Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Hyd's hubby's CR1 Visa Status...	QUOTE (PatiencePaidOff @ Jul 28 2008, 08:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hyd girl What's the status of your hubby's CR1 visa interview today ??? We are excited to hear the good news Please post soon... Nishaf & Fathima Very nice photos Nishaf! Say Hi to Fathima. Hope you both had a lovely time. I got my NOA2 last week....feels great!!!	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-07-28 12:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	My daughter was born!	Congratulations!!!! Such a cute baby!	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-08-08 00:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Real RFE or False RFE?	Thank you Yiyi and Chris, chintan, Arlington and PatiencePaidOff for the posts. - Yes we had paid the bills online so that is one possible hold up - I did not know both forms were processed by different staff but that's nice information - chintain, we are anxiously waiting to find out what it is about and husband will call NVC on monday - Yes Nishaf, through the guide you've written (which I should say again that it has been very helpful) we found out that this could actually be a false rfe, but you know how these AVRs freak people out. Its just one of those weekends where we can only wait to find out. Thank you once again for the posts. Best regards, Sara.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-08-10 21:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Real RFE or False RFE?	Hi everyone! We have a small problem. NVC's Automated Voice Response (AVR) said our DS-230 was received on August 6th. Then AVR changed to an RFE on August 8th...That there is information missing or incomplete on the forms. The I-864 was received on July 31st. Now the Question: Could the RFE be a real RFE or could this be the usual message that everyone gets after the I-864 is in the system and NVC is waiting for DS-230? Has anyone been through a similar situation where their DS-230 was processed before I-864? Please advice. Thank you, Sara.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-08-09 18:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Fathima's Interview Experience in India	QUOTE (lotofpatience @ Jul 3 2008, 10:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I have read all the posts from all VJ members since yesterday night and managed to gather all your names here, who congratulated us... Here you go... Thank you, Thank you, Thank you soooooooooooooooo much all you guys: Hyd , Nita&Assaad , przy , neethope , ROZA , silent , Arequipa4us , rmncm , Steve Y Jessica , NicoleX08 , kitty loves moudy , clairern , bani , YOUTOO , kalaks , filiricans , CaNdiD wiTcH , S_AL_ , babybebita , visaman99 , rajee , cmnb , DivyeSiddhi , amorsiempre , EdgarVirginia , QaSiM--aIsHa , elyandmichael , anish and lijy , Heaven , chintan , hurryup , estadia , gurl , nitshrut , reehon , Jamericanlove , waithatter , ZeeNusah , inkypinky , prashp1 , annyjoseph , 2ond journey I gave individual flowers to all, but VJ doesn't allow more emoticons... And my special thanks to Sarah (we miss her!) , Hyd , Ilya , Sgr , Paris Heart , Indianheart , jgay80 , YuAndDan , pushbrk Awwwww that is so sweet. You are welcome! That was one very comprehensive post about the entire interview experience. You have done a fabulous job with all the posts and files. They will be extremely helpful to us all. At least to me as now I am getting ready to make sure I take the checklist of questions and interview him before I get interviewed. Honeymoon#3: Jordan..here we come! All the best!!! Wish you fabulous life together. Best regards, Sara.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-07-03 13:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	CR1 Interview	Congratulations Fahim! It was nice of you to write in detail about the interview. Would you please enter your timeline so it can help us all? Thanks.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-08-24 15:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Connecting through Newark	QUOTE (cmnb @ Jul 28 2008, 04:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (desiboy2k4 @ Jul 27 2008, 07:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (S_AL_ @ Jul 27 2008, 03:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Awww that's some nice advice in the end cmnb....flowers. Make sure you don't mention anything about the connecting flight and chances are she won't mention it. All the best! Thanks guys but she's still sitting at Newark airport due to bad weather . It's nice and sunny in Chicago but it's crappy in Newark. I am so mad at myself and stupid American Airlines. Never taking connecting flight for international travel. NEVER EVER! They could have took off before the bad weather hit them but no they had to delay it just enough so that it's get delayed even more...ahhhh...so mad.. i can understand ur situation....just hang in there...it is a little muggy here in NJ today...has been raining all day today...its better that she remains safe.. Absolutely. Safety comes first.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-07-27 23:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Connecting through Newark	QUOTE (cmnb @ Jul 22 2008, 06:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (desiboy2k4 @ Jul 21 2008, 08:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My wife will be coming end of this week and her flight is from Mumbai->Newark(POE)->Chicago. She's flying Jet Airways and has domestic flight of American Airlines. How hard is it to go from one terminal to another with all your luggage? I know there's a tram that takes you from one terminal to next but I heard you HAVE to goto tram by escalator. Is that true? are there no elevators which you can use to goto tram? Will she able to get any help with the luggage if needed at the airport? I really hate myself for buying this ticket!!! I should've just bought continental(no terminal change) I just hope she's not be mad at me when I see her. hi desiboy2k4, first of all congratulations for the case completion. i am sure you are very excited that this will finally be over. i will try to answer all your questions to the best of my ability. to answer your question, may i ask how long the layover between the flights is? the reason why i ask is because newark airport as big it is but is also very well planned so your wife should not have any issues. and yes...they do have elevators. when she gets off the plane, ask her to proceed to immigration. she can get in the line for citizens/permanent residents. once her paperwork is reviewed she will be taken for a fingerprint and all that #######. after this is done she will be off her way to collect luggage. the baggage claim is a very big hall with different "revolving belts" (not sure what they are called ) her airline name and number will be listed on these belts. sometimes, airlines inform their passangers of the belt number where they can collect their luggage..once she is out of there, she will have to go through one final check where she hands in some paper to the officer. she will be told exactly what to hand over or the officers there will make sure to get the right stuff from her. once she gets out of there, she is legally in the US. once she gets out of there, there will be signs for her to take the "AIRTRAN" (you can check in advance which terminal her connecting flight is and ask her to get to that terminal). trust me dude, everyone is really helpful there. if she feels uncomfortable, theres a ton of desi people who work at the airport whom she can ask. but make sure she asks a uniformed person and not just anyone. ....and yes dont get too bothered about her being upset that u dint get her a direct flight she wont even know...lol...she will forget all of that once in ur arms.... oh and yeah...make sure u bring her some flowers Good Luck!!! Awww that's some nice advice in the end cmnb....flowers. Make sure you don't mention anything about the connecting flight and chances are she won't mention it. All the best!	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-07-27 15:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Interview at Embassy in Islamabad	InshaAllaah. They did that to me too but I clearly remember the CO telling me to contact the embassy if they don't call me in two months..so lets see how it goes. This process is such a test but lets be hopeful. I will remember you both in my prayers insha'Allaah.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-10-13 15:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Interview at Embassy in Islamabad	Thanks hyd617 for the compliment. As soon as I was done withe the interview and informed my husband, he told me to write everything down on paper so I could write a review for you all. I know all about your case as I would silently read about everyone on this forum. I prayed for both you and Nita when the interviews were around the corner but Allaah has His plans and we know very little and are impatient. Of course meeting up with the better half always help. Imagine, my husband called the DoS today and was kept on hold for an hour...yes a whole hour. He had to get up for a meeting and so he gave up. I suppose in the past there were in-laws who'd test a couple's ability to stick together...now we have the government playing that role Hang in there. Lebanon is a great place to be Nita. Enjoy your holiday and who knows by the time you'll get there, Assaad will get the visa and accompany you to the US...(I will pray for you). If I may ask, did they keep his passport? They did not keep mine though but maybe they kept his... I have made a spreadsheet and you can view it in my signature. I really pray to see us all get the visa soon. Can't wait to update it. Also, the best time to pray is right before fajr. Allaah accepts dua then so please give it a try. Here with you all Sara.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-10-13 13:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Interview at Embassy in Islamabad	Thank you so much Nita , Zidane , frail , KAHM , trinket and happyinlove012408 for your wishes! Zidane, my husband has sponsored me alone and this AP is quite normal. I think the CO was surprised to see how I did not react and asked twice if I had any questions. I however could not feel much so he must have noticed that. Nita, at first it did not seem like a big deal but when I got back home and got to talk to my husband in detail, I felt very sad. But alhumdulillaah things happen for a reason and I would not know what is better for me. The AP forum where people have been posting so regularly does make me feel better. Its not a limbo I hope and sooner or later, we'll all be pulled out of it. I just hope my husband in the US does not feel as lonely as I do or things would be difficult. Thank you again for all the wishes and may God make it a swift and smooth journey for us all. aameen. Regards, Sara.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-10-12 04:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Interview at Embassy in Islamabad	I reached Convention center (not exactly the convention center but this place hidden away in trees where the bus stand is) at about 6 AM, as we got lost. Islamabad’s been under very tight security and virtually all main roads have barricades now. Got in queue for the ticket to shuttle. Before standing in queue, always check if you are in the right queue. Kept my NIC, Passport and Interview letter to be showed at the counter. Apparently anyone accompanying you to this point can get a ticket to the shuttle and can accompany you to the embassy, minus your cell phones, food items and drinks. They can sit outside the embassy on the benches and wait for you. The ticket counter opened around 7 am. The queue moved quickly. I got the ticket and was in line for the shuttle. Had a security check where men were told to leave bags behind, women however were allowed to carry their handbags as long as there weren’t any cell phones or other mechanical devices. Carrying food was not encouraged. I got on the first shuttle that left for the embassy and enjoyed the slightly long and slow ride to the embassy. Must lookout for the nice sights… they can help you calm down. I had reached the embassy by I think sometime around 8 am. As soon as we got off the bus, we were suppose to stand in another queue; two this time, one for immigrant visas and other for non-immigrant. Guard checked the passport and interview letter and sent people to another security check post. Here they make sure you have no food items or drinks taken inside the embassy. Next there was another queue…and then the guard sent me inside the building. Another check of all the documents I had through the machine and my name checked on their list. I was inside. They told me to go down a long corridor that seemed to lead to a room, which seemed like a bunker. This was for immigrant visa applicants only and they took my fingerprints. Next was the waiting room. Both immigrant visa and non-immigrant visa applicants are interviewed in this hall. I was first called to window 5 and was asked to submit my passport. I was also asked the medium of language I would like to be interviewed in. Then told to sit and wait to be called again. Next I was called to window 7 and the person there asked for my medical report (just the report and not the x-ray). He also asked me to remove my scarf to see my headline and hair. He returned some extra copies of documents my husband had submitted with the DS-230 and I-864. After that he arranged my file and asked me about a question from DS-230 that was not clear to him. I had submitted an extra script with the required answer and he found that. Then he asked me if I am part of any terrorist organization. We both smiled as the answer was obvious. He then asked me to sign DS-230’s part II. He did not ask for any documents nor did he ask for recent 2x2 photos. I had to ask him for that but he said that was not necessary. He asked if I have any photos with me. I said yes and asked if he wanted to see them…he said that was not needed. He told me to sit and wait to be called again. Confirmed again that the interview will be in English. After a few minutes I was called at window 3. This was the final interview. The Consular Officer was a White American. He greeted me nicely. Asked if I am comfortable being interviewed in English, then said that my qualification makes me eligible to be fluent in English. He handed me the originals I had submitted with the DS230, along with the list of courier services available and a token stapled to it. Then he asked the following questions: 1. Who is my petitioner? 2. When did we get married? 3. How did we meet? 4. Was getting married to him an issue with my family? 5. What does my husband do? 6. Have I ever been outside Pakistan before? 7. When I said yes, he asked me the places I have been to. 8. He asked if I have all my previous passports with me. I showed them to him. He typed in all the passport numbers in the system. Next he took out this green sheet and stamped the date on it. Wrote my case number on it. He said that he is unable to issue the visa right away but congratulated me and said that my visa has been approved. Said that I do not need to come to the embassy for another interview. He said he has already given me the list of courier services through which I should send in my passport as soon as the embassy calls. He also said that it should take about 2 months to get this check done but in good cases, it should not take that long. He returned the passport along with that green sheet and said I should hear from the embassy soon. This was it. I was done with the interview and back to the shuttle point by 10. Hope this review helps. P.S. They did not ask for any documents or evidences (which by the way were plenty), as I believe my husband had sent in photos and affidavits along with the I-130 and DS230. Overall it was a pleasant experience and I came out happy. Allaah be praised.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-10-09 13:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	should i take a risk on the IV fee?	QUOTE (thirdsjen @ Aug 3 2008, 04:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Sara! His receipt said "PAID," correct? i hope he included that with the package. A receipt is a receipt. Yes Jen, surprisingly after the first page, when I got to the Receipt page, it shows both bills as paid but just the first page..the Invoice page says Not Paid. We had a tough night arguing about stupid stuff which clearly showed he was stressed out but I am hopeful everything will be fine from Monday. I'll keep you guys posted.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-08-03 10:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	should i take a risk on the IV fee?	QUOTE (yoke @ Aug 2 2008, 07:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> 'S_AL_' was the money taken out of your bank account? i think u can try to pay again if it didnt go in first time ...mine shows PAID now and money's out of my account too. AVR finally changed to IV fee bill generated. NVC said wait for couple of days for the AVR to change because they are seeing a payment coming through in the system. Hi Yoke I just happened to get more information on this bill. Husband had printed the receipt and posted the DS-230. Only later it changed back to NOT PAID. Also, money has teeb taken out of his bank account so I really hope this whole not paid status thing will not delay the process. What do you say? It doesn't seem like a problem any more. Husband is really worried now...now that I mentioned this to him first thing on a Saturday morning *stupid me*.....aahhhhh	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-08-02 14:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	should i take a risk on the IV fee?	QUOTE (PatiencePaidOff @ Aug 1 2008, 07:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (yoke @ Aug 1 2008, 07:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> LOTO, the online status changed from pending to paid less then 24 hrs the phone AVR still stuck on Ds-3032 received.. AVR is joke sometimes... Yes now you are eligible to print out bar code cover page and mail DS-230 package OKAY...we are in trouble! The IV Bill had invoiced on the 31st and hubby paid it and it went to IN PROCESS status. Then next morning i.e. the 1st of August...it went back to NOT PAID...and the AVR says that the bill has been generated on 1st. Today is the 2nd. I think if that does not update...we'll be in trouble. Just wanted to warn you guys. Our DS-230 is on hold now because of this BILL issue	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-08-02 04:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	NOA1/NOA2 spreadsheet tracking	Whisper2Me please kindly update my status. We received the NOA2 on July 21st after an approved Expedite request on Humanitarian grounds. Received only the hardcopy yet as the online system has not been updated recently. Thank you, S_AL_	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-07-25 00:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	NOA1/NOA2 spreadsheet tracking	Hi Delicia, Hoping you are well. I just want to inform you that we have decided to re-file our petition. We have withdrawn the previous one. Please take my name off the list and I will inform you as soon as I get NOA1. Thanks a lot! Sara.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-05-23 04:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	NOA1/NOA2 spreadsheet tracking	QUOTE (Delicia @ May 4 2008, 12:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> It's updated for the week. Congratulations on all the recent approvals. Thank you for adding me to the list. Great work! All the best to you.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-05-03 15:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May 2008 Filers	Rajaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa YES!!!! Congratulations! MashaAllaah! It was August!!!! I am sooooo happy for you but unfortunately I have no knowledge of how the K-3 visa works. I hope someone can post here soon about your question. nonetheless...this is Awesome news! Mabrook sister	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-08-07 04:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May 2008 Filers	QUOTE (KAHM @ Aug 5 2008, 06:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (S_AL_ @ Aug 2 2008, 02:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (thirdsjen @ Aug 2 2008, 09:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i really want to be there for the interview then leave with him.. but how to ask my supervisor is the problem.. #######. i have already taken waay too much vacation time this year. i'm surprise i still have my job! but then i haven't researched how the manila embassy sets up the interviews.. it might take 2 months.. i'm in the middle of packing.. do you think it's necessary for me to bring his old letters to me while we were dating years ago? aren't we just suppose to prove MARRIAGE? I think any evidence related to you both would be useful. Our courtship too lasted about 2 years so I am getting letters, chat sessions and saved screens with web cam imagines as proof. But then again, my story could be different from yours. you both have roots in Philipines. My husband is a half palestinian half caucasian married to a pakistani....so we will be needing all the proof there is ...or so it seems...hmmm Also, needed to warn you guys...we paid the IV Bill after the DS-3032 had entered the system and the Bill had been invoiced on the 31st. Then it showed IN PROCESS. Now the AVR updated on the 1st and the message was about the IV bill has been generated and on the website...the status went back to NOT PAID . I do not know what will happen from here as I have not been able to speak to Zayd since last night but its weird. He did say he will speak to someone at NVC. I just hope they don't charge this bill twice. I have already been a really very Expensive Wife Just wanted to inform you all on this latest development. Hi Sara, I was wondering if you have spoken to your husband regarding the status of the IV payment. I paid AOS fee on 8/1 and the status of 'in process' and I checked now, the status is 'not paid'. The money was not withdrawn from the bank. Was it withdrawn from your bank? I'm wondering if the payment went through or if I should try the paying again?? KAHM, When I go to the Reciept page, it shows the bill as paid and yes money was taken from his account. He is impatient, the AVR still had the same message about the bill being generated on 1st so he went along (without letting me know) and paid the bill again. I do not know how beneficial that would be but he said before that he can always ask for a refund. Its complicated. Check the receipt page if yours show Paid too. I hope it does.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-08-05 03:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May 2008 Filers	QUOTE (thirdsjen @ Aug 2 2008, 03:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> our courtship has lasted 6 years.. that's a lot of stuff to bring to the embassy! i can't even find the really old pics now. i have a couple that was somehow saved online.. gona try to print that. only printed out 4 pages of chat logs and screenshots dating back to 2004. can't seem to find anything before that. thank goodness i saved the messages in YM. have my current cellphone bills printed out.. well, a couple per year since 2003.. going to bring some wedding and honeymoon pics. he has a billion of my letters. i think that's enough. they already accepted your DS-3032, Sara? nice! must be because of the hard copy that you guys sent? i hope the fee went through! they had better not charge your husband twice! i just checked online, IV fee not invoiced yet.. You seem good to go Jen! Have a fabulous holiday and please try calming those nerves down. It will all go well. Yes I too believe it was the hard copy that went through. As for the IV Fee Bill...I am waiting for him to wake up so I could speak to him about it. I think it should not be a problem because we had received the payment receipts online while the bill went to IN PROCESS mode. He did say he spoke to NVC about it but there was a power cut so couldn't talk. Anyway too much irrelevant detail I know but I'll keep you posted on this one. Officially the Bill was generated on August 1st.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-08-02 11:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May 2008 Filers	QUOTE (thirdsjen @ Aug 2 2008, 09:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i really want to be there for the interview then leave with him.. but how to ask my supervisor is the problem.. #######. i have already taken waay too much vacation time this year. i'm surprise i still have my job! but then i haven't researched how the manila embassy sets up the interviews.. it might take 2 months.. i'm in the middle of packing.. do you think it's necessary for me to bring his old letters to me while we were dating years ago? aren't we just suppose to prove MARRIAGE? I think any evidence related to you both would be useful. Our courtship too lasted about 2 years so I am getting letters, chat sessions and saved screens with web cam imagines as proof. But then again, my story could be different from yours. you both have roots in Philipines. My husband is a half palestinian half caucasian married to a pakistani....so we will be needing all the proof there is ...or so it seems...hmmm Also, needed to warn you guys...we paid the IV Bill after the DS-3032 had entered the system and the Bill had been invoiced on the 31st. Then it showed IN PROCESS. Now the AVR updated on the 1st and the message was about the IV bill has been generated and on the website...the status went back to NOT PAID . I do not know what will happen from here as I have not been able to speak to Zayd since last night but its weird. He did say he will speak to someone at NVC. I just hope they don't charge this bill twice. I have already been a really very Expensive Wife Just wanted to inform you all on this latest development.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-08-02 04:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May 2008 Filers	QUOTE (thirdsjen @ Aug 1 2008, 01:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> and i will probably snail mail the DS-3032 once my husband receives it. since i will be there on vacation anyway i might as well bring it back with me if they still haven't accepted the emailed DS-3032.. my night is going great. Thank you, Lord! i was "floated" to another department so i was able to escape the madhouse that is my regular floor.. Jen do you seriously work at that creepy floor where they keep all those patients who are clinically mad? Isn't it scary?	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-08-01 04:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May 2008 Filers	QUOTE (KAHM @ Aug 1 2008, 04:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (thirdsjen @ Jul 31 2008, 09:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> AOS IS NOW PAID!!! yahooooo!! but still no automated response for that darn choice of agent! so i will send in my AOS tomorrow cuz i am DEAD TIRED! just got home.. had the most awful night but not THE most awful night.. was it a full moon last night cuz everyone of my patients were a little cuckoo.. i know how to make the barcode, but what i don't understand is according to the shortcut, you must first write the case number in black inside the barcode box thing THEN put the generated barcode ON TOP of the written case number.. that doesn't make any sense! Hi thirdsjen, My petition finally arrived at NVC. I have a question for you.....when did your hubby e-mail ds3032 to NVC? Was it right after you got the NVC case # or waited until you were in the AVR?? Thanks...... KAHM, if you go to a few older posts in this thread, you'll find the CR-1 Guide by Lotsofpatience as mentioned by CMNB. Also, in our experience, my husband had called NVC about three days after the case was transfered to NVC and found out the IIN. Once he got that, he checked if the AOS fee bill was generated and it was invoiced so he told me to e-mail the DS-3032, he paid online the AOS fee bill and then went out and posted the DS-3032 to NVC. The AVR by the way had not changed. Then Next day the AVR changed to the AOS fee bill being paid and the next day to that they acknowledged our DS-3032. KNow that till now I have not receieved any email from NVC regarding the Choice of Agent and Address so I believe they have accepted the form in post. Hope this helps. Sara.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-08-01 00:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May 2008 Filers	QUOTE (thirdsjen @ Jul 31 2008, 05:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Sara, how the heck did u get the DS-3032 so fast? did you just downloaded it and sent it? no barcode and all that #######? since i am going to be there, that is what i'm planning to do, cmnb. no choice now since i am not getting any automated response at all. it's driving me nuts! BUT i don't know how to send it since i'm confused about where to put the barcode.. somebody !! Jen, I had given husband several signed copies of DS-3032 a few months ago so he used one of those. He used the James shortcut to create the barcode (I just found out), pasted the barcode there with glue stick and it was ready. He used the james shortcut for producing the barcode. I just tried creating one and it doesn't seem difficult. please try it: http://www.visajourn.....s's_Shortcuts Also Jen if you can see the AOS bill...i believe you have paid it...you are good to send in the DS-3032...which I know you have through email. Maybe wait a few days till it enters the system. It will work don't worry.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-07-31 04:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May 2008 Filers	QUOTE (cmnb @ Jul 30 2008, 10:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (thirdsjen @ Jul 30 2008, 12:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i think i might have to do just that. i tried before already but was confused on how to paste the barcode. according to James, the case number should be written where the barcode strip should be.. but then where the heck do you put the generated barcode then if you wrote the number on it's spot already? i'm so sleepy, LuLu.. i'm suppose to be sleeping already. got work tonight and 12 hours on my feet kinda drains the life out of me every time i go to work.. but now i think my brain has stopped functioning too.. i can't seem to understand anything! exactly, i can never understand that part either...where do u stick the barcode, if you wrote in that rectangle..i just left it alone that time, thinking that i wud worry about it when the time comes...mayb steve can answer this question.. but Jen, a piece of advice...since you are going to the phillipines and r going to see your husband...have him give u a signed copy of the DS-3032 form also...i have seen a case here on VJ when the NVC did not recieve the email and the person had to send in a hard copy so its good to have a backup... To be on the safe side, I emailed the DS-3032 and had my husband post the form as soon as we saw the AOS fee bill was generated. I received an auto response from NVC when I sent the email. They received the DS-3032 (do not know which one) within a day and soon the AVR said that they have received it. I think its always safe to try both ways. What the heck...would just cost you the postage...but save you from the trouble later in general. As for the barcode, after the introduction of the online system, the James' Shortcut has become obsolete. Besides, I do not know how hubby managed to produce those barcodes last time we were at NVC. I think the ONLINE paying and printing system is less hassle.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-07-30 13:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May 2008 Filers	Its kind of scary...the frequent earthquakes in cali. I remember this was one of the things my husband mentioned saying hopefully I am not afraid of them...yeah right! Last tremour I felt killed thousands in India and bordering villages in pakistan. Stay safe Jen. Rajaa if you've got all the documents, inshaAllaah the whole process at NVC should not take longer than a month. Please ask Reda to send you filled forms too like DS-3032 and DS-230. Attached are the files uploaded by LOTO. Great fellow...very nice work done. Attached Files  Guide_for_IR1_or_CR1_Visa.doc   145.5KB   8 downloads  Fastest_NVC_Process_Flowchart_for_CR.doc   33.5KB   8 downloads	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-07-30 09:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May 2008 Filers	QUOTE (Rajaa_Reda @ Jul 29 2008, 06:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yeah... a girl married a moroccan last month started their journey and we just found out he passed away this weekend. It's heart breaking he was so young and she so far there is nothing that can be done..... Started freaking me out again. Called my husband just to hear his voice I told him and he was calm as usual I love him so much....... Its so upsetting to hear such news. Don't bring yourself down with such thoughs rajaa...what is meant to happen will happen. Pray for the best and a happy life. May Allaah bless that man's soul...aameen.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-07-29 10:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May 2008 Filers	QUOTE (Rajaa_Reda @ Jul 28 2008, 08:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (S_AL_ @ Jul 27 2008, 12:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Rajaa_Reda @ Jul 28 2008, 12:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (just_Jackie @ Jul 27 2008, 12:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I wanted to be a May filer..but ended up being a June filer. Lulu...amman is 2-2.5 months out on interviews? Me and my friend Hani are watching your case closely. He is a March filer and hasn't been touched yet in Cali. Hi Rajaa! Love my mena buddies! Hiiiiiiiiii!!!! still waiting here...last May gal I think waiting. Ukhti Rajaa inshaAllaah you are in my duaa Thank you please add patience and calm.... after reading about our dear friend in MENA losing her husband while she waited for him in the U.S. I got really anxious again.... Rajaa Who lost her husband?	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-07-28 14:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May 2008 Filers	You're welcome.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-07-28 05:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May 2008 Filers	QUOTE (Rajaa_Reda @ Jul 28 2008, 12:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (just_Jackie @ Jul 27 2008, 12:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I wanted to be a May filer..but ended up being a June filer. Lulu...amman is 2-2.5 months out on interviews? Me and my friend Hani are watching your case closely. He is a March filer and hasn't been touched yet in Cali. Hi Rajaa! Love my mena buddies! Hiiiiiiiiii!!!! still waiting here...last May gal I think waiting. Ukhti Rajaa inshaAllaah you are in my duaa	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-07-27 14:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May 2008 Filers	QUOTE (cmnb @ Jul 28 2008, 12:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (S_AL_ @ Jul 27 2008, 05:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I agree with Jen. Rajaa had mine not been expedited, you and I had the same timeline so InshaAllaah don't worry. The online system has not been updated here too. All i can see is that touch on the 21st and one petition being reviewed and this one pending. sara, i am glad your expedite was approved and hope you will get here safe...i have a question for you that i was hoping you may be able to answer. as you may have heard there were a series of bomb blasts in india for the past two days. about 9 blasts in bangalore and the the next day about 19 blasts in ahmedabad....from what i have been reading, the terrorists r planning more attacks on major metropolitian cities in india.....do u think this can b grounds of expedite...if yes, how would you suggest going about it? what information do i have to provide to USCIS? once the expedite is approved and she gets an interview date, how long will she have bfore she can fly to the US? could you please share your experience?? thanks, Sure cmnb, I will do whatever I can to help you out. I am first of all very sorry to hear about this bombing. Only today I was watching news and when I heard ahmedabad was targetted, I rememebered someone of my fellow VJ members are from there. I dearly hope they are all safe. As far as the expedite request is concerned, Yes this is a very valid reason to file for an expedite request on humanitarian grounds. Here are some things we did for our first expedite which was approved in April 08 right after the roit that killed lawyers in a protest in karachi: 1. Husband gathered facts like news articles from western press stating the casualities etc. Western press because it is considered more authentic. He had collected articles from Reuters, cnn, msnbc, bbc and I think hindustan times. Also he checked information on the local capital city police's website. 2. He checked with his local congressman's office and explained things to them. They said they would fax him a form about the privacy act. He filled that up and sent it to the congressman's office. Also he wrote a complete letter to congressman stating the urgency of the situation along with the articles he had found concerning that incident in karachi. 3. He called uscis and asked them for the expedite request he wanted to make. they I think gave him a fax number on which expedites could be filed. VSC must have a separate office and officer assigned for accepting and reviewing expedite requests too...please check with them. 4. He wrote an official request to USCIS for the expedite addressing it to the officer assigned for this job and in that letter he included statistics, my apartment's local, his own experience (what ever he witnessed when he was in my city), facts concerning the security situation in karachi along with those articles being referred to in that letter through footnotes. He had faxed that letter to CSC. He then had received an email stating that the expedite request had been received. Later a letter was faxed to him stating they have approved the expedite request. And then they started working on the petition. Allaah forbid is your wife's city have been a target of recent bombings, I am sure you can find enough material on it online. Also if possible and necessary, attach some googled photos of her house and the places where the bombs exploded. Please do know that when a letter is written with sincerity, the uscis consider it. It should neither be too official nor too emotional but you have tell them your wife's life and security is a priority to you and they should consider it. I hope this will be helpful and she can be with you safely, soon. As for the time it takes, once the case has been expedited at USCIS, a separate request has to be made for NVC but it is difficult at NVC unless its a life and death emergency but using the new fast method, you should be done with NVC stage within a month. Please focus on the request for expedite at USCIS level for the moment. One thing at a time I suppose. May Allaah keep people save from all these terrorists' attacks...aameen. All the best, Sara.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-07-27 14:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May 2008 Filers	I agree with Jen. Rajaa had mine not been expedited, you and I had the same timeline so InshaAllaah don't worry. The online system has not been updated here too. All i can see is that touch on the 21st and one petition being reviewed and this one pending.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-07-27 04:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May 2008 Filers	QUOTE (thirdsjen @ Jul 27 2008, 07:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> btw, i added extra stuff to the tracker.. NVC, interview, visa received, US entry, etc.. let me know what you all think! should it stay or should it go? just another thing to keep me occupied, i suppose! Definitely should stay Jen. I was sad thinking I would not be able to stay in touch with all the May filers but now thanks to your tracker list I can. Please add, case was transfered to NVC on 24th.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-07-27 00:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May 2008 Filers	QUOTE (KAHM @ Jul 27 2008, 01:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> OMG, YOU GUYS, JUST RECEIVED NOA2 IN THE MAIL TODAY. OUR PETITION WAS APPROVED ON JULY 23 WITHOUT ANY TOUCHES!! I AM SO HAPPY!! AWESOME!!!! Congratulations KAHM!!!! For The Record: Has anyone received NOA2 through e-mail? Edited by S_AL_, 26 July 2008 - 03:48 PM.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-07-26 15:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May 2008 Filers	Thanks cmnb. Best wishes for VSC and you have to believe me, when we were waiting for our petition back in January to be approved, VSC was in awful shade. People were suicidal but I am glad to see all those approvals and really hopeful for you all. Jen, doing my best . Thanks for updating the list. One more thing off my mind. THank you everyone else too for being there. Also thanks Jen for pointing out the I-864EZ one. I think Zayd would need to fill this too instead of the other regular form. Edited by S_AL_, 25 July 2008 - 02:44 PM.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-07-25 14:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May 2008 Filers	QUOTE (KAHM @ Jul 25 2008, 10:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (S_AL_ @ Jul 24 2008, 09:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Everyone, That touch on 21st did mean something. The expedite request was sent on th 9th of July on humanitarian grounds after bombing near my area on July 7th. And we heard nothing from USCIS. Then on 21st there was a touch on both our old and new petition and we had received an email stating that our older petition has been sent from the State Department to USCIS for the request to review it. USCIS also sent a letter to my husband stating that they have received the expedite request...but did not say whether it was approved or not. Also note that they did not show any more touches after that nor we received any e-mail from USCIS. Then today on the 24th my husband received the NOA2 letter in mail (the case was expedited). The online system still hasn't been updated and how shown 21st July as the latest date. I feel bad about all my other fellows here but I am very hopeful that USCIS will approve May filers soon inshaAllaah. You are in my prayers, Sara. Sara, Congratulations on your approval, wishing you best of luck with the rest of the journey......... Thank you KAHM for your wishes. I wish you and all my fellow may filers with all my heart a really swift approval. we really needed to move on as the situation here keeps detoriating with Talibaans and Army and crumbling political system...really bad.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-07-25 13:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	May 2008 Filers	Everyone, That touch on 21st did mean something. The expedite request was sent on th 9th of July on humanitarian grounds after bombing near my area on July 7th. And we heard nothing from USCIS. Then on 21st there was a touch on both our old and new petition and we had received an email stating that our older petition has been sent from the State Department to USCIS for the request to review it. USCIS also sent a letter to my husband stating that they have received the expedite request...but did not say whether it was approved or not. Also note that they did not show any more touches after that nor we received any e-mail from USCIS. Then today on the 24th my husband received the NOA2 letter in mail (the case was expedited). The online system still hasn't been updated and how shown 21st July as the latest date. I feel bad about all my other fellows here but I am very hopeful that USCIS will approve May filers soon inshaAllaah. You are in my prayers, Sara.	S_AL_	Female	Pakistan	2008-07-24 23:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Fathima's Interview Experience in India	QUOTE (lotofpatience @ Jul 3 2008, 11:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Fathima's Interview Experience at Chennai, India on 07/03/2008 at 8:00AM 6:15AM She started from their accommodation to VFS Office, Chennai (VFS is a courier office in India who collects initial documents and delivers passport) 6:55AM She arrived at VFS Office, Chennai. She had to wait outside since the gate was not open. 7:30AM Gate opened and she entered inside the VFS office. They verified her interview letter and the passport. Asked all other documents. She told all of them had sent to NVC. Then it was fine. 8:10AM Started from VFS office to the Consulate by shuttle bus 8:25AM She reached Consulate entrance 8:30AM She went inside the Consulate and started all screening procedures as part of security procedure 8:40AM Consulate verified her interview letter and the passport. Assigned counter# 11 9:00AM She was called and went to the Counter# 11 9:00AM - 9:15AM Interviewed by an Indian Lady Officer for 15 minutes First Interview: She verified all the originals sent to NVC. Collected her interview letter and the passport, and reviewed. Collected the medical report, and reviewed. DS-230 reviewed. I-864 AOS reviewed and verified the U.S Income Tax Transcripts. Social Security form reviewed. collected the courier receipts from the VFS for passport delivery. Asked her to show the Wedding album and explain about the members in the album. Asked honeymoon album and commented these are nice places. She has not asked email/phone/chat history. Questions: Greetings! Q) What is your Name? Q) Why your name in birth certificate (Bindu) different than the passport (Fathima) ? A) At the birth time, it was registered Bindu and later changed. We have put this name in "other names" column too. Q) What are the countries visited? A) When I was 2 year old, I was in Saudi Arabia with my parents. Then recently, we went to Malaysia and Singapore for 10 days vacation. Q) What is petitioner's name? Q) Who is petitioner's employer? Q) When was your marriage ? A) Religious ceremony was on 11/14/2008, but civil ceremony was on the next day 11/15/2008 Q) Did you have any issues in this marriage ? A) No Q) Can I see your religious marriage certificate? A) She showed it. The issue started here. It was issued from the mosque of her town. Lady officer told her this is not sufficient. You need to register it under WAKF board. Fathima told her, we have informed them, but this is the only certificate issued. Lady officer told her it will be an issue with the Consulate officer. Q) Who completed DS-230 ? A) My husband completed it and sent to me for the signature and I sent it back to him. Q) Then why did you put NO to the item# 34. WERE YOU ASSISTED IN COMPLETING THIS APPLICATION? A) It was a mistake. Sorry for that. Lady Officer asked her to write YES on that column and asked her to initial there. Then issued a token# 853. Also, officer arranged all her documents in the order. 9:15AM - 9:45AM Half an hour wait. Then she proceeded to fingerprinting. They took all 10 fingers prints. Again waiting... 11:20AM - 11:40AM Lady U.S Consulate officer called Token# 853 at counter# 11 (same counter) Interviewed her for 20 minutes. Second Interview: Good morning! Fathima wished her back. Officer verified the entire file forwarded by the first lady officer. DS-230 review was the main thing and went through all the questions and answers in that form. Questions: Q) What's your Name ? Q) What are the countries visited ? Q) Tell me about your education ? Q) When and where did you guys meet ? Q) Who proposed for this marriage ? Q) When and where was the marriage ? Q) What do you do now ? Q) Are you previously married ? Q) Which is your petitioner's employer ? where does he work now ? Q) What is the work hours of your husband ? Q) Are you planning to work in the U.S ? At what position ? Do you have background on that position ? Q) Have you ever visited the U.S ? Officer reviewed her mosque marriage certificate and raised the same WAKF board registration issue. Fathima answered the same. In between, another Indian officer visited this lady officer and there was some interruption. So, after that she didn't question this issue again. But officer kept a copy of the religious certificate. Then handed over all the originals back to Fathima. Then some chit chat. Oh, you are going to Connecticut. It is a beautiful place, they get lot of rain, and it snows there during winter time. Fathima just smiled. Then she commented I like your smile. Finally, officer asked her to swear whatever said are true and asked her to sign the last page of DS-230. Officer congratulated her saying your visa is granted!!! Fathima told so many thanks to her. Interview is over! It was a pleasant interview experience except the religious marriage certificate issue! 11:50AM Fathima is out of the Consulate. Bottom Line: 1) For certain communities in India, the religious marriage certificate is mandatory and it must be as per Consulate guidelines. 2) Review your DS-230 very carefully and all the questions are based on this form. 3) Make sure you have all the original documents at interview time We wish all of you a pleasant and smooth interview !!! Can you please tell me what do you mean by social security form and do we have to get it from here or apply for it. i am confused about it	Ali786	Male	0	2008-07-03 16:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	Receiving Green Card after arriving in USA on CR1	Hey fellows, I hope all of you are doing well and I wish you all best of luck. I have a question if anyone can advise me. My wife arrived at the end of last month on CR1 permanent Visa. So far she has not received her Green Card or -Social Security Card, I was wondering if any one knows how long it takes and if want to inquire who do i have to contact. I would appreciate any advise. Thank You	Ali786	Male	0	2008-10-04 07:52:00