ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012

Mine was good Posted Image

I didn't have pizza slices, per se, but Bagel Bites instead:

Posted Image




Updated the spreadsheet.

It is a little weird. It's usually the other way around, the money is taken out first, and then shows as PAID. Is there any pending charge on your account that you see?


No. And I just checked again just to make sure. And I know we don't have the same bank (NVC and I)coz my bank is a Texas only Bank. Maybe they have an internal automated thing hooked up to the finance systems' Electronic Funds Transfer. Or maybe the PAID is activated when an NVC person reviews/accepts the payment. OR I am in the hook for the money even if the check bounces, so I would end up owing the bank if the check bounces. (not that I would ever bounce a check - I swear!! :lol: ) Just thinking of all the different scenarios.

Edited by Gigli2008, 27 March 2012 - 03:30 PM.

Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-27 15:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012
Saylin, I just mailed my AOS packet after seeing AOS bill reflecting "PAID". Is it weird that the money is still in my account but the bill shows "PAID"?

Please update spreadsheet. Thanks.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-27 15:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012

It is suggested to wait until it shows paid in case there are any issues with payment. If you send it before hand, there's a problem and you have to repay,the package and payment cross each other there's a chance your AOS package could be rejected.

Did that make sense?



Perfectly. Better to be safe than sorry. Thanks.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-26 17:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012
So I've just paid my AOS bill. I am trying to locate the specific thread that recommended that I should wait for the AOS bill to show "PAID" before mailing the AOS packet OR was that for the IV bill. I cannot find it, so I am thinking I misunderstood/misread. The instructions (on the DOS website) that follow paying the AOS bill (i.e., the AOS Cover-sheet) says that next step after paying the AOS bill is to mail the AOS packet.

I am reeeallly itching to send the AOS packet today! Any reason I should wait for the bill to show "PAID" before mailing AOS packet?

If I missed the thread, I could not find this info on Post 1 & 2., please re-link.

Edited by Gigli2008, 26 March 2012 - 05:14 PM.

Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-26 17:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012

Posted Image still no AOS invoice... c'mon take my money! Posted Image


Got my AOS invoice a few moments ago. Yours should be any time now.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-26 16:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012

Holly cow! I'm afraid to tell you that THERE IS a way to SAVE the DS-230 Once is filled in. Wanna guess who posted it about 1 year and a half ago? SAYLIN! Hahahaha! Yes Sir! Once More She is the CHAMPION!

The Answer is: Open the DS-230 using ADOBE ACROBAT PRO Vs the Conventional ADOBE READER that most people use and VOILA!

Note: ADOBE ACROBAT PRO though is NOT a free Program but ADOBE gives you the choice to download a 30-day TRIAL for FREE! Woohooo! :lol:


Have you tried this lately? I know we cannot send a scanned copy, but I have all the other documents saved on a thumb drive and would like to save the DS-230 to pdf, as well. I printed it though, then scanned it for filing purposes, but could not directly save it or print it to PDF directly.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-23 21:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012

You can't save it once filled in, and it's a big PITA. Maybe your sister used an older version.
One thing you can do is print it to PDF once you're done to keep an electronic copy of the final version, but then you can't go back to it and make corrections.

I think I probably filled it out about 10 times, always finding a mistake AFTER I had printed it out and closed the file. I hate this form :hehe:


It cannot be printed to PDF either. I tried. It is protected from printing to PDF.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-23 21:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012

Does anyone know how to download the form DS-230 in a way that you "SAVE" it and continue at a later time?

My sister was able to do it but she is in TX, and I'm in FL and I haven't been able to get in touch with her to find out how she did it.

Every time I try typing a DS-230 I have to do the whole thing in "ONE SITTING" and print it out because it says: It would not let me save any data on the form. On the other hand, the I-864 DOES ALLOW me to save data.

Any suggestions? Thanks!


Could she have used an earlier version? I tried the same way as you and like you said, it cannot be saved and you have to print it out or do it all over again at a later time. I think the latest version of DS-230 is the one that cannot be saved.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-23 16:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012

But I have the thread description set as "Please read first two posts for important information" which appears at the top of each and every page. And when you click on a thread in the forums, it brings you to the very first post. There really shouldn't be any excuses...


Agreed. But I like to put myself in other peoples shoes every once in a while. And my experience is that you and other VJ members have been here for a longer time than others, and appear to be gurus in many aspects. You also seem to have a lot of time on your hands (no offense)You therefore know this site like the back of your hand and can browse through it in your sleep :thumbs: . I remember starting out and it was not easy. I also remember you re-directing me to this thread, as I kept missing it and could not find my way to it :bonk: . I finally found the way to "watch" it so it's easier to keep track of it now. There are a few other things I figured out since then, that were right in front of me the whole time, but for some reason, it took me some time to "work them". Not everyone comes here with the same level of computer savvy-ness (?). So please bear with other new members in this respect especially when you see the level of membership is less than 6 months (newbees and low level members).

I would like to point out that I really appreciate the help and "point to the right direction" that you especialy (Saylin) continue to provide to this forum. Thank you so much!! :thumbs:

Speaking for myself and respectfully submitted.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-23 15:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012

DId you read the first two post?


I think it is hard for new-to-the-thread posters to know about the 1st and 2nd post on a long thread like this one. 200 pages and counting. When one stumbles upon this thread it's usually at the tail end of the thread/conversation.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-23 15:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012

Can someone please explain the difference between the AOS bill and the IV bill PLEASE!!! SINCE the operator at NVC refused to!!!


I think it stands for Affidavit of Support Bill and Immigration Visa Bill.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-23 15:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012

I am updating myself in the payment portal but when i signed in last night a prompt appears and it says this way..This case is in the process of termination. Fee payments and online forms can no longer be accepted. If you believe you have received this message in error, or to resume processing of the case, please contact the NVC immediately.--i called the NVC and they told me the case is active, but why did i got this kind of message and i cant open the invoice payment..help me with this please.


As I've seen elsewhere, you will be able to log in tomorrow. Apparently NVC is in the process of uploading your information and you cannot get into that portal while it is in that mode. Nothing to worry about.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-22 19:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012

IV package is ready! I have the signed (part I signed) DS-230 from my hubby, his police certificates and copies, cover letter, passport photos, copy of his passport, birth certificate and copy, marriage certificate and copy. Am I missing anything?


Does this mean that you have to send ORIGINAL birth certificate and copy? I am nervous about giving original of any vital document. If I don't get it back from them, it will take an arm and a leg to get another from my country.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-22 14:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012

LOL yep...optin emails are to opt into the EP processing...that's been a hot topic lately with the amount of Canadian case numbers being issued lately :) As for the scanning pages - that's for the AOS package, we scan in our documents but each scanned file has to be under a certain size so we have to play with the resolution of the scanner.


Thanks.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-22 12:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012

Some countries are eligible for EP. Canada is one of them. We scan in our documents to email to NVC and they look at our originals at the interview. The package can not exceed 10mb, so we have to be careful how we scan them in so we do not have too large of a file.

Mine is 42 pages because A. I have a co-sponsor B. I'm self-employed so my tax documents are novels.


Thanks for the explanation. I don't have to worry about that yet.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-22 12:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012
I have seen the word "OPTIN" severally now. Is this for those who are eligible for EP? Also I have seen a few posts about "scanning pages, some 42" and also talk of the "resolution" of those documents.

Can someone please fill me in. It's hard to catch what y'all are talking about. Thanks.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-22 12:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012

Lisa, Jen and Nicki....no good, I talked to all 3. for some reason everybody seems to get better responses from male operators ...I'm JUST SAYING!!!! :rofl:


Yeah!! :dance: I called and got Tori and she gave me the IIN and BIN. I can breath better (and sleep better) now.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-22 10:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012

First congratulations!

Second you probably got cranky Lisa, she's mean! Call back right now and get your IIN and BIN. Jim was more than happy to give me all our numbers, he did say nothing is invoiced so if I logged on there would be nothing to pay.


Thanks. I will do that. Hopefully I will get Jim.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-22 10:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012
Please tell me it isn't so. Did I miss something.

I called and got my Case Number Yeah!! :dance:

HOWEVER.
When I asked for the Invoice Identification Number and the Beneficiary Number, the lady told me that it's not time to do anything yet. In fact and I quote she said " that is why I don't like to give those number before we are ready" That I will receive an email with the rest of the information. When I asked when approximately that will happen, she said give them 5 to 10 days. WTH!! Every body who is in the same timeline with me, @sheeskabell, @trav&shell, @matt&rocio got all three. I am going to call again in a few hours in hope for a different operator.

In the meantime, I will send in my choice of agent by email.

So pissed off!! :crying:

Edited by Gigli2008, 22 March 2012 - 09:57 AM.

Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-22 09:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012

Create a new email with his name and send it (and CC your self) on his behalf as you're his father and he's minor. You and your son (beneficiary) are the only individuals that are supposed to know case# and DOB#s as measure of verification in the emails' body.


Okay. Thanks, :thumbs:

PS. I am his mother. But I know what you mean.

Edited by Gigli2008, 21 March 2012 - 12:28 PM.

Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-21 12:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012

and I quote:

Translation Requirements
All documents not in English, or in the official language of the country in which application for a visa is being made, must be accompanied by certified translations. So if you're in Spain and your birth certificate is in Spanish, no translation needed!!! Confirmed with NVC

just saying exactly what it states on NVC website and what two NVC operators confirmed, I also know from previous applicants that overstuffing the package with unnecessary documents slows down the process...


I agree with you @lizka. It makes sense that, German, Italy, Spain, Russia etc., (for example)would issue vital documents in those languages, german, italian, spanish and russian respectively. So why would translation be needed for documents that will be received by US Embassies/Consulates in those same countries. You would think that those Embassies/Consulates would be conversant with those languages already. I think the point of translations is for some countries whose main official language differs from some of the documents because that country has multiple languages and the documents might not necessarily be in the countries official language, especially the countries with non-alphabetic languages.

Do people from Mexico (for example) have their documents translated? Don't know so just asking.

But better be safe than sorry. If it does not take too much to get certified translations, I would go the extra mile to have them translated.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-21 12:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012
Wow! This thread has become very very long, so I apologize if the question I am about to ask has already been answered elsewhere. Please do me a favor and give me an answer anyway or re-link the previous answer.

I would like to use the option to email the Choice of Agent to NVC when case number has been issued. I am petitioning for my son who is 16 years old and currently in school and unfortunately does not have an email address or access to the internet where he is.

Question is, can I use MY email address to send his choice of agent on his behalf. The body of the Choice of Agent "form & sample" is worded in a way to be completed by the beneficiary (my son). So, will it be wrong if I "Petitioner" drafts a Choice of Agent email (for my son), put all the required info and then email it myself from my email address? My email address has all my names, so it will be evident who is sending email.

OR

Can I also complete the REAL DS-3032 form, sign my son's name at the bottom (with parent, next to his signed name), then scan the signed form to PDF, then email it myself.

Edited by Gigli2008, 21 March 2012 - 12:00 PM.

Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-21 11:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2012

So today I got through to the Nvc and was told that they got our 2 cases on the 12th but I would have to wait another 10 days cause they were putting them in the system. How on earth do they put stuff in their system, a letter a day? :blink:


Every time I call I am given a different answer. Last week on Friday, 16th, I was told "give them 2 weeks". Yesterday, I was told, "give them at least 20 days". Today, I was told, "it takes 2 to 4 weeks".
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-20 10:34:00
PhilippinesWhat id we get stuck in Japan

What if a couple gets stuck in Japan over night because of a flight delay and/or no room on a stand by ticket(s)?
I'm speaking in terms of my wife who is a Filipina and myself an American who will be traveling with an approved CR-1 Visa en route to Seattle if the Good Lord allows us approval. Any thoughts?
Will leaving the airport to stay in a hotel be a problem?


Most countries will give you a temporary visa in transit. An American Citizen usually would not have any problem in Japan and the customs at Entry in Japan would probably give you a temporary visa. However, your wife is not an American Citizen so I don't know what rules might apply to her. Your question would be best answered by your Japanese Embassy in the Philipines (if that is where you will be flying from). I always try to make connecting flights in Amsterdam coz they have airport hotels, so you don't go through customs in transit.

Good Luck to you and your wife.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-02-13 16:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsTexas Timeline

i was told by my lawyer people from texas their stuff is sent to Vermont SC


Sometimes it does sometimes it doesn't. My first I-130 petition was sent to Vermont and my second I-130 petition was sent to California. I guess the lock boxes decide where to send to. Also, It all depends on what application.

Edited by Gigli2008, 01 March 2012 - 03:55 PM.

Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-01 15:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIf my wife is pregnant, would it have an effect?

Won't help or hurt (so no, no expedite) BUT she will need to still do the x-ray for TB with the protective shield over her belly. If she doesn't she'll have to wait till she gives birth to complete her medical.


No X-rays for women who are pregnant or THINK they could be pregnant. Pregnant women cannot even be in the vicinity of the x-ray room. That applies here in the US of A. Don't know about other countries and if they are aware of dangers of radiation to a fetus, but I think they should. The Embassy/Consulate should not demand an x-ray for a pregnant woman.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-02-22 13:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A city and country of birth error

Hey Joe,

You can neatly cross out Managua and write Jinotepe next to it. Do it as neatly and clearly as possible and you can also write your initials next to it.

Remember to update your timeline once you send out the I-130 package. Good luck!

Oh, as far as I understand, we only have a few minutes after your first add a post to edit them. So if you come back an hour later, the edit option probably won't be there.


If the G-325 is for his wife, he cannot edit it for her. She has to cross it out and initial it herself. If he crosses it out and puts HIS initials on HER G-325, it might get returned back. Or maybe he can cross it out and write HER initials??? I wouldn't do that, just saying, though I've heard of others doing that.

Something similar happened to me and I just decided to bite the cost of redoing and having it mailed back to me by courier. I slept better knowing the right thing was done rather than worrying if the wrong thing you do might delay you or be denied.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-01 16:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPregnant wife x-rayed

Hello,
Ok,my wife just finished her medical and she's about 7 weeks pregnant and the dam doctors made her take x-rays even though they knew she was prenant. Has anyone else done this and what were the results.
Matt


I know this will not come of really well, but shouldn't she have shown concern about them x-raying her while pregnant, or at least shown concern to the Embassy personnel when she saw that an x-ray was one of the things on the medical list?

When I previously accompanied my young son to have his arm x-rayed at the orthopedics or x-ray his teeth/mouth/gums at the dentist, the clinic personnel asked me if I was pregnant so I can stay very far away. I wasn't even the patient, just the accompanying mother but they made sure that 1) I was not pregnant, 2) That I did not THINK I was pregnant 3) if I was or thought I could be pregnant, that I was nowhere near the x-ray machines. But of course, I am talking about here in the USA.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2012-03-19 10:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 VISA approved
QUOTE (bir09 @ Oct 21 2008, 10:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks you all for your support and well wishes. My wife received her visa this morning in Mumbai. We will post more details of the interview experience soon.

In her visa (stamp inside her passport), the marital status indicates that she is signle. Is this something we should be worried about, go back and get it corrected? The cover stapled to the yellow packet they gave her also indicates she is single.

For those who received the Visa, can you confirm what the marital status is on your visa stamp?

Thanks,

B.


I would have it corrected. You don't want to have the POE denying you entry citing discrepancies.

Gigli
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2008-10-21 10:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarch 2008 I-130 Filers?
I got a touch yesterday. I wonder what that means..........hhmmm!! Msnoob if you are there, calling on you to see if you got touched too.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2008-05-09 13:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarch 2008 I-130 Filers?
QUOTE (Daniele & Jen @ Mar 27 2008, 04:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi March Filers!

I had a little down time today and started looking into the K-3 visa. I decided to write here in our thread because we are all at the same stage in this process and I haven't found a great thread elsewhere with sufficient answers or maybe I just couldn't find it.

I saw that Gracey has filed an I-129F and I'm wondering what everyone else is planning on doing. Its my understanding that the K-3 can go a lot faster (especially at NVC) and that my husband can travel between the U.S. and Italy on it while the I-130 is still pending (or we can apply for Adjustment of Status here). I called USCIS and the woman I spoke to strongly suggested I apply for it because at this stage it doesn't cost any extra and because it was going to take "234 days to adjudicate the I-130" (thats not counting the NVC and Italy part)!!!. I'm thinking its worth a try so that my husband can at least visit me here! My vacation time, holidays, and personal days can only be stretched so far for trips to visit him!

For those of you that have filed or are planning to file the I-129F, what are you sending with it? The person from USCIS said I only need to send the I-129F, a copy of the NOA1 (as evidence of the I-130), and a copy of my marriage certificate. She said that the G-325A didn't need to be sent again because it had already been sent with the I-130. This is all in contrast to what the VJ guide says: http://www.visajourn...mp;page=k3guide. I wish the guides included WHY certain things should be sent when USCIS instructions indicate otherwise: http://www.uscis.gov...I-129Finstr.pdf (only documents from Items 1,2 and 4 are required). I verified this requirement with USCIS (not that they actually know anything).

I would love to hear what everyone thinks!

Jennifer


Jennifer, I don't see that anyone replied to you yet. (I have not found a way of keeping up with specific topics I have contributed to, I am sure there is a way, I just haven't had the time to find it yet)

"Pushbrk" one of the high-level topic contributors seems to think its not advantagious to file the I-129F, but I say everyones needs are different. I filed the I-130 and immediately followed it with the I-129F mainly because, according to my calendar calculations, it may take longer for my husband to get here via I-130 route as opposed to the I-129F route. I know with the I-129F, he will get here faster, even though he will not begin working (since we have to resume the I-130 process and even pay considerable amounts of money to re-open and get a work authorization). Like I said everybody's needs are different. I'd rather shorten the separation and have him here to wait here, than look forward to possibly another year of separation.

Please browse through the Visa Journey pages and you will find (as I finally found out), possibly all the information you could possibly need to help you with your visa journey. This includes a very inclusive guide to exactly what you need to attach to various applications. You may start by posting your time line and also viewing a very up-to-date report of timelines posted by members in this forum. The timelines are only as accurate as put in by the members.

Good luck on your journey

Gracey.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2008-03-31 12:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarch 2008 I-130 Filers?
QUOTE (BettyYRey @ Mar 24 2008, 09:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Daniele & Jen @ Mar 24 2008, 04:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I received my NOA-1 from Vermont with a Notice Date of March 20, 2008. The first step on the long road ahead!

I'm also able to see it online so I'm sure I'll start obsessively checking our status.

**LOL Obssesive/Compulsive about checking your status? LOL, I'm sure USCIS already hates me! wink.gif

spreadsheet updated.




QUOTE (enigmatic1 @ Mar 24 2008, 04:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello! I'm new to these forums and just mailed out our I-130 today. You can add us to the list if you'd like.

**Welcome aboard, enigmatic1!

We're a small group but I think we'll be great at keeping
each other well-informed and animated throughout this
journey.

Congrats on your nuptials!

spreadsheet updated. you guys are added.


I tried to add myself onto the spreadsheet in vain. Please add me. see my time line

Gracey.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2008-03-27 10:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFINALLY APPROVED
kicking.gif Congratulations!!
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2008-11-24 17:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNairobi filing - do I need to send anything else to NVC?!
QUOTE (caitlint @ Nov 23 2008, 02:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Helloooo!

Okay, despite feeling like i had quite a good grip on how this application is supposed to go...nine months into it, i'm suddenly very, very confused.

My husband is applying for a CR-1 visa: we sent off the I-130 in early March, NOA1 received about a week later, NOA2 (finally!) received at the end of September, and now at NVC. I'm not actually in the US, but in the UK doing a graduate programme until May 2009...so most of the confusion stems from the fact that I've not actually seen any of the letters sent by USCIS/NVC, but rather am getting 'updates' from my Mum (bless her!) who is receiving all my post!

I've paid all the fees online ($70 affidavit, and $400 visa application fee), and my Mum just sent off the Affidavit of Support packet to the NVC last Thursday. I was under the impression that I also have to send the filled out (but unsigned) visa application, along with supporting docs (marriage certificate, birth certificate, police cert, passport photos) to the NVC, and then they forward it to the embassy. Is this completely wrong?! My husband has just posted his police cert and birth cert to me from Kenya (under my instruction!), but I've just read some posts that I THINK mentioned just bringing these to the embassy instead? What have I done!? Although, I'm heading to Kenya in two weeks, so I guess I could just bring everything back to him if need be smile.gif

(Sorry for the long-windedness!) So I guess my question is...should I send anything else (i.e. the DS-230 and supporting docs) to the NVC, or should we bring these to the Embassy in Nairobi? Does this depend on which Embassy you are applying through? After sending the Aff of Support, is our case effectively completed with NVC? Is packet 3 essentially these documents (DS-230)?

I really thought I had this all figured out, but thanks in advance for any help!


Can your mom send you copies of the letters? I would say follow the instructions of the letters and not what contradicting information you receive from the forums. One thing I know is that you HAVE to send ORIGINAL copies of your husband's (beneficiary's) Birth Certificate, Police Certificates, Document of Previous Marriage termination (Divorce or Death Certificate if applicable) TO THE NVC. I think these documents will be sent to the Embassy and they will be returned during interview. OR maybe they will be returned by mail to him BUT the NVC have to review these originals.

PM me if you like.

Grace. (Also from Kenya)
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2008-11-25 16:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA1/NOA2 spreadsheet tracking
QUOTE (Delicia @ Mar 26 2008, 11:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Not to begrudge Eresh's thread tracking NOA-1 to NOA-2 timelines (s/he did a great job), but I thought it appropriate to start a new thread.

I began tracking just NOA-1s after USCIS stopped issuing NOA-1s for I-130s in late 2007. The tracking spreadsheet has evolved as USCIS has evolved and I added the NOA-2 dates for I-130 only filers as well as breaking out separate sheets between VSC and CSC and averaging the days between filing and NOA-1 receipts, NOA-2 dates and dates from filing to NOA-2s. You can find separate listings for Vermont and California right under the header.

I update the sheet every few days based on VJ time lines of CR-1/IR-1 filers. I do exclude time lines that appear to be either erroneous or DCF to try to keep the information as accurate as possible. But, it can only be as accurate as the information entered in the VJ time lines. Please make sure your information is correct and keep in mind, only California and Vermont process this type of petition.

You can find the spreadsheet here.

timeline.gif


That is a very nice idea and thanks for your initiative. Please correct mine. My I-130 is in Vermont not California.

Thanks

Gracey.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2008-03-27 10:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEmbassy now asking for Paternity/DNA testing
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Dec 31 2008, 10:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Gigli2008 @ Dec 31 2008, 08:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Dec 31 2008, 09:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
blink.gif Isn't that kind of expensive? unsure.gif


It is especially when there is no advance warning/notice. I understand the purpose behind requiring paternity/dna testing. What I don't understand is why its sprung out of the blue on the day of the interview. Every other requirement is known well in advance.

In this case, since Nairobi does not have proper DNA testing facilities, some government office in the USA has to send a sample collecting kit to Nairobi. Then the beneficiary has to take the Kit to an approved Doctor's office for collection of the samples. Then the Doctor has to send the kit back to the USA for testing. Then the results are sent back from the US to the Embassy. This takes more than six weeks and it costs $1000 (US Dollars).

I think people have a right to know that this maybe required so that they can brace themselves for an extended process and plan for extra money.


They are not requiring this of everybody. If it came up at interview, then it's because of some issue with the case, prompting it. Better the DNA test than an outright denial for fraud.


Ok. I actually understand your point now. I thought it would definitely be required for my husband and step-sons as they'll be interviewed shortly.

Gigli2008FemaleKenya2008-12-31 12:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEmbassy now asking for Paternity/DNA testing
QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Dec 31 2008, 09:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
blink.gif Isn't that kind of expensive? unsure.gif


It is especially when there is no advance warning/notice. I understand the purpose behind requiring paternity/dna testing. What I don't understand is why its sprung out of the blue on the day of the interview. Every other requirement is known well in advance.

In this case, since Nairobi does not have proper DNA testing facilities, some government office in the USA has to send a sample collecting kit to Nairobi. Then the beneficiary has to take the Kit to an approved Doctor's office for collection of the samples. Then the Doctor has to send the kit back to the USA for testing. Then the results are sent back from the US to the Embassy. This takes more than six weeks and it costs $1000 (US Dollars).

I think people have a right to know that this maybe required so that they can brace themselves for an extended process and plan for extra money.

Edited by Gigli2008, 31 December 2008 - 11:20 AM.

Gigli2008FemaleKenya2008-12-31 11:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEmbassy now asking for Paternity/DNA testing
Hi VJers

A friend petitioned for his wife and kids (kids are his) and when the petition reached the Embassy, they were told that NOW DNA testing is required for proof that kids belong to either parent. Apparently there are cases out there of children being smuggled to the US especially from Africa and some Asian countries.

I think at the very least the Consulates/USCIS/NVC/Department of State should notify prior to interview (make it part of the checklist) or just make it known period in their websites or rules and regulations that this may be required so that parents don't show up at the final interview thinking this is it only to be told that the process is extended for another six weeks (to whenever).

Anyone seen this happening from their region?

Edited by Gigli2008, 31 December 2008 - 10:07 AM.

Gigli2008FemaleKenya2008-12-31 10:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Outside Processing Dates
QUOTE (MsZ @ Oct 31 2008, 09:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Why does your consulate say Armenia?


Probably because not all Consulates are represented in the VJ database. My consulate should be Nairobi, but they don't have Nairobi on the drop-down. This defaults to the first consulate on the list.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2008-10-31 10:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI should have filed I-130 and I-129F together
QUOTE (Marlita @ Mar 21 2008, 03:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
wow, you havent seen each other since 2005? I thought there was some sort of requirement that you have to of seen each other within 2 years max. This may be a problem for you or this may be only for the K1 people. Not sure.



I think the 2 year window to meet or see each other is for the K1 (fiance). Mine is K3 (spouse). Even though we haven't seen each other there is proof of marital union through communication, affidavits from those who know us and also from financial stuff that we share that tie us together.

Thanks for your concern.

Gracey.
Gigli2008FemaleKenya2008-03-21 17:12:00