ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresReason for petition to interview time difference?
QUOTE (AngelnSteve @ Jul 2 2009, 02:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just tried AVR and was told no record of it yet smile.gif


Did you try the I-130 case number or the I-129f case number? The 129f never loads into the AVR.

I guuuuess it's possible it hasn't gotten there yet. I'm always jumping the gun, even when it's other people's cases apparently!
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-02 13:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresReason for petition to interview time difference?
http://www.visajourn...OS_Package.29_:

Basically you'll need tax transcripts OR full tax returns plus W-2s, 1040, etc to accompany the I-864. Also some sort of proof of current income is recommended (pay stubs, employment letter, etc.). And if you're having a joint sponsor you'll need the same from them.

Also, have you checked with the AVR at NVC to see if you've got a case number yet? It's been a week since your NOA2 so they might have it by now.

Edit: Whoops just reread your question. The beneficiary does not need to provide any tax info. The petitioner fills out the support documents, so it's their taxes you need.

Edited by imaisha, 02 July 2009 - 01:07 PM.

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-02 13:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresReason for petition to interview time difference?
I too was totally scared off by those numbers but I've found that they are completely incorrect. Part of it has to do with the fact that those timeframes measure two different things, and part is also that it's outdated and there aren't enough K3s to really give a good idea. Let me try and explain.

The timeframe for the K3 measures only the time that the embassy has the case in its hands. The numbers for the CR1 count everything after the NOA2. To be fair they should really both be measured as time from the NOA2, but they're not.

And I know that those timeline pages say it only reflects data for the last 365 days but I think that's incorrect. That CR-1 number is the same as it was when I joined VJ 8 months ago and things have picked up a lot since then now that most of us are using all the shortcuts.

The CR1 timeframe seems huge, I know. But it's not actually that long. Don't worry. From NOA2 to interview, mine will be exactly 90 days. There are quite a few of us about to go in for CR1 interviews and I think it's been a pretty comparable timeframe. Many others have done it in less than 90 days as well. Check out this thread: http://www.visajourn...p;#entry3081090 and look at the timelines there to get a better sense of how things are moving now.

These days, NVC can do everything via email, which cuts out a lot of time. Also make sure to review the LingChe shortcuts here: http://www.visajourn...he_NVC_ShortCut which will also save you a lot of time.

Bottom line is, don't be intimidated. As long as you are prepared for NVC you should get through it in a reasonable amount of time and you can expect to have an interview scheduled for the month after your case is completed. This varies based on the week that your case is completed- if it's done after the second week of the month expect it to be the month after that. For example my case was completed the third week of June and I have an interview in early August.

Oh and for comparison's sake, my K3 interview still hasn't been scheduled. My CR-1 case made it through NVC and got to the embassy before they scheduled the K3 interview, so the K3 will automatically be dismissed. The K3, in London at least, saves you no time at all. There are also loads of posts in the UK section about the embassy slacking on scheduling K1 interviews these days (which are scheduled the same way K3s are).

Sorry for the novel, just hope you choose the CR-1 (as long as you don't have reasons other than the timeline to choose K3).

Edited by imaisha, 02 July 2009 - 12:03 PM.

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-02 12:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWait Times
A little more information would help... your location, timeline, etc.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-02 23:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 Evidence of Relationship
Well you've already had the I-130 approved and NVC won't care about any of that. Though the London embassy usually never asks for proof of relationship it's always a good idea to bring it along to the interview just in case. That's about the only time you'll "need" it. I wouldn't bother saving it for removing conditions as that proof will mainly be concerned with your life together once you get to the U.S.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-03 13:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures2yr or 10 yr GC??
http://infopass.uscis.gov/
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-02 13:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK-1, K-3, IR-1/CR-1 ? ? ? Which one to choose?
I agree absolutely with the above posters about waiting to get married.

If however you do decide to go that route something else to consider is where the interview will be held. If you apply for a K-3 the interview will be in the country where the marriage took place (Dominican Republic). For the CR-1 the interview will be in her country of residence (Russia). The CR-1 is the better visa of the two for almost everyone as it costs less than the K-3 in the long run and she will be authorized to work upon entry with her green card.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-01 09:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow long until green card is received?
QUOTE (mrsemcee @ Jul 5 2009, 10:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
so hopefully i dont sound like a complete nut when i say this, but am i right in saying that i DONT need a sepeate form for employment auth. prior to going to the USA?

i mean, along the CR-1 process, i am applying for perm residency so all i need when i arrive is my stamp in my passport and to get my SSC and then my Green Card and i can work?

woo hoo!

good.gif


Correct! With the CR-1 once you have your SSN you are free to work. No green card needed actually- the I-551 stamp in your passport will do until you get the card in the mail.

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-05 21:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIV Packet Checklist
QUOTE (DouglasFiel @ Jul 5 2009, 11:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I don't see the original NBI certificate listed... You need the Original NBI Certificate included,,, as well,

Regards,


And the original birth certificate of the beneficiary and the original marriage certificate.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-05 10:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864: Need a little clarification
One year is mandatory. Three years is optional. If you believe that you can prove that you meet the requirements with just one year then by all means send only one year.

If the two years before that would help establish stability of income though it would be good to include those as well.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-06 08:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswaiting for the I-864 & DS-230 apps
It might be too late but you should call NVC and give them your email addresses. Maybe they'll still be able to email it to you. You could be waiting weeks for it to arrive in the mail...

Edited by imaisha, 06 July 2009 - 03:23 PM.

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-06 15:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase with adjudicator
In my case, 4 weeks.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-06 16:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhich Category am I??????
Did you send in an I-129f to USCIS, after the I-130? That's the first step for the K-3.
Did you go through NVC after USCIS or did your petition go right to the embassy?
If you submitted the I-864 to NVC and completed the processing there and received an interview date from NVC then you've gotten an IR-1. If you dealt only with the embassy then you've gotten a K-3.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-05 13:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to fill for IRS form 4506-T Item 6
You want a "return transcript."

Do at least try calling though- it's really not complicated and you'll have it in just a few days. Have documented proof of requesting it won't really help you with anything down the road.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-07 07:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresForm G325a help
QUOTE (txladykat @ Jul 7 2009, 08:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We filed DCF so don't know if it would be different, but our embassy required that all paperwork be submitted so the name matches the name on the passport. That seems to be easier anyway, so there is no confusion upon entering the US with having a name on the visa that differs from the passport. She can always change it when she arrives to the US. Although, then that requires more name changing when she gets here. If its easy to change to her married name now, I would do that, then all her US documents will be submitted automaticaly in her married name and she won't need to go through the steps of changing her name with the USCIC and SSA


If she knows she wants to change her name then it should be done before getting to the U.S, otherwise they'll have to pay for a whole new green card.

With CR/IR-1, the beneficiary does not show a passport until the NVC stage, so the name does not need to be changed in it until that point. The I-130 can be submitted with the married name if she's going to assume it now, but definitely at least make sure to use the married name by time you get to NVC.

Edited by imaisha, 07 July 2009 - 08:28 AM.

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-07 08:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat does "touched" mean?
It doesn't necessarily mean anything. It could mean that someone is looking at your case or it could just mean that it was moved somewhere, handed to someone else, looked at but only momentarily, etc.

You can tell if you've been touched by logging in to the case status portion of the USCIS website. If that date listed there for your petition has changed then your case has been touched.

Don't worry if you haven't been "touched" though. My case status hasn't been updated since it was first entered and I was approved months ago.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-07 16:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTravel while waiting on CR-1
He can try. My husband came in on the VWP twice with no problems at all, not even the blink of an eye. Others have had to show proof of ties to their home country and others have been turned right around. It's always a gamble but definitely make sure to have proof he's going to return.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-08 16:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp with G325a form
QUOTE (Think~Pink @ Jul 5 2009, 07:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ahhh thank you imaisha, that clears things up.

I already have my passport in my married name, so no worries there either...thanks again.
no doubt I will have a ton more stupid questions as the process continues.


Not stupid question at all! The married name one in particular comes up quite a bit as little things like that aren't in the guides. That's what we're here for!
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-05 19:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp with G325a form
QUOTE (Think~Pink @ Jul 5 2009, 05:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi All,

We got married in June this year and my husband has gone back over to the US to start my visa process, (he is American, I am in the UK).

We are currently going down the I130 route and I have to fill out the G325a form.
He has filled out the form on his part, but I just have a few questions regarding the way I fill it out:

Under family name, do I put my now married name?

If you plan on taking your husband's name then fill in your married name for family name and include your maiden name in the "other names used" box. If you are taking your husband's name though, you should plan on changing your name in your passport soon. You don't have to send in a copy of it to USCIS, but when you get to the NVC stage they will need to see a copy of the passport you will be bringing to the embassy for your interview. The name that is in the passport will be the name that is on your green card. If you receive a green card in your maiden name and choose to take your husband's name you'll have to pay (quite a bit of money) to get a new green card later. So... if you're going to do it, do it all the way!

What do I put under the Husband or Wife section? Is this asking if I am the wife and therefore I enter wife, or am I telling them who my husband is, so I enter husband?

Put in "husband" and include your husband's info.

..and again at the bottom..is my family name now my married name or do I use my maiden name?

Married- see above.

Lastly, since you can download the form in PDF format and fill it out digitally, do I have to print it off and sign it in ink, then mail it to my husband, or can I sign it digitally too?

Must be an original signature.

Thanks in advance and sorry if these are stupid questions, but we are just starting our journey smile.gif





imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-05 16:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPerson who received my DS-230 packet
Not sure about the Pete Conly business but I wouldn't worry about it too much. Even R. Austin needs a day off every now and then!
As for the Londonderry bit, it got there alright. DHL lists the name of the town nearest your destination with a DHL facility. When packages leave NVC to go to embassies you'll see that the origin is Londonderry.

Edited by imaisha, 08 July 2009 - 09:16 PM.

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-08 21:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNational visa center.
You can print off as many copies as you'd like. There's also an option for them to e-mail it to you instantly if you want that for some reason.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-09 08:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-3032 generated...
Have you given them your e-mail addresses yet? The AVR does take at least a day to update so if they've got your e-mail address you'll probably find out first when it pops up in your inbox.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-09 08:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWife took the medical early???
QUOTE (Justin143Wendy @ Jun 30 2009, 12:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Will she have to pay again? Im estimating our interview will be in September


How early is early? The medicals are valid for one year.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-30 11:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 question
Not required. The only birth certificate (copy of rather) that I sent in was my own (the petitioner). And no passport copies.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-10 14:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan my joint sponsor be my spouses relative in US?
QUOTE (MrsJibowu @ Jul 12 2009, 05:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We did get put on AP though for document verification and a home visit.


A home visit? I thought that was only in the movies.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-12 16:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFiling for IR-1. Getting a job
Assuming your fiance does not have an exceptional ability or is of national interest, no. H1B visas are filed for once a year, in April, for work starting in October. You should be well on your way or done with this process by then.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-10 14:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGreen card name....resume name....
QUOTE (Moosker @ Jul 9 2009, 05:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Guess what shows up in the mail yesterday? PR card! And guess what name is on it? My married name!!!!

If my SS card is in my maiden name...then it'll really be all messed up. Anyone else ever had this happen? tongue.gif


Changing your name on your SS card is much easier to change than your green card (and free!) so not a big deal if you've got to change it. Just a quick visit to the office with your marriage certificate and green card and you should have it in the mail in a few days.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-13 14:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAuthorization for Release of Federal Tax Data?
You're very welcome! And good luck to you too hehe...
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-13 15:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAuthorization for Release of Federal Tax Data?
Hehe I think a million bajillion dollars would be a fair salary- my boss not so much.

And a copy of the W-2 will be fine.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-13 15:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAuthorization for Release of Federal Tax Data?
A tax transcript is something that you order from the IRS. It's free and it lists the most important info line by line according to their records for that year.

A copy of the return would just be from your husband's records, like an actual photocopy of the form that he mailed in to the IRS. This version needs the W-2.

The reasoning is that anyone could make up any old tax return saying they've made a million bajillion dollars, but the W-2 shows the income that the employer reported, basically proving the income. So unless you've got the transcript that the IRS created (proving it was submitted) you've got to show more proof that you're not making up numbers willy nilly.


imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-13 15:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAuthorization for Release of Federal Tax Data?
Oh yep that's definitely an outdated version of James's shortcuts. A more recent version can be found here: http://www.visajourn...#39;s_Shortcuts , though the LingChe shortcuts cover basically all of the same info. You're still right on track, no worries!
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-13 14:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAuthorization for Release of Federal Tax Data?
Could you send us a link to where it was mentioned? You don't need it, I'm just curious about why they'd mention it. I think it must be outdated information.

If you are sending tax transcripts the W2s are not necessary. Only send the W2s if you are sending copies of the tax return itself.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-13 14:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNo longer want to pursue the K3
I have done this. The operator at the DOS told me not to say anything to the embassy at all. The two cases are linked and once the CR1 is done with processing at NVC it will head to the embassy and the K3 will be automatically dropped. If you'd like, once you receive the packet 3 from the embassy (for the K3) you can send a letter telling them you will be pursuing the CR1 rather than sending back the forms they request for the K3. It's not necessary though. If you'd like you can just ignore it and follow the CR1 path.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-13 14:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChanging addresses and/or jobs once I-130 submitted
Oops! Guess I ran away with myself a little there. Sorry. Yes, the USC is the petitioner and the intending immigrant is the beneficiary.

As for the birth certificate change- that's shocking and very interesting!
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-13 19:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChanging addresses and/or jobs once I-130 submitted
As for changing jobs, that won't be a problem. The DS-230 will ask you aaaalllll of that info again and you'll have a chance to update it then.

The address bit is a little tougher. USCIS will sometimes handle it appropriately, sometimes not. I'd send them a letter via registered mail indicating the address change and give a follow up call to see if they've made a note in the system. I'm sure the operator won't be able to see it, but you've got to check. The only real problem is getting copies of the NOA2. If they don't note the change, you may never see a copy of your NOA2. Not a big deal- it's not necessary anywhere down the line for the CR1, it's just a hassle to try and get USCIS to mail out another copy (and a lot of the time they'll demand an exorbitant fee). Your wife's address won't matter much as they don't mail anything to the petitioner.

As for the name change, if every single one of your documents lists the changed name, use the changed name. I'd include the birth name in the "other names used" box (#7) on the I-130.

How did you get them to change your birth certificate? I was under the impression that barring a typo by the registrar reported immediately, your birth certificate is set in stone. After all, it's a register of your birth, not a name assumed years later.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-13 15:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmedical shots before interview pls help pls
You can find the vaccination requirements beginning on page 7 of this document: http://london.usemba...V018a_Oct08.pdf
It's specifically from the London embassy but the requirements are the same across the board so you can still follow these guidelines. They are grouped by age to determine whether or not it is appropriate for you (or your daughters). It may be wise to get them from your own doctor if it will be cheaper as the doctors contracted by the embassy usually charge much more than they should for these shots. Your children may have had many of these vaccines already- ask your doctor to provide you with a copy of their vaccination history so that they won't have to have them again.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-13 19:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHaving child abroad
Everything you need to know:

http://www.usembassy.it/acs/birth.asp
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-14 14:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 and G-325A related question
If the child is your son, does he have a claim to citizenship? Then there would be no visa needed for him.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-14 13:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBaptismal Certificate
You don't need to submit any identity documents for the beneficiary until NVC. The birth certificate is only necessary for the petitioner as it's used to prove citizenship.
imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-14 11:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow long after you sent the DS -230 for interview?
If they've already completed reviewing your I-864 and you haven't submitted the DS-230 package then there is nothing else for them to work on. You need to send in the rest of the documents.

The dates in the timeline don't matter unless you've sent in all the paperwork- if you don't complete the processing you will not be assigned an interview, even if it's been longer than 3-4 months since your NOA2.

imaishaFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-15 07:50:00