ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIt's a Beautiful thing!!!!!!
This afternoon I checked the USCIS website (for the 6th or 7th time today!!!) and there it was ... a beauty to behold ... our NOA2 as of December 13th!! :dance: :dance: :dance: I'm sooooo happy ... I was starting to feel like they had lost our file!
lynamonFemaleCanada2006-12-14 17:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAPPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yayyyyyyyyyyyyy!!! Congrats!!!
lynamonFemaleCanada2006-12-14 23:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOctober filer - NOA2 just recieved
Congratulations!
lynamonFemaleCanada2006-12-16 10:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2!
Congratulations!!!!
lynamonFemaleCanada2006-12-16 10:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMy Sordid Past

Yes, since I don't see any provision in the law to deny, they'll probably just delay. But heck, seems like lots of people are getting delayed. I've made a commitment, so they're not going to get me to give up the fight.

Early in our relationship I told her about my past run-ins with the law, and she was surisingly OK with it. I think she's seen to many Hollywood movies and thinks all American men have an outlaw mentality. ;)

I will definitely have to ask you how things go .. my USC in Ohio was not a good boy when he was young (15 years ago) and served some time which taught him a great big lesson in life. We will be filing for a K1 within the next few months ... and I was wondering if that would affect the process.
lynamonFemaleCanada2006-02-28 22:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp, going to US to be with fiance
If you live in Canada and are able to travel back and forth to see your fiance .. the difference between a K1 and K3 is the Advance Parole ... you will not have to wait the 3 months that it takes for AP for a K3 if it matters about the timeframe to come back and visit family and friends. This is especially helpful to know if you have children that you will be bringing with you and they still have a parent that they see for visitation.
lynamonFemaleCanada2007-05-13 08:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 or K3, not sure which to choose
Just something to keep in mind ... with a k1, you will have to wait 3 months for Advance Parole to leave the country (if your girlfriend wants to come back to Canada to visit family .. or if there are children involved) ... with a K3 .. you would not have to wait.
lynamonFemaleCanada2007-06-05 21:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPregnant
I believe that the fastest way is to go through is to file with the Vermont Service Center and to have your interview at the Vancouver Consulate ... but of course that all depends on the location of the USC and your location .. good luck!
lynamonFemaleCanada2007-07-04 17:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresreguarding Canadian Medical
I really don't think that it will be a problem for you .. somewhere here you may be able to find a listing of what they are looking for when you go for your medical.
lynamonFemaleCanada2007-09-19 09:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs it possible to enter the United States while your I-129F is pending?
While my case was pending I travelled by land boarder every week to two weeks (buffalo Peace Bridge) for almost two years and was always completely honest with them .. I always carried my ties to Canada and was not asked to see them once.
lynamonFemaleCanada2007-10-11 22:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPackage formats
Just wondering if a table of contents is standard for packages?

I'm going to look after I post the thread, but is there anywhere on VJ or otherwise that lists out the construction of a CR-1 package in detail?
GervlFemaleCanada2010-11-28 20:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs hiring a legal agent worth it?

Just a note....you're filing the CR1 if your married? Noticed "boyfriend" :blink: Like others have told you if you follow the guides here you can file on your own with out the need of hiring a agent or lawyer. :thumbs:


Oh, no we're not married yet haha. Just looking into what my future will be like when it happens.
GervlFemaleCanada2010-11-26 21:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs hiring a legal agent worth it?

Ask THEM if the first consultation is free but it generally is. Whether hiring professional help is "worth it" or not depends on what YOU value. If you have available and wish to use hundreds of hours of your time researching the process and assuring you do everything right on your own and if you are able to read carefully, interpret literally and answer questions accurately, you certainly CAN manage the process on your own. Whether you want to or not or how you value your own time, is up to you. YOU are not any of the anybody else's that tell YOU what YOU need or should value.

The actual work is not highly time consuming. Learning the process and making sure you do it right is another matter.


Considering I'm a double major in what is essentially interpreting words, I know I have the skills but since I'm new to the process I'm walking on wobbly legs is all. I spent a few hours last night going over forms, reading everything twice, looking for specific answers - I did read instructions to use "none" instead of "n/a", for example, so I changed all my mock answers over - and I highlighted any areas of doubt and made notes, etc. I'm not about to start the process blind. And this forum is incredibly valuable; I'm already eternally grateful :star:

Edited by Gervl, 26 November 2010 - 02:36 PM.

GervlFemaleCanada2010-11-26 14:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs hiring a legal agent worth it?

You're welcome :star:

Also, don't forget to put the allocated $5K in retirement funds like IRA. Compound interest and tax deferred growth are miracle :star:

"Compound interest is the most powerful force on Earth" - Albert Einstein :)

Loto

You lost me at the retirement funds haha. I haven't seen $5k since my student loan :lol: ...... :(

Edited by Gervl, 26 November 2010 - 01:23 AM.

GervlFemaleCanada2010-11-26 01:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs hiring a legal agent worth it?

See you are learning the process :star:

Loto


Haha, yes, miracles DO happen.

The "ez" guide was helpful. I printed out I-130, G-325A (filled out as beneficiary), and G-1145.. the others I'm filling in as much as I know on his part, just so I can see where I'd need more information, etc. A run through brings up lots of helpful questions :)
GervlFemaleCanada2010-11-26 00:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs hiring a legal agent worth it?

Petitioner - If he/she was holding a Green card in the past, he/she will have an Alien Registration number called A#.
Beneficiary - If he/she has never held a Green card in the past, he/she will NOT have A#. So, enter NONE

Loto

Okay so he's a born citizen, so he wouldn't have one, and me never having gone through any immigration with U.S. before wouldn't have one.. and just leave it as N/A. :thumbs:
GervlFemaleCanada2010-11-26 00:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs hiring a legal agent worth it?
Question: G-325A asks for my Alien Registration Number. How would I get this if at the time I'd be sending the form in for CR1 as the first step in the process?
GervlFemaleCanada2010-11-26 00:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs hiring a legal agent worth it?
Yeah, I talked to my boyfriend about it and he didn't seem convinced we'd need the help (or the added costs). I figured if I really got stuck they'd be a good asset but otherwise I can handle it.

Printing out all the relevant forms now to start looking over them and seeing what information I'd need in the future. It pays to be ####### :lol:
GervlFemaleCanada2010-11-25 23:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs hiring a legal agent worth it?
I was browsing around at my options and found: http://www.visaplace.com/

I sent an inquiry via e-mail asking about their help and what their fees would be like for a CR1 process. They replied saying yes they could handle it, and that I should contact them for an evaluation to determine fees. Is the first meeting free?

If anybody has had experience with these firms, what were they like? Would you say your level of success was better? How about managing the stress? :lol: And as for fees, what have you paid?

Edited by Gervl, 25 November 2010 - 11:20 PM.

GervlFemaleCanada2010-11-25 23:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864EZ Question

Your petitioner may use Form I-864EZ IF ALL the following conditions apply:

1. You are the person who filed or is filing the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for a relative being sponsored;
2. The relative you are sponsoring is the only person listed on the Form I-130 petition;
3. The income you are using to qualify is based entirely on your salary or pension and is shown on one or more Forms W-2 provided by your employer(s) or former employer(s).

Loto

Yes to all three :star:
GervlFemaleCanada2010-12-02 02:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864EZ Question
What a weight off my chest. Thanks a lot once again :thumbs:

So go with the 864EZ?

Edited by Gervl, 02 December 2010 - 01:56 AM.

GervlFemaleCanada2010-12-02 01:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864EZ Question
I know there are a bunch of threads for this form but I have a different question that I didn't see answered :blush:

First off, yes, my petitioner does qualify to use the EZ form, which is why I was looking at it.

My question: The USCIS website for EZ says this -

Where to File :
Give the completed affidavit of support with all required documentation to the sponsored immigrant to file with either:

a Consular Officer with a completed Form OF-230, Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, or
an Immigration Officer with a completed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status


It is my understanding that the 864/EZ (included in AOS packet, along with IV packet) is mailed to NVC after it is provided for you online after paying the AOS review fee and Immigrant Visa fee, totaling $492. Correct so far, right? It is also my understanding that the I-485 costs $1070 to process. Either my memory is failing me, but in my intensive lurking the last few weeks, I haven't seen anyone mention that fee except in one thread today for a very complicated situation. I checked the 864 page on USCIS as well, and it has the same "Where to File" information, so that's why I'm confused about never seeing that mentioned before. All I know of is the AOS/IV fees as previously mentioned above. When would this $1070 get paid, and who would pay it? I don't even see it or the I-485 mentioned in VJ's guides :(

And what is the OF-230? I took a look at it online, and it seems very similar to DS-230 except it asks about Nazi/Communist affiliations, physical characteristics, etc.

So my main question is - #######? I just got totally confused by looking at the EZ. It seems EZ but I'm concerned now about the $1070 fee. Did I get confused amongst all the forms and government gobbledeegook and stumble into a form/fee that wouldn't apply to me? To clarify: For a CR1, even if my petitioner/husband/USC meets the requirements, should I go for the EZ, or just plain ol' 864?

Thanks for reading my massive, confusing OP (L)

References:
I-485 USCUS
I-864EZ USCIS
I-864 USCIS
OF-230 USCIS .PDF Form

Edited by Gervl, 02 December 2010 - 01:38 AM.

GervlFemaleCanada2010-12-02 01:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresG-325a unknown info

The answer has already been given quite clearly early in this thread, so it's a fair question, like it or not.

Edit noted.

Edited by Gervl, 02 December 2010 - 12:40 PM.

GervlFemaleCanada2010-12-02 12:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresG-325a unknown info
I don't know why someone would +rep a post that's so pretentious. The person has a question; answer it. No need treat them like some retarded child. People come here for reassurance, not to be treated like sh*t.
GervlFemaleCanada2010-12-02 12:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPersonal notarized affidavits
We have plenty of other strong evidence, i.e. I'll be on his life insurance, health benefits and will, a truckload of pictures, we'll have a marriage certificate obviously, chat logs/e-mails dating from 2007 to now and beyond, flight itineraries with passport stamps and boarding passes, etc. But what I've learned from VJ is the more the better, so whatever applies to us I will prepare and send.

Thanks for the advice :thumbs:

Edited by Gervl, 02 December 2010 - 10:59 PM.

GervlFemaleCanada2010-12-02 22:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPersonal notarized affidavits
For secondary proof of bona fide marriage. My future spouse (USC) has free legal services provided for him. So if we were to write the affidavit (how we met, how long we knew each other before marriage, etc), is it mandatory to have it notarized by a legal representative? How have others done it? I know that notaries are meant to be done by lawyers, but I just want to double check :)

I think I'll be starting CR1 in a couple months :blush:
GervlFemaleCanada2010-12-02 22:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYES, OUR IR1 APPROVED!!!
Congratulations :)
GervlFemaleCanada2010-12-02 02:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarried, and finally ready to start CR1 :D

Gervi: we had a scanner, which helped us get documents to each other quickly via email when necessary (although we always filled them out together). Hopefully both of you have one! It may make the documents easier if you are apart during that process.

I did not have any issues crossing the border after filing for K1 (crossed about 5 times at Pearson), and was never asked for any ties to Canada (or any return tickets, although they did want to know when I was returning), or whether I had even filed for K1. I did carry around a folder with my ties and K1 papers, just in case though. It seems to me that school and job ties are plenty (but make sure you have letters from employer and school indicating start and stop dates). Do you have last year's tax return (maybe add that to the "ties" packet), any TV/landline/internet bills in your name, or a car title?

Good luck!


He doesn't have a printer or a scanner at the moment, but he'll need at least a printer for sure once we get started. They're pretty cheap these days so that shouldn't be an issue. I do have a printer/scanner though.

Relieved to hear you didn't have any issues. I travel to the U.S. from Pearson every 2-4 months, so I'm becoming a frequent flier haha. They haven't given me any trouble so far, so I hope that trend doesn't change. I've been asked to show my itinerary which I always have and it satisfies them. And yeah, I've started carrying around documents showing tuition payments to my school and my schedule so they can connect the dots and see that I need to come back to Canada haha. About having my name on anything - I live with my mom who pays for everything :unsure: So I definitely need to find a creative way to get my name on something. My only possible expense would be my cell phone bill, and I could get my tax return information. Appointment cards for upcoming dentist/doctors/optometrists appointments? Exam schedules? Hmmm.

Edited by Gervl, 15 January 2011 - 09:54 PM.

GervlFemaleCanada2011-01-15 21:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarried, and finally ready to start CR1 :D

to the OP: i was just wondering why the wait until the summer to file? i guess it has to do with your ultimate timeline of being together in the US. there just always seem to be delays with these things!

the name change on passport, etc can prolly be dealt with within a month. i didn't go through IR-1/CR-1, but does anyone know what the deadline of "activating" the IR-1/CR-1 once it's been received is?

Oh, I didn't want to wait till the summer; he'll be in Toronto next month so we can start going over paperwork then so that he's prepared when filing back in Florida on his own. I was just thinking about the summer as another option. I would like to be with him when he's doing the paperwork though, I'm kind of a control freak with this kind of stuff :lol: I told him he could use my VJ account to ask questions if he has any. I actually would prefer to start filing sooner so that when I travel to Hawaii for the summer, I can show them I'm still in school.... I don't have many "proper" ties back to the city besides that. I don't pay rent, bills, etc :blush: :unsure: I have to find some ways to make more ties besides school (which will be over within a year, and my part-time job) hhhhhhmmmmm

OH the other reason, the more important reason DURR is that he'll be moving to Hawaii in the summer. I don't know how much of a pain in the #### it is to start from one home filing address and then change to another. It just seems like something I'd want to avoid :\ Opinions on that?

Edited by Gervl, 13 January 2011 - 01:16 PM.

GervlFemaleCanada2011-01-13 13:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarried, and finally ready to start CR1 :D
Thank you all very much :)

I know about not overstaying haha, and I've got 2 B2 stamps in my passport so I learned about the 6 month rule a couple years ago.

I've been saving up all the documents and pictures I can. Recently added to the collection: Receipts from hotel after wedding, more boarding passes, wedding pictures, and of course wedding documents. My collection folder is getting fat quickly :lol:

Anyway, I just wanted to make sure I had the option to be with him when he petitions (double check all my info, help him with questions, be ready to jump on VJ etc lol)
GervlFemaleCanada2011-01-10 19:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarried, and finally ready to start CR1 :D
I'll be with my husband in Hawaii for 2 months this upcoming summer. Can he start the CR1 process while I'm in the U.S.? I know I can travel back and forth while it's being processed, but I wasn't sure if there's a rule against me being in the U.S. when he petitions. If not, he'll be able to start it asap once I get my passport/license name changed :star:

Thanks :)
GervlFemaleCanada2011-01-10 00:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOfficial document stating I can travel to the U.S.

Advance Parole, is a document for travel in the other direction, it is used by a K-1 or other Non Immigrant to travel out of the USA while they are adjusting their status from Non Immigrant to Immigrant.

I was just citing it because it was what I recalled from the thread I had read awhile ago. Someone got stopped by CBP and was told they needed to have it, and the traveler knew that was b.s. so they fought till they were proven correct. It has made me paranoid though, and proactive in making sure I'm prepared for that sort of challenge. I want to know everything possible. I am a sponge.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-01-15 22:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOfficial document stating I can travel to the U.S.
Problem: I'm 21. No mortgage, no car thus no payments, live at home, etc. I'm in a family cell phone plan with Rogers with my mom and I, so I don't think I'd be able to separate us and pay for my own account without paying some godawful amount of money.

I could scrape up an employment letter, but I don't think we have an official letterhead (family run bakery) but I could partner my boss's signature on that to the one on my pay cheques I suppose. Besides that, and showing that I have paid my tuition for school partnered with my schedule, I need to think up some stuff. I made another thread awhile ago, I thought about being able to use "Appointment cards for upcoming dentist/doctors/optometrists appointments? Exam schedules?" - does anyone think this is viable? :\

Edited by Gervl, 15 January 2011 - 10:15 PM.

GervlFemaleCanada2011-01-15 22:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOfficial document stating I can travel to the U.S.
Just wondering if anyone has come across a web page or document provided by the U.S. government/CBP/USCIS that explains that it is possible to travel to the U.S. while going through a petition? I know I need to show proof of ties, etc, but I remember reading a thread where someone was told they weren't allowed to travel (needed advance parole I think they were told), and they had to go up the chain of command and haul out the rule book to prove the BP Officer wrong. That story has haunted me since.

Anyway, just wondering if there's a doc I could pull out and say "I was informed by your government that as long as I provide proof of my return, I am eligible to enter the U.S. without any other formal paperwork" - something along those lines. Just trying to think ahead. I know it's not common, but I like to hope for the best and prepare for the worst :blush:
GervlFemaleCanada2011-01-15 21:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEntering USA on a tourist visa while the CR1 visa application is pending

I think the biggest issue here is that B2 (i think thats right?) tourist visa applications are more often than not denied.

However, if you enter on the Visa Waiver Program, according to VJ its about a 50/50 chance youll be allowed in. As long as you can show ties to your home country, you would usually be allowed to enter! Can you use VWP?

From Toronto, Canada, I've been able to get into the U.S. on a B2 twice out of two times I needed one (for 2 month summer visits). Here's the basic run down of what happened (my case is a little different, but hopefully it provides some hope :blush: )

BP: What is your purpose for the visit?
Me: Visiting my boyfriend for the summer
BP: How did you meet?
Me: On the internet
BP: What does he do?
Me: He's in the US Navy
BP: Is he active duty?
Me: Yes, active shore duty (meaning he's not on a boat)
BP: Do you go to school?
Me: Yes, U of T St. George full time

And that's pretty much all it would take for the B2. I guess it depends on the officer as well. I even had one crack a few Navy jokes with me which actually made things more awkward, but I laughed when he laughed and was fine. I was never asked to prove I go to school either time as well, only to show my travel itinerary (BP: Who booked your flight? Me: My mother - we use her Aeroplan miles to fly me, so her name is on the transaction while mine is on the tickets) They just stamped my passport with the B2 and that was that.

I'll be in the same boat as you once my CR-1 gets started, so I'm thinking of everything possible that will tie me back to home. Good luck to anyone in the spot :star:
GervlFemaleCanada2011-01-16 13:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi-130 put together...
Thread status: Bookmarked.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-02-10 01:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMontreal Interview Time
My interview was last Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. but I got to the doors around 7:35. We were the third ones in the door, and out of the embassy by 9:30. Most of the time spent there was waiting for my name to be called to various windows.
Tim and ErinFemaleCanada2010-11-29 09:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAm I in the right forum?
QUOTE (Wis-Can @ Feb 5 2009, 09:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (nopeeking @ Feb 5 2009, 10:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am a Canadian, engaged to an American. This is my first visit to this website. There seems to be lots of helpful info here. As a Canadian, I'm just wondering if this is the place to find the information I need, or is there a Canadian based forum that might be of more help to me?

Thanks in advance.



I'm from Nova Scotia, Canada and my honey is from Wisconsin. I found this to be the best place for the information we needed to complete our K-1 package. There is a Canadian portals page that will get your questions answered by people from Canada. Good luck!


I'm still a bit lost when it comes to navigating this website. Where would I find the Canadian portals page?
Tim and ErinFemaleCanada2009-02-05 21:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAm I in the right forum?
I am a Canadian, engaged to an American. This is my first visit to this website. There seems to be lots of helpful info here. As a Canadian, I'm just wondering if this is the place to find the information I need, or is there a Canadian based forum that might be of more help to me?

Thanks in advance.
Tim and ErinFemaleCanada2009-02-05 21:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAt what point can I not enter the U.S.?
Fiance lives in U.S. and I live in Canada. I think I read somewhere that at some point during the K-1 process, I will not be able to enter the U.S. but my fiance can still visit me in Canada. Can anyone give me some info about this please? At this point in time we are just starting to talk about putting the first package together.


Tim and ErinFemaleCanada2009-06-03 20:25:00