ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats guys :) Have a look at my timeline.. it wont take long from now on and once they have it in NZ they are SUPER helpful! Take a look at the NZ Embassy page - I updated it so now you will be able to see what you can start doing... including getting ready for your medical!!
jennac13Not TellingNew Zealand2007-01-10 19:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLawyer Nightmare!!!.....RFE
Oh my gosh that is AWFUL :angry:

I had a RFE and on that letter, they gave me a date which I needed to get everything to them. I think it was 3 months.... Firstly I think you should contact the service center you are using and explain about that stupid lawyer and what they did to you, then go from there... but pester the service center. DON"T GIVE IN.. it must have been so long since you have been together :(

Also, from my experience and a lot of other people's on here, I really think a lawyer is a waste of money and unnecessary... now that you have found this website you wouldn't miss a thing doing it without a lawyer. Everyone here is willing to ask any question, no matter how silly and if you look up at the top of the page, there are guides to help you, plus embassy info for your fiance's country...!

I hope that things work out. From my experience, as soon as they had the RFE the whole process moved along very fast!

GOODLUCK xox :thumbs:
jennac13Not TellingNew Zealand2007-01-14 01:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWe have started our long journey....
Goodluck with everything... stay positive and everything will work out!! I know how hard it is but I promise it will al be worth it!
jennac13Not TellingNew Zealand2006-12-06 22:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThe RFE Master List
Although it didn't ask for it on our forms, we had a RFE for my (the beneficiary) birth certificate. They send a generic form for this where they mark what you must send them, and in my case they also marked FOREIGN DOCUMENT which meant they wanted translations for any documents that are not in English. As I am from an english speaking country this was VERY confusing because they don't say what documents need translating. After having all the paperwork that we used for the application sent to me from America and after realising that everything was in English, we called them and they told us this box was simply marked off incase the birth certificate is in a foreign language.

A complete waste of time and stress so watch out for this!
jennac13Not TellingNew Zealand2006-12-04 21:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 - Put foreign income?
Americankiwi -

Try (09) 303 2724 extn. 2810 to get in touch with the Immigrant Visa Section of the Auckland Consulate. It's the number listed on the letter they sent out telling us DCF was no longer an option, and we've used it to speak with them in that regard.
Hannah and GrantFemaleNew Zealand2007-02-01 19:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 and Marriage
Oh my, how disappointing.

Being the 'Kiwi' part of the Kiwi & Me equation, I'm a little sad to see such rude and impatient replies to a valid question.
Is this site not for learning and making sense of our less-than-pleasant situations?

I can honestly say, I've read every guide and every forum here, and in other locations, that relate to mine and my partners' situation.
This comes with being so worried about the visa process, timing and most of all, just being with my partner.
I'll get info anywhere and anyway I can.
However, reading through an 'FAQ' or 'GUIDE' (no matter what point size you remind us with..) isn't helpful for everyone.
Personally, I find people with their own experiences, etc far more helpful. Especially when plans have recently been changed and time isn't necessarily something we have a lot of.

The visa process, whichever any of us happen to be undergoing is not an easy one, as everyone here almost definitely knows
Experiences vary and its not always as easy as a flowchart.

I was very excited when i stumbled upon this site and these forums a couple of months back.
Its a great resource and were both ecstatic to find a community of people enduring the same things as us.
Were all mature adults or we wouldnt be making the choices were making with our significant others. To suggest that we didnt do any research before we filed is absurd. Of course we did. Also, we DO understand the 'concept of a fiancee visa'. Another thing we have come to understand is that not every situation is just black and white. Things differ.

I'm totally amazed at how this has been treated, and the multitude of intolerant, rude replies that make us sound as though were completely stupid.

I use this site for support. My partner and I joined to gather information and learn of peoples real experiences.
We did NOT join to be treated poorly by people who perhaps know more about the process, are further into it or are just totally intolerant of other peoples queries.

Personally, I learn the most from reading through questions other people have asked.
This question may have in fact been useful for someone down the line with the same situation.
Id always offer up any info I had and id try to answer any questions anyone asked. I had expected the same in return.

Were all in the same boat. Try being nice about it.
Oh and...if a question doesnt appear to be relevant to you, dont click on it and read it. Then maybe your time wont be wasted.

If you cant say anything pleasant, dont say anything.
:)



P.S: thanks for the great information, everyone who offered it.
Hannah and GrantFemaleNew Zealand2006-09-27 02:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresseperate form for daughter?
OK, another question ...
with filling out the i-130 for my daughter ... would I have to fill out a G-325A form for her?
And it says a copy of marriage certificate is required, would I have to have to provide a copy of that and her birth certificate with the i-130?
Also her last name is her fathers last name, which is different from my maiden name and my husbands last name (hubbys is her step dad) Could this cause any problems in acertaining she is his stepdaughter?
ScorpiankhFemaleNew Zealand2007-06-26 21:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresseperate form for daughter?
thanks
i'll make sure hubby fills out both I-130 forms at the same time then
ScorpiankhFemaleNew Zealand2007-06-26 20:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresseperate form for daughter?

I keep finding conflicting information about this, whether or not a seperate I-130 form needs to be filled out for my 6 year old daughter, or just include her in the form filled out for me? I keep reading that she will automatically inherit my immigrant status, but then I found some other information saying that she only inherits my K3 visa status and receives K4 visa status, but when that expires then she will be an illegal alien :blink:
I'm a little confused here. Does anyone know?
ScorpiankhFemaleNew Zealand2007-06-26 19:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUmm ... here's a silly question?
thanks for that smile.gif
ScorpiankhFemaleNew Zealand2007-11-20 21:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUmm ... here's a silly question?
situation: me and daughter (6 years old) filing I-130 so we can move over to the us to be with my hubby.

question: when the time comes for interviews ... will they want to interview my daughter too? She's only 6, the only info she'll be interested in giving them will be about her favorite Barbie or what she got for Christmas LOL
Would they interview us together? or separately?

I'm having such a blonde day! I thought I had everything figured out but today I feel more confused than ever about the whole process!
ScorpiankhFemaleNew Zealand2007-11-20 18:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescr1 - criminal relative
Thanks all. I really hope that is the case, she is such a wonderful kid and she's already paid the price for her father being an a******. She is SO looking forward to moving to the US to live with her step dad and I would hate to see her be disappointed yet again because of her father ... not to mention my disappointment.
ScorpiankhFemaleNew Zealand2007-11-20 16:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescr1 - criminal relative
we're applying for myself and my daughter to move to the US to be with my husband.
my daughters birth father (not my husband) is a criminal, has been in jail a few times on various charges - burglary, robbery, firearms and drugs. We don't have much to do with him anymore and haven't seen or heard from in 7 months and right now I don't even know where in the world he is. (I was only a teenager when I had my daughter to him - 18 yrs old I fell for a rebel, more fool me)
Myself and my husband are both law abiding people with no criminal records or anything, but will my daughters fathers record have any bearing on our chances of being approved to immigrate to the US?
ScorpiankhFemaleNew Zealand2007-11-20 15:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot the Blues?
Anyone else got the blues about not being able to be with your SO for the holidays?
I usually love this time of year but this year I can't wait for it to be over. Hubby says for him it's shaping up to be the worst xmas since the military.
We're hoping he'll be able to come over early next year to see me, but dunno if his work will give him time off.

*grump*
ScorpiankhFemaleNew Zealand2007-11-22 05:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWill this hurt my chances of being allowed to immigrate?
Hubby does get a VA benefit and all of his medical bills are paid by the VA.
As far as I'm concerned the drug stuff isn't even a relevant part of my life, just something I did when I was young and stupid, something I've put behind me.
For the depression and anxiety I don't think it's a problem for me anymore, I've been fine for 18 months now and I'm putting that behind me as best I can too. I don't think I'm likely to become a public charge.
For me personally, these things aren't relevant, they're not an issue in my life anymore, but they might be for the powers that be in the immigration world. I don't want to lie, I HATE lies, but if the truth will stop me from being with the man I love ...?
ScorpiankhFemaleNew Zealand2007-11-24 21:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWill this hurt my chances of being allowed to immigrate?
Ok, kind of a story here, bear with me.
Me and my hubby met about 3 1/2 years ago online, we both suffer from mental illnesses, hubby has PTSD from serving in the army, and depression and panic/anxiety disorder. I have suffered from depression and anxiety. Both of us have been on medication for it, and have been through therapy. When we met, we were both going through a pretty rough time and it was on an online support group chat room that we met.
Will they ask about this at any stage of the proceedings? either in a form or in the interview, and will it hurt our chances of myself and my daughter being able to move over to the US? Should I be up front about it, or not say anything unless they ask specifically? If they ask how we met do I lie and say it was through some random chat room?

Also I did a fair few drugs when I was a teenager, I was a bit of a wild child for a while, smoked a lot of marijuana, did LSD and magic mushrooms. I was never addicted to anything i don't think, I just decided one day I had enough and that was it, I haven't touched any drugs for about 8 years now. I've never been arrested or convicted of anything and am now a law abiding person. Will they ask about drug use? Will that hurt my chances at all being so long ago?
Hubby has never touched a drug in his life.
ScorpiankhFemaleNew Zealand2007-11-24 19:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 for me and daughter question
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Nov 20 2007, 11:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Scorpiankh @ Nov 19 2007, 02:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok so we're just getting our last few bits of paperwork together for the CR1 and almost ready to send them off. We're applying for myself and my daughter to move to the US to be with my hubby. Daughter is 6 years old.
I'm just wondering if anyone knows if they will process mine and my daughters paper work together? So they're at the same stage all the way through? Or do they treat them as 2 entirely separate applications?


I take it you mean your US Citizen husband is about ready to file I-130 petitions for you and your daughter. After they are approved, you and your daughter can apply for immigrant visas.

It is USCIS's policy to process parent and child petitions together when they are filed together but there is no gaurantee they will actually do so. In our case, they did.


Thanks ... does the I-130 (if a approved) not give you the immigrant visa? i thought thats what it was for?
ScorpiankhFemaleNew Zealand2007-11-20 15:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 for me and daughter question
Ok so we're just getting our last few bits of paperwork together for the CR1 and almost ready to send them off. We're applying for myself and my daughter to move to the US to be with my hubby. Daughter is 6 years old.
I'm just wondering if anyone knows if they will process mine and my daughters paper work together? So they're at the same stage all the way through? Or do they treat them as 2 entirely separate applications?
ScorpiankhFemaleNew Zealand2007-11-19 17:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresvalid reasons to expedite visa?
QUOTE (Goldtrom @ Nov 27 2007, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
To Scorpiankh,

I'm not sure that a terminal illness would count as life/death situation... Life or death means that if they DON'T get here on time they will die. In your case your mother-in-law will not make it even if she comes here. I'm just trying to interpret what I've read on the uscis pages.

However, I would still try and contact your consulate/uscis via phone and ask who to speak with. There actually are forms somewhere on uscis for expedited visa, but I'm not sure if they are good for the I-130 (C/IR-1)...

BTW, some things they list on the uscis:
1. Domestic abuse (woman only, not sure why this counts)
2. Refugee (fleeing a war zone)
3. Medical procedure that can only be done in the U.S.


I was hoping some would say they got it expedited because:
1. Medical *EXPNESES* are higher in Japan , and my insurance doesn't cover it. So, now I'm gonna go bankrupt.


Where did you find that information?
So far all I have been able to find on expediting is this:
USCIS Expedite Criteria
ScorpiankhFemaleNew Zealand2007-11-26 21:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresvalid reasons to expedite visa?
I wasn't aware there was a way to speed things up in life or death situations. I posted ages ago asking if anyone knew any ways and everyone that replied said I would just have to wait.
My mother in law Alzheimers, a bad heart condition and a tumor in her throat and won't be around for much longer. My worst fear is that she will die and we'll still be here waiting for the paperwork to go thru and my husband will have to go through it alone.
Can some one point me in the right direction of where to find out about expediting things?
ScorpiankhFemaleNew Zealand2007-11-26 16:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOur situation
One other thing to take into account, some airlines don't allow pregnant women to fly while they are in the last trimester of pregnancy. So if you want to be in the US before the baby is born you'll need to get onto things asap, get married and get the DCF started otherwise it'll likely you will have to stay in Japan until after the baby is born whether you want to or not.

As for weddings, they don't have to be expensive if you use your noodle and get a little bit creative. They can be expensive if you want all the trimmings but that doesn't mean a cheap wedding can be any less beautiful than an expensive one. The most beautiful wedding I've ever been to only cost $200.
I'm currently planning my wedding for early next year (ok i'm already married, but we never had a nice ceremony, got married in a courthouse in Texas, and my family wasn't there to see) I picked up my dress on sale for $40, the wedding will be at my parents house in their garden, the reception will be on the deck, we're growing all the flowers ourselves, and the wedding guests will be asked NOT to bring presents (cuz I can't afford to take much over to the US with us when we go) but to bring some food instead. Luckily for me, my aunty is a professional photographer and will do the photos for us, but even if she wasn't my mum has a pretty good camera and can take nice photos. A wedding isn't about how much money you spend, it's about your love for each other and sharing that with the people you care about.
ScorpiankhFemaleNew Zealand2007-11-27 15:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow did you bring pictures evidence to bring to interview in HCMC?
I've been wondering about chat logs too.

I have chat logs of conversations with my hubby going back to august 2005 (i did have more on my old computer but that died and I lost them). I have 40 log files, and each file would be about 40-50 pages printed ... that's 1400 -2000 pages blink.gif There's no way I could print out all of that ... I don't suppose they would accept it on a disk? blink.gif

Not sure for photos either blink.gif


I'll probably organise everything in a clear file ... maybe 2 ...


I'm not much help am I? laughing.gif
ScorpiankhFemaleNew Zealand2007-11-30 04:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhats the fee for DS-230?
Thanks
ScorpiankhFemaleNew Zealand2007-12-09 16:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhats the fee for DS-230?
Whats the fee for DS-230? I've been looking all over the net for some sort of figure for this, even a rough estimate, but I can't find anything.
ScorpiankhFemaleNew Zealand2007-12-09 15:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary 2013 I-130 Filers
Thank you :blush:

It is nice to have at least this one little bit of certainty! My fingers are crossed for swift processing for us all.
sophielasFemaleNew Zealand2013-02-02 12:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary 2013 I-130 Filers

Probably the first I-130 filer of January 2013 who got a NOA2 already!

http://www.visajourn...ost__p__5954567

Sophielas, congratulations!!! :) :dance:


Thank you! I am still in shock, to be honest. And I feel kind of guilty, as there are others that have been waiting much longer. But, I figure it's one less case cluttering up a desk at USCIS so they can get on to processing the next ones.
sophielasFemaleNew Zealand2013-02-01 23:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary 2013 I-130 Filers

That could be one possibility. I'm not entirely sure why USCs living abroad are entitled to the auto-expedite. If someone else could shed some light on this, I would be interested to know.


From what I understand, and I certainly am no expert, this 'expedite' trend is certainly not guaranteed, and it is most certainly not an entitlement. You won't see it written anywhere on USCIS material, it just seems to be happening with many applications (but not all).

They have been phasing out direct consular filing at many overseas embassies which used to be how USC living abroad with spouses went through the process. I would say it's some kind of legacy to do with the fact that many of these applications now have to go through USCIS, but don't get assigned to a field office.
sophielasFemaleNew Zealand2013-02-01 16:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary 2013 I-130 Filers

Congrats!

It seems that if the USC is living abroad with the beneficiary they are getting NOA2 really fast. Is there a reason for this?


No reason, certainly not confirmed by USCIS, but unmistakable trend with *some* but not all VJer who are filing from abroad. Seems like it's likely, but not certain.
sophielasFemaleNew Zealand2013-02-01 16:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary 2013 I-130 Filers
We got our NOA 2 approved 31 Jan! Still in shock. So I am guessing the petition never left NBC as the USC is out of the US.

Baffling, we were preparing for many months of wait. I'm so sorry to all still waiting in 'initial review', but I hope that this gives you hope that they are doing something...
sophielasFemaleNew Zealand2013-02-01 15:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary 2013 I-130 Filers


Hello all! We filed out petition from abroad, received NOA1 on 3rd January with an MSC number. Surprisingly, our case showed up online right away, and now we sit in the no man's land of initial review....

Fingers crossed for swift processing for us all.

Initial review stinks :wacko:


I'm ok with initial review today. If it's still in initial review in, say, 4 months time, I will be less happy.
sophielasFemaleNew Zealand2013-01-13 02:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary 2013 I-130 Filers
Hello all! We filed out petition from abroad, received NOA1 on 3rd January with an MSC number. Surprisingly, our case showed up online right away, and now we sit in the no man's land of initial review....

Fingers crossed for swift processing for us all.
sophielasFemaleNew Zealand2013-01-11 16:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs this a good idea?

Hi Sophie!

I'm here in NZ as well, with my husband. Slightly off-topic of the VisaJourney part of your question, but we did something similar (informal wedding in the US with plans to have a "NZ Part 2" later, and we're working on CR1-IR1). The only thing that I've found challenging so far is justifying a "second" "big" wedding when you are already married. Granted, we aren't through NVC yet, but USCIS seemed to have no worries about our "legal" wedding being "bona fide."

Our solution for the "second wedding" is calling it a "celebration" instead of a "wedding." You could hold off switching your name until the "second wedding" which could make it feel more "formal?" Or if you are religious, you could consider them "legal" vs. "religious" weddings? Or you could have it on your 1st Anniversary, and do it as a renewal of your vows? Or get "temporary" rings for the NZ civil ceremony and do a "ring ceremony" for the US 2nd?

Anyway, your wedding is about you two as a couple--the realities of trans-Pacific relationships are part of that wedding--no matter how the actual events take place! :)

Good luck!


Thank you so much for your post :) much appreciated! And good to know there are other kiwis out there doing this too. Great tips on managing 'multiple weddings'. I was thinking that I would hold off on the name change until wedding 2, plus we won't do rings until then either. I think you are right, these slightly odd things are just the reality of an international relationship. We have decided to differentiate between our 'legal marriage' and our 'wedding', and I suppose the best way to not seem dodgy is to get it all straight in our heads! We know we are legit, hehe... Anyway, please keep me in the loop with your visa journey. We will be filing with USCIS at the end of next month.
sophielasFemaleNew Zealand2012-10-06 15:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs this a good idea?
Thank you all for your responses, I greatly appreciate it.

Nick1980, I think (as people have mentioned) that the 'legal name' situation does vary depending on laws/customs of various countries. In NZ, it is possible to technically be known by both married/unmarried names at the same time. For example, my sister in law is a nurse, and she kept her unmarried name at work for several years, as that was the name that her registration was under, but for all other purposes her name was changed to the married version. I was just wondering how messy I might make this process if I started changing my name on documents essentially after filing the I-130, but before the NVC stage..

Ryan H, thank you for pointing out that my passport copy (as beneficiary) is not required at I-130 stage. I read the EZ guide somewhere on this site which seemed to imply that it was, but if not, that does make things a little easier, and would speed up the petition without having to delay for a few weeks waiting on my new passport. And if this is the case, I can be consistent in referring to myself in my new name on all forms (despite things like our lease, bills etc that will be showing my unmarried name).

NikiR, thanks for the heads up about the marriage certificate. The wait times I think are pretty good for getting these from our Govt (a few weeks at most) and hopefully getting legally married at the court should also ensure the docs are lodged efficiently! And if I don't need my new passport to initially file (as you mentioned), then that should not hold up the process. No DCF available in NZ, as far as I can deduce.

In terms of our "sneaky wedding", this is a real hard one. Neither of our parents are in this country, and my fiances parents are in the US, and elderly and unable to travel here. This contributes to our desire to have a big wedding celebration, relaxed and with parents, in the US some time towards the end of next year, when we actually live there. I am afraid that if parents know of the legal wedding here, that they cannot attend, they will be sad (hence the desire to just not tell them). However, I am also afraid of a US immigration officer thinking that our parents/family were unaware/absent from our legal wedding is somehow suspicious. I appreciate there is probably no right or wrong solution here!

All your thoughts are gratefully received :) such an emotional process! I have a lot of empathy for all the people that are patiently trying to work through these immigration processes to simply be with their loved ones.
sophielasFemaleNew Zealand2012-10-02 17:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs this a good idea?
Hello all,

This is my first post here, after spending many hours reviewing all the information I can find online (and especially on this forum). It is wonderful to find so many people thinking about all the same things that we are! It does all feel a little bit overwhelming. I am hoping to get some feedback from experienced people about how we might approach our Visa journey, given our particular situation.

I am a New Zealander, my fiance is the US citizen. We are currently residing together in New Zealand, he is here on a 9 month tourist visa, working remotely for US clients. It is possible he will transfer onto a NZ work visa within the next month or so (I don't know if that will change anything? or have implications?). We have looked into applying for the K1 fiance visa, or the CR1 spousal visa and have come to the conclusion that the spousal visa is probably a better idea for us. This is because it appears to be cheaper, less restrictions/further paperwork upon entering US, and a potential chance of even being faster (given this mysterious trend of sometimes expediting applications made from overseas). Also it seems the fiance visa generally is geared towards US citizens living in the US petitioning for their overseas based fiance to enter... and this does not really seem to apply to our current living situation. But I am open to any thoughts on this.

In terms of our plans, that would mean a simple informal legal wedding in NZ, with just us at the registry office, and then perhaps in a year's time having a formal family and friends wedding ceremony (minus the legal bits) in the US, which would allow us to plan properly to bring together our respective spread-out families without additional visa pressures to worry about. My only fear about this approach is, however, will this appear bona fide enough? We probably would not be telling people we were privately legally married ahead of our public celebration. Will it be suspicious if we have such a small wedding in NZ, and then talk about having another larger wedding ceremony at a later date in the US? I do not want to appear to be doing anything sneaky, and I want it to be all legal and above board.

I would also like to change my name to my new married name, and have a question about passports and the I-130 form. Would it be acceptable to submit our application immediately following our wedding, filing the petition for me with my new name, but submitting a copy of my passport which would obviously still be in my maiden name? The alternative to that would be to apply and get a new passport in my new name, then submit the application with copies of the pages of my brand new passport. But is that absolutely necessary? Would it be acceptable to just apply for the new passport in the new name at some point between NOA1 and NOA2 instead? (thinking about time saving here)

My head is spinning! I hope someone out there can provide some insight into any of this...! Many, many thanks in advance.

Sophie
sophielasFemaleNew Zealand2012-10-02 05:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbout to file I-130
Hello,

Thank you for all the information and advice. It's all useful. I think I will save logs for the interview. Yes, I am fairly sure NZ is low-fraud, so that is at least a help for us.

Shame about no more expedite. I am really hoping we can get through before husband (USC) NZ visa expires next year! And have our October celebration in US. Loathe to push it back, as aging relatives are involved. We can but hope, I suppose.

Will submit I-130 as described this weekend, so hopefully arrives in the USA to greet USCIS staff after their holiday break.

Fingers crossed!
sophielasFemaleNew Zealand2012-12-20 14:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbout to file I-130
Hello VJ people. After much research and document compilation I think we are about ready to submit our I-130 petition.

A few questions of you:

1. Do you think this is enough evidence of a bona fide relationship? (see packet contents list below)
I have looked into getting phone records, but it's slightly problematic to obtain a simple report, as with our skype history, so I have not included anything like that - do you think it will be ok without it?

2. Any ideas on what's happening at the moment with petitioners based abroad? I had read a few months ago that there seemed to be a phenomenon of occasionally fast-tracking filers from outside US.
The reason I ask is that we had a small wedding in NZ, but would like to have another celebration in the US in October where our families can attend. We would like to set a date, but I am afraid it might be tempting fate not knowing how long this process will take...

Thank you in advance!


Contents include:
Personal check in the amount of $420.00
I-130 Petition for Alien Relative
Copy of current U.S. passport (Petitioner)
G-325A and passport style photo (Petitioner)
G-325A and passport style photo (Beneficiary)
Copy of order dissolving marriage (Beneficiary)
Copy of birth certificate (Beneficiary)
Evidence of Bona Fide Relationship:
A. Letter outlining our relationship history
B. Copy of Marriage Certificate from New Zealand
C. Photographs from our wedding
D. Affidavit from X, witness to our marriage
E. Affidavit from Y, witness to our marriage
F. Excerpts from conference handbook <<<---this is where we met, evidence that USC was presenting a paper in NZ
G. Copy of passport stamps showing travel to NZ (Petitioner)
H. Copy of joint travel itinerary in USA (plane)
I. Copy of joint travel itinerary in USA (train)
J. Copy of passport stamps showing travel to USA (Beneficiary)
K. Copy of New Zealand 9-month visitors visa (Petitioner)
L. Copy of joint property lease for our house in New Zealand
M. Copy of joint bond lodgment receipt for our house in New Zealand
N. Copy of joint utility bills for our house in New Zealand
O. Copy of account details showing joint New Zealand bank accounts
sophielasFemaleNew Zealand2012-12-19 23:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresShould we find a co-sponsor?

^^ Yes yes. Im assuming that the OPs husbands knows how to properly report his business income. When you file self employment income you use the schedule C, you list your profits, you deduct your expenses and the final figure is your 'income'. It goes on line 22. Its gross income minus business expenses. So every time above when I refer to 'business income' Im referring to that. The gross minus business expenses. NOT the amount before you deduct expenses. (it can make a huge difference in amounts)

Ty for pointing that out Kay.


Sorry for slow reply. Thank you so much for this Capri, it has helped me from potentially falling into a bit of a hole. We are def going down co-sponsorship route now.
sophielasFemaleNew Zealand2013-02-01 15:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresShould we find a co-sponsor?

Welcome to the immigration process! :rofl:


<Insert something about a head and a brick wall.>
sophielasFemaleNew Zealand2013-01-21 17:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresShould we find a co-sponsor?

Get your brother to co-sponsor, it'll be much simpler than gathering all the proof you'll need so that they'll accept him as the sole sponsor. Why wait and see if they'll send an RFE? Cover your bases and get a co-sponsor.


Hrmm, thank you for your reply. You may be right, I shall look into how much info we need for him to be a co-sponsor. I guess I was just trying to assess how much of a risk it was to file without one... But from what I have read, the answer appears to be 'how long is a piece of string?' :)
sophielasFemaleNew Zealand2013-01-21 14:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresShould we find a co-sponsor?

When you say 'he meets the requirements' what exactly do you mean? Does he just meet the requirements or does he exceed the requirements? Theres a difference. Does his last 3 tax returns just squeak by or does he easily surpass the requirements?

To meet the requirements of the 864 the USC must show they have STABLE US based earnings. Since he is self-employed he is going to have to write his own letter of employment. In it he is going to have to describe his business. (freelance, works on the internet for various US clients doing whatever) Do NOT say- "now he is just working job to job, for various clients, on various small contracts which are generally only a month or two of work at a time." Do NOT say "he may or may not have a long term contract going/lined up, and most likely no 'permanent' job offer" DO say "There is not going to be an issue with him finding work,"

So if you can show he has stable earnings, because his tax returns are consistently above the guidelines and his letter is strongly written- then he will qualify.



If your 864 does not qualify they will RFE you and tell you, so you could submit you co-sponsor at that point.


Thank you Capri, this is much appreciated feedback.

To clarify our situation, up until June 2012 my husband was earning a salary at a permanent job in the US. He was working at that job for several years, earning a very good income well in excess of 125% of the poverty level. Since then, he has been working as a freelance contractor for different clients (remotely, so as to be in NZ with me), so the 2012 tax year will be the first tax year he files as self-employed (however the first half of the year he was on salary). The sum of all income for the 2012 year will also be well in excess of 125% of the poverty level.

My concern is proving 'the future' earnings, and I take your point about writing a strongly worded letter, thank you. I suppose I am wondering if solid earnings in the recent past is enough evidence of stable US based earning prospects. While we know he will not have a problem obtaining clients and earning $, I am curious whether they will take our word for it. Particularly given his relatively recent foray into self-employment. If there's any chance of an RFE for that, I'd rather just do co-sponsorship in the first instance... But I don't know if I am being excessive given we don't actually *need* a co-sponsor to meet the $ level. Just proof, if that makes sense...
sophielasFemaleNew Zealand2013-01-20 21:47:00