ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConflicting answers about G-325A question "This form is submitted in connection with application for"
Yes for both! Your welcome, glad to help :)
Aidee AlcantarMaleMexico2013-03-18 12:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConflicting answers about G-325A question "This form is submitted in connection with application for"
Check the box that says, "Status as Permanent Resident" because that's what form I-130 is, adjusting legal status. I got my form I-130 approved. I know it can be confusing, I asked my friend who went through the same process. Good luck!
Aidee AlcantarMaleMexico2013-03-18 12:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion regarding I130 review by appellate body ! Approved or not ?
Sounds like approved, wait 15 days now and then start calling NVC!
Aidee AlcantarMaleMexico2013-03-18 22:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConfused on NVC?
So I'm confused about the NVC stage, I have called them they have Recieved my case but they do not have it in the system yet( (just got there 4 days ago). So once they have my case in the system will I recieve a letter in the mail? How do I do the agent of choice? When do I give the my email? Thanks! y other info is greatly appreciated.
Aidee AlcantarMaleMexico2013-03-21 22:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI Just Don't Know!
They usually ask for the most recent you could put down for what you made last year, they also have an optional section where you can state the most two recent years as well. Download the Directions for the I-864 it usually guides you through it.
Aidee AlcantarMaleMexico2013-03-12 22:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support?
Thank you!
Aidee AlcantarMaleMexico2013-04-10 08:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support?
My brother in law is helping us as a sponsor.

He can not find his original birth certificate but he has his Naturalization Certificate when he became a Citizen.

Would this be okay? He has his updated passport too.
Aidee AlcantarMaleMexico2013-04-09 21:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-601A waiver?? Confused....Need Help.
So I'm in the NVC process. Need to pay fee bills and I need to notify NVC that we are filling for the I-601A waiver. So does my waiver and visa get sent/done together? Or how does that work?

Is my waiver first to be checked? And then visa? So confuse thanks!


Aidee AlcantarMaleMexico2013-05-24 13:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEVIDENCES OF BONA FIDE RELATIONSHIP FOR CR1 VISA -- ACTUAL PHOTOS OR JUST PHOTOCOPIES???
I didn't send any pictures of us, just copy of our wedding certificate, joint bank statements, rental agreement, bills in our names. Black and white or color is fine.
Aidee AlcantarMaleMexico2013-09-02 12:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMedical Exam

Hello all,

 

I just sent in our I-130 to the Chicago Lockbox. I'm a US Citizen my wife is Canadian and we are currently living in Tororto. We've been married since 2004. We are very familar with the immigration process since we went through it once already in 2004.

 

We prefer just to get things out of the way especially with the summer months coming up we'll be on holidays for an extended period. Can my wife go for her medical exam at any time or do we have to wait and get notified by NVS? Is there a timeframe when the medical exam is good for?

 

Thanks.


JOJOCHINTONot Telling02013-05-23 10:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 2012 Tax Question

Hello all,

 

My wife (Canadian) and I (American)  have been living abroad for the past 8 years and recently sent in our I-130 since I accepted a job in the states . For the I-864 do I have to have file for 2012 to qualify?

 

On the advice of my accountant, I applied for an extension for the 2012 tax year until Oct 30, 2013. I did file US taxes for 2009 -2011  so I have three years and with my salary the poverty line is no concern. I do have all my recent pay check stubs and T-4's (Canada's W-2).  Also, I did file for 2012 in Canada but I don't think matters.

 

Thanks.


JOJOCHINTONot Telling02013-06-19 22:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLocal Office? Filing from Canada

Thanks so much for this!  We have decided to move our family (we have 2 kids) to the US to be closer to my family.

 

We are using an attorney but I am trying to wrap my head around all of this as well, the more I know the better I will feel.  As for the domicile proof that scares me as I have been living in CA for the last 10 yrs as a Perm. Resident...I have virtually no ties to the US at this time. I let my DL, credit cards etc.. go many years ago.  

 

 

 

 

I'm in the same postion. As soon as possible I would get secured credit card either Visa or Mastercard. I went through Capial One and used my parentss address. It's worked great so far, I use it when I'm in the states or if I buy a family member there a birthday gift etc online.

 

Helped my credit score to get approved for a mortgage.


JOJOCHINTONot Telling02013-06-19 22:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDenied K-1 - finally got response - says cash and sexual favors demanded in exchange for immigrant petition

 

 

No, not every single petition but when there are certain red flags and their assumptions and speculations kick in of course they will

look deeper. More than likely it happens during AP or they drag it out a bit to do some digging.

 

National security and fraud are highest on the list and yes different agencies request and share whatever data they suspect will proof their point.

Sometimes this is classified to the petitioner, for example the FOIA forms need to be signed by petitioner and beneficiary or they will use the 

"privacy issue of beneficiary and tell you only part of the story."  

Some things will never be disclosed as it would eventually shine a light on their classified actions and that is why they don't tell you

what exactly goes on during AP. It is classified...to us.... for security reasons, not between the agencies per request.

 

Alright, whatever. I'd rather not think about those things with a baby on the way and a wife to bring over. 


r060106MalePoland2013-09-23 20:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDenied K-1 - finally got response - says cash and sexual favors demanded in exchange for immigrant petition

Very creepy and if you dig deep beyond your regular news channels you can find the leaks about the NSA issues that give you a

true insight into the difference of what the American public is told and what is going on in reality.

 

For the USCIS to dig into every single petition and beneficiary's emails and skype logs would take forever, so I don't really think they go that far. Facebook and Google, yes. Other forms, no. Like I said, the NSA doesn't share that information with other agencies, or at least they don't like to. Because I've read about others, like the IRS, trying to get access to their servers, and the NSA tells them to bug off. 


r060106MalePoland2013-09-23 20:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDenied K-1 - finally got response - says cash and sexual favors demanded in exchange for immigrant petition

 

You have got to be kidding.  Have you read a newspaper or watched the news lately.  Ever hear of the NSA.  Google it.  And always remember, the government has way more access than we will ever know.
 

 

 

They don't have access to your facebook login, or email login, or anything else.  But if they want to they can google you.  With the amount of visa's being processed there isn't enough time in the world for the DoS to investigate everyone thoroughly.

 

I agree with an earlier poster, I think your fiance' provided some additional information during the interview that didn't help things at all.

 

 

 

This is what I always believed. I read on that other post that they have asked for log in info at some interviews. I know we all can be googled, and FB and other social profiles stored online can be visited.
 

 

Guys, looking at facebook profiles and public google information is one thing. But going into someone's personal email or skype account and snooping around for dirt on them is beyond the pale. The USCIS is not the NSA, and from what I've read, the NSA does not share the information it gathers with other agencies and departments, as it's all classified. So the USCIS has no business with it as far as the NSA is concerned. They don't like to share it with anyone else in the government I read as well. 


r060106MalePoland2013-09-23 17:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDenied K-1 - finally got response - says cash and sexual favors demanded in exchange for immigrant petition
Everything can be accessed. Nothing is private that you put out there anymore. They can get their hands on whatever they want

whether you submit it or not. 


 

Yeah, really? How do you know this? If that is the case then we might as well all be worried they're going to read through our personal chats and nitpick for things to deny our spouses/fiances. Kind of creepy if you ask me.


r060106MalePoland2013-09-23 15:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports62 days still No NOA2!

I stand corrected and hope you receive it soon. Sorry.


r060106MalePoland2013-10-18 00:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports62 days still No NOA2!

62 days? Isn't that a short amount of time? I-130s are waiting 9-11 months just for their NOA2s. 


r060106MalePoland2013-10-17 18:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCSC and NVC , what is going on?

you should consider yourself lucky just taking a month for you getting your NOA2 while most of us have to endure more than 3 months to get our NOA2.

 

That is a very good point. OP, I-130s are waiting 8-11 months for their NOA2 right now. So you should be grateful. Just saying.


r060106MalePoland2013-10-17 07:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsStarting our K1 journey

OP, congratulations on making the right move and going the K-1 route! The I-130 route after being married is hell on earth and spouses are now looking at a wait time just for the USCIS portion of the visa of around 9 to 11 months, with some even waiting more than a year. Our government seems to not like it when people get married and then try to bring their spouses here legally and punishes those of us who decided to go that route. It's horrible, especially with a baby on the way for my wife and I. But I'm glad you'll be with your fiance fairly quickly, given how fast I-129Fs have been approved lately. Good luck and please be thankful you're not in the predicament I-130s are in. good.gif:)


Edited by r060106, 20 October 2013 - 01:49 PM.

r060106MalePoland2013-10-20 13:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCan NOA2 get approved so fast?

 

 

I have noticed too that a lot of people recently have gotten NOA2 so fast. Is there any reasoning behind this?

 

No, nobody knows why it's happening so fast. The NOA2 for K-1s is around 1-3 months while the NOA2 for CR/IR-1s is around 7-10 months. Go figure.

 

They usually approve people soon after their Alien registration number is changed. You'll likely receive your NOA2 soon.


Edited by r060106, 10 December 2013 - 12:45 PM.

r060106MalePoland2013-12-10 12:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCan NOA2 get approved so fast?

 

I do sense that you're really really defensive, and I hope I'm reading that wrong.  I mean no offense and I wish all filers the best of luck in this horrendously uncertain waiting period.  Please don't think anyone wants anything but the best for you.

 

No, no defensiveness at all. You're reading it wrong. I just feel that the pendulum is not going to swing the way of the I-130s for a long time. Because if they would have tried to make the situation better and swing the pendulum back the other way, the USCIS would have addressed it a long time ago, and it looks like their current remedy of transferring files isn't really improving the process that much at all. I'm very pessimistic about the whole thing and have planned on a 12-16 month wait until my wife and child are over here. 

 

Thanks for the kind words. 


r060106MalePoland2013-12-09 23:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCan NOA2 get approved so fast?

 it's not fair and it's frustrating but the whole system is a pendulum and there will never be balance and fairness, I'm afraid.

 

Explain what you mean by pendulum, please. 


r060106MalePoland2013-12-08 14:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCan NOA2 get approved so fast?

 

First of all congrats to all K1 filers that have been approved and regardless of the time frame. For me an approval whether its a K1 or a CR1/IR1 just means there is one less file at USCIS needing to be adjusticated.

 

I agree with you Leon & Mylen, the CR1/IR1 visa does take longer due to the fact that essentially it includes the AOS step before the issuance of the visa.

There is no debate that the spousal visa typically takes approx 3-4 months longer than a K1 visa. But that is for the whole process, from fiing your petition at USCIS to visa issuance.

 

USCIS at the moment holds the same national goal for both K1 and CR1/IR1 petitions which is 5 months. They are more than upholding that goal when it comes to K1 filers but with the spousal visas they are very far off it.

If you compare the I-129F form and the I-130 form, the information required is basically the same. The evidence required differs alil, as a marriage certificate is needed for one and a letter of intent for the other.

So i will hazhard a guess here and say when it comes to the USCIS part of the process, there isn't an extra step for the spousal visa over the fiance one.

 

The CR1/IR1filers' frustration is that there is no balance between the two. A spousal visa filer is aware that the process does take longer because of the type of visa they have petitioned for and I don't think they would mind (myself included) if K1 filers were approved in 2 months and they were approved in 4. But right now, as things are K1 filers are approved in 2 months and less and CR1/IR1 filers have at least an 7 month wait.

 

Exactly.


r060106MalePoland2013-11-19 13:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCan NOA2 get approved so fast?

Fine.


r060106MalePoland2013-11-19 12:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCan NOA2 get approved so fast?

 

but I really really feel with CR-1/IR-1 couples it's just NOT fair


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Thanks, that means a lot to us.


r060106MalePoland2013-11-19 08:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCan NOA2 get approved so fast?

No, I'm not saying that at all, and thank you for premptively apologizing ahead of time so I don't feel I have to try and explain myself defensively.

I'm simply addressing the why the CR1 takes a lot longer than the K-1. It's because the CR1 involves 2 steps while the K-1 involves only the shorter first step.

That's it. I was in no way addressing how anybody should feel about it or how it "makes up" for any emotion during any phase for anybody.

I would rather not get into such a mudslinging comparative argument between those going through both, as I have seen it between many on here, not just between K-1/CR1, but also between different service centers and even between those who went through the same visa type and service centers but at different years.

It happens of course because people get tired of waiting and start bickering out of frustration, especially when they see others getting what they themselves want. Of course, the frustration should be directed at USCIS rather than each other, and we should instead just be happy for each other during each step, but it's not going to happen simply because there are always going to be some people that simply cannot be happy due to what is happening to them.







 

I didn't say it made up for an emotion. It appeared to me that you were inferring that the fact CR1s don't have to do AOS is the upside for any increased wait times. That's all I was getting at. And like I said earlier, if I was wrong I sincerely apologize. That was a sincere apology and I was only trying to clarify what you  meant. But it seems like you didn't take the apology seriously and/or just brushed it off. Then I said to you that I'd much rather go through that and pay triple the fee if it meant I was actually allowed to be with my wife and child. Nowhere did I say that it was the fault of K1s for slowing down the CR1 process.


r060106MalePoland2013-11-19 08:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCan NOA2 get approved so fast?

The real comparison should be the combined time it takes for the K-1 and ensuing AOS to process, as that is essentially what the CR1 is.

 

I'd pay triple the fee for the spousal visa if it meant I was actually allowed to be with my wife and child as a family, regardless of whether I would have go through AOS while with them. I could care less about AOS if it means we're together. 

 

So basically you're saying being apart from our spouses for what might be 15 months to 2 years is the equivalent of having to go through the AOS process, and in that way makes up for the fact we don't have to go through it? I really think that's a stretch if it is in fact what you mean. My apologies if I'm wrong. 


Edited by r060106, 19 November 2013 - 12:57 AM.

r060106MalePoland2013-11-19 00:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCan NOA2 get approved so fast?

 

 

This is so true. The petition for the I-129F fiance(e) visa is not the same as the I-130 petition for an immediate relative. The I-130 requires much more evidence presented along with it for one thing. I do not think the processing times for the I-130 should be taking so long, but it is what it is right now.

 

 

 

I was going to ask this question on the 14th but forgot about this thread: if they involve so much more, how much longer than an I-129F do you think an I-130 should take? All CR/IR-1s want is empathy and compassion from K-1s and others on the forum for their situation - nothing else. 


Edited by r060106, 19 November 2013 - 12:19 AM.

r060106MalePoland2013-11-19 00:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCan NOA2 get approved so fast?

Congratulations on your approval but this shows what a joke the disparity between K1 and CR1 times at the moment is. Can't understand why they don't reallocate resources away from K1!

 

I understand your frustration.


r060106MalePoland2013-11-14 08:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCan NOA2 get approved so fast?

Yes, it's possible. Please be thankful you got approved so fast. People sending in petitions for their spouses are waiting an average of 9-11 months for approval right now. That's just for the approval of their petition. Not for the NVC or the consulate stage. It's hell on earth for us.

 

Congratulations. 


Edited by r060106, 13 November 2013 - 09:01 PM.

r060106MalePoland2013-11-13 21:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThe WAIT begins

Sent our I129F today....rechecked it 50 times before I finally sealed that envelope....and as I sealed the envelope all this waiting to file after 4 years has become so surreal....I was overcome by emotion...Didnt know weather to laugh or cry....I took a picture of the clerk at the post office holding my packet and was even tempted to ask the cute catholic nun in line in front of me to sprinkle some holy water on it or something lol....but as I walked away and left what is technically the determining factor of what our future and happiness will be....I prayed to God and said let your will be done....now Im at peace....AMEN

 

The wait for K-1s is very short right now, so you'll be fine I'm sure. Good luck!


r060106MalePoland2013-12-09 23:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCasablanca, You made a big mistake! :'( (merged)

With a returned CR1, since it is an immigrant visa and more solid so to speak, they really do need to come up with a reason

and a NOIR/NOID letter has to be send out so the couple can address the issue of the refusal and submit their rebuttal.

While USCIS and DOS can play ping pong back and forth and reaffirm and return, most of the time the CO will approve after

the first reaffirmation. Unfortunately a K1 is weak(er) and gets tossed in comparison.

Some think that the embassy sits on it too long before they return it and that such is the reason it expires,

but it goes to a USCIS warehouse to be stored after it has been returned, then gets pulled for official expiration.

 

That makes sense. Thanks again. 


r060106MalePoland2014-05-10 13:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCasablanca, You made a big mistake! :'( (merged)

You should contact the chief consul a.s.a.p and rattle their cage for a second interview yourself in addition to your representative.

 

CO's are given the discretionary umbrella of " lack of bona fide relationship " as a canned answer and that is probably the answer

you will get, no matter how many pounds of proof you haul in.

 

I always thought the USCIS has final jurisdiction over whether the relationship is "bona fide", and that the CO can't use that as a reason for a denial without having evidence that did not exist at the time of approval by USCIS? Is that wrong? Maybe I'm a little confused as to how that works or maybe it's just for CR1s. 


r060106MalePoland2014-05-09 16:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCasablanca, You made a big mistake! :'( (merged)

Spouse is already an immediate relative, the USC is given the legal courtesy of bringing their immediate relatives to the USA so a denial,of this requires justification and thus appeal and it is an immigrant visa. A fiancé is not yet an immediate relative and is technically a non-immigrant visa...

 

Makes total sense. Thanks


r060106MalePoland2014-05-09 13:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCasablanca, You made a big mistake! :'( (merged)

Unfortunately, denied k1s are usually left to languish and expire...

 

Do you know why that is? I'm just curious. Are CR1's harder to deny? 


r060106MalePoland2014-05-09 12:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 or K-1? Need advice given situation.

Takes about a year that is correct maybe a little under or over depends if any mistakes are made when filing. Include lots of pictures. Save everything and take lots of pictures.


Oh we'll definitely be taking a lot of pictures and already have. I'm also hoping skype call log records will be additional good proof of a bona fide relationship, as we have logged almost 150 hours over the past 9 months and have all of the call dates and durations saved on a spreadsheet created from the program's folder. That is our primary method of communication, along with the 700+ emails we have sent to each other in that time span. Thanks a lot.
r060106MalePoland2012-09-19 07:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 or K-1? Need advice given situation.

No I think that the CR1 is more likely to be denied. But only by a smidgen. Either should work out fine for you if you have a genuine relationship.


Well said. Thanks again.
r060106MalePoland2012-09-18 12:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 or K-1? Need advice given situation.

Personally I think they are about the same. However, I think some may argue the spousal is more critical because you are getting a greencard out of it right away so there is not the level of safeguard for frausters as the K1 has with AOS.


So you're saying the K-1 is more apt to be denied, correct? Thanks.
r060106MalePoland2012-09-18 12:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 or K-1? Need advice given situation.

Its when the VISA is granted but that is usually right after the interview. You can view the average timelines by going to Immigration Timelines ( http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/ ). Its around 9 months I believe but it seems to be trending longer.


Thanks a lot.
r060106MalePoland2012-09-18 10:11:00