ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFrustrated with the whole process

You are on 5 months and I'm almost on 8 going into 9? Have you checked on your case? or put in service requests ?


I contacted the Senior Senator from my State on Monday - they're saying that it will take 2 weeks for it to get into their system. I'm hoping we'll be approved before then, but then, I've been hoping for nearly 5 months now...

I have an InfoPass appointment on Wednesday, and I hope that it will bring it to their attention that they've been sitting on our petition since October...

I have this dreadful feeling that they've lost our file - with everything that makes me who I am as a U.S. citizen inside of it - can you imagine if that file got into the wrong hands? Blurg.

Edited by Christi and Ian, 25 February 2010 - 09:39 PM.

Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-02-25 21:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFrustrated with the whole process

This was one of the reasons why I filed the 129 and 130 concurrently. Whichever one got approved first was the one I was going to take.
So it was, the K3 got approved back in 2008. My wife has since come to visit the U.S. a couple times ( taking advantage of the K3 multiple entry ). She and I returned to her homeland to work and have been living there since. So we have been together since our wedding date two years ago.

We have just passed our two year mark, and have re-started our NVC journey to get her a CR1 VISA and 10 year greencard.

It's a difficult time period having to live in different hemispheres. So depending on personal circumstances, THERE ARE ADVANTAGES to filing 129 and 130 concurrently.


Well, first off, you can't file them concurrently, as you have to have your NOA1 receipt number from your I-130 before you can file for an I-129F.

Also, NVC is sending the I-129F back to USCIS to be administratively closed when the petitions are received together, which is nearly all of the time...

Don't bother with K-3 - it's nearly obsolete.

Edited by Christi and Ian, 25 February 2010 - 01:16 AM.

Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-02-25 01:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFrustrated with the whole process

:crying: I decided that I could live with 3 months time frame, now the only thing left is communicating this to USCIS so that there are no delays :) Me and my Hubby both bought calendars and are crossing out each day that passes. I am very happy at this point that they don't make hourly calendars, because I would run out and buy those too.....



Ooh - I've been doing this too for the last...let's see...Tuesday will be 5 months...!
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-02-24 21:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFrustrated with the whole process
I would rant...but in the interest of saving time, and effort I'll just say to the OP, "Ditto"
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-02-24 21:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting England

Im not sure what the problem is. When I went before my husband came here, he was in London, and I just said I am visiting freinds. Thats it.easy.


And I said I was there to visit my husband...and they didn't ask for a shred of evidence that I would be leaving.

Play it safe, tell the truth, have evidence with you should you need it...if you don't, it COULD all come back to bite you in the #######...
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-02-25 01:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting England

I can't find my dictionary, so I'm unable to look up the definition of PARANOIA, but taking a bunch of paperwork overseas is more than just silly. Next time tell 'em you want to see London and the British Countryside and forget the B.S. with visiting your husband.


...or...you could try the TRUTH...
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-02-24 23:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting England
I was just in England in December. I overloaded my carry-on with proof that my supervisor expected me back by a certain date, proof that we were trying to get him LPR in the U.S. and a million other things...

...and I wasn't asked for a single one of them.
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-02-24 23:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJust got married and sending in my I130! New here.

I had the G325a listed right there with the I-130 form. Its above the list in my original post but can understand not seeing it.

It has to be original form and not a copy/fax? I would have to have her sign the paper and wait for it to show up from India if thats the case. Of course I want to do this right the first time around.


Yes, it has to be an original signed in blue or black ink - our attorney forgot to tell us this until my husband had already left the U.S. and she had to provide her firm's fed-ex account number so he could get it to her within 48 hours!
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-02-27 15:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOMG! My case is with the CSC

Incredible! I did not know that anyone who had a NOA1 date in October would still be waiting for NOA2 when they filed through the CSC. I guess there is no method to the madness, all we can do is wait and go crazy :crying: :crying:


To be honest, I think it's unusual for us...I think most will make it through before the 5 month mark. I'm hoping to find out what the problem is on Wednesday (I have an InfoPass appointment).

Our case hasn't even been touched, so it's not like they're even waiting for information from us. I have a terrible feeling we've been lost.
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-02-27 22:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOMG! My case is with the CSC

Did you check to see if you received any touches on the USCIS website? You will be approved soon. They are working on late November and early December 2009 CSC. Good luck.


Except when they're still working (or not) on October and earlier...
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-02-27 20:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDoes K3 slow I-130 processing?
I would call VSC and try to have the I-129F canceled before it goes any further - but honestly, I would fall back on any advice Push gives you at this point.
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-01 11:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDoes K3 slow I-130 processing?

Am I obtuse or missing something? A simple solution seems to be a separate I-129F process for K3 (just like K1) that does not require I-130... This gives the opportunity for petitioners to make their decision at the beginning itself


If you're trying to get your spouse into the U.S., you cannot submit an I-129F without the receipt number from the I-130 - the I-130 has to be submitted first. If you submit an I-129F, the processing of your I-130 will be pushed back to match that of the I-129F. They will be approved together and sent to NVC. NVC will send the I-129F back to the service center to be closed.

It's a waste of time and money.
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-02-28 13:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDoes K3 slow I-130 processing?
I-130 will assume processing at the same time as I-129F so that they are approved at the same time in 99.9% of all cases...

Then it will be sent to NVC, where they will send the I-129F back to the Service Center to be administratively closed. As of Feb. 1st, I-129F in pursuance of a K-3 will no longer be processed when petitions are received at the same time, which they almost always are.

Don't bother with the I-129F, just go forward w/CR-1/IR-1.
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-02-27 12:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI'm just beginning the process and would just like some idea of what to expect
It's a lot easier to help if you fill in your time line.

You already received your NOA2?

Next your case will go to NVC - if your "Filed for" status is correct, then the I-129F will most likely arrive with the I-130. The I-129F will be administratively closed and sent back to USCIS, since as of Feb. 1st they are no longer processing the K-3.

How long you are at NVC has a lot to do with you. Follow the NVC shortcuts in the guide to get through as quickly as possible. Others here can give you more details since I'm still not yet approved @ USCIS.

Not too much help, I know, but some info at least?

Welcome - congratulations - and good luck! :)

Edited by Christi and Ian, 04 March 2010 - 01:13 AM.

Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-04 01:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 NOA2
Well, we waited until our petitions were over 5 months old without a touch. I contacted my Congresswoman, and within a couple of days our petitions were touched, the next day, they were touched again. The second touch was approval - that was 10 days ago - we're at NVC now. I don't know if that helps at all, but it seems that the second touch is usually, but not always, approval.
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-15 08:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOctober K3 and I-130 Filers who are still in waiting for NOA2s?
Well, as you know, you can count me in here...

CSC received our petition on October 2nd, NOA1 on October 15th, received our I-129F on October 22nd & NOA1 on October 23rd. Our petitions have not been touched since October 26th.

We didn't send pictures either, because our attorney never asked for them, and like a moron, I actually thought the title of Attorney meant she actually knew what she was doing.

So far I have:

Called USCIS twice, with no result
Faxed 2 Senators and my Representative
Made an InfoPass Appointment for Wednesday, March 3rd

I suppose it wouldn't do me any good to bring pictures to that appointment, huh?

Still waiting for any information whatsoever. I've convinced myself that our file has been lost, and sold to some illegal immigrant for $1,000, who will now assume my identity...yes, I have a great imagination...

Anyway...good luck to us all - but I'm feeling rather pessimistic at the moment.
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-02-26 08:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs it worth hiring an attorney for a CR1?
Our attorney set us back 1 month and $1,000.

If you can read, and follow directions, in my opinion, you're more qualified than my attorney was...

We fired the attorney and are going through NVC on our own without any problems.


Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-24 14:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWelcome Pack

It is a letter of welcome, bottle of champagne, health care and a voucher for 20% discount on a Toyota of your choice.


:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-27 09:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC case number

Thanks for you response Christi and lan


You're quite welcome - then come join us in the NVC April 2010 thread! :)
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-29 20:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC case number

Keep calling, over and over and over again, until you get through - you'll reach the AVR - follow the prompts - you will put in your USCIS case # and it will tell you when NVC received it and what your NVC case # is.


Also - if you call after they're closed (they're open 7:30 to midnight M-F eastern time), you will get through more than likely on the first try - if all you need is the AVR and don't need to speak to an operator - that's an optimum time to call.
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-29 19:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC case number
Keep calling, over and over and over again, until you get through - you'll reach the AVR - follow the prompts - you will put in your USCIS case # and it will tell you when NVC received it and what your NVC case # is.
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-03-29 19:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support / Child Support
Of course - the court order - that makes sense. :yes:
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-04 22:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support / Child Support
Per Pushbrk's suggestion, I am posting this question here in case there are others out there who need the same advice:

My question - on the I-864 Affidavit of Support, I had to list my income and the income of any other members of my household. I provided my income as stated on my tax returns and my pay stubs, however, I do not know how to show child support as another income.

The I-864 requires that if you use the income of another household member, that you show IRS tax info, and attach their tax transcripts, however, my daughter is 9 years-old, not required to file, and as far as reporting it as my own income, child support is not taxable and therefore not reported to the IRS (this was per the IRS when I called them).

So, my question is, how or can you use child support as income in regards to the I-864 - after all, it is another income supporting the household size - and if you can - how do you show it? I figured I would write a statement, advising NVC of the child support payments and attaching copies of the canceled checks and/or bank statements showing the deposits every month.
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-04 22:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow many times did your case get "touched" before approval`?

But you can't even know that your case will be one of the ones that are completed at the priority date. It could be shorter or longer. Looking at touches near a priority date could give a false sense of security. Maybe they touched it several times because something was wrong with it and you are about to get an RFE; maybe they found that your fiancee had committed visa fraud in the past without your knowledge; maybe you are about to get approved; maybe your paperwork is about to be lost in the bottom of someone's file drawer. Even touches that happen near a priority date cannot be interpreted as positive or negative and they might even be neutral.


Nothing you can do based on a touch anyway... it's a black box. They shouldn't even report these.



Actually, I'm glad they do report them. After waiting over 5 months after filing K-3 our case was finally touched on March 4th, and we were approved on March 5th.

The fact that our case had been touched only AFTER I had a congressional inquiry DID provide a sense of relief. AGAIN...as I have stated many times above, a touch could mean but, HOWEVER it CAN provide a sense that SOMETHING is being done.

If this WASN'T the case than so MANY of VJ's members wouldn't bother mentioning their touches in their time lines.

Let me end this by AGAIN saying that a touch could be NOTHING, so as not to confuse anyone...
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-03 13:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow many times did your case get "touched" before approval`?

The problem is that there is absolutely no way to tell a significant touch from an insignificant touch. Moreover, there is no way to tell whether a "significant" touch is going to be in your favor or work against you. Therefore it is best to ignore all of them.

It's like if I told you I rolled two dice in a box. If the number is 2, your visa was denied; if the number is 12, your visa was approved. If the number is anything else, nothing will happen. A touch is like telling you that I rolled the dice today, but not what the number was.


And I stated above that the touches were irrelevant, but at a certain time during the process it COULD be significant, ie: when the case is nearing the priority date. I did add the caveat that nothing is certain.

I'm not disagreeing with you - but honestly, how many of us ignored the USCIS website when it showed our case was recently updated?

Edited by Christi and Ian, 03 April 2010 - 01:36 PM.

Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-03 13:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow many times did your case get "touched" before approval`?
There are times when a touch may be significant - if you're nearing the end of 3 months after filing, and your case is touched it could mean you're about to be approved within a day or two...however, that's not guaranteed...it's definitely something to keep an eye on though.
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-03 12:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow many times did your case get "touched" before approval`?
A touch just means "something" has happened with the case, and yes, it could just mean it went from pile "a" to pile "b" - there's no rhyme or reason to it.

On the USCIS website, when the "last updated" date changes, it means the case has been touched - some have not had their cases touched before approval, others have had their cases touched many times, and are still waiting for approval.

It can mean you're about to be approved, it can mean they're sending you a request for further evidence, it can mean a change of address, a change of venue - better not to count on it.
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-03 11:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPre-empting an RFE for AOS
I forgot to send passport photos - I didn't wait for an RFE, but printed a new cover sheet and sent them overnight just as soon as I realized it, with an explanation that I had inadvertently forgotten to send them with the original package. The NVC operator actually told me not to wait but to send them in ASAP. Waiting for them, could take forever.

Edited by Christi and Ian, 07 April 2010 - 08:49 PM.

Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-07 20:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSign in failed

Get a Human™. Please.


Darnell - you crack me up! :rofl:
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-08 22:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864
If you go to the NVC online payment portal, plug in your case, and the status of the bill shows "paid", you can scroll down - and there will be a button that says "email me the cover sheet".

You can download the I-864 from their website (you can't save information in it, once it's filled out you have to print it out), print out the cover sheet that they emailed to you & send it in that way.

Once you've paid the IV bill you can work the same process.
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-10 09:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI130 Approved

My I130 was approved on Apr 5th and still waiting for NOA2 in mail. My NOA1 date is Jan 12th, 2010.
Waiting to call NVC to get the visa number.


Congratulations!

Get all your stuff ready for NVC!
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-08 23:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPassport Pictures DS-230
Only if the photos somehow get separated from the rest of the package. Lets hope the processor is somewhat organized.
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-10 14:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPossible visa fraud... what now?
I think the important thing is that you did the right thing - she went home and you filed properly.

My husband and I were married 2 weeks after he landed without a clue how the process actually worked - like many we thought - you marry an American Citizen in the US & you're free to stay...WRONG.

So, he went home, and we filed properly. Misinformed @ the beginning - yes. Took steps to fix it & do it right - yes.

Edited by Christi and Ian, 09 April 2010 - 09:14 PM.

Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-09 21:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduressign in fail
It's the NVC payment portal site - after your AOS & IV bills are paid and all of the required paperwork is sent in, you wait - your first notice that your case is complete is when you go back to that payment portal site and are unable to sign in.
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-10 23:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs there AVR from NVC regarding RFE's ????????
We received an RFE - the AVR will inform you that you have been sent a check list letter, but it won't tell you why...speak to an operator if you do get one, so you can handle it before you even get the email/letter.
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-05-12 21:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS - NVC

What is a good number for checking status? 603.334.0700 ??


Yes, that's the NVC # - follow the prompts for checking on an Immigrant Visa - enter your USCIS case # & the recording will give you your NVC case # (after they've received it of course). Then call them back immediately - press #5 to speak to an operator - and give them email addresses for both you and your SO.
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-12 11:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS - NVC
They tell you 2 weeks for good measure, but you can start checking in a few days, they'll probably have it faster than that. You don't have to speak to an operator to find out if they received your case. Just follow the prompts on the recording - when you put in your USCIS case #, it will update you with your NVC case #.

They pad all of their numbers, just in case.
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-04-12 09:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 PLEASE HELP
Anytime ;)

Good luck on your journey!
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-22 21:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 PLEASE HELP

I have some questions and would greatly appreciate any help that I get.

I am confused about when I-130 goes to NVC.

1. Should my husband fill out all the paperwork and documents before we get the IV bill from the NVC so that we have it ready to go?
2. Do I send it the NVC? Or does he take it to the embassy?
3. The documents do they need originals or copies?
4. Do they need documents from me (I am a US Citizen) or him?

5. What is the Sign In Failed, that everyone talks about? And why are you happy if it failed?

I know I am in the beginning stages of our process, but I like to be prepared and know what to expect. So I know what I need to do.

Thank you for any and all help. I have already learned so much from this site and I am so grateful for all of you.

Danielle


1. Yes
2. NVC
3. Originals
4. Both - Financial from you, the rest from him.
5. After you pay the AOS and IV bills you can continue to sign in on the NVC website. When your sign in fails, a case complete is near.

Definitely read the shortcuts - they'll save you weeks.

Edited by Christi and Ian, 22 June 2010 - 08:43 PM.

Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-22 20:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresomg SIF finally after all that torture

i'm soo happy my case is completed in NVC process. thank you for all who answered my questions and have helped me throughout this process.
i know NVC operators tell everyone that interview is scheduled the 2nd week of each month. u think they'll schedule anything before that??? i've seen alot of ppl hearing their interview date before and after the 2nd week....



Congratulations! It's almost over!
Christi and IanFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-06-22 20:50:00