ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and PacificComplicated question
I don't know if this will work but you can try and email the US embassy in Aussie and they might, i repeat, might be able to help you. I had some questions and I forwarded them to the embassy. They replied my email within a couple of days and was very helpful.
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-07-14 00:00:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)After DS230 received, on average, How long to hear "Case Complete"?
QUOTE (? QaSiM--aIsHa @ May 21 2008, 11:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks so much for all the feedbacks......

I did go and asked to be added to that list .....thanks EdgarVirginia good.gif

Which, I have been watching that thread biggrin.gif

thanks again
Aisha


Our DS-230 was entered into the system on May 15th. My husband called to check the status and they said to call again next week. sad.gif
I guess we're looking at a July interview maybe. Was hoping for a June date. Oh well.
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-05-21 02:49:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Scheduling Interviews at the Embassy
Hi everyone,

Just wanted to check with those who have had their interviews scheduled. Does NVC schedule the interview ONLY during the second week of each month?

In my case, my husband called NVC on Friday and was told that our case was complete that day itself (May 23rd). He was also told that since June interviews have been filled, we should be scheduled for a July interview. So do we wait for the second week of June to check back with them, or can we just call them even before then, like this Tuesday since Monday is a holiday. I'd hate to ask him to keep on calling if they really do only schedule them in the 2nd week of June.
I know I'm being very impatient but this will put my mind at ease.

Thanks!
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-05-25 10:53:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)interview date
In my case, my case complete was May 23rd. I've pestered my husband to call the NVC every other day to see if we have an interview date yet but everytime it's the same response, call back the 2nd week of the month. I've seen many VJers who got case complete around my date who already have their interview dates, so I'm guessing it depends on the Embassy too. Maybe for me, I really do have to wait til the 2nd week, which will be next week. Yipeee... kicking.gif

Good luck...don't stress out waiting... good.gif
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-06-04 10:54:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)interview date
our case was complete on May 23rd and we still don't have an interview date. *sob sob*
like everyone else, i tooo call nvc everyday to see if we have a date yet. apparently it's the embassy that is sloowww...

my birthday is july 7 and my first anniversary is july 14th. hopefully i would get an interview on any of both dates so that it will bring me luck...but any other dates i dont really mind...as long as its in july!!!

can't wait..will make my husband call again tonight...
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-06-10 09:34:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Undescribable feeling!
COngratulations!!!!!
I got my interview date today too!!

NVC is really living up to the expectations...at least for this week.

Let's pray the others near our timeline will get their dates soon!!!
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-06-11 08:03:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Interviews Scheduled By Country Order
I think that the way NVC does it is that by the first week of the month they will let the embassy know how many people have case complete and the embassy needs to get back to them by the second week. We've been calling since ouor case complete on May 23rd but only Tuesday night did the NVC have the date for us.

I might be wrong but as long as I have a date I'm happy. All the best for the rest!!
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-06-11 08:10:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Medical Exam done...
QUOTE (przy @ Jul 1 2008, 09:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What do they x-ray?


just the chest i guess, the normal thing.
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-07-01 07:14:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Medical Exam done...
QUOTE (wishin&waitin @ Jun 27 2008, 12:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (chris-lei @ Jun 26 2008, 09:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (julietom @ Jun 26 2008, 08:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
HIV test is only for Malaysians


Congratulations! good.gif

HIV test is done on everyone older than 15 years old applying for a US visa.



Congratulations on your process biggrin.gif I would like to find out how you were able to get the medical check up done before the packet arrived. I am a K1 filer also from Malaysia. Can you go to any doctors? Or must we go to an assigned one?
I would also like to get mine done before receiving the packet. Also i was wondering, how many days were you notified before your interview? I would like to get an idea of how long it takes for them to issue me an interview upon arrival of my packet in Malaysia's US embassy.

Thank you star_smile.gif


i knew my interview date like as soon as my case was complete (check my timeline). there wasnt a big gap between then and my interview date so i was worried that i wont be able to do the medical checkup in time. i tried my luck and called the clinic and they arranged an appointment for me when i informed them of my interview date. there's only 1 place you can go to do you r medical exam in KL, the others are in Penang, Sabah & Sarawak.
Once you know when your interview date is, you can call the clinic and ask them for an appointment.
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-06-27 09:10:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Medical Exam done...
I received my interview letter from the US Embassy yesterday and had my medical exam today (I scheduled it on Monday, even before getting the letter).

My appointment was at 2pm so when I came in I had to fill a couple of papers and waited for about half an hour before I got to see the doctor. Prior to seeing the doctor, they called me in to measure my weight and height. They also checked my eyesight, since I was wearing contact lenses I had to take them out.

Then when I went in to see the doctor, he asked about my medical history and then proceeded to take my blood pressure which turned out to be normal. Then it was time for a physical checkup. After that he took my blood, he said it was needed for two tests, one was AIDS/HIV and the other one was syphilis. Then I provided him my vaccination records and he recorded all the dates and said that I have all the needed vaccinations so didn't have to take any. yippeeee....

Then I had to give a urine sample and that was it. By 3.15pm I was done. I had to pay about RM180 (60USD) for the whole thing. She then instructed me to go to a different place to get my x-ray done which I went and theyy said they will send my results to the panel doctor. By 4.30 I was home. smile.gif

I can only get my results in a week, hopefully everything's alright. My interview is on Tuesday, 8th July so I have ample time.

I hope this helps everyone to understand how the medical checkup is generally done. Every country will have it differently (HIV test is only for Malaysians) but again, it's just a general overview. smile.gif
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-06-26 08:30:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Visa Approved Today
Leah,

Yesterday I was told to pick it up today. But this morning the embassy called me to pick it up on Friday. You have to pick it up from VFS in Wisma MCA.

Yeah now I have to figure out how to jam all my stuff into 2 suitcases. And also looking at flight tickets...OMG it's so expensive....most probably going with Etihad Airways to JFK - RM3065 cheapest one i could find
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-07-09 00:59:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Visa Approved Today
Alhamdulillah I got approved for my visa today from the embassy in Kuala Lumpur. good.gif Tomorrow I can pick up my passport from VFS!!!

A whole lot of thanks to all those who put up information/experiences in this forum. These valuable information is what has helped me to get to where I am right now. No amount of gratitude can fully express how I feel right now.

Here's how it went today:
I went to the embassy at 8.30am today and at 9am they called me to the counter. I submitted my medical checkup minus my x-ray, a passport photo, and some documents (original birth cert, husband's employment letter, all old and current passports).
I was told to come back at 1.30 pm for the interview.
I came at 1 and waited while they were at lunch. At 1.30 I got called to the counter. The lady was very nice. I had to raise my right hand for the oath thingy. Then she proceeded to go through all the documents with me, giving me back the orginals and had me read and sign the DS-230 Part II. After that while we went through the last couple of forms she asked me a couple of questions -
- where did you guys meet
- were there a lot of malaysians at the college
- what major were you and your husband
- in 1 minute, please tell me about your husband
- where does he work, what does he do, when did he start, how much does he earn
- did you meet his family
- how did your parents react to you wanting to marry an american
- explain why you have a lot of US visa in your passports
and then she asked to look at 10 photos and we were done. she said congratulations you qualify for this and proceeded to explain on how to obtain my passport and visa the next day.
She asked if i had any questions. these were my questions -
- do i get to work right away (y)
- when do i apply for the green card (fill in and submit to dept of homeland security right away after poe)
- when to apply to remov conditions (3 months before 2 yr anniversary)
- do i get to keep my SSN or will i be assigned a new one (keep old one)
- can i apply for drivers license right away (depending on state law)
and that was it. It was less than half an hour. By 2pm i was already waiting outside the embassy to get a cab home.

Yipppeeee..............Now I can't wait to be with my husband after Eid (Oct) kicking.gif

Anyone due for interview - just be prepared with documents and photos and be yourself. Answer the questions honestly and smile!! yes.gif
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-07-08 01:53:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)TRACK ALL DS-230 TO INTERVIEW
yeayyyy today my husband called NVC and we got a date!!! July 8th at 9am.
Someone please kindly update for us. Thanks!
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-06-11 05:40:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)TRACK ALL DS-230 TO INTERVIEW
NAME ------------ DATE ENTERED --- DATE COMPLETED -- INTERVIEW DATE ---- COUNTRY

Merk -------------- 03/??/08 ------- 03/20/08 ------- 04/30/08 ------- Turkey
SAMSHANOE --------- 03/04/08 ------- 04/07/08 ------- 06/04/08 ------- N/A
coolgt ------------ 03/06/08 ------- 03/13/08 ------- ??/??/?? ------- China
ketan128 ---------- 03/31/08 ------- 04/09/08 ------- ??/??/?? ------- India
ALES -------------- 03/31/08 ------- 04/09/08 ------- 05/28/08 ------- Bosnia
June007 ----------- 04/03/08 ------- 04/08/08 ------- 05/13/08 ------- India
NOELANDTINTIN ----- 04/03/08 ------- 04/11/08 ------- 06/04/08 ------- Philippines
SHARIF ------------ 04/03/08 ------- 04/11/08 ------- 07/16/08-------- Iraq
DODSON1 ----------- 04/04/08 ------- 04/15/08 ------- ??/??/?? ------- Guatemala
booboo2 ----------- 04/04/08 ------- 04/18/08 ------- 06/25/08 ------- Morocco
abajaj ------------ 04/07/08 ------- 04/14/08 ------- 06/02/08 ------- India
Teena and Joe ----- 04/08/08 ------- 04/14/08 ------- 06/03/08 ------- Philippines
seanconneryii ----- 04/11/08 ------- 04/19/08 ------- ??/??/?? ------- Russia
indianheart ------- 04/15/08 ------- 04/21/08 ------- 06/06/08 ------- India
KTG --------------- 04/21/08 ------- 04/30/08 ------- 06/16/08 ------- Singapore
scorpio68 --------- 04/22/08 ------- 04/28/08 ------- ??/??/?? ------- Guyana
J-Boy ------------- 04/23/08 ------- 04/25/08 ------- ??/??/?? ------- Thailand
lostGurl18 -------- 04/23/08 ------- 04/25/08 ------- 06/10/08 ------- Philippines
badspellor -------- 04/24/08 ------- ??/??/?? ------- ??/??/?? ------- Canada
jm&mcs ------------ 04/28/08 ------- 05/12/08 ------- 07/01/08 ------- Peru
CiscoStudio ------- 04/28/08 ------- ??/??/?? ------- ??/??/?? ------- United Kingdom
EvilGurl ---------- 05/01/08 National Visa Center (Dept of State)
TRACK ALL DS-230 TO INTERVIEW
Alhamdulillah our case is finally complete!!!!! My husband called NVC tonight and they said case just completed today. good.gif

The officer informed him that the case will be forwarded to the embassy on Tuesday. June interview slots are filled crying.gif
she said we'll definitely be in for July.

I'm so happy.....This forum has been a great help and will continue to be one for me...........Thanks everyone!

Can someone please update our timeline. Case complete (May 23rd).
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-05-23 19:41:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)TRACK ALL DS-230 TO INTERVIEW
Please add our case. DS-230 was entered on May 15th 2008.
Thanks.
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-05-21 08:29:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEntry with B2 while I30 Pending
QUOTE (Todd-Leah @ May 9 2008, 11:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (julietom @ May 9 2008, 05:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey everyone,

I'm a Malaysian too applying for K-3 visa. Haven't been very active due to travelling back and forth and weddings to attend to.

Anyways, I just got back from the US (went through Newark because hubby lives in NY) and this is my second entry using tourist visa (first was in Jan). Took only a couple minutes for the usual stuff, fingerprints, etc and I was done! smile.gif Anticipated a lot of questions though!

I do not have my timeline updated but just to let you guys know where I'm at right now. We just had our US wedding reception (after 8 months of marriage) and after I left to return to KL, he received requests from NVC to send in he I-864 and DS-230 (a couple days in between). So today he is sending the DS-230 in and I guess the next step is to just wait and see.

My aim is to be able to be with him in the States by our first anniversary (July 14th). But from what I've read, it takes a couple of weeks for them to process those two documents (I-864 and DS-230) and after case complete, they will schedule the medical checkup and interview only a month after.

Right now, I'm wondering if I should just go there using my B visa and come back right before my medical checkup and interview. What do you think?


Hello, Julie,
Nice to know another Malaysian on VJ!

Did you stay in NY for 6 months?

I don't know how long the NVC will take, if it takes 2-3 months, if I am in your position, I will probably wait till the medical and interview, then only go.

I am expecting to receive our I-130 approval and the paperwork goes to NVC while I am visiting, will either stay for 6 months or until the interview, whichever comes first. If the whole process takes about 12 months from filing I-130, will probably get to spend CNY at home and leave for US after that. : -)

Leah


I only stayed in the US for two weeks. I'm still working in KL so I can't really take a long vacation. Plus, I last visited him in Jan, and he came over for the Malay traditional wedding reception in March so it's not that bad.

He's willing to pay for my ticket if I can get away right before the interview. I guess we'll see how it goes at that time. I'm anticipating them to contact me the second week of June for an interview in July. Maybe somewhere in between I can get away for 2 weeks or so. smile.gif

Have fun in the States!! Take a lot of photos and spend quality time together... smile.gif

QUOTE (Todd-Leah @ May 9 2008, 11:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (julietom @ May 9 2008, 05:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey everyone,

I'm a Malaysian too applying for K-3 visa. Haven't been very active due to travelling back and forth and weddings to attend to.

Anyways, I just got back from the US (went through Newark because hubby lives in NY) and this is my second entry using tourist visa (first was in Jan). Took only a couple minutes for the usual stuff, fingerprints, etc and I was done! smile.gif Anticipated a lot of questions though!

I do not have my timeline updated but just to let you guys know where I'm at right now. We just had our US wedding reception (after 8 months of marriage) and after I left to return to KL, he received requests from NVC to send in he I-864 and DS-230 (a couple days in between). So today he is sending the DS-230 in and I guess the next step is to just wait and see.

My aim is to be able to be with him in the States by our first anniversary (July 14th). But from what I've read, it takes a couple of weeks for them to process those two documents (I-864 and DS-230) and after case complete, they will schedule the medical checkup and interview only a month after.

Right now, I'm wondering if I should just go there using my B visa and come back right before my medical checkup and interview. What do you think?


Hello, Julie,
Nice to know another Malaysian on VJ!

Did you stay in NY for 6 months?

I don't know how long the NVC will take, if it takes 2-3 months, if I am in your position, I will probably wait till the medical and interview, then only go.

I am expecting to receive our I-130 approval and the paperwork goes to NVC while I am visiting, will either stay for 6 months or until the interview, whichever comes first. If the whole process takes about 12 months from filing I-130, will probably get to spend CNY at home and leave for US after that. : -)

Leah


I only stayed in the US for two weeks. I'm still working in KL so I can't really take a long vacation. Plus, I last visited him in Jan, and he came over for the Malay traditional wedding reception in March so it's not that bad.

He's willing to pay for my ticket if I can get away right before the interview. I guess we'll see how it goes at that time. I'm anticipating them to contact me the second week of June for an interview in July. Maybe somewhere in between I can get away for 2 weeks or so. smile.gif

Have fun in the States!! Take a lot of photos and spend quality time together... smile.gif
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-05-10 02:34:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEntry with B2 while I30 Pending
QUOTE (Brian&Mel @ May 7 2008, 05:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Todd-Leah @ May 4 2008, 01:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Mel and Brian,
I was about to PM you guys to find out how things went at the POE. Happy to hear that it was easy, hope you enjoy your time together !!
Would have done the same if not because of the recent cancer scare that I had to go through. Anyway, going to visit US in a few weeks time. Am considering flying into LA too, for the same reason you mentioned. :-)

Leah


Leah,

We are glad that we made it through as we were nervous about it.

When will you be flying to US? And where will you be?

Keep in touch.

Mel


Hey everyone,

I'm a Malaysian too applying for K-3 visa. Haven't been very active due to travelling back and forth and weddings to attend to.

Anyways, I just got back from the US (went through Newark because hubby lives in NY) and this is my second entry using tourist visa (first was in Jan). Took only a couple minutes for the usual stuff, fingerprints, etc and I was done! smile.gif Anticipated a lot of questions though!

I do not have my timeline updated but just to let you guys know where I'm at right now. We just had our US wedding reception (after 8 months of marriage) and after I left to return to KL, he received requests from NVC to send in he I-864 and DS-230 (a couple days in between). So today he is sending the DS-230 in and I guess the next step is to just wait and see.

My aim is to be able to be with him in the States by our first anniversary (July 14th). But from what I've read, it takes a couple of weeks for them to process those two documents (I-864 and DS-230) and after case complete, they will schedule the medical checkup and interview only a month after.

Right now, I'm wondering if I should just go there using my B visa and come back right before my medical checkup and interview. What do you think?
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-05-09 06:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPort Of Entry Document
QUOTE (lotofpatience @ Jul 9 2008, 10:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (julietom @ Jul 9 2008, 02:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
loto, thanks sooo much for this. good.gif
i just got done with my interview and was thinking of the next step. this is exactly what i need!!! really appreciate this. yes.gif
The part I wasnt sure before was either to go to the usc line or the visitor line. so, no i-94 then?


You welcome julietom rose.gif Yes, no I-94. But make sure there is an I-95 (From Maine to Florida) waiting outside New Jersey airport rofl.gif rofl.gif rofl.gif

Why do you delay the POE so much after the interview ???


I would love to be with my husband sooner but there's so much stuff to be done at home before I leave.

By the time all that needs to be done actually gets done, it is already Ramadhan and I might as well spend Eid with my family. Im leaving the second week of Eid.

My husband is giving me a hard time about this decision but I think this is best for me. I've explained my reasons for this, he understands it but still is not too happy about it. unsure.gif
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-07-09 23:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPort Of Entry Document
loto, thanks sooo much for this. good.gif
i just got done with my interview and was thinking of the next step. this is exactly what i need!!! really appreciate this. yes.gif
The part I wasnt sure before was either to go to the usc line or the visitor line. so, no i-94 then?
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-07-09 01:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresForeign Marriages recognized in NY?
QUOTE (NicoleX08 @ May 10 2008, 12:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
we got married in Mexico and we did not have to register the marriage at all, when I changed my name with Social Security, BMV and the Department of State (Passport) I just had to furnish the Acta De Matrimonio (Marriage Certificate) with the certified translated copy.


I've posted this somewhere else in the forum but I'll say it again.

Any city hall in NY does not recognize any foreign marriages for changing name purposes, DMV, SSN, etc. We got married in Malaysia last July but it isn't valid in NY. What we did was we applied for a marriage license from city hall two weeks ago and had a justice of peace marry us officially in the US (I've returned to Malaysia since). We had no problem with that because we were planning on having a wedding reception in the US anyways. So it was just convenient for us.
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-05-10 07:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs there anyone here FROM NY who has a spouse here via a CR-1 Visa?
QUOTE (pushbrk @ May 14 2008, 08:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (theresaandali @ May 14 2008, 05:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (2newshoes2 @ May 14 2008, 01:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi all,

I can see how someone reading this thread might be confused into wondering if a foreign marriage is accepted in New York State. So just to reiterate, a marriage that is valid in the foreign country in which is was performed is recognized as valid in New York State (with a few exceptions I believe, like if the person was underage...) I was married in Cuba and it has never been questioned here, in any circumstance.

There was an interesting case I read about recently in fact that highlights this. There was a lesbian couple from Rochester, NY who were legally married in Canada. ( I believe that both are US Citizens and residents.) They went to court in NY State when one's employer tried to deny the other spousal benefits. The court affirmed that a marriage that is legal in Canada must be recognized as legal in New York State. Congratulations to the happily married couple! Now I hope that will soon apply to gay and lesbian US citizens who want to marry and bring their spouses to the US, and experience the same hopes and joys as many of the rest of us on this forum. Onwards!

2NS



It's not the validity of the marriage, it's actually about the documentation proving it. NYS will NOT accept my Moroccan marriage certificate for things such as name changes.


That's crystal clear. Is it just as clear that they will accept a passport and SS card, if you get those before trying to change the name on your driver license? Is the procedure for changing the name in your passport now clear? Do you understand it need not be done at a "county" office, since it is issued by an agency of the Federal, not county of State government?


I'd just like to add my 2cents for whatever it's worth here. I got married in Malaysia in July and that is date we used for all my visa applications.

Last month I went to NY because my husband's family wanted an official ceremony there. And in order for us to get a justice of peace to witness us exchanging vows we needed to apply for a marriage license from the city hall. The lady at the city hall verified that we cannot use the Malaysian Marriage Certificate to substitute that. The NY marriage license says I can change my last name if I want to.

That's the extent of my knowledge of how it works in NY. In terms of name changes, passport, SSN I can't really say much cause we havent reached that step yet. Currently my Malaysian Passport is still in my maiden name and I have no intentions of changing that because here we don't take our husband's last name. That might change when I go to live with my husband in the future though.

I know this is not much help but at least its another view of the situation.
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-05-15 01:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs there anyone here FROM NY who has a spouse here via a CR-1 Visa?
QUOTE (theresaandali @ May 10 2008, 09:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (julietom @ May 10 2008, 07:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (inkypinky @ May 10 2008, 06:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am a canadian citizen married to USC , he lives in newyork , i didnot change my name after marriage , and we didnot have any civil ceremony in NY , we registered our marriage in canada


Hi there,

I'm a Malaysian citizen married to a New Yorker USC. We got married in Malaysia last July but just recently had a ceremony in New York. This is considered the official marriage by US standards because according to city hall marriage outside the country is not valid, thus they did not accept our Malaysian marriage certificate.

You have an option of changing your name. It's really up to you. Your call. I havent decided yet.




FINALLY SOMEONE WHO KNOWS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank YOU SO MUCH!!!!! good.gif I spoke with an immigration attorney yesterday and he said this will cause little or NO problems with my husband's Visa in the future. He said we can simply explain when needed that NY does NOT accept a foreign marriage certificate in most cases, that is why we have a second one. Thank you again. It's nice to hear from someone who is IN NEW YORK and knows what I am talking about. yes.gif


glad to be of help..anything to help a fellow VJ! smile.gif Good luck with everything...hope all goes well
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-05-11 07:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs there anyone here FROM NY who has a spouse here via a CR-1 Visa?
QUOTE (inkypinky @ May 10 2008, 06:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am a canadian citizen married to USC , he lives in newyork , i didnot change my name after marriage , and we didnot have any civil ceremony in NY , we registered our marriage in canada


Hi there,

I'm a Malaysian citizen married to a New Yorker USC. We got married in Malaysia last July but just recently had a ceremony in New York. This is considered the official marriage by US standards because according to city hall marriage outside the country is not valid, thus they did not accept our Malaysian marriage certificate.

You have an option of changing your name. It's really up to you. Your call. I havent decided yet.
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-05-10 06:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespolice certificate at interview
I believe you will need another copy of the police certificate. Someone posted in the forum (can't remember where) that the spouse got denied the interview because the police certificate was not available.

Nonetheless, do read what they say here:
http://travel.state..../info_3741.html

The following documents must be available for the interview:

* Appointment Letter
* Passport(s) valid for six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States
* Police Certificate(s)
* Birth Certificate(s)
* Court and prison records, if applicable
* Military records, if applicable
* Color photographs
* Marriage Certificate, if applicable
* Evidence of financial support (e.g. Affidavit of Support, a notarized offer of employment, or evidence of assets)
* Divorce decree or death certificate of spouse, if applicable
* Family-based cases: All original documents used to establish the relationship between the petitioner and the applicant
* Employment-based cases: A recent letter from the prospective employer confirming the essential elements of the job offer
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-05-27 11:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApplying for tourist or visitor visa while I-130 is pending
Well then, I guess it really depends on the officers and the embassy you are dealing with. Mind you that even if they approve your tourist visa, at the POE there is still a possibility that the officers there will deny you entry.

Doesn't hurt to try I guess? Just make sure you are fully prepared and manage your expectations. Good luck! good.gif
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-05-27 11:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApplying for tourist or visitor visa while I-130 is pending
QUOTE (prashp1 @ May 27 2008, 03:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello. I have applied for I-130 for my wife who is in India. Can she apply for tourist or visitor visa while I-130 is pending? What proof does she need to let the embassy know she will go back to India. What are the chances of the visa getting denied or approved? Thanks


I applied for a tourist visa when my I-130 was pending. I got approved right away. As long as you can convince them that you're not gonna overstay your visit. I had an employment letter with me, saying that I was going to be on leave for a specific date to visit the US. I showed my pay slip and then I was done.

As long as she can prove her ties back to her home country then she should have no problem.
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-05-26 23:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNo longer VALID I-129F for VERMONT K3 Petitioners
QUOTE (pushbrk @ May 20 2008, 02:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Marlita @ May 19 2008, 10:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
No, i really think Hbunch got it a bit confused here. I am EXTREMELY confused by her post. Maybe its just late, but I really think something is not right here.


The OP doesn't seem to understand that CR1 and IR1 are the immigrant visas for spouse. When they were told immigrant visas would be issued, they were talking about CR1 or IR1, whichever is appropriate to the case.

Vermont seems to be interpreting things differently and approving only I-130s, effectively nullifying the K3 possibility and saving USCIS further tasks for status adjustment.

I'd chalk it up to a DOS, USCIS turf war. Somebody at DOS must have pissed in the VSC Director's corn flakes.


I am too very confused with this post because if you are doing the CR1/IR1 you have to go thru NVC right?

I went thru VSC and when our I-130 got approved, the I-129F is left pending. The VSC will provide the I-130 information to NVC. I called up VSC and they said whichever is approved first (usually I-130) that will be the only one they process through.
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-05-20 02:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Date
congratulationssss....you finally got it. good luck for the interview.
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-06-12 11:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresinterview passed
congratulations!!!
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-07-09 23:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFathima arrived safely at home...
congrats!!! the moment youve been waiting forever has finally come! yes.gif
Now you can start your life together and i wish both of you all the best.
you've been a great help to us all, even with your wife already there you still spent time detialing her poe so that all of us can benefit from it. that says a lot about your personality!! innocent.gif

so, no i-94 and go to the green line/usc line. got it!!! i know for a fact newark is one of the easiest and smoothest poe, but im going in through jfk. hoepfully its gonna be as good.

thanks again loto. now log off and take your wife out to dinner/lunch/supper whatever it is. happy.gif
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-07-13 23:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPort Of Entry Document
QUOTE (lotofpatience @ Jul 9 2008, 10:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (julietom @ Jul 9 2008, 02:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
loto, thanks sooo much for this. good.gif
i just got done with my interview and was thinking of the next step. this is exactly what i need!!! really appreciate this. yes.gif
The part I wasnt sure before was either to go to the usc line or the visitor line. so, no i-94 then?


You welcome julietom rose.gif Yes, no I-94. But make sure there is an I-95 (From Maine to Florida) waiting outside New Jersey airport rofl.gif rofl.gif rofl.gif

Why do you delay the POE so much after the interview ???


I would love to be with my husband sooner but there's so much stuff to be done at home before I leave.

By the time all that needs to be done actually gets done, it is already Ramadhan and I might as well spend Eid with my family. Im leaving the second week of Eid.

My husband is giving me a hard time about this decision but I think this is best for me. I've explained my reasons for this, he understands it but still is not too happy about it. unsure.gif
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-07-09 23:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPort Of Entry Document
loto, thanks sooo much for this. good.gif
i just got done with my interview and was thinking of the next step. this is exactly what i need!!! really appreciate this. yes.gif
The part I wasnt sure before was either to go to the usc line or the visitor line. so, no i-94 then?
julietomFemaleMalaysia2008-07-09 01:04:00