ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow do I know if i've been 'touched'??
It may be a really stupid question but I keep reading about people having their cases 'touched'. We filed with VSC on 30th January and when I log onto to check the status it simply says that the case is pending. How do I know when someone has 'touched' my case?

Thanks in advance!
Nichole
thefriendlyghostFemaleDenmark2008-03-11 15:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSelf-employed and and I-134 question
Hi everyone,

We sent our I-129F in January and are still waiting for our NOA2 but I want to start gathering all the various things together in preparation for the next stage.

I have a question about the I-134: I'm American but have been living and working in England for 9 years (my fiance is from Denmark). During this time I've been freelancing through a limited company I set up- essentially self-employed. Because of this I'm unable to get a letter from an employer to verify employment as I'm not technically an employee at the office I work at every day. So far the evidence I'll be able to show is:

-Tax transcripts with IRS- I've just finished filing the last 3 years of my taxes with them
-Business bank account statements- These are not in my name but in the name of my limited company
-Certificate of Incorporation- This shows that i am the Director of my limited company
-Several letters verifying bank transfer of my salary into my account (i don't get pay stubs)

Does anyone know if this will be enough for the I-134? Do I need to provide any additional items since I'm self-employed? Does it matter at all that I've been working in England and not the USA?

Thanks in advance!
thefriendlyghostFemaleDenmark2008-04-20 02:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMailing address on I-864 when living abroad

Good for you guys! (I assume you're traveling together.)

Oh, I didn't realize they'll review everything right there. I just assumed they'd take it and send me away while they chew on it. I also thought about doing just assets but we sort of just barely have it and so I thought it would be safer to do a joint sponsor, especially that my hubby's parents are more than willing to do that. I'll definitely have them Fedex their stuff here so I'm not worried about them, the only bit I'm uncertain about is the police report. It'll be 40 days right around the time when I have my interview. Based on my previous experience with UK bureaucracy, I don't have a lot of faith but they do promise 40 days and I'll definitely try to chase them up when the time comes nearer.

I really appreciate you being so lovely today. :) I hope everything will work out for you guys, too, wherever you're going in the States.




:blush: :blush: :blush: Thank you. And once again Good Luck :thumbs:
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-08 11:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMailing address on I-864 when living abroad

Yay! Well if you are still around, I'll drop a note here saying how it went. Originally, I think it might end up as a no because of the inadequate sponsorship issue but then hopefully they'll review the joint sponsor real quick and say yes!

Thanks for all the support!



If my passport comes back in time, I should be in the States by then, but will definitely not leave the forum... Hoping to travel September 1st!!

If you can get the co-sponsor paperwork to you in time for the interview, they will review it at the same time. Alternatively, if you can show assets of your own or spouse, again they will look at that. I think they really do try to be flexible.

We had income above poverty guidelines and we both know the income will continue (partly self employed...) but because we don't have a letter from the employer, they won't look at foreign earned income. So we just used assets instead. They are happy with either bank statements or real estate provided you have a valuation or sale of home etc. Otherwise, from other postings, they will take your Affidavit of Support and co-sponsor's at the same time. Try and get the paperwork back from your co-sponsor and follow up on your police certificate if you are getting close to the 40 days.

Good Luck. Regardless of location I will be wishing you well for your interview :thumbs:
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-08 06:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMailing address on I-864 when living abroad

It's 9/4. I still need to get the joint sponsor to mail me all the things and I'm waiting on my UK police report (hoping it will get here on time) but other than that, I think I have things. I figure, if not, I'll just have to mail it afterwards.



Well I wish you the very best of luck on September 4th. Here's to another big APPROVED. :thumbs: I'm sure it will all go just fine.
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-08 06:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMailing address on I-864 when living abroad

Thank you! It's so nice to have people pulling for us.

I just read your post in the UK forum about USCs not being allowed. I'm actually sort of happy to hear that as for financial reasons we've decided that I shall fly to Hungary alone and I was wondering if that would come across badly. But hey, if he's a persona non grata anyway, then all's well.

Now if this month would just tick on by... :clock:



I have no idea if the USC thing is only London or all embassies.....

What you will find is that the interview date comes around sooooo fast. Have all your documents in order and you'll be just fine.

What date is the interview??
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-08 05:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMailing address on I-864 when living abroad

Thanks to both of you guys for the answer.

Oh wow, and I thought I was in trouble! :)

Now the problem is, even though I live in London, I'm not going to the London embassy but rather, the Hungarian embassy as that is where I am from. I don't know, is there a rule that says you can only apply for a visa where you are from, regardless of where you live? I even asked to be interviewed here but anyway. I have no idea how the Hungarian consulate is for this kind of stuff.

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll put the addresses as UK then. I just read somewhere on this forum (don't ask me where as I have read so many threads here in the last few days) that someone put all their addresses on their paperwork to the NVC and the IRS as US even though they lived wherever. But I don't see how my hubby could truthfully state that his place of residence is in Arizona when clearly, he's right here in London.

But the thing is, we do honestly intend to go live in the States and at this point in time I'm in the process of acquiring so much supporting paperwork they'll flounder and I've got nothing to hide during the interview so surely, surely it will be OK. But still, it'll be a long month. :(

Congrats on your approval, essjay and keep fingers crossed for me. Thanks!




Hungarian Embassy, I'm afraid I can't help there... :lol:

What did come across very very strongly at the London Embassy yesterday is that they are looking for honesty. They can see through pretty much most false answers and if you are open and honest, they respond in kind. We don't live in the States and never have but were completely honest about it and showed our intention to move. The guidelines talk about having concrete evidence of your intention to re-establish domicile, and I think they are genuinely flexible as to how you prove that. As I said, we were worried about the domicile issue, but they didn't even mention it once!! :thumbs:

If you honestly intend to go live in the States, you'll have no problems. I took a truckload of supporting paperwork and I was really glad I did. I think because I kept offering stuff to them, and they could see how much I was willing to give, they didn't question domicile at all. They did acknowledge the fact that USC lived in London and had not moved back before me, but they liked the fact that he hadn't "abandoned" me but instead was going to travel with me!!!

Oops, and I am keeping my fingers crossed for you.... :whistle:
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-08 05:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMailing address on I-864 when living abroad
We got our approval yesterday on the basis of both of us living in the UK.

Basically, as the mailing address we used our UK address on all forms. We put a US address only when asked where we will be living and where we want GC/SSN sent. As to domicile we put "Current: UK, Intended: USA" and this was all accepted.

Domicile is not a problem in London. For us, the USC has NEVER lived in the States and has NO us bank accounts and we have our approval.

Hope this helps and Good Luck. :thumbs:
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-08 03:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat do you do to be patient while your visa is making

argue just about everyday :thumbs:



:lol: :lol: :lol:
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-08 17:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOleksandra(Lvivlovers) I-130 approved!!!!!
Congratulations and Good Luck :dance:
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-09 04:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 F-ing finally!
Congratulations :joy: and Good Luck with the rest of your journey
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-16 11:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 approval
Congratulations :joy: :joy: and Good Luck with the rest of your journey
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-16 11:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAPPROVED!!!
Congratulations and Good Luck with the rest of your journey... :dance:
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-15 16:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Case complete!!!!
Congratulations :dance: and Good Luck with the rest of your journey....
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-17 03:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfiling DCF in London- can we travel while waiting?
We DCF'd through London. My husband has always lived in the UK, never in the US.

Firstly domicile was not an issue at the interview. We used our UK address on everything except when asked where we intended to live. For domicile, we put "Current: UK, Intended: USA".

Secondly, on the issue of travelling to the States, I used VWP during 2006 before filing for the visa. As soon as we filed, I was strongly advised not to travel to the States even for a short holiday, as I was more likely to be turned back than allowed in simply by virtue of being married to USC and having started visa process. The wealth of evidence put to me was too great, so I didn't risk it.

As an aside, you are technically allowed to travel as long as you can show ties to the UK. I applied for a tourist visa in January, had proof of job, home, family, obligations etc, all in the UK, and I was refused on the basis of lack of ties to the UK, because I was married to a USC, albeit one who had never lived in the US. And this was before I had started the visa process!!

That being said, other VJ'ers have travelled to the States during the visa process with no problems. So it all boils down to immigration on the day and how well prepared you are with documents to prove your ties.

Good Luck. good.gif
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-18 04:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Case Complete
Congratulations :dance: and Good Luck with the rest of your journey
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-16 03:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI GOT MY VISA
Congratulations dancin5hr.gif and Good Luck for the future....
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-22 03:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC CR1 Completed interview scheduled
Congratulations on getting the date and Good Luck with the interview good.gif
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-22 03:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUK Members
Down in the UK forum, we have noticed our members have been succesfully graduating with their visas, but are not being replaced by new applicants. Either everyone has decided to stay put in the UK, or some of you haven't ventured in to visit us.... unsure.gif

So this is a general call to anyone going through London, come put an appearance in to the UK forum and give us your dates. We'll welcome you and add you to the list. yes.gif

See you soon good.gif
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-25 03:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAre all requirements met?
If you can get it, something in writing confirming what your new address will be might be helpful. We took along a letter from the owner confirming that we would be staying there until we found a new place for ourselves. idea9dv.gif

In our situation, we had exchanged contracts on our house and booked a shipping firm so we took along all the paperwork for that.

In London, domicile wasn't actually mentioned, but we were DCF. It did feel good to be overprepared though laughing.gif
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-25 06:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAre all requirements met?
Hi curiousn

Just wanted to wish you the best of luck with your interview. Since you have got the the Embassy stage, that is a good sign. However, it looks like NVC still has its doubts about the domicile issue, and this may therefore be a part of your interview. Make sure you are as prepared as possible for the interview and take too much evidence rather than not enough.

I think I remember that you are living in the UK. What steps have you taken to re-establish domicile? Pull out every scrap of paper you can find to take with you, and again Good Luck good.gif
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-25 05:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPictures
Ah now... Don't worry about tearing your hair out. You should know from other threads that the hair can easily be taken care of by spontaneous combustion when you open the MBE and realise you shouldn't, or the freak fires that destroy the MBE when you have been so careful not to open it!!

Concentrate on the grump... mad.gif
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-25 10:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPictures
Some might argue that a grump is better than a panic. Me? I went for panic this close to the interview, but grump is good.... laughing.gif
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-25 10:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPictures
I have been with my husband over 17 years, albeit married for only 2. We were advised to take a selection of photos from dates throughout our relationship, showing us together and with family and friends, which we did. I was asked when, where and how I met my husband and I think the answer amused the CO so much, he then didn't ask to see the photos.

Bottom line. Have the evidence with you, they won't want to or will be unable to go onto websites during your interview. smile.gif
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-25 06:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresunique case - how can i apply?
Reading a lot of the experiences on this forum, and from our own experience, I would definitely say domicile is easier to manage if you can DCF. Many people are getting stuck at the NVC stage for ages trying to prove domicile, whereas in many Embassies, domicile isn't even mentioned when applying directly.

How long until you hit the residency requirements?
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-23 02:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI got approved this morning!
Congratulations kicking.gif
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-22 11:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAlmost there...
Congratulations on getting the date kicking.gif and Good Luck with the interview....
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-08-24 02:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSocial Security Card
Every case is different of course, mine arrived about a week after I entered the US. Good luck!
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-11 08:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfinally i got my interview date
Congratulations.... kicking.gif
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-13 09:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 with joint sponsor
When I did the interview a couple of years ago, London Embassy accepted photocopies without question, particularly for USC's filing their tax returns out of the US. We produced three years of photocopies - no transcripts. I haven't heard that the position has changed, but perhaps some recent UK interviewees can confirm that London Embassy still accept photocopies.
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-13 21:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 with joint sponsor
Have a look at the London Embassy website and click through to the IRS section for all the details.
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-13 16:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 with joint sponsor
Firstly, where are you sending your tax returns? London or US?

Secondly, assuming you send them to London, make sure you get proof of sending and signature receipt. I am sure it is stating the obvious, but make sure you keep copies to take with you to the interview....

As to your other info, looks good. As trailmix said, the key is showing your intent to re-establish domicile. Anything showing that you have taken steps to leave the UK is good.

Also, be prepared to discuss what you are both going to do once you get to the States. They will be interested to know what your plans are, where are you going to live etc...


essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-13 15:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 with joint sponsor
But PM has been useful when someone asks, for example, for an advisor recommendation and you don't want to post address or telephone numbers. That's all I was thinking.....

I agree, advice on general aspects should always stay on the forum!
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-13 10:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 with joint sponsor
With regard to the tax returns, have a look at this topic:

http://www.visajourn...howtopic=207227

If you are a USC, you need to file US Tax Returns regardless of where you live, unless you fall into the exempt category. We were in a similar position, but we used a US accountant based in the UK to prepare the returns for us for the three years leading up to the visa application.

On the question of domicile, my husband, the USC had never lived in the UK. What we did was prove his USC status and show that we had somewhere lined up to live when we moved. We also showed that we were selling everything in the UK to make our intentions clear.

Feel free to PM me if you want any further info. Good Luck good.gif It is stressful, but worth it in the end....
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-13 10:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWE GOT OUR INTERVIEW DATE!!!!!
Congratulations and Good Luck good.gif
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-13 13:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI Did It!!!!!!!
Well done and good luck with the rest of the journey...
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-13 17:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThe Journey Begins...
Very best of luck... good.gif Be patient though. There are long periods of time when nothing at all happens. It is worth it in the end.
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 21:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 particular situation
QUOTE (italy to USA @ Aug 19 2009, 08:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (*Len* @ Aug 19 2009, 06:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey --- if you have the letter of appointment from the University it might do the trick --- contact HR and ask for it (the one with income statement). I talked to Bren about it and that's how it worked when his mentor moved up to Canada (reverse situation, Fred married a Canadian bla bla bla).


Thanks Len. I do have my appointment letter and we will be showing that when we have our interview.. I'll definitely be letting the VJ folks know how that all went so others can hopefully benefit from our experience.
adios




Len has got a great point. When we had our interview in London, we produced photocopies of the tax returns (because they asked for them, even though they showed no US income) then proof of assets. Finally, they were very interested to know what we were both going to do once we moved to the States, so I would have thought the appointment letter would be very useful in your interview.

Good Luck with the interview, and let us know how you get on.... star_smile.gif
essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-19 17:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 particular situation
I'm sorry for not being clear... We made a judgement call on filing three years of US Tax Returns based on advice from our attorney and accountant, the I-864 instructions, and other people's experience on this forum. We did not want to get to the interview and be turned back. I believe the factual position as far as the I-864 is concerned is as follows (taken from the instructions):


"You must provide either an IRS transcript or a photocopy from your own records of your Federal individual income tax return for the most recent tax year. If you believe additional returns may help you to establish your ability to maintain sufficient income, you may submit transcripts or photocopies of your Federal individual income tax returns for the three most recent years."


and:




"If you were required to file a Federal income tax return during any of the previous three tax years but did not do so, you must file any and all late returns with IRS and attach an IRS-generated tax return transcript documenting your late filing before submitting the I-864 Affidavit of Support. If you were not required to file a Federal income tax return under U.S. tax law because your income was too low, attach a written explanation. If you were not required to file a Federal income tax return under U.S. tax law for any other reason, attach a written explanation including evidence of the exemption and how you are subject to it. Residence outside of the United States does not exempt U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents from filing a U.S. Federal income tax return."


Now we only found out that my husband was meant to be filing at all because of applying for the visa. We had both always lived in the UK and had no knowledge that all USC's are required to file US Tax Returns regardless of where they live.

We had decided to go the asset route anyway as we had no US income to show, whether we had US Tax Returns or not, but the collective advice from everyone was that it was better to have filed the three most recent years, just in case they were asked for at the interview.

As it was, in my interview, they did ask for all three returns, plus evidence of assets as well.

So whilst it says you only have to produce the most recent year, I would still advise you to file late any missing tax returns, just so that you are covered belt and braces.

Feel free to PM me if you want any further information... cool.gif


essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-13 08:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 particular situation
We filed DCF in London. Husband is USC but living in UK and had never filed US tax returns. Didn't know he needed to. He had to file 3 years tax returns as minimum before we had the interview. We were asked for them, even though all of our financial proof was on assets, rather than income. So my advice would be to file the missing returns late, just so you are up to date with all tax returns. That way, it won't come back to bite you.

Good luck! good.gif


essjayFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 14:59:00