ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUPGRADING 1-130 (petition of a spouse by Permanent resident) after US Naturalization...questions.
QUOTE (LondonLad @ Feb 25 2009, 03:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anyone know if you have to pay extra to upgrade the application?


No additional payment necessary. Just adviced them to upgrade the petition and you wont get charge for it.
Jonah VDFemalePhilippines2009-02-25 18:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUPGRADING 1-130 (petition of a spouse by Permanent resident) after US Naturalization...questions.
Right after his oath, tell him to call USCIS to upgrade the petition. The upgrade is way faster, because visa number is immediately available to US Citizen immediate relatives.

In my case, the petition was approved by USC less than a month.

Good luck.

Edited by Jonah VD, 25 February 2009 - 06:37 PM.

Jonah VDFemalePhilippines2009-02-25 18:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI130 (Petition for Alien Wife) Upgrade Question
Hello I am new here and i am upgrading my husband I-130 petition because i recently became US Citizen.

I am not aware of some of the terms that you were using. What do you mean by RFE and how would you know if your petition was touched?

I called CSC on Monday 9/29 to inform them that i am now a US Citizen. Then i was advised to mail a letter to NVC with a copy of my Naturalization Certificate and Petition Receipt.

I called CSC today and check the case status online but they have not updated it yet. Now I'm scared that it will delay the process again. We've been married for 5 years and been separated for 5 years too. And when you know that he will be here soon, you do not want any circumstances that will jeopardize and delay it.

I need some insights. I am looking to some posters timelines and it seems like in 3 months my husband should be interviewed. (Although, I know that not all cases are the same).

Thanks in advance.

Jonah
Jonah VDFemalePhilippines2008-10-01 14:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQUESTIONS ON SETTLEMENT
Yes, you can apply for SSN while waiting for your greencard. You just have to show SSA your passport with I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. See below.

Here's the requirements for Original Social Security Number for a Noncitizen Adult

In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can apply for a Social Security number. If you do not have permission to work but need a Social Security number for other purposes, see “Work eligibility” below for further information.

To apply for a Social Security number:

Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5); and
Show us documents proving:
Immigration status;
Work eligibility;
Age; and
Identity.

Take your completed application and original documents to your local Social Security office .


Immigration status

To prove your U.S. immigration status, you must show the current U.S. immigration document, I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, issued to you when you arrived in the United States.

Work eligibility

I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.

Edited by Jonah VD, 29 October 2008 - 03:49 PM.

Jonah VDFemalePhilippines2008-10-29 15:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIV Bill Payment online
Dont worry, it happened to me too. if you just paid today it will change once they cleared the payment from you bank. Mine was cleared the next day. On the invoice page though it still shows "NOT PAID" but when i click on the receipt - it shows PAID. And when i called NVC, the operator said not to worry because it does show in their system it was already paid.
Jonah VDFemalePhilippines2008-11-20 01:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi think ill be stuck at NVC for 2 months or so..
QUOTE (xylide @ Nov 16 2008, 12:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
well, sad to say but we called NVC and they told that my hubby really needs to file his tax for 2007..
so he is sending me paperwork to fill up to get my ITIN so he can file his tax including me,married filing jointly..
but i read that it will take 4-6 weeks to process the ITIN, and thats the time he can file his tax and then after filing, thats the time he can send the AOS to NVC..
all in all, it will eat almost 2 or so so months before my case be completed..

my question is, is there any other way we could do?any other options?

if i could get an interview even if he have not send the AOS yet?
or can he get a co-sponsor if he has no 2007 tax?

im so upset..


Xylide:

I suggest to tell him to file his 2007 ASAP. He can file as MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY OR SINGLE the only thing is he can not claim you as his dependent. I believe he wants to get ITIN so he can claim you for tax deductable reasons.

I do my own taxes, i've been married of 5 years, my son is with me and my husband is in the philippines. So even if I am married i claimed myself as SINGLE HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD because my husband is not in the US and i dont send him money. Logically, since my husband works in the Philippines, he should report his income in the Philippines and not in the US - so we do not need to file as MARRIED FILING JOINT nor MARRIED FILING SEPARATE ( i hope that make sense). So for tax purposes I claim SINGLE since my spouse is a nonresident alien.

Also, i believe when claiming dependents theirs a portion in 1040 that ask you how many months in year 2007(filing year) that your dependent was with you. or how many months in 2007 that you were supporting your dependent. So i think it is not much of a difference in tax deduction.

So tell him file NOW and then make an AMENDMENTS later when you come to US, immediately after you received your SSN.

Here's an info about AMENDMENTS:

Amended Returns & Form 1040X

Question: What should I do if I made a mistake on my federal return that I have already filed?

Answer: It depends on the type of mistake that you made. Many mathematical errors are caught in the processing of the tax return itself. If you did not attach a required schedule the service will contact you and ask for the missing information.

If you did not report all your income or did not claim a credit, you are entitled to file an amended or corrected return using Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Include copies of any schedules that have been changed or any Form W-2 (PDF) you did not include. The Form 1040X (PDF) should be submitted after you receive your refund or by the due date of the return, whichever, is earlier. Generally, to claim a refund, the Form 1040X (PDF) must be received within three years after the date you filed your original return or within two years after the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.

Also, here's a link from IRS about Filing late and Paying Late http://www.irs.gov/b...=108326,00.html

And who knows he might also still qualify to receive an economic stimulus payment from IRS.
Jonah VDFemalePhilippines2008-11-23 05:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresinvalid marrige
Your situation is very bizarre, why would a Mayor send somebody else to perform a very important rite. (a wedding). sad.gif

I cant help you but I wish somebody will. Don’t worry, I know there’s a solution to your problem.

If you can not prove a 2nd legal marriage, can you just get married again or can you apply for different type of visa (a fiancé visa maybe)?

Again, I don’t know but I’m curious.

Maybe you can call the embassy or NVC and ask for an advice, because for all you know you are legally married.

Good Luck!
Jonah VDFemalePhilippines2008-11-22 15:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresenlighten me pls
QUOTE (ruby_jade @ Nov 21 2008, 08:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
ok im so confused on what to do... i just read the NVC shortcut and in my understanding i can email the DS3032 (CHOICE of AGENT) right away even if we dont have my NVC number yet??

how did you guys pay AOS fee online?/ can someone give me the link..

thanks


Hi Ruby, wait 'till NVC generates the DS3032 and AOS fee, it is important to have your NVC Case Number and IIN. Once generated, the beneficiary can email the DS3032 to NVC. In our case my husband emailed the DS3032 and i mailed to original (I asked my husband even before our case was transferred to NVC to sign all the forms that we need e.g. DS3032 and DS230 and mail it to me so i can send to NVC on time).

It's very hard now a days to get the IIN from the operator to pay for AOS fee. So since i wasnt able to get it, i waited for their letter and it didnt take so long for me to received it.

You will get a lot of information from our fellow VJs, keep on reading. Good Luck to all of us. smile.gif
Jonah VDFemalePhilippines2008-11-22 15:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUpgrade I-130
You should received a confirmation letter from USCIS that the petition was upgraded.

I suggest you send them another upgrade request. It shouldnt take that long to upgrade. The operator should have offered you a follow-up request.

Send them again a letter about the request to upgrade either by mail or fax.

Good luck!
Jonah VDFemalePhilippines2008-12-02 02:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresN-400 Application for Naturalization
If you are applying based on three years as a Lawful Permanent Resident married to a U.S. citizen, you may apply for naturalization up to 90 days before you meet the ''continuous residence'' requirement.

90 days before your 3rd year. That's what i did, mine is 90 days before my 5th year.

Good Luck! smile.gif
Jonah VDFemalePhilippines2008-12-04 02:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOctober I-130 approvals!!! Onward to NVC!!!
Ooh By the Way! Am I the very last one OCTOBERIAN. sad.gif
Jonah VDFemalePhilippines2008-12-11 17:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS Accepted my petition and now....?

Hi, congrats on your approval. Did you expedite your case? My application was sent June 29th and my priority date was July 5th. And Im still waiting for my NOA-2. I wonder why you were approved so quick? But anyhow, congrats!

I think the NVC will give you specific instructions once your case will reach to their office. But while waiting, you might want to take a look at this link. This might help you prepare the documents that may be needed thru your NVC process. Goodluck!

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

~Wishfull :)



Super fast! That's no fair..lol hahaha Anyways CONGRATS, you're so much closer than many others--could be totally worse. We've been waiting since 06/08/11. You're making good time, it'll all come through.
L&FMalePhilippines2011-09-04 05:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSkype calls extract

Hello my visajourney family, plz can anyone tell me how to extract skype calls? Need a simple way pleeeeeeaaaase. Thank u all in advance!!



Bring up the call log on your screen, then use the SNIPPING TOOL option & then save it to your photos. I did that for my call logs on my Yahoo!Messenger account because there was no option to simply printout the call logs, but I am not too sure about Skype though.
L&FMalePhilippines2011-09-02 17:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR-1/CR-1 VJ Timelines
Yup, CSC is going @ a terribly slow rate right now... Don't know what's their problem?! I've heard things like they met their "Quota for the year" already, "staffing", "priority cases", etc? Of course all could be assumptions or what not, because we all don't know what's really up inside the walls of the CSC but it just seems like they don't care--It's jacked up how they are messing with peoples' lives in this way.

Edited by L&F, 14 September 2011 - 10:48 PM.

L&FMalePhilippines2011-09-14 22:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow long did you wait to file for the IR-1/CR-1 after getting married?
I filed ours a little bit over a month after we got married in Manila.
L&FMalePhilippines2011-12-06 08:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCSC BACKED UP

My NOA1 is on 6/8/2011. Im almost 4 months waiting too.


We've got the same NOA1 date, ours was only touched once on 06/14/11 & nothing ever since. CSC is messing with peoples' lives & don't give a mess about it!!
L&FMalePhilippines2011-10-13 08:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCSC BACKED UP

I'm not sure why CSC is so backed up. I called over a week ago and was told that CSC was working on I-130s (CR1/IR1) were being processed from April submissions.

I received my NOA2 today.....YEAHHHHHH!!! I don't know how they work behind the scenes or in what order. I was very surprised to see the approval notification by email and on USCIS' website.

I wish for a speedy NOA2 for the rest of you that are anxiously waiting. May God continue to bless you all.


Who know what's really going on over!? But wow, big congrats to you--a little less than 2 months, nice! Ours is about to double that soon. :wacko: :blink: :crying:
L&FMalePhilippines2011-09-27 05:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCSC BACKED UP

I've seen that there's this CSC filer whose NOA-1 is June 22, who got approved last Sept 21. So maybe that backlogged thing is a case to case basis. There are still those who got approved within the 90-day range.



Dang, our NOA1 is 06/08/11...still nothing but let down hope & shattered expectation everyday since our 90-day mark.lol We're sick & tired of seeing that "INITIAL REVIEW" on the USCIS site! hahahaha
L&FMalePhilippines2011-09-26 07:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCSC BACKED UP
Dang, that's jack'd up...USCIS Employees there are just milking it or are they really understaffed at the moment--what the heck is going on over there?
L&FMalePhilippines2011-09-18 06:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is going on with July NOA1 at the CSC?

The process is just so not fair. Some got their NOA-2 in 5 days and some waited in vain for that approval. There had been a lot of August and September filers who have gotten their NOA-2 already. Yet, no approvals for July filers.


Our NOA1 dated 06/08/11 with only a single touch on 06/14/11, nothing ever since!? WHat the heck is going on over there!?!?!?
L&FMalePhilippines2011-10-13 08:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresbring my wife to the US

She had already gotten her NBI Clearance in Late Feb 2012, also she has the original marriage certificate from the NSO ( I have it as well ), she also has original birth certificate. All others should be a breeze to get =) . Would you know if she is able to take her "medical exam" now or does she need to wait until its been approved?

Also , would you know if she is considered an "immediate relative"?



Not sure if anyone replied to this yet, but when you turn in all the signed paperwork & supporting documents (such as NBI clearance & birth cert.), NVC prefers recent NBI clearance & birth certificate. So you might have to get updated ones when you get to the NVC submission. Still you've gotta wait for your NOA2 which takes the longest time. There are some who get theirs 3 months or less. Medical exam comes after the US Embassy in Manila receive your completed documents from the NVC & schedule the interview--usually about a month or less away from that time, so your wife must get all her medical exams payed for & done before the interview. Going back, the USEM desires everything to be up to date at the time of interview--anything over (6) months, it's gonna be scary & they will ask for an updated original documents (NBI, birth certificate, letter of employment, tax returns, W-2, etc.) You currently make atleast the required amount financially? This is what set us back, & had to wait for my W-2 & tax returns to send along in to the NVC--wasted like a months & 1/2 in time.

Make sure you have tons of relationship evidence like chats logs, phones bills, receipts & especially pictures(from all stages of your relationship, with family members)! It's going to be a journey indeed, so stay patient & persevere in love--always focusing on the goal of being together. This is a very challenging process & testing of both of your hearts. You've gone to the right place for help--keep asking alot of questions & input here. Best of luck to you both, hope your time isn't as long as ours! GODSPEED!!
L&FMalePhilippines2012-04-12 06:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarried in Philippines....
Nope, won't take (2) years. We got married in the Philippines for the same reason as you & also for a more nice wedding/ honeymoon.
Our process took about (10) months but it would of been sooner if only I made the required financial limit in 2010. So because of that our process got pushed back a bit due to waiting for my 2011 tax returns & W-2 showing I meet the financial requirement. Either have a sponsor or make sure you make enough, along with plenty of relationship/ marriage evidences & correct documents w/ no RFE. Then you guys should be together quicker than you think, still will be challenging though.
L&FMalePhilippines2012-04-16 20:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresstage of process
yes

I-864? Sending to NVC, yes?

*** moving to IR-1/CR-1 visa forum ***


marido06MaleMexico2011-06-13 16:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresstage of process
it is asking for details to be changed on the 864a
it says:
Supporting Documents missing or incomplete
[x] You as a household member have not provided proof of your relationship to the sponsor.
Part 1 Information on the Household Member
[x] {xxxxxxxx}'s income indicated on the I-864A Line 11 does not correspond to that shown on the
most recent tax return and W-2(s).
[J5J 06/11/2011]
and asked for individual i 864s for each of my family members which i was not aware of.




If they want more info you need to send more than just the I-864. They want supporting documents. What does the actual RFE ask for?


marido06MaleMexico2011-06-13 14:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresstage of process
I am confused about where i stand in my timeline. I have sent my I864 and they requested more info, so i am resending i864 again today. so where is my visa and point am I? how much longer does it take?
thank you so much
marido06MaleMexico2011-06-13 13:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThey Never received my affidative of support :(
i am going through almost the same scenario. my lawyer is going to scan and email the new forms tomorrow. it gets there immediately.
marido06MaleMexico2011-06-13 01:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFYI: Online AOS Fee Payment
thanks guys...you were right. i got through to NVC a few hours later and the lady gave me my invoice i.d. # without a problem. i guess i was naive to think that everyone at NVC would be straightforward with me.

i paid my AOS bill and i'm waiting on the i864 package.

thx again!

Edited by javesgirl, 20 August 2008 - 12:26 PM.

javesgirlFemaleJamaica2008-08-20 12:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFYI: Online AOS Fee Payment
some of you probably already know, but effective as of last week, NVC is no longer accepting online AOS fee payments. i received my AOS bill last week and i was trying to log in to make the payment today when i realized that i don't have the invoice identification number. so i called NVC to get the number, and the rep informed me that they're no longer giving that number out because there have been too many complications with online payments. so the only option is to mail in your payment. sigh. wacko.gif
javesgirlFemaleJamaica2008-08-18 12:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLetter From Employer When I'm a Contractor
i'm a contractor as well. i haven't received my i864 package yet, but i've started the process of getting my stuff together. i received a letter from my recruiter yesterday, but she felt it necessary to include my hourly rate as opposed to my annual salary. also, she noted that i am a contractor. do you think mention of these two facts will hurt our case?
javesgirlFemaleJamaica2008-08-20 12:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS: Letter of Employment for Contract Employees
QUOTE (canadian_wife @ Sep 10 2008, 08:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I don't think it matters hourly rate vs. salary because it all works out the same in the end. Don't you only need a co-sponsor if you make less than the required amount? If you are a contractor, can they list how long your current contract will last?


the problem is that you have to show three years' worth of tax returns (2007, 2006, 2005). i was in school for a large chunk of the past three years. and once i did graduate in 2005, it's not as if i got my "dream job" where i was making a substantial amount of money. i've only been earning a substantial income since the end of 2006.

i've been working my current contract position since jan. 2007 and my contract is probably going to end at the end of this year.

so, i'm just worried that because i've only had a solid work history since the end of 2006 and because i'm only a contractor, these factors may work against me and i may need a co-sponsor. based on all of this, what do u think?
javesgirlFemaleJamaica2008-09-10 10:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS: Letter of Employment for Contract Employees
i posted this question in another thread but haven't received a response, so i thought that maybe i'll have better luck if i start a new thread.

anyway, i'm a contractor. i haven't received my i864 package yet, but i've started the process of getting my stuff together. i requested a letter from my recruiter yesterday, but she felt it necessary to include my hourly rate as opposed to my annual salary. also, when describing my position, she noted that i am a contractor. do you think mention of these two facts will hurt our case? i.e., do you think that i'll likely have to have a co-sponsor?
javesgirlFemaleJamaica2008-09-10 10:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeed help on starting the I-130
thanks everyone!
VelvetyFemaleBrazil2012-10-03 13:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeed help on starting the I-130
Also, from what I know only the Rio US consulate does direct consulate filing. Can we just mail our paperwork there in order to do this without having to reside in Rio?
VelvetyFemaleBrazil2012-09-30 22:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeed help on starting the I-130
I'm a US CITIZEN married to my brazilian husband for less than a year and we are both living in the city of Recife, Brazil. We are getting ready to assemble the I-130 and we are feeling very overwhelmed.
First of all, the Recife US consulate does not qualify for direct consulate filing. The USCIS says to mail the package to an address in Chicago for those residing outside the US. My question is: the check for $420 that is to be mailed along with the package needs to be from an american bank or can it be from our brazilian bank? or would you recomend a money order?


2. If our application gets approved, how will we receive the NOA if we are living in Brazil? or any further notifications?

Sorry if we sound naive but we have no experience whatsoever in any legal process.
VelvetyFemaleBrazil2012-09-30 21:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBona Fide Marriag Proof
So if photo albums are a big no, then how will the photos be attached? loose? Also about joint bank accounts etc, do they have to be translated to english?
VelvetyFemaleBrazil2013-02-14 14:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWe are lost! CR-1 or K-3? HELP!

The CR-1 is filed first and once you receive your first Notice of Action (basically your notification that it was received) then you send the k3 paper for free. The k3 is meant to be faster but it has not been in recent years so it is essentially useless. If your CR1 and k3 get to NVC and/or the Embassy at same time then the k3 will be cancelled. The CR1 gives you automatic status in the states, but the k3 make you adjust status....more money. I have not seen any k3 approvals in a while, but I also have not really been looking.

Use your brazilian address since you live together in Brazil. It appears that those of us abroad are processed faster. My 130 was processed in 2 months at USCIS, but NVC and the consulate will be normal processing times. Many others are wait 5-7 month for USCIS processing.

Unless your husband has something difficult to overcome, such as an overstay, drug, or arrest problem then you should be good with this site and not need a lawyer. They often seem to slow the process. There is a bit of a learning curve, but if you have time and are organized you can do it with no problem.

Boa sorte!!!



Thank you! This helps a lot. Sounds like the CR-1 is less frustrating.
VelvetyFemaleBrazil2013-02-15 18:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWe are lost! CR-1 or K-3? HELP!
In the past year I have read inumerous posts regarding the CR-1 vs. K-3 and everyone seems to favor the CR-1. What I don't understand is, if the CR-1 seems more successful then why are people filing for the K-3? Am I missing something here? This has me confused. My husband (brazilian) and I (the US citizen) are ready to start our journey back to the USA. We are both living in Brazil. I will be traveling back home to the US for a month by myself and will be filing once I am there. If we start the CR-1 I will need to take the I-130 filled out along with everything else that is required. My question is, Do I need to mail to the Chicago p.o. box since I DO live outside the US? Is there anything else I should take note of? Has anyone out there filing the same thing and received professional legal advice? My mother insists we let an immigration lawyer take care of everything but is it even worth the investment? Another issue: When we got married, he took my last name. But all his paperwork (passport, birth certificate etc) obviously still has his original name. Is this going to be a problem?

Edited by Velvety, 14 February 2013 - 01:48 PM.

VelvetyFemaleBrazil2013-02-14 13:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFilling out the I-130 To leave Blank or N/A/?
Thanks everyone
VelvetyFemaleBrazil2013-03-03 09:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFilling out the I-130 To leave Blank or N/A/?
There are several sections in the I-130 Petition that doesn't apply to us like previous marriage or children etc. Do I leave those answers blank or do I put N/A? What about those that require a date and can only put numbers? leave blank? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks


VelvetyFemaleBrazil2013-03-02 13:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 petition questions

Oh! mine was Spousal Visa. I'm sorry if i misunderstood his case. I'm just saying how we filled up the I-130 section C.




I'm so sorry, made a mistake on posting and can't delete them. PLS IGNORE MY INPUTS! :(
REDQUEENFemale02012-10-28 09:34:00