ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVSC - delays.
Ya, September 30 is only 4 months ago, what are we hoping for here "Miracles"???
dariousMaleColombia2009-01-21 09:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR1 / CR1 General Guides and Info
Hello everyone. I am new to this forum I guess I can give a little background

June 29, 2007- Married my husband in Morocco
July 16, 2007- Mailed the I-130
July 17, 2007- Touched
July 24, 2007 No reply yet


Does anyone know how long it will take before my husband can get here to America. What is the average wait time. This is overwhelming....
Waitingnwaiting2FemaleMorocco2007-07-24 13:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJuly filers
We filed around the same time as you, like July 16. We received the NOA1 on July 31 and by this time they had already cashed the check. I would suggest calling to inquire about the hold up. Good luck to you. This process should not take this long...


QUOTE (KTG @ Jul 30 2007, 04:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello,

Just curious whether anyone has experienced any significant delay (more than 4 weeks I suppose) in receiving their NOA1s, perhaps due to the fee increase w.e.f July 30. Could not find a thread for July filers so thought I would start one.

My husband and I sent our I-130 petition on July 16th and TSC received it July 19th. As of today we have not received our NOA1, nor has our check been cashed.

Any other July filers who have/have not received their NOA1? smile.gif



QUOTE (KTG @ Jul 30 2007, 04:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello,

Just curious whether anyone has experienced any significant delay (more than 4 weeks I suppose) in receiving their NOA1s, perhaps due to the fee increase w.e.f July 30. Could not find a thread for July filers so thought I would start one.

My husband and I sent our I-130 petition on July 16th and TSC received it July 19th. As of today we have not received our NOA1, nor has our check been cashed.

Any other July filers who have/have not received their NOA1? smile.gif

Waitingnwaiting2FemaleMorocco2007-09-27 17:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJuly filers
Just wanted to let you guys know that we were approved today after about 142 days or so. I am so happy, I don't know what to do with myself... I haven't told my husband yet because he is 5 hours ahead of me and he sleeping now. I can't wait until tomorrow.. The long haul begins....

Good luck to everyone one else, you guys are next!!!

YEEEEESSSSS!!!

Waitingnwaiting2FemaleMorocco2007-12-12 00:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApproved!
I am so happy for you guys. Looks like we are on the same timeline. I hope everything else goes quickly..
Waitingnwaiting2FemaleMorocco2007-12-16 14:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC now requiring photocopies as well? DS-230
Does everyone have to complete a DS-230 for their spouse even if they have completed the I-864? Some people have left this off their timeline so I am not sure if we all need to complete it or just some.. Also, is the I-864 Package 3??? These may be a stupid questions, but I'd like to know...
Waitingnwaiting2FemaleMorocco2008-02-16 11:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 Time
QUOTE (Darnell @ Oct 7 2009, 02:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A followup.

MAN - those NVC clodheids -

Seems there is change of process for the last 5 weeks for 'normal DS-3032' stuff -

Of course the goal is to 'go electronic' with the proper 'opt in procedure' - but...

Somehow - within 14 days of being at NVC, for 'normal DS-3032 stuff' -
if ya call in, and get the NVC/GUZ casenumber, they'll email you some OTHER DS-3032 and generate an AOS Fee Bill.

It's all convoluted - you don't want to hang about with the NORMAL THING at all...

If you've sent in the OPT IN email - I suggest you call NVC , talk with a human about 'electronic processing OPT IN' .

Here's something useful :

Alrighty... The biggest problem, that I smell, is that most NVC tele-operators don't know squat about electronic processing at NVC. With that in mind, you have new role - that of personal coach for a government worker.

Be patient with them , on each phone call - remind them EARLY and OFTEN that this is for the NVC ELECTRONIC PROCESSING program, the consulate is GUZ, and YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS PROGRAM - it's not a 'normal DS-3032' - and I'd be happy to hold whilst you CHECK with your supervisor about the status of the DS-3032 for the ELECTRONIC FILING PROGRAM. It's ok - I'm happy to wait on hold whilst you ask the boss.


In a nutshell this past week I paid my AOS fee of $470 to the lovely government and have called the NVC to inform the intelligent people that I am going electronic. I will remind them ever so gently tomorrow morning at 8AM again. How soon can I expect the GZO #?
THX
Squirrel79MaleChina2009-10-11 11:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 Time
QUOTE (Mike and Yan @ Sep 10 2009, 12:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Squirrel79 @ Sep 10 2009, 05:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My wife is chinese and I am american and we have married in China and filed the CR1 with our attorney on June 1 2009.

It went to the California sevice center and we received the NOA1 on June 9, 2009. I went on the USCIS website to check for updates, but it seems 3 months have elapsed and I have not heard anything more.

Things look as if they are slow in summer. Sorry to see that.
My March application was NOA2 in April. I have yet to understand why. I did make sure it was squeaky clean. But that is falrly useless info.
Regardless you are in for some more waits.

ENSURE that you look to go ALL ELECTRONIC through NVC to GUZ. If NVC gives you a GUZ 2009 ### ### case file number, call and correct them.

Read up on it at the GUZ websit, otherwise you get another 6 week delay, been there!



I just got my GUZ number on OCT 1st and was wondering if I still am eligible to call them OCT 5th and tell them I want to go ALL Electronic?
Thanks
Squirrel79MaleChina2009-10-04 09:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 Time
Hello All.. Just wanted to let you know I do appreciate this forum and all who have been helping others get more information about the visa journey. You are GREAT! kicking.gif

My wife is chinese and I am american and we have married in China and filed the CR1 with our attorney on June 1 2009.

It went to the California sevice center and we received the NOA1 on June 9, 2009. I went on the USCIS website to check for updates, but it seems 3 months have elapsed and I have not heard anything more. I contacted my lawyer and was informed no news is good news and it could be anywhere from 1-5 months sometimes for the visa slot to open for my wife and us to move to the second phase of visa.

Please help me guys! Pain being away from my wife hurts. We want to be together and start life.

Squirrel79MaleChina2009-09-10 04:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPolice Clearance Certificates

Hi,
 
I am still waiting for my NOA2 to arrive but in the mean time I wanted to under the Police clearance process. My wife is in India but she has lived in the UK for more than 12 months after she over the age of 16. She has been living in India for over 4 years now, do I still need to obtain the PCC from the UK ?
 
Please let me know if anyone has been through something similar.
 
Thanks,
 








She does need police certificate from every country she lived over 12 months after turing 16 regardless how long ago so yes definately meed an UK certificate. You can get forms and info in few languages here: http://www.acro.poli...rtificates.aspx


agnesbFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-12-31 16:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStarting the Process - Newly Married
This is one of the most stressful and terrifying processes I've ever been through in my life. My love and I were just married on Feb 15 in Osaka, Japan....I had to obviously leave him behind (I hate it so much), to return back to Orlando on 2/24.

I've done a great deal of research on all of this, clearly way far away from understanding all of it except to know it's extremely stressful and gut wrenching! While I've been studying the I-130 instructions pages, I'm reading about the Bona Fides and examples we have to capture.....holy moly!

My question here is this.....I realize that the whole intent of the visa process (and bona fides) is to prove that you didn't marry for convenience, and I get that and am thankful there is some level of control. We've only been married for less than a month (we were friends over 40yrs ago when I was in High School)....I need someone to tell me that it's not going to be any harder for us being married for such a short time than it is for others married for over two years?

I'm also looking for assistance with appropriate Bona Fide letter formats if those are out there or others have those to share.


Thank you all so much for being here and sharing your stories and history. God I am not looking forward to this process.
JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-03-07 19:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 question 15
Just a bit more clarification please regarding Field # 15....I understand that this is referencing my relative's employer (who is still in Japan working), is this question asking for his current employer as he is employed in Japan or is it asking for a current employer (if any) in the US (following the sequence of the previous questions regarding current residence information for him already being in the US)?
JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-03-23 14:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 / K3 Processing

sorry, kinda new at these forums, can you please explain what you mean by "regional forum"?  

 


JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-08-24 11:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 / K3 Processing

Thanks so much for all of this, this is very helpful.

 

Now on another note....regarding Police Certificates....

 

Edgar's lived in Japan for 30yrs, easy to get that certificate.    He has otherwise, the majority of his life lived in Manila, Philippines...again also somewhat easy because his family is there and can help him get that one.  

 

However, he lived in Taipei, Taiwan for 2yrs from 70-72...assuming we're going to have to get a certificate from there as well, right?      


JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-08-24 11:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 / K3 Processing

Thank you all so much for your quick response.   Straight forward is good for me, painful to get the real picture that's for sure.   Hopefully I didn't totally knock our I-130 out of pecking order, dangit.    So discouraging to not be able to trust what the USCIS paints!

 

Next question....I've read also that him traveling here to visit could also cause a delay for our I-130 processing, is that true?    Remember, he's Filipino and it doesn't matter if he lives on the moon, the Philippines is not part of the WVP so he'd have to apply for a travel visa to come to visit.  Don't want to rock the boat any further!


JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-08-24 09:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 / K3 Processing

Reading all the posts here are encouraging and clearly helpful, but obviously sometime also discouraging.   I am learning the "patience" part of this.    This is a pretty painful process in general.

 

So this is our story and where we are, or are not....this is where I need some guidance if any of you wonderful folks out that can guide me?

 

Edgar is a Philippine National with permanent residency (of 30yrs) in Osaka, Japan.   I knew him 40yrs ago in highshool...we were married this past February in Japan, to which I left him behind and came back to the US to start the paperwork process for our CR-1 visa.

 

We submitted the I-130 on 6/25/13 (to Phoenix)....NOA1 back by 6/28.   Started watching the USCIS website to monitor the processing times at each of the NVC's without knowing for sure where ours would be going.   

 

I called the USCSI on 8/12 to see if they could advise me as to which NVC our petition would be transferred to so I could just keep an eye on those processing times (to keep me busy while we wait!).   She told me that our petition wouldnt be going to an NVC and would be processed there (not sure now where "there" is).   To which I asked her if there was a way for me to track processing times "there".....her response was "...Unfortunately Mrs Martinez, these can't be tracked here, not by you nor even by us.  These are processed as they are received...".     EGAD!   How is this possible?   Perhaps I need to call again and ask more specific questions?   Has anyone ever heard of this happening?   

 

Interesting however, that she immediately suggested the I-129F/K3 visa alternative so he can get here sooner.   We even discussed the turnaround time of threeish months to process the Adjustment of Status & Authorization to Work (together) if being done from the US once he got here.

 

I decided that having to spend the extra $1k-ish from the US to adjust status (if we decided we didn't want to wait out the I-130) would be well worth the expense IF that could get him here sooner.

 

I sent in the I-129F with the I-797C and all of the other documentation they require now (btw the 1-129F form has been updated within the past few months and the documentation required to accompany it is more now than was the case before the previous version expired).   Mailed it Express Mail (to Texas) on Monday this past 8/19.   Haven't yet recieved the notification of receipt from them for this one.   Odd that this doesn't appear to move as quickly to be stamped and moved to another in box as did the I-130.

 

So while I'm trying to keep my timeline updated, there seem to be exceptions to my case here that don't fall into the field options of the timeline, most particularly it seems because I don't really KNOW where any of our paperwork is or where it will be going!

 

With reading other posts on these forums, I'm seeing alot of comments about K3's no longer being processed?   why would they make that suggestion and why would they update that document if it's not being processed any longer?  

 

Also, has anyone else heard of an I-130 not being sent to an NVC to be process???

 

thanks everyone for being out here...this is a horrible process.  

 


JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-08-24 08:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPhilippine National Beneficiary living in Japan impact on CR1 processing

I've studied everything I can find on this particular topic, but wanted to query the VJ community for experiences with CR-1 processing for beneficiaries living in other countries, and also particularly with Philippine Nationals (which I know often adds challenges with processing times).    Are there potential delays from the Philippines side of the investigation/verification process of the I-130?

 

thanks!!


JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-08-31 10:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSubmitting IV Package - DS-230 via Postal Mail

just for clarification....sending originals of documents is NOT required, correct?


JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-09-04 08:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 NOW Include Evidence of Bonifde Marriage w I-130?

http://www.nolo.com/...-easy-imez.html

 

 


JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-08-24 13:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 NOW Include Evidence of Bonifde Marriage w I-130?

@ justoleme.....   i bought a couple of immigration books and read them front to back (http://www.nolo.com/...-easy-imez.html ).  if you do this make sure they are newly published since laws change often.    both books state pretty clearly that unless you believe your case will be complicated for any reason, and you should know that without having to ask if it will be, then hiring an atty will not speed up the process any faster.    i also consulted with three attys for information purposes and asked a ton of questions...one of them i contacted three times.    They promise you the moon that's for sure.   Using them will typically ensure that you have the correct forms and SHOULD anything go wrong that would cause the government to stop your application because you failed to answer questions correctly or omitted information of which they will tell you anyway, an atty is good for helping you get through denial appeals and issues of that nature.    otherwise, they're doing the forms for you, providing clerical support etc.....all of which you can do yourself.   they won't make it move faster.    also, remember, attys get paid a flat fee for their service...but they also charge by the hour for anything outside of what is definded in your contract with them.    if they don't get anything out of an email conversation with you, you will probably not get many responses....they would prefer to meet you in person or on the phone so they can charge appropriately for their time.  (sorry just have atty bruises totally unrelated to my visa journey!)


JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-08-24 13:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 NOW Include Evidence of Bonifde Marriage w I-130?

Not sure if you were asking me at the end of your response if I felt the Bona Fide's are vital....YES absolutely without question as stated above by other responses.   I started the application paperwork in Dec/Jan this year.  It took me until June to get everything together that I needed because I wanted to make sure we had everything 100% together (based on everything I'd learned while studying this process) and following others suggestions from experiences and also the USCIS.  

 

MOST important point while you're doing all of the paperwork....make sure before you send your application in that you're completing the most current form from the USCIS site...most of these have been updated within the past 2-4 mths....expiration dates are on the top right corner of all forms.

 

Check you application 10 times to make sure it's all there, keep it neat and make sure you keep at least one full copy of the entire packet....do NOT send originals of any of your supporting documents.   

 

Make files to keep your docouments in:

 

- Petitions

- Applications

- Documentation of all communication with USCIS/NVC, etc (emails, notes from phone calls, etc...dated with names of who you talked to)

- Personal documents (you)

- Persona documents (your spouse)

- Interview documents

 

STAY ORGANIZED...don't put anything down and forget where you put it...keep all of this together so you don't lose any piece of anything.

 

 


JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-08-24 13:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 NOW Include Evidence of Bonifde Marriage w I-130?

I have a personal friend who worked for USCIS who guided me through the paperwork process.   She strongly suggested to me to send bonafides with my petition to prevent delays if they determine they want/need them; most particularly documentation of the marriage i.e wedding photos and written affidavits from family & friends who attended as well as photos of you (together) with family/friends and out and about together.   

 

Also, I created a  table of contents cover sheet listing every document attached so there is no question as to how many pieces of information I sent in with the packet.,...mine looked like this:

 

Date

 

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Attn: I-130

(address where you mail it to)

 

 

RE:   I-130 Petition for (your spouses name - last (caps) / first / full middle name)

Petitioner:  last (caps) / first / full middle name

Beneficiary:   last(caps) / first / full middle name

 

 

Enclosed are the following supporting documents:

 

 

1)   Table of Contents

2)   Form G-1145 - E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance for Petitioner

3)   Fileing fee of $420

4)   Form I-130 Petition

5)   Form G-325A, for the Petitioner

           a.  Passport photo, for the Petitioner

6)   Copy of USA Birth Certificate for the Petitioner

7)   Copy of USA passport ID page for the Petitioner

8)   Copy of USA Divorce Certificates for the Petitioner

9)   Form G-325A, for the Beneficiary

           a.  Passport photo, for the Beneficiary

10) Copy of Philippine Birth Certificate, for the Beneficiary

           a.   DFA/NSO Authentication Certificate

           b.   NSO Birth Certificate

11) Copy of Philipping Passport ID page, for the Beneficiary

12) Copy of Japanese Death Certificate and English translation, for the Beneficiary's first spouse

13) Copy of Japanese Marriage Certificate and English translation, for the Petitioner and Beneficiary

14) Bona Fide Docments, for the Petitioner and Beneficiary:

           a.  Bona Fide letter (Petitioner)

           b.  Bona Fide letter (son)

           c.  Bona Fide letter (witness/friend)

           d.  Bona Fide letter (long time friend of Petitioner and Beneficiary)

           e.  Photo documentation of relationship and marriage

15)  **  Note, they list in all immigration books and on the website to include evidence that you are co-habitating, i.e, shared bank accts, etc.   However, my husband isn't here yet so we can't provide that information and banks in the US won't allow you to add your spouse without their signature and typically not without a SS#, which is also the case with most things.   I did take out a life insurance policy on myself with him as the beneficiary and also added his name to my personal checks...just to show that I've added him to something **

 

Then I clipped it all together and Express mailed it to it's destination.

 

Don't know that this was of any value to the USCIS, but I wanted to make it look like I think I know what I'm doing!  :)

 

Hope this helps some.    Good luck.

 

 


JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-08-24 10:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarried in Philippines or Married in US? Which is legally?HELP!!!!
The reason this whole process is so long and gruelling is because people do stuff like this...fraud is fraud...makes the rest of us trying to do this the right and legal way have to wait longer so everyone's application get scrutinized because some bonehead thought they would try to beat the system. I gotta say, as gruelling as this is, I feel more comfortanle every that our country may make us all jump througj alot of hoops, but they are gpod and thorough. There are stop gaps all over the place....people can't hide forever!
JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-09-11 23:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1
Hoping I'm answering you correctly....a US citizen living in the US, married to a non-US citizen who lives in another country...yes that is a CR-1 visa. The first document filed by the USC (from the US) is the I-130 petition (with alot of documentation). When that is approved (typically 8mths later), the alien spouse CR-1 Visa application is completed and filed by the non-USC. Study the USCIS website and this VJ site to make sure you have gathered EVERYTHING you need to send with the I-130 petition to avoid delays.
JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-09-11 19:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow do I cancel this whole process and retrive my valuables??

I understand your frustration.  I like many others have waited this out for so long; you are almost done!  My gosh, just a couple more months and you will be done and can be together where you want to be.   DON'T GIVE UP, PLEASE!  It breaks my heart that for all of us out here who wish to God every day that we were as far as you are, could even say "November" for anything!     

 

This process is gruelling.  You've been over so many hurdles to get so close and not finish this.  Many of us are just like you....my husband is in Japan.  I can't afford to go back to see him; I don't have the money to travel back and forth nor the time that I can take from my job.  He can't come here because of the obvious, but also because the Philippines is not on the VWP.  By the time we're together it will be over a year since we've seen each other.   

 

Remember this always for both of you:

 

God doesn't give you something He doesn't think you can do!   

 

DON'T GIVE UP....IT'S ALMOST OVER FOR YOU!!!


JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-10-08 18:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow do I cancel this whole process and retrive my valuables??
What did you send them that you need back? No originals hopefully?
JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-10-08 16:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp For Filing CR-1

Oh wow!  Those are all such loaded questions.....you have A LOT to read and study my friend.   Please do that before you take another step.  You need to make sure you understand all of this and the forms and their purpose and the documentation that has to go with them and all of the "what happens next's".

 

http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

 

 

http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

 

 

and buy this or get the electronic copy....this is a lifesaver.   There is sooooo much!

 

http://www.amazon.co...ation made easy

 

note....typical turn around time for the I-130 is 8-12mths.....typical turn around time for the I-129F is (maybe/maybe not) 5-10mths. 


JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-10-14 15:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCredit Checks with USCIS?
As your sponsor she has to prove that she can support you (I-864), requirements are a % above poverty level....read up on that document. Listen there are unfortunately so any people financially struggling these days...it kinda is what it is. Those of us who are scraping by seem to be the majority vs a minority! Tell her to keep her chin up and not feel badly, its unfortunately not uncommon any more. If the USCIS scrutinized peoples credit, these lines we're in would be very short!!
JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-10-13 20:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 application
Hey Mai.....I know the wait process for that Red Ribbon Birth Cert document from the PI......its a slow process to aquire most official documents from there. I don't know where you're reading that you don't need his BC, but everything I've read everywhere says (copies) of birth certs are on the top of the list of what you do need. Two choices here for you....the wait time for I-130s to.proccess is now 8-12mths...by the time they get to your app, if all you're waiting for is his BC now, put a blank page in your I-130 packet and note it that that document is forthcoming, and send the packet without it. When they get to your petition they will hold processing for that document. Kind of a wait now or wait later option for you....personally I would go without it for the sake of getting the process started....but you will need it. Remember, the whole I-130 process is all about background checks....if everythings not there when its your turn its another delay for you. However your turn I'm afraid is most likely min 8-10 mths from the point the USCIS receives your petition. Three more important reminders....send ONLY copies of personal legal documents....send your apps via USPS Express mail...don't forget the electronic notification form. Stay in touch with me here if you'd like...my husb is Filipino living in Japan. We are almost four months in. Good luck!!
JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-10-20 21:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPlanning to spend Holidays with my husband in the US, What should I do?
I concur....chances of getting approval for another type of visa are highly unlikely and could cause red flags. If you are in a country that is in the US VWP, traveling to the US on just a passport (shouldn't) be a problem...but caution is high to not attempt to acquire another type of visa otherwise.
JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-10-20 21:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBirth Certificate Barely Legible

We had the same issue.  Trying to get the special red ribbon certified updated certificate and another copy of his BC was a painful process in general.  The copy they sent back to us was also like a copy of a copy of a copy.   fortunately his family had his original and sent us a copy of that as well.   we sent the copy of the copy of the copy because it was attached to the red ribbon document, but we also sent a copy of one he got ten years ago with the outdated red ribbon certificate, which was a little more clear....so goofy.   getting documents from the Philippines in general is a challenge at best.   BTW, don't forget to get the NBI clearance records as well after you get your petition work done!   Just another long process for some of us. 

 

http://www.nbi.gov.p...1.7 (blue)2.pdf

 

Below is the instruction for the application of NBI clearance.
Accomplish the form (attached) and ask for assistance in taking your fingerprint impressions (rolled) and have it signed by the one who assisted in the fingerprinting.
Attach one (1) 2x2 picture in white background, photocopy of passport, photocopy of Identification Card/s and
authorization letter if a relative in the Philippines will submit the application in your behalf



JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-11-17 10:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDocuments Larger Than US Letter Size
Yup i have those as well...its those goofy red ribbon certificates, right? I sent them and folded them. You havent sent your petition yet, right? Aorey there soany people on here its hard to keep up!
JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-11-20 19:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTraveling to the US with the entire family and pending I-130
I think everyones being a bit overzealous about the puppy thing......i didnt see if you responded about whether youre trying to come on thw VWP or a visitor visa. I have had attys say that bringing an animal on a visitor visa might look suspicious, but on a VWP uou travel on only your passports. Granted the IO will question everything but if you have everything documented and have return flights booked for all of you including the puppy AND they can see you have employment and commitments to return, unless they have some notion you're looking shady I think its not going to be as big of a red flag as everyones telling you. I would strongly suggest again to contact the embassy and or even the IO airport in Sweden and ask them directly! VJ is a group of people with a vast amount of knowledge for sure but there are some issues you need to not rely on here as gospel simply because we ONLY have experiences.
JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-11-22 13:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTraveling to the US with the entire family and pending I-130
Is your plan to travel in the Visa Waver Program (im not sure if Sweden is in the program with the US). If on the VWP you should not have any issues. However if you're coming on an actual Travel / Visitor Visa, that could cause red flags...not necessarily at the boarder (although I'm not 100% sure about that) but on your CR1 petition. I think you have excellent documentaton to prove your intention to return back to Sweden otherwise. Personal opinion is that you talk directly with the American Consulate/Embassy in Sweden to verify for certain....the USCIS cant (prob wont) be of much help with this
JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-11-22 10:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChild Birth Certificate to Prove Bona Fide Marriage
All instructions throughout say NO ORIGINALS. If they need to see originals that will happen at the interview. It gets a bit convoluted sometimes, but thats what I've read everywhere as well as in all these immigration books i've been studying for two years now! :)
JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-11-20 09:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi-130
Also...it wint be denied just delayed. And I believe unless you as. USC are living in Manila, you must file as a USC in the US. Read the instructions vwry carefully
JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-11-28 10:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi-130
Dont set yourself up for delays. Contact the county courthouse where your previous divorces were filed for certified copies of your final divorce decrees. You dont need to hire an atty just because you dont have those documents....you will pay them over 5k when the documents you need might cost you $50. (Send only copies of the cerifieds with your I130). The I130 instructions are pretty clear on what they want you to send. If you leave anything out it will set you up for delays somewhere in the process. Less is not more here. Also dont short cut on the very specific Phillipine documents...red ribbon certificates are their only approved documents.
JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-11-28 10:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp me please .. problem of AOS I-864

@first of all, you can't be married and also a dependent under your parents...that's all going to cause a bit of confusion on many fronts


JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-12-04 15:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions about DOS role
Hey BethAnn.... first and foremost, you might be making yourself a little more anxious and alot more frustrated by calling every day esp multiple times a day. I don't believe that it takes you out of line because theyre just looking you up in their computer system. The people answering the phone very likely only see what you already know so you will keep getting the same answers. Every time someone "works" on your case, they log in the system that they have done so which often triggers an random (canned) email update, many of which dont always match the exact status of your case.

Your case appears to actually be moving very quickly. There are over 500,000 of us all over the world in the I13
line, many who have small children who have been apart for well over a year, many who have been caught up in line for so long they are struggling financially while apart. I left my husband in Japan on Feb 24 and havent seen him since.

People in VJ have been kind and helpful, but remember that this is a very small population of the 500k list; alot of really great advice and experience, but everyones case is different so how your case is processed inJamaica may not be the same as how they are processed in China, Pakistan, India, Canada, Japan, Mexico, the UK and the Philippines. All countries have specific requirements and verification of information btwn the US and the consulates may be ver different.

The best advice I've gotten from the kind folks here on VJ has been to be patient, stop watching VJ, stop watching the govt timelines, and shift your focus on how you can make your spouses transition to the US easier.

It will happen, it is already happening. Take a breath, quit beating yourself to death, try to be patient.

Hope this helps some!











JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-12-13 09:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespriority date is current
Also send everything via USPS Express REGISTERED mail so you have a means by which to track your document's being received.
JA_MartinezFemalePhilippines2013-12-11 20:51:00