Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	NOA2 APPROVED!!!!!!	OMG!! Today, exactly 4 months from our NOA1 date, I received the text message and email notification that our petition has been approved in Vermont!! Thank you, God!!!!!! I knew I would be happy but I had NO IDEA it would feel this good! I started shaking like a leaf and couldn't even speak! I am absolutely over the moon. Thank you to everyone and best of luck to all of you waiting for your NOA2s! Don't worry....they're coming!! Congratulations!	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2011-05-26 09:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Wow, Wow Noa 2	Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E) Your Case Status: Post Decision Activity On June 24, 2011, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283. For approved applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include USCIS sending notification of the approved application/petition to the National Visa Center or the Department of State. For denied applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include the processing of an appeal and/or motions to reopen or reconsider and revocations Congratulations! Hopefully things move swiftly from here. This is where it starts to get really exciting! The wait as usual is a pain in the , well you know, but you are moving closer and closer to interview. Very happy for you!	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2011-06-25 00:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	A final goodbye	Dear VJS even though i havent been here u guys have been Awesome.and there really are a lot of lovely people here.am glad i met u all,esp midge mij,zeebee,camille,and many others whose names ive forgotten but have been very helpful.Sadly there wont be any K1 for me anymore,since my fiancee said hes scared he would get in trouble if he files for me because its been just a year after his divorce and he thinks prolonging the wait will make our petition be aproved .Honestly its been a few months but am really fustrated already and to hear him say that really hurt,my reason,we made a decision together,but it seems to me that he isnt willing to risk it all for me,am young, i love him with all my heart and not because of status,i honestly love him and have never for a split second thought of cheating on him,i put my life on hold for him,but i honestly have to find myself,cos waiting around seems like forever to me,considering the fact that we are already miles apart anything can happen along the way.i Hvae decided that we both go our seperate ways pursuing our dreams,and leave the rest to God.I have applied for a shool and france and waiting upon approval.i hope the time will help me forget.thank u all once again. almost wife to be I am very sorry to hear this and I cannot assume the emotions you are feeling right now. But some advise if you don't mind. Divorce in of itself is an emotionally difficult life event, whether it was wanted, needed etc. Although your fiance has made the decision that they are not ready to move forward now, that does not always mean that they won't be ready down the road. However, for you, see this as an opportunity to get to do more for yourself, expand your horizons, get out and see the world, possibilities are endless. You said you are young, take it from someone who married young initially, I wish I had take more time to get to know myself. Take this opportunity to focus on yourself. We never know what the future has in store for us, take it one day at a time and if it is mean to be that you two end up being together, them you will, and maybe as you venture out on this new journey alone you find someone who would be better for you in the long run. In any event, you dont have to say your goodbyes to anyone here, just because you are not currently going through an immigration event, if you've made friends, keep 'em, enjoy them and and build those relationships. Anyway, I wish you the very best, I am sorry you are hurting but each new day the pain will subside and hopefully more joyous events will take its place. Best of luck to you	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2012-02-08 12:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	NOA 2 Today	Hi, and congratulations. I went thru the whole process with the help of the members here. this link will help you. if you have any questions http://www.visajourn...tent/i130guide1 go to http://www.visajourn...ss-procedures/. All your questions will be answer Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. So, can you tell me. They send the file to NVC. And you get a package from NVC telling you what to do? So, when you confirm they have your file, if you already have the papers together, can you send them in to NVC? Do you mind if I ask you personally, do you remember how many days from NOA2 until file was at NVC, then from NVC to Consulate and then to interview please? I am just trying to understand the timeline from someone who has gone through this in Turkey. Thanks again so very much1 Thank you so much!	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2012-05-09 16:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	NOA 2 Today	Hi All, so excited, we received NOA2 today. I was hoping someone could help. We filed IR1/CR1, I know next it is going to NVC but someone who has been through this before, can you tell me approximately what are all of the next steps and the timelines for those steps? Like how long until it is at NVC, then when at NVC, how long until they want payment and files from us, what happens next? Just want to make sure I am doing all of the right things. Also, did most of you send certified copies of papers requested? Anything special or any pointers any of you can give to make sure we do everything right and to make this process go as smoothly as possible please? Thank you everyone	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2012-05-08 14:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	VISA DENIED...NEW LIGHT	1 year ban??? may god be with you guys (i'm not an immigration expert or anything. but in your case...dear you guys really need an immigration lawyer to back u up...not even marrying him is the solution.) Wow, so sorry to hear that. So, does that mean you have a 1 year ban before you can re-apply or a 1 year ban before it can be approved? If it is 1 year before it can be approved, possibly you can re-start the application process about 7 months in to the ban. I wish you all the best of luck. Like to see your positive attitude.	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2012-09-12 10:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	It's official folks...	Well it is official my fellow Egypt filers, Ahmed and I did not make it thru to a May interview, per NVC operator today. While I am so very sad and nervous to tell my husband, I feel like I still got to keep hope alive and keep faith. Though it is getting harder to do. I won't whine and cry though, for I have seen many of my fellow VJers in a far worse situation than me and mine. What I will do however is begin to transition my life so that I can join my husband in Cairo and wait out the rest of this hellish journey in the arms of my love. Nooooow what should I pack ... hmmmm.... can I take an A/C with me or what? LOL just joking folks, got to laugh or I will surely fall apart... take care everyone and I wish you all the best! Amber I am so sorry to hear that. This whole process is just such an emotional roller coaster but at the end of it all, when we are finally together with the loves of our life, none of this will matter anymore. Have a great trip and yes, if you can fit an A/C into your suitcase, I'd surely take one with me	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2011-04-19 12:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	just called USCIS but not good response.	Hello guys, I juat call USCIS to find out what's going with my case cause it's been 5 months 2 weeks waiting for NOA2. Their answer was same"your case is still under processing time frame" they are working on OCT 2nd,2010 right not. they told me to wait 37 days more for response...if i don't get anything by that time,call them again. 5 months 2 weeksthey told me to wait 37 days more. I don't even know why USCIS have customer service,they are good for nothing...no matter who calls them...their answer will be same. Guys seriously,i'm getting sick and tired of this immigration process. I know i need to have PATIENCE here...been doing that for more than 5 months...still nothing. i don't know what to do. I completely understand your frustration but let me tell you what I did. I was given the exact same response. To which I asked to speak with a supervisor. They gave me a Tier 2 or 3 person, she reviewed my case and told me that she sees that we were outside of the normal processing timeline and that she would send a request to the VSC to please take a look at our file and she gave me a reference number. Not sure this will help or do any good, but it did make me feel a little better to speak with someone who was at least willing to put in a request to have the file reviewed. Maybe give this a try?? If not, be patient, it is hard as heck I know, we all want our approvals as soon as possible. But just have faith that eventually your approval will come and that you can move forward in the process.	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2011-04-22 08:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	RFE but can't Sign In	My hubby is leaving for work tomorrow so I decided to check everything to make sure that all systems were go as far as I could tell. When I called NVC they said that he was missing his passport's biographic page (which I know for a fact I included) and just told us to resend the info. So, when I went to log in to NVC's website to update my timeline, I could not log in. I'm also wondering why I did not receive the RFE email since I received a fake RFE earlier to the same address. Has anyone experienced something similar? Hi there, unfortunately I do not have any insight as to what is happening at NVC regarding the passport's biographic page, which by the way, that sucks! I hope you get that figured out. I am sorry to ask this of you, but would you mind telling me how you go to the NVC website and get a user name and password to log in? Or tell me what this process is please? HOpe you get this matter cleared up and I certainly hope they don't extend you timeline!	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2011-04-29 08:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Gratitude!!!	After a many months of waiting, much work, a lot of patience and, trust that all things happening for the greater good....Adams got his VISA today!! He will arrive in USA next Tuesday. Here's to new beginnings...... Thank you all for your love, support, encouragement and prayers! http://www.youtube.c...h?v=T3S7mlRYL-8 Love and Light Eternal, and in so much Gratitude, Adams and Michelle Yippee Congratulations!!!!!	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2011-04-28 14:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Got (false?) RFE...to resubmit or not to resubmit?	They say that I need to submit a business license if I'm self-employed, which I did do and attached with the affidavit of support. Should I have a supervisor look over it or just resubmit the business license? I ask because I don't want them to review it, remove the RFE and then here comes along a document from me possibly delaying or mixing up the process... I've tried to speak to a supervisor but they always say they're busy. They say it takes 10 days for a supervisor to review. Any ideas? If you have a certified copy of the business license available, it would probably take less time for you to just re-submit it, send it overnight mail. I have seen people who got an RFE, who sent in the required documentation getting approved just a few days later. Honestly seems this would be less timely than asking someone to review your case. Just my opinion though	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2011-05-05 14:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	APPPPPPPPPPPRRRROOOVVEDDD	OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGG.......SO ASUSUAL LIKE EVERYDAY I OPENED MY EMAIL AND I SEE AN EMAIL FROM MY LAWYER APPROVAL NOTICE ARIVED TODAY .......OMG I STARTING CRYING IM SOOO HAPPY!!!!! CANT BELIEVE IT AFTER MANY DAYS WE RECIEVD THE APPROVAL LETTER IN THE MAIL TODAY!!AND NO EMAIL OR TXT MSG AS I HAVE SIGNED UP FOR.AT USCIS...APPROVED IN 146 DAYS CANT BELIEVE IT SOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY......... SO MY QUESTION IS NOW WHAT? LAWYER SAID I SHOULD RECEIVE MY APPIOMENT DATE IN ABOUT 2 WEEKS..LETS HOPE SOO..NVC HERE I COMEE1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND THANKS TO EVERY SUPORTING COMMETNS OUT THERE! GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE WAITING ON THERE APPROVAL!!!! MAY 5-2011 APPROVAL ARRIVED IN THE MAIL!!!!!!YAYAYAYYAY Congratulations!	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2011-05-06 06:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	OMG! HAPPY DANCE!!!AYAYAAAYYY!!!! NOA2 FINALLY!!	my heart is still ponding!!! my hand shaking!!! omg!omg!!what a good day!!!! i was about to get ready going to the parlor for my hair spa and treat my lil man to JOlibee..(after we had videochat with my hubby)!!! when my hubby text me to get back on and call on skype,,i was wondering why ,because we just had a talk like a minute ago.. and he told me the very gooooood news!!!happy feet!!!! he was checking the USCIS site and he found out that we are approved!!! :dance !!!! wow! thank vj members!!!! Congratulations!	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2011-05-19 14:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	DrugTest Positive (just in case)	Hi, Somewhere in my past did try to use drugs. What if I was diagnosed positive during medical examination, is my visa will be denied? (sorry for my English i hope u understand) It really depends on the type of drugs you used to use, how long it has been since you've used them, and from my understanding it does not appear to be something they test for as standard however I do know they do blood and sometimes urine tests, so depending on what they look for if drugs is one of them, then yes this could have an affect on your visa application. However, if you want to know for sure if you would test positive for anything, you could always try one of the at home tests or somthing along those lines. Also, if you go to the website for the consulate where the interview will take place, you may be able to find a list of what they are looking for during the medical examination.	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2011-05-24 08:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Urgent !!NVC contact no is not working	Hi Guys, I am trying to call nvc contact no 6033340700 but it keeps on ringing. Anybody had same experience Yes, I experienced this a few weeks ago. I think they were just having a high call volume. I have also received busy signals. Just keep trying	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2011-05-31 08:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Payment of Fees	Hi All, I have some confusion concerning the payment of fees for the medical examination and for the interview itself for a K-1 visa. I reached out to the consulate and they did not provide me with any additional information other than, refer to our website for answers. So, any of you who have gone through the interview process in Ankara, if any of you could shed some light I would be most appreciative. 1. The fees for medical must be paid in USD is this correct? If so, does anyone know what form of payment is considered acceptable? Cash, check, credit card, etc? Also, my fiance is unable to locate his medical records so it appears he will need to have some vaccinations most likely. Now I did read that each vaccination can cost somewhere between $5 and $20 a piece, so aside from the standard fees for the medical examination, how much would you suggest that I tell him to take with him to the examination? Also, approximately, how long did the examination take? He is in the process of scheduling his flight tickets and is trying to decide if he could take a return flight home scheduled for 3pm, in that his examination is scheduled for 10:30 am. 2. The fees that have to be paid to TEB for the interview, do any of you know if these fees must be paid to the TEB bank in Ankara or can he pay these fees at any TEB in the city where he lives? Also, concerning the fees for this, they as well must be pain in USD. In that he is going to the bank to make this payment, if he takes lira, they can just do the conversion there, correct? I know these questions may seem a bit silly however, we are just trying to be as diligent as possible and avoid any issues or problems along the way if at all possible. Any insight any of you can provide would be most appreciated. Thanks so much! Tuana	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2011-06-25 01:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Interview Trouble!!	We had our interview today and there was a problem.. so we did not get the visa today because they could not find my 2010 1040 and w2. So we called the IRS had them faxed and sent it back the the embassy via UPS same day. I hope we will be getting our visa in the mail still next week. Does any one know how long it will take? Thank you, Nikki and AKin ATA Oh wow, that stinks. Iam so sorry to hear that. Did you include this information initially in your packet? If so, and you can prove that this was included, I would suggest calling them on Monday, between 4-5pm their time and discuss it with them. FYI I am not sure if you have called the consulate before, but if you have, make sure you select immigrant visa, then selection I believe option 1 for regarding a particular case to speak with someone directly. When you make this selection, if it rings but puts you through to an extension, keep calling, eventually you will get to someone. I would simply call them and ask them how long they usually take to re-schedule an interview for supplimental documentation that needed to be provided. I wish you the best of luck, and please keep us informed on what happened and if you do call, what information they were already provided. If you don't mind my asking and I hope you do not take offense, but would you mind sharing with us what question were asked during the interview? Take care and best of luck to you! Tuana	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2011-06-25 00:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	IR1/CR1 Process	if your already married for get about the 1-129f k-1 visa thats for fiance-e visas,if your married then you need to file the form 1-130, its a cr-1 visa,read all the guides to bring your spouse to the united states read the flow charts.the documents you and your wife or husban needs to get togather,download the 1-30 form read the instractions what is needeed,and download the example 1-130 form to get some ideas. Hi, thanks so much! Yes, I filed the I-130, however prior to our marriage, we had initiatlly petitioned for him to come as my fiance. However, we withdrew that application as we got married and are now proceeding with the I-130. I was asking if there are packages that will be submitted after approval by uSCIS for the I-130 similar to the process when going through the K-1. Thanks so much Tuana, I found the guide called Ling Che's NVC shortcuts very helpful. It helped me be prepared for the next step at NVC. I studied it for a couple weeks and got all the needed documents ready. I made my husband get his stuff early in case they approved us early. And they did. So I only spent 13 days at NVC. It was easy. The waiting for the nvc case number took forever! lol http://www.visajourn...he_NVC_ShortCut Oh awesome! Thank you so very much!	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2011-12-21 21:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	IR1/CR1 Process	Hi Everyone, I am looking for some help with understanding the process as a whole for the IR1/CR1. The initial paperwork has been sent in, but my confusion lies with what happens if things are approved through USCIS. Basically, I need a breakdown, if anyone has it of what the next steps are, what documents need to be sumbitted etc. I have read through the USCIS website, however, i think many of us here know that it can get a bit confusing at times. Anyone who has been through the process that would not mind shedding some light for me, it would be greatly appreciated! is there a package 2, 3 etc similar to that with the K-1 visa? That is basicallly what I am trying to figure out is what will be requested of us if the file is approved with USCIS. Thanks in advance to anyone willing to provide answers and help clarify the process! Tuana	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2011-12-21 17:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Go Jesus! ..GO!	I finally got it after 6 long months of waiting. My notice of intent to revoke letter came today. I have 30 days to send in evidence of a bonafide marriage. They say my husband was not able to answer questions about what I did for chrsmas or even other basic questions about me and did not submit suffient documents. But they did not ask me to send anything specific, just that it was up to me the petioner to prove the bona fide marriage. If anybody can think of anything for me to send pls reply. I am still singing praises cos at least they didn't revoke us. Hi there, the most primary evidence for bona fide marriage is going to be your marriage certificate. Below is a list of some secondary evidence that you might want to consider providing: USCIS defined secondary evidences1) Documentation showing joint ownership or property 2) Lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence 3) Documentation showing co-mingling of financial resources 4) Birth certificate(s) of child(ren) born to the petitioner and the beneficiary 5) Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties having personal knowledge of the bona fides of the marital relationship 6) Any other relevant documentation to establish that there is an ongoing marital union Sample secondary evidences Asset purchase documentation such as home, car etc. under both names such as joint titles, joint names in car registration Joint loans together in mortgage, auto etc. Lease of the home, car etc. under both names Joint bank account in petitioner's and/or beneficiary's country Stocks, mutual funds, retirement funds documentation together Credit, Debit, ATM card details under both names Money transfer documentation that shows spousal support Life Insurance Policy under both the petitioner and the beneficiary names Will prepared by the petitioner and/or the beneficiary showing other as beneficiary If marriage happened in prior year, income tax filing together Joint church tax statements Joint invoices - utility bills such as phone, electricity, water, gas, internet, cable TV etc. Hope this helps!	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2012-01-23 16:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	sendings docs to nvc	ig I am preparing DS-230 for my husband. I am the petitioner. Got a couple questions. 1. Should I include a cover letter? I included one with my I-130 for uscis but I don't know if this is helpful for NVC. 2. Should I staple anything? 3. Is the current address where I will be sending DS-230 to: National Visa Center Attn: DR 31 Rochester Ave. Suite 100 Portsmouth, NH 03801-2914 4. I am sending my DS-230 now but I won't be sending AOS till mid march so my case won't be completed till then. However, does NVC send a notification saying everything is okay with the DS-230 after looking over it? Or should I assume if nothing is sent that I have no RFE's for the DS-230. Thanks VJ!! I have always found it useful when sending documents in situations like these and any other similar situations to include not only cover letters but also a table of contents. For the intended party, this provides a high-level over-view of what they can expect to see and also aids them in getting to information more quickly. Also, not only has this always aided me in insuring that I have not failed to include anything, but if you keep copies for your own records, in the event one should claim that they did not receive and item, you have a way to provide evidence that you did and to have re-assurance on your end. Also, pertaining to this subject in particular, given all the information that we must provide throughout the immigration process, I have found that if you separate out the information and utilize tabs which correlate to your table of contents this may aid in the review of your file as everything is well orgaized and easy to find. Just suggestions and ideas from personal experience. Best of luck!	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2012-02-08 14:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	IR1/CR1 - I-130 HELP	I hope it helps Thank you thank you so very much, you have no idea how helpful this is and how appreciative I am to you for this! I cannot express my thanks in words. I have been driving myself crazy and now thanks to you, I can get these ready to go today! So very happy! You are a doll and again thank you!	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2012-05-21 07:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	IR1/CR1 - I-130 HELP	Hi all, Really need some help here please. I have been directed to several sites, however I am getting conflicting information and I am confused and I don't want to make any mistakes. I am hoping that some people who have recently gone through the process can provide some assistance please. My case is now at NVC for the I-130, IR-1/CR-1. Here is what I need help with please: 1. Of all the documents for NVC- AOS, IV packet etc which documents can be certified copies and which must be originals? (marriage certificate, police certificate, military, birth certificate, etc. etc. etc.) 2. For documents that can be certified copies, what must the certified copies entail? If the copies are notarized and stated that they are true copies of the original with notarial signature is this sufficient? Must certified copies have apostitles? 3. Of our marriage documents, we had everything translated, the birth certificate used, the passports, the marriage certificate, the police record etc, all translated by a certified translator with a copy of the original and all with apostitles. If they ask for originals, do we want to send these originals or the original marriage certificate with out the translation and without the apositles? Also, I need clarification on exacly how everything is sent in. I understand I have to wait for our case # from NVC and also the invoice number so that we can use the system through NVC to make the payments. Do you make payment for everything all at once at NVC and then send in all the papers together (bar codes showing proof, choice of agent, and all the packages for AOS and IV packet? I know I am asking for a lot of information, I just don't want to delay the process by doing anything wrong. I have done my research, however I am just not sure which research is current and which is out of date. So anyone that recently went through NVC who can provide insight and help walk me through this process, it woud be greatly appreciated. Any suggestions your have any do's and don't, please include anything you think would be helpful for me to know. Also, anyone petitioning for their spouse from Turkey out there, can you tell me please approximately how long from when your case was assigned at NVC to when you were given your interview date and then how long until your interview please? Thanks all VJ members for your help and I do apologize if I am requesting information that has been posted on here multiple times before. Take care everyone!	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2012-05-19 14:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	How should I file my taxes?	Just as a side note to the below, with regards to the SSN or ITIN, I went round and round with this. I applied for the ITIN for my spose for the purposes of filing my taxes, the IRS kept sending it back stating that I had to apply for the ITIN in conjunction with filing the taxes.   The easiest route for doing this, especially if the spouse is not yet here in the US, is to go to a tax professional, such as HR Block, have them prepare the taxes for the year, they, at the same time can also include the application for the spouse's ITIN. Your taxes along with application for ITIN will be submitted at the same time. Once the ITIN has been issued and approved, it will then be attached to the return that was submitted and then the return processed. I live here in TX, but from date of submission to date return received was about 6-8 weeks. HAHAHA  I was coming back to edit my post but will not let me now...   I was incorrect about the 50% thing (I was looking at claiming a dependent earlier which I can not claim, Sorry)   Straight out of the text book... Nonresident Alien Spouse If your spouse is a nonresident alien, he or she must have either a SSN or an ITIN if: 1. You file a joint return, 2.  You file a separate return and claim an exemption for your spouse,or 3.  Your spouse is filing a separate return Married Filing Jointly 1. You were married at the end of 2013, even if you did not live with your spouse at the end of 2013 2. Your spouse died in 2013 and you did not remarry in 2013 3. You were married at the end of 2013 and your spouse died in 2014 before filing a 2013 return A married couple filing jointly report their combined income and deduct their combined allowable expenses on one return.  They can file a joint return even if only one had income or if they did not live together all year.  However, both person must sign the return. Nonresident aliens and dual status aliens Generally, a married couple cannot file a joint return if either spouse is a nonresident alien at any time during the year. However, if you were a nonresident alien or a dual-status alien and were married to a US citizen or resident alien at the end of 2013, you can elect to be treated as a resident alien and file a joint return.  See Pub. 519 for details Married filling separately Be sure to enter your spouse's SSN or ITIN on Form 1040.  If your spouse does not have and is not required to have a SSN or ITIN, enter "NRA"   There is a bunch of other stuff also   But really on the W4 it doesn't matter what you put...	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2014-01-16 14:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	How should I file my taxes?	Hi, I had a similar situation. I went ahead and kept the "1" on my W-4. The truth is, you can claim whatever you want on your employer's W-4 forms, what really matters is that when it comes time to actually file your taxes is that you report the information accurately. The less you withhold from your paycheck typically means that you will be more likely to receive a return. (Other factors can affect whether or not you receive a return). Subsequently, because I filed my taxes for the year I was married as "married filing joint," to help satisfy the conditions of evidence needed for the visa process, I obtained from my spouse a power of attorney for the purposes of doing our taxes. (If you decide to do the same make sure you have the POA translated) My suggestion is that you go to a tax professional this year when you choose to file, to ensure taxes are done properly and call them ahead, explain the situation and determine what paperwork to take with you so that you can file in your spouse's absence. Hello All...   I got married on Nov 19, 2013 and had to update my W-4 tax form when I got back in early december. I was a bit confused as to how I should  file my taxes now that I am married and my wife is overseas. I filed the i-130 just last week - so its gonna be take some time before she comes to  america.    -I am working -My wife just started working a few weeks ago (in India)      I spoke with my accountant on this matter and he suggested that I put the  number  "1" for the total number of allowances I am claiming for my W4 form. However, he said that I should check the option " Married, but withhold at higher single rate."      What I want to know  is - now that I am married, am I suppose to file as "2" for the total number of allowances I am claiming for my wife and I?  Or is it okay with what I have right now listed as "1" ?        I dont want any issues during the i-130 process when they have to check on how I filed my taxes. Salary is not the problem - but was wondering if it would be an issue if they see that I filed as "1" instead of "2", Or if there is anything that I need to be aware of when they look at my taxes.  (My concern is why I have filed as single instead of married even though I checked the married box)      Any suggesstions or tips on what I should do would greatly be appreciated.     Thanks!	KemalTuanaYalcin	Female	Turkey	2014-01-16 14:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	This forum is for Case Filing, Progress Reports & and Congrats Posts :)	QUOTE (southafricatousa @ Nov 29 2007, 05:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Just to start off my name is Jesse and I'm engaged to Sarah. Sarah and I met in the USA - she was actually one of my first customers at my business. Eventually after a wonderful relationship in the states, Sarah had to go back to South Africa (her visa expired). We decided it was best for her to go home to see her family and friends. It would also give us time to think about our feelings for one another. We also did not want her to stay illegally and ruin our chances of her coming back! Sarah left on May 25th of 2007 (hardest thing ever). After a lot of phone calls, I arrived in South Africa rom the end of August to the beginning of September where I asked her to marry me. I arrived home on September 11th. After arriving home I found an immigration lawyer. I didn't want to do it alone. Joe has been a fantastic lawyer, worked for the government, and able to let me ask questions and get stressed out! Very important! The good news in the beginning. We sent out the entire visa application on September 21st 2007. On October 3rd, I was reading the reports on receipt delays and was so stressed that we could just have to wait months for the receipt and to even start the process - that night I checked the mailbox and there was the receipt! I was shocked. I cried, so happy knowing that the road to getting Sarah back had truly started. I was also amazed at the speed of the receipt. Was that normal? The receipt was dated received on October 1st - we received a receipt in a week from the Vermont Service Center? Waiting! It's been exactly 60 days since we received the receipt not any word. When I check online it states case received and pending. What would we receive next? I did speak to the lawyer recently and he sounded optimistic. He stated that he wouldn't be surprised if we heard very soon about an approval. I don't know though...I'm beginning to get very sad about the process. However, I had another great experience with Sarah. I flew back over to South Africa from 10/16/07 to 11/13/07 - ALMOST A WHOE MONTH THERE! It helped cut a month out of this long process..much needed. I hope everyone enjoyed our story. I like this site so I signed up today to talk to others, help myself calm down about the process, and learn more. Best of luck to everyone today with visa stuff. Time line: Lawyer mailed 129f package - September 21, 2007 Vermont received and sent receipt - October 1, 2007.....only 5-6 business days! Now waiting on approval... Im assuming you have received your approval by now. It took me almost 5 months to get mine. I thought it was so wonderful!!!! thinking the hard part was over... it hadn't even begun! WE are now into our 4th month of administrative processing after the interview. It could be up to 2 years before we hear anything else. I hope you are a hell of a lot luckier than we were!!!! Luck to you! Let me know how your progress is!	AskimZeki	Female	Turkey	2008-02-11 22:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	January I-129F filers	Hooray!!! Just got my Email from USCIS! "Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E) Your Case Status: Post Decision Activity On May 14, 2012, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)." My NOA1 date was January 5th. Best wishes to all the other January filers!	miner89r	Male	China	2012-05-14 10:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	VISA APPROVED!!	Just received an email from Jiayang and her interview is over and her visa has been approved. As soon as I talk with her I will post a review of the consulate in Guangzhou.	Biff	Male	China	2011-05-12 22:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	I-130 MARCH 2013 FILERS!! NBC	I just checked my online status and my parents just got approved!!! I don't know if calling last week or emailing USCIS and/or senators had anything to do with it, but fricking YESSSS!!!!!! My PD date is March 28th, so I am praying hard for all you March filers!!!	Collie	Female	United Kingdom	2014-01-07 16:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	I-130 MARCH 2013 FILERS!! NBC	Processed in order my butt! (sorry). I just seen a June filer that got approved that is NOT from the Philippines. I'm calling utter BS on the processing in order line.	Collie	Female	United Kingdom	2014-01-07 09:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	I-130 MARCH 2013 FILERS!! NBC	Wonderful! Thank you so much!	Collie	Female	United Kingdom	2014-01-03 11:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	I-130 MARCH 2013 FILERS!! NBC	Hi, there was recently (maybe yesterday) a thread that had an email in it for contacting USCIS to get a case status update. I cannot find it for the life of me but my 60 days are nearly up and I am about to get on their butts! Can someone please point me in the direction of the thread that had that email or the email address itself?   Thank you	Collie	Female	United Kingdom	2014-01-03 11:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	I-130 MARCH 2013 FILERS!! NBC	Hi Folks, the more that I have thought about this, the more that I am getting involved - I already have senator Ted Cruz and Kay Granger involved. I have written to my local Fox News channel with the following email and I urge you to do the same. Did you know that USCIS currently has more than $230 MILLION dollars tied up right now. This is YOUR money and they are holding it in their greedy little paws. Once I started to think about the dollars and cents, I started to pay more attention. Feel free to copy and paste my email.   Lets get some damned action here!!!         Dear Fox News,   I wanted to make you aware of an event that will be taking place tomorrow across the US with regards to immigration. On November 19th, US citizens who have a pending I-130 (petition to bring an immediate relative to the US), will be emailing and faxing the following list of significant parties:   Alejandro  Mayorkas - Director USCIS Lori Scialabba  - Deputy Director USCIS Maria M. Odom - Ombudsman USCIS Brandi Blackburn, Assistant Center Director for NBC Division 8 in Overland Park, KS Nancy W. Guilliams ? Director Office of Administration-USCIS Randy Beers  - Secretary DHS Washington Post AILA Fox News (Sean Hannity)   This is being done in an effort to bring awareness of the increasing backlog of petitions that are not being processed in a timely manner. The USCIS national goal is 5 months, however the current national average in 11 months, although there are petitions in the system from 2012 that have still not been processed.   According to the most recent USCIS I-130 Petition Performance report, the National Benefits Center completed the processing of only 2,755 petitions in the first two quarters of the 2013 Fiscal Year (October 2012-March 2013). In the same reporting period, the National Benefits Center received 254,890 petitions and has now accrued a backlog of 523,874 pending cases2. I believe the few petitions that the National Benefits managed to process to be limited to expedited cases.  Despite announcements of USCIS efforts to dedicate staff to process I-130 petitions in Overland Park, KS, USCIS has failed to train or re-assign staff needed to process this caseload in a timely manner3.  After a year of indecision, the I-130 workload is only now being transferred from the National Benefits Center to regional service centers4.   This personally affects me as I petitioned to bring my parents from Northern Ireland in March 2013. We just received a letter this past weekend stating our case was being transferred to Nebraska, where the national average is 11 months before it will be further processed.   The cost of time that I am missing out on where my parents are missing seeing their grand-daughters growing up is irreplaceable.   I urge you to join the network of News stations that will be broadcasting this issue tomorrow and to bring awareness and hopefully action.   With the back log of petitions and the cost of just one petition, this means that the USCIS currently is holding $230,504560. This is a very rough estimate as many people will have paid for more than one petition. This total may be double or even triple. Surely with the amount of money going into USCIS should bring justification to hire more staff and speed up petitions?   Thank you for your time and if you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me by email or by phone.   Regards, Kat Nicholl-Basye	Collie	Female	United Kingdom	2013-11-18 09:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	I-130 MARCH 2013 FILERS!! NBC	Nebraska is showing 11 months to process. I'm calling tomorrow to ascertain if this means waiting an additional 11 months to the 8 we already have waited. I also think it's BS that people who filed later than March are getting approved faster. I've noticed one country that seems to be following this trend.. Any thoughts on the processing time if it truly will be another year to reach a decision?	Collie	Female	United Kingdom	2013-11-18 00:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2014 Interviews	Full review of the interview process at the London embassy courtesy of my Dad. Good luck to anyone who is preparing for an upcoming interview and congrats to those of you who recently had family members approved   http://www.visajourn...php?entry=14625	Collie	Female	United Kingdom	2014-06-13 10:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2014 Interviews	Approved!!!  My husband was approved this morning.  He said he has too much paperwork.  They didn't take our 2013 tax info and it was easier than he expected!   They asked him how we met and when we got married.    Congrats	Collie	Female	United Kingdom	2014-06-13 10:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	July 2014 Interviews	My parents had their interview this morning in London and were approved Finally after 15 months, we are done. I will post a detailed review when I Skype with them this weekend, but they were asked the following:   Who I was Where I lived What did I do When they were planning to go to the US Where they were going to live when they got there   My Mum was also asked a trick question asking if she had been to Colorado before as there was someone there with her maiden name. Weird question to ask but she answered no and told the immigration person that you can't catch me out, lol!   Thank you to everyone who has helped me with questions along the way, especially Saylin and D-Wheels. I couldn't have got through all the paperwork without all your expert advice. To anyone else that is still waiting, keep the faith and you will be reunited with your family soon	Collie	Female	United Kingdom	2014-06-11 08:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	April 2013 I-130 Filers	Congrats Anne!!!	Collie	Female	United Kingdom	2014-04-30 13:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	April 2013 I-130 Filers	Super huge congrats Love my Tico!! I'm so happy to read this, first thing this morning	Collie	Female	United Kingdom	2014-03-19 08:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	April 2013 I-130 Filers	Collie, the girl in Knightsbridge doctors told me that in some cases people book the medical just the day before the interview, stay over and go for the medical and the visa will be issued pending the results of the medical which they receive 3 or 4 days later. Might work for cr1 as the NVC issue the date for the interview and then I guess you could book the medical for the day before. In my case, for the k3, I had to send off a notification of readiness to the embassy which required the date of the medical. It would be soooooo much easier to have medical and interview in Dublin. Dreading going to London, not at all sure about using the underground to get around. Only thing is, my flight is at 7 45 am and the medical appointment isn't until 3 so will have plenty of time. Flight home at 19 45pm, gonna be a long day. They don't make anything easy for us, do they? In fact, I think, they do their best to make life difficult!!!! Have your parents had their medical yet, are they emigrating to the US?   Anne, I was under the impression that the interview would not be scheduled unless the medical was completed from what it says on the embassy website?   "The medical examination must take place before the visa interview. The Embassy will not schedule the interview until they have received the results of the medical examination".   My parents are indeed immigrating to the US. They haven't done their medical just yet as they don't want their 6 month count down to start until April. They have 2 cats they are bringing with them and they will need to wait until the end of summer/start of fall before they can bring them, otherwise the airline won't let them fly with the heat.   I hate the tube system in London. It is so busy and people are just so rude, pushing and shoving to get places. They truly don't make anything easy. My parents were given Dublin case numbers by accident and we all thought oh great they would be saving a fortune, but we found out that it was a mistake and so they were given new London case numbers. Such a pain!   Hopefully you will have a painless experience in London. At least you have plenty of time to get places with your flights being spaced out	Collie	Female	United Kingdom	2014-03-17 15:51:00