ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSSN & CR1 experience
Yes, good idea smile.gif

All the best with your journey too!
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-20 23:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSSN & CR1 experience
No, not yet. Received my 3 welcome notices on 9/15 which said my green card should be coming within the next 30 days
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-20 20:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSSN & CR1 experience
LOL @ 3 welcome letters - guess they really want to welcome you into the country! Glad your green card finally came though.

I'm kind of hoping my Green card doesnt show up for another week or two since I have an Infopass appointment at the end of the month to confirm that they issue it in my correct name (they've been putting my name in incorrect order on everything and I'm worried it's going to be wrong on my green card too)
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-20 11:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSSN & CR1 experience
Hi again, just dropping in to say I received my welcome letters (all 3 of them) today.
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-15 17:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSSN & CR1 experience
Have you received your card yet? I got mine today
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-08 15:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSSN & CR1 experience
My POE was 24 August 2008 (Sunday) and as the immigration officer was reviewing my documents he noticed that I had ticked the box to have a SSN automatically assigned to me. He explained that it could take up to 4-6 weeks and if I wanted one sooner I could just go down to the social security office and apply for one there.

On my third day in the country (Tuesday) I went down to the local social security office and explained my situation to the lady there. She said that I had to be in the country for at least 10 days before I submitted an application just so that my information could make it into the system.

I waited a week then went back to the office yesterday (Tuesday). I passed my application and passport through to a different lady to one I spoke to the first time. She looked at the stamp on my passport and said they usually have to wait 2 weeks before they can process a new application in order to avoid assigning multiple numbers. But she looked up my name on the system anyway and said good news, my information has already made it into the system and I was assigned a number the previous Friday (29 August 2008). She gave me a print out of my number and explained that I should give it another week for my card to arrive.

So all in all it took them 5 days to assign my number which is pretty quick I think. No sign yet of my Welcome letter but I'm sure that's on it's way too
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-03 12:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHPV virus vaccine????
I had my 3 doses last year. I believe the benefits far outweigh any of the associated risks.

Yep, if she has it done with her own doctor just bring in a copy of the immunization record.
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-07 21:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHPV virus vaccine????
The link I posted is not from a blog, it's from the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/n...pdf/ti_vacc.pdf

Refer to page 11

You don't have to apply for any waiver, it's simply a box that the panel doctor will tick on the form. In other words, you have your first dose there, the doctor will write the date in the "Vaccine Given by Panel Physician" box. Then, instead of ticking the "Completed Series" box, he/she will tick the "Blanket Waiver - Insufficient Time Interval" box.

But if you are against having this vaccine all together, I believe you can apply for an individual waiver with the USCIS. The information is in the pdf.

Edited by kaffy, 07 September 2008 - 08:24 PM.

kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-07 20:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHPV virus vaccine????
QUOTE
i know this is a stupid question cuz we are dealing with the government but how can the demand an immigrant take a vaccine that is not even required for school age girls???????????


In Australia where we have a public health system, the government funds the HPV vaccination program and provides all 3 doses of the vaccine free of charge to women aged between 12-26. This includes a school based program for 12-13 yr old girls, a catch-up program for 13-18 yr old girls also administered through schools, and a final catch up group for women up to and including 26 yrs of age delivered through general practice.

this has nothing to do with testing on immigrants

Edited by kaffy, 07 September 2008 - 08:14 PM.

kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-07 20:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHPV virus vaccine????
I believe so.

Completing the Immunization record (part 1)
QUOTE
Reviewing any incomplete vaccination series to determine if eligible for a blanket waiver.

A blanket waiver is a waiver that is applied uniformly to a group of conditions and does not require a separate waiver application or fee to be filed with USCIS. In many cases, it might not be medically appropriate to administer a dose of a particular vaccine. Five “Not Medically Appropriate” categories are acceptable when determining an applicant’s eligibility for a blanket waiver.

The five “Not Medically Appropriate” categories are―

......

Insufficient time interval between doses

If the minimum time interval between the last documented dose and the next required dose has not passed, the “Insufficient time interval” waiver box for that vaccine must be checked.

If administration of the single dose of a vaccine at the time of the medical examination does not complete the series for that vaccine, the “Insufficient timeinterval” waiver box must be checked to indicate that additional doses will be needed
to complete the series for that vaccine.


Completing the Results (part 2)

QUOTE
Vaccination history incomplete: Applicant may be eligible for blanket waiver(s).

Completion of a vaccine series is not required to conclude the medical examination because such a requirement would require multiple visits to a panel physician and could lead to unnecessary delay in the immigration process.


this information is from the link I posted above

Edited by kaffy, 07 September 2008 - 08:00 PM.

kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-07 20:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHPV virus vaccine????
What is it that you want to know exactly?
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-07 19:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHPV virus vaccine????
Here's the chart which the panel doctors use to determine which vaccines are required for which age group:
http://www.cdc.gov/n...pdf/ti_vacc.pdf

Refer to page 15.

Since your wife is applying for a CR1 I am pretty sure she will have to begin her course of the vaccination (it's 3 doses in total) while in her home country.
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-07 19:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864, I-864A..few questions.
Nah, the forms don't conflict each other. I do agree the policies are confusing.. I followed advice I found on here and luckily I didn't run into any problems when I submitted them

Who knows what's right or wrong though
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-24 09:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864, I-864A..few questions.
Instructions onn page 2 of the I-864 says:

QUOTE
Who Completes and Signs Form I-864
A sponsor completes and signs Form I-864. A sponsor is required to be at least 18 years old and domiciled in the United States, or its territories or possessions. The petitioning sponsor must sign and complete Form I-864, even if a joint sponsor also submits an I-864 to meet the income requirement


In other words both the petitioning sponsor and joint sponsor have to submit an I-864.. that's what I understood it as anyway

Edited by kaffy, 24 September 2008 - 09:40 AM.

kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-24 09:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864, I-864A..few questions.
If you live in the same household as your parents:
you= I-864
mom= I-864A
dad= I-864

If you live apart from your parents
you= I-864
Mom= I-864
Dad= I-864A (or vice versa)
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-24 09:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGreen Crad Received 9/27
wow, that's really quick! I arrived on 8/24 and my green card is still on its way (issued & sent today)
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-27 20:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDoes Petitioner have to be in the US when he files for I-130?
How can the USCIS tell if the petitioner is physically present in the country at the time of filing? I don't think they can...
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-28 19:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhat visa categories for filing a petition for half brother
According to the link YuAndDan posted they are currently processing applications from 1986.. so that's a wait of over 20 yrs
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-10-02 11:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat's the record for the most no. of Welcome Notices received?
I received 4 but I'm sure someone here has received more than that...

Edited by kaffy, 02 October 2008 - 06:56 PM.

kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-10-02 18:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresshipment of visa released by embassy today!!!
Depends on the POE - I went through the visitor line at Seattle-Tacoma airport. The officer took my passport and brown envelope and passed them through to the guys at immigrant processing area which was to the left and had a small seated waiting area.
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-10-02 15:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresName issues
Hi Leah,

I made an InfoPass appointment but my card arrived before the appt so there was no point in me going as I'm sure they'd just tell me to file the form to have USCIS change it.

When I had issues with my name on my SSC, I went to the SSA and by luck spoke to an Asian lady and she understood completely and changed it for me there. Is there an Asian person at your SSA who you could speak to?
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-10-08 20:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresName issues
I think I'll have to make an Infopass appointment... I read some other VJers experiences with getting their Green card corrected due to USCIS error and it's pretty slow/annoying so I want to try and avoid that
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-15 17:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresName issues
my passport name is: chinese name (with hyphen), maiden surname
so the visa was close enough (and I didnt have time to get it corrected since I was leaving the next day)

I just dont know why they are messing around with my name here >< it makes it very annoying and confusing
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-15 17:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresName issues
I had my name as: English name, Chinese name (with hyphen), Married surname

They issued my visa as: chinese name (without hyphen), married surname
Then when my SSC came it turned into: first part of chinese name, married surname (I have since had this corrected)
And finally today I received my welcome letter and my name becomes: english name, first initial of chinese name, married surname

They are messing with my head! laughing.gif
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-15 16:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresName issues
what is form I-485?

edit: nm I googled it and I never filled that form out

Edited by kaffy, 15 September 2008 - 04:43 PM.

kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-15 16:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresName issues
How can I confirm with the USCIS what name will be issued on my I-551 Green Card? I received my welcome letters today (yes, they sent me 3 for some reason) and the name which appears on that is different to what appears on my visa, and on my social security card. I need to confirm with them that they issue my green card in my correct name because I don't want any inconsistencies.. here's what I've had so far:

visa application: English first name, chinese name (with hyphen), married surname
cr1 visa: chinese name (without hyphen), married surname
ssc: first part of chinese name, married surname (I have since had this corrected)
welcome letter: english name, first initial of chinese name, married surname

I tried calling the 1-800 line but the lady said I had to make an InfoPass appointment to speak to an officer in person. Is this the only way I can verify with them?

thanks in advance!
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-09-15 16:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Married In Japan
I understand what you are saying. And in my situation, my husband and I, along with other non-Japanese friends of ours (Canadian, American, etc) who married in Japan were all legal residents at the time and asked to show proof of this.
I'm simply saying that the OP should be aware of this and to find out the specific requirements for his ward office.
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-10-03 14:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Married In Japan
No, I'm an Australian citizen and my husband is a USC. We were both living there the time we met and hence married there.

I understand that the OP's wife is a Japanese citizen but some ward offices require the non-Japanese spouse to be a legal resident of Japan and present an Alien registration card/certificate in order to marry.

For example in Yokohama:
http://www.city.yoko...n/marriage.html

QUOTE
Other required items
For Non-Japanese : Passport, Birth Certificate, Certificate of alien registration(Gaikokujin Toroku Shomeisho)

Edited by kaffy, 03 October 2008 - 12:24 PM.

kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-10-03 12:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Married In Japan
QUOTE (duane @ Oct 3 2008, 08:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Im not a resident in Japan I just go on my vacation to be with my fiance.


In that case ask your fiance to find out from the ward office whether a non-resident alien will be allowed to marry... because I know in the ward I lived in, as well as several others they will only allow resident aliens to marry.
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-10-03 11:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Married In Japan
When my husband and I had our paper marriage in Japan it took them a good 4 hours at the ward office to process the paperwork (mostly due to the fact they hadn't married two foreigners before and didn't know what they were doing!). First I suggest your fiance find out the exact requirements at her local ward office - such as whether you will need to present an alien registration card/document to prove residency, how many witnesses you need, etc. One document you will definitely need to obtain is an Affidavit of Competency to Marry from the US Embassy/Consulate. Details are here: http://tokyo.usembas...tacs-7114a.html

Otherwise it's a pretty straight forward process.. bring the required documents (family register for your wife, affidavit for yourself, etc), fill in an application form, and then wait.
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-10-02 11:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSSN after CR-1 entry
I'd be going down to your local SSA at your earliest convenience. They will be able to look up your wife's details on the system to see if she has been assigned a SSN yet. If so, they will be able to tell you the number, and if not they can process a new application there for her.
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-10-01 22:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAlien Registration Number
Has your wife been approved for her visa yet? If not then she doesnt have one
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-11-06 20:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEntering US on IR-1 WITHOUT accompanying spouse?
I'm pretty certain I read somewhere that the USC spouse must enter before (or at the same time as) the immigrant.

My husband (USC) flew back 2 weeks before I did, no problems there.
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-11-07 09:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresdoes my wife need her POE to be where I filed from?
No, it can be anywhere
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-11-13 23:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnyone get a US marriage licence after already married in other country?
QUOTE (payxibka @ Nov 18 2008, 06:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A legal marriage in a foreign country is recognized in the USA... A second marriage ceremony in the USA is NOT required.


Agreed.

My husband and I were married outside the US and have a foreign marriage license. I've added him onto my health insurance, he's added me onto his bank account, etc with no problems at all.
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-11-17 16:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmedical question
Can you add him to your insurance as a dependent?
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-11-20 20:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAlmost 4 weeks since POE
Drop by your local SSA with your passport and ask them to look you up in the system to see if you've been assigned a number. If so, they can give you a print-out with your number and your card should arrive a week or so later.

Re: green card. Have you received any welcome letters yet?
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-11-21 22:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSocial Security Number
as far as I am aware the only form that is needed is the DS-230
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-11-12 00:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSocial Security Number
Yes, a SSN will be assigned to you and your card mailed to you once it is ready. If you want to speed up the process a little pop by your local SSA with your passport and they can look you up in the system and if you have already been assigned a number they can give it to you on the spot. You will still have to wait for the card to be mailed to you
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-11-11 20:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTime related question - Married to an American abroad
OP said that they plan on living in Israel for another 2 more years so I think it's still too early to DCF. I would suggest trying to apply for a non-immigrant tourist visa now if you are planning a short visit, or wait until you are closer to moving back before starting the DCF process
kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-11-30 16:58:00