ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresplease help. very new in this site.please

thank you.. im sorry for the capslock. is that bad?


Robert,

As Markieboy noted, it is kinda shouting in the internet forums. First time it is fine, everybody knows that it is excitement. :star:

Also, "initcap" is much better!

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-25 15:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresplease help. very new in this site.please
Dear Robert,

Congratulations on getting married :thumbs: It is a new world to explore many things!

Here is an overview of this entire process - http://www.visajourn...p/EZGuideSpouse

Also, please don't fret on those evidences much. You can start accumulating now onwards. I don't think yahoo chat missing is a barrier to your marriage. If so, how people got married before yahoo was not introduced in the world?

Another request - please turn off the caps lock!

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-25 14:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat does this NVC AVR message means?

Can't wait to catch up with the NVC train and get all those confusing messages and deal with the unsorted system :D


Every time when I talk to the operator, I would say "I am really sorry to bother you, but your AVR system is panicking me" :-) "What's the current and up to date status of our NVC case?" Then they will dig it and answer very politely.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-25 13:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat does this NVC AVR message means?

Hi All,

OK, so I have mailed AOS (2 weeks ago)and DS-230 forms (1 week ago) to NVC. Today I was checking the AVR and I'm getting the following message:

The NVC is waiting the return of the biographic form from the petitioner, once this packet is received, allow 6 to 8 weeks for reviewing of all your documentations and you will be notified for the outcome of the review

Anyone know what does this mean?

Thanks,
Gagan


NVC AVR system sucks! Mine says (since the beginning) our case not found in the system :devil:

Whenever I talk to the operator, I am getting the response that "Don't worry about it, we'll have everything in order" :star:

Your message is - they received the package and review in progress. 6 to 8 weeks is the standard reponse. Normally, it should be done in 2 to 4 weeks time after both packages are received.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-25 13:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIncome Requirement question
Pension and unemployment income can be considered. But if you are really at the threshold level, it may be questioned. Getting another job quickly is the best.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-26 11:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresapproved
Congratulations, great news :dance: :dance: :dance:

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-25 20:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Case complete is no guarantee docs are cleared for good

What was the document you wish the NVC gave you an RFE on ? What was the problem with the document?

The NVC and Embassy are both actually under the Department of State - however, the Embassy has a greater understanding of the culutre of the country and of course makes the final decision according to its own guidelines.


Bobby and Pushbrk are correct :thumbs:

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-26 11:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSurname change on passport

Ok thanks so much! That's really helpful. I was just concerned because this process will take about 6 weeks itself and wanted to see if it's something I'd have to do. I can change it eventually but funds are tight at the moment with everything else that we have to pay out for! Does your wife have to take any other ID with her though to show her married name when using her visa?
Thank you for all your help,
Joanne


Nothing at the interview. Consulate had forwarded original marriage certificate from NVC.

She is an eager baby to change her name and tie with my name. I only postponing it and will do it during her naturalization, it is free!

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-26 15:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSurname change on passport

Hi,
Im a little confused and wondered if anyone could help me with a question I have!
I am a UK resident and married my American husband in Feb this year, we just received our NOA2 and are now in contact with the NVC for the next stages. However, it occured to me that my passport has my maiden name on it and was wondering if this is something I have to change before I return to the States to match my married name (which will be on the visa)? I read that showing your marriage certificate with your passport would be sufficient but I wasnt sure. Everything is costing so much money with this process and wondered if the passport name change was a necessity?
I'd be so grateful if anyone has any experience or input with this.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Joanne


It is not a necessity. It is just a personal choice. My wife still holds the passport under her maiden name.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-26 14:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhats next?

I cant seem to find the link for the Oct Club. can u send me a link plz.. thanks :)


It is here - http://www.visajourn...r-october-2010/

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-26 22:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhats next?
Ok now in simpler terms.

1) After receiving the case from the USCIS, NVC assigns a case# (NVC Case#)

2) Call NVC at 603-334-0700 and/or email NVCINQUIRY@state.gov to provide both the petitioner and beneficiary email ids and to get NVC Case# and IIN (Invoice Identification Number)

3) Email DS-3032 (Choice of Agent) by the beneficiary to NVCINQUIRY@state.gov making the U.S petitioner as the agent (Email format: http://www.visajourn...il_DS-3032_form)

4) Log in to NVC online payment system at https://ceac.state.g...ice/signon.aspx to see AOS and IV fee are generated

5) Pay Affidavit of Support (AOS - I-864) review fee $88 and Immigrant Visa (DS-230) fee $404, if generated. Payment status will be 'IN PROCESS' after the payment. In 1 or 2 days, the status will be 'PAID'

6) When the status shows 'PAID', print out AOS barcode sheet and IV barcode sheet

7) Express mail AOS packet and IV packet to NVC

8) NVC reviews both packages and completes the case in about 2 weeks and forwards to the beneficiary's U.S consulate by scheduling beneficiary's interview at the Consulate.

Glossary:
Petitioner - The person who filed I-130 petition
Beneficiary - The person who receives the benefit of this immigrant visa (Beneficiary will become the applicant of the immigrant visa)
DOS - Department of State
NVC - National Visa Center
AOS - Affidavit of Support
IV - Immigrant Visa
COA - Choice of Agent
USCIS - United States Citizenship and Immigration Service
IIN - Invoice Identification Number

Loto


LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-26 22:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhats next?
This is another guide in VJ - http://www.visajourn...wchart_v1-2.pdf

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-26 21:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhats next?

so basically
i need to call NVC next week and get a case number than go online and file the fees and submit the forms?
and what forms will i be filling?


Read the guide.
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-26 21:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhats next?

actually i called USCIS prior to submitting my I-130 and they actually gave out tons of info.
what im confused about the NVC is will i get a letter from them stating they have my case, do i need to find forms, fill them out and send them along w fees or will they send me the appropriate info?
if you can please answer those that will be great.
thank you


Yes. NVC will mail out the letters, but it will take months to reach you.

That's why, everybody provides email ids to NVC as soon as NVC Case# is generated to speed up the process. You will find tons of information in Oct NVC club.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-26 20:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhats next?

i saw your links and read them
but i still am confused
im going to call both USCIS and NVC tomorrow


Trust me, calling USCIS or NVC will not help you out. But it is up to you and you have all the privilege :star:

You may join NVC Oct club for details under the progress report.

Loto

Edited by LotOfPatience, 26 October 2010 - 08:40 PM.

LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-26 20:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhats next?
Umair,

I have provided all the links for you :star:

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-26 20:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhats next?

i filed an I130 for my wife on Aug 24th and had it approved today
and is being sent to NVC
email says that i will be receiving something in the mail.....i dont really know what to expect next
can someone please fill me in and tell me what documents i need to gather.
i have all her info, but just saying so i can be ready ahead of time.
thanks in advance for all your help


Congratulations Umair Khan for you NOA2 :dance: :dance: :dance:

For NVC:

Department of State Official link - http://travel.state....c/nvc_1335.html

Also, follow LingChe shortcut (http://www.visajourn...he_NVC_ShortCut) for faster NVC processing. Current record is 13 days there.

I finished NVC in 18 days. Here is my link - http://www.visajourn...p/EZGuideSpouse

OBX also completed in around same timeline of mine!

Loto


LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-26 17:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshelpppppp plzzz
I am a failure to convince her it is IR1 visa, not K3.

Also advised to talk to the local people who talk in her language.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-26 22:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresReschedule interview date..new here

hey everyone,
I am Canadian Citizen and my husband is US citizen. I received my interview date last year in December for January 28, 2010 but I had to reschedule it because my due date was January 29, 2010. We sent them an email regarding the situation and got the reply in February from the Visa department that they will reschedule the date and it will take 2-5 months. It has been almost 6 months and we haven't heard anything from them. I called the Visa department in US and they told me that your file is in the US embassy in Montreal and they haven't reschedule your interview date yet and they are very busy so just wait. Please let me know what should i do? its very difficult situation for us because we are living separately from last 6 months. how long does it take to reschedule the interview date? we didn't have any choice except reschedule the date :(
thanks



Unfortunately Montreal is seriously backlogged for interviews. You will find many filers in the Canada forum waiting as well. I do recall one other filer that had to reschedule from the beginning of the year and is still waiting. :(
OBXFemaleCanada2010-08-03 15:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion on Form Ds230

Question my wife is filling this out and I was curious, there is a question about Employment on the form. IT asks something like what will be your occupation once you arrive. What if my wife has no job obviously because shes immigrating. What would she put under there?



I put "UNKNOWN", others have put "TO BE DETERMINED". I had no issues at all and wasn't asked about it at the interview.
OBXFemaleCanada2010-10-25 09:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTax returns for interview

It's on page 11 of the I-1864 form: http://www.uscis.gov.../form/i-864.pdf

And I do concur that in the absence of a return, a transcript is acceptable. I sent in my husband's 2009 1040, 2008 1040 and the tax transcript for 2007.

Also sent W2s, letter of employment and his paystubs for 2010 (January to August, March was missing though.)



Thanks for pointing that out, I see it now. Yet on the main page of the I-864 website it states either is acceptable.

I guess we shouldn't be surprised that USCIS instructions are confusing. :wacko:
OBXFemaleCanada2010-10-25 10:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTax returns for interview
Not sure what check list you are working from but the USCIS site states that either a transcript or return is acceptable.

USCIS I-864 reference


"A photocopy or an Internal Revenue Service-issued transcript of a photocopy or an Internal Revenue Service-issued transcript of your complete Federal income tax return for your most recent tax year, or an explanation if it is not submitted. Your W-2s and/or 1099 forms may also be required, see the I-864 instructions for details."
OBXFemaleCanada2010-10-25 09:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTax returns for interview

I take issue with this every time you post that the most recent year's tax return is required. When I read the I864 instruction, it say you can just send in transcripts. It makes no mention of the tax return requirement. Even when you fill out the form, it says "required photocopy or transcript." I'm not trying to be argumenative. I just want to know what you are basing this on.

Personally, I have all 3 years tax return and transcripts. I plan to send in both to NVC and ship copies of all to my wife so she'll have them with her during interview if the need arises.



:thumbs: Transcripts are acceptable.

Just to clarify my previous post we sent in tax transcripts only of the previous three years and had no issues at all.

Since we submitted our I-864 in February (before taxes were completed) and interviewed in May (after taxes were filed) we then took the most recent tax return to our interview. The officer looked at all of the supporting forms and returned everything except the first few pages of the return.

Edited by OBX, 25 October 2010 - 09:42 AM.

OBXFemaleCanada2010-10-25 09:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTax returns for interview

I think you need a read - http://www.visajourn...p/EZGuideSpouse

Last year tax return is mandatory, previous years are optional.

Having said this, I included 2007, 08 & 09 tax returns.

Loto


:thumbs:

We included the previous three years as well.
OBXFemaleCanada2010-10-24 15:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Requirements

Yes, you can have the police check done before NVC asks for it. I had mine done in June for work and submittedit in March to NVC - now by the time my interview rolled around I needed a new one because Montreal will only accept them if they are less than a year old so just be aware of that

Good luck


:thumbs:

I waited until I had my NOA2 to obtain the police certifcate but I stared researching options as soon as I mailed in the I-130. I was able to get my certificate from the local RCMP detachment (I was in Niagara region) the same day I applied at no cost. Simply showed up, filled out a form, they took my picture, I waited about 15 minutes and had the form in hand. As canadian_wife posted you don't want to get it too early so I would suggest checking out services and wait-times in your area and plan accordingly. Good luck!
OBXFemaleCanada2010-10-20 09:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC Requirements

My questions are:

1: Original/Certified birth certificate of the beneficiary,, what if she doesn't have the birth certificate from her country or if she does have it, does she have to have it translated to English?
Yes she will need it and it will have to be translated.
2: Original police certificate(s) of the beneficiary,, how does she get this? Does she go to the police station and ask for it?
If you are referring to a Canadian police certificate, she can get it from her local police station or RCMP detachment. See the link below for more specific requirements. Scroll down to Police Certificates, go into the "Reciprocity by Country" link and check out the requirements for Canada.

Thanks in advance.
I still have a long way to get to NVC but it doesn't hurt learning about it in advance.


Have a look at the NVC requirements. NVC Documents

Good luck. :thumbs:

Edited by OBX, 19 October 2010 - 08:46 AM.

OBXFemaleCanada2010-10-19 08:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEmailed IV Packet, do I mail too?

Short Answer no. You do not need to mail it in. As long as you OPT IN to Electronic Processing you will not need to mail any originals in. But ALL Original documents must be with the beneficiary at the time of the interview.



:thumbs:
OBXFemaleCanada2010-10-25 09:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp with NVC

The embassy in Accra Ghana, is the worse U.S. embassy in the world. My case is completed at the NVC since May 11th and yet we did not have an interview date. I found out from this site that in most countries people get their interview date just few days after NVC complete their case. I don`t know what is happening in Accra. It`s driving me nuts.



That's a terribly long wait. So sorry you have to go through this. :(

Don't feel completely alone though as I believe that some filers from Canada with June NVC petitions are just getting their interviews now!
OBXFemaleCanada2010-10-26 08:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRECEIVED NOA2 through Snail Mail

http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/LingChe_NVC_ShortCut

Congrats on your NOA-2! Use this guide to help you through NVC. The record using LingChe's shortcuts is 13 days. Took us 25 though

Good luck



^^ :thumbs:

You might also find this link helpful.
NVC Prep
OBXFemaleCanada2010-10-26 08:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCriminal record / Police certificate from Canada

That's it. The embassy approved my wife's visa, and she will get it this afternoon!

So three lessons learned:

1) if you're applying outside Canada, get the fingerprint based report for Canada
2) by going to Canada you can get your fingerprints taken electronically and get your report in a week
3) NVC is Department of State, embassies are Homeland Security, just because NVC accepts your document doesn't mean the embassy will. Because the embassy is of a different agency it doesn't even feel any pressure to honor the NVC decision.



:dance: Congratulations, happy to hear it all worked out...eventually! :)


For those who choose not to travel back to Canada to get their RCMP certificate:

I requested mine this year via mail (courier). RCMP-Ottawa received my request Aug 23. The Criminal Record Search was completed on Oct. 6. The RCMP certificate was issued Oct. 7. My husband, in the US, received it Oct. 19 (snail mail between the US and Canada is very slow).

I did not include a prepaid courier/Canada Post Xpresspost envelope in my request (which would have insured that my husband received the certificate in 2 days instead of 12 days) because the RCMP website said that "The results are always returned by regular mail." (http://www.rcmp-grc....g-empr2-eng.htm).


Good to know. :thumbs:

Edited by OBX, 26 October 2010 - 08:28 AM.

OBXFemaleCanada2010-10-26 08:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhich Forms?

We are gathering everything together so we don't have to be so pressed for time and I think we hit a bump in the road. After we receive the NOA2, which forms will the petitioner need to fill out and which ones will the beneficiary need to fill out? I know the forms will be sent to us, but I would like to make a folder for him that includes all of the forms so he will know what he needs.

As a sidenote, does anyone know why my timeline won't show up unless you click on it?



Have a read through these links to familiarize yourself with the NVC and interview process. Good luck!

NVC Shortcuts
NVC Prep
Consulate Reviews
OBXFemaleCanada2010-10-26 08:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresapproved
:dance: Congratulations and good luck at NVC.
OBXFemaleCanada2010-10-26 08:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSurname change on passport
Keep in mind that your visa and then your green card will be issued in the name on your passport.
OBXFemaleCanada2010-10-26 17:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion on Form Ds230
Perfect Thanks everyone!
Matt n ShannonMaleCanada2010-10-25 09:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion on Form Ds230
Question my wife is filling this out and I was curious, there is a question about Employment on the form. IT asks something like what will be your occupation once you arrive. What if my wife has no job obviously because shes immigrating. What would she put under there?
Matt n ShannonMaleCanada2010-10-25 09:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEmailed IV Packet, do I mail too?
Short Answer no. You do not need to mail it in. As long as you OPT IN to Electronic Processing you will not need to mail any originals in. But ALL Original documents must be with the beneficiary at the time of the interview.
Matt n ShannonMaleCanada2010-10-25 08:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJust a stupid question

Just like USCIS, if a petition is approved and no one is there to let you know, is it still approved?


I didn't know if it was approved until I got the hard copy on 10/04. Nobody let me know it was approved on 9/29, except a nice USPS mail delivery person :)

Now I think it is good. Otherwise from 9/29 onwards I will be wasting my time with NVC AVR system. I started the addiction with NVC AVR from 10/04 onwards only.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-20 17:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow long after giving emails to nvc will I get something from them_
You may optionally follow my NVC timeline, by adding the factor of the NOA2 difference in days between us:star:

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-20 17:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow many photocopies to send with DS-230??

Thank you all for the replies.. All papers are mailed out.. Now the waiting game begins AGAIN.. It reminds of the time when I mailed out my I-130 :unsure:


But this bureaucratic dept is much better than the other :star:

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-20 17:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow many photocopies to send with DS-230??

They won't send you an RFE just for that. You have sent them the original + the photocopy. I tried both, and the color copies these days are so good that I purposefully did a black and white photocopy. On my documents, I didn't even add a case number/name, I should have. But my case is complete and Chennai has my docs.



:thumbs:
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-10-19 17:46:00