biggish data

Is it enough the letter from ex husband?

QUOTE (NArocks @ Aug 19 2009, 06:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

a special letter from the mom that was motorized

A motorized letter? Cool!!!

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-19 08:53:00

The embassy in Lima does not specifically indicate the requirement for past marriage cert. It is pretty vague really about needed documentation. It would appear that the previous marriage cert requirement does not apply in my case, but I will know when I get there. Just hope I have enough lead time to get stuff from Bogota... I will probably start now, just in case...

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-18 11:28:00

Okay. For my part, I am dialing it back down a notch (absent-mindedly munches a yellow jube jube).

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-18 10:49:00

I am also confused on this point. Could someone please clarify? Thanks.

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-18 10:41:00

QUOTE (gundas @ Aug 18 2009, 08:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yea, it seems they want marriage cert of previous marriage as well. My wife and I were both previously married and when I called NVC they said they wanted previous marriage cert of my wife along with divorce decree. I had called in regards to the same questing Anja had with

Applicants in the following visa categories are required to provide 1) an original or certified copy of their Petitioner’s birth certificate and 2) original or certified copy of their Petitioner’s marriage certificate from the Petitioner’s current and all previous marriages.

* Parent of a U.S. Citizen who is at least 21 years old (IR-5)
* Brothers and sisters of United States citizens (F4)

So, they are only necessary for petitions made for parents or siblings, not spouses or unmarried minor children?

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-18 10:33:00

Are we all talking about guides here at this site, or is anyone referring to an actual checklist provided by NVC?

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-18 10:15:00

QUOTE (AnjaSwitzerland @ Aug 18 2009, 08:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi, I am about to put together all the Documents for the NVC Package.

For "Petitioner Documents" it is written:
"Applicants in the following visa categories are required to provide 1) an original or certified copy of their Petitioner’s birth certificate and 2) original or certified copy of their Petitioner’s marriage certificate from the Petitioner’s current and all previous marriages.

Parent of a U.S. Citizen who is at least 21 years old (IR-5)
Brothers and sisters of United States citizens (F4) "

But it doesnt mention if you have to submit as well the divorce decree of any previous marriage of the Petitioner. Anybody knows?

Regards, Anja

So, when I get to this stage, my divorce decree is not going to be enough. I need a certified copy of my previous marriage certificate? Is this true? I got married in Colombia, so this is going to be fun...

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-18 10:12:00

Please pray for us...

Yipppeeeee! That rocks, man!

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-18 17:46:00

Please pray for us...

I am still sending my good thoughts your way. Like many of your VJ family, I have been following closely.

Mark

Edited by mlybrand, 17 August 2009 - 09:28 PM.

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-17 21:28:00

Getting Closer to filing my I-130

Thanks guys. I will include it if I get it beforehand, but will not wait for it...

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-20 07:41:00

Getting Closer to filing my I-130

I am hurrying as fast as I can. I just need those 2 little items. My packets sit there waiting to have final copies made, checks written and included and shipped priority. Y'all will hear it here first (well, second... my wife will hear first... I promise to tell y'all before I tell my folks, though).

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-19 22:58:00

Getting Closer to filing my I-130

Okay, I got my affidavit from our mutual friend today. So, of the original 3 things I was waiting for, I am only missing the 2 from Peru (signed G-325a and passport photo).

I had been looking into getting an SSN (not eligible) and an ITIN (but I have a few questions that I want to have fully answered before getting) and was about to table this avenue from now. However, I decided to call the entity that maintains our retirement accounts and they said there wouldn't be a problem getting my wife added as primary beneficiary even without a number. So the docs are off to them tomorrow. They have a pretty fast turnaround time and I should be able to see the result online within a day or two and within a week I could get an official-looking letter from them with her on the account as primary.

The question would be: Would it be worth it for proving my bonafides to wait a few days for this document, or would it be better to go ahead and send it off as quickly as possible and risk an RFE? It might be moot due to the timing of receiving the 2 outstanding pieces.

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-19 22:49:00

Where do I send my application?

OP is asking whether priority would be considered express/courier or regular mail, I think. Finn, if you are reading, where did you send your FedEx package?? Others, USPS priority... is it considered express/courier? (I was thinking of going USPS priority).

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-20 00:34:00

Two FedEx Packages or One??

Thanks y'all. My docs are now neatly ordered and will go in one package. Anything you say past this point will be too late, because I am heading out the door

Bye. See everyone on the flip-side.

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-21 12:39:00

Two FedEx Packages or One??

Hi All,

I am getting ready to run off to the FedEx store to mail off my I-130 packages. I am doing 2: 1 for my wife, 1 for my stepson. I had been thinking of sending to packages, but one of my VJ friends said she was sending hers in one package. Which is better, or does it matter? If I go the single package route, what's the best way to present them within so they are clearly shown as separate but together (i.e. clips, separate envelopes, etc)?

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-21 11:49:00

My photo book was sent back to me!

Was the photo book packed in jube jubes instead of packing peanuts?

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-19 22:12:00

And we're off!!

Since more than 24 hours have gone by, could a moderator do me the favor of moving this to the progress sub-forum. Thanks a bunch.

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-22 18:58:00

And we're off!!

QUOTE (FinnLove @ Aug 21 2009, 01:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Am I a new friend??!!!! Well, they probably won't get your fedex package until Monday, unless they actually work weekends (but gov't employees don't usually do that! In fact, today is Federal Friday!)...

I did my timeline too, because I couldn't add anymore to my signature block or whatever it's called!

I specifically thought of you, Finn, since I didn't see you over in the progress sub-forum. But there are others who I feel connected to and didn't see any of them either.

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-21 15:35:00

And we're off!!

Howdy all (and especially my fellow August filers). I sent off my FedEx package with my wife and stepson's I-130 packets. I am ecstatic that I have a FedEx number to obsess about over the weekend.

I am off to update my timelines. If some moderator-y type person could leave this thread here for a bit and then move it over to the progress sub-forum in a day or two, I would appreciate it. I didn't post it there, because I was afraid I might lose track of some of my new friends.

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-21 15:17:00

how to change wifes name after she arrives?

QUOTE (john1759 @ Aug 12 2009, 11:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hey guys...

In order to reduce possible confusion during the CR1 process, my wife and I did not change her name.

She has visa in hand.

After she gets here and they issue a SS card and we get her settled.....How do we go about changing her name?

I imagine we would need to inform DHS, SSA, and go to her embassy here in the USA to get her a new passport.

Is there anything else need to be done?

Thanks for all the past help.
Thanks in advance for any help on this issue.

Not answering your question, but congrats on the visa!!!

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-12 13:18:00

Do USCIS and NVC know about VJ?

Just curious is the folks processing our paperwork are familiar with this site and whether that is seen as a plus. Although I would probably be disappointed to discover we are less than a blip on the radar.

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-13 23:25:00

finally!

Just looked at your timeline. Man, that was a long time. Congrats it finally came through!! I am truly happy for you.

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-24 21:59:00

Is 2 hours enough time at LAX?

And it will depend on what terminal you will have to get to... I simply loathe LAX!

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-26 16:48:00

I-130 sent...

Hi Magic!! I mailed mine on 08/21 and FedEx says they delivered on 08/24.... So, you and I are going to be on the same track!!

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-27 22:48:00

Leader of Seattle-area marriage fraud ring convicted by federal jury

QUOTE (canadian_wife @ Sep 1 2009, 07:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Wow - this makes the rest of us doing it the legal way look bad!

Yeah, I know. I couldn't stop thinking about the evidence I sent in.

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-09-01 09:53:00

Leader of Seattle-area marriage fraud ring convicted by federal jury

This story made my local (Olympia, WA) news this morning. As it relates to our shared experience on VJ, I share the ICE news release with you for your reading pleasure:

http://www.ice.gov/p...0123seattle.htm

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-09-01 09:41:00

Expired G-325 (Biographic Information) Please help!!

QUOTE (ashlesha @ Sep 1 2009, 08:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Also..the new G325 is identical as the OLD one. ..

But this page says they accept previous editions:

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

so you should be okay.

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-09-01 22:20:00

QUOTE (nyankee @ Sep 2 2009, 02:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It's sent! I'm scared, I sent it to
USCIS attn: FBAS
131 south dearborn 3rd floor
Chicago IL 60603-5517

It was the only courier listed on the instruction page for I130. My cover sheet inside the package has the address with the other po box address. I hope that won't get me rejected.. Am I good, or in trouble?

Sorry, I had a meeting to go to...

Your address is "close"... Too bad you didn't go back to the instruction links I had posted to this thread earlier, as the address is listed there as:

Any U.S. resident petitioner submitting a completed I-130 by courier/express delivery, should use the following address:
USCIS Lockbox
Attn: SAI-130
131 South Dearborn – 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed...

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-09-02 17:30:00

QUOTE (nyankee @ Sep 2 2009, 01:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

can i send this with fedex?

Sure. Just make sure you send it to the address for courier and overnight mail. Finn and I both sent our FedEx...

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-09-02 15:18:00

QUOTE (nyankee @ Sep 2 2009, 05:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Will the photos be okay, about the written part?

Maybe supplement that stuff with anything that shows you guys together. Receipts, boarding passes, entry/exit stamps in passports, envelopes to and from. If you have anything in both your names, that's great. Have you made her beneficiary on anything (insurance, retirement)? Has she you? Do you have any joint accounts? Remember, you are trying to prove that you know each other, communicate and share and get together as much as possible (such a challenge for us long distance folks -- although, probably easier from NY that it is from WA

Good luck.

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-09-02 08:04:00

QUOTE (nyankee @ Sep 1 2009, 06:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well here is my cover letter, which list everything that i have in my packet. Let me know if, that is good enough, or if im missing anything.
----------------------

September 1, 2009
USCIS
P.O. Box 804616
Chicago, IL 60680-4107

Subject: I-130 Petition for my spouse name

Dear Sir/Madam:

I, name, a citizen of the United States, would like to file a petition I-130 for my spouse, name

Please find enclosed the following required and supporting documents:
1. Completed and signed form I-130
2. Money Order for I-130 filing fee
3. Completed and signed form G-325A and photograph (petitioner)
4. Completed and signed form G-325A and photograph (beneficiary)
5. Copy of my naturalization certificate to prove U.S citizenship
6. Copy of my U.S Passport to prove U.S Citizenship
7. Copy of our marriage certificate with English translation
8. Copy of beneficiary’s birth certificate with English translation
9. Six (6) pieces of pictures as evidence of Bonafide Marriage
10. Two (2) Affidavits sworn by third party and spouse having personal knowledge of our marriage as evidence of Bonofide Marriage
11. Beneficiary’s Passport & I.D.
12. Phone call records as evidence of Bonofide Marriage

Copies of documents submitted are exact photocopies of unaltered documents and I understand that I may be required to submit original documents to an immigration or consular officer at a later date.

I kindly request you to process the above petition and to provide the receipt notice as soon as possible.

If you have any questions or concerns on the above matter, please do not hesitate to contact me at number, or at my address below.

Thank you,
name
SSN: number
address

------

Okay, here are a few questions that i ahve:

1. I just separated each document with post-it stickers and labeled them, and have multiple ducuments with binder clips. Is that good enough, or should i use one huge binder clip to hold everything together?
2. I'm only sending the two only passport photos i have for me and my wife, but when i wrote down our names and birth dates on the back, it kinda of shows a little in the front. Will that matter at all? bc i do not have any more.
3. who do i make the money order to? and what do i write down on the outside of the packet, should i include my name and address?
4. Im only sending one copy of the g325a for me and my wife, or do i need to make 4 copies if the one paper for me and my wife?

Please help me out. I want to get this over with tomorrow. Thanks!!

Here a some instructions:

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

And here are more:

http://www.uscis.gov.../I-130instr.pdf

It looks like you are good to go. Nowhere does it say that you have to send passport and id of your true love, but I don't think it could hurt. In the PDF it says exactly who to make it out to:

'Make the check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security'

it further says:

'NOTE: Please spell out U.S. Department of Homeland Security; do not use the initials "USDHS" or "DHS."'

Hope that helps. Others will surely opine after me...

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-09-01 21:49:00

QUOTE (Malrothien @ Sep 3 2009, 07:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Mark, I truly know what you mean. Some days I want to hide my timeline because it is dreadful that others have to wait so long.

BTW, the timeline ROCKS!! Leave it as an inspiration to us all, please! There is indeed hope.

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-09-03 21:48:00

QUOTE (Malrothien @ Sep 3 2009, 07:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hopefully USCIS will hire more workers for both VSC and CSC to help adjucate some of the backlog.

Here, here!!! Someone let them know that we think this. Get them some help, please!!

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-09-03 21:45:00

QUOTE (Malrothien @ Sep 3 2009, 07:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (FinnLove @ Sep 3 2009, 07:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, this sucks for me and my fellow August filers!

CSC is much faster, Finny.

But for how long if they have to pick the VSC slack. USCIS workers can only process so many cases, so if they add to the caseload, then all will suffer somewhat. On another thread I indicated I was torn on this: personally I want my case to process lightning fast, empathetically I want all of our cases to process as fast as possible.

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-09-03 21:40:00

QUOTE (Malrothien @ Sep 3 2009, 06:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What service center processes the I130 depends on where the person lives.

Not true anymore, apparently. I have VJ friend in NJ who was just assigned to CSC...

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-09-03 21:21:00

Quick Question before we send I-130

Someone else implied this, but let me just say it straight out:

I didn't see you prove your citizenship. You either need to provide your birth certificate or a copy of every page of your passport. Make sure you do that.

With the I-130, you are basically proving:

1. You are an American citizen (or LPR).
2. You have terminated any other relationships you have had (that may affect this relationship).
3. You have a relationship to the person you are petitioning for.

So you have to establish a legal paper trail of these three.

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-09-05 17:10:00

Unusual love story, how to present it during interview?

My wedding was kinda big, but I had a whole Peruvian family to make happy

In my defense (so I don't seem weird here on this forum), none of my people were there... good lord, how many people would have been at the reception then!!!

Mark

PS. Your marriage sounds a lot my first marriage in 1993 in Bogota... Of course, I was living there at the time, so there was never any question of the bona fides of that relationship by the time we did the DCF.

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-09-05 22:20:00

She is here....Thanks for everything :)

Way to go!! I am more than a little envious

But still happy for you

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-18 22:52:00

WORRIED ABOUT GETTING THE BOOT ONCE HE GET INTO THE US!

QUOTE (FinnLove @ Aug 16 2009, 05:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

PS Mark, where's your timeline???!!!!

Click on the Timeline link over on the left.

Mark

mlybrand

Male

Peru

2009-08-16 19:33:00