ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresProof of bonafide marriage

On a lighter note, my son is an exact copy of his father so hopefully that will also be some level of evidence for them :P


I liked your above lighter note :star:
There are 7 persons in the world identical to you :lol:
Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 13:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresProof of bonafide marriage
Same here. My wife took all the pictures with us, wedding album, chat history, phone log, our honeymoon trip details such as airfare, hotel receipts etc. etc. etc., with complete set copies of I-130, IV package, AOS package, all my originals and the list goes on. It was very casual interview and did not face any issues at all. We didn't "front-load" anything other than 2 affidavits from my parents, but prepared for "back-load".
Having said this, Chennai is one of the busiest U.S consulates in the world and there are fraud cases reported. Recently, one lady was arrested due to the fraud papers :devil:

Over-preparation is always the best for peace of mind.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-26 20:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresProof of bonafide marriage

Hi, just wanted to ask if the proof of bonafide marriage (pictures, chat logs, emails and the rest) absolutely must be taken to the interview or are there specific cases when they ask you to bring the proof.

I have been married for two and a half years and have a 15 month old son...isnt that proof enough or do i have to take all the numerous printouts and dig in to old photo albums?


aui2010, your child in the wedlock is one of the biggest proof of bonafide marriage and is a good secondary evidence. You have your marriage certificate as primary evidence as well.

Just in case, you can have your wedding album, pictures together etc. and produce only if they ask.

Good luck to the upcoming interview and update us!
Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-26 10:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Aprooval question

thanks for all the help and support from this community... We have the passport with Visa in it and now just have to buy the ticket for my wife to come home (=


Congratulations and happy reunion!

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 15:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Aprooval question

she did not recieve any paperwork only told that her visa was appoved and that she could pick it up in a week from domesa....


Since your interview was completed a month back, I would recommend to talk to the Consulate or the agent (if any) who delivers the passport, for follow up.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-24 11:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Aprooval question

My wife was told that her visa was aprooved durring the interview process however we did not recieve any form or letter stating that we hab been aprooved is this normal or should I be worried?

kevin


Did your wife get a pink/blue slip? Did the officer tell her it is "Administrative Processing"?

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-24 11:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBona Fide Marriage Proof

Thanks both of you of great advice. HAving more questions already written down & reviewed is definitely better. Thanks again. As for my details, I plan on sending her my job verification letter. I'm also trying to see if I can go there for a week-10 days to help my family with this. Since this thing has been on my mind these days, I may come up with some more questions soon. I will definetely share the experience after the interview with all who are interested.

Thanks & Best Regards,


Good luck to your family's interview and share the experience here!

Loto


LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 15:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBona Fide Marriage Proof

pheww!!!!!!!!!!!!! over whelming... :wacko: :blink: :o


Officer may ask very few of them from the above list :star:

There may be "out of syllabus" questions as well.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 13:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBona Fide Marriage Proof

Hi All,

My wife & daughter interview is scheduled for next month at ISLAMABAD consulate. I wanted to get opinions for the Bona fide marriage proof. We do not have a joint bank account. I do have MArriage certificate, wedding pictures, a letter from Pakistan consulate in LA certifying marriage, Health insurance cards (for my wife & daughter) [I have added them to my health benefit insurance), my wife's name in my Auto insurance policy (I have added my wife as a driver in my insurance & also on the policy), I plan to get phone records & email print outs between us.

Do above documents suffice as bona fide marriage proof for Islamabad consulate when/if they ask for it?

I'm also planning on documenting questions that they might ask my wife which proves that we have ongoing relationship as husband wife.

Thanks for your help.


Also, provide her all your information such as detailed job, address of living etc. etc. etc.

Sample questions:
Q) Where and How did you meet?

Q) How long have you known each other?

Q) When and where did you marry?

Q) Do you have any photos of the ceremony and/or reception?

Q) Did you go for a honeymoon? If so, when and where?

Q) Where does he work and what position does he hold?

Q) What is his employer name and address?

Q) What is his current salary?

Q) How many days of the week he works?

Q) What do you do for living?

Q) Have you ever been in the USA?

Q) Have you ever issued/denied any visa to the USA?

Q) How long he has been in the USA?

Q) Where does he live in the USA?

Q) How long he has been in the current address?

Q) What are his contact numbers?

Q) What is his email address?

Q) What's your husband's address and phone# in India?

Q) Do you have any children?

Q) Were you married before this marriage?

Q) Does he have any children? How many ? What's the name of the child?

Q) Where does your husband's son/daughter live now?

Q) What's your husband's ex-spouse's name?

Q) What's your husband's parents' name?

Q) What is your husband's name, date of birth and place of birth?

Q) What is your husband's other names?

Q) What is your other names?

Q) When and where was your husband's prior marriage, if any?

Q) When and where was your husband's prior marriage termination/divorce, if any?

Q) Did you file a joint tax return this year? Do you have a copy with you?

Q) Do you own any property together? What property? Did you bring copies of the documents with you?

Q) What kind of automobile does your spouse have?

Q) Do you have an insurance policy listing your spouse as the beneficiary? If so, do you have a copy?

Q) Does your spouse have insurance policy where you are the beneficiary?

Q) When and where was your husband's last U.S port of entry ?

Q) What's your husband's immigration status in the U.S?

Q) When and where was his naturalization ?

Q) Does he have U.S passport & when and where was it issued?

Q) Do you need SSN when you arrive at the U.S?

Q) Do you plan to work in the U.S and what position?

Q) Have you ever been convicted?

Q) Has your husband ever been convicted?

Q) Have you ever been deported?

Q) Has your husband ever been deported?

Q) Describe your employment history?

Q) Describe your education history?

Q) What's your husband's bank in the U.S ? What are the accounts there?

Loto


LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-26 21:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRFE Response

I don't know who your lawyer is, but if they couldn't even get the photos right, I would fire them right away.


:star:

It is too late now. Lawyer must have taken all the money now.

Nica_in_love, Glad to know you completed NVC!

Loto

Edited by LotOfPatience, 27 August 2010 - 04:52 PM.

LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 16:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNoA1 Finally

Hey Loto,

I checked with the USCIS Website and it states that I have to send in by mail a request for expedite.. Given that my petition got there on July 13... (my prioity date is August 10). I am not sure about two things:

1. If I am following the process correctly
2. If I will just add more time to the petition..

Although the support email said they made an error, I have a rejection notice stating section C was incorrect. So I have conflicting information. Anyone I can verify with to see if this is correct.

Best of luck


Rumba, it is conflicting statements from USCIS.

You can expedite your case if USCIS made error. But I think it would be for I-130 approval. Your case is correction of "priority date" on NOA1.

I recommend you to contact 1-800-375-5283, open a Service Request Management (SRMT) inquiry with them. Note down the agent's first name, badge# and this SRMT#.

Then email to the below Service Center (If your receipt# starts with EAC, email to VSC. If it starts with WAC, email to CSC) to correct the priority date with the above details.

California Service Center: csc-ncsc-followup@dhs.gov
Vermont Service Center: vsc.ncscfollowup@dhs.gov

Loto

Edited by LotOfPatience, 27 August 2010 - 04:08 PM.

LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 16:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNoA1 Finally

Yea.. Wow what a wonder summation of my experience. Haha Although I am still curious if I can get my priority dating, what do you think?


Rumba,

Wait until you get NOA1 hardcopy. It will have PD listed. Based upon that, you can contact USCIS due to USCIS Error.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-26 17:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNoA1 Finally
:star: :star: :star: This NOA1 is special because Rumba waited a long after initial submission, USCIS Error, correction, re-submission and painful wait :star: :star: :star:

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-25 16:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNoA1 Finally

Not a big deal for some, but at least I got the application in. Check cashed!

Now I am waiting for my notice!

Thanks a lot!


HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:

Rumba, now you can go to Cuba to have wonderful time with your wife :star: :star: :star:

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-25 15:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSocial Security income

My co-sponsor makes $40,000 a year but his income is a combination of social security and pension. I took his tax return and affidavit of support to a lawyer who told me if the embassy wanted to play hardball they could deny his social security income. She advised me to find another co-sponsor but he is the only person willing to sponsor.

My question...is this true? I know they can deny SSI but can they deny social security retirement income?


The below paragraph is from the Adjudicator's Field Manual for I-864

Sponsor Use of Benefits. Question 4B of the September 26, 2000 version of the Form I-864 asks if the sponsor or any member of his or her household has used means-tested benefits during the past 3 years. Do not disqualify a sponsor based on a positive response to this question. The reason for this question is to ensure that the value of any such means-tested public benefits is not considered as income on the Affidavit of Support. Federal means-tested benefits currently include SSI (Supplemental Security income), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), food stamps, Medicaid, and State Child Health Insurance Programs (SCHIP). State and local means-tested benefits vary by jurisdiction. Earned benefits such as Social Security retirement, Unemployment Compensation, and Workman's Compensation may be included as income.

Loto

Edited by LotOfPatience, 27 August 2010 - 03:40 PM.

LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 15:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHas anyone emailed or called the CSC and received any kind of respose regarding the delay of i130 Petitions

What can you say to them so they will actually make progress on the application?


jjjdddlll, Since your filing is so recent, they would say "You are within the processing time of 5 months. Call us back after 5 months".

Having said this, you can call USCIS at any time.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 19:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSome countries get approved faster?

Thanks for the info!

I was thinking that they somehow prioritize for specific countries. I
hope they'll be back to fast scheduling soon.


Just hoping fiscal year end and beginning (Sep & Oct) might have some impact :)

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 20:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSome countries get approved faster?

I was looking at others people's time lines, it's like 3-4 months for NOA2's.


Beginning of this year, CSC was super express with approvals in 2 to 4 months time. Now, they are slow at an average of 4 to 6 months.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 20:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSome countries get approved faster?

Hi Guys,


I noticed that some countries have i-130's approved faster than other?

Did anybody noticed that too?

Thanks!


Where is the proof?

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 20:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is up with the approvals?

for the price we are paying now for petitions....... they should be working overtime and holidays..... 6 yrs ago k1 was 165...... now what is it 355 or something like that?


Hehehe, good one Kevin!

I-485 fee jumped from $300s to $1010 or so :star: I am ready to Invest in USCIS stock, if they want to publicly list :star:

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 21:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is up with the approvals?

It's my feeling Loto, USCIS phone's are gonna be ringing off the hook in the next couple of weeks if they don't start "Mass Approvals".


:lol: :lol: :lol:

If mass approvals happen in the USCIS, NVC tunnel will be damn packed and they need to work 24x7 :star:

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 20:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is up with the approvals?

Oh yes, thank-you I see it now. They received my application on april 19 and the last updated date is April 20 so it's only been "touched" once! As you say it may not mean anything? Hmmmm


You may start calling USCIS after 09/19, once you crossed 5 months, that's their official processing time.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 20:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is up with the approvals?

Can you tell me how to see "touches"? I don't see a date update button when I sign into my USCIS account? Thanks


You need to create an account (sign up) with USCIS and create your portfolio with your Receipt#. There is a field named "Last Updated Date" which tells you about touches.

Also, this touch is really nothing related to approval hope.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 19:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is up with the approvals?

hey - you gots approval at 129 days !! That's a blessing, a godsend, really !

USCIS 'guidelines' are currently at 150 days, this petition type.

You are 'under the curve' !!!


That had a last minute 'expedite'.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 18:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWho makes the decision on IR1 or CR1?

Thanks for your reply. Therefore, I can get CR1 in my immigrant visa in my passport at the time of the interview (if marriage < 2 yrs at that time), but if I wait outside the USA enough time (given it's not pass immigrant visa validity time) that would not allow to travel to the US and enter the POE after the 2 yr wedding anniversary, having a certificate of marriage and its English translation as a proof, I can request to have that CR1 changed to IR1 at the POE and they must/should comply with my request, correct?


That's correct. You need to provide the proof (marriage certificate) to the POE officer and request for IR1. If you don't do it, they may or may not update the system properly and may or may not end up with CR1 plastic card. Then it will be another pain to contact USCIS to change it.

Be proactive than reactive!

Loto


LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 16:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWho makes the decision on IR1 or CR1?

Hello everyone - who makes the decision and when (during interview process or during actual arrival to the USA) to be granted IR1 or CR1 status as a lawful permanent resident in the United States based on being married to a U.S. Citizen? I read different things in different places and this is a grey area to me. We are shy by a month or max two months with my spouse to celebrate our second wedding anniversary and I want to make sure that if immigrant visa is received in the passport it is up to the CBP officer to assign either IR or CR status. If so, immigrant visa is valid for 6 months, so maybe it'd be better to wait that month or two in a foreign country and arrive after the 2 yr wedding anniversary in order to avoid conditional status and further applying to remove conditions and high fee of more than $500. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!


The 2 year period is between marriage date and POE date. Your passport will be stamped as CR1 visa if the marriage was less than 2 years at the time of interview. If you keep quiet at POE, most probably they will send you CR1 GC. So, take your marriage certificate (if not English, translate it into English) and show the officer at POE and request to issue IR1 GC.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 15:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp please

That's actually what I did with my wife's G-325A. She really had a hard time getting it filled out properly, so I just had her send me signed blanks along with a form she filled it and I filled it out for her, correctly formatted. I hope USCIS doesn't have a problem with that...I just transcribed the information she sent with my own handwriting into the correct format. She made lots of simple mistakes like writing in cursive (when I told her to print) and leaving gaps in dates when she was unemployed...I think I shaved about 4 months off the back and forth mailing by just filling it out for her that way. I still haven't submitted the package yet...Monday I will.


Good luck with your I-130, Magdasal :thumbs:

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 18:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp please

yes there is but mail sevice is very unreliable and things get lost all the time add to that it will take long time to get hear.


Go for other way. Your wife in Iraq mails you just signed, but a blank G-325A and you fill it up and mails to USCIS. Will this work?

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 17:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan I Process my Choice of Agent and Address Form Online?
I-864 AOS path is independent of IV path. AOS is filled and the fee is paid by the petitioner, so it doesn't matter if they receive DS-3032 or not. That's why you were successful in AOS fee payment.

However, they will wait for DS-3032 receipt to generate IV invoice.

So, you need to email them DS-3032 with the above template.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-28 10:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLast name on I130 application
Agree with all above posters :thumbs:

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-28 10:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo i have to submit Original PCC to VFS office?

NVC will not complete your case unless an original PCC has been provided with the DS230.

This was, at least, true in May.


:thumbs:

Original PCC to NVC.
VFS even didn't ask about PCC when my wife told them it has been submitted to NVC.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-28 10:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmarriage certificate

just copies or certified copies?


With I-130, just photocopy. Original is required at NVC stage later.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-28 10:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresgot my interview date!!!!

I got my interview date yesterday.. and my schedule will be on September 17, 2010, 7:15 am. :D


Good luck to your upcoming interview!

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-28 11:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresgot my interview date!!!!

hello VJ's
hello i got my interview date!!! sept. 3


Good luck!

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-14 20:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 sent

Thank you very much loto, I appreciate it. I became so worried when i saw that. I triple checked the address before i sent it, so i knew it was correct. I wish i wouldn't have sent it via registered now. I guess i was just concerned about it being lost, or falling into the wrong hands.


It should be accepted. But I think their preferred method of delivery is USPS Priority mail/express and courier methods.

Also, there is a slight processing delay at Chicago Lockbox. Wait for 2 to 3 weeks for the NOA1 and monitor if the check is cashed or not.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-28 12:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 sent

Thanks for the fast reply. The address i sent it to is:
USCIS
P.O. Box 804625
Chicago, IL 60680-4107

I sent it via usps, which is what the site said. I'm just concerned as to why a notice was left, and it says delivery was unsuccessful. Is it because i sent it registered mail, and a signature is required?


Yes, signature is required and it might delay little bit.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-28 11:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 sent

Hey guys, just a quick question. I sent my I-130 for my Canadian spouse on Saturday, August 21, via USPS registered mail. Which btw, i'm starting to regret, as i was unaware it would take so much longer to arrive. When i checked the usps site with my registered number, i see this:

We attempted to deliver your item at 9:05 am on August 27, 2010 in CHICAGO, IL 60699 and a notice was left. You may pick up the item at the Post Office indicated on the notice, go to www.usps.com/redelivery, or call 800-ASK-USPS to arrange for redelivery. If this item is unclaimed after 15 days then it will be returned to the sender. Information, if available, is updated periodically throughout the day. Please check again later.


I'm worried as to what has happened with my I-130 package. Has anyone else sent via registered mail? If anyone can tell me what's going on here, I would appreciate it greatly.


The correct address to mail I-130 to Chicago Lockbox is:
http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

If your address is correct, there is no problem.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-28 11:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS

This has come up with other VJ members where a parent has been a cosponsor. The consulates were directed that in light of the current economic conditions they wanted to be sure that the spouse of the cosponsor to aware of the obligation, hence asking for the I-864a from the spouse even though it is not needed to meet the income requirement.


:thumbs:

OP, yes, your mom needs to fill I-864A since Consulate asked it. Zero income doesn't matter, but fill it and submit it.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-28 10:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS
I searched all instructions and manual, but this request from the Consulate looks weird.

Do respond to what they requested and good luck!

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 22:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS

Thanks for the reply guys..and yes I do live with my father and my mother..my dads income alone can suffice for support but I did mine as well and my dad as te co-sponsor..also my mother does not have any type of income..


Then it looks like, Interview officer wants I-864A from both your father and mother. Check with the Consulate and clarify.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-08-27 22:36:00