Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Filing an I-130 in USA before returnung back home	when you ask anything from uscis - just remember - that office doesn't issue visas, so the humans you talk to are mostly misinformed about visa process and processing. as to yer original question - yes, is easy to do what yer asking - here's the caveat: --do not list an address in the USA on YOU, on any forms, as the adjudicator might think that you are already here, and are filing an I-130 as the first part of an 'adjustment of status' case. (which requires an I-130 and an I-485 - some folk do send in just the I-130, waiting on approval, then send in the I-485). Good Luck ! Thank you Darnell - this explains a lot !	Liza E P	Female	South Africa	2012-04-04 10:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Filing an I-130 in USA before returnung back home	Thank you very much Cathy and Sulhaq. I think this pretty much answers my questions about these two visas, and if I can travel whilst waiting. I am actually a dual citizen of South Africa and Ireland, so when I visit my husband I do so on the Visa Waiver program for Irish passport holders - I am assuming this would still be applicable for travel when I am applying for my visa from my resident country of South Africa... Thanks again!	Liza E P	Female	South Africa	2012-04-03 18:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Filing an I-130 in USA before returnung back home	Thank you, both! It just seems so daunting at this initial point when we are facing the whole long process...but getting answers here really helps. I am also slightly confused why I was told twice at different times by the US Immigration Services that I needed to apply for the K3 Spouse visa, nothing was mentioned about the CR1 Spouse visa. I wonder why this would be? I would like to visit my husband whilst applying for whichever visa is appropriate, so not sure which would be best for this? Thanks again for any answers	Liza E P	Female	South Africa	2012-04-03 12:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Filing an I-130 in USA before returnung back home	Is there any problem with my husband filing an I-130 in order to begin the process for a Spouse Visa for me whilst I am visiting him in the U.S.A? I do not want to get an adjustment of status to my visa, because I have to go home in the next 2 months and will continue the process for a K3 visa in my homeland via the consulate there.. Just a bit confused if this is allowed - I have no intention of changing my status as a visitor to a permanent resident, I just want to get the process started as quickly as possible before i return! Many thanks. Edited by LizaP, 03 April 2012 - 11:27 AM.	Liza E P	Female	South Africa	2012-04-03 11:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Confused about K3 or IR-1	Ok... I'm wondering though why many people are still opting for the K-3 visa if it is effectively no good? Edited by Liza E P, 26 May 2012 - 10:48 AM.	Liza E P	Female	South Africa	2012-05-26 10:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Confused about K3 or IR-1	Thanks Ryan ~ So it seems that filing for the K-3 at the same time is possibly a waste of time, seeing as they often arrive and are processed simultaneously? It may not be a case of one is quicker than the other, but that you can lose your place in the queue for the I-130 if you submit the I-129F at the same time...	Liza E P	Female	South Africa	2012-05-25 08:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Confused about K3 or IR-1	Hi there ~ I am not sure which is best to apply for first off : the K-3 or the IR-1 I have just sent my I-130 off, and naturally am very anxious choose the quickest option for simply being able to be re-united with my husband in America as soon as possible. I know that on this forum many say that the K-3 visa is obsolete, but when I check the timelines of the overall statistics for processing the K-3 on this link: My link it seems that the K-3 is still being used and is taking quicker than the actual IR-1 as shown on this link: My link Am I perhaps not understanding the stats? I don't mind the extra cost for the K-3 visa if it will allow me to live with my husband while my Visa is being processed, but if it really does take as long as the IR-1 then perhaps there is no point doing it this way? Does anyone have any advice or experience on this matter? ~Any help would be greatly appreciated! Regards Liza Edited by Liza E P, 24 May 2012 - 12:50 PM.	Liza E P	Female	South Africa	2012-05-24 12:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Any South Africans able to give advice?	Thanks for your replies so far everyone !	Liza E P	Female	South Africa	2012-06-08 10:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Any South Africans able to give advice?	Hi to any South Africans who may be able to share their CR-1 visa experiences with me. I am at the initial review stage of my visa application, which was initiated on May 21st 2012 and has been transferred to the California Service Centre. I would very much like to visit my husband in September of this year, and then travel back for the interview at the Johannesburg consulate when they let me know it is time, but am not sure how much notice they give you for your interview and medical exam. Can anyone tell me how much notice they got for the interview? Did they set the final date, or could you? How long did it take for others out there from the time of submitting their I-130 until their actual interview? I am not sure if going to America in September is cutting it a bit fine...it seems there is a 6 month processing time, but I would like to hear others' experiences. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! Edited by Liza E P, 08 June 2012 - 07:24 AM.	Liza E P	Female	South Africa	2012-06-08 07:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Australian Police clearnace	I am in exactly the same situation - I just sent in my name and fingerprint check to the Australian Federal Police today via post. If you go to this link on their website: AFP online application you can actually do most of the application online and also pay via credit card, then just post in the downloaded and signed forms as well as the fingerprints. You can also email them on their contact page and they are quite helpful and get back to you within a week with any questions you may have... Good Luck! Edited by Liza E P, 27 June 2012 - 02:57 PM.	Liza E P	Female	South Africa	2012-06-27 14:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Opinion about visit visa while on CR-1 Process	I have an I-130 pending at the moment and tried for a visitor visa 3 weeks ago at the American Consulate here in Johannesburg, South Africa. Sadly, I was denied outright even though I had lots of proof of ties to my country. The consulate official stated that it was protocol not to allow people to visit their spouses whilst the CR-1 is pending, because you are married to a US citizen this is seen as a powerful incentive to illegally immigrate to America! He was honest, kind, but firm on this one, and I spent much time and money only to be refused. But, you can always try - at least then you will know! Good Luck, and hang in there, it is hard but it will be worth it in the end	Liza E P	Female	South Africa	2012-07-10 15:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Do you need help getting Australian Police certificate?	Aaw Liza how nice are you Emailed you yesterday, you giving me a taste of my own medicine? lol Hey You!! Will reply asap - been out of the loop for a few days...getting there	Liza E P	Female	South Africa	2012-10-22 07:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Do you need help getting Australian Police certificate?	I would like to offer advice and help to anyone who is applying for their Australian Police Certificate with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) If you have applied for the certificate, which can be done online here by the way, and it has been over the 25 working days that they advise it takes to get it done, please don't wait for them to send it out to you- it could take over 3 months like it did with me until I finally lodged an official complaint about the extended delay. I honestly doubt whether it would have been sent to me had I not complained to an external complaints department, and it was really difficult to get hold of anyone who would help me as the AFP call centre has long wait times and the operators are generally not willing to help. Just p.m. me if you want further advice - I would be glad to help as I would not want anyone to experience the frustration I have had to deal with in getting this form, and it set back my CR-1 visa process considerably. Edited by Liza E P, 18 October 2012 - 06:26 AM.	Liza E P	Female	South Africa	2012-10-18 06:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Australian Police Certificate for someone living in Italy	Hi In response to this thread - I have to get an Australian Police certificate for my CR-1 visa, and called the National Visa Centre in May of this year to confirm if I needed to get a fingerprint check done for police certificates and they said no. As per the Australian Federal Police website about Fingerprint checks: Australin Federal Police fingerprint checks "Fingerprint checks may only be conducted where there is a legal or regulatory requirement for such a check to be conducted." I could not follow the first link you provided for Travel.State.Gov as the page no longer exists- perhaps they have updated their policies as they no longer now require fingerprint checks according to what I was told. Just thought I would mention this here in case anyone else may have any other current info! ** Please ignore my above comment, as I phoned the NVC again today and this time spoke to a supervisor who knew what she was talking about. She assured me that you DO need a fingerprint check from the Australian Federal police as part of the police certificates needed for the CR-1 visa. My sincere apologies for the confusion **	Liza E P	Female	South Africa	2012-06-21 06:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Australian Police Certificate for someone living in Italy	This is the source http://travel.state....1.html?cid=3504 Police Certificates - All Australia If you reside outside Australia Applicants who live overseas should refer requests to the Australian Federal Police. Applicants are required to apply for a police certificate based on a name and fingerprint check. Police clearances issued on the basis of only a name check will not be accepted. More information is available on their website at:http://www.afp.gov.au/ or via e-mail at vetting@afp.gov.au. Hi In response to this thread - I have to get an Australian Police certificate for my CR-1 visa, and called the National Visa Centre in May of this year to confirm if I needed to get a fingerprint check done for police certificates and they said no. As per the Australian Federal Police website about Fingerprint checks: Australin Federal Police fingerprint checks "Fingerprint checks may only be conducted where there is a legal or regulatory requirement for such a check to be conducted." I could not follow the first link you provided for Travel.State.Gov as the page no longer exists- perhaps they have updated their policies as they no longer now require fingerprint checks according to what I was told. Just thought I would mention this here in case anyone else may have any other current info!	Liza E P	Female	South Africa	2012-06-20 07:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Great News!!!!!	Congratulations	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-01-15 08:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	WE ARE APPROVED!! NOA2 ! ! ! ! K-1 SEPTEMBER!!	Congratulations!	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-01-26 13:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	GOT OUR NOA2!!THANK YOU GOD!!THANK YOU MAMA MARY!!	Whoop Whoop Congrats!	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-01-26 23:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	WE GOT APPROVED-AUGUST FILERS-VSC	Congrats! All these approvals is like music to my ear	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-01-26 23:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	To everyone moving to the States...	Now I'm in tears My turn to leave SA to go home to where my love is, is still to come. May Nick have a safe flight tomorrow, and may the two of you share a life filled with an abundance of love and happiness	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-01-24 13:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	woo hoo visa finally approved	Congratulations	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-01-28 23:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	woo hoo visa finally approved	Congrats & all the best for a wonderful future together	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-01-28 03:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Visa received!	Congratulations! Best wishes for a beautiful future together	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-01-29 13:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	NOA2 Recieved!! YEY	Congratulations Best of luck with the rest of your journey	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-01-28 23:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	WE GOT APPROVED!	Congrats	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-01-28 23:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Visa Approved in Lima,Perú	Congratulations	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-01-28 23:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	We received NOA2 hard copy Today !!!!!!!!	Congratulations	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-01-29 23:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Oh My F'n God!!! We're approved	Congratulations!	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-01-29 23:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	K1 Petition Approved!	Awesome! Congratulations!	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-01-29 23:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	NOA 2 :(	QUOTE (gethere @ Jan 30 2009, 06:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Should I do something? It's been 133 days! I don't know should I call? Or just continue to hope they didn't loose mine? I am dying here and I keep seeing people approved before me?!!! “The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it.” Just think about it...every person that is approved before you is a step closer to your approval. Hang in there, you're still within your time frame.	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-01-30 12:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	We're approved received NOA2!!	Whoop Whoop Congratulations	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-01-31 00:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	NOA2 With Expiration Date	Congratulations Ranchris! Best of luck for the rest of your journey	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-02-02 23:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Just got approved! (CSC)	Congratulations	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-01-31 15:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	We've been Approved! (NOA2)	Awesome that you received your approval while together! Congratulations & all the best for the rest of your journey.	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-02-02 23:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	WE'VE BEEN APPROVED!	Awesome! Congratulations	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-02-04 13:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	NOA2 Approved :)	Awesome! Congratulations	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-02-05 15:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Approved Today at 545am EST	Congratulations & good luck with the rest of your journey	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-02-05 23:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	After 170 days, 16 touches, 1 RFE	Whoop Whoop! MARM this is awesome! Congratulations	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-02-05 23:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	WAS I JUST APPROVED???OMG	Just as Im wondering why you're so quiet this week.... you bring us this AWESOME news. CONGRATULATIONS! Now this approval has just made my day. Whoop Whoop! Good luck with the rest of your journey	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-02-05 23:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Good News	Congratulations	Kwagga	Female	South Africa	2009-02-06 04:33:00