ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A - Petitioner's Last 5 Years Residence/Employment
Yeah I think approximate dates is the best we'll be able to come up with as well.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-06-24 22:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A - Petitioner's Last 5 Years Residence/Employment
My husband (petitioner) was moving around quite a bit over the last few years.

Since 2008, he's been shuffled between Chicago, Virginia, 2 cities in FL and now finally Hawaii. He doesn't have any exact dates for anything except his last long stay in Florida, and of course where he is now. Almost all of those residences were barracks. He keeps getting stuck on the idea that "No matter where I was, I'm still a resident of CT, so it doesn't matter" (because he still pays state taxes to them).

Before 2008, he has pretty much no detailed information at all besides his very last address before boot camp.

As well as with that is his employment. He doesn't remember dates from 5 years back. He was also unemployed for 1 year, and has been with the Navy for 3 years now - leaving one year in the dark. He also seems to think that just disclosing his last 3 Navy years are all that should/need to be included.

Suggestions on how to fill out those 2 questions on G-325A? I've had it about up to here dealing with his; it's like pulling teeth.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-06-24 22:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresarmy wife need help expedite visa.
I'm the wife of someone in the Navy, and I'm pretty sure you can only expedite during NVC process. You can do it if he is currently deployed, or will soon be deployed (with his orders to back it up). I forget which form/s its on, but you do get asked if the petitioner is in the Armed forces, plus biographical info forms (i.e. G-325A) will ask for employment history.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-07-02 05:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSending I-130 package this week :D

make that a COPY of the marriage certificate, you'll need the original for the DS-230 at NVC, later.

Yeah, I'm using a scan of it.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-07-07 00:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSending I-130 package this week :D
DUURRR I forgot our marriage certificate :bonk: :rofl:
GervlFemaleCanada2011-07-06 20:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSending I-130 package this week :D
Here's what I've got:

- G-1145 (with petitioner's info) on the very front
- Filled out I-130 (waiting till filing day to get the cheque done)
- Petitioner's G-325A
- Petitioner's passport photo with labeled sandwich baggy + "photo of ..." lightly penciled on the back
- My G-325A
- My passport photo with labeled sandwich baggy + "photo of ..." lightly penciled on the back
- Scanned copy of Petitioner's passport bio page
- Scanned Petitioner's passport pages showing border stamps
- Scanned my passport pages with border/B2 stamps from my passport in maiden name AND married name (identified as such)
- Scanned copy of Petitioner's military life insurance showing me as primary beneficiary
- Scanned copy of Petitioner's military housing lease showing me as "other occupant"
- Scanned copy of my Income Tax return showing married status, Petitioner's name and income
- Scanned copies of assorted boarding passes from both Petitioner and I
- Scanned copies of Congratulatory cards from family, including my mother
- Scanned copy of a Valentine's card from a staff member at a Park Hyatt hotel (who my mother knows, who arranged a special stay for my husband and I in Toronto - backed up with MSN conversations between husband and I)
- Scanned copy of "Hero Salute Complimentary Admission" tickets to Busch Gardens for both husband and I with our names on them, and underneath a scan of the front and back of my military I.D.
- Few pages of MSN conversation excerpts (some of the topics which back up some evidence provided in package)
- Copy of receipt from a hotel in Tampa
- Copy of my wedding ring receipt
- A screenshot from Petitioner's inbox (inside special folder titled with my name) showing our earliest recorded messages with each other - 2007)
- Photos of us in chronological order, a couple from each visit and ~5 from our wedding

Package is about half an inch thick. Question though, I have page dividers in there:

Posted Image
These ones but without the table of contents (have to do cover letter which will cover all that) - I assume staff are just going to toss them all out, so will it hurt to leave them in? And it will all be fastened with a big ACCO clip.

Preferred courier to send it with?

Anything else I've missed or need to fix?

Thanks for reading my novel :lol:

Edited by Gervl, 06 July 2011 - 07:55 PM.

GervlFemaleCanada2011-07-06 19:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDouble checking USCIS mailing address
:thumbs: :thumbs:
GervlFemaleCanada2011-07-08 21:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDouble checking USCIS mailing address
Keep finding a million different addresses online.

Sending I-130 from Hawaii.

It all goes to Chicago, correct?

"USCIS
Attn: I-130
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517"

Is that where I'm addressing my I-130 package to? (Using UPS as our courier)

All the final touches going on. Makes me more anxious than I thought :blush:
GervlFemaleCanada2011-07-08 21:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures??? Electronic optin???
This should help you.

http://travel.state..../info_5164.html
GervlFemaleCanada2011-07-26 19:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot NOA1 hard copy, case not showing online?
Once school starts again I'm sure I'll forget about it a little lol. I'll have a whole lot to do before POE too :wacko:
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-01 18:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot NOA1 hard copy, case not showing online?
Yeah, looks like I just have to sit tight haha
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-01 18:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot NOA1 hard copy, case not showing online?
Got my hard copy on July 29th. Shouldn't I have been able to see my case status online or added it to my portfolio by now?? :blink:
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-01 18:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresG325a
Beneficiary: Status as permanent resident
Petitioner: Other - Form I-130
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-04 04:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 petition for a Tourist VISA holder fiancee
In my opinion, CR-1 is the best way to go. It's very simple and straightforward.

She can still come visit you (during visa processing) but just make sure she has enough evidence to show the American customs officers that she has attachments to home, ie lease agreement, letter from work, car payments, etc. They need to know she isn't trying to come to the US on a tourist visa to stay permanently.

Once she goes to her interview and hopefully gets approved (typically around 9 months) she will be able to come to the USA and work almost immediately. Her social security number should get mailed to her within a month. This is a huge bonus to CR-1.

Good luck, I know it's confusing at first. Do lots of reading and ask questions. It's the best way to learn.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-05 07:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJust received my VISA, what now ?
Pearson in Ontario is the same way. Check in > straight to Customs & Border Patrol > Drop off bags > Security.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-09 20:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJust received my VISA, what now ?
You can check reviews of POEs for your airport. There's a link near the top of the page.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-09 07:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi-130 payment
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

This information should also be in the I-130 Instructions if you want to double check.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-10 02:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEVIDENCE??????
Cards from family from your wedding is a good one.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-12 07:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresaffadavit of support question
Gotcha. We were planning on using the EZ, good to know I'm on track.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-15 03:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresaffadavit of support question
That might be it. I recall someone talking about their income being divided into seven. Maybe it had to do with household size? Really not sure. I just want to be sure that the figure I saw on the poverty line table is all I need to go by. I'd link it but I'm posting from a phone.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-14 08:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresaffadavit of support question
I've always been kind of confused over this, so here it goes.
My petitioner/husband is in the military, so his income needs to only hit 100%. He is well over it (plus income increase each year, free military housing, money for groceries, etc) at our 2 person household. But what is all this fraction business that gets brought up sometimes? Having to divide the income up?

I was under the impression that the table which shows household size/state (HI)/military/income was all I needed to make sure we were good to go?
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-14 05:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview tips and information
All advice I see is to be clear, confident and concise. Only answer what is asked, no more no less. No unnecessary information. Have your husband go over the information he used on forms and in evidence such as birth places, work history, education, number/nature of visits with each other etc. And of course, be polite and pleasant. Good luck :)

Edited by Gervl, 16 August 2011 - 04:05 AM.

GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-16 04:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisiting the US during the CR-1 Process
CanuckGirl, what airport did you go through? Pearson gave me trouble for the first time in June and I hadn't even started the process yet. I was still allowed through at primary because of documents I had with me but I still got lectured.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-16 03:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864EZ: W-2 and transcripts?
haha, thanks saylin. I figured transcripts would have been fine but then W-2 kept popping up and my head wanted to explode.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-20 21:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864EZ: W-2 and transcripts?
The instructions are confusing me with what they want. My petitioner will be using information from the last 3 years, but do we need ONLY the W-2s or do they need transcripts to support them?
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-20 21:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 - Section F; blank or N/A; type and hand written
Logically it seems ridiculous to give us problems for trying to give them complete, accurate information. Maybe they should fix their form :devil:
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-20 22:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 - Section F; blank or N/A; type and hand written
Yeah, I had filled in everything on the computer except a birth place (city/country). No issues yet and USCIS got my case a month ago.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-20 21:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 - Section F; blank or N/A; type and hand written
I just wrote them in neatly by hand in capital letters.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-20 21:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhy r some people approved so fast and others r not?
Don't get so obsessed over the waiting. Only negativity will come from it. Find something to keep your mind busy, stay occupied, and get on with your life.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-18 17:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhy r some people approved so fast and others r not?
It's like asking "how long is a piece of string?".

There's no real answer.

Be patient. Every case is different.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-16 23:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAFTER INTERVIEW IN CD JUAREZ
You would be told at your interview.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-11 17:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAFTER INTERVIEW IN CD JUAREZ

wait, so lets say ur approved by the consulate, you cant pass immediately? u have to wait? for?

You have to wait to get your passport back which will have the Visa inside of it. Like everyone else has said. They take your passport at the interview, and with DHL courier services set up they get it back to you. Then, you can cross.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-11 01:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresneed helpp plzzz
:thumbs: Good luck
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-31 09:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresneed helpp plzzz
Once you get a USCIS Acceptance Confirmation (after sending entire I-130 package), it will have your receipt number. If you filled out a G-1145 and submitted it with your I-130 package, they will notify the Petitioner via e-mail and text message to their phone. She would also get a paper copy in the mail a few days later. With that number you can go to the USCIS website and look up your case. Sometimes they are very slow at putting cases online, so it can take time. Some people do not see theirs at all. You can set up a "My Case Status" account and once you log in you can add your case number and it will also show you the status. It also gives you the option to be notified by e-mail and text message of any further developments of your case.

Edited by Gervl, 31 August 2011 - 09:40 AM.

GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-31 09:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresneed helpp plzzz
Either one can fill the I-130 out as long as it has an original signature from the Petitioner/U.S. Citizen.

For example, I am the beneficiary, and I filled out the form and just had my husband/petitioner/U.S. citizen look it over so he knew what I wrote about him, made sure everything was correct and then had him sign it. There is also a section for the Beneficiary's information, so make sure you double check that all information is correct, not just your own.

Make sure the Petitioner/U.S. Citizen signs their name with a BLUE ink pen. USCIS seems to be getting very picky.

Edited by Gervl, 31 August 2011 - 09:34 AM.

GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-31 09:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresneed helpp plzzz
You can fill out your own timeline. Click "Immigration Timelines" at the top of the page, then on the top left it says "Edit/Add my Entry".

For the CR-1 Process you can start studying it from here: http://www.visajourn...tent/i130guide1

Edited by Gervl, 31 August 2011 - 09:02 AM.

GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-31 09:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 sent, now what?

hi, i've been trying to include the timeline but don't know how? also, we've been sent to california visa center, i'm seeing that the process times are usually shorter in california, so fingers crossed. Is there a list of the paperwork that we should start preparing??? I know the Affidavit of Support for me and my mom (co-sponsor). Also, she is going to be my co-signer but my dad and she file taxes together, but her salary is enough to be the co-sponsor. does my dad need to fill out the 864-A???

thanks so much, i really want to get a head start, kind of frazzled, two jobs and just went back to school to do my masters, craziness at its purest. thanks again and happy labor day weekend!!! :thumbs:

I can't tell you much about the co-sponsor business because I haven't had to deal with it, but there are many others who can help you out. As for the timeline on the top of the page (the bar right under the VisaJourney.com logo) it says "Immigration Timelines", click that then go to the top left and click "Edit/Add my Entry". From there you can set up and fill in everything. Process times are pretty varied, but the average wait at CSC is 5 months for the I-130, but I've seen some people getting in 3 months or less :blink: Good luck :)
GervlFemaleCanada2011-09-04 03:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 sent, now what?
I would suggest doing rough versions of all the required paper work first. Figure out what you know and what you don't know. Read over the instructions plenty, and make note of anything pertinent to your case. Get any other required documents ordered/ready. Then wait out that NOA2. Once you get it, do your final versions of your paperwork with any revisions made and send it all out once its time.
GervlFemaleCanada2011-08-31 05:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2! 79 days at CSC!!!

I'm sooo excited to report that we got our NOA2! Apparently we were approved on 6/17 (I never received an email/text alert). I called in today to check the status and asked for a Tier 2 Rep at USCIS...and boy am I glad that I did. YAYYYY!!!!!

PS- The website still says 'Initial Review' so don't be afraid to follow up!


Congratulations!!! :thumbs:
Shirley AnnFemaleCanada2011-06-23 12:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAPPROVED ,CO didnt bother to look at our photos,evidences of ongoing relationship etc

Ok So our K1 and K2 visas were approved last 6/22 and were just asked the usual questions:

How did we meet?
how many times he visited,
if we had previous marriages,his job,duarations of his stays,.. mostly dates that im pretty sure were answered accurately.. he was just browsing through our docs most of the time during the interview that only lasted for like 6 minutes and said " ok i will approve your visa now and expect it in few days.. goodluck Lance!.." (my 3 year old son)

However i cant help but wonder why he didnt even bother to look at the photo album i really put so much effort in making LOL with all my creativity and even the folder which contains other relationship proof such as emails, plane tickets,hotel reciepts,skype screenshots,engagement ring reciept,money transfer reciepts etc..

Is this usual? if so how many days were you able to have the visa on hand after the interview

TIA <3


Congratulations!! :thumbs:
Shirley AnnFemaleCanada2011-06-24 19:27:00