ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat should I do
QUOTE (Senegal @ Jul 28 2009, 06:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Also what is "stokes"?


I think you're referring to a Stokes interview, which usually only occurs at the adjustment of status stage (from K-1/K-3 visas). I've never heard of it happening at the embassy level. It's when the husband and wife are put in separate rooms and questioned individually to see if the answers match up.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-29 12:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMay I ask you guys
Hmm... I don't think you need to send the divorce certificate. NVC processing is about you, the beneficiary. It's not listed anywhere in the NVC requirements here either: http://travel.state..../info_3195.html

I'd also be wary of sending it if that's the only original copy you've got. You should definitely have one for the interview and who knows what NVC will do with it (especially if they decide they don't need it).
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-29 12:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Ready to Send NVC Packet!!!!!!!!!!
Yes yes transcripts are not only acceptable, they are preferred. The less they have to sift through the better.

Also, there is no barcode you need to produce for the IV or AOS packages. As long as you've got the cover letter you're all set. The barcode instructions in the LingChe shortcuts are for the DS-3032.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-28 23:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Ready to Send NVC Packet!!!!!!!!!!
Does NVC have your email addresses?

If not then you'll never get anything from them. Even if they do have your email addresses it takes them days to send anything.

So yeah, definitely don't wait around for any mail from them- just use the forms from the NVC website.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-28 22:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Ready to Send NVC Packet!!!!!!!!!!
[quote name='enraptured' date='Jul 28 2009, 10:44 PM' post='3161252']
Well, I mean like Tuition Reimbursement and some other misc. stuff...I see a Combined Tax Statement for 2007 from Bank of America, a doc. from the NJ Dept. of Labor Unemployment Insurance (??), and two forms that say "Continued Claim for Disability During Unemployment Benefits"....for my sis-in-law. Do I really need to send in all this stuff too? They claim that it goes with their tax return, so I'm not 100%...and I have this feeling that NVC is really nitpicky and will find any reason to butcher my case, so I just want to be extra careful in regards to what I send....

Interesting... I don't know much about taxes beyond the basic filings so I'm not sure what all of that is. You were right to say misc. papers then! In that case I'd say yes, more is better. Not sure how the unemployment for your sister in law would come in to play. I know that even when a joint sponsor has filed a joint return with a spouse it's only the income of the joint sponsor that counts, so I'm not sure you'd need her paperwork. Maybe someone else will have some more ideas...

ok here's the thing though. I already paid for the IV bill, and the cover bill has already been generated and sent to me. I did not, however, get any forms from NVC yet. Maybe I should call them back to ask about that? The operator I spoke to today did say they are waiting on the I-864 AND the DS-230 forms...so I am sort of stuck on that..well, I guess best to call. But I will follow your advice and send the packets separately. Better be safe than sorry. My main issue is the AOS packet though...just missing these damn W-2 forms...

Oh well if you've already got the cover letter for the IV package then you can certainly send them in together. If you think you'll be waiting on what you need for the AOS though you could send in the IV package now just to get them moving on that. RFEs are usually issued for that rather than the AOS so it's probably a good idea to let them get started on that ASAP. I can't think of anyone who's sent in the IV package before the AOS but I can't imagine it'd be a problem at all.

Sounds good...thanks a mil....I had a huge stack of emails and my itinerary tickets and what not together, as well as over 60 pics of us together and one with my mom, 2 with my sis, and about 6-7 with our wedding guests....guess that's enough right? Don't want to piss them off with bombarding them with snapshots but whatever...

More is always better, especially when it comes to MENA cases. Those photos with family members get an A+ too so good work on that. You won't be bombarding them. Just have them available at the interview and if they ask you can offer them, starting with those most important ones first.



THANK YOU, you don't know how much your advice means to me. Thanks to the both of you for replying.

smile.gif
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-28 22:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Ready to Send NVC Packet!!!!!!!!!!
I'm not sure what you mean by misc. tax forms but NVC is pretty clear about what they need. They want the return and the W-2 for each year (if you are submitting for more than one year). Do you have the W-2 for 2006? Are these misc. forms the actual returns for 2007? And yes you will absolutely 100% need the W-2 for 2008. Without it the return means nothing. I could fill in the form and claim I made $900 million dollars. It's the W-2 that backs it all up. If you aren't able to provide a return and a W-2 for all three years for your joint sponsor then you need to order transcripts for him.

The paystubs and letter from your brother's employer are great, but do you have those from your own job?

No need to worry about being under the poverty line for 2006. It's what's happening now that matters. That's why it's important to show proof of your current income, not just what was on the 2008 return. You say "now defunct job" so I'm guessing you're no longer employed and that's why you can't include your own income. Fair enough.

You absolutely should not submit the IV package with the AOS package. It sounds like your DS-3032 has not been accepted yet so the DS-230 has not been generated yet. You cannot send anything to NVC until they ask for it. Read the LingChe shortcuts again more carefully please. If you want to hold off on sending your AOS package, that's fine. Once the DS-230 has been generated and the fee shows as paid on the website then you can feel free to mail them in together. If you're able to it's best to send the AOS package ASAP though. They could be processing it while you wait for the DS-3032 to be accepted. This is especially important if you consider that you may get an RFE for the AOS, in which case you'll want to be on top of that sooner rather than later so that you don't delay the completion of your case.

You don't mention the original birth certificate of the beneficiary. Make sure you send that as well. Come to think of it, you also need to show proof of citizenship (or permanent residency) for your joint sponsor. Do you have a copy of his birth certificate or unexpired passport?

And you do not send any proof of relationship in to NVC. Save it all for the embassy. And save all that organization for the interview as well. Just make a cover letter for each package and stick a binder clip around all of them. They're just going to take everything out of the binder when they go through it all and send it to the embassy later, so don't waste your postage.

I think that was it...
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-28 20:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPut on AP over Police Certificate (Which was turned in!)
Sounds like they're not missing the police certificate, they're missing information pertaining to what is on the police certificate, which is why they're contacting authorities in Panama. Was the police certificate clear or was there a record of something?
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-30 08:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo they tell u if your Aos is aproved are not?
You need to call and speak to an operator to find out when they've finished reviewing it.

Also, keep in mind that just because NVC accepts the affidavit of support it doesn't mean the embassy will. NVC is just confirming that you have all the documents and they'll let you know if you need to provide anything basic, but it's up to the interviewing officer to decide whether you've provided enough proof or if a cosponsor is acceptable, etc.

Edited by imaisha, 31 July 2009 - 08:00 AM.

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-31 08:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresForm G325A help
QUOTE (arif74 @ Jul 31 2009, 05:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i am still confuse that do i need to mention all address where i lived??


Yes.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-31 16:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurese-mailing DS-3032 sux!
QUOTE (mikey78 @ Jun 30 2009, 07:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi,

For all those that consider whether to email or snail mail their DS3032, I have some NVC processing timelines...I guess just to verify what has already been discussed. It takes NVC no less than 8-9 days just to open an email sent to NVCinquiry so that's about the time you will have to wait for your DS3032 to show up in the system. The times when it was quicker to email the form are over!

whistling.gif still waiting for my ds3032 to be accepted...


I agree completely! I emailed and sent a hard copy and a week after they generated my IV fee bill I got an email response to my emailed version saying they had already accepted the hardcopy and the agent was on record. No kidding! I still think it's worthwhile to send both just in case they decide to check emails, but it seems like they aren't able to keep up with the volume now that they're relying on email more.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-30 20:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAny Idea guys ?
Call and ask.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-27 15:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS3032 BY EMAIL?
QUOTE (savina @ Aug 3 2009, 01:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
2)I understand they will send teh forms and teh instructions in an attachment the same they send by mail right?

I don't know of anyone who has received instructions in the mail recently so I can't say whether or not it's the same, but I do know that everything that you need to know will be in that email.

3)What do you mean by this sentence Imaisha-'Everything you send to them will have to be hard copies in the mail though as they need originals of many things'??????I dont need to mail 3032 again right?however i will mail DS230 coz that requires all the documents to be sent as well.

You do not need to mail the DS-3032. I meant only that in situations where originals are needed (such as the original signature on the I-864 or the original certificates for the IV package) you will need to physically mail them in to NVC. That means that your AOS and IV packages must be mailed.




imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-03 13:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS3032 BY EMAIL?
Everything they send to you will be in an email. You'll get emails for both the AOS and IV packages with the fee letters and instructions as an attachment. The AOS and IV fee payments will be done online and the fee letters they send you will give you instructions on how to do that.

Everything you send to them will have to be hard copies in the mail though as they need originals of many things.

If the I-864 had already been generated before you gave them your e-mail addresses then you should call NVC and ask an operator if they are able to email you a copy of the AOS fee letter. You'll need the invoice id number from that letter in order to log on to the payment website so it's important that you get a hold of it.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-03 12:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS3032 BY EMAIL?
If he is only in Alaska temporarily you should leave the address as his NJ address. Call NVC and give the operator both of your email addresses. They'll only contact you via email then. It's faster and you don't have to worry about address changes and mail forwarding and all that. I didn't receive a single piece of mail from NVC regarding my CR-1.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-03 11:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresReady to File I-130 !
Ok that should be alright then.

I sent everything USPS express mail.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-05 09:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresReady to File I-130 !
QUOTE (ChinaQuest52 @ Aug 4 2009, 06:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Also, does it make a difference if my beneficiary was my relative even before the marriage, should I mention that anywhere in the coversheet.


What do you mean by that?
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-05 09:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan I go K3 route and return to consulate for CR1
QUOTE (worried @ Aug 5 2009, 08:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Imaisha, wasnt that the route you opt for. please share ur experience


We decided to just go for the CR-1. We followed the K-3 up until interview scheduling but the London embassy was moving really slowly with it. We wound up getting a CR-1 interview date before London even considered making the K-3 appointment so we were very lucky in that sense.

We would've gone to the K-3 interview and tried to flip it to a CR-1. It was never our intention for him to leave the country with a K-3, well not once we learned about how much the K-3 was NOT what we wanted haha. It's important that he be work authorized as soon as he gets here as he's got a job lined up already and I definitely am not ready to deal with USCIS again so AOS wasn't looking like much fun. Even if we had gotten a K-3 date, it probably would've been just a little earlier than the CR-1 so it wouldn't really make sense for him to pay for a 2nd visa and come over then fly back so soon.

In your case, if you can afford to fly back for the CR-1 interview, definitely go for the K-3 and just come back in 7 months for the other interview. The embassy will not give you a hard time and you'll even have an easier time with the second interview for having the K-3 already, so it's a big plus.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-05 20:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan I go K3 route and return to consulate for CR1
Yes you can do that. I believe that was actually the original intention for the K-3.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-05 11:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSo question about I 864
I'm pretty sure they'd only send out the false RFE once they've finished reviewing the AOS package. If you call and ask an operator they'll let you know if they're done with it and onto the IV package, which they probably are. Very close now!

Edited by imaisha, 07 August 2009 - 01:18 PM.

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-07 13:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 /I129F approved--want to go quickest route to get SO here!!
Definitely won't hurt anything. Good luck!
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-10 12:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 /I129F approved--want to go quickest route to get SO here!!
If cost is no issue then you should pursue both. Though your "additional processing" for the K-3 will likely be very short, London has been extremely slow lately in issuing interview dates. I was through NVC and had a CR-1 interview date set before they opened my packet 3 for the K-3.

If you can afford it, I'd suggest pushing onward with NVC for the CR/IR-1. Even if the K-3 resolves itself and London gets moving and gives you a K-3 date, you'll likely either have or be very close to having a CR-1 date by then. You can then decide if he should go ahead and get the K-3 visa, come to the U.S. then fly back just for the CR-1 interview. Your CR-1 date may be so close that it might be worth it to wait it out and get the CR-1 before he flies out. I wouldn't consider it a waste of the $470 if you go for the K-3 in the end as you'd be avoiding AOS.



imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-10 12:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescan IV bill be paid even if DS3032 is not accepted by NVC yet?
QUOTE (savina @ Aug 11 2009, 11:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hey imaisha I have a ques....can i download teh DS230 and fill it myself or I have to wait for the one NVC sends in teh mail?does that have a barcode????


You can download it on your own from here: http://travel.state....pdf/DS-0230.pdf

The form itself doesn't have a barcode. After your payment for the IV fee bill has been accepted they will post a barcoded cover letter on the payment site. You'll need to print that out and include it with the DS-230 package.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-11 11:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescan IV bill be paid even if DS3032 is not accepted by NVC yet?
No the IV bill cannot be paid until it is generated. It will not be generated until the DS-3032 has been accepted. Once it is available you will see it on the site where you paid the AOS fee bill. Until then just sit tight. You can download and fill out the forms now though- you just can't mail them until the bills are marked as paid.

Edited by imaisha, 10 August 2009 - 11:49 AM.

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-10 11:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan i send 3032 even if it has been generated?
First, turn off the caps lock please. It's not going to make anyone respond any quicker.

Second, yes if the DS-3032 has been generated you can email it. Make sure to call and give the operator both of your email addresses first though. Some think that they won't accept the mail unless they have your address on file.

And third, the I-864 is not generated the way the DS-3032 + fee bills are. As soon as the fee bill shows as "paid" on the website you can mail it in.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-06 11:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 - marriage certificate / assuming last name??? Help please
If you fill out the forms using your maiden name you will get a green card with your maiden name on it. If you decide to take your husband's name this will be costly to fix (you'll need to order a new card). If you're planning on changing your passport, etc. it's best to file using the married name now.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-02 13:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS230 Answering Question 42 Correctly..
QUOTE (impblaze @ Aug 12 2009, 02:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How am I to present this on Question 42 of the DS230?? Should I submit the sworn testament given at the time of voluntary departure?


That'd be a great thing to include. And if you think they need a more complete picture you should include a letter (from her, as she's the one applying) detailing the circumstances further.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 13:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTravel on Tourist Visa During CR1 Process
Just a few corrections so that others reading this later don't freak out:

QUOTE (FinnLove @ Aug 12 2009, 12:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've read elsewhere on the board that they can try, but can be banned (probably not the right word but I'm tired) from the US for ten years. Maybe I have that wrong?

Yes, very wrong. You'd just be turned around and put on the next plane back. A ten year ban is usually reserved as punishment for an extended overstay of a visa/the VWP.

But anyway, just assume that ICE looks at all of us as marriage fraud, and it's up to us to prove there's no fraud.

In this situation it's not marriage fraud that they're looking for. The officer at immigration control is not accusing you of entering into marriage on false pretenses. It's the assumption that you are entering with the intention of immigration that they're making.


imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 11:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescr-1
QUOTE (gravitate @ Aug 12 2009, 01:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello everyone; I would like to know if me and my wife would be getting a separate interview on a CR-1 VISA, or would she only be the one having an interview?


Only the intending immigrant will be interviewed. On very, very rare occasions the embassy may ask to speak to the spouse, but it's very rare.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 12:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS after CR1 filed and NOA1 received
So the last time she entered, she was not married but now she is?

She'll have to bring a lot of proof along with her. She shouldn't announce that she's here visiting her husband out of the blue as it is a major red flag, but if she is asked she has to tell them. She cannot lie to an immigration officer ever. She should bring as much proof that she will return as possible. Leases, mortgages, car payments, job agreements, a letter from her boss, etc. Also the NOA1 from your petition and obviously a return ticket- and I wouldn't count on them giving her three months to stay. It's a big gamble.

You say "There is no danger we will overstay a visa or anything else to endanger her ability to immigrate here." But they always assume that there is.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-13 10:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS after CR1 filed and NOA1 received
She will be interviewed in Thailand unless she becomes a resident of another country before then. The U.S. does not count. It's not an option. When you get to the NVC stage you will give them both of your email addresses. They will send you everything you need to know via email, including the interview packet. If the embassy there sends out more information on their own that's another story, but someone in the regional forum would be able to let you know if that exists.

As for coming for another visit, that's entirely up to the immigration officer she gets that day. It's always a gamble. Were you married the last time she came in as a visitor?
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 09:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS after CR1 filed and NOA1 received
Maybe I'm misunderstanding something here but I'm pretty sure your wife is not eligible to adjust status. There is no way she'd be able to prove that she entered without immigrant intent if she's got a petition for an immigrant visa pending.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 07:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy I-1864 Paranoia Thread
QUOTE (trailmix @ Aug 13 2009, 01:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey you know, on questions 23 and 24 - these are not necessarily the same number for your brother. You said he has a wife and child. Question 24 asks for household income - that is how it is different - they want the income number for the entire household.


No, they want the income of anyone submitting an affidavit of support. It specifically asks for, "Income you are using from any other person who was counted in your household size." Since the sister in law is not submitting an I-864A and only the brother's income is being used, 23 and 24 should be the same. You could have ten people living in your household, but if those ten people have not promised to support the immigrant then they are of no interest to the government.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-13 18:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy I-1864 Paranoia Thread
He only needs to check off the citizen box.

Don't forget proof of his citizenship. And people often include recent paystubs. Maybe not 100% necessary for NVC but I'd definitely want to take them to the interview just in case.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 21:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy I-1864 Paranoia Thread
QUOTE (enraptured @ Aug 12 2009, 04:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Edit: I see what a stupid question that was. So Question 23 and Question 24 is the same thing too.


Haha be nicer to yourself! This can be scary, I know. But yeah they should be the same.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 15:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy I-1864 Paranoia Thread
I don't think there is sad.gif It's the same for the most part.

Assuming your brother was born in one of the 50 states, he's a citizen.

http://en.wikipedia....re_not_citizens
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 15:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy I-1864 Paranoia Thread
Thanks! And good luck with yours!
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 15:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy I-1864 Paranoia Thread
Oh dear that's a lot of questions. First of all, have you seen this: http://www.visajourn...-Form-I-864.pdf ?

Post #3: Put N/A

Post #5: Correct.

Post #6: The 1040 A is fine- use line 21, Adjusted Gross Income.

Post #7: Q. 23 They want your current income (what you earn from whatever you listed in Q. 22), not your income from 2008. If you are not working this is 0. Q. 24 This is information about anyone else in your household who will be filing an I-864A and combining their income with yours to meet the income requirements. If there is no one else in your household the answer to Q. 24 will be the same as for Q. 23

Post #9: If only your brother is the co-sponsor then you only need proof of citizenship from your brother.

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-12 12:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLong form birth certificate
You can read more about the documents you'll need to gather here: http://travel.state....ocity_3531.html

If you scroll down it will show you examples of the birth certificate you need. I wouldn't recommend getting your police certificate right now as they expire and you can't be sure how long you'll spend at USCIS. You should wait a few months on that. Also it's the marriage certificate you need, not the license. A marriage license simply says you are allowed to marry, the certificate shows that you actually did.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-18 15:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresiv fee bill paid without recieving a fee letter
You're alright. I payed mine before I got the fee letter as well. In fact I don't think I ever got it...

Just wait for the status to change to paid, print out that barcoded cover letter and mail it all in.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-18 19:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow would you know if your file is in the USEM already???
QUOTE (happypuppy @ Aug 17 2009, 11:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I need to reschedule my hubby's interview schedule


imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-08-18 08:29:00