Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Approved I-130 Recieved says my beneficiary is in the US!!!!!	I remember when first coming to this site, I read never leave anything blank or write N/A. On my petition I wrote never been here or always something to indicate a definitive answer. With the changes that are taking place one should really be aware to do this. My other comment is this. I only filed the I-130. I did not follow-up with the I-129F. Just felt the extra time at NVC was worth any delay in exchange for being done with the process and not dealing with the possibility of any mishaps on my part or theirs. My choice and so far has worked out fine. I guess my point is we sit here and complain about the waits, the mistakes and all that goes on in the process. Yet we continue to play the game. To cut the time down we file two petitions, doubling the work for USCIS. As they strive to become more efficient, not defending or saying they are, it seems it is catching up with the dual petition scenario. I guess maybe one should decide on either the K-3 or Cr-1 if married, not both. Maybe the approval time would decrease with less petitions. Maybe not. It seems we may victims of our own choices here. Now Andrea, I hope to God this all works out for you. I wish I could give you some advice but really do not know what you can do but am sure somebody here has been through it as well. Good luck.	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-01-13 12:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CR1 Petition	I struggled witht the same question and ended up only filing the I-130 . Filed in Sept and am now in the NVC stage. I agree with one of the earlier posts, the less you have to do with the system the easier the process may be. If you think your case is pretty straight forward it may be easier to go the CR-1 route. If you don't mind spending the extra money file both and see which one progresses faster. No one knows for sure.	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-01-11 11:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Can I have ?nterview in US for CR1?	No the CR-1 interview is at the embassy. Need to go back or follow through with the K-3 here in the states.	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-01-17 07:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Taxes	No problem, go to the IRS website, and download form W-7. An application for taxpayer ID number. In the alternative since he is going to be arriving soon, he should have his SSN before the April 15 due date. If you go the W-7 route, Roberto will need to sign it and then attach it to the front of you tax return. A number will be assigned. Doug	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-01-19 07:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	INTERVIEW DATE!	From one Vegan to another, Congrats and good luck.	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-01-19 07:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Barcodes	Not to be rude but for the life of me cannot figure out why you cotinue to listen to the fastk3 people. From other posts you are aware of the problems you are having. This site is full of information to all your questions and what to do. James' shortcuts give you a clear understanding of what the process is even if you do not want to use them it explains what needs to be sent and a timeline of how much time it will approximately take for the next step. You need to send in the barcoded cover sheet that comes in the package with the instructions for the I-864. In my case, all that was received was the cover sheet and instructions to go the web site and download the form and instructions I needed to file. Good luck, and if I were you I would start looking at the information in the posts here and take matters into your own hands.	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-01-20 15:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Why are we being punished? (I824 bologna)	m&n you ask how you are supposed to know? It is your job ot know. We again chose to do this ourselves or hire attorneys. Either way it is our responsibility to know of law changes. No one is going to tell you. Sorry, but this is the way it is. My point on the RFE was not whether you made one, just a general comment on what I see. The law changed in mid stream for you and many other petitioners. They chose not to grandfather in any of the already filed petitions. Bad break , definitely, but, that is what happened. As Yodrak said, you filed two petitions to see which was fastest. Even if approved the same day the K-3 will be faster, logically. So you got the intended result. As to your comment the immigrant visa is better, I agree, pay the fee and get it moving. Maybe they should have notified you but fact is they don't. We can hash this over forever, we both have our opinions and doubt either will be swayed. Good luck. Edited by dougyceci, 24 January 2007 - 06:46 AM.	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-01-24 06:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Why are we being punished? (I824 bologna)	I have stated this before on another matter and feel the same way here. I see no problem. In an effort to make the process as short as possible, you choose to take both paths. Create double the work and burden on a process you continually complain about. I chose to gamble with the I-130 and not take both routes. Just as this choice was mine, you have made yours. Maybe the USCIS should have one visa and only one visa available to married couples. That is what will be next. Then you can complain about that. Life isn't fair. Never has been, never will be. No one is requiring you to file the I-824 and fee with it. You are more than welcome to abandon the I-130 and proceed with the K-3. If not buck up and pay for the processing. It really is quite simple. Am I cynical, maybe so, but guess I get tired of hearing people complain about everything the gov't does wrong. Why do I never see anyone complain they made a mistake and got an RFE. You paid to have both petitions processed at the USCIS, if you want double processing at the NVC then my feeling is you should pay for it.	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-01-23 14:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Case Completed	Congratulations to both of you. I love to see things moving along like this, I know it is selfish, but am happy for you as well. Good luck with the rest of the process. Doug	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-01-24 14:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	DS-230	Hey Mark, I got my DS-230 packet in the mail today. By my signature you can note that on the recording on the1/17 it said generated. The date on my letter in the packet is 1/16 and I received it today 1/24. Hope everything else is this quick for me but not counting on it. Any word yet? Doug	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-01-24 19:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	DS-230	Since no one has responded Mark, I will. I do not know. My IV was processed yesterday, they haven't generated the DS-230 yet but when they do I will answer your question for you. I know that my IV was generated on 12-25, rec'd it 1-06 and it was not updated on the computer until 1-09. Go figure. Not complaining as I was out the country anyway so did not delay me any. Any way, wait and I wil answer when I receive mine.	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-01-13 12:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	James' shortcuts - well one piece	Look at my signature. I got the DS-230 generated by the NVC in what appears to be record time according to all other posts. I reckon from the get go, using the shortcuts saved me at least 2-3 weeks time. I say that thinking if I had to wait the normal 2-3 weeks for the DS-230 my savings would have been even greater. I was gone over the holidays, in Bogota, so lost a little time there in returning my I-864. They are quite simple to use. Just pay attention to every detail. Good luck. Doug Edited by dougyceci, 25 January 2007 - 01:54 PM.	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-01-25 13:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	URGENT QUESTION ON DAS	Thanks Thieving, I am going to have to have my wife take care of that as she went to Europe last summer. God this forum is great!!!!!!!	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-01-25 13:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	URGENT QUESTION ON DAS	One more nice little surprise. Hope all goes well for you Brad, did Vicky say what the certificate costs? I guess since Ceci has left the country one time she just as well get hers as well. Any way, good luck and have a great trip. I am sure you are anxious to get there. Doug	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-01-24 19:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	IR1 Interview 2morrow!	Good luck tomorrow, have faith, all will go well. I am sure the wife is nervous, too bad you cannot be with her but I know that is not always possible as I am probablysoon going to be in your shoes as well. Doug	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-02-01 19:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Must call for 2nd INTERVIEW!	Wow if that don't beat all. Sorry to hear and hope you get the next interview real quick. KInd of opens my eyes up to what Ceci really needs to know. Never would have thought they would ask questions about taxes. Thanks for the info and good luck in the next round. Doug	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-02-04 20:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Faxing documents to Bogota	I thought I already responded to this but guess not. Your DS-230 part 1 was filed with the NVC, part 2 goes to the interview with your spouse, filled out but not signed. As for the DS-2001 not sure what this is but I think it is the list of documents and things needed at the interview. You don't fax anything to them. the embassy will schedule your interview and your spouse should recieve the packet but I would call on a Wednesday, I think, from 11-2 eastern time to find out when your interview is, once they receive your packet. Look at the Colombia Club thread and there is a post by BradyVicky about what is needed at the interview.	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-02-07 20:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Visa approved!	Congrats and good luck.	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-02-06 17:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Case Completed At NVC	Congrats Mark, looks like they are still running at about 4 weeks for approval. I was wondering about the update on the recording as well. In any event, I am looking at the 16th of the month for my 4 week day so hopefully can find something out soon thereafter. I will email you this week but great to hear you are on your way. Sounds like you will miss the March interviews unless they get it sent really quick. Doug	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-02-06 18:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Can someone PLEASE help me??	You don't file any proof of ongoing marriage with your I-130 petition. Look at the guides and it says what you file. They ask for nothing other than a translated copy of the your marriage certificate and other forms or documents, nothing to prove your married other than the cert. Information to show your marriage will be necessary at the interview, not before. Edited by dougyceci, 07 February 2007 - 08:12 PM.	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-02-07 20:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	estimated processing time question	Those times really mean nothing so would not be too concerned over the change. My guess for the time change is now when you file both petitions the I-130 is not automatically sent to NVC without your request. Seem this may lengthen the time to adjudicate the I-130. Just my guess but as I said those dates are only references.	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-02-12 20:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	clarification of terms for our spouses	Employed or not does not matter. If you file with him you have to include his foreign earned income. In my case my wife does not work so it is a gift for me. Just file the W-7 with your tax return and they will assign an ITIN number.	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-02-14 06:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	OUr case for Cr-1 has been completed	Great to hear. we got the same news yesterday. As to the switch to CR-1 not sure, but I would call the embassy once they receive your case and check into it. Good luck with rest of the journey, it is almost over.	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-02-16 19:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Case completed at NVC	Thanks for the words guys. Matt good to hear about your interview being pretty quick. I know it seems like a long ways a way but it will be here before you know it. I see you are from Salt Lake City? If so we are neighbors, sort of. I was wondering who you talked to about your interview date? Did you call the embassy or the DC number? Didn't take too long to find out either. Doug	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-02-16 21:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Case completed at NVC	Almost 4 weeks to the day and the case is complete. One more hurdle down and one more to go. Figure for an April interview in Bogota. Looks like a good night to party. I called the automated system this am and it was updated with the info, kind of strange as most of the time it takes forever. They were on the ball for me. Edited by dougyceci, 16 February 2007 - 08:04 PM.	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-02-16 20:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I GOT THE PACKET 4 FROM THE EMBASSY!!!	Nice to see things moving along so quickly and smoothly. If it is the same info Brad posted then no sense posting it again. Thanks Doug	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-02-21 18:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Sent to Embassy	Not earth shattering news here but for those of you who are wondering on how much time it takes the NVC to send out cases my case was completed last Thurs. the 15th and today it was sent to the embassy in Bogota. So 6 days and it is gone. Rather fast and efficient but the normal time for Bogota. Doug	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-02-21 20:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CR1 Case Completed, Wait for 8 weeks for further instructionss?	Not sure where the first responder came up with the information but your case has already been reviewed at the NVC. That is what they have been doing for the last month or so. The recording is a standard recording. Mine and others said the same thing. According to the NVC, cases are sent out in bulk. I have noticed that for the I-130's in Colombia they are usually sent to Bogota in about a week. It may vary from embassy to embassy. From there it is logged in at the embassy and an interview scheduled. Each embassy has different times and so on so cannot comment on your embassy. Try calling 202-663-1541 press 0 for operator and ask the lady that answers what your case status is and give her your case number. She will tell you if the embassy has received and if you have an interview date or not. I would give it a week or so. My completion date is the same as yours, 2/15. I will call next Monday to see if it has been mailed and received. They should have the packet by your March interview. Maybe they will switch it to the Cr-1 interview for you. I have seen this done in the past. Good luck. Edited by dougyceci, 19 February 2007 - 06:20 PM.	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-02-19 18:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	OMG - Case Complete!!!	Congrats Riblet, hope you get a quick date. Doug	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-02-21 11:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Social Security Number	Mark I've read many threads with no problems in getting their cards. Only remember a few where people mentioned having trouble. As to not checking the box, should have no effect later on. Will email later this week. Doug	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-03-15 08:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-130 Approved - How much time until the Interview	Look at my timeline or signature below and you can see how long it took for me. About the same as Floridaphoto as we have been about two weeks apart on everything since day one. Others in Bogota have been about the same as well. Go to the Cr-1 thread Colombia Club in the Embassy section for some good details on the process from this point forward for you. There are two Colombia Clubs so make sure you look at the one for CR-1 not K-3, Good luck to you. Doug Edited by dougyceci, 19 March 2007 - 05:05 PM.	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-03-19 17:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CR1 Visa Received - Colombia	One more congrats Mark and Sophia. Glad you got back and will be in touch. Doug	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-04-07 22:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	POE Immigrant Visa Experiences	I guess this is as good as any place to post this. Ceci came through Atlanta on Wednesday this week and she said everyone was so nice and helpful. It took her 2 hours to get through customs. Most of the time in line with everyone else as customs was extremely busy that day. Nothing negative about the entire day for her. No nasty treatment or searching of bags, a few questions and a welcome to America. She was so happy to see me waiting, a familiar face always helps. Since then life has been great. She is adjusting to Las Vegas just fine and both of us could not be happier. I am more than happy to share more if you have particular questions but all in all everything was smooth and great in Atlanta. I have no complaints through this whole process, 7 months in all but nothing I can really complain about. Doug	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-04-21 23:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	2nd Interview Scheduled for March 28th!!	Great to hear all is going well Rabbit. I just noticed but all 3 of you guys have the interview on the 27th. You will be probably be the only 3 gringos there. Good time to meet while you wait. Anyways, waiting now to call DC for my bi-weekly call to see if I have an interview date yet. Doug	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-03-08 07:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Approved!!!	Thanks a lot guys for your words. I appreciate your support. Good luck to all of you and if I can help, please ask. Ceci is supposed to pick up the visa today at 4, with a bit more luck, there will be no problems and she will be on a plane Wed., meeting her in Atlanta to ease the day for her. Doug	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-04-16 08:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Approved!!!	Just a quick note, Ceci got her visa today in Bogota, well got the approval. She will pick up the visa on Monday and then head home for the first time. More later but thanks to all who have traveled the road before me. Your help has been invaluable. Thanks. Doug	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-04-12 18:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	(For Bogota) DS-230:NVC needs "which" Documents???	George I saw your email and thought best to respond this way. It appears that they changed the way things are being submitted. Ceci and I only sent the 230, passport page and cover sheet to the NVC and the rest we took to the embassy. It appears now NVC is handling everything so there is less done at the embassy. I wish I could tell you more but from other posts it seems this is happening at a lot of embassies. Shifting more work over to the NVC to handle. As previously posted, last week in Bogota many people were being sent home for lack of having all the docs. I am guessing this is becoming more of a problem and this is the way they are trying to stop the scheduling of interviews for those not prepared on interview day. I see it as a positive change, in the long run, for you, in the middle of the process it is just one more hoop. Hope this helps and I will post anything I hear. Ceci tried to get an answer yesterday at the embassy but they would not give her any info on the matter Doug	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-04-17 10:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Timeline to receive green card and SS Card in mail after POE with IR-1/CR-1 Visa	Things just keep moving along. POE: Atlanta DATE ENTERED: 4/18/07 SOCIAL SECURITY CARD: WELCOME LETTER: 5/03/07 GREEN CARD: 5/04/07 Only waiting for our SS card and then "nada mas por dos anos" Doug Damn if my dates weren't wrong, am so mixed up here lately this correct Things just keep moving along. POE:Atlanta Date of Entry:04/18/07 Welcome Letter:05/03/07 Green Card:05/03/07 Social Securtiy Card:waiting patiently and then "nada mas por dos anos" Doug	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-05-03 20:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Timeline to receive green card and SS Card in mail after POE with IR-1/CR-1 Visa	Things just keep moving along. POE: Atlanta DATE ENTERED: 4/18/07 SOCIAL SECURITY CARD: WELCOME LETTER: 5/03/07 GREEN CARD: 5/04/07 Only waiting for our SS card and then "nada mas por dos anos" Doug Edited by dougyceci, 03 May 2007 - 08:11 PM.	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-05-03 20:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Timeline on I 130 Approvals	Just a quick note that we were approved on the 12th and all is well. Some one updated it once but then it disappeared so please, someone update. thanks. Doug	dougyceci	Male	Colombia	2007-04-22 21:24:00