ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 China I-129F Send in tomorrow
Hi Dan
A good place for info on Guangzhoc and the visa process for China is Candleforlove.com. Everyone at that site is in Chinese-American or Asian relationships and has some great info. Me and my wife were very lucky and we have one of the quickest timelines that they have seen. I was very lucky and everything seemed to fall into place. I also grew up in Rochester and Webster New York and moved to Maine in 1970. Good luck in your journey.

Jim :D
winger696969Not TellingChina2006-09-25 14:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresShould I hire a lawyer?
Unless you have extenuating circumstances do not waste your money on a lawyer. I did. I regret that I did. I am sure there are great lawyers out there, but my lawyer made our case worst. They (him and His assistant) filed my paperwork for the K32 months after receipt of our I130. It has a receipt date 2 days after our I130 approval. My husband would be here right now, had they sent it in on time. Now we are going the cr1 rt, which he will not be here until after April or later.

The people here know more then my law office. I found this place out of desperation to get more information regarding the process.
Mrs. JibowuFemaleNigeria2007-12-27 06:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA Question Regarding DS-3032 form
Yes, you can. Most people make the USC their agent. It's faster and less of a hassle when it comes to paying the fees.
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-01-29 13:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresvaccination /immunization

Hi,

the required vaccinations are listed on the homepage of the U.S. Department of state.

check this link: http://travel.state..../info_1331.html

mumps, measels, rubella, polio, tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, pertussis, influenza b, hep B, varicella, pneumococcal and influenza.

Well, Im from Germany and the influenza b, also called hib, is just available if you are a child.

best regards
Isabel


Isabel,

you won't need all of them because a bunch depend on the country of origin. I will post the required vacc's for Germany as soon as I get the paperwork from the consulate.

s
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-02-03 05:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYEAH! APPROVED!
Congratulations! :)
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-02-01 17:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about medical
I would like to hear any experiences from medicals. I've had a medical done the in US before which was so low-key (except for the 8 attempts to do a chest x-ray) that it isn't even worth mentioning.

But thinking about my future-medical in Germany, I'm stuck with some questions.
1.) I'm currently getting my vaccinations up to date; however, there are certain vaccinations that I don't need because I had the disease (measles, mumps, pertussis, etc.). Is it enough if I have a slip of paper from my doctor stating that I have natural immunization or do I need a tither-test?

2.) I'm thinking of taking the medical at the consulate because the next approved physician is 3 hours away from here but I don't want to have to wait longer for the visa because of missing medical results. Now, I could easily take the blood test here since my insurance would pay for it. In the US, that was a possibility and it saved me a chunk of money on the medical. Since I know they're testing for HIV/AIDS and Syphillis in the blood test, can I go ahead and do the test?

3.) The urin sample: Last time, they tested for diabetes and other metabolism-related diseases. Do they also test for that outside the US? And if so, why? Again, if possible I would like to take the test beforehand and take the lab results with me to the medical, so that I get my visa asap after the interview.

4.) After the botched x-ray, I'm not really eligible for any more x-rays for a while. What to do?

Any insights are welcome.
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-02-03 08:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence necessary?

s,

Sure it's the most common evidence that people submit - but most people are in a different situation than you are! You've got to prove your situation, not someone else's.

Yodrak


Yodrak,

you're right about that, and I do appreciate that you remind me of the fact that there is more than one way of proving a bona fide marriage to a CO. As I mentioned, I did not yet spend enought time thinking about it, so I think that is great advice.

I still have over a month (or more) before the interview, so I've asked my husband to mail some evidence to me. In addition to wedding picture, we do have pictures from other occasions which we will use as well. We also have a current lease together and there's also a copy of a previous rental contract. My husband will see if the bank can write a statement that I have added him to my bank account a few years back. We'll just have to see what the CO thinks about the evidence and if it is not sufficient (which I doubt) then we need to find more.

s
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-02-02 05:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence necessary?

Fischkoepfin,

Why would you think that you don't need to prove a bona fide marriage? That's one of the primary requirements for the particular visa that your spouse is seeking.

You say that "We've been living together since 2001 and we started going out in 1999". I could say the same thing. But in my case it would be an outright lie.

Whatever your situation, it needs to be supported by appropriate evidence. The USA has been burned before - and burned badly - by visa applicants who turned out to be not quite what they said they were.

Recognize that evidence appropriate for your situation may be quite different from evidence appropriate for people who live apart in 2 different countries. Of course you won't have phone bills and e-mails like those folks do. Why are you even thinking in those terms?

Yodrak


Yodrak,

I have no idea why this hasn't occurred to me before; I guess I was too busy moving back to Germany and figuring in the ins-an-out of the visa process. The interview was beyond my view. Otherwise, I would have taken the necessary evidence with me.

Last week (9 months after I left the US), I was reading through the forums and suddenly realized that I had somehow forgot about the interview, hence the post. I just wanted to be certain that my new insight was accurate because it is much more difficult to find your evidence when all your belongings are some 6000 km from you.

I do understand why the requirement exists, and I am in the process of collecting the necessary evidence. It does exist; after, all the dates are in my case true. And I also know that just email and phone bills from the last 9 months won't cut it for us because that would not support the long relationship. I mentioned the existence primarily because that seemed to be the most common evidence people provided at their interview.

s
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-02-01 17:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence necessary?
I'm confused about the requirements for the interview. For some reason, I was under the impression that I did not need to bring evidence to prove that my marriage is a bona fide marriage, so I didn't bring anything with me to Germany.

It's not like we don't have evidence. We've been living together since 2001 and we started going out in 1999, which is probably why it never occurred to me that anyone would doubt our relationship. We rent an appartment together, my husband shares my US-bank account, and so on. But because we talk every day over an international flatrate, there is no evidence of our daily phone conversation. We also exchange emails, but they are mostly for fun.

So, should I try and collect some evidence (even though most of it is somewhere among my things in the US)? If so, what type of evidence would be best? Or does it not matter that much?

Edited by Fischkoepfin, 31 January 2006 - 07:38 AM.

FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-01-31 07:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures2 more questions

1. Do I fill out a DS230 or just my husband, the beneficiary?

2. If our interview is after April 15, will they expect us to redo our I864 and add our 2005 taxes?

Thanks :)


1. Only your husband fills out the DS-230.

2. I think they will. The cut-off point is somewhere around April 1.
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-02-12 10:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOpinions on whether a lawyer can help with this
I'm not a lawyer but here's what I think: Since your wife has left the country, you need to withdraw the petition. You have filed for Adjustment of status due to a family petition, but now that is not a possibility anymore and the infromation on your immigrant petition is thus wrong. Your petition is most likely not being processed because USCIS is waiting for clearance on the J1-requirement. A lawyer will not be able to change that nor will a congressmen because the error is on the original petition.

So, what I would do is call USCIS and ask them what you have to do to withdraw the petition. Once that is taken care of file another petition and send it to the appropriate service center (Missouri only approved petitions send for relatives in the US). Make sure to check the box on top that asks you whether or not you're filing for an immigrant visa. Attach an explanation concerning the J1 and mention that your wife is in her home country to fulfifll the requirement but that you decided to file now because so that she can return as soon as her time is up.

One last word, your wife should not have left the country but filed for a J1-waiver if she were eligible to receive one. You might consider having her file for a waiver at the appropriate consulate in her home country asap because it will speed things up if she receives it and it would allow you to possibly file for a K3; at the very least, it would make the whole process faster. PM me if you need info on J1 waivers.
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-02-26 19:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow long to wait of 1 1-30 petition approval

Thats the prob with double posts asking same question. The OP already has a WAC receipt number.....just hasnt received the hard copy.

Oops. Didn't see the other post until now. So forget what I said...
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-03-09 07:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow long to wait of 1 1-30 petition approval


Your NOA1 should have been processed by California which is where the petitions from US-citizens are forwarded to. To find out how far they have gotten, check out CSC processing times (follow the link above).
If your NOA1 came from Nebraska, I'd give them a call to find out what's going on.
Good luck.

CSC are only up to processing with receipt dates of September 02 for I-130's so calling them is fruitless and a waste of time at this stage.

I suggested calling if his/her petition has not been received by CSC. S/He seems to be under the impression that the NOA1 comes from Nebraska, which does not process petitions from citizens and forwards petitions from USC to CSC which sends NOA1.
If s/he is a citizen and his NOA1 is from Nebraska then s/he needs to call to make sure it is send to CSC.
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-03-09 05:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow long to wait of 1 1-30 petition approval
Your NOA1 should have been processed by California which is where the petitions from US-citizens are forwarded to. To find out how far they have gotten, check out CSC processing times (follow the link above).
If your NOA1 came from Nebraska, I'd give them a call to find out what's going on.
Good luck.
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-03-09 04:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot the appoinment letter
Congrats on getting your interview date! And the best of luck! :)
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-03-12 11:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWe are APPROVED!!!!!! VISA IN HAND!!!!!
Congratulations on finally being done! :)
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-03-12 11:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGI bill full-time student
He can still file for 2004 because he doesn't owe anything. While it is recommeded to file taxes every year, the IRS doesn't mind if you file late or not at all if they owe you money.
I'd check the IRS-website to find out how to file (www.irs.gov), but from filling out the I-864 I remember that it said that you can also just attach an explanation why you didn't file or have to file in any given year. If it's not in the instructions included check the USCIS website or the state department website which offers a concise explanation on what to do for the I-864.
Hope this help.
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-03-09 04:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting to get annoyed AGAIN
Keep calling them. We had to sent in a birth certificate two times after RFE because they kept losing it; we only found out because we finally called them again after the phone message didn't change for 5 weeks.

I hope you're more successful and wish you the best of luck!
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-03-21 12:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswaiting
Don't worry about it, yet. They'll get to your petition eventually. :yes:
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-03-22 04:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGOT IT!!!
Awesome! All the best to you! :thumbs:
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-03-22 04:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview questions

Claudeth's Aunt went to the local police station for her and they issued it while she was there.


Thanks, Jim. I wish it were that easy, but in Germany there's a central database to which request can only be mailed from a certain office in each town. I guess some Germans adore bureaucracy. ;)
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-03-25 15:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview questions
Thanks everyone. I called the consulate today and they that it's no problem if something is missing. I'd just have to send it in when I get it.

They also said I did not have to pay again if my husband paid the NVC which does not send the file on to teh consulate unless it's paid. I have to see if he can mail the receipt to me in less that 5 days, but I guess I could even send that in later.

Basicallly, they send a standard checklist for everyone and then it's pick and choose depending on the case. If they just said so in their letter... ;)
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-03-24 10:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview questions
I just heard from the consulate in Frankfurt that they assigned my interview date on March 31, which leaves me about 7 days to collect the necessary documents.

That is very difficult given that it takes some time to get a police certificate. Does anyone know what would happen if I went to the interview without all required documents? The letter they sent states that that would be grounds for visa denial. Ist that true or is there a way to submit any missing information after the interview?

They also want me to pay again for the visa even though we've already paid for it per IV-bill at the NVC. Do I need to prove that or should that be in the file?
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-03-23 15:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGoing to school


You're in a tough position because his visa expired without you filing for AOS and because he entered the country on VWP with the intention to overstay (even if he didn't intend it, it will be hard to convince USCIS). You might want to consult with a lawyer on how to proceed.

Where did it state that he entered with the intention to overstay?

Even with the overstay it will be overlooked because of marriage to USC...and providing one is otherwise eligible, one can apply to adjust status. I agree though that considering the OP appears to of not filed correctly, that they should consult a lawyer.


It didn't say that; you're right. But from what I understand, USCIS will be hard to convince that there wasn't immigration intent. And that's all I wanted to point out...

As to not filing correctly, that shouldn't matter since it is possible to AOS separately and NVC will ask you whether you want to AOS in the US once they receive I-130 anyway. It's more complicated, but not as much of a problem as the overstay on VWP.
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-03-26 06:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGoing to school
You're in a tough position because his visa expired without you filing for AOS and because he entered the country on VWP with the intention to overstay (even if he didn't intend it, it will be hard to convince USCIS). You might want to consult with a lawyer on how to proceed.

Forget about schools. First of all, no school will accept international students who are not legally in the country or entered on VWP because it will cause the school problems. Second, even if you found a school, you'd be hard-pressed to find one that would enroll students right now.

You can either let him go back to England and then do a K3 (file I-129f), or you need to file I-485 as soon as possible, ideally within the next few days, and hope that they'll agree to adjust status. That way there's a chance he could enroll by next fall if you're lucky.
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-03-26 04:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI 130 approved!!!!
Cool! Looks like they're picking up speed again. Congrats and all the best for the rest of this process! :thumbs:
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-03-23 03:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHave my Interview Schedule already!!!!
I'm so sorry to hear this, mrs.mnez. Hugs.

I hope the consul's review will be a speedy one and you'll see your husband soon. (F)
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-03-28 12:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864
I agree with karo112. Look for a co-sponsor just in case the consular officer is of the picky kind. Theoretically, it should be enough if you make enough money now, but then you don't really meet the requirement during the last year, which is the important one.

If you absolutely don't know any possible co-sponsor, just see if the CO accepts your income and if not, try again next year when you'll definitely meet the requirement.
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-04-04 05:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-3032 (Choice of Agent-form)

hey rmhurd,

i have a question.. our k3 was approved on 2/28 and the case still hasnt reached the nvc yet from immigration.
our i-130 was approved on 3/30 and today is 4/8. that hasnt reached the nvc yet either...


im just trying to find out if it make s a difference as to which service center, which is the benficiary's country and/or when the approval date was has an effect on when do they issue a case #.

any clue?

It takes 3-4 weeks for the NVC to receive your case and assign a case number, regardless of service center. If they still haven't received your K3-petition, I would call USCIS and see what's wrong (even though you might want to talk to an NVC-operator first). Your I-130 should be arriving at NVC in the next few weeks.
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-04-08 09:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresneed help
They'll ask him a bunch of questions to find out if your marriage is for real or just for immigration purposes. So make sure he's prepared to provide evidence that you've lived together, and anything else that can proof your sincerity (photos, letters, emails, phone bills, etc.). If you have a joint account, proof of that helps as well; if you were granted residence in Estonia, that could also serve as proof.

They'll also go over your financial support statement with him and ask him some questions on that, like what's your wife's job? How long has she been working for X, etc? If you have a co-sponsor, they'll ask the same questions about the co-sponsor (name, job, where do they live).

Most likely there will be a question as to how you two met, why you plan to live in the US, why you left Estonia, and things that your husband should know. They could also ask him what he plans to do in the US, jobwise.

Finally, he will have to take an oath that all information on DS-230, II is correct. If he marked yes on any of the items, there will be questions concerning those as well.

The interview is not as bad, and assuming you have your documents in order and there are no obvious problems it will all be fine. The fact that you've already lived together for four years will probably count in your favor even though they could expect proof (see above). I've had my interview last week and it went ok (I think; I'm still waiting for my visa). Good luck. :)
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-04-07 07:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWe got approval email last night!
Congrats to you, too (just congratulated your husband on the other thread)! Seems like they're picking up speed on the I-130s again. Good luck for the rest of your journey.
:thumbs:
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-04-08 06:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWow, that was fast!
Awesome news! Congratulations! :thumbs:
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-04-08 18:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresemail add and phone number to call
All the info you're looking for is on the embassy-page for the Philippines. Hope this helps. Good luck! :thumbs:
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-04-09 18:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresds230 question 14
Yes, question fourteen asks for the maiden name of your spouse. So you're right.
Good luck!
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-04-09 16:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 before DS-230 right??
Both forms are unrelated. You get the I-864 after paying the AOS-fee bill and the DS-230 after paying the IV-fee bill. I would send them back separately.

The DS-230 comes with a cover sheet that includes a bar code. You can do the cover sheet yourself using James' shortcuts (scroll down to post #5). Just make sure to send it after the NVC has send out your DS-230/IV-bill.

Good luck!
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-04-10 05:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNo DS-230, they rec'd march 17th

I think the NVC is doing something strange... they sent me what seems to be an RFE for the DS-230. I got it in the mail this morning. But the weird thing is that they have not even sent me the DS-230 form yet. I was able to talk to an operator and he said that my DS-230 was mailed out last week and they usually send out this letter after. He thinks it's a mix up with the postal service.
Anyway... JoelandAnalyn, I agree with the other posters - just give them a call.

No, that is actually a normal occurence if you've already submitted the I-864. It means they have finished the review of the AOS and are only lacking the DS-230 to complete your case. Since the forms are on 2 separate tracks, they have no clue if you've already received it or not.

Good luck.
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-04-10 12:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNo DS-230, they rec'd march 17th
I'm not quite sure what your question is, but if you're wondering whether you should have received the DS 230 mailed Mar 17 from NVC by now, the answer would be yes. If you haven't received it, call them and talk to an operator. They can and will resend it.

If this is not the answer to your question maybe you could explain what the problem is??
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-04-10 05:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresprocessing time guideline
Sorry to hear they're slowing down. But to really help you it would be good if you :time:

As to whether K3 is faster than CR1 - it depends. If you sent your K3 now, it might not be approved before your CR1 (depending on when you sent that). Also, with the CR1, you husband doesn't have to adjust status in the US and can work immediately.

Both visa types have advantages and disadvantages. Good luck!
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-04-11 03:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresk3 and 130 approved, 3wks after interview still no visa
I would call the embassy to see what's up.

As to your question concerning the I-864, if your case has been completed at the NVC and forwarded to the embassy, your husband has already send in the I-864. If your case is still at the NVC and your husband received the AOS-bill, then he will have to send the I-864 to the NVC in order for your case to be completed. The I-134 has different requirements and doesn't count for CR1.

Your medical should still be valid though.

Finally, I don't know what you mean with hassles but if your I-130 has already reached the embassy, then go for the CR1-visa if you have the choice. It's less of a hassle once you're in the US because you will automatically get a greencard.
It would be helpful to :time:
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-04-11 09:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR1 not K3



What if i go to the Interview for K3 and dont travel?? I know there is an expiry on the K3 and would it affect my CR1 application?

I don't think so. The K3 expires in 2 years. If you don't activate it, there shouldn't be a problem because it is finally up to you. And if you activate it, there shouldn't be a problem either; otherwise other people couldn't go back for their CR1-interviews after entering on K3.

Your CR1-application will be continue to be processed regardless of your decision. However, if you decide to continue with CR1 you can't change your mind later that easily, meaning it will be more difficult if not impossible to adjust status in the US should you enter on K3 and decide to stay.

have you been married over 2 years? IR1 is for those married over 2 years. if that is the case why not hold out for the Ir1? is the 5 year green card. that would mean she would not have to remove condtions as with the CR1. she whould not have to AOS as with the K-3.
K-3 is totally like starting over.
IR1 is the best way to go. whats a few extra months?

You don't have to AOS when entering on K3, but can continue the CR1-route. It requires extra travel, but you can stay with your spouse while your file moves to the consulate.

As to the IR1-greencard, it's for 10 years rather than 5. If you AOS on K3 and are married for more than 2 years, you also get a 10-years GC.
CR1 is for two years and requires a removal of conditions just like AOS.


are you sure IR1 is for 10 years?

Almost certain. IR-1 visa holders are lawful permanent residents, which have a ten-year green card. I read around some and I didn't find any different information.
FischkoepfinFemaleGermany2006-04-11 17:45:00