ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBeneficiary BC
:lol: I'm sorry to laugh...but it's hysterical laughter, b/c I swear if I get a request for an interview I will raise hell b/c I'm overseas! This is going to be the longest 9 months of our lives..if we're lucky!
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-08 17:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBeneficiary BC
Hmmmm...then stress away, I guess!
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-08 16:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBeneficiary BC
KDH you're sweating something that hasn't even happened yet! Wait until you have a reason to be infuriated, then blow your top. Otherwise you're going to end up with some real high blood pressure by the time this process is over! :rofl:
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-08 11:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbout CR-1 Petition case
Yes, choose NBC anyway. People were first accepted in Vermont and California service centers which is why their numbers start with the letters for that service center, but your transfer notice means that you're definitely transferred to NBC. They don't change the receipt number once the file has been transferred to NBC.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-08 16:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbout CR-1 Petition case
Why would they deny you for sending in another petition and extra paperwork? They'll probably just ignore the extra paperwork, tie in the i-129f to your i-130 and approve both at the same time, which means that when it's sent to NVC you'll go through the CR1 path instead of the K3 path.

On your timeline you put your service center as Vermont, are you sure about that? What does your number start with? Could you post the text of your NOA1? The reason I'm asking is that most who applied i-130 were sent to the National Benefit Center in Missouri and if you were sent there, you need to update that on your timeline.

Thanks!
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-08 12:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThe Curious Case Of Moving To America
Definitely doable by yourself. Even preferable seeing as your case is straightforward, there are no complications. Hiring a lawyer might even delay your case since no one will follow up on your case and care about it as much as your or your wife do.

Send your wife this link: http://www.visajourn..._live_in_the_US and tell her to get on this site. The first part of this process is all about her, it's only after you get approval from USCIS that you'll be more involved. So she needs to read the guide (as a start) and start researching and gathering documents.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-10 16:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNot sure if we should move on to the next step or not...
Nice, so basically you're just waiting for your case complete and interview! YAY! :thumbs:
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-10 16:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNot sure if we should move on to the next step or not...
You should be calling NVC, NOT USCIS. And yes, call them every day, 20 days can be normal but you should be getting an answer soon. If you don't get an answer soon yes, you should go ahead and send your birth certificate again.

Don't book the medical yet b/c after you get your case complete from NVC you still have to wait to be scheduled an interview at the consulate and the interview will probably be scheduled a month after they tell you. For example, they send you a notification on Dec 10 that your interview will take place on Jan 13. You can look at the timelines to get a better idea of how long it takes to get an interview b/c it varies for every consulate.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-10 08:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 & K-3 VIsa
Nope, K3 isn't processed anymore. It was used years ago when CR1/IR1 visas were taking years to adjudicate, but now that it's taking 8-10 months usually the K3 is bundled with the CR1 and both are sent to NVC, at which point NVC closes the K3 and proceeds with the CR1.

If you want to you could try to file it, but it won't save you much time and the time you saved you'll pay for when he gets to the states and you've got to file for adjustment of status as well as a EAD so that he can work.

If he's from the UK he can still come to visit you on the VWP, he just has to make sure that he brings enough evidence that he plans on returning so that he's not refused entry on arrival. So you don't have to be apart for the whole process.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-10 18:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Question 21
Why don't you apply to adjust your status while you're inside the states?

Also question 21 is time sensitive, I recommend leaving it blank until you're about to send off the packet, then fill it out then. That way you'll know for sure which was the last address you lived together with your wife.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-11 07:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSo I've been told that USCIS will Not Accept My (USC) Foreign Address

So it is hit or miss on the foreign address front.


Doesn't that apply to everything regarding this process? You'd think with the amount of people who immigrate this process would be more streamlined and organized. :angry:

Guess I'll just have to wait and see what they do. Fingers crossed they'll send stuff to my parents address.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-10 17:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSo I've been told that USCIS will Not Accept My (USC) Foreign Address
Nola, thank you so much for posting about this. This is one of the things I've been SO worried about. I don't want to put a US address b/c just in case they're expediting filers from abroad but I'm so worried about getting mail!

I too put my international address all over the petition but requested in my cover letter that all mail be sent to my parents address (I also listed that same address for question 18). Do you think that if they don't send to international addresses they might actually pay attention to my cover letter and send the mail to my parents house?
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-10 16:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 form

Sorry not to be rude but your statement is a bit funny to me bolded above, as I had to correct a misleading answer you quoted regarding claiming a dependent on the i864 which was misleading to the OP as well in a different forum.


It was a different thread, and my point is that people don't seem to read the OP's question in this forum and its' starting to get on my nerves. The OP specifically asked if he will be required to get a co-sponsor since his income exceeds the poverty level only this year, and didn't any years before. I've seen so many examples of people giving information that has nothing to do with the OP's question, or they write one word answers that are not sufficient to answer the question. My answer in the other thread was not misleading, but was incomplete, to which I apologized, we are all human and we all make mistakes. But the least we could all do is read. My comment was not directed at you so there's no need to take it personally.

funny this coming from someone who I have seen give the incorrect advice several times. His question was about a joint sponsor and I answered it. Posted Image


Again, read my above response. My beef is with those that seem to skim the question and not really get what is being asked. And it happens all the time every day and it's just lazy. Again, my comment was not directed at you. And of course you could get wrong information in a forum, we're all people trying to help each other out. But the least responders could do is actually give the information that was being requested.

I'm sorry if I offended you guys in any way, I wasn't trying to be rude, but after reading constant replies like this all day I think this was the last straw.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-13 14:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 form
I wish when people answered questions they were clear about the answer so that the OP doesn't get more confused.

Yes, Myron you should be fine, it is this years income, your current income, that matters. They will know the information for past years but your current salary/income is what matters.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-13 00:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 question

I think, I have read this answer from you more than once and it's some what incorrect. Even if they are divorced and he would only have part time custody 2 days, etc. a week, he still has to include this child on the i864 even if he does not claim his child as a dependent. I didn't claim my child as my ex husband claims her yearly, but I still had to file her on the i864.

Where did you find this info or link pertaining to your answer...?


I'm sure you didn't read the answer from me before since I've never given it before. I don't remember where exactly I read the information but I remember seeing it as a rule of thumb here on the forums many times. If it's wrong I do apologize to the OP :oops: and it's nice to have a community where we can correct each other. You'll always get the right answer here...eventually. :thumbs:
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-13 14:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 question
Do you claim him as a dependent when you file your taxes? If yes, then yes, he is a part of your household and needs to be counted.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-13 00:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAre new documents required?
*gasp* You don't trust us! (totally kidding :P)
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-13 15:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAre new documents required?
No, 2012 tax returns and W2s will not be required until after the deadline of April 2013, at which time hopefully your husband will be physically with you in the states! :D
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-08 11:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresspouse visa first? or child birth report first?

I'm planning on going back to the states in late September.. If the i-130 still pending can I still go back with esta? Or do I need another visa?

And if my daughter gets the CRBA,we don't have to file i-130 for her? Or we still need one for her?


I don't know about the visa, but if your child gets CRBA that means she'll be a US citizen, so therefore nothing needed for her to enter the US. Except her US passport of course.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-13 16:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresspouse visa first? or child birth report first?
Regarding who needs to be present for the CRBA, I think it differs from country to country. I'm going to need to do this in June so I checked the embassy website in Qatar and it clearly states "Both parents and the baby must be present when the documents are reviewed by a Consular Officer." http://qatar.usembas...rth_abroad.html so the OP needs to check the US Embassy in Japan's website and see what their requirements are.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-12 17:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhich way to take i'm in lost!!!
If you want help specifically from Morrocans, then you should post here: http://www.visajourn...d-north-africa/
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-13 14:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHELP with major questions!!!!!!

according to travel.state.gov

'Applicants applying for an immigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy in Sana’a, Yemen' must do electronic processig.
see link http://travel.state..../visa_5162.html


Exactly. Go to that link, it has everything you need to know.

As for Yemeni police clearance you'll have to ask someone who got one in Yemen. Try posting on the MENA regional forum about that, there are some Yemenis who hang out there.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-10 17:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresapproved in india but still no passport
Try reading this thread: http://www.visajourn...sal-under-221g/ it has a lot of information about that email. Also try posting on the forums specific for your region since this question is specific to your embassy.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-14 23:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow long until your status shows on website?
If you filed in December, come hang out here! http://www.visajourn...er-2012-filers/ it'll be nice to be able to keep track of each other so we can get an idea of our own timeline :)
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-14 23:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBaby?
I would. Also bring her birth certificate, translated if not in English as well as copies that you can submit to the CO.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-03 21:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBirth Certificate for I-130

Thanks for the info! There is A LOT to take in here so I'm gonna need some time with it. I honestly don't see how anyone could NOT run into a problem...with everything they require it seems you're bound to miss something. But I'm gonna do my best!

I know you said to be careful not to request police certificates too early, but when would you recommend my wife starts applying for them? Is it a good idea she starts right after I send the I-130 in? She will need police certs from her native Japan and Canada since she lived there for one year.

Also I am planning to include with the I-130 a written statement by me describing the history/evolution of our relationship. Does this need to be notarized or is my signature enough?

And again, thanks everyone for your input. I appreciate all of it.


Don't get too overwhelmed, it seems like a lot at first, but you'll get the big picture slowly and it'll be clearer to you. Just remember, when you petition, the petition is about you and your relationship. Don't worry about NVC right now, you'll have time to get that stuff together once you send in the I-130 since it takes months to get approval there. Just take it step by step and you won't miss anything.

Applying for police certificates depends on the country you're getting it from. Depends on how long it takes for them to process it (it only takes about a week, two week max here) and it depends on how long the certificate is "good" for. Some of them expire after 6 months, some of them after one year. You have to check that information for both Japan and Canada, would be better for your fiance to do it probably. Again, this is needed at the NVC stage, don't worry about it now, concentrate on getting your evidence together for the I-130 first.

No, it does not need to be notarized, just your signature is enough. Same with any affidavits you get from friend and/or family. A EOR (evolution of relationship) letter is usually not needed btw, usually you can mention all the pertinent points in a cover letter. Normally, only those that have special circumstances that need to be explained will draft an EOR. You don't want to make your application redundant, remember the person looking at your petition will not be spending days and days on it. So you need to show your relationship, w/ proof, in as concise a way as possible. This is my cover letter, I used the template here on VJ (http://www.visajourn...130_Cover_Sheet) to write it: http://www.visajourn...ost__p__5837952
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-18 00:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBirth Certificate for I-130

Wait until your petition is approved.


No body here waits until the petition is approved and then starts working on gathering the documents for NVC. Not if you're interested in getting through this process sometime in 2013. I'm working on the AOS packet and IV packet (DS-230) right now and I just sent in the I-130. If you have all the paperwork ready you'll be able to fly through NVC and it won't take you 3+ months to get a case complete. The only thing to make sure of is the police certificate as some of those have an expiration date. You don't want to request one too early and then not be able to use it when you need it.

Jughead: read this guide: http://www.visajourn..._live_in_the_US then use this guide for reference once you've almost memorized the first one: http://www.visajourn...p/EZGuideSpouse then read this for more details on how to get through NVC quickly: http://www.visajourn...he_NVC_ShortCut

Good Luck!
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-17 00:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBirth Certificate for I-130
Your, the USC's, birth certificate only needs to be included if you're using it to prove your citizenship. If you're using a copy of your passport or naturalization certificate then you don't need your birth certificate.

Officially the USCIS does not request the birth certificate from the beneficiary at this stage, however, since the petitions have been transferred to different offices a lot of people have been getting RFEs and even NOIDs for the beneficiary's birth certificate. I sent it in anyway just in case. Everything sent to USCIS can be a copy so you're not losing anything by sending it.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-16 18:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPregnant and in the process...
omg, i'm at 17 weeks too! How crazy is that!

Although I'm the US citizen we were also going through the same decision. It was either I travel in April to have the baby in the states and add about 4 months to the time we'll spend apart or I wait and have the baby here and then travel to the states in August. We decided not to add an extra four months apart, not to mention he wouldn't even meet his baby until it's like 3 or 4 months old! Anyway, we didn't have the issue with health insurance since like I said I'm the USC and so I could have gotten medicaid once I arrived in the states, but when I was researching my options I found out that I would NOT be covered by any insurance, it would be a pre-existing condition. So I found this: https://pcip.gov/ it's health insurance for those who have been denied insurance b/c they have a pre-esixting condition. You're basically guaranteed insurance. I'm not sure international health insurance counts by the way...you might want to double check that.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-19 02:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConfused about what the next step is
The dual track flo chart is called that b/c that's exactly what it is. You have to think of it that in most situations the beneficiary and the petitioner are not physically together. The AOS packet is submitted to the NVC from the petitioner (you) and the IV packet is submitted to the NVC by the beneficiary (your hubs). They are two separate tracks and they don't depend on each other. Here's another way to look at it:

Beneficiary:
Submits DS 3032
Get IV bill/pays the bill (usually done by petitioner since it has to be drawn on US bank but i listed it here b/c you have to pay the bill before the packet can be sent)
Sends the IV Packet

Petitioner:
Gets AOS bill/pays the bill
Send the AOS packet

Now in your situation (and mine since I also live overseas) you'll be doing all of this from one address, together so you think of it as one process, but it's really two processes that need to be completed for NVC to declare your case complete and assign your hubs an interview date. And it doesn't matter from where the packets/paperwork is sent from, as long as the NVC receives it. So you basically have two things you need to do next, send in the AOS packet and pay the IV bill. You can do either/or first, it doesn't matter.

Also, look at this thread here, the first post, and you'll get more information if you need it. Read the FAQ thoroughly it really helped me understand the process. http://www.visajourn...-december-2012/

Hope that helps!
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-20 07:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbout to file I-130
Filing from abroad is no longer auto expedited like it was before :(

Your evidence is more than enough, I'd send the petition in asap so that you can try to take advantage of maybe getting fast processing from NBC!
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-20 01:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of bona fide marriage to send in with I-130 package

You should read the instructions carefully so you base your documents on exactly what they are asking

Pictures need to be dated (otherwise they wont count)
Bank statements showing both names (I also added an original letter from the bank stating you are joint and when date open)
ALL your bills joint (utilities, rent contract etc) if you don't have one now, request the company to provide you one.
Tax Returns W2's
Letter of employment (position, time, hours, pay)
Marriage certificate
Bona fide marriage docs has to be notarized see a sample of what I sent (please make it your own)
https://docs.google....JPB7pTmiw4/edit

I wrote a letter explaining how we met and how our relationship developed.


For further information re-read instructions

http://www.uscis.gov.../i-130instr.pdf


Best wishes!

Half of this information is wrong.
Pictures do not need to be dated, you need to add a caption for each one stating the date, place, and names of people in the picture.
Tax returns are needed late for the Affidavit of support NOT the I-130 petition
Same with letter of employment - needed for AOS not I-130
You do not need to notarize any documents.
An evolution of relationship letter is good to have, but not a must.

OP: Read the guides, there's lots of good information and ideas there.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-20 22:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresG-325a + I-130, "this form is submitted in connection with an application for"
Choice is "Other" then type Form I-130 next to it.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-23 02:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview package
You spouse needs to go to the interview with copies of all the documents you submitted from the beginning of the process until right before the interview, just in case. But only copies, so you can scan and send her everything before her interview which she will then print and take with her. It's not a requirement but it's good to have everything. So make sure you make lots of copies of everything you submit to USCIS and later to NVC. She will NEED copies of the original documents submitted to NVC so that she can have her originals back at the interview.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-23 02:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUnemployed, support for wife to immigrate, co sponsors?
It's not an issue if you can or not, you have to. As the primary sponsor you are REQUIRED to submit AOS. B/c you don't have income you need to get a joint sponsor who will also submit AOS.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-22 15:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUnemployed, support for wife to immigrate, co sponsors?
Yes, you can have a joint sponsor who will provide the financial support, but you will still be the primary sponsor even if you don't make any money. (I'm doing the same thing since we currently live overseas but will be moving back to the states together and living with my family until we get on our feet) But be careful of the domicile requirement, you have to prove that you've kept up your domicile or that you intend to re-establish it on the date your wife will enter the US. Read the AOS instructions here: http://www.uscis.gov.../i-864instr.pdf and the information here: http://travel.state..../info_3197.html

Have you never had any income? If yes, then just include a statement with the AOS that says that and any question that asks about your income on the form just put $0. Otherwise, you need to file back taxes so that you can include that paperwork. Living overseas does not mean that you don't have to file taxes, if you made any money you have to file taxes no matter where you are.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-20 23:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGetting married in a few weeks overseas, what do I bring back with me?!
proof of your relationship. read this: http://www.visajourn..._live_in_the_US
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-20 22:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTax Filing - filing status?
You can use this tool on the IRS website to figure it out: http://www.irs.gov/u...-Filing-Status?

However, there is one clause in the definition of spouse that if your spouse is a non-resident alien and you choose not to treat them as a resident then you are considered "un-married".

"Nonresident alien spouse. You are considered unmarried for head of household purposes if your spouse was a nonresident alien at any time during the year and you do not choose to treat your nonresident spouse as a resident alien. However, your spouse is not a qualifying person for head of household purposes. You must have another qualifying person and meet the other tests to be eligible to file as a head of household." Here's the IRS publication that defines the different filing statuses in depth: http://www.irs.gov/p...blink1000220721
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-25 13:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPlease Read! NVC reply to my approved petition
He's saying he thinks USCIS has made a mistake and labelled your file as one that is adjusting their status instead of one that is petitioning for a visa. So therefore your case got sent to NRC instead of NVC. So you need to call USCIS and get transferred to an ISO (not the first person who answers the phone) and get this straightened out.

Read carefully and you'll get all the information you need.
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-20 00:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNetherlands filing
No you can't file with the consulate in Amsterdam, this is a list of international USCIS offices where they accept DCF: http://www.uscis.gov...000082ca60aRCRD
RooshaFemaleQatar2012-12-28 06:29:00