ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Filers in Nov-Dec 2007, Still Waiting...
QUOTE (KipandSarahJayne @ Mar 24 2008, 05:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (lotofpatience @ Mar 24 2008, 07:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Another joke for a USCIS officer...

A USCIS officer ( O ) was sleeping with her husband ( H ) at home. Middle of the sleep, O started dreaming.

O) Hurray, I did fantastic job today and started laughing during the sleep

During this time, Husband just woke up and started listening her voice.

O) I am proud that I managed to touch so many of them today
H) (Little confused), but asked to her, what do you mean ?
O) (Still sleeping), replied: Many of my colleagues told me they are touching many of them every day. Now I also started that.
H) So, do you get satisfaction by doing this ?
O) Yeah, it is real pleasure. If I touch more, I get more pleasure.
H) Do you think it is good, we are a good family, aren't we ?
O) If I touch more, I'll earn more (she actually intended performance based pay!)
H) Why do I need your money by doing this ?
O) We have kids education, mortgage, auto loan etc, so we need to earn more.
H) Ok, tell me more
O) All those are just feeling-less objects (she mentioned papers!)
H) Then...
O) I have to do more work, they just sit idle
H) I know you have that capability
O) If I do overtime, it would be even nicer, what do you think ?

The dream goes like that...

Just enjoy!


Lotofpatience, you are truly hilarious ..... thankyou for putting a smile on my face today ... laughing.gif




Did you all see the story the other day in the NY Times about another adjudicator being busted for pressuring a GC applicant (a married one, I might add) for sex to get her GC? She recorded it on her cell phone. He forced her to give him oral sex on the spot so she would know he was serious. The same guy was recorded doing it again. If they are that arrogantly open with such illegal activities, it makes one wonder how committed they are to uniting our families. I personally feel like there is an apathetic attitude organizationally. I saw that when I requested my own expedite and they told me that losing my child and having surgery alone is not an emergency because since I am petitioning for my husband I cannot need HIM in any way. He is the one who needs me. So apparently his or my depression needs to sink to suicide, oh but then wait, it would have to be him, because mine wouldn't be an emergency. mad.gif OVERHALL USCIS!
LinguereFemaleSenegal2008-03-24 17:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWrote a letter to my congress man
I also considered moving when my case was going nowhere and said if it hadn't progressed by the end of the year that we would do that. It's something that we've always talked about though. For my husband, he's better off where he is. I just can't speak French (though I do speak his indigenous language and am conversationally fluent) and one needs French to teach in the universities. I could teach ESL, but why waste all of this education...so the choice is here for now because he does speak English. With the economy going the way that it is, we might all be trying to move soon :-)

I wish you a speedy approval to be with your wife and new blessing soon!!
LinguereFemaleSenegal2008-04-11 22:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWrote a letter to my congress man
I concur with what others have said. If you are within the normal limits and there are no complications, then they are not going to help. If you have any concerns about your wife's conditions though, that would be important to note.

I just received the letter back from my congressman's office with a letter from the VSC with the approval after he contacted them. They did intervene on my behalf and I am very thankful. Life has its events that cause one to suffer, but suffering with the involuntary separation of one's family is inhumane.

I wish you the best, I know it is hard.
LinguereFemaleSenegal2008-04-11 10:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWrote a letter to my congress man
You know this really depends on your congressman. Most legislators offices are so overwhelmed with these types of inquiries, that they usually have a gatekeeper to assess your situation before they will actually make an inquiry. If your case is within normal limits, they really won't do much. In your case, your wife's pregnancy certainly helps. If you have a high risk pregnancy situation, you can request a medical expedite. I would certainly contact your legislators and ask their particular procedures, sometimes they have a form to fill out on their website. You can write a letter and send all of the information about any extenuating circumstances, medical docs, etc. You might actually reach someone who is human and helps out. My legislators were actually great after I lost my unborn child and USCIS treated me like nothing had happened to me. I'm waiting for my case to get to NVC now.

Good luck!
LinguereFemaleSenegal2008-04-07 10:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresExpedite Denied
KipandSarahJayne: My heart goes out to you. I know exactly how you feel. I also thought it was just a formality after breaking down on the phone to a very kind USCIS expedite officer. If you have the time, it certainly would not hurt for you to contact your congressman and senators. There has to be a human element somewhere in this process.

I wish you both the best of strength and blessings. This road is so difficult. Thank God that you have each other.
LinguereFemaleSenegal2008-04-16 17:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresKeep the Faith
QUOTE (canadian+amer @ Apr 25 2008, 10:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was wondering what the web site or online services you are talking about? I just got my payment package and would love to hurry it along!!



https://ceac.state.g...ice/signon.aspx

It's in the Wiki under National Visa Center. You need your invoice identification number to pay online and you do so via your bank accout, not a credit card. I'm not sure if the IIN comes via mail, but sometimes with days of operator-hopping, we were able to get the IIN from the NVC via telephone.

Best of luck! good.gif
LinguereFemaleSenegal2008-04-25 09:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresKeep the Faith
QUOTE (kman @ Apr 25 2008, 10:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi, did you print the cover letter and send DS230 right after the online payment was accepted or did you wait for the NVC to say DS230 generated?


I printed them right after the status changed to paid and sent off the I-864. I called today in a panic after another member, Marlita, said to check and make sure they were generated. The I-864 and DS 230 were both generated on the same day. I printed them right away in case the system went down. I'll have a week delay in sending my DS 230 because i'm on my way out of the country and so we'll DHL that package from Dakar.
LinguereFemaleSenegal2008-04-25 09:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresKeep the Faith
Just wanted to send a note to uplift the spirits I see struggling here. I know the USCIS road is horrible...but our case arrived at NVC on 4/3 and the DS 230 is already generated as of 4/24. The online system makes it super fast - no waiting for the mailings. Keep hope alive. Once you make it through the service centers it moves so fast you can hardly blink.

Best of luck to everyone! yes.gif
LinguereFemaleSenegal2008-04-25 08:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC timeline on IR-1/CR1 visas
Can you add me to the list?? My NOA2 is dated 3/31/08. Thanks!!!!! Best to those waiting and congrats to those already completed. I pray that we move quickly through!
LinguereFemaleSenegal2008-04-02 23:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresProcessing Times for Vermont I-130 - July 30,2007
QUOTE (daileydiver @ Mar 29 2008, 11:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
If you get a good answer from your congressman, please let us know. I sent an e-mail to their webmaster and doubt anyone will reply as I have done it a few times before. I totally agree that inconsistency with USCIS is making life even harder, like if they are playing with our emotions. It's already tough waiting to see our loved ones, but let's not make a game out of it!



Hey Chet,

I will let everyone know what happens with the Congressional Inquiry. By the way I sent an email over to the Congressman's office here in Tyler, got a standard automated reply to my inbox. The automated reply said that if is this a time senstive issue or you need help with a government agency you should call and speak with someone. So, of course I gave them a ring and was told to fax it over and they would send an inquiry to the VSC. Not sure of the 48 hour clock included weekends or not, would be nice! In reality I expect that I will here something from them late Monday or Tuesday.



Please do let us know. I had no idea about the 48 hour inquiry. I received a letter from my congressman saying that they normally take 30-45 days to respond to a congressman because there is a backlog with those responses as well. I asked my congressman to intervene on the 18th of March after they denied my expedite saying that losing our unborn child (and having the surgery alone) were not emergencies. There's something very wrong with this process. My husband and I are blindly moving through each day just in survival mode. We cannot move forward with much of anything until we are together. I wish you the best of luck with the inquiry. I'm anxious to hear if you get a response quickly. My congressman is quitting in June to work for a law firm (he was on his way out anyway) so if you get a fast response, I want to call his office again.
LinguereFemaleSenegal2008-03-29 11:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresProcessing Times for Vermont I-130 - July 30,2007
It looks to me as though they are working on September. The few November filers that were being worked on could also have expedites...if I remember correctly, one of them did. I'm wondering now if I should go ahead and file for K-3.
LinguereFemaleSenegal2008-03-28 10:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUpgrade I-130 help
" i just wanna ask if you know something just any idea is appreaciated, we filed my I-130 last June 2008, my husband will have his oath this feb.. we will then upgrade the petition after.. will the processing be faster then? and does all those times are counted last year when we applied if we will upgrade the petition after my husband got his USC....?! "

Yes it will be faster if he upgrades the petition after his oath, because a visa number will immediately be available for you.

Good luck.

Edited by Jonah VD, 26 February 2009 - 04:39 PM.

Jonah VDFemalePhilippines2009-02-26 16:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUpgrade I-130 help
You are very welcome. smile.gif

Just wanted to say though, for those who are upgrgading there petition and have only received NO1. You can also use the above sample letter but addressed it to USCIS rather than NVC. There is no use to send a letter to NVC if your case is still with USCIS. NVC will just inform you that they do not have a record of your case. But once you received the NO2, your case from USCIS will be transfered to NVC.

Good Luck to all of us.
Jonah VDFemalePhilippines2008-11-22 14:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUpgrade I-130 help
Sorry! Yeah i mean USCIS.

This is what i used, which i got online. Just change NO1 to NO2

National Visa Center,
32 Rochester Avenue,
Portsmouth, NH 03801-2909

Re: Upgrading a Petition to <Immediate Relative>

Dear Sir/Madam:

While I was a legal permanent resident, I petitioned for my spouse and recently became a US citizen.

Case Details:
Petitioner: <petitioner name>
Beneficiary: <beneficiary name>
Preference Category: <F2A, Spouse of LPR>
Case Number: <case number>

A copy of my naturalization certificate and copy of I-797, Notice of Action for approval of I-130 petition are enclosed herewith.

Please upgrade my wife from category F2A to immediate relative, and proceed with consular processing.

Very truly yours,

<petitioner signature>

<petitioner name>

Encl:
Copy of naturalization certificate
Copy of I-797, Notice of Action for approval of I-130 petition

Edited by Jonah VD, 20 November 2008 - 04:27 PM.

Jonah VDFemalePhilippines2008-11-20 16:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUpgrade I-130 help
Since her petition has already been approved by NVC, right after your oath you can call NVC that you recently became a US Citizen and that you would like to upgrade your spouse petition. Then you will need to send them a letter to request upgrade with the copy your naturalization certificate and NO2. You can either email, fax or mail it (but i suggest to do all).

This is way quicker than anything else, specially that her petition has already been approved. Once they received your request they will send you a confirmation then they will start sending you Choice of agent, AOS fees and etc.

Good luck on your naturalization.

Edited by Jonah VD, 19 November 2008 - 05:55 AM.

Jonah VDFemalePhilippines2008-11-19 05:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMedical exam, Ahmedabad, India
as soon as u have the appointment letter go for it....I think they wont let u do it unless the appointment letter is presented...also u can do it anytime before ur interview date i would suggest do it early cause then u might have to submit some papers at VFS....hope this helps...
::: kanaiyo:::MaleIndia2009-10-04 17:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAhmedabad medical or pcc???
Hello ppl....thanks for the eply on my other threads....this is a great community to be with ....

the question I have for my wife's interview preparation ...should I get the medical done first at ahmedabad......or pcc....since pcc can hold her passport for a while I am lil confuse abt it....
also....she is going for the IR1....what documents she might need to submit at VFS....anyone with VFS experience at ahmedabad?
::: kanaiyo:::MaleIndia2009-10-04 17:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRFE issued
Hello People RFE issued from NVC...they need proof of my assets (Checking nd savings account info)....eventhough I have a joint sponser....I sent in the corrected from instead which does not show any assets....actually NVC advised me to do so....anyone with the similar experience....hopefully they complete my case soon...so I can get november interview..... innocent.gif
::: kanaiyo:::MaleIndia2009-10-06 19:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 vs K1
QUOTE (pushbrk @ May 7 2008, 06:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MyUKLove @ May 7 2008, 05:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Now that I figured out I can't do the DCF, the options are K1 or K3 or CR1 (incl in K3). Well, I'm looking at these possibilities. Originally, when we thought we could file a DCF, we planned on marrying in Aug and filing the DCF. I'm not a resident of the UK, so that's not an option. If we still marry when he "visits" in August, we can: 1.) file the CR1 right after we marry right? and 2.) He can stay for as long as his visitor's visa says (i.e. 3 months) then 3.) He must return to the UK until the CR1 is approved. Is this all correct? and what's the NVC? Is it a processing center that's faster than others? What we're worried about in all cases is the work status. He wanted to be able to work right away but he's also very worried about us being away from each other so long, which all of these visas seem to promise. So, after reading the guides and looking at time lines, I'm still very confused and trust all your experience more. Please can you answer my above questions and let me know whether the K1 (so we don't marry yet) or the CR1 ( we go ahead and marry and file in August) is best?


Thanks!
PS another question he has is: During the CR1 or any process can I come stay (as a visitor) with him in the UK while we wait?


Yes, you can file a petition for your spouse, as soon as you are married and they can remain in the US as long as they are given leave to remain.

Time to start studying the guides here to learn the process and terminology.


Yes, actually I have been through all the guides several times. But somehow I missed stuff. I am glad I made the call to UCSIS and I have the advantage that my brother is on here too with his fiance. Thanks again.
Aleisha
MyUKLoveFemaleWales2008-05-09 13:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 vs K1
Thank you so much. That helps a lot! We have started to fill out the K1. Just wish we hadn't waited a month. :S


QUOTE (Credzba @ May 7 2008, 07:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MyUKLove @ May 7 2008, 07:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If we still marry when he "visits" in August, we can: 1.) file the CR1 right after we marry right? and 2.) He can stay for as long as his visitor's visa says (i.e. 3 months) then 3.) He must return to the UK until the CR1 is approved. Is this all correct?

Yes all correct.

QUOTE (MyUKLove @ May 7 2008, 07:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
and what's the NVC?

NVC is the National Visa Center, not a faster anything.
They process visa application, no matter which center you send your original petition to.

If you think about the process, it has 3 parts.
1) you petition the government to let your spouse apply for a visa.
2) Your spouse applies for a visa
3) Interview medical etc. takes place and visa is granted.

1 = USCIS
2 = NVC
3 = US consulate in foreign country

It isn't exactly that way, but it is a reasonable way to think about it.

QUOTE (MyUKLove @ May 7 2008, 07:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What we're worried about in all cases is the work status. He wanted to be able to work right away but he's also very worried about us being away from each other so long, which all of these visas seem to promise. So, after reading the guides and looking at time lines, I'm still very confused and trust all your experience more. Please can you answer my above questions and let me know whether the K1 (so we don't marry yet) or the CR1 ( we go ahead and marry and file in August) is best?

This is a decision that everyone struggles with.
K1 is absolutely the fastest way to be together in the USA.
downside:
You must marry in USA within 90 days of arrival.
You must still pay for AOS after you marry.
Social security number and work permit are a bit more difficult than the CR/1.

CR/1 is probably 3-4 months longer than the K1 visa
upside:
ss# within weeks, and ability to work on entry.
You can get married anywhere you want.

Thats short answers to your questions. The forums, guides etc. have longer answers.

QUOTE (MyUKLove @ May 7 2008, 07:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
PS another question he has is: During the CR1 or any process can I come stay (as a visitor) with him in the UK while we wait?

You as the american citizen can travel anywhere you can get a visa. no limitations are placed on you.
Your spouse however may be refused entry to the USA if he tries to come visit you in USA while K/CR visa is processing.



Yes, actually I have been through all the guides several times. But somehow I missed stuff. I am glad I made the call to UCSIS and I have the advantage that my brother is on here too with his fiance. Thanks again.
Aleisha

QUOTE (pushbrk @ May 7 2008, 06:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MyUKLove @ May 7 2008, 05:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Now that I figured out I can't do the DCF, the options are K1 or K3 or CR1 (incl in K3). Well, I'm looking at these possibilities. Originally, when we thought we could file a DCF, we planned on marrying in Aug and filing the DCF. I'm not a resident of the UK, so that's not an option. If we still marry when he "visits" in August, we can: 1.) file the CR1 right after we marry right? and 2.) He can stay for as long as his visitor's visa says (i.e. 3 months) then 3.) He must return to the UK until the CR1 is approved. Is this all correct? and what's the NVC? Is it a processing center that's faster than others? What we're worried about in all cases is the work status. He wanted to be able to work right away but he's also very worried about us being away from each other so long, which all of these visas seem to promise. So, after reading the guides and looking at time lines, I'm still very confused and trust all your experience more. Please can you answer my above questions and let me know whether the K1 (so we don't marry yet) or the CR1 ( we go ahead and marry and file in August) is best?


Thanks!
PS another question he has is: During the CR1 or any process can I come stay (as a visitor) with him in the UK while we wait?


Yes, you can file a petition for your spouse, as soon as you are married and they can remain in the US as long as they are given leave to remain.

Time to start studying the guides here to learn the process and terminology.

MyUKLoveFemaleWales2008-05-09 13:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 vs K1
Now that I figured out I can't do the DCF, the options are K1 or K3 or CR1 (incl in K3). Well, I'm looking at these possibilities. Originally, when we thought we could file a DCF, we planned on marrying in Aug and filing the DCF. I'm not a resident of the UK, so that's not an option. If we still marry when he "visits" in August, we can: 1.) file the CR1 right after we marry right? and 2.) He can stay for as long as his visitor's visa says (i.e. 3 months) then 3.) He must return to the UK until the CR1 is approved. Is this all correct? and what's the NVC? Is it a processing center that's faster than others? What we're worried about in all cases is the work status. He wanted to be able to work right away but he's also very worried about us being away from each other so long, which all of these visas seem to promise. So, after reading the guides and looking at time lines, I'm still very confused and trust all your experience more. Please can you answer my above questions and let me know whether the K1 (so we don't marry yet) or the CR1 ( we go ahead and marry and file in August) is best?


Thanks!
PS another question he has is: During the CR1 or any process can I come stay (as a visitor) with him in the UK while we wait?
MyUKLoveFemaleWales2008-05-07 19:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1, Work Visa, can one get married after?
If my boyfriend got a work visa to be in the US, could we get married after he finishes his work visa? Could we fill out the CR-1 then or are there restrictions for people on work visas? Our situation is that we are both artists and we would like to get married asap and also have him live and work here asap. I would like him to be able to work on a work visa so that we can find out if it would work out before we got married. After the work visa is up, can we get married and can he continue to live and work here? What options are there like this?
Thanks!
MyUKLoveFemaleWales2008-03-31 22:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support: Tax Returns
QUOTE (Jomo @ May 29 2008, 10:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (charisma1 @ May 29 2008, 07:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Cannot provide something that is still NOT accepted by IRS. 2008 is NOT over yet and therefore you cannot file your taxes for 2008, can you?

WHAT IF you just started working on Jan. 2008?? Would an employer letter suffice?


QUOTE (Hotlegz @ May 29 2008, 06:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
they state that u do not have to provide ur past 3 yrs returns..just the yr ur filing




Hate to say it; but you are going to need a sponsor.

QUOTE (javesgirl @ May 29 2008, 12:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
thank you all for your feedback. i'll definitely get a letter from my employer. i must say that it feels good that i finally sent off my I-130 application yesterday and got the process started!



Javesgirl......did I send you over here from the other site? Are you one and the same?



YES JG - it's me!!! wink.gif
javesgirlFemaleJamaica2008-05-29 18:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support: Tax Returns
thank you all for your feedback. i'll definitely get a letter from my employer. i must say that it feels good that i finally sent off my I-130 application yesterday and got the process started!
javesgirlFemaleJamaica2008-05-29 12:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support: Tax Returns
I just sent off my I-130 form today and I'm trying to plan ahead for the rest of the process. I see that I will need to send in an Affidavit of Support with tax returns for the past 3 years. In 2005 I was a student and unemployed although I'm pretty sure that I had sufficient income to show on my 2006 and 2007 returns. If I can't show any income for 2005, will I have to use a co-sponsor?

I'd appreciate any feedback I can get.

Thanks!
javesgirlFemaleJamaica2008-05-28 20:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCuban immigration is the worst
Miriam n Alain,
I understand your predicament. Actually, I've just come back from Cuba and have heard similar stories from people going through the exit process. You have to realize that over there, different people give you different answers about the same question. Sometimes you do not know whom to believe. I would probably suggest going through a different official or a different local office and see their response. Also, a lot of things can be done if you know "somebody" or discreetly offer some kind of help in return.
Good luck.
David07MaleCuba2007-09-29 14:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStupid Question
How long does DCF generally take once started? I know I have to actually reside in France for 6 months before filing, but after that, how long does it usually take from start to finish?
MrsGrievesFemaleFrance2009-07-21 13:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStupid Question
QUOTE (txladykat @ Jul 20 2009, 07:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
if you are already going to france for a substantial period of time, why not stay months and file DCF?

Oh, and yes, you cannot have two visas processing at the same time. If you begin a new one, you must take steps to abandon the first one. Even though the employer filed it, your husband should be able to contact USCIS and abandon the process.



I think we're just going to wait and see what happens with the H1-B...it would be silly to abandon that now, as he's expecting notice any day now about his approval. Me going to France depends on him finding a job that can support both of us. I'm filing for my Carte de Sejour and Livret de Familie (French Visa stuff) anyways though, just in case. But the H1-B could have us together as soon as October or as late as January, which I feel in either instance is quicker than a CR-1. If its not approved we'll file for CR-1 right away, or see what happens with France.
MrsGrievesFemaleFrance2009-07-21 01:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStupid Question
QUOTE (Kenza @ Jul 20 2009, 04:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
im not 100 % sure but i dont think you can have 2 visas processing. I would suggest not relying on the H1B and just file for the CR1. I filed this past january and my interview is in august-although I did have a couple RFEs that delayed my case. But at least you will be sure with the CR1. good luck and there is another woman (parisheart-beth) who is filing CR1 and going through Paris. message me if you need anything!



Thanks for your reply, Kenza. Thanks also for the name of someone else going through the process...I notice there aren't too many frenchie couples around here, so thats a huge help. Perhaps I'll take a peek at her timeline and maybe shoot her a PM.

So if you can't process two visas at the same time, how could I possibly file for CR-1 since his H1-B is still processing? I don't think either of us have the power to cancel that visa, since his employer and their attorneys are the one who filed for it, not us (well, him). I'll try and look into this further, but it seems a little silly to cancel a visa thats so close to being approved, if this is, indeed the case. I guess in that case we'll just have to wait another month or so to file CR-1. Perhaps he can find another position in the US that would pay for his H1B transfer and we could be together prior to October.

Also, is there any issue with me going to France for a substantial period of time? My mail would be coming to my moms house (since she's planning on co-sponsoring, and I'm a live-in nanny and am not sure how long my address will be the same). Once our marriage is legalized under French Law, I qualify for a family visa and can travel to France for quite some time. Is there anything keeping me from doing this?
MrsGrievesFemaleFrance2009-07-20 10:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStupid Question
Ugh, I knew I shouldn't have gotten as excited as I had. I saw five months on the USCIS site but I didn't realize it transfered somewhere else.

Maybe a little more information would be helpful. I met my husband while he was in the US on a J-1 Intern Visa. He does not have the two year residencey requirement. We just married on July 9th, and are waiting for our marriage certificate to send the I-130 in. The company he interned with back in Pittsburgh has filed for an H1-B for him, and he'll have news on that approval later this summer...end of August/beginning of September. My original question in the K-3 forum was about wether or not applying for an I-130/Cr-1 would have any impact on his H1-B, or vice versa. We considered waiting for the news on the H1B but I know even just another month or two to file could potentially delay our processing far longer than a month or two. So I'm curious if there are any issues with filing a CR-1 while an H1B is being processed and just doing adjustment of status later on down the road, after his first 90 days on the H1B. I don't know how sure of a thing the H1B's are, but I know there was no cap issued this year. The earliest he could be here, in that case, is October...but his company likely can't bring him till January. My biggest concern with waiting until January, is if by the time January comes around, the company doesn't want to or can't bring him over at that point. Then we'd be even further behind...and I don't know if my heart can take all this waiting just piling up!


Thank you for the tips and guides you posted, everyone. I've read the main CR1 guide but its all kind of jibberish to me...I'm still getting used to all the abbreviations for everything. There doesn't happen to be a key of all the abbreviations around, is there?
MrsGrievesFemaleFrance2009-07-20 01:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStupid Question
I was advised over in the K-3 forum that for my particular situation, a CR-1 visa would be more appropriate. I saw on the USCIS timetable that I-130's are taking about 5 months to be processed. I'm a little confused as to the difference...I know that the I-130 is the form you fill out, and the CR-1 is the visa thats given, and I (vaguely) understand that after the I-130 is approved, an interview must be scheduled for my husband back in France. Am I correct so far? How long does it generally take to get an interview, and once you do have an interview, assuming you're approved, how long afterwards can he travel to the US as a resident?
MrsGrievesFemaleFrance2009-07-19 20:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGREAT news!!!
I posted a few days ago some questions about CR-1 visas here: http://www.visajourn...howtopic=208420


BUT! I just found out at 5 am this morning (Best wake up call EVER!) that my hubby's H1-B was approved!!!!! biggrin.gif biggrin.gif biggrin.gif biggrin.gif biggrin.gif biggrin.gif So we don't have to go through the CR-1 Process at all! Just adjustment of status after he's been here at least 90 days and we're golden! I'm so freaking HAPPY right now!
MrsGrievesFemaleFrance2009-07-24 14:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJust about to Start The Whole Immigration Process HELP!!
Moving to IR1/CR1 forum for more replies.

Welcome to VJ! It looks like the CR1 is probably the most appropriate visa for your situation. K3s and CR1/IR1s are taking about the same time to go through London right now, and the CR1 allows you the full benefits of permanent residency on arrival. My husband got a CR1 and we have NO regrets.
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-04-18 12:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat's the record time to NOA 1 ?

24th feb and the check isn't cashed yet - 6 weeks into this and sinking fast as we can't get to NOA1 stage

London have me on their 'don't talk to them' list and have ignored 2 emails..

at what stage do we assume the whole application is lost between London> Nebraska>California ?


I know they lose files as I have seen VJers have to start again after many many months

Without a ref number how can we follow up to see if it is lost or not ?

I really dont want to start going for US passport photos again and recreating the whole file but the USCIS seem to have us on a carousel and dont want to deal with this application...

has anyone any experience of NOA1 taking weeks and weeks ?


Hi there --

I filed the I-130 at the London Consulate on 15 January, and although they were happy to take our money (as my husband's Visa statement showed!) no sign of an NOA1 as of 10 February. (Long story, but our post was being stolen for a while, and for some reason I think the thief might have thought an NOA1 was valuable to someone besides us, the muppet!) Paranoia set in, so I called the extortionate Visa Advice line for some sort of guidance. £6 later, they recommended I email the consulate to find out my status. I sent off my loooong list of frantic questions, and got a reply in 3 working days. Turns out the NOA1 had indeed been sent weeks before, so at least I know I'm on track.

You say you're on the 'don't talk yo them' list -- just a question, but are you making sure to put the weekly code in the subject line? Unless you do, you're not going to get a reply, simple as that. I found this out when my initial email to londonconsulate@state.gov went unanswered for a week. Call the £1.20/minute advice line and get this code before you send the email (assuming you're not doing it already). My reply also asked me not to contact them again unless it was really urgent or I might get rebuffed/ignored in the future. Is this what happened to you?

Best of luck!!!
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-02-26 10:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 Tax Help..!!?

(to the mods: I think maybe it might be a good idea to have a forum or subforum for tax questions; there seem to be a lot of them, and a lot of USCs seem to be confused about their filing obligations....just a thought...a lot of people don't know they are required to file no matter where they live.)



I second the motion! It's that time of year when we're all thinking about taxes and a subforum would be of immense help, in my opinion. :thumbs:
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-04-12 03:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat are the chanves of me getting in

I am a UK citizen my husband filed I-130 in nov 2006, I overstayed my VWP last year because I was sick and did want to travel so have am now applying for tourist visa because we have jsut had a baby girl and want to visit my husbands family in the US. I have proof of my job in the UK and my husband is living and working in the UK aswell. What are the chances of being let in for a vacation on a tourist visa. If you have had similar experiences please post them and tell me which POE you came through. :help:


I can only tell you what happened to me and my ex a few years ago, so not sure if this is the case still.

Anyway, my ex (also British) and I got married on a whim while visiting in the States back in 1996, and as he had entered on the VWP we went for the AOS route to get his green card. We began the process just before his VWP expired, and we were assured by the INS (as was then) that even though his visa had expired because he was "in the system" we shouldn't worry -- as long as he stayed in the country we'd be okay. My ex and I had to return to the UK for various reasons, but we were told the green card processing could continue while we were in the UK and the file would be transferred to London. Fine, cool, whatever. So when we got to London we made an appointment to see a consular official and we were told that the file had been lost somewhere between Hartford and London, and we would need to start all over again -- at that point we had paid over $250, had the medical, and were really close to completing the process. I threw a massive hissy fit in the Embassy and said that was it, we were going to abandon the green card and I didn't want to live in that "ignorant, stinking country" anyway. (Ah, the folly of youth!)

So the next 6 years come and go, and my ex and I make numerous trips over to the States to visit my family with my ex travelling on the VWP every time. Christmas 2002 -- not the case. He was detained at Newark for 3 hours and I had NO idea where he was (I had flown to America a week before) and I was frantic. Turns out that the immigration system that had let him through a gazillion times before suddenly flagged that he had overstayed his VWP by 3 months in 1996, but had *NO* record of the lost and abandoned green card application. (We assume this was in light of a lot of changes after 9/11.) So even though he had been given permission to overstay there was no record of that permission. He was allowed in on the VWP on that occasion, but only because he could show ties back to the UK and, frankly, because he is a lawyer with high-ranking Home Office officials for parents. He was told that if he wanted to travel to the US in the future he would need to apply for a 10-year multiple entry visa (I think it was a B-2?), which he did. He had an interview at the Embassy and explained the situation and he got the visa no problem, and he travelled on it for a visit Christmas 2004. What is really funny to me at least is that we broke up about 3 months after he got the B-2 so he doesn't even need it any more! :lol:

Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that all is not necessarily lost. How long was your overstay for? Can you produce any evidence that your illness prevented travel? The amount of time that it takes to process an IR1/CR1 through London is about 5-6 months currently -- can you not wait that long to go over? It's always a bit a of a gamble, even on the VWP, when you go to the border, any border, if you do not have a right to enter the country. Can your husband's family not visit you? After all, you're the new mum and you deserve to be treated like a queen that they should pay court to! :)

Best of luck in all of this!!!
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-04-14 06:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 or CR1/IR1

Include signed letters from family and friends attesting to your relationship - there's a bit about this in the I-130 instructions right after the list of things like lease agreement and joint account statements. You could also include a couple of wedding photos and proof of communication (email, phone) and plane tickets. I wouldn't go too over board - like three letters from family/friends, literally two or three pictures, and some proof of communication/visits not all of it! :)


We just got an RFE for not including such info in our CR1 application (long story, but if you're dying to read some really whingey rants, I posted about this earlier this week: http://www.visajourn...showtopic=64148). What MargotDarko mentions as proof is exactly what I put in my "package of proof". Bruce and I are newlyweds too and only moved in together last August, and we don't have joint accounts (I have always preferred to keep my money separate from my SO) but I had scads of bills and whatnot showing we clearly live at the same address. Coupled with three letters from friends and my boss, and some pictures obviously taken at different times of the year with both our families, we think this is probably adequate.

Best of luck!!! :thumbs:
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-04-19 07:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHOW LONG to send the requesting evidence back to avoid expire
I got an RFE on Monday for proof of relationship (and -- very nosily I must add -- why, when and how my previous marriage broke down) and my letter clearly stated I had 12 weeks to send the info back.
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-04-19 07:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThe end of the beginning - got I-130 approval
Hey -- congratulations!!! Hope the journey is easier from now on! :thumbs:
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-02 12:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresquestion for those who came on ir1/cr1 here

i learnt in another thread that the visa issued to my wife isn't endorsed yet. she is flying to usa first time. what should one check on customs - resident or visitor.


An interesting question -- logically, she should check resident as she will be one once the visa is endorsed, and she will not reach customs until after the endorsement. But I will defer to those with greater knowledge on this point!


YuandDan has already said that "resident" should be checked. :)

D'oh!! I totally missed that one! :blush:
the mavenFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-03 04:14:00