ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand
I will once I have anything to fill out :)
TeacherJeffMaleThailand2011-03-22 21:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand
I hate to do this but I am bumping this thread back to the top. Please accept my apologies if this violates any forum rules.

Jeff
TeacherJeffMaleThailand2011-03-22 10:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand
Corrections: the documents expire 1/31/2011. forgot to add the "11".
TeacherJeffMaleThailand2011-03-20 11:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand
In the upper right hand corner of the I-130 form states that the form expires on 01/31/20. I've downloaded the form from here but I got the same message. Most of the forms that I have seen are similarly expired. Will that affect the application process?

Thanks a million in advance

Jeff
TeacherJeffMaleThailand2011-03-20 11:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand
My godparents FINALLY have decided to sponsor my wife and that has been a huge relief to me.

Do I need to fill out the i-134 form as well or just send the i-864 form to my godparents? What is the difference between the two?
TeacherJeffMaleThailand2011-03-19 23:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand

have the baby in Thailand - then apply for Consular Record of Birth Abroad (at the US Embassy) and get the child a USA Passport in Thailand at the US Embassy there.

Sorry, I'm losing track of yer prior goal - but - money solves much matters - suggest you get some, soonish.



I would like to legally bring my wife over without breaking any laws though getting enough money is quite hard here in Thailand. My yearly salary in Thailand is 12,000 usd which is quite good in thailand but is barely min. wage back home. Being separated from my wife for any period of time would be worse than death for me.

Edited by TeacherJeff, 09 January 2011 - 07:38 AM.

TeacherJeffMaleThailand2011-01-09 07:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand
My godparents are dead set against sponsoring my wife in her bid to come to America, to the point that it has destroyed our relationship, and my options are severely limited in that regards. I have no other family members who are willing and or capable of sponsoring glyndale. Additionally we are planning on having our first child this year (she's two months) and I have no clue as what to do. A friend recommended that Glyndale have the baby here in Thailand and then apply for a tourist visa while using the logic that immigration would never deport my wife. This, i feel, is twisting/breaking the law and I have troubles permitting my conscious to even think about it. Thailand is not a place where I want to work until retirement. Yet the longer that we stay here the harder it will be for me to gain meaningful employment back in the states. However separating from my wife, even for short time, is like a death sentence to me. To put it bluntly I/we are getting desperate.

warmest regards,

Jeff

Edited by TeacherJeff, 06 January 2011 - 08:55 PM.

TeacherJeffMaleThailand2011-01-06 20:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand

the co-sponser does NOT get 'on the hook' to the US Citizen for any of the US Citizen's debt, with an I-864. Perhaps that's a big area of confusion for your god-parents?

They would be legally responsible for yer lass IF and ONLY if she utilized 'means-tested benefits' in the USA - usually this falls into:
1. free health care as a result of having a medicare benefits card
2. food stamps as a result of enrollment in a WIC program
3. free public housing as a result of being enrolled in some program for low-income/zero-income ppl.

Now, what's the chance of 'that' happening with yer lass?

Do you foresee yer lass utilizing any 'means-tested benefit' in the USA?


As I outlined to my godparents I would go back to America by myself and search for a job after I go I finish acting like a monkey and going through all the hoops to get my wife a cr-1 visa. . My "lass" would stay behind and give birth since it alot cheaper to do so here than America. After the doctor oks the baby for travel and after we finish any documentation on our newborn then my lass would come over. She's 30 years old and her nagging has only increased.

For clarification would my godparents be held responsible for any "mean-tested benefits" that I sign up for? I'm sure that would be their next question. Would they also be responsible for any health related problems that insurance would not cover anyway, I have a date with my pillow. It's 12:33 am my time and my brain is slowly shutting down

thanks a million

Jeff
TeacherJeffMaleThailand2010-08-03 12:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand

you got any assets? cash in bank? 401K account? house without mortgage? cd's, stock certificates, etc etc ? there's an asset computation formula in the I-864. My apologies if someone has covered this before, with you, I'm late to yer 'party'.



Just a couple K in a bank that I use for an emergency. Most of our income has went to support her brothers in the Philippines last year. Being a ward of the state means that you have no family to really depend on. The only folks I know are my "godparents" who are extremely kind towards me but are quite skeptical and wants a solid plan before they commit to anything. In all honesty I probably would be doing the same thing if I were in their shoes.

One question that they want to know is concerning my student loans and me personally. I've told them, rightfully or wrongfully, that the only person who they would be responsible for would be my wife intil she gets her citizenship. I believe my wife would qualify for her citizenship after three years after POE (Port of Entry) with a CR-1 visa.

Here are their specific questions that they have asked me and I will refer them to this link:

1: Would they be responsible if I get sick?

2: Would they be responsible if I default on my student loans?

3: My wife and I are planning on having our baby in Thailand first. Our plan is that I would go on ahead and look for work in the states while she delivers in Thailand. Granted, that's not the idea situation but having it in Thailand is a helluva alot cheaper than in America (regular birth costs around 20,000 baht or 600 dollars) and it gets her off my back because she's childless at 30. Once the baby is born and is ready for travel (and all additional documents is filled out I would bring them over to America. Their question is thus: would they be responsible for the baby once they sign the I-864 form?

Now off I go writing a step by step outline of all of my plans to them.

Thanks a million,

Jeff
TeacherJeffMaleThailand2010-08-03 10:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand

I-130 petition - 355
DS-230 visa application - 404
AOS fee, for I-864 , is waived if you are doing Direct Consular Filing of the I-130 (I think is 88 bucks now when filed to NVC)

fees have increased recently, as well, for DS-230 applications, up to 404.

Going DCF? File I-130 with G-325A, then (later) file DS-230 with I-864 with all of her 'documents'
Some 'light' reading :( :
DS-230 - http://travel.state..../info_3190.html
I-864 - http://travel.state..../info_3730.html


Good Luck !



Light reading? Surely ye jest. lol I would hate to know what you consider "heavy" reading. Anyway thanks for the info. What should my backup plan be if my godparents do not want to fill out the i-864? I am not able to sponsor my wife with my current teacher salary from thailand.
TeacherJeffMaleThailand2010-08-02 23:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand

1) Can't get the link to work, so can't answer. Did you contact USCIS office in Bangkok? http://bangkok.usemb...main/uscis.html Remember that the process for DCF varies from the typical filing in the USA of a I-129F (fiancee) or I-130 (spouse/family member). Usually better to send an e-mail as you will get much more clear instructions on the process in writing versus speaking with someone at the embassy.

2) Ask the embassy. I sent both. I would probably have a family member back in the states get one as it is always good to have it!

3) You only need your spouse's police records. They are checking for crimes that would make her inadmissible to the USA.

4) Is this in the first link? I don't see where it says $400.

5) If filing the I-130 in the USA, the I-864 is not sent. Once the I-130 is approved by USCIS in the USA, they send it to the NVC (National Visa Center) that will then request the I-864. Since you are filing directly in Bangkok (and skipping NVC) they are requesting everything upfront.



1: I apparently forgot one link and I misspelled the other one.

http://bangkok.usemb...s/domicile.html (I think that this should not had been included in the first place)

and

http://bangkok.usemb...s/packet3iv.pdf (scroll down all the way to the bottom)

2: Well I don't exactly have a biological family in the states. I was an ward of the state for 12 years which I can easily prove since I am still in contact with my DHS caseworker. She has written a letter stating as much because I am unable to fill out all the information under the 325a form.

3: It would be good to know that she's not the next Anna from Russia spy. lol Thanks :)

4: refer to #1

5: I am currently living in Hatyai.


Also I may need a backup plan. My godparents got cold feet once they saw the responsibilities that the i-864 curtailed and I am uncertain if they would be willing to sign off.

Kharp koon khup (apologies for the horrible transliteration)

Jeff
TeacherJeffMaleThailand2010-08-02 22:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand
This visa process is more nerve wrecking than I through. The only thing that I thought that i was lacking was my wife's police certificate but after reading the following two checklists I am not to certain.

http://bangkok.usemb...as/domicle.html

http://travel.state....L-0001-0801.pdf

1: Do I have to travel to bangkok and deliver this package personally? The lady whom I spoke with at the embassy said yes while this packet (the first link) states no

2: Do I have to provide a birth cert or would my passport be enough?

3: Do I have to submit my own police records in addition to my wife's?

4: Why does the application state $400 but the website states but USCIS website states $355?

5: According to the checklist provide here: http://www.visajourn...tent/i130guide1 I do not have to submit the I-864. According to the bangkok embassy I have to submit the I-864 (affidavit of support) with my I-130 package. For the record I've already sent the I-864 to my godparents to fill out.


warmest regards,

Jeff

Edited by TeacherJeff, 02 August 2010 - 10:33 AM.

TeacherJeffMaleThailand2010-08-02 10:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand
Also how would I go about getting a police certificate? Would my wife need to get one from her home country of the Philippines or here in Hatyai Thailand?
TeacherJeffMaleThailand2010-08-01 01:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand

If you file in the USA, you will need to follow the procedure for a CR1/IR1 visa in the Guides section above. DCF is only filed directly at the embassy in Bangkok. You would have to still be resident in Thailand to file there.



Can I start the DCF process in Thailand and then relocate back to America around October and continue from there? Is it possible to attach the i-864 with the I-130 and the ds-230 form in one trip. A trip from Hatyai to Bangkok by bus is 12 hours and I would prefer to make as few trips as possible.

*mods* should I create a new thread in the DCF forum?
TeacherJeffMaleThailand2010-08-01 00:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand

Entirely up to you. Shouldn't be an issue whether or not your employed when filing DCF as long as you can show residency in Thailand. Contact the embassy on how you go about it.

The issue will be the I-864 (affidavit of support). You will either need significant assets or a co-sponsor in the USA.



Would I have to to the Embassy in DC if I started the process in America? The I-864 is already covered. Can I file the DCF while in America? I would have to do a border run to Penang if my contract is terminated.
TeacherJeffMaleThailand2010-07-30 14:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand

Jeff - If you can demonstrate residence in Thailand of more than six months, you are eligible for direct consular filing (DCF). See link here on contacting the US Embassy in Thailand.

http://bangkok.usemb...sa-process.html

There is a forum on VJ regarding DCF.

http://www.visajourn...ral-discussion/

Typically, the DCF process is much faster than the CR-1/IR-1 process via USCIS/NVC in the US.

Best of luck!

John



Through no fault of my job may be terminated. The joys of living in Thailand....#######. What will be will be I suppose. If the worse case happens should I try to stick it out here in Thailand or start the process in America?

Jeff
TeacherJeffMaleThailand2010-07-30 06:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand
[quote name='LotOfPatience' date='25 July 2010 - 11:58 AM' timestamp='1280077132' post='4087248']
Wherever the space is not enough, write using black ink pen (not pencil) in CAPITAL letters if possible. Still not enough, use an additional sheet and hint it in the form.

Name is VERY important in the entire immigration process since it involves background name check combined with FBI. If USCIS suspects any discrepancies, RFE (Request for Evidence) is damn sure. So, always use the name as in the passport and stick with it through the entire application. She can also fill 'OTHER NAMES' used for any prior names.



Truly you live up too your name LotoPatience. Glyndale's passport expired shortly after our marriage and she renewed it using her new name. Would you mind answering three more questions since I am being particularly picky towards details. Better be safe than sorry.

1: How should I label Washington DC under residency? Could I put Washington under "city" and DC under "state"?

2: I've ran out of room over my residency for the past five years. Should I attach another document to the back of the original stating my 6th and final residency?

3: Four years ago I graduated from university and was not employed full time. During my last quarter at university I did not work to much because I was extremely busy making sure everything was picture perfect. How should I include my time as a student under the employment section?

4: While attending University I lived in a college owned apartment complex. I know the address for the apartments but I forgotten the exact room number. Should I just just leave that out?

5: I've seen a sample down of the 325a document done on the internet. The guy who did it only included the name of the employer but not the address. Should I include the address as well as the name of the employer?



6: Should I use capital letters on the parts of the 325a application that I type in?

7: Do I ask alot of questions?


warmest regards

Jeff

Edited by TeacherJeff, 25 July 2010 - 11:59 PM.

TeacherJeffMaleThailand2010-07-25 23:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand
While filling out the 325a form Glyndale and I are facing a small problem. There's not enough space. The transliterated names are quite long. Also she is not able to fit her city of birth in the space provided. Should we leave those spaces blank and pencil in the information?

Should she use her maiden name or my last name in the "family name" slot? Before coming to Thailand I lived in Washington DC. How would I label that on the 325a?

Edited by TeacherJeff, 25 July 2010 - 09:51 AM.

TeacherJeffMaleThailand2010-07-25 09:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand
Wow, this will be less painful than I anticipated. Could you elaborate a little bit on answer #5? How would I go about removing the two year condition? Which visa (Cr1 or IR1) aim for? What would the next step that my wife would take in getting her citizenship after her GC? Also I am a little hesitant about committing to one specific address to relocate to while in Thailand. There are several options that I could chose all dependent upon the job market. Could I put one address down while in Thailand but change my mind at a later date before relocating back to the states?

Edited by TeacherJeff, 25 July 2010 - 09:15 AM.

TeacherJeffMaleThailand2010-07-25 09:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand
7: Is the I-130 form necessary if I am pursuing the IR1-CR1 visa?

8: What if my wife and I decide to have a baby from now until next year? How would that affect the visa process?

9: What if I have to relocate back to America due to political instability here in Thailand? Would I have to start the entire process all over again?

10: What if my wife and I decide to move to a different part of America then indicated in the visa process? What steps should we take to stay legit?



Sorry I had a few other questions and like last night I was not able to edit my previous post.

Edited by TeacherJeff, 25 July 2010 - 02:23 AM.

TeacherJeffMaleThailand2010-07-25 02:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand
Thanks for all the replies. I have a slew of questions to ask since my mind is a littler clearer and more awake.

1: How many copies / pages should I print from the G-325a and I-130?

2: On the G-325a application there's a column asking for "file number". It's located in the upper right hand of the application. What do I place there?

3: How many documents do I need to show to prove my citizenship to America? Would a photocopy or scanned copy of my passport suffice?

4: The G-325a form ask information about my biological mother and father. For most people that would not pose a problem. I on the other hand was a ward of the state for 12 years and I do not know my father at all. I have very little information about my biological mother. How would I go about filling those slots?

5: My three year mark in Thailand will happen next month. Would I still qualify for the CR-1 visa?

6: My two year marriage is officially November 11 though our church wedding was in October. Would that have an impact on our application process?



I guess this is all for now. Again thanks so much the two people who have already responded.

kindest regards,

Jeff
TeacherJeffMaleThailand2010-07-25 02:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand
Grrrr, I wish I could edit a few grammar mistakes in my last post. It's nearly 1:00 am my time and I'm bone tired. Anyway, I have copied the to do list found here: (http://www.visajourn...tent/i130guide2). Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.
TeacherJeffMaleThailand2010-07-24 12:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting my journey from Thailand
Sawadee Krup.

That's the Thai equivalent of saying 'hello' though I imagine that the transliteration is slightly off the mark. I am an American expat living and teaching in the Land of Smiles for the past three years. As is the story of so many other people who visit this forum I am trying to bring the love of my life back to the states. I met my wife, who is Filipino, five years ago on an Christian dating site. We were happily married October of 2008 by our church in Hatyai Thailand. However, our official documentation states November since we had to travel to Bangkok, a 12 hour bus ride, to make it 'official'. Anyway, I am looking to head back to the states after my current contract ends next April.

I am in the process of filling out the I-130 document and I am slightly stuck. Quoting the instruction booklet that comes with the form: "A completed and signed Form G-325A, biographic information, for you and a Form 6-325A for your husband or wife. Except for your name and signature you do not have to repeat on Form G-325A the information that you repeated on Form 1-130 petition." Does that mean that all I have to write is my name and signature on form G-325A? How should we put the addresses of our schools that we work at on the application? Everything would have to be transliterated into English and quite frankly neither of us can read Thai.

Given our situation should I aim for the K3 spousal visa or the IR-1 visa? As can be expected I would prefer the latter one. One other tidbit of information is that my godparents will be the ones that actually sponsor my wife since I do not earn 125% of the poverty level here in Thailand. My monthly income is 30,000 baht (roughly 800 dollars) while the 125% mark is roughly 18,000 USD.

Kindest regards from Thailand,

Jeff

Edited by TeacherJeff, 24 July 2010 - 12:50 PM.

TeacherJeffMaleThailand2010-07-24 12:45:00