ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of Bonafide Marriage
We went a bit crazy and submitted a few months of phone logs, a couple of pages of chat histories, 4 affidavits, photocopies of our passport entry stamps from flying to see each other, and a couple of pictures of us together or with family. :hehe:

As cathy2904 said, not all of it is needed for an approval on the petition. In fact, most of this is optional. All you really need to submit as evidence of bonafide marriage is your marriage cert and one or more of the items listed from items E to J on the " What Documents Do You Need to Prove Family Relationship?" part of the I-130 instructions.

Just throwing it out there to give you an idea of what can be considered evidence.

Good luck!
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-14 03:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase Complete at NVC

Hi Guys,

Just to share some good news,I Just spoke to operator that my case has completed today..

Thank you all.....


congrats!
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-13 10:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase Complete at NVC

Ask them if they're still scheduling interviews for your country, i think it takes a couple days for them to schedule the interview but you can start calling already :) Make sure you speak to an operator and not the AVR, sometimes the AVR is not updated. If your embassy isn't that busy then you will probably make the October interview.


Super. Thanks for the info! :) We will give them a couple of days before we start bugging them. :lol:
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-13 08:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase Complete at NVC

congrats guys! hope you get your interviews scheduled this week :D


Thanks! How do you know if they have scheduled the interview? Will the AVR update when they have done so? Also, I keep reading posts where people are calling the operator to ask about interview dates. How long should I wait before calling?
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-13 06:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase Complete at NVC
We got the message too.
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-13 06:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresnvc wrong send of email
NavyK, you have been very helpful on the forums and I (and I'm sure everyone else here) appreciate your insights and quick replies to issues and problems that others face. But I must say I disagree completely that the OP should not report the mistake to NVC. Unlike your case, OP's case has barely begun at NVC so there is no issue about reopening or delaying the case.

Someone in Turkey in the IR5 preference category has been waiting years for their priority date to become current and you really want the OP to just pretend they didn't see the email? Seriously? :ranting:

Anyone with a conscience would report it.
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-15 07:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIssued CR1 instead of IR1

Hey guys,

When people talk about POE or Point of Entry, For US, do they refer to when they land in Chicago or where ever they land in the Country first? and at the immigration check?

thanks ! :blush:


First US airport you land in. Well actually... Certain airports outside the US are POEs too, like Dublin in Ireland! So, first airport where you encounter US Customs and Immigration people will be your POE. :hehe:
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-15 23:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresafter NOA2? IR-1/CR-1
Next, your file will be sent to the National Visa Center for further processing. This guide will give you a good picture of what will happen after the NOA2. Start preparing the necessary documents so you will be ready when the time comes!

Do take note that it seems to be taking about a month to get the NVC case number these days.
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-16 06:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnyone in KL go through CR-1? My situation is different - can't find answers
Hummmm.... I wonder if an apostille or translation (if the document is not in English)is all you need. You mentioned researching the website. Have you tried calling the US embassy in KL to ask them exactly what you would need to get your marriage certificate recognized there? :unsure:

So if my embassy doesn't recognize it because it's not authenticated, that means my husband cannot be on my work visa.


I don't really understand what you mean by this. If you are applying for a Malaysian work visa, you should be checking with Malaysian Immigration, not the US embassy in Malaysia

Overall, I'm still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that if USCIS and NVC has no problems accepting a Thai marriage certificate as a civil document for beneficiaries in Thailand... Just because your spouse will be interviewing in KL should not change that fact that the US government recognizes the marriage.

Perhaps you should try asking on the Thailand forums if anything was needed to ascertain the validity of the document in the eyes of the US government.

Just throwing stuff out there. I might be completely off the mark. :blush:

I hope you get this sorted out soon.
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-16 08:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnyone in KL go through CR-1? My situation is different - can't find answers
As long as your marriage is legal in Thailand, it will be recognized by the US. You shouldn't have trouble filing for the CR-1.

Are you planning to file via DCF? Take note: DCF filing is no longer an option in KL. As of August 15 2011, you must mail your I-130 petition to the Chicago Lockbox as the KL consulate does not have a USCIS counter.

http://photos.state....seas-081011.pdf
http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

Also, is your husband currently with you in KL? Or is he back in Iran?
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-16 05:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresName on NOA different from the one written on petition
Try to ask to speak with a Supervisor at NVC to see if they can help you regarding your problem, or at least help to point you in the right direction.

I hope you get this sorted out soon!
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-14 03:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresquestion
I'm a bit confused. Are you the petitioner or the beneficiary? You said that the I-130 will be signed by you, but you said that you are also compiling a I-130 for yourself. The petitioner signs the I-130, not the overseas beneficiary.

Child's photo is not needed for the I-130.

A copy of the petitioner's birth certificate if born in the US or a copy of the US passport or a copy of the naturalization certificate is needed for both petitions.

Also, a copy of any divorce decrees from petitioner and/or beneficiary will be needed for the child's I-130 as well.

List of documents required for minor children are listed here: http://www.visajourn...ontent/childpet

List of documents required for the spouse are listed here: http://www.visajourn...tent/i130guide1
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-18 06:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVermont Service Center Progress

There are also many people who submitted before me and got their approval already


There are also those who filed in Feb/March but are still waiting for their approvals. The average wait for an approval is 5 months.. but it could be longer or shorter. Some people get lucky; others, not so much. We waited 140 days for our approval from VSC.

Always better to expect it to take longer than drive yourself crazy when it ends up taking longer than you expected. It will come when you least expect it.

Good luck to you and everyone else still waiting. Hope it comes sooner rather than later for all. :thumbs:
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-19 02:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 part D question 2

say "yes" and give the detail of the I-129F petition


:thumbs:
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-19 20:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS230 Package
Sorry to hear that. You can send the DS-230 directly to NVC. That's what I did and had no problems. Hope it doesn't take too long to replace all your documents.
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-20 03:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi130?

so she will enter on a tourist visa with intention to leave obviously with a pending cr-1
does border patrol approve this? simply to visit me and go to a few planned weddings.


She may have problems with CBP, she may not. Even if she has a tourist visa, there are no guarantees that CBP will allow her to enter the country. Best to bring some proof of ties to her country if she has some.
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-21 20:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi130?

Really? You think people can just come and go as they please and there is no record of them entering and leaving the US, or no record of what visa status they originally entered with and how long they were authorized to stay?


:thumbs: What she said.
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-21 11:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi130?

her tourist visa expires oct 30, 2011, does it make sense to apply for another tourist visa for the time being.. the thing is shes pretty much finishing up her life in china to move her, so going back for a long period of time (to china) is out of the question.


She can try applying for one, but it is unlikely it will be approved with the I-130 pending as she has shown an intent to immigrate to the US. A number of people have been successful though. Won't know till you try.
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-21 10:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi130?
There is a question on the DS-230 form that requires the beneficiary to list all previous visits or residences in the US complete with columns for "from" and "to" dates, under which visa type and place visited/resided. So if it is a blatant overstay of many months past the validity of the visa, it would be quite obvious.

Other than that, if they really felt the need, they can probably look up CBP records or something.

Edited to add: As Little_My pointed out, all American embassies abroad are considered US soil and would have access to information from other US governmental agencies.

Edited by caly, 21 September 2011 - 10:42 AM.

calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-21 10:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi130?
Why would you want to even mess with an already difficult consulate? :blink: Is it really worth jeopardizing her chances of an approval for that few extra months of being with each other?

If she overstays her visa by less than 180 days, she won't trigger a ban or need a waiver later on. It will likely come up at the interview though. Do not lie. BUT that being said, no one can guarantee that this won't come back to haunt both of you later on.

As everyone has said, do everything the right way. She can certainly fly to see you during the process and stay for up to the time her visa is valid for, you will have no problems with that. Do not try to play the system. It can be very unforgiving.
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-21 09:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeed help
Some step by step guides that should help get you started. :)

http://www.visajourn...p/EZGuideSpouse

http://www.visajourn...tent/i130guide1
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-22 05:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A Issues
I've read on VJ that some people have had no problems with not signing the continuation sheet. But you might have trouble with the 0000 on the dates.

I'd re-do it if I were you. You can fill in the form, save to PDF, email the PDF of the filled out form and the continuation page to your wife and have her print, sign and mail both documents back to you.
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-22 00:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApproved now what do I do

Wait for the National Visa Center (NVC) to contact you about paying the fees for the DS-230 and I-864. That letter will also inform you what you need to do after paying the fees.


Don't wait for them to contact you. That will take forever! As Louise&Venice said, the next step is to get your case number from NVC. The trend now is that they are taking about 30 days to assign a case number. Give it 1 or 2 weeks before you start calling the NVC hotline.

While you wait, here are some guides to help get you started on the next step. It's helpful to get all the documents ready as things do start moving fairly quickly once you get your NVC case number.

http://www.visajourn...he_NVC_ShortCut
http://www.visajourn...p/EZGuideSpouse
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-22 01:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase Complete

Hello,
How would i know when our case is "case complete" at the NVC? or where could i go to find that out?

Thanks


A case is complete when NVC forwards the case to the consulate. You can find out from the AVR or from an NVC operator.
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-22 04:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresustraveldocs
I was on the US embassy in Singapore website and saw a link to ustraveldocs listed on the immigrant visa page. I followed the link, read all the information regarding immigrant visas on the page it brought me to including the Visa delivery service and tips and things. So I thought I'd give them a call to check if there's anything else that's country-specific that I would need to prepare for the interview.

So I call them up only to find that these people seem to have absolutely NO CLUE about the USCIS-NVC-Consulate process. The tele-operator kept questioning how I was able to get my interview appointment scheduled since I didn't have a particular UIV/UVI (something like that...) receipt number from standard chartered bank. :huh: Granted, he did try to help me because I had called to make a general inquiry about pre-interview preparation in Singapore. But he basically told me prepare bring all the "mandatory documents like appointment letter.... passport.... er yeah.. things like that". :bonk:

So anyway, is ustraveldocs not applicable at all for non-DCF CR-1/IR-1 filing? And should I simply ignore the thing about registering for the ARAMEX visa delivery on that website? Is this something I can/will have to do at the embassy on interview day itself?

I'm about to email the embassy to ask, but maybe someone here knows something about this. Thanks!
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-27 22:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhich is better k-3 or CRN-1 spousal?
Hi Courtney,

Welcome to VJ! :)

As others have said, CR-1 is the way to go.

Magical is not exaggerating. Morocco is one of the toughest consulates out there. Gather tons of evidence while you can and study hard about issues relating to the consulate in Morocco. Most importantly, stay strong.

Best of luck to you and congrats on your upcoming wedding! :thumbs:
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-15 08:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI 864 help!!
As Wishfull said, the I-864EZ is a shorter, easier to fill in version of the I-864.

If your answer to all three questions on part 1 of the I-864EZ is "yes", you can use it. However, not everyone qualifies to use the EZ-version. We used it and had no problems whatsoever.
calyFemaleSingapore2011-10-04 06:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Question #22. Please help
The question says to complete the information if the beneficiary is already in the US which was not the case for us, so we put "N/A" for all 4 blanks on question 22 and had no problems.
calyFemaleSingapore2011-10-06 04:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview
Thanks for clarifying. :)
calyFemaleSingapore2011-10-05 10:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview
On a related note, is there any reason to bring all new signed originals of the I-864 and tax transcripts to the interview (on top of the photocopy of what was sent to NVC), especially when nothing has changed between filing with NVC and the interview?
calyFemaleSingapore2011-10-03 22:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFilling I-130 having problem answerings some questions
Like Ryan H, we answered "just married, never lived together, visits only". We had no problems with that.
calyFemaleSingapore2011-10-08 06:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresquestions about filing a CR1 petition for wife in India

This is big help! Thanks for replying. We have decided to go at this ourselves and not hire an attorney. Two quick questions:

1) My wife and I have to fill out the G325A forms. Her part is fairly straightforward. She just puts in all her information. When I fill out the G325A form, the first part is my name, address etc. The other part refers to applicant information. Should I put in my wife's information in the 'Applicants residence,' 'Applicants employer' parts or should it be my information in that part? Sorry if this is a dumb question.

2) Can the affidavit letters be from our parents or do they have to be from others as well, as in brother, sister, uncle etc?


1) Your own G325A will be filled in with your information.

2) Yes, that's fine. Affidavit of support letters can be from anyone you choose... friends or family are fine.
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-28 07:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbout NVC
Send them whatever they ask for on the email they send you. But if the operator told you that they are only looking for your bank statements, that is likely all you need.

Hope you hear something on Monday.
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-17 20:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbout NVC

i send both package on Sep 1st but NVC received my package today on 6th.


Our AOS and IV packages were delivered on the 6th and 7th respectively. Hope we both hear some good news next week! :)
calyFemaleSingapore2011-09-08 23:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures13 working days, NVC have STILL not banked the cashier's check
MrsP, I'm sure it will be fine. It just slows down the process a lot, that's all. As you said, what's done is done. Best thing you can probably do now is to try to stay busy and wait to hear something from NVC.

Wasn't so long ago that we were waiting impatiently for our NOA2s, eh? Stay strong and hang in there. This too shall pass! :thumbs:
calyFemaleSingapore2011-10-03 22:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs there ANY way this is correct?
This could, and does, sometimes happen. Congrats on the approval of your petition!
calyFemaleSingapore2011-10-08 06:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCover letter for I-130 ( feed backs )

You do not need to include a copy of your spouse's passport. Also you only need one document to prove citizenship for yourself (BC or passport, but not a big deal) Other than that it looks good. Good luck!


:thumbs:

Also, you should shift the G-1145 to the top of the stack.
calyFemaleSingapore2011-10-10 21:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLet's celebrate our marriage anniversary
Our 9 month anniversary is in 3 days.... And my interview is 5 days after that!! If all goes well (which it will!), hubby will be coming early-to-mid November for a bit before we fly back together. :dance:
calyFemaleSingapore2011-10-10 21:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview tomorrow, final thoughts and prayers
Best of luck at the interview!
calyFemaleSingapore2011-10-12 01:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-3032
You can actually email your DS-3032. It's faster than mailing the form to NVC.

Follow these steps, and remember the email has to be sent from the beneficiary's email address... which you would have given the operator when you learn your NVC case number.

Good luck!
calyFemaleSingapore2011-10-12 07:57:00