ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview ??
It's a judgment call. It definitely helps to be there. My wife had her interview yesterday, and she passed without me being there. Did I want to be there? Oh, yeah! But our finances didn't allow that to happen. If you can afford to go, I would say yes, go and be at the interview. With everything going on and the expenses of getting a visa and immigrating, that's not always practical. If your case is straightforward, there should be no problem of your SO passing the interview. Nonetheless, it's a stressful time when it's good to be there to support your SO. I say go if it's financially reasonably feasible. If not, save your funds for your immigration journey.
pseithMalePhilippines2009-11-04 17:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLogin Failed
QUOTE (pseith @ Oct 21 2009, 06:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (bigbear123 @ Oct 21 2009, 05:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello All,

I just login in NVC site, I am getting login failed..then I called NVC and the operator told me that our case is still under review..

I send my last paper work they required 2 weeks ago.. anybody here has the same expererience ? please share.. is this a good indication that our case is completed and the operator system is not updated yet?

Thanks
Bigbear

Congratulations! Login failure means your case is complete at NVC! AVR is slow to have info there, but if you call an operator tomorrow, you will hopefully be able to get updated information from them.

BTW, you should fill in your timeline here. You'll get more help if others know more about your situation. And we can all then compare our timelines to see how things are going versus others.
pseithMalePhilippines2009-10-21 17:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLogin Failed
QUOTE (bigbear123 @ Oct 21 2009, 05:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello All,

I just login in NVC site, I am getting login failed..then I called NVC and the operator told me that our case is still under review..

I send my last paper work they required 2 weeks ago.. anybody here has the same expererience ? please share.. is this a good indication that our case is completed and the operator system is not updated yet?

Thanks
Bigbear

Congratulations! Login failure means your case is complete at NVC! AVR is slow to have info there, but if you call an operator tomorrow, you will hopefully be able to get updated information from them.
pseithMalePhilippines2009-10-21 17:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary Filers 2011 - K1
hmm, that link got abbreviated, can you plz provide the full link? thx!
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-02-03 13:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary Filers 2011 - K1
Thanks for starting this post. Will follow....
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-02-02 20:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsEveryone should stop acting like big babies
As someone earlier stated, it's healthiest to accept the process as a 8-9 month wait. It could be longer or shorter. Those for whom it's longer I do admire for their patience. I don't mind people using this forum to vent, but if it gets personal that's a different story. This site offers many things, but most importantly it helps us all to remain sane. The waiting is so difficult. It helps to know you're not the only person going through this stuff.
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-04-13 01:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember Filers
Hopefully it's all true, but I just rec'd an email, Post Decision Activity: "We mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)." Anyway, I think I'm super lucky if it's true.

I wish you all good luck. I really like the December Filer forum. It's so organized and friendly. I'm a January filer, but visited this one the most. Does anyone know what I do now that I'm approved. My brain is reeling. I can actually plan a wedding now... Assuming we get past all the other hurdles.

Edited by Ugly_American, 17 February 2011 - 09:13 PM.

Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-02-17 21:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember Filers
I'm a January filer, but you guys are very organized. I'll watch this thread. Good luck all!
Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-02-02 21:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSerious Stress...

Just want to share our story too. Me and my hubby has 16 hours time difference. And yes, Skype-video chat really helps. We almost spend 24/7 through ways of technology. He would wake up 3am and i would stay up late so we can talk before him going to work and me going to bed..we keep it on while sleeping. we also have skype on our iphones. On weekends, we do stuffs together through Skype. Now he is in CA, we have 18 hours difference. Its really a test for all the couples being apart. And we wished for an hour difference like with you and your other half. They are right, you got a lot of things to do while waiting for the NOA2.. enough time to prepare for the wedding... good luck to us :)



Yup, that's us too. 16 hour diff and numerous times i've set alarm for 2-3-4am to wake and chat, even on weeknights while working full time. I hate long distance. We just do our best and yes skype is the only thing we use. Well, chikka also and email. It's tough. I can;t complain too loudly with my timeline. I'd say just keeping busy and trying to have hobbies here. I've played guitar to her and now i'm reading a book to her. We just try and hang out online.

Edited by Ugly_American, 03 March 2011 - 12:53 AM.

Ugly_AmericanMalePhilippines2011-03-03 00:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAddress for DS-230 Form
quote]

Thanks for the speedy response vbtmrt! That is extremely helpful!
armorri122FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-28 09:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAddress for DS-230 Form
QUOTE (vbtbmrt @ Aug 26 2008, 03:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
well if you get and rfe the attn, is DR not cmr so keep that in mind or it will take longer to process


Wait, so does it need a special envelope, or can I just send it using my own envelope? I'm worried that I just can't wait around for them to send me more material. It's taking them forever!
armorri122FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-28 08:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAddress for DS-230 Form
Does anyone know the exact address for where to send the DS-230 form? Also, are there any special instructions that come with the Immigrants' package that contains the form?

The NVC insists that it sent the IV package to my house on July 30, but I never received it. I called and asked them to send it again, but I was unsuccessful. I decided I cannot wait any longer. Since I can download the form online, and since they think they already sent it to me anyways, I'm just going to go ahead and send it.

I'm a little worried because the AOS package had special instructions like: write case number on upper right of page, and a special address instructions.

So, if anyone can tell me the details of their DS-230 package, that would be sooo helpful and might not delay my case.

Thanks a million!
Alyssa
armorri122FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-26 04:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 -- IV Barcode coversheet?
Thanks Fedup! I found it and it's printed.
armorri122FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-30 03:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 -- IV Barcode coversheet?
Hello again all,

I am looking at lotofpatience's guide to NVC processing. In it he says after making the IV payment online, print the "IV Barcode coversheet" from the online payment site.

Perhaps I'm just blind, but I can't seem to figure out how to do that. Would any of you who have done this step know how to do this?

Thank you!
armorri122FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-30 02:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWe're Approved!!
We're finally approved Sept. 17! Now all there is left to do is the medical exam an interview! Our app was at the NVC for a little over two months, due to some glitches at the NVC.

Just thought I'd post some positive news for a change.
armorri122FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-18 13:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures10 Months?? Seriously?
I know the whole "be patient" card really sucks right now, but it was almost ten nine months ago that I was saying the same thing, and now we're almost done. It will have been eleven months before my husband has his visa in his hand. Another thing to keep in mind is that the USCIS offices are always improving their times. It might not end up being that long after all.

I couldn't agree more that it is corrupt and unfair. They obviously haven't done enough to address the situation. There were twice the number of visas filed in July 2007 as the previous year, almost 1.3 million extra applications. In order to tackle the void, they only hired 1,500 new employees. It's USCIS isn't that concerned with actually address legal immigration. It's no wonder so many people try to hop the border.
armorri122FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-19 20:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOoh Yeah:0) Got Visa:0) Ooh Yeah :0) Got Visa
Congratulations! What a lengthy wait and now it's finally over.
armorri122FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-10-21 00:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-3032, my foreign address or US address
Thanks guys, that's very helpful. Thanks for letting me know that I can email my DS-3032!
armorri122FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-15 13:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-3032, my foreign address or US address
Hello fellow CR-1/IR-1 hopefuls,

I have a question for those of you who gone through the NVC process already. Is it faster to put my US address on the DS-3032 choice of agent form, or my husband (beneficiary's) address in the United Kingdom. I live in the UK right now with my husband so was wondering if it makes a big difference since the "STRONGLY" suggest you use a US address.

Thanks a million
armorri122FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-07-14 10:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDoes USCIS Monitor this site?
It's doubtful that a CO will be able to deduce anything from what is said on an internet forum. Don't worry. In general you shouldn't admit to doing anything illegal anywhere unless I can guarentee anonymity, or you were talking to a lawyer.
armorri122FemaleUnited Kingdom2010-10-08 18:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBuggy I-134 form?
I have the very same problem. Auto-complete is turned off, previous entries deleted, PC was rebooted and it still does it.
pshoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-04-08 16:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon Embassy - Process Tmes - Need help
I just called the NVC. Our NOA2 was approved April 12, but we're not in the system yet. The woman on the phone told me it can take up to 90 days, but she suggested calling back in a couple of weeks (which would be about a month after our approval).

:cry:
pshoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-04-30 20:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAny K-1 CSC filers waiting for their cases to show up at the NVC?
UPDATE: called the NVC again tonight, they said they just got our petition (YAY). I asked when it would be sent to the consulate and got the party line again ("two to four weeks").

I stupidly forgot to get our NVC number! grr!

Anyway, just trying to establish a benchmark for recent CSC approvals.
pshoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-04 19:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAny K-1 CSC filers waiting for their cases to show up at the NVC?
Any one else sensing a delay? Anyone with happy news? Are VSCers getting through on a timely basis?
pshoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-03 17:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAny K-1 CSC filers waiting for their cases to show up at the NVC?
I'm trying to figure out something here -- to wit, is CSC sitting on approved k-1 cases? I called the NVC on Monday and was told to call back in two weeks.

Fair enough -- that's the alloted time as printed on the NOA2. But I'm wondering if there's been a slowdown.

Anyone?
pshoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-02 11:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLondon medical at Bentinck Mansions
Heh! The "man thing"!

Thanks for the info!
pshoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-11 20:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-156

thanks

But #22 on the actual form itself only provides a drop down list of dates. Does not have space available to write in the answer.



On the form from the London Embassy, it says "(Provide specific date if known) " -- will it lte you leave it blank?

If that doesn't work -- roundabout when do you think you will fly to the US?
pshoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-19 18:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussioni-134 pdf problem with date fields
I resorted to opening it up in Photoshop and pasting the text in.

STOOPID ADOBE!!! That's a real bug.
pshoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-22 21:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHELP! Do photos need to be sent back with Packet 3?

http://www.usembassy...processing.html

Seems rather clear.



Actually, it's not. At least, not about the OP's question. Nor about other questions. There are statements in there that contradict VJer experience and the forms and the checklist that gets mailed out (esp re the medical exam, for example).



The DS-230-I should be completed and returned immediately to the Immigrant Visa Unit at 5 Upper Grosvenor Street, London, W1A 2JB, in order for the Embassy to begin the administrative processing of the application. Failure to return the DS-230-I promptly will delay the processing of the application. At the same time, please complete and return the form DS-156 and DS-156K and DS-157 if applicable.

pshoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-23 20:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHELP! Do photos need to be sent back with Packet 3?

No, no photos needed.
If you look in the consulate section, I've uploaded a complete set of packet 3 forms....



And I heart you for doing so!

Wouldn't it be great if an Organizer could move it back to this forum where it belongs?!?!?!?! Hint hint!!!!!

(per that thread that got ugly yesterday, but to address it in face-value terms: this is the kind of question that, as a UK/US filer, I would love to have answered primarily by UKers who've been through the process. Most non-UKers on this thread are definitely educated and know their stuff, of course, but by way of an example, this is one of those situations . . . . . )


Yeah, that's why I put it in the UK forum. I really wanted recent-UK-specific responses (not to slam other folks' experiences, but they may not be applicable to my situation -- applying for a k-1 visa through the London consulate).

After all the fooferall, it turns out my guy didn't have the postage!!! ARRRRGH. So it's getting mailed tomorrow anyway.

Thanks to everyone for their advice (even the snarky ones)!
pshoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-23 13:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHELP! Do photos need to be sent back with Packet 3?

Check the instructions in packet 3. Most consulates just want DS-2001, or OF-169, and DS-230 part 1 sent back to them.

Step

  • Mail the DS-230 Part I Form for each applicant to the Immigrant Visa Unit, 5 Upper Grosvenor Street, London W1A 2JB.
  • Assemble all of the documents required in support of your application and mail the Form DS 2001 and checklist to the Immigrant Visa Unit.
  • The Embassy will complete all necessary administrative processing of your immigrant visa application. You may be requested to provide additional information if you have incomplete or are missing documents.
  • Approximately one month before your scheduled interview appointment with a consular officer, you will receive an appointment letter containing the date and time of your visa interview along with instructions for obtaining a medical examination.
Bring your documents

Do not send any documents to the Embassy. You will need to bring all your original documents, or certified copies, plus one photocopy to the immigrant visa interview.

http://london.usemba.../iv/ds2001.html


Hmm -- those instructions are for I-130. We're K-1.


Um, NO, those were DS-230 instructions...read more closely.




From: http://london.usemba.../iv/ds2001.html


Applying for an immigrant visa
The first step in applying for an immigrant visa is for the U.S. citizen (petitioner) to file an immigrant visa petition, Form I-130, with the office of the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A separate petition must be filed for each person immigrating....

[then]

What Happens Next? [with the table of steps]


So you can see my confusion. The page specifically mention I-130, and further up on the page mentions Form I-864. Not K-1 related forms.

Here's the page I wanted:
http://london.usemba...processing.html (note lack of table, and only mention of I-864 is to say you don't need it.)

I have to say that the visa pages of the London consulate are poorly put together -- typos abound, and the navigation isn't natural.
pshoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-23 13:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHELP! Do photos need to be sent back with Packet 3?
OK -- I think we're sorted out.

Thanks, everyone!

No, no photos needed.
If you look in the consulate section, I've uploaded a complete set of packet 3 forms....



HEH!! I've been searching for that, since I saw it the other day, and thought "that's most helpful..."
pshoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-23 11:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHELP! Do photos need to be sent back with Packet 3?

Check the instructions in packet 3. Most consulates just want DS-2001, or OF-169, and DS-230 part 1 sent back to them.

Step

  • Mail the DS-230 Part I Form for each applicant to the Immigrant Visa Unit, 5 Upper Grosvenor Street, London W1A 2JB.
  • Assemble all of the documents required in support of your application and mail the Form DS 2001 and checklist to the Immigrant Visa Unit.
  • The Embassy will complete all necessary administrative processing of your immigrant visa application. You may be requested to provide additional information if you have incomplete or are missing documents.
  • Approximately one month before your scheduled interview appointment with a consular officer, you will receive an appointment letter containing the date and time of your visa interview along with instructions for obtaining a medical examination.
Bring your documents

Do not send any documents to the Embassy. You will need to bring all your original documents, or certified copies, plus one photocopy to the immigrant visa interview.

http://london.usemba.../iv/ds2001.html


Hmm -- those instructions are for I-130. We're K-1.
pshoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-23 11:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHELP! Do photos need to be sent back with Packet 3?
I'm about ready to go to work, and I need to know in the next 90 minutes -- do the photos for DS 156 etc get attached to the forms going back to the embassy in packet 3, or do they get carried to the interview and get attached there?

I think it's the latter, but I need to know so I can tell my guy.

THANKS!!!
pshoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-05-23 10:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview a complete success!!!!
Great news!!!
pshoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-07-05 17:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical Booking Nightmare
four hours??? yikes!

Congrats on getting through, though!
pshoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-06-22 19:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical Booking Nightmare
My fiance had difficulty when he was trying to rebook his medical -- just keep trying!
pshoFemaleUnited Kingdom2007-06-22 10:10:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTravel between conditial green card and removing conditions

Update now that my husband is home:

This might be an issue specific to people from countries that would normally require visas for where they are going. In our case, Canada requires a visa from Bulgarians. Because he has a green card, he is given the same opportunity as Americans to come and go out of Canada without a visa. As long as he has a valid green card.

Apparently the people at Air Canada told him he couldn't fly without the stamp in his passport. So he went running (with all his bags, since they wouldn't check them of course) "one mile away" according to him to Customs. He waited for a while, then had to actually argue with them over what the letter meant and when they finally saw his point that he has a valid green card until Oct 2011, they said they didn't have the stamp there. So he goes tearing back to the check-in desk, tells them what the customs guys told him... they don't believe him so they call over to customs (um, couldn't they have done that in the first place?) and finally agree to let him get on the plane.

In Canada, finally, it was actually not a problem. They saw an expired green card, the looked at the letter and it was fine. Yay, Canadians!

I guess in conclusion, the only disturbing part of this story is that the actual American customs people didn't know about the letter extension and had to be convinced of its validity.

SO - if you are from a country that would normally require a visa to visit where you are going, AND you are in the ROC processing limbo, you might want to go ahead and get the stamp in your passport to avoid difficulties. We will before my husband goes back.

Oh, wait - he just told me he HAS a stamp now, from returning today. It looks the same as his previous ones (his first one with "CR-1 19OCT2010" written in, and another one from last summer that just has "LPR" written in) but this one has something like "ARC" . WTH? Is this the magical stamp he needs? What is ARC?


Glad your husband got home!

Could the ARC stamp be Alien Registration Card? (This apparently was an older term for the green card.) I googled ARC + visa and got lots of results about Taiwan (where you require an Alien Registration Certificate), and this result on Wikipedia about Alien Registration Cards:

http://en.wikipedia....(United_States)

It's a mystery!
pshoFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-14 16:06:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionTravel between conditial green card and removing conditions

I read this thread, and several others, so when my husband left for a business trip in Canada, he brought the original of the extension letter with his passport and green card, with back up copies. Just like everyone says.

So get this - at the San Francisco airport they almost didn't let him *leave* (according to him, I don't know how adamant they were since I wasn't there...) because he didn't have the STAMP in his PASSPORT. They said he wouldn't be able to come back... Annoying! He's on the flight home now so we'll see if they give him a hard time or not. Hope they don't send him back to Canada, haha.

I'm just very surprised by this. San Francisco *International* Airport! Not like they ever see any immigrants coming through there or anything.:rolleyes:

How is it possible they don't think the official letter from USCIS is enough? (And isn't he somehow "in the system" as having another year of LPR status if they look it up on their computer?)

Anyway, no point for this except to relay experience. It never ceases to amaze me how there seems to be no consistency whatsoever with the immigration folks.



That's interesting. My husband is in the UK right now (he left on November 3). He flew Virgin Atlantic from SFO -- he didn't have any difficulty, but we did notice that the person checking him in didn't ask to see his green card, as they usually do. The clerk did check with a supervisor -- not sure if this is because he didn't check in online or what. (He has his green card and his letter of extension with him.) Who was it who almost didn't let him leave? The airline personnel?

He flies back the day before Thanksgiving -- if he gets any guff at all, I'll report back.
pshoFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-11-13 19:18:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 August filers, 2010
So. Last time I posted, we had received an RFE on January 10 -- the USCIS wanted more evidence concerning our finances and residence.

We were a bit flummoxed, as we don't commingle most of our finances. I was the victim of identity theft shortly before my husband got his fiance visa, plus my credit rating was quite #######, and I didn't want to spoil his chances at credit. (This was a good decision as it turned out, since my husband was able to establish excellent credit and we now have a house of our own! But as he was the purchaser, my name isn't on the deed -- we shall change that soon.)

I had requested the utility company to add his name to my bill, and despite their assurances, this didn't happen. Thank you very much, PG&E. Feh.

So we had separate bills to the same address, no shared credit card, my name is not on the mortgage -- we thought it looked dodgier than the situation actually is.

We did have one shared bank account, opened in May of last year -- our "slush fund" to stow away cash for a nice trip to Hawaii some day. We also had health insurance cards, something from the IRS addressed to the both of us, an application for a property tax exemption that we received in the past few weeks, and itineraries for our trip to DC in October and Michigan in December. They didn't ask for that, but we sent it in anyway.

In our cover letter, we explained why we don't have our finances commingled, crossed our fingers and sent our additional evidence Express Mail on Monday, February 14. The RFE was due on the 16th.

Tonight we went to a meeting of our housing association, and when we got back I checked my smartphone -- I had a text from USCIS saying that our status had changed.

I checked my email, and the blessed "card production has been ordered" message was here.

YAY YAY YAY!

We are so grateful to VisaJourney and the community here -- it has saved us much money and lots of heartbreak.

Thanks to all you, and for those still waiting, stay strong.

On to citizenship!
pshoFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-02-18 01:32:00