ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJoint Sponser - Petitioner's Should Sponser
The petitioner is always the primary sponsor even if they have zero income and assets. The joint sponsor is just that, joint with the petitioner.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-09-18 04:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYahoo Archives as evidence.. How?????
I used primarily Yahoo logs with a few photos. I just printed random samplings of our chats over the year or so prior to our filing. About 20 pages or so should be enough.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-09-21 19:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmorocco interview
I would suggest you travel down the forum to the regional area, MENA (middle east north africa) threads. There are a lot of denials from Morocco and I think an entire thread there devoted to it. Someone who has dealt specifically with that consulate could be a lot more helpful in what steps are most effective.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-09-22 14:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about the i130 *Please Help me!*
Have her bring strong evidence of ties to her country. I would think have one semester left to finish school would be good evidence but I am not the one standing at the border. The important thing is for her to not lie even if it means being denied entry.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-09-27 06:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI need help
Oh it is so good to see things are going well for you and he is here finally safe and sound. Take a deep breath and enjoy your victory. He should receive his greencard anytime now along with his social security card if you checked the box requesting it. Go online and you can seen when the card was ordered for production.

I am so happy for you and please don't stress anymore the worst is over. Look at this as a time for him to acclimatize and learn the ropes of the US way and of course to enjoy being with each other. I know it has been a long and difficult road but don't panic, the US government loves to take it's sweet time about everything.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-10-07 05:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCongressional assistance for Expedite?
IF you have a legitimate reason to expedite your case you have to provide all the proofs and stuff to NVC/USCIS/embassy depending on what stage you are at. Then if the expedite is denied your congressperson can assist with finding out why.
A congressperson cannot pull strings with immigration in any way, shape, or form. I think I read somewhere they are actually forbidden from interfering with the immigration process. What they can do is make an inquiry as to why the case is outside processing times, lost, delayed, denied, etc. and they will get an answer.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-09-17 14:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescan i refile i130
Is this because you are about to obtain citizenship? If so you will need to upgrade the current petition not file a new one. Not sure how to do this but someone can explain.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-10-09 11:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI've been in jail...can I s till brin g my wife to the US
From someone who has worn orange more than I care to admit, you are perfectly ok. Just don't lie about it and make sure your spouse is aware of it as they may ask her about it at the interview.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-10-10 12:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK-3 using a law firm in Thailand
Well no there is not a blacklist but it is illegal to come to the US on a tourist visa with the intent to adjust status. This could result in punishment up to a life-time ban.

First you would have had to obtain the tourist visas which think about it, an entire family of a US citizen suddenly decide they all want to visit the US? And what would you/them have provided as ties to the country to prove they would return after the visit?

Then you would have had to make it through inspection at the POE, again giant red flags.

If you managed to make it here with your family and filed for AOS for all of them don't you think someone would have been a little curious as to why you and the entire family came to visit and "suddenly" decided to stay here?

I am very sorry the visa service has messed your life up and you have all my sympathy. I almost always recommend people do this themselves unless there are complications exactly for this reason.

I hope things get better soon and wish you all the best. Also you are never obligated to continue with their services and you may want to consider finishing the process yourself.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-10-11 09:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresis there even a guarantee?
Start working on the info for the packet. Unless it has changed after you have everything it will have to be mailed to the US citizen so they can UPS it to Ankara. Haven't checked the embassy website in a few years so it may be different now. BUT with the needed translations and such you should have a few things to do to keep yourself occupied.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-10-13 17:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHas anyone had AP after consulate asked to send passport in?
Well if the US would get all their agencies to use the same computer systems and the computers could actually communicate with each other as far as the databases go, the AP process would be a lot smoother. But since they don't any request for information from an agency must be done manually and then you wait. And since a lot of the files have not been digitized they may have to go actually pull the paper file and check it.
Then there are the checks with other countries that must be done, etc, etc.
It is more than a criminal check, they have to see if his name is on a terrorist list or associate of a terrorist, if he has given money to a terrorist group, if he ever walked past a terrorist, etc.
Also they do fingerprints and facial matches as we all know real terrorist do not use their real names.

So the whole process is one big mess and all I can say is I hope it is resolved quickly and he receives his visa soon.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-10-21 08:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHas anyone had AP after consulate asked to send passport in?
OK, I'm the one with the bad news. Just prior to printing the visa they have to do one more quick name check. It is possible that since the AP was finished someone with a name similar to his showed up on the list and they have to verify it is not him. This is a new AP but it will only involve any new names/matches since the last AP was completed. Hopefully things will go well and he will receive his passport tomorrow.

Good luck and hang in there, it is almost over.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-10-20 10:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInteresting Case
This is just another train wreck in progress. I would strongly advise her to obtain a free consult with an immigration attorney and not bring the husband along. She needs to get the correct answers as this will affect her life, ie.
possible jail time if she works illegally or a possible life-time ban from the US for misrepresentation while he has nothing to lose if the plan goes wrong.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-11-02 13:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 Visa petitioner staying in Philippines
I think the only problem would be proof of the ability to support. He has a domicile with his father in the US...not the first person to give their domicile as living with parents/relative.

I assume your family or someone else is willing to co-sponser?
belinda63FemaleIran2010-03-03 15:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApplying again after the denial ??
If you are going to re-file I strongly suggest your wife make another trip to visit you and take copious amounts of photos with you and your family with landmarks and date/time stamp or newspapers showing the date. Letters from your family showing their approval of the marriage wouldn't hurt either. And of course all the evidence you previously submitted.

Good luck and God will bless you if you continue to believe.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-11-05 14:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApplying again after the denial ??
Sam I know the man was really hard on you and a denial before even being given a chance at an interview is really unusual. Is there something specific about your case that would send out red flags? Maybe a significant age difference or prior visa applications?
There is no waiver for a denial the choices are appeal or re-file. I would really consider a consult with an experienced immigration attorney prior to the expiration of the appeal period and obtain his advice on the best way to proceed.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-11-05 13:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFamily visa petition in Montreal
So what you are wanting is to have the case transferred to the US so they can issue immigrant visas to your family already inside the US and then have your family leave the US and return on the immigrant visa? I don't think it is possible to obtain an immigrant visa from inside the US.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-11-28 12:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK1 visa to K3 Visa ( SPOUSE VISA )
As I stated in the prior thread you had ditto to the YOU MUST RETURN HOME, you cannot adjust status here.

Your new spouse will file for the CR-1 which will take about 8 months or so for you to receive an interview. You will have to disclose the prior K-1 visa, your trip to the US, and your overstay. Just because you may not exceed the 180 day limit which will create a ban on you when you leave you will still have to disclose that you overstayed.

You will be interviews and I am certain questioned intensely about your prior relationship that resulted in a K-1 visa and now the quick marriage to another US citizen. I am almost certain that without mountains of evidence you will be denied the visa.

If you make any false statements either in writing or verbally during the visa process or on the paperwork this could be grounds for a misrepresentation finding and a possible life-time ban from the US.

Good luck.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-12-09 19:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp!
Whether the overstay will be a problem I can't really address specifically but it looks to me like, and probably to immigration, that you were residing in the US at the time and not just visiting. And there is also the issue of attending school on a visitor's visa, although you really didn't have a visa, which is a big no-no. Own up to what you did and if asked honestly explain at the interview, and no being young and dumb is not an excuse.

The good news is you mentioned this happened 8 years ago so it will probably be a non-issue.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-12-19 14:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterrogated at POE!
As a US citizen you cannot be detained without a reason, which is what is being described here. To verify your customs form is correct...yes, but to hassle you about where you went, why you went, etc is unreasonable search and seizure. As to the searching of laptops and other digital media,this issue is making it's way through the Courts. To make it short, where I traveled to and why is none of your business.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-12-28 11:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterrogated at POE!
Since when have we so willingly given up our rights. You are a US citizen returning to your country. The only things you have to do is permit them to verify your customs form vs. what you have and show proof of citizenship. I really wish the US government would read the Constitution. Land of the oppressed and home of the timid.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-12-27 14:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresForgot to file I-485 with I-130 and am filing now
I am a little confused so let me see if I have this right. You are the US citizen, unemployed, and brought your wife her to obtain her green card?
You will wait until you receive the NOA-1 for the I-130 then file the I-485 (and other forms) with a copy of the receipt notice for the I-130. Please read the guides at the top as they are very helpful.
belinda63FemaleIran2011-01-05 04:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescomplicated questions?
If you enter the US with the intent to immigrate this is fraud so DO NOT leave the US and return to file the AOS (adjustment of status).
Refer to the guides at the top you will need to file the I-130, I-485, etc along with the medical, copy of your marriage certificate, etc. It is fairly easy to do but their is a large cost involved.
From what you are saying I gather you are from Canada and it is not unusual to not obtain a stamp when you enter the US, USCIS knows this and won't expect you to provide one.

I think Kittyfang is in the same process and is also from Canada so maybe she could pop by and offer some advise?
belinda63FemaleIran2011-01-21 07:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisa processing at the Manila US Embassy
Never a good idea to book a flight until you have the visa in hand. Ask him to make sure it is refundable or low cost to change the dates.
belinda63FemaleIran2010-12-31 21:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center
Wow everyone I know it is tough. It took 25 months from filing to receipt of visa for us. Try to distract yourselves with hobbies or activities. Stay in touch with your loved one but try to be positive and not always moan about how long the process it taking. Make plans but keep them generic as no one knows what the future may hold.

We all know the immigration process is broken, we all are/were in the same boat. I think the ideas of how to fix the process is much better than moaning about how broken it is. Maybe we can't fix it for ourselves but think of all the people to come after us.

Please try to stay positive everyone. (F) (L)
belinda63FemaleIran2011-01-29 11:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center
Officer Garza deserves a bouquet of flowers, if we were permitted to send them to him/her. Perhaps in all the complaint letters a little kudos are deserved.
belinda63FemaleIran2011-01-20 17:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center To Texas Service Center
Yes Guns, but immigration background checks are low priority. The petitioner background checks are a piece of cake compared to some of the beneficiary checks and I agree, no one in the government seems to care.
belinda63FemaleIran2011-01-17 18:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCashing Tax Return
I've never had a problem with having it direct deposited into a single account with a joint return. She signed it and it says on the return that it will be direct deposited into routing number xxxx account number xxx so to me she is giving permission for this.
belinda63FemaleIran2011-02-09 16:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPolygamy Issue, Please advise how to solve it!!
No issue here just make sure the first marriage divorce is final before filling the paperwork for the CR-1.
belinda63FemaleIran2011-02-28 07:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew Fee for I-130 Pkg. ????
If we have not received visa by this date will we be required to pay the increased fee at the interview?
tabtaMaleMexico2010-11-09 14:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 after a divorce
We sent our 129F in about a month after my fiance's (then) divorce was finally over. (years also) We had no trouble because of this.
Itsmeitsmeitsree!FemaleWales2006-06-07 22:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPlease read
I have no idea what that memo means exactly, but I can tell you, I live in Kentucky, my regional service center was texas (so of course that is where i thought it would be processed and what the headings on our petition were addressed to) but after filing and questioning my attorney on texas centers processing times she told me "Ohhhh don't worry, texas isn't doing any of their own work on the K-1 petitions right now. Watch California for an accurate timeline." And guess where my NOA1 was sent from? California
soul_encounterNot TellingMorocco2006-05-26 18:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIMBRA
The probability that the government will get away with making this a gender specific law is slim, agreed, but they Are putting emphasis on petitioners being male and this being a law to protect women. Being a woman petitioner, I really shouldn't care, but if anyone thinks that just because it isn't on paper somewhere stamped that this law only applies men, that it is going to effect men and women petitioners equally, i think that is a bit naive. I wish it were a fair and equally minded world we live in regarding sexism, racism etc... but it is not. Regardless of what laws state. Personally, I do think all forms required will be required from ALL petitioners, but do I think in the minds of the ones putting approval stamps on these petitions or even processing, that a male petitioners application will get a closer scrutiny than a womans.

"One Hundred Ninth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE FIRST SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
the fourth day of January, two thousand and five

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Violence Against Women and
Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005’’.
Sec. 105. The Violence Against Women Act court training and improvements.

‘‘(3) In this subsection:
‘‘(A) The terms ‘domestic violence’, ‘sexual assault’, ‘child
abuse and neglect’, ‘dating violence’, ‘elder abuse’, and ‘stalking’
have the meaning given such terms in section 3 [b]of the Violence
Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization
Act of 2005.

‘‘(5) In this subsection:
‘‘(A) The terms ‘domestic violence’, ‘sexual assault’, ‘child
abuse and neglect’, ‘dating violence’, ‘elder abuse’, and ‘stalking’
have the meaning given such terms in section 3 of the Violence
Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization
Act of 2005."

And maybe I misread the previous posts or just mentally assumed the date 1/4 as the signing of this act to be 06, but I just noticed this was actually 05... last year... a really long delay in seeing implementaion.
As for letters to the senators, I have written to both senators in congress for my state and all the representatives too... no need to leave anyone out, over a week ago, with no replys
soul_encounterNot TellingMorocco2006-05-28 09:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIMBRA
Here is "IMBRA" itself
http://usaimmigratio...s/IMBRA2005.pdf
Haven't had time to read it thoroughly but it speaks of developing a pamphlet in several common languages to be distributed along with the instruction packet to applicants/beneficiaries. The pamphlet deals with domestic violence and abuse.Also it was supposed to be developed no later than 120 days after the passing of this act....
Lots of information here, will read it more in depth later
soul_encounterNot TellingMorocco2006-05-27 07:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIMBRA
Watching and waiting for updates with everyone else... But here are some articles to consider that raised a question for me. According to these, it is only US "Men" who are petitioning for their fiances that this law effects. In fact, on the petition against IMBRA that they are seeking sigs for, to be eligible to sign, you must be a US man..... hmmmmmmmm

http://www.usaimmigr...leaseIMBRA.html
and link to other news regarding IMBRA & Immigration
http://www.usaimmigr...picswindow.html

Do women petitioners get lucky and bipass these IMBRA regulations???
soul_encounterNot TellingMorocco2006-05-27 06:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffordable Immigration Attorney Option


Damn! we paid $995 for olvis and that doesn't even include the fees for processing! :angry: :angry: :angry:


While self interest for sure comes into play on my part, the fee's listed there aren't all that far off from what a number of attorney's charge for a full K1. While many atty's are 1500.00+++ there are those out there that range from 400-600/bucks. Just an FYI....also, you do file a I-129"F" as part of the application for a K3 visa. Cheers to all of you and good luck.



I have heard of people finding attorneys for around 500.00 as well. It seems local attorneys are cheaper than the ones you pay on the net. However, at the time I called CC for advice and a possible referral, I had already planned on paying whatever it took, and money was not a deciding factor. I was surprised to find out that they had 4 liscensed "Immigration" attorneys on staff. Make no mistake, having your papers done through CC is having them done by a liscensed immigration attorney. Based on what I know and have seen and experienced through this agency, I knew that they move more immigrants into this country in a years time than any other single agency or legal firm. Also, their day in day out job, is working with immigration and the hang ups of it. "Experience" not cost was my reason for going with them, I set out to find the best, most experienced, legal assistance I could, and feel I did. I would gladly have paid them the 1800.00 that the other attorney I had liked was going to charge.
As for "Costs"... I went to my first appointment clueless as to what I would pay, it made no difference, The attorney sat down with me, looked at all my evidence, picked through my album and selected the photos she felt would best benefit our case, copied all the travel tickets and stubs, filled in all my papers, I-129F, G325A, Fiance letter of intent, Cover Letter etc... added my sweeties papers we had already done in his country with his sigs, took photos of me (we already had his) and spent a total of about 2 hours with me, arranging our case, and prepping me for what to expect. She charged me a total inal bill of $250.00 plus I had brought a money order for the USCIS filing fee of $170.00. I stop in her office all the time while doing work with her associates, and she gladly invites me in, updates me on any changes in the process that may affect us, chats for a bit, answers questions, and has never charged me again. She even compiled a list for my fiance with names and addresses of the nearest mosques, and various moroccan communities in our city so I can contact them ahead of time and become familiar with them before his arrival. They also offer free english courses that he can enroll in when he arrives and job assessment, placing, training programs as well. I just don't feel I would have received this type of support and personal attention to my fiances needs through any other immigration attorney.
soul_encounterNot TellingMorocco2006-06-06 07:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffordable Immigration Attorney Option

I know members of this board who have successfully used this service!

And yes, Catholic Charities is indeed NOT FOR PROFIT.

They offer unbelieveable services to the public - and you don't have to be of that faith to utilize them.


Thank you for pointing that out too, I forgot, even though it is "Catholic" Charities, faith and religious beliefs have absolutely no factor. I am not Catholic, neither is my fiance, and honestly, the majority of the people who work for them are not Catholic either.
The Big thing for me in deciding to use them, is I had seen first hand examples of their work. Back in March, in Andijan, workers there got together for a friendly public protest, it lasted for days, the crowd got large. The Government got tired of it and sent in troops to open fire on the entire crowd... thousands were killed, others fled for their lives and into the border of Turkey. Most of those who survived were young men, with families, who could now never return to their homes, or loved ones. These men had absolutely no documents or papers to proove who they were, having left everything... but Catholic Charities found a way to get our government to let them in. From there, CC sponsors them for 6 months, providing rent, grocery money, clothing, furnishings, english classes and job placement. That is where I came in and met these guys, they contacted my company for assistance with housing. They are all Muslim men, CC provides transportation to and from the local mosque for them. The first 6 have been here just 6 short months, all have jobs, have big dinners together everynight in the apartments I found them side by side, and they also make plates every day and take to 3 elderly single widows in the neighborhood daily. They plant flowers around the building, and keep the place cleaner than any paid landscaper we have ever used. They miss their wives and children terribly, and the way of life they always knew, but are adjusting. I spoke to their caseworker last week, they are trying to file for the wives and children, but sadly, that is a toss up, as they have no documents.
Going through this process with immigration and the seperation I feel from my sweetie, can be nothing compared to what they experience. They inspire me to be strong.
soul_encounterNot TellingMorocco2006-06-05 07:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffordable Immigration Attorney Option

Soul encounter, you are absolutley right. We were a perfect example of needing an attorney. We married, filed an I-130 alone. A problem arose with a previous divorce and we were denied after 1 1/2 years. so we had to hire a divorce lawyer to fix the problem from before, costing us $4,000 and hire another lawyer(immigration) after to ensure our next filing would go smoothly with no more problems. this costing another $3,000. I am aware of Catholic Charities,however I was not aware that they also assisted with immigration services. I'm not sure if I could have personally used this service due to the fact I moved to another country to be with my fiance while we handled all this. I am still a resident and citizen of my country and will be returning as soon as our fiance case is all set,God willing. So even though I may or may not have been able to use this service, your information could prove to be very benificial for others out there that may face unexpected problems. I hope others heed your advice.


Ohhhh my, I am sorry to hear of your difficulty in this process. I am really just beginning myself, NOA1 of 5/1/06. I planned for everything we could forsee, but it is those stories I read of unforseen, never heard of issues that arise that terrify me. Best of Luck to you, and I am happy you are together through this.
soul_encounterNot TellingMorocco2006-06-05 06:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffordable Immigration Attorney Option
do you have a telephone number or email address to contact them?
[/quote]


You are welcome and I hope it helps, as I said I just happenned to meet this agency through my work and have made friends with several members of their amazing staff. Most of these people were once immigrants themselves and have a compassion for the process. Let's see, you are in New York, not sure if these are the closest ones to you, but it's a start

http://www.catholicc...c...0& Refugees

Buffalo:
http://www.ccwny.org/

Other New York offices
http://www.catholicc...g/states/NY.htm
soul_encounterNot TellingMorocco2006-06-04 17:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAffordable Immigration Attorney Option

I am not really sure how this is a savings? All those costs are in addition to the cost you would pay doing it on your own. Seems really unnecessary.



If you are a person with a cut and dry case, totally confident about doing it on your own and never wished you could afford an attorney, then this option is obviously not for you. But I have read too many stories in here of persons who go it alone, unsure of the process, make mistakes (some easy to fix some not), and all because they didn't have $2000.00 or more for an attorney. This is an affordable option for those who "WANT" legal assistance on all or one part of the process.

I know of two other options, one of which I've used, that charge a flat fee of $500. The one I used gives on-going consultation included in the one-time fee during the visa process.



I don't know if it's "standard" or not, but i paid the fee for the filing of the petion and have met with her several times since, at no additional costs and call her at least once a week. I assume, at least in my experience, that the fee for the filing of the petion considers ongoing consulting. That list is just a basic guideline for fees, everything is on a case by case basis and too, this is Not a profit making agency out to gouge people. If you notice the end notes, if you don't have the fees at all, they won't turn you away.
soul_encounterNot TellingMorocco2006-06-04 11:19:00