ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC DS-3032/AOS Bill email received.
I'd say snail mail the DS3032 form as well. And get your DS230 package ready. Including the PCC's.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-07 14:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPlease Help! Questions about Marriage Registration
Where is your fiancee from? Where does she live? Where is her place of permanent residency? Do you belong to same or different religions?

I believe you have to be a resident for at least 30 days in the district in which you file. Something along those lines. Which would have made sense if I wanted to get married in Delhi or elsewhere but despite the fact that Calcutta is my place of birth and residence, they STILL made me sit around for 30 days. Something about being physically present at the address because I was out of the country before that. Rubbish. But I did it anyway.

I'd consult a local marriage registrar and/or a lawyer.

I think it MIGHT be possible to get married religiously first and then get it registered in a fewer number of days. But that would depend on whether the marriage falls under the Hindu, Muslim or Special Marriage Act. Maybe in 10-15 days as opposed to 30 days (under the SMA) maybe fewer under the Hindu Marriage Act (like a week or so), but I would definitely clarify this. Look up the Act under which you fall and read it through.

Edited by sachinky, 05 November 2009 - 11:03 PM.

sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-05 22:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPlease Help! Questions about Marriage Registration
I should clarify that I got married under the Special Marriage Act of 1954 since my husband is a white American.

I came back in June. I had to be physically present in my permanent address for 30 days because I had been out of the country and in the U.S. for nearly six months. I then filed the notice of intending marriage and waited ANOTHER 30 days. I still can't believe they made me wait 60 days to get married.

I was told by the Marriage Registrar and a lawyer that while it ordinarily wouldn't be a problem if we were going to continue to live in India but since U.S. immigration would be involved at some point (and COs are usually knowledgeable about country's marriage laws), it'd be best not to break any rules or try to bypass them because if all regulations aren't followed and it is challenged in a court of law, the marriage could very well be declared null and void. So like I said, I didn't want to take any chances.

Registered marriage is a civil marriage. In India, both civil AND religious marriages are considered to be legal, however the Supreme Court has recently ruled that everyone must have their marriage registered. That is, get a marriage certificate. Mine looks pretty ordinary, a green long sheet of paper.

Edited by sachinky, 05 November 2009 - 05:49 PM.

sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-05 17:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPlease Help! Questions about Marriage Registration
Firstly: WHY was your K-1 denied? Don't rush to get married/file a CR1 JUST because your K1 was denied before taking care to eliminate ALL the reasons WHY the visa was denied in the first place.

The marriage registration is 30 days. You have to serve intending notice of marriage and then get married after 30 days. Or you may get married and then get it registered. I think this too is 30 days but I have heard it might be possible in 15 days since one is already married. My husband couldn't stay that long either so I filed the notice, and waited for 30 days. He came to India for two weeks and we got married on the 32nd day. We didn't wish to play with fire or try and bypass certain regulations as far as U.S. immigration authorities are concerned.

Edited by sachinky, 05 November 2009 - 01:09 PM.

sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-05 13:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage in the U.S...
Oops. Sorry, that is what I meant. My apologies for not being clear enough. One cannot adjust status based off a tourist visa is what I meant. So yes, you can marry, have the ceremony, whathaveyou, but then he must leave. He cannot stay. You may then file a I-130 or if that doesn't work for you, you may go through the K-1 route.

Good luck with everything.

Edited by sachinky, 01 November 2009 - 05:13 PM.

sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-01 17:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarriage in the U.S...
Entering on a tourist visa with intent to get married is considered to be visa fraud. You can apply for a K-1 visa for your fiance.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-01 16:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApproved K1 visa Now What?
File for adjustment of status as soon as you're married.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-08 23:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat can your prayers do?
Goodluck on your interview!
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-08 07:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures2 or 4 photos for IV packet?
2 pics with name, NVC case and number and birth date, I believe?
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-09 12:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRequired funds in bank account?
125% of the poverty level - INCOME.
3 times that - ASSETS
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-08 23:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Package
Yeah, ok, got that. =) I was just confused, that's all my initial "uh, okay" was meant to convey, not doubting your advice.

Hope you have fun the hubby! Congratulations on your completed visa journey.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-10 11:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Package
Oh dear, I wasn't getting touchy. Sorry if it came off that way. I just was trying to understand the process and why it is required for him to prove domicile when he's been living there his entire life. I thought proving domicile was only important in cases of DCF. That's all. I did take up your advice -- the in-laws will write a letter of invitation, stating that I will be living with them on my arrival in the U.S.

I do appreciate your help and tips, Christeen!
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-10 07:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Package
Oh, I already sent in my I-130. I was just getting a headstart on my inteview packet. I've started compiling all the evidence.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-09 01:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Package
Uh okay, thanks for the tip, Christeen. I'll look up on it.

So his MI driver's license + vehicle/ US passport / bank account and the fact that he's been living in the U.S for his entire life means nothing? He still has to prove domicile? I thought proving domicile was important only in the case of DCF.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-09 00:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Package
I'm glad your visa journey is over. Now let the life journey commence.

Hey Christeen, I live in India, not in the U.S. Why would I need to prove domicile? My husband is the USC. I WAS in the U.S. for the four years for my undergrads and that's where we met -- in college. The plan currently is that I will be living with my husband and in-laws in Michigan for a couple of weeks when I first get there. After that, we'll rent a one/two bedroom apartment for ourselves. What would you suggest in this case? Rent an apartment before the interview and have him mail the lease over? Or have his parents write a "letter of invitation" of sorts?


sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-08 23:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Package
Aww, thanks kloveh. What a nice thing to say. I'm sure you are looking forward to your fiance getting there. How exciting. Yeah, I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Christeen, I live in India, not in the U.S. Why would I need to prove domicile? My husband is the USC. I WAS in the U.S. for the four years for my undergrads and that's where we met -- in college. The plan currently is that I will be living with my husband and in-laws in Michigan for a couple of weeks when I first get there. After that, we'll rent a one/two bedroom apartment for ourselves. What would you suggest in this case? Rent an apartment before the interview and have him mail the lease over? Or have his parents write a "letter of invitation" of sorts?
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-08 16:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Package
Uh, I sent in 6 pictures, the wedding invitation card, 3 support affidavits and the joint bank statement with our initial I130 petition. I figured I should still take copies of those for the interview as well? Correct? (If people submit all of these things with the I130 what do they take to the interview? Specially, when it's a new marriage and there's not a lot of stuff in both parties' names.)

Christeen, we don't have regarding housing because we lived in separate dorms while at college together. After graduation we lived in an apartment together for a month but that was a summer sublet and there's nothing on paper regarding that.

I'm a Hindu, he's not, so we did not have an elaborate Hindu wedding with rituals. We signed the marriage certificate in front of guests and the marriage registrar, exchanged gold rings and rose garlands, followed by a dinner reception. Our marriage was registered under the Special Marriage Act (unlike the Hindu or Muslim Marriage Acts) of India, 1954 since we don't belong to the same religion. All rules regarding waiting time period were followed as specified under the act.

Edited by sachinky, 08 November 2009 - 07:35 AM.

sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-08 07:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Package
Because I'm absolutely ridiculous and this process is consuming my life, I've decided to start my interview packet list (even though I don't have a NOA2 yet). This is what I have so far. Please let me know if I should add to it or if you have any other suggestions.

Petitioner's Affidavit
Beneficiary's Affidavit
Support Affidavits - 2 from his parents, one from my mom, one from my uncle, one from our common friend in college, one from my former college roommate, and two from unrelated guests.
About 300 pictures.
About 10/15 emails printed out.
And the list of "to and from" emails indicating regular communication.
A couple of letters he's written to me.
Wedding invitation card.
Congratulations/Best wishes cards received on wedding day.
Phone bills from both our sides.
E-card print outs.
Greeting cards from him.
Boarding pass from our trip when he was here in India.
Copy of his passport, Indian tourist visa, Birth certificate and driver's license.
Joint Bank statement.
Guest list. (Do I need this?)
Chat logs. (We've been chatting online since we started going out. Do I need it from the beginning or just post-wedding?)
A printout of our Facebook wall-to-wall posts. Haha. star_smile.gif
And the basic forms and certificates, obviously.

What do you guys think? Is it exhaustive/comprehensive enough? Am I missing something?

Edited by sachinky, 07 November 2009 - 08:09 PM.

sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-07 20:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A, Copies
Oh, that's just for backup. Send whatever you have right now. You can have your wife send in 4 more in a few days, if you're really paranoid. My G325A is saved on my laptop, should I need it.

Edited by sachinky, 10 November 2009 - 12:54 PM.

sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-10 12:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A, Copies
You need 4. Not eight. What other complete package are you talking about?
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-10 12:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWife got her visa... Can she work when she comes over now?
She will need a SSN before she can start working, though.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-08 19:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWife got her visa... Can she work when she comes over now?
She can work immediately. The stamp in her passport is a greencard till the actual card arrives in the mail within 2-4 weeks.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-08 19:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresis it bad if joint sponsor is not related (family member) ?? pls help
I know it's not required that the joint sponsor be related to the petitioner but I have a different question. My joint sponsor is my (the intending immigrant's) cousin. Not my USC husband's. That's not going to be a problem, right? Logic tells me that as long as the cousin is a USC and makes more than the required amount it shouldn't be an issue who he is related to. We'd have gone with his parents but my father-in-law is in between jobs currently and I was under the impression that the joint sponsor must be currently employed. So we went with the next best option, my naturalized USC cousin who works in the government.

Edited by sachinky, 10 November 2009 - 03:40 PM.

sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-10 15:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresis it bad if joint sponsor is not related (family member) ?? pls help
Just to add: the co sponsor can be a LPR as well.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-10-15 06:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about A.P
If they kept your passport, I'm assuming you passed the interview.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-10 12:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan I send both forms at the same time I-864 & DS-230
Your DS 3032 has been approved? I'm guessing yes, since you were able to pay the $400 IV bill. So yes, send in your AOS package with the paid receipt and your DS 230 together.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-10 21:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNlove can now exhale..Visa has been Approved!!!!
Woot! Congratulations.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-10 16:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew Baby before final Interview?
Oh okay. I get it now. You guys filed for DCF and your wife hasn't been in the U.S. for the required number of years for your child to claim citizenship. IMO, your wife should file an I130 for your kid immediately if you haven't done already.

How old is your kid? Sometimes it's possible to have a child listed on the mother's passport. I forget the technical name of it. One of my friends had that till she turned old enough.

Edited by sachinky, 11 November 2009 - 05:47 PM.

sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-11 17:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNew Baby before final Interview?
If the baby's mother is a USC, the child is also a USC. And I'm assuming your wife is a USC, otherwise how did she file a I-130 for you?
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-11 16:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHAS ANYONE FILED I-864A contract between household member and sponsor?
The primary petitioner HAS to fill out the I864, regardless of income.

The joint sponsor will fill an I864 if he lives in a different household than the primary sponsor or an I864A if it's in the same household.

I'm still not clear on what happen is the joint sponsor filing an I864 is married and files taxes jointly BUT makes enough income to support the intending immigrant and his family on his income alone. I've constantly seen conflicting information regarding that.

Edited by sachinky, 11 November 2009 - 07:10 PM.

sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-11 19:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresErrors in G-325A
Eh, I'm also curious about this. I made a silly, minor error on my G325A which I will correct on my DS 230.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-12 11:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStrange situation ,i am confused
Have you/your spouse called the DOS? If so, what have they said?
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-12 18:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864A
What's the I864 EZ for? Only supporting through income? Or only supporting through assets?
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-12 11:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864A
Those forms would mean that you're filing for adjustment of status (AOS) from a H1.
I'd ask your question in that particular forum to ensure appropriate answers.

I wouldn't want to mislead you on the I864A as we're all doing CR1 on this forum.

Filing this is the only way. There are no faster ways or we'd all be doing them as we're all married to USC.

Good luck on your visa journey.

Edited by sachinky, 11 November 2009 - 07:20 PM.

sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-11 19:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864A
Where are you living? In the U.S.? Are you filing for AOS or CR1?


sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-11 19:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPictures necessary for I-130 for stepchild??
Separate I130s for your wife and her kid. FYI.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-12 22:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPictures necessary for I-130 for stepchild??
I'd add the BC and if there's a picture of you with your stepchild, throw that in as well. I figure it's always better to be safe than sorry.


sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-12 09:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-30 evidence to send with G-325A.
For an I130 I sent in the marriage certificate, the wedding invitation card, 3 support affidavits -- his father, my mother and my uncle. 3 wedding pictures and 3 non-wedding pictures and a joint bank account statement. That's all.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-12 11:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR-1
What was your RFE for?
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-13 12:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPre-Marriage Evidence
Haha, thanks for your help/advice! I'll keep your tips in mind, although I can't seem to find Pushbrk's gospel. All I remember is that he said I should have a water tight case regarding my joint sponsor and then I wrote a paragraph and he said, in his opinion it should be fine if I said the same thing with confidence -- that our joint sponsor would be a non-issue. Which was comforting.

I have receipts from our wedding night stay at the Taj and our one-day quickie honeymoon before he had to leave. I'll use those.
sachinkyFemaleIndia2009-11-13 12:32:00