ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeed some ADVICE!
You can submit an I-90 Application to Replace Green Card form for free by selecting option B "My authorized card was never received"

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

Edited by kaffy, 07 June 2009 - 06:04 PM.

kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-06-07 18:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot my visa... what happens next
Procedure for obtaining your SSN, regardless of whether you have checked the box on the DS-230:

- Wait 10 working days after POE then visit your local social security office. Your passport is really all that is needed but bring your birth certificate and marriage certificate too just in case they need you to verify your identity with a secondary document.

- Choose the option "Apply for a SSN" on the machine, take your number and grab a S-5S form to fill in while you are waiting (you may or may not need this, but do it just in case)

- When you get called to the window present your passport to the officer with your visa page open. Explain that you are a new immigrant and you arrived on such and such a date and ask them to check whether you have been assigned a SS number yet.

- They will enter your Alien number into their computer system and check firstly whether your details have been updated into the system, and secondly whether a SSN has been assigned. One of the following will occur-

1. You are in the system and a number has been assigned. Ask them to give you a print out of your number and confirm the mailing address where the card will be sent to. The card should arrive within a week but in the mean time you have your number so you can get your drivers license, open a bank account, etc. You don't need to wait for the physical card to arrive to do any of this.
2. You are in the system but a number has not been assigned. Pass the completed S-5S form to the officer and ask them to process an application for you.
3. You are not in the system. Unfortunately you will have to wait for DHS/USCIS to get their act together as an application cannot be processed until you are in the system. I'd wait another week before going back to the social security office and repeating the above steps

Hope this helps.. it's what I learned through my own experience and it helped me get my SSN very soon after my arrival

Edited by kaffy, 15 June 2009 - 11:05 AM.

kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-06-15 11:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOccupation Question on DS-230
housewife?
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-06-17 23:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmaiden name in passport
Good luck and let us know how it goes smile.gif
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-06-11 23:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmaiden name in passport
My passport is still in my maiden name and since my passport is valid through 2015 I'm not in any rush to update it. And yes I use my married name for everything in the US (visa, green card, social, bank accounts, drivers license, etc)

I honestly don't know what the procedure is for changing it when you are on the traditional CR1/IR1 route but since it is the Consulate that issues the visa then I would inquire with them first. If it can be done at the Sydney Consulate I don't see why it can't be done elsewhere


kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-06-11 22:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmaiden name in passport
What happened in our situation was that we made the decision to move back very suddenly and I did not have enough time to change my name. At our appointment to file our I-130 petition (in Australia you do this in person), I attached a letter explaining why I was still using my maiden name and that after I immigrated to the US I had full intention to take my husband's name. The consular officer read through the letter quickly and was very understanding of my situation and suggested that they can process my application in my married name (using my maiden name in the 'Also Known As' box) and that way once I arrive in the US I will legally be known by my married name. I agreed and we went ahead with our DCF process using my married name. Once the visa arrived it looked like this:

Attached File  Picture_6.png   238.53KB   93 downloads

I had no issues with checking in to the flight or at POE

hope this helps
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-06-11 21:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmaiden name in passport
QUOTE (AbbynSheryl @ Jun 12 2009, 09:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hey i had a same problem about the name but remember one thing u have to have the passport name and the visa name same otherwise u can not come to usa


my passport name and visa name were different and I still made it through innocent.gif

like I said, they can issue your visa in your married name with an annotation to your maiden name which links it to your passport
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-06-11 21:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmaiden name in passport
Even if your passport is in your maiden name you can still ask them to process your visa application & issue your visa in your married name. That way once you arrive in the US you can begin to use your married name as your legal name.

They'll simply put your maiden surname into the "Annotation" field which is below your passport number on the visa.. that way it acts as a link back to your details on your passport biographic page.

edit to add- better to do it this way otherwise if you arrive in the US with your maiden name on your visa.. that means ur green card and social security card will also be in ur maiden name.. and so will any bank accounts you open, utilities, etc etc. Better to get it done right to begin with and save yourself trouble ahead

Edited by kaffy, 11 June 2009 - 05:59 PM.

kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-06-11 17:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureschange of address before point of entry
Change it at POE (officer asked me to write my new address on a piece of scrap paper he handed me), then file I-865 for the sponsor

I did not file the AR-11 form - was I supposed to? I actually had a completed version with me at POE but the officer said I didn't need it
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-06-24 18:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow long until green card is received?
Hmm.. there is a lot of strange information posted in the thread..

Firstly, SSN. The CBP officer at POE told me I may have to wait up to 4-6 weeks to receive my number. I needed to have it quicker so here's what I did. Even if you checked the box to have a SSN automatically assigned for you on the DS-230 form, I still suggest visiting your local office. They advise that you wait about 10 days after POE before visiting so as to allow time for your information to be updated into the system. After day 10 go to your local SSA with your passport which contains your CR/IR1 visa. Choose a ticket which says you're applying for a new SSN and grab a S-5S form to fill out while you wait. You may not need this but just do it anyway as it'll save time incase they tell you you need to fill in an application later.

Once your number gets called, approach the window. Give them your passport and explain that you arrived on xx day and that you are wanting to know if a SSN has been assigned to you. They will look you up on their system. One of 3 outcomes is likely:
1. You are in the system and a SSN has already been assigned. Ask them to give you a printout of the number and verify with them the mailing address. You have the number now and should receive the card within a week or two.
2. You are in the system but a SSN has not been assigned. In this case pass them the S-5S form which you filled out and they will process your application for you.
3. USCIS has been slow and haven't entered your details in the system. You'll have to wait for them to do so until you can proceed.

Secondly, green card. Give it about a month. During that time you should receive a welcome notice (or two) in the mail. The welcome notice will say that your green card will soon be issued and that you should receive it within 30 days of the notice. There is a file number on the letter which you can use to track the issuance online.

Finally, I-551 stamp. Here is an image of my stamp & visa that I received last August. I think the one posted above is outdated. http://www.visajourn...howtopic=181547

Edited by kaffy, 22 April 2009 - 06:02 PM.

kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-04-22 17:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVaccination Records
QUOTE (mrsemcee @ Jul 12 2009, 01:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just one thing, should I get all the vaccines I need before my medical or do they do what's needed on the day?

I don't have a vaccine history so I'm going to get a blood test soon to see what I had done when I was younger.


It's your choice where you have them done. I'd find out what you need (from the titre test) then call the panel doctor and your local GP and compare the costs of the vaccines you need.. then go with whoever is cheaper or more convenient

There aren't that many required for adult women anyway only 3 or 4 if I remember correctly (MMR, Tdap(?), varicella (or past history of chicken pox) and gardasil if you are 26 and under) I think

Edited by kaffy, 11 July 2009 - 11:01 PM.

kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-07-11 22:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow to remove conditions ?
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=I-751

then click on the first link
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-07-12 17:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshow to remove conditions ?
http://www.visajourn...p;page=751guide
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-07-12 17:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGreen card name....resume name....
Use your legal name
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-06-22 19:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCarry-on Pets to USA
Depending on how big or small he is and what the airline requirements are, chances are he'll go in the cargo hold and not in the main cabin. I suggest you check with the airline you are flying with and also read up on the CDC requirements here: http://www.cdc.gov/n...nimal/index.htm

If you follow everything correctly you shouldn't have to quarantine him upon arrival in the US

But first and foremost, talk with your family to see if they are willing to accept a pet into their home. You say your husband is allergic.. but is he actually allergic to Toby? Some people are allergic to certain breeds but not to others. Also, your FIL doesn't want a pet so I assume you are moving into live with them. Speak to them about it because it is their home. Does their home have a yard and is there space for him? If these things don't add up then yes, the best option would be to rehome him before you leave. It is a tough decision to make but remember you are doing what's best for him
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-06-20 09:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow long does it take to get you SS Card?
wait at least 10 days, then go
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-07-17 07:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresif i was deported from USA before,and is gonna be big deal for IR-1 visa
QUOTE (Brian&Naty @ Jul 18 2009, 11:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A Singaporean ship? Is Singaporean even a legit word? blink.gif If so then there are Cubaneaon Ships, Japanoean ships.


errr yes it is a real word. It's an adjective (or noun), means of or relating to Singapore.

Singapore = Singaporean
Australia = Australian
Japan = Japanese
etc etc

understand?
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-07-18 08:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDid I do
QUOTE (mrsemcee @ Jul 19 2009, 12:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
In Australia if you do it within the first yr of marriage it's free!


Ugh I wish it were this easy for me!

Since I am a naturalized Aussie citizen born outside of Australia & married outside of Australia I have to change my name on my citizenship certificate first before I can change the name on my passport

My passport's valid through 2015 so I'm putting it off for as long as I can laughing.gif
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-07-18 13:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDid I do
If you're short on time or simply don't want to change the name on your passport because it has a long validity period remaining, you can always ask them to issue your visa in your married name with an annotation linking it to your maiden name

http://www.visajourn...howtopic=185033

They did this in Sydney for me and I don't see why other Consulates/Embassies can't do it also.

All my official documents I received after arriving in the US are in my married name (green card, SS card, bank accounts, etc)
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-07-18 08:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDid I do
I used my married name in the name field and my maiden name in the previous names field.
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-07-16 22:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI don't know about you guys
If you live in Canada howcome you are not doing DCF? It's generally a lot quicker than filing through USCIS
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-07-18 13:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestions - Getting Married and Living in Her Country
Most DCFers use a joint sponsor to qualify for the I-864 requirements
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-07-19 11:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMedical exam problems???
If your TB skin test comes back a false positive (which is likely since you have had the BCG vaccine), insist to them that you have an x-ray to clear up the false positive, AND if possible ask for the Quantiferon Gold blood test too. http://www.cdc.gov/t...testing/QFT.htm

Neither of these tests will give false positive results like the Mantoux skin test does
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-07-19 23:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespassport with old last name
They could do it in Sydney so I don't see why they can't do it in other consulates too
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-07-21 17:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespassport with old last name
QUOTE (b1978 @ Jul 20 2009, 01:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
1) Will it be a problem putting her immigrant visa in her old passport with her old name?


No because they can do this:
http://www.visajourn...h...ost&id=9875
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-07-19 23:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresKids and CR-1
CR-2 visa is for kids
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-08-02 13:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhere to file I-130? Live in Japan but not long enough to file here.
Where are you domiciled in the US?

Yes, they will accept co-sponsors for CR1 applicants and it is very common for those residing abroad to use one. I think the information you read about it being not as easy for CR-1 applicants is incorrect.

kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-07-30 11:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGetting the VISA in your hands??
in Sydney they are supposed to issue it within 2 working days of your interview and you should receive it a day or two later (overnight express envelope)
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-08-08 15:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 VISA expired
QUOTE (~bLairwhich~ @ Aug 3 2009, 01:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (milimelo @ Aug 2 2009, 09:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok, your CR-1 was clearly stamped and has served as a temporary GC. What you need to do now is track down the GC - has the Welcome to USA letter arrived at your in-laws in the States? Whose address did you give when you filled the forms? If the letter has arrived, maybe the GC has too. You definitely want to check on that.

Since you have entered in October, I'd make sure to get back to the States before the expiration of the stamp. Then follow up with USCIS if the GC has not arrived.

For SSN, even though you check you want it sent to you, that happens in maybe 1% of all cases. That's why you have to go to the SSA office and file for the SSN personally.

Best of luck to you!

Thank you. No mail or GC arrived in my in laws (yes, their address was the address I filed, on file). I am really unsure about the stamp for it's just a simple arrival stamp with handwritten Alien # on it. I think I would just "gamble" with my air ticket and travel with my passport with the VISA and stamps I have. No SSN arrived as well.


Did you see my post? The stamp you got IS the I-551 stamp

http://www.visajourn...h...t&p=3173595
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-08-02 13:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR1 VISA expired
QUOTE (~bLairwhich~ @ Aug 2 2009, 04:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (canadian_wife @ Aug 2 2009, 01:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Did the stamp have CR-1 on it?

Nope just handwritten Alien #. written by an officer at POE (Portland,OR)
Thanks!


That is the I-551 stamp. Please see this thread: http://www.visajourn...h...=181547&hl=

Edited by kaffy, 01 August 2009 - 05:38 PM.

kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-08-01 17:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 particular situation
I guess it's one way of showing proof that you have maintained domicile.

Even if you don't submit your past returns you will still have to provide them with an explanation as to why you havent
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-07-12 12:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 particular situation
If you are using your assets to qualify they must equal at least 3 times the 125% of the poverty line limit. This is clearly explained on page 9 of the I-864 instructions http://www.uscis.gov.../form/I-864.pdf

Past income is not considered when qualifying for the I-864, only present and continuing income is
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-07-12 12:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEvidence of a Bonifide Marriage
Nothing, absolutely nothing for DCF in Australia.

I prepared a folder full of evidence such as linking of bank accounts, insurance policies, affidavits from friends & family, tonnes of photographs, joint boarding passes & hotel bills, etc. Took them along when my husband (USC) and I went to file my I-130 (petitioner has to file in person there). They said it wasn't required and to bring it back when I had my interview. So when my interview rolled around I lugged the same folder & photo albums down to Sydney with me and simply going by our marriage certificate & application forms the consular officer said that "our relationship sounded like a genuine relationship" and that he "doesn't need to see them". I was a little annoyed that I had put so much time & effort into assembling everything but oh well... I suppose Australia is a low fraud country. Besides I can re-use everything (and more) when I file to remove conditions

Edited by kaffy, 31 December 2008 - 10:07 AM.

kaffyFemaleAustralia2008-12-31 10:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresnot allow to eat on the first day of the medical?
Never heard of such a thing

they are testing your blood for HIV and syphillis.. not something like a glucose tolerance test that requires fasting
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-09-08 09:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEven with IR-1 status, a 2-year green card?
yes, file the I-90 and cite USCIS Administrative error as your reason and you won't have to pay the filing fee
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-09-19 16:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs birth certificate of petitioner required at any stage ?
no, we just used his passport
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-09-27 17:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo they ask for or read the stuff you bring with you to the interview?
QUOTE (mrsemcee @ Oct 8 2009, 01:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
those of you who went to sydney for the interviews... is it ok for me to bring it in a shoe box?

i mean, for security reasons dont they take everything off you at the level 10 security point?

i have a shoe box full of about 5 photo albums, which are all very neat but hard to carry without the aid of a box.. and then i have a big green folder full of every document under the sun!! tongue.gif


All bags have to be left at the security check so I don't think they will allow boxes through either. Just take out the folder and a photo album and you should be fine. And chances are they won't even ask to see it tongue.gif
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-10-08 08:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo they ask for or read the stuff you bring with you to the interview?
I prepared all sorts of documents as evidence of a bonafide relationship (joint documents, affidavits, photos, etc) and they did not ask to see any of it
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-10-07 21:28:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresProof of Immunizations for medical exam
I believe you need the dates that the vaccinations were administered because the panel physician needs to record it on the immunization record form
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-10-14 09:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMedical Exam
the actual medical itself is fairly quick - less than 30 mins
then i had to walk to the radiology clinic for the x-ray
and the lab to have my blood drawn

total time taken was about 3 hours
kaffyFemaleAustralia2009-10-17 23:40:00