inside the consulate, but you may not be allowed inside the interview room. For Canada, you're allowed; I don't know about Pakistan.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-22 12:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBroken link for DS-230 on travel.state.gov

Yes, same result, I got Server not found error, have you tried on your side?


Works absolutely fine, that's why I gave the link. Try in different browsers.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-22 14:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBroken link for DS-230 on travel.state.gov

Hi VJs,

I tried to download form DS-230 from travel.state.gov but I am getting broken link, how do I download DS-230?
any idea?
Thanks


You can download it here: http://www.state.gov...ation/81807.pdf
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-22 13:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresForm DS 230

Hey Saylin

Your post was both helpful and a source of encouragement!

Many thanks


You're welcome :)
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-19 23:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresForm DS 230

Hello folks


I'm worried about my answer to this question and would really appreciate some assistance.

I have travelled several times a year to the USA for the past ten years. On each occasion it was to visit my wife's family so it was only on a visitor's visa.

I cannot remember the dates of all my visits.

I would like to know firstly if the dates of all visits are necessary for the form and if so where would I get that information.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.


If you can at least list a few recent dates, that'd be good. Then I'd include a paragraph at the bottom saying you've visited regularly for the past 10 years, but can't remember the dates, and that each time you entered the US, you were inspected by officer (only write this if it's true, of course!). Check out the continuation sheet I wrote up and used for my DS-230: https://docs.google....VXdv3SFWss/edit
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-19 17:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresstatus for AOS package

Hi VJs,

How do I know that my AOS package is approved by NVC, is there any email or status? Thanks a lot.


They don't email you if a package has been accepted. You need to call NVC and ask an operator.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-25 17:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp! Question on Visa Invoice

Dear VJ:

I have one question. I received my AOS bill two weeks ago and i paid it. I sent the AOS package and they received it last Friday, at the same time i mailed the Choice of Agent and Address.. i am now waiting for the IV package. I was told by a friend that I should've received the invoice already.. (Along with the AOS Bill. Is this true? Has any of you experienced this? Did I mess up somewhere?

I've called and same answer.. they will process when they get to it...

Any help/advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks! God bless


The ONLY time the IV is invoiced at the same time as the AOS bill is if you have a lawyer/attorney on your case (because they're automatically chosen as agents, thus no need for the DS-3032).

It's currently taking around 1-2 weeks for NVC to accept DS-3032s. Once they accept yours, it'll be added to the case file and the IV bill should be invoiced a few days later. Keep an eye out on the payment portal.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-27 21:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Edition question

I saw the USCIS website, and that the 130's from 2008 are still okay to submit but I just wanted to check with this forum. We have been sitting on these signed forms since last year and to get new sigs would mean a trip backto Bogota.

So is the May, 2008 revision still okay?

Tx!


According to USCIS's site, yes, the 2008 editions are still accepted: http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD [Edition Date section]
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-28 11:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPacket IV

Thanks Saylin so much.

One more question.

Can beneficiary sign the cover letter for packet IV and send the packet directly to NVC?


Thanks once again.


Yup, most definitely!
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-29 09:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPacket IV

Okay. So all I have to do is, in cover letter of packet IV I have to state that I will be providing PCC in Mumbai consulate during interview??

Thanks in advance.


Yes, but don't state, ask. NVC will either approve or deny your request. I've seen some people ask and get denied and I've seen others ask and gotten approved.

I'd also suggest putting a blank piece of paper with just your request on it (in addition to the request on the cover letter) and put this paper where you would put the actual PCC if you had it (so with the other certificates in the package).
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-29 09:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPacket IV

Hi All,

I have not received my PCC yet.

Can I send my packet IV without the PCC and say that will submit PCC during interview.

Consulate is Mumbai.

Thanks.


You can certainly try. Just ask in your IV package if you can submit the PCC at the interview.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-29 08:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC documents

thank you Saylin


You're welcome ^_^
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-08-30 15:57:00