ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat does "touched" mean?

When you register your case on the USCIS website, you can see the date your case was last updated. Each time it is updated, but there is no change in the satus, that is a touch.

EWI..is that something the Canadians are always talking about?



No,we Canadians talk about EI (Employment Insurance) and Tim Horton's coffee. :)
CassieFemaleCanada2007-03-22 20:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRFE on household member contract

MargotDarko,

The intention is to point out what the true source of the problem is and how to avoid making a similar mistake again.

Yodrak

Aww, way to kick her when she's down. Fair enough to point out that it's in the instructions but maybe could have been nicer. I guess I'm just a softie that way though.


I agree that's a good intention and it's something that should be done. It was only the RTFM that I objected to at all.

NO it was not MY OWN FAULT. I didnt fill out the application I had a lawyer do it. It was his job to let me know what I needed thats what I payed him for. I Have done everything myself the only thing that I had a lawyer do was the affidavite because I wanted to make sure that everything was done right and it turns out that its the only thing that his been returned to me. I trusted that him being a lawyer whould of known what I should send.


If anything, this proves that lawyers don't always do things correctly -- which has been proven time and time again here on VJ -- and it behooves anyone who hires one to know exactly what should be done, even if the lawyer will be the one actually filling out the forms.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-05-29 13:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresShouldn't I have my green card by now?
I take my post back, you're CR-1. :)

Hopefully others will pipe up and let you know how long it took them. I wouldn't worry so much yet, it's only been two weeks. :)

Edited by Cassie, 22 July 2007 - 08:24 AM.

CassieFemaleCanada2007-07-22 08:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS Application & Receipting Update
QUOTE (Cassie @ Nov 16 2007, 08:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It used to be twice a month -- usually every 15 days or so. Now we're lucky if they update it in the middle of the month. wacko.gif


sorry, was thinking of the processing times page. my bad for not double checking the link!
CassieFemaleCanada2007-11-17 11:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUSCIS Application & Receipting Update
It used to be twice a month -- usually every 15 days or so. Now we're lucky if they update it in the middle of the month. wacko.gif
CassieFemaleCanada2007-11-16 19:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresW-2 or IRS transcripts
Transcripts are sufficient.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-11-19 22:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWill this hurt my chances of being allowed to immigrate?
I get VERY nervous when people advise others to lie during this process.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-11-24 21:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresvalid reasons to expedite visa?
QUOTE (john_and_marlene @ Nov 26 2007, 11:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Cassie @ Nov 26 2007, 09:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Military deployment (usually the USC) is the only time I have seen an expedited visa interview at the consulate.


We had Marlene's interview expedited at the Manila consulate for an emergent medical situation for the USC (me). They granted the expedite within 24 hours of the request. A January 2006 interview was changed to a November 2005 interview.


Ok, make that two expedited cases I have seen since I have been on VJ, one for military deployment and one for medical reasons. smile.gif

Not to be too intrusive, John, but how much evidence did you have to provide for this to happen? Was it particularly onerous or rather straightforward?
CassieFemaleCanada2007-11-26 12:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresvalid reasons to expedite visa?
QUOTE (Haole @ Nov 25 2007, 11:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Goldtrom @ Nov 25 2007, 05:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi All,

Does anyone know what would be a reason to expedite a visa?
I know that most if not all of the things listed on the uscis webpage are life/death situations... but what about financial issues? or some other hardship....?

Thanks!
Military being deployed normally works and that's about it.


Military deployment (usually the USC) is the only time I have seen an expedited visa interview at the consulate.

Having financial issues wouldn't expedite things -- it would more likely slow things down!
CassieFemaleCanada2007-11-26 10:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTelecommuting while visiting
All I know is that when Jerry came to visit me in Canada, he got grilled a lot about bringing his laptop with him on vacation (he's a computer programmer). I know that Canada doesn't like it when you work on your vacation, not sure what the US policy is on that.
CassieFemaleCanada2007-11-26 17:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswe got denied
QUOTE (zqt3344 @ Nov 23 2007, 08:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (manda @ Nov 23 2007, 06:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (D&N @ Nov 23 2007, 04:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Im curious about the 1-way ticket (1) month before you got married. You really intended to return, right? innocent.gif

QUOTE (JenT @ Nov 16 2007, 02:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Curious.... why did you one have a one-way ticket?



stupidly i had a one way ticket cos it was cheaper, didnt know it would cause such a problem, we had no intention of becoming married, maybe 2 or 3 years down the line, but not at the time



Hello, and you wonder why USCIS is barring you for 5 years? After reading this post, you do not seem to be telling us all you did or attempted to do in POE in Detroit. You had a B1, then tourist visa and you try to enter with one way ticket, after marrying a month before in Canada? AND then you are in Dublin, Ireland which is known for IRA terrorists, and Canada is known to have very liberal lax immigration laws, which are often used as a conduit for entry into the USA for terrorists. What did you think would happen when you pulled that stunt. You were breaking the USA immigration laws plain and simple, they were doing their job in the eyes of Dept of Homeland Security. Best of luck.



Completely untrue. Have you tried to immigrate to Canada lately?? It's not as easy as you may think. Oh, and the terrorist thing is a crock too.

Methinks the OP got some helpful advice in this thread, were your comments necessary?

Edited by Cassie, 23 November 2007 - 09:39 PM.

CassieFemaleCanada2007-11-23 21:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresX-Ray in suitcase of carry on?
roll it up (no bending or creasing), put it in a cardboard tube, and stick it in your carryon luggage. Easy peasy.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-03-13 08:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting a very complicated immigration process
QUOTE (Barb & Tom @ Apr 18 2008, 04:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So I'm sure..whatever the hold up is with immigrating from Canada to the US?? The Canadian side has a LOT to do with it.



trust us, the US doesn't need Canada's help in being slow! They're doing perfectly well in that regard all on their own.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-04-18 17:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan Anyone Tell me What the Medical Examination Consists of?
It is a typical full medical, including:
-- eye test
-- height, weight
-- questions r/t medical history, immunization history
-- brief genital exam (female)
etc etc.

My panel physician was efficient and professional.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-05-01 21:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIS SOMETHING WRONG WITH VSC
If it makes you all feel any better, it seems like they aren't working on any kind of applications right now. 10 year GCs, K-1s, you guys, nothing. It's like they have all gone on vacation.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-05-17 00:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs there anyone here FROM NY who has a spouse here via a CR-1 Visa?
Read post #9, middle paragraph.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-05-13 09:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVSC is going on vacation
QUOTE (Jomo @ May 23 2008, 03:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Reehon.....we are not doubting someone said it to you. We are doubting they even know what the hell they are talking about.


Exactly! good.gif
CassieFemaleCanada2008-05-23 15:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVSC is going on vacation
You all know that the USCIS 1-800 number is called the MIS-information line for a reason, right?
CassieFemaleCanada2008-05-23 15:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow do I get copies of my 3 yrs of tax returns?
QUOTE (Rajaa @ May 24 2008, 11:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Haole @ May 24 2008, 09:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Rajaa @ May 24 2008, 06:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (estadia @ May 24 2008, 09:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Rajaa @ May 24 2008, 09:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok so I know I am getting ahead of myself but I thought I might as well do something instead of just waiting to be asked so I read that i'll need 3 yrs of tax returns... question:

How do I get those... I am a divorce' and neither him nor I have them (for whatever reason)

I share custody of my children and do i have to show support for them even though it's 50% custody of do I need to show that I can support my husband, myself and one child (cause we have 2)?

If there is a place I can find answers to these questions I would appreciate some direction.. thanks a bunch in advance.




all u have to do is call the IRS and the will send u print outs of it smile.gif


lol that sounds too easy. Do I just google "IRS" lol i was expecting something more involved... thanks for your prompt reply


Try 1-800-829-1040. 24/7 automated free service to get tax transcripts from IRS.
Only took me 7 days to get last 3 years!


Ok so I went to the website ... did you have to pay $39.00 per year?


no, you should be able to get copies of your tax transcripts for free.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-05-24 23:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmy review from montreal
Awesome, congratulations! smile.gif
CassieFemaleCanada2008-05-30 15:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGuys-----RFE trick notworking any more
The RFE "trick" never worked in the first place.

Keep up hope folks, your time is coming and this time will soon fade into the background as a bad memory.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-05-30 10:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGuys-----RFE trick notworking any more
If you don't have an RFE, don't call the dang RFE line! There is no 'trick"!!!!
CassieFemaleCanada2008-04-25 07:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThis really pissed me off!!!
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jun 7 2008, 10:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Dr. Nick @ Jun 7 2008, 08:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jun 7 2008, 09:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Dr. Nick @ Jun 7 2008, 08:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Whatever happened to freedom and basic things like living with your spouse?



Your points are well taken but the freedom you mention never existed, so nothing happened to it. We've always had immigration laws.


I meant freedom for those folks to go to the parties and meet whoever they want. Freedom to choose someone from another country without waiting an entire year to be united as well. I think we could all live with 3 months wait and go thru the processing etc., but what's happening at VSC is just not right or humane....I guess it's true that in the end we get used to anything..It's not like anybody outside of our small community cares either.


I'm pretty upset with VSC at the moment either but let's not conjure up freedoms that don't exist. Call it what it is. A "want'.


Exactly.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-06-08 00:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThis really pissed me off!!!
QUOTE (charisma1 @ Jun 7 2008, 09:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I didn't say that K-1 cannot be normal couples. I just said that it annoys me that they are approved before already married couples, and that is a totally different issue from marriage fraud.



I'm assuming that you know why K-1 petitions are processed faster than spousal visas and that they are two completely different processes?
CassieFemaleCanada2008-06-07 21:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThis really pissed me off!!!
QUOTE (LAnthony @ Jun 7 2008, 12:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello everyone. I have been a lurker on this site for a few months now. I'm not really much of a chatter but I overheard something really disturbing a few hours ago at work, so i have to vent a little. One of my co-workers (that i really dont know very well) was telling another co-worker that one of his friends invited him to this party where he said there will be a bunch of women with J visas looking for American citizens to marry so they can come here and live permanently ohmy.gif ...If I'm not mistaken, he called it an "immigration party."... This just pissed me the heck off!!! ranting33va.gif Though I'm not really that surprised....



Ad we all wonder why this process takes so long and why we have to jump through hoops to prove that our relationships are legitimate..........
CassieFemaleCanada2008-06-07 10:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOKAY VERMONT FILERS, WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING
QUOTE (lsma @ Jun 19 2008, 12:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Cassie @ Jun 19 2008, 05:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
There is no doubt that the wait is crazy. There is no doubt that the process is unequitable. But there also is no doubt that this process goes through ebbs and flows and right now VSC is slow -- not just for spousal visas, but for fiance visas, for removing of conditions, you name it all across the board.


I hear what you are saying. The thing is I can deal with slow (just about) and I can accept that there's going to some differences between the two service centres. I understand that as it's a different visa with different numbers of people applying that the K1 visa is a faster process than the spousal visa (although it seems harsh that a married couple are kept apart for the whole of their first year of marriage)

The thing that I find impossibly maddening at VSC is that the applications are not processed in the order they were sent in. I could live with a couple of months difference - hey when there are tens of thousands of files I'm sure a little shuffling takes place. But we sent our form in October last year......how can people who filed in February and March be processed ahead of us???


Oh and let's stop the name calling and bickering - it's just making everyone feel worse. (Cassie, that last sentence wasn't to you - just to this thread in general)


I hear you, the out of order thing is the part that probably causes the most heartache and anger. Why it happens, I can't answer. sad.gif
CassieFemaleCanada2008-06-19 12:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOKAY VERMONT FILERS, WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING
QUOTE (gogo @ Jun 19 2008, 11:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'll shoot their messenger.. good.gif and then take their head off and send it back to them.. mad.gif but that's just me.. waiting 14 months is hard for me..


I cannot imagine what you have gone through, I truly wish that you hear something soon.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-06-19 11:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOKAY VERMONT FILERS, WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING
QUOTE (Ilya R. @ Jun 19 2008, 10:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Cassie @ Jun 19 2008, 11:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MsZ @ Jun 19 2008, 09:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hanging around the system has made some of you very callous. You can sit on your mountain tops and shake your head at the poor newbies who are just experiencing the disappointment of this system, but it hardly makes you better. Your lack of empathy is pretty clear and that reflects on you personally. The delivery of your alleged "wisdom" is that of people who are full of themselves. And if this is where you derive your feeling of power or self-worth, I feel sorry for you.


*banging head against the wall*

If you think that the reason RJ is posting in this thread just to make herself feel like she's better than you, or to apologize for the system, then you really don't know her very well. Or reading what she's saying. or more importantly, receiving what she is saying.


I am sorry do we need some kind of a filter to actually receive what all of you are saying?


Yes, because right now you are looking at things through the here and now and how things affect you personally, those of us who have been in the process for years and have been tracking and researching it are looking at it over time and how it affects the whole. And when you are stressed out and upset and missing your loved one like crazy, it's hard to listen to the message that what you are experiencing is nothing new and part and parcel of this crazy system, let alone accept that what RJ and others are telling you is not being apologetic for the process, or callous, but reality. It's easier to focus on "oh you've only waited xx days/months" or "you're not being supportive of our pain" than to accept what the truth is.

There is no doubt that the wait is crazy. There is no doubt that the process is unequitable. But there also is no doubt that this process goes through ebbs and flows and right now VSC is slow -- not just for spousal visas, but for fiance visas, for removing of conditions, you name it all across the board. I am not telling you not to do what you plan on doing, but I am asking you not to shoot the messenger.

Edited by Cassie, 19 June 2008 - 11:15 AM.

CassieFemaleCanada2008-06-19 11:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOKAY VERMONT FILERS, WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING
QUOTE (MsZ @ Jun 19 2008, 09:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hanging around the system has made some of you very callous. You can sit on your mountain tops and shake your head at the poor newbies who are just experiencing the disappointment of this system, but it hardly makes you better. Your lack of empathy is pretty clear and that reflects on you personally. The delivery of your alleged "wisdom" is that of people who are full of themselves. And if this is where you derive your feeling of power or self-worth, I feel sorry for you.


*banging head against the wall*

If you think that the reason RJ is posting in this thread just to make herself feel like she's better than you, or to apologize for the system, then you really don't know her very well. Or reading what she's saying. or more importantly, receiving what she is saying.

Edited by Cassie, 19 June 2008 - 10:15 AM.

CassieFemaleCanada2008-06-19 10:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAwesome news about vermont
Well, that confirms why all of VSC is slow right now.
CassieFemaleCanada2008-06-27 11:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresquestion about K-1 and being married before....
If you get legally married in Singapore, you will not eligible for a K-1 fiance visa. You will then have to complete the marriage visa.

K-1 visa are for the foreign fiance to enter the US with the express purpose of getting married and staying in the country.
CassieFemaleCanada2006-01-30 00:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOne-Way Ticket
in my case, the one-way ticket was cheaper, so I went for it. Not a problem. :)
CassieFemaleCanada2006-02-02 00:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI don´t want to be separated anymore

Thanks, guys!!!
I am not going to give up



that's the spirit!!!! :)
CassieFemaleCanada2006-02-03 15:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Interview on Friday in Montreal!
Congratulations :) Getting the visa same day is very fortunate for you. :)
CassieFemaleCanada2006-02-03 22:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresinterview in Vancouver, any hotel near the embassy?
Glad it could help you -- that's the exact reason why we got that thread started. :)
CassieFemaleCanada2006-02-05 02:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresinterview in Vancouver, any hotel near the embassy?
I humbly suggest clicking on the first link in my signature, which will take you to the Canadian Clearing House thread on the previous version of VisaJourney. There is a section dealing with information about the Vancouver Consulate, including hotels and such in the area. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask us -- we hang out lots in the Canada section of the Regional Forum. :)
CassieFemaleCanada2006-02-05 01:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurescan the Fiancee visa process abroad expire?
You have the aforementioned 4 months, which you are in the middle of right now, plus the time it takes to get package 3 back to the consulate / interview date set / interview itself (which could take another couple of months), and if you are approved, you have 6 months from the visa issuance date to activate the K-1 visa (enter the US). Will that be enough time? Consulates will extend the four month period for reasons I am not quite sure of, that might be a question you will have to take up with the consulate.
CassieFemaleCanada2006-02-05 01:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresstuck at Montreal embassy
very strange, seeing as the civil surgeon I went to for my medical had all the forms necessary to complete my exam, I didn't need to get any forms from Montreal at all. I would contact the Consulate as soon as possible by phone, and see what is going on. You can call on her behalf, as long as you have the case number.
CassieFemaleCanada2006-02-05 01:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUS entry while waiting for the K1 visa possible?

its just sad how customs officials have to make decisions based on mood. it shouldn't be like that. they should be making decisions based on real threats.


Sometimes it is all depending on what mood they are in, but aussiewench is right -- the assumption is that you're coming to the US to stay for good, and your actions (and possibly documents you may have to produce) will either convince them otherwise or confirm their assumption. The fact that you don't work and are petitioning for a fiance visa right now = a huge red flag -- you obviously have intent to immigrate to the US eventually, so to them you have to prove why you aren't planning to do it on this trip -- hence your grilling on that very topic the last time you travelled.

What can you take for alternative proof?
--do you rent or own your home? show a current lease or the fact you're paying mortgage, etc
--bank statements
--current bills
--Do you have kids? Perhaps a notarized letter from the person who would be looking after them while you were gone.
etc etc anything that shows that you still have current ties to Canada.

Even before we started the visa process, my husband Jerry almost didn't make it through Canadian customs on his first visit to see me -- the combination of him bringing his laptop with the fact that he's a programmer by trade = extended questioning about whether or not he was actually coming for a vacation or coming to work (which of course, is a no-no). An officer even came out to the waiting area to question me. Obviously we were convincing enough and he got through.

I personally wouldn't want their job -- they're between a rock and a hard place -- be too lax and be criticized for crappy national security, be too strict and get criticized for not having a heart. meh -- who wants that kind of stress?
CassieFemaleCanada2006-02-05 02:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresthe q 18 the circumstances how u met ?
Some people here on VJ have reported that they received an RFE for not including enough information on this particular question. The key here is to be brief, yet thorough.

When we filled out the form, we included where/how/when we first met (for us, it was online in a chat room in January 2004), and then listed the times we met in person, and the date when we became engaged.

I think for us it took a total of 6 lines on an additional sheet of paper. The dates we mentioned in this question corresponded with the evidence we provided to show we met in the previous 2 years.
CassieFemaleCanada2006-02-06 18:12:00