ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
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
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIinterview for Petitioner at local office for I-130
^ Because it looks like he married you just for the visa?
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-03-28 22:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Electronic Processing
1.) Yes, you can still send the DS3032 by email.
2.) Yes, the invoice # you use to pay bills online.
3.) No, you don't need the beneficiary number.
4.) No, electronic processing only means you can email in your documentation. Everyone is eligible to use the online payment portal.

ETA: What Saylin said. :P

Edited by CanadaLove, 02 August 2011 - 07:41 PM.

CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2011-08-02 19:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBonafides Proof
We have been married nearly 6 years (anniversary in May!). As stated previously though - apart for 4 (nearly 5). No joint bills or utilities. (heck, most of my bills don't have MY name on them.) I've tried adding him on the few utilities I /do/ have in my name, but his name will not show up on the actual bill for various reasons. I did buy a phone and switched to a family plan when I thought he was moving down for school fall semester, but I'm not sure if that proves anything other than I'm wasting money. -_-

We may have a lease or two from when I was living in Canada back before and after the wedding. Will have to poke him to see.

It's difficult to live life as a married couple when you're 3000+ miles apart. :angry:

I think I'll ask our parents and mutual friends to write out the affadavit and save them; use what I previously mentioned as the bonafides.

Thanks for the help and encouragement! :D
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-01-29 20:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBonafides Proof
Just got started here - was directed to this site by a friend on another forum.

I am going to bring my husband here on an I-130/CR-1. I have read the guide on submitting an I-130 and have a question about the bonafide marriage proof.

We have been apart for 4 years; as most of that time we were working towards me going through the process to become a Canadian PR. As such, there are no joint bank accounts (although we hope to rectify that in April/May), there are no children, and we have no property, much less joint.

Would wedding photos, marriage license, chat transcripts, plane ticket stubs, other photos, and passport stamps be enough evidence of a bonafide or should I start poking our friends and family for affadavits? Also, if affadavits are necessary, would a typewritten notarized statement be fine, or would there be a trip to the police station involved? :unsure:

Thank you for any help. This is already making me :wacko: !
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-01-29 18:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support
It depends, really - I know that here in the US, some banks will provide notary services for free as long as you hold an account. I don't see how paying for a notary validates it as long as it's notarized.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-02-14 23:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Petition - Certified copies of Marriage Certificate?

I see in the guides (and did a forum search) about some items needing to be Certified copies? (such as Marriage Certificate) What exactly does that mean? I have already made PDF scans of these to use as copies...but will those not work? Does certified mean, a copy done at a Notary?

We ordered 2 copies of our marriage certificate, should I be sending in one of the originals?

I don't see any info about my birth certificate/passport copies needing to be certified.


If you order copies from the probate court in the location where your marriage ceremony was held, those are certified copies.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-02-14 22:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of bonafide marriage
I'm one of the few people who will be doing the affadavit route at first, with likely a few pictures too. Anyway, I believe there is a letter template somewhere in the guides which I am using. I'll be asking my people to get it notarized, so there is proof of signature.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-03-16 20:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStupid Question Time!

I think you finally had all of your questions answered except this one :)
Posted Image


Thanks :)
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-08-29 22:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStupid Question Time!

what i mean with that case# is ur NVC CASE# .....


STILL NOT GOING TO HAVE ONE - I have not begun the application process yet. As in: I have not sent the application to the Chicago lockbox. NVC has no idea I or my husband exist at this point.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-08-29 21:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStupid Question Time!

I would just write the who/where/when on the back of each picture with a felt tip. I printed my pics (since they were all digital anyway) in a word doc and wrote the description beside each one. Had between 2 or 3 pics to a page. Cut way down on the bulk of the package. I'm submitting my package tomorrow, but I read several threads where people had no problems with that method either.


*nods* Thanks. :)
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-08-29 20:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStupid Question Time!

at the back of the beneficiaries photo write the name and the case#


Not going to have a case # at this point due to this being an initial application.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-08-29 20:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStupid Question Time!

Hah, some questions I actually know the answer to.

1) Consensus is C and next to other write I-130 (assuming this it is an I-130 that is being filed).
2) You are just supposed to write the name of the person with a black felt tip pen (or similar). I put mine in small ziplock sandwich bags and clipped to the form with a paper clip.
3) Let me google that for you. :rofl: Sorry, always wanted to use that.


*laughs* Thanks for that. And I'm sorry, I just realized what photos you were referring to, and what photos I was referring to. I was referring to the photos being submitted as proof of bonafide marriage, not the passport photos in support of the G325A. *blushes* Sorry for being unclear!
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-08-29 20:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStupid Question Time!
A#? What is that? I was considering putting date of photo, where it was taken, who's in it and relation to either me or my husband; as most of them are not just of us.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-08-29 20:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStupid Question Time!
Quick question for you all:

Was going over the G325A form and noticed this little question at the bottom of the form: This form is being submitted for a.)naturalization, b.) status as permanent resident, or c.)other (specify). I know it's C, but just what should I put? IR1/CR1 visa? Immigration?

I was going to ask another dumb question, but can't remember what it was. Will edit with it if I think of it. :P Hah, I thought of it. Or if not specifically it, at least another question: For those of you who submitted pictures, did you write on the back of the photos of date and what it was, or type it up and tape it to the back, or what? Did you send them in protective sheets or loose?

OH! I remembered my original second stupid question: What are ACCO fasteners? :P

Thanks for your help. *crosses fingers she'll be able to file soon*
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-08-29 20:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI have issues.
*rubs head*

Going to make sure everything says Town Y like the birth certificate. Thanks all for your suggestions. Hopefully I won't have anything else pop up.. I don't think I can handle it. (and I haven't even filed yet! geez, what kind of basket case am I going to be while this is processing?) :P
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-08-31 19:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI have issues.
Okay. For the past umpteen years, I have said I am from Town X. However, I was actually born in Town Y. (same state.) My passport says Town X, which I will be using as my proof of citizenship. My birth certificate, which I have just sent off for in prep for later needs, will say Town Y. That is the only discrepancy; father's name, mother's maiden name will read the same, and I believe Town X will be on the certificate as where we lived when I was born, but Town Y was where I was actually born.

If I keep all documentation as Town X, how much of a problem will it be when they actually see my birthplace as being Town Y on the certificate at the next stage? Or should I risk an RFE and change my birthplace on the I-130/both G325A now?

*proceeds to bang head against desk repeatedly*
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-08-30 22:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI just want to be with my fiance! Please help
Leah,

It sounds like you have enough proof, but sadly no, there is no easier way. (I so wish, though!) :P
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-10-23 11:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPhotos As Evidence
Photos as in the passport photos must be sent in as actual photographs. Photos as in bonafide marriage supporting documents photos can be sent in on paper.
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-10-30 17:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresClearing the cheque
Mine took about 5 business days to go through the account. Be patient; it will go through eventually. And then once your USCIS case # is generated, you can constantly refresh the website there to see if there have been any touches. :devil:
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-11-19 22:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNovember CR-1 process started
Hey! You're welcome to join some of us Oct/Nov filers in this thread: Oct/Nov Filers

But if not, it's still great to see you, and good luck to you! :thumbs:
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-11-18 23:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLooks like my NOA2 is on its way
Yay, congrats! :thumbs:
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-11-20 20:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUpdated I-864 Posted by USCIS
Edited cause I can't freaking read. :blush:

Edited by CanadaLove, 26 November 2010 - 08:02 PM.

CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-11-26 20:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUseful Info on I-864 Procedures
Oooh, thanks cherriesss! This should help with pre-filling the form for sure! :thumbs:
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-11-27 15:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDublin pre-clearance
@AmyandNick - I honestly don't have a clue, as I have only heard horror stories of say, flights being cancelled and the mad rush of people to either the phones or the gate agent to get rebooked. I have no personal first-hand experience. (and now I say that, watch me scramble when I fly out to Edmonton for Christmas! :hehe: *crosses fingers, knocks on wood loudly to scare any jinxes, tricksy elves, or Murphy off..*
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-11-30 19:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDublin pre-clearance

My only worry about pricing from Dublin, is that if my flight was somehow delayed from London, or secondary took too long, i may miss the next flight and then i assume they wouldnt put me on a replacement flight?

Pricing from Dublin was pretty rough too though!


That's pretty much true for any flight if you can't get a direct flight, isn't it?
CanadaLoveFemaleCanada2010-11-29 21:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhite paper vs. blue paper, what's the difference?
Does anyone know if it matters as to the white paper or the blue paper? From the searches on here, it seems that white is the worst to get.

...
CoolHand2x2y2zMaleVietnam2008-09-05 05:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support: Tax Returns
I just did mine the other week:

1) they only want the previous 2 years if it helps your case. They do want 2007.

2) Pay stubs are good, if you have them (6 months worth).

3) Get an official letter from the employer.

4) If you have money in the bank, that can help if it's 4x the difference that you need (look at the form). I got a bank statement notarized to go with my file.

5) I wrote them a cover letter and briefly explained the situation (I was also in school like you).

GOOD LUCK!

Edited by 2x2y2z, 30 May 2008 - 05:22 PM.

CoolHand2x2y2zMaleVietnam2008-05-30 17:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-3032 CHOICE OF AGENT E-MAIL ACCEPTED
That's great. I had to fill out the form and then fax it to my wife. She signed it and mailed it to them.

Btw, expect to pay $400 to be the "designated agent," which they neglect to tell us that in the original letter.
CoolHand2x2y2zMaleVietnam2008-05-30 17:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs CR1/IR-1 easier than K3?
QUOTE (sydkym @ May 30 2008, 05:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you are at the NVC now and going through the steps there, then just keep going. I wouldn´t hold your breath about the 129. Ours is still "pending" as well and we´re just about done with the NVC.
I don´t think you ever really want to "stop" your process. I think that will really mess things up. Once you start, just letting things flow may be the fastest way to the end.


I see... I guess you still haven't got your 2NOA for the I-129F. I was just gaging everyone's timeline and thought that mine should be coming soon. Thanks!

Edited by 2x2y2z, 30 May 2008 - 04:59 PM.

CoolHand2x2y2zMaleVietnam2008-05-30 16:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs CR1/IR-1 easier than K3?
QUOTE (YuAndDan @ May 30 2008, 05:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes CR-1 and IR-1 is easier than K-3 for a few reasons.
  • K-3 requires the filing of an I-129F, CR-1 does not.
  • K-3 requires adjusting status in the USA in-order to get green-card, CR-1 does not.
CR-1/IR-1 is the superior visa, it results in green-card upon entry, is work authorized. K-3 needs to file for EAD and/OR AOS and have EAD or green-card in-order to take a job, get SSN, and apply for a driver's license, EAD takes 90 days or more to get.

Compare timelines, for most CR-1 does not take much longer than K-3 to get.


Thanks for the answers! You make me feel so much better about letting my $400 fly.
CoolHand2x2y2zMaleVietnam2008-05-30 16:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs CR1/IR-1 easier than K3?
Hello! ( I would really appreciate any advice.)

I've been busy doing a million things, in addition to trying to bring my wife to America, so I didn't read everything closely. It finally dawned on me today that there are actually 2 possible routes for a quick arrival now. All this time I thought the I-130 was going to take years and years, so I didn't even bother worrying about it -not reading up on it after applying. [I have been on the I-130 track but thinking that it was part of the K-3 process.]

Anyway, it seems like the I-130 has turned into the CR-1/IR-1 visa process for us. I still have not gotten the second NOA for the I-129F, which is coming, I guess. Meanwhile, the CR-1/IR-1 visa process has moved along. I guess once they send me the request for the DS-230, everything will be complete and be sent off to the embassy in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

My question is this: I just paid $400 for the Agent Fee (which seems ridiculous to me because I'm the sponsor), should I now not worry about the K-3?

I'm a bit confused. Let's say that the 2NOA for the I-129F arrives in the next few weeks and everything is sent to Vietnam, should I still do the stuff that they ask with the CR-1/IR-1 visa process? And if I continue with the K-3 process, I'll have to do another financial support packet, including getting another letter from my employer, etc. Which would be the best way to proceed?

By the way, how does one even opt to stop either of the processes? Can't the NVC or the embassy decide?

Thanks! wacko.gif
CoolHand2x2y2zMaleVietnam2008-05-30 16:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQUESTION ABOUT THE I-864 AOS PACKAGE
QUOTE (JoanieD @ Jun 1 2008, 10:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My Questions:

1. Must the Birth Certificates, marriage certificate, and police clearance be the original documents, or is notarized copies ok?
2. Must I send these documents to my husband in the US per speed mail, or can I scan and e-mail it to him?
3. Must the birth certificates and marriage certificate be the "unabridged" certificates, in other words the "long" version?
4. Is there any other documents they will request from my side?

Thank you for all your help.


1) I'm getting notarized copies for mine.
2) I wouldn't scan it; they want to see the paper copies and with stamps, etc.
3) I would also get full, notarized copies of those. Don't leave anything to chance (to slow down your application).
4) Check with your embassy for the specific requirements.
http://travel.state..../info_3190.html
http://travel.state..../info_3830.html
CoolHand2x2y2zMaleVietnam2008-06-01 09:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230
Don't forget to look at the requirements for your embassy: http://travel.state..../info_3830.html

I'm in the process of doing mine. For me, I need:

1) The DS-230 (with my wife's signature on P1)
1) Notarized copy of police records for my wife
1) Notarized copy of birth certificate
1) Notarized copy of passport
1) Copy of marriage certificate and translation
2) 2x2 passport photos

And it would be best to include a cover letter. Oh, yes, you need the bar code paper.

It's the last hoop for us! Amen to that! kicking.gif

Edited by 2x2y2z, 01 June 2008 - 07:31 AM.

CoolHand2x2y2zMaleVietnam2008-06-01 07:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew... Will be filing the IR1
QUOTE (Ms.Me @ Jun 1 2008, 09:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rjp44 @ Jun 1 2008, 02:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Some other good items to show that you are living in a relationship would include co-tenants on a lease or co-owners of a house, co-ownersip of a car
and utility bills in both your names.


Would it be ok if they were old? As we are not living in the same house right now... Or should I just get my name put on a couple more things over there?


I wrote a letter explaining all my evidence; I gave them a timeline in the narrative with the evidence.

VERY IMPORTANT:
Make two copies of everything, plus get the latest forms and look for the fee changes (look at my timeline).
CoolHand2x2y2zMaleVietnam2008-06-01 08:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPaying the nvc online
QUOTE (salamat @ Jun 1 2008, 06:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Looking at some posts regarding the nvc process i got a little bit confused.
i recieved the DS-3032 form two weeks ago and i filled it out as an agent. i send a cachier check with $70
i am still waiting for the I-864 package? my questions are :
I am doing something wrong ?
Does my spouse need to fill the ds 3032 from her side and send it ?
and how do you pay the I-864 fee ?
should my wife prepair the documents provided with D-230
Thanks for all your help.


You can pay online (see the link on my timeline).
They take a little time to generate the next set of instructions. Give them a call and see what the message says. Also, you can create a printout (bar code) and do the next bit if they have received the $70. Expect a $400 fee... I never tried the bar code trick but look on here and folk will tell you how to do it.

http://www.visajourn...p?showtopic=117

Hope that helps!
CoolHand2x2y2zMaleVietnam2008-06-01 17:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp- No NOA after 7 weeks!
I feel your pain. Please look at my timeline...
CoolHand2x2y2zMaleVietnam2008-06-01 18:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalling the NVC for updates
Of the three methods (recorded message, live operator, and e-mail), here's my opinion on them after redialing a billion times to get through:

1) Forget e-mailing... Unless you are willing to wait and wait for a reply. It gets nowhere fast. I still haven't got a response.

2) The recorded message is good for general announcements, but can be misleading. For example, I got the message today that a letter was sent to me yesterday to indicate "missing paperwork." I almost had a heart attack... Knowing they take about 10 days to get anything to me by mail, I wanted to be ready for the bad news -I had to know what was missing.

3) The live operator is tough to get sometimes. The system kicks you out if there are too many people on the line. Just dial the number and hit #1 and then #5 and hope it lets you wait. After dialing about 15 times today, I was allowed to wait, which has been about 5 minutes. Thank goodness I have Internet phone.

Anyway, the live operator told me that my I-864 was approved and entered into the system. The missing component is the $400 that hasn't been entered, though my UPS tracking said they got it a week ago. Don't be like me: Pay online!

So, the best bet is probably the live operator.
CoolHand2x2y2zMaleVietnam2008-06-11 19:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalling the NVC for updates
THANKS! That did the trick and I got through.

--However, no new updates...
CoolHand2x2y2zMaleVietnam2008-06-10 22:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalling the NVC for updates
I'm wondering if those case letters (the 3 letters before the numbers) mean anything in terms of which cases they've worked on recently. The voice tells you to press 1,2,3,4 and then you get a message. But if they don't mention your three letters, you press 5 and get a live operator after a wait. So, if a case goes to the operator, does that mean that they haven't touched it lately?

I had a recording once, but not lately. unsure.gif

Also, has anybody had any luck with the e-mail inquiry? It doesn't seem to be that quick of a reply for me -I haven't had a response in a week.
CoolHand2x2y2zMaleVietnam2008-06-10 22:07:00