Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Interview Soon...Questions!	Do you need to bring a DAS migratory report for the petitioner? Or is it only needed for the beneficiary? I saw a couple who got denied the visa on the first interview for a K3 visa because the petitioner did not have a DAS migratory report. I and my wife tried to check this on the Bogota Embassy website and cannot open the link even though we both have new versions of Adobe acrobat. Any advice? Also, what about the "package 4" from the Embassy with the appointment letter we need to bring with us? All we have received is the letter from the NVC telling us the appointment date, time, and on page 4 it has a list of all the documents we have submitted and which were accepted. Maybe the DAS migratory report is only needed for the beneficiary in the case of a K3 visa and not the CR1? I did not need a DAS migratory report, never have heard of it...	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2011-09-05 22:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Interview Soon...Questions!	You will need a DS 230 hard copy, don't sign it until you asked to at the interview. I also was turned back once at the US border, but it was not a problem. I did make note of it on the new DS 230. You must sign up for DHL, it's how the passport is delivered. You can be at the interview, you will be sworn in, as will your wife. Don't carry anything that is prohibited. Cell phones, cameras, big bags, only take what you need for the interview. They can hold smaller items but refuse anything big that doesn't fit in a small cubby hole. No food even... Good luck! Hey all, My wife's interview is coming up soon at the end of the month. What should we need to be prepared? We will be taking photos (wedding, reception, etc.), invitations, my tax transcripts, pay stubs, W-2s, copies of everything we've submitted so far among other things. I know some of these things may not be necessary but we are taking them anyway since you never know. What else is suggested that we bring with us? I have read they want a hard copy of the DS-230 even though they require a DS-260. We had originally submitted a DS-230 when they asked us to submit a DS-260. So can we just bring a copy of the one we submitted? I have read here about signing up for DHL. What exactly is that for and is it required? I'm going to do it but what happens if I don't? Does it just delay the delivery of her passport? Also, before we filed, my wife tried to enter the country for a two week visit but the immigration officer did not believe she was going to return to Canada (she had a big bag and was wearing her wedding ring) so she was turned around. He didn't "charge" her with anything but filled out some report she had to sign and told her to have me file for a visa. She hasn't made any attempts to come here since but I'm wondering if this could be a red flag during the interview. We did document this on the DS-230/260 so we're not trying to hide it or anything. I've read some of the reviews for Montreal and most of the interviews seem to be pretty straight forward with not many questions as long as all the paperwork is in order. Hopefully that will be the case for us. I will be going to the interview with my wife. Will they let me in or will I have to wait outside. By outside I mean outside of the building. If they let me in the building will they let me in with her for the interview or will I have to wait in the waiting room? How does it work for spouses? Thanks for all your help! S Edited by Margie&Doug, 04 September 2011 - 06:35 PM.	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2011-09-04 18:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Approved!	Thanks guys! Today we got an email from DHL saying they have picked up my wife's passport. Is this usually a next day (or next business day?) delivery or does it take 2-3 days? It will be going from Montreal to Toronto in our case. If it is next DAY, can it be picked up on a Saturday? Thanks! S We got ours the next day which was Friday. Not sure if they are open Sat. YAY for you guys!! Isn't it sweet??	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2011-09-23 20:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Travel while Visa is in progress	Good evening, I understand that one can still travel to the States while the Visa is in Progress. With plenty of evidence to show that I am not intending to live. My question is will the POE officer know that I have a Visa pending? If not should I mention it or not? I live in Vancouver Canada, not to far from the USA Boarder, and I'd like to go see my hubby for the Holidays. You can call the US Customs Chief in charge at least 2 days ahead of your planned trip and explain what you would like to do; be totally honest. Ask if you can be given a parole, This is a one time entry for $6 for a defined period of time. Bring all your ties to home with you when you present yourself, you will have to go in and get fingerprinted etc. I have done this and crossed over many times while we were processing our CR1. Never lie, if you get caught it will cause new problems for your immigration process. Good Luck	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2011-09-29 21:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Let's celebrate our marriage anniversary	Sorry to post this poll, but I wanted to share some happiness. I am being married for six months (today our anniversary. It is hard not to celebrate with him, but soon we will be together. When is yours? Congratulations. We celebrated our 1st year anniversary on October 9th. I POE'd on July 29th, but my husband was with me in Canada because he is retired and lives only 4 hours from my home in Canada.	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2011-10-11 15:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	medical history	i've seen that it says you have to bring your medical history to the medical exam how far back do i have to go? A list of vaccinations and a list of medicine you take for any issues you have, You answer a medical questionnaire and the doctor goes over it with you in the interview. It's a pretty quick and simple procedure. Chest x-ray, weigh-in, blood work and a brief physical. Margie	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2011-07-26 20:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	How long did you wait to file for the IR-1/CR-1 after getting married?	My fiance and I have been working on the K-1 for months but have recently decided to instead file for the IR-1/CR-1 for a number of reasons. The top two reasons are we want his parent to attend our wedding. If we were to marry in the U.S. instead of India then there is a high possibility of them not being able to attend due to visa issues. And we figured that we could always do a wedding ceremony here in the U.S. for my family after he arrives here. Second, the chances of CR-1 approval for an interracial couple going through India seem to be much more in our favor than the K-1 visa. My question is how long did all of you IR-1/CR-1 filers wait to file after you were married? Would it look suspicious if we filed right away? Right now we are planning on getting married in India in the spring of 2012 and would like to file shortly after. It would be nice if I didn't have to spend our first Christmas as a married couple apart! Thanks! Got married on a Saturday, filed on the next Tuesday, 3 days. No issues or probelems....	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2011-12-06 21:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Recently Married By Proxy.......	Thanks to all of you for the information and replies. I am not going to file until I have consummated my marriage, and I truly look forward to doing this. Thanks NigeriaorBust, but I will not make the mistake that the lady did that you spoke of. My wifes family is looking forward to meeting me and are planning a "grande festa" for us when I get there. I have purchased gifts for all and I will keep receipts and will take photos of me giving the gifts. Thanks Sara for the input there. Gervl, it is very difficult to marry in her country due to the length to obtain permission to do this. 45 days to register your "Intent To Marry" another 30-45 days to obtain the license and then a civil ceremony from the municipality that can perform this.......very time consuming. I must work and at most my vacation is 3 weeks. I understand the "red flags" and people trying to scam the system to get here. Proxy marriage recognition was designed to aid here for our military to bring their spouse and children here, but I see how it has been exploited and used for mal purposes. I only want to conform to the letter of the law and its' requirements. With much anticipation and desire I look forward to consummating my marriage in every sense of the word. My wife's family is very anxious to meet me and are waiting with open arms to welcome me into the family. I will obtain letters (notarized) from the family attesting to their knowledge of our marriage and anything I can give the governing agency to demonstrate the validity of our marriage. I even tried to add her to my bank accounts, but they said without a S.S. Card or Tax ID number they could not permit this. Here is a quote from the FAM MANUAL from the Dept of State: U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual Volume 9 - Visas 9 FAM 40.1 Notes Page 1 of 18 9 FAM 40.1 NOTES (CT:VISA-1614; 01-07-2011) (Office of Origin: CA/VO/L/R) 9 FAM 40.1 N1.3 Proxy Marriage 9 FAM 40.1 N1.3-1 Consummated (CT:VISA-1000; 09-03-2008) For the purpose of issuing an immigrant visa (IV) to a "spouse," a proxy marriage that has been subsequently consummated is deemed to have been valid as of the date of the proxy ceremony. Proxy marriages consummated prior to the proxy ceremony cannot serves as a basis for the valid marriage for immigration purposes. 9 FAM 40.1 N1.3-2 Unconsummated (CT:VISA-1165; 03-06-2009) A proxy marriage, that has not been subsequently consummated, does not create or confer the status of "spouse" for immigration purposes pursuant to INA 101(a)(35). A party to an unconsummated proxy marriage may be processed as a nonimmigrant fiancé(e). A proxy marriage celebrated in a jurisdiction recognizing such marriage is generally considered to be valid, thus, an actual marriage in the United States is not necessary if such alien is admitted to the United States under INA provisions other than as a spouse. (See 9 FAM 41.81 N1.1.) I only want to do what is correct and follow the guidelines to obtain a CR-1 visa for my wife. I will be diligent in all of my endeavors and will consult with you guys for your help. Thanks a bunch and please continue to reply....... My husband was able to get a supplementary credit card in my name and add me to his bank accounts, and as his life insurance beneficiary. I did the same on my side. We sent copies of the cards and the bank statements as proof of our relationship along with our I130 and had no troubles. Good Luck	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2011-08-06 14:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CR1 pre-interview jitters - questions!	They ask you questions to see how well you know each other. One they asked me was; what did we serve at our wedding reception, the answer isn't necessarily what they are looking for, they ask to see how you answer the questions. We were friendly  and calm when speaking with the agent and she was very nice to us. She only asked about three easy questions. How did we meet, where would we be living? The interview was easy peasy compared to the rest. I brought more passport photos but they didn't ask for them, I'd be prepared though. Good luck!	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2013-04-30 22:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CDN w/ US wife moving back to US questions	Here's the State Department link... http://travel.state....s/cis_1753.html   Thank you.  Edited by canuckbos, 02 July 2013 - 08:59 AM.	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2013-07-02 08:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CDN w/ US wife moving back to US questions	If she became a Canadian, she is no longer a US citizen, the US doesn't allow dual citizenship does it? If this is true, how can they move back to the USA? I haven't seen this scenario before on Visa Journey. Good luck regardless!	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2013-07-01 23:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Medical Exam in Nova Scotia? Need Info Please.	Nope, only in Montreal, I did the medical, waited three days, got the results and then had my interview. The Dr's office will know when to schedule your appt once you tell them your consulate interview date.	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2013-12-15 21:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Elusive divorce decree	Totally agree with road417king. You'll have to get your current marriage annulled or divorced(since you were not legally free to marry), begin divorce proceedings with your ex - you'll have to try and "serve" him, put a notice in the paper of the town/city you last think he lived THEN get remarried to your current hubby. Crazy thing is, I knew a girl that was going thru almost the identical thing couple of years ago...deja vu! Good luck with everything. Thanks. Are you absolutely positive this is the procedure?	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2010-08-17 19:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Elusive divorce decree	Hi, I am new here. My first question is: does anyone here have experience with not being able to produce a divorce decree from a long time ago? Is there an option "B"? Should I get another divorce just to have a decree or will they accept an affidavit? The divorce was in the US (supposedly) and I live in Canada. My ex maintains he did get it done but cannot produce papers, I have been in contact with the places it may have been filed but no luck yet. I am immigrating/marrying a US citizen and the decree is a must have it seems. AnNy help would be appreciated. Thank you!	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2010-07-19 20:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	NOA2 approved, question about police certificate	Hi, I've lived in several places in Canada since 1971. I have a RCMP Police Certificate, do I also need a police certificate from every town or city I have lived in? I have tried finding the answer to this question but can't find a clear answer. I would appreciate any help. Thanks!	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2011-04-22 21:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Timeline from Interview to Visa Approval?	Just curious to know how long it has taken people to receive visa approval after their interview. I have to be in the US by Sep. 26/11 and I'm wondering if scheduling my interview for Aug. 17/11 gives me enough time. Thanks in advance! Interview in Montreal on Tuesday, July 19th and Visa in hand in Alberta 72 hours later on Friday at noon. Our case was seamless as well. Good luck!	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2011-07-27 22:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Petitioner at Interview - Vancouver Consulate	I am going to be at the interview with my fiancee. Are the petitioners allowed inside with their fiancee for the interview? Or do we have to wait outside as well, just curious because the confirmation seems to indicate I won't be allowed in but I've seen other consulates allow it. Anyone who had experience with this at the Vancouver consulate would be a big help! Thanks in advance, don't know what I'd do without this site. Your fiancee will be able to go to the interview window with you, you both get sworn in then. We just did this in Montreal and all US Consultates would work with the same regulations. Good Luck!	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2011-08-02 09:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Withdraw K 1 Petition	Hello everyone, I really need some expert advise. My engagement has been disolved and I wish to withdraw my petition. I am still waiting on the second NOA and am not sure if I should wright now to USCIS or wait until I get the second notice and not to take any action. My primary concern is what information is sent in the packet to my former fiance. Particularly I am concerned about my personal identification number such as my ss # getting out. I thank you in advance for your advise. You can put a lock on your credit bureau file so that if someone tries to get a credit card in your name etc, the credit bureau cannot be accessed without you giving out the PIN.	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2011-11-22 23:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	What are the chances of us being denied?	Hello all! My fiancé and I met online about a year ago now. From the day we met, we have had Skype conversations every single day for hours at a time. I think in the entire year, we've only missed 10 or 11 days. We Started dating December 2010, and carried on the relationship until we met for the first time in June 2011. He lives in Arizona and I live in Ontario, Canada. We both traveled to New York to attend his cousin's wedding, where he proposed to me while we were dancing. After being in New York for 2 weeks, we came back here for an additional 2 weeks, and then he went home. Last month (October), I went and visited him for 12 days, and when I returned home, he purchased a plane ticket to come and spend Christmas with me (December 19th until January 7th 2012). We continue to have an amazing relationship going, we have never fought about anything, and we love each other more than anything in the entire world. We sent our 1-129f application in September 16th, and they mailed it back at the beginning of October because the amount of the cheque was wrong, so we have to re-mail it with the proper cheque. Our plans were for me to move to Arizona as soon as we were approved, but I'm really nervous we'll be denied because we've only been together for a year, and only been engaged for almost 6 months. What do you think the chances of us being denied are because of the amount of time we've been together? Also, would it be a good idea to send in the plane ticket receipt for him coming next month when we send in the new cheque? And would pictured from our visit last month improve any chances? Thank you so much for your help! You won't get denied for this reason. So don't even give it another worry. I met my husband in January, married in October and filed in October 3 days after wedding and our case was seamless, we got approved and I did my POE July 29th. Love is a mysterious thing, we cannot control how relationships grow and blossom if they were meant to be. Good luck! Edited by Margie&Doug, 25 November 2011 - 09:10 PM.	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2011-11-25 21:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SSN?	numbers are issued for life, you can and will need to get the card updated with your new name and immigration status, but the number remains the same This is correct information. I had a SSN in the seventies and it was reinstated in 2011.	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2011-12-12 21:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Our plan. Good or bad?	My fiance and I have been discussing a few things.  We can't take the distance between us. It might be in our best interest to do the following.  Since he makes more money, its not really an issue right now.  We agreed upon, I would quit my job, and live in the states with him 2 weeks at a time.  I would go back to canada, every second week for a few days.  Would this mess our process up? Also,  why can't we just sign the marriage licences now?  We've filled our forms out, and we have sent them in, we know they're in the middle of 'processing' them.  If we were to sign the documents, would that also mess our process up?   Suggestions please! Do not attempt this, it is illegal, if you get caught (and most likely you will) it will create a whole new set of problems and you will be kicking yourself for not being patient and just doing it the right way. The customs people have seen every trick in the book and they will figure it out, it's illegal so why would you jeopardize your whole future because you are being impatient. Always do the right thing and you will like who you see in the mirror everyday.  We have all been where you are and know it's hard being apart, but do not be stupid and get caught!!!	canuckbos	Female	Canada	2013-08-16 18:38:00
Philippines	Immigrant and K Visa Applicant Appointment Package/Instructions	The others seen to work, it looks like just a problem with the English version of K-1 instructions.	Wariza	Male	Philippines	2012-12-27 10:03:00
Philippines	Immigrant and K Visa Applicant Appointment Package/Instructions	When I go to the site http://manila.usemba...v/wwwh3238.html and try to open the instructions in PDF it ask for username and password. Will I get that after I schedule interview? This is in reference to K-1 only. Edited by Wariza, 27 December 2012 - 10:01 AM.	Wariza	Male	Philippines	2012-12-27 10:00:00
Philippines	Fiancé Letter of Intent	My fiance told me that she needs the letter of intent for interview. We already turned it in I-129F packet. The packet should be arriving in Manila, right? Is there any need to send her another? TIA	Wariza	Male	Philippines	2012-12-28 20:31:00
Philippines	USPS Express mail international missing?	As stated above, never use USPS and VAT will cost more than gifts sometimes. Send the money or bring with you next visit (pasalubong).	Wariza	Male	Philippines	2012-12-13 13:18:00
Philippines	After case complete at NVC	Clariz went online and scheduled today for 1/15	Wariza	Male	Philippines	2013-01-03 14:34:00
Philippines	Affidavit of Support	Sorry about the use of exceptional income; it's not that exceptional, but by far above the guidelines. Thanks Hank	Wariza	Male	Philippines	2013-01-09 16:11:00
Philippines	Affidavit of Support	I was informed if you have evidence of exceptional income (salary, tax transcriptions, etc)that you do not need to list assets or bank statements. Should I send anyway, or is it just redundancy?	Wariza	Male	Philippines	2013-01-09 11:13:00
Philippines	Taxi Fare from Manila Airport?	Kano will pay handsomely	Wariza	Male	Philippines	2013-01-08 15:48:00
Philippines	Wife's diet changed since coming to US	The thing I find amusing is how people in Philippines call a wiener a hot dog. I told Clariz it was not a hot dog unless it had a bun. Edited by Wariza, 15 January 2013 - 08:35 AM.	Wariza	Male	Philippines	2013-01-15 08:35:00
Philippines	Medical Exam - Have Correct Paperwork	I believe that to be true.Clariz registered online as well.	Wariza	Male	Philippines	2013-01-18 12:01:00
Philippines	Medical Exam - Have Correct Paperwork	Clariz had her medical exam yesterday. I encouraged her to post her experience in here to help others. She said she will try mamaya, she is busy studying to make sure she has everything for the interview next week. She got through her exam in one day. She told me that only a handful of them finished in one day because many did not have the proper paper work, or did not have it completed correctly. She said many were pissed.......... So make sure to have all paper work and requirements!	Wariza	Male	Philippines	2013-01-18 11:24:00
Philippines	Red Horse beer in America	I would think buying online would be difficult because of age verification, differing state laws, taxes, etc.	Wariza	Male	Philippines	2013-01-18 15:40:00
Philippines	Phil/Am Couples have you talked about having kids?	I think that was something we both were looking for in a spouse. Neither of us have children, and as we grew older we wanted children even more. Edited by Wariza, 24 January 2013 - 10:17 PM.	Wariza	Male	Philippines	2013-01-24 22:16:00
Philippines	One Way Flights Blow	I just purchased my RT flight from BHM to MNL on Delta (I have ff account) $1296. I purchased Claire's one way (same flight as mine, seats selected together)$1060. I did not expect it to be half of the RT, but it's ridiculous. Excuse me, just venting.	Wariza	Male	Philippines	2013-01-30 12:19:00
Philippines	Local Groups	what she was trying to say is just like the Portals for different countries where we can just click for a certain state here in the US without having to go through profiles of every member	Wariza	Male	Philippines	2013-02-14 12:17:00
Philippines	Local Groups	Already done long time ago and pinned at the top Where Do You Live I thought that was for Philippines, not US states......	Wariza	Male	Philippines	2013-02-13 13:59:00
Philippines	Local Groups	It would be nice to have a page dedicated to all the states in the US where VJers could go to their respective state thread and meet others. Maybe I am missing something?	Wariza	Male	Philippines	2013-02-13 09:41:00
Philippines	calling PHILIPPINES FROM USA... what to use	Oh well, I just found out today they don't have land line. I ask her how she talked to her mother and she told me her brother had a cell phone her mother would use. Anyway, we are leaving her laptop there, and maybe they can talk some on YM or something. I am just afraid the computer will not last that long without her there to take care of it. I checked into google voice and it is 15 cents per minute to cell and 10 to land line. Can't afford to talk everyday at that rate.	Wariza	Male	Philippines	2013-02-23 22:55:00
Philippines	calling PHILIPPINES FROM USA... what to use	If they have a landline, they can get DSL. Then you can use an OBI with google voice which is free and the call quality is amazing, tons better than Vonage or a MagicJack, and you would be money ahead paying for their internet. How much is DSL there. I know some family rather spend on food than internet.	Wariza	Male	Philippines	2013-02-22 11:27:00