ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230

My apologies, friend - it's a verra old joke from Monty Python movie...


Oh I was just kidding :D

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 21:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230

Dear Loto -
can you help me ?

I need to ascertain what the airspeed velocity is, of an unladen swallow .

Thanks so much, in advance !!


Darnell,

You are the master here :star:

Why do you put my life in unnecessary trouble? :angry:

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 19:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230

Thats me, arent you the 'Final Processing at the Consulate Guy'? :rofl:


Oh ya Oh ya Oh ya :star: Though I preferred it done by NVC, they didn't like me and forwarded to the Consulate without "Final Review" :D

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 12:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230

Or call Expedite Busters!


Loto, do you know which train I have to get for my medical tomorrow, and which will be the best pub to sit and have a beer in on the way home, mate? :rofl:


Oh you are that Semi-DCF guy, huh? (New terms need to be invented :star: )

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 12:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230

Loto...my neighbor has a 1991 Kia Sportage..we dont know what's wrong with it..I was wondering if you had a guide for that as well? lol.

boy, what would people do without you? get lawyers ? or call Richi? lol


Cash for clunker program is over, unfortunately :star:

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 12:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230

hi...
wow DS230 cost 404$? is it after approving the petition then my husband will file the affidavit of support and what else?? about the DS230 i guess ill be the one to file for it..right? where do i have pay for it?


You need a read of the entire process - http://www.visajourn...p/EZGuideSpouse

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-10 23:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLacking "Formal" Evidence!! HELP

My husband and I have been only married a short time. My name is his bank account in Nicaragua, but the bank won't give us a document with his name, account number AND put my name on there too. I was really counting on this as our only "formal" evidence. Otherwise, we have relationship/marriage pics, lots of emails, notes my husband has given me, my plane tickets/baggage claim tickets to Nicaragua, wedding invitation, honeymoon receipt, plus about 5 affidavits of support and a "lease" or statement of residence my father-in-law (whom we live with when I'm in Nicaragua) signed.
I feel like the USCIS might not accept our I-130 because of lack of formal evidence!!!
Am I being too worried about this or could this be something to really be concerned about????


To me the list sounds ok. Submit copies with I-130. You may need these evidences at interview time too.

Also, now onwards start gathering the evidences as much as possible until the interview.

Though the USCIS/Consulate may not ask all of them in most cases, it is good idea to gather every piece of information that proves the relationship.

Good luck!
Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 19:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNotarized Affidavits
Copies.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 15:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 Gotcha?

I never did that. Good old staples worked for us.



:thumbs:

I too did the same.

Wrote NVC Case# on AOS package, but didn't write anything on the IV package because it had originals.

As you did, I also stapled individual items together and used a good binder clip.

First GC process was an ease. Second one is going to be finished soon.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 22:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 Gotcha?

all my documents had the info typed without an issue.


So, you saved some money too :D

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 22:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 Gotcha?
Don't worry on all those things. Just write NVC Case# on the top right corner of every page except the barcode coversheet.

This is NVC's official suggestion.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 17:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresForms CR1

K-3 is virtually dead...file for a CR-1.



:thumbs:
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 22:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVISA APPROVED :)
Congratulations :dance: :dance: :dance:

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-10 11:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuick question

Thank you so much Loto :) That was relieving to know :) i was panicking about not having them in the interview :/ hopefully they wouldn't ask for them! And my interview would be soon after NVC :) Goodluck with the rest of your journey :)


Good luck to you too :thumbs:

Our AOS was not asked at the last interview time too (in 2008).

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 22:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuick question
Since you have submitted all those at NVC, Consulate will have those.

Some people will carry them for extra piece of mind.

Sometimes, Consulate might request an up to date AOS if the time gap between the AOS execution at NVC and the actual interview date is "considerably" more.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 22:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2

Congradulations!!

April date? I don't think you should delay at all. NVC usually gets the approved Visa applicaations to the Consulate with in 5-7 business days. The Consulate send out packet #3 quickly. Then it's all up to your fiance and how long they take to acquire the documents and send them back. Then another 30 days before the interview, then if immediately approved they will have 6 months to enter.

Good luck!


NVC 5 to 7 days is for K1 applications.

He is IR1/CR1 category. It will take 1 to 2 months (currently) to complete the NVC process.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 22:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2

CONGRATULATIONS!!! HOPE EVERYTHING COME FAST TOO IN OTHER STEPS!!! GBU!!! :goofy:




But he doesn't want faster completion, He wants it to be done in next April :P

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 20:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2
Another option - complete the interview. But POE can be delayed to April. Normally visa will be valid up to 6 months after the interview. Beneficiary needs to enter the U.S before this visa expiry.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 00:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2

Thanks Loto. Any time after the end of April is good, just not before then :P Wasn't sure if we needed to delay thnings for a few weeks to be able to hit that or not.


If you want to delay the interview to April, proceed everything with NVC and just hold the IV and AOS packages to deliver to NVC.

After IV and AOS delivery, it will take 3 to 4 weeks for NVC completion. Plus depending on the Consulate, couple of months for the interview too.

Draw a chart and plan. Also dig your consulate interview timing too.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 00:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2

thanks. I'm going through the guides now, but one quick question. Because of work and vacation plans our schedule is kind of a mess until the end of April. Any idea when we should start the NVC process to try to hit that target?


Soon.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-10 23:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2

Chatting with my wife tonight when we got the text message that our patetion is approved. :dance: On to the NVC process now. Not sure if I'll be able to sleep tonight :P


Congratulations on NOA2 :dance: :dance: :dance:

Follow Darnell's NVC Electronic Processing thread.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-10 22:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 anyone been denied who went through Texas yet /

Has any one been transferred to Texas, been denied in the last 6 months ?
Looking for the magic reply. CSC is back up to 8 to 10 months, USCIS is
moving them from Chicago to TSC so expedite them faster.

Has anybody been transferred ? How long was your waiting time for approval ? ? ? ?
It seems they are at 5 month including the transfer.
Anybody have any feed back on this.

Kiev-Ukraine to Hollywood or bust....she is a 10+ looking wife.....

:wow: (L) (F)



There are bunch of people transferred from CSC to TSC.

If you want to see, here it is http://www.visajourn...service-center/

It is already 14 pages now.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 18:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase Complete at NVC!!!!

Thanks Deep. So from your post it looks like you need to submit your and passport and all copies of all documents at VFS. I thought passport is handed over to officer at Consulate.

Can Loto or someone else shed light on this topic?


Deep is mostly correct. I don't know about Delhi Consulate VFS procedure.

But for Chennai interview (last time - in 2008), other than paying VFS passport collection fee and getting their receipt, obviously showing the visa interview appointment letter, my wife had not submitted anything to VFS. In fact, all our originals were with NVC and to the Consulate. We didn't have any other originals in the hand. I don't know how it is now at Chennai too.

I would rather pull other guys who recently completed their interview process like Deep.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 17:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase Complete at NVC!!!!

@Loto..

Just checked the ND website and looks like all the documents they require (except Beneficiary passport & medical report) are with NVC.

http://newdelhi.usem...cket4chlst.html

Should I still send my wife copies of all the documents including my tax returns etc?

Thanks,
Gagan


Those are NOT the requirement. But all your file and her file at interview is a safe bet. Secondary evidences are important at interview. Probably, one CO might just ask the pictures together and other CO might ask your conversation details, pictures, visits etc. Play a safe game :star:

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-09 15:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase Complete at NVC!!!!

Thanks Loto..Anything we need to submit at VFS? New Delhi is the consulate for my wife. What should I be looking for on their website.


ND website will have packet 4 details, medical details, VFS details etc.

Here is the checklist I prepared for Chennai Consulate. I think except medical and few other things, it would be useful to you.

If you have any other secondary evidences such as emails/chats etc. or any other thing, include them as well.

Loto


Documents Checklist for Consulate Interview

Marriage Relationship - Secondary Evidences

1) Original Religious marriage certificate (Wakf Board) of the Petitioner & Beneficiary (Take 2 clear photocopy of it)
2) Two Original Notarized sworn affidavits from Petitioner's parents
3) Two Original Notarized sworn affidavits from Beneficiary's parents
4) Petitioner's & Beneficiary's daughter's records (Carry Daughter's Original File)
a. Indian birth certificate
b. U.S birth certificate (CRBA)
c. U.S Passport
d. SSN
5) Beneficiary's bank account's nomination to the Petitioner
6) Copy of Canceled Indian Passport that shows:
a. Trip to India for marriage in Nov 2007
7) Copy of U.S Passport that shows:
a. Trip to India to spend time together in May 2008
b. Trip to India to spend time together in Dec 2009
c. Trip to India to spend time together in May 2010
8) U.S Tax returns – Married Filing Jointly with the Petitioner and the Beneficiary
a. 2009 year 1040 & W-2
b. 2008 year 1040 & W-2
c. 2007 year 1040 & W-2
9) Wedding Album and all other photo album of the petitioner and the beneficiary
10) Phone Calls Log
11) Auto Insurance Policy under both the Petitioner and the Beneficiary
12) Joint property of the Petitioner and the Beneficiary in India

Petitioner's Documents

1) Original Divorce decree of the previous marriage
2) Original U.S Naturalization Certificate
3) Original Birth Certificate
4) Copy of Social Security card
5) Copy of New York Driver's License

Beneficiary's Documents

1) Copy of Social Security card
2) Copy of New York Driver's License
3) Copy of Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)
4) Carry your entire personal file

USCIS & NVC Documents

1) Full set of I-130 petition with Receipt & Approval Notices
2) Full set of I-864 Affidavit of Support executed by the Petitioner
3) Full set of DS-230 Immigrant Visa application by the Beneficiary

1) Original I-864 Affidavit of Support executed by the Petitioner with hand-written full name
2) Latest pay stub received after initial I-864 submission to NVC
3) Completed Social Security Information to show SSN is not needed

VFS Office Visit

Visit VFS Office 2 to 3 weeks before the interview
Pay Rs.387 for passport delivery and get the receipt from VFS
Important: This VFS receipt is needed at the Consulate interview

Medical

The Apollo Heart Centre,
156 Greams Road, Chennai 600 006
Tel# 91-44-6060 1066 (9AM and 6PM Monday to Saturday for appointment)

1) Interview Appointment Letter
2) Indian Passport
3) 3 Passport size photographs
4) Medical Fee by cash
5) Prior vaccination records

Rs.1,530 for initial laboratory tests
Any other charges for additional laboratory tests
Rs.1,350 for a general physical check-up and administration of vaccinations
Any other charges for actual vaccinations if needed

Important: Do not open the medical sealed envelope and submit it at interview.

Interview

1) Appointment Letter
2) Original Passport
3) VFS receipt
4) Sealed medical envelope
5) Passport size photographs – carry at least 6 to 8
6) Original Religious marriage certificate (Wakf Board) of the Petitioner & Beneficiary (Plus 2 clear photocopies)
7) Original Police Clearance Certificate from your Police Station (Plus 2 clear photocopies)

Important: Do not open the sealed envelope visa packet and hand over at POE.

Edited by LotOfPatience, 09 November 2010 - 11:59 AM.

LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-09 11:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase Complete at NVC!!!!

Thanks All...

So how long after CC will I hear about Interview date? Do we have a shot at December Interview? Also, what are the next steps that need to happen before Interview?


Congratulations Hotzone for your CC :thumbs:

NVC will schedule the interview and forward your case to the Consulate. NVC will notify you the interview date in few weeks time.

You have all the chances for a December interview.

Also, the beneficiary will have a notification (Packet 4) from the Consulate by mail.

Your wife (beneficiry) can then proceed for VFS visit, Medical and Interview.

Also, check out the latest updates from the website of your Consulate.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-09 11:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRejection during Visa Process???

Not sure where you're coming from on this, Loto. Maybe you and I think of "rare" in a different way. In MOST Consulate around the world, you'll find several immigrant spouse visa applicants denied visas every day. The vast majority of those will be denied based on failure to demonstrate a bona fide relationship between petitioner and beneficiary. Some good portion of those initial denials will be eventually overcome. IMO, to state that such denials are rare is to (I'm sure unintentionally) mislead.

People need not be scared. They need to have realistic expectations about the process and be prepared enough to be confident of success. I see many questions about the odds of success. I think these are foolish questions, the answers to which are useless. It doesn't matter if 99% of all cases are successful if your is in the 1% and it doesn't matter if 60% are unsuccessful if yours is in the 40%. Forget the odds and prepare for success based on realistic expectations.


I agree with you pushbrk :thumbs:

"Realistic expectations about the process and be prepared enough to be confident of success" is the right wordings!

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-12 12:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRejection during Visa Process???

Denials of CR1 and IR1 visas are not rare.


I am scared :devil:

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-12 00:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRejection during Visa Process???

"Rejection" would be quite rare and only because something required was missing in the petition filing. "Denied visas" are far from rare. Most denials are due to failing to convince the consular officer the relationship is bona fide.


Thanks for the correction :thumbs:

That was a typo - I actually meant "denial" rather than the "rejection". Thank you!

Loto

What would you say is lack of evidence?? We have a bit of a problem with that. (at least I think) i just posted about it in the IR/CR forum.


I saw your post in the other thread and replied there.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 19:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRejection during Visa Process???

I was wondering if anyone has ever been rejected in the IR/CR Visa process through I-130, the embassy interview, or other paperwork? And why rejected?
Thanks!


Chances of IR1/CR1 visa rejection is very rare.

But there are cases who got denied due to various reasons including but not limited to serious criminal convictions, lack of marriage relationship evidences etc.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 19:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChange beneficiarys last name on passport..

I know, I tend to overthink things :thumbs: Thanks!


Apeters, any approvals from TSC group?

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-12 00:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChange beneficiarys last name on passport..

thanks...ok =[ Well, I guess I should file DS 230 under her maiden name and IF we get her passport changed by then, file with the updated DS230? Or...just go ahead and file the DS230 under her married name and whatever happens happens? Decisions, decisions lol.


File DS-230 with her maiden name to NVC if you think passport update can take longer time.

Also, prepare another DS-230 with married name and submit it to the Consulate, only if the passport name change is completed before the interview.

Simple :star:

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-12 00:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChange beneficiarys last name on passport..

very good question that I have always wondered about...and I have another to add to this haha. I filed the I-130 under my wife's maiden name, is it alright to put the DS-230 and I-864 info under her married name even after I filed the i-130 with her maiden name? ALSO, if it turns out that the name change process is not completed by the time she has her interview (Colombia seems to take forever for almost everything!), will this be a problem??? Will her green card include her maiden name then because it has not been legally changed? Thanks! :thumbs:


Visa will be issued in her passport name at the interview time.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-12 00:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChange beneficiarys last name on passport..

So can I change my passport over when I go back to England? or do I need to keep hold of the one I have sent them copies of?

thanks Loto!


Amy,

You can change the passport when you go back to U.K.

Your visa will be issued as in the name of the passport.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 23:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChange beneficiarys last name on passport..

Hmmm this has kind of confused me. Im sending out the I-130 packet and putting everything in my married name. However, all official documents are in my maiden name (passport, birth certificate etc)

Is this the right thing to do? Im still in the US at the moment and was planning on changing everything over to my married name when I go back to the UK next week.

Now I think about it im sending copies of my passport, so will i not be able to change it?

thanks!


You are fine, no problems :thumbs:

Since you have completed your name in the form with your married name, just write your maiden name under "Other names used".

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 23:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChange beneficiarys last name on passport..
Here is the link, hotzone.

GC name change - http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

Passport name change - Talk to Indian Embassy/Consulate near your area.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 19:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChange beneficiarys last name on passport..

Thanks Loto. I think I'll leave it as is because then they might question about new PCC to be made on married name.

Do you know what is the process to change name in USA other than waiting till you become citizen? Can it be done after she lands here and receives her GC on her maiden name?

Thanks,
Gagan


I haven't done much research on this topic - Changing name in the passport and green card after arriving the U.S.

But I think both have to be under same name in order to avoid complications during international travel time.

I would defer the opinions of others about both documents' name change after the POE.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 19:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChange beneficiarys last name on passport..

Hi All,

My wife did not update her passport to take my last name. All I-130 and NVC applications have her maiden last name. I'm wondering if she can update the passport now with my last name before she goes to interview at consulate. Will that cause any problems?

Thanks,


If I were you, I will not do it. But it is just me!

However, you can do it. Update her passport with married name, fill-out a new DS-230 to submit to the Consulate at the interview time because nowhere in the application her married name is mentioned. And you have already completed the NVC process.

Whatever it is, the visa will be issued in her name as in the passport.

Changing her name after reaching the U.S seems to be expensive.

It is your personal choice.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 17:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 but living outside of the USA

Thank you, this has all been very helpful information. I guess my only other question is then, isn´t it possible to have everything needed translated and forms filled out here over seas, then send everything to the states and have a relative send the packet in for you, or is this risky?


No risk. You can do it.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 22:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 but living outside of the USA

Thank you that is good to know as I am looking to start everything as soon as possible....Is one week ample time to file with USCIS in the states or would I be looking at having to stay longer. I have bank accounts back in the states, drivers license, start a job again in May, but have never had a rent lease....Is it a good idea to have a Co-Sponsor and if so does that slow down the process..


If you file I-130 with USCIS, you can go the post office/courier office on the same day you land here, provided you have all the required documents.

Co-sponsor is not an issue at all. It won't delay anything. But it is part of the Affidavit of Support in the second stage of this journey, called NVC stage. This stage will happen when your I-130 is approved.

Loto
LotofPatienceMaleIndia2010-11-11 21:36:00