ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Certificates
Yes, you will need to get a new Police Clearance for the interview.

Edited by apple21, 06 January 2013 - 02:47 AM.

apple21FemalePhilippines2013-01-06 02:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEntering Lawfully on B1 Tourist Visa to apply for CR-1
You go to her home country, get married there. You go back to the US and file CR1. She waits for the interview and visa in her home country.
apple21FemalePhilippines2013-01-07 01:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPOLICE certificate
Yes you will need the GREEN NBI clearance because it's the one for travel abroad.

For purpose, put US Visa Application.
apple21FemalePhilippines2012-10-27 20:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVaccines

Thank you all for the reply...Im still hoping though that I could get history of my vaccine..Im already in another province from where I had it, so I still have to go to where I had it when I was young and try to get copy...but all your replies are very helpful..thank you

Mayang


You don't need to track down your vaccination records. You can go through with the medical exam. SLEC will decide what vaccines to give you. You don't have to pay additional fees for the vaccines because it's already INCLUDED in the medical fee.
apple21FemalePhilippines2013-01-10 21:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresvisa

hi! I will be marrying to my fiance a U.S residence on february 14 here in the philippines. What visa must be file for me? can I come to the U.S with him when he come back after the wedding?

He want to stay with me here in philippines while waiting my visa.Can he do that? What is the right thing to do? help me pls.


Is your fiancee a US Citizen or a Green Card Holder? Because you only used the term "US residence".

There's a difference in the waiting time for the visa depending on your spouse-to-be's status in the US.
apple21FemalePhilippines2013-01-13 23:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPatitioning at young age/ no stable job and petitioning

Hello everyone. Just a question, can I petition my husband even though I dont have a regular job? Well i do have a job but it's not regular, it's just a seasonal work.. And if ever, can I use someone to be my co sponsor in able to petition him? Im here in USA and he's in the Philippines. Thankyou everyone! God Bless


Are you a US citizen or a Green Card Holder?

Waiting times vary depending on your status.

Yes, you can get a joint sponsor if your income from your seasonal work is below the income poverty requirement. :thumbs:
apple21FemalePhilippines2013-01-23 01:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLawyer dropped my case!!! What do I do next???
After the interview, did the consul instruct your husband to submit additional documents?
apple21FemalePhilippines2013-02-01 01:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs police certificate necessary
If you have lived or worked in a foreign country for 12 months or more, you have to submit a Police Clearance issued by that foreign country.

If you haven't, and all your life you only worked and resided in the Philippines, then you only need to submit an NBI Clearance (the green one).

Edited by apple21, 07 February 2013 - 10:54 PM.

apple21FemalePhilippines2013-02-07 22:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIV Fee
Nope.

But after you receive the visa and visa packet, before departing from the Philippines, you will have yo pay the new USCIS Immigrant Fee (for the green card) of $165.

http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

Edited by apple21, 07 February 2013 - 08:18 PM.

apple21FemalePhilippines2013-02-07 20:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 G-325A Biographic info. sheet

Other. Then write Form I-130 in the space next to that.


:thumbs:
apple21FemalePhilippines2013-02-18 21:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresdocuments for alien
- NSO Marriage Certificate
- NSO Birth Certificate (beneficiary)
- photocopy of US Passport or Naturalization Certificate (petitioner)
- NBI Clearance (beneficiary)
- Police Clearance (if beneficiary lived or worked in a foreign country for 12 months or more)
- CEMAR a.k.a. NSO Advisory on Marriages (beneficiary)
- ITR and W2 (petitioner)
- Philippine Passport (beneficiary)
- Annulment or Divorce papers (if applicable to petitioner or beneficiary)
- Birth Certificate/s of child/ren (if applicable)

- pictures if the petitioner and beneficiary together
- Skype video call logs (screen captures), emails, Facebook or Instant Messaging chats, sms print-outs
- remittance slips/receipts
apple21FemalePhilippines2013-02-22 01:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresds-230
Your wife signs the DS-230. She can mail it (together with the civil documents) directly to NVC using 2GO (UPS), FedEx, DHL or LBC. Saves time and money.

She should keep a copy of the DS-230 for herself and email a copy to you.
apple21FemalePhilippines2013-02-24 23:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage Certificate Error

Hi,

Just recieved my marriage contract. There seems to be a slight error in the form. My wifes name ( the beneficiary ), has an extra letter an the end of her first name

Example:

Janee, where it should be Jane.

The problem is, to correct this, it will take another month or too to get it fixed.

I was wondering if an affidavit of discrepancy would suffice in this situation?

Thank you very much.


No, you should have it corrected at the Local Civil Registry where your marriage was recorded.
apple21FemalePhilippines2013-02-21 01:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDivorced
It's entirely up to you. What name do you want to use? Your ex's? Your maiden name? Your new married name?
apple21FemalePhilippines2013-02-25 21:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresForm G-325A
That one is still valid. Download forms from the official USCIS website only.
apple21FemalePhilippines2013-02-27 23:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPetitioning for my stepdaughter affitdavit of support

So where and when should I send it? Shoudl I send it to NVC? If so, do i wait until they get it or they ask for it? I shouldn't I send it at all?


NVC will advice you when to send in forms and documents.
apple21FemalePhilippines2013-02-27 21:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresare we good to go at the interview?
Joint sponsors don't just cover the difference of 33,000 and 20,074. The joint sponsor has to earn the corresponding income (in the poverty guideline) for his/her own household PLUS you (the intending immigrant).

How much is the joint sponsor earning? How many household members does he/she have? The joint sponsor has to add you to his/her household to get the total then check of he earns enough based on the poverty guidelines.
apple21FemalePhilippines2013-03-02 23:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 221(g)
What's the reason you got 221g?
apple21FemalePhilippines2012-12-09 20:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of Relationship - How many affidavits needed?

Thank you for the helpful and quick replies!

Follow up question pls? Will it be enough if we just submit affidavits executed by my friends and relatives who have personal knowledge of our relationship? Or do we need to submit affidavits executed by my hubby's friends and/or relatives from the US?

Thanks!


Enough evidence would be:

- NSO marriage certificate
- wedding pictures
- pictures with family/friends on different occasions
- money remittance slips/receipts
- birth certificates of your child/children
- emails
- letters
- chat/instant messaging/sms printouts
- call logs
- Skype video screenshots/logs
apple21FemalePhilippines2013-03-04 00:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCEMAR for CR1 visa !
As far as I've read here on VJ, beneficiaries of F2A/CR1/IR1 has been asked to submit CEMAR (Advisory on Marriages) on their interview day.

Not all was required to submit but some has been asked, so to be on the safe side, just bring it.

Edited by apple21, 03 March 2013 - 08:13 PM.

apple21FemalePhilippines2013-03-03 20:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow long can you postpone interview?
In relation to my husband's previous F2B case, there's a NOTE at every email from NVC saying:

Please Note: If a period of one year passes without communication from you to the NVC after
you have been notified that a visas is available, all fees and documents expire and
must be resubmitted to resume the immigration process.


apple21FemalePhilippines2013-03-10 23:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresImmunizations Needed??
If she doesn't have any immunization record, that's fine, she can still proceed with her medical exam at SLEC.

The SLEC physicians will determine what vaccine/s to give her. You don't need to get vaccines from other doctors or clinics.

The vaccine/s that SLEC will give are already included in the medical fee. You don't have to pay individually for the vaccine/s anymore.
apple21FemalePhilippines2013-03-10 23:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPlanning to visit US while applying for IR-1 Visa

You will need to have adequate proof that you are still tied to your home country and that you have EVERY expectation to return to your home country and not jump the immigration process.
Clearly that will be a concern of the CO because they will have notification of your impending I-130 application.

Do you have children or property or a business in your home country that would force you to return back to your home country? These are the types of proof the CO will be looking for to ensure you will not overstay your visa.


Hello! We will be based in Japan while applying for this visa. I will probably apply for the tourist visa in Japan. I won't be returning to my home country but to my home in Japan with my new husband.

Hmmm will this be better?

I don't think my husband realizes we could have a problem. I am glad I asked on here.
ivyanddanFemaleJapan2012-01-14 12:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPlanning to visit US while applying for IR-1 Visa

Nope, applying for a tourist visa won't affect the application. Neither will a denial

However, clearly with immigrant intent and a USC husband, you are unlikely to be granted one

Good luck



Will I have better chances when I tell them my husband will be with me?

Or should we just travel to the US first before filing the immig visa application?
ivyanddanFemaleJapan2012-01-14 12:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPlanning to visit US while applying for IR-1 Visa
We are planning to apply for an IR-1 visa after we get married. Then we plan to travel to the US a few months after the application. Do you think applying for a tourist visa won't affect the IR-1 application?
ivyanddanFemaleJapan2012-01-14 11:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat if I never lived/owned property, etc with my spouse?

Thanks for the suggestion. What about relatives? Can I have my mother attest to our marriage? She's been pretty heavily involved in the whole marriage planning process and is a US citizen. What about signatures? Can I mail in copies of these letters or do they have to be originals?


Above post said it is possible. I originally thought it wasn't, but then I think it will be loads better than just friends attesting.

Good luck to us! :)
ivyanddanFemaleJapan2012-06-14 08:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat if I never lived/owned property, etc with my spouse?

Salaam.

My wife and I have not lived together yet either. No need to write a letter explaining religious reasons for lack of cohabitation.

We used the following as proof of bonafide marriage:
Added her to my work benefits.
Added her to bank account.
Added her to lease (apartment)
Added her to insurance, medical through work.
Provided phone records showing continuous contact.
Pictures of wedding. Honeymoon. Trips where I visited her.

Hope ths helps



Karabas, I've been doing research on this, too. Since we've both never lived together before we marry (which is in 1.5 weeks yey!)... I believe what Bule&Cantik say is true. My fiance plans to do that soon after we marry.

Also plan on printing out copious copies of letters/postcards/emails/messages we sent each other.

Also pictures from the ceremony, reception, honeymoon are helpful. Remember to label the back of the shots with the date, location and event.

Also enclose itineraries, tickets & boarding passes you used to see each other.

For affidavits from people attesting to the marriage... from what I read, best to get a US citizen to do this... preferably someone who played a significant role in your marriage. Such as a best man or an officiant. Who is a US citizen.

Hopefully, someone can give even better info that what's already been posted. Also, I have no idea how much of each proof is enough. I, too, am very interested in the answers :)
ivyanddanFemaleJapan2012-06-14 01:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow do i make this sound good?
Listen to what everyone's been saying.

This USCIS thing is a HUGE DEAL. :innocent:
ivyanddanFemaleJapan2012-07-19 13:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTaxes

some married folk tick off 'single' on the w-4, knowing full well that the tax rate is higher,
then at tax time, filing 'married filing jointly' .. no harm, no foul, unless and until you actually owe some tax.

Folk that due this are using the Treasury department as their savings plan, getting back a nice(r ) refund check during tax season.

You probably want to get an ITIN for yer lass, if this is the first year you are filing 'married filing jointly'
and make certain the ID requirements for the W-7 are met.

Good Luck !



I see. Another thing we can explore! I think this tax thing as a married couple is giving my husband a tough time. Haha
ivyanddanFemaleJapan2013-01-07 22:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTaxes

What you have withheld is up to you as long as you do not unwithhold and get hit with a penalty. When you FILE your tax return you will file as married filng jointly or married filing separately--that depends on your tax situation and whiich gives you a better tax break. I am still claiming single and 1 deduction and I have been married for 2 years.

Dave


Hmm, can you really file as Single?


OP: my husband will be filing taxes this year. We got married June 2012. He is considering filing married separately... Unless I get ahold of my tax certificate from Feb 2012 in my home country, then we will be filing married jointly. The latter is what we prefer because his tax refund will be increased by at least a couple thousand dollars.

Look up americancitizens abroad.com. They have comprehensive info on this topic.
ivyanddanFemaleJapan2013-01-07 02:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDual Citizenship and Marriage Effects on I-130 application
I believe the US doesn't recognize dual citizenship. So, you're still American for them. Just make sure they understand your situation :)
ivyanddanFemaleJapan2013-01-05 05:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbbreviations on I-130 form

Oh good. Got a little scared after seeing this thread since I abbreviated ON :whistle:


Haha! Glad it won't be an issue for you, too :)
ivyanddanFemaleJapan2013-01-07 12:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbbreviations on I-130 form
Are abbreviations for states acceptable? Like CA for California and TX for Texas? :)
ivyanddanFemaleJapan2013-01-07 02:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbbreviations on I-130 form

you can put multiple items in one sheet they need to be numbered like example page 2 section 3.


Thank you! Will do that :)


Yes, be as complete as possible. There ARE some blanks where PHILIPPINES will not fit but there are other blanks right next to them where it will fit. Just enter as much as possible in each blank. St. or Ave. and two-letter abbreviations for US States and USA for country are perfectly acceptable abbreviations anywhere on the forms though. No applicable blank will accept all of United States of America.


Thank you! Better to be very safe! I just love Visajourney!!!
ivyanddanFemaleJapan2013-01-05 09:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbbreviations on I-130 form

no, not abbreviated not accepted, if it dont fit use a seperate sheet of paper put the full name and page,paper clip to the form.



Thanks! One item per sheet? Or can I put multiple items in one sheet?
ivyanddanFemaleJapan2013-01-04 00:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbbreviations on I-130 form

If you haven't sent in the form yet, redo it and spell out any words and names other than standard mailing address abbreviations such as "RD" for "road". Don't give the USCIS staff any reason to misinterpret anything or think that you are trying to hide something. It's not worth saving a few keystrokes.


My thoughts exactly! :)

Would you suggest I add a separate sheet for each item or is it okay if I put all items on one sheet of paper (if they fit) and have my husband sign off on them?
ivyanddanFemaleJapan2013-01-03 22:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbbreviations on I-130 form
My husband filled in the I-130 using the computer. He abbreviated some words, like our physical address and my former employer's company name. Even my country, Philippines was shorted to PI.

Is this acceptable? Or should I push to have an additional sheet instead so we can spell everything out in its long versions?
ivyanddanFemaleJapan2013-01-03 22:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresExplanation Letter To Accompany I-130
For filing I-130, you may want to make an Evolution of Relationship letter. Format was posted by Darnell months ago. It was very helpful for us.

http://www.visajourn...16#entry3995116
ivyanddanFemaleJapan2013-01-15 00:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresExplanation Letter To Accompany I-130
I'm not sure how to understand your situation. You were saying you registered (registered where?) a year before you had a wedding? By registering, did you have wedding rites or was it a court or city hall wedding?
ivyanddanFemaleJapan2013-01-09 04:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbout to return to US while waiting for my wife's Visa

Just to clarify, I'm fairly certain we have everything we need for the I-130 application including passport photos and marriage certificate and everything else outlined in the guide here on visajourney. I'm wondering if I'll need anything from her (or she needs from me) later on for NOA1, NOA2, etc. that can't be sent digitally. However, your note about the marriage certificate reminded me... we only have 1 original copy of the local registrar marriage certificate. I'm sending a photocopy of this with the I-130. I know we'll need the NSO certified marriage certificate later. Will I need that as well, or only her?


We just submitted our I-130 today! Yey! :)

I think you guys should stock up on the NSO certified marriage cert. i submitted one for the petition, but I have 4-5 more here with me. We're currently neither in the Philippines nor the US, so I did make it a point to hoard as many government certificates (our marriage and my birth) as I could before I left

I am glad we can help you - this process is TOUGH! VJ helped me to maneuver through without a lawyer, so that was a plus!

My husband and I were able to order copies of our marriage certificate as soon as our signed marriage contract was filed with the city registrar of where we were married, which was Cardona, Rizal, Luzon (there were 4 copies that needed to be signed at the marriage ceremony). You should be able to order your certificate now, regardless of the longevity of the marriage (as long as you filed it at the local registrar). NSO will be the one to request it from the city registrar. You can order it online... I would post the link, but I cannot, since I don't have more than 5 posts or whatever. It is ecensus . com . ph (lose the spaces) :thumbs: My husband said it is P315 per copy ordered and they will deliver it to your address 3-5 days after you make payment through BPI.

I was under the impression that all we needed was the NBI too, BUT, in our particular situation, my husband has lived in different places throughout the PI since age 16. This was stated in all of his applications, which is why NVC sent us an RFE asking for EACH police certificate (since we only sent the NBI clearance). If your wife did not live anywhere, but where she lives now (since age 16), she of course would only need a police certificate from that barangay. Otherwise, she will need one from each barangay she lived in (since age 16, lasting for 6 months or more). Trust me, we learned the hard way!! So, hopefully she hasn't lived in several places within the PI since age 16 like my husband... :no: :lol:

I hope you have no trouble getting your docs! :thumbs:


Vic and EJ, thanks for this post!

I have lived in 3 places in Metro Manila all my life. but im different cities, does this mean I need to acquire police certificates from each area? Which part of the process will they require this? And also, did the barangay/districts/towns require a letter from NVC or to look at the application before they gave certificates?
ivyanddanFemaleJapan2013-01-15 00:35:00