ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRequirements for I-130
Assembling the I-130 Package: Checklist
Forms and Documents (follow these assembly instructions. All supporting documents must be in English or be translated as noted here.):
1. Payment as required by USCIS. Use a check so you can track the payment.
2. Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (see example form)
3. Copy of the Birth certificate for the US Citizen (front and back) or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen's passport. This is used to establish citizenship. You may use a copy of your naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship issued by USCIS.
4. A copy of your marriage certificate (If not in English then again get a translation)
5. If either you or your spouse were previously married, submit copies of documents showing that all prior marriages were legally terminated.
6. A copy of a prior spouse's death certificate. (If one or both were married before, and the prior spouse died)
7. G-325A (all four pages) filled out by the US Citizen signed and dated
8. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the US Citizen. Write the full name of the US citizen on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of ". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325A.
9. G-325A (all four pages) filled out by the foreign spouse signed and dated
10. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the foreign spouse. Write the full name of the foreign Spouse on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of ". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325A.
11. Evidence of a bonafide marriage (see note below for what to include)


Note: Evidence of a Bonifide Marriage
The USCIS now requires that when filing an I-130 for a spouse that you include evidence of a bonifide marriage. They list examples of acceptable evidence as:
1. Documentation showing joint ownership or property; or
2. A lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence; or
3. Documentation showing co-mingling of financialresources; or
4. Birth certificate(s) of child(ren) born to you, thepetitioner, and your spouse together; or
5. Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties havingpersonal knowledge of the bona fides of the maritalrelationship (Each affidavit must contain the full nameand address, date and place of birth of the person makingthe affidavit, his or her relationship to the petitioner ofbeneficiary, if any, and complete information and detailsexplaining how the person acquired his or herknowledge of your marriage); or
6. Any other relevant documentation to establish that thereis an ongoing marital union.


Mail the I-130 Package to the USCIS

Effective December 3, 2007, all petitioners filing stand-alone Form I-130 are encouraged to submit their petitions to the Chicago Lockbox instead of a USCIS Service Center. I-130 petitions filed with the Chicago Lockbox will be routed to, and adjudicated at, the appropriate USCIS Service Center. This routing will be based on the petitioner’s place of residence in the United States. You will receive a notice in the mail indicating what Service Center your petition was routed to.

--o Petitioners who reside in AK, AZ, CA, CO, Guam, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MS, MT, Nebraska, NV, ND, OH, OR, SD, UT, WA, WI, or WY are encouraged to file their stand-alone Form I-130s with the Lockbox using the following address: USCIS P.O. Box 804625 Chicago, IL 60680-1029

--o Petitioners who reside in AL, AR, CT, DL, FL, GA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OK, PA, Puerto Rico, RI, SC, TN, TX, VT, VA, U.S. Virgin Islands, WV, or District of Columbia are encouraged to file their stand-alone Form I-130 with the Lockbox using the following address: USCIS P.O. Box 804616 Chicago, IL 60680-1029

Mail the package with return receipt requested / delivery confirmation. Send via USPS.

IMPORTANT!
Make TWO copies of the entire package before you send it in. This includes the money orders too. You want to have a perfect replica of the package you are sending in. All Forms that you submit must be originals with original signatures. Supporting Evidence that you submit may be photocopies. Retain ALL original supporting Evidence since the USCIS has the right to check them by issuing an RFE (Request For Evidence). If you receive an RFE, follow the direction exactly, and make two copies of what you sent back. During any future interviews the USCIS may also want to examine the original supporting evidence.


Are these requirements updated? Is there any other documents that we must include in the Mail Package?
Thank you
metro420MalePhilippines2009-05-06 02:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCover Letter
QUOTE (YuAndDan @ May 21 2009, 06:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Use the example for K-1 fiancee, re-word it to fit your situation.

http://www.visajourn..._for_I-129F.doc



Thank you so much YuAndDan. Appreciate it!
metro420MalePhilippines2009-05-21 21:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCover Letter
Hello Everyone!

I am wondering if there is a format for the cover for the I-130 package. Can anyone send us a copy of their cover letter used for our reference or give us an outlined format?

Thank you in advance.
metro420MalePhilippines2009-05-21 20:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJ1 Visa
Thank you guys for all you response. Appreciate it.
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-07 22:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJ1 Visa
Hi Mikey78, thank you for your response. I really hope it won't be a problem. I just hope someone will response on the same situation of mine. I really want to make sure.

Thank you so much for your help. Appreciate it.
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-06 07:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJ1 Visa
Hello guys from Visa Journey!

I am Sey, wife of Metro420. Me and my husband met in US when I'm having my training with J1 visa. I came back in the Philippines last January 2009 and my husband and I got married in April 2009. We would love to be together as soon as possible. We already sent the I-130 petition last May 28,2009 but I am still doing some research for the IR-1/CR-1. I am wondering if it will be a problem for my previous visa (J1), though it states there that I am not subject to 212 (E) or two-year does not apply. I know that it is clear that I am not subject to 2 year rule policy but i asked some friends from J1 visa in the Philippines, they said, even it states I am not subject to it, they said that 2 year rule must apply. Now, I am a bit worried just in case the petition will be approved in less than 2 years, do you think my previous visa will be a problem? I hope not. helpsmilie.gif
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-06 06:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWriting Affidavit Help
Hi eclipsezero, what we did with our affidavits are my mom and his mom, 2 from my friends who attended the wedding and i believe 4 from our friends in WY who knows our relationship since we became friends and started dating. Just make sure that they will confirm/affirm that your relationship and true then sign it. Good luck!
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-11 20:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWHEN TO CHANGE THE NAME ON PASSPORT?
Hello everyone. I just got married last April 20,2009 and i requested an advance copy for the marriage certificate so i could change all my ID especially passport. My husband decided to changed all my IDs so there will be no questions or doubts just in case. Also, in the Philippines, i know that you have to change your status and last name as soon as you get married. Hope all of us will have a smooth journey.
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-11 20:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA1 then NOA2 then what?
Can someone give us further information? Thank you!
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-14 01:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA1 then NOA2 then what?
Hello fellow VJ members,

My husband received the NOA1 for the CR-1 last friday (YAY!!!!). I just want to know the things that we should do and prepare when we received the NOA2 (even though we are not sure how long will it take waiting). I am a bit confused with what we should do after we received the NOA2. I read in VJ guide for CR-1are as follows:
a. NVC will send packet of forms to be filled up by my husband and me such as Of-169 form (what is this please?)
b. Of-230 part one (what is this as well?)
c. I-864 form for him to fill out.

After all of these forms filled out, i know that we have to send them back somewhere right? After sending them back, what else we have to do? Also, i am confused with the payments and bills and I can see in the timeline of other members. Can someone help us figure this out? It will be greatly appreciated if some Filipino-American couple will give me further idea.

Also, can someone give some website and link so i could read and research more about this?

Thank you and I am looking forward to your kind response.

metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-13 22:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew house Number
QUOTE (dale_trisha @ Jun 14 2009, 06:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Leave the house number as is on G325A for the I-130. On the G325A for the I-129F attached a note explaing that it has changed. It is that simple. In our case my wife moved during the process. USCIS does not really care about the addresses. I called them and they did nothing about it. Once we got to NVC, NVC still had the incorrect addresses. I called the USEM once the case was sent to them and they changed it. The only one sending docs for a K3 to the beneficary will be the embassy so that is why it is important to get it correct with the USEM.



Hi Dale and Trisha,

Thanks for your advice! Will do that!

I noticed that you received your I-130 approval before you sent the I-129F application. May I know why did you decide to pursue the K3 or I-129F?
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-14 07:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew house Number
Thank you Luvtechwifey. I am thinking the same thing to just continue the CR-1 journey but hubby wants to do all the possibilities for us to be together. Will inform hubby to call USCIS for the address. Thanks a lot!
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-14 01:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew house Number
Guys, please help me. Really need assistance. My questions might be stupid to asked but i am not really sure what to do.
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-14 00:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew house Number
hello guys,

We have received the NOA1 for the I-130 and we are planning to file I-129f for K3 and we need to file another G-325A. Yesterday, our HOUSE NUMBER in Pampanga just changed. Will it be fine to retain the OLD number from the previous residence history then just enter the NEW house number for filling up the I-129F form and the new G-325A for the I-129f package?

Thank you!
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-14 00:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChecklists of my documents for interview
Goodluck for your interview tomorrow! God bless you! good.gif
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-15 05:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChecklists of my documents for interview
QUOTE (jiskat08 @ Jun 14 2009, 12:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (AbbynSheryl @ Jun 14 2009, 04:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think u r very well organised. i dont think my wife has half of that what u metion it here in ur folders,
your post will help us a lot to prepare for our interview in couple of months.
good luck in ur interview
abby n sheryl


thanks star_smile.gif

QUOTE (metro420 @ Jun 14 2009, 12:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hey jiskat08,

I can see you are well prepared but I believe that " It is better to have more documents/proofs than less". I hope i could talk to you ever the phone, if you're in Manila, try to contact me, 780-8099 or you can contact me in my cellphone 0906 405 5671.

I wish you luck on your interview and I know you really miss your hubby so much. God bless you and your hubby!


May i know ur name and where you from? Do u have any questions? Kindly message me here... good.gif



I am Arcel and this account was made by my husband. I am from Pampanga. I might have some questions for you. How about you? Where are you from? My email address is arcell_07@yahoo.com if you want to email me.
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-14 06:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChecklists of my documents for interview
hey jiskat08,

I can see you are well prepared but I believe that " It is better to have more documents/proofs than less". I hope i could talk to you ever the phone, if you're in Manila, try to contact me, 780-8099 or you can contact me in my cellphone 0906 405 5671.

I wish you luck on your interview and I know you really miss your hubby so much. God bless you and your hubby!
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-13 23:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 filers who decided to CR-1
QUOTE (DouglasFiel @ Jun 17 2009, 03:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (metro420 @ Jun 17 2009, 08:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello Friends,

I know some of you maybe read some of my forum/topics about me and hubby planning to file the K3. I believe some you guys suggested to go for the CR-1 and forget about the K3. Just in case hubby will file the K3 still, what are the risks or what should we expect if we decided to continue the CR-1 instead. For example we received the NOA2 for both K3 and CR-1 at the same time and decided to go for the CR-1, is there a difference on the next steps? What do we need to do to cancel or withdraw the K3 and go for the CR-1? These questions might be a bit stupid but I am not really sure what to do. Please give us assistance.

Thank you in advance.


I may be a newbie on VJ but, certainly not on the process. I would suggest that you always pursue a K3 in conjunciton with the I-130. The reason for this,,, Is inept government workers. My case is a perfect example. the I-130 and K3 were both approved on the same date. However, the I-129f K3 has been lost somewhere between CSC and the NVC. And neither one will take responsibility for this. So,, I still have one horse in the race. For me I am glad the I-130 is moving forward at a good pace.

Regards to all,



Hi douglasfiel,

thank you for your advice. I am sorry to hear that the K3 application got lost, but what did you do to cancel the k3 instead? do you think it is a long process to cancel K3 then pursue the CR-1?
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-18 07:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 filers who decided to CR-1
QUOTE (New Beginnings @ Jun 17 2009, 06:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You would want to cancel the interview for the K3 when it's scheduled with the embassy. No other risks involved. The CR1 is definitely the better of the two and the cheaper of the two. But if money isn't an issue why not do both. My husband and I did both and he interviewed for both. If you were to interview for the K3 and be issued the K3 you can still stay for your CR1 interview and interview for that one too, when you're approved for the CR1 it would just cancel the K3. All you're out then is the fee for the K3 interview, ours was $131.00


Just to clarify, if they both got approved so we can just cancel the K3 process and interview? How? Do we need to send a letter somewhere to inform them that we are cancelling the K3?
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-18 07:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 filers who decided to CR-1
Hello Friends,

I know some of you maybe read some of my forum/topics about me and hubby planning to file the K3. I believe some you guys suggested to go for the CR-1 and forget about the K3. Just in case hubby will file the K3 still, what are the risks or what should we expect if we decided to continue the CR-1 instead. For example we received the NOA2 for both K3 and CR-1 at the same time and decided to go for the CR-1, is there a difference on the next steps? What do we need to do to cancel or withdraw the K3 and go for the CR-1? These questions might be a bit stupid but I am not really sure what to do. Please give us assistance.

Thank you in advance.
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-17 08:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresquestion for philippines
QUOTE (sjr09 @ Jun 18 2009, 09:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (sjr09 @ Jun 18 2009, 10:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (tomuts @ Jun 18 2009, 09:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
me and my wife have a possible august interview but it is not yet assigned if i plan a flight there for early august and want to extend my stay is there chance they would refuse my prolonged stay if i file for extension?



It's not that hard to do, I did 5 times when staying in the PI. just before your 21 days are up go down to the PI Immigration in your province pay the waiver fee. It's over 3000P. Now days you will have to go back later to pick up your passport (sometimes the next day) cuz a new check they do on you to see if your on a hold departure,blacklist, watchlist. After you get the waiver its good for 30 days really it's very easy to get it when your in the PI.


Aliens admitted under E.O. 408 (non-visa required nationals admitted for 21 days) may extend their stay in the Philippines beyond 21 days by applying for a visa waiver at his nearest Immigration Office before the expiration of the 21-day period. This will entitle him to stay in the country for more than 59 days, he should secure extension of stay and register with the Bureau of Immigration, and pay the necessary Immigration fees.

What is the maximum extension of stay that can be granted?
Foreigners holding temporary visitors visa pursuant to Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 and aliens admitted under E.O. 408 may extend their stay in the Philippines every 2 months for a total stay of 16 months. Extension of stay after16 months, up to 24 months need the approval of the Chief of the Immigration Regulation Division. Extension of stay after 24 months need the approval of the Commissioner. (MCL Memorandum dated 31 July 2007)
I'm looking at my offical receipt 3,030P don't over stay with out the waiver they can ding you with a fine at the airport when you depart.




Hello SJR09! I saw your timeline and you got the NOA2 for both visa at the same time! May I know what did you do to go for the CR-1 instead of K3? I believe that there is a different process for each visa. Can you give us assistance? We are planning for filing the K3 as well but still searching for the risk.
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-19 06:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresstarting again
Hello Dear, better to take the CR-1 journey! Pinay din ako and we planned to file K3 application but looking all the benefits and costs, better to have the CR-1.

Good luck sweetie!
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-21 22:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTaking his last name after marriage.
My husband and I got married in the Philippines and he asked me to changed all my IDs including passport into his last name because He put my married name in the application so there will be questions asked why this is in maiden and why this is married name. Better to be safe than sorry dear. Hope it make sense
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-27 22:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA1 not received yet
I think you're still fine. our check was cashed then received the NOA1 after 2 days i think. Pretty fast for us but i believe others can have their NOA1 after a month. If you did not receive your NOA1 in 3 months, maybe that will be the time to follow-up. Also, seems like you are planning to file for the k3 right? We planned the same thing but we decided to continue with the CR-1 path, but that will depend on your decision. If money doesn't matter with then go for the K3, but to analyze the benefits, better to have the CR-1 (just an opinion and suggestion).

Good luck
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-27 22:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresG325A problem/misunderstanding
hey there! That matter happens sometimes, I did my G-325A for around 4-5 times cause of checking nitty gritty mistakes and everything.

Anyway, have you or your petitioner sent the I-130 package to the USCIS already? If not, better to tell him/her or youshould not sent it yet and revised whatever you've missed in your G-325A. But if you sent it already, I would suggest if you will call the USCIS to know what you should do with that. I think it will be better to do some actions now than wait for the RFE (this is my personal opinion sweetie).

Goodluck!
metro420MalePhilippines2009-06-15 05:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLeaving the Philippines
QUOTE (jiskat08 @ Jul 11 2009, 04:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone,

im finally here with my husband... it was all in all 19 hours from my house to our house here in USA... It was tiring but its ok.. I didn't cry in the airport back in the Phils but when we're heading to my husband's place - i broke down bcoz of too much tired and missing my family so much. I know i will be back again but maybe after a year or two.. the good thing is, im with my hubby. Thank GOD for the safe trip. There was a turbulence when we landed to Narita Japan and i was like oh my!!! Wahhh lol. It was like roller coaster hehe..

It's summertime here but for me its cold already lol.. I will get used to it after few months. The immigration process at the airport is fine, the officer is friendly and nice to me. He said i will get my GC within 3 to 6 months. Is it really long? And my SSN will arrive in 6 weeks but i can go to the office to get it soon, he said.

Anyways, GOD bless to those who are still on the process - for sure you're the next one to fly here in USA.. Just be patient..



Kathy



I am glad you made it safe! happy for you. I know how it feels to be away from your family here in the philippines but you will be alright as you are already with your husband and you waited for it for a long time. LOL, regarding weather.. ganyan din ako nung unang dating ko sa Jackson, WY known as winter wonderland. I arrived there summertime but it feels really cold for me. Enjoy being with your husband. Again, Congratulations.

QUOTE (jiskat08 @ Jul 11 2009, 04:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone,

im finally here with my husband... it was all in all 19 hours from my house to our house here in USA... It was tiring but its ok.. I didn't cry in the airport back in the Phils but when we're heading to my husband's place - i broke down bcoz of too much tired and missing my family so much. I know i will be back again but maybe after a year or two.. the good thing is, im with my hubby. Thank GOD for the safe trip. There was a turbulence when we landed to Narita Japan and i was like oh my!!! Wahhh lol. It was like roller coaster hehe..

It's summertime here but for me its cold already lol.. I will get used to it after few months. The immigration process at the airport is fine, the officer is friendly and nice to me. He said i will get my GC within 3 to 6 months. Is it really long? And my SSN will arrive in 6 weeks but i can go to the office to get it soon, he said.

Anyways, GOD bless to those who are still on the process - for sure you're the next one to fly here in USA.. Just be patient..



Kathy



I am glad you made it safe! happy for you. I know how it feels to be away from your family here in the philippines but you will be alright as you are already with your husband and you waited for it for a long time. LOL, regarding weather.. ganyan din ako nung unang dating ko sa Jackson, WY known as winter wonderland. I arrived there summertime but it feels really cold for me. Enjoy being with your husband. Again, Congratulations.
metro420MalePhilippines2009-07-11 22:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLeaving the Philippines
QUOTE (jiskat08 @ Jul 11 2009, 04:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone,

im finally here with my husband... it was all in all 19 hours from my house to our house here in USA... It was tiring but its ok.. I didn't cry in the airport back in the Phils but when we're heading to my husband's place - i broke down bcoz of too much tired and missing my family so much. I know i will be back again but maybe after a year or two.. the good thing is, im with my hubby. Thank GOD for the safe trip. There was a turbulence when we landed to Narita Japan and i was like oh my!!! Wahhh lol. It was like roller coaster hehe..

It's summertime here but for me its cold already lol.. I will get used to it after few months. The immigration process at the airport is fine, the officer is friendly and nice to me. He said i will get my GC within 3 to 6 months. Is it really long? And my SSN will arrive in 6 weeks but i can go to the office to get it soon, he said.

Anyways, GOD bless to those who are still on the process - for sure you're the next one to fly here in USA.. Just be patient..



Kathy



I am glad you made it safe! happy for you. I know how it feels to be away from your family here in the philippines but you will be alright as you are already with your husband and you waited for it for a long time. LOL, regarding weather.. ganyan din ako nung unang dating ko sa Jackson, WY known as winter wonderland. I arrived there summertime but it feels really cold for me. Enjoy being with your husband. Again, Congratulations.
metro420MalePhilippines2009-07-11 22:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRFE after case completed??
Well, sorry to hear that. I am not in that step yet but i think it might be a system glitch that's why it shows like that. Also, are the status online really updated? I am not sure.
metro420MalePhilippines2009-07-11 23:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview date set!
Gosh! You guys are so lucky! I am so happy for you guys and you will be with your loved ones so soon. We are still waiting for our NOA2 and hopefully it will be with us anytime soon. Our papers hasn't been touched as well. Can't wait to be with my husband.
metro420MalePhilippines2009-07-12 20:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSpouse immigrant is Awol from PNP, will he be denied IR-1 Visa???
I don't think it will be areason for him to be denied, it's just like you've been AWOL from a different job. But i think it will be better if he will get a clearance from PNP just to make sure that everything is clear with him and PNP (wherever he was assisgned). I am the wife from the Philippines (FYI).
metro420MalePhilippines2009-07-07 20:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGOT my Interview Date ... in 4 months only
QUOTE (AbbynSheryl @ Jul 11 2009, 06:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (CasandraYounes @ Jul 11 2009, 06:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
omg congrats...we were just talking about this the other day. How did you find out?


my friend SRJ09 called nvc and they gave him the interview date so i called nvc they told me
we have a good news for u and here is ur interivew date
i was so happy
thanks
abby n sheryl



Can we call USCIS to follow-up our papers? will there be a specific waiting period before calling them? Have not received any update since we had our NOA1.
metro420MalePhilippines2009-07-12 21:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGOT my Interview Date ... in 4 months only
Geez, that is so freaking fast! What a great timeline! You guys are so lucky!

Congratulations abby and Sheryl! I am so happy for you guys!
metro420MalePhilippines2009-07-11 21:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeeding advise
Relax guys! Len is right, you did not mention fine on the original post that is why he/she assumed bribery. Anyway, I would suggest to present the original certificate then just explain further during the interview. Though we have to accept that this might be a risk in your application.

In my case, someone used my name for some debts and I have to pay for all of that cause it is under my name. I know this might be a risk but hopefully not.
metro420MalePhilippines2009-07-13 19:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGreen card for Ir-1
CR-1 is for conditional Relative or those couple married for less than 2 years
IR-1 Immediate Relative for those couple married more than 2 years.

Based on my understanding......
metro420MalePhilippines2009-07-17 19:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGreen Card and passport
I am not really sure how much trouble it might be but I would suggest that if she wants to have the American name, have everything in the same name so no questions in the future. We are still waiting for our NOA2 but while waiting, I did changed everything into my married name so everything will be the same.

goodluck!
metro420MalePhilippines2009-07-27 22:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespeople waiting for the noa2
Still waiting and not touches as well. Can't wait to receive the NOA2. Almost 2 months now since we received the NOA1. Hope it will be with us soon.
metro420MalePhilippines2009-07-27 22:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespeople waiting for the noa2
QUOTE (epey_denz24 @ Jul 12 2009, 09:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
whistling.gif

me too,,, still waiting!!! how will i know if our case has been touched?

good to all of us...may the presence of our Lord guide with us in our journey...
god bless us kicking.gif
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Hello there! You can check it by logging in online and if the date changed, it means it has been touched or checked by someone from USCIS.. Our app hasn't been touched yet as well. Can't wait to see my hubby. Good luck
metro420MalePhilippines2009-07-12 20:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespeople waiting for the noa2
QUOTE (simps @ Jun 8 2009, 07:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (CAV & LEES @ Jun 8 2009, 09:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
still waiting crying.gif
but on the flip side, next month makes the 6 month mark and i can start calling them no0pb.gif



You should start calling them from now... don't wait to finish ur six months..


Count us in!!!!

When can we start calling them? my husband filed our papers last may 28 and he received the NOA1 2nd week of June. Our papers hasn't been touched yet even once. I thought it is an easy process, it's so hard to be away from our loved ones.


metro420MalePhilippines2009-07-11 13:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJuly 28, 2009 interview in Manila...woohooo!
QUOTE (PinayAmerican @ Jul 28 2009, 09:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
As requested, this is how I organized my 2 important clear books. I wasn't asked to show any other proofs aside from these ones. Hope that it helps others on how to be prepared for the interview.













Good luck. I actually prepared too much, but being prepade made me confident enough to be asked of anything. YES! That's the fighting spirit I got. ahhah! Good luck!


Wow! Everything is so organized! You are right, it is better to be prepared than sorry! Thanks for the information. Appreciate it!

metro420MalePhilippines2009-07-28 22:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJuly 28, 2009 interview in Manila...woohooo!
QUOTE (LaneAndDaisy @ Jul 28 2009, 02:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (PinayAmerican @ Jul 28 2009, 01:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello, vjers. Finally, my interview is over. I have waited for it the whole year. And, I'm happy to say that I nailed it. Thanks to those who wish me goodluck and who prayed for me. ^ ^

Here is my interview story:

Since the embassy was closed yesterday, July 27, 2009, the embassy was a bit crowded today. I was expecting that to happen so I went there 2 hours before my actual interview time, which is 8:30. We were asked to fall in line under immigrant visa and the guard checked our appointment letter. My mother wasn't allowed to go inside because of the big number of applicants today. I was in line for about 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, I proceeded to gate number 3 for my things to be scanned. The lady guard checked my perfume, maybe to examine it has the bomb-ability..eheheh! Then, I went to the immigrant visa section of the embassy (followed the blue signs). The guard asked me to sit down with some other people whose schedule is at 8:30. I waited for like an hour before I got my ticket number. Those who had 7:00 schedule were prioritized even though they came in late. I think that wasn't fair. After about 20 minutes, my name was called for finger scanning in window 16. We were asked to rub our hands while in line. hahaha! Like we were freezing. You have to make sure your hands are clean and not wet. I was asked to go back to the waiting area. I was called after 20-25 minutes for pre-screening at window 18. The prescreener asked me these questions:
1. What is your name?
2. When is your birthday?
3. Who is your husband?
4. How did you meet?
5. When did you meet for the first time?
6. How long did he stay on his first visit?
7. Was he/were you married before?
8. Do you have any children?
9. How old are you> I was asked to change my age in my ds230 form..because I had my bday last June.
10. How old is he?

She asked me to show some pictures, emails, chatlogs, etc. I just gave her the clear books I compiled for the interview. They were accepted as they were prepared. ^ ^ We made them fit into the window. The longest wait for me was for my final interview with the consul. I waited for than 30 minutes. Sorry, I'm not so particular with the time as I was seriously watching the numbers flashing on the board. hehe! I was finally called before 11:00 in window 28. I also had a goodlooking consul. He greeted me in tagalog and I find it awesome. hehe! I was asked to raise my right hand to swear. I was asked with so many questions about my husband. I was asked of questions I never thought I would be asked of. But, since I know my husband so well, I did not freak out.

Here are his questions (in random)
1. How long have you known your husband?
2. When did you get married?
3. When was the last time you saw him?
4. What is his job?
5. What was he doing before he becomes an air force? (means, previous job, good thing I remembered his previous company)
6. How did he become a 2nd lt? (wooooo...hahah)
7. How did you meet?
8. Where did he serve a mission?
9. How long was it?
10. How about you? where did you have your mission? Why not? Ahhhh
11. Do you have any children?
etc, etc, etc.

Then, he told me that he appreciates how I organized my stuff and even thanked me for doing so. Then, he smiled and said, my visa is approved. yeah! I was asked to proceed to window 37 to get my PINK slip. I got it and went straight to air21 and paid 205. 00 pesos. I was out of the embassy around 5 minutes before 11 am.

I asked the consul if I can have my married name in my visa or if i can have my name annotated in my visa. He was sorry that he doesn't know if that would work and he asked me to try to ask to the person in window 37. The lady told me that my visa will be in my maiden name as in the passport. hmmmm!

Anyway, it was stressful but I'm glad I made it. woohooo! Xylide and I will be traveling next week. Hope to get my visa soon.
Thanks vjers and good luck to the rest of us. God be with us always!


hi there....CONGRATULATIONS to u for bringing home a pink slip...honesty seems to be the best defense to get it...

anywae, i hope u dont mind sharing to us how u organized ur folders..id like to be complimented too by the consul by the time i have my interview...we (those still waiting for NOA2) would be more than glad to follow ur style...thanks and godbless..

once again,,CONGRATS!



Hello there! I am so happy for you! i would love to get idea as well on how organized your proofs and other documents! good to get tips from the experienced. glad you will be with your husband so soon. Have a safe trip.
metro420MalePhilippines2009-07-28 20:28:00