ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of damn support

Well, sent in an email thursday asking about my husbands case. They replied friday saying: "
Your husbands case has been forwarded to an officer for review. As soon as a decision is made, we will contact him immediatly"

Well good news I guess? At least its not in AP, I think? Is this a good sign? How long should I wait to email again if I don't get a decision? Not trying to be pessimistic but I think I got used to getting bad news..


Oh, congressional enquiry has some update, huh :)

Next reminder can be in another 2 weeks (should be reasonable time), if you don't hear further.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-25 12:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of damn support

Thanks again for your help! Um.. dumb question.. what should I ask of them? My only problem right now with my case is waiting to see if the new joint affidavit of support I sent in two weeks ago will be accepted.. What should I say in the email?


Explain to them that - "We had submitted original documents as part of the NVC process and the case is forwarded to the Consulate for the interview. But they put the visa issue 'on hold' asking the original documents again. We have submitted this original document again 2 weeks back, but nothing heard about the interview. So, can you please contact the Consulate in xxxxx to check exactly what is the current status and when will we have the interview."

Also, provide NVC Case#, USCIS Receipt#, petitioner's A#, petitioner and beneficiary full name and date of birth while sending email to the congress person.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-23 10:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of damn support

Thanks alot Loto! Can you help me as to finding out how I can contact them? Im from Missouri and I have no idea who I should call. Are there any links with phone numbers??


Missouri has 9 congresspersons. It has obviously 2 senators as in each state.

http://www.govtrack....ps.xpd?state=MO

When you find out your congressional district, you can click on their link and email all the details. Also, you can talk to them over the phone as well.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-23 10:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of damn support

It isn't as easy as you think it is for me to get into Jerusalem that way. Even though I have an American passport, I too need a day pass to get into Jerusalem through the checkpoint. I don't have a visa, I have a green I.D card just like anyother Palestinian citizen who is over 16. Thats why i'd need a day pass. I'm just going to give them untill saturday. Then I'll email the embassy here.
The only bad thing that can happen so far, is if they reject the new joint affidavit. Probably most unlikely since my sponser makes more than enough to support my husband, and he sent in tax returns like they asked. But one never knows the outcome.
One question, I read some posts on here, and some people have written that they emailed thier senator or some high official for help. Is there a way I can do that and get some help too??? Thanks


Yes Congressional enquiry will get the 'exact' status update.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-23 10:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of damn support

I absoslutly have no idea what "original" was to the officer that day. My friend who gave me the first joint affidavit filled it out in front of me. it looked original to me. well, whatever that was we sent in a new one with the most recent tax returns, which was for 2009.


Im thinking of emailing the counslet i applied at here in Jerusalem. I asked around diff. offices that help with immigration visas, and they told me if i leave, i can email the counslet from america asking for my husband. i would have to send in proof im there like apartment contract and airline tickets to the states. i dunno. maybe ill get a reply soon!!!!! PLEASE hope for us


Did your previous joint sponsor type his 'full name' at the end of I-864 or print using computer?

Loto

Edited by LotOfPatience, 22 September 2010 - 11:44 AM.

LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-22 11:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of damn support

Alright here is the overall situation:
1)Filed for husband i-130 October 20, 2009

2)Got Appointment April 22, 2010
took his fingerprints, visa money, and swore oath same day at appointment. BUT
visa denied bc joint affidavit wasn't "original"

3)after what seemed like forever, got a new joint affidavit september 8th, 2010
sent it in same day to counslet.
been two weeks, no answer.

now our sponser makes around $55,000 a year. supporting 6 people(including my husband)

my question is:
1)is it true that the joint sponser has to be from same state as petitioner? because ours isnt. husbands friend sent ours in. couldnt get one from same state we are going to live in.
Joint sponsor can be anywhere in the U.S, must be at least 18 years old.

2) how long do i have to wait for a reply if my husband gets visa or not? i am thinking about going to the states next month, will that effect my husbands visa approval? can i send an email asking the counslet to make a decision after going to the states and sending documents that proove im living there?
This is Consulate specific, talk to or email to them.

please help!


LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-22 11:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA.O.S

So please correct me if I'm wrong again, I normally am, this site has a tendency to force humility from me.... when I arrive in the USA the next step in nothing for a full 1 year and 9 months, right up until the removal of status?


Hope your hubby is above 26. If not, before sitting idle until 1 year 9 months, a 'Selective Service Registration' is also needed ;)

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-25 18:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmade a mistake ds230

after he submitted the ds230, he found out that he made a mistake. so should he just point out the mistake to the CO at his interview.
thank you lotofPatience


Yes, that's correct rsan :) It is not a big worry!

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-25 12:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmade a mistake ds230

hi team

due to circumstance, we just have to submit DS230 and I864 all together at local VFS office after we got our interview date. a week ago, my husband went and submitted all the documents. later he told me that he made mistake in DS230 (item 30 and spell mistake on his mom's name), how do i correct it now? he is going to the interview next week. we do not know if 1864 or DS230 document processed. should my husband indicate the mistake at interview?

thank you in advance
rsan


When you submit to VFS, submit correct DS-230. At interview, just point out this correction to the CO.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-25 12:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNo "touches" since June 24

Hi there. I am getting really discouraged reading all the posts that say the length for processing at the California Service Center is growing :( Our NOA1 date is June 22nd. The ONLY update listed on our case status is for June 24th. That's it. Is anyone else experiencing the lack of "touches"? Thank you all.


Your approval will be somewhere around Nov/Dec timeframe. Yes, wait is frustrating!

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-21 17:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHusbands IR visa approved

Yea I must have been confused with the re-entry permit. Thanks for clearing that out! :)
If we apply for that, we should easily be able to get it though, right?

There are no address issues. The 6 month visa expires in the beginning of next year so we'll be going before that. It's after we get back from that trip, that I was wandering what would happen with the green card. But things are much clearer.

Another question, (yes, I'm full of them :) ), if my husband was to apply to colleges over there on his IR-1 visa, would be be considered an international student, or would he be like any other citizen applying? Also, now that he's gotten the IR-1, if we were to go England, would he need a separate visa for that, cuz as a citizen, there's no need for applying for the visa. But i was wondering whether the IR-1 would affect any of that.

You guys have been a great help! Thanks a lot! :thumbs:


Reg: University - To get the reduction in the fee (international student will pay double the tuition in most cases!) as a local, he must be the resident of the state of the university for an year.
Reg: Visit to U.K - He needs U.K visa. Green Card holder does not need visa to visit Canada and Switzerland only. Mexico was also there in the list, but I don't know now.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-26 16:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHusbands IR visa approved

Yea its an IR-1 visa. By deferring the green card, I meant that we don't want to move to the states right away (i think its called something like conditional permanent residence.. i dunno). We will definitely go before the visa expires, but are planning on coming back for maybe a year or two (2 years is the maximum that we can stay out of the states). So I wanted to know whether there was a certain time that the green card usually comes in, cuz we'll have to be coming back and will plan our trip accordingly.

Darnell - I'm so sorry.. I am so bad with dates, I don't really remember the exact dates that everything was sent and received.

I do know that we applied in the beginning of March and after about a month, we got a package with the DS-230 and the I-864, and we had to submit all our orignial documents, along with police certificates, finances and everything. Approximately a month after that, we got a letter saying that we were being called in for the interview. They didn't ask me anything in the interview, but the consular officer told my husband that the best bet would be to apply with a joint sponsor who files their taxes in the US, and that we would have to send in more documents. We sent those in, and weeks later, the visa was ready. So everything happened fairly quick. We weren't expecting everything to happen so fast but thank God! the process is over!

Oh and my husband is over 26, so we won't have to be applying for the Selective Services.

I also have another question, once we get to the US, does the green card get sent to us after we've applied for the SSN? Or is it independent of that?

Thanks!


Since you say it is IR1, there is NO conditional concept and condition removal. It is 10 years GC.

You may be confused with Re-entry permit. After your husband reaches the U.S, if he wants to be outside the U.S for more than 1 year, yes re-entry permit is needed. But it is max. for 2 years. After 2 years, GC will be out of status and permanent status will be lost. If your husband wants to be less than 1 year outside the U.S, re-entry permit is not needed.

After your husband's POE, within 30 to 60 days, he will have GC and SSN. Both are independent mailings. If for some reason, SSN doesn't come by mail, apply it at local SSA office.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-26 09:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHusbands IR visa approved
One for thought - if he is under 26 years old at the time of POE, registering with the 'Selective Services' (No draft implementation so far!)

I feel deferring meant deferring the POE, but before the 6 months Consulate issued visa expiry, so that he will cross 26 years of age!

Loto


LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-25 17:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHusbands IR visa approved

We applied for my husband's greencard from Islamabad about 5 months ago, and got a call from the embassy saying it was ready. So when we got his passport back , it was stamped with a 6 month visa. What's next? When we get to the states, I understand that we're gonna have to apply for his Social Security Number, which will take about 2 weeks, and then they'll mail us his greencard. Does anyone have any idea how long that will take? And what the process for deferring the green card is? I know that it can't be deferred for more than 2 years, but any other terms or conditions that we should be aware of?

Help!


Congrats :dance: :dance: :dance:

In 30 to 60 days after POE, you will have SSN and Welcome Letter and GC.

If GC is CR1, in around 2 years after POE, you need to remove the condition by filing I-751.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-25 13:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC

Hey guys,
does anybody have a link to something like "Igor's List for the NVC-processing timeline?"
Or maybe you guys have an answer?
It seemed like the NVC slowed down pretty good - I am wondering at what speed they are completing cases right now?
(What I am interested are the DS and I864, not the bills or the DS3032)
Thanks!


I don't see any NVC tracking list. You may join here (http://www.visajourn...september-2010/) to read and post and to see the actions!

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-03 17:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhy there is such a long wait for I-130 be approved for imm relatives?

It only took 6 months for me to get my visa from initial petition to interview. 6 months is brilliant! I wouldn't even have DREAMED of the process being so fast.


Our previous CR1 was also similar to yours, msd :)

I-130 Filing to Approval: 3.5 months
NVC Receipt to Completion: 1 month
Consulate Interview Completion: 1.5 month

Total: 6 months :) But it was in the first half of 2008!

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-25 12:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhy there is such a long wait for I-130 be approved for imm relatives?
There are 2 service centers named CSC and VSC. CSC employs 1010 I-130 adjudicators and VSC employs 505 I-130 adjudicators.

In the U.S, every year there are 750,000 I-130 petitioners say all are USC petitioners. They send their package to Chicago Lock box. TLA for it, let's say CLB. CLB checks the load of each SC and forwards it to them. Say 500,000 went to CSC and 250,000 went to VSC.

Always at a particular time, 10 employees in CSC and 5 employees of VSC are on vacation since they are humans. Now let's do a math again. Balance employees in CSC is 1000 and in VSC 500.

A Quiz - How many petitions each CSC and VSC employee gets for an equal distribution?

Ummmmm... Nobody answers. Let me calculate. CSC employee gets 500 and VSC employee gets 500.

Some of the employees in each SC are hardworking. What does that mean? They don't smoke, don't go to pantry so often and do not discuss about their dogs and cats at office. They process 5 petitions a day. Those hardly working employees process 4 petitions a day.

Now another quiz! How many working days in a month? Take out 4 Sat, 4 Sun and 1 or 2 holidays. Let's assume 20 working days.

During this process, some name checks are initiated. This is really not a spelling check. First name, Last name, DOB etc. are fed into another system and they get an output. Some names bleed, some not. Sometimes, some innocent names also bleed. Bleeding names will be hospitalized to get some more cure. Non-bleeding ones come back to the SC.

Ok! Now out of non-bleeding ones, some missed to include a previous divorce decree, some included a copy of marriage certificate which not clearly readable, so on an so forth. Now the employee is interested to see those originals. They issue another sweet TLA named RFE. Some petitioners will respond immediately to this RFE. Some may be on vacation or busy getting some of the documents from various sources.

Ok, final quiz! How many months it takes for a petition to be processed? Let's take a ball park.

Hard working employee gets 500 petitions and 20 working days in a month and process 5 per day. To process a petition on an average takes 5 months! Oh boy! This doesn't mean the first petition is processed on day 1. Since previous petitions are in his/her queue. Hence the term - recurring process!

Hardly working employee gets 500 petitions and 20 working days in a month and process 4 per day. To process a petition on an average takes more than 6 months! Oh geez!

Finally they take a cumulative average and put in this website: https://egov.uscis.g...TimesDisplay.do

Loto

Footenote: This work out is purely hypothetical for an illustrative purpose!
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-24 22:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDocument check list for Minor Child

any G-325A's ?


I-130 instruction doesn't clearly say G-325A for minor child. However, it is a good idea to include them with child's PP size photo. It wouldn't hurt anything. More papers, less rejection chances.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-27 11:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDocument check list for Minor Child

HI folks

Need a lil help from you guys. I am filing I-130 for my minor daughter (4 months old); just want to make sure that I am filing with right documents.


1. I-130 form filled and signed
2. Copy of my US birth certificate
3. Copy of my US passport
4. Copy of my My daughter's birth certificate
5. $355 filing fee
6. One self addressed stamped envelop

Am I missing anything? If so please point me to the missing document.

Best Regards


From the question, it is not clear that you are biological father or mother.

If you are USC father - Submit a copy of the child's birth certificate showing both parents' names and your "marriage certificate".
If you are USC mother - Submit a copy of the child's birth certificate showing your name and the name of your child.

What's the purpose of item# 6. I think it is not needed.

Optionally, you may include G-1145 for electronic notification of the petition acceptance.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-27 10:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDocument check list for Minor Child
Let me ask in a different way, Anh map.

Are you thr US Citizen when the child was born? Did you live at least 5 years in the U.S before the child birth in any status including USC, LPR etc.?

If you answer YES to both the answers, you can go ahead with CRBA and make your child U.S citizen, if you wish.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-25 09:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDocument copy types and amounts

thank you so much Darnell ....... may I ask if you have heard anything about the number of copies to send in for the G325a? I had thought one copy each for the petitioner and another for the beneficiary, signed and dated by each, was all that was needed ..... but I have read somewhere that people are sending in 4 each ...... I'm not sure what is the official requirement.


Now, 1 copy of G-325A from the petitioner and the beneficiary suffice.

4 copies was true, but in the past. When I filed in 2008, it was 4 copies per person. Now it is 1 copy per person.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-27 11:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about the i130 *Please Help me!*

Thanks for replying!

She does have a visit visa and has visited the US to see me a total of 3 times in the last year and a half. Would that help my case at all? She would be able to provide a lot of evidence from her school that she has one more semester left and is enrolled for her last semester before she graduates. And her tourist visa doesn't expire until 2014 I think. Do any of these things help at all? Or is it rolling the dice?


If she already has the visit visa - one hurdle is over.

She may visit you, but bring all the ties to Mexico (as you mentioned) while visiting here. Produce them only if POE officer asks and answer to all the questions truthfully at POE.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-26 22:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about the i130 *Please Help me!*

Okay here is my story.....

I went down to Mexico on a mission's trip and i met a girl. We dated for about a year and a half and then I proposed to her in July. Originally we were going to do the Fiance visa but we called a lawyer for a free consultation and she told us that it was a great option for us to get married in Mexico and for us to file the i130 visa petition because she has to stay in Mexico for one more year anyway to finish law school and I have to start my new job here. So her waiting in Mexico while the i130 is processing wasn't a problem for us. So we got married and had a civil ceremony in Mexico. It was not until later that we heard that she could possibly not visit while the i130 is processing. It is very important for us that she is able to visit for Christmas and one of my questions is that if I file the i130 petition now, will she be able to visit? I have heard horror stories of visa's being torn if they get denied at the border and are not allowed back for years. Is that a possibility? Because if it is then I would not want to take that risk. You see.... we are planning on having our wedding ceremony late next summer sometime. If it is risky to file the i130 now and for her to visit....do you think that if I file it right when she goes back home after Christmas in January, that it will process in time for her to come around late next summer? I know that no one can give me an exact answer of how long the visa takes to process, but would that amount of time fall around the average processing time? Would 7 months be enough? I am a US citizen by the way.

One more question.....I heard that the k3 visa takes just as long to process as the i130 but would it be smart for me to file it just in case? Would that give me the security that she would be able to be here by next August? And what would be the normal processing time for that?

I know that I have a lot of questions but I would appreciate it so much if someone could help shed some light on this situation for me. I'm sure that many of you are on the same or similar boat as I am. I really appreciate it, thank you!


Once you file I-130, it shows she is going to be an immigrant. So, chances for her to get visit visa is very remote. If you think X'mas party is important, you may postpone filing I-130 to Jan. Still, for visit visa, if ths CO asks her if she is married and where is the husband, they might deny the visa based on 214(b) - potential immigrant. But chance to get visit visa is more in this case.

K3 now-a-days takes same time of IR1/CR1 and K3 path may not be needed.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-26 22:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresdoes any one know tax Transcripts only whith 3 months?

I need support 3 peoples, me, wife, and child. 2007 just graduation, only 2000 income. and 2008 only 12000, 2009 is 25000. Is it ok for me to support? I cannot find out any join or together support.


You should be fine. But provide 2010 year employment letter and paystubs too to convince them you have enough income above $22,887 to support 3 people.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-27 17:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresdoes any one know tax Transcripts only whith 3 months?

Tax transcripts are information about a specific tax year and are valid forever provided the tax return is not amended or changed in some way at a later date. Does not matter if the transcript is one month or 3 years old it is still valid.


:thumbs:

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-27 17:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDocuments Rejected After the NVC Step

That happened to my husband on his interview date. He was fingerprinted, told ot swear an oath, and paid the money for the visa that day. They also took all documents needed that day. The only problem that day was that the CO rejected our joint sponser because they claimed that it wasn't an "original". He was told to take his passport and that when we sent in the original they would ask for his passport to stamp the visa on it. Now its been almost 5 months since that day. We sent in a new joint sponser two weeks ago and are hoping for the best.


Good luck hopenfaith! Congressional enquiry can get exact status update in your case.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-23 10:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDocuments Rejected After the NVC Step

Well i didnt get my passport back...my son got his visa...

Loto, you are right :) i guess i was being pessimistic...it isn't a denial afterall...i guess something like an RFE...the trouble with our case is that we think that the embassy's asked us for something that does not apply to our scenario...a court certificate for my husband's divorce...anyhow..it is impossible to speak to someone at the embassy ..i have been trying non stop since the last two days...we've consulted a lawyer and hopefuly everything will be sorted out soon...



Good luck, supermom82!

It is called AP - Administrative Processing. Holding your passport at the Consulate is again a positive thing. This means they are ready to issue the visa when you submit the document that they requested.

In some cases, passport will be returned to the applicant and come back later.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-09-22 16:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOriginal Documents Return

I think OP is asking the originals submitted to NVC will be returned after the Consulate interview. It that's correct, yes they will be returned. Wait until the interview is complete. If CO forgets to return it, just remind him/her.

Any originals submitted to USCIS (other than RFE response) will be part of your file. Then you need written request to return it.

Loto



:thumbs:


All of the originals I sent to NVC were returned at my interview.
OBXFemaleCanada2010-09-21 13:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR-1/CR-1 Visa at Chennai/Montreal

Thanks for the information.My NVC process is still going on.Can I change my interview from Montreal Consulate,Canada to Chennai Consulate,Inidia.Do you guys have this type of experience?

Thanks



I believe consulate location can be changed via NVC. Give them a call and ask to speak to a supervisor. Montreal does seem to be speeding up a bit with their new self-scheduling but it had been backlogged for some time.

Similar topic here: Consulate Change

Good luck!
OBXFemaleCanada2010-09-21 13:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow many days should I get off for the CR1 Interivew ?

Ok I got it, I actually had to registered a DHL office location in Canada before going to the interview, if I want them to mail it to me after the interview.



There have been quit a few changes in the process at Montreal over the past week or so. Check out threads in the Canada forum for more discussion. Good luck!
OBXFemaleCanada2010-09-22 08:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow many days should I get off for the CR1 Interivew ?

They won't issue your visa the same day, it will take up to 2 weeks to get that from the consulate. You will know, however, if you are approved or not on the day of your interivew. So, you can fly back the same day to your home in Canada (assuming you're the beneficiary)

I wouldn't book any travel plans to the US or anywhere else until the visa is in your hand.

Good luck



:thumbs:
OBXFemaleCanada2010-09-17 09:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA stupid question
This thread shows photos as well. :)

Montreal Consulate
OBXFemaleCanada2010-09-22 08:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR/CR1 waiting GC

Hi,

I have an IR1 Visa stamped on my passport. I just received my SS card in the mail. Will my Greencard arrive in the mail too or do I have to go through some extra steps to get it?

GiNi



Watch for your Welcome letter. You can use the receipt number on it to track the production of your green card through the USCIS site. I received my letter about two weeks after POE, then my card two weeks after that. Good luck!
OBXFemaleCanada2010-09-23 17:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOn birth control during the medical examination?
Will not be a problem. I was asked if I was taking any medication but that's as far as it went. You will be fine. :thumbs:
OBXFemaleCanada2010-09-23 17:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI130 approved

I appointed my husband as the agent, even though he works in a different state and was out of town 4 days a week consistently. Honestly, if you are proactive and do not wait for NVC to send you anything, you don't really need to have someone at the address to receive mail

Took us 25 days to get through NVC, granted I think I called every day for updates, but it saved us heaps of time

Good luck



:thumbs: There really isn't anything you need to receive via regular mail, as long as NVC has your email you are fine. If you op-in for electronic processing even better.
OBXFemaleCanada2010-09-25 08:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI130 approved
Congratulations and good luck at NVC. :thumbs:

Review the links Darnell provided regarding electronic processing at Montreal. You might also want to visit the Canada forum to catch up on threads discussing the new self-scheduling at Montreal.
OBXFemaleCanada2010-09-24 12:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOriginal Documents at IR1 Visa Interview

We have done all of the application process through the Montreal Immigrant Visa Unit. (No, it was not electronic processing. I didn't know we could even do that.) I believe now that they were not asking us to send the documents to them, but to collect them to have them ready for the interview. It's a shame because we took a few months to gather some of the documents on the list that we could have gotten together, like translations and police certificate, while waiting for their reply and interview date.

Thanks for you help. I think it's really awesome that you take the time to help those of us who are lost and confused.



Okay, sounds as though you were filing through DCF. I think you are correct in that they were asking you to collect them for the interview but regardless they should have them in your file. I know it is very difficult to get any replies out of Montreal but perhaps an email confirming that they did in fact receive your documents might be an idea. I would also second Angie'nMark's suggestion to bring copies of the originals you submitted. Good luck.

On a different note if you are filing via DCF you might want to check out this thread from the Canada forum regarding re-establishing domicile. Montreal has been very picky about this issue lately.
Establishing Domicile

Edited by OBX, 25 September 2010 - 11:52 AM.

OBXFemaleCanada2010-09-25 11:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOriginal Documents at IR1 Visa Interview

Hi All,

I believe I might have misunderstood the Montreal Consulate's directions. They gave us a checklist of things to gather for the interview (affidavit of support, birth and marriage certificates, photographs, etc.). We were not quite sure if we were supposed to send the originals they were requesting with the checklist or not. I had a free phone consultation with an immigration lawyer, and she said to send the originals with the checklist by mail so I did.
We have now received the letter stating we can schedule an interview. This letter also has a list of the original documents that we need to bring to the interview, but they did not return our originals with the letter nor indicate if they have kept the ones we mailed in. They would not have thrown them away, would they?!

Do any of you have advice on what we should do?


I am a little confused as to why Montreal requested the documents; did you not submit them to NVC or did you do electronic processing?
OBXFemaleCanada2010-09-25 08:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDocument copy types and amounts

on initial filing - a 'regular photocopy' is acceptable.

During NVC processing, must submit 'original' or 'certified copy'
plus
regular photocopy.

Good Luck !

:thumbs:


Now, 1 copy of G-325A from the petitioner and the beneficiary suffice.

4 copies was true, but in the past. When I filed in 2008, it was 4 copies per person. Now it is 1 copy per person.

Loto

:thumbs:
OBXFemaleCanada2010-09-27 12:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWAITING FOR NOA2!!!
Mine was recieved Nov.30th.2009 and I too have no action on my petition...So you are not alone...My NOA-1 was Dec.1st. after that nothing to speak of but I am also in initial review over 3 months now..
PanamaJackMaleColombia2010-03-10 02:57:00