ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespassport pictures for DS-230
For my I-130 pictures, I asked for my pictures to be taken for a U.S. visa. It was done by a reputed photography store in Calcutta who do the visa pictures. It's the same specifications as a passport picture, right? The U.S. visa picture = passport appropriate picture, I mean. Shouldn't be a problem, right?
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-03 07:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresExpediting A Case
Thanks for your input, guys.

Sorry to hear about your case, Kimbear.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-03 11:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresExpediting A Case
You're right. It's not the time, per se, it's just that they were sitting with it and then cancelled it. We would've never known unless we called to ask about our NOA which most people seem to receive in about 10-14 days. And then they insisted that it was our fault since we should have filed in Detroit and not Chicago. I went crazy for several hours, crying about how stupid I was, before I realized that we had actually filed in the right place and the operator, in fact, had no idea what she was talking about. I don't mind the four weeks, if they were working on it and/or actually looking at it. I understand necessary administrative delays, but this was completely unecessary. They just cancelled the petition two weeks ago -- which could've resulted in a much more serious delay, if we hadn't insisted they get a move on it right away.

I suppose there is no harm in trying, is there? Who would I make the request to? The CSC? Does it have to be in writing?
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-02 19:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresExpediting A Case
Hi -- I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts/suggestions as to how one would file a request for expediting a case. My husband and I sent in our I-130 packets on Sept 3. Our check was pending for several weeks and we never received an NOA1 until we called up a few days ago and found out that they had cancelled our check and petition due to incorrect filing. This was an error on their part, since we had mailed it correctly to Chicago and not Detroit, as the operator insisted it should have gone to. Anywho, long story short, after my husband gave them hell for half an hour, they conceded that it was their mistake and we received our NOA1 dated September 29 in the mail yesterday. Our case is now at the CSC. I was told that USCIS error is grounds for expediting a case and I was wondering how I would go about filing a formal request for expedition. Who would I file it with?

Thanks for your help in advance. =)
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-02 18:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC stage
While we wait for our NOA2, I would like to get a head start on the next stage.

As the beneficiary, do I need anything else apart from the following?

DS-3032 completed and signed by beneficiary (ORIGINAL)
DS-230 completed part I & II and only signed part I by beneficiary
Marriage certificate
Police Certificate
Four (4) Passport size photos
Beneficiary’s passport biographic page (Photocopy)
Beneficiary’s birth certificate (Certified)

--Am I missing anything?
--And as I understand it, I have to send a photocopy along with the originals to the NVC?
--Do I mail it to my husband or directly to the NVC?
--Do I just download those forms and fill them out myself or wait till them send them to me?

Thanks for your response. =)
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-03 05:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPictures
Okay. Thanks, they're all 2'x2'.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-04 05:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPictures
Are the passport sized pictures they ask for with the DS forms the same as the ones required for a general U.S. visa? I got about a dozen done "U.S. visa" style at a photography store in Calcutta for the I-130 package I sent in earlier and I'm wondering if they are the same specifications. Please let me know and accordingly I'll get more taken, if necessary.

Thanks!
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-03 08:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNormal for NVC Supervisor PI to forward request to Embassy instead of deciding?
IMO = In my opinion.
IMHO = In my humble opinion.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-03 11:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWHO SHOULD REALLY BE PUT ON AP
Not to rain on everyone's parade here, but what is an AP?
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-09-29 15:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat to bring to show bonafide marriage and on-going relationship
I'm planning on an entire photo album, 5 emails, 2-3 chat logs, cell phone bills, plane tickets, marriage certificate, letters of support from family, joint bank statement, and letter from USC husband. That should be good enough right?

I'd doubt you'd have to get your chat logs translated. Do they even read those? I hope not, some of mine are really embarrassing. Maybe between now and then, you can send a few emails wholly in English to make matter easier.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-07 02:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConcerning a visa cancellation?
The only thing that stands between her and heading to the U.S. is a plane ticket. She'd have no trouble at the POE unless you alert immigration, I'm guessing. Is this parting of ways amicable? Have you filed for divorce already? Or are you planning to? How long have you guys been married? If you don't want her living with you and she doesn't have close friends/family either, then there is no practical sense in her entering the U.S., is there? Where would she live? So is she still planning on using the conditional GC to enter the States? What do you want to happen? What does she want?
Sorry if my questions seem nosy.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-14 08:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMedical exam for pregnant
Hey Chris Zhanna -- I notice on your time line that Zhanna enters the U.S. while you both wait for NOA2. Can I ask how this is possible? On what visa did she enter?
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-14 13:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMedical exam for pregnant
I hope you mean 37 weeks.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-14 13:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot the Interview Date!!! Yipeee
That is good news. Congratulations!
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-14 12:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan my hubby send AOS package?
Alright. Thanks, that makes sense.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-15 16:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan my hubby send AOS package?
Is it better to send AOS and DS 230 together so as to avoid a RFE? I saw stated in a couple of threads.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-15 07:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresaccidentally hit the send button - DS3032 not generated yet
Hey, those of you that mailed the hardcopy DS 3032 as well: did you use the form that NVC sent you? Does it come in an email or in the mail? Or did you just download it off the net and then generate a barcode?

Just wondering, 'cause I'm guessing it's best to do both.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-16 03:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 Package Question
If you haven't already sent it to the agent, then send it directly to the NVC.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-16 03:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi -130 provide affidavits
I sent three third party support letters. But not one from the USC. Is that required?


sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-16 04:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi -130 provide affidavits
I sent three third party support letters. But not one from the USC. Is that required?
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-15 16:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-3032 Does it matter if USC MAILS THE FORM?
Have your husband email the form (from his email address) and it's fine if you mail the hardcopy from within the U.S. I doubt they care.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-20 05:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-3032
Email your DS 3032. And then use the formt that they'd sent and mail the hard copy out. Best to do both since you don't know which one will be accepted first.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-20 05:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSteps after you get your interview date???
VFS = Visa Foreign Services. They sort of act as the middle-man between the beneficiary and the consulate. I don't know if it is in other countries apart from India.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-19 14:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresimmigrant visas
NO. NO. NO.

Can't you read?
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-17 15:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864
I'm gonna say 3 (your parents, wife) because you and your son have U.S. citizenship, you are not being "sponsored." However, financially, I don't know how that'd work out.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-20 17:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVaccinations
Alrighty, that makes sense.

So I took a look at the list of vaccinations -- do I really need all of the following?

Influenza
Pneumococcal
Rotovirus
Zoster
Varicella
HPV
Meningococcal (I took this in 2005 -- do I need to take it again?)

UGH. I hate needles.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-19 12:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVaccinations
I was just referring to what ao cons said about women beneficiaries getting a pregnancy test before the medical -- I was wondering why that is necessary?
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-19 08:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVaccinations
Why the pregnancy test?
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-18 15:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat form do i fill out to bring my 9 year old daughter??
Oh, that could be it. I was just going by the regular I-130 (say for a spouse) and figured you could just apply that to a 9 year old as well leaving out whatever is irrelevant. Passport pictures would seem like something that would be a must. Even for a 9 year old. You know what I mean? Of course if the instructions say otherwise, then so be it.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-21 03:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat form do i fill out to bring my 9 year old daughter??
Yes, on the passport photos. Sorry, I don't have a link to help you out.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-20 19:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat form do i fill out to bring my 9 year old daughter??
I'd say birth certificate, marriage certificate, her passport/ID (if she has any) and maybe a picture or two if you have them with her. And what about the girl's biological father? He will probably need to sign off on his kid being taken out of the country unless your wife has full custody.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-20 17:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat form do i fill out to bring my 9 year old daughter??
You're the USC, I presume. So by daughter you mean your biological daughter or your wife's daughter meaning your step-daughter? If she is your daughter, then she is automatically a USC. If not, you will have to file a similar I-130. I am not certain if you should start the process now and if you should wait till your wife gets there. Maybe someone else can help you out with that?
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-20 11:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIV bill pay
Right. Once your DS3032 is accepted you should be able to pay the IV bill.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-21 05:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisa denial
Sorry about the denial but domicile, from what I understand, can be proved by tax returns, permanent address, US passport, bank account, voter registration, job/school, etc.

And I don't know about the waiver. Maybe someone else will be more helpful.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-20 17:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs it advisable to send pictures, letters etc w/ your I-130
I sent in 6 pictures (3 from the wedding and 3 from our time in college together) and 3 support affidavits (my mom, uncle and his dad) and our joint account bank statement apart from the basic forms and certificates.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-18 05:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230, DS-3032 Forms. Question About Minor
Let the 12 year old sign. I signed for my own passport when I was 8.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-21 03:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat happened to us..
You should be in line for a case complete soon. If you're lucky you might be in time for a November interview scheduling week and have one in December. Please fill in your timeline so we have a sense of what we're dealing with.

Edited by sachinky, 19 October 2009 - 05:34 PM.

sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-19 17:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarried, then what? Can she stay if already here?
Yes, I'm from Calcutta, India. My parents and family live here and I was born and brought up here. I was in NY studying for four years. I came back to India in this June (after I graduated in May) -- had to wait one month at my permanent residence BEFORE I could file the intending notice of marriage which is another 30 goddamned waiting days for a marriage under the Special Marriage Act. So they basically made me sit around for 60 days before I could get married. My husband came in August and we got married on the 17th. He left two days after. Since then I've filed, had my petition wrongly cancelled, then restarted and now, we're waiting for our NOA2.

I'm getting increasingly frustrated daily. But whattodo.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-22 01:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarried, then what? Can she stay if already here?
I was in the same situation. I was on a F-1 and it was in college that I met my husband. I even applied for OPT and received my EAD card (came in 5 weeks). I got a few job interviews, none really worked out and it was getting expensive paying rent/groceries. So we decided to go for CR-1 route since I wanted him to come to India anyway and meet my parents, family and friends BEFORE we actually tied the knot. That is how I got stuck here. Now I am wishing that we'd stayed together and applied for AOS. It would have been a pain but at least we would have been together.

Edited by sachinky, 22 October 2009 - 01:43 AM.

sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-22 01:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAffidavit of Support Process
Okay. Thanks, I get it now.

And if the cousin's income is enough and he is NOT using his wife's income -- does she then still have to file the I864A?
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-23 15:20:00