ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan I put NVC on hold??

Nvc will hold applications for 1 year before you have to refile. Do not pay fees until u are ready.to have case sent to embassy


Bolding mine. That's not true; I'm delaying getting through NVC myself, and the first thing I did was to pay the fees. NVC won't send the case to the embassy until all the documents and forms are in.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-09-22 08:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresgetting married

hi! CR-1 are for married couples who has not reached 2 years of their anniversary yet. but if you are married more than 2 years, you'll be under k3 visa :)


No they won't. Married over two years gets them an IR-1 visa, which means the petitioner gets the 10-year green card without conditions. K3 is a different visa path.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-09-22 09:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSSN and Driver's license

I did my first POE on August 30th, then I flew back to Canada after a week and now I am finally settled in.

Just a few days ago, my wife received my green card the I-551, but still no SSN yet. I called the 1-800 number on the welcome booklet and it's only a automatic messages telling us how to get the application form.

Should I re apply for it or keep on waiting ?

and about the driver's license, I currently have the Canadian class 5 license, I understand I can drive right away with this license but it's best to apply an American one. My question is, will it be a different procedure, i.e. skipping the written test part ?

Thanks for answering it and you guys have a nice weekend.


If you checked the box asking for your SSN at the POE, then wait about 3 weeks for it to come in the mail. If you don't see it in that time, then get to your local SSN office and apply there.

As for drivers license, it varies by state. Look at your state's DMV and that should answer your questions about whether you have to take written/driving tests or if you can just exchange it.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-09-23 20:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPD ( Priority Date)

The overall point of your post as it relates to the OP's question is correct, however, a better way of stating the sentence I put in bold would be, "that date would determine when a visa becomes available. Furthermore, there are categories of family members of US Citizens that fall into the numerically limited category and the priority date on those petitions would determine when a visa becomes available for those petitions.


Thanks for the clarification. :)
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-09-24 12:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPD ( Priority Date)
The priority date really doesn't mean anything since you're a US citizen. It becomes much more important if you were a LPR trying to bring family into the US, as that date would be when a visa became available.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-09-23 19:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 & DS-230 Packages
Montreal is the only consulate which does spousal visas, so it's not a question of IF, but WHEN the beneficiary travels to Montreal. You still have to do the DS-260, no matter where in Canada you live.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-09-17 21:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhich is better k-3 or CRN-1 spousal?

Hi!! i saw all the paperwork i would need for wedding in Morocco. i think i have everything wrote down but when i go in Dec i hope to sit down with Abedine and us figure everything out together. any help or info you can give regarding this matter is greatly appreciated. i know i have to take may things and then have them translated into arabic and then back to english? HELP! thank you so much for your kind words and hope to keep in touch with everyone along our journey!


Bolding mine. If the document is in English, then it does not need to be translated into Arabic, then back to English. If the document is in Arabic, then it will need to be translated into English.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-09-15 21:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHELP !
Most people will tell you either option 1 or 2, however I left it blank, and it was accepted. So uh.. Suggestion N 4: however you feel comfortable answering? :P
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-09-29 16:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBar Code Strip on DS 3032

I send an email. I just add the case #. Also how do I know if they have received it?


You will get an email from NVC saying if they've accepted it.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-10-01 16:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS & DS-230 submitted then receives checklist cover letter
Well, if a supervisor is reviewing your case, then I would think that the matter IS being dealt with and addressed. I would wait to see what the supervisor says, and then go from there.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-10-04 18:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan you wait awhile in between submitting the different sets of paperwork?
As someone who is taking her own sweet time with NVC, I can say that yes, magical is correct. However, you don't need to call and ask for extra time as long as you're under a year from your last communication with NVC. You can even send in forms occasionally and have that one-year clock reset itself.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-10-08 22:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS....most recent tax return

WITH AOS at NVC, do we submit one year or 3 years tax returns? thx


The previous year's returns are mandatory. The previous two years (IE: 2008, 2009) are optional, but can be helpful in proving an increase in income if you're close to the poverty level.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-10-15 12:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureselectronic for i864/ds230

@CanadaLove
@Saylin

Thanks so much for the answers and clarification. Very helpful!!


You're welcome! Good luck with the process :)
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-10-16 14:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureselectronic for i864/ds230

So are the supporting docs sent with the I864 (is this what is referred to as the IV package?)? OR are the supporting documents emailed on their own after filling out and sending the DS260 and then the I864 is filled out/sent later w/o the docs referred to in the wiki (i.e. passport pictures, BC, marriage Certificate, etc)?


The I864 is the Affidavit of Support, and it, along with its supporting documents (tax transcripts, bank statements, pay stubs, letter of employment and cover letter printed from payment portal) is scanned in and emailed.

The IV package supports the DS260, and includes the passport photos, BC, marriage cert; it is scanned and emailed to NVC as soon as possible after the DS260 has been filled out and submitted at the document portal.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-09-23 19:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureselectronic for i864/ds230
That's true. My apologies for a possibly confusing statement. :)
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-08-17 09:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureselectronic for i864/ds230

thanks for the help guys. i'll take a look.

2 other questions:
i assume i could do the beneficiaries work and send it along and later send along the AOS (my I864) and the ds260's would just sit and wait until then? or do they HAVE to be sent at same time? No, they don't have to be sent at the same time. The DS260 will just sit there till you send in your I864 and supporting documentation.

does ds260 totally replace ds230 if doing EP or do you still have to do both. You have to do both. First do the DS260, send it in with its supporting documents, and then Montreal will ask for the DS230 at the interview.

everything else i think i'm finally clear on.


Answers above and in bold.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-08-16 19:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures1 yr from...when?
With NVC, that year starts from the last date of communication from NVC to the beneficiary/agent. But since you're through NVC already, I suppose it would be last date you contact the embassy?

One question for you though.. why not, after rescheduling the interview, you have it, then maybe take a vacation from your job and activate said visa? (Note, iirc the visa is good for 6 months from issue, so it wouldn't have to be immediately when you get visa in hand..) Then apply for a re-entry permit and go back to work in Canada, moving your stuff then (as you have a year from visa activation to move your things duty-free).

And if that didn't make sense, sorry.. getting up at 6am scrambles my brains for the rest of the day. :P
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-10-22 19:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresforgot set of cop?es for DS-230
If you're worried about getting the originals back, bring the copies to the interview.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-10-22 19:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-260 ELECTRONIC IMMIGRANT PROCESSING
Electronic processing is only for certain countries. Since you haven't filled in any of your information, go to this page and scroll down. If your country is listed, then you can use the DS 260. If not, then you have to use the DS 230.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-10-24 10:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUnemployed relative doing the same process

Hi Jojo (or anyone else that knows the answer),

I forgot to ask you if you think my cousin should write a letter once she gets her NOA2 to let the NVC know she is putting this part on hold, or simply do nothing until ready? She has interviewed for different companies and hopefully will be employed soon, but if not she will need to hold off on the NVC. Btw, what date does the one year start at...from the date on the NOA2 or from the date NVC generates a number?

Thank you,

Liz


Bolding mine. The year starts at the last communication from NVC to the petitioner/beneficiary. So as a hypothetical, say she opts into getting email from the NVC when she gets her case number. The year starts when the NVC sends her the DS3032. She can extend this past a year by intermittently sending in things - say she takes 5 months to send in the DS3032. The year restarts when NVC sends back the acceptance of the form. She can then take another 7 months to send in the DS230 (with supporting evidence), with another year's grace to send in the I864.

ETA: She doesn't have to notify the NVC she's holding off sending things in. Just send things as she can if she wants to prolong the process past a year, or just hold off till about 10 months in and send everything off all at once.

Edited by CanadaLove, 27 October 2011 - 11:47 AM.

CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-10-27 11:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWaiting for NOA2 and NVC case #...

Thanks togetherforever13. What hard to understand is that an expedite request was approved for I-130 per Ombudsman office. just a joke.



An expedite doesn't carry through all stages. You must request an expedite from NVC and another one from the embassy.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-10-27 20:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTravel question???

International travel? Passport name
Domestic travel? Doesn't matter


Actually for domestic travel, the name used must match whatever form of ID the ticket holder presents as proof they are who they say they are.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-10-27 20:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQ21 on I-130
A visit is not living together. I lived with my husband for three years prior to my moving back to the US; my last visit was only for a couple of weeks.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-10-30 20:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresG325-A and I-130
Don't worry if each paper isn't signed with the same date. Nor should you worry if the package gets sent off later (even much later) than the date the paper is signed. My husband signed his G325A about 2 months before I actually sent it off, and there were no RFEs.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-10-27 12:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Spouse Visa Process.

Fair enough,
I'll get my statements and she'll get the police report. Now on my cover letter for the I-130 I wrote about wanting to move to the USA with my wife from Britain. Are they going to know it's a CR-1 visa? It won't be processed as a K-1 or whatever will it? I didn't know we fell into a couple categories.


Before you get the police report now, check to see how long it will be valid for. You don't want to get one which will expire in 6 months, as it must be valid at the time of the interview. But check with the consulate, I don't know the specific requirements for the UK.

As for your other question, yes, they'll know it's a CR-1 visa. You're filing for your wife, which means you're ineligible for the fiancee visa, the K1.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-11-02 11:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS 230

thanks for the reply................. typing in caps DOES NOT mean am yelling


You may not be physically yelling, but in the online forum world, typing in all caps is seen as if you were yelling.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-11-09 11:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSeptember filer with the blues.......?
Seriously - touches mean nothing. Don't worry yourself about them. Lots of people never see their case touched before approval.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-11-10 21:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresForm DS-230
Well, not knowing where you are in the process ( :time: ) I'll try to answer best I can.

1. Mail it during the NVC process after paying the IV invoice and printing out the barcode cover sheet.

2. Yes. The applicant will sign the first part, but NOT the second.

3. Not necessarily. Some do in order to get everything done and over with, but it's not required you do so.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-11-14 22:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 received so fast, not ready.

An NVC operator will tell you the date they received the file.

:thumbs: You can ask when you call to give your email addresses. Congrats on getting your NOA2, and if you have any other questions about delaying NVC, feel free to PM. :)
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-11-15 20:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 received so fast, not ready.
OP: You can start calling NVC in about a week, they might have your case number then. I'd call the AVR until it updates with your case number, then get in contact with an operator to give them your email addresses (yes, both yours and your hubby's). Giving them your emails opts you into electronic communication from NVC.

The NVC case number is the equivalent of your USCIS case number. The BIN (beneficiary id number) is only used with countries eligible for electronic processing. You will need the IIN (invoice id number) in order to log into the payment portal.

Email the NVC with the DS3032 after their first email to you, which will include a copy of the Choice of Agent form. You don't have to send that exact form, but use the template here on VJ.

You can delay on paying the fees. It's not going to harm the case any. Or, you can choose to pay the fees right away, and then delay on sending in the paperwork. (I personally did the latter.) Either way, it'll be fine.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-11-14 23:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures1-130 NOA received

Nope the I-129F is for fiance'. The I-130 is your only path for married people.


Wrong! The I-129F /can/ be used in conjunction with the I-130 to pursue a K3 visa. However, it no longer saves a considerable amount of time over the *R-1, and as mentioned by sheeshkabelle, is often administratively closed by NVC.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-11-26 15:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI need help so much
Remember that 5 months is a guideline and not a deadline. Keep waiting. If you don't get approval/RFE by 6 months, then I would contact your Congressperson.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-12-03 20:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo you have to be in USA to file?

edit:

I just checked to see if Costa Rica allows DCF, and they don't.


Then you'll have to go through the long wait most of the rest of us are going through. You'll send your I-130 to the Chicago lockbox, and from there it will either be sent to California or Vermont for processing. You still need to check (or someone familiar with CR should chime in) if CR is strict on the USC re-establishing domicile ahead of the beneficiary getting zir visa.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-12-15 18:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo you have to be in USA to file?
I'll give a general answer to your questions, someone who is more familiar with CR can chime in with specifics. :)

No, you don't have to be in the US to start the process. Some consulates are sticklers for the USC to re-establish domicile ahead of the spouse getting zir visa, though. Also, you may want to look into seeing if Direct Consular Filing (DCF) is available for CR, as that will shave off time to get said visa.

As for your second question, no, the spouse does not automatically gain US citizenship upon marrying a USC. Dual citizenship may be allowed by the CR government; the US realizes dual citizenry exists, but does not officially endorse it.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-12-15 14:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about Marrying in US, then CR1 from Australia
OP, my answers to you are simple. Don't lie to the CBP, but don't volunteer more information than necessary. Just simply say you're going to get married, and then leave in a couple weeks to wait out the CR-1 process in Australia. He'll have his return ticket/itinerary to show for proof he intends to leave, and mentioning the process shows he knows how to do this legally.

Your second question is easy. He can file here, then leave and not be affected.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-12-29 14:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan i send copy of the g325a form?

Any form that has signature must be original. If you don't send original, you are guaranteed to get a RFE.
Then your case will be delayed even more and then you still would have to wait forever to mail it.


Bolding mine. I had my husband sign his G325 in blue ink, then had him scan it and send it. I printed it out in color, and did NOT get an RFE.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2012-01-07 18:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMontreal Interview, Visa Approved!
Congrats on the interview success! I would say wait as well; it'll be cheaper in the long run for you to get that 10-year green card. :)
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2012-01-07 18:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDHL
Department of State.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2012-01-12 20:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo i need petitioners documents ?
I personally would bring copies of everything sent to NVC, both from the petitioner and the beneficiary. That way, you can get any originals back you wish and if there's something wrong, or one of those copies are needed.. you have them. :)
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2012-01-12 21:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-260?

Hello ! I just need some help with this DS-260 form I received an Email from the NVC saying that my case was approved for the electronic processing, It also says that I should not send any paper forms to the NVC center because this will delay my case, that all originals forms should be be presented at the day of interview at the embassy wich on this case is the CJ embassy. My question is: DO I STILL HAVE TO SEND ALL THE ORIGINALS DOCUMENTS AS THE I-864 AND THE DS-230 + THE CIVIL DOCUMENTS TO THE NVC CENTER ? I'n a little confuse please help... :help:


You have to scan in all original documents as if you were going to snail mail them in. You're using the internet instead of the USPS. You will still have to take those original documents to the embassy, but you do not have to snailmail them to the NVC.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-03-07 23:19:00