ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAugust Filers at CSC
Another Aug filer here, waiting for the NOA2
DivsFemaleIndia2012-01-15 02:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCSC still stating June 16 date for i130
I completely understand it. I get looks from my relatives which says something like, "Oh, so he married you and has gone back and ur stuck here, is it!"

You are so right about people who just don't know. Many think I'm just lying and was either left at the altar or my husband didn't want to come back. They say "that's a lie. You are married he can come back with you".
When you explain the visa process is a 8 to 12 month wait at best they think I am lying.
Its frustrating.

I only mention politicians cuz its seems when they do get called and involved things happen. And it may seem like what we do don't matter but if every unhappy flier just on VJ wrote there would be some notice. Going to the press. Come on that's how things get uncovered.


DivsFemaleIndia2012-01-02 05:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCSC still stating June 16 date for i130
My NOA1 is Aug 19th, and I too got the same "June 16" reply, so I guess we just have to wait. Hit the 5-month mark and then get hubby to call on the congressman, perhaps!
DivsFemaleIndia2011-12-29 10:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCSC BACKED UP
Will hit the 5-month mark in a coupla days, no signs of NOA2 yet!
DivsFemaleIndia2012-01-17 01:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Spouse after Marriage from India
There are a few things you could do.
1. Based on which part of India you're going to, set up an appointment with the American consulate in Delhi/Mumbai/Chennai for a No Objection Certificate prior to getting to India, so that you don't have to wait long. The NOC is basically if you're intending to get your marriage registered in India, with you being a foreign citizen.
- The NOC is basically to state that
a. You have not been married earlier.
b. If you were married earlier, that you have been legally divorced and are free to marry again.
- The NOC is to be obtained before the wedding and not after. It has nothing to do with your future wife and everything to do with you. When you go to the consulate for the NOC, pl carry copy of your divorce decree (if applicable), as well as original and copies of your passport and visa.
- When you fix an appointment at the consulate, make sure you mention it is for an NOC. You should get it on the same day.
- The NOC is to be obtained on arrival in India, and not in the US.
2. There's a way to bypass an NOC by getting in touch with a lawyer who could get your marriage registered according to the Hindu Marriage Act at a local panchayat or other such body, like we did.
3. I-130 is the way to go.
4. She cannot get a visitor's visa when her I-130 is underway.
5. Make sure you take enough pictures of the ceremony, before the ceremony, after the ceremony, with family, without family, honeymoon etc. for evidence purposes too.
6. If possible, get sworn affidavits from both sets of parents (if they attend the wedding) stating how long they've been aware of your relationship, that they were present for the wedding, etc.
7. Once you get back to the US and have filed her I-130, please also make sure that both of you keep a record of any money transfers that you do, any gifts/cards/letters that you send, email, skype, phone logs, etc for evidence purposes.

Hope that helps and good luck. If you have any queries, do feel free to ask. We're all in the same boat and more than willing to help.

I am US Citizen, will be going to india soon to get married.

What is the fastest way for my wife to come to US?
can she get visitor visa and come with me?
can she apply for visitor visa after i file I-130?


DivsFemaleIndia2012-02-16 13:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA 2 Approval
Congrats and God bless. Every approval gives us more hope that ours will be approved soon too.Posted ImagePosted ImagePosted ImagePosted ImagePosted Image
DivsFemaleIndia2012-02-17 11:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFee payment at the time of interview?
There's nothing to be paid at the consulate, but you'll have to pay the VFS courier charges of around Rs. 380 or so when you submit your documents there.


Hi guys,

If the Immigrant visa fee of $404 has been paid to the NVC before sending the DS-230 packet, then is there any other fee that needs to be paid to the consulate at the time of cr-1 interview?


DivsFemaleIndia2012-02-18 14:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 received
The next step would be to get NVC to assign you a case number. Keep calling them up every single day until a case number is assigned. Meanwhile, get your I-864 and DS-230 and all the other documents required ready and signed to be shipped to NVC as soon as the fees have been paid.

Also, the moment you get your case number, get the beneficiary to send out the DS-3032 email for choice of agent.

Just keep checking and rechecking all your documentation to ensure that you're not delayed at the NVC stage.

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE APPROVAL AND MANY BLESSINGS!


I just received my NOA2 in the mail today 2-23-12, no e-mail though! what's next? how long will take the NVC process?

Thanx everyone!


DivsFemaleIndia2012-02-24 00:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Approved...Now What?

We have just gotten an email that our I-130 has been approved? What are the next steps? I have read the flowchart and I'm confused. What can we do to speed up the process?




Now that your I-130 has been approved, come Monday, please start calling up NVC every single day for the case number. Don't wait for them to send it to you. In the meantime, you could go through the following and get your AOS packet and packet IV ready.
http://www.visajourn...he_NVC_ShortCut
http://www.visajourn...p/EZGuideSpouse

Ling Che's shortcut is very helpful at the NVC stage. Just ensure you do it right so that there's no delay at NVC.
DivsFemaleIndia2012-02-24 23:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to write a letter to congressman

Please don't apologize, no offense taken. The more responses and information the better. Glad you got your NOA2 and I hope the next steps go quickly for you!




God bless! Posted Image
DivsFemaleIndia2012-02-25 08:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to write a letter to congressman
Oh, I'm so sorry. I wasn't trying to undermine your letter. Frankly, I liked your letter much better than ours. When I mentioned that we got our approval in four days, my state of mind was that indeed we got lucky despite sending a short mail.

I do hope you understand where I'm coming from. God bless and may you get your approval soon too.

I can't argue with a four day turn-around. I think the main thing is just to give them the basic information and introduce yourself a little to explain why they should help you. A lot of the release forms seem to include a space in which you can explain what you are requesting on that page, in which case you could probably even skip the cover letter.


DivsFemaleIndia2012-02-24 03:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow to write a letter to congressman
Wow, that's a very elaborate letter indeed.

We wrote a simpler one. Unable to attach file, so just copying and pasting contents here.



From place and date



Your name and address



To



Congressman’s name and address



Dear Congressman ______,



Sub: USCIS receipt number WAC11xxxxxxxxxfor Alien Relative



I had filed a petition for my wife, Mrs. xxx, with a notice ofapplication received from USCIS dated 08/19/2011. We are approaching six months since the dateof application, and thus far have not received any word from CSC with regardsto the status of the said petition. Weare well over CSC’s normal processing time of five months.



May I take this opportunity to request you to kindly look into thismatter. Any help in this regard would begreatly appreciated.



Thanking you,



Yours sincerely,















Your name and signature



Mind you, four days after the letter to the congressman, we got our reply as well as our approval


Actually I applied I 130 for my husband it is almost 6 month and I haven't received NOA2 still waiting..

Filed on 08/25/2011 no response.

I am confuse in USCIS website Processing time is update last case was Aug 02, 2011.

but someone in VP said that who filed on Aug 26th they received their NOA2 so confused.

Dont know what to do?

Can someone help me What format letter I should write to Congress man..

I need example.?

Anyone know what exactly date CSC is processing Please let me know..

Thank you..


DivsFemaleIndia2012-02-24 02:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMedical Question

Hello, again :|.

Getting tired of typing out this little blurb, maybe I'll copypaste it next time :D :

Applied for and got a K1 last year, moved to USA, had to move back due to medical emergency, now in the process of obtaining a IR1/CR1.

I had a medical at Knightsbridge in London on the 17th of March 2011. Will I need to have another medical, or can I bring the results of that one? Last time I applied I swear I found an expiry date in a guide somewhere here, but now I can't find it, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks :).




You would have to get another medical done is what I think. Cos it's over a year now. Sounds logical!
DivsFemaleIndia2012-02-25 12:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC PROCESSING FOR PAKISTAN

Thanx!


Since we have the same NOA2 date, pl do lemme know when you get your case number, just in case we haven't received it yet. Tx.
DivsFemaleIndia2012-02-27 10:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI130 Approval to Visa Issuance

Hello again,

I haven't received my NOA2 yet. Awaiting for it. Any ideas when I might be receiving that or how long I have to wait for that still?




Hey there,

I'm an Aug filer and got my NOA2 just a few days back, but there are plenty of Aug filers yet to get their NOA2s. I'd say, wait until you hit six months and then get a congressional inquiry if you still haven't got it. Once you have the NOA2, NVC could take about a month or two, and then to get a visa interview date would be another month or two, at best guess.

Edited by Divya Rao, 28 February 2012 - 01:46 AM.

DivsFemaleIndia2012-02-28 01:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI got Rfe after 7 months of wait

hi everybody , i got RFE after a long time of wait and they sent me the form I797E and need more evidence about to establish to bona fide marital relationship.

1. Meeting (how did we met) :
my wife and i have a mutual freind, so i will just tell them that she introduced her to me on facebook
2. Relationship ( we have to provide copy of correspondence)
i plan to send them copy of our thousand email and chat and western union reciept of money transfert i made to my wife. i got video record too of skype conversation , do you think it could help? and they also want to know where i learn english or my wife my language.so we need to send transcript if learnt at school. i learnt mine at home using book's so don't know what to say
3. travel for wedding
they need letter from my wife's employer indicating that they authorized me wife absence during the time of the wedding.

i emphasize that the age difference between my wife and i is about 10 year and we have not met again since our mariage something like 8 months maybe that's the reason why they send this RFE.

ok if you have any advises about this , please just help . thanks a lot and sorry for my bad english




The age difference between my husband and I too is 10 years and we haven't met again since the wedding either, 7 months now, and our petition got approved, so that can't be a reason for the RFE.

Just writing a few things that come to mind on reading this. Did you send them a copy of your marriage certificate, pictures before, during, and after the wedding, etc?
DivsFemaleIndia2012-02-28 13:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavits of support/proof of marriage

Do these affidavits need to be from US citizens only, or can Canadians do it for us? Most of our long-term friends are Canadian.




No, it has to be from a USC
DivsFemaleIndia2012-02-28 12:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDOS say Visa issued but passport not here...

Hi Everybody.

My husband had his Interview a monnth ago ( spouse of US citizen ) and was told everything is OK and he should expect his passport back within 3-4 weeks.
After waiting 4 weeks we called DOS and they informed us that the visa was issued 4 days after the interview and we should e-mail the embassy to see what is causing the delay.

Emvassy replied - the fact that the visa was issued does not mean it is ready to be sent ( what ?? ). it still needs "administrative work" ( exact words ) and we cannot provide a time frame...

So, what does this mean ? it has been 4 weeks since the visa was issued according to DOS ( confirmed by the embassy ) but it is still not ready to be sent ? could it be placed on additional processing after it is issued ?
I thought "issued" is the final step of the process ...

Any thoughts ?




Most likely, it's being held for further administrative processing.
DivsFemaleIndia2012-02-28 07:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOperator Didn't Give The IIN # Over the Phone

Hello VJer's
I just called the NVC line and the operator did give me my case # but when I asked for the Invoice Identification NUmber IIN#, She said she can't give me that number over the phone I have to wait for the email.
Is this normal operating procedure?
Should I call again and ask for it ?
I was able to give out the beneficiaries email, and am sending the choice of agent 3032 designating petitioner.




Wow, you got your case number already. Hope I get mine too!
DivsFemaleIndia2012-03-05 09:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCongressman

I wrote my congressman and two senators and all three responded within 5 days but only one offered to help. He assigned me a caseworker and forwarded my letter to USCIS -- that was a couple weeks ago and I haven't heard anything since. I just sent out a letter to my caseworker the other day though, so we'll see when he writes back.


You're well within CSC's stipulated timeframe.
DivsFemaleIndia2012-03-05 14:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCongressman
Just to clear the air a bit. We are not looking at expediting our case. We got in touch with the congressman because we're at six months, haven't received any RFEs (touchwood), and the file has been touched just once, around 10 days after filing. I have never ever implied that the employees at USCIS or CSC aren't doing their job. They are as human as any of us, and I do understand they might be pretty backed up. All I'm looking for is some progress, and if getting in touch with the Congressman helps, then so be it. If not, my husband and I will just have to continue with the wait until it gets approved.

I'd appreciate it if others don't jump to conclusions (if you have, that is) here. While we do realize that there are plenty of July filers still waiting, we're just trying to make some headway here. 'Tis all. Thanks and God bless!
DivsFemaleIndia2012-02-18 08:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCongressman
Hey there,

Well, my husband faxed the privacy act or some such thing form signed as well as a cover letter with the case number yesterday, and later in the afternoon called up the congressman's office, who secretary confirmed receipt of the said fax. Moreover, hubby also received an email confirmation stating that the matter will be looked into over the next few days.

Keeping my fingers crossed and praying hard now.


Hi Divya,

I just sent a message via his website. No response for 2 weeks.
So i sent 2nd message with the issue and said that i'm doing a follow up to my previous msg sent 2 weeks ago.

After about another week, i got reply from his secretary or assistant. They sent me a form to sign. i signed and emailed back.
They opened case with USCIS CSC and they said to wait another 30 days...and to call back if we get any progress bla bla bla

So end of this month will be the 30 days that they mentioned. I hope i get NOA2 before then.
It'll be 6 months waiting for me after a week from now. :protest: :ranting: :protest: :ranting:

I don't know of other options to take, it seems kinda hopeless, i wouldn't know if contacting my congressman helped or not because it has already be over 6 months but i suppose i couldn't hurt so thats why i contacted. sigh.... :(




DivsFemaleIndia2012-02-18 08:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCongressman
I hope we get lucky too, but at the same time, after reading the above comments as well as other posts, am not getting my hopes up too high either. Good if we get lucky, but if not, well, continue with the wait till the "Gods" finally open their eyes and see us!

Like I tell my husband, I've told myself that until the day I actually set foot on the US soil and see my husband right in front of me, I'm gonna consider this as a long-distance relationship only. Not for lack of love for my husband, but cos that makes the distance between us slightly more easier to bear!
DivsFemaleIndia2012-02-17 11:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCongressman
Thanks a bunch, both of you. Hopefully, we'll hear from him soon. Will keep you posted.
DivsFemaleIndia2012-02-17 07:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCongressman
Someone care to reply???
DivsFemaleIndia2012-02-17 06:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCongressman
Hi All,

We complete six months since our NOA1 in a couple of days, and my husband is looking at getting in touch with his local congressman, Ed Royce. Could you give me some input as to what needs to be mentioned in the letter to the gentleman?
DivsFemaleIndia2012-02-17 01:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot NOA2 on 1ST MARCH, WHAT NEXT????

I LIVE IN TRINIDAD, MY HUSBAND RESIDES IN THE US. THEY EMAILED HIM ON THE 1ST OF MARCH WITH MY NOA2 APPROVAL, THEY SAID THEY WOULD MAIL HIM A LETTER SAYING WHAT ACTIONS TO FURTHER TAKE!!BUT READING SOME THREADS ALOT OF YOU ALL SAID MOST OF THE TIME THEY DONT MAIL ANY LETTERS,IF NOT WHAT IS OUR NEXT STEP TO NVC PROCESS? I JUS WANT THIS PROCESS TO FLY, WAITING ON THE NOA2 WAS SOOOOOO HARD!! PLZZ HELP GUYS.. NVC STEP SEEMS CONFUSING!!!!!!!





Give NVC about a week's time to get your case file, and then call them every single day and speak to an operator and ask for
1. Your case number.
2. Invoice Identification Number.

Go thru the following. It's like a self-help guide. And also, join the NVC March filers thread.

Here's some guides for those in NVC:

-http://www.visajourn..._live_in_the_US

-http://www.visajourn...p/EZGuideSpouse

-http://www.visajourn...he_NVC_ShortCut

-http://www.visajourn...ew_Online_Forms (online forms and EP, more Canada-specific)<br style="color: rgb(28, 40, 55); font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(250, 251, 253); "><br style="color: rgb(28, 40, 55); font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(250, 251, 253); ">-http://www.visajourn...onic_Processing (China EP) [note: if doing EP in China, only optin AFTER the invoicing of the AOS bill]

And some other useful links:

-http://www.visajourn...il_DS-3032_form (template on how to email the DS-3032)

-http://travel.state..../info_5165.html (table at bottom, to see if you're eligible for Electronic Processing and/or online forms)

-https://ceac.state.g...ice/signon.aspx (payment portal)

-https://ceac.state.g...px?signout=true (site to fill out DS-261 and DS-260 for those eligible for online forms)<br style="color: rgb(28, 40, 55); font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(250, 251, 253); "><br style="color: rgb(28, 40, 55); font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(250, 251, 253); ">-http://www.visajourn...mated-messages/ (explanation of AVR messages at NVC)

-http://travel.state....c/nvc_1335.html (NVC)

Phone numbers:

NVC - [color=#49535A !important][font=Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important]

603-334-0700

[/font] (press 1 then 5 to speak with an operator)
DOS - [color=#49535A !important][font=Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important]

202-663-1225

[/font][/color] (press 1 then 0 to speak with a visa specialist)

Email addresses:

NVCInquiry@state.gov - to email DS-3032, expedite requests, and/or questions
NVCElectronic@state.gov - to email optin for EP and for scanned packages[/color][color=#1C2837][/color]
DivsFemaleIndia2012-03-05 14:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 process and medical

Hello

just a quick couple of questions. Now I understand that with immigrant Visas much of the processing is done at the NVC and the embassy in London would only actually be involved at the interview? Is this true? I mean does my DS250 and I-864 get reviewed at the NVC and I dont return any forms to the embassy in London?
Do I email the I-864 information and DS 260 supporting info or express mail?

Also when do I take the medical, can I book at anytime during the NVC stage or do I have to wait for them to supply me with the interview?

Thankyou




The first part would be filing your I-130 or I-129F, whichever is applicable. It then goes to the concerned service center, CSC or VSC, and you wait a few months for your petition to be approved. Normally you wait 5-6 months. Once your petition is approved, your case is then forwarded to the NVC, where it could take b/w 1 to 2 months for your case to be completed and sent to the concerned embassy. Your I-864 and DS-230, or DS-260 in your case, are sent to NVC. Medicals are not booked thru NVC. Once your case is closed at NVC, you will then get an interview date, and that is when you get ur medicals done.
DivsFemaleIndia2012-03-06 14:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfrom where do i have to start PLZ?

do i have to file i-130 form and G-325a at one time and wher do i have to send them ?


You have to fill out the I-130 and G-325A. G-325A would be two copies, one filled out with your info and signature, another with your wife's info and signature.
DivsFemaleIndia2012-03-14 08:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of Bonifide Marriage?

REQUIRED PRIMARY BONE FIDES EVIDENCE: You must have 2 items

1. joint property
2. joint lease
3. birth cert. of a child between you both
4. co-mingling of finances
5. signed affidavits from people who have direct knowledge of your marriage.

You can get a joint bank account. I went to my bank, WF, and told them why i needed it, and they opened a new account and gave me the signatory form and I sent it to my wife. she signed it and then sent it back to me. Doesn't have to be a high balance, just an open account.

Then I had two American friends sign affidavits that they were present at our wedding.




These are not necessarily required. In our case, we're going with joint credit cards and medical insurances. Having a joint bank a/c wouldn't hurt either. That said, it's not necessary you need to have any of these, but having one of these probably could help.
DivsFemaleIndia2012-03-16 08:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of Bonifide Marriage?

Hello, I am getting marriage next week in the Philippines to my loving Fiance! Now...

I read about the bonafide evidence of marriage thing for the I-130.

1. Documentation showing joint ownership or property; or

We don't own any property

2. A lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence; or

We have a place, but don't currently have a lease in writing. We do have pay receipt though with both our names.

3. Documentation showing co-mingling of financialresources; or

I guess we can open a joint bank account in the philippines after getting married?

4. Birth certificate(s) of child(ren) born to you, the petitioner, and your spouse together; or

We have none

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

Do family members count? What does that mean Sworn or affirmed by third parties?

6. Any other relevant documentation to establish that thereis an ongoing marital union.
We're going to take pictures and a video of our civil ceremony. Do I put the video on a Flash Drive or something too?

Any advice from someone with experience here would be great!

Thanks!!




Hi, when my husband filed my I-130, all we sent as evidence was our marriage certificate as well as plenty of pictures before, during, and after the ceremony. Of course, at the time of my interview, I'll be carrying extensive evidence with me like logs of chats/emails/calls, credit card he's activated in my name, copy of the health insurance card to which he's added me, etc. For the moment, your marriage certificate and pictures should suffice if you're going the I-130 way.
DivsFemaleIndia2012-03-15 05:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresnvc case number??

hii vj,

i just have a quick question.how much time does it take for nvc to assign a case number so tht i can pay the fees for ds-3032 and i-864 forms. i have calling them from 2 weeks. bt they told me yesterday tht they received my file. so how much time can i expect from them now?? my noa2 was recived on 2nd march 2012.

07/24/2011 - married
08/23/2011 - i-130 filed
08/25/2011 - noa1
03/02/2012 - noa2
?????? - nvc case number


I think it took NVC around 10 days to assign us our case number. Call 'em up every day, morning and evening, asking for the case number.

Edited by Divs, 17 March 2012 - 12:50 AM.

DivsFemaleIndia2012-03-17 00:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp how to send RFE

Thank u 4 your feedback.

By the way, I also have the same situation like yours. I married and divorced twice but none of my ex-spouses got a green card or came to the US. The only request (mentioned on the RFE letter ) is to get the final divorce documents be notarized at the country where i got married and divorced.




I should probably add to this by stating that my husband, who is the USC, has been married and divorced twice. He had petitioned for both his exes, and today, they're USCs too, but of course this happened almost 10 years ago. I myself am a divorcee. That said, we didn't get any RFEs at all.
DivsFemaleIndia2012-03-17 12:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp how to send RFE

Hi there

After waiting for almost 14 months for my I-130 to be approved and after tens of service request, senator's and congress women follow-ups, I finally got my RFE because of the Proxy marriage and RFE is consisting of 3 pages.

Some of their request is:

1. old pics together, hotel reciepts, post cards, letters, name of relatives in the US, airline tickets, Credit card charges, entry and departure stamped on our passports, hotel reciepts, money transfer, letter from my father and mothter why they didnt attend the wedding and when they came to know about our relation, engagment and wedding and if passed away, death certifcate and other many many requests...


Currently, I am gathering all those documents but I have some critical questions which my lawyer is confusing me.

1 .The first time I got to know my wife was back in year 2003 and since then uptodate, I have some printed pictures and others are saved on a CD... the problem I have is if I printed those old pictures from the CD now, at the back of the pictures, it will show today's date and not year 2004, 2005, 2006 or 2010 ..when you view the CD on a labtop, it will show the year when photos are stored on a CD...should I send the CD together with explanation or just print pictures and send it regardless of the date ( FYI, since we took those pictures back in year 2004 and 2006, we did change a little bit, do they ( the assigned USCIS officer) take into consideration all these factors?

It doesn't matter, print those pics and send. From then until now, I'm sure you and your spouse have both changed in appearance as well, in small ways if not a big one. That'll also be an indication to them that indeed you've known each other for a long time.

2. My lawyer wants me to send some 3 or four original pictures to the USCIS, my question is if I sent the original ones and got approved, the US consulate at my wife's country will ask for those documents again and if i reprint new ones, they will think I just faked the pictures......so dont know what to do?

You can always make multiple copies of a pic, can't you?

3. They asked me to send them post cards and letters we exchanged during our relation. I have 5 to six envelepes with dates and postages...do I have to send the original envelopes or copies? regarding post cards, my wife sent me tens of it before marriage with some notes at the back of each post card,my question again is should I send original post cards or copies?

Send only copies. Make copies of the envelopes if you have 'em too.

4. My wife sent me some letters by mail in the past and it is in Arabic, should I mail them the original lettters or copies (cause i want to save it for counsulate interview)? if so, do I have to translate all the letters into English?

Only copies need to be sent. Do NOT ever send originals. I doubt there's a need for a translation, since it's quite obvious you guys communicate in Arabic. Send copies as is.

5. My both parents passed away long time ago, instead, can I have my living relatives write an affidavit of their knowledge of our engagment and wedding ?

You definitely can get affidavits from living relatives and friends in this regard.

6. Regarding photos is it better to send three or four picturs from each year or send 15 or 20 for each year ?

Three or four pics for a year should be good, but keep a few more pics of the engagement/wedding, etc.
7. They asked me to send them the receipt of the wedding ring and credit card charge statment, name, address and phone number whrere the ring was purchased. I purchased the ring from a local jewelary in her country and the jewelery gave her a reciept under her name and they only accept cash and I paid cash. I cant ask the jewelery at the time to give me a reciept under my name, cause I purchased the ring for my wife and the reciept has to be under her name...... I dont know what to do..
should I just send them the reciept I paid for under her name?

Yes, send a copy of the receipt and perhaps you can leave a note stating how you purchased it.

8.They want me to provide all the phone bills and call history during our relation, as u are aware, i dont use my phone to place a calls, but I simply use calling cards. I used to text her during these years and on my cell phone bills, text messages are listed with her telephone numbers, if I send them some of those phone bills showing all text messages is it acceptable by the USCIS?

If you don't have call logs but do have text logs, make a copy of those bills and send it. Evidence of any form is acceptable.

9. I have travelled to Turkey and Malaysia and Thailand with my wife before and after marriage. I usually book my hotel through orbitz and expedia and my credit card statments show orbitz and expedia. one of the requirment is to provide reciept from the hotels we stayed. hotels, where I stayed, never gave me reciepts cause I didnt pay them.I paid expedia and orbitz instead. Should I just give them orbitz booking and my credit card statments showing orbitz and expedia name?

A YES on both counts. You could perhaps leave a note as to how you made the bookings.

10. Regarding money transfered during our relation, do I have to send all the western union reciept from year 2004 to 2012 or just 1 or 2 for each year? (FYI, I have over 40 reciept from western union)

Did any body went thru this in before getting approved ?

Go ahead and send them all 40. No harm. Don't settle for anything less, send in all the evidence you have, but ensure that you only send copies. DO NOT send originals as you'd need them at the time of your interview.


Please help cause my lawyer is telling me that I can send selected pictures and phone bills ( between me and you, I dont want to follow my lawyer's instructions, who is down playing every thing and get denied).

Since the need of the hour is to get through the RFE, send in copies of as much evidence as you have so that they are convinced. Keep your chin up. I'm sure with the kind of evidence you mentioned, you sail through with flying colors. Many blessings!!!

Help......................




DivsFemaleIndia2012-03-17 06:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting U.S. While Case Is Pending

I mailed my congressman asking them to investigate about my case at USCIS which is still on the shelf collecting dust. They cited the logjam at CSC and that they really couldn't do anything unless there was a medical emergency. I then asked about my wife visiting the US on her 5-year tourist visa while her case is processed. Their response to this was,

"As for entering the U.S. on a visitor visa while an immigrant visa petition is still pending, this action could create a great deal of problems for your wife when she returns to India for her immigrant visa interview. Finally our office cannot support you, if your wife experiences any problems either at the port of entry or at the consulate because she would be in violation immigration regulations if she attempts entry before her immigrant visa is approved."

I asked what law they were referring to and they responded,

"NA Section 214(b) state that any applicant who has the intention of immigrating to the United States is not eligible for a visitor visa. In your situation her entry may be interpreted that she is trying to circumvent the immigrant visa process by entering on a non-immigrant visa before her petition is approved and visa processed. If your wife had to go to the consulate for her visa, she would be denied. Although I strongly advise against it, I cannot stop her from attempting the entry – it's your call."

Finally I asked "how will this affect her interview when she is called in India?" and they responded,

"I can't answer that question – I have only one example where a parent of a US citizen who came on a multiple entry visitor visa and when it came up at the immigrant visa interview she failed to mention the visit but it was in the CBP records. As a result her visa privileges were revoked for life. "

No lawyer or now government official has remotely advised visting on a tourist visa while the case is pending. I am really losing sleep over this. Searching VJ, there are many couples who have ad no issues but I am just torn on whether or not its worth the risk of added FBI checks or at worst being revoked for life.

Anyone else in the same sinking boat with no paddle?




If your wife has a valid tourist visa, she can try traveling to the US, but in all likelihood she'll be denied at the POE. Even if she's not denied, she should declare that she has an immigration visa underway. Also, it wouldn't affect her interview so long as she makes it a point to declare that she did indeed travel to the US or was denied at the POE, whichever applies.
DivsFemaleIndia2012-03-17 00:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresoriginal certificates in the IV packet

our case is at NVC now , must I send my orginal marriage certificate , police records and my orginal military records in IV packet ?or their official translations are enough with photocopy of the orginal certificates ? and if I will send the orginal certificates will they send 'em back to me before the interview or I have to get another certificates for the interview




No, all originals are to be sent to the NVC. They'll hand it over to you at the consulate.
DivsFemaleIndia2012-03-17 13:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresquestion about i-130form !

hi! at the first question : name (family name in caps ) does my wife have to write her maiden name or her married name ? (she is the petitioner ). and can someone explain to me the question number 21 plz !


In my opinion, she should write the name as is on her passport.
DivsFemaleIndia2012-03-18 06:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresdo i have to file i-130 and g-325a ?

so that's it we have to file i-130 and g-325a form and send them that's it ?


Along with supporting evidence
DivsFemaleIndia2012-03-14 09:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresdo i have to file i-130 and g-325a ?

THANKS Four your answers but what about the i-130 form do i have to write by my hands or on computer ?


I'd say either print it out on the computer or get it typed.
DivsFemaleIndia2012-03-14 08:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Check List

Guys, on the Lingche Shortcut for NVC process here on VJ step no. 11, what does overnight it to NVC mean in the sentence "Print the bar-coded sheet from the IV fee bill website and include in your IV package and overnight it to NVC." I'm confused by what it means...hope you can help me. thanks!


Guess that means send it by overnight express. In short, courier it.
DivsFemaleIndia2012-03-20 02:48:00