Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	California Service Center To Texas Service Center	Yay, another 2 touches, I130 and I129F touched today 01 December. Please let us have our NOA 2 soon Hope that will be a good sign . Cip. This is great news, Cip I smell your NOA2 on the way Loto	LotofPatience	Male	India	2010-12-01 17:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	California Service Center To Texas Service Center	Not following you Loto. You refer to three reasons why people would want a K3 but then also say IR1/CR1 is always better. The currently unavailable K3 visa is much better for a small number of people, primarily those without immediate immigrant intent. I just spoke to somebody for whom K3 would be perfect. They live abroad and the foreign spouse can't get a visitor visa. They MAY want to live in the US sometime later but for now they would like her to be able to come and go. The K3 is perfect for that. My wife came on a K3 when it was still both viable and significantly faster but for now, most couples have immediate immigrant intent, meaning for them, the CR1 or IR1 is the better fit BECAUSE even during the last two years of its availability the K3 saved little if any time and was far more (about $600)expensive from petition to green card. pushb, you are absolutely right Let me clarify it. If you feel any wordings are wrong, please let me know. 1) IR1/CR1 is always better First of all, we (petitioner and/or beneficiary) don't have a choice (they can just hope or wish to approve I-130 first and I-129F second and vice versa) to approve this one first and approve the other one second. It is the decision of the USCIS. USCIS approves I-130 and I-129F petitions together in almost all cases. Then USCIS forwards both approved petitions to NVC. Here, NVC kills I-129F to pursue K-3 visa. I don't know if we can request NVC not to kill K-3 visa, in this case (Please answer it for me!). Since NVC kills K-3 path in this case, IR1/CR1 path is the only choice. Why most people like IR1/CR1 including me? There are many benefits here. Few are - Beneficiary is immigrant, gets the GC immediately on arrival, able to work immediately after POE with SSN, eligible for U.S citizenship in around 3 years and many more. 2) Why people would want a K3 non-immigrant visa First of all, they can wish for it. Wish and hope are different than "I want it" in this context. As I mentioned above, both I-130 and I-129F will be approved together in almost all cases. Ok, now what about few other cases (note only few cases, I have seen this in this year as well) where I-129F gets approved first and I-130 approval comes later? Here NVC can NOT kill K-3 path. Petitioner and/or applicant quickly proceeds with NVC K-3 steps and the case file is forwarded to the Consulate for K-3 non-immigrant visa. After successful K-3 interview, applicant comes here as non-immigrant. Obviously, they need to fo Adjustment of Status, if they wish to be the permanent resident in this case with additional money and time. Why these few people wish (again wish!) for K-3? It is personal choice. Few reasons had already discusses here. Let me elaborate it again. 1) NVC takes around 1.5 months to complete the case for IR1/CR1 path whereas just 2 weeks for K-3 path. So, time sensitive people, it is a month's time saving 2) Some petitioners will be really on the edge of poverty line and they don't have good income in the prior years. If they get K-3 path, Affidavit of Support is I-134 for K-3 path which is relaxed than I-864's stricter poverty guidelines. Later these sponsors can build their finances based on good job acquired etc. this year and file I-864 as part of the Adjustment of Status. 3) As nad mentioned, she doesn't want immigrant visa. So, if she is lucky to get K-3 path and subsequent K-3 visa, she wants to spend time in the U.S as non-immigrant and when the non-immigrant time period expires, she will leave the U.S. Now pushb, come up with your points and we can discuss it. If I am wrong in any of the above wordings, please feel free to point out, so that I will overlook in to it. Again, I respect your wealth of wisdom and I have enjoyed reading your posts and still do Loto	LotofPatience	Male	India	2010-12-01 16:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	California Service Center To Texas Service Center	We want the CR1, but we will GLADLY take the K3 if it happens and if it's quicker... Interestingly, we have had 2 touches in 2 days on the I129F, but none on the I130? Hope you will get I-130 touches and approval too soon Loto	LotofPatience	Male	India	2010-12-01 15:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	California Service Center To Texas Service Center	What could be the reason for people to want K3 instead of CR1? As far as I know K3 is more expensive... skynaut, 3 reasons are already listed in this thread and it is there just 1 or 2 pages behind of this page in the same thread. Loto	LotofPatience	Male	India	2010-12-01 15:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Married, and finally ready to start CR1 :D	to the OP: i was just wondering why the wait until the summer to file? i guess it has to do with your ultimate timeline of being together in the US. there just always seem to be delays with these things! the name change on passport, etc can prolly be dealt with within a month. i didn't go through IR-1/CR-1, but does anyone know what the deadline of "activating" the IR-1/CR-1 once it's been received is? 6 months.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-13 18:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Married, and finally ready to start CR1 :D	Doesnt matter where he/you are located. he can file the petition for you when you both decide.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-10 17:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	PLEASE AN ANSWEAR	That NVC Shortcuts page is dated October 2008. Are you sure the procedure has not changed? The basic steps are still the same but there have been some changes, most notably NVC is using email much more so than in 2008. The guide below is more recent. EZ Guide	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-17 12:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	question about getting visa returned (DHL vs canadapost)	I actually had good luck with the Canada Post Xpresspost envelope when they were still accepting them. I was lucky to receive it intact at my door three days after my interview. The closest DHL location to my Canadian residence would have been over an hour away! Edited by OBX, 17 January 2011 - 08:48 PM.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-17 20:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I-130 form fill question	In the form I-130 question 13 If ypu are a U.S. citizen, complete the following Naturalization. Give certificate number and dare and place of issuance My question is here in certificate number do I need to give the Registration number starting with A**** or the Number printed in Red ink on the Naturalization Certificate? Thanx We used the number in red (which is the certificate number) and then noted the date and place of issuance. The alien registration number is to be noted where requested (question #10.) Good luck!	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-18 12:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Will I be needing the beneficiary's Police Clearance Certificate myself?	This link to the NVC site may be helpful. NVC Document Info	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-17 20:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Filing for Spouse & her child?	Pretty sure I was giving a Canada specific answer, but I guess not. IN most cases IN Canada you need a notarized letter or a court order to leave the country .. I got a court order however there have been people who have moved without any consent when the father was considered unknown (not on the birth certificate) I would clarify this will NVC or a immigration lawyer. ^^Agree. I believe there have been some Canadian filers that had difficulty with NVC even when the parents never married and the father was not listed on the birth certificate. IMO it would be wise to begin investigating this issue early in the process. Perhaps posting in the Canada forum may elicit some Canada specific replies. Good luck.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-14 11:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	AOS fees paid, gathering documents	What number or email address do I call to get the tax transcripts? Tony This is the number I used - (800)908-9946.(Open M-F 7-10 I believe.) I ordered mine last week in preparation for my ROC and had them within the week. You can also have them faxed to you if you need them faster. Good luck!	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-19 18:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	AOS fees paid, gathering documents	^^ Agree. Tax transcripts are very easy to obtain and simplifies the document collection.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-19 18:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Made an error on the G-325A form and need help for possible solution. Please HELP!	Thank you for the response... I need all the help I can get right now because I am worried about this. If I do get a RFE from USCIS, do you think they will ask me why I had the wrong year listed in the first place or require proof or something of that sort? And if the situation plays out and I receive the NOA2 and I put in the correct information now will they try to ask me for some sort of proof? What can I tell USCIS/NVC if they ask me why I made the mistake? I feel really bad I made this mistake and I hope it will not delay the case. Thanks to all who help. If USICIS sends you an RFE I suspect it would simply be because your dates did not cover the entire 5 years as requested. You would then simply provide them with the required information for the entire previous 5 years, no proof required as far as I know. Keep in mind any RFE will include specific instructions as to what is required so you would just follow their instructions. As I posted earlier if you get your NOA2 without issue fill in the DS-230 with all of the required information and IMO it will not be an issue. IF it does come up your wife would just explain honestly at the interview that it was a simple mistake. I know it is very difficult not to worry about every little thing but try to wait it out and see what happens. Keep us updated. Edited by OBX, 19 January 2011 - 07:24 PM.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-19 19:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Made an error on the G-325A form and need help for possible solution. Please HELP!	Hello everyone. I made an error on my wifes G-325A form. It asks to list the applicants residence for the last 5 years and I put in From: 2007 To: Present Time. The problem with this is that she has been living at the same address since she was born and not since 2007. What I should have put was her From: her date of birth To: Present Time. I should be getting my NOA2 email alert any day now since my brother and I filled around the same date and he just got his. What I am concerned about is filling the next set of forms. The DS-230 form question 30 asks to list all places you have lived since the age of 16. I am afraid if I change the answer to this question and now put in that she is been living in the same address all her life that they will send me a RFE. They might ask why I made the change. What I want to do now is fill that DS-230 and put in that she has been living at the same address for her whole life. Do you think this will be a problem for me? What can I do? I would really appreciate it if someone can help me find a solution to this problem as I am really feeling frustrated about this. There is a possibility it may initiate an RFE from USCIS since you did not include a full 5 years of information on the G-325A. If that happens; correct it and resubmit the required information. If you receive your NOA2 without issue, put the correct information on the DS-230 and any discrepancies can be explained at the interview if it comes up.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-19 18:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Payment of I-130	Online payment facility would be much faster though. https://ceac.state.g...ice/signon.aspx I believe the OP is referring to the I-130 petition, in which case online payment is not an option. As inky posted a personal cheque is a good idea since you can see when it has cleared your account. Payment instructions can be found in the I-130 instructions. I-130 Instructions Edited by OBX, 19 January 2011 - 06:37 PM.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-19 18:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Package for filing I-130	It's better to send it, than not. It's not like they're hard to come by. Better to be safe than sorry! I sent them in and we had no problems at all. Also, I'm not sure if you can send a personal check in it might have to be a cashiers check... might want to check that. It's not a problem to send it but it is not required. Some filers do have difficulties getting additional certified copies of documents. There have been many posts of filers that sent originals to USCIS and then panic when they realize they need them for NVC. Personal cheques are fine, as per I-130 instructions: Use the following guidelines when you prepare your check or money order for Form I-130: 1. The check or money order must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution located in the United States and must be payable in U.S. currency; and 2. Make the check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security, unless: A. If you live in Guam and are filing your petition there, make it payable to Treasurer, Guam. B. If you live in the U.S. Virgin Islands and are filing your petition there, make it payable to Commissioner of Finance of the Virgin Islands. C. If you live outside the United States, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate for instructions on the method of payment. NOTE: Spell out U.S. Department of Homeland Security; do not use the initials "USDHS" or "DHS." Edited by OBX, 20 January 2011 - 05:54 PM.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-20 17:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Package for filing I-130	When that change I did mine end of Novemeber and I had to send my wife's passport and birth certificate We filed in August of 2008 and the beneficiary's birth certificate and passport were not required then nor are they now as per I-130 instructions. Why did you "have" to send them with your petition?	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-20 13:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Package for filing I-130	Beneficiary's birth certificate and passport are not require for the I-130 petition. In addition, photocopies are sufficient for USCIS. NVC will require originals or certified copies so if you plan on sending the originals to USCIS be prepared to obtain additional ones for the NVC stage. Good luck! Edited by OBX, 19 January 2011 - 06:45 PM.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-19 18:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Visiting Fiance in canada and applying for a CR-1?	Yes realized my mistake sorry. I thought a CR-1/IR1 was filed if your already married oppose to a fiancé visa but the process was the same after you enter sorry my mistake. So I've learned something thank you. Will he still need to show financial support during the process? This was the main reason for my post and about going this route and her visiting. Yes, absolutely. The US petitioner needs to be able show financial support via the I-864 at the NVC stage and must prove their domicile in the US.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-20 18:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Visiting Fiance in canada and applying for a CR-1?	She can visit you while the CR-1 is being processed. If she shows ties to Canada and receipt for the CR-1 once it is filed it shows you are going about it the legal way until she enters with the CR-1. The reason I suggest this is at some point after the CR-1 is issued and she enters on that visa you will have to file a I-130 to show you can support her financially a I-485 for her AOS and a I-785 for her work authorization. If your in Canada and not working you may have problems showing you meet the financial guide lines for the I-130 unless your financially independent without working. So your saying nobody visits with a pending CR-1 after a marrige? Sorry I don't want suggest something wrong. http://www.visajourn...r-1-is-pending/ The misinformation in your post is not the issue of visiting with a visa pending, it is the information bolded. After the visa is issued and the beneficiary enters the US there is no additional filing of an I-130, AOS or I-785! The CR1/IR1 visa is an immigrant visa allowing one immediate permanent resident status and authorization to work.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-20 18:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I got a NOA 1 although I only sent copy of marriage certificate.	Hey guys, I only sent a copy of my marriage certificate, but I don't think anybody can really tell that it's not the original. I did that because I'm currently in the US and don't have the originals with me (I forgot them in Austria), that's why, and my husband only has copys here, for insurance and so on... But well, it got approved, I mean I got my NOA 1, so... Anybody ever had a problem with anything like that? Photocopies are fine for the I-130 petition, originals are not required so you are fine. Congratulations on your NOA1 but be aware no one has actually looked at your petition yet. The NOA1 is simply notification of the receipt of your package and of course your $! Good luck on your journey!	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-20 14:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	$404 USD	really so what's next? You can pay your IV fee,then when it has been accepted as paid, print off the barcoded cover sheet and mail in your DS-230. Check out these guides. EZGuide, Loto's Guide Edited by OBX, 21 January 2011 - 03:56 PM.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-21 15:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Change of address	Hi, If the petitioner changes his address in the US shortly before the interview, is it necessary to notify the Embassy? If yes, how? I called NVC, since the case has been sent to Embassy, they could not answer the question. If you have any experince with this situation, please advise. Thank you in advance. The petitioner's address can be updated at the time of the interview.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-22 11:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	1-130 got approved yesterday	Congratulations on your approval. Familiarize yourself with the NVC process by reading through the guides noted. Begin obtaining your documents now! Good luck. EZGuide NVC Info	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-23 08:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	APPROVED !!! in Kingston,Jamaica	Hi everyone just wanted to let you know I got approved in Kingston for my CR-1. It feels so good!! I did a very detailed review. Thank you for your insights and I hope everyone will be succesful with their interview. We started filing on February 10, 2010 and finally we are done. Please continue reading VJ because it helps in so many ways. Thank God for this site and these helpful VJers. I truly wish everyone all the best from the bottom of my heart. See my review: http://www.visajourn...age=1&dfilter=5 Congratulations.	OBX	Female	Canada	2010-10-27 08:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Interview---Ghana	Hello all, I received a letter tonight that my husband has an interview March 22. I am not sure why because I know its not a typcial time to grant interviews, but hey I am taking it. He is planning on going to Holy Trinity for his medicals so I will update when that is done. As we all know, this has been a LONG HARD time and I am thankful it was my turn and have an actual date to look forward to. Congratulations and good luck!	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-24 20:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	ANY OTHER JANUARY COMPLETE GET INTERVIEWS?	I GT MY INTERVIEW TOO!!!! FEBRYARY 18 AT 8:30 AM IN MONTREAL.! THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wonderful news. I guess they weren't done with February after all! YAY! Good luck!	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-20 13:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	OH NO!!! FORGOT DOCUMENT FOR NVC	well update on my situation, i just reprinted the barcoded cover sheet and resent the missing document. I found out last week AOS has been reviwed and everythings fine so it did not cause any problems. NVC told me that if you include the barcoded coversheet from the payment portal thats how they connect that these forms are AOS and just put it into your file. Great news! I am very curious! I have heard on other forums in similar situations to wait for the RFE. Apparently becuase they have no way of connecting what was already sent to what is now being sent. And that it is better to wait for them to expect something from you..... Im in a similar situation. Have you heard of anyone doing this before, and not being sent an RFE? I will start a new thread explaining my situation. If you are referring to missing information for the initial I-130 petition it is advised to wait for an RFE as it is very difficult for your information to be matched up to your petition. In the OP's case they were sending additional information to NVC and had the barcoded cover sheet that allowed their missing document to be easily matched to their file. Edited by OBX, 26 January 2011 - 09:45 AM.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-26 09:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Retiring to Florida	No apologies necessary! Our problem is that there is SO MUCH information out there and some of it contradicts. Our application should be a slam dunk but knowing how and where to get this started is the big conundrum. First and foremost we want to be able to move down in March as we will have no place to live here in Canada, having sold the house. Don't care how long the PR approval takes, as long as we can get there. We have no criminal record; my wife is an USC, we have been married 7 years, we have the means to support ourselves well above 125% of the PL and we own two homes in the US. Only things not done are the medical and interview. I read that filing DFC shortens the wait -- but how to file at the Consulate when you can't get any instructions how to do so? If we have to do the interview in Montreal, thn so be it. It is what it is. WE JUST WANT TO GET THIS STARTED THE RIGHT WAY so there is no impedence to our going down in March. Kathryn's post is an excellent place to start, however, while the DCF process may speed up the timeline somewhat, expecting to be able to enter the US as a permanent resident in March is not going to happen. If you review the timeline of fellow DCF filers in the DCF forum you will see that the process is taking anywhere from 5 - 9 + months from submission to interview. Best of luck. Montreal DCF Timelines see post # 649 Edited by OBX, 26 January 2011 - 12:43 PM.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-26 12:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I got my Cr-1 USA visa and it says permanent resident for 1 year	Yes me and my spouse are coming up on our 2 year mark ourselves and have decided even if they approve before June, thought not likely at this point, we will wait until then as june is our 2 year mark. That way no conditions on her green card Great idea , saves lots of $ by avoiding ROC!	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-27 20:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I got my Cr-1 USA visa and it says permanent resident for 1 year	Its not a personal decision. If you have been married over 2 years its a 10 year green card (IR1) If you have been married under 2 years it is a 2 year conditional greencard (CR1) Note that it is at the time of your POE.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-27 19:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	I got my Cr-1 USA visa and it says permanent resident for 1 year	I believe that is a temporary visa to allow you to travel and return to the US for 1 year, until you receive your 2 year Greencard.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-20 13:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Bonafied Marriage Question:	While I did submit affidavits with our I-130 petition many other Canadian/US couples have not and have had no difficulties. IMO your evidence is fine. As far as "Montreal is known for being a stickler" not sure where that came from. I have rarely read any reviews of filers being asked for any evidence at their interview in Montreal. I took an folder-full of evidence encompassing 10 years to our interview and was not asked for any of it. I would definitely recommend bringing whatever evidence you have once you get to the interview stage but I wouldn't classify Montreal as a "difficult" consulate." If you are a DCF filer, Montreal is very picky about proof of domicile but if you are currently residing in the US that will not be an issue. Yes, you can attend the interview with her but it is not required. Good luck! Edited by OBX, 27 January 2011 - 07:53 PM.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-27 19:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Can I bring my fiance here and keep her here during IR-1/CR-1 process ??	no risk of fraud getting married in the US, she MUST return to Canada however If she lives in Ontario, also bank on 6-8 weeks after the wedding before you can file - it takes that long to get the marriage certificat. Also, the Cr-1 visa will be held in Montreal so make sure you alott the fiances for that as well Good luck ^^ Agree. You will need your marriage certificate to file; so waiting for that will set you back a bit of time if you marry in Ontario. We married in the US, were able to obtain our marriage certificate the same day, mailed our petition the same week and I returned to Canada to wait out the process. We had no issue at all. Good luck.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-30 11:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	after POE, what now?	It's a good idea to review the requirements for ROC early on. It is much easier to gather your evidence as you as you can along rather than wait until the last minute. Those two years will go quickly. Edited by OBX, 31 January 2011 - 07:42 PM.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-31 19:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CR1 APPROVED	Wonderful news. Congratulations!	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-01-28 14:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	INTERVIEW QUESTION - HELP!	Montreal Girl you should really post in the Canada section of the forums. MTL embassy uses DHL now as their courier it is the only way to get your passport back. You HAVE TO Register on this site BEFORE your interview and since its coming up soon I'd def hurry. Go to this site www.usvisa-info.com select your country which is Canada. Click Sign in at the top and than you have to select the DHL branch closest to your home location. If you do not do this you will delay getting your visa back. Some filers have been receiving their visas within the week others have taken longer. Check out the threads in the Canada forum for more detailed information.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-02-02 15:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Request for Tax Transcripts	I sent in the last 6 paystubs, just extra proof income. Same here!	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-02-05 10:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Request for Tax Transcripts	I ordered mine over the telephone ( call (800)908-9946 , M-F 7-10) and had them a week later. Alternatively, they can fax them to you.	OBX	Female	Canada	2011-02-04 20:42:00