ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInstructions for filing taxes with spouse outside of the country
I know there a lot of tax experts on this forum, so.........here's my question. My wife and I have been filing joint returns for 10 years now. She has an ITIN. I tried to efile with turbo tax, and for her residence I put foreign. At the end, Turbo Tax keeps asking me to put a state for her residence. What's up with this? Can I efile, or do I have to do it the old-fashioned way?
DanTesMalePhilippines2011-02-14 17:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHubby is from Texas but flight will be Manila-Shreveport Louisiana

My ticket was booked for Nov.2 and flight will be from Manila-Louisiana...But hubby is from Texas... shreveport coz its near Longview...Will I have problem with it...Thank you

Shreveport is the closest airport to Longview (about 1 hour drive). Where will you be stopping first in the U.S.? That will be your Port of Entry (POE).
DanTesMalePhilippines2012-09-28 05:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConfused

Hi all,

Im really comfused. I paid the $230 immigrant visa processing fee online. My wife is in Manila and she says she has to pay 10080 pesos fee at the embassy interview. Is this correct. Please see the attachment for embassy specific info. It says she has to pay at the embassy unless the online payment has been made. But for a little extra confusion it says she has to pay the surcharge. But it doesn't say anything else about the surcharge.

So my question is this:

For those with CR immigrant visa interviewing at Manila, is there another fee to be paid other than the 88 and 230 already paid online??

Thanks

sorry. heres the attachment


Perhaps your wife is referring to the old fee schedule. I paid $404.00 plus the $88.00 online last year.
DanTesMalePhilippines2012-10-07 18:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHOW SHOULD I FILE MY 2010 INCOME TAX

Apply for ITIN now for your wife if you can wait...it will be less hassle then doing an amended return (which I had to do and it was a pain) later.


:thumbs:

My wife got her ITIN back in 2000. I think it took about 6 weeks for the ITIN. DO NOT believe other posts that say your wife has to be in the States, etc......to get an ITIN. An ITIN is only for IRS purposes. It does not entitle her to SS benefits, etc....It says it right on the ITIN form she receives from the IRS. Also, when she has an ITIN, she can submit a W8-BEN form to a U.S. Bank, and most will let her open an account without a SSN or being a resident. MINE DID!!
DanTesMalePhilippines2011-02-21 10:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp w/ denial. Positive drug urine test & Stupidity

First let me thank everyone here for all their help along the way while filing my CR-1 and getting me through this process. It has been one heck of a roller coaster ride. And truly the help here has been invaluable. I don't believe I could have done it without you. (F)


CR-1 Peitition was approved! Medical done! Consulate interview fantastic! BUT we have a snag in the process now. The medical test became a problem. My husband admitted to trying marijuana in the past as a teen. We have been honest in this process and did not want any problems with not being 100% upfront with anyone. Of course, that seems to have opened a whole new bucket of worms. The urine test was positive.

So I guess the going away party the night before was a bit premature. My athlete, health conscious, non-drinking husband who won't even take an aspirin apparently did something? :whistle: I won't go into it. It is baffling to me at this point. That's the best I can do to assume what happened. No drug test will show a positive result from him sitting in a car full of men smoking on a trip back from training camp. Which did happen that week...

He was told that he would have to undergo testing quarterly for a year. The consulate employee told him that upon completion of this his visa would be approved. I have not received a notice or denial. When I spoke to them on the phone at the consulate I was told he would undergo 1 year of testing and not given any more information. It was like pulling teeth to find out where we go next. Basically, the answer was after he tests negative for a year we will talk.

My question is now what do I expect? Do waivers need to be filed for? The I-601 process has been stopped according to a memo I saw online at USCIS. Will his papers or original submissions expire? The CR-1 petition was approved. Where do I go from here? We are trying to get an idea of what to do next before I start packing my bags to move to Morocco and wait out this fiasco.

Please no bashing. I've already done enough of the "I can't believe this...," and "how could you..." . Yes, there are some people 'that' naive. They exist. :bonk: Any help would be greatly appreciated. And as always, thank you for listening!!! This is cheaper than therapy. ;-)

Best regards, Kim


Sorry to hear about your predicament, but because sometimes a false positive is possible, the CO is giving your husband another chance to prove he is not a user / abuser. If you can afford to move to Morocco and keep your husband on the "straight and narrow" for the next year, then do it! I am not sure if you will have to re-file or not. I think the visa has a 1 year expiration date. Just make sure he doesn't pop positive on any of the quarterly tests; then you DO have big problems about getting him to the U.S. anytime soon. Good luck
DanTesMalePhilippines2012-09-20 04:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPlease advise...

As a "natural born" U.S. citizen your wife can sponsor you, BUT there a several major hurdles to jump. The affidavit of support (I-864) being the foremost. Your wife must obtain a SSN. My two daughters got their SSN's at the U.S. Embassy in Manila when they obtained their CRBA's. Check this out with your U.S. Embassy. Also, see if you can line up any co-sponsors in the U.S. Hopefully, others in this forum will chime in with more advice. Best of luck. It is possible; just take it one step at a time. It may take awhile.


DanTesMalePhilippines2014-01-20 09:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 granted...and now?
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FAST APPROVAL. I TOO AM CURRENTLY TRYING TO GET MY WIFE OF 11 YEARS BACK TO THE U.S. FROM THE PHILIPPINES (OUR ANNIVERSARY IS TODAY, 29 SEP). I JUST ARRIVED BACK IN THE U.S. THIS JULY AFTER I RETIRED FROM THE NAVY BACK IN 1991. A LOT OF THINGS HAVE REALLY CHANGED IN 19 YEARS, BUT HAD TO RE-LOCATE HERE IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH A U.S. RESIDENCE/DOMICILE FOR MY WIFE'S IR-1 VISA. PRETTY SURE YOU NEED A U.S. RESIDENCE/MAILING ADDRESS WHERE YOUR WIFE'S GREEN CARD AND SOCIAL SECURITY CARD WILL BE MAILED. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MARRIED? PLEASE POST YOUR TIME LINE.
DanTesMalePhilippines2010-09-29 06:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurestax copy or transcript for I-864
I-864 instructions clearly state: that EITHER IRS transcript OR copy of individual tax return for LATEST tax year is required. You may submit 3 years if you think this may help you establish the 125% of the poverty level. ORIGINALS or CERTIFIED COPIES are NOT required.
DanTesMalePhilippines2010-10-11 07:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo I need I-129F or G325-A for interview
what are the two documents you can't find??
DanTesMalePhilippines2010-10-13 04:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTimeframe Comment
I married a Filipina in 1975 while on active duty stationed in the Philippines. At that time, the MARRIAGE process was longer than the immigration process. I took her and my stepdaughter to the U.S. when I was transferred in February 1976. She and my, by then, adopted daughter became U.S. citizens in 1979. As I remember the process was pretty painless. Perhaps it was because I was on active duty at the time. Well, here I am again, going through the "process" to bring my wife of 11 years from the Philippines to the States. We have two U.S. citizen daughters, and the waiting seems to be much harder on me now than then. Hopefully the waiting will be over soon. 97 days today since my NOA1 and NO touches.
DanTesMalePhilippines2010-11-01 16:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 Gotcha?
I-864 instructions stipulate that this information must be on any "additional sheets" needed to answer any questions.
DanTesMalePhilippines2010-11-11 17:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2
Nothing for me yet. I was xfrd to TSC on 11/03. Got touched on 11/10, 11/19, and 11/22. Was hoping for a HAPPY Thanksgiving!! It seems like the closer I get, the harder the waiting!!
DanTesMalePhilippines2010-11-24 10:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPOLICE CLEARANCE PHILIPPINES
You can also check out this link from the U.S. Embassy, Manila

http://manila.usemba...v/wwwh3217.html
DanTesMalePhilippines2010-11-25 09:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPeople who got approved
Just the touch yesterday (11/24). Hopefully by next week I will have GOOD NEWS!! I know it still early for me though since my NOA1 date is 07/27, but at least I know SOMEBODY is looking at my petition.
DanTesMalePhilippines2010-11-26 00:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPeople who got approved
I received the same email on 11/10. Since then I have been touched 3 times.
DanTesMalePhilippines2010-11-25 20:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC case number
I was able to get through to a "human" this morning, but she informed me that my case had not yet been received at NVC. She asked my CIS approval date, and when I told her it was the 23rd, she asked: "THIS MONTH"??? She told me to call back in 2 weeks as it "normally" takes 20 business days to reach their system. Of course, after reading all the posts about being PRO-active with NVC, I will call tomorrow, tomorrow and tomorrow until I get the Case #. (if the speed dial doesn't wear out on my phone first).
DanTesMalePhilippines2010-12-01 15:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCFO seminar to get a passport?
PRISM seminar required if your husband is a foreigner. After you attend that seminar, you go to CFO, pay P400.00, and they will give you a certificate. Then you take that certificate, along with your marriage contract, birth certificate, photos, and other forms of identification to DFA to get your passport.
DanTesMalePhilippines2010-12-02 08:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is the Best time to catch NVC?
AVR is 24 hour service. Operators are available Mon-Fri from 0730 til Midnight. Put the number on speed dial, and be prepared to wait. My petition was approved on 23 November, and I have been calling them daily since I received the Hard Copy in the mail on 29 November. I have talked to 3 different operators, and they all have said it takes 15 BUSINESS days before case # is assigned, but I will keep calling back every day anyway in hopes they will screw up and accidentally get my case entered in their system earlier. Here's hoping we can get at least to the I-864, DS-230 point before the Christmas Holidays.
DanTesMalePhilippines2010-12-04 05:39:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionInterview x lawyer. Do I need one?

 this is what happened with me:

Went to my first marriage interview in July 2010. Had no problem and got my 2 years green card.

Filled the joint I-751 for me & son in May 2012 and send all the evidences.

In April 2013, 11 months later I started calling asking for status. The officer asked for biometrics and I said that we never got a letter asking for.

In June I went there to talk in person and they said that was pending and sometimes they don't ask 4 biometrics, went home with no answer.

My extended letter expired on July, 15 so I call them and they advise me to go to my local office to get my passport stamped. went there on the 13 and got my passport stamped for more 1 year.

 

For this call I received this email:

 

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
VERMONT SERVICE CENTER
75 LOWER WELDEN STREET
SAINT ALBANS,VT 05479

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Thursday, July 11, 2013


On 07/09/2013 you, or the designated representative shown below, contacted us about your
case.  Some of the key information given to us at that time was the following:

Caller indicated they are:
-- Applicant or Petitioner

Attorney Name:
-- Information not available

Case type:
-- I751

Filing date:
-- 05/03/2012

Receipt #:
-- EAC

Referral ID:
WKD19
Beneficiary (if you filed for someone else):
-- Information not available

Your USCIS Account Number (A-number):
--

Type of service requested:
-- Change of Address


The status of this service request is:

We have updated your address in our electronic system with the new information you gave
during your call.








We hope this information is helpful to you.
 





































 

I called them last week saying that I got this email but the reason wasn't change address but "outside time processing". After the last call I got 2 letters:

1- saying they cant fix my issue and transferred my case from Vermont -New Orleans.
2- saying I was randomly selected for an interview.

Witch doesn't make sense to me if they can't fix my problem how my case was randomly selected.

 

Does anybody got a letter scheduling a interview?When you got your letter was saying randomly? How was worded?

 

I am so glad that I can share this here. I am really worried.

 

Thanks          


AlesantosNot TellingBrazil2013-07-20 12:11:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionInterview x lawyer. Do I need one?
Got a letter saying that they transfer my case and I will need to go for interview . Most articles online says that you should have a lawyer .

Please advise:)


AlesantosNot TellingBrazil2013-07-20 06:58:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionBuying tickets to Spain with expired GC
You should use the date on your extension letter. June 2014
AlesantosNot TellingBrazil2013-07-19 23:32:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionLooking for an attorney in New Orleans. Please.

Hello everyone,

 

I need some professional help, advice from a good immigration attonery who is familiar with the I-751 process. I know that I will have to go for an interview soon.

Looking for an attorney in New Orleans LA. If you know someone, who has reasonable fees for consultation , please let me know.

 

Thanks


AlesantosNot TellingBrazil2013-07-20 20:45:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI 751 interview need helppppp
Hey guys this is what happened with me:

Went to my first marriage interview in 5/10. Had no problem and got my 2/y green card. Filled the I-751 for me & son in 5/12 and send all the evidences. In 4/13 I started calling asking for status. The officer asked for biometrics and I said that we never got a letter asking for. In June I went there to talk in person and they said that was pending and sometimes they don't ask 4 biometrics, went home with no answer.My extended letter experied on 7/15 so i went there on the 13 and got my passport stamped for more 1/y. I called them again asking for update and today I got 2 letters:
first saying they cant fix my issue and transferred my case from Vermont -New Orleans.
Second said I was randomly selected for an interview.
Wich doesn't make sense to me if they can't fix my problem how my case was randomly selected.

Any advise.....

When you got your letter was saying randomly? How was worded?









AlesantosNot TellingBrazil2013-07-19 22:45:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 got a letter saying that I will need another interview. What now?

Hi Nana, I spoke with higher levels many time. It has been 14 months since i got the extended letter. So now i have no option but wait for this freaking interview.  I have appoit. tomorrow with a lawer just to see what he thinks. Thanks


AlesantosNot TellingBrazil2013-07-25 16:46:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 got a letter saying that I will need another interview. What now?
*actually my first interview was July 15/ 2010 and not may 05. I have been reading articles online and I am freaking out:)
AlesantosNot TellingBrazil2013-07-19 23:24:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 got a letter saying that I will need another interview. What now?
Hey guys this is what happened with me:

Went to my first marriage interview in 5/10. Had no problem and got my 2/y green card. Filled the I-751 for me & son in 5/12 and send all the evidences. In 4/13 I started calling asking for status. The officer asked for biometrics and I said that we never got a letter asking for. In June I went there to talk in person and they said that was pending and sometimes they don't ask 4 biometrics, went home with no answer.My extended letter experied on 7/15 so i went there on the 13 and got my passport stamped for more 1/y. I called them again asking for update and today I got 2 letters:
first saying they cant fix my issue and transferred my case from Vermont -New Orleans.
Second said I was randomly selected for an interview.
Wich doesn't make sense to me if they can't fix my problem how my case was randomly selected.

Any advise.....

When you got your letter was saying randomly? How was worded?









AlesantosNot TellingBrazil2013-07-19 23:18:00
IMBRA Special Topicsgot denied after 3 yrs and 8 months of waiting..

That is some story!


If peeing behind a dumpster or on a tree gets you on the list, since I lived in the Philippines for 19 years, I am definitely in trouble.
DanTesMalePhilippines2011-02-21 17:42:00
USCIS Service CentersReceiving weird letter from USCIS
Matthew, please post your timeline. A lot of June/July/August IR-1/CR-1 filers got transferred from CSC to TSC, and are still waiting. A handful of us received NOA2 from TSC, but have not yet received NVC case #'s.
DanTesMalePhilippines2010-12-21 19:43:00
USCIS Service CentersPlease help...Case sent back to USCIS from state deparment for review????

im with aviatorbill with this one,,called NVC they said they never received my case. . .called USCIS they said that CSC forwarded it to them and that they haven't forwarded my case to DoS and that TSC is currently reviewing it. . .but they also wait 180days for the decision,,,i thought the timeline was 5months from NOA1 but then they said to wait for 180days from NOA1 so I should be expecting my NOA2 by Feb. . .goodluck to all! Merry Xmas!!


My petition was approved by TSC on 23 November, but, as of today, still no case number from NVC. I sent an email to nvcresearch@state.gov last Wednesday, and I received a reply the next day saying that they would contact USCIS on my behalf. 5 of us who got transferred from CSC to TSC and then to a USCIS office have received our NOA2's, but no NVC case numbers yet for any of us! Hoping to hear some good news in the New Year. Anyway, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to all of you. I just talked to my wife in the Philippines on Skype, and she is busy buying food for Noche Buena!!
DanTesMalePhilippines2010-12-21 10:07:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)section 221 (g)
Ex-husband being a co-sponsor could send up red flags questioning the legitimacy of your marriage.
DanTesMalePhilippines2010-11-05 09:56:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)212 (G) (2) (B) Class A or B (TB) Req Attn of USPHS At POE

Hi DAn Tes,
Don't worry. I have a friend with same annotation and same POE las Vegas (poe las vegas sept 2010)she was advised to call and make an appointment with the local health department (located in shadow lane near UMC hospita).They gave her a skin test for TB, and did a 3 day sputum test same as what she did in SLMEC Manila, but in las vegas she does not have to go everyday to the health dept. they gave her 3 containers for 3 day collection of sputum to bring home and to put the collection in the ref. Then bring back to the local health dept when done. She will then be given an appointment when to go back (appointment with the local health dept physician),and to have a chest x ray one week before her appointment.with the dr. Nothing to worry she will be fine



Thanks for the info. Just talked to Tes via skype. Hoping she and the girls get on the flight today before the typhoon hits the Manila area. That could delay the flight for a day or two.
DanTesMalePhilippines2011-05-25 18:43:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)212 (G) (2) (B) Class A or B (TB) Req Attn of USPHS At POE
My wife was diagnosed with TB by her local physician and radiologist about 2 years ago. She took medication for 6 months. She went to her medical at St Luke's and had to do the sputum. Her smears (3 days), and the 2 month culture were negative. I'm thinking she will have to report to USPHS here in Vegas, but hoping it will not hold up her green card.
DanTesMalePhilippines2011-05-25 14:27:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)212 (G) (2) (B) Class A or B (TB) Req Attn of USPHS At POE
My wife's POE is tomorrow in Las Vegas. Don't think there will be any problems, but just wanted to check to see if anyone else had the same annotation on their visa, and what was the outcome???
DanTesMalePhilippines2011-05-25 13:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusLatest USCIS Notice
I noticed on the IR-1 Forum today that 2 or 3 have received the same e-mail. Looks like an APPROVAL of your petition. Congrats!!!
DanTesMalePhilippines2010-11-24 21:06:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)still no case #
I am still waiting for NVC case # too. My NOA2 from TSC was 23 Nov. (15 days ago). I have called NVC at least 20 times, and they keep telling me to WAIT 15 business days. It has only been 10 business days today, but this is definitely frustrating. Hoping to hear some good news SOON so I can get started with the NVC process. I would like to get at least the I-864 and the DS-230 packages in to NVC before Christmas.
DanTesMalePhilippines2010-12-08 14:12:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)i864 documents
Passport is not required for I-864 AOS. The photocopy of the biographic page of the passport will be required for the IV application.
DanTesMalePhilippines2011-02-21 15:43:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)How long before funds removed from account
:thumbs:

If it says PAID; it's PAID. Print out your barcoded cover document, and send in your AOS and IV.
DanTesMalePhilippines2011-02-21 15:55:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)DS-230 - > Only have Certified Birth Certificate, is that sufficient ?
In the Philippines they want all civil documents on NSO security paper, so, by definition, that is a certified copy of the original. Counterfeit certificates from the local civil registrars are rampant, so that is why only NSO documents are accepted.
DanTesMalePhilippines2011-03-03 01:46:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)RFE
Phone robot said NVC has reviewed "my packet of forms, but has found missing or incomplete information". It further says that a "checklist was mailed on 4 March". Has anyone else received this message?

Edited by DanTes, 06 March 2011 - 02:45 PM.

DanTesMalePhilippines2011-03-06 14:45:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)police cert.

hello, do i send a copy of my Police Cert to the petitioner along w/the DS230?


Unless you lived / worked outside the Philippines, the only "clearance" you will need is from NBI (no matter how many places you have lived in the Philippines). And, yes, you will need to submit the original. (only the top half),
DanTesMalePhilippines2011-03-16 12:01:00