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

I keep hearing 2 months average processing time from bill pay to sending to embassy.


You can't estimate time frames from BILL PAY. You need to send two packages. You can only estimate time frames from CASE COMPLETION. And before a case is even sent to the consulate/embassy, the case needs to be assigned an interview date.

So:

-Pay bills
-Send packages in
-Case is completed
-Interview date is assigned
-Case is forwarded

Those are the time ticks you'll be looking at. And since paying bills and sending packages is all dependent upon the petitioner/beneficiary, there is no way you can estimate time frames from those time ticks.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-16 14:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Timeline

My packet was sent June 15, when should I expect case to be finish before going to embassy


You should probably have a case complete either next week or the week after, as long as nothing is missing or incorrect.

After your case is completed, it's put into a queue for an interview date to be scheduled. This could be done within the same week or a few weeks afterwards. It always depends on the consulate/embassy.

After an interview date has been assigned, your case is then forwarded to the consulate/embassy.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-16 10:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJames Shortcuts

Is this still applicable? Has anyone used them recently?

I read something about there being a different way to generate a bar code.

Can someone clarify? I'm new to the process (just received the email saying my I-130 has been received and moved to California Service Center! YAY!) and very confused as to how I should get prepared for the next steps.

Any help is greatly appreciated!!!


There's no need to generate bar-codes anymore. That was from years ago when the process at NVC was much slower.

thanks for the flow sheet, i had not found that one :thumbs:

I am just looking for advice and experience, so I appreciate it :blush:

I am the petitioner (USC), My beneficiary is Canadian and currently lives in Canada. Has never resided in the US.


So I will only have a checklist if I have an additional request for evidence of sorts?


Since your beneficiary is Canadian, I highly recommend you read the wiki I wrote for the NVC process. It's about EP and online forms, available for Canadians. It's linked in my signature below. If you have any questions after reading, I'd be glad to help :)

Please complete your profile (country, visa applying for, etc). It helps everyone!
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-18 23:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresURGENT!! please i need help with this question on the ds-260

Were they asking if we live in the U.S. together?

Thank you saylin. You are awsome.


If you're referring to the question if your spouse is immigrating with you, this question is meant for other visas like IR-5 (parents). For IR-1/CR-1 visas, this question will be no as the spouse is a USC. It has nothing to do with if you live in the US.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-19 11:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresURGENT!! please i need help with this question on the ds-260

there is a question provide documents about travel documentation? there was two option on was "passport" and then "unavailable-contact NVC? i chose "passport" is that correct?


If you have a passport, then yes, that was the correct option to select.

also is your spouse immigrating to the u.s. with you? would that be a yes or no?


In an IR-1/CR-1 case as yours, this would be a 'no' as your spouse is either a LPR or USC, thus not immigrating to the US.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-18 23:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespacket 3 and 4

hello vj what is packet 3 and packet 4?
also what documents does my husband need to take to complete his medial?
my husband is panicking because he thinks 2 weeks is not enough time to go and get his medical done?
thamks in advance


Packet 3 and 4 are for K1 visa applicants. For IR-1/CR-1 applicants, you send the AOS and IV packages to NVC.

For the medical, please choose the 3 letters from your case number from this drop-down list: http://travel.state..../info_3739.html It's information on the medical.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-18 22:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSending AOS and IV packets before NVC request
Posted Image No one can help you on this if you don't fill in your timeline. Specifically, what country is the beneficiary from?
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-19 21:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo they return our original documents?

Hi VJs,

Once the case is completed and visa is issued from the US embassy, do they return our original documents that we submitted at NVC step? thanks


The only thing you get back is the original/certified copy of the beneficiary's birth certificate and your marriage certificate. This is given back at the interview after being approved. All other forms and documents are not returned to you. Those are kept for USCIS's records.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-18 23:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInstruction Packet

What is an instruction packet from NVC and what does it contain?


The instruction package is the correspondence NVC sends out with information on the IV/DS-230 package. I uploaded a copy of mine, which you can see here: http://s128.photobuc...C DS-230 email/
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-19 21:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresINSTRUCTION PACKET FROM NVC

can sum1 tell me what is inside the instruction packet nd wat it is for


Please see my response here: http://www.visajourn...ost__p__5463676
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-19 21:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTax transcript still unavailable, what copy of return will do instead?

Hi guys... great thread. This is exactly what I was wondering, as I just called the automated tax return service. I stated to the robot that I wanted to get tax transcripts for 2009, and 2010. I tried 2011, but it wasn't available yet (though my tax return was filed in April right before the deadline). Is it okay to get 2008 transcript instead, or do I really need the 2011? I am also feeling uncomfortable as the robot never confirmed I was getting 2009 and 2010 transcripts, as I simply pressed '3' at the end to indicate I was done. Hopefully I'll have something in the mail in 2 weeks. Else I will simply have lost 2 weeks of time if nothing comes.


2008 is now the fourth year, which NVC could care less about. They care about the most recent (2011) and then the previous two years (2009 and 2010). If you do NOT send them 2011 tax information, they will issue you a checklist.

Remember, the most recent year (2011) tax information is required, the previous two (2009, 2010) is optional (although you still need to input their data on question 25 of the I-864, whether submitting tax information or not).

Has your 2011 tax return been processed yet (ie: have you received a tax refund, if applicable)? If the IRS haven't processed it yet, then of course there won't be a tax transcript available.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-21 17:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTax transcript still unavailable, what copy of return will do instead?

Hello, good folks of the VJ forums. I'm in a bit of a spot and I hope someone can help.

I'm ready to send out the I-864, but my 2011 tax transcript is still not available for ordering, either online or using the phone line. I did try to talk to a live person about it, but after an hour on hold I was simply disconnected, so that's not been helpful so far. I am considering sending in a copy of my 1040 instead.

I'm not sure just what kind of copy I need to send. I understand there is an official IRS copy which I can order, but it costs $60 and takes up to 60 days. Is this what I need? Or will a printout/photocopy of the return I filed be suitable?

Also, do the folks at NVC/DOS/consulate etc. look askance at these copies when they are presented in lieu of an actual transcript? I'm a bit paranoid about it.

If only I'd been wiser and realized how long it takes to make these available, I'd have filed earlier. Hindsight is, as always, 20/20.


A simple photocopy of the tax return is sufficient. Just make sure you include the ENTIRE tax return, so: 1040, 1099, W2s, schedules, attachments, etc. Don't leave anything out. If you sent it to the IRS, you have to send it to NVC.

Although NVC prefers tax transcripts, they accept tax returns, provided you include everything needed.

I'd suggest still getting a tax transcript (once available) and bringing that to the interview to replace the lengthy tax return.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-13 23:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSent AOS and IV packages, what's next?

Hi all, my wife and I sent our AOS and IV packages to the NVC yesterday, and are wondering if I should start calling the NVC about a case complete next week or so.

I assume that they do not notify you when your case is complete, just when they give you an interview date. Is that right?

Do we just call until they say "case complete" and then wait again for the interview date? Or am I missing something?

Thanks for the help guys.


Yes, I suggest you start calling next week, and every day after until you're told your case is complete.

And yes, the next email you'll get is the interview date, unless there's something missing/incorrect in one of your packages in which you'll then get a checklist. But no, you won't get a case complete email.

So, all you have to do is to call NVC to ask if your case is complete. Once that's done, your case is put into queue for an interview date to be assigned. You can keep calling NVC (and add DOS in the mix as well) or you can simply wait for the email.

They send a case complete email..then an email when it is forwarded to the consulate


No, this is incorrect. Only those doing EP get case complete emails. The OP is not from an eligible EP country, thus no case complete email for them.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-22 14:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHand write or Type

Which is the better option when filling out forms such as the DS-230. Handwritten or typed and printed?

Thanks

Dean


I would think it's better if it's typed. If the reviewing officer can't read your hand-writing, well, they can just issue you a checklist.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-22 15:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInstruction Packet

Hi Saylin, so this instruction packet is what will follow once the NVC completes the case? right now, I called and they received my AOS documents and everything was fine with that (thank God), but now they are still working on my husbands DS-230 documents..they haven't updated the system as of yet with regard to these documents...but we're hoping by next week, and we can finally get a interview date (at last...) hope next week will bring good news!! thanks :yes:


No, the instruction package is sent after the IV bill is paid. What you sent, the DS-230, is the IV package.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-22 14:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInstruction Packet

According to VJ time line, Instruction Packet is next on the list before NVC Case completed. Wheat is this instruciton packet?



IR-1/CR-1 Visa
EventDateService Center :California Service CenterConsulate :EthiopiaMarriage (if applicable):2011-06-24I-130 Sent :2011-12-16I-130 NOA1 :2011-12-21I-130 RFE :I-130 RFE Sent :I-130 Approved :2012-05-07NVC Received :2012-05-23Received DS-3032 / I-864 Bill :2012-06-07Pay I-864 Bill 2012-06-15Receive I-864 Package :2012-06-08Return Completed I-864 :2012-06-13Return Completed DS-3032 :2012-06-13Receive IV Bill :2012-06-07Pay IV Bill :2012-06-15Receive Instruction Package :Case Completed at NVC :NVC Left :Consulate Received :Packet 3 Received :Packet 3 Sent :Packet 4 Received :Interview Date :Interview Result :


The instruction package is the package you receive from NVC with the instructions for the IV package.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-16 10:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConditional /Temporary Green Card,waiting time

Hi there,
we have been waiting for my wife Conditional Green card since her arrival into USA on 10.04.2011!? I don't know either whom to call about it!
She did'not recieved SSN(as she was told,since she applied for in US Consulate),we went to local SS Office and applied for it and she got it after 3 weeks!
If anybody knows whom to call and ask about this Conditional Green Card,let us know,please!
THX


I'd call up USCIS and/or make an InfoPass appointment at your local USCIS office.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-22 21:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-260 - Sending Civil Documents... all the way here?

I am the petitioner, So for the DS-260 can I fill it out or must my wife in Lima, Peru fill it out and send it to NVC? Is there a difference?

thanks


Preferably it should be the beneficiary, but the petitioner can fill it out. If you do decide to fill it out, make sure you have all her required information.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-24 14:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-260 - Sending Civil Documents... all the way here?

Saylin, I'm kinda confused with OP doing DS260 online and sending originals+copies to NVC. Is this only requirement for Peru? Shouldn't scanned .pdf files of docs be sent to NVC instead?


Please remember, there is a HUGE difference between doing online forms and electronic processing (emailing packages). Some consulate/embassies allow both, some only allow one. For Peru, they're only eligible for the online forms, so they still have to snail mail packages, which includes the AOS package and the supporting documents for the IV package.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-07-12 22:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-260 - Sending Civil Documents... all the way here?

So my wife just finished submitting the DS-260 online, now it wants her to submit the civil documents and photographs... to the NVC? So she sends those things here to the States? The instructions say the documents don't need to be translated so long as they're written in the country's official language. Seems like it would make more sense to send them to the embassy, but I guess we're not at that part yet. Am I right?


Yes, both the AOS and supporting documents for the IV package get sent to NVC. For an IR-1/CR-1 visa, you don't send any packages to the embassy/consulate at any point. When your case is closed at NVC and you have an interview date scheduled, NVC will mail your case to the consulate/embassy.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-07-12 19:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat does this mean?

I spoke to NVC customer service, and they said I couldn't log in because the AOS fee hadn't been invoiced yet (BS, I've been logging in since Monday and it just said "not invoiced").


That's actually a good message! It's a strong indication that NVC is currently invoicing your AOS bill! Please click on the last link in my signature, then look for the question near the beginning about error messages. I explain it there :)
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-27 23:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresiv bill ?

how long does the iv fee bill takes to generate after ds3032 has been entered?


Once the DS-3032 has been accepted and added to the casefile, the IV bill is invoiced within a few days.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-28 19:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswaiting the Case Complete

Hey guys, I mailed the AOS and IV packages to the NVC one week ago, and I tracked it with fedex and it arrived one week ago from today. I called the NVC to get a check up and they had no record of the packages and said it takes 20 business days to receive. Is this pretty standard? Did the lady know what she was talking about? Just wondering if anyone has any experience with this. Thanks guys.


The operators at NVC will NOT know your package is in the building until an officer starts to review it. That's when it appears in the operators' computers. So, don't fret that your packages aren't there; they are, the operators just can't see it.

It's currently taking NVC around a week to review packages, so you should be hearing very, very soon of the outcome on your packages. Just keep calling them once a day for updates.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-29 10:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfilling out the ds261

Saylin why do they do it than? Seems with sending the DS3032 via email why do they want to bog things down with paper mail and all that. Goodness.


You would think by now NVC/DOS would remove this form due to the fact that giving over the email addresses NVC will then send all correspondence to both. It would save a lot of time (and thus money) on their part. Who knows why this form still exists Posted Image
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-30 00:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfilling out the ds261

Thank you very much! :]


You're welcome ^_^
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-30 00:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfilling out the ds261

Oh ok, but I still need to put YES on that question even though NVC has both of our email addresses.


Yes, if you want to appoint yourself as agent.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-30 00:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfilling out the ds261

When filling out the DS-261 online I want everything corresponding with my husbands case to go to me which I'm the petitioner. In the question: Do you wish to appoint an agent or attorney to receive mail about your visa application?; Do I put NO??


If you want everything corresponding to your husband's case to go to you, then you need to select 'Yes' on that question and fill out all your information in that question.

By the way, by giving both email addresses to NVC, the DS-3032/DS-261 has become a moot form, as both parties will receive all correspondence. As long as NVC has your email addresses, no correspondence is mailed to either the petitioner or beneficiary.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-29 22:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase# at NVC

Thank you so much!! Your information is incredibly helpful!!!!


You're welcome ^_^
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-29 11:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase# at NVC

Hello, everyone. I have a question! After almost 2 month waiting from my NOA2, NVC finally receive my approved I-130 yesterday. And the NVC operator told me I'll receive instruction about fee or paper work by email about 10 to 20 business days. So I guess I don't have NVC case number at this point, right? Should I call them and ask my case#? Or I just need to wait 10 to 20 business days to receive something from them?
Cause even I asked them my case# and get it, until they invoice me any payment, I can't do anything right? I'm little confused.... hope somebody give me some information about this!


Keep calling NVC every single day to see if a case number has been assigned. Once it has, get the number from the operator. Also ask for the 'Invoice Identification Number' (aka the IIN here on VJ). The IIN is required to sign onto the payment portal and pay bills. Also, give over both the petitioner and beneficiary's email addresses.

Once you do get your case number, you can email the DS-3032 following the template wiki found here on VJ.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-29 10:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduressend Aos / iv packets together?

hey would it be smart to express them overnight together? I didn't want to pay for two expresses when the Aos packet is relatively small.

my iv packet is about 50 pages is that too big?

Ok thanks for the advice


Yes, you can send the packages together. I suggest putting them in their own manila envelopes, then putting the two envelopes together into one larger envelope to mail off.

And 50 pages for the IV package? Are you sending proof of relationship?
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-06-30 13:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresds 260 and ds 230

so i understand that only certain consulates will accept the electronic version of the ds-230, my husband who is the beneficiary needs to fill these forms right? I also know they will be in english, he doesn't speak or read or write english, can I fill them out for him, save them and have him open and then he can sign them, is the electronic version realible? I know if you do it on paper form you must take a copy to the consulate, any info will be greatly appreciated, Thank you!


Some consulates REQUIRE the DS-260 instead of the paper DS-230. Mexico is one of those countries. You CANNOT file the DS-230, it HAS to be the DS-260.

Yes, generally, it's the beneficiary that fills it out, but the petitioner can help fill it out. There's a question (asking the beneficiary) at the end of the form asking if anyone helped you, so you'd put your information there. You'll have to log on and fill out the DS-260 online. You can't save this form to your computer or anything, it's filled out online and then submitted online.

If you want, you can look at screenshots of the DS-260 online: http://www.docstoc.c...60-screen-shots It'll mostly look like those screenshots. There have been a few changes since those were posted.
SaylinFemaleCanada2011-08-20 19:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Petition. Canadian Birth Certificate?

Hey everyone. For copying your birth certificate, can I use my short form Birth Certificate or do I have to order the long form?
Here are pictures of the short and the new long they are issuing

http://www.rootsweb....inder/birth.gif

http://www.isc.ca/Vi...?TB_iframe=true


For the I-130 petition, the beneficiary's birth certificate isn't needed. But at NVC, for the IV package, the long form will be needed.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-07-02 13:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-261 vaccinations??

There is a question on the DS-261 that asks if the beneficiary has documentation of vaccinations in accordance with US law.

If I select no, it asks for an explanation. And we cant say Yes because im sure we don't have all the vaccinations complete yet.

I thought we don't deal with this until the panel physician exam??


First off, it's the D-260 that asks this, not the DS-261. Two very different forms.

And this is what I put for mine (I chose yes): "I HAVE HAD A VACCINATION RECORD SINCE I WAS BORN WITH ALL THE REQUIRED VACCINATIONS CLEARLY RECORDED BY A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL."

So either choose yes or no, depending on your case, and explain why you chose it.

Please keep in mind, this question has nothing to do with the medical exam. It's simply asking if you have documentation for any vaccinations you might have had.

Edited by Saylin, 02 July 2012 - 06:52 PM.

SaylinFemaleCanada2012-07-02 18:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC

Hi Saylin, was wondering how one can get on your spreadsheet. Cannot see my details there. I called the NVC today and the operator told me they have my case file and that my i129f has been administratively closed. I was also given a case numbe. My wife hired a lawyer to deal with the process. Was wondering what role i can play to expedite this stage. By i mean what is d next stage.


Added you to my spreadsheet ;)

And grats on getting the case number today! Posted Image

Click on the last two links in my signature and read up :)
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-07-02 19:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC

It feels like forever i've seen people posting who got approved NOA2 on June 29 who already have a case and IIN number. I taught they were supposed to do it in order of NOA2 approval notice.


June 29? That'd be way too fast. Are you sure?

Generally, it's in order that they receive it.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-07-02 13:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC

NVC received my packet from the USCIS on June 25th. My approval NOA2 is from June 4th. How long does it take NVC to give me my case and IIN #?


It's currently taking around a month from NOA2 date to get a case number assigned, so you should be getting yours any day now. Just keep calling NVC each day and inquiring.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-07-02 11:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresExpired DS-230

I was trying to get my forms ready and when i go to print out form DS-230 noticed that it is expired 06/30/12. Has anyone else have this problem? Is it ok if we fill out DS-230 even if its expired?


Please read post 2 here: http://www.visajourn...s-expire-today/ That's not an expiration date of the form. It's 100% safe to use.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-07-03 11:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiled I130 Ifrom abroad with US address

I filed my I130 from abroad listing my US address. My parents in the US just received my NOA1. Now I was wondering what is going to happen once my papers get to NVC. Will my parents have to forward what they receive from NVC to me? My parents can take care of the bills for me there so that's not a problem. But can the forms that NVC sends be printed out from online so that I can send them in from here?


If you give over the petitioner and beneficiary's email addresses to a NVC operator after getting a case number assigned, then NVC will send all correspondence by email. You'll still have to snail mail your packages to NVC though. But the forms can be downloaded ahead of time and filled out, so you're prepared for the NVC stage.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-07-03 11:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase Complete at NVC

DOS? By any chance, do you have their contact #? Also, will the NVC be able to let me know my interview date - I got the impression from the rep I spoke to a couple days ago that they were done with my file and no further info was going to be available. Maybe that was his way of saying 'leave us alone' LOL. Who knows....


DOS = Department of State

If you click on the second to last link in my signature, you'll find a post with their contact information.

Both NVC and DOS will know when an interview date is scheduled. Your case is still currently at NVC and will remain so until an interview date is scheduled. Once that happens, then your case is forwarded to the consulate/embassy.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-07-05 10:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase Complete at NVC

I just got off the phone with a representative at the NVC and found out my case was complete as of yesterday. He told me he didn't have any further information but that an interview will be scheduled in Montreal. Approximately how long until I find out when my interview is? Hoping I find out soon.


Grats on your case complete! You'll find out within a month of your interview date, probably closer to two weeks. Just call NVC and DOS each day if you want to find out right away. Otherwise you can just wait for the email.
SaylinFemaleCanada2012-07-03 23:10:00